Newsletter October 2023

Page 1

LUTHERAN CHURCH
REDEEMER
OF THE
OCTOBER 2023 OctoberatRedeemer 14 Saturday,at11am Animal Blessing 29 Sunday, Reformation/ Commitment Sunday events “Pipescreams” Concert Followingat7:00pm 27 Friday,beginningat5:45pm Monster Mash Moredetailsonthefollowingpages. 15 Sunday,at12Noon Pride Parade on Peachtree 22 Sunday,at1pm Streets Alive
ATLANTA, GA

HARVESTING

Stories of Generosity

Share your Story

Everyone loves a good story. But even more significant than their entertainment value I propose that it is our stories who define who we are. And in sharing our stories we become and strengthen our community

As part of our Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful campaign, we are sharing our stories, experiences, and dreams for Redeemer, and we want to hear your story

Each week in worship, a question of the week will be offered to spark your reflection Then, we ask you to share your story (see the sidebar, right)

As we journey through this month until Commitment Sunday on October 29th, I invite you to share your stories of generosity and your hopes and dreams for our ministry together Imagine with all of us, grafted to the True Vine, Jesus Christ, the fruit God will produce through us for all to be nourished

Small Group Gathering: Sign up for a small group gathering to share and hear from others Sign up in the Sims Atrium or online here.

Generosity Board: write a name or brief note on the chalkboard in the Sims Atrium

Storytelling Suite: Record a video in the Wedding Parlor on Sundays. The camera is always running Just step in, sit down, and start sharing.

Upload a Video: Record yourself answering the question of the week that is emailed on Wednesday Upload the video from your phone or tablet to our Storytelling Cloud Folder

Write your Story: Type up your response and upload it to the same folder above.

MUSIC

Baptism at Redeemer

Greetings! If you or someone you know is expecting a child or interested in baptism at Redeemer at any age, we would love to celebrate this special milestone with your family! We have several dates available. Here are some details:

Wearereturningtoourpre-pandemicpracticeofholdingBaptismFestivals.Thismeanscertain Sundaysaredesignatedforbaptisms,andtheremaybeseveralfamiliescelebratingabaptism atthesametime.

Single-familybaptismswereofferedafterthelateserviceonmostSundaysthroughtheendof July NOTEthatwediscontinuedschedulingindividualbaptismsatthattime,andall baptismswilltakeplaceonfestivaldatesstartinginAugust.

PleaseinquireformoredetailsonhowschedulingworksandtogettheBaptismregistrationform.

Upcoming Festival Dates

October 8, 2023 (Columbus/Indigenous People's Day Weekend)

December 31, 2023, at 10 am (New Year’s Eve Combined Worship)

Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 am (during our Family Easter Vigil Service)

Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 7 pm (during the traditional Easter Vigil Service)

May 26, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)

WhyBaptismFestivals?

Baptismisasacramentcelebratedincommunity.Whilewehavedoneseveralbaptismsaftera worshipserviceforsafetyreasonsduringthepandemic,itisimportantthatthecongregationbe partofthebaptismliturgyasmuchaspossible.

Groupingupbaptismsoncertaindaysallowsustouseaspecialliturgyfocusedonbaptismand trulyhighlightitasaspecialevent,ratherthanitbeingafootnotetoaservicewithadifferent focus.Also,it'sfun!It'sagreatwaytogettoknowotherfamilies,andyourchildwillgrowupwith friendsatRedeemerwhosharetheirbaptismanniversary-aspecialbondthatcanfollowthem throughoutlife.

In Christ,

mhouck@redeemer.org 770-778-7085

WORSHIP

ADULT FAITH FORMATION MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Interim Director here at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer It is a privilege to be a part of this loving and close-knit community, and I am excited to embark on this journey with our precious little ones

My name is Kisha Johnson, and I came to MTLPS with 20 years of experience in early childhood education I have an associate degree in early childhood education and have had the privilege of working with young children and their families in various settings over the years My passion for nurturing young minds and hearts has led me to this wonderful opportunity to serve as your Interim Preschool Director

The first couple months of school were an incredible experience The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by our young learners are truly inspiring. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff have been hard at work creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for our little ones. We are committed to fostering their growth, both academically and spiritually MTLPS is currently hiring for two classrooms the 1’s classroom, which is only 8 hours a week, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am – 1 pm, and the multiage children ages 3 and 4 Monday through Friday the hours are from 9 am – 1 pm. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact me I will be happy to answer any questions.

My email: preschool@redeemer org

Family Events October 2023

Monster Mash and Pipe Screams

Friday, October 27, 5:45-8:30 pm

Wear your favorite costume and join us for dinner, games, crafts, CANDY, and especially for the fan-favorite Pipe Screams concert- a selection of spooky music on the organ presented by our talented organists that's fun for all ages!

RSVP is not required- bring a friend!

Family Camp Weekend at Lutheranch

October 6-8

Spend a beautiful fall weekend at Lutheranch with your family Enjoy the changing fall colors while you experience all that Lutheranch offers, from pony rides to boating and fishing We will have a pumpkin decorating contest, wagon rides, and your favorite summer camp counselors will be there! Find more information and register at this link

$160 Per Person/Adult, $60 Per Person/Child age 4+, Children 3 and under are Free

Stars, Angels, Shepherds, Kings!!

Rehearsals Oct. 23, Nov. 6, 13, 27 and Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 2, program on Sunday, December 3

WeareagaincollaboratingwiththeRedeemerChildren'sMusicprogram toengageallourSundaySchoolkidsinthestoryofJesus'birth.Rehearsals willoccurduringSundaySchoolontheabovedates,withadressrehearsal thedaybeforetheprogram ParticipantsmustberegisteredforSunday School,soifyouhaven'tyet,registeratthislink.WatchyourCFMemailsfor moredetails

Family Advent Celebration

December 3: 10-11 am

After the children's program in the sanctuary, there will be brunch and Advent activities for the whole family in Sims Atrium. This is a great way to start the Christmas season grounded in faith and take home some tools to keep that focus throughout December.

MarkYourCalendar!

Monday, January 15: MLK Day Family Project

February 9-11: Family Retreat

Saturday, March 23: Family Easter Vigil and Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 27: Family Fun Day- Berry Picking Outing

CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY

A Harvest of Generosity

Rejoicing Spirits Worship

Sunday, October 22 at 10:15 am

This month at Rejoicing Spirits, we explore Redeemer's fall theme- Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful; a Harvest of Generosity. What does it feel like to be generous or to receive generosity? How can we grow more generous hearts?

Animal Blessing

Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 am

JoinusonSaturday,October14that11:00amontheRedeemerGreenforablessingofthe animalsservice Wewilltakephotosofyouandyourpet(s)thatyouwillreceiveafterward, provideacertificateofblessing,andhavelightrefreshments

Pleasebringallpetsincarriersoronleashes,andonlybringpetsthatcantoleratean environmentwithotheranimalscloseby Parkinthe4thstreetlot,directlynexttoRedeemer Green

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
Redeemer Youth Grades 6-12 OurMiddleSchoolandHighSchoolYouthwill beheadingtoSixFlagsthisdayforsomefun andfellowship!RSVPwasduebySeptember 24. Upcoming Events OCT 1 OCT 8 OCT 22 YouthSynodEventsandSummerOpportunitiesMeeting.Threeopportunities toattend: 10:45AM,after11AMservice,orviaZoomlaterthatday.Comehear allaboutourSynodYouthEvents(ALLGA,AFFIRM,andmore)andalsohear aboutourSummerOpportunitiesforMiddleSchoolandHighSchoolYouth (VBSvolunteering,ELCAYouthGathering,andRedeemerWeek/Kairos CampatLutheridge).Thismeetingisforbothparentsandyouthtoattend. ConfirmationandHighSchoolFaithFormation willnotbemeetingthisday.

NOV 5

Kringles will be available to purchase on Sunday, November 5-Sunday, November 19. Thanks for supporting our youth!

Coming Up for Redeemer Youth...

OCTOBER 1:

Confirmation

High School Faith Formation

High School Parents and Beyond Gathering

Youth Synod Events and Summer Opportunities Meeting

OCTOBER 8

No Confirmation and no High School Faith Formation

OCTOBER 15

Confirmation

High School Faith Formation

Middle School Parents Gathering

OCTOBER 22

Confirmation

High School Faith Formation

Middle School and High School Youth Group to Six Flags

OCTOBER 29

Confirmation

High School Faith Formation (Café Sunday)

NOVEMBER 5:

Kringle selling

Confirmation

High School Faith Formation

High School Parents and Beyond Gathering

November 17-18, the Redeemer Young Adults will gather at the Holy Trinity House at Lutheranch for fun, fellowship, and to explore faith together. We'll prepare simple meals together, enjoy the beautiful grounds at Lutheranch, and have opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. The retreat will begin Friday evening and end Saturday afternoon, so you will still have half your weekend free. More details to come, but you can register at any time.

REGISTER HERE

REDEEMER YA OCTOBER EVENTS

Fest of Ale @ Atlanta Botanical Garden

Date TBD, 6-9pm (arrive when you can) Come and enjoy the fall foliage, a variety of decorated scarecrows, and a crisp glass of ale at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Piedmont Park. Please watch our Discord chat for the date and to RSVP. We may be able to cover your ticket depending on how many are going.

Let the Vineyards be Fruitful

On Sunday, October 15, 10 am at El Vinedo (across the street from Redeemer), meet with Ann Ridenhour for a conversation about the practice of generosity. This is part of a series of gatherings across Redeemer this fall as we consider stewardship.

YOUNG
ADULT
TuesdayDec.12 11:30am-2pm SavetheDate KeystoneSenior ChristmasCelebration Worshipandcateredlunch UpcomingKeystoneEvents BlessingBracelets Createyourownbracelet fromsemipreciousstones foryourselfortogiveaway Tues Nov14 1pm KEYSTONE MINISTRY 65+

OctoberisPregnancyandInfantLoss AwarenessMonth 4in1isnot astatistic It’sme

Talkingaboutpregnancylossandinfantlossgiveswomensupport

#SimplySay

The majority of women who experience a miscarriage blame themselves or feel guilt for losing a pregnancy. An additional factor that makes grief from pregnancylosscomplicatedisthattherewillusuallybenofuneralorotherrituals ofmourning,andthelossmayremainunacknowledgedbythefamilyandfriends.

Therearemanymisconceptionsaboutmiscarriageinsociety:astressfuleventor longstanding stress caused the miscarriages, or a mother’s lifestyle choices (alcohol, tobacco, etc) caused the miscarriage These misconceptions perpetuate women ’ s guilt over miscarriage and being hesitant to discuss it publicly

If you ’ ve experienced pregnancy or infant loss yourself, or if you know someone who has and would like grief support, contact Pastor Jenny McLellan at jmclellan@redeemer.orgor404-874-8664ex224.

WorldwideWaveofLightOct15th

Join thousands around the world by lighting a candle at 7 pm on October 15th as we remember our Little Ones Light a candle on your own or join Pastor Jenny and Abbey Schnaith for prayer and conversationonZoomLink

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The walk route for Atlanta is contained inside Piedmont Park and is an estimated 186 miles This is a non-competitive walk, not a run. Through a Memory Wall, Beads of Honor, and community resources, the Out of Darkness Walk unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways

WALK WITH REDEEMER’S TEAM S U N D A Y START 2:00 PM 1320 MONROE DRIVE, ATLANTA, GA 30306 NOV, 5 2023 PIEDMONT PARK ATLANTA OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK CONGRERGATIONAL CARE
REDEEMER WELLNESS MINISTRY PRESENTS
in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Visit the ATLANTA WALK for more info CONGRERGATIONAL CARE Areyouinacrisis?Call988

Bearingoneanother'sburdensandmourningwiththose whomourn,wepray,

Almighty God, source of all mercy and giver of comfort, graciously tend those who mourn, that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Robert “Bob” Gibeling Jr.

Entered the church triumphant

September 7, 2023

WeprayforJanEdwards,Bobʼscousin,andhis manyfriendsastheymournhisdeath. Condolencesmaybesentto JanEdwards

201WPoncedeLeonAveUnit14

Decatur,GA30030-3266

Nancy Klotz

Entered the church triumphant

September 13, 2023

WeprayforSheilaBrock,Nancyʼsdaughter, KelseyGoldfarb(granddaughter)andtheir wholefamilyandallofNancyʼsfriendsasthey mournherdeath Condolencesmaybesentto SheilaBrock

2289ChryslerCtNE

Atlanta,GA30345-3879

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

WOMEN'S R&R RETREAT

Beauty of Rest and Creation

October 20-22, 2023

$250/person, Double room

$305/person, Single room

Program Elements:

Comfortable lodging

Delicious homecooked meals

Bible Study & Worship

Crafts

Hiking

Socializing Spa Room (manicures, pedicures, facials, wax hands & aromatherapy)

Add On’s

Massage $65 (40 min)

Trail ride

$65 (2 hr)

spring programs/womens-rr-retreat/
https://lutheranch.org/fall
More information and Registration at

MEET REDEEMER’S 2023-24 SOCIAL WORK INTERN

Thank you all for welcoming me to Atlanta! I was raised in New York, met my husband in Arizona, and eventually moved to Chicago, where we raised two beautiful boys (one now lives in Atlanta) Most of my career was in banking, but after nine years of volunteering in Hospice, I felt called to continue helping older adults during end-of-life care I became the volunteer coordinator of the Hospice arm of a large Midwest Hospital until the pandemic occurred We were no longer able to send volunteers to longterm care facilities Perhaps impulsive, I decided to pack my bags and visit our son in Atlanta I noticed that every time we visited our son, people were smiling and laughing! Was it the sunny weather or the warm, Southern charm? In 2022, I decided to enroll in the master’s program at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, focusing on macro social work and gerontology.

I ask questions because it's part of being a macro social worker We conduct research and make assessments with the main goal of helping the greater good by serving others We advocate and advance human well-being at the individual, family, community, and organizational levels and try to treat people respectfully regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. We pay particular attention to those who are marginalized

I've been so touched by the warmth exuded at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the laughter of many of the staff members, and the wonderful fellowship evidenced at the Wednesday night community dinner I feel very blessed and grateful to be a guest in "your home " Thank you, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer!

Please continue to welcome Sophia as she engages our community and works with Keystone Ministry and Redeemer’s Congregational Care Ministry. Welcome, Sophia!

Sophiafoley

D E C E M B E R 1 0 T H

Bethlehem Comes to Midtown

Redeemer’s Live Nativity Team is back in action, planning a meaningful Sunday afternoon on the Redeemer Green to celebrate the perfect gift of Jesus to the world.

Gift

Roles

I don’t like wearing costumes. We have folks who do. No auditions!

I have other plans on the 10th. There are important jobs to do between now and Dec 10th.

There are plenty of other people at Redeemer who always volunteer. This is an urban legend! We all have a place at Redeemer and all ministries and events need more volunteers and leaders serving God together joyfully!

J O I N T H E L I V E N A T I V I T Y T E A M
Big & Small for Disciples One & All
Email Don Noland or Janet Preston to volunteer FIND YOUR PLACE IN REDEEMER’S HOLY FAMILY
C A R O L E R - G O O D Y - B A G S T U F F E R - C R A F T E R S E T D E C O R A T O R - A R T I S T - P H O T O G R A P H E R - L A B O R E R S O C I A L M E D I A L I N F L U E N C E R - M A R K E T E R C A R P E N T E R - P R A Y E R W A R R I O R - H O T C O C O A M A K E R B R A I N S T O R M E R - A D V E R T I S E R - A C T O R - O R G A N I Z E R C O M M U N I T Y L I A I S O N - T H A N K Y O U N O T E W R I T E RF I N A N C I A L S U P P O R T E R - N O T E T A K E R
Redeemer’s
We need YOU for
Christmas
to Midtown

LUTHERAN TOWERS

Meet Sarah Alexander Born March 16, 1927 Ms Alexander has been a resident at Lutheran Towers since 2003 Ms Alexander is a retired beautician and owned her own beauty salon for over ten years She has a grandson that she adores, a younger sister, and a host of nieces and nephews

Ms Alexander actively participates in activities and events at Lutheran Towers, enjoying her retirement years She has made many friends and is loved by everyone that she meets She has a kind spirit and a sweet personality. When asked why she loves Lutheran Towers, Ms. Alexander stated, “I love the location of the building. It is convenient for everything that I need. I also love the staff. They do a lot for the residents here. They take care of us like family. I feel safe with security, and I like the fact that we have extra lights and cameras.

During the Pandemic, Ms. Alexander became a champion of Lutheran Towers by consistently encouraging other residents to participate in online Zumba, Art, Nutrition Workshops, and the First Annual Lutheran Towers Health Challenge. Often, Ms. Alexander can be found offering sound advice to her neighbors by giving a peaceful take on situations.

Ms. Alexander’s personality has helped her to age gracefully. She has and continues to have a tremendous impact on her peers as well as staff. She provides a positive light of wisdom to staff. She's always consistent, on point, and serves as a positive role model. She is currently the floor representative for her floor. She continues to alert all her peers about important matters and events to keep them informed. Ms. Alexander continues to encourage her neighbors to participate in the in-person activities at Lutheran Towers. Most recently, Ms. Alexander has been advocating for her peers to complete an End-of-Life checklist in regard to Living Wills, Power of Attorney, and Burial information. There are certain attributes that are very important, including resilience, strong social support, engagement, and confidence in herself. Like many other residents, Ms. Alexander has been through depression, through migrations, and has lost loved ones. The difference with Ms. Alexander (which is extremely helpful for her positive aging) is that she understands that to flourish, she can accept and recover from the things she can’t change but also fight for the things she can. Thus, typically when you see Ms. Alexander voicing herself, she also comes up with solutions.

Ms. Alexander’s secret to living a long, peaceful life: “There really is no secret. Just treat people well and try to live a stress-free life!”

Ms. Alexander is 96 years old!

M E E T O U R R E S I D E N T R E S I D E N T S E A R S

1 Douglas Dumont

1 Audrey Horne

1 John Schuerholz

1 Matthew Spady

1 Colin Van Hoosear

2 Rose Mary Kolpatzki

2 Susan Massar

2 Stanley Smith

2 Michelle Williams

3 Elise Anderson

3 Daniel Munster

3 Jon Pinyon

3 Cole Simo

3 Grant Stearsman

3 Eric Thornton

4 William Dumont

4 Ed Klassen

4 Aija Konrad

4 Joseph Lukas

4 Arthur Roche

5 Dorothy Beasley

5 Dorothy Brandes

5 Grace Gonzales 5 Terry Longstreth 5 John A. Martin 6

Palma

10 Camryn Carter

10 Ryan Cramer

10 Robert Gooch

10 Conrad Paetz

10 Althea Roy

10 Julian Sau

11 Tiffany Barnes

11 Lauryn Champion

11 Barbara Larsen

11 Benjamin Williams

12 Charles Borchers

12 Jonathan Hans

12 Brenda Ingham

12 Robert Jackson

12 Parry Ruder

12 Rebecca Wright

13 Melanie Altman

13 Suzanne Bridgers

14 Chris Boltz

14 Justin Isaacson

14 Mark Kuettner

14 Bob McCloskey

14 Alexander Rawden

14 Shaylin Rawden

14 Christopher Wayco

19 Barbara Brown

19 Jennifer Ehrich

19 Erin Hull

19 Adam Treibel

20 Lisa Bastin

20 Karen Boda

20 Emma Hickey

20 Whitney Ludvigsen

20 Jordan Lukas

20 Karen Schuerholz

21 Nathan Adrian

21 Jane Barrow

21 Henrik Brightwell

21 Kaylee Burnett

21 Linda Dougherty

21 Hannah Farhadi Ikner

21 Max LaPlante

21 Lisa Reagan

22 Josephine Anderson

22 Charles McDonald

22 Jonne Walter 23 Paul Hermann

29 Spencer Miller 29 Matthew

30 Laura McDonald

31 Robert Coursey

31 Brigitte Fessele

31 Thomas Herold

31 Laura Keel

31 Ivy Reynolds

31 Henry Treibel

31 Jeff Worth

17 Morgan Bitter 17 Emma Haase 17

Heath
Ridley
6 Jennifer Wieland 6 Cameron Worrell 7 Betty Carlson 7 Marihope Flatt 7 Leonardo Garcia-Ide 7 Dorothy Polak 8 Mark Kuehnert 8 Mark Larson 8 Christine Ries 8 Paige Shee 8 Sarah Swafford 8 Colin Walker 9 Debbie Daniell
Elizabeth Roke
Samuel Volan
Christopher
6
9
9
Mary LeMahieu
Mike Gaw
Jack
Gentry Stearsman
Evelyn Steele
Chase
Sarah
Frank Cranford
Claire Deuson
Jesse Jones
Millard Lowry OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
14 Marian White 14 Jodie Worrell 15 Joseph Dawson 15 Andrew Johnson 15
16
16
Liptak 16
16
Harrison 17 Kathy Martin 18
Grace Barr 18
18
18
18
Steve Vogel
Betty Arbogast 24 Patty Bell 24 Brandon Brame 24 Karen Cramer 24 Hillary Nelson 25 Gary Bowman 25 Geraldine Charles 25 Ramon McCray 25 Katie Morris 25 Caroline Ulmer 26 William Hull 27 Jennifer Deuson 27 Daniel Isaacson 27 Barbara Richards 27 Richmond Stubbs 27 Lori Sundal 28 Sama Doh 28 Madeline LeVorse 28 Edward Williams
23 Wendy Kraby 23 Jay Lutz 23 Jenna Nowatzki 23
24
Staak
30 Levi Arslanian
30 Laura Hansen
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