Redeemer is Open Again — But No One Told Redeemer
A new chapter is about to begin in the continuing saga of Redeemer Lutheran Church in East Falls.
One year we are told we are closed by the bishop, who has questionable authority to take such actions without a congregational vote. We go on for some time. Then we are told by SEPA Synod’s legal counsel by fax that we are “officially terminated” — again, with questionable authority. We appeal that decision to the Synod Assembly who never votes on that part of our appeal. Then Synod Council, who has no authority to vote congregations closed, decides they need to vote to “officially” close Redeemer. Now, according to the community calendar in East Falls, Redeemer is OPEN and celebrating Christmas tonight.
No one told the people of Redeemer! No one invited the people of Redeemer! They have our mailing list!
None of the clergy about to celebrate Christmas in the sanctuary we built with love for the glory of God has shown an iota of concern for the people of Redeemer or East Falls. Sadly, neither have the congregations of the NW Olney Conference. We’ve seen nothing but arrogance from SEPA leadership.
While they are using the name Redeemer, they do not represent the people of Redeemer from East Falls, whom they have sued as a congregation and as individuals in order to seize our assets.
The message of Christmas just doesn’t seem to be breaking through.
You cannot reconcile people from a position of arrogance. The message of Christmas is about God coming to Earth in human form, to suffer humility for the people. The people of Redeemer have seen none of that modeled by representatives of SEPA.
Shame!
SEPA Lutherans: if you want to reconcile with the people of East Falls, begin by knocking on our doors and acting like we are children of God. We haven’t gone anywhere, we’ve just been locked out of our church for two years and three months.
The notice in the Community News Calendar says All Welcome. Now that’s news!