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Fall Throwback Series, Loneliness and Belonging

This blog is also available as a podcast.


This past Sunday the Church of the Redeemer held in-person worship for the first time in 7 months. I have to tell you it was absolutely wonderful. In the truest sense of the word: filled with wonder. We called it Pop-Up Church, and we had it in Ault Park. We had three services to keep numbers low, and everyone kept appropriate distances and stayed masked and was genuinely respectful of the rules and of each other. It was great. How great was it? We decided to do it again this Sunday!


But you know what stays with me as I relive that beautiful day? It was how vocally and emphatically appreciative everyone was: Thank God we’re doing this. I miss us so much. This is just so great. Thank you for doing this. Can we do it again?

What I heard over and over again was something simple, “We belong to each other, and we want to be near each other.” While I know people miss the sanctuary, the choir, the band, the singing, the handshakes and hugs, the Eucharist – oh the Eucharist! – some deep yearning was met on Sunday when we simply got to be together. Even when we knew wanted more, we got to want more together. Even when we knew we were missing something, we got to miss it together, and that was not lost on any of us.

And it makes me wonder: With whom are you sharing your loneliness?

We’re all lonely. And I don’t think that’s just a COVID thing: Loneliness is a natural part of being human. The wondering if you are the only person who sees things the way you see them, the solitude that you experience surrounded by people – this has always been a part of our humanity. It’s just been exacerbated by this pandemic – but it’s a part of us, this loneliness.

Jesus was profoundly lonely. It’s so obvious when you read the stories about him. Constantly misunderstood, oscillating between seeking connection and trying to find alone time. So many of his parables and teachings are about being misunderstood. Friends, loneliness is not bad or shameful. And it’s not all about being physically isolated – although many of us are that right now.

One of the things I have found to be so beautiful about our church these last 7 months is how we find ways to minister to each other in our loneliness.

And I don’t just mean this past week in the park. Because the vast majority of people who are part of the Redeemer family were not able to join in worship there – and won’t be able to gather physically for a long time – but we are finding all sorts of ways to experience connection and togetherness. Each of us is in our own personal quarantine, not sure when we’ll be together again the way we know and love so much. And I know there are waves of sadness and hopelessness, but it is my enduring hope and work to assure that we know we have each other, that we have someone or a group of someones with whom we can share our loneliness. This matters tremendously.

Jesus shared his loneliness with his disciples. This was a great gift for them and for him. We are one body, one spirit. We belong to each other. And we are lonely. Our yearning is an acknowledgment of our belonging.


The implications of this belonging and loneliness are wide-ranging. Think about our country, for example. The very fact of how divided we are is killing us right now. It’s not just about the fact that we disagree – it’s how disconnected we feel from one another on basic principles that hurts so much. Our concern over racial injustice and inequity is no different. I’ve not met one person who is happy about the possibility of such inequity. The pain we face is found in how badly we wish to all be on the same page about the causes and solutions to these essential issues.

All point to an idea larger than power, politics, or economics: We know in our hearts we are made for each other, and utterly beloved, and we don’t like the idea that something we are doing or have done is hindering our ability to experience the powerful presence of the almighty God right here and right now.

Fault and frustration notwithstanding, God made us for one another. This is foundational to our understanding of the life we are living. Sometimes I am concerned that you will think it’s a cop-out when I say that relationships are at the heart of the Church of the Redeemer. Some of you will say, shouldn’t it be justice? Others will say, shouldn’t it be worship? Justice is nothing but the seeking of healthy relationship. And worship is the corporate expression of our desire for that same healthy relationship. As Christians everything we do points to the relationship at the center of all life.

Cherish your loneliness at this time. It is pointing to something so essential to the life God has given you. My prayer is that you have a person or a place to share that loneliness so that even in your loneliness you know you belong. Maybe that place is at Ault Park on a Sunday morning. Or in a Zoom Bible Study or Coffee Hour. Or a physically distanced walk with your neighborhood Connector, or a call from your Stephen Minister. Wherever it is, you will find your Redeemer there. We are in this together.


Tags: Rector's Blog

Sermons

  • Mar 20 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    The Present Past
  • Mar 12 | Tym House
    Direct Access to Grace
  • Mar 6 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Being Righteous
  • Feb 27 | The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane
    Two Sides of the Same Coin
  • Feb 20 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Superman Transfigured

Rector's Blog

  • Mar 24 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, When God Feels Like It
  • Mar 17 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, But Through Me
  • Mar 10 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, Conversions - Part 2
  • Mar 3 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, Conversions - Part 1
  • Feb 24 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, Better Not Easier

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2944 Erie Ave. · Cincinnati, OH 45208
(513) 321-6700
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The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
2944 Erie Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45208

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Welcome Children Service Times Membership Contact Us

Welcome to Church of the Redeemer! We invite and welcome ALL to join us in worship and community. In addition to worship, we have a vibrant music community, a fun and welcoming community for children and youth, plus offerings for everyone from young adults to seniors, covering many varied interests.

The Rev. Philip DeVaul, Rector

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We love children, and children love Church of the Redeemer!

Children are at the heart of life at Church of the Redeemer. Children learn about the word of God through our Children's Christian Education programs; they are involved in worship services, they play music in our services, and they form lifelong friendships with each other through their experiences.

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On Sundays we have an 8:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I service, a 9:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II service (which is also livestreamed), an 11:00 am Banquet Eucharist service and a 5:00 pm Celtic Eucharist service.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we offer Morning Prayer on our Online Worship Podcast.

On Wednesdays, we offer Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 6:00 pm in the Chapel.

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The community of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer welcomes you! We are glad that you have chosen to explore your faith here and hope that this document can answer some of the questions you may have about Church of the Redeemer. We seek to be an open, inviting community. Our invitation to you is to join us as we grow in faith and reach out in love to others. At Church of the Redeemer we are always seeking to know Jesus and grow in love. We hope that in whatever ministries you undertake will strengthen your relationship with him through your ministry and fellowship here.

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PARKING: Parking is on the street. Please pay attention to the signs indicating proper parking zones. Handicapped parking is available in the front on Erie, in the back parking lot, and on the south side of Raymar.

ACCESSIBLE REDEEMER: The front entrance has a ramp and there is an elevator inside the back door and to the left. Accessible restrooms are located in the Lobby inside the front entrance.


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Flowers in our holy worship spaces are a beautiful gift to God and those who attend services at Church of the Redeemer as well as those being honored or remembered. A contribution to the Flower Fund is a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one for special life events such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, confirmations, thanksgivings, or in memory of a loved one.

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The Church of the Redeemer is blessed to have received special gifts from parishioners who wanted Redeemer to have permanent savings to care for our facilities and to supplement our pledge income.

Such permanent savings are often called an “endowment.” The endowed funds are permanently set aside by donors or by the Vestry. Some of our donors have specified uses for their endowment gifts. A limited portion of the funds is distributed each year to supplement our general budget. All funds are invested with professional advice.

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What about your connection to Redeemer changes the way you live in this world? Your financial commitment is a response to the work that God is doing with you here. It is a practical way to ensure that others are able to experience the relationships of holy connection and communion that are shaping your life.

For 2023, we ask that you make your commitment through regular scheduled electronic giving, if possible. Whether it be weekly or annually, giving electronically is a safe and sustainable way to ensure your continued financial support.

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Your planned legacy gift to the Church of the Redeemer is a practical way for you to empower generations to come. It is a powerful witness of faith, love, and gratitude. This type of gift recognizes the heritage left by those who came before us and acknowledges that we bear a responsibility to the future faithful - to insure the continuation of God’s work within and beyond Church of the Redeemer.

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