Annual Report 2023

from Senior Pastor, Mark H. Larson

WhenthePhariseesheardthathehadsilencedtheSadducees,theygatheredtogether,andoneofthem,alawyer,askedhimaquestiontotesthim.‘Teacher,which commandmentinthelawisthegreatest?’Hesaidtohim,‘“YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,andwithallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind” Thisisthegreatestandfirstcommandment Andasecondislikeit:“Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself”Onthesetwocommandmentshangallthelawand theprophets’Matthew22:34-40

DearMembersandFriendsoftheLutheranChurchoftheRedeemer, GraceandpeacebeuntoyouinthenameofourLordandSavior,JesusChrist

Aswereflectontheeventsandaccomplishmentsofthepastyear,itiswithimmensejoyandgratitudethatwepresenttheannualreportof theLutheranChurchoftheRedeemer.Thisdocumentservesasatestamenttothefaithfulnessofourcongregation,theunwaveringloveof God,andourcommitmenttoembodyingthegreatestcommandments:tolovetheLordourGodwithallourheart,soul,andmind,andto loveourneighborsasourselves

Throughout the year, our church community has been steadfast in its devotion to fostering a deep and abiding love for God. We have continued to gather in worship, prayer, and fellowship, seeking to nurture our individual and collective relationships with the Lord Our worshipserviceshavebeenfilledwiththespiritofreverence,gratitude,andaweaswestrivetoexpressourloveforGodthroughheartfelt worshipanddevotion.ThroughourBiblestudiesandprayerlife,wehavedelveddeeplyintothelawandthegospeltoseekguidanceforour lifeoffaith.

TheloveofneighborhasalwaysbeenaguidingprinciplefortheLutheranChurchoftheRedeemer Ouroutreachprograms,community initiatives,andpartnershipswithlocalorganizationshaveallowedustoextendahelpinghandtothoseinneed,embodyingtheteachingsof Jesustocarefortheleastamongus WhetherthroughtheLutheranCommunityFoodMinistry,oursupportofourCoreSpiritualPartners, orthecountlessvolunteerhoursspentinservicewithourlocalmissionpartners,ourcongregationhasbeenabeaconoflove,compassion, andsupportforourneighborsinourimmediatevicinity,thecity,andthroughoursynodanddenomination,theentireworld

Furthermore,thebondsoflovewithinourchurchfamilyhavecontinuedtogrowandstrengthen Ithasbeenajoytowelcomemoreand moreofourlong-termmembersbacktoin-personworshipwhileopeningourdoorsforournewneighborstojoinusinmission Through ourLentensmallgroups,fellowshipeventslike"Groovin'inMidtown",andotherministriesofcareandconnection,wehavecreatedspaces forgenuinerelationship,mutualsupport,andthesharingoflife'sjoysandchallenges.Intimesofcelebrationandsorrow,thelovewehave foreachotherhasbeenasourceofstrengthandcomfort,embodyingtheunityandfellowshipthatChristdesiresforHisbody,theChurch BecauseofoursharingintheloveofGodandeachother,wehavebeenabletomeetthechallengesthathavecomeourway Inparticular thisyear,inadditiontolosinganumberoffaithfulmembersofRedeemer,wehavealsohadtofacethechallengeofsayinggoodbyetoa number of dedicated staff members. In addition to pastors Ron Bonner and Jenny McLellan, we have said "Farewell and Godspeed" to DirectorofFinanceandOperations,BobBoyd;PreschoolDirector,KateElkins;andreceptionistAlexaBrooks.Whileweweresadtosee themleave,suchatimeoftransitiongivesusachancetothinkofnewwaystomanageandoverseeourpropertyandoperations,carefor those who are hurting, and reach out to our surrounding community with the exciting news of what God is accomplishing through the ministryofLutheranChurchoftheRedeemer.

Aswemoveforwardintothecomingyear,letusholdfasttothesecorevalues–theloveofGod,theloveofneighbor,andthelovewe sharewitheachother Maytheseprinciplescontinuetoguideouractions,decisions,andinteractions,shapingtheidentityoftheLutheran ChurchoftheRedeemerasacommunitythatwelcomesallGod'schildrenwiththesamegraceandwelcomeweourselveshavereceived fromourLordJesusChrist

In the words of the apostle Paul, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).MaythelovethatbindsustogetherasachurchfamilybeabeaconofhopeandatestamenttotheenduringgraceofourLord.

Withgratitude,

from Congregational Council President, Richard Spady

Dear Faithful Redeemer Members, Friends, and Family:

The pages in our 2023 Annual Report bear witness to the love, kindness, service, and faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Through God’s grace and our congregation’s work we have accomplished so much together in the past year.

We ‘served boldly’ this year in our community. With our tithes and our time, we supported dozens of community partners, including Lutheran Towers, Grace House, and Goshen Valley. Through our Lutheran Community Food Ministry, we served thousands of meals to our neighbors. Our Community Engagement teams enriched the lives of all they touched. Our Faith Formation teams spread the Word to adults, youth, and children alike Our Congregational Care teams gave compassion and assistance to those in need Our Stewardship and Support teams ensured the current and future vitality of our mission

And we ‘grew faithfully’ as a congregation as well Our worship services in all their forms traditional, jazz, Rejoicing Spirits, Wednesday nights, and special holidays fed us spiritually throughout the year Our wonderful music ministries lifted our spirits Our ‘butterfly’ volunteer program connected congregation members with new opportunities to serve We saw inperson worship attendance increase by 16% in 2023 We began important new projects, including the modernization of the sanctuary organ We welcomed new members to our congregation and to our staff We celebrated the lives of long-term members who passed away And we said goodbye and Godspeed to others, including Pastor Ron and Pastor Jenny

Please join me in offering a prayer of gratitude for Redeemer’s pastors, staff, and ministry team leadership for their support of our congregation’s faith journey and of our neighbors in need in 2023 You have all truly met the call of the Holy Spirit

We have spent the past couple of years setting our church on firm footing for the future following the pandemic We now turn our attention to the future and the work ahead – His Work – of loving one another, serving our neighbors, and growing Jesus’ disciples.

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40

For over 100 years, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer has built a congregation and a presence in Midtown Atlanta of great deeds and witness. As we move forward, we strive to grow both our membership and our impact on the world outside our doors so that others will come to know Jesus’ love. We have three opportunities immediately in front of us.

First, we may well be the ‘best kept secret in Midtown ’ For 2024, the Council recommended and the congregation approved a budget that in part calls for new resources to get our message out and to make it easier for others to find Redeemer and match to volunteer and service opportunities Of course, we all share this responsibility, so I encourage everyone to tell our story to others and invite friends to join us for worship

Second, our location in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the southern U S affords us a great opportunity to make it clear Jesus’ welcome is to everyone everyone We must consider how we best proclaim that all are welcome to our church and to use our words and deeds to reach out to anyone marginalized or hesitant to come join us in the full life of our congregation

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And finally, we are blessed with assets that will allow us to evolve our physical property over the coming decades to meet the needs of our ministries and create new ways to introduce Redeemer to Midtown Atlanta The Campus Master Planning Process has been step one in that journey and there is much work ahead to turn this plan into reality Ultimately, the choices we make and the physical footprint of our property will serve as another way we welcome all to our church, and ultimately to Christ

These awesome opportunities create great responsibility for Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. I am sure we are up to the task. We will no doubt face challenges, important conversations, and crossroads along the way. I pray that we will look to Jesus’ teachings, ask for God’s wisdom, and extend grace to each other as we determine together how the world will see Jesus through Redeemer in the decades to come.

On a personal note, serving as Council President for the past two years has been one of the true privileges of my life. I will cherish the deep relationships I have built and all the acts I witnessed of this congregation’s deep faith and service. I hope as you read this Annual Report that you are filled with the Holy Spirit, and I look forward to ‘growing faithfully’ and ‘serving boldly’ with you in the future

Yours in Christ,

Richard Spady 2023 Council President

Council Members

2023 Top Row: Creston Harold, Pr. Mark Larson, Jeff Guthrie, Richard Spady

Middle Row: Doug Dumont, Karen Cramer, Erin Hull, John Thomas

Bottom Row: Leith Fitch, Michael Adamson, Wren Carlson, Lew Engle

Not pictured: Roxann Thompson, Carol Bloomquist, Derek Peterson, Alisa Norvelle

Worship Team

Highlights:

The worship and music highlights of 2023 were the continuing recovery of post-COVID-era attendance and the exciting celebrations of our special festival Sundays: Easter, Reformation, and Christmas Eve. We continued to see good numbers in the sanctuary and online as we stabilized our attendance and processes for our new era. We like to say we officially moved away from “COVID emergency mode.” The pastors, choirs, bells, Altar Guild, ushers, lectors, communion assistants, and youth all led our worship with excellence. Chrismon, lily, and poinsettia decorators made our highest holy seasons very special. We are grateful to ALL who made these moments and this progress, particularly in person, possible!

Other special milestones of 2023:

We completed our first year with a dedicated faith formation hour between the jazz and organ/choir service so that everyone now has an opportunity to attend both worship and Sunday School, confirmation, or other classes Feedback has been good

The Rejoicing Spirits service’s third anniversary was celebrated (it began in February 2020) The service’s attendance also increased with a move to a Sunday morning service time at 10:15 during the faith formation hour

The Altar Guild was able to do some significant restoration and replacement to worship sanctuary appointments, including Kuettner (tripod-shaped) baptismal font repairs/restoration and a new brocade cover to better protect it; partial restoration to the cross on the lid of our other portable font; repairs and cleaning of chasubles, paraments, and altar linens; and replacement of our tall pew-end candles to more updated and safe models for our evening services

Hopes for 2024:

Worship’s most significant need and goal for the new calendar year is to get more of our volunteers re-involved and engage new volunteers We have a great, dedicated core group of volunteers, but they need and will gladly welcome more assistance! We also hope to continue to engage our youth in more meaningful numbers in worship leadership roles such as acolytes, crucifers, banner bearers, Bible bearers, and ushers.

We also expect to make some needed lighting upgrades to the sanctuary this year and also to complete our major organ restoration work that began in 2022.

Team Members:

Carol Bell, Chair; Pastor Mark Larson, Staff Liaison; Derek Peterson, Council Liaison

David Hansen and Sarah Hawbecker, Music

Carol Maxwell, Altar Guild Chair; Heidi Couch, Banners; Jonne Walter, Linens

Jim Maxwell, Ushers

Charissa Schultz and Frank Hull, Jazz Service; Mindy Tanzola, Rejoicing Spirits; Stephen McKersie, Stanley Schubert

Digital Media Ministry

For the Digital Media Ministry, the phrase that most came to mind in 2023 had to be, “Living in a hybrid world ” As we began to emerge from the fog of COVID-19, the team realized that there was no going back The technologies we migrated to and embraced during the pandemic were here to stay As in years past, we continued to Worship, Learn, Connect, Give, and Pray together through new digital platforms We recognized that many of our Members, Visitors, Volunteers, and Staff had become more comfortable in this brave new world. So, the task at hand for the Digital Media Ministry was to work hard to improve the production quality and capabilities of our digital events as well as reach a broader audience within – and outside the walls of – our beloved Redeemer.

Highlights:

One of the teams’ biggest accomplishments was ironically one that most people weren’t aware of – migrating from Livestream to Vimeo. Thanks to the tireless work of David Hansen and the rest of the team, the transition to the Vimeo platform on Redeemer’s website was seamless. In looking back at the year, the team began to realize that where we are now is the next phase To utilize an overused term during the height of the pandemic, this is the new normal The next step We have a much clearer picture of what a post-Covid world looks like Digital Media Ministry is truly a resource for all other ministry areas of Redeemer In our ongoing efforts to be good stewards of our limited resources, we pulled back into some digital areas and optimized those resources

Year-Round Hybrid Worship Services

Special Worship and Event Pages

Faith-formation events such as Special Guest Rev Dr Mitri Raheb

Hybrid Annual Congregational Meetings

Streaming Music Events including the Annual Organ Anniversary Concert, Harvest Home Concert, Bach Bash, and many others

Hybrid Pledging and Giving Opportunities

Faith-Formation Listening Posts

Hybrid Facility Master Planning Sessions

Hopes for 2024:

Increasing availability of curated recorded media on Redeemer’s website including prior Worship Services

Improved sound quality of our broadcasts

Expanding our social media platforms especially as Facebook, Instagram and others mature

Leveraging technology to reach new audiences and improve the digital experience for existing ones

Collaborating with Ministry Teams such as Congregational Care to equip members with assistive technology to optimize their engagement with Redeemer

Digital Media Ministry Team

Michael Adamson, Chair

David Hansen, Staff Advisor

Robin Durdin, Staff

Seth Brown, Staff

Audio, Visual, Photographic and Tech Team

Molly Fredlund, Streaming Special Events

Alisa Fox, Streaming Worship

Adam Reitz, Streaming Worship

Barna Lumpkin, Streaming Worship

Kathryn Grogg, Streaming Worship

Katie Grogg, Streaming Worship, Weddings & Concerts

Piper Grogg, Streaming Worship, Weddings & Concerts

Julien Fowlkes, Online Education & Technical Support

Kim Wozniak, Streaming Worship

Michael Williams, Streaming Worship

Jonathan Fuller, Spring/Summer Worship

Owen Lear, Spring/Summer Worship

John Thomas, Streaming Events, Equipment Support & Member Photography

Charles Bridgers, Special Events & Formal Photography

Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank and recognize the many people named here who bring their diverse talents, education, and training -- including GA Tech, the U S Army, and many others -- who kept members and visitors alike connected to Redeemer in 2023 and continue to do so If you’re interested in joining the team – or know someone who might be – please have them contact us at: lcravtech@redeemer org

Friends of Music

Redeemer’s concert series, sponsored by our members and visitors, known as the Friends of Music, continues to attract our Midtown neighbors and music lovers from the metro-Atlanta at large.

A hallmark of Redeemer’s concert series is to provide a wide range of music, featuring different artists, instruments, and choral music each season. This season ’ s concerts included cello, violin, flute, guitar, organ, and choral music from a world renowned choir.

The Redeemer Concert Series sponsored seven concerts during 2023 This is an increase of two additional concerts from the previous season

Organ Anniversary Concert: Friday, January 25, 2023 ~ 7:30 pm

We celebrated the 20th anniversary of the inaugural concert of the church’s Létourneau pipe organ, Opus 80 Performing on the 59-stop, 73-rank instrument were Redeemer Organist Sarah Hawbecker, along with the church’s past and present Organ Scholars – Martha Barth, Kira Garvie, Andy Jacob, and Sam Long Attendance: In-person 78; Online Views: 400; Total: 478

Duo Catanza: Sunday, February 12, 2023 ~ 2:00 pm

Guitarists Scott Plato and Matthias Young are both accomplished performers, teachers, composers, and authors Together, they are Duo Catanza Prior to the concert, our Friends of Music donors enjoyed a lovely luncheon catered by Steven Miles Attendance: In-person 76; Online Views: 428; Total: 504

Bach Birthday Bash: Friday, March 17, 2023 ~ 7:30 pm

This favorite annual concert celebrates the music and life of one of the greatest composers, Johann Sebastian Bach. Featuring a variety of instrumental and choral music, the program provided an opportunity for the audience to sing several chorales. Attendance: In-person 57; Online Views: 208; Total: 265

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The Stockholm Academic Choir: Thursday, August 3, 2023 ~ 7:30 pm

The Akademiska KÖREN was formed in 1931 and performs regularly at the Royal Academy of Music and the Concert Hall of Stockholm This was a wonderful opportunity to hear this world renowned choir Prior to the concert, we enjoyed providing dinner for them Attendance: Inperson 100; Online Views: 86; Total: 186

Richard Elliott, Principal Tabernacle Organist: Friday, September 8, 2023 ~ 7:30 pm

Celebrated performer Richard Elliott, Principal Tabernacle Organist at Temple Square and a former assistant organist on the famous Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia, the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world Mr Elliott donated this rare Atlanta concert to benefit the Ray Martin Organ Fund for the preservation of our 59-stop Letourneau pipe organ Attendance: In-person 110; Online Views: 10 Paid; Total: 120

Svyati Duo: Sunday, October 1, 2023 ~ 2:00 pm

“The players are excellent in all the many styles they portray, from gentle lyricism to powerful drama to kooky sound effects " American Record Guide Prior to the concert, our Friends of Music donors enjoyed a lovely luncheon catered by Steven Miles. Attendance: In-person 39; Onlne Views: 42; Total: 81

Harvest Home Concert: Saturday, November 18, 2023 ~ 7:30 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 Attendance: In-person 139; Online Views: 380; Total: 519

Hopes for 2024:

Continue our outreach into the community We were fortunate to have added two unexpected concerts last year, Richard Elliott and the Stockholm Academic Choir. We anticipate that the coming concert season will be “normal” and we look forward to an extra special concert in the 2024-25 season, possibly a famous choir again!

Team Members:

Peg Wyse, Chair; Richard Spady, Council Liaison

Sarah Hawbecker, Staff Advisor

Carol Bell, Cliff Burt, Mark Helsel, Donna Matern, Jim Maxwell, David McGahan,(virtual member) Penny Scarpucci, Jonne Walter, Paul Walter, and Terrell Weitman

Midtown Lutheran Preschool

Weekday ministry is more than educating children Monday through Friday; it’s a ministry that supports the entire family through the early years of their child’s educational journey One of the most rewarding aspects of Midtown Lutheran Preschool is providing a nurturing and educational environment that fosters a sense of community for our young learners MTLPS had a vibrant and successful year in 2023 I (Kisha Johnson) started as the Interim Director for MTLPS in August 2023 This has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life Building relationships with teachers, parents, and children has been life-changing for me.

Highlights:

The Halloween Parade was successful and fun.

The End-of-Year Advent Family Potluck gave families time to connect with staff.

The children love interacting with stories during Storytime with Ms. Stephanie.

Dance and Movement with Mrs. Brittani is time when our little ones enjoy moving to the music.

The Bookfair was a success; we appreciate parents buying books not just for their children but also for the classrooms

Hopes:

Maintain enrollment growth Need to open more classrooms because the preschool is growing so much

Build enrichment programming!

MTLPS to support itself financially

Continue planning events that build our preschool, community, and ministry together as a team

Conclusion:

MTLPS looks back on a successful year in 2023, filled with growth, learning and joy We are committed to providing an exceptional early childhood education experience and look forward to another year of nurturing the potential of our young learners

Children & Family Ministry

Wow! The Children and Family Ministry (CFM) team was busy in 2023! Our programs and events offered a variety of ways to grow in faith, combining study of God’s word, worship, fellowship, and service One memorable moment this year was the end of our Monster Mash event, which focuses on fellowship and offers volunteer opportunities for youth up to adults Every year, we are excited to partner with the Pipe Screams Concert offered by Friends of Music to create this unique event Kids (and adults! and pastors!) come in their creative costumes for carnival-style games in the crisp fall air and enjoy a pizza dinner in Sims Atrium Then, we head into the sanctuary for spooky music played by our amazing organists, a concert that draws in friends and visitors from the community.

This year, the CFM team also offered a party after the concert, in the area behind the Mission House. There was dancing, bubbles, hula hoops, and lots of play on the playground while adults (when they weren’t dancing) had time to relax and talk with each other- reconnecting, building relationships, offering mutual support and having fun! We saw our kids overflow with joy and energy in an environment where they can be exactly who they are, surrounded by caring adults. It was an experience we hope to make part of Monster Mash for years to come.

Boundless energy, love, and kindness are evident at each activity and event Walking alongside our children as they grow to become the people God created them to be is truly one of life’s biggest blessings

Highlights:

Weekly Sunday School attendance in classrooms for ages 2 years old through 5th grade included up to 40 children Combined classes attended the monthly Sing & Play, with a majority of parents participating alongside their children Faith Stepping Stones classes dive deeply into an aspect of faith at a developmentally appropriate level for each grade

CFM successfully hosted a weekend-long family retreat at Lutheranch in February 2023 Highlights included a talent show, a robust parent discussion group with Pastor Mark, learning opportunities around the theme “I’ll Do My Best” for children and parents, and lots of time for creation of meaningful relationships with our families

The Easter Vigil and Celebration included a worship service, games, crafts, and an egg hunt We appreciate volunteer assistance from our youth!

Summer activities included ‘Changemaker’s Lab’ Vacation Bible School and Redeemer Week at Lutheridge Gadzooks! We collaborated with Redeemer Children’s Music for the Christmas Program and hosted our annual Family Advent Celebration in the Sims atrium with brunch, crafts, games, and a service project We were happy to see several of our Preschool families participate this year!

Hopes for 2024:

Continue to host a variety of opportunities to connect our families with meaningful ways to grow faithfully and serve boldly. Increase Vacation Bible School participation with partnerships within our Midtown community. Grow our adult volunteer numbers to foster inter-generational connections. We have so many ways adults can fulfill the promises made at baptism - to teach our children to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and to work for justice and peace We need your help! Contact Deacon Mary for more information

Team Members:

Chairs: Michelle Spady and Whitney Ludvigsen

Team Members: Emily Cooper, Carrie Herold, Liz Kim

Council Liaison and Team Member: Jeff Guthrie

Staff Liaison: Deacon Mary Houck

Youth & Family Ministry

For our youth, Redeemer’s mission: “To Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly” is shown through our involvement with our Mission Trips In the Summer of 2023, both our Middle School and High School Youth attended two very different trips but with the same goal of wanting to serve in the communities we were in

Our High School Youth went to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a location that was previously attended in 2019 with 12 of our youth and 2 Adult Leaders. The week was filled with various service projects in the community by working with a local church’s day camp-style program and doing some outdoor projects. As we battled the heat, we still made an impact serving the community, had some fun adventures exploring Arecibo, and enjoyed all of the delicious Puerto Rican food. Fiona Peterson, 11th grade, reflects on her experience and where she saw God during this trip. Fiona previously attended our High School Service Week Trip to Luther Springs in Hawthorne, FL in July 2022. Fiona saw God through Puerto Rico’s creation and people, in the community, who were full of love and hospitality. Fiona also enjoyed getting to know the kids at the day camp, even with a language barrier, they still were able to share laughs and smiles

Our Middle School Youth went to Bayou La Batre, AL, a location that Redeemer Youth attended many years ago This week was filled with various service projects in the community, meeting youth from other states, and enjoying ice cream each day As we battled the rain, we still made an impact by helping others We served at a local food bank, helped clean up various community members’ yards, painted, helped out at a local library, and helped at a local senior living facility Grant Merkel, 8th grade, reflects on his experience and where he saw God during this trip Grant attended the Middle School Mission Trip in 2022 to Birmingham, AL, and was looking forward to again helping out in a new and different community “My God moment, for the trip, was helping people with their lawn work and seeing how happy they were afterward when they saw what we did ”

Thank you for your continued support in helping our youth attend these impactful events Our Puerto Rico trip raised the most money ever during our fundraising campaign of $10,000 We appreciate all of the love and encouragement for letting our youth continue to help in other communities

Other Highlights:

Confirmation Service: We confirmed 7 of our 8th-grade students These Confirmation students have almost all been together since they were babies This was a special time for them to celebrate this milestone together

We continued to be involved with service as we volunteered at Friends of Disabled Adults and Children thrift store several times, donated items for the refugee family at our Christmas Party, helped Megan McCloskey with her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, and had a great volunteer turnout for CFM’s Monster Mash

We continued to re-engage our youth with various activities: Six Flags and TreeTop Quest outings were some of our youth’s favorite ones

Hopes for 2024:

Continue to re-engage our youth, and work to ensure our 8th-grade students are engaged in our High School Program

Update our Confirmation curriculum

Utilize ELCA Youth Gathering to reconnect youth with Synod and churchwide youth events

YMT Members:

Co-Chairs: Stephanie Pinyon and Jana Thomas

Co-Council Liaisons: Doug Dumont and Derek Peterson

Nikki Chunn, Paul Isaacson, Carol McCloksey, Liesl Merkel, Jenny Peterson

Lars Peterson, Middle School Youth Representative (Jan-Aug)

Grant Merkel, Middle School Youth Representative (Aug-Dec)

Fiona Peterson, High School Youth Representative

Staff Liaison: Hillary Nelson, Director, Youth & Family Ministry

Staff Liaison: The Rev Dr Jonathan Trapp, Pastor for Faith Formation

Hopes for 2024:

Special Needs Ministry

In the spring of 2023, Rejoicing Spirits (our monthly worship service for people of all abilities) moved from Sunday afternoon to Sunday morning, during the faith formation hour. During the pandemic, Sunday afternoon worked well for this service and had strong, consistent attendance. However, with the resumption of regular activities, it became clear that our target audience would be able to participate much more fully on Sunday mornings. We meet from 10:15-10:45 in Rudisill Hall monthly and have collaborated with children’s Sunday School, Confirmation, and HS youth Having children and youth rejoice with us has added energy and opportunities for worship leadership In particular, our December Rejoicing Spirits was super fun! It was a combination of our RS community and Sing and Play We sang carols with the Dad Band, made Christmas ornaments, and rang in the season by making lots of joyful noise!

Highlights:

Seeing our ‘Rejoicers’ come alive each month at a worship service where they are centered and can be leaders

Supporting our members with special needs as they grow in faith while participating in Confirmation and Youth activities

Continuing to educate our children and youth about how to affirm and include people with special needs

Seeing our members with special needs fill important leadership roles at Vacation Bible School, the Family Easter Vigil, Monster Mash, and acting as greeters, lectors, and song leaders

We have made some overtures and hope to continue building a relationship with the disability services branch of Inspiritus

To host fellowship events for those with special needs in our community and their caregivers

To continue working with the Master Planning team on how to make our grounds, facilities, worship, and online presence more accessible to people of all abilities.

Team Members:

Lila Cooperider, Janet Preston, Carol Bell, Peg Wyse

Council Liaison: Jeff Guthrie

Staff Liaison: Dn. Mary Houck

Faith Formation

One of the best feelings for the Faith Formation team is to see every classroom being occupied and that is exactly what happened in September when fall classes started at Redeemer It was exciting to see a wide variety of class offerings catering to the wide and varied interests of the people of Redeemer Seeing so many people engaged is a testament to how the people of Redeemer are committed to the mission of Redeemer, to grow faithfully and to serve boldly We are excited about the upcoming year and the opportunities to continue to provide outlets for people to Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly.

Highlights:

Increasing the number of class offerings

Increased participation in classes

Continued offering of classes in a variety of formats (in-person, online, and hybrid)

Hopes for 2024:

Integrate Faith Formation Team with Small Groups

Continue to increase participation in faith formation opportunities

Team Members:

Kristin Guthrie, Chair

Pat Cornwell, Council Liaison

Wren Carlson, Dn Mary Houck, Hillary Nelson, Karin Mayo, and Alexis Young

Small Group Ministry

Lenten small groups have been a key component of the Redeemer community for many years. They offer an opportunity for old friends to gather together and make new friends and for the community to come together as one, reading the same book and talking about the same topics It is always especially exciting when we get to welcome the book's author to the Redeemer community Last spring, we had the opportunity to do just when Redeemer was joined by the esteemed New Testament scholar, Dr Amy-Jill Levine A packed Rudisill Hall was joined by a number of members online to participate in a Q&A session with Dr Levine that Pr Mark moderated We look forward to the coming year and the opportunities to continue growing our small groups that meet throughout the year

Highlights:

Visit of Dr Amy-Jill Levine to Redeemer during Lent

Continued regular participation in small groups throughout the year

Hopes for 2024:

Integrate Faith Formation Team with Small Groups

Better publicize small groups to help increase participation

Consider second congregation-wide small group book study

Team Members:

Pr Jonathan Trapp

Leith Fitch, Council Liaison

Keystone Ministry

Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes, Five hundred, twenty-five thousand moments, so dear

How do you measure, measure a year?

How about love?

Share love, give love, spread love

Measure in love

Seasons of love

Seasons of love

Measure, measure your life in love

Jonathan Larson’s “Seasons of Love” expresses the dynamics of Redeemer’s Keystone Ministry in 2023 and challenges us to live and love together more effectively in 2024.

It was a year of rebuilding and refocusing the scope, strategy, and extent of our outreach

We continued to readjust from the effects of the pandemic; Redeemer, as with most other churches, is facing residual challenges We saw this reality as an opportunity to work inside AND outside the box – not to mention questioning the box itself!

We are grateful for Pastor Jenny’s vision and guidance in our life and ministry together We could share our appreciation with her at our December Christmas luncheon Oscar Dela Cruz shared, on behalf of himself and his lovely wife Lourdes, a heartfelt review of Pastor Jenny’s shepherding of our fellowship Pastor Jenny’s ministry lives on through us as we continue her work She had accepted a call to a new ministry as a senior pastor with an ELCA congregation in Minnesota (starting in January 2024)

So many of you helped in so many ways Thank you for your honesty and effective feedback on what has been good and needs to be reimagined

A shout out to Cliff Burt and David Hansen, who served as indispensable consultants in planning our Symposium on Aging Their expertise and passion in ministry were much appreciated

Shirley Johnson spoiled us with her creative and love-inspired baked goods! Her sweet potato muffins were the food of angels!

Kim Wozniak’s expertise as a Hollywood producer inspired and informed us with her recommendations and commentaries during our movie matinees.

Sophia Foley’s service was indispensable, and she became “the wind beneath our wings.”

We were saddened by the loss of dearly loved and respected legacy Keystone family members May we honor them now as they honored our Lord Jesus They measured their lives in love We follow in their footsteps

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These words of the prophet point us to God as revealed in Jesus Thanks be to God!

I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you

-Isaiah 46:4 (NLT)

Highlights:

Continued relationship with Lutheran Towers residents through "Keystone Time Together” - monthly worship service with lunch and/or activities

Hosted a successful one-day Keystone Spiritual Formation Retreat - “Becoming Community in Christ: How has God led you to become who you are?

Produced a wonderful Saturday Symposium on Aging

Began monthly Movie Matinees

Served an ”Afternoon Tea & Talk”

Attended the Pitts Theological Library exhibit, "This Sacred Art: The Emergence of the Printed Book in Fifteenth-Century Europe"

Held a November listening session to hear, consider, and implement suggestions from Keystone members Much of our “hopes” below resulted from this exercise

Hopes for 2024:

Become a catalyst for effective evangelism of divergent and marginalized groups within range of our campus and hub communities

Facilitate opportunities to engage in social justice causes and activities

Ensure accurate accounting and incorporation of all persons in our directories utilizing technology and personal outreach so that no one may “fall through the cracks ”

Encourage all older members, regardless of setting, with outreach, visitation, Eucharistic ministry

Reintroduce dining-out activities

Provide a closer partnership and monthly onsite outreach with Lutheran Tower residents

Host another one-day retreat

Continue monthly movie matinees to challenge, inspire, and unify all Inspire and challenge members through guided sound therapy meditation sessions

Plan group outings to local venues

Initiate greater coordination and ministry with other faith communities

Strengthen fellowship and partnership with different age groups within the Redeemer family Waging peace in our individual and corporate settings to grow

Keystone Committee:

Edward Scherlacher, Member

Sheila Brock, Member

Kim Wozniak, Member

Oscar Dela Cruz, Member

Shirley Johnson, Member

Sophia Foley, Redeemer Intern

Karen Cramer, Council Liaison

Pastor Jenny McLellan, Staff Liaison

Young Adult Ministry

The Redeemer Young Adults hosted our first retreat in the fall of 2023 in the Holy Trinity House at Lutheranch With Pr Jenny’s leadership, we spent some time reflecting on our faith and how it has changed and grown over many different phases of life We made simple and delicious meals together with lots of time for conversation and tried out our skills at the archery range surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation on a crisp, fall day, cheering on each other’s efforts, and shrugging off our failures with good humor It was a small group, but a great start for our first retreat on which we hope to build

Highlights:

Fellowship Events such as a river tubing trip, a visit to the Georgia Renaissance Fair, Duck Pin Bowling, and more

Growing in our faith through the retreat, Lenten Small Group, a class on Lutheran theology, and participating in the Out of Darkness Walk

Welcoming new members to our group and seeing young adults engaged as volunteers in several Redeemer ministries ranging from Greeters to Confirmation to Stewardship Team and Church Council

Gathering monthly for lunches after 11:00 worship to touch base, and share joys and challenges

Hopes for 2024:

We are excited to add two new members to our leadership team, and look forward to what they will add in the year ahead

Explore collaboration with the Collective (a new ELCA ministry for young adults in Atlanta)

Get even more young adults involved in ministry and leadership at Redeemer

Team Chairs for 2023: Ann Ridenhour and Jared Joella

Council Liaison: Creston Herold

Staff Liaisons: Pr. Jenny McLellan and Dn. Mary Houck

Faithful Connections

2023 turned out to be a more challenging year than any of our team expected While our Listeners were able to engage in more productive conversations with more members, we did not reach our 2023 plans to recruit and train additional member listeners, or to connect with as many members as we had hoped However, after Covid restrictions were lifted, and at Pastor Jenny’s invitation, our team assisted with Member Care’s “Butterfly Table” by helping to engage members connect or re-connect with service opportunities

In 2023, both our leadership and Listeners, took on new or expanded roles as Redeemer sought to fully staff its lay leadership bench. Along with Member Care, Redeemer’s Fall 2023 Stewardship Team was another beneficiary of Faithful Connections’ team participation. Now it’s clear that Faithful Connections 2024 focus should be to assist with member engagement, even as it “Becomes an integral part of Redeemer’s welcoming & new member assimilation strategy.”

Faithful Connections core purpose has always been to establish deeper relationships with members so that all member gifts, experiences, and passions are utilized in Redeemer’s mission, as reflected in our Vision that through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus!

For 2024, we will work toward aligning our goals with Redeemer’s 2024 focus on evangelism by concentrating our activities that support our still-developing 2024 focus To enable us to be successful we will invite more members to become a part of our expanded role in Redeemer’s overall mission, so that Redeemer’s ministry to God’s people in Midtown, and more, is known We will work to ensure that all our guests and Midtown neighbors are welcomed and that their gifts for ministry are valued We look forward to the ministry challenges that are unfolding!

Many thanks to our faithful 2023 core team:

Amy Carpenter, Todd Larsen, Joe Lukas, Karin Mayo, Don Noland, Janet Preston, John Thomas, Roxann Thompson, Peg Wyse, and our consultant and steady guide, Cindy Holler

Submitted by: Don Noland & John Thomas, co-chairs

Congregational Care Team

More than a Meal: When spiritual care becomes personalized

We all have or will experience health challenges or difficult transitions in life What would it look like to truly not be alone in the struggles we face? How would it feel to be prayed over by those closest to you before surgery? What would it be like to worship with them after sharing in your struggle? In response to these questions, Redeemer’s Congregational Care team created Personal Care Teams in 2023

A Personal Care Team is more than a meal delivered. A Personal Care Team shows the Care Recipients that their church community cares for them. Composed of family, friends from church groups and worship, and members who have the gift of mercy and prayer, a unique Personal Care Team assembles for each Care Recipient. The Personal Care Team gathers with the Pastor and Care Recipient, hears their need, offers encouragement, prays together, and then offers their support in tangible ways (meals, texts, visits).

This year, Personal Care Teams showed up for a family undergoing surgeries and accompanied another member through cancer treatment, hospice, dying, and death When we let others in to care for us, we become changed by Christ’s compassion in the community

Highlights:

Created short-term comprehensive personal care teams for new births, hospitalizations, surgeries, and the bereaved

Formed a team of 13 people to walk in Atlanta’s Out of Darkness Walk

Welcomed 19 new members to Redeemer in 2023

Hosted the first vigil for people who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss

Began monthly mental health screenings

Hopes for 2024:

Recruit and train new Stephen Ministers to increase our capacity to care for hurting people by hosting a 20-week training over the summer

Deepen and expand the Midtown Interfaith Contemplative Collective

Team Members:

Shaylin Rawden, John Garrigan, Peg Wyse, Jeanne Merritt, Ed Scherlacher, Joyce Smith, Ed Kuehn, Oni Borchers, Sharon Jeffries, Jojo Nelson, Marlit Hayslet, Oscar Dela Cruz, Diana Palma, Gayle Morgan, Lila Cooperider, Sara Kader (Team Chair), Carol Bloomquist (Council Liaison), Pastor Jenny McLellan (Staff Liaison)

Community Engagement Team

We believe our Mission Statement best describes who we are, what we can do, and to whom we serve:

Share God’s love for all people, by equipping Redeemer’s expanding community to love and serve our neighbor, by creating transformative space through Advocacy, Outreach, Evangelism, and Service

Community Engagement Ministry was blessed this year to pursue through its members and community our faith and commitment, by striving to offer and/or promote opportunities of Redeemer’s desire to Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly, in examples such as:

Advocate our faith and conviction through active participation in Federal and State Legislative opportunities and through the ELCA in such items as the newly proposed Social Statement, for example.

Promote greater awareness and examination of issues associated with the trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children, with Redeeming GRACE and Wellspring Living toward the transformational care for child survivors; emphasizing each January is National Human Trafficking Prevention month

Offer our neighbors the opportunity to share their hopes, fears, desires, and/or praises in writing their heartfelt Prayers on the Redeemer Prayer Wall, located on the property sidewalk, and then sharing those Prayers during each week’s Worship services

Promote participation in the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk/Run, through Inspiritus, providing financial support to those experiencing critical hunger, and a percentage of raised funds to Redeemer’s Lutheran Community Food Ministry

Activity encourages participation and involvement toward Hope Thru Soap visits each month; offering free hot showers, clothing, hygiene kits, and benefit assistance to those in need

Show support, offer donations, and encourage volunteers for Midtown Assistance Center’s Annual Food Drive and 5K Walk/Run, raising funds for those in our community less fortunate

Embrace the opportunity to offer an interwoven event between Redeemer’s ministries, designed to connect members with one another and with our community, as in Groovin’ Down in Midtown; an outdoor 70’s event with music, food trucks, Community Outreach Partner representatives, corporate contributors, and welcomed new relationship with Atlanta’s Midtown Alliance

Present a proposal of annual financial support for approval, to Church Council for our Community Outreach Partner (COP) Organizations, with whom we are so grateful for their community services and value their relationship.

Offer a sidewalk welcome to the Atlanta Pride Parade and Atlanta Streets Alive participants allowing the opportunity for personal interaction with our neighbors.

Promote Christmas Giving and awareness for Wellspring Living Girls and Inspiritus individuals less fortunate among us. Share interaction with the staff, clients, and families of Georgia Justice Project during their Annual Holiday Gathering, hosted at Redeemer.

Offer participation and involvement of Redeemer’s Members through the re-enactment of Bethlehem Village / Live Nativity, enriching spiritual and biblical awareness in full- costume, plus opportunity to donate through the sale of LutherRose Tree Ornaments, raising awareness and funding for Redeemer’s Lutheran Community Food Ministry

Continued next page

We were very thankful for Redeemer’s willingness to accept our different avenues of interest, outreach, and evangelism this year, allowing us to further connect, interact and offer our faith boldly toward service of those less fortunate and we hope to leverage our abilities as we work toward our future outreach and evangelistic goals, such as:

Actively pursue opportunities involving the visions, initiatives, and outreach of all the Redeemer Ministries and Members, creating a connection between ourselves and connection with our valued community neighbors toward His Glory, in examples such as: Oktoberfest, Family Picnic at Piedmont Park, Summer Concerts on The Green, Fireman’s Appreciation Day or Friends Day, in addition to Bible Studies, Faith Formation and Worship. Diligently continue to learn from and with Redeeming GRACE concerning the issues and legislative opportunities surrounding the tragic exploitation of our children while promoting deeper awareness and involvement in others.

Team Members:

Amy Carpenter

Andrea Huntington

Don Noland

Sally Rosser

Elise Thomas

Don Cornwell

Sharon Jeffries

David Ott

Susan Sussman

Carol Swisher, Co-Chairperson

Stephanie Hart

Chie Nishimura

Janet Preston

Curt Stamp

Carol Maxwell, Co-Chairperson

Leith Fitch, Council Liaison Roxann Thompson, Council Liaison

Rev Dr Ron Bonner, Staff Liaison (Jan thru mid-Oct)

Rev Mark Larson, Staff Liaison (thru year-end)

Diversity & Justice

The Diversity and Justice Team is responsible for leading Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in living out its mandate to welcome all and to work "for justice and peace" in all the world (from our baptismal commitment) Most of our work has been in the area of anti-racism, but we also work to help Redeemer be welcoming and inclusive of all God's children Naturally, the most impactful event of this year was the departure of Pastor Bonner who was our spiritual guide from the formation of this team in the wake of the George Floyd murder in 2020 and the resulting call for racial justice and inclusion that rang across our country and our church. Even with this loss of leadership, we still accomplished some important work in 2023.

Highlights:

Weekly Book Studies on Liberation Theology led by Pastor Bonner

Sims Atrium displays of African American leaders during Black History Month and the inclusion of a Lament for Racism during worship during this month

Hosting the Synod's MLK Birthday Celebration with the State Sen Rev Kim Johnson preaching Displays of Female Leadership during Women's History Month in March

Community Good Friday Stations of the Cross

Juneteenth Observance with the Lutheran Community Food Ministry

Participating in the SES Justice Pilgrimage to Selma and Montgomery

Hopes for 2024:

The overarching goal for this year will be to develop practical ways that Redeemer can live out its new Welcome Statement

Team Members:

Co-Chairs: Don Noland and Amy Talboy

Council Liaison: Karen Cramer

Staff: Pastor Bonner and then Pastor Larson

Members: Cheyenne Elliot, Erica Fletcher, Glen Fletcher, Lauren Gaia, Paul Hermann, Sharon Hermann, Sharon Jeffries, Jay Lutz, Carol McCloskey, Christina McCoy, Leslie Misch

Story

At Lutheran Campus Ministry’s Grace House, the voices of our students are essential to shaping a ministry that truly resonates with their spiritual needs and aspirations We're an ever-evolving community that adapts to the changing needs of each generation of students This Spirit-led adaptation enables us to transform students, the campus and the world through the Love of Jesus

One of our long-time students, Katherine, exemplifies the power of student leadership Katherine joined Grace House during the pandemic when our gatherings were held virtually. Despite the challenges of remote connection, Katherine thrived as a leader, spearheading our service and outreach initiatives She connected our ministry to meaningful opportunities where we could live out our faith in service to others

As Katherine graduates, we're thrilled to introduce Ellie, a transfer student from NC State who has quickly become an integral part of Grace House As our students and staff got to know Ellie, her enthusiasm and leadership potential were evident Our student leaders recognized Ellie’s gifts and welcomed her as a perfect successor to Katherine.

Our students' recognition of Ellie's gifts and their swift action to elevate her as a leader embodies our shared belief in the "Priesthood of All Believers " We witness the Spirit's working as our students support and encourage one another, demonstrating that the Spirit's transformative power is alive and well within our community

Your generous partnership empowers Grace House to nurture a vibrant ministry where the Spirit's transformation flourishes among our young leaders Please consider supporting Grace House today to help us continue to foster a community that nourishes the spiritual growth of our students who bring Jesus’ transformation to the world.

Lutheran Campus Ministry’s Grace House Highlights

We welcomed over 400 students weekly

Served students over 4,000 cups of coffee 30+ students participating in Small Groups

Had an enneagram retreat with students, Passion Collective, and staff

Distributed 330 ready-made meals and an estimated 700 lbs of groceries Continued next page

Hopes

We are seeking sustainability in funding and dreaming about how to use our property at Georgia Tech to serve our mission better

After ten years, this is our last year of funding for the Passion Collective We’re working to evaluate, strategically shift, fund, and continue this key work

We are deepening and expanding our presence at Emory and Georgia State

Team Members:

Student Leaders: Sophia Alexander (co-president), Sarah Spivey (co-president), Claire Puckhaber, Ashleigh Henning, El Pimentel, Ellie Baker, Vicky Celedon, Alix Johnson

Staff: Rev Andrew Rickel (Lutheran Pastor and Director), Rev Matt Pritchard (Mennonite Pastor and Director of Partnerships)

Passion Collective: Michael Williams, Sammi Watson, Eric Strickland

Board: Rev Matt O’Rear (Chair), Dan Lizdas (Treasurer), Alison Lizdas, Michael McCoy, Rev. Steve Fazenbaker, Imran Siddiqui

Lutheran Community Food Ministry

It’s wonderful to see the people we serve in the Food Ministry have begun to see Redeemer as more than a place for a meal We are seeing a few of our population attend Bible studies at Redeemer: Our Tuesday morning class and Early Bird Bible study on Wednesday where they stay for the meal and Keystone Bible study on Thursday afternoons

One of our Food Ministry guests spoke at one of our Wednesday night fall worship services and told his story to the congregation as he was interviewed by Pastor Mark

Recently, an office worker in our neighborhood inquired about volunteering with us Having only weekend availability, he began helping with the Sunday morning food donations This gentleman has now joined us for worship on some of these mornings!

Hopes for 2024:

In 2024, we hope to develop and implement an inventory system to better track our supplies

We are continually looking for more community partners who can help meet the needs of our diners

We are continually in need of Bibles and spiritual reading to hand out

Team Members:

Wren Carlson, Chair

Terry Longstreth, Coun

Lew Engle

Stephanie Hart

Karen Cramer

Grace Gonzales

Lutheran Towers

The Supportive Services department strives daily to provide exemplary services to the seniors of Lutheran Towers Each day we strive to uphold the mission and vision of Lutheran Towers by serving our residents Supportive Services serves as the core of the building Whether it’s providing food during Monday Market, working the LT Store, following up with a sick resident, assisting in locating resources, or helping families work through the aging process, Supportive Services strives to uphold the mission of Redeemer “To Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly”

Highlights:

The year 2023 was a phenomenal year! Fully reopened from the pandemic, the Supportive Services Department hit the ground running with new and innovative programming and activities. The participation numbers for programs and activities were at an all-time high in 2023. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed the socialization, programming, and bond-building with their neighbors as well as staff.

LT Store- The Lutheran Towers grocery store opened in January 2022, in what was once used as storage space for residents and staff. Lutheran Towers partnered with Goodr to create a great shopping experience. The store was transformed to mirror a modern mini grocery store, complete with fresh produce, meats, dairy, dry food goods, and nonperishable items. This is the first FREE on-site grocery store for seniors in the area. The LT store serves an average of 275 residents per month. The store operates Tuesday-Thursday from 11am-1pm. The LT Store has had a tremendous impact on the residents as it serves to fill the gap to help eradicate food insecurities at Lutheran Towers This year Lutheran Towers found ways to leverage agency partnerships and funds to sustain the much-needed on-site store

Community Partnerships- In 2023, Lutheran Towers partnered with Artz for the Harp to provide on-site music therapy and classes to the residents The residents participated in a 6-month music therapy class that helped reduce stress and anxiety, reduce blood pressure, and induce feelings of positive well-being

Lutheran Towers hosted the first Annual October Wellness Festival that included vendors such as the Fulton County Health Department, Walmart Health, Emory, Piedmont, food vendors, games, music, and fun

Supportive Services worked alongside the LT Resident Association to reopen the Bistro for morning coffee It has become a favorite spot to hang out in the mornings The Bistro is open from 7am-10am Residents are encouraged to gather for a cup of coffee and socialize with their neighbors

Lutheran Towers feeding programs distributed over 150,000 lbs of food for 2023, up from 117,000 lbs in 2022

Hopes for 2024:

There were several great accomplishments for Lutheran Towers in 2023 We are looking forward to taking service coordination to new heights.

In the coming year, the supportive services department will collaborate with agencies and organizations to build out a trailblazing health and wellness program for the residents of Lutheran Towers who are at risk of losing their independence and empower them to age in place gracefully.

Community Partnerships-Looking forward, Lutheran Towers strives to increase partnerships within the community to assist in leveraging services and funds to benefit the seniors of Lutheran Towers.

Programming and activities- The supportive services department has many great programs and activities planned for the upcoming year. Some of those programs include onsite mental health services, access to medical personnel, health fairs, emotional support, music therapy, art therapy, etc Programs and events are designed to increase resident participation so that our residents are aging in place, independent, and thriving

Continued next page

Supportive Services Staff:

Leisa Minor-Director of Supportive Services

Towanda Little- Life Enrichment Coordinator

Tawanna Sheppard- Resident Services Coordinator

Christine Ruffin- Resident Services Coordinator

Redeemer Quilters

The Redeemer Quilting ministry remains active, engaged, and productive Last year a core group of individuals contributed 125 quilts to Lutheran World Relief (LWR)

Many times in addressing the ‘where does LWR send your quilts’ question, the answer has often simply been “all over the world ” That truth became an inspiring image when an LWR publication showed hundreds and hundreds of quilts shrink-wrapped and being loaded for transport to Turkey in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake there last February That powerful visual reminded us that while disasters are unfortunately a part of life - each contribution matters, for each person matters “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise ”(Luke 3: 11)

In recognizing change and accommodating issues with transportation, logistics, and post-pandemic concerns of illness and vulnerability, the quilting ministry implemented modifications that allowed participants to engage more easily and readily. With our necessary changes and our smaller numbers, there grew a greater dedication to the mission, commitment to purpose, and connection to one another. Therefore, our ministry continues to grow faithfully and serve boldly in providing for those in need.

The goals of the quilting ministry remain constant … to provide beneficial works of the hands and heart, to grow in numbers and impact, and to nurture Christian and personal connections. As we remain dedicated to the tasks at hand, the quilters remain appreciative of volunteers, donations, and contributions that benefit this ministry of over thirty years and of many thousands of quilts.

Respectfully submitted,

William Bolick

Property Team

2023 Accomplishments & Plans for 2024

Replaced Sims Atrium #4 Roof and Skylights

Sims Atrium Drop Down Fire Door – Door replacement seems to be the best avenue Working on estimates, but actual work is on hold pending the evaluation of the Facility Master Plan

LCFM Kitchen Grease Trap (2x) Replacement Project Work Scope defined Collecting bids Funding allocated in the 2024 Budget

Facility Security System is up and running

Red Canvas Canopy at Rear Entry Door will need replacing in the next year or two Gathering estimates for replacement and possible life-extending repairs

Sanctuary Electrical/Lighting – Contracts were signed and a deposit made with Barbizon for ordering necessary hardware Electrician Kenny Camp has committed to the work starting in June 2024 Scaffolding is a large expense and alternative quotes are being pursued Worship will need to be relocated to the Atrium during the renovation Although part of the Organ Renovation, the installation of a fiber optic cable running from the West Wall Antiphonal Organ Chamber to the Organ Console is included in this project

Drywall and painting in the Sims Atrium were completed to repair water damage from roof leaks

Replacement of Sims Atrium #2 and Chapel #3 roof is scheduled for 2024 Merik is formulating bid documents in preparation for RFQ

Sanctuary Painting-Hope to piggyback painting with the electrical/lighting renovation since both require extensive scaffolding. Gathering bids and scheduling information

Organ Renovation is currently scheduled to take place in early September. Again scaffolding will be needed. But, we don’t have any definition as far as what is needed.

Team Members with Voting Privileges:

Art Mathews

Cindy Larson

Dick Cordell

Jay Puckhaber

Jim Maxwell

Paul Rosser

Rob Blatecky

Elise Thomas

Mark Helsel (Chair)

Ex Officio Members (Non-Voting):

Kofi Broadnax

Lew Engle (Council Liaison)

Pastor Mark Larson

Seth Brown

Big thanks to all the team members, Mark Helsel

Stewardship Team

ThiswasayearofrevitalizationofourStewardshipministry OurteamhadtheprivilegeofworkingwiththeRev TimBrown,Director of Congregational Stewardship for the ELCA Pastor Tim generously offered his time, free of charge, as a blessing from our denomination. Every other month he challenged us to think of Stewardship Ministry as more than just fundraising. Stewardship is reallyaboutreleasingthegiftswehavereceivedfromGodtocontinueandexpandGod'swork.Tomakethishappen,itcomesdown tosharingourstorybyansweringthesequestions:

HowhaveweexperiencedGod'sgenerosityinourownlives?

Whoareourexamplesofgenerousfaithfulness?

HowareourlivesdifferentbecausewearepartoftheRedeemerfamily?

Whatdreamsdowehaveforourselvesandourchurch?

Allofthisreflectionledtoourfallstewardshipcampaign:LettheVineyardsbeFruitful.Kickedoffbyawonderfulleadershipbrunch forover50smallgrouphosts,weorganizedaseriesofsmallgroupgatheringsatwhichRedeemermemberscouldsharetheirstoriesof generosity and their hopes for the future of Redeemer All of this culminated in an inspiring Commitment Sunday on Reformation Sundayatwhichallofourmemberswereinvitedtosubmittheirpledgesoffinancialsupportforthecomingyear.

Highlights:

Areinvigoratedteamthatlearnedalotandhadfundoingit

DeepandmeaningfulconversationswithourELCAconsultant,theRev.TimBrown,DirectorofCongregationalStewardshipfor theELCA

Aninspiringbrunchforoursmallgrouphosts

Aseriesofsmallgroupgatheringsatwhichover150Redeemermembersgatheredforstory-sharing

OurStoryTellingSuiteinwhichindividualsandfamiliescouldrecordtheirstories CommitmentSundayonReformationSunday

Ourpledgeresultscameclosetoourhoped-forgoalsof$1,250,000inpledgedregularoffering

61Pledgesremainedthesame 1

53Pledgeswereincreased 2.

21Pledgesweredecreased 3

20NewPledgers 4

49StoppedPledging 5

Foratotalof$1,098,000.40pledgedfor2024,ora1.6%decreasefrom2022 6.

Inaddition,thereis$118,414setupinregularonlinegivingnotincludedinthepledgedamount 7

Hopesfor2024:

TomakeStewardshipayear-roundpartofourdiscipleship,notjustinthefall

TohighlighthowtheministriesofRedeemerarechangingpeople'slivesthroughstory-sharing Tohighlighttheworkofthesynodandthewiderchurch

Tohosttwogenerosityevents,oneforchildrenandyouthandtheotherforlegacyandestateplanning Tosupportthecouncil'sfocusonvolunteercoordination

Tobuildonthesmallgroupstory-sharingmodelofour2023StewardshipCampaign

TeamChair:AlisaNorvelle,CouncilLiaison:AlisaNorvelleandFrankHull,Staff:PastorMarkLarson TeamMembers:JeffGuthrie,DonNoland,HenryPuckhaber,AnneRidenhour,BethRobison,JohnThomas

Facility Master Plan

Coming out of a global pandemic we kept hearing the same words--reengage and reconnect As our “normal” routines returned at home, at work, and in society; we also returned to Redeemer in a more personal way The joy of worshiping and serving together filled our hearts as we continued to grow in our faith and boldly serve our community and beyond But how would we continue to grow and serve?

The Facility Master Planning Management Team was created for just that purpose as we strive to fulfill the goals of our Strategic Plan We endeavor to move forward and grow our impact in the community and beyond while honoring the history of Redeemer Our story is one of ENGAGEMENT Engaging with our consultants, congregation, each other, the community, and Council gave us the motivation and drive to create a path forward for Redeemer to grow faithfully and serve boldly for the next 100 years

We began 2023 at the conclusion of the Visioning phase of the Facility Master Plan. We engaged with Council at their January retreat to discuss the combined dreams of our congregation and to plan the next steps in our journey. Collaborating on the categories of Redeemer’s programs was invaluable as we began to conceptualize how Redeemer would optimize its impact on our congregation, the community, and the world.

In March we engaged with our consultants and each other in a Massing Options charette. As we divided into tables, each group was tasked with analyzing different options and recording the pros and cons of each. We were asked to answer questions such as “How does development relate to church programming?”, “What should be located on Peachtree Street? on Juniper?” and “How do you imagine people will enter the church program spaces?” There were a lot of different priorities shared based on the varied perspectives we each brought to the table. But as discussions were had and everyone’s suggestions considered, it was amazing to see how our hearts and minds converged to form two main options to move forward with our Conceptual Design phase

In August and September, we continued our congregational engagement as we discussed the two conceptual designs in a church-wide presentation, Temple Talks, and Listening Posts Hearing the excitement from our fellow congregants and discussing questions they had concerning the two options was so invigorating to our Master Planning Team Sharing our work, based on the visioning of the congregation, with our fellow members was a celebration of our love for Redeemer and our hopes for continuing our mission

Throughout 2023 we continued our engagement with the community Midtown Alliance has been a wonderful neighbor and collaborator as we begin to imagine Redeemer’s future footprint in Midtown Members of the Management Team continued their work with the Midtown Alliance Steering Committee for Public Life Action Plan to stay connected with our community and keep them apprised of our plans for Redeemer’s growth in Midtown In February, several members concluded their participation in the 13-week Enterprise Faith-Based Initiative which educates faithbased organizations on solutions to combat the shortage of affordable rental homes And in August, we joined our fellow members and neighbors for a block party! Our consultants, who have become part of our Redeemer family, joined us and engaged with our community as well They not only guide our work with the Facility Master Plan, but they support our mission They were contributing sponsors of our “Groovin’ Down in Midtown” neighborhood block party event hosted by Redeemer’s Community Engagement Ministry Team and sponsored by Midtown Alliance We are blessed to be a part of this wonderful community and we strive to only expand and improve our service to those we call neighbors

We are grateful for all these partners in our journey of engagement that continues to build upon Redeemer's legacy of faith, worship, and service 2023 was an exciting year for our Facility Master Planning Committee We saw the culmination of our introductory timeline as the 2023 Facility Master Plan was shared with the congregation at the end of the year A plan that encompasses many of the hopes and dreams of our members and allows our campus to grow to further support and expand our mission So how does the world see Jesus through the work of the Facility Master Plan? The simple answer is that we act. We build off the many hopes and dreams for the future of our congregation, focus on the facility plan we have created together, and move forward with courage-trusting in God and in each other to grow faithfully and serve boldly.

Plans for 2024:

Create a Master Plan Action Team

Develop and present a Phase I implementation plan to the congregation for authorization upon approval from the Congregation Council. Develop a pre-development budget.

FACILITY MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Carol Bell

Ron Bonner

Charles Bridgers

Nikki Chunn

Emily Cooper

Doug Dumont

Lew Engle, Council Liaison

Billy Fuller

Cindy Holler

Erin Hull, Council Liaison

Paul Isaacson

Cheryl Iverson

Janet Preston, Co-Chair

Claire Puckhaber

Jay Puckhaber, Co-Chair

Paul Rosser

Sally Rosser

Jana Thomas

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Pam Amy-Cupp

Dorothy Beasley

John Blend

Amy Carpenter

Susan Cordell

Dick Cordell

Jeff Guthrie

Fenwick Huss

Bill Ide

Dewey Ingham

Marilyn Kelm

Dick Mueller

David Ott

Jenny Peterson

Paul Rosser, Chair

Sally Rosser

Jonne Walter

Paul Walter

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS COORDINATION TEAM

Tom Bohannon, Chair

Kevin Chunn

Frank Hull

Dewey Ingham

Dick Mueller

Jenny Peterson

SUPPORT TEAM

Nikki Chunn

Paul Hermann

Cindy Holler, Chair

Wendy Kraby

Charissa Schultz

Jana Thomas

Andrea Waterhouse

Jon Waterhouse

Finance Team

Under the leadership of Chair, Fred Dressel and Church Treasurer, Mike Bell, the Finance Team had a busy year as the Church continues to adjust to the challenges of the economy and the changes in attendance post-pandemic

Highlights from 2023:

Reviewed the full-year 2022 financial statement and interim 2023 financials to determine changes in revenues and expenses

The Finance Team advised the Church Council on changes needed for the 2023 budget

The 2024 Budget Development process began in April

Transitioned from staff advisor Bob Boyd to Senior Pastor Mark Larson

The Finance Team hosted a Ministry-wide Zoom meeting to review the Budget Development process in June

The Redeemer Food Ministry was incorporated into the church’s budget.

The draft 2024 Budget was developed in late summer/early fall, and in November, the Council approved the 2024 Budget.

After three Listening Posts, the Congregation accepted the 2024 Budget.

For 2024 the Finance Team will monitor the finances of Redeemer and advise the Church Council on any issues.

The Finance Team looks forward to a review of the 2023 Annual Audit (Spring 2024).

The Finance Team looks forward to a productive 2024 and is actively recruiting a few more members If you are interested in serving, please get in touch with Chair, Fred Dressel (fred dressel@me com) or Staff Advisor, Pastor Mark Larson

Team Members:

Fred Dressel: Chair

Mike Bell: Church Treasurer

Frank Hull: Church Financial Secretary

Mark Kuehnert, Richard Mauney, Scott McDonald: Members