Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church
720 Edgewood Road NW - Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405
Phone: (319) 396-8547  -  E-mail: secretary@holyredeemerlutheran-cr-ia.org

Services: Sunday - 9:00 AM and Saturday - 5:00 PM
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From the Pastor

Current Message

As I begin to write this, it is early on the Sunday morning when we will officially break ground for our building expansion. I am alone in the building for now, but that will soon change, as the space will fill quickly with all of you as you come to worship and to join in the day’s activities.

Soon it will be obvious to anyone who drives by that something is going on here at Holy Redeemer. Our physical efforts at "growing to and for Christ" will be very visible, as trucks and trailers move in, as ground is graded, and as new walls begin to go up and old walls begin to come down. I hope that peoples’ curiosity is aroused, and I hope that those who may be looking for a church home find their way here as they see our building’s growth.

For us, I would encourage us to use this time of obvious building growth as an opportunity for spiritual growth, both as a congregation and as individuals. "Growing to and for Christ" is about much more than the building. It is about our ongoing, intentional efforts to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ—as people who seek to know him and to make him known, here in the building and beyond.

Growth in discipleship starts here, as we gather as a family of faith to hear the Word, share the Supper, and join in fellowship in the name of Christ. Worship is one venue we have for growth. Bible studies, adult forums, and other groups are other ways to deepen our faith and grow in discipleship.

I would encourage you to think about how you might stretch and grow as a follower of Jesus during this time of our building expansion. I have some suggestions: Make it a priority to be a regular worshipper … join the Adult Class … join a Bible Study (or make a suggestion for a new one) … be more intentional about your personal daily devotions … visit here on Committee Night to see where your skills and interests might intersect with Holy Redeemer’s call to grow and spread the Gospel … join the Parenting Group … join the choir. These are all ways to grow in faith, service, and discipleship, and they are all a part of what will make our congregation grow, as we all become more and more excited about what God is doing here and how we can share that with others.

If each one of us makes a commitment to grow in our personal lives of faith and discipleship, the effect will spill over into the congregation. Our growth and enthusiasm will be as obvious as the new walls of our building, and together we will continue to grow to and for Christ.

I am not alone in the church anymore. Harold Miller just came in, carrying the building plans that will be on display throughout the process. Susan is rehearsing with some musicians in the nave. Kelly Moritz is re-filling the worship activity bags for the children. I hear one car door after another closing in the parking lot. I hear conversations outside my window as you begin to gather to worship and to join in the day’s activities…

Let the growth begin—around our building and within ourselves!

In Christ,
Pastor Brenda

An addendum… As you know, construction has been delayed. However, all of the above is still applicable. Even as we wait, we can and should be intentional about our growth. - PB

 
"From the Pastor" Notes
Previous Messages
Feel free to review our archive of past messages "From the Pastor." Each is dated to provide a context for the message.

September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
February 2006
December 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
March 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003

Other Published Works
In addition to her newsletter column, Pastor Brenda has at least one other published work that we can share.

The Lutheran, May 2007


 
 
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