NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2020
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
Atlanta, Georgia | www.redeemer.org
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Our Ministry Teams have been hard at work throughout the year implementing the Strategic Plan. The daily work of the teams is what moves us from a plan to reality. We experience the results of this effort in services, community outreach, events, small groups, classes, and more. Our team leaders have participated in a series of workshops to review their teams' missions, celebrate their accomplishments, and share and learn from what worked well and what could be improved as we go forward. In addition, we have adopted a new system to coordinate our activities and track progress and results. Most recently, in October and November, teams have been updating the specific strategies that they expect to use over the next three years, with a special focus on what we hope to accomplish in 2021. We are so thankful for our staff and volunteers' dedicated work to adapt their plans to the challenges we have faced this year. Our teams found innovative ways to achieve our goals, such as adapting the Food Ministry to serving "to go" meals almost overnight. Our Community Engagement team is working closely with our core spiritual and outreach partners to help us support one another in this time of extraordinary need. With our teams working together with aligned goals, Redeemer can continue to make meaningful impacts on our community.
Link to Strategic Plan
ADVENT
ADVENT IS A TIME OF PREPERATION FOR THE ARRIVAL OF JESUS INTO THE WORLD
Are you prepared for advent? What can you do to be ready? Plan ways to connect with people and with God. Plan ways to stay mentally healthy.
Join an Advent small group! Groups will meet for four weeks via Zoom to share stories and discussions from a short study guide. Contact Karen Medford if you would like to be a part of a group. kmedford@redeemer.org Get your Advent wreath ready. It is as easy as finding four candles or as complicated as you want to make it. Record a video of you with your advent wreath and explain what your advent wreath means to you and your family, then post it on Facebook and share it with Redeemer. Write an Advent devotion about where you see GOD AMONG US. For details about devotion writing, contact Kmedford@redeemer.org. Make a list of people you will call during Advent, people you need to reconnect with, or maybe you know someone who would love to hear from you. Or request a list of Redeemer members that would love to hear from other Redeemer members. Get outside. One of the best things for mental health is fresh air; go for a walk even if it is cold; it will refresh your body, mind, and spirit. Set a goal for walking during Advent. Nazareth to Bethlehem is approximately 25 miles; can you walk that far each week? Or 6,441 miles from Atlanta to Bethlehem if you need more of a challenge. Share your goal and story with the Wellness Team, mrzki@att.net
GIVING TREES In this new time, we find ourselves, Christmas is still happening. I know we are all looking forward to this festive season of celebrations– even if those events are online. Thanks to the generosity of our members, the young people at Goshen Valley, Inspiritus and Wellspring Living have enjoyed the gifts our members have provided. Even with the challenges coronavirus has caused, the need remains the same. Now, more than ever, our friends at these long-time Redeemer partners need our help. If you would like to help a young person have a merrier Christmas by providing a gift Card, please visit the website main page. The links will go live on Sunday, November 15th at 2:00PM and will conclude on Sunday, December 13th at 2:00PM. Help make Christmas 2020 Merry for a young person at Goshen Valley, Inspiritus or Wellspring Living.
GOSHEN VALLEY ANGEL TREE Help us make Christmas Merry and Bright for the foster kids under the care of Goshen Valley! This year, the county foster services will not be able to give as much to the kids as usual, so they are relying on us more than ever to make these kids feel loved and special at Christmas. Please go to one the link and choose an item or items. There are two lists- one for the boys living at the ranch and one for the children living with families through Goshen Homes. Both lists have been prepared by the host families, so we can guarantee that the kids will get something they really want this year that suits their age, gender and personality. Thank you in advance for your generosity! www.goshenwishlist.org
WELLSPRING LIVING VIRTUAL ANGEL TREE For the 9th year, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been sexually trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. This year, we will purchase e-gift cards from Amazon. On the Amazon website: select the “gift cards” tab select the “e-gift” option enter the details of your gift card enter the dollar amount (any amount is greatly appreciated!!) select “email” for delivery in the “To” section enter kforbes@wellspringliving.org as the recipient make sure that your name is in the “From” section enter Redeemer Lutheran in the message box select “now” as the delivery date follow the instructions for payment Questions about Wellspring Living? Contact Redeeming G.R.A.C.E. at amy.carpenter@comcast.net or 404-550-3314.
MUSIC
HARVEST HOME CONCERT SATURDAY, NOV. 21 | 7 PM
The Harvest Home Concert is Redeemer’s musical celebration of Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, a celebration that crosses all barriers. The concert is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including people from the community who might not attend a church service.
by David Hansen, Adult Choir Director
The choir realized pretty quickly in April that we wanted...we needed...to stay in touch with our choir family, and in short time we realized that we wanted to sing, even as science was telling us that choral ensembles--characterized by standing close to each other, for long periods, with a lot of heavy breathing--would be among the last groups to get back to normal. But we understood that Harvest Home's themes of Family, Feast, Harvest and Home had taken on fresh meaning during this time of isolation. But how would this work? The graphics for this year's concert will include a quilt motif. Fabrics created for some other purpose, cut and reshaped into a new pattern. Just so, this year's concert will contain pieces from the last 13 years, alongside new recordings of old pieces, old pieces accompanied by new images, and three brand new pieces--rehearsed on Zoom this summer, and stitched together to become what is euphemistically called a "virtual choir". But I resist that name, because we are a REAL choir, not a virtual one. A real choir, whose commitment to each other in the life-changing work of music in our communities and in our own lives, does not allow us to take a year off. While the entire concert will be pre-recorded and can be viewed through the end of the year, there is still cost for buying music and editing the videos, so your donations to support the Redeemer Concert Series and the Friends of Music are needed as much as ever. We look forward to "seeing" you at 7 pm on Saturday, November 21 as we gather for the 14th Annual Harvest Home Concert. (But you'll have to get your own pie.)
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
I'm So Grateful for Stephen Ministry! By a man who received care from a Stephen Minister.
Fourteen months ago, I was at a point where I needed someone to talk to about my life issues. My pastor recommended I consider meeting with a Stephen Minister—another man, trained as a caregiver, who would walk with me during this difficult time. Trusting someone with personal information about my life was something I feared at first, but my pastor reassured me that everything was confidential, so I agreed to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! Soon after meeting my Stephen Minister, I quickly sensed I could trust him. Part of that trust came from knowing he has the training to help people through their problems. He made me feel comfortable by not prying for information, but instead just letting me share what was on my mind. My Stephen Minister walked with me through a dark part of my life, pointing me to the truth and love that is in Christ. If you are dealing with a crisis or difficulty in life, I encourage you to meet with a Stephen Minister. You won’t regret it! For information about connecting with a Stephen Minister, call Pastor Jenny McLellan at 404-874-8664.
BECOME A FIRST RESPONDER OF REDEEMER Thank you, everyone, who has delivered a meal, offered a ride, delivered groceries, or helped out a neighbor in any way during this pandemic. The Congregational Care Ministry Team of Redeemer seeks to provide ongoing care to meet the Redeemer community's physical needs. One way we care for our congregation is through the First Responders of Redeemer. When there is an acute physical need, the pastors call upon the First Responders to assist with meals, medical rides, groceries, medicine pick-up, and other support as needed. We are expanding our First Responders of Redeemer team and invite you to be a part of this vital ministry. When a need arises (such as assistance after surgery, a new birth, a death in the family), members of this team will be emailed with the request to help and can respond as they are able. If you are interested in this ministry, please fill out this form or email Pastor Jenny McLellan at jmclellan@redeemer.org. Caring Calls This pandemic has profound effects on us; isolation, weariness, and stress are universal experiences this year. A simple phone call can provide hope and care for both the caller and the receiver. If you are looking to give back and become renewed, consider becoming a caring caller. Each caller calls the same people once a month to listen and share their life. Email Pastor Jenny if you're interested in becoming a caring caller or for more information: jmclellan@redeemer.org.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
ALL SAINTS Blessed be the memory of these saints of God who lived and worked among us at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, our companions in our pilgrimage of faith, who have found their rest in God: Peyton Morgan joined the church triumphant on December 31, 2019 Merriell Autrey joined the church triumphant on January 17, 2020 Mary Roesel joined the church triumphant on February 8, 2020 Ted Olsson joined the church triumphant on March 4, 2020 Dennie Jarrard joined the church triumphant on March 9, 2020 Terry Massar joined the church triumphant on March 16, 2020 Kathy Smith joined the church triumphant on March 21, 2020 Dorothy Speights joined the church triumphant on March 23, 2020 John King joined the church triumphant on March 24, 2020 Dorothy Lee joined the church triumphant on April 20, 2020 Bette Ferreri joined the church triumphant on April 22, 2020 Jane Martin joined the church triumphant on April 22, 2020 Richard Sowers joined the church triumphant on May 21, 2020 Elsie Richards joined the church triumphant on May 23, 2020 Evan Borchers joined the church triumphant on May 31, 2020 Bob Sigmon joined the church triumphant on July 13, 2020 Josephine Howard joined the church triumphant on July 20, 2020 Millie West joined the church triumphant on July 26, 2020 Ben Rish joined the church triumphant on August 17, 2020 Joy Christensen joined the church triumphant on August 22, 2020 Amber Koter joined the church triumphant on October 24, 2020 Scott Nienow joined the church triumphant on October 27, 2020 In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ and trusting in the abundant grace of God, we give thanks for the lives of these saints. Grant them eternal rest O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
PRESCHOOL IS BACK
Our time together has been a success so far. We have happy children staying healthy and staff appreciative of returning to a familiar routine. As we settle into fall, Midtown Lutheran Preschool has a lot on its schedule for the coming months during our school days. So much has changed, but we’re doing our best to maintain some normalcy and re-create what we do to make preschool life special for the students. Here are a couple of things we hope to engage in with Redeemer in the next few months: Book Fair November 9-16th MTLPS will be hosting an online book fair with Little Shop of Stories. Preschool families and Redeemer members will have the opportunity to shop safely from home through a fantastic local independent bookseller. Online is a great way to shop for the holidays, support the preschool and local businesses. More info to come! Enrollment We have a couple of current spaces for children this fall. We can expand into a new classroom if we receive interest, so please continue to share with others about our school. Additionally, we are quickly entering enrollment season for 2021-22, and we hope to regrow our program into next year! Stay connected! www.midtownlutheranpreschool.org www.Facebook.com/mtlps Questions? Contact Kate Elkins, director at kelkins@redeemer.org.
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY
GOSHEN VALLEY GIFT DRIVE | NOV 15 - DEC 13
Please help us make Christmas Merry and Bright for the kids under the care of Goshen Valley! Some things are different this year: The entire drive is online, and you can purchase items to donate at this link. Note that there are two lists- one for the ranch and one for Goshen Homes. They both benefit foster kids under the care of Goshen Valley. The county cannot give as much
ADVENT ACTIVITIES FOR REDEEMER KIDS Join us in Zoom SS on November 29 for an Advent themed 'Sing and Play' day. We will prepare a devotion your family can use throughout advent.
as they usually do to help with Christmas this year, so
Join us on December 6 during Sunday School
they rely on us more than ever! Thanks in advance for
(10:15-10:45 am) for our online Christmas Pageant
your generosity. Service Project: This is usually an
at this link! See below if you want to act in the
opportunity for Redeemer kids to serve others and learn about Goshen Valley as they help with gift wrapping. Since all the items this year will go directly to Goshen Valley for safety reasons, we are engaging our kids in different ways:
pageant.* Don't miss Zoom SS on December 13 for yet another Sing and Play- Christmas Party edition. *We are going to try having an online Christmas
Family Devotion: Follow this link for a devotion you can
pageant using Zoom. There are so many ways for our
use at your convenience. Ideally, make the donation a
kids to explore and dwell in this ancient and beautiful
family activity and help your kids choose the items you
story. It will not be like 'normal, but it will be lots of
want to donate. But either way, the devotion will help
fun as we all learn how to do this
your family explore why we do this. Christmas Cards: One of the best outcomes of this project is that the kids at Goshen feel loved and supported by their whole community. Some, but not all,
together! You can sign up at this link if your child(ren) would like to participate. We will assign parts depending on age and level of interest, and will not
get to see their families around the holidays, and
give you more work than you think you can handle.
knowing that other people care about them is
Your responsibilities will be: to practice at home
enormous. You can sign up at this link to make a
attend a practice Zoom meeting the week before- to
Christmas Card for one of the recipients. The deadline
be scheduled with the other actors from your scene.
to sign up is November 29, and the deadline to return your completed card (or cards) is December 6. To make it easy to find everything: The link to Donate
attend a dress rehearsal on Zoom on December 5. Be present and ready to perform on December 6 at 9:45 am. Even if you don't feel like this is something
The link to the Devotion
you can commit to this year, that's okay. We need an
The link to the Service Project
audience!! Please plan to watch on December 6.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE REDEEMER LIBRARY
The Life of Martin Luther; A Pop-Up Book, by Agostino Traini (illustrator)Featured by Pastor Mark Larson in a Reformation Day children's sermon, this book offers "lively, colorful depictions of key scenes in Luther's life accompanied by a simple telling of high points in his dramatic story to give children a sprightly introduction to the reformer's life and basic ideas. An ideal way of helping the young get acquainted with Luther." --Robert Kolb, Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis
Darkness Is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness, by Kathryn Greene-McCreight Personal, painful, and informative, the author shares her own story so that others may be healed. This book is described as a “must read for every person struggling with a mental health problem, every pastor that ministers to those in distress, and every family member whose loved one has been taken away from them by a mental disorder.” It includes updated resources.
Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner Maya Angelou said, “This book is meant to possess, and at the same time liberate the heart. I’m happy to say it succeeds.” Recommended to me by a former pastor, this is a book I always go back to. Buechner writes about a wide range of topics with freshness, clarity, and inspiration. (Mary Mahoney, O CChair) TOBER 2025/ VOL. 9 Library
The Light Within Me by Lauren Grabois Fischer Suitable for young children and early elementary, this book inspires children to “find the light” within themselves and to use kindness and acceptance of others to make the world a more peaceful place. It helps children understand that they can make a difference. (Activities at back of book.)
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YOUTH - GRADES 6 - 12 Congratulations 2020 Confirmands
Kringle Fundraiser We are unable to hold our annual Kringle Fundraiser this year. If you would like to order your traditional Christmas
Thirteen of our youth were confirmed virtually on Reformation Sunday, October 25. We are so excited to welcome these youth into full membership of our congregation! • Jonathan Barr • Daniel Isaacson • Sam Pinyon • Cooper Chunn • Grace Franetovich • Weston Kershner • Claire Quinn • Megan McCloskey • Madeline Reynolds • Evan Gundersen • Afton Mosley • Max Weterrings • Ansley Hales
Kringle independently, you may use the link below. https://www.kringle.com
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS We continue to hold our events virtually to Cultivate Community amongst our Youth. • 11/8-Middle School Youth Group • 11/15-Winter Mission Project • 11/22-Combined Youth Group • 11/29-High School Sunday School Exam Stress Relief • 12/6-Youth Christmas Party • 12/20-College Youth Connect • January events will be determined following Task Force guidance. *For updates and further information, contact Youth Director Hillary Nelson @ hnelson@redeemer.org.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
PASTOR MARK'S WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASS | 6 PM Pastor Mark is currently leading a discussion on Living in Community, by Christine Pohl. Coming soon a discussion on God and the Pandemic by N.T. Wright. Visit www.redeemer.org for updates.
ADLA LIBERATION THEOLOGY BOOK CLUB WITH PASTOR RON BONNER
Sponsored by the African Descent Lutheran Association – Southeastern Chapter, a monthly book club on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10 am November 28, 2020: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
MYSTERIES OF FAITH: Applying Constructive Christian Theology To Modern Views of Classical Themes Starting on November 8, we will engage in a four week class titled Materiality as Resistance: Five Elements for Moral Action in the Real World , based on the book of the same name by Walter Brueggemann. What is materiality? Brueggemann defines materiality as the use of the material aspects of the Christian faith, as opposed to materialism, which places possessions and physical comfort over spiritual values. Brueggemann lays out how we as Christians may re-engage our materiality for the common good. How does materiality inform our faith when it comes to food, money, the body, time, and place? How does it force us to act? Likewise, how is the church obligated to use its time, money, abundance of food, the care and use of our bodies, observance of the Sabbath, and stewardship of our world and those with whom we share it? For those who love referencing the Bible this class will be a wonderful way to spend an hour of time before Church on Sunday morning. The book is available from Amazon for $11.69, but not required for class participation.
COMMUNTITY ENGAGEMENT
The Community Engagement Ministry is pleased to offer the video link to webinar:
Death by Disparities: How Medical Bias Kills
The webinar was developed in response to Jesus’s call to “Love your Neighbor as Yourself,” which Redeemer Church has committed to focusing its public outreach witness in three areas of neighbor concern, care, and action: Hunger + Homelessness, Justice + Inclusion, and Wellness + Mental Health.We were very thankful to our expert presenters for their extensive experience in both medicine and public policy: Camara Phyllis Jones, MD, MPH, Ph.D. Chris A. Parker, MBBS, MPH Jada C. Bussey-Jones, MD Tracey L. Henry, MD, MPH, MS and Barbara Baylor, MPH We are very grateful for your interest in us in this issue of vital concern to so many within our communities and hope you enjoy the video by clicking on the dropbox link below. This webinar was the first in our Poverty and Justice Series and more relevant webinars in the future. https://www.dropbox.com/s/9qui9skb9524tiq/Death%20By%20Disparities%20Final%20.mp4 ?dl=0
www.redeemer.org
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY This winter clothing drive is inspired by the loving memory of Kiersten Warner's daughter, Emma Charis Marshall, who passed away in August of 2017 due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Last year Ms. Warner, who works at Patientco next door at 715 Peachtree reached out to Redeemer specifically asking if the LCFM could be the beneficiary of the clothing drive. It’s a great example of neighbors working together to address a common issue.
In honor of Emma and Infant Loss Awareness month, Patientco and Redeemer are collecting items on this Amazon Wish List to be delivered directly to Redeemer.All items will be given to men and women in need around Midtown via the Lutheran Community Food Ministry as part of our Christmas Celebration. When making a purchase from the Wish List, please select “Add Gift Options” for each item purchased. Amazon will include a gift note with your name at no additional charge. That little gift note will help us properly acknowledge your gift.Given the ongoing pandemic, we are unable to accept any used clothing items at this time. We also cannot accept any items dropped off at the church by individuals. Thank you
k n k a n h a T Th ! u o u y yo !
for your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our neighbors and church staff safe.
One of the strategic planning goals for the LCFM is to identify more opportunities for members to get involved with the LCFM. When Janet Preston asked if there was any task that Mary Clara could assist with, we were excited to have Mary Clara put together the hygiene kits we give to our neighbors. With the help of her family at home, Mary Clara put together several hundred kits! Her kits replenished our supply and it helped Mary Clara work on her motor skills. Mary Clara came to drop off her kits during our serving time so that she could see who receives the kits.
LCFM
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Serving Team During COVID-19 we’ve had to switch from a monthly team model to a weekly team model in order to minimize the number of people who come in contact with one another. Regular volunteers work once a week on the same day each week. The volunteer hours are 9:00 am – 11:30 pm. Volunteers work inside and do not have contact with our 4th St. neighbors. This is not the way we prefer it, but it is necessary to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 for our neighbors, staff and volunteers. We always needs substitutes who are willing to be contacted on shorter notice to see if they can fill in as needed. Contact Stephanie Hart, StephanieHart1987@icloud.com. Donation Drivers Almost all of the donated food the LCFM receives has to be picked up on different days of the week at different locations during the day. If you have a flexible schedule during the day and the ability to lift boxes of food, we’d love to have your help. A minivan or truck is helpful, but Redeemer does have a vehicle that can be used. Contact Bob Boyd, bboyd@redeemer.org. Gratitude Gang The LCFM needs to acknowledge the generous financial donations made in 2020. This job can be done from home at any time that’s convenient for you. We will provide the document file with the text of the letter that will only need to be customized for each donor. Stationary supplies and postage will be supplied. Any amount of time that you can give to helping would be appreciated Contact Mary Howle at marykhowle@outlook.com for more information or to volunteer.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Beth Ehrensperger 1 Abigail Garrett 1 Ren Gooch 1 Susannah Haury 1 Coleman Lawrence 1 Allison Smith 1 Jacob Wuttke 2 Taylor Allaman 2 Dalton Reed 2 Georgia Mae Smith 2 Aleynah Thornton 3 Nancy Owings 3 Haley Zoellick 4 Rhodes Brightwell 4 Mia Kim 5 Caroline Bridgers 5 Will Franetovich 5 Lori Volan 6 Carter Doan 6 Matthew Foster 6 Nicolas Gray 6 Cindy Gundersen 6 Kristin Guthrie 6 Joel May 6 Liz Mendez 6 Bob Sims 7 Jenny Cranford-Thomas 7 Susan Lichtman 7 Debbie Magley 8 Tom Feilke 8 John Garrigan 8 Coop Heisler 8 Jacque Peppel 8 Peter Quist 8 Ward York 9 Elizabeth Lewis 9 Jay Puckhaber 9 Larry Stokes 9 Sandy Swanson 9 Rocky Yang 10 Ed Brigham 10 Mike Cooper 10 William Roberts 10 Anneliese Schroer
11 Kathy Buechner 11 Al Tess 12 Tom Bohannon 12 Kevin Chunn 12 Humberto Garcia-Sjogrim 12 Holli Stephens 12 Harold Vogel 13 Sheila Brock 13 Billy Fuller 13 Adrienne King-Crawford 13 Adam Moss 13 Andrew Roberts 13 Ann Scheraldi 13 Avery Staak 14 Matthew Durdin 14 Kevin Hickey 14 Kathryn Johnson 14 Catherine Lawrence 14 Grant West 15 Scott Hawley 15 Don Noland 15 Amy Talboy 16 Joe Bell 16 Carrie Goracke 16 Landon Heidt 16 Carol Kautz 16 Corey Morelock 16 Gavin Wilde 17 Jenny Broad 17 Elizabeth Dressel 17 Julie Gary 17 Mary Howle 17 Carol Swisher 17 Levi Waterhouse 18 Wilder Dean 18 Barbara Gray 18 Jill Hans 18 Jamie Jordan 18 Beth Wilkening 19 Beverly O'Brien 19 Thomas Sides 19 Margaret Wessinger 20 Chuck Borchers 20 Heidi Franetovich 20 Kristina Lundberg 20 Kimberly York
21 Tracy Biles 21 Nora Breidenthal 21 Chloe Fernandes 21 Emelia Fernandes 21 Katherine Grice 21 Bren Weterrings 21 Cristina Ziech-Lopez 22 Billie Mentz 22 Clark Weisner 23 Jack Fike 23 JoJo Nelson 23 Paul Rosser 23 Ginny Summers 23 Janice Wittschiebe 24 Amanda Powell 24 Elena Santana 25 Scott Jennings 25 Pam Knowles 25 Sam Pinyon 25 Sharita Robinson 25 Spencer Tilley 26 Tasha West 26 Suzanne Zenoni 27 Beverly Alden 27 Rylee Carter 27 Kelsey Goldfarb 27 Caroline Johnson 27 Karol Lawrence 28 Tanner Chunn 28 Karin Mayo 28 Matthew Vogel 29 Gwen Aurandt 29 Hayden Boone 29 Sarah Bragg 29 Carla Conaway 29 Emily Conaway 29 Lorelyn Kilby 29 Annette Neuman 29 Tracey Reed 29 Sarah Volan 30 Paul Brostrom 30 Pete Burr 30 Emily Johnson 30 James Van Hoosear