As I inch closer to 40 years of life (still a couple years away!), I’ve often reflected on the things I wish I’d learned earlier in life. There’s lots of advice out there: “Goals before 40,” “Things you should know in your 30s.” And the narrowing of future horizons has given greater focus to how I want to spend what time I have left. There are only so many things you realize you can do with the rest of your life.

The disciples spent three years in close proximity to Jesus, yet their realization of who Jesus was and the world-shaking implications of that only slowly and painfully dawned on them. Even Jesus would get dismayed at the slowness of their progress. “Do you not yet perceive or understand? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?” (Mark 8:17-18) (Listen to yesterday’s sermon) If they only realized who Jesus was – God himself in the flesh! And utterly committed to their good! – how much freer they would go through life, how much more joyful, how much more purposeful in giving themselves in love to others.

To know and follow Jesus is utterly life-changing in every way. It is the work of a lifetime – indeed, of eternity – and it is worth our best energies and resources. Recently, I’ve been pleading daily with the Lord that I would have eyes to see true spiritual reality and a heart to live in light of what is ultimately important. While you have some margin during these dog days of summer, why not spend some time planning how you can make more room for Jesus in your day-to-day life through the year?

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

John 17:3

We’re looking for hosts and leaders

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.

Send an email

Coming up

• Tangled in Color | Art Exhibit, through Aug 28: “Tangled in Color” features works by ArTech Collective artists, this collection of drawings, embroidery and weavings will awaken your senses, evoke emotion, and help you escape the everyday. Through the artistic practice and the created pieces, the artists hope to share a fragment of their creative world as they tangle you up in this colorful journey.

• 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. 

• 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!

• 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!

• 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.

• Get Gospel Centered Counseling Content: Sign up for the Redeemer Counseling Update to receive Gospel-centered counseling views on issues that many people face. Also, try these counseling exercises for when you get stressed and learn some tips from Redeemer Counseling on how to address burnout.

• 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.

• Serve food at the Frederick Douglass Houses,Sept 8:Connect with and serve our neighbors living in the Frederick Douglass Houses by giving out food to the community. Come be a part of building relationships with and loving our neighbors in the West Side!

• Serve Dream Center beyond uptown: Dream Center serves both Harlem and Chelsea neighbors by hosting Community Markets that provide pantry goods to food insecure neighbors. Serve in different ways throughout the city.

• Join Young Life’s virtual interest night: Get to know Young Life’s powerful mission to serve youth in our city! Attend a virtual event in August to understand the why, what, when, and how of Young Life, and the ways you can get involved in volunteering in the Bronx & Manhattan.