In a recent article titled the Rise of the Covid Midlife Crisis the author reflects on a phenomenon of “collective reconsideration” in which we were all forced to do some soul-searching, where all the regular noise of our lives got filtered out leaving us with no place to hide from our yearnings, disappointments and problems. It was, and remains, a season where we are haunted by the age-old question “What’s my purpose?”
To be human is to need a vocation, a word derived from the Latin word vocare which means call; something in our lives to which we can contribute that matters and leaves the world a better place than when we found it. There is only one place where the ultimate answer to the haunting question of purpose is found, Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me.” (Mark 1:17) It is a call, as I reflected on in yesterday’s sermon, that is both gracious (God seeks us in the midst of our seeking for meaning) and humbling (it requires an immediate, sacrificial response that forever changes the purpose of our lives). But it is an invitation we can trust for it is rooted in love, forged in Jesus’ obedience to his Father’s will to lay down his life for us.
So on this Monday morning what is your next step in following Jesus? If you aren’t sure about what it means to be a Christian, you can join a group designed just for you. Perhaps you are thinking about joining the church, or want to learn more about what it means to live out our mission. We have a next step for you as well. And collectively, as a church family whose mission is to follow Jesus’ sacred call to love our neighbors and heal our city, we can find hope that the Jesus who calls us is the Jesus who saved us and is even now leading us to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
— Mark 1:14-17
This Sunday
Volunteer Fair
Immediately after service on the 5th Floor.
What’s your next step as you consider your connection with Redeemer West Side? Volunteering is a great way to meet others attending the church and build relationships with our neighbors. Come learn about and sign up for ways to love our neighbors.
New at Redeemer WS
12:15 pm in Room 412
If you’re new at Redeemer WS, this is the place to get to know us and learn how to take the next step. We’ll talk about our vision, values, and history, and introduce you to our various ministries so you know how to get better connected. It’s also a great opportunity to meet some some of our staff, lay leaders, and others new to the church.
Family Worship Night
5 pm on the 5th Floor
We invite all families to join WS Kids for an evening of community building and worship with music being led by our very own Chris Weldon! As we are unable to serve food, we ask that each family bring your own dinner so we can still break bread together. Spots are limited.
Coming up at RWS
Faith & Work 101, starts September 27: Work and faith can feel entirely separate, divided into categories of “secular” and “sacred”—but Scripture offers a different take. This fall at Faith & Work 101, discover how your everyday work fits into God’s own work of making all things new.
Consider group counseling with RCS: There are still spots in Empowering Your Asian American Voice – a Redeemer Counseling Services group with the primary goal of processing your identity as Asian American. This group starts on September 30 and meets for 7 weeks.
Premarital Seminar, October 2: Are you engaged or just thinking about it? Consider attending Redeemers’ Premarital Seminar! It’s a lively day of biblical teaching on marriage, exercises that help a couple learn more about each other, and ending with a time of Q&A.
Membership Class, October 3: If you’re considering joining the church this is the class for you! Learn more about 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.
Questioning Christianity: If you aren’t sure what it means to be a Christian or you have questions that you’ve been wanting to ask, join our Questioning Christianity Group. This group provides a friendly context for people to talk about the basics of the faith and how it all relates to everyday life. Starts the week of October 10.
Continue serving at All Angels’ Church: All Angels’ will be offering opportunities to new volunteers soon!
Attend a training with Restore NYC: Volunteer orientation is the first step in serving with Restore, and one will take place later this fall. Learn more details on how survivors of trafficking thrive in our city.
