Another Top 10 List for 2013 - by Ron Bekkering

Each year I always look forward to reading some of those Top 10 lists…Top 10 movies, Top 10 songs, Top 10 Plays on Sportscenter…Well I thought to close down this year of 2013, I would give you a Top 10 List from Redeemer.  It has been a great year and I am so proud to be a part of this congregation that spends the whole year “connecting people with the love and life of Jesus Christ”!!!  So without further ado here we go!!!

10.  180 - In March Redeemer led the 180 turnaround conference for churches in Michigan, and Western Ohio.  178 pastors and lay persons attended this year’s event put on by members of Redeemer staff and laity. 

9.  Take 5 – This ministry opportunity gave out $2500 to the congregation and saw ministry explode across the city and around the world.  Stories of multiplication and sharing with tornado victims, countless charities and community organizations were very welcomed. 

8.  IJM – With a speaker in the winter, a team was formed and Redeemer officially joined the Justice Ministry of the World and is still actively looking for ways to help those in trafficking / slave situations both local and around the world.

7.  Prayer - The adults and youth of Redeemer pray!  With the See You at the Pole event in September as well as the Youth Group and CREW kids doing an end of the school year prayer event at Herbison Woods, the Jr. High and the High School, prayer is strong at Redeemer.

6.  Summer – From Vacation Bible School to Summer Camps we saw people and kids from Redeemer at camps like Bayshore, Wesley Woods, Camp Geneva and Christian Athletic Camp.  During VBS we had 243 kids and 81 volunteers and for camps we had 84 students that Redeemer provided scholarships for and many other that paid in full that attended a camp last summer along with numerous counselors.

5.  Family Time – Through the Halloween Party and the Night in Bethlehem, Redeemer hosted over 400 families in times of celebration with lots of fun, crafts and good eats.  Not to mention the fellowship we experienced.

4.  5^th Quarter – On Friday nights after the DeWitt Football teams home games Redeemer hosted 5^th Quarters (2 for Jr. High, and 2 for Sr. High) that supplied a place for kids to hang out, eat, and play.  During these times we averaged over 120 kids per event.

3.  Church – Redeemer continues to grow and through the year averaged 478 persons each and every weekend in worship.  To make that even sweeter, we average 218 students in our Christian Education opportunities.

2.  Outreach – The Food Pantry passed over 500,000 meals served from its conception here at Redeemer and this year will have served 89,124 meals to people in need.  We also bless others with programs from dressers, school supplies, coats, and the all the rest that we are involved in.  100 families enjoyed Thanksgiving meals and 39 families have experienced Christmas because of our generosity.

1.  Staff – Redeemer was able to add to the team this year with Kim Metzer taking over the role of Small Groups and Discipleship, Amanda VanKuiken occupying the ministry assistant role that helps us all out, and Ben Barnes joining the team as the new Director of Worship.  They are welcome additions and have really completed our team.  I am thankful that God has sent them here.

We’ve had a great year friends…there is so much we didn’t touch base on.  We thank God every day for the opportunity to serve you and pray that this ministry of Redeemer continues to flourish in this community and world.  Great job in 2013, can’t wait to see what `14 brings?

God Rocks and We Roll,
Ron Bekkering