Church Blog (Page 9)
Pandemic Lessons from Church History
A lot of things are changing these days. As the coronavirus continues to spread, things look very, very different than even just a week ago in our culture, in our daily lives, and in our church. However, Jesus is not frightened or confused by what’s happening. This is very new to all of us; but it is not new to Jesus or the church. How has the church survived…
Stay Up to Speed with Redeemer
On Sunday March 22 we are planning a video broadcast (instead of our regular gathering), so we can be strengthened by God’s Word even in the midst of the current health crisis. Our deacons are also cooking up some great strategies for how we can care for one another well and demonstrate the love of Christ in our community. We will send around more information in the…
Some Ideas for Sunday March 15
Well, with a change in plans for Sunday March 15, we want to recommend a few things that you might choose to discuss in your home or with some friends from your church family. If you have a small worship huddle in your home, these three elements could work really well—with a variety of ages or group sizes. Obviously, feel free to adapt these ideas for the people present.…
Update: We Are Canceling This Sunday
Here is the headline issue: we will not be gathering together at Plank Jr. High this Sunday. We sent out a communication earlier this week about the spreading coronavirus. Since then several factors have developed, leading to our decision to cancel our gathering this Sunday morning: The very rapid spread of this virus Governor Pritzker’s guideline that gatherings…
A Letter about Coronavirus
Update on Friday March 13: This situation is developing rapidly, even since the letter below was published. We will no longer be gathering this Sunday. Please check back in the coming days for more information. Church family, As you are aware, there are increasing concerns about the spreading coronavirus, especially as there now are confirmed cases in the Chicago…
Mary Chandler Invites Women to Serve at Lifespring
When I first became involved at Lifespring four years ago, it was the culmination of a long process. I was struck by the fact that neither I nor my friends were very busy doing the kinds of things God’s Word makes a big deal of in caring for the least of these. Then, I began thinking about…
Easter Sunday Grace by Michael Banks
I come from a background where many believe that although we are saved by the same Jesus and redeemed by the same blood, that on Sunday mornings, Sunday mornings, you should be with your own kind. And that many people from different backgrounds, we just don’t mesh well and I strongly disagree with that. I strongly believe that we have much more in common and even if…
Praying Together for Japan
While we as a church are learning more about global missions and exploring how we as a church can be more involved in God’s global plans (especially in our partnership in Cambodia), there is nothing more important and nothing more effective than prayer. Each month this year, to help us grow, we’re going to provide information about a specific nation or people group. We’ll…
None Like Him, Supplements for Ch. 7
All Redeemer ladies are invited to join us as we read and discuss Jen Wilkin’s book, None Like Him, during our fellowship group meetings this year. In each of the book’s ten chapters, Jen explains and highlights one of God’s incommunicable attributes, like His Sovereignty and Self-Existence. Jen’s hope and prayer in writing the book is that as we learn more about our…
None Like Him, Supplements for Ch. 6
All Redeemer ladies are invited to join us as we read and discuss Jen Wilkin’s book, None Like Him, during our fellowship group meetings this year. In each of the book’s ten chapters, Jen explains and highlights one of God’s incommunicable attributes, like His Sovereignty and Self-Existence. Jen’s hope and prayer in writing the book is that as we learn more about our…
Praying Together for Iran
A few weeks ago, Luke Bray led us in thinking about the heart of Psalm 67: “Let the nations be glad” (Ps. 67:3). While we are learning more about global missions (it’s not too late to join the Missions Discipleship Course!), and exploring how we as a church can be more involved in God’s global plans (especially in our partnership in Cambodia),…
None Like Him, Supplements for Ch. 5
All Redeemer ladies are invited to join us as we read and discuss Jen Wilkin’s book, None Like Him, during our fellowship group meetings this year. In each of the book’s ten chapters, Jen explains and highlights one of God’s incommunicable attributes, like His Sovereignty and Self-Existence. Jen’s hope and prayer in writing the book is that as we learn more about our…
Resources-Topic of Fear
Psalm 56 got us thinking about the topic of fear. If you’d like to reflect further on fear and the role it plays in your life or the life of those you love, two great resources are Ed Welch’s book, Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest, and the companion study guide / workbook, When I am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety.…
David’s Prayer Journal – Sermon Series
This week, we’re beginning a new sermon series for the next 8 weeks. In this series we plan to look at 8 Psalms of David that include a circumstance in the description above verse 1. Of the 150 Psalms, 77 are attributed to David (e.g. “of David”), and I think 14 of those include…