january 2023 newsletter

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

The liturgical season between Epiphany and Lent is called “Time after Epiphany” or “Ordinary Time.” It is in the ordinary where God becomes known to us: an ordinary child, ordinary water, ordinary bread, and wine. During this winter season, we invite you to worship on Wednesday evenings during your ordinary daily life to contemplate our divine God who became human, appearing in flesh among us. This service of spoken word follows the liturgy from All Creation Sings, a worship resource developed in 2020 to supplement the Evangelical Lutheran Book of Worship (ELW). We will receive blessings for everyday life, written by Lutheran Pastor, Meta Herrick Carlson, reflect on ordinary writings from contemplative authors, and hear the word preached by our rostered leaders. God’s word, reflection, and prayer is the heart of this contemplative service. Throughout the service, we will observe time of silence together. Silence makes room to breathe deeply, time to still the heart and quiet restless thoughts, and, a place to listen and rest in the presence of God.

JanuaryisHuman TraffickingAwareness Month

Read one girl’s story of rescue --

Mackenzie’s Story

Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock. The clock on the wall was the only distraction in the pitch-black hotel room. For 17-year-old Mackenzie*, time created an unending paradox of duress and relief. For three months, Mackenzie was exploited around the Metro Atlanta area by a man she met on Instagram. She thought he was a modeling scout - he promised her a job with a local clothing brand she loved. As it turned out, he was far from it.

Click here to read more about Mackenzie.

*Name and images are fictional for confidentiality purposes

DID YOU KNOW?

The Human Trafficking Institute reported that in 2020, 59% of online recruitment of identified victims in active cases across the United States took place on Facebook alone. 65% of identified child sex trafficking victims recruited on social media were recruited through Facebook.

Many participants come to Wellspring Living with a history of exploitation via internet usage. Staff works with participants to teach topics such as internet safety, boundaries, self-control and self-worth.

Please visit the display in Sims Atrium to learn about child sex trafficking in our state and how our congregation supports Wellspring Living.

Wellspring Living transforms the lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation www wellspringliving org Redeeming Grace of Redeemer supports Wellspring Living and works to end child sex trafficking through education and awareness Contact: amy carpenter@comcast net

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.

Will resume January 18 | 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, onedimensional ways.

It’s a new year, and a great time to join a choir! REGISTER ONLINE NOW WEDNESDAY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

CHERUBIM (ages 4-1st grade)

6:15-6:45 pm SERAPHIM (2nd-6th grade)

6:00-7:00 pm REDEEMER RINGERS (3rd-6th grade) 6:45-7:15 pm

There are opportunities for anyone age four and up Children and youth rehearse on Wednesday evenings, and the adult choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings. Contact Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer org or 404-874-8664 with questions, or just show up at the next rehearsal We’d love to have you join us!

Worship at 7:00 PM

Epiphany Celebration | January 4, 2023

Wednesday evening worship service will be a special Lessons and Carols celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany.

January 11 through February 15

Wednesday evening worship service will be contemplative order of word and service using the new litergy from All Creation Sings.

Wednesday Night Dinner

Price Rollback

Wednesday Night Dinner at Redeemer is back in 2023 with a price rollback! Beginning on Wednesday, January 4th, we will offer meals for $6 00/per adult and $5 00 for Children and Seniors The menu for each week is listed below:

January 4th Pizza, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage

January 11th Chili with all of the Fixings, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage

January 18th Hot Dogs, Cole Slaw, Chips, Dessert, and a Beverage

January 25th Pizza, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage

February 1st Chili with all of the Fixings, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage

For more information, please contact Bob Boyd (bboyd@redeemer org) or Seth Brown (sbrown@redeemer org)

New Classes starting this Sunday, January 8

Animate Class

Led by Whitney Ludvigsen, Dana Norden, and David Barnes

Sunday, January 8, 2023 through February 19, 2023 Room 211 / Zoom

Learn from preeminent scholars and theologians about how our faith animates our actions in the world. This study from Augsburg Fortress will help us examine how we live out our faith in a distinctly Lutheran manner.

“Mary’s Voice in John’s Gospel” Class

Led by Edward Scherlacher

Beginning Sunday, January 8 through April 2, 2023 Room 121 / Zoom

The writer of John’s Gospel weaves memories of “the beloved disciple;” and “Mary, the mother of Jesus.” Based on the research of scholar Michael Pakulak and other sources (ancient and new.

Participants will gain a richer understanding of the fourth gospel - while restoring the voice of the one called “Blessed among women.”

The study brings evidence of the contributions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to The Fourth Gospel. John the Apostle had purportedly decades of postresurrection interaction with Mary. Recent scholarship indicates Mary’s voice, influence, and interpretation of her son’s life is a major basis of the Gospel of John.

Sunday, January 15 3:30 PM Zoom only

New Year, New Us! Sympathy

Rejoicing Spirits is in a time of discernment. Now that all our programs are back in-person, the afternoon time slot makes it difficult for families with children and youth to attend However, we want to keep sharing the joy and love that pours out in our worship with each other and newcomers! We have been discussing with our planning team what will come next, and you are invited to participate!

Please join us on Zoom at this link on January 15 at 3:30 PM (If you plan to attend the MLK service that day, which starts at 4, let Deacon Mary know, and we will make sure you can do both )

Imogene (Jean) Thompson entered the church triumphant on December 28, 2022.

Please hold her family in your prayers Her memorial service will be held in April Sympathy notes may be sent to Jean's niece, Andrea Carpenter 439 Landover Dr Decatur GA 30030

The Redeemer Concert series presents the annual celebration of Redeemer’s 73rank Létourneau pipe organ. This year’s concert will feature the church’s Organ Scholars, past and present. We welcome back Andy Jacob, and Martha Barth, who each earned their master’s degree and have full-time church positions in the Twin Cities, and Sam Long, who is working on his master’s degree nearby at Mercer University in Macon. Current Organ Scholar Kira Garvie and Redeemer’s Organist Sarah Hawbecker will round out the program. The varied works on the program will span centuries, from Buxtehude and Bach to Herbert Howells and George Shearing. The Friends of Music will host a reception in Sims Atrium following the concert.

topgolf

Tuesday, January 24

Save the Date

Yes, weeknights can be fun, too!

We are heading over to the midtown TopGolf on Tuesday, the 24th of January. Watch for more information about how to participate.

Never been to TopGolf?

Give it a try! No golf skills are required. It's kind of like bowling but with golf clubs. It is open air but well heated. Dinner is also available.

small group

Sundays, 10-10:45 am at Redeemer

From January 8 to February 19, young adults will join the Animate Practices class, led by David Barnes, Dana Norden, and Whitney Ludvigsen (all recent YA group alums!). The course will focus on what it means to be Lutheran and why we do things the way we do. No RSVP is needed; join any week! Meet in Room 211 from 10-10:45 on Sundays.

young adult ministry

JANUARY EVENTS

lunch together

Sunday, January 8th after the 11 am worship

On the second Sunday of each month, we gather in the Sims atrium after the 11:00 service (at about 12:15) to walk or carpool to lunch together in the neighborhood. It's a casual time to get to know each other and explore midtown. In January, we've decided to have lunch in the IKEA cafe, and whoever wants to can stay for shopping.

christmas party

making lefse

ax throwing in november a bullseye!

Baptism at Redeemer

Wearereturningtoourpre-pandemicpracticeofholdingBaptismFestivals.Thismeans certainSundaysaredesignatedforbaptisms,andtheremaybeseveralfamiliescelebrating baptismatthesametime

Goingforward,ifyourfamilywouldliketorequestasingle-familybaptismafterworship,wewill offerthoseonacase-by-casebasis.Pleaseask!

PleaseinquireformoredetailsonhowschedulingworksandtogettheBaptismregistrationform.

Spring Festival Dates

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?

Baptismisasacramentcelebratedinthecommunity.Whilewehavedoneseveralbaptismsafter worshipserviceforsafetyreasonsduringthepandemic,itisimportantthatthecongregationbe partofthebaptismliturgyasmuchaspossible.

Groupingupbaptismsoncertaindaysallowsustouseaspecialliturgyfocusedonbaptismand trulyhighlightitasaspecialeventratherthanbeingafootnotetoaservicewithadifferent 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

Spring and Summer 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

February 10-12

Join us at Lutheranch in Tallapoosa, GA for a weekend of fun, friends, and growing in faith. Whether you are long-time members or new to Redeemer, it's a great way to get to know the people you see on Sundays in a whole new way and spend some quality time together as a family. Watch for our theme to be announced in January!

CLICK HERE to Register and find more details about the schedule and cost.

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.

We had an amazing fall and Advent season with our Redeemer kids and their families! We are so grateful for all the volunteers and donations that made these events possible. Here's a little taste of all the fun we ' ve been having!

- Deacon Mary and the Children and Family Ministry Team

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 on Sunday, January 8, 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.

Middle School Parents Gathering

Our Middle School Parents will gather on Sunday, January 29, 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 January: January 8, January 15, January 22, and January 29.

High School Sunday School High School Sunday School will meet on the following days in January: January 8, January 15, January 22, and January 29.

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12 Connor Dougherty 12 Suzanne Nieman 12 Robert Shultz 12 Courtney Ulmer 13 Brian Arthur 13 Dienna Dewey 13 Jennifer Fernandes 13 Jake Jones 13 Julia Jordan 13 Elizabeth Roche 13 Rob Schiltz 13 Curt Stamp 14 Barry Leonard 14 Amanda Medrow 14 Erika Milczek 14 Nancy Reno 14 Mark Whitaker 15 Christi Barr 15 Conner Deebel 15 Brian Ludvigsen 15 Jana Thomas 16 Kathy Hill 16 David Huiner 16 Kristin Paul 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 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 21 Betty Stewart

22 Mark Johnson 22 Kelida Lowry 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 Jorge Luzar 27 Danny McKeithen 27 Bryan Sexton 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 Julie Gerhardt 30 Carolyn Myhre 30 Kaylie Stephens 30 Avery Thomas 30 Walter Zimmer 31 Jim Spitler 31 Gail Spurlock