In their book Faith of Leap: Embracing a Theology of Risk, Adventure & Courage, Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch make this claim: “If we can embrace the adventure and risk and equip our churches to lay down their lives and abandon their inherent loss-aversion, who knows what innovation, what freshness, what new insights from the Spirit will emerge.” They also write, “When there is no possibility of retreat, we will find the innovation that only the liminal situation can bring.” By “liminal” they mean a situation of risk where the outcome is uncertain, including situations sought out on purpose, like a new venture.
In another book, Hirsch makes this provocative suggestion: “If evangelizing and discipling the nations lie at the heart of the church’s purpose, then mission, not ministry, is the true organizing principle of the church. Experience tells us that a church that aims at ministry seldom gets to mission, even if it sincerely intends to do so. The church that aims at mission will have to do ministry, because ministry is the means to mission.”
In reflecting on Redeemer’s earliest days, Tim Keller (the founding pastor) has said, “One of my elders who has been with us since the beginning has often said that Redeemerites prayed more fervently in our early years, because we all felt we were attempting something beyond our abilities.” 
This atmosphere of Spirit-outpouring, courage, and ministry beyond human capabilities is something Redeemer West Side hopes to see again. The Holy Spirit can empower us for such a season—“just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). 
What are some of your dreams for ministry or transformation that are beyond your abilities, requiring the Spirit’s gifting?

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Last week of Tangled in Color

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Coming up

• Facilitate a support group: On May 15, we had an Innovation Luncheon where congregants came together to brainstorm and submit ideas for new ministries. Many people suggested offering support groups at W83 and so we are now looking for congregants who would like to facilitate one this fall. Prior experience in facilitating safe and welcoming environments for sharing and support is ideal but not required.

• Join the 20s & 30s group, beginning Aug 31: Whatever your history with faith may be, young adulthood is a decisive period for anyone’s beliefs—spiritual or otherwise. We learn and unlearn a lot as we wrestle with big questions about God and ourselves. You’re not alone in this. And you shouldn’t feel alone. Let’s travel through this season together. Beginning in August, weekly gatherings will be hosted Wednesday nights from 7:00-9:00pm at the W83 Ministry Center and open to all 20s & 30s. 

• Redeemer Counseling Service group – Calming your Anxious Mind, Sept 12: Dealing with anxiety can be difficult or crippling. In this Renewal Group, members receive support from peers and a professional counselor on how to better deal with persistent anxiety. We help members understand how anxiety affects their body and relationships, and how they think and behave. The group teaches coping skills and how to depend on God more and more in anxious moments. On this journey to deeper rest and freedom, members will connect deeply with others as they help normalize the process. Together, we find ways to move from worry to a healthier version of ourselves.

• Marriage Lab, Sept 14: Marriage Lab is a monthly gathering of newly married couples, grouped with seasoned mentor couples. Monthly discussions will include topics such as a gospel framework for marriage, intimacy, communication, finances, conflict resolution and others. You must have been married during the period from January 2020 through September 2022 and attend either Redeemer West Side or Redeemer Lincoln Square to participate.

• Redeemer Counseling Service group – Sexual Integrity for Men, Sept 15: This Renewal Group is for any man who wishes to grow in sexual integrity and wholeness. Some men may not be sure if they have an “addiction,” but are struggling to stop certain sexual patterns such as viewing online pornography. They may wish for a comprehensive, big-picture view of the path to healing, and to understand the sexual integrity and freedom from addiction from a Christian perspective. In this group, we look at the roots of addiction. We engage in a deeply relational and encouraging way and provide accountability through deeper union with Jesus. We welcome all those who seek to grow in sexual integrity and to live in greater freedom. Members are required to also be in individual counseling.  

• Youth Partners Cocktail Social, Sept 15: A new ministry year is upon us and the WS Youth team is excited to share all about its plans for the year! Learn what’s coming up for youth while enjoying a night of socializing over cocktails with other parents, guardians, volunteers, and youth-loving adults.

• Redeemer Counseling Service group – Your Asian American Journey, Women Supporting Women, Sept 21: In exploring our struggles within our Asian American identity, we find compassion for what could have been, process feelings of guilt and shame as a result of unspoken expectations, and lean in on our faith to discover a more safe and trusting way of being. We hope this group is a place where you can find rest, where you can be heard and validated by others who share your struggles. We hope it is a place where you can give yourself permission to question and feel, to just be.

• Build your community: Every community has a mission, and every mission has a community behind it. So if you’re interested in building communities for following Jesus together and making an impact in our neighborhoods, please let us know. Community groups have always been a crucial part of Redeemer’s life together, all the more so when communities have been fragmented the last couple years.
  Redeemer West Side is aiming to start up to 5 new community groups this fall. We’re looking for hosts and leaders who are hospitable, can facilitate discussions, and help their group find ways to serve the city and each other. If you feel like that’s you, send an email to cg@redeemerws.com

• We are hiring: Do you know anyone who’d be a great fit at Redeemer? We are looking to fill several roles on our team before the end of the year. Check them out and spread the word!

• Summer volunteers needed: Will you be in NYC this summer? Whether you’re here on a summer internship or have been wanting to see what volunteering might look like, help our vacationing volunteers by joining a team, once a month, meet great people and help to serve your neighbors!

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

• Volunteer for our Children’s Ministry: Sharing the gospel with our kids is discipleship. Please consider volunteering.

• Volunteer for The Open Door, Fall Program: Volunteer to teach in-person classes starting in September (various dates at different sites). Meet hardworking people and make deep connections, all while supporting our marginalized brothers and sisters in the immigrant community.

• Love your neighbors with All Angels’ Church: Connect more deeply with unhoused and hungry neighbors on the Upper West Side. Join All Angels’ Church to serve in various ways: prepare food, serve breakfast, and/or provide dinner.

• Help Young Life host summer park events: Every Tuesday this summer, Young Life is hosting park programs for middle and high schoolers. Volunteer to help with check-in, set up games, serve food, clean up, and connect with young people!