Memorial Day for many is a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. For many others it is a day set aside to remember those in the armed services who lost their lives in service to America. Writing this on the day after the senseless murder of 19 children and two adults in Texas, on the heels of the murder on the Q train and the 10 killed in Buffalo, I am overwhelmed with anger, grief and despair. And that on this Memorial Day we remember that those killed in the past month were image bearers of God whose names and stories cry out to us, like those killed on 9/11, ‘Never Forget’.  

We remember because we know that to be human is to long to live forever in a world void of evil. One of the more moving scenes in the life of Jesus is his interaction with the man on the cross who, facing death, says to Jesus, “Remember me” (Luke 23:42). This is the human cry and one we can honor today by remembering the victims of these senseless and evil acts of violence. But how?  In the book “Cry of the Soul” the authors state that to remember the past is to reshape the present with desire and hope. How? Christians historically have prayed their longings through cries of lament, many of which are found in the Psalms.

So on this day of remembering read and pray through Psalm 10, praying your:

Confusion (Why, Lord?)

Anger     (In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak)

Plea        (Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless)

Hope     (The Lord is King for ever and ever)

Make your prayers as specific as possible for the victims’ families. And remember Jesus’ response that day on the cross as his own life was ebbing away, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Why, Lord, do you stand far off?

    Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

– Psalm 10:1

Church – wide Survey

Please take the church-wide survey. It will be open through Tuesday, May 31. We’ve made lots of changes this year and are still evolving. RWS values your honest feedback so we can best serve you, love our neighbors, and heal our city. The survey will take approximately 7 minutes to complete.

Take the Survey

Coming up

• Apply to Gotham Fellowship until May 31: The Gotham Fellowship equips Christians to connect God’s kingdom mission to their everyday work, relationships, and more. Dream of a revitalized New York City. Envision how God is at work healing the past year’s wounds. Then ask yourself: what is my part in this task? Join a community of New Yorkers seeking the good of the city. Applications are due May 31. 

• RWS Membership Class, June 5: This class helps potential members learn the gospel theology and ministry of Redeemer West Side so you can join the church. We cover what’s behind the five membership vows, how a PCA church is led, and how members step into our sacred call to love our neighbors and heal our city.

• WS Youth Neighborhood Service, June 5: WS Youth will be serving as part of the WS Campaign Against Hunger’s “Rock the Block” neighborhood service event from 1-3pm. Youth will be involved in serving in a variety of ways. Before heading to the event, we’ll have lunch at W83 from 12:15-1pm.

• New at RWS, June 12: If you’re new to Redeemer West Side, we welcome you to come learn more about our church and get connected to the community.

• Sign up for Vacation Bible School, July 11: Have an exciting weeklong event consisting of worship, skits, crafts, music and Bible lessons in a camp-like atmosphere, all of which will help kids discover and celebrate God’s greatness!

• Volunteer at Youth Group on Friday nights: Build involvement with our amazing youth by joining a weekly pizza dinner at W83, leading small group discussions, and being a Christ-like presence in their lives.

• Serve on Sundays: Explore opportunities to get to know your fellow Redeemerites by serving on a team, just once a month. There are 4 positions to choose from so there’s something for everyone!

• Volunteer for our Vacation Bible School: Sharing the gospel with our kids is discipleship. Please consider volunteering for VBS, there are many opportunities to choose from.

• Serve as a special Avail client advocate: Female volunteers are needed to support clients who are struggling from past abortion experiences. Two roles are available, to meet 1:1 with clients or co-lead a support group. Volunteers must be comfortable, great listeners, and sensitive to a client’s needs. Training is provided but a one-year commitment is required.

• Join a virtual prayer for moms and babies: If there ever was a time to come together and pray for moms, their babies, and the world…it’s now! Join Expect Hope to pray for ministry needs on the first of every month from 8-9 pm.

• Last Chance: HFNY Spring Benefit: Make sure to join Hope for New York’s first in-person event in three years! Celebrate community and ways to pray, serve, and give on Thursday, June 2! Get tickets today before sign-ups close.

• Get Gospel Centered Counseling Content: Sign up for the Redeemer Counseling Update to receive Gospel-centered counseling views on issues that many people face.