Several years ago I started writing a “P” next to verses in the Bible that contained a promise. It was a discipline born of discouragement and was a way for me to find hope and courage. Hope is necessary in the pilgrimage of life as none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. In yesterday’s sermon (listen here) Paul referenced Abraham who trusted God’s promise that through his family the whole world would be blessed. This promise was made in the midst of a world that seemed hopeless and yet resulted in a pilgrimage that culminated in the birth of Jesus. Reflecting on the power of promises and in particular God’s promise to Abraham Lewis Smedes wrote this:
The future of the human family rides the fragile fibers of a promise spoken. One thing assures us that the cosmos will not climax it’s arduous odyssey turning itself into a stinking garbage heap. Only one thing affirms that the human romance will have a happy ending, and that the earth will be populated one day by a redeemed family living in justice and shalom. The one thread by which everything hangs is a promise spoken and not forgotten.
As you start another week take time to read Hebrews 11 and take note of our spiritual ancestors who made their way through the world riding the fibers of God’s promise spoken to Abraham. And take hope that the God who called Abraham called you and is this day leading you to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6
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.
Coming up
- Listen to Redeemed Writers Group Spring Reading, May 24: Redeemed Writers Group holds their spring reading and shares writings reflecting on God’s promise of “peace like a river”.
- 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.
- Sign up for the 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.
- Join 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 12:15-1 pm.
- Sign up for 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.
- 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.
- Last Chance to join HFNY on the 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.
- 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.
- Get Gospel Centered Counseling Content: Sign up for the Redeemer Counseling Update to receive Gospel-centered counseling views on issues that many people face.
