Pastor’s Corner April 2008

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Take Time to Plan Ahead

Since the next newsletter will not come out until May, I would like to alert you to exciting spring and summer ministry opportunities now, while you are thinking and planning ahead.

The launch of our new web-based Church Community Builder program will happen later this month (April). Every member and attendee of Redeemer will be encouraged to create a family profile on our new system. Your profile will serve several purposes, most importantly as a means to getting each person plugged in to the life and ministry of the church. Please participate with great enthusiasm!

Juarez Mission Trip fund-raising activities. We are sending our short-term team to help the church planting effort on the border July 26- August 2. The team needs to raise money to cover half of their expenses (the rest comes from their own personal contributions). As a way to raise awareness and funds, there will be three major fundraising events:
– The Pancake Feed (March 29 at 8am)
– The Taco Dinner/Auction (May 2 at 6pm)
– The BBQ/Mystery Dinner (June 21 at 6pm)
Donation amounts are totally up to each family/individual. Participating in these events greatly encourages the mission team and are great times of church fellowship during the summer months.

The Annual Men’s Retreat will be April 11-12 at the Basswood Resort just north in Missouri. The guest speaker will be Pastor Keith Ghormley from Zion Church in Lincoln, NE. The cost is $52, I encourage every man in the church to sign up this Sunday, if you haven’t already!

Sunday Night Cookouts will begin May 25 and will run through August. Every Sunday night we’ll have a cookout of hot dogs and hamburgers behind the south building after our evening gathering. The church will provide meat and tableware; each family should bring a dish (dessert, side, or salad) that serves 10-12 to pass. These cookouts are a highlight of Redeemer’s summer community life.

Vacation Bible School is June 16-20th this year. We need teachers, helpers, and various other volunteers. VBS is a wonderful outreach ministry opportunity so I encourage every family to invite at least one neighbor or friend to attend with you. Please contact Children’s Ministry Director, Mary Greene to volunteer to help.

Heartland Presbytery Youth Camp will be at the River Ranch just south of Joplin, Missouri, June 23-27. Redeemer will be one of eight churches sending youth to this awesome week of fun, fellowship, and discipleship. Early bird price is $225 (before May 15), $260 after and scholarships are available. The camp is for students entering 7th grade this Fall thru 12th grade. See Pastor Brian Hough for more details.

I totally understand the busyness of life. It takes careful planning well in advance to make the most of every opportunity for spiritual growth. I strongly encourage every family to find a way to participate in these ministry opportunities!

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich