April 2 Letter from our Senior Pastor

Good afternoon, friends and family!

Like me, I'm sure that you're finding it hard to believe that we are now into the third week of "sheltering in place" in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. It can seem like things have completely shut down. But, of course, they have not. Routines and responsibilities continue, although differently.

That's especially true for Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Though we are not able to join together for worship, bible study, prayer, fellowship and mission in our traditional ways, we are learning new ways that enable us to remain committed to our mission. Redeemer's staff and leaders have performed excellently, and I know that we are all grateful to God for their service. I want to especially and publicly give thanks for Jeremy Whitley, Redeemer's executive director and one of our ruling elders. Jeremy has been critical to navigating the technological challenge that this season has put in our path. Though this health crisis has led us and the entire world into a trying season, it need not utterly, indeed it cannot, subvert Christ's mission in the Church.

So friends, be encouraged! We still serve a resurrected Lord whose sovereign will is still being carried out in this world. No matter the anxiety that stirs in our hearts or the sufferings that befall this world, the Lord Jesus has secured the future that we all seek, through his death and resurrection. May that be our certain hope as we prepare to enter into Holy Week.

I also want to call your attention to a few items that will be important to you in the coming weeks.

First, the Session recently chose to extend the suspension of Redeemer's public worship services and regularly scheduled ministry activities through Friday, May 1^st. This decision is in the best interest of all and is consistent with similar decisions being made by churches and schools across our city.

Secondly, I wanted to make you aware of an opportunity during the month of April to join with brothers and sisters across the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) who are setting aside 30 days of prayer for the church, nation and world. Please take advantage of this beautiful moment to join hearts and pray for God to move in our churches and across the globe.

Here's what you need to do:

1)      Go to 30 Days of Prayer.

2)      Download the prayer guide or check in each day for how to pray

3)      Pray, pray, pray!

Finally, if you haven't availed yourselves of the resources on Redeemer's website, please do so. By visiting redeemersa.org/Live you have access to all virtual worship services and pastor's forums. All official Redeemer communications are found at redeemersa.org/coronavirus. Please check both of those out.

In closing, please know that I'm praying for you, and I want to hear from you. Let me know how I or any of the staff, elders or deacons can serve you better!