Change - By Suzie Unruh

So these last few weeks and the next few weeks bring a lot change in my life … at work and within my family. Not only are we switching from summer to fall (which means checking the kid’s closet), a change in work schedules, a change in school buildings /school schedules / school pick-up and drop off times, a change in switching from gearing up every night for summer camp to school, homework, school lunches and everything else that comes with it. Changes at work with managing and learning the new Redeemer Church website (which is very exciting), to changing where my husband and I will serve on Sunday mornings with Christian Education starting on September 11^th.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed! This year I find myself looking at things differently - I have made the choice to look at things differently.

I am welcoming change; change brings reflection into my life.  One, I’m lucky God blessed me with three great kids - that have a home with a closet full of clothes. I am blessed to see God’s work and the change of the seasons. Lucky to live in a community with great, safe schools, where my kids can grow, learn, and make new friendships. Lucky to be part of Redeemer Church, a church that is growing and its purpose is to bring love, joy and Jesus to this world.

With all the changes happening in my life, I am changing on the inside – grateful for living this life … grateful, for another day to live this crazy, beautiful changing daily life.

What's New? - by Pastor Rod

It’s hard to believe but we are in the middle week of August.  Most of us in this congregation and community value the summer months for relaxation, vacations, travel, and spending more time with our families.  And while those things are also important to us, this is also a busy time for the staff at Redeemer as we prepare for the fall. 

Our staff is preparing for the return of fall programming – Christian Education for children, youth and adults; several outreach opportunities; Welcome Weekend; and more.

Some of the “new things” that you will experience this fall are:

·         We will be launching a new website in a few weeks – giving us a more up-to-date look that is compatible with all devices and more ease of access to all the ministries and opportunities here at Redeemer.

·         With the help of a graphic artist, we developed a new logo.  While there are many core theological doctrines and values that do not change…how we market ourselves to the community is constantly changing.  We hope that it invites people who may be far from God or looking for a church home to come to Redeemer and encounter God, find hope, and experience grace.

·         This summer we changed the look on stage in the Worship Center.  We’ve moved the drums, added some new musicians – all in a desire to grow people and provide our congregation with a quality worship experience.

·         On August 3, we held our first Summer Fun Night.  This was an outdoor event – planned for the community.  In partnership with Tiffany Funeral Home in Lansing, we hosted nearly 500 adults and kids as we enjoyed food, fellowship and lots of fun.

·         Two Mission Teams shared the love of Christ, this summer, in Haiti and in Eastern Kentucky…using their spiritual and vocational gifts to bring help and hope to those in need.

·         Scores of students and adult staff experienced the joy of Christian camping at places like Christian Athletic Camp and ACT Camp at Wesley Woods.  The inspiration, encouragement and impact for Jesus Christ that is experienced in each of these camps will make an eternal difference.

·         We continue to be a resource for many pastors and churches in the West Michigan and Detroit Annual Conferences (soon to be the Michigan Area of the United Methodist Church).  We believe that “the local church is the hope of the world” and we have a responsibility to help strengthen and revitalize churches that are struggling.

·         Being the largest UMC in the Lansing area and strategically located near the Bishop’s office and Area Ministry Center (located in DeWitt) – we are asked to host numerous Conference meetings and events.  On October 9, we will host the Installation Service for 3 new District Superintendents.

·         On September 17, we will host a national event – The Radical Disciple Making Conference – led by Bill Easum, Bill Tenny-Brittian, and Scott Musselman nationally known church consultants.

I am excited every day to wake up and be part of a church that is dynamic and making a difference in the lives of people in this community and beyond.  But know that we can’t do it without you.  Please pray about how you can best serve and give as we continue to expand our reach and make a Kingdom impact.

Pastor Rod

Defining Moments - Sue Campbell

I like to spend quiet time reflecting while I’m digging in my gardens.  As one thought led to another, I started thinking about defining moments in my life – death of a parent, going to college, getting married, having kids, starting to work at Redeemer, etc.  That led me to question:  “just what is a defining moment?” 

Here are a couple of definitions:

·        an event that typifies or determines all subsequent related occurrences
·       a point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group,etc., is revealed or identified

Interesting…and better yet, here are some synonyms:

·         moment of truth
·         critical moment
·         turning point
·         point of no return

Wow – some of the defining moments in my life have been good while others have been bad.  But I don’t think I ever thought of any of them as a “point of no return!” 

However I am wondering how have I revealed my character during those times?  Could people tell that I’m a Christ-follower?  Was it apparent that I try to put my trust in God’s hands?  Did I show the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? 

Hmmm…good questions…  

Because I have free will to make choices, I know there will be more defining moments in the future.  In preparation of them, I’m praying that God reminds me that the ultimate definition of me is that I am a child of His.  That there is never a point of no return to His open arms.  And that if I continue to trust and obey Him, and be in His Word, the Bible, I can use those defining moments to reflect His glory to others.   

The Magnificence of Niagara Falls - by Sandy Hrostowski

Our first vacation in five years and what a powerful vacation it was. I had never been to Niagara Falls and knew very little about the area on the Canadian side. On one of our walks along the really wild rapids, I learned that it was a class 6 rapid. This is the only one in the world and considered completely impassable and illegal to be on. As I made a video of the rapids, I was awestruck by the sound and the power the water was making. I had never heard such a thunderous noise before.

We were able to go under the Falls by going down an elevator and then walking through a tunnel. There were a couple of places where you could actually walk out very close to where the Falls were raining down 60 million gallons of water per minute. Amazing!

Many might not know that I am afraid of heights. I can only climb three steps on a ladder before my legs start shaking. I went on a ride called the Aero ride over the Niagara Whirlpool. My husband would not go and thought I was a bit crazy for doing it. He said “What if it falls”?  I told him my heart and soul are ready to meet my Lord and God, so if that’s the way he wanted to bring me home, well than what a ride. I was glad I went, as all my trust and faith were placed in Jesus.  When I got off the ride (besides saying “Praise God”) my legs were still shaking.

Seeing the Falls and all the sights and sounds it makes, gave me a glimpse of the thunderous sound and power our Lord will make when He returns for his people...  I won’t be afraid, but my knees may still shake!