Yesterday’s sermon from Psalm 32 focused on the spiritual practice of confession. One of the reasons why the regular practice of confession is so important for Christians is that real community isn’t possible without it. In his wonderful book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said,
He who is alone with his sin is utterly alone… Sin wants to remain unknown. Sin demands to have a person by themselves. But in confession the breakthrough to community takes place. You don’t have to go on lying to yourself and your brothers and sisters, as if you were without sin; you can take the mask off; you can dare to be a sinner. Thank God for that!
Confession and community go hand-in-hand. In community, we learn (be it ever so slowly) how to share with others, how to be vulnerable about our joys and our struggles. And as we confess, we find our community strengthening and deepening.
Community is often challenging and messy, and also essential for spiritual growth. If you’re not yet connected to other Christians in a meaningful way, please consider everything below as invitations to take a step into community.
In hope,
Pastor Bijan
Every community has a mission. Every mission has a community.
Community Groups (CGs) at Redeemer West Side gather regularly for support, prayer, Bible reflection, and service.
God created us to be in caring communities that bless those outside the church. Redeemer West Side aims for each of our CGs to find creative ways to serve others, our neighborhoods, and the city. Click here to learn more.
Upcoming
- Mar 27 | Food Distribution at Frederick Douglass Houses
- Mar 30 | Sunday Prayer Walk
- Apr 5 | Known and Loved: Community Restores Our Mental Health
- Apr 7 | Prayer Cohort 2
- Apr 13 | Palm Sunday Services
- Apr 17 | WS Youth Maundy Thursday Service
- Apr 18 | Good Friday Services
- Apr 19 | Wander & Wonder: Signs of Spring in Central Park
- Apr 20 | Easter Sunday Services
- Apr 27 | New at RWS
- Apr 27 | Essentials of Financial Wholeness
Get Involved
| Volunteer with West Side Youth on Friday nights at 7 pm. Apply for the Gotham Class of 2026. Save the date for Vacation Bible School on July 7 to 11! Stream Redeemer West Side’s worship playlist. Sign up for the Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter. Serve one Sunday each month at Redeemer West Side. Join HFNY for the Lent Exchange. |
