July 2021 Newsletter - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA

JULY 2021

WWW.REDEEMER.ORG

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA

In-Person Worship RSVP REQUIRED

SEATING LIMITED TO 75 INDIVIDUALS IN THE CONGREGATION

Service Times: Sunday Morning 9:00 am Jazz Worship and *11:00 am Organ/Choir Worship *Please note the 11 am service will be a mask and social distancing optional service for fully vaccinated individuals on the first and third Sundays in July and August.

Those Sundays are: July 4, & 18; August 1 & 15 Link to Calendar to RSVP Click HERE to read all the latest protocol information about returning to worship in person.

WORSHIP Join us for our first annual Summer Celebration!

This month our service will be a celebration of music and scripture. We’ll sing as many songs as we can, and you are invited to make requests!

Email Deacon Mary at mhouck@redeemer.org with your song requests, and our music team will do their best to include them.

Follow this link for more information and Zoom access to worship on the 18th.

Welcome back our second organ scholar, Martha Barth, who is filling in for Sarah Hawbecker while on vacation the first three weeks of July.

Reopening of Church Activities We are now welcoming groups to return for study, service, and fellowship. Rooms may be reserved using the online room reservation form or by contacting Seth by email, sbrown@redeemer.org. We strongly encourage all in-person groups to consider a “hybrid” option so that those not comfortable returning in person can participate as well. A staff member can assist in this. Rooms will be assigned according to size and technological needs.

Groups that are fully vaccinated may remove their face coverings once inside their meeting rooms.

Everyone should remain masked if not everyone is fully vaccinated. Please wear a face covering when moving through public spaces. *Fully vaccinated means a person has received both shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND two weeks have passed since the date of the final, required shot.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

by Carol I. Swisher Redeemer welcomed one of its refugee families in 2011 via Lutheran Services of Georgia, which is now called “ Inspiritus."

Because I have always loved to travel, I decided I would join the group for my first refugee volunteer experience. God had more blessings than I could imagine in store for me!

Lily Pal and Aung KoKo had lived in Myanmar, previously known as Burma. They are from a large ethnic group called Karen, who have been persecuted by the (Burmese) government for their religion and ethnicity. Aung is unsighted due to a mine explosion before they escaped to the Thailand refugee camp, where they had stayed for over 12 years prior to their arrival here. They brought 4 children, ages 8, 6, 4, and 2. They had converted from Buddhism to Catholicism after arriving to the Thailand camp. We did not know until after their arrival that Lily was pregnant!

I was blessed to be working with our all Redeemer team, who welcomed them at the airport, readied an apartment with donated furnishings for their home, and provided food for their first meals after the long journey to the United States. For months the team constantly worked on solutions for the challenges of language, health, the children's education, and the many adjustments to a new life here in the US. I volunteered to be responsible for taking Lily for her prenatal appointments due to my nursing experience. The language barrier was addressed with an interpreter we found when Lily attended English classes. Redeemer volunteers gave a baby shower, which provided all the baby clothes and equipment needed for the new infant. Our pastor found a piano for Aung, as he enjoyed trying to play the piano.

On the day of the baby's delivery, our team assisted by babysitting the four children, and another member brought Aung to the hospital. I was honored to be at the delivery and the obstetrician allowed me to cut the cord of their new baby girl, Rosa Marie. Days later when at home, Aung was sitting in the chair holding the child and gently touching her face since he was not able to see her beautiful features. The older children had gathered around him.

He asks the interpreter to say to me, ”Tell Carol thanks for helping with my baby’s birth, but I have no money to pay her.” I broke into tears and told him that money could not buy the love and blessings God had provided me in caring for all their family.” We all held hands and sang the doxology and one of their Karenic songs they had sung while at the refugee camp.

In a few months, the family relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to be closer to one of their family members. Many of our team members remained in contact. One evening, the oldest child, Justpina, called to tell us that they were cold and needed coats and blankets, and she asked for Christmas tree decorations. It was predicted to be one of the coldest winters in Wisconsin, so our team responded by mailing winter apparel and tree decorations for the family. I called the family later and found out that they had not received the packages. One of my sons lives in the Milwaukee area and went to discover that the packages had been delivered to a neighbor. He brought those along with a Christmas tree, and he was delighted to watch them decorate with ALL the sent items for the tree...mostly around the bottom of it!

I continue to visit them when I am in Wisconsin. One year, they knew I was planning a trip to the Asian continent, and they asked if I could bring them "something" from Myanmar, as they know they will never be able to return for a visit themselves. I joyfully returned with tokens on my next visit. And I can report that the family is growing and thriving!

I hope you will be encouraged to volunteer on the team for our next refugee family.

Matthew 25:42-45 was our guiding scripture as we welcomed these strangers & new friends.

Special Thank you

to everyone who donated items for the apartment for the new family from Rwanda that arrived this week.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REDEEMER LAUNCHES PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE Are YOU ready to serve?

In a focused effort to enhance the safety and security of all our members, staff, and visitors, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer has recently formed a task force to assess the current state of the church’s plans, protocols, and policies associated with emergency preparation and response to include: Physical security assessment Review of current security staff (role, duties, training) Safety hazard and threat analysis (internal, external, area) Emergency preparedness planning and response (fire, fire alarm, weather-related, power outage, criminal incident, water leak, bomb threat, medical incident, shelter-in-place, civil unrest, elevator entrapment, community alerts, etc.)

Fire drills and occupant evacuation plan (to include fire wardens, assembly areas) Campus emergency systems CPR/First Aid/AED certification and fire extinguisher training for staff and ministry volunteers The task force is co-led by Bob Boyd, Director of Operations and Finance, and Seth Brown, Director of Facilities and Media. John Garrigan (head of our ambassador greeter program and security/safety expert) and Ryan Smith (current Marietta police officer) have graciously volunteered to help us get this task force in place.

We are looking for other church members who are current or former healthcare professionals, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, paramedics/EMTs, and any other member who has an interest in participating in this very important, timely, and potentially life-saving project. The end result of these efforts will be a comprehensive, integrated, and validated public safety response plan that will identify, help mitigate/reduce/eliminate risk and liability, and protect the people and physical assets of our church and the Redeemer community at large.

Please contact Johnmgarrigan@gmail.com or sbrown@redeemer.org for more information.

PUBLIC SAFETY

TASK FORCE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Due to Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines, we are taking time off to re-think and re-group our options and plans for the summer (July and August).

Let's see what the Lord has planned for us in the Fall.

As we reflect on our passions and testimonies, perhaps we can plan a "Lunch Out" on a Sunday after church in the July and August months. More information regarding Adult Singles Connecting is forthcoming so remember to make a habit of clicking on "This Week" on Redeemer's website, Facebook, the Monthly Newsletter, and mark your calendars.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TAMMY WILKES TROY

LEE WILLIAMS

Tammy has been a member of Redeemer

I grew up in Louisiana and was raised in

since 1998. Her career took her to New

the Episcopal Church. After college, I

York for many years and her recent

moved to New York City and later

retirement has allowed her to rejoin and

relocated to Los Angeles. I received my

recommit to the church. Tammy worked

master’s degree in Library Science from

in structured finance in the commercial

San Jose State University, and I now work

real estate space for 35 years. She is now

for the Fulton County Public Library. I live

focused on writing her first novel. In her

in Brookhaven, GA with my partner Neil

spare time, Tammy enjoys tennis and golf,

Johnson, who proudly hails from Calgary,

cooking and party planning, reading and

Alberta in Canada.

volunteer work in Atlanta. She lives with her husband, Kevin, in Historic Druid Hills.

Her summers are spent in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

SMAYDA FAMILY Mike and Abby Smayda moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta four years ago and have enjoyed attending services at Redeemer with Mike's aunt and uncle, Scott and Karen Anderson. They are thrilled to officially be members!

Mike works at an Atlanta-based aerospace company called Hermeus. Abby is a fundraiser and prior to the pandemic worked for the Sundance Film Festival, the High Museum of Art, and most recently Habitat for Humanity International.

Mike and Abby live in Buckhead and have a 1-year old daughter named Felicity. Mike enjoys running and Abby enjoys teaching barre classes. They enjoy the arts, traveling, and checking out Atlanta's food scene.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE If you or someone you know would like a regular visit from a visitation minister, please contact our Visitation Ministry Coordinator, Peg Wyse pegwyse@gmail.com

VISITATION MINISTRY The Visitation Ministry is off to a great start! On Sunday, June 20th Pastor Mark and Pastor Jenny commissioned 14 dedicated visitation ministers

All the ministers have been trained to deliver Holy Communion and will visit our members in person if possible. If an in-person visit is not possible, the visitation ministers will keep in contact by phone or writing cards.

who keep in contact with approximately 22 members who are no longer able to attend worship at Redeemer.

The recently commissioned visitation ministers are Oni Borchers, Pat Chardavoyne, Oscar Dela Cruz, Paige Havens, Mary Howle, Ed Kuehn, Jeanne Merritt, Leslie Misch, Gayle Morgan, Don Noland, Kay Sins, Joan Vernor, Colin Walker, and Peg Wyse.

Recently, Pastor Jenny, Jeanne Merritt, and Peg Wyse visited Betty Carlson and Marie Akin in their lovely apartment homes at Celebration Village in Acworth. We enjoyed a communion service together, caught up with everyone's life during the pandemic, and then rejoiced in once again being together.

Afterwards, Betty and her daughter Carol, prepared lunch for us. It was indeed a memorable day.

YOUTH REDEEMER YOUTH GRADES 6-12

Summer Youth Gatherings Congrats to Hollyn!

Congrats to Hollyn Kershner who was elected as the Disabled Rep for the Southeastern Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (SESLYO) Board! This Board consists of representatives from all across the Southeastern Synod conferences. Hollyn’s position helps SESLYO strive for inclusion and to advocate for the concerns of youth with disabilities.

High School Parents and College Parents Gathering

High School Parents (and College Parents) are not meeting in July for their monthly gathering. Stay tuned for more information about the August Gathering.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol McCloskey.

To stay connected and continue to see each other this summer, we have some summer youth gathering opportunities.

For each gathering, we will be meeting outside for an activity. Masks will be required!

Middle School Youth Gatherings will consist of current 6th8th graders.

High School Youth Gatherings will consist of current 9th12th graders. When signing up, 8th graders will stay in the Middle School group. 12th graders are welcome to continue coming throughout the summer. This is because we don't go up to the next grade level until August.

Sunday, July 18-High School Hiking Sunday, July 25-Middle School Outdoor Activity TBD with Mr. Paul Times and other information will be figured out as we get closer. Ideally, these events will be on a Sunday afternoon. We may look at doing a Saturday, but please sign up if you are able to come! We are so excited to announce that we have moved up to 50 in our slots.

To sign up, use this Signup Genius form.

You can sign up the day of too, but you must sign up in order to attend!

YOUTH Due to these events being activities, each youth attending will need to fill out our Online Smartsheet Youth Form and sign the back of the Youth Medical Form. This Youth Medical Form will be sent out before the events and each youth must fill it out in order to attend. If you have already filled out the Smartsheet Form above, you do not need to fill it out again.

These forms will cover all events this Summer. We will need to fill out new forms in August for 2021-2022.

If you have any questions, please contact Hillary.

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

Summer Confirmation Class will be meeting on the following Sundays this summer: July 18 and July 25 from 10:00 am-10:45 am. This class will be led by Pastor Jonathan and focus on the Book of Revelations and the rapture.

High School Sunday School High School Sunday School meets on Sundays from 10:00-11:00 am.

Come catch up and discuss what is going on in our lives with other High School Youth! We will not be meeting on Sunday, July 4. We are looking at having some opportunities to meet in person. If you want to invite any friends, please reach out to Hillary.

Upcoming Youth Events July 4-No High School Sunday School July 11-High School Sunday School July 18-High School Sunday School July 18-Confirmation Summer Class Session #3 July 18-High School Youth In-Person Summer Gathering July 25-High School Sunday School July 25-Confirmation Summer Class Session #4 July 25-Middle School Youth In-Person Summer Gathering

*For updates and further information, contact Youth Director Hillary Nelson @ hnelson@redeemer.org

33rd

Convention

Southeastern

Synod

WELCA CONVENTION September 18, 2021 The Thirty-third Convention of the Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA will be a virtual meeting held on Zoom. It will include a worship service, workshops, Cluster Muster, and a business session including the election of a president, treasurer, and three board members.

Our theme is “Jars of Clay” based on Corinthians 4: 7. The Churchwide Representative will be Raeann Purcell from Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida and the chaplain is Pastor Karen Boda, Assistant to the Bishop. Our Love Offering will go to churchwide Women of the ELCA and the In-Kind Gifts to Must Ministries in Marietta, Georgia.

Please mark your calendars for September 18 and watch for more details on the website as they become available and the next issue of the WEAVER.

Diana Palma, Synodical board member for SE WELCA palmadbmax@gmail.com

Still in need of devotion writers contact Karen Medford for details at kmedford@redeemer.org

The Keystone Ministry Team announces our first congregation-wide event to celebrate our mission to enhance ministry with older adults within our community. One way we accomplish this mission is by integrating with all members to encourage intergenerational ministry.

Join us after Sunday School or after 11 AM Service until 1 PM on the front patio and throughout the Sims Atrium to celebrate our faith and love of having Redeemer’s CHURCH presence returned to our lives to enhance our worship and fellowship opportunities. The event begins at the end of Sunday School and continues after 11 AM Service to give maximum renewing fellowship opportunities to all. Snacks will be provided in addition to ice cream.

SAVE THE DATE! WOMEN'S RETREAT WHAT'S IN YOUR TOOL BOX?

OCTOBER 1-3, 2021

Come build up your toolbox with Hope, Faith, Love, and Grace.

Pastor Beverly Shaw will be our leader for the theme “Stronger Together.”

Please register by August 31 by using this link: https://form.jotform.com/2115

Enjoy the Lutheranch Conference Center and its beautiful

16005597049

surroundings in Tallapoosa, GA. Double room – $180

Single room – $240

Scholarships are available, please contact Jenny Mclellan.

You’ll receive a welcome packet by mail before the retreat. It will include a list of what to bring, a list of participants, and any pertinent information you might need.

Beverly Brown Shaw, pastor and theologian, is currently pastor of Lutheran Church of the Atonement and a Southeastern synod ELCA council member.

Welcome Pastor Beverly!

Pastor Beverly Shaw

Thank You WOMEN'S RETREAT

Messiah Lutheran Church Cypress, Texas They were on their way to a service experience in North Carolina.

The group attended the 9:00AM Jazz Service.

JUly BIRTHDAYS 1 Lori Hickman 1 Emma Johnson 1 Lisa Kovack 1 Patrick Sickles 2 Garrett Anderson 2 Sue Zellner 3 Karen Fore 3 Kendrick McWilliams 3 John Sabine 4 Margaret Bragg 4 J.W. Cornwell 4 Ethan Jennings 4 Harl Pike 4 Peg Wyse 5 Kathy Bihl 5 Stephen Powner 5 Della Schaller 5 Graham Wilde 6 Riley Hickman 6 Jason Liebzeit 6 Nathan Miller 6 Clasen Safalow 6 Jordan Whitaker 7 Cheryl Bansen 7 Bernard Benson 7 Cynthia DeKinder 7 Abby Licker 7 Charles Lofstrom 7 Traci Switzer 7 Helena Viberg 8 Justin Bansen 8 Caren Warren 9 Jane Forstner 9 Damien Scott 9 Lilian Steele 9 Chal Stewart 9 Andrea Waterhouse 10 Andrew Bragg 10 Luke Hawley 10 David Ott 10 Joyce Smith 11 Heidi Couch 11 Brady Grant 11 Marlee Hattermann 11 Lance Muller 11 Ingrid Neale 11 Suzanne Sims

12 Amanda Hoomes 12 Aino Robertson 12 Molly Wyse 13 Bob Altmann 13 Edgar Kleckley 13 JoJo May 13 Madison Tiegreen 13 Susan Wilson 14 Beatrix Lay 14 Mary Peterson 14 Brad Sickles 14 Tori Volan 15 Tiffany Rice 15 Cecelia Sickles 15 Valerie Sowers 16 Don Cornwell 16 Katy Durham 16 Anneliese Hermann 16 Alyssa LeVorse 16 Julianna LeVorse 16 Katie Moss 16 Brad Ploeger 16 Natalie Tanzola 17 Elisabeth Giolito 17 Steve Morgan 17 Brian Pakkala 17 Tim Schroer 17 Sheppard Smith 17 Joshua Sosebee 17 Isabella Vargo 18 Anne Feyereisen 18 Alan Gray 18 Marika Gray 18 Jill Williams 18 Roy Wise 18 Amanda Wolfe 19 Courtney Bohannon 19 Dorthey Hurst 19 Sherri Mason 19 John Nieman 19 Hayes Smith 20 Addie Beth Dillon 20 Max Hemsley 20 Anders Johanson 20 Christine McMahan 20 Katie Wessinger 20 Yvonne Whitaker 21 Christopher Borchers 21 Julie Freudenstein 21 Jack Gundersen

21 Susan McCart 21 Henrik Sides 22 Paul Howard 23 Susan Shannon 24 Anne Amos 24 Bootsie Grant 24 Lucie Ide 24 Robin Jonas 24 Jeff St. John 24 Charlie Wessinger 24 Dawn Weterrings 24 R. E. Wolfe 25 Carol Bloomquist 25 Alan Boda 25 Seth Brown 25 April Jones 25 Pete Olsson 25 Carolyn Ramsey 25 Michelle Spady 26 Emma Bastin 26 Jane Bastin 26 Elana Maxwell 26 Penelope Scarpucci 26 Nicholas Wooten 27 Bill Fike 27 Allen Gary 27 Caroline Iverson 28 Barbara Berger 28 Debra Borchers 28 Dave Buechner 28 Lloyd Marquardt 28 Diana Palma 28 Rowan Street 28 Kris Weterrings 29 Jo Adams 29 Kevin Dougherty 29 Caroline Hickey 29 Steven Miles 29 Nick Miller 29 Allison Stinson 29 Harrison Vassar 30 Heather Chastain 30 Audrey Mullen 30 Ryan Zegarelli 31 Carol Bell 31 Thomas Jonas 31 Max Rafferty 31 Beth Sides 31 Brooks Smith 31 Darrick Wilkins