We are profoundly thankful for the many opportunities God has given to us to be a part of his mission here in Ann Arbor. Over this past year, God has taught us so much. It hasn’t always been easy, but we can testify of God’s steadfast love and ever present care as we stepped out into the great unknown of church planting.
We are so grateful for where God has placed us. In Jack Miller’s book on leadership, he talks about the importance of praying for a God-given love for the place of God’s calling in one’s life. We are thankful that the more time we spend at the University of Michigan and in the community of Ann Arbor, the more we have grown to love this unique place! There always seems to be something going on in Ann Arbor. With students coming into town over the last few weeks, the town is buzzing with people from all over the world. It already has been tough to see a few people come and attend Redeemer for a time during their research at the University and then head back to their homes around the country and around the world. However, the constant influx and flow of the nations into Ann Arbor is so refreshing and exciting as we think of the global reach of ministering the gospel to people each week. The past two weeks in church, we have had visitors who just moved from China, India, and South Korea. Our prayer is that God would build a diverse and healthy church as we gather each week to be encouraged in our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Looking back over the last year . . .
We began in August of last year. For the first 8 months, we met for prayer each week and planned different events to spread the word about the church. In April of this year, we began our 5 PM worship services. For the first few months we averaged around 20-30 people. Now, we are averaging 40-50. This summer, Susannah and Lorraine led a women’s book study on Paul Miller’s book, Love Walked Among Us. It was encouraging to see a few unbelievers attend and participate in the study along with the ladies of Redeemer Ann Arbor. Lastly, near the end of July, God graciously worked to bring Matt and Tiffany Price to join us in the mission here. They have spent the last two years in Manchester, England working with international students at Grace Church in Manchester (an Acts 29 church). We are very thankful for how well they fit into God’s mission for us here in Ann Arbor and we pray that God greatly uses them here as they seek to reach out to the community here.
Looking forward . . .
We will continue our 5 PM worship, and we hope to expand soon from one to two small groups that meet throughout the week. During the opening weeks of the semester, we have reserved tables at various student orientation events in order to spread the word about Redeemer Ann Arbor. Also, on September 11 after our worship, we have a Jazz quintet coming to play as we have “Jazz and BBQ on the Lawn.” The women will start a new book study this fall on Wednesday mornings and studying When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. The men will gather for breakfast one morning a week at Angelo’s (the best breakfast in Ann Arbor) and study Rankin Wilbourne’s book Union with Christ. A few of us have read this book this summer and have been profoundly impacted by this central and beautiful truth of the gospel. Along with these studies, Jim will continue a campus study at 9PM on Wednesday nights going through the book of Ecclesiastes.
Lastly, we are very encouraged with two extended ministry opportunities that God has given to us. Over the past year, Jim and Susannah have become friends with Colby and Sarah Keefer. Colby and Sarah lead the Athletes in Action ministry at U of M. Jim and Susannah have now joined the AIA team by volunteering a few hours a week. They each plan on leading a discipleship group with student athletes that focuses on training them to evangelize and disciple their teammates.
Also, Matt has made contact with Larry Champoux. Larry has headed up International Students Inc. in Ann Arbor for a number of years. We hope through this ministry and Matt’s work with Washtenaw County Literacy to have extended opportunities with our International neighbors on campus and in the community.
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
Please pray for . . .
• Festifall and Northfest, the two orientation events that we will participate in the second week of September
• “Jazz and BBQ on the Lawn” on Sunday night September 11 after our time of worship
• Our worship services and small group meetings to effectively encourage people toward Jesus.
• Our Men’s and Women’s gatherings each week
• Matt and Tiffany’s International Ministry
• Jim and Susannah’s opportunity with Athletes in Action