The Marriage Supper
The Marriage Supper
Lauren and I met at Pine Summit Christian Camp in Big Bear Lake, CA, August 15, 1977—the day Elvis Presley died. Three years and one day later we were married in the same place. Since the camp was about two-and-a-half hours from our hometown, we kind of had a “destination” wedding in the bucolic San Gabriel Mountains.
Our reception was held in the camp dining hall, and the food was prepared by Esther, the ancient and grumpy camp cook. It wasn’t what you’d call gourmet…but it was wonderful.
That celebratory “feast” was the culmination of three years of waiting, and the beginning of something beautiful. Nearly forty-five years, three sons, three daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren later, I look back on that day as a glorious foretaste of the life we’ve shared. And the joy, love, and community we felt were only a glimpse of the eternal celebration that awaits us as people who hope in Christ.
Revelation 19 gives us a glimpse of The Marriage Supper of the Lamb. I look forward to exploring this evocative passage with you Sunday.
Steve+
There’s still time! Spring Cleanup and Lunch at Medora’s—Tomorrow, 9:00AM—Noon(ish). This is a great way to seek the flourishing of one of our dearest neighbors! Email Doug Gillikin today!. Medora's address is: 6440 Elibank Drive, Elkridge MD 21075
Membership Sundays—June 29 and August 31
William Temple, an early 20th Century Anglican Archbishop said, “The church is the only society in the world that exists for the benefit of its non-members” This is a vital thing to remind ourselves of regularly.
The whole point of the Church is to bring the kingdom of God into the wider world. It exists for the tasks of witnessing to God’s saving, sovereign lordship over the world in whatever sphere it happens to inhabit. So, formal church membership isn’t checking a box or an end in itself. It’s making sure that we are working together in doing these things rather than just being a loose, vague convocation of people who happen to drift together some Sundays.
Membership is primarily about mission and vision.
It’s also about taking responsibility—along with the rest of the community—for the maintenance of the building, serving, the funding of ministries and salaries, ensuring that our ministries of benevolence to our neighbors are being generously and sacrificially carried out, and much more.
We will welcome new members to Redeemer Sunday, June 29 and Sunday, August 31 at our Fifth Sunday Potlucks. If you’re interested in finding out more about membership at Redeemer, simply write “member” on a Connection Card this Sunday and place it in the Offering. We will be in touch!
From our Bylaws:
“Membership in the Congregation shall extend to Christians who: have reached the age of majority; have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (and preferably Confirmed or Received by the Bishop); assent unreservedly to the three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian); sacrificially steward their time, talent, and treasure in the furtherance of Redeemer’s Shared Vision*; regularly attend the public worship of Redeemer Anglican Church (regular attendance being here defined as at least monthly, to the greatest extent possible at a worship service, or if shut-in, to have received communion monthly); and, publicly sign the Redeemer Parish Registry (“The Big Green Book”).”
*“To proclaim and promote the Gospel; giving ever more time, talent, and treasure to seeking the flourishing of our neighbors.”
OTHER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Morning Prayer—Tuesday-Friday mornings, 8AM on Zoom.
Evening Prayer—Wednesdays, 7PM @ 1309
Women’s Bible Study—Saturdays, 9AM @ 1309
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Photo Credit: Jordan Arnold/Unsplash
