Blue Envelopes - By Kelvin Fizzell

At Redeemer Church, we believe that God wants each one of us to actively support the ministry work done here through the effective use of our time…our talents…our prayers…and our financial resources.

As my wife Sally and I were learning how to develop a consistent pattern of faithful giving in response to God’s abundant blessings in our lives, we found that weekly giving envelopes were extremely helpful in building our regular support for the ministry work at Redeemer Church.

These blue custom offering envelopes were mailed to our home each month. We could use some or all of the envelopes to bring our cash or check offering to the weekly worship service. By using these envelopes, we could designate how we wanted our contributions allocated. Because we used these envelopes, the church office was able to keep accurate records of our contributions throughout the year and then provided this information to us at tax time.

If you do not currently receive these monthly envelopes, and would like to, please let us know and we can add you to the mailing list.

Thank you for your faithful support for all we do at Redeemer Church.

Kelvin Fizzell

Financial Assistant

Show Up & Be Thankful - by Ben Barnes

I wasn't a great student as a kid, but here's what I remember about Thanksgiving.  Pilgrims came to ‘the new world' on the Mayflower.  They were running from religious persecution.  They landed at Plymouth Rock and set up shop.  By late fall, the pilgrims were starving due to lack of farming experience in an unfamiliar environment.  The native Americans took pity on the pilgrims and brought food and blankets and farming techniques to share with the foreigners that didn't really deserve those gifts.  The whole lot of them had a meager feast of lobster and rabbit for three days and nights.

Sunday mornings are a time of celebration for the church.  We celebrate what God has done in and through us.  We celebrate the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.  We celebrate of what Jesus did to save our souls.  Our Sunday mornings are like minor Thanksgivings, and here's why.  The pilgrims had very little to bring to the table.  They could only show up and be thankful.  In very much the same way, we have very little to bring to the table when we come to worship on Sunday mornings.  All we can do is be thankful for the gifts that we don't deserve.  That sounds a lot like Romans 5:8 to me; "But God demonstrates His love for us in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Ben Barnes
Director of Worship Arts

Summer May Be Over; But Don't Let It Go. - by Ron Bekkering

Matt Redman sings Never Let Go, and as summer is winding down and kids (and parents...) are getting ready for this upcoming school year we reflect back on the past couple months.  
Most of you already know that summer is full of mission trips and summer camps for those of us who serve here at Redeemer.  And it was amazing...I mean I can't even begin to tell you all the stories from campers/volunteers at Workcamp, Christian Athletic Camp, Wesley Woods, Bayshore or some other camp.  
When I look over the number of volunteers that serve with the kids, I was shocked to see that 43 people in our congregation served as volunteers for at least some part of a week at camps and 130 of the children who are connected to Redeemer were at camp as campers this year.  That is truly amazing.  Over 170 people in our congregation were a part of some summer camp!!!!
Awesomeness abound and I know that most would be willing to share their experience with you if you just asked.  
The weather this last week though has made me kick into Fall mode and as we launch into another year of programming kicking off with comedian, Robert Lee on September 7 & 8 I get pretty excited.  
Excited for the opportunities we all have to grow closer in our relationship with Jesus in Worship, Christian Education, Bible Studies, and Small Groups.  
In my reading the past few weeks I noticed that Luke wrote in Acts that the first believers "...devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer." (2:42).   To keep the momentum of the summer I hope you all get connected to the teaching here at Redeemer whether in the Worship Center or some Christian Education opportunity.  
That you come to worship.  That you connected with a or reconnect with your small groups for fellowship and sharing.  For the record; I don't think it's ever a bad idea to share meals with each other.  That is a great place for fellowship and sharing.  Finally fellow believers we need to make sure we are all praying without ceasing; like Paul says.   In the world we live there is much to pray for...so Just Do It!!!  nothing like ripping old Nike stuff from back in the day.  
Get connected this fall so that you in turn can do what we at Redeemer are called to do:  Connect people with the love and life of Jesus Christ.  Hope to see you around.

God Rocks and We Roll,

Ron Bekkering
Director of High School and College Ministry

“THAT’S FABULOUS!!!”

What a sweet, sweet sound out of the mouth of a Kingdom Quest 2^nd grader!  Among the helpful hands coming to paint, was a mom and 3 young daughters.  I watched as Mom helped them pick paintbrushes and settle on the floor in front of 3 palm branches.  As she put a dot of green paint on each of the leaves to show them where to paint, one of her sweet girls declared:  “THAT’S FABULOUS!!!” 

 

It got me to thinking of what’s been pretty fabulous about this whole painting project:

 ·         All that Donna, our artist, is bringing – her creativity and talent which is beyond words, her weekend time and travel, her humor and joy…

·         Frank’s (one of Donna’s friends) awesome talent and time in providing the vinyl lettering
·         The discussions, laughter and bonds forming between new friends, young and old
·         The welcomes, patience and high-fives I’ve seen towards the kids who have come
·         The investment and utter joy of the kids as show someone the spot they painted
·         The fun and delight our staff enjoys in getting to spend extra time to get to know people better
·         And oh yes, those incredible walls of color we’ll enjoy for years ahead!

I can just imagine God watching His people in service to Him and saying:  “That’s fabulous!”  Thank you all for giving your time, talents and prayers to this ministry project – it is making a difference now and it will continue to as God brings new faces to His house to learn about and worship Him.  May our efforts always be for His Glory and Honor!

 To check out the painting, click here

Promise Keepers

“Promise Keepers is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to motivating men to influence their world through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The key to Promise Keepers are individual men keeping their promises in the context of their family, church and community. Promise Keepers is dedicated to calling men into the ongoing process of godliness. When we reach men, we reach families.”

Have seen or heard Redeemer’s promotion of a Promise Keepers event taking place in Battle Creek in late August?  Have you been intrigued but don’t really know what this Promise Keepers thing is all about?  Well, keep reading!

” From its founding in 1990 to 2009, Promise Keepers’ mission has been to ignite and unite men to become warriors who will change their world through living out the Seven Promises. From 2009 – 2011 PK broadened its mission to include a place for women, and young adults at its events. For 2012 and onward, Promise Keepers will re-focus its conferences for men.”

It is my belief that strong men equal strong families and strong churches.  We need the males in our society to step up and be counted.  I also believe that we need to offer our men opportunities to gather with like-minded men to learn how to be strong leaders.

“We have found that men tend to be more open to God’s presence when they are with other men. There is something unique about the all-male environment that sets men free to drop the normal posturing and humble ourselves in Jesus Christ, committing to new beginnings.”

A Promise Keepers conference is a fantastic place for men to gather and be transformed.

“Promise Keepers had directly reached more than 6 million men through men’s conferences – including an assembly of 1.4 million men on the United States national mall in Washington D.C., on October 4, 1997 – and the number continues to grow each year. Through over 200 stadium, arena and church events Promise Keepers encourages men to be transformed and live godly lives.”

Redeemer is gathering a group of men to attend the Promise Keepers conference being held August 23-24, 2013 in Battle Creek, MI.  The conference opens Friday evening, runs until 10pm and then continues 9am-4pm on Saturday.  Once a group is gathered we will determine if hotel rooms will be obtained or if the attendees will drive back Friday night.  The cost is only $49 and includes lunch on Saturday.   Please add your name to the registration list in church lobby or contact kim@dewittredeemer.org to reserve your spot by July 31, 2013.  More information about the conference can be obtained at www.promisekeepers.org.

Invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker or relative as this promises to be a life changing event!  -Kim

‘Take 5’ or Maybe It’s More Than That……

This whole ‘Take 5’ is really having an impact on me, so much so that I am actually blogging about it! And that’s a big deal because I really don’t enjoy writing and I’m certainly not a blogger. For those who might not know, Redeemer handed out $5 to each person in the congregation (children and adults) and challenged them to go out and bless others with that money. We’ve called it ‘Take 5’ and the stories that have been submitted have been amazing. You can check them out online.

Here are a couple unexpected things I’ve seen as a result of this reverse offering:

First, $5.00 can really go a long way to help one person or many people!  I have a heart for helping others and a bank account that seems to limit what I can do. But God has truly opened my eyes to creative & thoughtful ways of being able to share Jesus’ love with others. 

Second, people are making time to think about, plan and execute how to spend their $5. Whether it is done individually or as a family, people are finding time in their busy schedules to be a blessing! Some haven’t really planned anything but asked God to help them see a need and then they waited...that takes time.

We have all been exposed to the ugliness that exists in our world today. It’s sad, scary, depressing & makes us angry. The great news is the hope we have in Jesus Christ! I have found myself in tears sometimes just thinking about how awesome God is, and that in this crazy, messed up world there is still so much beauty in the way He acts through us imperfect humans. We can live in fear and anger or we can live with our eyes focused on Jesus using what we have to help others, taking the time to see others as He sees them, and always loving others as He loves them.

Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: ’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

God Bless,

Tammy Bowman

HOME RUN Movie

Steve and I took in a great new movie last weekend.  The movie is Home Run and was produced by Current C Creative/ Impact Productions.  “Based on thousands of true stories, HOME RUN is a powerful reminder that with God, it’s never too late … freedom is possible.”

The story follows a major league baseball player, Cory Brand, as he recovers from an alcohol addiction that was fueled by the pain of childhood abuse.

Cory attends the Celebrate Recovery program at a local church as a condition of his suspension from his team and eventually comes to realize that only God can fill the void in his life that he had been trying to fill with alcohol.

Some endorsements from people you may know:

"HOME RUN depicts that even though most adult problems come from unresolved childhood issues, through a relationship with Jesus Christ we can break generational curses and establish a legacy of God's love and live a victorious life!"   Mariano Rivera, All-Star Pitcher

"I was amazed to see how HOME RUN paralleled my life and career in baseball, and the addictions and issues I have dealt with in my lifetime. Only through the grace of God and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I have been transformed and redeemed. Without question, I truly believe HOME RUN will help transform people's lives. Glory to God!"  Barry Lyons, Former Big-League Catcher and World Series Champion

"HOME RUN portrays the church in its beauty—true life transformation through real and honest relationships with one another and with Jesus."  Joyce Meyer, Author and Speaker

"HOME RUN is great for not only baseball fans, but anyone looking to be inspired. The story provides an important reminder that no matter how successful we are, we are all affected by the issues that come along. Only through Jesus we can find the peace and comfort to live this life." Andy Pettitte, All-Star Pitcher

"HOME RUN is a powerful parable showing us what God can do for a person who hits bottom. Many who come from dysfunctional homes or deal with addictions will find a ray of hope as they watch this film. This is a tool churches and ministries can use now and for decades to come." Michael Catt, Best-Selling Author; Senior Pastor, Sherwood Baptist Church; Executive Producer, Fireproof and Courageous

"I love the heart and the message of HOME RUN: No matter what you've done or what you've endured, with Christ … freedom and redemption is possible. I am living proof."  R.A. Dickey, Cy Young Award Winner

"The Message of HOME RUN is one every baseball player, coach, and parent needs to hear. Without Christ in one's life true peace and contentment can never be found. God can mold us and make us when we allow Him to do so! A great movie with an even greater message." David Daly, National Director of Baseball Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The movie is playing at Celebration Cinemas and I encourage all of you to go see it.  Not only because it’s a fantastic movie but also to show support for Christian filmmakers.

-Kim