Thanksgiving at Year’s End
Thanksgiving at Year’s End
Redeemer is an amazing congregation, and we have much for which to thankful. God has blessed us abundantly in many ways. Just to bullet a few, the Lord being our helper, we’ve:
doubled the capacity of our Sunday Children’s Formation (and met some new families as a result)
engaged a sizable, and growing, group of men in weekly study of the book of Romans
built ever stronger community in our Home Groups
gathered socially much more frequently (including a delightful and delicious 15th Anniversary Celebration dinner)
Baptized and Confirmed
prepared ~1,800 lunches for our neighbors experiencing homelessness
oh, and moved into our own beautiful and accommodating facility…DEBT FREE.
Your labor and generosity has been astounding, and I know most of you have said No to other important things to say Yes to Redeemer’s work. Candidly, that’s humbling. I feel sincere gratitude for this kind of commitment and echo the words of St. Paul to the Philippian church: “I thank God in all my remembrance of you.”
And as 2024 ends and 2025 begins, this vital work continues. Read on for how you can help Redeemer begin 2025 on a strong financial footing.
Thanks be to God!
Steve+
Proposed 2025 Operating Budget
Click here to download a .pdf of our 2025 Proposed Operating Budget. Be sure to look at page two to see the amazing thing God did November 2023 through October 2024.
Giving Intentions
As with any household or business, it’s necessary to know as much as possible how our priorities will be supported. So, we’d like you to consider making a good faith commitment of your giving intentions, the Lord being your helper, by Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Though not binding, it will enable our Vestry to better steward an accurate, realistic, and faithful budget that supports what we believe we’re called to as a congregation.
You can return your 2025 Giving Intention card (available in the lobby) in the offering plate, by mail, or electronically by following this link. Please return by Sunday, January 5. This is important for us moving forward with confidence.
Biblical Foundation
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it; The world, and all who live in it.” PSALM 24:1
The reality is that individuals, households, congregations, and institutions are only temporary caretakers of all they possess, their time, talent, and treasure. Ultimately, everything in all creation belongs to God, and we are appointed stewards.
Stewarding God’s monetary resources obediently by faith—what the Bible terms tithing—is how God intends his work on earth to be supported, and in doing, is something he will disproportionately bless. It is literally the only thing in all of Scripture God’s people are challenged to test him in (Malachi 3:10).
Beyond Redeemer’s Treasurer and CPA, all giving records are held in strict confidence.
Ongoing Property Improvements—points of discernment beyond operating expenses
Handicap access (Sanctuary and Parish Hall)—$12,000 ($10,000 committed)
Rectory, Phase 1 (HVAC, window repair and painting, exterior repair, kitchen, laundry room, lead certification)—$36,500
Parking lot resurfacing/striping—$30,000
Sanctuary basement bathroom renovations—$5,000
Landscaping (replace timbers, plantings)—$5,000
Replace lawn tractor—$4,500
General property improvement giving and giving over and above regular tithing will be prioritized for the projects above as the Vestry discerns their order. You can give to the Property Improvements fund in the offering plate, or electronically here. If you feel strongly about one of these specific projects, give to the Property Improvements fund and email our Treasurer, Jim Evans, with the designation.
Year-End Giving
Year-end gifts will help us begin 2025 on a solid footing. As you consider your year-end giving this year, please consider Redeemer. You can give in the offering plate, by mail, or electronically here.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Evening Prayer—beginning Wednesday, January 8 and continuing weekly, we will gather in our Sanctuary for Evening Prayer, 7-8PM.
Men’s Bible Study—There’s still time to join us for our study of Romans together in a 20-part series by John Stott in our Parish Hall, 7-8AM. Coffee provided. If you’d like to join us, email Steve Wishart.
Photo Credit: iStock (used by license)
