annual report 2021

2021

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

ANNUAL REPORT 731 PEACHTREE ST NE ATLANTA, GA 30308

www.redeemer.org

Table of Contents Introduction 03

Letter from Senior Pastor

06

Letter from Council President

Worship and Music

Community Engagement

09

Worship Team

37

Community Engagement Team

11

Friends of Music

38

Lutheran Community Food Ministry

13

Digital Media Ministry Team

39

Diversity & Justice Team

41

Redeemer Quilters

42

Redeeming Grace

43

Georgia Tech Ministry

Faith Formation 16

Midtown Lutheran Preschool

18

Children & Family Ministry Team

20

Special Needs Ministry

21

Youth Ministry Team

24

Young Adults Ministry Team

25

Faith Formation Team

27

Small Groups Ministry Team

28

Keystone Ministry Team

46

ELCA 2021 Congregation Reports

30

Library Ministry Team

48

Finance Team

49

2021 Financials

50

Memorial Funds Report

Congregational Care 33

Congregational Care Team

35

Faith Connections Team

Property 45

Property Ministry Team

Congregational Reports

LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR THE REV. MARK H. LARSON

03 I w a s t o u c h e d w h e n r e a d i n g a r e c e n t se r m o n p r e a c h e d b y t h e Re v . N a d i a B o l z W e b e r a b o u t t h e t i m e w h e n P e t e r m e e t s J e su s f o r t h e v e r y f i r st ti m e : J e s u s s a w t w o b o a t s t h e r e a t t h e s h o r e o f t h e la k e; t h e f i s h er m en h a d go n e o ut o f t h e m a n d w e r e w a s h i n g t h e i r n et s . H e g o t i n t o o n e o f t h e b o a t s , t h e o n e be l o n gin g t o S i m o n , a n d a s k e d h i m t o p u t o u t a li t t le w a y f r o m t h e s h o r e. T h e n h e s a t d o wn a n d t a u g h t t h e c r o w d s f r o m t h e b o a t . W h en h e h a d f i n i s h ed s p ea k i n g, h e s a id t o S im o n , " P u t o u t i n t o t h e d e e p w a t e r a n d let d o w n y o u r n et s f o r a c a t c h . " S im o n (P e t e r ) a n s w e r e d , " M a s t e r , w e h a v e w o rk ed a ll n i g h t lo n g b u t h a v e c a u gh t n o t h in g. Y e t if y o u s a y s o , I w i l l l e t d o w n t h e n e t s . " W h en t h ey h a d d o n e t h i s , t h ey c a ugh t s o m a n y f is h t h a t t h e i r n e t s w e r e b e g i n n i n g t o b r ea k . - L u k e 5 P a s t o r N a d i a p o i n t s o u t t h a t t h e m o st su r p r i si n g m o m e n t o f thi s sto r y i s w he n P e t e r s a y s , " Y e t , i f y o u s a y s o , " a f t e r J e su s a sk s h i m t o p u t o u t i nto d e e p e r w a te r a n d l e t d o w n h i s n e t s . A f t e r a l l , P e t e r m u st b e e x h a u st e d a n d r e a d y to g o ho m e a f t e r a l o n g n i g h t ' s w o r k . S h e s u g g e st s t h a t a s w e e n t e r t h e thi r d y e a r o f p a nd e m i c l i v i n g , w e a r e a l l a l o t l i k e P e t e r , " so m e w h e r e b e t w e e n e x h a u sti o n a nd the d e e p , trying to have faith still."

And not just "coffee mug faith:" F a i t h t h a t i s r e a l l y j u s t a c h e e r f u l o u t lo o k s p r i n k led o n t o p o f a n a l r e a d y go o d l if e m a y h a v e b e e n o f h e l p i n t h e p a s t , b u t n o w i t i s u s eles s . I n o r d e r f o r it t o be o f a n y r e a l h e l p , f a i t h c a n ' t b e t h e d e c o r a t i o n s a n d f u r n i t u r e - i t h a s t o be t h e l o a d - be a r in g s t r u c t u r e t h a t c a n w i t h s t a n d f l o o d a n d f i r e a n d g lo b a l p a n d em i c s . Be c a us e f a it h is n ' t t h e t h i n g t h a t g o e s f i r s t w h e n a c r i s i s h a p p en s , i t ' s w h a t i s lef t a f t e r a c r is is . P e t e r t e a c h e s u s t h a t . B e c a u s e P e t e r ' s f a i t h i s t h e k i n d t h a t i s h o n es t a bo ut e x h a us t io n a n d f a i l u r e , h o n e s t a b o u t w h a t l i f e r ea lly f eels li k e, a n d t h en s t i ll s a y s AN D Y E T.

LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR THE REV. MARK H. LARSON

04 A s y o u r e a d t h i s b u l l e t i n o f r e p o r t s, I

We have done some amazing work

think you will agree that the load-

through our digital media and our

bearing structure of the Lutheran

congregational care ministries to

Church of the Redeemer is strong

maintain the health of our

because the faith of its people is

community, and yet... We also know

strong. Despite this year's

that many are feeling isolated and

challenges, amazing things have

estranged. This entire pandemic has

happened as we have remained

encouraged us to remain apart to

faithful to our mission to boldly let

remain safe. We need to relearn the

the love of Jesus show through our

practices and skills that make

mission and ministry.

community life a blessing. It is now the time to begin rebuilding the

Our Annual Report is organized

relationships that are the backbone

around three main topics for each of

of our church family. This is a time

m i n i s t r y t e a m s a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s:

of reunion, and as with any family

the highlights of ministry in 2021,

reunion, there will be no shortage of

including some personal reflections

c e l e b r a t i o n s . M a n y " t h a n k y o u 's"

a n d q u o t a t i o n s ; h o p e s f o r t h e fu t u r e ;

need to be said to those who have

and a listing of the staff and

helped us carry through this time.

volunteers that have continued to

There will also need to be times of

cast their nets into the deep so

confession and forgiveness to

faithfully. The last section contains

rebuild where relationships have

our financial and membership

become strained and feelings hurt.

statistics.

G i v e n a l l t h a t w e h a v e a c c o m p l i sh e d together, despite very significant challenges, we could be forgiven for admitting we are exhausted and that we don't want to go any deeper.

But then we hear again Peter's words, "And yet."

LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR THE REV. MARK H. LARSON

05 All of us yearn to get back to our

There are opportunities to develop

personal conversations in the Sims

our campus to be more welcoming

Atrium, joining in worship without

for all as "Midtown's front porch."

worrying about face coverings and

Fortunately, through our

d i s t a n c e , t o s e e o u r c h i l d r e n r u sh i n g

congregation's generous and faithful

up and down the halls, and yet... We

stewardship, we have the resources

have also learned so much during

to engage in an in-depth master

this time that we don't want to

p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s t o h e l p u s t r a n sl a t e

f o r g e t . W e h a v e d e v e l o p e d n e w sk i l l s

our mission goals into our campus

and capacities to reach people with

needs to support our mission for

the good news of Jesus Christ

decades to come.

despite geographical distance and separation. We have learned the

W e a l l k n o w t h e e n d o f t h e s t o r y.

benefit of having midweek meetings

Peter and his colleagues follow

without having to fight Midtown

Jesus' lead, go out into deeper

traffic. The creativity that we have

water, let down their nets, and end

employed during this time will

up bringing in an amazing catch.

c o n t i n u e t o s t r e n g t h e n o u r m i ssi o n

L i k e P e t e r , w e m a y f e e l e x h a u st e d

even after the pandemic is over.

and want to return to the shore we know so well. But we also know that

It has been such a joy to welcome

with the guidance of the Spirit and

individuals and families back into

the protective love of God, we are

our buildings this year. I can't tell

ready to face whatever is to come

you how many times someone has

with courage and the simple "And

come up to me with a big sigh,

Yet" faith that has always carried us

saying, "It's so good to be home,"

through whatever deeps we were

and yet... As the world has changed,

t r a v e l i n g . G o d h a s b l e s s e d u s so

so have the needs and demands

richly, and yet there is so much more

placed on our facilities. Some of our

to come.

facilities are aging and require updating or long-term preservation to continue serving our church or c o m m u n i t y . P a r k i n g a n d a c c e s si b i l i t y remain significant challenges to our future.

LETTER FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROB TANZOLA

06 Dear members of the Redeemer community, As I reflect upon the past year, I think of t h e c a r i n g a n d c o m p a s s i o n e x p r e sse d b y o u r c o m m u n i t y a n d t h e d r i v e t o p e r se v e r e through the ups and downs that we experienced together. We grieved the loss of loved ones; we offered tributes and remembrances; we experienced h a r d s h i p s ; w e h e l p e d o u r n e i g h b o r s; w e welcomed new members, and we c e l e b r a t e d n e w m i l e s t o n e s . W e st r i v e d t o l o v e o u r n e i g h b o r a s o u r s e l v e s.

As you will read in this report, our teams and ministry partners used the opportunities presented through this j o u r n e y t o m a k e n e w c o n n e c t i o n s, improve upon our existing resources and s e r v i c e s , a n d e x p l o r e n e w a p p r o a c h e s.

T h e L u t h e r a n C o m m u n i t y F o o d M i n i st r y p a r t n e r e d w i t h L u t h e r a n T o w e r s, G r a c e House, and other community partners to distribute donated food to more people in need. The Food Ministry also continued to build partnerships with organizations like Hope thru Soap and t h e C i t y o f A t l a n t a t o a d d r e s s syst e m i c causes of food insecurity. These collaborations and the promise of more serve as a beacon of hope and a model for how our Midtown community can continue to rally together.

Our support ministries were hard at work throughout 2021. The Property Team repaired and updated the sanctuary, Sims atrium, and other parts of the church, readying them f o r o u r r e t u r n t o i n - p e r s o n s e r v i c e s.

The team used previous efforts to develop a multi-year maintenance p l a n t o g u i d e t h e w o r k . T h e y a l so continued to refine that plan throughout the year and worked with our Finance team and Council to inform our budgeting and financial projections for 2022 and beyond. The Digital Ministry team worked with the Finance Team to replace the aging software we use to receive and process your generous gifts. Projects like this are seldom easy, so I appreciate your patience and the team's persistence as we work through the kinks. Our teams have already started to embrace the new system that will simplify giving and will help us to highlight specific fundraising opportunities related to our ministries. I'd like to thank M i c h a e l A d a m s o n , J e n n i f e r I s a a c so n , Bob Boyd, Mary Howle, Alisa Norvelle, Kevin Chunn, and Janet Preston for seeing both the need and the opportunity, coming up with a plan, and executing on the plan.

And, oh, how our teams planned this

Our Diversity and Justice Team

year! Our staff and ministry teams

coordinated anti-racism training for

continued to schedule events throughout

our ministry team leaders and

the year. At times that meant having to

Council members in order to

a d j u s t o r c a n c e l e v e n t s , b u t m i n i st r i e s

educate and engage in conversation

were often able to move forward and

together. I have appreciated the

create meaningful experiences. While all

thoughtful approach that the

of the extra contingency planning was

facilitators took to explore the

difficult and, at times, tedious, I think of

topic. The sessions have been a

the many times I heard expressions of

significant opportunity to consider

appreciation for this additional work to

how anti-racism applies to our

help keep our community vibrant.

c h u r c h o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d f a i t h l i v e s.

I l o o k f o r w a r d t o c o n t i n u i n g t h e se

T h e W o r s h i p T e a m s e r v e d s t e a d f a st l y

c o n v e r s a t i o n s m o r e b r o a d l y a c r o ss

throughout every iteration of our online,

the congregation this year and into

i n - p e r s o n , a n d " h y b r i d " s e r v i c e s. T h e

the future.

team was continually assessing conditions and striving to create

This year we also took a step back

fulfilling worship services. The team

to assess and reimagine our

modeled adaptability and encouraged

ministries. We recategorized and,

others to plan for the possibility of doing

in some cases, reorganized or

more when conditions allowed.

consolidated the ministry teams and looked for opportunities to

The Preschool continued refining its

begin to address unmet needs.

approach to providing educational

From that review came the

opportunities in a critical time for our

K e y s t o n e m i n i s t r y , w h i c h f o c u se s

Midtown families, partially through

on tapping into the experience of

additional support funded by the legacy

our seniors and their wisdom, love,

gifts given to the church in years prior. I

devotion, and service. I want to

a m s o t h a n k f u l f o r o u r s t a f f , f a m i l i e s, a n d

thank Susan Cordell, Pastor Jenny

volunteers for their commitment and

McClellan, Cliff Burt, and the entire

adaptability in modifying policies and

Keystone team and community for

p r o c e d u r e s a s n e e d e d t o a l l o w t h e se

their work to launch this new

p r o g r a m s t o c o n t i n u e o p e r a t i n g a m i d st a

ministry.

pandemic.

W h i l e w e s t a r t e d 2 0 2 1 w i t h c o n si d e r a b l e

Lastly, I would especially like to

u n c e r t a i n t y f r o m a f i n a n c i a l p e r sp e c t i v e ,

lift Pastor Jenny McLellan, Pastor

we ended the year in a healthy financial

Jonathan Trapp, Deacon Mary

p o s i t i o n . E a r l y i n t h e y e a r , C o u n c i l sa w

Houck, Pastor Ron Bonner, and

that our giving and expenses would need

Pastor Mark Larson, who helped us

to be revisited. Because of our

connect with our faith throughout

c o m m u n i t y ' s g e n e r o u s a d d i t i o n a l su p p o r t ,

the various trials and tribulations

we were able to close some of the gap in

we encountered this year. Their

t h e b u d g e t b y t h e m i d d l e o f t h e ye a r a n d

leadership and efforts were felt

continued to fund our ministry teams

both in visible ways - leading

t h r o u g h t o t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r . O u r st a f f

worship, working with ministry

a n d m i n i s t r y t e a m s m a n a g e d e x p e n se s,

t e a m s , a n d t e a c h i n g c l a s s e s , t o l e ss

prioritizing those items that were vital

visible ways through their efforts

and would help us to sustain our efforts

to ensure that the spiritual needs

in this time. As a result, we could fund

of our community were met.

important ministry work and continue providing support to our ministry

I am grateful for the opportunity to

partners and the Synod.

serve as Council President, through which I was able to make new

A n o t h e r a r e a o f o u r o p e r a t i o n s t h i s ye a r

connections with many of you and

d e s e r v e s s p e c i f i c a t t e n t i o n . R e c e n t l y,

work with you to move our

while considering our church's long

ministries forward. As we move into

history in preparation for our Council

2022, we have the opportunity to

retreat, I thought about what our church

continue to build a center of

must have experienced in 1918 as they

community life and faith and

navigated the flu pandemic. What

design our financial future

challenges did they face? How did they

together. I encourage you to reflect

work together? It is due to the church's

on what we have accomplished

leadership at that time that the church

together as a Church, dream about

stayed together. I then thought about

the possibilities in front of us this

how our church responds to the COVID-19

year, and consider how you can

pandemic, spearheaded by the COVID

contribute to moving our mission

T a s k F o r c e . I a m s o t h a n k f u l t o t h e t a sk

forward.

force members for their thoughtful, p r a y e r f u l , e n d u r i n g e f f o r t s t h i s ye a r a n d for carrying on the tradition of leadership at Redeemer, continuing to grapple with difficult decisions in an unpredictable situation.

WORSHIP TEAM

09 HIGHLIGHTS FROM CHRISTMAS EVE 2021 Before the Christmas Eve service started, I was sitting in our pew listening to the choir singing on the balcony behind me. I was lost in the music and reminded of our one true gift the world received on that holy night long ago. And then, two choir members began one of my favorite carols, Still, with such exquisite voices that I felt surely God was with us at that moment touching my heart with the gift of their voices. Charissa Schultz Being able to bring my out-of-town family to the Christmas Eve service at Redeemer was a highlight of my year. With horns trumpeting the good news in front of me and the glorious sound of the Redeemer Choir washing over my head from the balcony behind, I felt such deep and pure joy. God bless everyone who worked so hard, under very challenging circumstances, to bring us together in fellowship on Christmas Eve! Eli Flournoy

For the last two years, my husband, 10-yearold twins, and I had to attend Christmas Eve services remotely, so we were intent on doing everything we could to worship in-person at Redeemer this year. We put on our masks, got dressed up a bit more than usual, and sat in socially distanced seats in our pew. It was emotional for me just being there - surrounded by the stained glass, standing for the processional cross, being swept away by the beautiful music, with my eyes drawn to Christmas tree lights and red poinsettias.

Hearing all the voices singing around me was extra special, and I felt spiritually lifted by everything around me. I didn’t realize until that moment how much I had missed it. Then Pastor Ron gave a meaningful sermon painting the picture for why we celebrate our Jesus’ birthday. Pastor Jonathan gave the kids a quick wink as he passed our row to let them know they were seen. Pastor Mark welcomed all to the sanctuary, and Bob Boyd took a rare family photo of our family in the Sims Atrium. We saw faces we hadn’t seen in almost two years, and it felt so wonderful to reconnect to our beloved church physically. I will remember Christmas Eve 2021 forever. Laura McDonald

WORSHIP TEAM

10 These stories describing the highlight of the Worship team’s work this year were very special, and we took many steps in 2021 to get to that memorable evening. In increments, we restarted in-person worship throughout the year: first, the worship leaders coming in person again -- our pastors, organists, cantors, and lectors. Then came limited congregation and choir; seeing the crucifer, choir, and pastors in their processional approach to the altar again was particularly meaningful. Along with this, communion was added outdoors, then in the Sims atrium and, finally, in the sanctuary. The Altar Guild and ushers began stepping in to resume their duties; the jazz trio returned; and the bell choir, Redeemer Brass, and children’s choirs resumed. Each joyful step also came with an increased Livestream/hybrid presence so that everyone could still participate and be safe.

We are grateful to ALL who made these moments and this progress possible, both in person and remotely!

OTHER MILESTONES

HOPES FOR 2022

The Rejoicing Spirits service’s first anniversary (it began in February 2020) was wonderful!

Family memorials and baptisms: It was quite important that families were able to gather for these events again.

We plan to get more of our volunteers re-involved and engage new volunteers!

We hope to have a worship retreat in the fall if COVID conditions allow.

TEAM MEMBERS

Carol Bell, Chair; Pastor Mark Larson, Staff Liaison; Tom Bohannon and Creston Herold, Council Liaisons David Hansen and Sarah Hawbecker, Music Carol Maxwell, Altar Guild Chair; Heidi Couch, Banners; Jonne Walter, Linens Charissa Schultz and Frank Hull, Jazz Service; Mindy Tanzola, Rejoicing Spirits Kathy Hill, Tawanda Searcy, Diana Worthington-White, Steve Vogel

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

11 This year’s Friends of Music (FOM) concert series demonstrated the growing importance of hybrid concerts with the continued presence of COVID. During the season, there were 1056 collective views of our concerts, meaning that with an average of two persons per view, 2,112 persons tuned in on-line. This is an extraordinary number and shows how important the concert series is to our members, neighbors, and guests.

HIGHLIGHTS The Redeemer Concert Series sponsored a kick-off to the season, and six concerts during 2021.

This was an increase of two more concerts from the previous (and first) year of COVID. Some concerts were virtual, and others were hybrid (in-person and on-line). As on-line views aren’t a one-to-one ratio, and families often watch, each view is counted as 2 persons per view.

LeTourneau’ Anniversary Organ Concert, January 29th: Dexter Kennedy, winner of the 24th Grand Prix International Organ Competition at Chartres Cathedral, played a virtual concert on Redeemer’s Pipe organ. The on-line audience was 494 (247 views, average 2 persons per view).

Ensemble Chaconne, February 21st: Ensemble Chaconne provided a pre-recorded concert played on period instruments, which Redeemer streamed, featuring The Splendid Century: Music of the French Court 1650-1750. The virtual concert had 165 views, or 330 people.

Bach Bash, March 19th: A virtual concert of Bach music, featuring performances by Martha Barth, organ; Alan Boda, violin; Jonathan Fuller, cello; Sarah Hawbecker, harpsichord and organ; Andy Jacob, organ; and Madison Tiegreen, soprano. The concert had 206 views or 412 watching.

Kick-Off Event for new Concert Season, September 12th: Sarah Hawbecker interviewed organist Dr. Jan Kraybill, a recent Grammy nominee, in a Zoom session, who will perform in the first concert of 2022. Due to COVID concerns, this event took the place of a luncheon for concert donors, which usually begins Redeemer’s concert season. Thirty-five persons tuned in for the Zoom event.

The Atlanta Brassworks, October 3rd: The Atlanta Brassworks performed a variety of music, from Stephen Foster to Leonard Bernstein, on Redeemer’s green on Peachtree Street. Fifty-one persons were in attendance (the event was not live-streamed).

Pipe Screams, October 29th: Sarah Hawbecker and Redeemer’s organ scholar, Sam Long, entertained children and adults alike with spooky music on the organ, and costumes. Forty persons attended in person. There were 134 views on-line, or 268 persons watching virtually.

Harvest Home Concert, November 20th: The Redeemer Choir, Canticum Novum, and the Trey Clegg Singers provided a variety of sacred and secular music, including gospel, music from Godspell, and traditional anthems. Fifty-one singers and musicians participated. Seventy-two were in the audience, with 249 views, or 498 people tuned in via live-stream, the largest online viewing of any FOM event of the season.

Kennesaw State University (KSU) Horn Choir Holiday Concert, December 5th: The KSU Horn Choir provided a concert of holiday favorites in Redeemer’s sanctuary. Forty persons attended in person. There were 55 on-line views, or 110 persons watching virtually.

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

12 Despite the loss of contributions due to Redeemer members and guests being unable to attend concerts in-person, a number of our patrons increased their annual contributions, enabling Redeemer’s concert series to end the calendar year with a healthy balance.

Friends of Music Board members found creative ways to provide COVID-safe receptions, providing fellowship time after concerts in Sims Atrium. For example, as pies after the annual Harvest Home Concert had become a Redeemer tradition, Board members were able to find small, individually packaged pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies for the reception, to the delight on concert-goers.

HOPES FOR 2022 That all concerts during 2022 will be able to accommodate in-person attendance.

Making all concerts available virtually. contract with a major artist or group for the 2023-2024 concert season. This is something FOM would like to do approximately every three years (example: The National Lutheran Choir performance at Redeemer two years ago).

TEAM MEMBERS

Sarah Hawbecker- Staff Liaison Reagan Havens- Council Liaison Peg Wyse, Chair of the Friends of Music Board.

Carol Bell Cliff Burt Mark Helsel Donna Matern Jim Maxwell Penny Scarpucci Jonne and Paul Walter Terrell Weitman

DIGITAL MEDIA MINISTRY

13 When news of Pastor Sims’s passing reached the team, the Digital Media Ministry worked with his family and friends to create a true hybrid event amidst the pandemic – respectfully mixing a live service with photos, prior sermons, and writings on a memorial page on Redeemer.org. Our goal was to replicate what Redeemer would traditionally offer in Pastor Sims’ beloved Atrium before a memorial service. Also, it was critical to bring together an isolated congregation for his memorial service via Livestream.

Our talented A/V team broadcast his service using skills refined during the pandemic. As a result, the Redeemer family grieved together as one Body of Christ that day and shared our love for Pastor Sims from across Georgia to over 28 states in the US and 12 countries worldwide.

DIGITAL MEDIA MINISTRY

14

HIGHLIGHTS

While 2020’s challenge was hosting life at Redeemer almost entirely online on Redeemer.org and Zoom, 2021’s test was sharing life in a hybrid format with some people attending events in person and others attending from home or traveling.

Keeping Redeemer’s “other front door” wide open and thriving took unprecedented cooperation between Worship, Faith Formation, Facilities, Pastors, church staff, and our team to drive engagement for 52 weeks of worship services, hundreds of classes and study groups, eight Friends of Music events, memorial services, and a spring Confirmation class to look more like a pre-COVID church year.

Did you know that broadcasting worship and hosting hybrid classes, meetings, and events takes five to seven skilled volunteers each week and two to five hours of creative production? Each Sunday, it takes a three-to-five-person crew to produce our weekly live events and set up our classrooms for hybrid meetings and classes. Media and online production volunteers spend two to five hours a week, one week a month shooting, editing, posting, and updating our online presence on Facebook and Redeemer.org.

Keeping Redeemer.org updated takes between 10-20 volunteer hours a month, depending upon the number of services and events offered. Preparing for Holy Week, Fall Kick-Off, and Advent take the most time, while summer months demand less time.

HOPES FOR 2022 Building our online front door’s strong foundation – by continuing to reach members and visitors wherever they are and connecting them to opportunities to grow faithfully and serve boldly.

Expanding our team – from writers, photographers, and technicians to leadership in digital and media production, there’s still much more to share about Redeemer each month!

We hope to add a Communications Director to Redeemer’s staff with the proper financial support from members and supporters like you.

But most importantly, we want the world to see Jesus in all we do – and that means sharing Redeemer with everyone possible. You don’t have to be technically inclined to help. If you have a smartphone and computer, you can capture inspiring moments big and small of service and fellowship. If you’d like to expand your skills, we provide worship streaming and online posting training. Digital Media is especially an excellent way for teens to get involved in ministry!

Reach out to digitalministry@redeemer.org if you’re interested in volunteering or contributing. Please send photos and stories from recent events to this email address too.

DIGITAL MEDIA MINISTRY

15

TEAM MEMBERS

TEAM MEMBERS

Mary Howle, Chair Michael Adamson, Council Liaison Bob Boyd, Staff Seth Brown, Staff Robin Durdin, Staff David Hansen, Producer

Robert Boyd Jonathan Fuller Molly Fredlund Alisa Fox Kathryn Grogg Katie Grogg Piper Grogg Owen Lear Kim Wozniac

Digital Media Team

A/V Team

John Thomas, Ex Officio Member

MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

16

As an early education program, Midtown Lutheran Preschool (MTLPS) focuses on heavily facilitating learning in all developmental areas. Walking alongside families is an honor and responsibility. When we see areas of development that are progressing in a way that is off the typical trajectory, we work with families to find answers and solutions to help their children.

In 2018, we welcomed a student to our 2s classroom named Jack (names have been changed for privacy). It was quickly apparent he was struggling with some developmental challenges beyond the speech and language of which his parents were already aware and receiving assistance through speech therapy.

We got to know Jack through the fall and at conference time, the teacher talked through concerns for the student and recommended outside evaluation. The family quickly responded to this guidance and learning challenges were identified. We quickly collaborated with a local therapy group, and Jack was assigned a 1-on-1 assistant for the remainder of the academic year and through the next two years with us.

With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting, this brought new concerns for Jack’s family as his main social environment was taken away in spring of 2020.

The parents were relieved and thrilled that we returned to classes in August to keep the consistency of a familiar environment for Jack and knowing we have small ratios so he’d receive the support he needed.

In spring of 2021, Jack graduated from MTLPS and went on to kindergarten in the fall. Over the time he was with us, we saw tremendous growth in his language, social skills, and knowledge. At the end of the year, we received words of deep gratitude from the parents as Jack’s time with us wrapped up.

They had found a family and support system here through Redeemer’s weekday ministry in classmates and their families, the teaching staff, and our church staff.

Situations like these also allow us to collaborate with community resources like developmentalists and therapy groups. For us, being able to provide a safe and accepting learning environment where Jack could be with other children and have his therapy needs supported is an outstanding example of our purpose here at Midtown Lutheran Preschool.

MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

17 HIGHLIGHTS Successful year of classes through the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent five Pre-K students off to kindergarten who all had their entire preschool years with us!

Retained staff from 2020-21 into the 2021-22 academic year. After some staff changes in 2019-2020 and the disruption of the pandemic, our staff felt like 2021 brought a feeling of settling and gelling as a team again.

Enrollment trended upward with regrowth in spring and through fall of 2021, also allowing us to reinstate teacher schedules that were cut the year prior.

Adjusted schedule so 100% of the children received Chapel in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Collaborated with Keystone Ministry to have our first field trip in over two years to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

HOPES FOR 2022 We hope to re-gather as a whole-group school community during times like Chapel and for family events.

We hope to continue enrollment regrowth into 2023.

We hope to have participation by all preschool stakeholders (families and staff) in facilities and property visioning and strategic planning.

TEAM MEMBERS

PARENTS

MTLPS STAFF

Emily Cooper - Chair Beth Roke - Council Liaison

Nadia Bruener Fiona Cooke Anna Peel

Alexander Frederick Tami Patterson Safiatou Robinson Claudia Schalko Barbara Smith Kate Elkins, Director

Redeemer Diana Palma Stephanie Hart Robin Maier Jonas

COMMUNITY Renee Koenig

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY

18 Children may not have been running down the Sunday School hallways or through the Sims Atrium on Sunday mornings much in 2021. Still, Redeemer's children and their families learned about God, grew together in faith, and deepened relationships both in person and via Zoom. One of the favorite ways to do that this year was in our once-a-month Hybrid Sing & Play Sunday School. Starting in September, families gathered together either in person in the lower parking lot or via Live stream/Zoom to participate in singing led by Redeemer's Dad Band. They learned about God and deepen relationships with one another. On these multi-age Sing & Play Sundays, 50-60 people participated! At every gathering this Fall, we focused on learning about our theme: Growing Faithfully, Serving Boldly. We had an "instant pageant" at our December Sing and Play and explored the Christmas story.

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY

19 HIGHLIGHTS

HOPES FOR 2022

Sunday School happens every week at

A successful return to in-person,

Redeemer! We have over 50 students (2-

indoor Sunday School

year olds through 5th graders), including

A safe, fun, VBS

some who are brand new to--Redeemer.

Children join their age-specific classes

Lots of faith and fun at camp this summer!

via Zoom. Our Redeemer children are quick to engage online, even starting with our 2-year olds! We have many dedicated, volunteer teachers who lead these interactive lessons.

Deacon Mary continues to lead our Faith Stepping Stones classes, working together with families to fulfill the promises made at Baptism. Each Faith Stepping Stone class is designed to dive deeply into an aspect of faith at a developmentally appropriate level.

(Examples from fall 2021: Welcome to Sunday School, The Creeds, Bible Adventure, Welcome to Worship).

Redeemer's Children and Family Ministry (CFM) team hosted successful outdoor events for Easter in April and Monster Mash in October. Costumes, activities, and the 'candy chute' are always popular.

TEAM MEMBERS Chairs Michelle Spady and Liesl Merkel Team Members Carrie Herold, Liz Kim, Beth Roke, Emily Cooper Council Liaison and Team Member Laura McDonald Staff Liaison Deacon Mary Houck

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY

20 In June, we held our first Hybrid Rejoicing Spirits service since the beginning of the pandemic. While we have not been able to continue in the hybrid format every month, we continue to see the importance and meaning of this special kind of worship in keeping us connected and celebrating people of all abilities.

Whether worshiping in person or online, we praised God for making each of us exactly as we are, thanked God for the caregivers that support us, and rested in God’s grace.

TEAM MEMBERS Team Chairs Amy Talboy and Lila Cooperider Team Members Janet Preston, Carol Bell, Peg Wyse, Mary Clara Haury, Jenny Broad, and Mindy Tanzola Staff Liaison Deacon Mary Houck

HIGHLIGHTS In February 2021 we celebrated our first anniversary of Rejoicing Spirits We cheered on Hollyn Kershner, who was elected to the Southeastern Synod Youth Leadership Board as their Disabled Representative, and represented our synod at the National Youth Board meeting in Minneapolis (only two youth from each synod are invited).

We had ‘rejoicers’ volunteer as music leadership for Rejoicing Spirits and in our outdoor CFM events.

We rejoiced with the Preston/Haury family when Mary Clara received a job offer from Java Joy, who came on a Sunday morning to surprise her.

We saw the importance of our interactive, hybrid format not just during the pandemic but in the long run, as it allowed participants to join from out-of-state, when isolated because of COVID exposures, and even from a hospital bed!

HOPES FOR 2022 We hope to make progress on other initiatives to support our special needs community.

We hope to work closely with the new property planning process to make our facilities accessible to everyone.

We hope to develop relationships with organizations in the community that serve people with disabilities.

YOUTH MINISTRY

21 On Saturday, November 13, 2021, our youth lived out Redeemer’s mission during our Winter Mission Project at Lutheranch Equestrian Program Barn in Tallapoosa, GA. Growing Faithfully and Serving Boldly, Redeemer youth and their adult chaperones, along with youth from Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta helped scrub barn walls, muck stalls, build a stone path and clear the riding/training ring and access area around the handicap ramp (an incredible Eagle Scout Project by our own Liam P.!). Although some of our youth did not appreciate the ‘aroma’ of our project site, they all pitched in to clean up and help get it ready for the Barn’s Holiday Open House.

The Lutheranch Equestrian Program is a nonprofit recreational and therapeutic riding program that offers lessons, clinics, horse boarding, trail rides, and special events. Some of our Redeemer youth have enjoyed riding the horses during different camps and retreats at Lutheranch. We hope we helped the barn shine for their special event! Youth & Family Ministry made it a goal to focus mission projects on Redeemer’s Spiritual Partners: Goshen Valley, Lutheran Campus Ministries, Lutheran Towers, and Midtown Assistance Center.

We look forward to continuing to shine our light at Redeemer and beyond!

YOUTH MINISTRY

22

HIGHLIGHTS Our FIRST in-person gatherings in May 2021 were a welcome sight after being virtual for a year and a half!

Our high schoolers met at a local park for some fun in the sun, and our middle schoolers met with their Confirmation Small Group Leaders at various outdoor locations. In-person fellowship gatherings continued into the summer to reengage our youth with High School (HS) bowling, Middle School (MS) hiking, mini-golf outings, and pool parties for our MS and HS groups. We also introduced our College Youth Group, which gathers both in-person and online to maintain the relational support that started as Youth at Redeemer (especially as the pandemic affects many of them as they begin or continue their college phase)!

We started our Fall Kickoff in September with great inperson gatherings for Confirmation and High School Sunday School! It was so good to be back together faceto-face, minus the computer screens for a change.

Our Fall Mission Project at Redeemer helping the Redeemer Bloomers & Gardeners plant and prune to keep Redeemer beautiful was a fun and informative experience. What a great way to spend God’s Work Our Hands Sunday!

One of our Redeemer Youth, Hollyn K., was elected to serve on the SESLYO (Southeastern Synod Lutheran Youth Organization) Board as their Special Needs Representative!

Our Christmas Party was such a fun afternoon of games and fellowship!

YOUTH MINISTRY

23

HOPES FOR 2022 A lengthy time of virtual events and cancellations of Camps, Mission Trips, Synod, and other youth events has been devastating for our Youth Ministry. We pray that we can reengage those youth and their families who have disconnected and strengthen our ministry as we move forward safely.

Continue our significant fundraising events to fund our incredibly bonding Mission Trips and Synod Gatherings.

We hope our Youth Director's position will be made a Full-Time position to strengthen and expand our program for Redeemer's many youth (grades 6-12 and into college) families

TEAM MEMBERS

Stephanie Greene & Nikki Chunn, Co-Chairs Jenny Broad Billy Fuller Paul Isaacson Julian Carson, MS Youth Representative (2020-2021) Joe Lukas John Martin Stephanie Pinyon Caron Puckhaber Carol McCloskey, Council Liaison Megan McCloskey, HS Youth Representative (20212022) Natalie Tanzola, MS Youth Representative (2021-2022) Reilly Tiegreen, HS Youth Representative (2020-2021) Hillary Nelson, Director, Youth & Family Ministry The Rev. Jonathan Trapp, Pastor for Faith Formation

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

24 Opening a laptop at the end of a day of Zoom meetings and screen time can feel less than ideal, but the desire to be in a community with other faithful young adults overcomes the weariness. During Lent, Advent, and at our new Bible and Brew series twice a month, these groups have provided opportunities to share everything from questions about the Bible to parenting struggles and work woes. Even when only two people show up on Zoom because others are pulled in so many different directions, the two will stay on to share life because of the relationship formed through earlier small group gatherings. In between, we text each other to share exciting news; we meet up for hikes, brunch, and drinks. Small Groups are not a typical highlight for an annual report, but in 2021 they were our most powerful and consistent ‘place’ for what young adults are seeking: consistent, faithful community.

HIGHLIGHTS

HOPES FOR 2022

Fellowship events at Monday Night Brewery and Fetch Dog Park Collaborative Friendsgiving at Grant Park with five ELCA churches and Georgia Tech with 50 participants Young adult small group studies (Lenten, Advent, and on-going Bible and Brew) Community Garden Service project with ACFB Welcomed nine young adults as new members

Successfully inviting more people into leadership of the Young Adults ministry team Strengthen relationships with GA Tech and other Young Adults in Midtown Matching gifts and passions of young adults with ministries of the congregation

TEAM MEMBERS Jared Joella (Chair) Creston Herold (Council Liaison) Deacon Mary Houck (Staff Liaison) Pastor Jenny McLellan (Staff Liaison) Furry fellowship at Fetch Dog Park

FAITH FORMATION

25

September the 12th marked a major for Faith Formation at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

While there had been a phased return to in-person worship over the summer, it wasn’t until September that in-person classes resumed. To continue to engage individuals who were unable to attend in person, all of the classes were also available online. This hybrid approach to faith formation is something that the ministry is committed to pursuing in the future because of its ability to reach people without regard to where they physically live.

The return to having an in-person faith formation experience saw Redeemer offering four different adult classes with topics ranging from a discussion of the experience of Palestinian Christians to learning about how to live well during the pandemic. This initial variety continued throughout the fall as members and guests had the opportunity to do a deeper dive into the book of Revelation and later engage in a virtual pilgrimage through the Holy Land.

The Faith Formation team was also excited about the new dedicated faith formation hour. Having this time allows more people to participate in faith formation activities while still attending the worship service of their preference.

It has also allowed the pastors to teach more regularly, an option that has been taken advantage of in particular by Pr Bonner and his Liberation Thought classes.

FAITH FORMATION

26 HIGHLIGHTS The new Sunday morning schedule and the dedicated faith formation hour demonstrate the importance of education in creating disciples and helping members and guests ‘grow faithfully.’

The transition to a hybrid faith formation environment represents what we think will be the new normal for our faith formation experiences in the future. Embracing this allows us to be creative in teaching and will enable us to reach many more people.

During Lent, we had more than 170 participants reading ‘The God Who Sees’ and engaging with each other online through over 18 groups.

The fall of 2021 saw Redeemer offering a greater variety of classes to the congregation than we had in some time, and the Faith Formation team hopes to continue this trend in the future.

Redeemer was excited to welcome Dr. Jonathan Strom from Emory University as a guest speaker on Reformation Day.

TEAM MEMBERS Kristin Guthrie (chairperson) Pastor Jonathan (staff liaison) Wren Carlson (council liaison) Karin Mayo Kate Elkins Deacon Mary Houck Pastor Ron Bonner Hillary Nelson Whitney Ludvigsen

HOPES FOR 2022 Continue to expand class offerings and engage more members and guests in faith formation opportunities Continue to understand how to reopen responsibly to effectively engage members and guests in person and online.

Continue to participate in the facility's master planning process so we can dream about what the congregation's future will look like.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY

27

The Small Group Ministry Team promotes and supports small group gatherings. We strive to foster group fellowship as well as faith formation, evangelism, outreach and congregational care among our congregation/friends/neighbors.

All or parts of this may take place within our small groups.

These small groups may take on a variety of forms. They may be ongoing or short term or seasonal. They may be formed around the purpose of learning or service or other aspects of congregational life. Small group ministry provides a way for people to meet together on a more intimate level than could be accomplished in other settings.

One of the highlights each year is the Lent study. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these groups again had to meet by Zoom.

The study for 2021 was “The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong” by Karen Gonzalez. An evaluation was sent to all the participants. What was different about the evaluations this year was that we received double the responses usually received (46 responses which is only about a fourth of the participants but that is a good response for evaluations).

Advent groups are also supported. For Advent 2021, Walter Brueggemann’s “Celebrating Abundance” was used.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

TEAM MEMBERS Reagans Havens Mary Brown Darrel Peterson Darla Taylor Pastor Ron Bonner

People like their small groups. Participants may disagree on other items, but all reported liking the small group.

Many shared that their group was good, thoughtful discussion occurred, people were willing to share, and it was comfortable enough to be open.

Participants were very complimentary of the leaders of the groups.

Size of the group was also important – small enough for everyone to have a chance to speak.

The question of “What did you learn?” and “How did you see God working?” received many responses around the issue of immigration. Participants felt that they had learned more about the immigrant experience and the issues surrounding it.

KEYSTONE MINISTRY

28 This year Keystone Ministry has begun to bridge the generational gap in our culture by bringing the expertise, knowledge, and relational networking of Keystone Members (adults over 65) to meet real needs in our Redeemer community.

When Keystone Ministry was conceived early last year, the leaders had no idea, Cliff Burt, a reliable tenor in Redeemer’s choir and Keystone Member himself would be such an important member of the team. Because of Cliff’s 42 years of professional work in gerontology, he has not only brought valuable insight to Keystone Ministry as we begin to build this ministry, but also a deep and wide relational network with other experts in the field of gerontology. These relationships have led to meaningful educational offerings, such as the zoom discussion, “How to Find and Access Resources for Older Adults.”

After hosting this first of many educational offerings, one participant expressed deep gratitude and relief after attending this resource class with Connie White. Coming into the class, this Redeemer member didn’t know how to meet the challenges of her aging mother, but afterward, she left encouraged with several options.

Cliff is just one example of over 300 Keystone Members of Redeemer who have a wealth of passion and faith to share with and shape our community. This coming year, Keystone Ministry hopes to discover more Keystone Members who can become mentors, advisors, and teachers to share experience, pass on knowledge, and build up relationships at Redeemer that bridge across generational divides.

HIGHLIGHTS Formation and council approval of Keystone Ministry Aging resources compiled on our website Surveyed over 300 Keystone Members of Redeemer, leading to pathways of engagement Initiation of educational series to promote wellness in aging Grew relationships with Lutheran Towers through the Oktoberfest dining out event at Bold Monk Brewing Collaborated with Midtown Lutheran Preschool through an outing to Atlanta Botanical Garden

HOPES FOR 2022 Inspire connections intergenerationally through events and adopt a faith family Continue to discover the expertise and skills of Keystone Members to share with our congregation

KEYSTONE MINISTRY

29 TEAM MEMBERS Cliff Burt- Chair Susan Cordell- Council Liaison Diana PalmaIntergenerational/Dinning Out Lead Connie Eshenour- Keystone Member Care Lead Jeanne Merritt- Elder Advocate Paige Havens- Communications Dorothy Beasley- Advisor Pastor Jenny McLellan- Staff Liaison

(Top) Oktoberfest at Boldmonk Brewing (Middle) Botanical Gardens Trip with Keystone and Midtown Lutheran Preschool (Bottom) Clark Weisner, Redeemer member and Botanical Garden volunteer docent giving a tour in the Orchids house.

LIBRARY MINISTRY

30 Beginning in 2020, Redeemer’s Library Ministry team invented new ways to provide knowledge and enhance spiritual growth to Redeemer members, our Core Ministry Partners, and our Outreach Partners. In 2021, we began to think even more broadly about how we support our library patrons without an open, functioning library. We found ourselves questioning what a church library is: physical or virtual? Fixed or mobile? How do we best respond to meet current needs?

Following are highlights of a few of the initiatives we launched, during the pandemic in 2021, after brainstorming sessions, conversations with pastors and staff, and input sought from our library patrons.

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY Redeemer’s Midtown Preschool Team members partnered with Kate Elkins, Director of Redeemer’s Midtown Preschool, to seek recommendations for bringing our children’s section up-to-date by adding quality books providing a greater depth of diversity and inclusion. We purchased, cataloged, and displayed 12 new books for children ages 3-9. Kate has supplied us with another list to expand this collection, which we plan to purchase during 2022.

HIGHLIGHTS Lutheran Towers Little Free Library We instituted a Little Free Library at Lutheran Towers during the last months of 2020 when the Towers’ library closed.

This year, we monitored its usage, cleaned and restocked its shelves, adding another 25 books, in April and December 2021. Our staff contact at Lutheran Towers assured us that “The residents of Lutheran Towers are using the Little Free Library and are very grateful to have it.”

Since its inception, we have cycled 50 books through this book exchange library.

A Redeemer pastor shared this message with us: “Thank you for your collaboration and for reaching out to our neighbors in the name of Jesus.”

LIBRARY MINISTRY

31 HIGHLIGHTS Evaluating Content, Reorganizing the Books, and Improving the Appearance and Accessibility of Books in our Children’s Collection We completed a detailed evaluation of our current children’s books and culled those that are no longer useful or relevant.

Instead of arranging the remaining books by Dewey Decimal number (what child uses that?), we arranged them by topic, i.e. Bible characters, books about animals, Christmas books, etc. Books in each category are placed in different colored fabric bins, giving children easier browsing and also resulting in a brighter, more appealing look to the bookshelves for children. We are currently halfway through this reorganization and will complete it in 2022.

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY Redeemer’s Midtown Preschool Team members partnered with Kate Elkins, Director of Redeemer’s Midtown Preschool, to seek recommendations for bringing our children’s section up-to-date by adding quality books providing a greater depth of diversity and inclusion. We purchased, cataloged, and displayed 12 new books for children ages 3-9. Kate has supplied us with another list to expand this collection, which we plan to purchase during 2022.

Collaborating with Core Spiritual Partners Disability Resources Responding to recommendations by Pastor Jenny McClellan, we purchased, cataloged, and now have on display two disability resource books: The Bible and Disability: A Commentary Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability “The very best of both biblical studies and disability studies culminates in detailed work of description, interpretation, and application that gives long-overdue attention to the fullness of human identity narrated in the Scriptures.”

Keystone Ministry and Member Care re the Aging Process We discussed with Pastor Jenny plans to partner with the Keystone Ministry to determine the need/desire for current, relevant books on age-related topics. We completed an inventory of our current holdings on aging and discovered they are quite dated (well, old), and topics are not as relevant as when they were purchased.

We have identified several resources we will share with Pastor Jenny and plan to propose these to the Keystone Ministry and Member Care board during 2022 for their approval.

LIBRARY MINISTRY

32 Outreach Partner Prison Ministry We continue to collect donations from Redeemer members (especially duplicates already in our Redeemer Library) and books from our own personal libraries for our partnership with Christian Library International to help bring God’s word to prison inmates. Their motto is “Advancing Christ’s Light in Prisons.” They distribute Christian literature, free of charge, to inmates all over the U.S. We currently have over 200 books to be delivered to their Georgia headquarters in Buford, GA, as soon as prisons resume acceptance of donated books.

A Special Tribute The Library Ministry Team created a visual tribute to honor Pastor Robert Sims. It includes copies of his books, a photo of Pastor Sims, and a display of excerpts from his sermons and devotions. It is currently on display on the main bookshelves of the Redeemer Library.

TEAM MEMBERS Joan Vernor Sharon Pike Harl Pike Mary Mahoney: Library Team Chair

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY

33 A Success Story: Redeemer’s Visitation Ministers Share the Love of Christ When Redeemer issued a call for members to serve as lay visitation ministers to share prayer and communion with at-home members, Paige Havens felt the Holy Spirit nudge her to this ministry. After a short training, she was equipped with a travel communion kit and ready to serve. Pastor Jenny introduced Paige to Ellen Lawson, who lived near her. It had been four years since Ellen attended church and had communion. At the age of 84, Ellen still drives short, routine trips in her neighborhood, but she’s no longer comfortable navigating the interstates into town.

Paige began visiting Ellen regularly, sharing Redeemer news, devotions, and communion. She realized quickly Ellen had no local support network as her family lives out of state. Hence, Paige and her husband Reagan began to fill in other gaps in Ellen’s life. They improved her computer systems to connect her to vital information, family, and friends. They helped her find a new hairdresser and dentist, tackle yard projects, improve security around her house, and learn to navigate new ways of doing things due to COVID-19. Paige shares, “The simplest of things can feel so big if you don’t know how to access the resources you need. It’s been such a blessing to do life with Ellen and ensure she has the love and support she needs to be healthy, happy, and thrive. Redeemer’s visitation ministry has been the catalyst for a beautiful friendship and enriched faith that has blessed us all.”

HIGHLIGHTS Visitation Ministry trained and equipped a team of 13 lay members to provide communion and develop a relationship with 24 at-home worshippers Wellness Ministry welcomed passionate leaders to the team with a heart for mental health and expertise in suicide prevention Vineyards proved effective for enlisting new support to deliver meals and provide rides to medical appointments Redeemer welcomed 22 new members in 2021 Nine Stephen Ministers were all engaged in distinctly Christian caregiving relationships last year Expanded the Grief Ministry through a monthly online support group and created a robust tracking matrix enabling consistent follow up with the bereaved during the first year of loss Received and responded to more than 1,500 prayer requests Made and distributed 11 prayer shawls to comfort members and 131 prayers scarves to our homeless ministry

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY

34 HOPES FOR 2022 Host half a dozen Suicide Prevention QPR trainings for our congregation and community Recruit a new caring hands ministry team to serve as first-responders to members in need Utilize the vineyard structure to identify and train lay members who can serve other Redeemer members nearby through accompanying new members as shepherd companions, visitation ministers for at-home members, and first responders to specific needs.

Expand Stephen ministry beyond the current full capacity by hosting a training for Stephen Ministers and sending a new Stephen Leader to training in 2022.

Connect all local Redeemer at-home members to a visitation minister Expand visitation support to hospitalized members as visitation protocols allow Provide extended outreach to those grieving through the second year of loss Increase utilization of Redeemer’s online prayer wall so more members can share in prayer together

TEAM MEMBERS Derek Nowatski - Wellness Ministry Catharine Dressel - Vineyard/Caring Hands Ministry Don Noland - New Member Ministry Jojo Nelson - Stephen Ministry Peg Wyse - Visitation Ministry Ed Scherlacher - Grief Ministry Diana Palma- Prayer Ministry Paige Havens - Congregational Ministry Team Chair Ed Kuehn- Council Liaison Pr. Jenny McLellan- Staff Liaison

FAITH CONNECTIONS

35 Our Purpose

Created by the Congregation Council in 2020 to address the Challenge to "Drive deeper engagement within the community" by developing a plan to strengthen our members' relationships with each other and to support our total ministry so that: Through Redeemer the World Will See Jesus.

"I felt that Redeemer's welcome statement was unqualified, and that Redeemer seemed to be doing work among the poor like Jesus did," related one relatively new member in a recent conversation within our Relational Listening Campaign. Ministering to the poor among us is but one example of the passions and visions of our members being made known through this Campaign that will strengthen our overall mission.

Development and continuing execution of Redeemer's Relational Listening Campaign was the primary mission of the Faithful Connections Task Force in 2021. The Campaign aims to strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones through 30-40 minute conversations between members and our team of trained member-listeners.

From Abraham to Elisha to Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan, extending "hospitality" to strangers is a core message from God to his people. Rightly so, Redeemer's Strategic Goals are aimed directly at how we will strive to live out God's call to offer this radical hospitality by, Reflecting Jesus' love in word and deed, social action focusing on hunger and homelessness, justice and inclusion, mental health and wellness, welcoming others into our center for social action, and managing our resources to honor God. Although our congregation's goals are wide-ranging, they are clearly focused on lifting and caring for those society has relegated to the margins. We are grateful for the confidence to act boldly to aspire to be known as people who stand with Jesus in the trenches of life. And by sharing our stories through conversations and building relationships, we discover more of our members' gifts to ministry. "Discovering the hopes and dreams of our members" will be the good fruit from these new relationships, remarked Pastor Mark when he commissioned the first Listeners at worship on August 22 and launched our Campaign.

FAITH CONNECTIONS

Indeed, new relationships are emerging that are bearing fruit in new and expanded ideas for ministry. Already, new volunteers have been added to our ministry volunteer bench. During the last quarter of 2021, we completed 59 contacts with members and 42 amazing conversations.

These new relationships have yielded deeper understandings of these members' experiences, passions, and visions for our community of faith that will strengthen our ministries for years to come.

Training of member-listeners for the Campaign was graciously provided by William Goldsmith, Thomas Holler, and Thomas Lenz. Since the Campaign was launched member-listeners have regularly continued to improve their skills by consulting with these nationally known trainers. We are thankful to them for volunteering their time to Redeemer out of their love of God and their longstanding relationships with Cindy Holler – our Campaign Consultant.

Confident that our members have many more stories of faith, life experiences, and dreams to share, we look forward to conversations with more of our members.

Our trained Member-Listeners are Amy Carpenter, Lauren Gaia, Todd Larson, Joe Lukas, Karin Mayo, Don Noland, Janet Preston, Sharita Robinson, John Thomas, Roxann Thompson, and Peg Wyse. We are most grateful for the gift of their hearts and their time to enter into these critical conversations and new relationships that they establish on behalf of our congregation.

We hope that more members will inquire about becoming a trained Listener.

The current phase of the Campaign will continue until Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2022. We will announce further Campaign plans after Easter.

TEAM MEMBERS Cindy Holler Don Noland John Thomas Peg Wyse + Our Listeners

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

37 We believe our team Mission Statement best describes the Community Engagement Ministry by reminding us who we are, what we can do, and whom we serve: “To share God’s love for all people, by equipping Redeemer’s expanding community to love and serve our neighbor, by creating transformative space through Advocacy, Outreach, Evangelism, and Service.”

The Community Engagement Ministry offered opportunities for Redeemer’s members to serve our community including an avenue for launching projects which demonstrate Redeemer’s desire to grow faithfully and serve boldly. For example: Offered donations and support to food-insecure students of Grace House and Georgia Institute of Technology, Advocated our Lutheran faith and conviction through active participation in Federal and State Legislative opportunities, Offered recommendations of Redeemer’s financial support for our Community Outreach Partner (COP) organizations within the community, Offered informative webinars with nationally and internationally recognized expert guest speakers to address relevant and meaningful issues to a virtual world, and Promoted and supported Christmas donations and issue awareness for Wellspring Living and Inspiritus.

We were very thankful for Redeemer’s adoption of Zoom technology this year, allowing us to continue interacting, to offer our faith boldly, and to serve those less fortunate. We plan to leverage that ability as we work toward our future outreach goals, including: Host a webinar/zoom examining the Preschool-to-Prison-Pipeline; a national crisis, Participate with the Peachtree Corridor of Churches and partner organization Redeeming G.R.A.C.E on a series of workshops examining the commercial sexual exploitation of children, promoting greater awareness and involvement of the issue.

Erect the Prayer Wall on Peachtree Street with multiple prayer options, Organize and promote another Good Friday Community Walk, and Partner with Christopher’s Haven and/or Feeding America; examples of new and potentially rewarding relationships for Community Engagement Ministry.

TEAM MEMBERS Don Cornwell Paul Freudenstein Pam Davis Stephanie Hart Andrea Huntington

Sharon Jeffries Don Noland Dana Norden David Ott Valrie Sanders

Amy Talboy Chie Nishimura Elise Thomas

Carol Swisher- Co-Chair Carol Maxwell- Co-Chair Roxann Thompson- Council Liaison Eli Flournoy- Council Liaison Rev. Ron Bonner- Staff Liaison

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY

38 While many of us are tired of being stuck at home, too many of our Midtown neighbors confronted COVID-19 without adequate food and a safe place to shelter in place. We wanted to give our neighbors an emotional boost as the pandemic wore on. Hence, the LCFM Board and the City of Atlanta Office of the Public Defender collaborated to host a Thanksgiving Celebration at Redeemer. After months of meticulous planning, Lisa Wayco (LCFM) and Colleen Higgins (PDO) united over 10 Atlanta agencies and nonprofits to host an extravaganza with food, music, showers, haircuts, clothing, medical care, immunizations, housing, and legal assistance. Each of the 200+ guests also received a backpack stuffed with supplies and winter items along with other surprises. The Tuesday morning block party left guests and volunteers energized, thankful for one another and grateful for God’s provision for us.

HIGHLIGHTS

Served 62,067 meals in 2021 compared with 60,010 meals in 2020 Served or shared 115,008 lbs of donated food valued at $200,148.59 in 2021 compared with 92,077 lbs of donated food valued at $160,213.98 in 2020 Supported Georgia Tech, Lutheran Towers, William Booth Towers, Toco Hills Community Alliance, Stepping Stone Mission, The Donna Center, and other partners with food and/or grocery store gift cards to ease food insecurity across our city Provided opportunities to serve to over 100 volunteers Through the assistance of grants and member in-kind donations, provided new clothing items for emergency needs (coats, hats, gloves, t-shirts, belts, underwear)

Operated within the COVID-19 Task Force guidelines to provide a safe and secure environment for our staff and volunteers

TEAM MEMBERS

HOPES FOR 2022 Welcoming our neighbors back into the dining room Improving and documenting our operating procedures Developing training and educational materials Inviting back more volunteers from our partner churches Celebrating the LCFM’s 40th Anniversary

Lisa Wayco and Mary Howle, Co-Chairs Stephanie Hart, Volunteer Coordinator Marie Cole Karen Cramer Lew Engle Paul Freudenstein Wren Carlson, Council Liaison Pastor Ron Bonner, Staff Liaison

DIVERSITY & JUSTICE

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MISSION & GOAL

D&JM's mission is to address issues of diversity and inclusion for the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

Goal: To fulfill Redeemer's commitment, as stated in the strategic plan, to building a community that embodies Christ's love for all people, especially as it relates to racial justice and inclusion, and in so doing serve as a visible witness of grace, justice, and inclusion to the wider world.

AREAS OF FOCUS To Educate and Sensitize our community to the history, dynamics, and systems that undergird the evils of bigotry and racism and the systems of White Privilege and White Supremacy.

Organized a 10-month book club that covered a range of topics and genres related to the African-American experience.

Developing a multi-year curriculum of self-paced instruction and interactive discussions

To evaluate all areas of Redeemer's ministry and programs to identify ways that racial stereotypes and barriers to inclusion are unknowingly perpetuated.

Identified out of hand theater as the consultant to lead Redeemer's leadership (Council, Staff, Team Leaders) through a 12-month Anti-Racism training Offered a self-reflected survey to identify the current understanding of racial inclusion or obstruction

DIVERSITY & JUSTICE

40 To develop and strengthen partnerships through relationship building and joint ministry projects Organized the African Descent Lutheran Association book club Built a stronger relationship with the Interdenominational Theological Center Engaging the Bonner center at Morehouse University for future interns Working to revive the Lutheran Theological Center-Atlanta's, currently housed of its campus, curriculum focus and outreach into the wider community.

Attended the trial of the McMichaels/Bryan in Brunswick, GA, in support of the Arbery family To guide Lutheran Church of the Redeemer to act in word and deed Kept a partnership with Redeemer's Community Engagement Ministry by supporting their webinar series Developed an ongoing Faith Formation class called Liberation Thoughts Strengthened communication and partnership with our synod's Justice and Advocacy Teams Made resource recommendation to Pastor Jonathan's class

TEAM MEMBERS This ministry reports directly to Redeemer's church council.

Dr. Amy Talboy and Ms. Lauren Gaia, Co-Chairs Tom Bohannon and Cheryl Iverson, Council Liaisons Pastor Ronald Bonner, Staff Liason

QUILTERS

41 After a fifteen-month hiatus from quilting at church, the work of a small but faithful group came to fruition as volunteers meeting at both Redeemer and Trinity joined with the larger community from Lutheran World Relief so others would see Jesus in the tangible forms of quilts, fashioned by a caring and devoted team of individuals.

The energy on that balmy August morning was generated not only by the time and care of volunteers and staff but also by the Christian community's determination and long-term commitment, both verbally and tacitly, that the interruptions of the pandemic would not deter the goal of helping others in need. In truth, the pandemic reminded us that as many suffer from want, need, and lack, we as the blessed are called to respond.

August 27, 2021, was a celebratory day in the 30-year life of the Redeemer quilters.

On this day, over 330 quilts and over 100 school and health kits were delivered to Trinity Lutheran Church to begin their travel journey to all corners of the world.

As with many groups within the church, the past years brought unprecedented challenges followed by unexpected blessings. In May of 2021, the quilters returned to their familiar workplace of the Fireside Room. With this return was the welcome reunion of many familiar friends and the gain of new volunteers and advocates. Now housing part of the church's preschool, the Fireside Room, as a new shared space, fostered recognition of teamwork and communication, an understanding of consistency and change, and a regard of the past and the present.

Looking toward another 30 years of quilts and kits, we hope to gain more volunteers and continue new initiatives from last year – sharing resources and materials with other churches and donating directly to those in need, specifically our refugee families. Our work has just begun.

The Redeemer quilters continue to serve others with both time and talent and with hands and hearts. Through the indomitable spirit and the ongoing work of the Redeemer quilters, we believe the world sees Jesus.

TEAM MEMBERS

Jo Adams, Marie Aiken, Patty Bell, William Bolick, Jenny Borchers , Jackie Carr, Grace Gonzales, Kathy Hill, Jean Iverson, Sharon Jeffries, Martha Landrum, Darlene Miles, Sue Nieman, Beverly O'Brien, John Pearson, Joyce Smith, Betty Stewart, Arena Sunderrat, and Beverly Thornton.

REDEEMING GRACE

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Transforming lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation

HIGHLIGHTS Redeeming G.R.A.C.E. Galvanizing Resources Against Child Exploitation With pandemic restrictions and protocols, Redeeming Grace continued to support Wellspring Living in its mission of “transforming lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation.” In the Girls Residential Program, Redeeming Grace made a significant financial contribution to the creation of a spa and salon and led the always popular Table Manners class and a class on colorful nutrition. We celebrated new skills with a luncheon at a local restaurant. Wanting to make a gift to the community, the girls created notes of encouragement for the residents of Lutheran Towers – an opportunity that they embraced with joy! The year ended with the silent auction of a Sharon Jeffries quilt and the annual Angel Tree which resulted in gift cards for individual shopping sprees for each girl. Transformation is possible!

Redeeming Grace attended a young lady’s graduation this year and heard a representative of the Department of Juvenile Justice remark, “While countless other placements washed their hands of her, Wellspring Living never gave up. This is my first successful placement in my entire caseload and I cannot tell you what that means to me.”

HOPES FOR 2022 After attending the Anti-Sex Trafficking Summit at The Temple last fall, Redeeming Grace joined forces with St. Luke’s Episcopal and The Temple to create a series of Anti-Child Sex Trafficking workshops in 2022 for the Midtown/Peachtree Corridor congregations on awareness, legislative priorities, and demand reduction. Advocacy Day at the Capitol is February 16 and Redeeming Grace will be there.

TEAM MEMBERS Jo Adams Dorothy Beasley Pastor Ron Bonner Amy Carpenter Leith Fitch Kathy Hill Sharon Jeffries Latanya Rhone Charissa Schultz Carol Swisher Amy Talboy

Redeeming Grace at the Wellspring Living 2021 Gala

GEORGIA TECH

43 Grace House “Jenna Fests” Belonging is at the core of what Grace House does; part of that belonging work is fostering the sense of being a part of something for those students who aren’t always remembered or included in social activities. For many on a campus-like Georgia Tech, socialization can be challenging, especially true for international students. Our “Jenna Fests” has become a real opportunity to provide belonging for students who otherwise had difficulty finding their place on campus. As a result of the popularity of these programs, we reversed our social event strategy and now boldly compete with popular campus events rather than avoid them. This way, everyone has something fun to do on a Saturday night, and we can truly lean into the calling of Matthew 25 “...I was a stranger, and you welcomed me…”

These “Jenna Fests” aren’t anything fancy, a few carnival-type games, food, and fellowship.

At each Jenna Fest, we have a different group of students, and so it is always fascinating to see who comes out and who we get to interact with, even if for a short time.

At our Harvestfest, a group of international students attended, and we were able to have the unique opportunity to teach them how to play the old game of “Tic Tac Toe.” While this moment may seem odd yet insignificant, it’s worth diving deeper.

Most of us would take for granted knowing how to play a game that we learned as children. Everyone knows how to play that, right? No. This simple teaching moment that took 2 minutes made the staff stop and think about the childhood of these students. Where did they grow up? What kept them from learning this? What was their childhood like? Should we be offering more things like this? Have we stumbled upon something big here? We all walked away from that event with two epiphanies. The first is there is a deep need to keep our assumptions in check when working with different groups and remember that what some take for granted is not the same for everyone. The second was that there are a significant number of isolated students on campus…more so than we thought.

GEORGIA TECH

44 These little fests have had a significant impact on us at Grace House. They have made us realize that we have a real heart for those who are isolated, those who seemingly slipped through the cracks, and those who are marginalized. The “Jenna Fests” has opened our eyes to who our neighbor is. They have also opened our eyes to the social needs of international students and graduate students. The “Jenna Fests” doesn’t just seem to help isolated students make new friends. It helps us live out our Baptismal Covenant in a unique way.

Other events have been in fits and starts over the past year because of Covid. A few highlights of the year include a return to coffee service after a year+ hiatus. As Covid cases continue the decline on and around campus, we are hopeful that we will be able to engage again around our service opportunities both on and off-campus. We have a growing student group that we are excited to journey with, and we are hopeful that we can continue to stretch our work to other campuses around Atlanta! Our worship and spiritual practices have centered around how our faith calls us anti-racist, and we have expanded our food ministry to include perishable items and clothing.

Rev. Andrew Fritz Rickel- Lutheran Pastor Rev. Seminarian Katheryn Folk- Episcopal Missioner Father Matthew Pritchard- Mennonite Campus Chaplin Seminarian Silas Vermilya Passion Collective Interns: Jade Samuel Claire Embil Sarah Reddick Jenna Stover

PROPERTY

45 In these days of COVID, perhaps no better statement of confidence in God’s faithfulness to his people can be made than making the commitment to maintain and restore his house in the anticipation of the return to normalcy. To that end, the Property Ministry Team offers this recap of the activity during 2021 and plans for 2022.

HIGHLIGHTS

HOPES FOR 2022

Hired a part-time Property Manager

Complete Critical Roof

Completed Building Exterior Sealing

Repair/Replacement Project

Project

Determine Path Forward for Repair of

Negotiated Engineering Support

Sims Atrium Drop Down Fire Door

Contract with WJE for Critical Roof

Determine Path Forward for

Repair/Replacement

Sanctuary Lighting

Completed Reconstruction of

Install exterior door access control

Schroeter Building Portico

system

Completed and Accepted Roof

Install new security (burglar) alarm

Condition Assessment from WJE

system Exploration of options for Sims Atrium kitchen remodeling

Voting Members Mark Helsel | Chair Art Mathews | Assistant Chair Beverly Alden | Liaison for Grounds Cindy Larson Dick Cordell Donna Martin Jennings | Insurance & Risk Jay Puckhaber Jim Maxwell Paul Rosser Rob Blatecky

Ex-Officio Non-Voting Members Pastor Mark Larson | Senior Pastor Creston Herold | Council Liaison Bob Boyd | Director of Operations and Finance Seth Brown | Director of Facilities and Media Rob Tanzola | Council President

ELCA 2021 CONGREGATIONAL REPORTS

46

ELCA 2021 CONGREGATIONAL REPORTS

47

FINANCE TEAM

48

Under Chair, Fred Dressel and Church Treasurer, Kevin Chunn the Finance Team had a productive year despite COVID.

HIGHLIGHTS Development of a Spend Plan (due to lower-than-expected pledges) in February Church Council adopted the Spend Plan in March 2022 Budget Development process began in April Finance Team hosted a Ministry-wide Zoom meeting to review the Budget Development process (40+ in attendance) in June Developed the draft 2022 Budget in late Summer/early Fall, and in November, the Council approved the 2022 Budget After two Listening Posts, the Congregation accepted the 2022 Budget Throughout the year, the Team monitored the Finances of Redeemer We look forward to a review of the 2021 Annual Audit (Spring 2022)

The Team looks forward to a productive 2022 and actively recruiting more members. If you are interested in serving, don't hesitate to get in touch with Chair, Fred Dressel (fred.dressel@comcast.net) or Staff Advisor Bob Boyd (bboyd@redeemer.org)

TEAM MEMBERS Fred Dressel, Chair Kevin Chunn, Church Treasurer Richard Spady, Church Financial Secretary Mark Kuehnert Richard Mauney Welcome New Member: Mike Bell

FINANCES

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MEMORIAL FUNDS TREASURER

50 IN MEMORIAM In 2021, Redeemer received bequests from the estates of Renate Seybold and Betty Mori. The church also received gifts in memory of Gayle Ide. These longtime members blessed Redeemer during their lives, and they have provided for future generations with their gifts.

Renate Seybold

Gayle Ide

Jean & Betty Mori

OVERVIEW The Memorial Funds Treasurer together with the Trustee Committee for Memorial Funds and Designated Funds oversee the investment of these designated and memorial funds. Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc. in Atlanta actively invests our assets.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND POLICY Crawford Investment Counsel uses a dividend growth strategy. They invest in high-quality value stocks with above-average dividend growth and dividend yield over time. The Committee adheres to the following investment guidelines: Moderate risk (currently 65/35 ratio of stocks to bonds/cash in traded accounts) Conservative growth with income Preservation of capital USE OF FUNDS Selected examples of the use of designated and memorial funds in 2021: Media Ministry – for equipment to host multiple hybrid classes and meetings at the same time and for enhancements to our livestreaming capabilities.

Community Engagement – to sponsor a Midtown apartment run by Christopher’s Haven where children undergoing cancer treatment at Emory Proton Therapy Center can stay with their families during their treatment.

Property Capital Expenditures – waterproofing the roof, modernizing both elevators, and updates to Zittrouer kitchen and dining room.

MEMORIAL FUNDS TREASURER

51 FUND BALANCES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021

Note that the ending balances reflect investment gains, any withdrawals approved by Congregation Council, and any additional funds from new gifts during the year.

PERFORMANCE Returns for Redeemer’s actively managed funds totaled $ 482,682 or 12.5 percent. This was an increase from our performance in 2020 when the pandemic began.

The rebound in the U.S. economy in the second half of 2020 continued into 2021 as the COVID19 pandemic moved into a second year. Above-average stock returns were driven by lowinterest rates, strong earnings, dividends, and buybacks. The economy benefited from the highest growth in GDP in decades.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The time and talent of Committee members Terry Eshenour, Mark Kuehnert, and John Runningen, as well as the professional expertise of Tim Snavely at Crawford Investment Counsel, were critical to the success of our investments again in 2021.

Respectfully submitted, Mary K. Howle Memorial Funds Treasurer

Mission To create a community that in word and deed reflects the love of Christ. Through worship, community and service, Redeemer equips people to be living testaments to the Lutheran faith in Atlanta and beyond.

Vision Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.