Redeemer Journal (Page 2)
“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…