Easter week is a special time for Christians to soak in the gospel. As we move toward Good Friday, the weight of Jesus sacrifice weighs heavily on our hearts. Reading the Gospel accounts leading up to his arrest, trial and execution help us to see the sorrow and conviction that drove Jesus to the Cross. I encourage you to participate in our Good Friday services (12 or 7 pm) to feel that together with others. Then on Easter Sunday morning, the joy of the resurrection bursts forth. Alleluia, he is Risen!
“May the sun rise early and be bright
on this Easter holy day…
For the Lord has subdued the night
and saved us from death’s decay.” – John L. Sarna
Pastoral Search Committee Update
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The search committee continues to trust and pray knowing that God is leading this search for our next senior pastor. During this past month we kicked-off our initial interviews with candidates. We ask the church for prayer for those being considered, and for your continued understanding about the confidentiality of this phase of our work. We as a committee continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead our process and to cover the candidates with love and grace. We pray for God’s discernment as the search committee meets with senior pastor candidates.
We also want to announce that the Redeemer West Side church and pastor profile website has a final update that’s gone live, focused on Who We Are as a church, which reflects our communities, ministries and desire to be a church not just for ourselves. We appreciate every congregant, lay leader, and staff member who participated in our interviews and large group sessions in November and December.
Lastly, we continue to request prayer for our pastors and the church. As we approach Easter Sunday, we are reminded of Jesus’ death and the power of his resurrection. A power that humbles and penetrates our hearts, puts our worries and anxieties to rest, and helps us in our mission to live out a sacred call by Jesus to love our neighbor and heal our city.
-RWS Pastoral Search Committee
Hope for New York | Easter Sacrificial Offering
Hope for New York is a mercy and justice ministry that provides resources to non-profits across the city that help marginalized communities like new immigrants, vulnerable women, unhoused neighbors and more.
One hundred percent of this offering will support the work of Hope for New York affiliate partners across the five boroughs.
Upcoming Events
- Mar 26 | West Side Reads
- Mar 29 | Good Friday service
- Mar 31 | Volunteer Choir
- Apr 4 | CFW + RCS | Managing Anxiety at Work
- Apr 13 | West Side Women: Pilates and Friends
- Apr 13 | CFW | Discerning Your Calling Workshop
- Apr 14 | New at RWS
- Apr 26 | RWS Conferences | Engaging Culture
Get Involved
Read the Pastoral search prayer guide for individuals and small groups
Work at RWS
Give to New Yorkers in need this Easter
Know Do For One at an info session