Letter from the Bishop

We've been meaning to share the Bishop's letter.... The Diocese is fully on board with our rebuilding efforts.

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From Bishop Councell:

I am sorry to report that the Church of the Redeemer, our seasonal chapel at Longport, New Jersey, was destroyed by a fire caused by lightning on Friday night, June 29th. The Rev. John Baker and his family, from the Diocese of Virginia — who are in residence... these next few weeks — are safe. The rectory was preserved.

Please pray for the people who regularly attend the Church of the Redeemer and all those who support its presence and its ministry in the community of Longport. May our Lord bless and uphold them with grace and wisdom as they discern God's call and consider the future shape of their mission in obedience to Christ.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
+George
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Letter from Tara Funk Grim

Received a lovely message from Tara Funk Grim. Tara is a long time Redeemer friend who displays in our Art Show. We look forward to hosting this event again. Soon!

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My heart is with you all in this moment. The Church of the Redeemer was the most beautiful church I have attended filled with loving people and a history that began with the town of Longport. I am so sorry. My heart aches for ...the beautiful church, windows, and for the community.

I read Michael Cohen's heartfelt statement about the special power over those who sat in its pews, amid its walnut paneling awash in the glow of its intricate stained glass windows. Its power even transcended denomination and faith. It has been very special moments for me to be there in worship with you.

I cannot tell you how much The Church of the Redeemer has meant to me personally and to the people I have had the privilege to show the Church for their first time during the art show. I am so deeply saddened.

Tara Funk Grim

Letter from Elizabeth Eckhardt and Vincent Dipentino

Tom Subranni forwarded another kind letter of love and support. (This one is from Elizabeth Eckhardt and Vincent Dipentino.) The "physical place" echoes the opening hymn video from last week that Margaret Holmes has linked to.... "We are the Church, Together."

Safe travels.

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Tom:

Elizabeth and I are so very saddened to know of the tragic loss of the physical building, the Church of the R...edeemer. We are absolutely shocked, just flabbergasted at the news.

Our prayers, and the prayers of our Philadelphia Congregation – St. Peters Episcopal Church – are with you and the other most committed members, and faithful visitors of the Church of The Redeemer.

Interestingly, we too find ourselves without a “physical place” to worship as a result of building structural concerns, and the closing of our St Peters Church built more than 250 years ago in Society Hill, Phila…we are reminded that we worship as a congregation…where ever we can, and we will find Gods presence.

Elizabeth and will be in Colorado tomorrow, and will pray for God’s grace for the Church of the Redeemer, for St Peters Church and for all the faithful.

Thank you Tom and your brother Bob and all those so vitally important to the Church of The Redeemer for all that you do.

With warm personal regards, and our heartfelt prayers, we remain,

Very truly yours,

Vincent and Elizabeth