March 2021 Newsletter - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA

MARCH 2021

WWW.REDEEMER.ORG

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA

from Pastor Mark Larson One of the deepest losses that we have all experienced during the pandemic has been our exile from --in-person worship and the celebration of Holy Communion. Because of the Lutheran commitment to sharing the Eucharist visibly and in person, we have not celebrated communion "virtually" during our Livestream worship.

That's why it was so refreshing when we were able to start our Open Air Communion celebrations. I was so personally fed by these gatherings, I still mourn the fact that the positivity rates and advent of new virus strains forced us to suspend this practice, and closely watch the rates to see when can safely resume.

Keeping the community in communion has been more of a concern than simply distributing the elements. I have struggled to figure out if this could be done via technology. I now believe community can be experienced through online gatherings. What has changed my thinking is the experience of real community that I have shared with you in various moments of worship, prayer and study. Many of you have shared how vital such gatherings have been to your personal faith and spiritual health.

Until we can gather safely in person again, the pastors have agreed to host communion services via Zoom multiple times during the week.

Similar to our Open Air Communion, these brief services will include confession, Word, and prayer as well as the Eucharist. One advantage will be that participants can choose to remain after for personal conversation if desired. You will not need to preregister, just simply join a gathering via the calendar on our website or the link on our weekly email.

Feel free to invite your circle, vineyard, Bible study group, family, and friends to join you.

Obviously, you will need to provide your own bread and wine/grape juice and we ask that you take care to select something appropriate. You may even wish to use special dishes and keep them aside for such moments.

Obviously, we are living in extraordinary times, and this new way of worshipping will never replace the joy of gathering in person. But I do hope that this new opportunity will help us continue to build a strong community through which the world will see Jesus.

Week #3 Saturday, March 6 - 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 9 - 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 10 - 6:00 PM Friday, March 12 - 4:00 PM Week #4 Saturday, March 13 - 1:00 PM Monday, March 15 - 5:00 PM Tuesday, March 16 - 2:00 PM Thursday, March 18 - 3:30 PM Week #5 Saturday, March 20 - 1:00 PM Monday, March 22 - 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 24 - 3:00 PM Friday, March 26 - 6:00 PM

ZOOM LINK

COUNCIL Fellow Members of Redeemer, The past year has stretched us all in many ways, as individuals, as families, and as a congregation. Despite these trying times, our congregation continues to do amazing ministry. Our Food Ministry continues to be a vital source of dignity to our Midtown neighbors and has even expanded to support our Towers residents and local college students, serving almost 54,000 meals since the shelter in place last spring. Our worship and faith formation programs moved online at a moment's notice. We strengthened our community's connections through our Vineyards and Congregational Care outreach. We have built on our long history of advocating for justice for all people.

As expected, we faced financial challenges last year, and we met them. You gave generously of your time, talent, and tithes and responded when Council appealed for additional funds to help cover the inevitable shortfalls. Many of our members who were able gave financial support over and above their pledge.

We shifted from passing the plate to online giving and made changes along the way in order to make the process easier. We followed an expense savings plan throughout 2020 that reduced our expenses in a way that prioritized our most critical missions. When we began to see our income decline and at the height of the uncertainty, we applied for COVID relief funds through the Payroll Protection Program. This allowed us to avoid laying off any of our hourly staff. Overall funding for our church budget was ~10% lower than 2019 and ~13% less than the approved 2020 budget. This was driven mainly by decreases in unpledged contributions, loose and special offerings, and other normal sources of revenue.

Without the above-and-beyond generosity of our members and partners and the Payroll Protection Plan funding, Redeemer would have finished 2020 with a deficit. Instead, we finished with a small surplus that will help us to make it through what is shaping up to be a challenging 2021.

Last summer, Council and Staff began the process of creating a budget for 2021. Similar to previous years, the budget was approved by the congregation before we received all of the pledges. As a result, the finance team used estimates for the gifts that will be received to inform the planning.

At the beginning of this year, the Council reviewed the pledges that were received and also reassessed the other assumptions that were used to create the budget. At this time, the remaining uncertainty around when we will be able to safely return to worship in person and lower-than-expected pledges (12% below estimates) indicate that we will likely have a shortfall of around $150,000 unless we take actions to address the situation.

Your Council has identified a Spend Plan to reduce spending to match with the projected reduced income that we anticipate for the year. This plan includes reductions in several ministry areas to ensure that we can meet our budget, including leaving some needed staff positions unfilled.

Before we initiate these cuts, we wanted to make you aware of the challenges we are facing and ask for you to pray and consider your response. Over the years, when we have encountered challenges, our members have risen to the occasion to the best of their ability. Knowing that many of our families are facing their own challenges, we are asking, if you are able, to consider increasing your pledge of support for 2021 or making a special contribution to Redeemer at this time. You can update your existing pledge or make a special contribution by emailing or calling Jennifer Isaacson, (404)874-8664. If you are making an initial pledge, you can also do so by going to the giving page on the Redeemer website. Please know that any pledge you submit helps our teams to plan for which activities will be funded this year. Pledges can be updated at any time should your circumstances change.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the Council with any of your questions or comments. Thank you for your consideration and your continued support of Redeemer’s mission.

Grace and peace, Rob Tanzola President, Congregational Council mobile: 404-293-4176 rob.tanzola@gmail.com

HOLY WEEK SERVICES SUNDAY, MARCH 28 | PALM/PASSION SUNDAY 11:00 AM | LIVESTREAM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 | PRAYERS FOR HEALING 7:00 PM | ZOOM THURSDAY, APRIL 1 | MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 PM | LIVESTREAM FRIDAY, APRIL 2 | GOOD FRIDAY 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM | LIVESTREAM SATURDAY, APRIL 3 | HOLY SATURDAY 10:00 AM FAMILY EASTER VIGIL | ZOOM 7:00 PM EASTER VIGIL | LIVESTREAM

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 4, 2021 FESTIVAL WORSHIP | LIVESTREAM 9:00 AM JAZZ TRIO 11:00 AM ORGAN AND BRASS

MUSIC AND WORSHIP Midweek Jazz Vespers: Emerging from the Wilderness join us each Wednesday at 7:15 PM for Lenten Vespers Livestreamed from our sanctuary.

A new setting of Evening Prayer led by our own Jazz Trio. Each week, one of our pastors will reflect on Psalm 63, as we join David's own journey through the wilderness.

Easter Vigil Service

Saturday, April 3, 2021 | 7:00 PM | Livestream

The Vigil of Easter is the culmination of the service of the Three Days, which begins on Maundy Thursday. This powerful service is a journey from darkness to light and is the first of our resurrection celebrations. This year, the Old Testament readings will all be dramatic retellings. After a full year of pandemic, we will probably hear the wonderful stories of God’s deliverance in a new and poignant way. Then we hear the resurrection story and celebrate God’s baptismal promises. Please join us online at 7:00 PM

Bach Birthday Bash Friday, March 19, 2021 7:30 PM

Join us for Redeemer’s annual celebration of the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach! You can view the live concert online beginning at 7:30 PM.

A special treat will be video performances by our

Still in need of

former organ scholars, Andy Jacob and Martha Barth,

devotion writers

now each pursuing their graduate music studies in other states.

Other performers aredetails Alan Boda, contact Karen Medford for at violin; Jonathan Fuller, cello; Sarah Hawbecker, harpsichord kmedford@redeemer.org

Concert Link

and organ; and Madison Tiegreen, soprano.

Reception Link Bring your own slice of dessert and candle to our Zoom reception immediately following the concert.

We will sing “Happy birthday” to the great master and blow out candles together.

/

MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

Week of March 7 - 12 “Lutheran Schools Week” for

This month, also be sure to

You can check them out

ELCA Schools and Early

learn about our national

here:

Learning Center across the

association, of which MTLPS is

https://www.elcaschools.org

United States! We celebrate

a member, that supports ELCA

/resources/faith-

the diverse ministry of

schools through connection,

formation#LutheranSchools

weekday education in our

development, and inspiration:

Week

Lutheran congregations and

The Evangelical Lutheran

Kate currently serves as the

its role in faith formation,

Education Association (ELEA)

secretary on the national

education, and evangelism!

at www.eleanational.org. Each

board.

To celebrate this week, you

year ELEA develops celebration

You can join MTLPS and

can learn more about your

lessons for schools and centers

ELEA this month in Hope &

ELCA school, Midtown

and Kate Elkins, director of

Joy by praying for families

Lutheran Preschool, at

MTLPS, co-authored this year’s

and children and staff

www.mtlps.org and follow

resources and media materials

involved with weekday

us on Facebook at

including daily adult

ministry at Lutheran

www.facebook.com/mtlps.

reflections.

congregations all across the country.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

Family Celebration

Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM Drive-in Event in the Redeemer parking lot.

Like our Monster Mash event last fall, families will stay in their cars and stop at stations staffed by our volunteers. RSVP is not required.

NOTE: This event depends on the guidance of the Covid Task Force at the time. Watch your CFM emails or our Children and Family Facebook Group for more information.

Family Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 3 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM Zoom Worship | Link

Like last year, this service will be as interactive as possible and include opportunities for our families to participate and lead.

Follow this link for instructions on how to prepare (this is optional but will make the service more interactive for your family)

MOM'S GROUP

February meeting moved to Friday, March 5 March meeting Friday, March 26

Our February Mom’s group is moving because of the family retreat. Join us for a relaxing conversation and bring your favorite beverage! Use this Zoom link to join at 5:30 pm on Friday, March 5 and Friday, March 26: Link for both gatherings

CHILDREN AND FAMILY BAPTISM

We are so glad you are interested in Baptism at Redeemer. Please read the following carefully, and don't hesitate to reach out with questions. I am happy to talk you through the options, get to know your family better, and provide you with the form when you are ready to schedule a baptism.

With guidance from the Redeemer Covid Task Force, we can only offer 'private' baptisms for the time being. This means: One family at a time (which means one per week). the child getting baptized, siblings, the parents, the sponsors (godparents), and 2 representatives of the congregation would be the only ones physically present.

The baptism service will start at 12:30 on a Sunday, and will include just the baptismal liturgy.

Protocols will still be followed as much as possible (masks except for infants, 6 feet apart, etc.).

One of the parents will hold the child the whole time, including the sprinkling (instead of handing him/her over to the pastor).

The baptism service will be streamed live, and you will receive a copy of the recording afterward.

In Christ, Deacon Mary Houck Director of Children and Family Ministries mhouck@redeemer.org - 770-778-7085

There cannot be any fellowship/reception held at the church, and we strongly encourage that any personal gatherings follow CDC guidance.

You will choose the date, and as long as it does not conflict with another baptism or worship event, any Sunday is available.

This type of baptism can be scheduled now (while we are in Phase 2), and will continue through the beginning of Phase 3* (whenever we are able to start it). When we have done a few in-person services following the Phase 3* guidelines, we will discuss incorporating baptism and let you know the new options.

Now, the important stuff: We want so badly to celebrate this special milestone with your family, and it's one of the many losses caused by this pandemic that we cannot offer the celebration we normally would. Our apologies.

If you are feeling urgency to get this done, we are more than happy to schedule a baptism as described above. Even if you can't all be together, it may be very meaningful for your child's 'village' to celebrate her/him and just have a hopeful and joyful event to focus on.

However, there is no deadline for getting your child baptized. Not set by Redeemer or by God. God knows and loves your child already, and offers daily grace. The Redeemer community is already walking alongside your child in a journey of faith.

We look forward to the day when we can publicly acknowledge that and wrap them up in these beautiful traditions, but, if you want to wait, that's fine too. God is patient.

Whatever decision you make will be 100% the best one for your family; we do not expect everyone to make the same decision.

Phase 3 will be services with about 10 worship leaders and 40 participants, for a total of no more than 50. Strict protocols will still be in effect and there will be no congregational singing. Any contact less than 6 feet apart will be as minimal as possible.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY Lord's Supper Retreat Saturday, March 13 9:00 - 11:00 AM Online

We are excited to announce that we will be holding an online Lord's Supper Retreat this year. Not sure if it's the right time for your child? Read these FAQ's and don't hesitate to contact Deacon Mary: My child is already taking communion, should we attend the retreat? YES!!

Redeemer supports children taking communion whenever their family is ready, but learning about the meaning of the practice is extremely important for everyone. We also explore Baptism in our Kindergarten FSS class, because while they are already baptized, kids need to learn what that means in order for it to have meaning in their lives.

Is my child the right age? This retreat is the Faith Stepping Stone class for PreKindergarteners, but is designed for a multi-age group and also includes children up to 5th grade who have not yet attended. We already have a 5th grader signed up!

Am I also expected to be present? Yes! It is for your whole family. A minimum of one adult is required, but we encourage your whole family to attend (it's also a good refresher for older siblings) If we don't attend this retreat will my child be penalized in some way? NO!!! If you prefer to wait until an in-person class is available or feel your PreK child is not ready yet, that's okay. They will have more opportunities.

How can we have a Lord's Supper retreat when we can't come to the sanctuary for worship? After the retreat, we will schedule a special communion service with our pastors so your child can participate in communion. Depending on conditions at the time, that may be on Zoom or an outdoor, in-person event (like the outdoor communion we did last fall).

How do we participate? 1) RSVP by filling out the form at the link below, 2) to make the retreat as interactive as possible, there are some supplies you will need to gather.

A list will be distributed to those who register.

Click here for the registration link:

CHILDREN AND FAMILY Rejoicing Spirits Sunday, March 21 3:30 PM Link to Join

Join us for worship in March when we will explore how the waters of baptism help us ‘Spring Forth’ from our wilderness times as a new seed erupts from the soil.

Click here to see more details about how to participate and access the Zoom meeting.

Special Focus this month:

Spring Forth

Rejoicing Spirits is a worship service for people of all ages and abilities. It is worship that encourages all to share their gifts in a comfortable, shush-free setting where difference is celebrated and ‘can’t’ is thrown out the window.

We are all beloved children of God and everyone needs a place to worship joyfully. Caregivers are a valued part of our worshiping community, too.

Everyone is welcome to worship with us!

Before worship: For our community time this month, you are invited to bring a story to share about a favorite springtime experience or a time you especially longed for spring.

YOUTH

REDEEMER YOUTH GRADES 6-12

Confirmation Sundays | 9:30 - 11:00 AM Confirmation is an important step in the

Upcoming Youth Events

spiritual journey of our youth.

We continue to hold our events virtually to

Don’t forget to be working on your three3

Cultivate Community amongst our Youth.

Sermon

Notes

and

missed

class

worksheets. These will be due by the end

High School Youth Group Online

of the semester.

March 7

Middle School Parents Class Sundays | 10:00 -11:00 AM This class meets when Confirmation Class meets. This is a great opportunity to meet with other Middle School Parents and learn what is going on in Confirmation too.

High School Sunday School Sundays | 10:00 -11:00 AM Come catch up and discuss what is going on in our lives with other High School Youth! We will be following along with the Faith Lens Curriculum. If you want to invite any friends, please reach out to Hillary.

Middle School Youth Online LockIn | March 20 *For updates and further information, contact Youth Director Hillary Nelson @ hnelson@redeemer.org

FAITH FORMATION BOOK GROUP TUESDAYS 5:00 PM LED BY PASTOR JONATHAN

Classes continuing in March IMMERSED IN BAPTISM SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:00 AM LED BY PASTOR JENNY BE STILL...AND JOURNEY WOMEN'S GROUP SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:00 AM

ADLA LIBERATION THEOLOGY BOOK CLUB MONTHLY ON THE 4TH SATURDAY LED BY PASTOR RON

Pastor Jonathan Trapp More information and links are available on www.redeemer.org

LIVING OUT OUR BAPTISM SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:00 AM LED BY MIKE MEDFORD AND KRISTIN GUTHRIE WEDNDAY NIGHT PASTOR'S CLASS LED BY PASTOR MARK 6:00 PM

Pastor Ron Bonner LENTEN SMALL GROUPS VARIOUS DAYS/TIMES TUESDAY MORNING STUDY 7:30 AM LED BY DAVID OTT AND DON NOLAND

Pastor Mark Larson

EARLY BIRD'S WEDNESDAY S 4:00 PM LED BY DAVID OTT

Pastor Jenny McLellan

FAITH FORMATION

Mysteries of Faith

Sundays, February 28 through March 28 9:00 AM Zoom Link For five Sundays, commencing on February 28 at 9:00 am on Zoom, Paul Hermann will lead an important study of scripture from the vantage of Black Liberation Theology.

This is a challenging topic, the first time it has been taught at Redeemer, and the hope is that we will have our usual lively discussions and valuable insights our class is known for. As always, the welcome mat is out for anyone interested in joining us for this important exercise.

Read More

Still in need of devotion writers We continue our tradition of devotions written by members of the congregation. They will be emailed each day until Easter Sunday, April 4.

As we enter spring, with the hope of emerging from the wilderness of the pandemic, we reflect on who we are, what we have learned, and answer the question, "Where do we go from here?" "What will you take with you from this time, and what will you leave behind?"

Please consider writing a 300 – 400 word devotion, start with a short scripture verse, and end with a short prayer. (300-400 words total.) Send the devotion to Kmedford@redeemer.org. There is no hard deadline, but it is very helpful to receive the devotions well in advance of the publishing date, so please send as soon as possible. Please contact Karen Medford Kmedford@redeemer.org if you have questions or need assistance.

Thank you to the many of you who write devotions. It is a wonderful gift you share and a blessing to so many people. contact Karen Medford for details at kmedford@redeemer.org

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront’s mission sounds pretty straightforward: To build strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they’ve worked so hard to protect.

That’s during ‘normal’ times. Add a pandemic to the mix and their requests for assistance have gone through the roof. The non-profit helps military families facing financial hardship with items like rent, utilities, and food assistance.

“It’s sometimes the small expenses that can upend a family’s life,” says Ret. Brig.

Gen. John Pray who serves as Operation Homefront’s President and CEO. According to Pray, “They may be one car repair or missed rent or mortgage payment away from a series of financial disasters that derail any hope of a brighter future.”

Pray has watched the pandemic hit military families especially hard. Since midMarch, his organization has received nearly 3,000 requests for financial assistance.

They’ve filled nearly half of them. In fact, Operation Homefront has distributed $802,000 to families struggling amid the pandemic, all the while receiving fewer donations. Says pray, “We want to be the organization that says Yes!” How can you help? Find out more at www.operationhomefront.org.

Digital Media Corner From time to time, someone will express concern about why the name of our church appears as “Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atlanta” on our public Facebook page instead of by our legal name, “The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.”

It wasn’t a mistake. Or an accident. Instead, on the advice of social media experts, this is done as a way to increase the number of times that Redeemer appears in search results. With a large number of churches named Redeemer, we have to be creative.

Another helpful tip is to remember our public Facebook page is our first impression to possible first-time visitors; be mindful of what you post.

J C O M M U N I T Y E NENGAGEMENT GAGMENT COMMUNITY

While the Lutheran

LCFM cannot accept clothing donations at this time due to

Community Food Ministry sincerely appreciates your desire to help our neighbors, we simply cannot accept ANY clothing donations until further notice. There are NO exceptions.

COVID 19.

On Wednesday, February 17, 2021, the

Lutheran Community Food Ministry received

3,240

Yes you read that right, 3,240 pounds of food from Coolray Field, home of the Gwinnett Stripers, courtesy of our friends at Second Helpings Atlanta.

The donated items included hamburger patties, hot dogs, chicken, buns, peanuts and so much more! A big thank you to Steve Miles, Bill Pegram and Seth Brown for their help unloading and organizing this significant gift.

The LCFM’s relationship with Second Helpings Atlanta continues to provide the majority

pounds of

of the food we are able to serve

food!

need.

to our neighbors and to share with seniors and students in

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s

would have gathered at the Home

Hunger Walk Run is a celebrated

Depot Backyard for a 5K walk in

annual event and community

downtown Atlanta. If you prefer not

energizer, bringing people together

to walk in fact, consider walking in

in solidarity with a collective goal to

prayer for all who face hunger,

end hunger. Team Redeemer has

poverty, and food insecurity.

come together to raise funds

Register today at

through the Hunger Walk Run to

http://engage.acfb.org/goto/Redeem

benefit the Atlanta Community Food

erLutheran and become part of

Bank, Inspiritus, and the Lutheran

Team Redeemer! You can also make

Community Food Ministry.

a donation to the team, and the first

While we can’t be together in

$250 donated will be matched 1:1.

person, we can be together in spirit

Our goal is to raise $1000 and

and we can still walk. This year,

knowing the generosity of our

Hunger Walk Run is everywhere—on

congregation, this should be an easy

every sidewalk, track and trail. You

goal to exceed! Thank you for your

can participate at any time or join in

support, and please contact Lorraine

virtually on March 7, the day in a

Dorough, team captain, at

more normal year when we

ledorough@gmail.com for assistance in registering or for more information.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Our latest New Member Class gathered from January 24th to February 14th and officially joined Redeemer on February 28, 2021. We gladly welcome Jay and Allison Hagan, John and Meg Hagan with their infant daughter Campbell, Kristen Easterbrook with her infant son Hudson, Andrea Dorsey, and Melinda Yusak and Blake Reno with their daughters Veronica and Violet (not pictured).

Jay and Allison Hagan They are excited to be joining Redeemer, they have a special connection to the church with multiple generations of family members as well as many weddings and baptisms celebrated at Redeemer.

They look forward to being an active part of the life of our church.

John and Meg Hagan They currently live in Canton and are excited to be joining the Redeemer family. They have chosen to join based upon their family history with the church. John & Meg were married at Redeemer in 2015 as the third generation to continue

this

tradition.

Their

daughter,

Campbell,

was

baptized December 2020 creating an opportunity for them to join Redeemer where it feels like family. They are looking forward to the fellowship and community.

Remember, daylight saving time begins March 14

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Kristen Easterbrook Kristen is thrilled to be joining Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. As someone who grew up in the Lutheran tradition, she is excited to be a part of a church family with such a strong history and deep roots in its community. She and her husband have one son named Hudson who is 3 months old as well as two cats and a dog. They live in the North Decatur area and they enjoy going for hikes and watching soccer (Vamos Atlanta United!)

Andrea Dorsey Andrea is a lifelong Georgian who was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. Like many, the pandemic caused Andrea to reflect upon her values and wonder what life on this earth means.

She is looking forward to growing faithfully and serving body in Christ in an ECLA fellowship at Lutheran Redeemer. Andrea lives with her husband Cannon Pearson and their dog Maggie in East Point. Favorite scriptures: Jeremiah 33:3 and Matthew 7:7-8.

On May 10, 2020, the following new members joined Lutheran Church of the Redeemer: Hannah Roberts and Ryan Smith, Karl and Jennifer Burkhardt with their son Austin, Alex and Shaylin Rawden with their daughter Louise, (not pictured) Gary Freel and Jack Garcia with their daughter Frances, Peter and Jenny McLellan with their daughter Molly, Chris and Monica Ritchie, Emily and Mike Cooper with their children Lucas and Lillian, Dan Williamson with his children Siddharth and Lina, Melanie and Nick Stolte, Safi Robinson with her daughter Harmony, Brooks Smith and Danielle, Christina and Nick Ziech-Lopez, and Deborah Heller.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Hannah Roberts and Ryan Smith Hannah and Ryan are from Maryland and grew up at the same Lutheran church near Washington, D.C. Hannah moved here after graduating from the University of Delaware for her job in finance at BlackRock, Ryan joined her shortly after transferring his location a police officer to Marietta. They have been loving their new home in Atlanta and they enjoy exploring the city- Hannah even started a blog, Belle on the Beltline, about things to do in Atlanta. They are excited to meet more friends at the church!

Karl and Jennifer Burkhardt Karl and Jennifer grew up in Warner Robins, GA. Following college graduation and two years in Texas, they moved to Atlanta. Karl is a research scientist at GTRI and Jennifer does public relations for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Their son Austin will be 2-yearsold this June and is a whirlwind of smiles, giggles, and high energy.

The three enjoy spending family time outdoors on hikes, bike rides, or runs or at a local brewery.

Alex and Shaylin Rawden Alex and Shaylin both grew up in Atlanta but spent the last few years living out of state for work and school. They’re back in Atlanta now as their family has grown with the addition of their daughter, Louise, in June 2020. They are so excited to be a part of the Redeemer community and to make this church home for their daughter as she learns to grow in her faith in the coming years.

MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 Susan Dowdell 1 Leslie Misch 1 Jimmy Taylor 2 Harriet Burnett 2 Alta Eger 2 Blake Reno 2 Art Scharlau 2 Brody Wright 3 Nikki Chunn 3 David Kalin 3 Max Waterhouse 4 Liesl Merkel 4 Veronica Reno 4 Amanda Wuest 5 Andrew Currie 5 Miatta Dennis 5 Davis Hermann 5 Charmaine Isenhour 5 Trina Steinbach 5 Laura Sundal 6 Matthew Bohannon 6 Joseph McCloskey 6 Katie Staak 6 Valerie Walters 6 Noelle Whitmire 7 John Russell 8 Carl Brook 8 Amanda Martin 9 Grace Englert 9 Karen King 10 Jenny Borchers 10 Darin Glass 10 Marlit Hayslett 10 Mary Beth Heidt 10 Ellen Meilander

11 AmyAnn Ehmcke 11 Chuck Ehmcke 11 Cameron Hernholm 11 Jacob Jones 11 Ben Leonard 12 Terry Eshenour 12 Andrew Hallberg 12 Brandon Mosley 12 Micah Thomas 13 Eric Conaway 13 Denise Held 14 Leith Fitch 14 Donald Miller 15 Brandon Barnes 15 Joel Medford 16 Parker Barnes 16 Brian Forstner 16 Ron Nienow 16 Chris Ritchie 17 Patricia Chardavoyne 17 Katie Grogg 17 Piper Grogg 17 Shari Lotz 17 Shaun Pinyan 17 Mindy St. George 18 Wes Miller 18 Mark Rasmussen 18 Olivia Weller 19 Lisa Beck 19 Don Carter 19 Doug Mulford 19 Sharon Pike 19 Valerie Sickles 19 TJ Rasmusson Trapp 20 Reed Van Hoosear

21 John Brook 21 Meg Hagan 21 Jim Huiner 21 Ted Neuman 22 Fenwick Huss 22 Joel Hutsell 22 Vicki Morelock 23 Claudia Barnes 23 Lilia Bohntinsky 24 Wren Carlson 24 John Hagan 24 Donna Jennings 24 Dominique Martin 24 Victa McCray 25 Charlotte Barnes 25 Dick Cordell 25 Ruth Hamilton 25 Robyn Vassar 26 Erik Belgum 26 Tina Gooch 26 Tom Kegley 26 Judy Rohrer 27 Carol Bowman 27 Karin Tackett 27 Erik Viberg 28 Nichole Beck 28 Julian Carlson 28 Jeanne Merritt 28 Michele Poirier 28 Hunter Reed 29 Sarah Boltz 29 Vincent Easterbrook 29 James Heidt 29 Melanie Latham 30 Connie Eshenour 30 Jackson Mayo 30 Wesley Moss 30 Tracey Schaller 31 David Besherse 31 Ronald Hale 31 Matthew Isaacson 31 Taylor Reed 31 Don Schroer