+The GOODNEWS Letter+
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
3300 Benham Ave
Elkhart, IN 46517
office :574-293-5332
www. elkhartredeemer.com January 2016 Volume 56 Issue 1

I've been thinking about breathing. Recently I was told that "We always have our breath...to calm us down, to oxygenate our bodies, and to keep us alive and well." As I write this, I'm in the hospital and I've learned that SOME breath is not the same as BREATHING FULLY. Bi-lateral pneumonia literally kicked the wind out of my sails! "Breath," in both Hebrew and Greek, is translated in the NIV version of Bible as "spirit" or "wind". Indeed, God breathed life into Adam first, and each of us as we were knit in our mother's womb, then born. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit moved through the disciples as a roaring wind. The imagery of the Bible calls us to consider the breath of life as well as the spirits of creativity, rejuvenation, and renewal. I'm reminded of Ezekiel, chapter 37, when the prophet called the breath of God from the four winds and connected the dead bones lodged there in the valley, then God's breath swirled into sinews and tendons--bringing long-dry bones back to life. Some would be so bold to look at Redeemer and see only its decline. I call on you as one with little breath tonight, to prayerfully unite together and call forth God's breath of life from the four winds of Ezekial, so that the Holy Spirit may breathe new life into our congregation. How, we still ask, do we engage growth--much less "call upon the breath of God". Though surely the answer lies somewhat in prayer and Bible study, it lies more in faithful action than we might think. Albert Einstein said, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while getting the same result." In other words, change is inevitable for discovering the process to success. To remain stationary is to, well, not move--to keep doing what we've always done and expect a different answer. Thankfully, Redeemer is embracing transformational renewal through intentional change. For instance, through personal invitations, our Advent Bible Study brought three new women, one without a church home and two visiting from other churches through our doors. The Bazaar was the best one ever: through the hands many and an intentional change of how we ran and presented our bazaar! Line dancing remains a Success. Our Thursday Chore Ladies and food bank volunteers gladly prepare our church and welcome those in need. The Mosaic Candles and Carols service was enjoyed by all. Hand-written Christmas coloring-page invitations (all the rage!) were given out at the food bank, line dancing, as well as to members for their friends. These were intentional efforts. We need not change our efforts, as much as need to hone their intention like sharp knives. Pastor Judy Follis (Fort Wayne) has been named our CONNECT coach. We look forward to meeting her and allowing her to help us see how we can sharpen our personal renewal, ultimately bring church growth. I pray that you join me and allow the Holy Spirit to move in your hearts and speak with your voices. Let the breath of God swirl around us in Holy Intention and personal renewal. Let us breath this breath of God deeply into our lungs and drink from the waters of our baptisms. Let us, more than ever before, be instruments of God's purposeful intention. Every. Single. One. Of. Us....Every. Single. Day. > Randi Marie

Inside this Newsletter:
Page 1—-- CONNECTions
Page 2 — Redeemer Events
…….___ Wedding Anniversaries
Page 3 — Noisy Offering updates
— Prayer list
Page 4&5—- Redeemer Happenings
Page 6 — Jan birthdays
— Servant Schedule
— Jan altar flowers
— Altar Guild
Page 8 — Calendar of Events
Page 9— Redeemers Mission Statement & Vision Statement

January
Anniversaries
George & Ruth McCrary 01/22
If we missed your anniversary, please make a note and place it in the offering plate.

Redeemer Events for January

Bible Study
You are invited. Bring a friend.
Where: Redeemer
When: Starting Jan. 6 at 10am WEDNESDAYS
It will be a three week subject come as you are able.
Short Stories in Mentoring
(I invite you to share stories about those by whom you have been mentored. I think it would be fun to put together a devotional book from our congregation based on how we have been blessed by others. Contact Randi at 574-536-1035 or write them and email them to rmochamer@comcast.net)
Christmas take down
January 10 after worship, we will be taking down all of the decorations. Please consider helping with this. Bring your own lunch/snack. If we have enough volunteers we can make quick work of it and be done in a short amount of time! J
Annual Meeting January 17th, 2016 please plan on attending. Signup sheet in on the bulletin board. Members are still needed to run for council.

Thank you Blessings!

Special Thanks to the special Church Chores Crew for making delicious candy and foods to be sold at the church. This money will be used to help support Redeemer and the churches needs. Thank you for you Support of Redeemer
Thank you to Sharon Windmiller for putting together for the 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange. Thank you to the congregation for participation. I do believe all enjoyed the time together, the yummy cookies and hot chocolate!
Thank you to all ladies and gents who knitted and crocheted and fringed and tied all the goodies we packed up at HH on the 23rd. All together we made 903 items, which is significantly more than the 614 items we made last year. We're hoping to hit 1000 this coming year.
Thank you to Randi Mochamer for starting the Bible Study and people seem to really enjoy getting together. Prayerfully consider joining in. Everyone is always welcome.

Upcoming Noisy Offering Project
The noisy offering for this quarter will go to Food Pantry to purchase special holiday food. If you have extra change or missed your noisy offering chance you may give to the bucket at any time.
October 4 $62.55
November 1 $75.38
December 6 $101.27
Thanks for all contributions to this cause .
Look for the next charity giving project.

Noisy Offering is the 1st
Sunday of every month! These are special offerings that the children collect.

Staff:
Choir Director: Chris Beyer
Organist: Mary Harder
Sexton: Jeanne Balogh
Church Secretary: Cindy Minnie

Congregational Ear-
Please speak with a council member if you have any thoughts or concerns about Redeemer. We will be trying different Pastors and if there is one you really like let them know. We Could request them back. The plan is to have communion as often as possible but at least twice a month with a hired pulpit supply pastor.
NEW Contact:
Our vacancy pastor, has been assigned and its Pastor Karen Strietelmeier. She is for emergency calls of the sick and hospitalized. She will also be our pastor that will perform any Connect meetings, weddings or funerals. Redeemer pays her a monthly rate and mileage. She can be reached at 219-381-6039
Church Chores ~ We are in need of men and women to help the keep the church maintained. Everyone is invited to join EVERY Thursday at 9am at Redeemer. There are many areas that need some attention. If you have some free time, please stop by and help with some gentle maintenance of our church to help make it welcoming and inviting every Sunday.

If you are not a member and would like to be a member of Redeemer, send a message to the office. We would love to help you to become a member

Those who are struggling with cancer:
Tane Adams, Yamilette Martinez, Nancy Schneider, Gary Ricard, Dan Fuerbringer & Jay Clutter
Those in need of God’s healing and guidance:
Tim Anderson, Fred Adams, Randi Mochamer, Cameron, Sue Pletcher & Edie Mitchell
Those in need of comfort, care and love:
Shut-ins and Homebound:
Loretta
Jane
June
Jeanne
We give glory to God for all those who are able to be taken off the prayer list, for their healing. All prayer requests will stay on this list for six weeks. If you would like continued prayers for a request longer, please let office know.

Page #

A LIFE OF STEWARDSHIP
When we think about stewardship we typically think about giving financially to the church. We view stewardship as how we manage our finances and our faithfulness in giving to God’s people and to God’s church. What if we begin to think about stewardship in a different way? Not about what we are called to give, but how we are called to be and to live.
In the most basic sense, stewardship is managing what belongs to someone else. Psalm 24 tells us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it …” The concept of stewardship refers to how we manage the life God has given us: How we use our time, what we do with our gifts, talents and possessions, and how we care for ourselves and the physical environment around us.
The following principles help us to better understand the idea of stewardship:
• Caretaking – God owns it, we care for it.
• Responsibility – God trusts us by placing things into our hands.
• Accountability – We strive to ensure that our use of what has been entrusted to us reflects the heart of God.
• Blessed – It’s rewarding to use our gifts for a greater purpose. And sometimes we find ourselves entrusted to care for even more.
Stewardship is a privilege calling us to wisely manage all that we have been given. Do our work with excellence. Care for our bodies. Seek opportunities to serve. Stewardship motivates the follower of Christ to move into action, living in ways that manifest our belief in God. Begin today by reflecting on the principles of stewardship: Caretaking, responsibility, accountability and blessed.
This article provided compliments of Thrivent Financial and Cheryl C Avery, Financial Associate, 574-862-2815, Cheryl.avery@thrivent.com .

A FEW CHURCH SIGNS
A Bible in the hand is worth two on the bookshelf.
It’s hard to stumble when you are on your knees.
We are all invited to a heavenly feast, but we must R.S.V.P.
God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
Don’t give God instructions, just report for duty.
Give God what’s right, not what’s left.

Page #

Visitation ministry (Help needed):Redeemer is in great need of two or three members to help visit home bound members alone or with a team. If you are available once a month or just once a year, your help is needed. This a great opportunity with our visitation ministry to show fellow members that people matter to both God and to you. Visiting them lets them know you care. A Script is provided to help. All materials are provided. Please see Cindy if you are interested, or send the office a message.
Line Dancing Classes
The classes are on Mondays at 1pm and Sunday at 4pm. Come to one class or both. $5 a class.

Food pantry:
September : served 41 families (148 individuals)
October: served 36 families (121 individuals)
November: (1st two weeks): 22 families (79 individuals)
Thank you to everyone who donated items, made items, helped with and attended the bazaar. To date we have made $1727.60. Items are still for sale in the fellowship hall. Stop in and take a look. All funds are staying in the church: 60% debt, 10% bell choir, 25% Food pantry,5% Paint for Kitchen
If you ordered a Poinsettias, you may pick it up from now until January 17th. Please pick them up as you are able, either color.
Candidates for Council
Looking for Members to run for Council.
The congregation elects new members to the Congregational Council every January. If you would like to submit your name for nomination. If you are interested in running for council, there are Council Candidate Information forms available for you to fill out on the Narthex bulletin board. Please fill it out and place it in Cindy’s mailbox in the hallway.

January Birthdays

Esther Thiebolt 1/2
Dorothy Anderson 1/3
Ellena Beyer 1/5
Cookie Stenberg 1/6
Jeanne Wells 1/15
Ashley Talcott 1/20
Deb Murphy 1/28
Paul Hess 1/30
Abby Lee 1/31

Altar Flower’s for December

Jan 3*** Open
Jan 10***Open
Jan 17***George & Ruth McCrary in honor of their 67th Wedding Anniversary and one vase is open.
Jan 24***Open
Jan 31***Open
*If nobody sponsors the flowers, there will be silk arrangements that adorn the altar in their place. This is a way we can be good servants of Redeemer’s finances and members do not feel obligated to give to flowers and may give in other ways or places. The altar flowers may be given to family members for birthdays, to a neighbor as a hello or they can be scheduled to be delivered to a home-bound members, just let the office know.

Altar Guild for January: Alice Bjornstad

Sunday Servants Schedule for January

Volunteers are always needed for all Servant positions!!
If you would like to help fill the openings, please sign-up on the bulletin board.
January 3 9:30am
Pastor: Tim Diemer
Acolyte: Open
Assistant: Open
Greeter: Open
Lector: Open
Usher: Open
January 10 9:30am
Pastor: Nancy Nyland
Acolyte: Open
Assistant: Open
Crucifier: Open
Greeter: Open
Lector: Open
Usher: Open
January 17 9:30am
Pastor: Tim Diemer
Acolyte: Open
Assistant: Open
Greeter: Open
Lector: Open
Usher: Open
January 24 9:30am
Pastor : Tim Diemer
Acolyte: Open
Assistant: Open
Greeter: Open
Lector: Open
Usher: Open
January 31 9:30am
Leading: Sister Nora Frost
Acolyte: Open
Assistant: Open
Greeter: Open
Lector: Open
Usher: Open

Page #

January 2016

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1Name of Jesus / New Year’s Day	2
3Second Sunday of Christmas / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / Scrip orders Due / 4p Line Dance Class	4 / 1pm Line Dancing Class	5	6Epiphany of Our Lord / 10a Bible Study	7 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice	8	9 / 2pm Knitwits at Redeemer
10Baptism of Our Lord / Third Sunday of Advent / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / 4p Line Dance Class	11 / 1pm Line Dancing Class	12 / 9-noon Blanketeers / 1 pm Finance / Meeting	13 / 10a Bible Study	14 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice	15	16
17Second Sunday after Epiphany / 9:30am Worship Service / Annual MEETING / Scrip orders Due / 4p Line Dance Class	18Confession of Peter / 1pm Line Dancing Class / 6:30pm Council Meeting / Martin Luther King Jr. Day	19 / Newsletter Articles Due	20 / 10a Bible Study	21 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice	22	23
24Third Sunday after Epiphany / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / 4p Line Dance Class / 31Fourth Sunday after Epiphany / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / 4p Line Dance Class / 11am Sunday school	25conversion of Paul / 1pm Line Dancing Class	26	27 / 10a Bible Study	28 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice	29	30

Lutheran Church of The Redeemer
574-293-5332
3300 Benham Avenue
P.O. Box 27
Elkhart, IN 46515

Mission Statement of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
We are a family of God faithfully and joyfully sharing Christ’s love
Guiding Principles/Vision Statements
As God forgives us and blesses us, we:
Forgive others, seeking to help through prayer and a giving Spirit.
Joyfully open our hearts to the care and needs of others.
Love others because God first loves us.
Help and bless others with our time and resources because God blesses us.
Are grounded in Bible Study, worship, and the sharing of Sacraments.

Page #

Page #

Blessings Corner

Thank you to those who have been able to come to the “gentle cleaning” Thursday. Mary Lou Boomershine, Donna Dobbs, Carolyn Conley, Janice Conrad, Janet Wiggins and Pat Johnson for working on cleaning up the church in varies areas. Everyone is invited to join Thursday’s at 9am.
Thanks to all who helped with the Special Meeting. Lots of information was shared with the congregation.
Thanks to the Energy Conservation committee (Pat Johnson, Donna Dobbs, Barry Beyer & Gordon Sherven) for putting a lot of energy and time looking at various ways to conserve energy and save church money.
With out the support and help of many members, these community activities are not able to happen. Please consider helping at the next event.

Where do you see God present and at work in your life?
Where do you see God present and at work in the life of your church?
Where do you see God present and at work in the life of your community?
These are simple, yet profound questions. The answers to these questions are bound to be a varied as the people who respond to them.
At this year’s Synod Assembly in Indianapolis, these questions were asked and discussed among the pastors and delegates present one afternoon. First, people were asked to answer and to listen along with one other person. Then, they were asked to join another pair and to answer and listen again. Stories were exchanged, experiences shared, insights were spoken and noticed.
The next morning, some of the Synod’s guiding team and prayer/discernment team, who are leading these conversations (I’m part of the prayer/discernment team) met with groups of people from all the synod’s conferences and received feedback about their discussions. In most cases, people were quite excited and energized by these questions and by what had been shared. And, at least in the group that I related to, the Lafayette conference, a good number of people were enthused about having these conversations in their home congregations.
The Synod would very much like for all congregations to have these conversations too, including, ours. Our bishop feels that in asking these simple, yet profound questions, we are inviting the Spirit to help us notice what God is doing among us, and that may give us some direction in moving forward both in our congregation and as a Synod. In essence, we are asking, who is God calling us to be, and what is God calling us to do? Maybe this is what comes out of the questions about what is God doing in our lives, our church and our community.
I think this conversation could take place in a number of ways. Groups that already meet on a regular basis– the women’s group, men’s group, council and varies committees– could take some time out of their meeting to discuss the three questions and then to report back results.
I’d like to propose that we set aside some time to have these conversations in September– (Cindy says : Maybe at the Rally Day meal. )Where we are already around tables and having time to share conversation about what is going on in our lives. I feel these questions are good questions to keep asking ourselves, and to take the time to notice when and where we see God active in our lives, church and community.
I trust that in asking these important questions, God’s Spirit is moving the church forward, to looking out beyond our own walls, and engage the neighborhood and the community around us– some of which we are already doing. We trust that God is already present out in our neighborhood and the community around us– some of which we are already doing. We trust that God is already present out in our neighborhoods and community, present and active among us, even among those who may not acknowledge God. And perhaps, in our noticing, we may also sense the Spirit’s nudge as to what we might do to reach out in the love and compassion of Christ, because that is our mission as Christ’s disciples.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
This is from Augustana News (August 2015 issue) with Pastor Steve’s permission to print. Cindy Minnie

Page #

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

IK Synod

Page #

Blessings Corner

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1Seventh Sunday of Easter
Travis Minnie Baptism
SCRIP Orders Due
9am Worship
10am fellowship
2
1pm Line Dancing Class
3
5:30pm Guiding Team
4
6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
5
9am Gentle Cleaning Group
5:15pm Music and Worship Meeting
Synod Assembly
6
Synod Assembly
7Vigil of Pentecost
Men’s Breakfast
Synod Assembly
8Day of Pentecost
9am Worship
10am fellowship
10:30am Banner Work Day
9
8:45-noon Heartland Quilters
1pm Line Dancing Class
10
6:30pm Finance Meeting
11Barnabas, Apostle
6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
12
9am Gentle Cleaning Group
13
14Flag Day
Hall Reserved
12-5p
Mochamer
2pm KnitWits
15First Sunday after Pentecost
SCRIP Orders Due
9am Worship
10am Father’s Day celebration
16
1pm Line Dancing Class
6:30pm Council Meeting
17
18
6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
19
9am Gentle Cleaning Group
20
21Summer Begins
22 Second Sunday after Pentecost
9am Worship
10am fellowship
23
News Articles due
8:45-noon Heartland Quilters
1pm Line Dancing Class
24
John the Baptist
25
6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
26
9am Gentle Cleaning Group
27
Rummage Sale (8a-3p)
28
Rummage Sale (8a-2p)
29 First Sunday after Pentecost
9am Worship
10am fellowship
30
1pm Line Dancing Class—cancelled
NEXT Month:
Red Cross Blood Drive July 2 (2-6p)

Energy Conservation at Redeemer

Realizing How Much God Loves You
Luke 15:11-32
How do you see God’s love in your daily life? Jesus’ parable of the prodigal is an example of the deep and profound love between a father and his son (and, God with God’s people). This parable could be named the parable of the prodigal father. It is the father who is a central character. The selfish and jealous behavior of the two sons is a sharp contrast to the loving behavior of the father. Similarly, God’s most basic character is love.
What experiences in life are brought to memory by this parable? Has there been a time in your life when you wanted to go off to a far country? It was not unusual for younger Jewish sons to venture into the Dispersion. Centuries later in colonial England, it was not unusual for younger sons to venture to the colonies to start their life. And in our own country, it was not unusual for younger sons to respond to the challenge, “ Go west, young man.”
These ventures were often undertaken because there was sense of love and security at home, and a loving relationship with God. The life of Jesus was a venture to live in a “new creation”, a “new age”. It was difficult for the disciples to leave their settings and follow Jesus. It was even more difficult to grasp the significance of Jesus’ teachings. Yet as their experiences evolved there were revelations that showed God’s love and presence in every day life.
The older son struggled to see the loving relationship with his father and brother upon the brother’s return. Yet the father’s love was free, unmerited and unconditional to both sons. It is this kind of love that God has for God’s people. Continued on page 5.

Stewardship is a spiritual issue not a financial issue:

Pentecost prayer written by our Sunday school kids:

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

July 2014

Blessings Corner

Vacancy Pastor’s Message

Listen Christian
I was hungry
And you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.
I was imprisoned
And you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.
I was naked
And in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick
And you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless
And you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely
And you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy; so close to God,
But I’m still very hungry
And lonely and cold.
So where have your prayers gone?
What have they done?
What does it profit a man to page through his book of prayers when the rest of the world is crying for his help?
Copywritten: Bob Rowland. Used with permission
Children rewrote this to reflect a reply that would have Jesus saying well done:
I was hungry and you fed me
I was imprisoned and you worked to free me
I was naked and you gave me clothing
I was sick and you cured me
I was homeless and you let me stay in your home
I was lonely and you stayed with me
Going back to the old saying “ you cant give Christ’s name without the cup of water, nor the cup of water without Christ’s name.” We need to not only believe but act.
Submitted by Cheryl Mann and the Sunday school children

Page #

Blessings Corner

This story can fit 150-200 words.
One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports.
While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful newsletter is making it useful to your readers.
A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop and write your own articles, or include a calendar of upcoming events or a special offer that promotes a new product.
You can also research articles or find “filler” articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short.
Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you’re finished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it.

This story can fit 75-125 words.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context.
Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.

This story can fit 100-150 words.
The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field.
You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients.
If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing.
Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors.

Page #

2015 Graduates of our Redeemer Family:
Graduating from High School:
Elizabeth Balogh—will be attending Purdue in the fall
Ben Cauffman—Carrol High School
Zackary Stauffer—Concord and will be attending IUPUI in fall majoring in Business/Sports Marketing
Graduating from College:
Michael Balogh—with a degree in psychology and going to grad school
Garrett Brubaker—Ball State with a communication major
Connie Kutschbach—Southwestern Michigan with a 4.0 with an Associate in Arts

Living in the Next by Randi Marie
We might still be wondering, “what happens next?” But I think most of us have relaxed and are in a comfortable “waiting to see what happens” attitude. Unfortunately, that’s not the attitude in which we need to be. We need to be “Living in the Next.” Without excitement, our adventurous spirits and active prayer life, we’ll never achieve our goal of growth.
And yes, we can grow without a permanent pastor. After all, a new pastor is coming—in God’s time. I’ve been thinking about this question, “how do we grow without a pastor?” I think the answer is both clear and easy. We just do it. A pastor alone does not create a body of believers, a family, a church. We, the family of our church create a congregation. We are still here. We are alive, active, and joyfully serving our community. So the ever-present question remains :How do we grow?
Like I said, the answer is clear and easy: one person at a time. If over the next year, each of us links a person to our congregation, we will grow. That does not mean giving a single invitation to come to a church service. On the contrary, I believe that God will put one single person in each of our paths (young and old) with whom we are placed to mentor— to teach, guide, and love— into a new place with God. Mentoring is not a quick fix or a fast means to growth. It takes time, prayer, and lots of patience. But it is the only thing that truly works.
Taking on a mentoring role is comparable to becoming a disciple and sharing God’s love. It is no small task, and no small responsibility. Indeed, we are all called to be disciples, and in our modern vocabulary, that might translate into being a mentor. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and a person will be chosen for you through whom you can make a difference in his or her life. Perhaps you’ll provide a meal, babysit a few times, bring a friend to line dancing, or make continuous contact with someone who has left the church. Just listen and react upon the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Last week Gordon called me and offered to do something for me. He reacted to the voice of the Holy Spirit and I am blessed by his offering to me. Id like to think I will do the same for others. And you know what? This kind of mentoring is a blessing in and of itself—for the giver, as well as the receiver. Whether your person comes to Redeemer or not, you’ll be fulfilling our mission statement: faithfully and joyfully serving God.
So, each of us are being challenged in this time of transition. We’re challenged to be excited, not complacent. We’re challenged to move forward and not wait to see what happens. We’re challenged to act, share, and bring others to Christ. If these things are the desires of our hearts, then God will fulfill them through growth. He promises us the desires of our hearts. As covenant sons and daughters of the Most High God, we can expect no less. Our God, Jehovah Jirah, remains our provider over the course of all time. Remember always, He is a faithful God, just waiting to give us the desires of our heart and extend the size of our congregational family.

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31