Pastor’s Corner May 2009

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

A few months ago I invited members of Redeemer to join a newly forming committee that would work to mobilize our congregation to become involved with local ministry efforts. Over 15 people volunteered to be on the “Local Outreach Committee” and many more have told me they want to be involved particular local outreach events that come up.

By “outreach” I am referring to our efforts to touch people outside of our church body in the KC area with the love of Christ by word and deed. This outreach will include a combination of evangelism, discipleship and mercy ministry. Evangelism refers to sharing the message of the gospel with people. Discipleship refers to helping professing believers grow in their walk with Christ. Mercy refers to showing the mercy of Christ and living out the gospel by serving various physical needs. We want to become involved in a growing way with ministries to people who need the gospel but also may be facing circumstances of tangible need or difficulty. The message of redemption through Christ goes hand in hand with actions of service and mercy toward hurting people.

In our first meeting as a committee, we adopted a clear purpose and plan:

Purpose of Local Outreach Committee: provide the membership of Redeemer with service opportunities that can be selected by individuals, families or Home fellowship Groups.

The Plan of the Local Outreach Committee: develop relationships with designated local ministry organizations, identify specific activities where Redeemer members can participate, schedule and promote such activities at regular times throughout the calendar year.

There are three main local ministries we will begin to have regular, almost monthly ministry activities with. City Union Mission, Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center, and a bible study/discipleship ministry at the Lansing Correctional Facility. There are also several other ministries we will serve once or twice a calendar year (The Ronald McDonald House, Foster Care Appreciation events, Grace United inner city ministries, to name a few).
Beginning this month, pay close attention to bulletin announcements, newsletter blurbs, weekly emails, and Home Fellowship Group announcements that outline what activities we will be doing each month. We are aiming for two outreach activities per month. Most of the bi-monthly activities will be accessible for any member of the church and family friendly. For instance, 6-10 times a year we will send a team of 5-10 RPC members to the City Union Mission thrift store to help organize donations for 3-4 hours on a designated Saturday morning. Keep watch for announcements and contact the designated person if you want to join that outreach event. I encourage every Redeemer family to consider participating in at least five outreach activities this year. You will be a blessing and be greatly blessed in return.

Our first two events are scheduled for May:
Tuesday, May 12, 5:30-7:30pm
Foster Care Family Appreciation Night
– RPC is providing a fun picnic gathering for families with foster children to come out and fellowship together while we provide games and activities for the kids. We need 5-10 volunteers for these 2 hours on May 12. Call Mark Dunn if you would like to participate.

Saturday, May 23, 9:00am-1:00pm
City Union Mission thrift store donation organizing
– RPC will be sending a team of 5-10 (or more) people to 2nd Chance thrift store to help City Union Mission sort and organize their donations for the store. This is a great family-friendly service event supporting a wonderful gospel-centered ministry. Call the church office or Lorie Burton if you would like to participate.

Pray for our involvement in these ministries! Jump in and serve! We’ll try to highlight a different outreach ministry in every newsletter. Stay tuned as various outreach events will be announced for the summer months very soon!

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich