2025 AR

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GEORGIA

2025

ANNUAL REPORT 2038

GROWING FAITHFULLY

SERVING BOLDLY

www.redeemer.org

CONTENTS

Senior Pastor 03 Council President 05 07 Worship & Music Worship Team Friends of Music Digital Media

12 Faith Formation Children and Family Special Needs Youth Young Adults Keystone

23 Community Engagement Evangelism LCFM Lutheran Towers Redeeming Grace Grace House at Georgia Tech Quilters Faithful Hands

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35

Congregational Care

Membership & Finance

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2025 Financials Memorial Funds

Property Stewardship Facility Master Plan

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER | REPORT 2025

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ALL ARE ALL ARE WELCOME WELCOME We serve a God of abundant grace and generosity. Our worship is centered on the invitation that Christ offers at the communion table: all are welcome in this place. That welcome flows through all we do and say.

We open our arms to everyone who comes to share our love of God and all God’s people. We affirm and value the lives of everyone, including all who have been marginalized by ability, age, gender, gender identity and expression, mental or physical health, poverty, race, sexual orientation, or any other circumstance. Let our message be clear: all are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.

MISSION

MISSION The mission of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is 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.

redeemer.org

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Letter from the Senior Pastor Dear Fellow Folllower of Christ, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is with gratitude and hope that we share this Annual Report under the theme “Growing in Grace.” These words are drawn from 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

They remind us that faith is not static. It is living. It stretches, deepens, challenges, and renews us—both as individuals and as a congregation.

This past year has been one of growth in ways both visible and unseen. We have grown in worship, gathering around Word and Sacrament to receive again the gifts God so freely gives. We have grown through learning, study, and faithful questioning. We have grown in service, extending Christ’s love beyond our walls into the community and world God so loves.

Growth in grace is not about numbers or accomplishments alone. It is about transformation. It is about becoming more rooted in Christ, more patient with one another, more courageous in witness, and more generous in love. Grace shapes how we forgive, how we lead, how we give, and how we serve. Grace reminds us that everything we are and everything we do begins with God’s initiative, not our own.

As you read through this report, you will see evidence of that grace at work in ministry highlights, financial stewardship, outreach efforts, and the countless acts of faithfulness that often go unnoticed. Each page tells the story of a community being formed and reformed by the Holy Spirit.

We give thanks for each member, volunteer, staff person, and leader who has contributed to our shared life. Together, we continue to grow—not because we are perfect, but because God is faithful.

Thank you also for another year of allowing me to serve as your Senior Pastor. It is a profound privilege to walk with you in faith—at the font and the table, in hospital rooms and fellowship halls, in moments of celebration and in seasons of sorrow. This past year, I have once again witnessed the quiet strength and steady generosity of this congregation. I have seen your faith in action—in worship, in service, in difficult conversations, and in deep compassion for one another. You continue to be a community shaped not by fear, but by grace.

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Thank you for your trust, your partnership in ministry, and your prayers. Thank you for the ways you encourage and support not only me, but our staff and one another. Ministry is never the work of one person; it is the shared calling of the whole body of Christ. I am grateful to serve among leaders and members who take that calling seriously and joyfully.

As we look ahead, I remain hopeful about what God is doing in and through Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. The Spirit is not finished with us yet.

In Christ’s service, Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

Letter from the Council President Dear Faithful Redeemer Members, Family and Friends This Annual Report provides an overview of 2025, a year in which the Redeemer community advanced several current initiatives and continued to carry out the many missions of our ministry teams.

Building on an initiative launched in 2022, the Facility Master Planning Committee completed the predevelopment phase Concept Design. This work includes a comprehensive written report, 2-D plans and renderings, and a concept design video featuring 3-D renderings. Both the report and video are available on the Redeemer website.

The committee will continue to work with the Council to determine next steps, contingent upon economic and market conditions.

In April 2025, the Congregation called Deacon Allison Lizdas as Director of Congregational Care. Deacon Allison has been reinvigorating Congregation care and engagement, providing leadership and organizational expertise to help ministry teams plug in volunteers, connect with visitors, and lead new member classes. This fall, Deacon Allison and a large team of lay leaders and volunteers kicked off a new Sunday Funday initiative with the return of Redeemer’s beloved Octoberfest tradition! Look for more of these planned quarterly Congregation fellowship events in 2026!

Following up on the Congregation’s approval of the 2025 budget, which included funding for a new evangelism initiative and a pastoral position for evangelism and mission development, the Congregation Council began the call process. At the same time, a new ministry team was assembled to begin envisioning and planning the ministry initiatives the new pastor would lead. By fall of 2025, Redeemer had called and installed Pastor Timothy Lloyd as Associate Pastor of Evangelism and Mission Development, and the new Evangelism “E-team” ministry team was in place and active. Under Pastor Tim’s leadership, the E-team anticipates an active and exciting 2026 as we grow God’s kingdom.

After the adoption of Redeemer’s Welcome Statement in 2024, Council set a 2025 goal of exploring the process of becoming a Reconciling in Christ partner congregation.

Congregational feedback at listening posts showed strong support for partnering with the Reconciling Works organization in making a public and intentional commitment to welcome, include, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people – communities that have historically been marginalized in the church. Council thus voted to move forward with pursuing this RIC partner designation for 2026.

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Although 2025 brought many changes and new initiatives, Redeemer also remained deeply committed to the faithful work of its active Ministry Teams. Throughout the year, dedicated volunteers continued to carry out their missions in faith formation, family ministry, feeding the hungry, fellowship, property care, worship planning, inspirational music, congregational care, community engagement, and more. As you read the reports that follow, we invite you to recognize each one as the fruit of countless individuals offering their time and talents to serve as the hands of God, doing God’s work in our church and beyond.

Redeemer experienced a great deal of energy and excitement in 2025, and we anticipate continued optimism and growth. We’re blessed with a variety of resources, a dynamic setting, and a clear mission. Inspired by the commitment and achievements of prior generations at Redeemer and building on recent years' work, we continue to define, expand, and pursue our mission. We took some important steps in 2025, and we will face both opportunities and challenges as we move forward.

I hope you enjoy the opportunity to review what the Redeemer community accomplished in 2025. Take a moment to reflect on the cumulative impact of Redeemer’s many ministries and activities. As I mentioned, each of these ministry teams is making an impact through members and volunteers who give their time and talents, working alongside dedicated and skilled staff. All of this is made possible by those who have given their financial “treasure” through pledges and other offerings. My heartfelt thanks to all who gave of themselves in any and every way. If you haven't gotten involved yet and the stories in this report encourage you to make an impact, I hope you will share your time, talent, and treasure in whatever way God leads you.

In God’s Peace, Jeff Guthrie 2025 Congregation Council President

WORSHIP The Worship Ministry is blessed to serve alongside our staff and volunteers to ensure that the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered faithfully to His glory. We also strive to maximize lay leadership and service participation in a number of worship leadership roles, both during our services and behind the scenes.

Highlights

We welcomed new clergy leadership with Deacon Allison Lizdas and Pastor Tim Lloyd, and were honored to celebrate Deacon Allison’s ordination in May. We also welcomed a new jazz worship leader, Rainy Lindsey, whose leadership helped increase attendance at the jazz service. Rainy additionally shone as a soloist in the Harvest Home concert.

We held our first Worship retreat since COVID, taking a field trip to the Singing the Sacred exhibit at Emory University’s Pitts Theology Library. A strong group participated in a private, guided tour exploring early 20th-century Southern hymn singing.

We hosted Our Song Atlanta as the collaborative choir for the Harvest Home concert, creating a meaningful musical outreach that embodied Redeemer’s statement of welcome and raised the church’s profile in the greater community.

We were deeply honored to receive a generous bequest to our music ministry from Rose Mary Kolpatzki, which included both a significant financial gift and the donation of her Steinway piano. We are profoundly grateful for this lasting legacy.

In summary, the pastors, deacons, choirs, bells, Altar Guild, ushers, lectors, communion assistants, and youth all led our worship with excellence. Chrismon, lily, and poinsettia decorators made our highest holy seasons very special. To give just one example of our busy subgroups’ contributions, the Altar Guild is blessed with the responsibility to keep the chancel, altar, fonts, pulpit, lectern, linens, paraments, vestments, candles, and sacramental vessels clean and supplies ready for worship, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. We are grateful to ALL who, with their generosity of time and talents, make these worship moments possible!

Other Special Highlights We welcomed increased participation by our youth in worship leadership, continuing a rebuilding effort that began after the COVID disruption. To support this growth, we offered additional training sessions and prepared new crucifers, acolytes, banner bearers, and communion assistants.

We also advanced our work on clear, concise role descriptions to accompany a new Worship Ministry QR Code, providing an easy way for those interested to learn more online about our volunteer opportunities.

We said farewell—and offered heartfelt thanks—to our devoted Altar Guild member, Stanley Schubert, wishing him Godspeed at his new home in Florida.

We celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Rejoicing Spirits worship service, which began in February 2020.

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Hopes for 2026 We are deeply grateful for the faithful core group of Worship Ministry volunteers who generously share their time and talents. Our most significant goal for the coming year is to extend a broader invitation to all who are interested in learning more about—and serving in—Worship Ministry roles.

We look forward to engaging in more intentional and strategic worship planning in collaboration with our new evangelism and outreach pastor.

We also anticipate completing the major organ restoration project that began in 2022. Looking ahead, we hope to update aging paraments and address space constraints at the front of the sanctuary.

Team Members Carol Bell, Chair; Pastor Mark Larson, Staff Liaison John Thomas, Council Liaison David Hansen and Sarah Hawbecker, Music Carol Maxwell, Altar Guild Chair; Heidi Couch, Banners Jim Maxwell, Ushers Charissa Schultz and Frank Hull, Jazz Service Mindy Tanzola, Rejoicing Spirits Stephen McKersie, Stanley Schubert, Jonne Walter

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“FRIENDS OF MUSIC” Redeemer’s concert series, sponsored by our members and visitors, continues to attract our Midtown neighbors and music lovers from metro-Atlanta at large. A hallmark of Redeemer’s concert series is to provide a wide range of music, featuring different artists, instruments, and choral music each season. The Redeemer Concert Series sponsored six concerts in 2025.

Borromeo String Quartet

Borromeo String Quartet, January 31, 2025, 7:30 pm.

“A remarkably accomplished string quartet, not simply for its high technical polish and refined tone, but more importantly for the searching musical insights.” The Chicago Tribune. This concert drew the largest in-person audience of the season, supporting our mission to reach the larger Atlanta community. Attendance: In-person: 171; online projected attendees: 214; total: 385.

Chelsea Chen

Organ Anniversary Concert, Friday, February 21, 2025, 7:30 pm. We celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the inaugural concert of the church’s Létourneau pipe organ, Opus 80. Organist Chelsea Chen drew a diverse audience. Her concert offerings showed “Rare Musicality and lovely lyrical grandeur.” Los Angeles Times. Attendance: In-person, 66; online attendees: 98; total 164.

Black Oak Ensemble

Black Oak Ensemble, Sunday, September 21, 2025, 2:30 pm.

A multi-award winning ensemble, The Black Oak Ensemble has established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting chamber ensembles on the international stage. The all GRAMMYnominated musicians, are violinist Desiree Ruhstrat, violist Aurelien Fort Pederzoli, and cellist David Cunliffe.

Attendance: In-person, 70; projected online attendees, 40; total 110.

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Bach Birthday Bash: Friday, March 21, 2025, 7:30 pm: This favorite annual concert celebrates the music and life of one of the greatest composers, Johann Sebastian Bach. The program featured a variety of instrumental and choral music and gave the audience the opportunity to sing several chorales. Attendance: In-person, 65; projected online attendees: 144; total 209.

Pipe Screams: Friday, October 25, 2025, 5:30 pm: This annual favorite, Redeemer’s Halloween Spook Fest, featured scary pipe organ music for kids of all ages! Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. Sarah Hawbecker performed on our 59-stop Letourneau pipe organ. Attendance: Inperson, 95; projected online attendees, 48; total 143.

Harvest Home Concert: Saturday, November 16, 2025, 7:00 pm: The Harvest Home Concert is Redeemer’s musical celebration of Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, a celebration that crosses all barriers. This year, we welcomed Our Song Atlanta, led by Dr. Robert Glor, Artistic Director, and soloists from Redeemer and Our Song. The concert is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including community members who might not attend a church service.

Attendance: In-person, 131; projected online attendees, 386; total 517.

Hopes for 2026 We will continue our outreach to the community by bringing excellent musicians and programs to Redeemer. We are also grateful to Dr. Rose Mary Kolpatzki for the generous donation of her beautiful Steinway grand piano. A Piano Dedication Concert, honoring Dr. Kolpatzki, will be held Sunday afternoon, April 19th.

Team Members Carol Bell, Cliff Burt, Kevin Chunn (2025 Council Liaison), Todd Larson (2026 Council Liaison), Sarah Hawbecker, Mark Helsel, Jim Maxwell, David McGahan (now resigned), Penny Scarpucci, Jonne and Paul Walter, and Peg Wyse

www.redeemer.org

Highlights

DIGITAL MEDIA MINISTRY

This past year, the Redeemer Digital Media Ministry has been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure our technology and media operations remain strong and resilient and to enable spreading the message of our ministries and mission to our broader community.

This past year, the Redeemer Digital Media Ministry was hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring our technology and media operations remain strong and resilient. This included supporting streaming for our more than 110 regular and special worship services and events. Further, the team continued to ensure that weekly and monthly remote meetings ran smoothly.

In addition, we continued our website maintenance and publishing work. This was especially important since 27% more people visited Redeemer.Org for the first time in 2025 vs 2024.

We also spent time planning improvements for our web publishing system and digital archives, and building the catalog of Pastor Robert Sims’ “Music and Message” TV sermons to preserve them for the future.

But telling the story didn’t stop at technology operations and improvements. This year, our digital media team supported Redeemer’s outreach in new ways. The Digital Media Ministry coordinated with CBS News to highlight our partnership with Hope thru Soap. CBS was on-site to interview Pastor Mark about the Lutheran Community Food Ministry’s ongoing work, and their coverage captured a mobile outreach shower event held in our 4th Street lot.

Hopes for 2026 Continue improvement on our Digital and Audio/Video systems for remote meetings and learning Build a more effective social media and marketing process, including the staffing of a part-time resource to lead this effort Develop a longer-term strategy for streaming and content creation Continue upgrades to our website systems, presentation, and experience

Top reasons people visited Redeemer.org Worship Weekly Calendar About our staff

Giving What we believe LCFM

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FAITH FORMATION MINISTRY The Faith Formation Team would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers for their faithful service through ministries at Redeemer. From Bloomers, who lovingly care for our church grounds, to Faithful Hands knitters and quilters who create shawls, hats, scarves, and blankets for our neighbors in need, these ministries quietly reflect Christ’s love. Our Bible study leaders and Lenten small groups nurture both faith and fellowship, strengthening our congregation while extending a warm welcome to the wider community. These are just a few of many inspiring stories. We invite all members to join a small group—or even start one—and be part of this life-giving work.

Highlights More than 100 people participated in Lenten Small Groups this year.

An engaging and well-attended Women’s Retreat was held in October.

Participation in the Fall Kick-Off inspired enthusiasm and excitement for Redeemer’s ministries.

In addition to Sunday morning studies, a wide variety of classes and book studies was extended throughout the week, allowing for broader participation.

Weekly Bible studies and discussion groups were led by clergy and lay leaders, with several classes welcoming 20 or more participants each week.

Offerings included classes focused on scripture, faith and society, books, film, and seasonal themes, creating multiple opportunities for learning and community.

Daily Advent and Lenten devotional emails were shared, supporting spiritual reflection and connection throughout the church year.

Hopes for 2026 Offer a Sunday School class for parents of elementary-age Sunday School students, meeting during the same hour as their children’s classes.

Encourage more members to volunteer as Lenten small group leaders and increase overall participation in Lenten groups.

Invite more people to join ongoing classes as a way to deepen faith and build meaningful connections, and begin tracking attendance in weekly classes in 2026 to better understand participation and needs.

Team Members Kristin Guthrie, Chairperson; Whitney Ludvigsen, Council Liaison Karin Mayo, Pat Cornwell, Leslie Misch, Dana Norden, Deacon Mary Houck, Pastor Jonathan Trapp 12

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY

The Children and Family Ministry Team had been thinking about how children are integrated into our worship and what their experience is like.

Remembering that Jesus taught us to have faith like a child, we see children as full participants in worship and examples of faith for the rest of us. We jumped at the opportunity to apply for a grant from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, to be part of a program called a Worship Cohort, which will help us imagine new ways to include children and their families in our current worship services and the new contemporary service that has been proposed as part of the Redeemer Master Plan. The grant was approved, and we can’t wait to get started in 2026!

Highlights The passage of the Pronoun Sticker Proposal, creating a more welcoming environment for people of all genders at Redeemer VBS- Collaborated once again with our neighbors at St. Mark Methodist and St. John Lutheran churches Collaboration with the Redeemer Youth Ministry to create events that serve families with a larger age range Significant increases in participation in our Family Camping and Retreat events Reorganizing and refreshing our Sunday School classrooms so that we are all in the same hallway and can see all our friends on Sunday mornings

Hopes for 2026 To increase the consistency of engagement of our families with children 5 and under To start imagining a new future for our children as participants in worship as part of the Samford University worship cohort To expand collaborations with other Redeemer Ministry teams and neighboring congregations

Team members: Carrie Herold, Liz Kim, Whitney Ludvigsen, Emily Cooper, Michelle Spady, and Karen Anderson Council Liaison: Liz Kim Staff Liaison: Dn. Mary Houck 13

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY In February 2025, Rejoicing Spirits joyfully celebrated its fifth anniversary with an extra-special worship service. The celebration featured the Dad Band, the first use of the prayer rope—symbolically connecting our shared joys and concerns as a community—and, of course, celebratory cupcakes for the entire congregation. We were delighted to welcome so many friends and neighbors and are deeply grateful for the continued support of this very special ministry.

Highlights Sending care packages to our Rejoicers who are currently away from home at college to continue our love and support Seeing our “Rejoicers” come alive each month at a worship service where they are valued for their gifts and talents, and can serve as worship leaders Supporting our members with special needs as they grow in faith while participating in Confirmation and Youth activities Continuing to educate our children and youth about how to affirm and include people with special needs Seeing our participants with special needs fill important leadership roles at Vacation Bible School, the Family Easter Vigil, Monster Mash, and acting as greeters, lectors, and song leaders

Hopes for 2026 To review and improve our Rejoicing Spirits online presence, including using SEO to make it easier for new worshippers to find us.

To host fellowship events for those with special needs in our community and their caregivers.

To continue working with the Master Planning team on how to make our grounds, facilities, worship, and online presence more accessible to people of all abilities.

Team members: Janet Preston, Carol Bell, Peg Wyse, Mindy Tanzola Council Liaison: Jeff Guthrie Staff Liaison: Dn. Mary Houck 06

YOUTH MINISTRY Serving Our Neighbors Affected by Natural Disaster This past summer, Redeemer took 15 high schoolers to western North Carolina to help communities in the Lutherock area recover from Hurricane Helene. We dug drainage ditches, cleaned a river, helped with gardening at a homeless shelter, aided a local charity-funding thrift store, plus had all the fun of camp games, ziplining, and alpine tower climbing!

Highlights Sold 187 Kringles for our yearly fundraiser! (As usual, almond kept its crown as the most-ordered flavor.)

Expanded our activities and events schedule, holding nine events last fall (two per month!), ranging from lunches at The Varsity and Moe’s to Fright Nights at Six Flags, a middle school lockin, confirmation camp, and more Welcomed five confirmands last spring as full adult members of the congregation Worked in collaboration with Children and Family Ministries on the family camping trips and retreats, ensuring there were activities for all age ranges

Hopes for 2026 Growing engagement at each event An impactful service trip with Appalachia Service Project this July Continuing to evolve our vision for what relationship formation and faith formation look like in our current context

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Highlights In 2025, our young adult team launched a series of game nights open to the community. The new building directly across the street from Redeemer opened in fall 2025 as student housing for GA Tech, with mostly graduate students in residence. We wanted to take this new and special opportunity to get to know our new neighbors by providing dinner, fellowship, and fun!

Welcoming many new young adult visitors at Redeemer Continuation of our monthly lunches in the neighborhood to stay connected Participation in the Top Golf outing in July Increased involvement of Young Adults in other ministry teams such as Evangelism, Fellowship, and Youth Ministry

Hopes for 2026 To enhance our methods for follow up and connection with new visitors Collaboration with the Evangelism team to reach out to our neighbors across the street

Team Members Dan Levy, Alex Prueitt, Jared Joella, Cheyenne Elliot Council Liaison: Anne Ridenhour Staff Liaisons: Pepper Humpherys and Dn. Mary Houck

www.redeemer.org

Highlights

KEYSTONE MINISTRY

The year 2025 was one of meaningful ministry, careful planning, and significant transition for the Keystone Ministry. Programming and direction for the year emphasized holistic wellness, spiritual growth, and opportunities for connection and fellowship among senior adults.

Throughout the year, Keystone offered a variety of educational, spiritual, and communityfocused experiences, including a presentation by a nutritionist, an outing to Peachtree United Methodist Church to view the Origami Dove exhibit, a lunch-and-learn on prayer, a hospice workshop, and a mindful-movement class.

Toward the end of the year, a new Keystone committee was formed. This group began meeting to listen, reflect, and discern the ministry's future direction, bringing shared leadership and a fresh perspective as Keystone looks ahead.

Hopes for 2026 As Keystone moves into 2026, the newly formed committee has committed to rebranding the ministry to reflect its identity, purpose, and vitality more clearly. This work will help strengthen communication, increase visibility, and clarify how Keystone supports older adults within the life of the congregation.

In the coming year, Keystone’s goals go beyond planning events and educational opportunities. The ministry also aims to identify, develop, and share meaningful resources that support older adults and their families. These resources may include spiritual practices, wellness and caregiving information, and connections to congregational and community support.

Grounded in gratitude for the past and attentive to the present, the Keystone Ministry enters 2026 with hope, care, and a renewed commitment to serving older adults with compassion and purpose.

In Memoriam

In 2025, the Keystone community experienced the loss of Ed Scherlacher, whose faithful leadership and deep care for older adults left a lasting impact. We give thanks for his life, legacy, and the many lives he touched.

Team Members Carol Boe, William Bolick, Sheila Brock, Cliff Burt, Esther Connor, Jacob Dolin (intern), and Deacon Allison Lizdas (staff liaison)

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CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY Congregational Care in 2025 focused on presence, connection, and accompaniment as individuals and families navigated both ordinary seasons of life and times of transition. This ministry seeks to embody the church’s calling to care for one another through prayer, listening, fellowship, and tangible expressions of support.

Highlights A devoted visitation team continued to faithfully serve our homebound members through regular visits and the sharing of Holy Communion. This ministry provides an important lifeline for those unable to attend in person, ensuring they remain spiritually nourished and deeply connected to the congregation's life. It is a meaningful expression of our shared commitment to care, compassion, and inclusion.

Throughout the year, congregational care was embodied through compassionate pastoral listening, prayer, and steady support during times of grief, illness, and life transitions, in close collaboration with pastoral staff and lay leaders. To further strengthen this ministry, the congregational care leader completed a nine-month grief care course, gaining deeper insight and practical tools to support individuals and families navigating loss more faithfully.

In addition to offering care during life’s more difficult moments, Congregational Care intentionally nurtured a strong sense of belonging and connection within the congregation. New member classes were offered throughout the year. Opportunities for spiritual reflection were also provided through the labyrinth, creating sacred space for prayer, contemplation, and grounding.

In October, the ministry hosted its first Oktoberfest gathering, which drew strong participation and joyful enthusiasm. The success of this event underscored the importance of shared celebration, relationship-building, and informal connection as an essential dimension of congregational care.

Hopes for 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, Congregational Care hopes to continue strengthening systems of support, expanding opportunities for connection and fellowship, and developing resources that equip the congregation’s members to care for one another well. The ministry remains committed to nurturing a culture where care is shared, presence is valued, and no one walks alone.

This ministry is made possible through the faithful presence of volunteers, staff, and leaders who offer care in countless seen and unseen ways. We are grateful for each person who shares in this work.

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PROPERTY MINISTRY

Projects completed in 2025 Replaced roof top unit HVAC #7 Rehabilitated Memorial Garden fountain Contracted for and received engineering report on integrity of retaining wall between 4th St. lot and the Sumner Condominiums-future reinspections will be required Contracted with Goodhead Consulting Engineers to negotiate with Atlanta City Authority for removal of the 4-hour fire barrier across the Memorial Garden/Columbarium, which would allow for the removal and/or deactivation of the drop-down fire doors in the Sims Atrium Cleaning and painting of stairs and handrail to Honeywell Parking Deck Recoating of roof #9 above south archways in sanctuary Replaced red awning outside parlor entrance Projects planned for 2026

Complete organ pipework replacement (currently set for mid-2026), need definition of scaffolding requirements from Orgues Létourneau Ltée; contract for scaffolding Contract for additional scaffolding to access light bars above sanctuary arch steps, arrange for Kenny Camp to rewire light fixtures per David Hansen/Dick Cordell, re-aim as required Install fiber optic cable between organ console and west wall organ chamber Clean and refinish pew and column bases in sanctuary (accumulated dirt and wax) Remove and/or deactivate the drop-down fire doors in the Sims Atrium Negotiate and execute contract for phase I of the Sims Atrium kitchen renovation Consider remodel of front nave area in 2027-primary aim to increase space Develop landscape design for front bank along Peachtree

Team Members Voting Members: Rob Blatecky, Dick Cordell, Mark Helsel, Cindy Larson, Art Mathews, Jim Maxwell, Jay Puckhaber, and Elise Thomas Emeritus: Paul Rosser Council Liaison: Doug Dumont Ex officio: Seth Brown, Brandon Davis, Pastor Mark Larson Thanks to all team members for their time and expertise.

Mark Helsel, Chair

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STEWARDSHIP This is the story of a grateful Stewardship Team and a congregation that keeps rising to every challenge. During the pandemic, the Stewardship Ministry had devolved to a team of two: Pastor Mark and Jeff Guthrie. In 2023, Jeff felt a “reboot” was in order, and at the suggestion of Pastor Mark, the Stewardship Ministry engaged the help of Pastor Tim Brown, ELCA Director for Congregational Stewardship, to help us revitalize our fellowship, rebuild our relationships, and refocus our purpose as Christians. By mid-2023, Jeff had been joined by Beth Farris, Don Noland, Alisa Norvelle, Henry Puckhaber, Anne Ridenhour, and John Thomas. With Pr. Brown’s guidance, we redefined the traditional pledge drive, focusing on giving from a place of gratitude for our Time, Talent, and Treasure.

THANK YOU

for fearlessly increasing your giving in 2023, 2024, and 2025. We feel 2026 holds even more promise for Redeemer; more faithful service, more love of each other and our neighbors, and more stories of gratitude.

Since 2023, pledging units and average pledged amounts have increased year over year.

This increase supported a renewed Congregational Care Ministry, Mission Development, and the calling of Deacon Allison Lizdas and Pr. Tim Lloyd.

“Stewardship Season”

Over the last three years, in addition to temple talks during worship, we’ve organized small-group gatherings and hosted a Stewardship Brunch to train our small-group hosts. Our hosts, in turn, led their groups in discussing their stories of witnessing generosity at Redeemer and their hopes and dreams for our congregation. And Redeemer responded.

Hopes for 2026

We are very grateful for how strongly Redeemer has responded to our small group campaigns over the last three years, but we’re looking to elevate our game in 2026. We want all of Redeemer to experience the inspirational excitement of the Stewardship Brunch, so our hope is to host a congregation-wide celebration of Redeemer’s ministries and volunteers. In 2025, we achieved the long-term goal of moving towards year-round stewardship with a Spring Campaign.

Expect another Spring Campaign as well as opportunities to continue building the relationships that began with the small groups over the past three years.

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FACILITY MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE Our mission – To Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly – is at the core of our work in the Facility Master Planning Committee. We strive to fulfill the goals of our Strategic Plan by using our treasure (physical resources) to expand in service to those in our congregation and beyond. As our Strategic Plan states, “…we know we are blessed, and we are just stewards of God’s grace for a time. We have the opportunity and responsibility to make sure these precious gifts are received, managed, multiplied, and used in God-pleasing ways.”

The first quarter of 2025 was one of the most exciting for our team. After years of visioning, analyzing, categorizing, conceptualizing, estimating, refining, and reviewing, Redeemer acted, and our final Concept Design Report and exciting Concept Design Video were shared with Council and then with the broader congregation. When our team first saw the video, we were thrilled to see so much of our congregation’s vision come to life. To have a visual presentation to share with our church family was powerful. We hope it inspires all of us to keep dreaming big for Redeemer’s future.

We have been so blessed during this Master Planning process with the time and talent of our members, Council, and our consultants. As we grow in grace together, let us strive to use the abundance God has given us To Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly for many years to come!

Highlights 1/4/25 Master Plan Update Presentation at Congregation Council Retreat

2/2/25 Final Concept Design Report and video shared with the congregation during a Congregational Listening Post (available on Redeemer’s website under Master Planning Predevelopment Latest)

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Financial Feasibility-Worked with an Atlanta-based land broker to interview major developers to gauge market, capital, and other influences on local development

Hopes for 2026 Share asset valuation with the congregation per the Financial Analysis Coordination Team’s (FACT) review Continue to keep a pulse on the Midtown real estate market to identify potential developers utilizing the Request for Information (RFI) process, once transaction activity resumes in Midtown, and create a visual display of the Master Planning status for the congregation Continue to refine our focus in select program areas to reflect the current needs of our congregation, particularly working with the E-Team on contemporary worship space needs

PREDEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM Nikki Chunn, Project Coordinator Doug Dumont, Council Liaison Janet Preston, Co-Chair Jay Puckhaber, Co-Chair Anne Ridenhour, Council Liaison Paul Rosser, Advisory Committee Chair Sally Rosser, Community Liaison Chair

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Pam Amy-Cupp John Blend Amy Carpenter Susan Cordell Dick Cordell Jeff Guthrie Dewey Ingham Marilyn Kelm Dick Mueller David Ott Jenny Peterson Paul Rosser, Chair Sally Rosser Jonne Walter Paul Walter

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS COORDINATION TEAM Tom Bohannon, Chair Kevin Chunn Frank Hull Dewey Ingham Dick Mueller Jenny Peterson Jay Puckhaber Richard Spady

EVANGELISM MINISTRY

A Story of Strategic Investment and Momentum

In January 2025, Redeemer made a significant commitment to our mission, "Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly," by forming a dedicated Evangelism Team. The Evangelism Team worked closely with Church Council and Pastor Larson to form the Call Committee, with several evangelism team members stepping up to lead this critical search process. After months of prayer, discernment, and searching, we welcomed experienced Atlanta church planter Rev. Timothy Lloyd as our Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Mission Development in September.

What happened next demonstrates the power of intentional leadership and collaborative ministry.

Within weeks of Pastor Timothy's arrival, the Evangelism Team launched into action. We showed up in our community—participating in the Pride Parade, connecting with neighbors at Octoberfest, and serving alongside them during the MLK Day of Service. We partnered with Community Engagement and Children & Family Ministries on Streets Alive. We then formed a Creative Team in November 2025, bringing together members from Digital Media and Evangelism to ensure our outreach efforts are coordinated, compelling, and consistent. This team immediately began tackling long-standing communication challenges, namely: overhauling our digital presence, developing a comprehensive social media strategy, and planning a complete website redesign and relaunch.

We're transforming how Redeemer tells its story and extends Christ's welcome to all people. What began as a new team in January has become a driver for how Redeemer engages the world around us.

Highlights Hired our first Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Mission Development (September 2025), signaling Redeemer's serious commitment to outreach and growth Launched the Creative Team (November 2025), combining Digital Media and Evangelism efforts for greater impact Community presence: Participated in Pride Parade, Oktoberfest, and MLK Day of Service Communications transformation: Developed new social media strategy, began website redesign, and implemented new calendaring systems Strategic partnerships: Began collaboration with the Young Adult Team (Super Bowl party) and Children and Family Team, and Community Engagement Team (Streets Alive)

Hopes for 2026 Launch a new worship experience designed to welcome seekers, young adults, and those exploring faith in fresh ways Execute signature outreach events: Movies on the Green, outdoor concerts, and community gatherings that make Redeemer a gathering place for the neighborhood Complete the digital transformation: new website launch, consistent social media presence, and seamless communication that helps people connect with Christ through Redeemer

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TEAM MEMBERS TEAM MEMBERS Co-Chairs: Jeff Elkins Karen Cramer Team Members: Rev. Timothy Lloyd, Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Mission Development Andrea Waterhouse John Thomas Anne Ridenhour Lars Peterson Derek Peterson Dana Norden Don Noland Casey Jordan Stephanie Hart Charli Fletcher Leith Fitch Jeff Guthrie

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www.redeemer.org

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MINISTRY The Community Engagement Ministry was blessed in 2025 to pursue our faith by promoting opportunities and events that enabled us to “Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly”. We shared God’s love for all people and strived to equip Redeemer’s expanding community to love and serve our neighbor.

Highlights Special recognition was offered to Hope thru Soap Inc. an organization that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Redeemer’s unsheltered guests. Over the past year, their visits to Redeemer doubled—from once to twice per month—providing showers, haircuts, clothing, and hot coffee, and coordinating additional vital social services, such as mental health support, substance-abuse care, and infectious disease testing, through Aniz and Mercy Care. We are deeply grateful for the cherished relationship we share with Hope thru Soap Inc. as together we go beyond meeting basic needs to offering a sense of family, friendship, hope, and dignity.

We expressed our gratitude to all of our Community Outreach Partner (COP) organizations with whom we share meaningful relationships and welcomed their participation in Redeemer’s Fall Kick-Off, Harvest of Grace. Representatives from each organization were invited to attend, allowing us to meet them in person, highlight the vital services they faithfully provide to our community, and share opportunities for congregational involvement. Each organization was also featured in a handout brochure describing its mission and work, including: Midtown Assistance Center Inc. Our House Inc. Aniz, Inc. YELLS, Inc. Wellspring Living Inc. Redeeming Grace, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Inc. Georgia Justice Project, Joyce’s Place Inc. and 3Keys, Inc. Plus, a special welcome to our newest Outreach Partner, Atlanta Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Inc., and outstanding recognition to the dedicated volunteers of For the Nino’s Inc. on their Misson Trip, having traveled to Central America meeting not only the spiritual needs of rural communities, but the installation of 34 water filtration units and administrating medical care to 400+ residents at the clinic.

We recognized God’s blessings by reuniting with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to sponsor a Lenten Home Build, providing Redeemer’s members with the opportunity to help transform communities and support local families in accessing affordable homeownership within safe, vibrant neighborhoods where all can thrive.

Hopes for 2026 Strengthening our relationship with the Community Outreach Partner (COP) organizations and deeper connections with the residents of Lutheran Towers to welcome them to our Ministry and the community in Christ

Continued next page

We are so thankful for Redeemer’s willingness to accept our diverse avenues of interest this year, allowing us to connect, interact, and offer our faith boldly in service to those less fortunate, as we hope to leverage our abilities to work toward future hopes and goals.

Team Members David Barnes, Amy Carpenter, Don Cornwell, Stephanie Hart, Sharon Jeffries, Don Noland, Dana Norden, David Ott, Sally Rosser, Curt Stamp, Carol Swisher, Co-Chairperson Carol Maxwell, CoChairperson, Leith Fitch, Council Liaison Rev. Mark Larson, Staff Liaison

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LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) is entering its 44th year of service. What began in 1982 as a small pilot overflow warming center for St. Luke Episcopal Church—offering coffee and simple pimento cheese sandwiches—has grown into a vital ministry of care and nourishment. Today, LCFM provides an average of 100–120 hot, nutritious meals each weekday to our unhoused neighbors. The ministry also supports residents of Lutheran Towers with 40 boxed lunches daily and supplies food to food-insecure students at Georgia Tech.

According to Atlanta Mission, homelessness in the city of Atlanta has risen to nearly 3,000 individuals, with more than 1,800 people in emergency shelters or transitional housing and nearly 1,200 living unsheltered. With the generous support of Redeemer members and partner social service organizations, LCFM offers a dignified and welcoming space for our unhoused neighbors— whether as a refuge from winter cold or a place of relief during Atlanta’s intense summer heat.

Served over 40,000 meals to the food-insecure Served 250 meals for our special Thanksgiving meal Distributed knitted and crocheted scarves, along with hygiene kits, gloves, and hoodies Streamlined paper goods inventory and ordering to lower expenses Partnered with Chat for Change (a non-profit dedicated to healthcare accessibility)

We are deeply grateful for the many volunteers who faithfully give their time and energy in response to Christ’s call to serve.

Their work embodies selfless generosity and reflects our shared sacred responsibility to care for neighbors in need.

Hopes for 2026 Continuing God's love through our service to the food-insecure Finding additional support from organizations to join our continuing partners

Team Members Steven Miles, Chair Stepanie Hart, Volunteer Coordinator Seth Brown, Staff Liaison Wren Carlson, Karen Cramer, Stacey Sandifer, Elise Thomas, and Sophia Foley

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LUTHERAN TOWERS In 2025 at Lutheran Towers, we witnessed what it truly means to grow in grace. One afternoon during a labyrinth prayer gathering in our community room, a resident who rarely leaves her apartment slowly stepped onto the path. The room was quiet except for soft music and candlelight. She moved gently through each turn, and when she finished, she said, “I didn’t know I still had something in me that needed healing.” Moments like that have defined this year.

Through our partnership with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the Nourishing Souls Chaplaincy Program has flourished. Since June, Chaplain Angela Wyatt has provided more than 150 spiritual care touchpoints, offering hospital visits, grief support, one-on-one pastoral counseling, communion services, drumming circles, sacred reflection gatherings, and spiritual wellness workshops.

In a HUD-subsidized senior community where many residents live on fixed incomes and face isolation, chronic illness, and loss, spiritual presence matters deeply. Grace has grown not in grand gestures, but in quiet conversations, shared prayers, renewed hope, and restored dignity.

The chaplaincy program is now fully integrated into Lutheran Towers’ Eight Dimensions of Wellness framework, ensuring that spiritual care is recognized as essential to whole-person well-being.

Residents who once felt unseen are rediscovering connection to their faith, to one another, and to themselves.

Through this partnership, Redeemer’s mission to Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly is lived out each week inside our walls.

Highlights Launch and full implementation of the Nourishing Souls Chaplaincy Program 150+ individual spiritual care engagements since June Group spiritual wellness experiences including labyrinth walks, drumming circles, and communion services Hospital and bedside pastoral visits for residents in crisis Strengthened collaboration between Redeemer leadership and Lutheran Towers staff

Hopes for 2026 Expand volunteer involvement from Redeemer members within the chaplaincy program Develop measurable spiritual wellness outcomes and resident testimonials Deepen relational connection between Redeemer congregation and Lutheran Towers residents through shared experiences Team Members Angela Wyatt, Chaplain Josie Jangdhari, Director of Supportive Services Karon Nixon, Executive Director Photos next page

REDEEMINGIn GRACE support of Wellspring Living and Anti-Trafficking Advocacy In addition to providing structured and planned life skill classes and events for the Wellspring Living girls, Redeeming Grace is able to respond quickly to unplanned needs – ASAP! As summer approached, the girls were given the opportunity to take swimming lessons. The staff quickly realized that the girls needed new and appropriate suits! Within days, Redeeming Grace provided quick funding, and the staff took the girls shopping. Their thank-you notes to Redeeming Grace show how much these swimsuits were appreciated. “Thank you so much for the bathing suit! I have this floral one that fits perfectly, and pretty flip flops with a white cover-up. Everything is perfect!” And from the program director: “We cannot always provide every single thing that the girls want, but when generous people like you come along, you not only help the girls enjoy fun summer activities like swimming, you make me smile and warm my heart by watching their joy!”

Highlights Hosted four Sundays of Advocacy and Awareness in January and February, including writing notes of encouragement to the girls of Wellspring Living (ages 12 to 17) Participated in Advocacy Day at the Capitol, February 11 Took the Wellspring Living girls to an Alvin Ailey performance at the Fox Theater Hosted a skin care event and a cooking class for the Wellspring Living girls The Wellspring Living Angel Tree: over $3,000 in gift cards for the Wellspring Living girls

Hopes for 2026 Increase advocacy efforts, including Advocacy Day at the Capitol Follow Street Grace for policy issues

Redeeming Grace (Galvanizing Resources Against Child Exploitation) Team members Jo Adams, Amy Carpenter, Esther Connor, Leith Fitch, Marlit Hayslett, Kathy Hill, Sharon Jeffries, David Ott, Latanya Rhone, Charissa Schultz, Carol Swisher, Amy Talboy, Peg Wyse [Amy Carpenter, Latanya Rhone, and Charissa Schultz are credentialed to work directly with the girls of Wellspring Living.]

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GRACE HOUSE @ GEORGIA TECH Grace House continues to be a light shining on a hill on Georgia Tech's campus. Our coffee ministry remains our largest campus outreach. During the 2024-2025 academic year, we served 7,925 cups of coffee! With this level of engagement, we have grown our small-group gatherings, including adding a new group called “The Bible and Wellness.” We continue to serve the campus through our food pantry, which we estimate distributed 1 metric ton of food to students and community members. A renewed focus for Grace House has been our service opportunities. This past year, we took a group of students to places like Joyce's Place, Atlanta Children’s Shelter, Lutheran Towers, and Habitat for Humanity. We are incredibly proud of the 8 students who graduated and our two former interns, Sammi and Michael, who are beginning their seminary journeys at Luther and Wartburg, respectively.

In 2026 and beyond, we continue to dream about how we can serve the campus community through feeding, coffee, and connection. We are excited to reintroduce our Passion Collective Internship program, which will provide valuable ministry experience for church leaders. Finally, we are excited to follow the call of the Holy Spirit to care for the little, the least, the last, and the lost in our world, both on and off campus.

Grace House continues to be led by the Rev. Andrew Fritz Rickel, the Board of Directors, our new bookkeeper, Ms. Alexia Cundey, Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, and ELCA Campus Ministry.

This past year, we welcomed a mostly new Board of Directors, which includes: Chuck Burlson - Board Chair Deacon Allison Lizdas, Rev. Steve Fazenbaker Ms. Elizabeth Lucht-Jones, Mr. Brian Ehrich, and Ms. Michelle Elsenbeck

Read our relections next pages

Coming to Grace House breaks me out of my grindset.

Nolan, like many Georgia Tech students, juggles a demanding schedule filled with coursework, leadership goals, and extracurricular commitments. While they stay busy through music, fitness, and launching the GT Polish Club, Grace House stands apart.

Discovered during Week of Welcome, Grace House offered Nolan an inclusive faith community they hadn’t expected to find. What drew them back was not the programming, but the people—who made Nolan feel immediately welcomed and at home. Grace House became a place of belonging, reminding them that life has meaning because of the goodness found in community.

What it says on the Label Not everyone comes to Grace House seeking a worshipping community—and that was true for Ian. Drawn in during Week of Welcome by Grace House’s inclusive events, “Inclusive Church,” “Queer and Christian,” and the “Lutheran/Episcopal/Peace Church” Mixer. He had not experienced a progressive church and was curious whether Grace House was what it claimed to be. What he found was an honest, nonjudgmental space where he was immediately accepted and felt at home. Grace House became a place for meaningful conversations about faith, doubt, and life, helping Ian grow in self-understanding and confidence. With the support of generous donors, Grace House continues to walk alongside students like Ian, fostering communities where they can thrive and live with purpose and compassion.

Being Uncomfortable When Alexa arrived at Georgia Tech, she wanted to continue nurturing her faith while surrounding herself with diverse perspectives.

She found that at Grace House, a community where faith could be questioning, expansive, and integrated with everyday life. Grace House became a place of welcome, authentic exploration, and growth—a space she didn’t realize she needed. As she graduates, Alexa hopes to carry forward the spirit of acceptance and curiosity she experienced, creating spaces where others can show up fully. With the support of donors, Grace House continues to accompany students like Alexa, fostering faith, growth, and purposeful engagement in the world.

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QUILTERS "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9: 6-8) The Redeemer quilters continue to embrace and actualize the church’s message, “To Grow Faithfully and Serve Boldly.” This important and time-tested ministry, now approaching 40 years, reminds us of the power of one, then two, then many in meeting the needs of those less fortunate. Despite changes in our scheduling, team members, and life’s changes, the quilters remain a viable and consistent part of Redeemer’s ministries.

The quilting team continues to meet monthly to create handcrafted, heartfelt quilts that go all over the world and into our own backyards to provide warmth, support, care, and love fulfillment. As we learned years ago, our quilts are used not only for warmth and comfort but also for shelter and protection, and as a dwelling’s wall, roof, or bed. A need and a need met are two dramatically different things. We work to meet needs.

In August of 2025, over 100 quilts and numerous health and school kits, provided by the Northside Circle (part of WELCA), were delivered to Trinity Lutheran Church in Lilburn. Under the aegis of Lutheran World Relief, all donations are then appropriately shared with people and communities in need.

The group is always appreciative of donations and open to new participants, regardless of skill level or time availability. Again, the message of “the numbers add up” remains true and relevant.

As we enter the new year, we are saddened and moved by the uncertainty of too many forces and choices around us and by the unpredictability of nature. To that end, the quilters’ work remains essential and ongoing, providing aid and support in concert with our partners at Lutheran World Relief and our fellow disciples in Christ.

On behalf of the Redeemer quilters …..

Respectfully submitted, William Bolick

SACRED MAKING, FAITHFUL HANDS

Highlights Faithful Hands sponsored its second Scarf and Hat Challenge, inviting participants to create scarves and hats for our unhoused neighbors who join us through the Redeemer Food Ministry. More than 200 handmade items were distributed at the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Luncheons—double the number from last year. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their time and talent by creating these warm, comforting gifts.

Faithful Hands Ministry is an interdenominational group of church members who create prayer shawls and other handmade items as expressions of care and compassion. These shawls are shared with individuals who need the comfort of God’s love and presence.

Faithful Hands is a community of “makers” who use their gifts and talents to provide prayer shawls to anyone in need. Each shawl serves as a tangible reminder of God’s love, care, and prayerful support.

Prayer shawls are given to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, those who are sick or lonely, and anyone seeking comfort. Baptismal shawls are also lovingly presented to families at the time of baptism.

In addition, Faithful Hands knits and crochets hats and scarves each year for neighbors in need and supports Redeemer’s daily food ministry. Most of the knitting and crocheting can be done at home, making participation flexible and convenient. Faithful Hands welcomes new members at any time.

Yarn is provided for prayer shawls, hats, and scarves, and each item is prayerfully made. Prayer shawls are distributed by our pastoral staff as needs arise, while other handmade items are shared by the food ministry team during the winter months. We are always eager for new ideas, patterns, and distribution opportunities.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Pat Cornwell at 404-217-2871 or visit Faithful Hands on the Redeemer website under the Ministries section at www.redeemer.org.

Hopes for 2026 Develop programs that teach members and friends how to knit and/or crochet items to support neighbors in need, serving both Redeemer and Lutheran Towers Participate in Fall Kick-Off 2026 to introduce members to this ministry and invite them to learn, serve, and get involved Plan a celebratory event that honors the sacred nature of “making”—including quilting, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, woodworking, and other handmade arts—highlighting items created for neighbors in need and the sacred art that beautifies our church

FINANCIALS FINANCIAL POSITION In 2025 Operations, we recorded $2.03 million in unrestricted revenues and $2.05 million in expenses.

While revenues were below our budgeted projection, we adjusted expenses accordingly to stay within budget, resulting in a small decrease in net assets from operations.

Our Preliminary Funds balance as of December 31, 2025, was $5.8 million, up from $2.6 million at the end of 2024. We recorded $3.0 million in receipts in 2025 and $0.3 million in market gains.

Receipts included a generous bequest from Rose Mary Kolpatzki, designated primarily for Music.

We drew approximately $150,000 from our Funds, significantly below budgeted drawings, as our organ restoration was delayed and Property & Facility Master Plan capital expenses were below budget. We have included a new report on funds below, marked preliminary as we are developing further.

Looking ahead, the 2026 budget approved by the congregation continues our focus on Evangelism & Outreach, completes our Organ Restoration, and enhances our worship through music. Thank you to all of you who have contributed to our Organ Restoration; we have reached our fundraising goal. Additional contributions to the Ray Martin Organ Fund are always welcome to support future Organ maintenance needs. We will also invest in our property in 2026, including atrium kitchen, roof recoating, lighting, and atrium fire door projects. We also expect additional contributions and market gains/losses on our investments.

Importantly, the primary financial asset of Redeemer is our property, including our north-ofFourth property & air rights. This is what our Facility Master Plan Implementation Plan will seek to cultivate in conjunction with a development partner when market conditions are right.

Thank you to all who have submitted your pledges in 2026. We have a great opportunity to advance our mission through our contributions in 2026. Your offerings and donations directly support our mission together. It’s worth noting that our giving goes beyond just Redeemer.

Redeemer gives approximately 10% of our contributions to our Core Spiritual Partners & Community Outreach Partners. This includes the Synod and, in turn, the ELCA, which amplifies our impact by planting & supporting new churches around the world, developing new church leaders, and working for justice & peace.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER UNAUDITED REPORT ON CAPITAL EXPENSES December YTD 2025 Authorized Remaining in Budget Budget

Budget

Account

Spent YTD

Property Capital

588630 Expenses - PPF

18,715

40,000

21,285Replacement of HVAC

Organ Restoration

588120 Exp - Ray Martin Organ Fund

-

231,118

231,118Pipes are delayed until 2026; while funds are in position, continuing to replenish fund for maintenance

Facilities Master Plan

588635 Expenses - Masterplan (CVI)

75,924

372,930

Notes

297,006Market remains soft; team is ready when time is right to develop Phase 1 implementation plan

*The Congregation approved up to $650,000 to create a Phase 1 Implementation Plan March 17, 2024. $372,930 reflects the amount of that which had not been spent in 2024

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Under the leadership of Chair Fred Dressel, the Finance Team had a busy year, applying a strategic lens to our financial position.

Highlights Steered expenses to match contributions as the year progressed, advising Council on status Improved our monthly reporting and filled our open staff position Streamlined the 2026 budget development process and provided Council with recommendations on contribution expectations and expense implications Facilitated preparation of our 2026 Comprehensive Budget, which enables a focus on evangelism, outreach, and mission development, as well as new investments in Music to enhance our worship Conducted 6 listening posts with the Congregation, supporting the Congregation’s approval of the budget Hopes for 2026 Improve timeliness of monthly & quarterly financial statements Initiate regular quarterly funds, cash & investments reporting for better visibility to balances, contributions, expenditures and market gains/losses by fund Improve processes on planned fund drawings, in partnership with the Legacy Giving Board Convene an Audit team for an Audit of 2025 financials Complete a strategic budget for 2027 to advance our mission Establish a long-term funding strategy to support property needs Team Members Fred Dressel, Chair Frank Hull, Treasurer Alisa Norvelle, outgoing Financial Secretary Kevin Chunn, incoming Financial Secretary Mike Bell, Richard Mauney, Scott McDonald, Richard Spady, Brandon Davis, staff liaison

MEMBERSHIP REPORT Congregational Report for 2025 Last Report on file 2024 1.Baptized membership at end of 2024 2.Baptized members received during 2025 a. By Baptism: Children b. By Baptism: Adult c. By Affirmation of Faith d. By Transfer Total

1641 7 0 3 5 15

Baptized members removed during 2025 1.By Death 2.By Transfer 3.For other reasons Total Baptized membership end of 2025 Total Confirmed membership end of 2025 Number of baptized youth confirmed in 2024

12 5 17 1639 1341 5

In 2025 number of weeks this congregation worshipped On-site 52 Online 52 Average weekly worship attendance in 2025 On-site 219 Online 150 Total number of people actively participating in 2025 1569 Race/ethnic origin 21 African American/Black 5 Latino/Hispanic 6 Multiracial White 1607

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CONTACT US

404.874.8664 731 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta GA 30308 LCR@redeemer.org www.Redeemer.org