Thank you for praying with us for Vacation Bible School last week!

From July 11-15, 300 children gathered at W83 for VBS: Cave Quest. There, they discovered Jesus, the light of the world, and what it looks like to follow him. Thank you for praying that the children and volunteers would come to know Jesus more deeply. And a big thank you to the hundreds of volunteers for caring for, leading, and having fun with the children!

The West Side Café will resume again in the fall.

The West Side Café is an open space for seekers, skeptics and those considering Christianity to engage with and process the Christian faith. Each week will involve a short presentation and discussion addressing topics of interest and claims of the Christian faith. For more info, visit redeemer.com/wscafe.

I write this reflection on the morning after what appears to be another act of terror, this time in Nice, France. I started the day with the reading of Psalm 37, the first words of which are “do not fret”: a command that seems both hollow and taunting in light of more images of terror and death. But the Psalmist proceeds to give us what one writer calls "reasoned encouragements" to help us to not fret in the face of evil and suffering. So let me share them with you as we together pray for, and await, the peace that only God can bring about.

Look ahead (10-11)
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Look up (39-40)
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Do good (3, 8)
Trust in the Lord and do good; Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

There are times when we don’t have the words to express our fear, anger or grief—which is why God gave us his. May they encourage and comfort you this week.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27

In Christ,

W83 invites you to participate in an interactive art project 
Now through August 25
"Making Place" is an interactive art project exhibiting the collective memories and places of meaning in our Upper West Side neighborhood. We invite you to take pictures of places on the UWS special to you in themes of Change, Beauty, Joy, Love or Loss and label it with #MakingPlaceUWS on social media (Instagram, Twitter). Your images will be collectively displayed as part of this exhibition, which will run July 21 - August 25 in the W83 Gallery. Share as much or as little as you would like about the significance of the place. Please include the location's name and cross streets. For more details, please email W83.Gallery@redeemer.com. 

Summer Reading Lists from CFW
As the weather warms and summer begins, we know many in the city seek ways to rejuvenate and rest in order to refocus their priorities. Consider some of our CFW Resources to reenergize your mind and your spirit toward a gospel-centered approach work. Plan your summer reading list with vocation-specific recommendations or our curated reading list around this year's theme of calling.

Safe Families for Children: Attend Training to Support Local Families in Crisis
Monday, July 25 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Volunteers will learn about ways to get involved in supporting families in need by hosting children, supporting hosts, coaching families, and more at this overview training from Safe Families. RSVP here.

Do For One: Attend Orientation on Supporting Adults with Disabilities
Monday, July 25 from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m.
Volunteers will learn about issues people with disabilities face, and how they can personally respond to these issues by getting involved. RSVP here.

NYC Relief: Offer Soup, Prayer & Resources
Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers will serve soup and drinks, pray for homeless guests, and help distribute resources. Learn more here.

Divorce Care Groups
Men: Wednesday, September 14, 7 to 9 p.m. 
Women: Thursday, September 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Beginning in September, the Diaconate will open two Divorce Care groups, one for men and one for women. The groups are for individuals in any stage of divorce and seek to provide mutual support and a fresh start through Scripture, prayer and a divorce recovery workbook. More info here and contact Marie to register.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. —Psalm 37:39-40

Father, we pray:

• For healing and peace for those all around the world that are suffering from acts of terror; would you be their help and deliverer in this time of trouble.
• That you would continue to be near to the people of Baton Rouge—and across the country—as we long and strive for justice and peace in the light of such violence
• That you would be a refuge for those who trust in you, and you would strengthen them to be ambassadors of mercy and peace towards others