Dear Fellow Redeemed,

    We have completed the first phase of our congregational renewal process by submitting a self-assessment to Dr. Seaman. Dr. Seaman is the Facilitator for the Southern Region of our District, and Director of our District’s Congregational Renewal Process. Dr. Seaman and his team will study the assessment and then make some recommendations for us to consider and implement.

   The next phase of our renewal process is the Spiritual Life Retreat which is scheduled for Saturday, September 11.  This one-day retreat will be lead by Deaconess Robie Hillhouse, a staff member of the Lutheran Mission Society; and Ms. Denise Wright, the Spiritual Life Director of St. John’s Lutheran Church in York. More information will be forthcoming concerning the day’s agenda.

   The Spiritual Life Retreat is an essential part of the congregational renewal process  because 1) spiritual renewal is what  congregational renewal is all about; and 2)  Dr. Seaman emphasized the importance of seeking God’s will and guidance throughout the process. That is why I cannot overemphasize how important it is to have as many members and associates as possible at this Spiritual Life Retreat. It is my hope that every member and associate of our congregation does not regard this retreat as just another optional activity but rather a necessary activity for the spiritual renewal and growth of our congregation, which includes all of us. That is also why I am strongly encouraging all of our members and associates to attend this Spiritual Life Retreat unless there is a good reason they cannot attend, such as being sick, or out-of-town, or at work. I firmly believe that this is a critical stage in the congregational renewal process which must take precedence over all of our other activities. I realize that for some members and associates that might mean sacrificing participating in another activity they enjoy, but I think it is that important.    In fact, one aspect of the Christian life is about making sacrifices for Jesus out of faith, love and obedience because of the sacrifice He made for us.

  In his letters Chaplain Joseph Hopkins Twichell wrote about the spiritual revival that took place in the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War.  After a speaking tour for the American Tract Society Twitchell wrote: “While I have been away they have had wonderful times here. Such a work of Grace has never been known in the Army. My heart fairly leaped when I went to the meeting Thursday night to hear several, and among them some of my own boys declare their new found joy in Christ…Every night the prayer meetings in our Chapel are crowded and such freedom, both in prayer and exhortation, is not often witnessed anywhere…God bless the dear fellows!” (The Civil War Letters of Joseph Hopkins Twichell . p. 295)

   Every time I read about the revival that took place then in the Army of the Potomac  I pray for the same thing to happen in our congregation.  I pray for every member and associate of our congregation to experience a new found joy in Christ, and make worship and prayer a priority in their lives. I know it is possible because the same Holy Spirit who worked spiritual renewal in the hearts and lives of those soldiers can do the same thing in us and our lives too if we let Him.

 Yours in Christ,                                                         

Redeemer Lutheran Church - 20440 Downes Road - Parkton, MD 21120 - Phone 410-343-1665 - Email:  info@redeemerparkton.com 
 Pastor: Rev. James Banach      Secretary:  Faith Smith      Webmaster: John Wachter

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