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Tacos and Friendship

This blog is also available as a podcast

When I told my friend Brian I would be leaving Southern California and moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, he did not bring up our friendship, or the weather, or the church I served, or the relationships I had built in my years of ministry in that area. No, he went straight for the heart. He said, “You won’t survive in Cincinnati – where will you get good tacos?” Those who live here in the Queen City know this is both a low blow and an inaccuracy – there is legitimately phenomenal Mexican food (tacos, and otherwise) to be had here. But the sheer number of taco options in my old home was overwhelming – I had two amazing taquerias within a quarter mile of my house. I shared Brian’s concerns. But moved here anyway, hoping maybe Skyline Chili could replace tacos in my heart.

It did not.

Tacos are still king.

And while I really want to talk to you here about Jesus and the church and grace and gratitude, I feel required to stop at this point and let you know that Taqueria San Marcos in Norwood and Taqueria Cruz in Covington are the best taquerias in the area. I also love Mazunte, and probably eat there the most. And something wonderful is happening in Cincinnati right now: the proliferation of Mexican food trucks: I know of four all within a few minutes’ drive from my house. This is serious business for the DeVauls.

So it was one of the great joys of my five years (so far) of ministry in Cincinnati when we had the best taco truck in town parked in front of Church of the Redeemer last Friday. They served tacos and quesadillas to over 125 parishioners and friends. That’s right Los Cuñados, the taco truck that is usually parked at the BP station in Rookwood – on the corner of Madison and Edwards – now has my favorite tacos in Cincinnati. And that Friday night they were all ours. It was glorious.

Friends, this was simply a magical night. And the food was a big part of it, but honestly, I was overwhelmed with joy just for the opportunity to be together. I saw longtime parishioners next to people who have just shown up in the last couple months, friends and family, some who walked over, and others who came from West Chester and Evendale, all together. The feeling of love and affection was palpable across the front porch, into the narthex and through the cloister garden, as I watched people remember what it meant just to be church together.

We have, of course, been worshiping in person for over six months now, and have been in each other’s presence in meaningful ways. But on Friday we just enjoyed each other, with no liturgy, no agenda, plan of action, or purpose. Just tacos and friendship. I saw my friend Pete in person for the first time since March of 2020 and my heart was full to overflowing. You’ve heard me say it so many times before, but it keeps being true: Relationships are the heart of the Church of the Redeemer. And our relationships continue to be in a challenging place as we navigate our way forward together. But on Friday I got a glimpse of just how strong the connections are in this beloved community.

I saw tacos and friendship, and I remembered why I love my job so much, why I believe in Jesus, why this caring for this community is the work of a lifetime.

It’s a gift. It’s all a gift – this shared life, this call to live in community. It’s a gift. One of my colleagues showed up for the Block Party, and he recounted to me his experience like this: He said, “We walked up and someone greeted us, offered us some tickets, and said, ‘Take these tickets and they’ll become tacos.’” He laughed and said it was like a living sermon on grace.

The food, the friendship, the kindness, the music (from our excellent Banquet drummer and his jazz trio), the set up (by our amazing Sexton team, and organized by dynamite parishioner Barb Stephens), all overseen by our stellar Family Ministry team –God is so good. In the past year, you have heard me say more than once that we will never go back to normal, that we will only go forward to a new normal. We just saw a little piece of that new normal. It is filled with life and love.

If you missed this Block Party and you’re feeling all kinds of jealousy, don’t worry: There will be more. In the meantime, your presence and your participation in the ministries of the church is so important. You have a part to play in making us the center of grace that radiates the love of Jesus. If you’re looking for an immediate way to bless people, please don’t forget about our online donation of Thanksgiving Meals through Madisonville Education & Assistance Center – the deadline for that is this Sunday. And don’t forget to make your financial commitment to Church of the Redeemer for 2022 so that we can continue to foster and support this community we love so much. And, of course, if you’re just hungry and want some company you can call me and I’ll take you out for tacos.

Thanksgiving Boxes for MEAC

Commitment 2022


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.


CONTACT US
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Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of Church of the Redeemer!

To give a one time gift, click the button below. To make a financial commitment for 2023, use the Commitment 2023 tab above.

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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.

Donate

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.

MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT NOW

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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