February 2022 Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2022

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA

Lent 2022: Journeying Together We’re going on a trip together this Lent. Journeys, whether physical or spiritual, often provide moments of discovery and illumination. Our Lenten book study will lead us on a spiritual journey through the wilderness. We’ll also be taking some physical journeys, including using our prayer labyrinth and taking a pilgrimage through our neighborhood. But no matter how or where we travel, we often find that it was God who was accompanying and leading us all the time.

Join a Small Group this Lent

Life Unsettled: A Scriptural Journey for Wilderness Times by Rev. Cory Driver Available for Purchase at Redeemer or Amazon.com

WWW.REDEEMER.ORG

Increasingly, many of us feel in a sort of wilderness space where the familiar, settled, and normal parts of life have become unsettled, out of balance. The biblical book of Numbers takes center stage in the author's creative musings about life in the wilderness. In this oftoverlooked book are stories of God's passionate intimacy and anger, communal formation and struggles, and personal failures and triumphs.

Pastor Cory Driver shows how the wilderness journey in Numbers has deep relevance for our time and for our personal journeys.

If you would like to lead a weekly small group discussion, please contact Pastor Ron, rbonner@redeemer.org

If you would like to join a Lenten small group, please look for registration later this month.

Meet our Author in person Pastor Cory Driver will be in person at Lutheran Church of Redeemer on Sunday, February 27 as a guest preacher at our services and presenter at a special hybrid Adult Forum at 10 AM. Pastor Driver knows Redeemer well as he served as an intern here and with House of the Rock before being ordained as a Deacon.

Pastor Driver's visit will be a wonderful kickoff for our Lenten small group study.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION On Sunday, February 20, we will be starting a new weekly conversation, "Sermon Talkback" following the 11 AM service. Each week, one of our pastoral staff will "interview" the preaching pastor on how the sermon came together, what was the inspiration, and what was left on the "cutting room floor." Then the conversation will open up for anyone to offer their insights and questions. This will be a hybrid event, so you can join us in person or online via Zoom for the conversation.

03.

02

Ash Wednesday Worship at Noon and 7 PM In-Person and Livestream

MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

Now Enrolling Emergent Play & Dual-Langauge Preschool in Midtown Atlanta on 4th and Peachtree Streets Nurturing and educating children to be wholehearted, compassionate, principled individuals who contribute positively to the world community since 2013.

Learn More and Contact Us for a Tour 731 Peachtree Street NE | Atlanta, GA | 30308

Enrollment at MTLPS is open to families regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or family structure.

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY

Love Rejoices Rejoicing Spirits Worship Sunday, February 13 at 3:30 pm

It's a double celebration at Rejoicing Spirits this month: the second anniversary of Rejoicing Spirits and God's love for every one of us! We are so grateful for everyone who has been part of this community over the past two years. And if you've been thinking about trying Rejoicing Spirits, this is a perfect month to join us! You are loved.

Our February Service will on Zoom only. You can join worship directly on the 13th by clicking on this link.

Optional: you can also find more information on how to participate at this link.

Join us for joyful worship all year in 2022!

Our format varies due to covid conditions. Find up-to-date info every month on our website at www.redeemer.org/rs

Rejoicing

Spirits

Sundays at 3:30 pm January 9 February 13 March 13

April 10 May 15 June 12

July 10 August 14 September 11

October 16 November 13 December 11

Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth!

—Psalm 98:4

FAITH STEPPING STONES MINISTRY

Lord's Supper Retreat Saturday, March 12th | 9:30 am- 12 pm

Come to the

Table

Targeted for ages PreK and up and their parents.

Whether your child has been waiting for their first communion or already started receiving, we encourage them to grow their understanding of this ancient and holy practice. Not sure if this is the right year for your child to participate? We're happy to help you decide!

The format will depend on Covid conditions. If possible, we will meet in person at Redeemer with a hybrid option for those at home. Participants can then take communion in one of our normal worship services, or we will schedule a special outdoor communion service for participating families like last year.

You can contact Deacon Mary with questions, or go directly to the registration form at this link.

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

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 this spring and summer. Here are some details and more resources: With guidance from the Redeemer Covid Task Force, we are offering the following format for baptisms: One family at a time (which means one per week).

One baptism per month can be scheduled during worship. Any other baptisms that month will be after worship.

Whether during or after worship, it will be live-streamed and recorded for anyone unable to attend in person.

Most Sundays are available as long as there is no conflict with a major worship event or another baptism.

Please inquire for more details on how scheduling works and to get the Baptism registration form.

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

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES Children and Family Ministry

Family Events Spring and Summer 2022 Family Retreat Saturday, 2.26- Sunday, 2.27 Our theme this year is 'Recharge'. The pandemic has left a lot of us feeling like we can never quite get back to 'full charge'. At the retreat we will spend time recharging our spirits by connecting to God and to each other. We hope you can join us!

We are also trying a slightly different format which we hope will fit well with your weekend schedule.

Click here for more information Click here to register

Mark Your Calendar!

Family Easter Vigil

Redeemer Week at Camp

Saturday, April 16

June 19- 25

Mark your calendars for Saturday morning, April 16! We will hold our Family Vigil Worship Service and an outdoor Easter Activity.

The format will depend on Covid conditions at the time. More info coming soon!

We had a BLAST with our friends from Lutheranch and singing silly camp songs with the Dad band on Sunday morning at Camp Sunday Sing and Play! Now, it's time to think about when and where you want to go to camp.

Why Camp? What is Redeemer Week? How do I register? What is the cost? You can find answers to all these questions and links for info and registration at this link.

Vacation Bible School June 6-10 Redeemer is planning on in-person VBS this summer (fingers crossed). We will meet each morning, Mon- Fri June 6-10 with Covid precautions as appropriate at the time. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer aftercare, so campers will need to be picked up at lunchtime.

Our VBS planning team will be working out all the details, and we could use your help! Please contact Deacon Mary if you'd like to help. More info and registration is coming soon!

YOUTH

Cincinnati battles Los Angeles on February 13th but the LCFM will be the big winner!

Redeemer Youth is teaming up with the Lutheran Community Food Ministry in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring fundraiser to fight hunger across the United States.

Instead of collecting monetary donations in soup pots in the Sims Atrium as the Youth normally do, we are going to have an online fundraiser starting on Sunday, February 6 and going until the end of game day on Sunday, February 13.

Here’s how it will work: Go to the LCFM’s Amazon Wish List Use the QR Code Below, or Use this link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/r egistry/wishlist/28FR1K204NP 0G/ref=cm_wl_huc_view Review the list and Purchase fruit cups or applesauce to support the team from Cincinnati Purchase salty snacks or crackers to support the team from Los Angeles

Q. May I purchase similar items from another retailer and have them shipped directly to Redeemer?

A. Yes. Q. What if I want to buy both fruit cups and sandwich crackers.

A. We welcome whatever items you wish to donate from the Wish List.

Q. I’d like to know more about this Souper Bowl of Caring SM organization.

A. The organization has raised more than $170 million since 1990. You can learn more by visiting their website at Tackle Hunger - Home of the Souper Bowl of Caring All donated food will support the LCFM directly. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Howle or Hillary Nelson

YOUTH

YA

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Young Adults @ Redeemer

Feb ruary

Ongoing: Bible and Brew on Zoom

Mondays in February 8-9 pm

Join Pr. Jenny each Monday in Feb. to walk through the book of Numbers. The Hebrew name for this book is Bmidbar, which means literally 'in the wilderness' and is the foundation of the book we will study together during Lent.

Join us in February to get a sneak peek (whether or not you plan to join a Lenten Small Group). Bring your Bible (then beer or your favorite beverage). No homework is necessary!

Explore the Beltine

Saturday, February 30 at 4:00 pm Meet at Ponce City Market Meet on the PCM section of the beltline. Then, walk, run, or ride to explore the beltline ending with a warm-up and a drink at 5:00 pm in Ponce City Market.

Lenten Small Groups Starting the First Week of March Various locations/formats chosen by group leaders Our Lenten Theme is 'Journeying Together' and we will be studying the book 'Life Unsettled' by ELCA Pastor Corey Driver. While you are free to join any small group during Lent, there will be a few groups focused on bringing young adults together for this season to grow in faith together. If you need help finding the right group, contact Pr. Jenny or Dn. Mary.

We can't wait to get together with you in safe ways this spring! Contact Pr. Jenny McLellan (jmclellan@redeemer.org) or Deacon Mary Houck (mhouck@redeemer.org) to join the YA mailing list, or watch Redeemer newsletters and Facebook pages for more details to come.

RETREATS

Prayer Labyrinth and Meditation Retreat Lutheranch February 11 - 13, 2022

Adult Retreat Info: Link Registration

RETREATS

March 25 - 27

WOMEN OF THE RANGE RETREAT

Do you dream of being a cowgirl? Always wish you’d lived in the Wild West? Dust off your cowboy hat and put on your boots for a true western experience on the ranch. Women of all ages are invited to spend the weekend experiencing life on the range… while still living in comfort.

For more information about the retreat and what to expect, view the Women of the Range info packet – 2022.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Topic: Midtown- Peachtree Corridor Policy Workshop

Engaging legislature, we will discuss how to go beyond social media posts and affect real change!

Time: Feb 10, 2022, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83019485549? pwd=UGZ0eHliYUFOYzMyL2s1Rlk0MXMwZz09

Meeting ID: 8301948 5549 Passcode: 013446

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Interested in joining us for other events?

Advocacy Day is February 16th!

Put your passion to work on February 16th for Georgia's Human Trafficking Advocacy Day! Meet us at the Georgia State Capitol and show your support for the survivors of sex trafficking and demand an end to the exploitation of Georgia children.

Click the image or registration button below to register now!

Use code EarlyBird for a $5 discount on early bird registration through February 1st!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

FEATURED LCFM PARTNER Most of us probably don’t give too much thought to all the behind-the-scenes effort that often goes into a successful community event especially when it’s outdoors.

Add in all the challenges brought on by COVID-19, and the hurdles that go into staging an activity increase 10-fold. That’s where The Atlanta ToolBank comes in.

As Adam Meade, Director of Community Engagement for The Atlanta ToolBank says, “Service project to service project, our tools have been used by dedicated volunteers, improving the diversity, landscape and face of our great city.”

Increasingly, Redeemer’s Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) has partnered with other social service agencies for wraparound services to our unsheltered and homeless neighbors.

Many of these events have taken place in our 4th street parking lot.

Volunteers, staff and guests alike often need tables, chairs, tents and other items to ensure a successful activity.

Recognizing that need, Bob Boyd, Director of Operations and Finance for Redeemer, reached out to The Atlanta ToolBank as a low-cost logistical partner for such events.

The result: numerous outdoor activities providing food, clothing, showers, health screenings and many other much needed services to our Midtown community and beyond.

Thank you to our friends at The Atlanta ToolBank for their continued support!

The Atlanta ToolBank serves communitybased organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to empower their most ambitious goals.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE REDEEMER KEYSTONE MINISTRY WELLNESS SERIES

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Abundant life looks different in each stage of our lives. Through this wellness series, we will examine different areas of wellness including spiritual, physical, vocational, financial, social, emotional, and intellectual well-being. If you are interested in sharing your expertise and teaching in one of these categories, please tell Pastor Jenny jmclellan@redeemer.org

“Spiritual Formation in the Second Half of Life” The second half of life presents some of life’s richest spiritual, theological, and ethical challenges. ​Pastor Jenny will lead this three-week series, exploring the question: “How will we live meaningfully into the rest of our lives?"

Drawing from psychologist, Erik Erickson’s life stages, contemplative Christian author Richard Rohr, and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, we will explore the unique opportunities of spiritual growth as we age. This class targets Redeemer Keystone Members (adults over 65), but is open to anyone who seeks to deepen their relationship with God and integrate life experiences.

Join Pastor Jenny in-person (with face masks) in Room 121 or online on Sunday, February 6, 13, and 20 from 10-10:50 am. Zoom link.

The books used for this class are not required reading. If you would like to explore further, read: Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Fr. Richard Rohr From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Revolutionary Approach to Growing Older by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 Scott Bitter 1 Lynn Dawson 1 Rob Deebel 1 Debbie Hakes 1 Mark Helsel 1 Keith Hudson 1 Art Roche 2 Rakayla Kapoor 2 Ed Kuettner 2 Afton Mosley 3 Ansley Ashlock 3 Ally Boyd 3 Forrest Davis 3 Christian Kelm 3 Miles Moody 3 Elliot Morrison 3 Monica Ritchie 3 Jillian Serfozo 3 Trudy Swint 4 Beth Gleason 4 Aaron Robinson 4 Carla Schissel 5 Cathi Brostrom 5 Emilia Hermann 6 Karl Burkhardt 6 Chris Heisler 6 Diana Hodnett 6 Madeleine Lawrence 6 Mary Souther 6 Radu Ziub 7 Ashley Burnett 7 Henry Hetrick 7 Max Serfozo 8 Josh Barritt 8 Oscar Dela Cruz 8 Robby Johnson 8 Christina McCoy 8 Paul Simo 8 Marie Smith 9 John Carr 9 Len Studley 9 Jon Waterhouse 10 Russ Ballard 10 Richard Botters 10 David Grice 10 Ed Griner

10 Maeve Jackson 10 Sally Pearson 10 Denise Quinland 10 John Thomas 11 Marlee Krohn 11 Shelley MeltonHancock 12 Alyssa Degler 12 Marian Knight 12 Mike Stevens 12 Preston Vassar 12 Tenley Vassar 13 Karen Anderson 13 Mason Doan 13 Benjamin LaPlante 13 Debbie LeVorse 13 Jackie Mentz 13 Jeff Mullen 13 Fraser Pearson 13 Kristen Sickles 13 Zachary Volan 14 Frankie Garcia Freel 14 Kerry Jones 14 Charlie Morris 14 Petras West 15 Nolan Dougherty 15 Molly Engle 15 Evan Gundersen 15 David Hansen 15 Wren Kalin 15 Margo Long 15 Christopher Ranney 15 Jennifer Sexton 15 Sherry Stephenson 15 Amanda Stevens 16 Drew Adamson 16 Paul Isaacson 17 Susan Engle 17 Weston Kershner 17 Katrina Sides 17 Mia Vey 18 Courtney Denney 18 Jackie Foster 18 Olivia Grace Summer

19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 29

Melanie Johnson Erica Massaro-Hales Sara Sides Jeff Elkins Sarah Foster Dana Norden Theresa Breuer Marie Gay Bailey Kien Joshua Buchanan Justin Delbrook Graham Ruder Phoebe Sanders Maddie Leonard Sarah Warren Caroline Wayco Alexander Klassen Ed Laird David Wyse Dina Feldman Mike Forster Jude Hawley Donna Matern Mayla McCray Reba Nyen Matt Williams Robert Coursey Doug Hattermann Janet Preston Pat Shannon Rob Stivers Sallie Boone Sandy Deebel Cecil Laird Susan Neuman Valerie Bischoff Tom Ehrensperger Luna Heming Ed Kuehn Martie Barnard Mary Clara Haury Judy Whitmer

FACILITES UPDATE New Property Administrator Introducing: Kofi Broadnax, Redeemer’s newest employee!

In the fall of 2021, the Church Council directed the staff to fill the vacant Property Administrator role.This position has been vacant for a few years following the retirement of Art Mathews.

The Personnel Committee appointed a Selection Team of Property Chair, Mark Helsel, former Property Administrator and current Property Team member, Art Mathews, Personnel Committee representative, Sharita Williams. Bob Boyd, served as the Staff Liaison for this group.

After a thorough review of dozens of resumes and in-person interviews, Kofi Broadnax was selected as the new Property Administrator.

Kofi was born in San Francisco, California in 1972 and raised in Los Angeles. Escaping the emerging gang violence of LA, Kofi played high school football in Hacienda Heights, California. Starting his high school athletic career as a junior, he was able to attend college and play for Fullerton College in Fullerton, California. This native Californian was able to continue his college athletic career by transferring to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.

Unfortunately, his athletic career was shortened with a diagnosis of hypertension and as a result, experienced total kidney failure.

Receiving a kidney transplant in Jacksonville, Florida at the Mayo Clinic, Kofi was able to complete his English degree at Georgia Southern University in 2003. Following his graduation, he served as the Director of Special Education at a school in Savannah, Georgia. Continuing his education track, he went on to teaching in Atlanta where he served as a teacher.

In 2018, Kofi formed Atlanta Handyman Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia which he continues to operate. Kofi began his tenure as the Part-time Property Administrator earlier this year.

Kofi’s email is kbroadnax@redeemer.org and his extension is 210.

Please welcome Kofi to his new role!