Dear Folks,
What does it mean to be a member of the Church of the Redeemer? Lots of things, as it turns out! Because the ways and reasons we come here are so varied, we’ve learned that it’s wise to define membership in a variety of ways, too. In fact, maybe it’s better to say that everyone belongs here, and then encourage the dimensions of belonging to be worked out by each individual.
If you are new to Redeemer or to the Episcopal church and would like to consider confirmation or reception by the Bishop this June, please send me an email. We will gather for a few sessions before June 8.
One measure of engagement is showing up, and the Episcopal Church says that to be “regular in attendance” at a parish is to come on Sundays or Saturdays three times a year. (I’d call that a very manageable bar.) The framing of stewardship speaks of being “a contributor of record,” and treasurer Doug Riley has helped us understand that making an annual pledge helps us say, “I am part of this people and place.” We have also learned that the deeper one’s commitment, the greater the impact on your growth and thriving. A clear example is the gift of being a part of a small group, which provides strength and accountability as you navigate whatever life brings.
Here is a dynamic list of what it might mean to you to be a part of Redeemer:
- Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome.
- Come as you are, however you are. We are all seekers here.
- We need each other, when things are going well and when things fall apart.
- God needs us, too.
- Belonging comes before believing.
- Prayer, study, and worship shape hearts, minds, and action.
- Following the teachings of Jesus transforms us.
- We do what we do, in the ways that we do it, because it seems like that’s what Jesus did.
- The only constant is change. We expect that each of us will grow.
- We practice radical engagement: everything centers on being in relationship.
- We see the world as it is, but strive to make it embody God’s compassion and justice.
- We serve, in a particular way, anyone on the margins—children, teenagers, and seniors, for example, but also folks who are lost or weary or alone.
- We believe that helping someone is more important than being right.
- Our doors are wide open: we hope folks will dig in, but there’s no judgment if this isn’t the right place for you.
It is good to be on the journey with you.
Love,
David