Redeemer Review           The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer                                          A caring community offering opportunities for spiritual growth                                                  by knowing, loving and serving God through each other October, 2004 FROM THE VICAR A resounding “Thank You” to all those who gave so generously of their time, talent and treasure to support this year’s Kids’ Karnival! It was such a gift to work with you and watch our church transformed into a wonderland of fun, frolic, festivity and (my favorite) food! Thank you, Billie, Eileen, Kelly, Cindy Betsy and everyone! Thanks to our guys who helped cook. Thanks to St. Paul’s and Jay for the loan of your tables. Thanks to the Preschool for your open house. Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a banquet. What better way to express our faith? October’s Gospel readings talk deeply about the power of faith, about mustard seeds, healings and yes, that tax collector Jesus called out of the tree. Although most of the time we think of faith as a synonym for belief, the word as it is used in the Bible means “trust.” Jesus asks us to trust him and his teachings. Don’t be afraid to do the right thing. It’s going to work.  Sometimes, though, that’s a pretty big “if.” Life can feel awfully uncertain, at times, sad, unfulfilling, empty. Where is our loving God when life falls apart?  Jesus tells us, “let go and trust,” but in our high powered world that letting go can feel like standing blindfolded at the top of a high dive and having everyone telling you to jump. You’ve been told there’s good deep water down there, but -- how to let go? Trust is a gift. Trust cannot be demanded of us. We give it of our own free will. Our community of faith is here because you have called us into being. We are a gift of people, a gift of support, a gift of kindness, a place to discover the cool waters at the base of the diving board before they lure you up the ladder, a place to raise your children, a place where the years promise richness not weakness, a place to bring your friends and live a great story. As fall begins to darken into winter, it is up to us to keep the light of the world on, and we can’t do that unless we can pay PG&E. A community of faith is built entirely upon gifts. We exist here because you want us here. When I build my private house and sell it, the next owner comes and tears it down and builds something else on the site. When I build my church I am building something that will not be torn down, that will live on after me and remember me, where my story will be spoken and continued both by my own family and by my friends in faith.  In October, you will receive a letter about giving, about what it means to you and to us and to our hopes and to God. In it, we will look at the trinity of church life: time, talent and treasure.  May you be rich in gifts, my friends. Blessings, Rev. Carol Luther SAVE THE DATE: November 14th  Institution of Rev. Carol Luther by Bishop William Swing