December 2022 newsletter

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

ATLANTA, GA

Christmas Eve 2022

11:00 am German Church Atlanta Service

Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion.

1:00 pm Worship with Organ, Brass & Bells Worship includes traditional carols with Holy Communion.

3:00 pm Family Service

A Christmas message with lessons and carols for children with Holy Communion.

*6:00 pm Jazz Service

Worship begins with the prelude featuring the Redeemer Jazz Trio with Holy Communion.

*8:00 and *11:00 pm Worship with Choir, Organ, and Brass The celebration begins with a musical prelude of instrumental and choir music. Services include traditional carols with Holy Communion .

*Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to service.

Christmas Program and Advent Celebration

Sunday, December 4, 10:00 am Redeemer Sanctuary

OurChildren'sChristmasProgramisback!Thisyearit willbeheldinthesanctuaryatthebeginningofour faithformationhour.Aftertheprogram,thereis brunchintheAtriumforthewholecongregationand Adventactivitiesforkidsandtheirfamilies. Pleaseplantoattendtheprogramandsupportour kidsastheytellthisancientandbeautifulstoryin theirownway

IYou're nvited! Support ourkids!

The 11:00 am service on Sunday, December 11th will be a service of Lessons and Carols led by Redeemer’s children and adult choirs. Forming the structure for the service are the “O Antiphons,” ancient sung refrains which eventually became the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ” There will not be a sermon, but there will be Holy Communion. Join us in this beautiful service in which we hear hope proclaimed through scripture and music.

Live Nativity @ Bethlehem Village S U N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 1 1 - 4 P M

How can you help to celebrate Christmas for our neighbors and have fun at the same time? By filling a costumed role as a 1st-century Bethlehem citizen the day after Jesus was born. Help our neighbors imagine the wonder of it all! We are in need of shepherds and Pharisees, Wise Men and Centurions, Roman and village officials, carolers and musicians, as well as villagers and helpers for many tasks.

Our Nativity and Village with live animals and re-enactors amid an inn and stable, artisans’ tents, and period costumed re-enactors has attracted many visitors wanting to experience this greatest gift of all. Please let Don Noland dfnoland@gmail.com or Janet Preston, janethaury@gmail.com know if you wish to participate or have questions.

donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium, and bring the items to church with you.

Angel Tree

Once again, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to provide gifts for new arrivals through Inspiritus and their outreach ministry. These gifts either through Amazon gift cards, or direct requests will be for children and adults. In person Angel Tree in Sims Atrium

On the back of each ornament will be a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any amount will be used for these families as they resettle here in the Atlanta area Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree

An Amazon wish list will also be provided for your ease of use. From the Inspiritus family, thank you, Redeemer.

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November 13 to December 11 Forthe11thyear,Redeemermemberswillhave theopportunitytoshopforthegirlsof WellspringLiving children(ages12 17)who havebeensexuallytraffickedandwhoareon apathofrestoration Therearetwowaysto makeChristmasalittlebrighter!

In person AngelTreeinSimsAtrium OnthebackofeachornamentontheAngel TreeintheSimsAtriumwillbeasuggestedgift card.Giftcardsinanyamountwillbeusedfor thegirls’schoolandcraftsupplies,meals, clothing,andspecialoutingsin2023 Writethe valueonyourgiftcardsandplacetheminthe boxbythetree Thankyou,KathyHill,for leadingRedeemingGraceinthecreationof theornaments. QuestionsaboutWellspringLiving? ContactRedeemingGRACE at amycarpenter@comcastnetor csdesign925@gmail.com

Online AmazonWishList Theprovidedlinkwillsendyouto theWishListforallofthe WellspringLivingprogram participants.Pleaserememberto selecttheWellspringLivingGift RegistryAddressastheshipping option.Pleaseletusknowifyou purchaseagiftbythismethodby sendinganemailto amy.carpenter@comcast.net. Thankyou! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishli st/ls/1EYA3RX5OQOH8? ref =wl share

HOLIDAY HOURS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

CHRISTMAS EVE WE WILL OFFER 5 WORSHIP SERVICES BEGINNING AT 11:00 AM WITH THE GERMAN CHURCH OF ATLANTA

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

CHRISTMAS DAY PLEASE NOTE WE WILL HAVE ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 CHURCH OFFICE & LCFM ARE CLOSED

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 CHURCH OFFICE & LCFM ARE CLOSED

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 9:00 AM 2:00 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29TH 9:00 AM 2:00 PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 9:00 AM 12:00 NOON

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 NEW YEARS DAY PLEASE NOTE WE WILL HAVE ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM

MONDAY, JANUARY 2 CHURCH OFFICE & LCFM ARE CLOSED

Remember to make your final contributions to your Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and your other favorite charities by December 31, 2022! If you have an IRA and are 70½ or older you may make a gift directly from your IRA. You can give up to $100,000 as a tax free rollover that will count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD)

Please make your gift online, by US mail or if you prefer to drop your gift off, Redeemer staff will be on hand on Friday, December 30th until 12:00 Noon, Contact Bob or Jennifer if you need help processing your year end gift. We really appreciate you!

KwanzaaCelebration

HABARI GANI?

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach in 1966, Kwanzaa is an annual weeklong celebration that is observed from December 26 to January 1. “Kwanzaa offers a new dialogue on Black culture, about our positive contributions to the world, and not just the negative stigma of race," says Dr. Adam Clark, an associate professor of theology at Xavier University.

The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” or first fruits, referring to the agricultural harvest festivals that are found throughout Africa, according to Kelly Navies, specialist of oral histories for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

This celebration is based around seven major principles which are, according to Karenga, a communitarian African philosophy: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. On each of the seven nights of the weeklong celebration, families gather and light one of the seven candles of the Kinara. Usually, a discussion about the daily principle takes place. Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and lmani (Faith). Participants also celebrate with feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values. Many African Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa observe it as an additional celebration and not as a substitute for Christmas.

The daily greeting during Kwanzza is “Habari Gani” which means what is happening? The reply is the principle of the day.

The primary symbols of Kwanzaa are the seven candles (Mishumaa Sabaa), which represent the seven principles (more on that below), the candle holder (Kinara), unity cup (Kikombe cha Umoja), placemat (Mkeka), crops (Mazao), corn (Muhindi), and gifts (Zawadi). All items are displayed on the Mkeka. This serves as a reminder of how African heritage is built upon tradition.

A key custom during Kwanzaa is the daily lighting of the Kinara.

Baptism at Redeemer

Greetings! If you or someone you know is expecting a child or interested in baptism at Redeemer at any age, we would love to celebrate this special milestone with your family! We have several dates available. Here are some details:

Wearereturningtoourpre-pandemicpracticeofholdingBaptismFestivals.Thismeans certainSundaysaredesignatedforbaptisms,andtheremaybeseveralfamiliescelebratinga baptismatthesametime.

Goingforward,ifyourfamilywouldliketorequestasinglefamilybaptismafterworship,wewill offerthoseonacasebycasebasis.Pleaseask!

PleaseinquireformoredetailsonhowschedulingworksandtogettheBaptismregistrationform.

Festival Dates

Sunday, January 1, 2023 - there will be one service at 10 am. Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Family Easter Vigil Service, 11 am or the evening Easter Vigil Service at 7 pm Sunday, May 28, 2023 at either service

WhyBaptismFestivals?

Baptismisasacramentcelebratedincommunity.Whilewehavedoneseveralbaptismsaftera worshipserviceforsafetyreasonsduringthepandemic,itisimportantthatthecongregationbe partofthebaptismliturgyasmuchaspossible.

Groupingupbaptismsoncertaindaysallowsustouseaspecialliturgyfocusedonbaptismand trulyhighlightitasaspecialevent,ratherthanitbeingafootnotetoaservicewithadifferent focus.Also,it'sfun!It'sagreatwaytogettoknowotherfamilies,andyourchildwillgrowupwith friendsatRedeemerwhosharetheirbaptismanniversary-aspecialbondthatcanfollowthem throughoutlife.

In Christ, Deacon Mary Houck (she/her) Director of Children and Family Ministries mhouck@redeemer.org 770 778 7085

Celebrating Celebrating

It’s been a busy first semester for Midtown Lutheran Preschool in its 10th year of operation We welcomed back 26 students and five teachers to school for almost full classes! It s been wonderful seeing little smiles again After these past couple of pandemic years, our staff and families feel some normalcy this semester

One of the most exciting parts of the 2022 23 start was welcoming back more international families than we ’ ve had in many years due to the pandemic! This year Georgia Tech graduate students' families from Korea and China found our school and enrolled their children Another milestone that’s given us much joy is when we have younger siblings join our program This year we had a family with a 4th grade MTLPS alum return with their 1 year old! What a fun reunion to have this family back with us

Stillinneedof devotionwriters

We had many families participate in Redeemer’s Monster Mash and St Martin’s Day with the German Church We look forward to joining the Christmas Program again this season and other events in the new year.

contact Karen Medford for details at kmedford@redeemer.org

As we enter enrollment season, please remember to pass along our name to friends, family, and neighbors who are looking for a preschool program for their child

Connect with us online to learn more: www mtlps org www facebook com/mtlps

Family Events December 2022 CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY

Stars, Angels, Shepherds, Kings!!

Dress Rehearsal December 3

If your family is participating, we have one more required Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 3: 9:30-11:00 am. Parents- on dress rehearsal day you will sign in your kids and help them pick out their costume, label it with their name, and put it in their SS classroom for the next day. Then, you are free to go until pick up time or stay and help out. The performance will be Sunday, December 4: 10 am (9:30 'call time' for performers).

Family Advent Celebration

December 4: 10 11 am

After the children's program in the sanctuary, there will brunch and Advent activities for the whole family in Sims Atrium. This is a great way to start the Christmas season grounded in faith and take home some tools to keep that focus throughout December. All ages welcome; no RSVP required. Bring a friend!

Goshen Valley Gift Drive

November 6- December 11

One of the ways we walk alongside children in foster care is by helping Goshen Valley provide them with Christmas gifts. Each child gets to choose a few things they want for Christmas, and we get to make their Christmas wishes come through by using their Amazon list. It's an easy way to make a big difference for kids in our community! We will also collect some household items for the host parents at the giving gree in Sims Atrium CLICK HERE to participate using the Amazon List

Christopher's Haven Service Opportunity

Choose dates that fit your schedule Christopher's Haven is a non profit that provides housing for children with cancer and their families while they are in treatment at the Proton Therapy Center just down the street from Redeemer. We are developing a partnership so that Redeemer families can support them, starting in your own kitchen! Find more information on how to provide a meal or a sweet treat on the form. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form.

Family Christmas Eve Service

December 24, 2:15 4 pm

At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we are excited to return to our in person Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child. .

For more information, contact Deacon Mary Houck at mhouck@redeemer.org.

Save the Date

FALL AND WINTER CFM EVENTS

First Day of Sunday School

Sunday, August 28

Monster Mash Friday, October 28

St. Martin's Day Lantern Parade Saturday, November 12

Goshen Valley Christmas Drive November 6 December 4

Family Advent Celebration Sunday, December 4 10 10:45 am

Family Christmas Eve Service Saturday, December 24 3:00 pm

InviteaFriend! Everyoneis Welcome

SPRING AND SUMMER CFM EVENTS

Family Retreat at Lutheranch: Tallapoosa, GA for your whole family February 10 12; 6 pm Friday 11 am Sunday Lutheranch Taste of Camp weekend for kids interested in summer camp March 10 12

Family Play Day (type of fun TBD!) Saturday, March 25

Family Easter Vigil and Egg Hunt Saturday, April 8 10 am 12:30 pm

Vacation Bible School June 5 9; 9 am 12:30 pm each day Ages 3 5th grade

Redeemer Week at Lutheridge (Arden, NC) first 5th grades June 18 24

Redeemer Youth Grades 6-12

High School Parents and College Parents Gathering

High School Parents and College Parents are

invited to their once a month gathering that is happening on Sunday, December 4 from 10:00 am-10:45am. This is fellowship based and a great time to connect with other High School Parents and College Parents.

Middle School Parents Gathering

Our Middle School Parents will gather on Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 am-10:45 am. This is fellowship based and a great time to connect with other Middle School Parents.

Faith Formation

Confirmation

Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth. Confirmation will be meeting on the following days in December: December 4, December 11, and December 18. Confirmation will not be meeting on December 25 and January 1. We will resume Confirmation on Sunday, January 8.

High School Sunday School

High School Sunday School will meet on the following days in December: December 4, December 11, and Decembe 18. High School Sunday School will not be meeting on December 25 and January 1. We will resume on Sunday, January 8.

THE KRINGLES WILL BE ARRIVING SOON!

The Kringles will be here to distribute on Sunday, December 4 18. Thank you for the support as we sold 232 Kringles! We will have some limited quantity extra Kringles available, but they will be distributed on a first come basis. Feel free to donate online with Credit Card using the QR code or stop by our Youth Table on Kringles Distribution Days.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH FOR OUR SUMMER 2023 YOUTH MISSION TRIPS! Our Middle School Youth will be heading to Bayou La Batre, AL in July 2023 and our High School Youth will be heading to Arecibo, Puerto Rico in June 2023.

Small Group

Sundays through December 10-10:45 | Katie's Corner

This month, we will finish up our discussion of the book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, led by group member Robert Boyd. Reading in advance is not required. Join any week!

Christmas Party!

Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm | Alexis Myrick's Home Alexis has generously volunteered to make a generous amount of lefse for us! If you don't know what lefse is, you will be glad you came to find out. The rest of the food will be potluck. RSVP at this link, where you can also indicate what dish you will bring. We will have a white elephant gift exchange with items up to $15. Come relax and enjoy some good food and holiday cheer with us!

Young Adult Ministry Staff:

Young Adult Ministry Team Chairs: Dn. Mary Houck Pr. Jenny McLellan

Robert Boyd Jared Joella Ann Ridenhour

Wednesdays at Redeemer

Early Bird Bible Study

4 pm | Reception | Reception / Zoom Link Join David Ott as he leads a study and discussion of Genesis.

6:00 PM Pastor's Class | Rudisill Hall & Zoom

Freeing Jesus, by Diana Butler Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one dimensional ways

6:00 PM Seraphim

6:00 PM Joyful Rhythm Ringers

6:15 PM Cherubim

7:00 PM Redeemer Ringers

7:30 PM Redeemer Choir

Worship at 7:00 PM

Praying with the Saints

Even as we look to Christ as our light, breaking through the darkness of these often cold and weary days, we can also see that light reflected however imperfectly in the lives of ordinary people May this great cloud of witnesses inspire our prayer as we prepare to receive in faith what they see face to face

Wednesday Night Dinner

We have your seat saved at Wednesday Night Dinners. You can enjoy your Dinner at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, attend Pastor Mark’s class, and complete your evening with the Wednesday Evening Service or Choir Rehearsal.

Redeemer’s resident Chef, Michael Clarke, and his team are preparing a delicious meal for you, your family, and your friends beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 6:30 PM! These meals are available for anyone who would like to attend, including our members, our friends at Lutheran Towers, and the community. The December schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, December 7th “Breakfast for Dinner.” The menu includes Scrambled Eggs, Sausage (Turkey & Bacon), Grits, WAFFLES with Syrup, and more Beverages include Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee, or Water Wednesday, December 14th “Hot Soup on a Cold Night.” Dinner includes hot Chicken soup (we will have Vegetable soup if you prefer), Sandwiches, Salad, and dessert.

The pricing for Wednesday Night Dinner is as follows:

Adults $9 00 | Children (under 10) $6 00 | Seniors $6 00

January’s menu will include the return of some favorites and a special Cincinnati style meal Be on the lookout for the Redeemer Varsity experience…

We always look forward to sharing a meal with our Redeemer friends and guests. If you have any questions regarding Wednesday Night Dinners please contact Bob Boyd (bboyd@redeemer.org) or Seth Brown (sbrown@redeemer.org ).

Connecting Passion and People

Ms. Shirley Johnson

When Grace House Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry invited people to volunteer after a presentation at Redeemer this fall, Ms. Shirley Johnsonknewshehadsomethingtooffer:cakes Lots of cakes She thought it would be a good addition to their Free Coffee on Thursdays. Ms. Johnsonhasbeencookingsinceshewas10after watchinghermother,grandmother,andcousins inthekitchen Overtheyearswithsevenchildren, she cooked and baked regularly. Now that her family is spread out, Ms. Shirley looks for people and opportunities to share a cake “It’s good therapy Idon’twanttositwithnothingtodo”

Through Keystone Ministry, Pastor Jenny accompanied Ms Shirley to Grace house with a Hummingbird Cake and a Chocolate Banana CakeonaThursdayafternooninNovember.The college students were surprised by the sweet and unexpected generosity of free cakes All werefedthatday. Areyoulookingforawaytoshare

KeystoneMinistrycanhelp. ContactPastorJennyMcLellan jmclellan@redeemerorg

InternationalDay ofPersonswith Disabilites

In the spirit of justice and inclusion, we call attention to December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. (And please take note of the “people first” language of this day… “Persons with Disabilities”, not disabled persons we are all persons first) This annual observancewasproclaimedin1992byUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblyresolution47/3,with the goal of promoting the rights and well being of persons with disabilities in all areas of society,andincreasingawarenessineveryaspectofpolitical,social,economic,andcultural life. Since that time further international work has helped to advance the rights and well beingofpersonswithdisabilities,thoughthestrugglecontinues.

WhatDoesDisabilityMean?

The UN describes a disability as a condition or function judged to be significantly impaired relative to the usual standard of an individual of their group. The term is often used when considering physical impairment, sensory impairment (vision/hearing), cognitive impairment, intellectual impairment, mental illness, and various types of chronic disease. We often associate disability with a medical model, though there is so much more

Personswithdisabilitiescanbethought ofastheworld’slargestminority,and generallyexhibitpoorerhealth,lower educationachievements,fewer economicopportunities,andhigherrates ofpovertythanpeoplewithout disabilities.Thisisgenerallyduetoalack ofaccesstoservices(e.g.information andcommunicationstechnology,justice, transportation)andmanyotherdaily obstacles.

Does it surprise you that among the 8+ billion people living on planet earth, approximately15%ormorethanonebillionhumanbeingsarelivingwithsomeformof disability?

People with disabilities have a much higher risk of violence, due to factors such as stigma, discrimination, and ignorance about disability, as well as a lack of social support for their caretakers

Morethan100milliondisabledpersonsarechildren.

Children with disabilities are 4x more likely to experience violence than non disabled children.

Adults with some form of disability are 15x more likely to be a victim of violence than thosewithoutdisability.

Adultswithmentalhealthconditionsareatnearly4xtheriskofexperiencingviolence. 50%ofdisabledpersonscannotaffordhealthcare

WhyMustWeStriveforanInclusive Society?

Well, for Christians, the obvious answer is that Jesus taught inclusion Not only is inclusion good and just, but there is a practicality to inclusion Evidence and experience show that when barriers to their inclusion are removed, and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal life, the entire community benefits. I am reminded of my little friend with an intellectual disability who at one school was relegated to separate classes and was just “too much work” for inclusive placement, but who thrived when transferred to a school where the community not only embraced him but recognized that his presence had a profoundly positive impact on the other students. Parents wrote to the principal every year asking that their children be placed in his class. When we do not include those with differences in our everyday experiences, we deny ourselves Disability is a dynamic construct, impacted by the interactions of impairment with attitudinal and environmental barriers. Accessibility and inclusion are fundamental rights.

Of course, the statistics noted here are overwhelming. However, I believe that we will each be presented with opportunities for single individual acts of accepting and including someone with a disability in the community, and the opportunity to advocate. Let us embrace those opportunities.

Phttps://www.un.org/en/observances/day of persons with disabilities/background

A little boy in Liberia. 80% of persons with disabilities live in developing countries Food, an ill fitted wheelchair, and a Christian orphanage community that embraced him likely did more to change thetrajectoryofhislifethanmedicalcare (Picturesc/oTalboyFoundation)

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY

Thanksgiving 2022

On Tuesday, November 22, Lutheran Community Food Ministry celebrated its annual Thanksgiving event. We served over 335 meals here at the church, at Lutheran Towers and at a Decatur hotel sheltering the homeless. We were joined by a number of our partners, including Hope for Soap, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Solicitor General’s office. The highlight was when Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stopped by to help us serve meals to our guests and to thank us for our ongoing service the community. Despite his staff’s encouragement to leave for his next appointment, the mayor enjoyed himself so much he stayed much longer than planned.

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11 Jack Altman 11 Nate Borchers 11 Julien Fowlkes 11 Greta Hans 11 Diane Ludington 12 Eli Arnold 12 Valrie Sanders 13 Joseph Anderson 13 Lourdes Dela Cruz 13 Daphne Mullen 14 Jennifer Hickey 14 Kerry Keisler 15 Carol A Christman 16 Sengens Amy-Cupp 16 Sara Denney 16 Ella Goracke 16 Meredith Steinmetz 17 Rita Hale 17 Mark Hyde 17 Carol Rekoske 17 Linus Roke 17 Mitchell Sosebee 18 Mary Kay Daly 18 Karin Davis 18 Ryan Switzer 19 Kacie Anson 19 Paula Bonaker 19 Mary Anne Hipple 19 Christiane Jones 19 Isabel Reynolds 20 Mike Bell 20 Jeff Burmeister 20 Julie Delbrook 20 Vinoo Khadan 20 Audrey Koth 20 Kelly Springfield 21 John Mallet 21 Elizabeth Manning 21 Cathy Vogel 22 Oni Borchers 22 Jordan Mitchell 22 Kip Serfozo