Redeemer East Side Update

July 19

This is my inaugural written communication to you as Redeemer East Side’s executive director. So, what do I want to write you about? Giving.

Yes, that’s correct. Even though sometimes awkward to talk about, giving is one of my favorite topics. Financial generosity is something that so clearly connects to the grace of Jesus—“that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (1 Corinthians 8:9)—and I personally need to be reminded of that connection.

Giving doesn’t come easily to me. I’m inherently a conserver, not a spender. Or, to put it more bluntly and accurately, my heart is naturally fearful and selfish, and therefore, I need to be continually reminded of God’s self-donating, costly love in Christ to soften my heart and open my wallet.

If you’re anything like me, you need that reminder too. With summer upon us and with the closing of the second quarter, it’s a good time to call our attention to Redeemer East Side’s giving. You'll notice that we’re 6% behind on our giving goal for 2017.

Summer is a time when things slow down. Both attendance and giving vary quite a bit during these months. So, if you haven’t started giving regularly to the church yet, now would be a great time to start! It would help us through these summer months and put us in good financial shape for the fall. A great way to get started is to set up a recurring online gift.

If you’re one of the many who have been giving regularly already, thank you! We couldn’t do what we do without you. From our weekly worship services, to the hundreds of children we serve, to the scores of Community Groups across the city—all of that is made possible by your unseen gifts. Thank you.

If we’re going to realize our vision for the city through Redeemer East Side, we will need to excel in the grace of giving. My prayer for all of us is that it would be born out of a heart shaped by the grace of Jesus.

Warmly,

Bruce


quoteImage.title Ben Waller
Youth Ministry Manager

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with our youth community, and to work together with our East Side parents to disciple and care for our youth."

Redeemer East Side is excited to announce Ben Waller as our new Youth Ministry Manager.

Ben grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and stayed there to attend the great University of South Carolina. "I went to the REAL USC, for those Californians who don't know any better," Ben says. He got his degree in Exercise Science and loves exercise and sports, especially football and volleyball. After graduating he worked as an RUF intern for two years at the University of Alabama. He met his wife Sarah about three weeks before moving to St. Louis to attend Covenant Seminary. After dating long-distance, they were married at the end of his first year of seminary, and spent the next three years together in St. Louis while Ben completed his Masters of Divinity. During their time in St. Louis, God grew in them a desire for urban ministry, and specifically began to place New York City on their hearts.

In July of 2016, Ben and Sarah moved to New York City, and Ben served as a Community Group Intern for the East Side. In May, Ben began serving the youth in addition to his CG responsibilities. During this time, his love for the students grew quickly, and his care for them and desire for them to know and love Jesus was evident

"I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with our youth community, and to work together with our East Side parents to disciple and care for our youth."


+ The East Side evening service is moving to 5 p.m. starting on August 6th. Children's Ministry will now be provided at that service.


+ Do you know someone who has passion for God, compassion for others, a teachable spirit, and attends Redeemer East Side regularly with prior experience in a Redeemer Community Group? Help us identify East Side leaders to launch new Beta Groups this fall.


+ One way to better know, love and serve our neighbors is to participate in our community through civic engagement. Join us on Sunday, July 23 for ES Neighborhohoods: Civic Engagement, a one hour discussion led by Rev. Aaron Bjerke on the basics of local civics and opportunities for involvement.


+ If you are in your first year of marriage, join Marriage Lab! Marriage kicks off the year with a retreat to the Poconos and will meet monthly from October through May.


+ Actively seeking your next job? Bring your lunch and join the Diaconate's new summer speaker series! Each Thursday throughout the month of August from 12-2PM an industry expert will teach on a job search theme relevant for professionals in all industries and vocations.

+ Join Hope for New York on August 3 at 7pm for our Charity Bike Ride Info Session! Learn more about riding with #TeamHFNY on September 16 and meet others interested in riding and fundraising for the poor of our city.

+ Guide students in academics, arts, cultural and athletic activities at The Summer Discovery Program, a full day enrichment program for middle school students.