Pastor’s Corner October 2012

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

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October 7 is an important day at Redeemer!

In the Presbyterian form of government, the people of the church select Elders to guide the Ministries of the church. The Deacons are also selected by the congregation to assist the Elders by providing logistical support for the Ministries of the church, and to give special attention to various physical needs encountered by the membership.
As such, Presbyterian churches do not have many congregational meetings. At Redeemer it has been our practice to have an annual meeting in the Fall that outlines the Ministries and financial condition of the Ministry. This year’s meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. I encourage all members to be present and visitors are welcome also.

My sermon that morning will complement the congregational meeting by providing the Biblical basis for our mission and vision as a church. It is important to recalibrate as a congregation on a regular basis. Here is a preview of what I will talk to you about that Sunday morning.

Our mission and vision find their basis in two key passages of Scripture-

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Colossians 1:27-29 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Therefore, our mission as a church-

Redeemer is a community of Christians who love to worship their God, study His Word, and proclaim His Gospel to the world.

Our vision as a church-

That Redeemer, by God’s grace, would be a faithful center for the worship of God in our community and a training ground for disciples of Jesus Christ.

There is quite a bit wrapped up in these statements, however four summary concepts capture the whole of our mission and vision:

• Worship- We are redeemed to give God the glory He deserves.

• Community- We are a family of sinners redeemed by God’s grace through Christ.

• God’s Word – The Bible is our rule for faith and life.

• Proclaim (His Gospel)- We want to share Jesus with others through what we say and do.

For more information on our mission and vision, go to redeemer-pca.org/vision

Be sure to attend worship and the congregational meeting October 7 to learn more!

In the Lamb,
Tony Felich