Update from the Diaconate and thank you

The Diaconate* wrapped up a joyful time of ministry in 2014 and we could not have done it without God’s help and your faithful prayer support and generous financial gifts. We are grateful that God has moved you to provide for hurting members in our church family. Your support made it possible for the love of God to be poured out in tangible ways — what a powerful witness that speaks volumes of God’s mercy.

“Receiving financial aid through the Diaconate is such a meaningful event in someone’s spiritual life. People often say it feels like God really does care and provide; that the church really is His family; that this community really is different,” said one of our deacons, Kevin Feltes. “I wish everyone could hear that directly and see the work God does for these people, through the generosity of those who give.”

The 2014 special offerings to our Mercy Fund totaled over $500K, far exceeding our goal of $450K for this year.

This ministry of mercy also could not happen without the women and men of the Diaconate. Our deaconesses and deacons (deeks) made themselves available to meet the spiritual and practical needs of our congregation. These are individuals you see praying with others up front after each worship service, and carving out time to meet behind the scenes with those in need to assess their situations and to provide care.

As our church continues to grow so does the need for more deeks. We are excited to share with you that the following candidates have been nominated, interviewed and invited to begin the training.

Downtown:

Faith Bowen, Daniel Chun, Daniel Clemens and Esther Larson

East Side:

Kristin Carotenuto, Joanne Gough, Hannah Jang, Inok Kim and Nick Shatraw

West Side:

Gary Bowler, Pat Denson, James Griffin, Karen Kwong, Margaret Nelson, Jorge Perez, and Barry Russell

Please pray for these candidates as they go through training in theology and ministry skills and prepare for their interviews. They will be evaluated on their character, Christian life and experience, theological understanding, and giftedness and readiness to serve the church as a deek. Our current elders will then determine which candidates will be presented for election at the May 9 congregational meeting.

We would also like your prayers for the Diaconate as a whole — that we continue to serve the congregation with grace, joy, wisdom and love. It is our prayer that God will lead us to reflect deeply on his goodness, which enables us to continue to fulfill his ministry of mercy given to us.

*The Diaconate is Redeemer’s mercy ministry addressing the needs of those in our church family experiencing hardship. The Diaconate is our response to God’s calling to be merciful, to love and care for one another in practical ways. If you know any regular attendees or church members in need of practical assistance, please encourage them to call the Diaconate helpline, (917) 719-0259.

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Articles in this Issue

		The revolutionary Christian heart Tim Keller
		Share Your Prayer in Redeemer's New Prayer Book Max Anderson
		Redeemer City to City and Reformed Theological Seminary partner on a graduate degree
		Titled Kathleen Boatman
		Prayer Event: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God Rose-Marie Armstrong