Dear Church of the Redeemer and Guests,

It is one of the greatest blessings in life to be a part of the body of Christ in a church where the members have taken up Christ’s mantle of servanthood and responded to His love with love for others.  I believe Church of the Redeemer is such a church where we demonstrate our love and thankfulness to God by loving and serving each other, the community and the world.

To all who have received God’s offer of salvation in Jesus, God has given the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts for ministry and service.  The Bible describes the church as being like a body with many various parts and roles.  However varied our gifts, talents and passions may be, our call is the same: to serve and love one another as God has loved us in Christ and to engage in his mission in the world to seek and save the lost.

Recently, the leadership of the church presented the church with the “Just Do It” challenge. One of the challenges is to pray to the Lord for Him to show each of us our special gifts and calling to do what will make our hearts sing.  Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (2:10) The effectiveness of the mission of the church, globally and locally, depends upon faithful Christians discerning their gifts and expressing them in good works for those inside and outside the church.  I believe that this is how our faith works through love. (Gal 5:6)

There is definitely a place in the church for you to use your talents, experience and gifts to serve God’s kingdom, engage in His mission and to serve your fellow Christians and those who do not yet know Jesus. 

Attached you will find the contacts and leaders for our Church’s ministries and activities. All of our ministries could use additional help: hands on help with the building and grounds, teachers, nursery help, altar guild, evangelism, giving, office help, choir & music, etc & etc.  If you are not sure how to serve, please call me or another leader in the church for help and guidance.  Maybe God is calling you to initiate a new ministry.

I also encourage leaders in ministry to pray about who God is calling and equipping to help you in your ministry. If He shows you someone that might be willing to help, invite him or her to participate with you in ministry.

I appreciate all of you who serve God at Church of the Redeemer.  I believe that God is working with us, in us and through us to fulfill his good purpose on the earth.  I also believe that you are storing up for yourselves treasure in heaven. (Mat 6:20)

Thank you,

Craig Stephans--Rector