Community Engagement
Evangelism
LCFM
Lutheran Towers
Redeeming Grace
Grace House at Georgia Tech
Quilters
Faithful Hands
WeserveaGodofabundantgraceandgenerosity.Ourworshipis centeredontheinvitationthatChristoffersatthecommuniontable:all arewelcomeinthisplace.Thatwelcomeflowsthroughallwedoandsay. WeopenourarmstoeveryonewhocomestoshareourloveofGodandall God’speople.Weaffirmandvaluethelivesofeveryone,includingallwho havebeenmarginalizedbyability,age,gender,genderidentityand expression,mentalorphysicalhealth,poverty,race,sexualorientation,or anyothercircumstance.Letourmessagebeclear:allarewelcometo participatefullyinthelifeofourcongregation.
MISSION MISSION ThemissionofLutheranChurchoftheRedeemeris tocreateacommunitythatinwordanddeed reflectstheloveofChrist.Throughworship, communityandservice,Redeemerequipspeopleto belivingtestamentstotheLutheranfaithinAtlanta andbeyond.
redeemerorg
Letter from the Senior Pastor DearFellowFolllowerofChrist,
GraceandpeacetoyoufromGodourFatherandourLordJesusChrist.
ItiswithgratitudeandhopethatwesharethisAnnualReportunderthe theme“GrowinginGrace.”Thesewordsaredrawnfrom2Peter3:18:“But growinthegraceandknowledgeofourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.” Theyremindusthatfaithisnotstatic.Itisliving.Itstretches,deepens, challenges,andrenewsus bothasindividualsandasacongregation.
Thispastyearhasbeenoneofgrowthinwaysbothvisibleandunseen Wehavegrownin worship,gatheringaroundWordandSacramenttoreceiveagainthegiftsGodsofreely gives.Wehavegrownthroughlearning,study,andfaithfulquestioning.Wehavegrownin service,extendingChrist’slovebeyondourwallsintothecommunityandworldGodso loves.
Growthingraceisnotaboutnumbersoraccomplishmentsalone.Itisabout transformation.ItisaboutbecomingmorerootedinChrist,morepatientwithoneanother, morecourageousinwitness,andmoregenerousinlove.Graceshapeshowweforgive,how welead,howwegive,andhowweserve Graceremindsusthateverythingweareand everythingwedobeginswithGod’sinitiative,notourown
Asyoureadthroughthisreport,youwillseeevidenceofthatgraceatworkinministry highlights,financialstewardship,outreachefforts,andthecountlessactsoffaithfulness thatoftengounnoticed.Eachpagetellsthestoryofacommunitybeingformedand reformedbytheHolySpirit.
Wegivethanksforeachmember,volunteer,staffperson,andleaderwhohascontributed tooursharedlife Together,wecontinuetogrow—notbecauseweareperfect,butbecause Godisfaithful
ThankyoualsoforanotheryearofallowingmetoserveasyourSeniorPastor.Itisa profoundprivilegetowalkwithyouinfaith atthefontandthetable,inhospitalroomsand fellowshiphalls,inmomentsofcelebrationandinseasonsofsorrow.Thispastyear,Ihave onceagainwitnessedthequietstrengthandsteadygenerosityofthiscongregation.Ihave seenyourfaithinaction inworship,inservice,indifficultconversations,andindeep compassionforoneanother Youcontinuetobeacommunityshapednotbyfear,butby grace
Thankyouforyourtrust,yourpartnershipinministry,andyourprayers.Thankyouforthe waysyouencourageandsupportnotonlyme,butourstaffandoneanother.Ministryis nevertheworkofoneperson;itisthesharedcallingofthewholebodyofChrist Iam gratefultoserveamongleadersandmemberswhotakethatcallingseriouslyand joyfully.
Aswelookahead,IremainhopefulaboutwhatGodisdoinginandthroughLutheran ChurchoftheRedeemer.TheSpiritisnotfinishedwithusyet.
InChrist’sservice,
Rev MarkH Larson SeniorPastor
LutheranChurchoftheRedeemer
Letter from the Council President DearFaithfulRedeemerMembers,FamilyandFriends ThisAnnualReportprovidesanoverviewof2025,ayearinwhichtheRedeemercommunity advancedseveralcurrentinitiativesandcontinuedtocarryoutthemanymissionsofour ministryteams
Buildingonaninitiativelaunchedin2022,theFacilityMasterPlanningCommittee completedthepredevelopmentphaseConceptDesign.Thisworkincludesa comprehensivewrittenreport,2-Dplansandrenderings,andaconceptdesignvideo featuring3-Drenderings.BoththereportandvideoareavailableontheRedeemerwebsite. ThecommitteewillcontinuetoworkwiththeCounciltodeterminenextsteps,contingent uponeconomicandmarketconditions.
InApril2025,theCongregationcalledDeaconAllisonLizdasasDirectorofCongregational Care DeaconAllisonhasbeenreinvigoratingCongregationcareandengagement, providingleadershipandorganizationalexpertisetohelpministryteamspluginvolunteers, connectwithvisitors,andleadnewmemberclasses.Thisfall,DeaconAllisonandalarge teamoflayleadersandvolunteerskickedoffanewSundayFundayinitiativewiththe returnofRedeemer’sbelovedOctoberfesttradition!Lookformoreoftheseplanned quarterlyCongregationfellowshipeventsin2026!
FollowingupontheCongregation’sapprovalofthe2025budget,whichincludedfunding foranewevangelisminitiativeandapastoralpositionforevangelismandmission development,theCongregationCouncilbeganthecallprocess Atthesametime,anew ministryteamwasassembledtobeginenvisioningandplanningtheministryinitiativesthe newpastorwouldlead.Byfallof2025,RedeemerhadcalledandinstalledPastorTimothy LloydasAssociatePastorofEvangelismandMissionDevelopment,andthenew Evangelism“E-team”ministryteamwasinplaceandactive.UnderPastorTim’sleadership, theE-teamanticipatesanactiveandexciting2026aswegrowGod’skingdom.
AftertheadoptionofRedeemer’sWelcomeStatementin2024,Councilseta2025goalof exploringtheprocessofbecomingaReconcilinginChristpartnercongregation
Congregationalfeedbackatlisteningpostsshowedstrongsupportforpartneringwiththe ReconcilingWorksorganizationinmakingapublicandintentionalcommitmentto welcome,include,andadvocateforLGBTQIA+andBIPOCpeople–communitiesthathave historicallybeenmarginalizedinthechurch.Councilthusvotedtomoveforwardwith pursuingthisRICpartnerdesignationfor2026.
Although2025broughtmanychangesandnewinitiatives,Redeemeralsoremaineddeeply committedtothefaithfulworkofitsactiveMinistryTeams.Throughouttheyear,dedicated volunteerscontinuedtocarryouttheirmissionsinfaithformation,familyministry,feeding thehungry,fellowship,propertycare,worshipplanning,inspirationalmusic,congregational care,communityengagement,andmore Asyoureadthereportsthatfollow,weinviteyou torecognizeeachoneasthefruitofcountlessindividualsofferingtheirtimeandtalentsto serveasthehandsofGod,doingGod’sworkinourchurchandbeyond.
Redeemerexperiencedagreatdealofenergyandexcitementin2025,andweanticipate continuedoptimismandgrowth.We’reblessedwithavarietyofresources,adynamic setting,andaclearmission.Inspiredbythecommitmentandachievementsofprior generationsatRedeemerandbuildingonrecentyears'work,wecontinuetodefine,expand, andpursueourmission.Wetooksomeimportantstepsin2025,andwewillfaceboth opportunitiesandchallengesaswemoveforward
IhopeyouenjoytheopportunitytoreviewwhattheRedeemercommunityaccomplishedin 2025.TakeamomenttoreflectonthecumulativeimpactofRedeemer’smanyministries andactivities.AsImentioned,eachoftheseministryteamsismakinganimpactthrough membersandvolunteerswhogivetheirtimeandtalents,workingalongsidededicatedand skilledstaff.Allofthisismadepossiblebythosewhohavegiventheirfinancial“treasure” throughpledgesandotherofferings.Myheartfeltthankstoallwhogaveofthemselvesin anyandeveryway Ifyouhaven'tgotteninvolvedyetandthestoriesinthisreport encourageyoutomakeanimpact,Ihopeyouwillshareyourtime,talent,andtreasurein whateverwayGodleadsyou.
InGod’sPeace,
JeffGuthrie
2025CongregationCouncilPresident
WORSHIP TheWorshipMinistryisblessedtoservealongsideourstaffandvolunteerstoensurethattheWord ofGodispreachedandthesacramentsareadministeredfaithfullytoHisglory Wealsostriveto maximizelayleadershipandserviceparticipationinanumberofworshipleadershiproles,both duringourservicesandbehindthescenes.
Highlights WewelcomednewclergyleadershipwithDeaconAllisonLizdasandPastorTimLloyd,and werehonoredtocelebrateDeaconAllison’sordinationinMay.
Wealsowelcomedanewjazzworshipleader,RaineyLindsey,whoseleadershiphelped increaseattendanceatthejazzservice.Raineyadditionallyshoneasasoloistinthe HarvestHomeconcert.
WeheldourfirstWorshipretreatsinceCOVID,takingafieldtriptotheSingingtheSacred exhibitatEmoryUniversity’sPittsTheologyLibrary.Astronggroupparticipatedinaprivate, guidedtourexploringearly20th-centurySouthernhymnsinging.
WehostedOurSongAtlantaasthecollaborativechoirfortheHarvestHomeconcert, creatingameaningfulmusicaloutreachthatembodiedRedeemer’sstatementof welcomeandraisedthechurch’sprofileinthegreatercommunity.
WeweredeeplyhonoredtoreceiveagenerousbequesttoourmusicministryfromRose MaryKolpatzki,whichincludedbothasignificantfinancialgiftandthedonationofher Steinwaypiano.Weareprofoundlygratefulforthislastinglegacy.
Insummary,thepastors,deacons,choirs,bells,AltarGuild,ushers,lectors,communionassistants, andyouthallledourworshipwithexcellence.Chrismon,lily,andpoinsettiadecoratorsmadeour highestholyseasonsveryspecial.Togivejustoneexampleofourbusysubgroups’contributions, theAltarGuildisblessedwiththeresponsibilitytokeepthechancel,altar,fonts,pulpit,lectern,linens, paraments,vestments,candles,andsacramentalvesselscleanandsuppliesreadyforworship, baptisms,weddings,andfunerals.WearegratefultoALLwho,withtheirgenerosityoftimeand talents,maketheseworshipmomentspossible!
OtherSpecialHighlights Wewelcomedincreasedparticipationbyouryouthinworshipleadership,continuingarebuilding effortthatbeganaftertheCOVIDdisruption Tosupportthisgrowth,weofferedadditionaltraining sessionsandpreparednewcrucifers,acolytes,bannerbearers,andcommunionassistants. Wealsoadvancedourworkonclear,conciseroledescriptionstoaccompanyanewWorship MinistryQRCode,providinganeasywayforthoseinterestedtolearnmoreonlineaboutour volunteeropportunities.
Wesaidfarewell andofferedheartfeltthanks toourdevotedAltarGuildmember,Stanley Schubert,wishinghimGodspeedathisnewhomeinFlorida.
WecelebratedthefifthanniversaryoftheRejoicingSpiritsworshipservice,whichbeganin February2020
WearedeeplygratefulforthefaithfulcoregroupofWorshipMinistryvolunteerswhogenerously sharetheirtimeandtalents Ourmostsignificantgoalforthecomingyearistoextendabroader invitationtoallwhoareinterestedinlearningmoreabout andservingin WorshipMinistryroles. Welookforwardtoengaginginmoreintentionalandstrategicworshipplanningincollaboration withournewevangelismandoutreachpastor.
Wealsoanticipatecompletingthemajororganrestorationprojectthatbeganin2022.Looking ahead,wehopetoupdateagingparamentsandaddressspaceconstraintsatthefrontofthe sanctuary.
TeamMembers CarolBell,Chair;PastorMarkLarson,StaffLiaison
JohnThomas,CouncilLiaison
DavidHansenandSarahHawbecker,Music
CarolMaxwell,AltarGuildChair;HeidiCouch,Banners
JimMaxwell,Ushers
CharissaSchultzandFrankHull,JazzService
MindyTanzola,RejoicingSpirits
StephenMcKersie,StanleySchubert,JonneWalter
“FRIENDS OF MUSIC” Redeemer’sconcertseries,sponsoredbyourmembersandvisitors,continuestoattractour Midtownneighborsandmusicloversfrommetro-Atlantaatlarge.AhallmarkofRedeemer’s concertseriesistoprovideawiderangeofmusic,featuringdifferentartists,instruments,and choralmusiceachseason.TheRedeemerConcertSeriessponsoredsixconcertsin2025.
BorromeoStringQuartet, January31,2025,7:30pm.
“Aremarkablyaccomplished stringquartet,notsimplyforits hightechnicalpolishand refinedtone,butmore importantlyforthesearching musicalinsights.”TheChicago Tribune.Thisconcertdrewthe largestin-personaudienceof theseason,supportingour missiontoreachthelarger Atlantacommunity Attendance: In-person:171;onlineprojected attendees:214;total:385
OrganAnniversaryConcert, Friday,February21,2025, 7:30pm.Wecelebratedthe 22ndanniversaryofthe inauguralconcertofthe church’sLétourneaupipe organ,Opus80.Organist ChelseaChendrewa diverseaudience.Her concertofferingsshowed “RareMusicalityandlovely lyricalgrandeur.”Los AngelesTimes.Attendance: In-person,66;online attendees:98;total164
BlackOakEnsemble,Sunday, September21,2025,2:30pm Amulti-awardwinning ensemble,TheBlackOak Ensemblehasestablisheditself asoneofthemostinnovative andexcitingchamber ensemblesontheinternational stage.TheallGRAMMYnominatedmusicians,are violinistDesireeRuhstrat,violist AurelienFortPederzoli,and cellistDavidCunliffe. Attendance:In-person,70; projectedonlineattendees,40; total110
BorromeoStringQuartet
BachBirthdayBash:Friday,March21,2025,7:30pm:Thisfavoriteannualconcertcelebratesthe musicandlifeofoneofthegreatestcomposers,JohannSebastianBach.Theprogramfeatureda varietyofinstrumentalandchoralmusicandgavetheaudiencetheopportunitytosingseveral chorales.Attendance:In-person,65;projectedonlineattendees:144;total209.
PipeScreams:Friday,October25,2025,5:30pm:Thisannualfavorite,Redeemer’sHalloweenSpook Fest,featuredscarypipeorganmusicforkidsofallages!Attendeesareencouragedtowear costumes.SarahHawbeckerperformedonour59-stopLetourneaupipeorgan.Attendance:Inperson,95;projectedonlineattendees,48;total143.
HarvestHomeConcert:Saturday,November16,2025,7:00pm:TheHarvestHomeConcertis Redeemer’smusicalcelebrationofThanksgiving,aquintessentiallyAmericanholiday,a celebrationthatcrossesallbarriers.Thisyear,wewelcomedOurSongAtlanta,ledbyDr.Robert Glor,ArtisticDirector,andsoloistsfromRedeemerandOurSong.Theconcertisdesignedtoappeal toabroadaudience,includingcommunitymemberswhomightnotattendachurchservice Attendance:In-person,131;projectedonlineattendees,386;total517
Hopesfor2026 Wewillcontinueouroutreachtothecommunitybybringingexcellentmusiciansandprogramsto Redeemer.WearealsogratefultoDr.RoseMaryKolpatzkiforthegenerousdonationofherbeautiful Steinwaygrandpiano.APianoDedicationConcert,honoringDr.Kolpatzki,willbeheldSunday afternoon,April19 . th
TeamMembers CarolBell,CliffBurt,KevinChunn(2025CouncilLiaison),ToddLarson(2026CouncilLiaison), SarahHawbecker,MarkHelsel,JimMaxwell,DavidMcGahan(nowresigned),Penny Scarpucci,JonneandPaulWalter,andPegWyse
DIGITAL MEDIA MINISTRY Highlights Thispastyear,theRedeemerDigitalMediaMinistryhasbeenhardatworkbehindthescenesto ensureourtechnologyandmediaoperationsremainstrongandresilientandtoenablespreading themessageofourministriesandmissiontoourbroadercommunity.
Thispastyear,theRedeemerDigitalMediaMinistrywashardatworkbehindthescenes, ensuringourtechnologyandmediaoperationsremainstrongandresilient.Thisincludedsupporting streamingforourmorethan110regularandspecialworshipservicesandevents.Further,theteam continuedtoensurethatweeklyandmonthlyremotemeetingsransmoothly.
Inaddition,wecontinuedourwebsitemaintenanceandpublishingwork Thiswasespecially importantsince27%morepeoplevisitedRedeemerOrgforthefirsttimein2025vs2024 Wealsospenttimeplanningimprovementsforourwebpublishingsystemanddigitalarchives,and buildingthecatalogofPastorRobertSims’“MusicandMessage”TVsermonstopreservethemfor thefuture
Buttellingthestorydidn’tstopattechnologyoperationsandimprovements.Thisyear,ourdigital mediateamsupportedRedeemer’soutreachinnewways.TheDigitalMediaMinistrycoordinated withCBSNewstohighlightourpartnershipwithHopethruSoap.CBSwason-sitetointerviewPastor MarkabouttheLutheranCommunityFoodMinistry’songoingwork,andtheircoveragecaptureda mobileoutreachshowereventheldinour4thStreetlot.
Hopesfor2026 ContinueimprovementonourDigitalandAudio/Videosystemsforremotemeetingsandlearning
Buildamoreeffectivesocialmediaandmarketingprocess,includingthestaffingofapart-time resourcetoleadthiseffort
Developalonger-termstrategyforstreamingandcontentcreation
Continueupgradestoourwebsitesystems,presentation,andexperience
FAITH FORMATION MINISTRY TheFaithFormationTeamwouldliketoexpressitsheartfeltappreciationtothevolunteersfor theirfaithfulservicethroughministriesatRedeemer.FromBloomers,wholovinglycareforour churchgrounds,toFaithfulHandsknittersandquilterswhocreateshawls,hats,scarves,and blanketsforourneighborsinneed,theseministriesquietlyreflectChrist’slove OurBiblestudy leadersandLentensmallgroupsnurturebothfaithandfellowship,strengtheningour congregationwhileextendingawarmwelcometothewidercommunity.Thesearejustafewof manyinspiringstories.Weinviteallmemberstojoinasmallgroup orevenstartone andbe partofthislife-givingwork.
Highlights Morethan100peopleparticipatedinLentenSmallGroupsthisyear. Anengagingandwell-attendedWomen’sRetreatwasheldinOctober.
ParticipationintheFallKick-OffinspiredenthusiasmandexcitementforRedeemer’sministries InadditiontoSundaymorningstudies,awidevarietyofclassesandbookstudieswas extendedthroughouttheweek,allowingforbroaderparticipation.
WeeklyBiblestudiesanddiscussiongroupswereledbyclergyandlayleaders,withseveral classeswelcoming20ormoreparticipantseachweek.
Offeringsincludedclassesfocusedonscripture,faithandsociety,books,film,andseasonal themes,creatingmultipleopportunitiesforlearningandcommunity.
DailyAdventandLentendevotionalemailswereshared,supportingspiritualreflectionand connectionthroughoutthechurchyear.
Hopesfor2026 OfferaSundaySchoolclassforparentsofelementary-ageSundaySchoolstudents,meeting duringthesamehourastheirchildren’sclasses
EncouragemorememberstovolunteerasLentensmallgroupleadersandincreaseoverall participationinLentengroups.
Invitemorepeopletojoinongoingclassesasawaytodeepenfaithandbuildmeaningful connections,andbegintrackingattendanceinweeklyclassesin2026tobetterunderstand participationandneeds.
TeamMembers KristinGuthrie,Chairperson;WhitneyLudvigsen,CouncilLiaison
KarinMayo,PatCornwell,LeslieMisch,DanaNorden,DeaconMaryHouck,PastorJonathanTrapp
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY TheChildrenandFamilyMinistryTeamhadbeenthinkingabouthow childrenareintegratedintoourworshipandwhattheirexperienceislike. RememberingthatJesustaughtustohavefaithlikeachild,wesee childrenasfullparticipantsinworshipandexamplesoffaithfortherestof us WejumpedattheopportunitytoapplyforagrantfromSamford UniversityinBirmingham,AL,tobepartofaprogramcalledaWorship Cohort,whichwillhelpusimaginenewwaystoincludechildrenandtheir familiesinourcurrentworshipservicesandthenewcontemporaryservice thathasbeenproposedaspartoftheRedeemerMasterPlan.Thegrant wasapproved,andwecan’twaittogetstartedin2026!
Highlights ThepassageofthePronounStickerProposal,creatinga morewelcomingenvironmentforpeopleofallgendersat Redeemer
VBS-CollaboratedonceagainwithourneighborsatSt. MarkMethodistandSt.JohnLutheranchurches
CollaborationwiththeRedeemerYouthMinistrytocreate eventsthatservefamilieswithalargeragerange
SignificantincreasesinparticipationinourFamily CampingandRetreatevents
ReorganizingandrefreshingourSundaySchool classroomssothatweareallinthesamehallwayand canseeallourfriendsonSundaymornings
Hopesfor2026
Toincreasetheconsistencyofengagementofour familieswithchildren5andunder Tostartimagininganewfutureforourchildrenas participantsinworshipaspartoftheSamford Universityworshipcohort
ToexpandcollaborationswithotherRedeemer Ministryteamsandneighboringcongregations
Teammembers: CarrieHerold,LizKim,WhitneyLudvigsen,Emily Cooper,MichelleSpady,andKarenAnderson
CouncilLiaison:LizKim
StaffLiaison:Dn.MaryHouck
SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY InFebruary2025,RejoicingSpiritsjoyfullycelebrateditsfifth anniversarywithanextra-specialworshipservice The celebrationfeaturedtheDadBand,thefirstuseoftheprayer rope symbolicallyconnectingoursharedjoysandconcernsas acommunity and,ofcourse,celebratorycupcakesfortheentire congregation.Weweredelightedtowelcomesomanyfriends andneighborsandaredeeplygratefulforthecontinuedsupport ofthisveryspecialministry.
Highlights
SendingcarepackagestoourRejoicerswhoarecurrentlyaway fromhomeatcollegetocontinueourloveandsupport
Seeingour“Rejoicers”comealiveeachmonthataworshipservice wheretheyarevaluedfortheirgiftsandtalents,andcanserveas worshipleaders
Supportingourmemberswithspecialneedsastheygrowinfaith whileparticipatinginConfirmationandYouthactivities
Continuingtoeducateourchildrenandyouthabouthowtoaffirm andincludepeoplewithspecialneeds
Seeingourparticipantswithspecialneedsfillimportantleadership rolesatVacationBibleSchool,theFamilyEasterVigil,MonsterMash, andactingasgreeters,lectors,andsongleaders
Hopesfor2026
ToreviewandimproveourRejoicingSpiritsonlinepresence,includingusingSEOtomakeit easierfornewworshipperstofindus
Tohostfellowshipeventsforthosewithspecialneedsinourcommunityandtheircaregivers. TocontinueworkingwiththeMasterPlanningteamonhowtomakeourgrounds,facilities, worship,andonlinepresencemoreaccessibletopeopleofallabilities
Teammembers:
JanetPreston,CarolBell,PegWyse,MindyTanzola
CouncilLiaison:JeffGuthrie
StaffLiaison:Dn.MaryHouck
YOUTH MINISTRY ServingOurNeighborsAffectedbyNaturalDisaster
Thispastsummer,Redeemertook15highschoolerstowesternNorthCarolinatohelp communitiesintheLutherockarearecoverfromHurricaneHelene Wedugdrainageditches, cleanedariver,helpedwithgardeningatahomelessshelter,aidedalocalcharity-fundingthrift store,plushadallthefunofcampgames,ziplining,andalpinetowerclimbing!
Highlights
Sold187Kringlesforouryearlyfundraiser!(Asusual,almondkeptitscrownasthemost-ordered flavor)
Expandedouractivitiesandeventsschedule,holdingnineeventslastfall(twopermonth!), rangingfromlunchesatTheVarsityandMoe’stoFrightNightsatSixFlags,amiddleschoollockin,confirmationcamp,andmore
Welcomedfiveconfirmandslastspringasfulladultmembersofthecongregation
WorkedincollaborationwithChildrenandFamilyMinistriesonthefamilycampingtripsand retreats,ensuringtherewereactivitiesforallageranges
Hopesfor2026
Growingengagementateachevent
AnimpactfulservicetripwithAppalachiaServiceProjectthisJuly
Continuingtoevolveourvisionforwhatrelationshipformationandfaithformationlooklikeinour currentcontext
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Highlights
In2025,ouryoungadultteamlaunchedaseriesofgamenightsopentothecommunity.Thenew buildingdirectlyacrossthestreetfromRedeemeropenedinfall2025asstudenthousingforGA Tech,withmostlygraduatestudentsinresidence.Wewantedtotakethisnewandspecial opportunitytogettoknowournewneighborsbyprovidingdinner,fellowship,andfun!
WelcomingmanynewyoungadultvisitorsatRedeemer
Continuationofourmonthlylunchesintheneighborhoodtostayconnected
ParticipationintheTopGolfoutinginJuly
IncreasedinvolvementofYoungAdultsinotherministryteamssuchasEvangelism,Fellowship, andYouthMinistry
Hopesfor2026
Toenhanceourmethodsforfollowupandconnectionwithnewvisitors
CollaborationwiththeEvangelismteamtoreachouttoourneighborsacrossthestreet
TeamMembers
DanLevy,AlexPrueitt,JaredJoella,CheyenneElliot
CouncilLiaison:AnnRidenhour
StaffLiaisons:PepperHumpherysandDn MaryHouck
KEYSTONE MINISTRY Highlights Theyear2025wasoneofmeaningfulministry,carefulplanning,andsignificanttransitionfor theKeystoneMinistry Programminganddirectionfortheyearemphasizedholisticwellness, spiritualgrowth,andopportunitiesforconnectionandfellowshipamongsenioradults
Throughouttheyear,Keystoneofferedavarietyofeducational,spiritual,andcommunityfocusedexperiences,includingapresentationbyanutritionist,anoutingtoPeachtreeUnited MethodistChurchtoviewtheOrigamiDoveexhibit,alunch-and-learnonprayer,ahospice workshop,andamindful-movementclass.
Towardtheendoftheyear,anewKeystonecommitteewasformed.Thisgroupbegan meetingtolisten,reflect,anddiscerntheministry'sfuturedirection,bringingsharedleadership andafreshperspectiveasKeystonelooksahead.
Hopesfor2026 AsKeystonemovesinto2026,thenewlyformedcommitteehas committedtorebrandingtheministrytoreflectitsidentity, purpose,andvitalitymoreclearly.Thisworkwillhelp strengthencommunication,increasevisibility,andclarifyhow Keystonesupportsolderadultswithinthelifeofthe congregation.
Inthecomingyear,Keystone’sgoalsgobeyondplanning eventsandeducationalopportunities Theministryalsoaims toidentify,develop,andsharemeaningfulresourcesthat supportolderadultsandtheirfamilies.Theseresourcesmay includespiritualpractices,wellnessandcaregiving information,andconnectionstocongregationaland communitysupport.
Groundedingratitudeforthepastandattentivetothepresent, theKeystoneMinistryenters2025withhope,care,anda renewedcommitmenttoservingolderadultswithcompassion andpurpose
I n M e m o r i a m
In2025,theKeystonecommunity experiencedthelossofEdScherlacher, whosefaithfulleadershipanddeepcare forolderadultsleftalastingimpact.We givethanksforhislife,legacy,andthe manyliveshetouched.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY CongregationalCarein2025focusedonpresence,connection,andaccompanimentas individualsandfamiliesnavigatedbothordinaryseasonsoflifeandtimesoftransition.This ministryseekstoembodythechurch’scallingtocareforoneanotherthroughprayer,listening, fellowship,andtangibleexpressionsofsupport.
Highlights Adevotedvisitationteamcontinuedtofaithfullyserveour homeboundmembersthroughregularvisitsandthe sharingofHolyCommunion.Thisministryprovidesan importantlifelineforthoseunabletoattendinperson, ensuringtheyremainspirituallynourishedanddeeply connectedtothecongregation'slife Itisameaningful expressionofoursharedcommitmenttocare, compassion,andinclusion.
Throughouttheyear,congregationalcarewasembodiedthroughcompassionatepastoral listening,prayer,andsteadysupportduringtimesofgrief,illness,andlifetransitions,inclose collaborationwithpastoralstaffandlayleaders.Tofurtherstrengthenthisministry,the congregationalcareleadercompletedanine-monthgriefcarecourse,gainingdeeperinsight andpracticaltoolstosupportindividualsandfamiliesnavigatinglossmorefaithfully. Inadditiontoofferingcareduringlife’smoredifficultmoments,CongregationalCare intentionallynurturedastrongsenseofbelongingandconnectionwithinthecongregation.New memberclasseswereofferedthroughouttheyear.Opportunitiesforspiritualreflectionwerealso providedthroughthelabyrinth,creatingsacredspaceforprayer,contemplation,andgrounding InOctober,theministryhosteditsfirstOktoberfestgathering,whichdrewstrongparticipation andjoyfulenthusiasm.Thesuccessofthiseventunderscoredtheimportanceofshared celebration,relationship-building,andinformalconnectionasanessentialdimensionof congregationalcare.
Hopesfor2026 Lookingaheadto2026,CongregationalCare hopestocontinuestrengtheningsystemsof support,expandingopportunitiesforconnection andfellowship,anddevelopingresourcesthat equipthecongregation’smemberstocareforone anotherwell.Theministryremainscommittedto nurturingaculturewherecareisshared,presence isvalued,andnoonewalksalone Thisministryismadepossiblethroughthefaithful presenceofvolunteers,staff,andleaderswhooffer careincountlessseenandunseenways.Weare gratefulforeachpersonwhosharesinthiswork.
PROPERTY MINISTRY ReplacedrooftopunitHVAC#7
RehabilitatedMemorialGardenfountain
Projectscompletedin2025
Contractedforandreceivedengineeringreportonintegrityofretainingwallbetween4 St.lotand theSumnerCondominiums-futurereinspectionswillberequired
ContractedwithGoodheadConsultingEngineerstonegotiatewithAtlantaCityAuthorityfor removalofthe4-hourfirebarrieracrosstheMemorialGarden/Columbarium,whichwouldallowfor theremovaland/ordeactivationofthedrop-downfiredoorsintheSimsAtrium
CleaningandpaintingofstairsandhandrailtoHoneywellParkingDeck
Recoatingofroof#9abovesoutharchwaysinsanctuary
Replacedredawningoutsideparlorentrance
Projectsplannedfor2026
Completeorganpipeworkreplacement(currentlysetformid-2026),needdefinitionof scaffoldingrequirementsfromOrguesLétourneauLtée;contractforscaffolding
Contractforadditionalscaffoldingtoaccesslightbarsabovesanctuaryarchsteps,arrangefor KennyCamptorewirelightfixturesperDavidHansen/DickCordell,re-aimasrequired
Installfiberopticcablebetweenorganconsoleandwestwallorganchamber
Cleanandrefinishpewandcolumnbasesinsanctuary(accumulateddirtandwax)
Removeand/ordeactivatethedrop-downfiredoorsintheSimsAtrium
NegotiateandexecutecontractforphaseIoftheSimsAtriumkitchenrenovation
Considerremodeloffrontnaveareain2027-primaryaimtoincreasespace
DeveloplandscapedesignforfrontbankalongPeachtree
TeamMembers
STEWARDSHIP ThisisthestoryofagratefulStewardshipTeamandacongregationthatkeepsrisingtoevery challenge.Duringthepandemic,theStewardshipMinistryhaddevolvedtoateamoftwo:Pastor MarkandJeffGuthrie.In2023,Jefffelta“reboot”wasinorder,andatthesuggestionofPastorMark, theStewardshipMinistryengagedthehelpofPastorTimBrown,ELCADirectorforCongregational Stewardship,tohelpusrevitalizeourfellowship,rebuildourrelationships,andrefocusourpurpose asChristians Bymid-2023,JeffhadbeenjoinedbyBethFarris,DonNoland,AlisaNorvelle,Henry Puckhaber,AnneRidenhour,andJohnThomas.WithPr.Brown’sguidance,weredefinedthe traditionalpledgedrive,focusingongivingfromaplaceofgratitudeforourTime,Talent,and Treasure.
Since2023,pledgingunitsandaveragepledgedamounts haveincreasedyearoveryear.
THANK YOU forfearlessly increasingyour givingin2023,2024, and2025.Wefeel 2026holdseven morepromisefor Redeemer;more faithfulservice,more loveofeachother andourneighbors, andmorestoriesof gratitude
ThisincreasesupportedarenewedCongregationalCare Ministry,MissionDevelopment,andthecallingofDeacon AllisonLizdasandPr.TimLloyd.
“StewardshipSeason” Overthelastthreeyears,inadditiontotempletalksduring worship,we’veorganizedsmall-groupgatheringsandhosteda StewardshipBrunchtotrainoursmall-grouphosts.Ourhosts, inturn,ledtheirgroupsindiscussingtheirstoriesofwitnessing generosityatRedeemerandtheirhopesanddreamsforour congregation.AndRedeemerresponded.
Hopesfor2026 WeareverygratefulforhowstronglyRedeemerhas respondedtooursmallgroupcampaignsoverthelastthree years,butwe’relookingtoelevateourgamein2026.Wewant allofRedeemertoexperiencetheinspirationalexcitementof theStewardshipBrunch,soourhopeistohosta congregation-widecelebrationofRedeemer’sministriesand volunteers.In2025,weachievedthelong-termgoalofmoving towardsyear-roundstewardshipwithaSpringCampaign. ExpectanotherSpringCampaignaswellasopportunitiesto continuebuildingtherelationshipsthatbeganwiththesmall groupsoverthepastthreeyears.
FACILITY MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE Ourmission–ToGrowFaithfullyandServeBoldly–isatthecoreofourworkintheFacilityMaster PlanningCommittee.WestrivetofulfillthegoalsofourStrategicPlanbyusingourtreasure (physicalresources)toexpandinservicetothoseinourcongregationandbeyond.AsourStrategic Planstates,“…weknowweareblessed,andwearejuststewardsofGod’sgraceforatime.Wehave theopportunityandresponsibilitytomakesurethesepreciousgiftsarereceived,managed, multiplied,andusedinGod-pleasingways.”
Thefirstquarterof2025wasoneofthemostexcitingforourteam Afteryearsofvisioning, analyzing,categorizing,conceptualizing,estimating,refining,andreviewing,Redeemeracted,and ourfinalConceptDesignReportandexcitingConceptDesignVideoweresharedwithCounciland thenwiththebroadercongregation.Whenourteamfirstsawthevideo,wewerethrilledtoseeso muchofourcongregation’svisioncometolife.Tohaveavisualpresentationtosharewithour churchfamilywaspowerful.WehopeitinspiresallofustokeepdreamingbigforRedeemer’s future.
WehavebeensoblessedduringthisMasterPlanningprocesswiththetimeandtalentofour members,Council,andourconsultants Aswegrowingracetogether,letusstrivetousethe abundanceGodhasgivenusToGrowFaithfullyandServeBoldlyformanyyearstocome! Highlights
1/4/25 MasterPlanUpdatePresentationatCongregationCouncilRetreat
2/2/25 FinalConceptDesignReportandvideosharedwiththecongregationduringa CongregationalListeningPost(availableonRedeemer’swebsiteunderMasterPlanning → Predevelopment → Latest)
Hopesfor2026 FinancialFeasibility-WorkedwithanAtlanta-basedland brokertointerviewmajordeveloperstogaugemarket, capital,andotherinfluencesonlocaldevelopment
ShareassetvaluationwiththecongregationpertheFinancialAnalysisCoordinationTeam’s (FACT)review
ContinuetokeepapulseontheMidtownrealestatemarkettoidentifypotentialdevelopers utilizingtheRequestforInformation(RFI)process,oncetransactionactivityresumesinMidtown, andcreateavisualdisplayoftheMasterPlanningstatusforthecongregation
Continuetorefineourfocusinselectprogramareastoreflectthecurrentneedsofour congregation,particularlyworkingwiththeE-Teamoncontemporaryworshipspaceneeds
PREDEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENTTEAM
NikkiChunn,Project Coordinator
DougDumont,CouncilLiaison
JanetPreston,Co-Chair
JayPuckhaber,Co-Chair
AnneRidenhour,Council Liaison
PaulRosser, AdvisoryCommitteeChair
SallyRosser, CommunityLiaisonChair
ADVISORYCOMMITTEE
PamAmy-Cupp
JohnBlend
AmyCarpenter
SusanCordell
DickCordell
JeffGuthrie
DeweyIngham
MarilynKelm
DickMueller
DavidOtt
JennyPeterson
PaulRosser,Chair
SallyRosser
JonneWalter
PaulWalter
FINANCIALANALYSIS COORDINATIONTEAM
TomBohannon,Chair
KevinChunn
FrankHull
DeweyIngham
DickMueller
JennyPeterson
JayPuckhaber
RichardSpady
EVANGELISM MINISTRY InJanuary2025,Redeemermadeasignificantcommitmenttoourmission,"GrowFaithfullyand ServeBoldly,"byformingadedicatedEvangelismTeam.TheEvangelismTeamworkedcloselywith ChurchCouncilandPastorLarsontoformtheCallCommittee,withseveralevangelismteam memberssteppinguptoleadthiscriticalsearchprocess.Aftermonthsofprayer,discernment,and searching,wewelcomedexperiencedAtlantachurchplanterRev.TimothyLloydasourAssociate PastorforEvangelismandMissionDevelopmentinSeptember.
Whathappenednextdemonstratesthepowerofintentionalleadershipandcollaborativeministry WithinweeksofPastorTimothy'sarrival,theEvangelismTeamlaunchedintoaction Weshowedupin ourcommunity participatinginthePrideParade,connectingwithneighborsatOctoberfest,and servingalongsidethemduringtheMLKDayofService.WepartneredwithCommunityEngagement andChildren&FamilyMinistriesonStreetsAlive.WethenformedaCreativeTeaminNovember 2025,bringingtogethermembersfromDigitalMediaandEvangelismtoensureouroutreachefforts arecoordinated,compelling,andconsistent.Thisteamimmediatelybegantacklinglong-standing communicationchallenges,namely:overhaulingourdigitalpresence,developingacomprehensive socialmediastrategy,andplanningacompletewebsiteredesignandrelaunch
We'retransforminghowRedeemertellsitsstoryandextendsChrist'swelcometoallpeople.What beganasanewteaminJanuaryhasbecomeadriverforhowRedeemerengagestheworldaround us.
Highlights HiredourfirstAssociatePastorforEvangelismandMissionDevelopment(September2025), signalingRedeemer'sseriouscommitmenttooutreachandgrowth
LaunchedtheCreativeTeam(November2025),combiningDigitalMediaandEvangelismefforts forgreaterimpact
Communitypresence:ParticipatedinPrideParade,Oktoberfest,andMLKDayofService Communicationstransformation:Developednewsocialmediastrategy,beganwebsite redesign,andimplementednewcalendaringsystems
Strategicpartnerships:BegancollaborationwiththeYoungAdultTeam(SuperBowlparty)and ChildrenandFamilyTeam,andCommunityEngagementTeam(StreetsAlive)
Hopesfor2026 Launchanewworshipexperiencedesignedtowelcomeseekers,youngadults,andthose exploringfaithinfreshways
Executesignatureoutreachevents:MoviesontheGreen,outdoorconcerts,andcommunity gatheringsthatmakeRedeemeragatheringplacefortheneighborhood
Completethedigitaltransformation:newwebsitelaunch,consistentsocialmediapresence, andseamlesscommunicationthathelpspeopleconnectwithChristthroughRedeemer
TEAMMEMBERS TEAMMEMBERS Co-Chairs: JeffElkins
KarenCramer
TeamMembers: Rev.TimothyLloyd, AssociatePastorforEvangelismandMission Development
AndreaWaterhouse
JohnThomas
AnneRidenhour
LarsPeterson
DerekPeterson
DanaNorden
DonNoland
CaseyJordan
StephanieHart
CharliFletcher
LeithFitch
JeffGuthrie
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MINISTRY TheCommunityEngagementMinistrywasblessedin2025topursueourfaithbypromoting opportunitiesandeventsthatenabledusto“GrowFaithfullyandServeBoldly”.WesharedGod’s loveforallpeopleandstrivedtoequipRedeemer’sexpandingcommunitytoloveandserveour neighbor.
Highlights SpecialrecognitionwasofferedtoHopethruSoapInc.anorganizationthathasdemonstratedan extraordinarycommitmenttoRedeemer’sunshelteredguests.Overthepastyear,theirvisitsto Redeemerdoubled fromoncetotwicepermonth providingshowers,haircuts,clothing,and hotcoffee,andcoordinatingadditionalvitalsocialservices,suchasmentalhealthsupport, substance-abusecare,andinfectiousdiseasetesting,throughAnizandMercyCare.Weare deeplygratefulforthecherishedrelationshipwesharewithHopethruSoapInc.astogetherwe gobeyondmeetingbasicneedstoofferingasenseoffamily,friendship,hope,anddignity.
WeexpressedourgratitudetoallofourCommunityOutreachPartner(COP)organizationswith whomwesharemeaningfulrelationshipsandwelcomedtheirparticipationinRedeemer’sFall Kick-Off,HarvestofGrace.Representativesfromeachorganizationwereinvitedtoattend, allowingustomeettheminperson,highlightthevitalservicestheyfaithfullyprovidetoour community,andshareopportunitiesforcongregationalinvolvement Eachorganizationwasalso featuredinahandoutbrochuredescribingitsmissionandwork,including:MidtownAssistance CenterInc.OurHouseInc.Aniz,Inc.YELLS,Inc.WellspringLivingInc.RedeemingGrace,Atlanta HabitatforHumanityInc.GeorgiaJusticeProject,Joyce’sPlaceInc.and3Keys,Inc.
Plus,aspecialwelcometoournewestOutreachPartner,AtlantaCourtAppointed SpecialAdvocates(CASA),Inc.,andoutstandingrecognitiontothededicated volunteersofFortheNino’sInc.ontheirMissonTrip,havingtraveledtoCentral Americameetingnotonlythespiritualneedsofruralcommunities,butthe installationof34waterfiltrationunitsandadministratingmedicalcareto400+ residentsattheclinic
WerecognizedGod’sblessingsbyreunitingwithAtlantaHabitatforHumanity,Inc.tosponsora LentenHomeBuild,providingRedeemer’smemberswiththeopportunitytohelptransform communitiesandsupportlocalfamiliesinaccessingaffordablehomeownershipwithinsafe, vibrantneighborhoodswhereallcanthrive
Hopesfor2026 StrengtheningourrelationshipwiththeCommunityOutreachPartner(COP)organizations anddeeperconnectionswiththeresidentsofLutheranTowerstowelcomethemtoour MinistryandthecommunityinChrist
WearesothankfulforRedeemer’swillingnesstoacceptourdiverseavenuesofinterestthisyear, allowingustoconnect,interact,andofferourfaithboldlyinservicetothoselessfortunate,aswe hopetoleverageourabilitiestoworktowardfuturehopesandgoals
TeamMembers DavidBarnes,AmyCarpenter,DonCornwell,StephanieHart,SharonJeffries,DonNoland,Dana Norden,DavidOtt,SallyRosser,CurtStamp,CarolSwisher,Co-ChairpersonCarolMaxwell,CoChairperson,LeithFitch,CouncilLiaisonRev.MarkLarson,StaffLiaison
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY LutheranCommunityFoodMinistry(LCFM)isenteringits44thyearofservice.Whatbeganin1982as asmallpilotoverflowwarmingcenterforSt LukeEpiscopalChurch—offeringcoffeeandsimple pimentocheesesandwiches—hasgrownintoavitalministryofcareandnourishment Today,LCFM providesanaverageof100–120hot,nutritiousmealseachweekdaytoourunhousedneighbors.The ministryalsosupportsresidentsofLutheranTowerswith40boxedlunchesdailyandsuppliesfoodto food-insecurestudentsatGeorgiaTech.
AccordingtoAtlantaMission,homelessnessinthecityofAtlanta hasrisentonearly3,000individuals,withmorethan1,800people inemergencysheltersortransitionalhousingandnearly1,200 livingunsheltered WiththegeneroussupportofRedeemer membersandpartnersocialserviceorganizations,LCFMoffersa dignifiedandwelcomingspaceforourunhousedneighbors whetherasarefugefromwintercoldoraplaceofreliefduring Atlanta’sintensesummerheat.
Servedover40,000mealstothefood-insecure
Served250mealsforourspecialThanksgivingmeal
Distributedknittedandcrochetedscarves,alongwithhygiene kits,gloves,andhoodies
Streamlinedpapergoodsinventoryandorderingtolower expenses
PartneredwithChatforChange(anon-profitdedicatedto healthcareaccessibility)
Hopesfor2026
ContinuingGod'slovethroughourservicetothe food-insecure
Findingadditionalsupportfromorganizationstojoin ourcontinuingpartners TeamMembers
StevenMiles,Chair
StepanieHart,VolunteerCoordinator
SethBrown,StaffLiaison
Wearedeeplygratefulforthe manyvolunteerswhofaithfully givetheirtimeandenergyin responsetoChrist’scalltoserve Theirworkembodiesselfless generosityandreflectsour sharedsacredresponsibilityto careforneighborsinneed.
LUTHERAN TOWERS In2025atLutheranTowers,wewitnessedwhatittrulymeanstogrowingrace Oneafternoonduringa labyrinthprayergatheringinourcommunityroom,aresidentwhorarelyleavesherapartmentslowly steppedontothepath.Theroomwasquietexceptforsoftmusicandcandlelight.Shemovedgently througheachturn,andwhenshefinished,shesaid,“Ididn’tknowIstillhadsomethinginmethat neededhealing.”Momentslikethathavedefinedthisyear.
ThroughourpartnershipwithLutheranChurchoftheRedeemer,theNourishingSoulsChaplaincy Programhasflourished.SinceJune,ChaplainAngelaWyatthasprovidedmorethan150spiritualcare touchpoints,offeringhospitalvisits,griefsupport,one-on-onepastoralcounseling,communion services,drummingcircles,sacredreflectiongatherings,andspiritualwellnessworkshops.
InaHUD-subsidizedseniorcommunitywheremanyresidentsliveonfixedincomesandfaceisolation, chronicillness,andloss,spiritualpresencemattersdeeply.Gracehasgrownnotingrandgestures, butinquietconversations,sharedprayers,renewedhope,andrestoreddignity.
ThechaplaincyprogramisnowfullyintegratedintoLutheranTowers’EightDimensionsofWellness framework,ensuringthatspiritualcareisrecognizedasessentialtowhole-personwell-being Residentswhooncefeltunseenarerediscoveringconnectiontotheirfaith,tooneanother,andto themselves
Throughthispartnership,Redeemer’smissiontoGrowFaithfullyandServeBoldlyislivedouteach weekinsideourwalls.
Highlights LaunchandfullimplementationoftheNourishingSoulsChaplaincyProgram
150+individualspiritualcareengagementssinceJune
Groupspiritualwellnessexperiencesincludinglabyrinthwalks,drummingcircles,andcommunion services
Hospitalandbedsidepastoralvisitsforresidentsincrisis
StrengthenedcollaborationbetweenRedeemerleadershipandLutheranTowersstaff
Hopesfor2026
ExpandvolunteerinvolvementfromRedeemermemberswithinthechaplaincyprogram
Developmeasurablespiritualwellnessoutcomesandresidenttestimonials
DeepenrelationalconnectionbetweenRedeemercongregationandLutheranTowers residentsthroughsharedexperiences
TeamMembers
AngelaWyatt,Chaplain
JosieJangdhari,DirectorofSupportiveServices
KaronNixon,ExecutiveDirector
REDEEMING GRACE InsupportofWellspringLivingandAnti-TraffickingAdvocacy
InadditiontoprovidingstructuredandplannedlifeskillclassesandeventsfortheWellspring Livinggirls,RedeemingGraceisabletorespondquicklytounplannedneeds–ASAP!Assummer approached,thegirlsweregiventheopportunitytotakeswimminglessons Thestaffquickly realizedthatthegirlsneedednewandappropriatesuits!Withindays,RedeemingGraceprovided quickfunding,andthestafftookthegirlsshopping.Theirthank-younotestoRedeemingGrace showhowmuchtheseswimsuitswereappreciated.“Thankyousomuchforthebathingsuit!I havethisfloralonethatfitsperfectly,andprettyflipflopswithawhitecover-up.Everythingis perfect!”Andfromtheprogramdirector:“Wecannotalwaysprovideeverysinglethingthatthe girlswant,butwhengenerouspeoplelikeyoucomealong,younotonlyhelpthegirlsenjoyfun summeractivitieslikeswimming,youmakemesmileandwarmmyheartbywatchingtheirjoy!”
Highlights
HostedfourSundaysofAdvocacyandAwarenessinJanuaryandFebruary,includingwritingnotes ofencouragementtothegirlsofWellspringLiving(ages12to17)
ParticipatedinAdvocacyDayattheCapitol,February11
TooktheWellspringLivinggirlstoanAlvinAileyperformanceattheFoxTheater
HostedaskincareeventandacookingclassfortheWellspringLivinggirls
TheWellspringLivingAngelTree:over$3,000ingiftcardsfortheWellspringLivinggirls
Hopesfor2026
Increaseadvocacyefforts,includingAdvocacyDayattheCapitol FollowStreetGraceforpolicyissues
RedeemingGrace(GalvanizingResourcesAgainstChildExploitation)
Teammembers
JoAdams,AmyCarpenter,EstherConnor,LeithFitch,MarlitHayslett,KathyHill,SharonJeffries, DavidOtt,LatanyaRhone,CharissaSchultz,CarolSwisher,AmyTalboy,PegWyse[Amy Carpenter,LatanyaRhone,andCharissaSchultzarecredentialedtoworkdirectlywiththegirlsof Well ]
GRACE HOUSE @ GEORGIA TECH GraceHousecontinuestobealightshiningonahillonGeorgiaTech'scampus Ourcoffee ministryremainsourlargestcampusoutreach.Duringthe2024-2025academicyear,weserved 7,925cupsofcoffee!Withthislevelofengagement,wehavegrownoursmall-groupgatherings, includingaddinganewgroupcalled“TheBibleandWellness.”Wecontinuetoservethecampus throughourfoodpantry,whichweestimatedistributed1metrictonoffoodtostudentsand communitymembers.ArenewedfocusforGraceHousehasbeenourserviceopportunities.This pastyear,wetookagroupofstudentstoplaceslikeJoyce'sPlace,AtlantaChildren’sShelter, LutheranTowers,andHabitatforHumanity.Weareincrediblyproudofthe8studentswho graduatedandourtwoformerinterns,SammiandMichael,whoarebeginningtheirseminary journeysatLutherandWartburg,respectively
In2026andbeyond,wecontinuetodreamabouthowwecanservethecampuscommunity throughfeeding,coffee,andconnection.WeareexcitedtoreintroduceourPassionCollective Internshipprogram,whichwillprovidevaluableministryexperienceforchurchleaders.Finally,we areexcitedtofollowthecalloftheHolySpirittocareforthelittle,theleast,thelast,andthelostin ourworld,bothonandoffcampus.
GraceHousecontinuestobeledbytheRev.AndrewFritzRickel,theBoardofDirectors,ournew bookkeeper,Ms.AlexiaCundey,SoutheasternSynodoftheELCA,andELCACampusMinistry. Thispastyear,wewelcomedamostlynewBoardofDirectors,whichincludes: ChuckBurlson-BoardChair
DeaconAllisonLizdas,Rev.SteveFazenbaker
Ms.ElizabethLucht-Jones,Mr.BrianEhrich,andMs.MichelleElsenbeck
ComingtoGraceHousebreaksmeoutofmy grindset.
Nolan,likemanyGeorgiaTechstudents, jugglesademandingschedulefilledwith coursework,leadershipgoals,and extracurricularcommitments.Whiletheystay busythroughmusic,fitness,andlaunchingthe GTPolishClub,GraceHousestandsapart. DiscoveredduringWeekofWelcome,Grace HouseofferedNolananinclusivefaith communitytheyhadn’texpectedtofind What drewthembackwasnottheprogramming, butthepeople—whomadeNolanfeel immediatelywelcomedandathome.Grace Housebecameaplaceofbelonging, remindingthemthatlifehasmeaning becauseofthegoodnessfoundincommunity.
BeingUncomfortable WhenAlexaarrivedatGeorgiaTech,she wantedtocontinuenurturingherfaithwhile surroundingherselfwithdiverseperspectives. ShefoundthatatGraceHouse,acommunity wherefaithcouldbequestioning,expansive, andintegratedwitheverydaylife.GraceHouse becameaplaceofwelcome,authentic exploration,andgrowth aspaceshedidn’t realizesheneeded.Asshegraduates,Alexa hopestocarryforwardthespiritof acceptanceandcuriositysheexperienced, creatingspaceswhereotherscanshowup fully Withthesupportofdonors,GraceHouse continuestoaccompanystudentslikeAlexa, fosteringfaith,growth,andpurposeful engagementintheworld.
WhatitsaysontheLabel NoteveryonecomestoGraceHouseseekinga worshippingcommunity—andthatwastrueforIan. DrawninduringWeekofWelcomebyGraceHouse’s inclusiveevents,“InclusiveChurch,”“Queerand Christian,”andthe“Lutheran/Episcopal/Peace Church”Mixer.Hehadnotexperienceda progressivechurchandwascuriouswhetherGrace Housewaswhatitclaimedtobe.Whathefound wasanhonest,nonjudgmentalspacewherehewas immediatelyacceptedandfeltathome Grace Housebecameaplaceformeaningful conversationsaboutfaith,doubt,andlife,helping Iangrowinself-understandingandconfidence.With thesupportofgenerousdonors,GraceHouse continuestowalkalongsidestudentslikeIan, fosteringcommunitieswheretheycanthriveand livewithpurposeandcompassion.
QUILTERS "Eachofyoushouldgivewhatyouhavedecidedinyourhearttogive, notreluctantlyorundercompulsion,forGodlovesacheerfulgiver."(2 Corinthians9:6-8)
TheRedeemerquilterscontinuetoembraceandactualizethe church’smessage,“ToGrowFaithfullyandServeBoldly.”This importantandtime-testedministry,nowapproaching40years, remindsusofthepowerofone,thentwo,thenmanyinmeetingthe needsofthoselessfortunate.Despitechangesinourscheduling,team members,andlife’schanges,thequiltersremainaviableand consistentpartofRedeemer’sministries.
Thequiltingteamcontinuestomeetmonthlytocreatehandcrafted, heartfeltquiltsthatgoallovertheworldandintoourownbackyards toprovidewarmth,support,care,andlovefulfillment Aswelearned yearsago,ourquiltsareusednotonlyforwarmthandcomfortbut alsoforshelterandprotection,andasadwelling’swall,roof,orbed.A needandaneedmetaretwodramaticallydifferentthings.Weworkto meetneeds.
InAugustof2025,over100quiltsandnumeroushealthandschoolkits, providedbytheNorthsideCircle(partofWELCA),weredeliveredto TrinityLutheranChurchinLilburn.UndertheaegisofLutheranWorld Relief,alldonationsarethenappropriatelysharedwithpeopleand communitiesinneed
Thegroupisalwaysappreciativeofdonationsandopentonew participants,regardlessofskilllevelortimeavailability.Again,the messageof“thenumbersaddup”remainstrueandrelevant.
Asweenterthenewyear,wearesaddenedandmovedbythe uncertaintyoftoomanyforcesandchoicesaroundusandbythe unpredictabilityofnature Tothatend,thequilters’workremains essentialandongoing,providingaidandsupportinconcertwithour partnersatLutheranWorldReliefandourfellowdisciplesinChrist.
OnbehalfoftheRedeemerquilters….. Respectfullysubmitted, WilliamBolick
SACRED MAKING, FAITHFUL HANDS Highlights FaithfulHandssponsoreditssecondScarfandHatChallenge,invitingparticipantstocreatescarves andhatsforourunhousedneighborswhojoinusthroughtheRedeemerFoodMinistry.Morethan200 handmadeitemsweredistributedattheThanksgivingandChristmasHolidayLuncheons doublethe numberfromlastyear.Thankyoutoeveryonewhoparticipatedandsharedtheirtimeandtalentby creatingthesewarm,comfortinggifts
FaithfulHandsMinistryisaninterdenominationalgroupofchurchmemberswhocreateprayershawls andotherhandmadeitemsasexpressionsofcareandcompassion.Theseshawlsaresharedwith individualswhoneedthecomfortofGod’sloveandpresence
FaithfulHandsisacommunityof“makers”whousetheirgiftsandtalentstoprovideprayershawlsto anyoneinneed.EachshawlservesasatangiblereminderofGod’slove,care,andprayerfulsupport.
Prayershawlsaregiventothosewhoaregrievingthelossofalovedone,thosewhoaresickorlonely, andanyoneseekingcomfort.Baptismalshawlsarealsolovinglypresentedtofamiliesatthetimeof baptism.
Inaddition,FaithfulHandsknitsandcrochetshatsandscarveseachyearforneighborsinneedand supportsRedeemer’sdailyfoodministry Mostoftheknittingandcrochetingcanbedoneathome, makingparticipationflexibleandconvenient.FaithfulHandswelcomesnewmembersatanytime.
Yarnisprovidedforprayershawls,hats,andscarves,andeachitemisprayerfullymade.Prayer shawlsaredistributedbyourpastoralstaffasneedsarise,whileotherhandmadeitemsaresharedby thefoodministryteamduringthewintermonths.Wearealwayseagerfornewideas,patterns,and distributionopportunities.
Ifyouhavequestionsorwouldliketogetinvolved,pleasecontactPatCornwellat404-217-2871orvisit FaithfulHandsontheRedeemerwebsiteundertheMinistriessectionatwww.redeemer.org.
Hopesfor2026 Developprogramsthatteachmembersandfriendshowtoknitand/orcrochetitemstosupport neighborsinneed,servingbothRedeemerandLutheranTowers ParticipateinFallKick-Off2026tointroducememberstothisministryandinvitethemtolearn, serve,andgetinvolved
Planacelebratoryeventthathonorsthesacrednatureof“making” includingquilting,knitting, crocheting,embroidery,woodworking,andotherhandmadearts highlightingitemscreatedfor neighborsinneedandthesacredartthatbeautifiesourchurch
FINANCIALS FINANCIALPOSITION In2025Operations,werecorded$2.03millioninunrestrictedrevenuesand$2.05millioninexpenses. Whilerevenueswerebelowourbudgetedprojection,weadjustedexpensesaccordinglytostaywithin budget,resultinginasmalldecreaseinnetassetsfromoperations.
OurPreliminaryFundsbalanceasofDecember31,2025,was$5.8million,upfrom$2.6millionat theendof2024 Werecorded$30millioninreceiptsin2025and$03millioninmarketgains ReceiptsincludedagenerousbequestfromRoseMaryKolpatzki,designatedprimarilyforMusic. Wedrewapproximately$150,000fromourFunds,significantlybelowbudgeteddrawings,asour organrestorationwasdelayedandProperty&FacilityMasterPlancapitalexpenseswerebelow budget.Wehaveincludedanewreportonfundsbelow,markedpreliminaryasweare developingfurther.
Lookingahead,the2026budgetapprovedbythecongregationcontinuesourfocuson Evangelism&Outreach,completesourOrganRestoration,andenhancesourworshipthrough music.ThankyoutoallofyouwhohavecontributedtoourOrganRestoration;wehavereached ourfundraisinggoal.AdditionalcontributionstotheRayMartinOrganFundarealwayswelcome tosupportfutureOrganmaintenanceneeds.Wewillalsoinvestinourpropertyin2026,including atriumkitchen,roofrecoating,lighting,andatriumfiredoorprojects Wealsoexpectadditional contributionsandmarketgains/lossesonourinvestments.
Importantly,theprimaryfinancialassetofRedeemerisourproperty,includingournorth-ofFourthproperty&airrights.ThisiswhatourFacilityMasterPlanImplementationPlanwillseekto cultivateinconjunctionwithadevelopmentpartnerwhenmarketconditionsareright.
Thankyoutoallwhohavesubmittedyourpledgesin2026.Wehaveagreatopportunityto advanceourmissionthroughourcontributionsin2026.Yourofferingsanddonationsdirectly supportourmissiontogether.It’sworthnotingthatourgivinggoesbeyondjustRedeemer. Redeemergivesapproximately10%ofourcontributionstoourCoreSpiritualPartners& CommunityOutreachPartners.ThisincludestheSynodand,inturn,theELCA,whichamplifies ourimpactbyplanting&supportingnewchurchesaroundtheworld,developingnewchurch leaders,andworkingforjustice&peace.
UndertheleadershipofChairFredDressel,theFinanceTeamhadabusyyear,applyingastrategic lenstoourfinancialposition
Highlights Steeredexpensestomatchcontributionsastheyearprogressed,advisingCouncilonstatus
Improvedourmonthlyreportingandfilledouropenstaffposition
Streamlinedthe2026budgetdevelopmentprocessandprovidedCouncilwithrecommendations oncontributionexpectationsandexpenseimplications
Facilitatedpreparationofour2026ComprehensiveBudget,whichenablesafocusonevangelism, outreach,andmissiondevelopment,aswellasnewinvestmentsinMusictoenhanceourworship
Conducted6listeningpostswiththeCongregation,supportingtheCongregation’sapprovalofthe budget
Hopesfor2026 Improvetimelinessofmonthly&quarterlyfinancialstatements
Initiateregularquarterlyfunds,cash&investmentsreportingforbettervisibilitytobalances, contributions,expendituresandmarketgains/lossesbyfund
Improveprocessesonplannedfunddrawings,inpartnershipwiththeLegacyGivingBoard
ConveneanAuditteamforanAuditof2025financials
Completeastrategicbudgetfor2027toadvanceourmission
Establishalong-termfundingstrategytosupportpropertyneeds
TeamMembers
FredDressel,Chair
FrankHull,Treasurer
AlisaNorvelle,outgoingFinancialSecretary
KevinChunn,incomingFinancialSecretary
MikeBell,RichardMauney,ScottMcDonald,RichardSpady,BrandonDavis,staffliaison
MEMBERSHIP REPORT Congregational Report for 2025 Last Report on file 2024
1.Baptized membership at end of 2024
2.Baptized members received during 2025
a. By Baptism: Children
b. By Baptism: Adult
c. By Affirmation of Faith
d By Transfer
Total
Baptized members removed during 2025
1.By Death
2.By Transfer
3.For other reasons
Total
Baptized membership end of 2025
Total Confirmed membership end of 2025
Number of baptized youth confirmed in 2024
In 2025 number of weeks this congregation worshipped On-site 52 Online 52
Average weekly worship attendance in 2025 On-site 219 Online 150
Total number of people actively participating in 2025 1569
Race/ethnic origin
African American/Black
Latino/Hispanic
Multiracial
White
