February 2024 Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2024

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF

THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA

Ash Wednesday, February 14 Holy Communion with the Imposition of Ashes Noon and 7 PM

Lent 2024

Lenten Small Groups Weekly small group discussions in homes and at church Baptism: A Users Guide by Martin Marty This Lent you will have the opportunity to dive deeper into an understanding of baptism through the work of acclaimed Lutheran scholar and theologian, Martin Marty. Our small groups will be discussing the history of baptism in the Christian faith, how baptism can be a daily reminder of God's love for us how it can make a difference in our daily lives, and more. We can all remember the promises we made in baptism, the promises God made to us, and the promises we made to each other.

Small Group sign-ups begin Sunday, February 4 Books on sale in the Sims Atrium or online Meetings begin the week of Ash Wednesday If you are interested in leading or hosting a group, please contact Pastor Trapp

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14 Re-dedication of the Prayer Wall, 5 PM My House will be called a House of Prayer for all nations (Isa 56:7) Prayers written on Redeemer’s Prayer Wall during Lent by Midtown neighbors have invoked both the fears and struggles, as well as the praises and hopes of people that place their trust and hope in God. These prayers written in chalk will be recorded each day and incorporated within the Prayers of the Church. Redeemer’s Lenten Prayer Wall along our Peachtree St. sidewalk will again serve the prayer needs of our Midtown neighbors. Please join us at this re-dedication for prayer, to engage with our neighbors, and to offer thanks for Christian community.

MARCH 10, 2024

THE HOME DEPOT BACKYARD 12-4PM | IN PERSON & VIRTUAL The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s annual Hunger Walk Run 2024 will take place on March 10, 2024, and Team Redeemer will be there to support the Lutheran Community Food Ministry, Inspiritus, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Hunger Walk Run is a hybrid event, which means it takes place everywhere—on every sidewalk, track, and trail in your own neighborhood, and at the Home Depot Backyard next to Mercedes Benz Stadium! Festivities at the Home Depot Backyard kick off at noon with onsite registration and entertainment.

The 5K Fun Walk and Run starts at 2 p.m. and the event ends at 4 p.m.

Mark your calendar today and then watch for information on when and how to register beginning in January.

Team Redeemer raised $2,845 in 2023 – let’s see if we can reach $3,500 in 2024! Thank you for your support, and please contact Lorraine Dorough, team captain, at ledorough@gmail.com for assistance in registering or for more information.

DEAR REDEEMER REFUGEE WELCOME TEAM, HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A BLESSED START TO THE NEW YEAR.

I am writing to see if anyone might have some job connections for three of the men in the family AND to share an update on how they are doing.

Of utmost importance is their job search. Thus far Inspiritus has been unable to find employment for them. Their 21-year-old son, Mohamad, is working 60 hours a week as a cook at the Mediterranean Grill in Decatur. Their 23 and 25-year-old sons, Abd and Loay, have done a few house painting jobs with friends but no other opportunities have surfaced. Abd is skilled at painting. Loay is an incredible artist with over 1 million followers on TikTok. They both are very good with technology. Abd is the most proficient in English. Loay does a good job communicating with Google Translate. The father, Ali, is in his early 50's and was a painter in Syria. They are willing to do most manual labor jobs. Since connections are key...if you have any connections to job opportunities please let me know.

Here's a further update: The family loves their rental home in Stone Mountain. A friend from Syria owns it and the timing was perfect for them to move in. Their home is furnished fairly well now thanks to donations from Redeemer folks and the Hermanns for coordinating pick-up and delivery service...and Elie Flournoy for hauling one large item in his truck.

All five of the school-age children are enrolled in school...one in a nearby elementary school...one in a nearby middle school...and the three high school kids in the Fugees Charter School for mostly refugee families including several from Syria.

Thanks to Jim Belcher, the Hermanns, and Patti Linman the family is getting some great ESL tutoring help and are making good progress. We are all so grateful for Google Translate which has been a lifesaver.

Thanks to a Syrian friend who owns a used car dealership they have even been able to make a $2000 downpayment on a reliable car. Thanks to an anonymous $2000 gift by a Redeemer member and a $2000 gift from funds given by Redeemer to Inspiritus, they will only owe $1500 on the car.

The adult men are all getting licenses now and will start driving the car when Ali gets his license.

Thanks to Redeemer members, over $1000 in gift cards were given to the family at Christmas.

Some were used for clothing and some were converted to cash to help make the downpayment on the car.

Core Team members and Syrian friends they have made have helped transport the family to the grocery store and to the clinic to get vaccinations.

A number of core team members have enjoyed some wonderful Syrian meals with the family.

Momma is a wonderful cook and is open to catering a meal if you ever have a need! The family has shared this gift as a way of expressing their gratitude to the team for the welcome and love they have received.

This is a wonderfully gracious family. They are motivated and hard working...friendly and appreciative. I have no doubt that they will do well in the United States.

Because they are self-starters, we haven't had as many volunteer needs as I thought we would so most of the needs have been met by the core team. Plans for some sort of meet and greet at Redeemer are in the works so I hope all of you will be able to attend whatever is planned to meet them.

My wife Patti and I have found this ministry of welcome to be a wonderfully fulfilling blessing and will eagerly do this again!

Thanks for the prayers and the support you have offered. If you would like to get more involved please reach out to me via email.

Blessings!

Pastor Jeff Linman Team Coordinator

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT For the past 13 years, our congregation has supported the work of Wellspring Living’s Girls Residential Program. Hundreds of girls ages 12 – 17 have experienced transformative care after the trauma of sex trafficking. Read one girl’s story…

JAQUI'S STORY HOME IS A PLACE WHERE I CAN MAKE MEMORIES WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR ME.

Jaqui entered Wellspring Living emotional, anxious, loud and defiant. The Girls’ Residential Program (GRP) provided therapy, peer support and enrichment experiences that helped Jaqui start to make meaningful memories and rediscover the joy of belonging. Over a few months, she transitioned from uncertainty and doubt to building healthy relationships with both peers and staff. Jaqui became known for greeting staff with a warm smile and “good morning” early each day. She even formed a meaningful relationship with a volunteer mentor, discussing faith and the Bible and attending weekly church services.

Eventually, Jaqui emerged as a leader among the other girls. She even took charge of planning their first-ever Field Day out on the big GRP lawn! She rallied all of the participants and staff to create a fun and exciting day.

They enjoyed tug of war, 3 legged races, relay races, potato sack races, balloon fights, and even a cake walk, creating joyful, lasting memories

Join us for the 2024 Advocacy Day. Show your support for the survivors of sex trafficking and demand an end to the exploitation of Georgia’s children. Let your legislators hear from you about Georgia laws that can be strengthened to protect our children! Register here at www.streetgrace.org/events/ Visit the display in Sims Atrium to learn about the work of Wellspring Living and read the stories of other survivors. We thank the members of Northside Circle who faithfully give each girl a birthday card and gift card.

Last summer, the Redeemer Library Committee surprised the girls with their summer reading requests. This past Advent and Christmas, the entire congregation gave the girls over $2,000 in gift cards in the annual Angel Tree appeal – making the girls’ Christmas a little brighter!

February 27

9:00 -11:00

Georgia State Capitol

Redeemer members and friends attend Advocacy Day at the Capitol in 2023.

WORSHIP FAITH FORMATION Wednesdays at Redeemer Early Bird Bible Study 4 pm | Reception | Reception / Zoom Join David Ott as he leads a study and discussion of Leviticus.

6:00 PM Pastor's Class | Rudisill Hall & Zoom Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes Christians from diverse cultural, religious, and political contexts have been studying the Gospel of John for almost two thousand years. Rev Yohanna Katanacho invites us to encounter the text anew, this time from the perspective of a twenty-first-century Palestinian Christian. Challenging the claim that Christ belongs to a particular denomination, nation, or race, Katanacho presents the Gospel of John as introducing a new world order defined not by race or nationality, but by suffering and love.

Beginning February 21 6:00 PM Pastor's Class | Rudisill Hall & Zoom Lenten book study, Baptism: A Users Guide by Martin Marty This Lent you will have the opportunity to dive deeper into an understanding of baptism.

CHERUBIM (ages 4-1st grade) 6:15-6:45 pm SERAPHIM (2nd-6th grade) 6:00-7:00 pm REDEEMER RINGERS (3rd-6th grade) 6:45-7:15 pm There are opportunities for anyone age four and up. Children and youth rehearse on Wednesday evenings, and the adult choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings. Contact Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer.org or 404-874-8664 with questions, or show up at the next rehearsal.

Worship at 7:00 PM

Through February 7 Wednesday evening worship service Ash Wednesday, February 14 | Noon and 7 pm Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes February 21 | 7 pm Lenten worship

Wednesday Night Dinner served at 5 PM Wednesdays at Redeemer Community Meal in partnership with Lutheran Community Food Ministry Wednesday Night Dinner will be provided by Lutheran Community Food Ministry. This will allow us to provide a free, nutritious meal to anyone who wishes. If you can, please make a generous donation (perhaps what you would spend on a family dinner at home) to support this daily feeding ministry. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

WORSHIP

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: We are returning to our pre-pandemic practice of holding Baptism Festivals. This means certain Sundays are designated for baptisms, and there may be several families celebrating a baptism at the same time.

Single-family baptisms were offered after the late service on most Sundays through the end of July. NOTE that all baptisms will take place on festival dates going forward.

Please inquire for more details on how scheduling works and to get the Baptism registration form.

Upcoming Festival Dates Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11 am (during our Family Easter Vigil Service) Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 7pm (during the traditional Easter Vigil Service) May 26, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Why Baptism Festivals?

Baptism is a sacrament celebrated in community. While we have done several baptisms after worship service for safety reasons during the pandemic, it is important that the congregation be part of the baptism liturgy as much as possible.

Grouping up baptisms on certain days allows us to use a special liturgy focused on baptism and truly highlight it as a special event, rather than it being a footnote to a service with a different focus. Also, it's fun! It's a great way to get to know other families, and your child will grow up with friends at Redeemer who share their baptism anniversary- a special bond that can follow them throughout life.

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

MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL As we reflect on the past few months, we are thrilled to share the exciting news about the success of our preschool’s first semester. It has been a time of growth, learning, and fun for our little ones, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support of our church community.

Our preschool has been bustling with energy, laughter, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet as our students embark on their educational journey. The dedication of our talented teachers and the enthusiasm of the children have truly made this a remarkable semester.

Highlights from the First Semester: Educational Adventures: Our preschoolers have engaged in a variety of educational activities, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Spiritual Growth: We’ve incorporated meaningful spiritual lessons and values into our curriculum, creating an environment where faith and education go hand in hand. We have chapel with the children every Thursday.

Community Bonding: The sense of community among our preschool families and the wider church community has flourished. It’s heartwarming to witness the connections formed during drop-off, pickups, and special events.

Excitement for the Second Semester: As we eagerly look forward to the second semester, we anticipate even more growth and accomplishments. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for our preschoolers.

Open Enrollment – Spread the Word!

We are excited to announce that our preschool is currently enrolling for the Fall semester and space is still available for the current Spring semester. If you know any families looking for a half-day preschool program that runs from 9AM to 1PM Monday through Friday, please encourage them to consider MTLPS Church Preschool.

Visit our website www.mtlps.org for more information, including details about our curriculum, faculty, and enrollment process.

Reading with Ms. Stephanie: Once a month!

Dance and Movement with Ms. Brittani: Once a month!

Thank you for being a supportive and loving church community. Together let’s continue to nurture the young minds in our care and make the upcoming semester even more memorable.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY Children and Family Ministry

Family Events Spring and Summer 2024 Family Retreat Friday, 2.9- Sunday, 2.11 Our theme this year is 'Baptized we Live!' Along with everyone at Redeemer this spring, we will explore what it means to live out our baptism, especially with our friends.

Not sure if the retreat is right for your family?

Please ask! We have appealing accommodations and a flexible schedule.

Click here to register

Mark Your Calendar!

Family Easter Vigil

Redeemer Week at Camp

Saturday, March 23 10am- 12:30 pm

June 16- 21

Prepare for Holy Week and Easter with fun activities, the Family Vigil Service, and, of course, our annual egg hunt!!

(Please note that this year our Easter event is the day before Palm Sunday, a week earlier than usual. The change is due to the spring break schedule.)

We had a BLAST singing silly camp songs with the Dad band on Sunday morning at Camp Sunday Sing and Play! Now, it's time to think about when and where you want to go to camp.

Why Camp? What is Redeemer Week? How do I register? What is the cost? You can find answers to all these questions and links for info and registration at this link.

Vacation Bible School June 7-9 We are fired up about Camp Firelight VBS! We hope your kids ages 3- rising 6th graders will come along on this adventure with God. Find all the details here on our registration form, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Please note, this year VBS is 9am- 1pm, half-anhour longer than the past couple of years. We have too much fun to fit in!

FAITH FORMATION

Shine in

Our Hearts

Rejoicing Spirits Worship Sunday, February 11 at 10:15

This month at Rejoicing Spirits, we celebrate our fourth anniversary and all the love that is shared in this community!! We will also explore the light that shines in each of our hearts because we know the good news about Jesus.

We meet at 10:15 am on select Sunday mornings in Rudisill Hall. All ages and abilities are welcome. Rejoicing Spirits is a 'non-hushing' service where everyone can be themselves.

Our February service will be in person only. If you are interested in attending on Zoom, please speak to Deacon Mary.

Lord's Supper Retreat Saturday, March 16th | 9:30 am- 12 pm

Come to the

Table

This event is targeted at ages PreK and up and their parents. Whether your child has been waiting for their first communion or already started receiving, we encourage them to grow their understanding of this ancient and holy practice. Not sure if this is the right year for your child to participate? We're happy to help you decide!

If this date is a problem for you, but you want your child(ren) to participate this year, please contact us and we will work something out.

You can contact Deacon Mary with questions, or go directly to the registration form at this link.

Deacon Mary Houck (she/her) Director of Children and Family Ministries mhouck@redeemer.org 770-778-7085

WORSHIP YOUTH

FEB. 11, 2024 REDEEMER YOUTH ARE TEAMING UP WITH THE LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY (LCFM) TO RAISE FUNDS & GET DONATIONS AS PART OF THE ANNUAL SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. COME DONATE IN-PERSON OR DONATE ONLINE.

NO MATTER THE OUTCOME, LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD NO MATTER THE OUTCOME, MINISTRY IS THE BIG WINNER! LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY IS THE BIG WINNER! CAN’T MAKE IT INPERSON? USE THIS QR CODE FOR LCFM’S AMAZON LIST.

TO DONATE FUNDS ONLINE, USE THIS QR CODE.

Redeemer Youth Grades 6-12 Upcoming Events

FEB 4

High School Youth Group: we will venture to a local spot nearby for lunch.

Let Hillary know if you can attend

FEB 4

High School and Beyond Parents Gathering

FEB 25

Middle School Parents Gathering

FEB 2325

ALL GA Youth Gathering 2024 Camp Glisson, Dahlonega, GA Registration due by 2/9

Coming Up for Redeemer Youth...

February 4: Confirmation, High School Faith Formation, High School and Beyond Parents Gathering, & High School Youth Group (TBD details) February 11: "Souper" Bowl of Caring, Confirmation, High School Faith Formation, & Middle School Parents Gathering February 18: No Confirmation and no High School Faith Formation February 23-25: All Georgia Youth Gathering @ Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, GA (Registration due February 9) February 25: Confirmation & High School Faith Formation (Café Sunday)

KEYSTONE MINISTRY 65+

Keystone Movie Matinee Steven Spielberg’s

Lincoln

in honor of Black History Month

He was martyred in pursuit of preserving the Union and abolishing slavery.

Psalm 147:3 Lincoln strove to “bind up the nation’s wounds.”

Tuesday, February 20 1-3:30pm Rudisill Hall

Refreshments and Popcorn will be provided

CONGREGATIONAL CARE “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

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In the month of February the topic of love becomes quite prominent, especially as we focus on thinking about people, pets, and even places we love. However, the topic of love is also an invitation to consider the ways God calls us to love ourselves, just as we are called to love others. The task of self love often comes with mixed emotions as we consider healthy ways to care for ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. On this page are some suggestions for ways you can engage in self love and care in this month of love.

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THROUGH

THIS MONTH TAKE A FEW MINUTES EACH DAY TO INTENTIONALLY RELAX YOUR MIND, BODY, & SOUL.

KEYSTONE MINISTRY 65+ LUTHERAN TOWERS KEYSTONE SPONSORED EVENT FEBRUARY 13

Ed Scherlacher will be sharing a Keystone sponsored event for the residents of Lutheran Towers about essential oils, stones, and lockets. This will be a great time to think about spiritual practices.

Next Keystone team meeting February 14 3 PM in room 121

FEBRUARY 16TH 6 PM - 8 PM Join the Keystone group for dinner and fellowship at

Petite Violette (2948 Clarimont Road). Please RSVP by Feb. 14 to Sheila Brock (sheila2289@att.net) or contact her with questions. Entree pricing $24-$35.

WORSHIP

SUMMER 2024 CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT REDEEMER

June 3-7: Vacation Bible School June 9-14: Affirm SES Youth Camp June 10-14: Music and Arts Camp June 16-21: Redeemer Week at Lutheridge with Kairos Camp for rising 8th graders July 13-16: ELCA Youth Gathering

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Deacon Mary Houck, Hillary Nelson, or Sarah Hawbecker

We can't wait to grow in faith with your family this summer!

February BIRTHDAYS 1 Scott Bitter 1 Lynn Dawson 1 Rob Deebel 1 Deborah Hakes 1 Mark Helsel 1 Franklin Hudson 1 Arthur Roche 2 Afton Mosley 3 Ansley Ashlock 3 Ally Boyd 3 Forrest Davis 3 Luke Kader 3 Mady Kader 3 Christian Kelm 3 Jonathan Moody 3 Elliot Morrison 3 Monica Ritchie 3 Jillian Serfozo 4 Elizabeth Gleason 4 Carla Schissel 5 Catherine Brostrom 5 Emilia Hermann 6 Chris Heisler 6 Diana Hodnett 6 Madeleine Lawrence 6 Mary Souther 6 Radu Ziub 7 Ashley Burnett 7 Henry Hetrick 7 Maxwell Serfozo 8 Joshua Barritt 8 Oscar Dela Cruz 8 Robby Johnson 8 Christina McCoy 8 Paul Simo 8 Stephan Roth 8 Grace Smith 9 John Carr 9 Leonard Studley 9 Jon Waterhouse 10 Russell Ballard 10 Sally Pearson 10 Denise Quinland 10 John Thomas

11 Marlee Krohn 11 Shelley Melton-Hancock 12 Alyssa Degler 12 Marian Knight 12 Mike Stevens 13 Karen Anderson 13 Mason Doan 13 Benjamin LaPlante 13 Debra LeVorse 13 Jackie Mentz 13 Jeff Mullen 13 Zachary Volan 14 Kristen Easterbrook 14 Frances Freel 14 Kerry Jones 14 Charles Morris 14 Helga Perrin 14 Petras West 15 Nolan Dougherty 15 Molly Engle 15 David Hansen 15 Ehab Kader 15 Wren Kalin 15 Christopher Ranney 15 Jennifer Sexton 15 Sherry Stephenson 15 Amanda Stevens 16 Drew Adamson 16 Paul Isaacson 17 Susan Engle 17 Weston Kershner 17 Katrina Sides 17 Mia Vey 18 Courtney Denney 18 Jacqueline Foster 19 Melanie Johnson 19 Erica Massaro-Hales 19 Sara Sides 20 Jeffrey Elkins 20 Sarah Foster 20 Dana Norden

21 Marie Gay 21 Bailey Kien 22 Joshua Buchanan 22 Justin Delbrook 22 Graham Ruder 23 Madeleine Leonard 23 Sarah Warren 23 Caroline Wayco 24 William Laird 24 David Wyse 25 Dina Feldman 25 Jude Hawley 25 Laura Keipert 25 Donna Matern 25 Mayla McCray 25 Reba Nyen 25 Matthew Williams 26 Robert Coursey 26 Douglas Hattermann 26 Janet Preston 26 Pat Shannon 26 Rob Stivers 27 Sarah Boone 27 Sandy Deebel 27 Cecil Laird 27 Susan Neuman 28 Valerie Bischoff 28 Tom Ehrensperger 28 Luna Heming 28 Edwin Kuehn 29 Martie Barnard 29 Mary Clara Haury 29 Judy Whitmer