The Not Yet Now
Jesus talks about the kingdom of the heavens—plural in Matthew—as being paradoxically both “now” and “not yet”. The present kingdom and the future kingdom are intertwined and inextricable.
What this means for followers of Jesus is that the way we live our lives in the present is necessarily shaping us for eternity.
This week’s gospel reading, The Parable of the Talents is also (as last week’s) a “now and not yet” story that ends (also as last week’s) with a prophetic warning—words you never want to hear. But I believe this parable also carries a meaning that’s less prophetic and more pastoral...Jesus lovingly inviting us into the kind of unafraid life that will ultimately shape us for life in the kingdom of the heavens.
How Jesus expects us to live in the “not yet” now.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Maryland State Boychoir Concert—Sunday, 5:00pm at 1309. The Maryland State Boychoir is one of the nation’s premier choral programs, inspiring boys and young men through exceptional musical training, performance opportunities, and character development. For four decades, MSB has enriched audiences locally, nationally, and internationally through artistic excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning. This is an ideal opportunity to invite an unchurched friend who loves great music to experience Redeemer.
Family Ornament Crafting Fair—Please join us for a Family Ornament Crafting Fair in the Parish Hall after worship on Sunday, December 6. Visit different stations ready with all the ingredients to make some lovely and beautiful ornaments. Contact Ginger Wiley with questions or if you’d like to host a table! Email her or call 301-524-4732.
Women’s Christmas Watercolor Workshop—Thursday, December 10, 9:00am–12:00pm, at Ginger Wiley’s home, 407 Yantz Dr., Severna Park. We’ll start with our usual Around the Table prayer time—we will not meet at the Wishart’s this day—and then watercolor a seasonal piece of art. This will be guided and easy! RSVP to Ginger Wiley via email or call 301-524-4732 .
Redeemer Annual Meeting—Sunday, December 13, following worship.
“Second” Sunday Sandwiches—Sunday, December 20, following worship.
Christmas Services:
Lessons and Carols with a wine and favorite hors d’oeuvres reception to follow—Christmas Eve, 5:00pm.
Holy Communion—Christmas Day, 11:00am (no nursery or children’s formation).
Holy Communion—First Sunday of Christmas,
December 27, 10:00am.
Weekly:
Youth Formation (ages 10–13)—Sundays, 9:00am, Parish Hall.
Around the Table—A prayer time for women, Thursdays, 9:00am, at the Wishart’s. Email Lauren for details.
Morning Prayer—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00–8:30am, on Zoom.
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7:00am, at 1309.
Photo: Murray Campbell on Unsplash
