January 2022 Newletter

JANUARY 2022

WWW.REDEEMER.ORG

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA

Lectors, crucifers, banner bearers, acolytes, ushers, greeters, coffee servers, bulletin folders, poinsettia placers, communion assistants, devotion writers, small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, choir members, musicians, AV techs, digital media, note writers, visitation ministers...

Advent and Christmas at Redeemer are glorious because dedicated volunteers remember to do tasks big and small all month long.

Altar Guild members made the first parament change to blue for Advent and later to white for Christmas. They made sure Holy Communion was ready each week and for Christmas Eve. Then there are candles for Silent Night and candle holders for the pews to make sure are ready.

Chrismons were hung with care by this experienced team who watched as the huge sanctuary trees were installed.

One challenge is figuring out where items were stored the year before. Elves in the basement like to rearrange things.

M U S I C A N D W O R S H I P FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 7:30 PM

ORGAN ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

GRAMMY-nominated artist Jan Kraybill is a musical leader and dynamic speaker; a concert organist, pianist, and harpsichordist; an educator, church musician, and consultant; and an enthusiastic advocate for the power of music to change lives for the better. In addition to maintaining a very active concert schedule, Dr. Kraybill is Organ Conservator at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, Organist-in-Residence at the international headquarters of Community of Christ in Independence, Missouri, and Organist at Village on Antioch Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas. She has been a featured artist and teacher at regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the American Choral Directors Association, the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada, and other organizations, and has been heard on many broadcasts of American Public Medias’ national program Pipedreams. She has collaborated with many ensembles, including the Bach Aria Soloists, the Phoenix Chorale, Kantorei Denver, the GRAMMY-winning Kansas City Chorale, and the GRAMMY-nominated Kansas City Symphony and Chorus.

Her program at Redeemer will include the great Passacaglia by Bach, and works by Maurice, Duruflé, Mary Beth Bennett, Paul Ayres, and Healey Willan. The Friends of Music will host a reception in Sims Atrium following the concert.

The Redeemer Concert series presents Dr. Jan Kraybill in a free concert as we celebrate Redeemer’s 73-rank Létourneau pipe organ.

You are invited to attend in person (following Redeemer’s COVID protocols) or watch the Livestream.

M U S I C A N D W O R S H I P

Guest Preacher at Rejoicing Spirits in January!

Please plan to join us on January 9th and give Rev. Julie Crosby a warm Redeemer welcome.

We are celebrating Epiphany in Rejoicing Spirits this month by learning about Three Kings Day. In many Latin American communities, Epiphany is the most important day in the Christmas season. Pr. Julie Crosby will be joining us as a guest preacher to teach us about what Three Kings Day meant to her growing up in Puerto Rico.

Note: our January service will be on Zoom only.

You can participate by joining on Zoom using this link.

F A I T H F O R M A T I O N

Pastor’s Wednesday Night Class: The Spiritual Practices of Jesus Beginning on January 5, 2021 Luke's Gospel was written to transform people’s lives. Its original readers would have come to the Gospel expecting to be changed for God's purposes through the imitation of Jesus' lifestyle and adoption of his teaching.

When we approach the text in the same way, we can be transformed too. We will explore Luke's portrait of the spirituality of Jesus, focusing on the themes of simplicity, humility, and prayer in his life and teaching and how those practices became the fabric of Jesus’ church.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

Children and Family Ministry Family Events Spring 2022 Family Retreat Saturday February 5- Sunday February 6 There are a few ways to participate in the family retreat this year. We will begin Saturday morning at Lutheranch, and families who wish to can go home Saturday afternoon or evening. You can also stay over Saturday night. Each family will have their own separate room for sleeping (the rooms are nice! Almost like a hotel). In the morning, everyone is invited to join us for worship either in person at Lutheranch or on Livestream. More details and registration coming soon.

Family Easter Vigil and Egg Hunt Saturday, April 16 Mark your calendar! Join us Saturday morning the day before Easter for our Family Easter Vigil worship. Easter Vigil is a special liturgy that moves us from the darkness of Good Friday to the joy and celebration of Easter morning! Then, stay for some egg hunt fun with your Redeemer friends.

F A I T H F O R M A T I O N REDEEMER YOUTH GRADES 6-12 High School and College Parents

Faith Formation Confirmation Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth.

Confirmation Class will be meeting on the following Sundays in January: January 9, January 16, January 23, and January 30.

Middle School Parents Class Middle School Parents Class meets on Sundays once a month from 10:00 am10:45 am. This class will meet on Sunday, January 9. This is a great opportunity to meet with other Middle School Parents and learn what is going on in Confirmation too.

High School Sunday School High School Sunday School meets hybrid on Sundays from 9:30 am-10:45 am. If in-person, we meet in the Youth Lounge. Come catch up and discuss what is going on in our lives with other High School Youth! We will be following along with the Faith Lens Curriculum. *For updates and further information, contact Youth Director Hillary Nelson @ hnelson@redeemer.org

High School Parents (and College Parents) are invited to their once-amonth hybrid gathering on Sunday, January 9 from 10:00 am-10:45 am. This is fellowship-based and a great time to connect with other High School Parents and College Parents.

College Group meets every other week at 1:30 pm on the Redeemer Playground. A hybrid option is available.

Please join them in January: January 2, January 16, and January 30. Contact Stephanie Greene and Jenny CranfordThomas if you need anything.

- F- A I T H F O R M A T I O N

YA Young Adults @ Redeemer

January 2022 Ongoing: Bible and Brew on Zoom January 10 and 24: 8-9 pm Join Pr. Jenny on 2nd and 4th Monday evenings to dig deeper into the scripture we hear during worship. Bring your Bible (then beer or your favorite beverage). No homework necessary!

Third Sunday Lunches

Sunday, January 16 at 12:30 pm Meet in Sims Atrium On third Sundays this spring (conditions permitting) we will meet in Sims Atrium after worship and walk to lunch somewhere in our Midtown neighborhood.

Explore the Beltline Sunday, January 30 at 3:00 pm Meet at Ponce City Market Meet on the PCM section of the Beltline at 3:00 pm. Then walk, run, or ride to explore the Beltline ending with a warmup at 4:30 pm in Ponce City Market.

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.

C O N G R E G T I O N A L C A R E Spiritual Wellness

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 threeweek series, exploring the question: “How will we live generatively into the rest of our lives?"

Drawing from the 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

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L C A R E

"Seeing the Star in the Night of Grief" January 10th, 7-8 pm Zoom link

Our monthly online 1-hour grief support group is open for anyone who is experiencing loss of any kind.

As we celebrate Epiphany this month, this grief support session will invite people to share how they have experienced hope and joy even in the midst of their grief. We know we can only see the stars without light pollution. It is only when things have become quiet and we resist business and enter into stillness that we can experience our grief and notice the light and mercy of Christ. In this session, we will also practice contemplative prayer to open our spiritual eyes.

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L C A R E Spring 2022

NEW MEMBER MINSTRY Our planned January New Member Class will be postponed until the spring. Save the date for the four-week Sunday series beginning April 24th . Anyone who would like to learn more

about Redeemer’s history and present ministry is welcome to join the class. Participants who are ready to commit to this faith community will be welcomed into church membership during worship at 11 am on May 22nd.

Become a Redeemer Shepherd with a New Member

Shepherds are members of Redeemer who care deeply about our church, have a strong faith in Jesus, are welcoming, and available.

The purpose of new member shepherds is to build a relationship with new member(s) and help them feel welcomed and connected to the life of Redeemer.

Some ways to build a relationship with a new member are: Get to know the new member(s) and their interests Invite your new member(s) to worship in person or via Livestream and notify them about upcoming events Share about your own experience at Redeemer and share a little about your faith story Help initiate introductions with other members especially in the ministries in which the new member(s) is interested Help answer (or find answers) to questions they have about Redeemer A shepherd provides an intentional relationship and consistent point of contact for our new members. In order to fulfill this role, we ask that you commit to serving as a shepherd for six months and maintain communication with your assigned new member at least monthly.

If you are interested in serving as a shepherd to one of our new members, please contact Don Noland at dfnoland@gmail.com.

C O N G R E G A T I O N A L C A R E

C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T

An education and advocacy series for the Midtown Peachtree Corridor Congregations

The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children happens here in Atlanta!

Following the Anti-Sex Trafficking Summit at The Temple on October 5, 2021, a small group discussed the possibility of providing awareness and advocacy opportunities for the Peachtree Corridor Congregations. As a result, Redeemer, The Temple, and St. Luke’s Episcopal are hosting a Zoom workshop presented by the Child Advocacy Centers of Georgia/CSEC Response Team.

Redeeming GRACE invites you to a virtual discussion about what YOU should know and can do right now!

The presenter will be Naeshia McDowell Statewide Coordinator, CSEC Response Team, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia (CACGA)

Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Zoom

This presentation is hosted by The Temple, St. Luke's Episcopal and Redeemer.

Amy Carpenter is the point of contact for this event. .

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LCFM’S FIELD TRIP TO THE WESTSIDE Bill Bolling of the Food Well Alliance speaks to the LCFM Board on December 3, 2021 Nonprofits in the hunger and housing sectors are working together more closely than ever as a result of the pandemic. On December 3rd, the LCFM Board had the opportunity to spend several hours with Bill Bolling at his latest venture at 970 Jefferson Street on the Westside.

Bolling is best known as the founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB), but longtime Redeemer members may recall that he used to work at St Luke’s Community Kitchen (now Crossroads Community Ministries). It was Redeemer’s relationship with St Luke’s Episcopal Church on Peachtree from which our own LCFM sprung in January 1982.

After “retiring” from the ACFB, Bolling remains engaged on the Westside where the ACFB was located. The food bank itself has moved to a new location, but the original building in which it was located was available for purchase. Bolling was concerned at the pace with which real estate was being purchased by large developers and institutions and he wanted to preserve community gathering space for the original Howell Station neighborhood. The building is also right along the PATH Foundation’s addition to the Beltline, which makes it an idea spot for a cafe which Bolling plans to add soon.

The building already houses multiple organizations whose activities benefit the city. His goal is to break even as a landlord so he sets the rent at reasonable rates so that the nonprofit tenants can do more with the resources they have. The space they get at 970 Jefferson is larger and better maintained than their prior locations. A number of tenants are food related, but it is also home to the Westside Future Fund whose goal is neighborhood preservation and improvement.

The biggest donor to the LCFM—Second Helpings-Atlanta—is based in 970 Jefferson.

Second Helpings collects perishable food from restaurants and business around Atlanta and redistributes that food to organizations like the LCFM. In 2021, the LCFM received about 5 tons of food from our partnership with Second Helpings. Most of that food came as groceries from the Whole Foods on 14th Street. The LFCM uses these groceries in either the lunches we serve to our 4th Street guests or we share them weekly with Lutheran Towers and the STAR Program at Georgia Tech for financially insecure students.

Interestingly, this concept of “rescuing” food is one that Bill Bolling recalls discussing with Redeemer member Dorothy Beasley years ago after she noticed all the leftover food at professional dinners and events. At 970 Jefferson, organizations like Second Helpings have access to the large refrigeration and freezer space that was once used by the ACFB. After the tour, Bolling graciously answered questions and provided insight into how he has been able to think creatively and cooperatively during the course of his career. His vision for a better city is inspiring and one that left the LCFM Board excited to celebrate our 40th year and reach even more people in 2022.

forty years of service

In January 2022, the LCFM celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

The pandemic complicates our plans, but we will find ways throughout the year to honor the LCFM's past as we work to eradicate hunger in Atlanta.

Details of a "Kitchen Shower" for the Zittrouer kitchen coming soon!

Volunteer with us We would love to have your help! Contact Stephanie Hart for opportunities to get involved.

C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T

LIBRARY Pastor Sims Tribute

The Redeemer Library Team created a tribute to Pastor Sims. Because we are a library, we wanted to honor him by remembering his words. The tribute contains excerpts from his devotions and sermons, as well as a photo and display of his books. The tribute can be viewed on our main bookshelves in the Redeemer Library.

Lutheran Towers Christmas Book Giveaway

On December 7th, the Library Team delivered a box of new books to Lutheran Towers residents. These books were duplicates that Redeemer members donated, along with books from our own library that are free for the taking for Tower residents. We placed a colorful bin full of books in the upstairs lobby (closest to the Redeemer parking lot) near the Little Free Library. We also refreshed the Little Free Library and are happy to see that it is still in use.

FELLOWSHIP

northside circle welca Members of Redeemer’s WELCA

Also celebrated was the

Northside Circle joined with one

service to Redeemer and the

another in welcoming the

surrounding community of

Christmas Season with the

faith by the hands of

Annual Holiday Luncheon on

Northside’s faithful members

Wednesday, December 8th at the

throughout the year.

home of Julie Freudenstein.

Projects supported

Honored guests were Sarah

throughout each year

Hawbecker, Organist & Children’s

include Hands Across the

Music Director, and Sam Long,

Bridge, WELCA’s Annual

Organ Scholar. They presented an

Quilt and Kit Ingathering for

inspirational program of

Lutheran World Relief,

Christmas music which included

Goshen Valley Ranch

the extra bonus of the history of

Birthdays, plus support of

some of our most beloved

many other prayer and

Christmas hymns.

program needs throughout the year at Redeemer. To

Sue Shannon took the lead in the

find out more and join in

re-creation of the Swann House

supporting Redeemer’s

Christmas Luncheon, which was

WELCA Northside Circle

shared for many years at the

projects, contact Carol

Swann House by Northside Circle.

Maxwell at

Sue wanted to recreate this

maxwell91705@bellsouth.net

special meal as a celebration of the memories of Northside’s most

Prayerfully submitted,

devoted longtime members who

Diana Palma

were lost in the last year. Those

Redeemer Member & SE

faithful hearts remembered

Synod WELCA Board Member

included Betty Mori, Gayle Ide and Joy Christensen.

J A N U A R Y B I R T H D A Y S 1 Suzanne Aldridge 1 Jared Joella 1 Ed Konrad 1 Mark Wuttke 2 Thomas Herman 2 Carolyn Lowry 2 Megan McCloskey 3 Nick Berrebi 3 Lily Guthrie 3 Benjamin Howle 3 Mark Huntemann 3 Dewey Ingham 3 Robert McKenzie 5 Christi Barr 5 Bahnam Scott 6 Julie Allaman 6 D.Anna Bennett 6 Pat Cornwell 6 Chris Johanson 6 Madeline Reynolds 7 Tom Delbrook 7 Taylor Hite 7 Kathleen Presgrove 7 Diana Worthington-White 8 Jonathan Barr 8 Cindy Bohntinsky 8 Travis Mayo 8 Zack Ruthorford 8 Aaron Whitehouse 9 Andy Burnett 9 Norman Chu 9 Tamika Stiggers-Williams 9 Mike Yarnold 10 Chris Pearson 10 Nicole Stevens 10 Greg Wagner 11 Carol Masters 11 Liam McDonald 11 Lily McDonald 11 John Roche 11 Regine Stevens 11 Kathy Wilson-Chu 12 Connor Dougherty 12 Suzanne Nieman 12 Courtney Ulmer

13 Brian Arthur 13 Dienna Dewey 13 Jennifer Fernandes 13 Jake Jones 13 Julia Jordan 13 Elizabeth Roche 13 Rob Schiltz 14 Rose Alvarado 14 Barry Leonard 14 Amanda Medrow 14 Erika Milczek 14 Nancy Reno 14 Jennie Mae Smith 14 Mark Whitaker 15 Conner Deebel 15 Brian Ludvigsen 15 Jana Thomas 16 Kathy Hill 16 David Huiner 16 Kris West 17 Nita Borchers 17 Tom Christner 17 Ray Grant 17 Peter Roberts 17 Dylan St. John 18 Grace Franetovich 18 Chris Rowe 18 Arthur Tilley 19 Linda Huntemann 19 Donna Hyde 19 Britt Morris 20 Lana Kraby 20 Claire Quinn 21 Ava Ballard 21 Ellen Lawson 21 Gabriel Peterson 21 Marie Petway 22 Mark Johnson 22 Travis Smith 23 Lisa Barfield 23 Dazia Fumbah 23 Liz Kim 23 Jake Riggs 23 Pete Sides 24 Daniel Levy 24 Tami Patterson

25 Fiona Peterson 25 Jacob Pinyon 25 Jeanne Riggall 26 Cayte Dillard 26 Tru Esker 26 Emily Treibel 27 Bettina Cothran 27 Sydney Hales 27 Karen Lefstead 27 Danny McKeithen 27 Bryan Sexton 27 Ava Stapleton 27 Helen Struensee 28 Sarah Bertini 28 Jeff Guthrie 28 Reed Haury 28 Molly Ludvigsen 28 Randall Mauney 28 Richard Mauney 28 Andrew Nowatzki 28 Charlotte Spady 28 Craig Stephens 28 Rob Sundal 28 Beverly Thornton 29 Jeremy Ashlock 29 Wally Hedlund 29 Leta Helsel 30 Leona Fehn 30 Julia Gerhardt 30 Carolyn Myhre 30 Kaylie Stephens 30 Avery Thomas 30 Walter Zimmer 31 Jim Spitler 31 Gail Spurlock