Momentum | July 2014 by Redeemer Bible Church

19 ISSUE

JULY 2014

THE PLEASURES & PERILS OF SUMMER ED & KELLY JOURNEY NOTES SUMMER CAMP AND PIZZA FUN THE LETTER

WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE! We are a church with a mission. Our mission is to proclaim, embody, and enjoy the gospel of Jesus Christ so that unbelievers are convinced of the gospel, believers are built up in the gospel, and culture is transformed by the gospel to the glory of God. Because the gospel is at our heart, we want all that we say and do as a church to honor and reflect Christ. Part of that includes making sure you are able to consistently and clearly know the vision and direction of Redeemer. That’s where Momentum comes in. On the first Sunday of every month, everyone will receive a copy and be able to stay connected to the pulse of Redeemer. Inside each monthly issue, you will find updates on the church’s vision, ministries and events. You’ll also read about where you can help serve and get involved, as well as be updated on things like church finances, new members, activities and programs throughout the month. Redeemer is a church on the move, and it’s the gospel that is moving it forward. The gospel is our passion, our motivation, our moving force. It’s our momentum.

CONTENTS

THE PLEASURES & PERILS OF SUMMER 4

| When we take a vacation from the daily grind, it can turn into a vacation from the Christian faith and from God’s people. We all know that this is less than ideal. So how do we address it?

I’VE NEVER BEEN GOOD WITH PEOPLE 11 | Sara Williams shares

how the Women’s Retreat was a springboard in helping her develop new, deeper relationships.

PLATFORM REDESIGN 6

| Wondering where the weighty, big ol’ oak pulpit went? Read on to learn more!

SUMMER CAMP & PIZZA FUN 13 | Youth Director Gabe

Zepeda prepares RBC youth for a “Reckless Grace” summer camp with a fundraising stop at “Villa RBC”.

RESOURCE CENTER SALE

FINDING THE SILVER LININGS

18 | We’ve officially ended

| We are revamping the Resource Center and need to make room on our bookshelves! For a limited time, all of our resources are on sale.

our Expanding our Gospel Vision. The Lord has truly blessed us. And yet, we have only hit the 92.2% of our possible commitments, so we need to keep praying.

PRAY WITH US

| A prayer calendar to help us in praying for our city, our vision, our leadership, our ministries and our members.

THE LETTER

14 | “I found myself questioning the sanity of spending seventy hours a week with children, but after reading the letter, I was sure the Holy Spirit was reassuring me that I was exactly where God wanted me – right in the middle of a sea of kids!”

ED & KELLY JOURNEY NOTES 8

| RBC Missionaries translate and preach God’s Word in the DT language to an overflowing crowd in South Asia!

GOSPEL LIFE BLOG

16 | Check out these personal and insightful blog posts, and others, from our website to find joy and encouragement in your daily walk.

CREDITS

Design/Direction Chuck Forsberg

Content Manager Lorie Schnell Writers/Editors Anne Lynn Jan Wyder-Barck

THE PLEASURES AND PERILS OF SUMMER BY R W GLENN 4

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

never really appreciated summer

of “spirituality” that spurns the wonderful

until I moved to Minnesota in

gift that Jesus has given us. The Lord has

2002. And I don’t think I can

given us all good things to enjoy, including

appreciate it any more than I do

summer with all its benefits (1 Tim 6:17). Our

this year after one of the worst

experience of summer is an occasion to give

winters in twenty-five years. Even

thanks to the Lord for his generosity, not just

the stifling heat of my car’s interior makes me

by saying, “Thank you,” but by enjoying it

giddy like a little girl!

before him – savoring the smells and tastes

But it’s not just the temperature change.

and sounds of summer. Sometimes the best

It’s the beauty. The lakes, the parks, the long

way a child can thank a parent for a gift is

days, the cottonwood floating through my

by playing with it while full of contagious

neighborhood, and the deep, deep green

enthusiasm! So it is for you as a child of the

color of every living thing.

heavenly father.

It makes working in the office next to

So if we don’t address the perils of summer

impossible. So, as a staff team we find

by rejecting the pleasures of summer, what do

ourselves outside, sitting on the stoop of

we do? The answer is simple: be intentional

the Ministries Building to eat our lunch and

about incorporating spiritual refreshment

soaking up every minute of sunshine we can.

into whatever you’re doing. Your schedule

And then there are the vacations – to

is more flexible. Get up early on a Saturday,

weekend cabins, to campsites, road trips with

sit outside and enjoy your time with Jesus

the family to the Black Hills of South Dakota,

without the pressures of an urgent deadline.

or the Grand Canyon, or for my family, our

Make a point to prepare for the planned

annual trip to the New Jersey shore to enjoy

spontaneity of inviting newcomers to your

the ocean. Summer is spectacular. Any way

house for a barbeque after our gathered

you slice it.

worship. Engage in the simple practice of

At the same time, the allurements of spectacular

summer

can

translate

taking time every night to thank the Lord for

into

all the summertime gifts he gave you that day

distance from the Lord and from one another.

– the speed of the jet-ski, the joy of standing

When we take a vacation from the daily grind,

up on your water skis for the first time, the

it is very easy to turn it into a vacation from

thrill of your near-death encounter with a

the Christian faith and from God’s people.

brown bear, the sound of the loons as your

The upside of freedom from a fatiguing

head hits the pillow.

routine is its own downside: getting out of our routine can cause daily private worship

Summer is full of pleasures and perils, but

(Bible reading and prayer) and meeting with

those perils don’t have to be all that perilous.

other Christians, to fall by the wayside. We all

Enjoy yourself. And as you do, remember the

know that this is less than ideal. So how do

one who has provided for such enjoyment,

we address it?

and honor him as the author and source of

Well, the answer is not to abandon the

all that is pleasurable in the universe: “In your

pleasure of summer for fear of its perils. The

presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right

Lord loves summer more than you and I do,

hand there are pleasures forever” (Ps 16:11).

and he has given us the break in our routine

//RBC

for our enjoyment and refreshment. Summer gives us the chance to delight in downtime as a gift from his hand. It would be wrong for us to reject summer in favor of some version

JULY 2014 \\ MOMENTUM

BY MARC HEINRICH

PLATFORM REDESIGN W

e’ve been enjoying our new worship center for 18 months already! Part of the ongoing adjustment to our new space is evaluating what we do and how we do it. This includes the sanctuary platform. We mainly use the sanctuary platform for leading our gathered worship in preaching and song. While the pulpit worked better in the old space, what we’ve discovered is its size makes it difficult to see what is happening beside

and behind it. The people on stage are not a band giving a concert, but members of the body leading us in song. And the congregation is not an audience, but participants. In that light, the ability to see one another and connect visually is important. As to the pulpit and its use in preaching; when I was young I never knew why pulpits were so big. I learned many years later it was supposed to reflect the importance of the Bible as the church’s foundation and that it is bigger than the man who stands behind it. Today, many people are still unaware of this meaning and could draw other conclusions. Comments we’ve heard include “who does this guy think he is with that giant pulpit,” suggesting that the pulpit size is a reflection of the pastor’s ego. While we certainly could attempt to educate everyone as to why we have a big pulpit, it seemed best, in light of the above considerations, to re-task the pulpit as a welcome desk at our lower entrance with a plaque explaining the pulpit’s history. TEXT THAT WILL BE ON THE PLAQUE Designed and built by Lowell Frost in 1997, this pulpit has been constructed to the traditional specs for pulpits since the time of the Reformation. Its weightiness depicts the role of the Bible as the church’s stable foundation, while its size displays the importance of the word of God over and against the man who preaches it. May it always remind us that the church of the living God is the pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). //RBC

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

JULY 7 - 11

PRAY WITH US MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

PRAY FOR OUR VISION

PRAY FOR OUR CITY

PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS

PRAY FOR OUR MINISTRIES

PRAY FOR OUR MEMBERS

Pray for Pastor Paul as he moves into his new role as Pastor of Community Groups and Member Care, that he would be ready to recruit and train the needed Community Group Leaders for this fall.

Pray that the gospel is faithfully preached throughout the Twin Cities and that many respond in repentance and faith.

Mark Summers, Lead Deacon Pray that the Holy Spirit will each day equip me with the faith I need to be a true believer: to trust with all my heart and rest in the finished work of Christ on my behalf.

Redemption Youth Pray for Summer Camp: that the leaders and students would meet Jesus and be overcome with God’s amazing grace, and that God would bring about a revival in our hearts and the Twin Cities.

Nick Larson and Richard Lau

JULY 14 - 18

Pray for Pastor Warren as he takes a sabbatical. Pray that the Lord would meet him and give him rest and refreshment during this break.

JULY 21- 25

Pray for our Ministry Director meeting on July 20, that Pastor Bob would clearly articulate the vision for our upcoming ministry year and that the directors would be excited to execute on it! 21

JULY 28 - AUG 1

It is our deep desire to see our entire congregation praying together for the realization of our vision, “The Fruit of the Gospel for the Good of the World.” Please join us in praying for our city, our vision, our leadership, our ministries and our members. Use this calendar, and commit to pray for one item each weekday, knowing your brothers and sisters are praying with you, and believing that God will hear and answer our pleas!

Pray for our pastors as they take their annual retreat, July 24 – 26. Pray for unity and deep fellowship among them, and for wisdom as they plan for the 2014 – 2015 ministry year.

Pray that the VBS programs throughout the cities would reach children with the gospel of Christ.

Pray that the city of Excelsior would be open to WEST (West Ecumenical Service Team) members’ attempts to address the housing needs of people facing homelessness in their town. 22

Pray for the upcoming leadership training, led by Pastor Bob, with Zion Baptist Church. Pray that it is well attended and that the relationship between RBC and Zion would foster gospel leadership.

Paul Burr, Elder Pray that my eyes will be fixed on Jesus and the gospel of grace, not on my own selfish desires. Pray that Community Groups will continue to expand for the glory of God’s church. 16

Hale Jay, Deacon Pray that the Lord would show me my sin and the underlying idols. That I would see repentance as the opportunity for my joy. Pray that I would love and serve my family, the church and unbelievers in my sphere of influence. 23

Bill Walsh, Elder Candidate Please pray that the Lord will give me grace to depend on him for every aspect of life, church, & ministry rather than depending on my own efforts. Pray that He will help equip me as I move into various roles at RBC in International Outreach and as a pastoral candidate.

Art Department Pray that God would give us wisdom as we develop our team and plan for the future. Pray that our messages and creative designs would be impactful, resulting in changed lives because of the gospel. 17

School of Gospel Formation Please pray for instructors as they prepare for the Fall 2014 semester. Pray that many students would sign up and that the lives of both teachers and students would be changed through SGF. 24

Worship Pray that we develop the worship ministry to show more of Christ and the Gospel. Pray that God would raise up more leaders to serve on worship teams. Praise the Lord for bringing new people onto the worship team!

Cory & Leah LaVasseur and John LeGare

John & Lesley Leonard and Patrick & Shari Ley

Tim & Melanie Link and Bill & Sara Liska

MINISTRY UPDATE

ED & KELLY JOURNEY NOTES

INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

BY ED BOEHM

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

HE CHURCH AT ‘RIVER ROAD’

and consist of religious rituals largely of mantras or incantations

It was hot and the church at ‘River Road’

in Sanskrit, religious jargon or even just plain gibberish. Even

was packed and overflowing with about

the national language Bible is difficult for most of them to

200 ‘DT’ people who had gathered for their

understand. Hearing God’s Word in their mother tongue is truly

traditional Saturday service. This was a few

an Acts 2:11 experience for them, “We hear them declaring the

months back and even some unbelievers in

wonders of God in our own tongues!”

this South Asian village had shown up to

Will you pray with us that the Spirit will use the Word to

hear the foreigner speak their DT language. Worrisome, I didn’t

bear fruit in the lives of the DT people and to ‘pull them into

know if I would be able to even stand up and give the message

participation with God on his terms.’ Translating the Word is

as I was feeling weak from a vicious tummy bug that had hit me

just the first step, a small piece of the process. It needs to be

the night before (was it from the curried rat? or the snails? or

preached, taught, heard, understood and ultimately obeyed, all

the water? Hmmm).

in the context of a local church body. There is much work to be done! OUR HISTORY Kelly and I have worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators here in South Asia for the past 22 years. We’ve been involved in different aspects of the work over the years, starting out in language survey, progressing to hands-on involvement in the DT Bible translation project, and filling in with various roles in administration. Kelly has been busy on the home and school front as well, homeschooling the boys when they were young, and now teaching part-time at their school.

But praise God! I was able to stand and encourage these

“We open this Book and find that page after page it takes

dear people from 2 Tim 3:16: “All scripture is inspired by God

us off guard, surprises us, and draws us into its reality, pulls

and is profitable for reproof, for correction, for training in

us into participation with God on his terms.”

righteousness.” Trial copies of 1 and 2 Timothy, and Matthew as

- Eugene Peterson

well, had recently been translated by my DT colleagues, ‘Brad’ and ‘Karl’, and dedicated at a gathering of about 40 DT pastors and church workers just a few days before.

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE This past year I have taken on the role of Associate Director of Scripture Engagement for our Wycliffe group based here in the Himalayas. My job includes supervising supervisors who are in charge of various aspects of our work related to Bible translation and use. I work with a great team of people who oversee all of our translation work, as well other Scripturebased activities, such as oral storying,

and creating and

distributing Scripture products in various digital media. We are currently thinking about how we can reach the other 40 language groups in our small country that, like the DT people, still need some Scripture in their mother tongue. Please pray for us in the coming year as we continue in our ministries, and at some point transition to the United States What an honor it was to be able to speak to these simple rice farmers in the language that speaks most powerfully to their

(hopefully the Minneapolis area and RBC!), perhaps in July 2015. Thanks so much for your prayers and support! //RBC

heart! And an even greater honor to be reading to them from God’s Word in their heart language. Seeing the light in their eyes and the smiles on their faces was wonderful! These rice farmers are accustomed to not understanding religious concepts. The only religious texts they know from the surrounding culture are written in languages they don’t understand (Sanskrit or Arabic) JULY 2014 \\ MOMENTUM

IS COMING ALONG ONE ANOTHER WITH THE DESIRE TO GROW IN OUR LOVE FOR THE LORD AND THE GOSPEL. TOGETHER WE WILL WORK OUT HOW TO APPLY THE GOSPEL TO OUR LIVES THROUGH STUDY, DISCUSSION AND PRAYER. If you would like to be discipled contact: (Men) Mark Suchta at marksuchta@yahoo.com or (Women) Gayle Glenn at gayleuglenn@ gmail.com.

MINISTRY UPDATE

WOMEN

I’VE NEVER BEEN GOOD WITH PEOPLE BY SARA WILLIAMS

I’ve never been good with people. I hate making conversation, and social situations make me want to throw up on my shoes.

head back. We walked back to the hotel and went back to our rooms.

My senior year of high school, I discovered that I could break

Danielle and I have continued our friendship and this summer

down the barriers of my social anxiety with drugs. When I

are going to do a book study, along with a few others, about

stopped doing drugs, I stopped having friends. I signed up for

personal worship and prayer. My hope is that by learning to talk

the women’s retreat mostly because I didn’t want to end up

to others, I can learn to talk to God. And maybe I can make my

like my mother, friendless, insane, and trapped in Wisconsin. I

“phone calls” home to Him more meaningful and this will help

carefully packed my duffel bag, including a six-pack of Michelob

me to know him deeper and fuller than I could ever imagine.

Ultra Cider, naturally gluten free.

And someday we can all head home together with our heavy

When Gayle announced within the first twenty minutes of the first session that we would all get to participate in a get-to-

bags over our shoulders and see Him face to face, as he says, “Welcome home, let me show you to your room.”

//RBC

know-you exercise, I could feel the bile start to rise to back of my throat. Oh no, really!? I should have started drinking as soon

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE DISCIPLESHIP

as I checked into the room, and then maybe my nerves would

MINISTRY PLEASE CONTACT:

have been subdued. I survived the first session and made my

Women: Gayle Glenn at gayleuglenn@gmail.com

way up to the lounge for social hour. Thank goodness for the

Men: Mark Suchta at marksuchta@yahoo.com

bar. I started to relax. I met Danielle, and I can’t remember if I asked her or if she asked me, but we decided to go for a walk

WANT TO SHARE?

down by the water. I grabbed my coat and my cooler. The cooler

Have you been blessed by being in a discipleship relationship?

was uncomfortably heavy, but I slung it over my shoulder like

Do you have a story of how the gospel has changed your

a binky anyway. We stood down by the pond and looked over

life because of this connection? If so, we want to hear from

the water. The air was heavy and still, and it held me in place.

you! Each month Momentum will be highlighting a life-on-life

We started to talk. We talked about missing the places we were

testimony from someone whose life has been impacted for

from. We talked about her sisters and my dad and stepmom.

the gospel by another. If you are interested in sharing your

We talked about how much we missed them, and how it can be

experience with the greater RBC family, please email Lorie

hard in strange land, and that sometimes a phone call just isn’t

Schnell at lorie@redeemerbiblechurch.com.

enough. As we talked, the bag grew heavier on my shoulder. We talked about God, and that he is our true home. We talked for a very, very long time. I didn’t want the conversation to end, but eventually the weight of cooler made me ask if we could JULY 2014 \\ MOMENTUM

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

MINISTRY UPDATE

YOUTH

SUMMER PIZZAFUNCAMP: DRAISER GOD’S RECKLESS I GRACE BY GABE ZEPEDA

f there’s one thing that my friends know about me it’s that I LOVE PIZZA! Since I grew up in the early part of my life in Los Angeles, I feasted on Shakey’s Pizza Parlor California style pizza. When I lived in the Chicago area during my youth, I enjoyed signature deep dish style pizza from Gino’s East and

Giordano’s. And, when I lived in New Jersey during my twenties, I devoured the NJ/NY style pizza slices from pizza joints in Manhattan, Alfonso’s in Hillsborough, NJ, and Manville Pizza in Manville, NJ.

BY GABE ZEPEDA

lmost a year ago, something staggering happened at youth summer camp. The gospel was proclaimed with power and the Spirit of God came down to blow us away with the presence and love of Jesus. That potent experience was like a stone

dropped in a lake creating a ripple effect of revival within the youth ministry that is continuing to spread with momentum and power. This year, as summer camp is just around the corner, we’re excited and thrilled to see what God will do again in our hearts! Last year’s theme was on the assurance we have through the gospel. This year’s theme for camp is Prodigal God: Overcome by the Reckless Grace of the Gospel. Inspired by Timothy Keller’s book by the same title, we will spend a week together looking at the “Parable of the Two Sons” as told by Jesus from Luke 15:11-32. As this story depicts, God’s reckless grace is our only hope. God does everything in His grace and love to win us back, and He did so by being spent Himself on the cross for sinners like us. When you realize you did nothing to receive such grace, it overcomes you and changes you forever. As we are returning to Pine Lake Camp in Eldora, IA in August, please pray that we will reconnect with God and with each other in our relationships. Please pray for safety and traveling mercies. And please join us in asking God to overwhelm us with His grace unlike never before so we might bear the fruit of the gospel for the good of the world! //RBC

Now, as a Minnesota resident, the best pizza I can sniff out in

the Twin Cities is the NJ/NY style pizza created and preserved by the Pagano family. So when the Pagano family reached out to me several months ago about partnering with the youth ministry to do a pizza fundraiser, I was psyched! The fundraiser took three days of hard work. Day One: Thursday, June 19, we made dough for over a hundred pizzas! Day Two: Friday, June 20, we made the dough into half-baked pizzas for people who ordered them ahead online and picked them up between 5pm-10pm. Day Three: Saturday, the big day, where we encouraged families and friends to sit down in the fellowship hall for dinner. We wanted families and friends to feel like they were coming to a real restaurant. At the entrance, a host greeted families and friends at the door. They entered into “Villa RBC”: Lights were dim, candles glowed at each table, the aroma of Italy’s finest pizza adorned the room, eager and smiling waitresses served and took orders, and the vocals of Frank Sinatra filled the room. The highlight, of course, was sinking your teeth into that gooey, saucy, and cheesy goodness of Pagano & Pullis style pizza with family and friends. Then, to seal the deal, customers finished off dinner with a gelato, Italian ice, cannoli, and other scrumptious desserts. We made about 149 pizzas total! Even though this fundraiser was a lot of work, we’re thankful for all the leaders, youth workers, and youth who came out to serve in all the ways they did. We’re thankful for everyone who so generously supported us by purchasing pizza—some of whom didn’t even eat the pizza itself! We’re thankful to the Pullis family for so generously letting us use their pizza oven! We’re especially thankful for the Pagano family for approaching us with this delicious idea and then for their amazing pizza, dedication, hard work, generosity, and servant’s hearts. All thanks be to God for enabling us to raise about $2,000! //RBC JULY 2014 \\ MOMENTUM

THE LETTER MINISTRY UPDATE

CHILDREN

BY GLORY LUECK

ne chilly spring afternoon I found myself

As I read the letter, I laughed, cried and jumped up and down.

questioning the sanity of spending seventy

I must have looked like a total idiot, but I could hardly contain

hours a week with children, which is what

myself realizing that Jenna was starting to get it. She was

the numbers added up to between my

starting to get the gospel!

daycare business, 10 grandchildren and my

After reading the letter, I was sure the Holy Spirit was

involvement with the Children’s Ministry at

reassuring me that I was exactly where God wanted me – right

Redeemer. I didn’t get much time to myself. Perhaps it was time

in the middle of a sea of kids! Then my mind raced back to

to reconsider my priorities.

the beginning, years earlier when John Sweet (at that time the

A few days later, I retrieved a letter from my mailbox with

director of Children’s Ministries) had nailed me twice during

youthful writing and a return address that I didn’t recognize.

donut time on Sunday about teaching Sunday School at

I hurried back to the house deciding to open it on the way in

Redeemer. Really?! That was the last thing I wanted to do! My

case it turned out to be some sort of prank. To my amazement,

heart lay with Mercy and Women’s Ministries. I declined both

the letter was from Jenna Schnell, one of my Sunday School

times with the too busy excuse and decided to stay well away

students. This is what it said:

from John’s radar. Late one night the week before the beginning of the fall

Dear Miss Glory, Thank you for teaching me at church. I like the way you teach, straight from the Bible. I can tell that you really love

Sunday School session I got another call from John (this time with a “desperate plea”) asking me to reconsider teaching as he still had several key positions to fill.

Jesus. I hope you can continue to be my teacher. You are

He needed an answer in a hurry, so I told him I would take

my favorite. I heard you have been sick and hope you feel

it under prayer. I went to the Lord immediately in prayer and

better soon. I am praying for you.

told him I would do whatever he was directing me to do, but

Love,

if teaching was what God wanted for me, then the Holy Spirit

Jenna Schnell

would need to change my heart and fill it with a true desire to present the gospel to Redeemer kids each week.

Matthew 28:6 – “He is not here; He has risen just as He said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

I was sure God would not ask me to do something I really didn’t want to do. But, as I was soon to find out, the gospel isn’t about me and what I want, it’s about Jesus and what He did

Love – Joy – Peace – Patience – Kindness

for me. Behold the power of God! Miraculously, my heart went

Goodness – Faithfulness – Self-control

through an almost instant change. It didn’t take long for me to

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

What an amazing opportunity God has granted me! I have been able to stand in front of our kids at Redeemer and watch first-hand as their eyes light up and smiles steal across their faces while the Holy Spirit begins to fill their hearts with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have a deep respect and gratitude for our leadership at Redeemer for encouraging us to teach the real thing, not a watered down version but all aspects of the gospel, including the parts that are hard to hear. We need to present the true picture of God’s justice, mercy, and grace so our children can see that it all adds up to God’s great love for them through the redeeming blood of Jesus. So, if you have ever been asked to serve in Children’s Ministries and have not responded, I would encourage you to reconsider. The need is great – The reward is greater still – for our children. Please pray for a change of heart and the power to let go and let God do it for you. God has a plan, and He is working that plan for our good and for His ultimate glory. He uses everything to His purpose, even a child’s letter. Lastly, thank you Jenna; you are a wonderful encouragement to me! //RBC MEMORY VERSE Psalm 51:10 (ESV) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. KIDS’ MERCY UPDATE In July, we will send our offerings to help fund the kids in Marty Pagano’s Chinese summer camp. For August & September, realize that God was calling me, and that He not only intended

we will begin to collect for Resource West Backpack/back-to-

to change my heart, but He would fully equip me for the job.

school funds.

The gospel flew off the pages of the Bible and into my mind and heart. Pastor Bob’s sermons came alive as I began to see

JULY NURSERY PRAYER FOCUS

that I had nothing to offer but my passion to bring glory to God

Pray that our children will choose godly influences that would

through the gospel. At last, I could admit the depth of my sin

bring honor and glory to Christ.

knowing that God loved me so much He willingly died for me!! This was powerful stuff, and Redeemer kids needed to know

NOTE TO TEACHERS

this.

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday School Teacher/Shepherd training

I started teaching that fall and each week I prepared the

with RW Glenn will be held on Thursday August 14 at 7 pm.

lesson and prayed, asking the Holy Spirit that God’s words, not

The first hour is with SGF teachers led by Pastor Bob, and then

mine, would be what came through the lesson. That was five

we will break off into our teams for specific training on prayer,

years ago. I love teaching, and each time I go before my Sunday

discipline and classroom management.

School class, I ask for the same thing, that the power of the Holy Spirit through God’s word, would open their hearts and minds to the gospel of Jesus Christ for their salvation. I don’t worry about my ability to teach because the Holy Spirit works in me to present the gospel. JULY 2014 \\ MOMENTUM 15

GOSPEL LIFE BLOG

MORE ENCOURAGING BLOG POSTS CAN BE FOUND AT REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM/RESOURCES/BLOG Desert Life // Bethany Hway The Father’s Song // Gabe Zepeda A Perspective on Storms // Pastor Boomer

AND THEY WERE LOVELY BECAUSE HE LOVED THEM THE INSTAGRAM OF MY LIFE When we truly love someone, it makes him or her beautiful.

Jesus did that for us at the expense of his own life. Yet, “he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty

BY KIM SUCHTA

that we should desire him.” When I reflect on that, all I can do is bow down to him in praise, come to him with nothing, and worship him. //RBC

e have all seen them. Those annoying newlyweds. Older couples smirk at them, knowing what lies ahead. Little

her husband is so genuine and sweet. So even though I don’t know him as well, I always think to myself every time I see him,

sins.

them, and think, “I will never be like that!” But some people smile, thinking

the sight of two people so deeply in love is inspiring. I know one such couple. The bride gushes often about her new husband. She is undoubtedly one of the proudest wives I know. The way she talks about and demonstrates her love for

n a world where we know people more by their Instagram feed than their faces, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that everyone around you has the perfect life. It’s even easier to convince yourself that you have a perfectly beautiful life free from the need of a Savior. With these beliefs

can come sadness, resentment, pride, or a whole host of other

“What a guy.” This couple reminds me of what Sally Lloyd Jones

I just browsed my own feed. A little bit of clean eating here,

says in The Jesus Storybook Bible about when God created

some ice cream there, a pinch of wanderlust with just the right

Adam and Eve. She says, “And they were lovely because he

amount of nicely put together home life, perfectly placed

loved them.” God says that about us!

coffees and possessions, and some inspirational quotes thrown

During those times when I am struggling to remember just

in for good effect.

what it is that makes me who I am, I need to remember this:

Yes, the world I can create inside my phone is a beautiful life

what makes me lovely in God’s eyes has nothing to do with

indeed, full of zeal and zest—and it doesn’t look as though I

me being a good wife, mother, writer, how I look, or how many

need much saving. But is this reality? I don’t think so. Not fully

friends I have. My worth is calculated by how much he loves me.

at least. The real feed of my life contains these things but is also

And he loves me as much as he loves his own Son. He loved me

littered with anxiety over finances, anger harbored against my

so much that he sent his son to die for me and live the perfect

wife, discontentment at work, messes to clean up, paperwork

life he knew I never could. It’s hard to begin to imagine such

growing from procrastination, and self-righteous piety. A

love.

life that looks a lot less than perfect. There is much grace to

The Bible says that those who look to him are radiant. The

BY DAVID MORSE

kids giggle and point at the sight of

celebrate in my life, but also constant need of mercy.

dictionary defines radiant as brilliant, gleaming, glowing,

Remember that what you see when you’re scrolling can be a

dazzling, ablaze, bright, shimmering. What will happen to us

caricature at worst or a partial illustration at best. Your friends

when we really believe that this is who we are? We will become

have hurt and pain that you’re not seeing, and you and I have

courageous! Because then all that will matter to us is what

messes we’re not airing. But unlike you and me, Jesus has the

our Father thinks of us. “Now when they saw the boldness of

whole picture. He knows the good, the bad, the pretty, the ugly.

Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated,

His picture of your life is your real story, and he is writing it with

common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that

your best interest in mind.

they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). We can have the same

So let that rebuke you when you are tempted to be fake. Let

boldness as the apostles did! Every day we can walk around

that encourage you when you are tempted to become resentful.

with a newlywed mentality. Because we know one day, Jesus is

Christ came to meet each of us in the details of our lives and to

coming back to get us, his bride, and will bring us home to be

save us in the midst of those details—no matter how many, or

with him forever.

how few #perfectdays you see on a feed. //RBC

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

EXPERIENCE THE MOVEMENT OF GOSPEL LIFE IN A WHOLE NEW WAY. Introducing Momentum magazine digital edition. The complete issue is available every month on tablet or mobile. Read more at ISSUU.COM/REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH

RESOURCE CENTER SALE BUY TWO, GET ONE FREE

With the launch of the 2nd year of our School of Gospel Formation (SGF) we will be revamping our Resource Center to focus primarily on the materials that will be used in our Fall and Spring classes. In order to do this, we need to make room on our book shelves! For a limited time, all of our resources will be for sale at “Buy two, get one free”! Take advantage of this wonderful deal and stock up on some great reading! We even have some books for little ones too! Our Resource Center will be available to anyone and not just those enrolled in upcoming SGF classes! The books for our classes are always a phenomenal resource.

SIGNS OF GRACE – LOOKING FOR SILVER LININGS FINANCE REPORT

BY PASTOR PAUL BURR

ast month we officially ended our Expanding our Gospel Vision financial commitment window. The sign of grace

JUNE 2014 - YTD

BY THE NUMBERS GENERAL GIVING FUND BASE FORECAST

EXPENSES GIVING

OPERATING EXPENSES | $ 820,655 GIVING | $ 705,961 FORECAST | $ 780,412

$ 114,697 EXPANDING OUR GOSPEL VISION

is that we have raised over $2 million towards our building expansion. That is an incredible achievement for a church of our size! When the campaign consultant

7.7 %

first worked with us, he thought that a home run would

have been 1 million raised. So the Lord has truly blessed us. Yet, we have only hit the 92.2% of our possible commitments, so we need to keep praying.

92.3 % What this means in practical terms is that we still have a short loan with the local bank that needs to be satisfied. There are silver linings, but still some clouds. We are growing in numbers and gospel depth, so we are praying that giving will start to catch up with this growth. It is an exciting time for all of us to review our role in the pursuing the fruit of the gospel for the good of the world. We’ll be casting our vision in the coming months, culminating at the annual state of the church meeting in October. In the meantime, be praying about how you can respond to all the signs of grace in your life and ministry. The gospel of grace definitely has momentum at RBC. I am always available to discuss financial matters, just give me a call. //RBC

MOMENTUM // JULY 2014

EXTRA COMMITMENTS | $ 41,427 // 1.9 % AWAITING | $ 167,292 // 7.7 % RECEIVED | $ 2,011,708 // 92.3 %

PR rbc’s 5th Annual

PIG ROAST & BONFIRE

Sunday September 7th 6 - 8:30pm at Redeemer Bible Church. More details to come.

PICK UP A COPY OF OUR 2014 FALL COURSE CATALOG! Featured Summer Class

RBC Distinctives July 16th // Register by July 13th Wed: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Local churches in a community are like the individual members of the body of Christ – full of wonderful diversity. This means that each church has its own set of distinctives. This course presents an overview of Redeemer’s vision, values, doctrine, mission, plan, and structure along with help for getting involved in the ministries of RBC.

Sunday JULY 13TH

Wednesday JULY 16TH

AUGUST 7 - 11TH

Sunday SEPTEMBER 7TH

NEWCOMERS LUNCH

SGF-501: RBC DISTINCTIVES

YOUTH SUMMER CAMP

PIG ROAST & BONFIRE

1 - 2:30 PM

7 - 10 PM | WORSHIP

LOCATION: PINE LAKE

6 - 8:30 PM | CHURCH

If you would like to attend

CENTER

CAMP, ELDORA, IA

GROUNDS

the next Newcomers Lunch,

Instructor: R W Glenn

All youth are invited to

Mark your calendar for

please RSVP to Laurie

Prerequisites: None

attend youth camp next

our 5th annual Pig Roast &

Summers at lsummers@

This course presents an

month where we will spend

Bonfire! Keep your eye on

redeemerbiblechurch.com or

overview of Redeemer’s

time together looking at the

RBC Weekly and August’s

952-935-2425.

vision, values, doctrine,

“Parable of the Two Sons”

Momentum for more details

THE LORD’S TABLE

mission, plan and structure

as told by Jesus from Luke

coming soon!

along with help for

15:11-32. We were blown

6 PM | WORSHIP CENTER

getting involved in the

away at the Spirit’s work in

Join us this evening as we

ministries of RBC. To

the lives of our youth last

celebrate Christ’s work

year, so spread the word and

on our behalf through

Summers at lsummers@

communion. There will be

redeemerbiblechurch.com or

eventbrite.com. Deadline to

several baptisms and we

952-935-2425.

will be taking our monthly Mercy offering. Don’t forget to stick around for a time of fellowship and sweet treats afterward!

JULY SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM

SGF: RBC DISTINCTIVES

GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM

7 -10 PM | RM 102, Ministries Building

NEWCOMERS LUNCH | 1 PM THE LORD’S TABLE | 6:00 PM

GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM Including The Lord’s Table REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM YOUTH SUMMER CAMP SIGN UP DEADLINE

27 GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM