Redeemer Saturday Update 2022-0108

Link to: submit prayer requests Livestream Zoom Communion following postlude

Join us for Worship this Sunday 9 am & 11 am Face coverings are required at all worship services until further notice.

Click HERE to read all the latest protocol information about returning to worship in person.

Baptism of Our Lord Pastor Mark H. Larson, preaching Parking at Redeemer

Midtown may have changed since you were here last. Read More...

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.

Faith Formation | Sunday, Jan. 9 Be Still and Journey 10 am | Zoom Link A women's group led by Pat Cornwell shares their lives of faith and discusses books and articles. They gather at 9:45 and begin the discussion of a book or article shortly after 10:00.

Light Upon Light by Sarah Arthur. 9:30am Zoom will open for visiting and then 10am for book discussion

Liberation Thought Bible Study 10 am | Zoom

Confirmation Large Group Session 9:30 am | Zittrouer / Zoom Email Hillary for link ​High School Sunday School 9:30 am | Youth Lounge / Zoom Email Hillary for link Confirmation Small Group Sessions 10 am | Various Rooms / Zoom Email Hillary for link & Rooms High School and College Parents Gathering 10:00 am | Reception Room/Zoom

Children's Sunday School - join us on Zoom for Sing & Play Contact Deacon Mary, mhouck@redeemer.org for a link Click here to see the full Schedule

Monday, January 10, 2022 Grief Support Group (Online) “Seeing the Star in the Night of Grief” Monday, January 10, 2022, 7-8 pm Zoom Link 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. In this session, we will also practice contemplative prayer to open our spiritual eyes.

Young Adult Bible and Brew Zoom Link Monday, January 10, 2022, 8-9 pm Bring your Bible and a beer (or drink of your choice).

The theme this week: Baptismal Identity (Text: Luke 3:15-22) Opening Question: What is central to your identity?

What does being baptized mean to you?

Tuesday, January 11, 2022 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Tuesday | 7:30 am | Link to Join A study led by David Ott and Don Noland

Book Study with Pastor Jonathan Tuesday | 5 pm | Link to Join

Join us as we read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. From the description: The Pulitzer Prize–winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.

Covid-19 Update Through Redeemer the world will see Jesus.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic Redeemer has steadfastly shown care and love for one another and our neighbors. We recently celebrated a very meaningful Christmas holiday, continue to serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity through Lutheran Community Food Ministry, and offer worship and vibrant faith formation opportunities for all ages both in-person and online.

As you are aware, the latest COVID-19 variant is spreading quickly through the Atlanta metro area with record numbers of confirmed cases reported, even among vaccinated individuals. In times like this, it is vitally important that each of us take the best preventive measures possible to care for ourselves and our neighbors. Redeemer continues to follow the CDC guidelines for prevention; the use of face coverings and social distancing are required. In addition, the Council encourages all members to be fully vaccinated and boosted if possible.

Due to the significant increase in confirmed cases along with the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, Redeemer will temporarily amend our current Phase 3 protocols. As a reminder, the main parts of Phase 3 are: 1. Gatherings will continue to be limited to under 100 people.

2. Face coverings will be required for all individuals (>2 years of age) while indoors on Redeemer’s property.

3. Continue to minimize physical contact, minimize shared items, maintain physical distancing as possible. Social distancing of 6 feet within pews will be maintained while in the sanctuary.

4. Maximize the use of outdoor space as available.

The following additional mitigation strategies are recommended for the next four Sundays in the month of January (recommendations will be reevaluated as appropriate).

1. No formal processional or recessional during worship services for increased social distancing.

2. Reduced number of choir members in the chancel area to 6-8 singers to allow for increased social distancing.

3. Worship service time lengths will be reduced as much as possible to decrease large group gathering times.

4. Communion will be offered during the worship service serving the Host-only.

The host will be consumed once the individual returns to their seat ensuring adequate social distancing prior to removal of face covering. Offering the single element will be one way the worship service time length will be shortened because the line will move faster when individuals do not wait for the wine to be poured.

In Bishop Strickland’s recent communication to the Synod, he urged congregations for the next 4-6 weeks to strive to make a difference by committing to the safest possible practices. Redeemer has implemented layered mitigation strategies since

the start of this pandemic. It is more important than ever that we stay the course, continue to love one another, and all help fight this pandemic.

If you have further questions about the current COVID-19 protocols, as recommended by the COVID Task Force and approved by the Council, please see our current FAQs online, send your concerns using this form, or reach out to a member of the Task Force or Council in Realm.