Redeemer East Side Update
In a fascinating set of studies coming out of Toronto, researchers are seeking to quantify the economic impact of local congregations in their surrounding neighborhoods. What they are discovering is surprising. After studying 10 local congregations in Toronto, they concluded that if a congregation were to be removed from its community, it would cost the government on average $4.77 per dollar of the church’s annual budget to replace the common good services provided by that congregation. These services include things like like weddings, substance abuse programs, counseling, art exhibitions, etc. So according to this research, a church with a $1M budget is actually delivering almost $4.8M of human services to their local community. They are calling this “the economic halo effect” of religious congregations. If this has captured your interest (as it did mine!), you can read more here.
As Redeemer East Harlem gets ready to open its doors for public worship service this Sunday, October 13, I think of all the ways that God will use that new congregation to be a place of healing, reconciliation and restoration for so many. East Harlem is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood where God has been at work in profound ways for many generations. And so our new, fledgling church plant will be a small part of a much greater cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12), together contributing to the “halo effect” that comes when churches faithfully bear witness to the presence of Christ’s kingdom.
As we open a new chapter in our history as a church, my hope is that this will be just the first of many new churches that get started through Redeemer East Side. You can help us realize this kingdom-sized vision in a very important way by doing a very small, ordinary thing: setting up recurring giving to the church. Remember, every dollar you give to the church is an investment in that halo effect — a 5x impact on our local communities! To do all that we believe God has asked us to do, we need everyone to give generously and sacrificially. This vision is going to truly take all of us. All of us praying big, bold prayers and doing small, faithful things.
Gratefully,
Rev. Abraham Cho
East Side Senior Pastor
Redeemer East Harlem launches this Sunday!
Watch this brief video to learn more about the vision and values of Redeemer East Harlem — Redeemer East Side's very first church site — and how you can pray for this new congregation that begins its worship services this Sunday, October 13, 2019.
+ Members, prayerfully consider and recommend fellow members this month who might be a good fit to serve and lead our congregation as an elder, deacon or deaconess.
+ Intro to Spiritual Formation: Join us this Sunday to meet staff and learn how to grow in your gospel identity and experience renewal through key spiritual practices. It's also part of the membership process.
+ Wheel O’Meal: This Sunday, groups of East Siders will be going out for dinner after the 5 p.m. service. Look for the Wheel O’Meal at the coffee hour to participate.
+ Real Conversations on Parenting: Grow in community with other parents this fall as we understand spiritual, mental, physical and emotional aspects of child development. Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
+ Are you a new or expecting parent? Join us on November 3 for a brunch hosted by Children’s Ministry to meet staff and fellow parents. RSVP to [email protected].
+ A thoughtful and faith-based conversation on porn: Families across the Redeemer churches are invited to an evening of discussion with subject matter expert and Redeemer Youth/Family Ministry staff on Tuesday, October 22.
+ Preschoolers to 5th graders, join us on October 20 at the morning services. Pastor Abe will invite up all of the kids during worship for a special lesson on the Missional Movement and how they are vital to it.
+ Restore self-esteem through running: Back on My Feet's recovery program for the homeless improves healthy habits and confidence through jogging and walking. Attend orientation on Thursday, October 10, 7 to 8 p.m.
+ Motivate kids to love learning: Volunteer with A House on Beekman to prepare young ones for early childhood education! Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
+ Assist with Sunday worship for elderly residents at Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Sunday, October 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.
VISION
The Redeemer family of churches and ministries exist to help build a great city for all people through a movement of the gospel that brings personal conversion, community formation, social justice, and cultural renewal to New York City and, through it, the world.
Redeemer East Side
Church Offices: 150 W. 83rd St. | New York, NY 10024
