Yesterday we closed our 10 week sermon series during which we sought to explore what it looks like for our community to live out of our new vision statement which is that we are a community living out a sacred call by Jesus to love our neighbors and heal our city. We looked at Revelation 7 (listen to the sermon) and basked in the beauty of God’s vision for humanity and then offered ourselves up to participate in that vision. We were challenged to think about what it looks like to be ambassadors of Christ’s reconciliation in every area of life (click here to fill out the commitment card). As the missiologist Leslie Newbigin wrote:

If the Church is to be effective and advocate a new [kingdom] order…it must itself be a new social order….The local congregation…stands not primarily as the promoter of programs for social change (although it will be that) but as itself the foretaste of a different social order. Its actions for justice and peace will be, and will be seen to be, the overflow of a life in Christ, where God’s justice and God’s peace are already an experienced treasure

In other words, if you have tasted the grace of God through the death of Jesus on the cross, experienced some of the firstfruits of the new life ushered in through his resurrection then you will long for others to experience that life. This is what we find in the prophet Isaiah:

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion,“Your God reigns!”

This good news is what we will be celebrating starting next week in our Advent series. In the meantime have a wonderful Thanksgiving and please remember to pray for our church, city and world as you personally find ways to proclaim in word and deed: Our God reigns!

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: 
“Salvation belongs to our God, 
who sits on the throne, 
and to the Lamb.” 
— Revelation 7:9-10

Following the call

Redeemer West Side is living out a sacred call by Jesus to love our neighbors and heal our city.

Coming up at RWS

• Advent schedule available: See the schedule for our worship services, including Christmas Eve, and check out resources for getting into the word including sharing the advent stories with friends, daily devotionals, and habits for the advent season.
• Nominate a member: We are still in the season of officer nominations. Prayerfully consider members you know who would serve well as members of the Diaconate or as an Elder.
• Check out the latest gallery exhibit: Last week we officially opened the latest exhibit – A New Day. In this group exhibit, three local artists share the city through their eyes before, during, and after the height of the pandemic. Through their glimpses of everyday moments and scenes sometimes taken for granted, we are invited to see our city as well through new eyes.
• Celebrate 25 years of His Toy Store: Bring joy to families in need with toys and basic needs. This year, your giving will go toward a special fund for Hope for New York affiliates to create their own Christmas outreaches. Plus, your gift will be doubled by a generous donor. Donate by November 30.
• RSVP for the first West Side Art Salon, Dec 1: You’re invited to the first West Side Art Salon, where we’ll feature author Elizabeth Passarella and her book Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. The West Side Art Salon is a gathering of artists and arts supporters to meet and celebrate artists, contribute to the arts in the city, and highlight the rich spiritual heritage and power of art.
• Consider becoming a member, Dec 5: This class helps potential members learn the gospel theology and ministry of Redeemer West Side so you can join the church.
• Families are invited to celebrate Christmas, Dec 11:
• Spanish speakers needed as “Family Friends”: Provide isolated parents emotional support and encouragement at Safe Families for Children through weekly phone calls or in-person visits. Spanish speakers preferred to connected with families for 1 hour/week for six months.