Redeemer Journal
Maundy Thursday
GOSPEL – JOHN 13:1-15 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come…
Care of the Vineyard
GOSPEL – Luke 20:9-19 (MSG) Jesus told another story to the people: “A man planted a vineyard. He handed it over to farmhands and went off on a trip. He was gone a long time. In time he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect the profits, but they beat him up and sent him off empty-handed. He decided to try again and sent another servant. That one they beat black-and-blue, and sent him off empty-handed. He tried…
Gospel – Luke 13:1-9
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country,…
Using Up Ground
Gospel – Luke 13:1-9 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that…
Lament Over Jerusalem
Gospel – Luke 13:22-35 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open…
The Temptation of Christ
Gospel – Luke 4:1-13 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” And…
Seeking Vestry Recommendations
The Vestry of Church of the Redeemer is a lay leadership team that partners with our rector, Fr. Paul, in oversight of the church. Each year, new members are needed to serve on the vestry as current members transition out. In keeping with our bylaws, a nominating team has been formed to identify potential new vestry members. As part of this process, we welcome your written recommendations for new vestry members. We will consider all recommendations made to the committee, and from those recommendations will formally nominate new members for the vestry. Those nominees will then be…
Love Never Ends, August 2021
As our local, state, and national response to the Coronavirus pandemic has shifted from mandates to recommendations, you’ve probably spent time considering how these recommendations, options, and suggestions apply to you. While the application of recommendations can be perplexing–frustrating, even–Jesus’s mandate to us remains the same: love one another, and through your love people will know that we are his disciples. In practical terms, that means that Christians interpret recommendations, options, and suggestions through Jesus’s command to love. Christian charity…
Pastoral Letter: More Deeply Rooted
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the waterthat sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes;its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of droughtand never fails to bear fruit.” – Jer. 17:7-8 Dear Church of the Redeemer, Through the regular rhythm of gathering and being sent out in worship, the Lord builds up His church in…
Important Matter Affecting Our Diocesan Churches
Dear Church of the Redeemer, On Saturday evening, the Bishop’s Council informed the Diocese of allegations of serious sexual misconduct and abuse involving former Greenhouse Movement staff member Joel Girard during his time serving on the Cornerstone Anglican Church staff (Chicago, IL). These allegations are unrelated to the investigation into those at Big Rock, IL being overseen by the Province of the Anglican Church in North America. At her invitation, parish and diocesan leaders are working closely with the woman who…
“He had compassion for them.”
When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. – Matthew 9:36 Dear Church of the Redeemer,The allegations of abuse at the former diocesan church, Christ our Light Anglican Church in Big Rock, IL, are appalling, grieve us, and grieve the Holy Spirit. The survivors of this abuse suffered the experience of being like sheep without a shepherd through the sins of their abuser and then through subsequent…
29 June Update On Ongoing Investigation Of Abuse
Dear Upper Midwest Family, I’m sending you an important update regarding our ongoing investigation of abuse in a diocesan church. Please read the update on our website. We value your prayers for everyone involved, and for the Lord to be glorified even now. —Bishop Stewart Ruch III
Love Never Ends
Just a week ago, Gov. Walz announced that “July 1 or sooner” was the deadline for the end of Minnesota’s mask mandate. Well…it certainly was “sooner.” While some health precautions are still recommended, I am looking forward to being able to see you face-to-face. Civil mandates expire – sometimes quite suddenly. God’s love never ends. In the midst of rapid transition, Sunday’s reading from 1 John 4:7 provides timely pastoral guidance for us: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love…
Letter From Bishop Stewart – May 4, 2021
Dear Upper Midwest Family, I’m sending you an important letter regarding a very serious and heartbreaking situation involving a member from a diocesan church. Please read the letter on our website. We take this matter with the utmost seriousness and appreciate your prayers. —Bishop Stewart Ruch III Click here to read Bishop Stewart’s letter
Sixth Week of Lent – Luke 6:46-49
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and…
Fifth Week of Lent – Luke 6:43-45
A Tree and Its Fruit Imagine you’re a disciple in Luke 6… As the sun begins to cast morning shadows, we see that Jesus has finished praying. He picks his way over the mountain side toward us. He calls us to him and chooses twelve as his apostles, the “sent ones.” Among the jostling of Simon, Andrew, James, and the rest I’ve been selected. I’ve given up everything to follow Him. I’ve made it into the in-crowd. Jesus heads down…
Fourth Week of Lent – Luke 6:37-42
Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like…
Third Week of Lent – Luke 6:27-36
Love Your Enemies 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to…
Second Week of Lent – Luke 6:24-26
American cartoonist William Ely Hill published “My Wife and My Mother-in-Law” in an American humour magazine in 1915, with the caption “They are both in this picture — Find them.” This world-famous image has entertained people for over a century. Can you find both of these women in this illusion? Which woman did you see first? Wikipedia tells us that a 2018 Australian study conducted by two psychology professors concluded that it has to do with your age. According to the…
First Week of Lent – Luke 6:20-22
Then he looked up at his disciples When Jesus looks up at you, what do you feel? Where does your mind go? What happens to your heart? How does your posture change? Where does your body pull you? and said And when he opens his mouth to speak to you? What then? None of us encounter Jesus empty-handed. We’re all holding on to something. Maybe we’ve been wounded and are coming to him holding the hope of healing. Or maybe…
Twelfth Day
Readings: John 1: 43-51, I John 3:11-21 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another…We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life…
Eleventh Day
Readings: 1 John 3:7-10; John 1:35-42 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. I John 3:8b Heather W. Peterson It’s the sleepy time after Christmas day before we return to work or school. The lights remain up, but the gifts are open and some of the new toys broken. Today’s reading is a reminder that, as my life returns to its mundaneness, my participation in a divine drama hasn’t ceased. I John 3:8b…
Tenth Day
Colten Wilson I’ve been thinking about how most of the historically significant events that happen in our lifetimes or that have happened in history are conveyed to us by witnesses. In our times we have near-instant access to pictures, videos, audio recordings of events, and sometimes listen and watch through these media as the events are unfolding (livestream!). But for the most part, we ourselves are not there but these cameras and recording devices are mechanical witnesses, beaming content to…
Ninth Day
And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” John 1:19 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything,…
Eighth Day – The Circumcision and Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Readings: Psalm 8, Luke 2:15–21 Christmas for us in Christendom has become one thing, and in one sense even a simple thing. But like all the truths of that tradition, it is in another sense a very complex thing. Its unique note is the simultaneous striking of many notes; of humility, of gaiety, of gratitude, of mystical fear, but also of vigilance and of drama…All this indescribable thing that we call the Christmas atmosphere only hangs in the air as…
Seventh Day – New Year’s Eve
Readings: 1 John 2:18-21, John 1:1-18 John Lundgren In John chapter One we learn that Jesus “came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…And from His fullness have we all received Grace upon Grace.” This is Grace that we dare not refuse. Our first “work” as believers is to receive. Our…
Sixth Day
Readings: I John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40 There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the…
Fifth Day – Thomas Becket
Readings: Psalm 126; Matthew 10:16-22 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves … you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them … and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10 Andy Bramsen December 29th is the feast of Saint Thomas Becket, martyred in Canterbury Cathedral 850 years ago today. Becket was trained in…
Fourth Day – Holy Innocents
Readings: Psalm 124; Matthew 2:13-18 [I]f the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us, Then would they have swallowed us up alive… But praised be the Lord, who has not given us over to be prey for their teeth. Psalm 124 A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more. Matthew 2 Sara Bramsen December 28 marks the…
Third Day – St John the Evangelist
Readings: Psalm 92; 1 John 1:1-9 [The righteous] still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright. Psalm 92:14-15a That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1…
Second Day – St Stephen
Readings: Psalm 31 and Acts 6:8 – 7:60 Steve Baird Stephen’s powerful ministry was characterized by signs and miracles. He was definitely having an effect, which did not go unnoticed by certain groups of the Jews. His wisdom and persuasiveness only increased their fury. Unable to rebut his testimony, they conspired to accuse him of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God”. They stirred up the people, including the elders and scribes using false claims that twisted Stephen’s words to…
Christmas Day
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13 Fr. Paul Calvin Jesus’s birth should…
Not Only With our Lips, But in Our Lives – December 2020
Church of the Redeemer, Over the past year, our nation has grieved the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The public outcry in our community drew attention to the disparate experiences and deep generational sins and wounds of our nation. As a church that seeks to share in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, Church of the Redeemer earnestly desires to serve as ambassadors of Christ. In fellowship with him, Jesus Christ brings reconciliation between all people, races and…
Opportunities for Prayer at Church of the Redeemer – Fall/Winter 2020
The modifications in daily life the pandemic has required of us are myriad. Some have forced us to go deeper with the Lord. Others, to be more intentional in our care for one another. Both of these are true in the realm of prayer. Personally, I’ve noticed how much I depended on our various gatherings which provided natural opportunities to hear from you a word of encouragement, or to give one. I’ve missed the natural settings where we would talk…
Not Only With Our Lips, But In Our Lives
Church of the Redeemer, Each day, the prayer of general thanksgiving in Morning Prayer directs us to ask God to “give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days.” Integrity of word and action is likewise a central theme of the book of…
New Every Morning
Written by: Audrey Assad / Matt MaherRecorded by: Lydia Wildes In the beginning, you hovered over the waterYou broke an unbroken silenceYou spoke light into darknessAnd there was lightIn the beginning, we were made in your imageAnd we were naked without shameTill we fell for the darknessAnd there was night Your mercies are newYour mercies are newNew every morning In the beginning, there was the Word and he was GodAnd the Word was with GodAnd he dwelt among usAnd there…
Bless the Dying
By Theresa Garnett …Bless the dying… Because my family has had symptoms of Covid-19, we have been quarantined for the past few weeks. We have been blessed by so many of you who have checked in on us (by text), brought us groceries (and dropped them off on the porch), and participated in Church of the Redeemer’s services and meetings (by Zoom chat). But I have not been able to shake my disappointment that I am not helping others during…
I Will Want No More
Words and Music by Will Keillor I’ve been travelling down this wayward roadfor so long that I can’t find my way homein the distance I hear my Shepherd’s voiceand I know he is calling his own Chorus: So fly me to my Shepherd’s sideHe’s preparing a place there for meJust lay my head in the crook of His armAnd I know I will want no moreHigher ground do I seek for this poor sinner’s feetand place on my back wings…
Address One Another With Song
As we learned this past Sunday from Ephesians 5:15-21, song is one of the unique ways that God’s people can make wise use of difficult days. This week, we are blessed with a recording of Julie and Ken Willey’s arrangement of the hymn I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: O come, let us adore him! I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say Verse 1 I heard the voice of Jesus say…
In This Way, the World Can Recover
In difficult times such as these, it is important to remind ourselves that we are not the first Christians to walk the grim road through a devastating pandemic. Fellow believers throughout history, from diverse nations and cultures, have walked in this path before us.
Next Steps in Worship, Fellowship, & Mission – March 14
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The consequences of postponing public worship are weighty, but we can be confident that God is sending us out for His glory. As David Stewart encouraged us last Sunday: God initiates and we follow, and the path of obedience is one which leads us to a place where Jesus is lifted up. I believe that the sacrifices of the present time are mile markers on that path.…
Gathering Responsibly
With counsel from physicians, Bishop Stewart and other diocesan leaders, and in light of the Minnesota Department of Health’s most recent community-level mitigation recommendations for Covid-19, I have decided to postpone Sunday public worship services for the next two weeks, beginning this Sunday, March 15. I will reassess this decision on a weekly basis, but due to public health concerns I think this is an immediate way for us to: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17)” Although…
Ten-Year Rhyme
Long time member, John Lundgren, shared this narrative of Church of the Redeemer’s first ten years at our annual meeting on Saturday. Enjoy! Paul+ Church of the Redeemer’s Ten Year Coracle Journey By John Lundgren Our tiny boat set out from Cross They knew we would prevail. They said, “Good-by” and grieved their loss. The Spirit blew our sail. Our Mother Church had sent us out, With Blessing and Provision. We were small, but hearts were stout With clarity of…
Lenten Meditations
Over the past few years, our non-stipendiary minister, Rev. Dr. Edward Combe, has been studying and reflecting upon the sermons of the 19th century Anglican preacher, Rev. Charles Simeon. As a result of his study and reflection, Edward has published a series of books, one of which: 40 Meditations on the Litany in Words Selected from the Sermons of Charles Simeon, is a timely resource as we observe the season of Lent. Included below is an explanation of Edward’s work…
Advent Reflection
by Anna Wilson It’s fitting that we should be reflecting on the Magnificat in this first week of Advent. For me, this time of year seems to bring with it a sharpening of the shadows, longing, and grief that is entwined in our stories, and I have found it comforting to spend time pondering the themes of hope, love, and justice found in Mary’s song. And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my…
Advent 2 – Pastoral Letter
As we celebrate the season of Advent and anticipate the anniversary of Church of the Redeemer’s tenth year of public worship, I will be sharing the primary themes that arose from our summer discernment meetings* and how they are shaping the vision for where God is calling us as a church. This week’s focus is communities that we are best positioned to serve. Youth and Newcomers Our church is most whole when we’re all gathered to “keep the feast” together,…
Advent 1 – Pastoral Letter
Dear Church of the Redeemer, As we celebrate the season of Advent and anticipate the anniversary of Church of the Redeemer’s tenth year of public worship, I will be sharing the primary themes that arose from our summer discernment meetings* and how they are shaping the vision for where God is calling us as a church. This week’s focus is gifts and opportunities within our church in the areas of study and teaching. Discipleship Opportunities We are blessed to have many…
Ash Wednesday
“For we to die are ready, Who, living, cling to thee.” – From the German hymn Bei dir, Jesu, will ich bleiben by Karl Johann Philipp Spitta By Deacon Dawn Lundgren Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of prayer and fasting in the wilderness. We think of this time as Jesus’ enduring and overcoming temptation and indeed it was—but equally so, it was Jesus’ time of preparation and strengthening for the years of ministry ahead…
Testimony of the Resurrection
By Molly Riley This winter’s narrative Bible study taught me to listen to scripture and attend to its details in a new way. Each week we listened to a different story from the Gospels about Jesus’ encounters with women. We learned to paint the setting in our minds as we listened, discussed the details of each story together, and then in pairs practiced telling the stories ourselves. On our second-to-last meeting we retold all the stories we’d studied, each person…
Shrove Tuesday: Why Pancakes?
By Heather Walker Peterson Before my family’s fast begins in Lent, we follow the Anglican tradition of feasting on pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. But why pancakes? Unless my husband is making his rich Swedish pancakes, really crepes with spoons of sugar added, pancakes don’t seem like the kind of food many would refrain from. I grew up thinking of them as an occasional easy supper with eggs. Nothing fancy. It wasn’t until I read Frederica Mathewes Green’s Facing East about…
Advent Practices – Part 3
By Haley Scharf If you are unfamiliar with the Advent tradition of O Antiphons prayers, you’re in for a treat. They are an ancient monastic tradition (dating to at least the 8th century A.D.) that I knew nothing about a few years ago. But once I learned about them, they quickly became one of my very favorite Advent practices. The O Antiphons are short prayers traditionally used during evening prayer on December 17 to 23, the last seven days of…
Advent Practices – Part 2
By Haley Scharf Advent is a time to remember that we are a people of hope because we have a God who keeps his promises! Long ago he promised a Messiah, and his word was fulfilled when Jesus came the first time. Now we have a promise that Jesus will come back again to fully establish his kingdom and set things right, and we wait with hope because we know God is faithful and will fulfill that promise as well.…
Advent Practices
Advent: Awaiting the Light By E.R. I was asked to share about my Advent practices at our church’s soup supper on Nov. 12, as we all begin preparing the way for the Advent season. The content I shared during that time follows below, along with a list of resources that Haley and I drew together. We hope these ideas might inspire you as you prepare your own homes and families for the season. One of the things that I particularly…
Faithful Presence: Together For Good
By Sonia Keillor The past few months brought our family an opportunity to step out in faith, trusting that where we were lacking, God would provide. Last May, we began the process of becoming a host family for an organization called Safe Families, which provides care for vulnerable children whose mothers often have no safe person to turn to in a crisis. Our process of deciding to host children took a few months, starting in January. By mid-spring we had…
Children’s Books for Lent
by Haley Scharf Today’s post on Redeemer Journal is by Haley Scharf, who in the past has blogged about theological literature for children at aslanslibrary.wordpress.com. Individual reviews of most of the books she mentions below can be found there. One of the ways my children have become familiar with the rhythms of the church year is by reading books that line up thematically and biblically with each season. Reading seasonally is something that’s easy to do during Advent; there are…
Ancient Faith Transforming Modern Lives: The Laity in the Liturgy
By Joshua Ford Throughout our worship services, we encounter many exclamations uttered by the laity. “Kyrie elëison,” “Alleluia,” “Hosanna in the highest,” “Hear our prayer,” “Thanks be to God,” and the all-important “Amen” are peppered throughout the liturgical practices of the Church across time. But what do they mean? What function or role do they play in the past and in the modern day? What relevance do they have for us as 21st-century Minnesotans when we gather in prayer and…
Reflecting on the senseless
By Andy Bramsen Your love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good… Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Have the same attitude toward all… If possible, live peaceably with everyone. (Romans 12:9, 15-16a, 18) These past few days have been heart-wrenching. Two young African-American men killed by police for no apparent reason, one in Louisiana and one just a few miles from where our church meets to worship each Sunday. Five…
Sent Out In Mission: Jordan McGurran
Church of the Redeemer is excited to send out Jordan McGurran as a supported missionary this spring! In the post below, Jordan shares about his opportunity to serve with Uganda Partners and Uganda Christian University in Mukano, Uganda. “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner By Jordan McGurran This quote from writer and Presbyterian minister Frederick Buechner has been on my mind these past two years of…
Ancient Faith Transforming Modern Lives: The Psalms
Today’s Redeemer Journal post is by Joshua Ford, who has written about chanting of the psalms in our worship service. Although chant is one of the earliest modes of Christian worship, it may be new to many of us, and Church of the Redeemer has been blessed by Joshua’s knowledge and gifts in this form of musical worship. In addition to being a skilled and gifted musician, Joshua is a graduate of St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York and has…
Connected To Community: Lenten Soup Suppers and Prayer
By Sarah Lundgren Lenten Soup Suppers have long played a prominent role in the spiritual formation of our church. Our first gatherings as a church family were around the Lenten soup supper table at Roseville Covenant back in 2007 – back when we all still had flip phones. It’s where I first met Theresa holding her baby, Tim, who turns 10 next week. We grew in fellowship with one another as we shared our homemade breads and soups,…
Epiphany
By Steve Baird Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th and falls on the 12th day of Christmas. The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation” and is usually associated in Western Christianity with the visit of the wise men (Magi) to the Christ child. Through the Magi, who by tradition came from Persia (modern day Iraq), Christ was first revealed to the gentiles. However, other Christian traditions associate Epiphany with other events in Jesus’s life. In Eastern Orthodoxy, Epiphany (or Theophany)…
Go Forth: Small Acts of Compassion
By Haley Scharf When I read the gospels I am struck by Jesus’ compassion to those who long for hope. He was moved by the suffering he saw and did not turn away from those who came to him for healing. This is at once a great comfort (because we can know he is not unfeeling towards our own brokenness) and a great challenge to those who want to be his disciples (because we must leave our own comfort zones…
Reconciliation
This week’s post is by John Lundgren, a member of Church of the Redeemer and a leader of our men’s prayer ministry. A physician by vocation, John has a heart for spiritual healing as well. Earlier in December, he gave this teaching on reconciliation at a men’s prayer meeting. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ…
Waiting In The Dark – Part Two
By Brynna Jones Part 2: Anticipation — or Waiting for “It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Is it? Is it really? Last winter, I spent a lot of time waiting for my anxiety-induced illness and fatigue to pass so that I could do my work; work that mostly consisted of finishing my last research project and writing my doctoral dissertation. This year, after (finally!) completing my graduate degree in February, it has…
Waiting In The Dark – Part One
This week’s post comes in two parts. Both are by Brynna Jones, who will be leaving us soon for a position on the East Coast. We will miss Brynna and the many gifts, including her music, that she shares with our church. We wish her well. By Brynna Jones Part 1: Perseverance — or Waiting on ‘What is real/about us all is that each of us is waiting.’ …
Deacons
Over the past few months, Church of the Redeemer has been blessed several times in our worship services by the ministry of Deacon Liz Stewart, Pastor of Children’s & Family Ministry at Church of the Cross in Hopkins. Along with Bishops and Priests, Deacons belong to what is what is known as the threefold order of ministry. This way of distinguishing between different types of ordained ministry is recognized by many Christians, but particularly by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. In the Anglican…
Giving and Gratitude
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we reflect on giving and gratitude. Barbara Leafblad writes about her own thank-you list, and Sarah Lundgren writes about packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child. By Barbara Leafblad At our Thanksgiving meal this year, we will go around the table and say what we are thankful for. This always throws me off, because my list is long. I will look at the faces of my spirited grandchildren, at the hearts of my two stepchildren…
Women’s Retreat: Being the Beloved
The women of Church of the Redeemer gathered last month for a weekend retreat to fellowship, pray and study Henri Nouwen’s book, Life of the Beloved. More than 30 women (and one infant!) participated. Today’s blog post features reflections from three women who attended the retreat. I came away from the women’s retreat with my soul refreshed and with deeper connections with my sisters in Christ. For me, one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend was hearing the…
Reflections on terrorism — and fear
By Andy Bramsen As we reflect on the horrific acts of evil in Beirut and Paris that have killed scores and inflicted terror on the people of those cities and beyond, we grieve with them and pray for the Lord’s mercy and comfort. Yet it is all too easy to turn from mourning with the suffering to becoming hardened toward anyone who shares a national, religious, or ethnic identity with the perpetrators. This turn from sorrow to a hatred fueled…
Go Forth: Embracing Our Mission
Today’s post is by Calleigh McRaith, who encourages us to think creatively about missions. Calleigh started coming to Church of the Redeemer a little over two years ago after moving back to the Twin Cities from Virginia, where she had been attending law school. She went to Wheaton, lives in St. Paul and works as an immigration attorney. One thing I’ve been reminded of since moving back to Minnesota a few years ago is that Minnesotans tend to hate asking…
Looking at the Jesus window
Today’s post is by Nancy Bergstrom. Nancy and her husband, Ken, are part of Church of the Redeemer’s prayer ministry. Nancy and Ken are proud parents and grandparents — not just to their own daughter and grandson, but also to families they have befriended over the years. She spoke this past weekend at Church of the Redeemer’s women’s retreat. The windows in the Sanctuary at Bethel Lutheran, our host church, are lovely. I especially like the one recently used…
Voices From The Pulpit: Dawn Lundgren
Many of you know Dawn Lundgren, who leads our prayer ministry. Dawn and John have four adult children and nine (going on 10) grandchildren. Dawn was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and grew up in St. Cloud, Minn., Wyckoff, N.J., and Elmhurst, Ill. In this week’s post, Dawn describes how she got involved in prayer ministry, who has influenced her, and who some of her favorite authors are. When I began seminary, I wasn’t sure what direction my degree would…
Voices From The Pulpit: Edward Combe
Edward was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He graduated with a degree in chemistry from Queen’s University in 1962, and moved to Manchester University (England) to the dental school as a junior faculty member in Dental Biomaterials. He spent some 30 years there, acquiring two research doctorates, and had two spells as a visiting faculty member at Northwestern University in Chicago. He is married to Isobel, whom he met in Manchester. They have two daughters and two grandchildren…
Voices From the Pulpit: Andy Bramsen
We asked Andy about his background, his family, his favorite books, and what he loves about teaching. I was born in South Carolina but moved to Senegal when I was a year and a half old and lived there as a missionary kid through my junior year of high school. In addition to Senegal and Minnesota, I have lived in Iowa, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky, and Indiana and have spent a couple of months each in Egypt and Mali.…
Voices From The Pulpit: Josh Moon
I am very glad to be able to worship with you all and preach a few times in the coming months. I did my seminary degree (M.Div.) at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., then went straight from there to do a Ph.D. in Old Testament at the University of St. Andrews (Scotland). I studied Jeremiah and have been studying and writing on the prophets ever since. I have a great passion for the Christian church to recover the Old…
Voices From The Pulpit: David Stewart
David Stewart is originally from British Columbia and grew up in a little town, White Rock, on the Pacific, just north of the U.S. border. He’s been in the States for 17 years and retains his Canadian citizenship. He and his wife, Liz, have just marked 34 years of marriage. They have four children: Laura is married and lives in the U.K.; Julia, Greg, and Claire all live here in the metro area. David is the Director of Libraries at…
Voices From The Pulpit: David Gifford
Hi, I’m David Gifford. It means so much to me to be able to preach; it’s the best side gig, ever. In my regular job, I get to be outside everyday (except when the ground’s frozen), designing, installing and maintaining landscapes. I love the outdoors, both for work and for play (year ’round), and I love tending all kinds of growing things, so a degree in horticulture was a natural fit for me. Over the years, though, the more my…
Voices From the Pulpit
As previously announced, we’ll have a rotation of guest preachers delivering Sunday sermons at Church of the Redeemer this fall. Most of those speaking aren’t strangers to us, but even so, we’re going to take a few blog posts over the coming weeks to get to know some of our guest speakers a bit better. In addition to Pastor Paul and Pastor Edward, we’ll be hearing sermons from Andy Bramsen, David Gifford, Dawn Lundgren, Josh Moon, and David Stewart. We…
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is fast-approaching for Church of the Redeemer. It’s a week full of activity, and we pray that it’s a week full of joy and love. In this week’s post, Anne Calvin shares her childhood memories of VBS. Vacation Bible School and I have a history together. It began many years ago in my small Southern Baptist church: 5-year-old Anne lining up and processing into the sanctuary for the opening worship time, doing a craft involving glue and…
Father’s Day: Giving Thanks For A Legacy Of Love
Those of you who know Dan Leafblad have likely heard him speak fondly of his dad. He tells us that he has all sweet memories of him, and not because time has erased any bitter ones. He stresses that his dad wasn’t perfect — but a man of Godly character who was full of fun. For Father’s Day, we asked Dan to tell about his dad, Paul Everette Leafblad. Dan wrote not just about his dad, but also about the…
Remembering Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot, a missionary pioneer, prolific author and radio speaker, died this morning at age 88. She had been ill with dementia and out of the public eye for years, but her books and radio teachings endure in many hearts. In today’s post, Andy Bramsen shares this tribute to Elliot and describes her influence on his own life. Andy is a professor of political science at Bethel University. He and his wife, Sara, and their two daughters have been part…
Connected to Community: An Invitation to Play
When I first moved to Minnesota, it was supposed to be for just one summer internship. Almost daily, my co-workers would remind me that summer was beautiful — and fleeting: “Get out there and enjoy it!” I had never been much of an outdoor person, but that summer, I fell in love with the park system and learned to appreciate the season that much more. I’ve since taken up cycling (wobbily), ice skating (clumsily), and gardening and round-the-lake walking (wholeheartedly).…
The Love of God: One Mom’s Reflection
This week’s post is by Sarah Lundgren, who is our director of children’s ministry. She and her husband, Bjorn, have two sons and two daughters, and they praise God for His mercies that are new every morning. The moment I first held my baby boy, I discovered a whole new level of love. I gazed at my son while he slept, and I wept at his beauty and his steady breathing. I read him board books while he chewed on…
Connected To Community: An Update From The Luhmanns
This week’s post is from Audrey Luhmann, who serves the littlest members of our church as head of the nursery. She also coordinates our meal ministry, and we so appreciate her heart for our church family. Audrey and Andrew and their four children will be relocating this summer, and obviously, it’s hard to see them leave. Audrey shares her heart and her fears as they prepare to move west. As a young girl, I longed for the day when my…
Prayers of the people: Wrestling with infertility
In our weekly prayers at Church of the Redeemer our congregation intercedes for families who are experiencing infertility, which can be a heart-wrenching and sometimes lonely journey. In this week’s post, Kim Anderson puts a name and face to those prayers in sharing her struggles with secondary infertility. As Kim tells her story, she stresses that everyone on this path has a different experience. Her goal is not to speak for all of them, but to sensitively share her thoughts…
Holy Week: A Week Set Apart
Do you know what Maundy means? Do you know why the altar cloths are stripped or why we bring bells to church this Saturday and Sunday? As we enter holy week, Pastor Paul Calvin helps us prepare our hearts and explains our schedule of services. Though lasting only a few days, holy week is a season of the Church that is rich with meaning. It is holy–set apart by worship services that have been observed in similar form since the…
Connected to Community: A Testimony
This week’s post is by Todd Willmarth, who writes about how welcome he felt when he first visited Church of the Redeemer three years ago. Todd leads the team of greeters at church, so if you’re interested in serving our congregation in this way or just want to know what it involves, contact him. Community group leaders get regular e-mails from Pastor Nathan suggesting discussion questions for the group. Last week’s ice-breaker question asked about spring and what the change…
Testimony: Ralph Loomis
Almost inevitably, when I share my conversion experience, there are some Christians who complain to me that their testimonies are “boring” by comparison. Some say that they have loved Jesus for as long as they can remember. Ironically, when I encounter such Christians I am the one who is jealous, because even though God forgives us of everything, sin leaves scars. To give some background, I grew up as an anti-intellectual “redneck” in northern Kentucky. I fought, drank and played football.…
Honoring God By Caring For Creation
In the prayers of the people, we ask God to give us “a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.” This week, Dani Nicholson reflects on what that prayer means in her daily life. Dani and her husband, Mark, live in St. Paul with their children, Charlie and Ellie. If you’ve been to a Church of the Redeemer potluck or soup…
Pastoral Update: February 2015
Pastoral Update February 2015 Dear Church of the Redeemer family, As many of you know, it is almost the beginning of Lent, which is a special time of the year for us at Church of the Redeemer. Lent is the season of the church year when we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. The season of Lent lasts 40 days, and it begins on Ash Wednesday. (We don’t count the Sundays in Lent because they have always…
Marriage: More Words Of Wisdom
As promised, here are more thoughts from Church of the Redeemer couples. John and Dawn Lundgren From Dawn: John and I were married in 1977. A key in our marriage is really, really listening to one another, carving out space for long, meandering conversations (about books and ideas, hopes and dreams) and forgiving one another. Ed and Annemarie Pickens From Annemarie: We have been married almost 15 years. One of the scripture verses Ed and I pray to each other…
Marriage: Words of wisdom
Holly Willmarth “Make time for date nights.” Todd and I have heard this bit of marriage advice over and over, but we’re terrible at it. We always have been, even when we were actually dating. We work opposite schedules, and we’re great at letting chores intrude on time that was supposed to be sacred. Todd kept a log of stuff we did together when we first met. It’s really sweet to read now as we approach our fifth anniversary, but…
Sent Out In Mission: MacLaurin CSF
What’s the most influential institution in our state? My answer would be the University of Minnesota. It’s our largest university—there are more than 48,000 students at the Twin Cities campus alone, making it one of the 10 largest universities in the country! It’s also our most influential university, and not only because of its size. The U trains more than 70% of our medical workforce in the state, so it has an incredible impact on our health and wellbeing. It’s…
Women’s Listening Prayer: An Invitation
Women’s Listening Prayer Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dawn Lundgren’s home 1545 Arden Place, Arden Hills Call Barbie Anderson with questions: 651-491-3536 Ever wonder why you act the way you do? What keeps us from living out of the heart of love and joy that our Lord has provided? Those are, in essence, the questions before us as we continue together in Women’s Listening Prayer. Every woman of Church of the Redeemer is invited to join…
Men’s Retreat: An Invitation
Are you thinking about going to the men’s retreat but not sure you can get away? Or maybe you’re new to Church of the Redeemer and aren’t sure what to expect. In this post to Redeemer Journal, five men from our congregation share their experiences and an invitation to join in. Ed Pickens: Why is the men’s retreat a highlight of my year? Although the facility is tremendous and the North Shore has a beauty all its own, quite frankly…
Ministry Spotlight: The Family Service Center
Ministry Spotlight: The Family Service Center This week’s post is by Chris Callan and Steve Baird, both of whom volunteer with Church of the Redeemer at the Family Service Center in Maplewood. Chris and his wife, Leena, are on the church’s Missions and Outreach team, and he writes about how his heart for such work has grown over the years. And if you’re interested in volunteering, Steve writes about what to expect. The next opportunity to serve at the Family…
On The Bookshelf: Favorite Books For Kids & Parents
This week’s post is by Haley Scharf. She and her husband, Roger, live in St. Paul with their three young children. Haley blogs about theological books for children, and we asked her to share some of her favorite books and story Bibles, along with a list of titles specific to Advent. Enjoy! One of my favorite things about being a parent is sharing great books with my children. Literature opens the world to us in magnificent ways, and I love…
Advent: When Morning Dawns
Daylight savings is a cruel trick. Twice a year we tweak our clocks by one hour and create the illusion that we’ve moved sunrise and sunset. In the spring, we wake up a bit tired but with seemingly more daylight in the evening. In the fall, perhaps we might be enticed to stay up just a little bit later and indulge our inner night owl. Ah, but that extra hour of sleep is such a hollow victory. The early morning…
Prayers of the People: an update from the Sommers
We’ll be using occasional blog posts on Redeemer Journal to share stories from our congregation. This week we’re hearing from Cary Sommer. Cary sings with the worship team and helps teach the children. She and her husband, Josh, live in Shoreview with their daughter Rylie, 6, and son Grady, 3. They love music and camping and laughing and playing together. This past summer Grady was mentioned weekly during the prayers of the people. Cary wants to give us some background…
Confirmation – What it is…and why?
In light of this weekend’s confirmation service, you may be wondering what confirmation is and why it is significant. For the first few hundred years of the Church, confirmation was a practice unique to the city Rome and its surrounding diocese. It gained wider practice in Europe when–in the late eighth century–the emperor Charlemagne prescribed the rites of Rome for the whole of his empire. At that time, confirmation was seen as an extension of the baptismal rite whereby the…
Redeemer Journal
Church of the Redeemer family, We’re starting a church blog that we hope will be a space to spotlight ministries, share our faith stories, build connections and carry on a conversation beyond Sunday afternoons. We will be posting here twice a month, and we want your feedback – and your contributions. Like the weekly e-mails, the blog space will be used to spread information, but we want it to be interactive, with posts and comments from the many voices within…