Rector's Blog: Bursting With Inspired Energy

We are well into our Fall Annual Giving Campaign for 2020, and I am already inspired by the enthusiasm, generosity, and faithfulness of the people of Redeemer. If you have already made your pledge, I want to thank you for your commitment. If you have yet to do so, I want to encourage you to prayerfully consider how you’re able to give back to your church, and to make your financial commitment this week so that we can have a clear picture of what we’re capable of funding in the coming year.

I want you to know that the preliminary budget we’ve developed is an aggressive one – and it will require an increase of at least 5% in giving from last year. I’m proud of the work our leadership has done in its visioning and strategic planning, and our proposed budget for 2020 reflects that. Our hope to participate with Jesus in the work of redeeming and reconciling this world in Love is at the core of our vision.

The budget increase is connected to the fulfillment of the strategic plan that was laid out at the beginning of the past year. We are focusing on five areas:

• We seek to increase the effectiveness of our leadership. In 2020, we are devoting more money to ministry training and administration, as well as making sure our staff is paid appropriately, and getting raises and cost-of-living increases where appropriate.
• We seek to create a culture of Welcome and Incorporation. In 2020 we will be launching a hospitality ministry and devoting more staff time to making sure we are attentive to the incorporation of newcomers. We will continue to develop our Communications team and materials, so that the vitality and beauty of the Redeemer community is apparent to all.
• We seek to form meaningful connections including across cultural barriers. In 2020 we will be renewing our commitment to Becoming Beloved Community, understanding our part in the difficult, holy work of racial justice, healing, and reconciliation. This year, Redeemer began its first LGBTQ+ Fellowship, and we look to expand and develop that ministry, while continuing to develop the powerful, church-transforming work of Stephen Ministry and our Second Half of Life Ministry.
• We seek to develop engaging Youth and Young Adult Ministries. In 2020, building on the resounding success of our ministry with Young Adults, we will intensify our work and commitment to building a life-giving High School group that will meet regularly, study Scriptures, ask big questions, and head on a Mission Trip during the summer.
• We seek to do Mission Work that is transformative, meaningful, and impactful. In 2020 we will move away from our “mile-wide inch-deep” approach to outreach work at Redeemer and present a compelling plan that leads us as a people out into our neighborhood to bless it and love it in practical ways. Connected to this, we will be strengthening our relationship with ERS as we partner with their Madison Villa affordable housing, and Melanie Slane will be leading a local Mission trip during the summer.

As you can see, Redeemer is bursting with inspired energy and purpose right now. Your financial commitment will ensure that we can partner with God and accomplish all these things and more, as we more fully know Jesus and grow in love. I ask you to make a pledge to Redeemer. If you are able, I ask you to increase your pledge from 2019 for all the reasons stated above. If you have already pledged and would like to increase your pledge, you may easily do so by contacting our Finance Officer, Debbi Alsfelder, and letting her know.

Pledge cards were mailed to you earlier this month and some are available at the reception desk, in the Great Hall, and in the Narthex. You may also choose to pledge online by clicking here.

Thank you for the way you love Redeemer. Your gift facilitates blessing. Your commitment changes lives. Your presence and ministry are a life-changing gift to me and my family, and to everyone you meet. Thank you. I can’t wait for 2020.