Week of February 28

Dear Friends,
We are nearing the mid-point of our Lenten season. I pray that your new disciplines are beginning to take root and to bear fruit in your life. This is the time to bear down and persevere, trusting in the Spirit’s (and if we are wise, with our ‘brother or sister’s) assistance.
Here are some of the things you need to know this week:
First, ‘Update on Park Place School’s Request’ to share our space will take place during ‘Coffee Hour’ after worship. We will meet in the sanctuary share what is going on and receive any questions or comments you wish to make.
Second, Our Night to help with the International Student Ministry at ODU has been set for Friday, March 4. We have been asked to supply the meal for this gathering and then stick around for ‘Game Night’ –a fun way of meeting some of the students. You can sign up online (perfectpotluck.com, login: CtR   password: games) or in person on Sunday.  For more information please contact Hank Thompson (hthompjr@gmail.com).
Third, Jennifer wants to encourage all of our children to continue raising funds for Rwanda through their ‘service’ at home (all of those extra chores around the house).  A great way to train up our children in the ways of ‘giving and receiving’.
Fourth, Holy Week is approaching fast!  Please reserve the dates and times for this most important week in the churches life (Passion Sunday is March 20; Maundy Thursday is March 24- service at 6 pm; GoodFriday is March 25- service at 6 pm; and Easter Day is March 27). Note: We will be having a dinner as part of our Maundy Thursday worship. When the ‘invitation’ is announced, please do your best to RSVP as soon as possible to aid in the set-up and planning.
Have a great week. I look forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.

Week of February 21

Dear Friends
Luke tells us that “Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem” indicating both his commitment and resolve that issued in action. At this stage of Lent we too ‘set our faces to go to the Cross,and through it to Easter”. Settle that intention and resolve within you and know that God will accompany you as you ‘step’ into action.
Here are some of the things you need to know this week:
First, we continue with our ‘Lenten Book Discussion’ on Sunday beginning at 9 am. Read the first chapter of Rebecca Knoyndyk DeYoung’s Glittering Vices and come ready to share. We meet in the Ministry Room next to the Women’s restroom.
Second, our Missions Group has accepted the invitation to provide the meal for FISH- the weekly gathering of International Students on Friday nights at CrossRoads Church. Our date is Friday, March 4 (theme is ‘Game Night’ so bring along a board game as part of the evening’s fun). Hank Thompson is heading up this venture. More information may be found on the web site (christtheredeemer.org) and in the bulletin on Sunday, or you can go to this link to sign up.
Third, ‘Thank You’ for your prayers and encouragement this week. Janis and I drove up to Ambridge, PA on Sunday and successfully defended my D.Min. dissertation on Monday morning (and made it back safely that evening in front of a major ice storm). All that is left are some minor revisions and formatting issues. I am blessed.
Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

February 10, 2016—Ash Wednesday

Hey Folks,
Our Lenten Journey begins today!
Our Ash Wednesday Service takes place this evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is always a powerful service as we come together to seek God’s empowering of our intentions to ‘seek life’ in all of its fullness (which is what Lent is all about)!
Can I remind us that Knox will also have a service this evening (theirs begins at 7;00 pm) and we should NOT park on southside of 37th St. tonight (the side closest to the building).
If you are planning on reading “Glittering Vices” this Lent begin with the ‘Introduction’ and come at 9:00 am this Sunday prepared to discuss it. (If you have not yet purchased the book you can do so from the link on our web page).
Let me leave you with the ‘Invitation’ to be given tonight:
“I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”

Week of February 7

Dear Friends,
The Season of Lent is almost upon us (Ash Wednesday is February 10!) so it is time to get ourselves ready to make the most of the opportunity.
Our Lenten Intergenerational Event takes place on Saturday, February 6 from 5-7 pm. It will consist of a dinner (pancakes supplied; sides to be brought), some ‘stations’ that will give suggestions for Lent (families included), a talent show (dare to share); and end with the burning of the Palm Crosses for Ash Wednesday. If you have not yet RSVP’ed please do so to the Evite or to Jennifer directly (brownie7506@yahoo.com)
Our Book Study for Lent–using Rebecca DeYoung’s Glittering Vices–begins on the First Sunday of Lent (February 14 at 9:00 am). Pick up a copy of the book and read the preface for that first session.
Our Confirmation Process for our teens begins this week! We will start off this Sunday, February 7 with a liturgical blessing of the confirmands and their mentors. Please pray for the teens, their families, their mentors and teachers and all involved in the process.
A Pastoral Request: Finally I received a request from Jordan O’Byrne concerning a friend of his. I commend this to your prayerful attention:
Four years ago a young woman named Sam spoke words of life into my heart concerning Jesus. She told me that when she was most in need she knew that God’s word was salvation to her. Through her word I picked up a Bible and heard Jesus and His Good News for the first time. Sam has a precious boy named Aiden. She and Aiden need our help.
She has lost her job and is looking for a place for the two of them to stay while she gets back on her feet. I know this is a huge undertaking. But I also know that our Father is faithful and His steadfast love endures forever.
Is there anyone who is able and willing to shelter a hard working mother and her son for a short period of time? Please contact me by phone at 757 375-3023 or by email at obi.y.kenobi@gmail.com.
Peace and blessings to you all,
Jordan O’Byrne 
Looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.