Redeemer Transitions Westover Hills Site

Dear friends,

I am writing to inform you about an important transition for Redeemer's Westover Hills ministry site. As many of you know, Redeemer launched the Westover Hills site in 2012 under the leadership of ruling elder Manny Alaniz. At that time Manny was a candidate for ministry in South Texas Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). In September of 2015, after much prayer, study and hard work, Manny was ordained and installed as an Assistant Pastor at Redeemer with specific responsibility for the Westover Hills site. With that accomplishment the Westover Hills site took an important step in its development.

Throughout the entire journey of Westover Hills, as in all congregations there have been both blessings to celebrate and challenges to overcome. At every point though, God's guiding hand of providence has been evident. Indeed, I cannot begin to express how much joy I and all of the elders have received through our participation with Manny and the entire Westover Hills project.

The last 18 months have particularly bore witness to God's guiding hand. During that time conversations between the Session and the leadership of Westover Hills have indicated that God is granting a slightly different future for the site. While remaining committed to the same theological convictions and evangelistic zeal, this future calls for a formal separation from the downtown congregation of Redeemer. Effective August 1st, then, the site will become entirely independent of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the PCA and be renamed Saint Stephen's Chapel.

While this transition will be bittersweet, it provides the Westover Hills congregation greater independence and self-determination to pursue the unique calling God has given it. More importantly, the relationships that we cherish among our two worshipping communities will continue, recognizing the bonds we share in Jesus Christ can never be broken. So please join me and the Session in celebrating this important step in the growth of the Westover Hills site/Saint Stephen's Chapel.

In addition, we are so thankful for the leadership of Pastor Manny Alaniz and his wonderful wife, Sandy. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philip. 1:3-5). Indeed, their prayerful, faithful and tenacious service have been an example for all of us. I would ask that you join me in praying for them and the still daunting task of planting a church.

For Christ our Redeemer,

Tom