FEBRUARY 2023
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA
Risking the Cross - Lent 2023 The gospel is not always easy to follow. Jesus himself talks about a narrow gate: "For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life" (Matthew 7:14). Passing through that narrow gate means putting ourselves at risk. It means asking, What should I have done? What did I do that I should not have done? How might I correct the results? Entering into Lent is the time when we ask those questions and take the next step toward answering them. If we accept the risk, we can more closely follow our savior, who risked it all for us. Ash Wednesday, Holy Communion with the Imposition of Ashes Noon and 7 PM Lenten Small Groups Weekly small group discussions in homes and at church Entering the Passion of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine Professor Levine, a Jewish professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School, takes up the theme of risk which culminate in the final week of Jesus' life. As she notes in her introduction: "What does it mean to misunderstand, to fail? What does it mean to deny, to betray, or to fall asleep when we should have acted? And then how do we rise again? I think the story is meant to move us emotionally, in terms of conscience, to indict, and to challenge. And it is meant to move us ethically from faith into action. If we can accept the risk, we can become better people." This Lent, will you risk taking part in a small group? Sign-ups begin Sunday, February 5 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 Bonner Special online conversation with Professor Levine on Sunday, March 5, 10 AM
---MUSIC
Concert
GUITARISTS SCOTT PLATO AND MATTHIAS YOUNG THE REDEEMER CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES
Date: 12 February, 2023
Time: 2:00pm
The concert is free, but donations to the “Friends of Music” will be accepted. Scott is busy as both a teacher and performer and his book on guitar improvisation is sold worldwide. Matthias is a versatile musician with experience as a tenor soloist, conductor, composer, and classical and rock guitarist. Together, they are Duo Catanza.
Invite a friend and join us as we celebrate the gift that music is to our community.
MUSIC & ARTS
T N A T R O IMP AN
T N E M E C N U O N
“Carnival of the Animals” June 12-16 Registration is now open. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama, all based on this year’s animal theme! The camp is from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after care. Tuition for the week is $165 and includes all activities, snacks, and a Tshirt. Sibling discounts apply, and need-based financial scholarships are available. All are welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Sarah Hawbecker at 404-874-8664, ext. 206, or shawbecker@redeemer.org. Follow the camp and share our posts on Facebook at facebook.com/RedeemerMusicCamp/
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 several families may celebrate a baptism at the same time. Going forward, if your family would like to request a single-family baptism after worship, we will offer those on a case-by-case. Please ask! Please inquire for more details on how scheduling works and to get the Baptism registration form.
Spring Festival Dates Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Family Easter Vigil Service, 11 am or the evening Easter Vigil Service at 7 pm Sunday, May 28, 2023 at either service
Lord's Supper Retreat Saturday, March 18th | 9:30 am- 11:30 am Ages PreK and up and their parents.
Come to the
Table
Whether your child has been waiting for their first communion or has 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! 9:30-11:30 am in person, 1-3 pm Zoom March 20: Blessing in Worship at either service You can contact Deacon Mary with questions, or go directly to the registration form at this link.
For more information about Baptism or Communion instruction:
Deacon Mary Houck (she/her) Director of Children and Family Ministries mhouck@redeemer.org 770-778-7085
MIDTOWN LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
Open for 2023-2024 Enrollment
Are you looking for a preschool program for your 1 to 4-year-old? Or, know someone who is? Redeemer’s Midtown Lutheran Preschool offers a half-day academic year preschool program with an emergent play-based curriculum and GermanEnglish language in the classrooms. Families can contact director Kate Elkins for more information or visit the preschool’s website for information and tour sign-ups at www.midtownlutheranpreschool.org.
If you’d like to learn more, check out our website at www.mtlps.org! And, stay connected at www.facebook.com/mtlps www.midtownlutheranpreschool.org www.facebook.com/mtlps
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
b a L s ' r e k Changema VBS is back, including After Care! Find more details and register at these links:
Participants (3yrs - 5th grade)
Volunteers 6th gradeadult)
Family Events February 2023 Family Retreat Registration is Open! February 10-12 on : atifriends, Join us at Lutheranch in Tallapoosa, GA, forfoar weekend ofrm fun, and more info k c u o H rynew to Redeemer, growing in faith. Whether you are a long-time acon Maor Demember r.oarg eemein d re it's a great way to get to know the people m you whole @ Sundays uckon hosee 78-7085 new way and spend some quality time together7as 70a-7family. mer.organd cost. eeschedule CLICK HERE to Register and find more details the w.red wwabout
Christopher's Haven Service Opportunity Choose dates that fit your schedule Christopher's Haven is a non-profit that provides housing for children with cancer and their families while they are in treatment at the Proton Therapy Center just down the street from Redeemer. We are developing a partnership so that Redeemer families can support them, starting in your kitchen! Find more information on how to provide a meal or a sweet treat on the form. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
SUMMER 2023 CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT REDEEMER June 5-9: Vacation Bible School June 11- 16: High School Mission Trip June 11- 16: Affirm: synod youth camp grades 6-12 June 12- 16: Music and Arts Camp June 18-24: Redeemer Week at Lutheridge with Cairos Camp for Confirmands NEW! June 25-30: Southeastern Synod Week at Lutheranch July 9-14: Middle School Mission Trip
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!
SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
Rejoicing
Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth! —Psalm 98:4
Spirits
Join us for Worship at an all new time! Rejoicing Spirits celebrates and values every person’s talents and gifts, offering people of all abilities an opportunity to lead and serve their faith community. We want YOU to rejoice with us!
Once a Month on Sundays 10-10:45 am in Rudisill Hall *Services will be hybrid, in-person, and on Zoom. Our Zoom worshippers participate actively in the service and are an essential part of our community!
We are trying our new time on February 26, which also marks the third anniversary of Rejoicing Spirits! Please join us for a brief service project, then worship starting at 10:15 am
Click Here to Join worship on Zoom
731 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30308
WORSHIP YOUTH
SUNDAY, FEB. 12 | SIMS ATRIUM NO MATTER THE OUTCOME
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY is the BIG WINNER!
WE LOVE
Visit this QR Code for more information or head to this website: https://www.redeemer.org/connect/youth/souper-bowl-of-caring/.
Redeemer Youth are teaming up with the Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) to raise funds as part of the annual Souper Bowl of Caring.
WORSHIP YOUTH
Redeemer Youth Grades 6-12 High School Parents and College Parents Gathering High School Parents and College Parents are invited to their oncea-month gathering on Sunday, February 5, from 10:00 am-10:45 am. This is fellowship based and a great time to connect with other High School Parents and College Parents.
Middle School Parents Gathering Our Middle School Parents will gather on Sunday, February 5, from 10:00 am-10:45 am. This is fellowship based and a great time to connect with other Middle School Parents.
Faith Formation Confirmation Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth. Confirmation will meet on the following days in February: February 5 and 12. Confirmation will not meet on Sunday, February 19 and 26.
High School Sunday School High School Sunday School will meet on the following days in February: February 4 and 12. High School Sunday School will have opportunities to meet on Sunday, February 19 and 26.
8th Grade Chalices Used in Worship On Sunday, January 8, we started using the chalices made by our 8th graders at 9 AM worship. Each 8th-grade Confirmation student had to answer the question, "What does Communion mean to you?"
January 8-22, the chalice used was painted by Reese Dumont January 29-February 12, Luke Kader's chalice will be used, and February 19-March 6, Natalie Tanzola's chalice will be used. Stay tuned to see what their meanings are!
WORSHIP YOUTH HIGH SCHOOL LOCK-IN Youth (grades 9-12) will have a High School Lock-In from Saturday, February 11, to Sunday, February 12. Let Hillary know if you're able to attend! Games, fun, and fellowship!
ALL GEORGIA YOUTH GATHERING 2023 February 24-26, 2023 Camp Grace in Roberta, GA Theme: "What is AGAPE?" (What is Love?) Featuring: Joe Davis and Dave Scherer (AGAPE)
Photo from February 2020
Let's support one of our synod youth events. This gathering is for all youth (6th-12th grades) of the Southeastern Synod, especially those from Georgia. Registration has to be done as a group, so please let Hillary know if you can attend before February 15, 2023.
Please save the date: our High School Summer 2023 Mission Trip Fundraiser will begin on Sunday, March 6. Twelve of our High School Youth and two Adult Leaders will be heading to Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in June with the YouthWorks organization.
February 5-High School Parents & College Parents Gathering February 5-Middle School Parents Gathering February 5-12-"Souper" Bowl of Caring February 11-12-High School Lock-In (moved to March 4-5). High School Youth Group (moved from March 5) February 12-"Souper" Bowl of Caring in Sims Atrium February 15-Group Registration Due for All Georgia 2023 February 19-No Confirmation and additional opportunity for High School Sunday School to meet February 24-26-All Georgia Youth Gathering 2023 February 26-No Confirmation and additional opportunity for High School Sunday School to meet
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
lunch together
animate small group
Sunday, February 12
Sundays, 10-10:45 am at Redeemer
On the second Sunday of each month, we gather in the Sims atrium after the 11:00 am service (at about 12:15 pm) to walk or carpool to lunch together in the neighborhood. It's a casual time to get to know each other and explore midtown.
February 5 -19, young adults will join the Animate Practices class, led by David Barnes, Dana Norden, and Whitney Ludvigsen (all recent YA group alums!). The class will focus on what it means to be Lutheran and why we do things the way we do. Join any week! Meet in Room 211 from 10-10:45 am on Sundays.
at Top Golf in January
Lenten Small Groups Starting February 26
Duck Pin Bowling
Sunday, February 19 Join us to try a unique type of bowling at, The Painted Duck at 1 pm on Sunday the 19th. Meet in the Sims atrium to carpool after worship or meet at the Painted Duck. Two hours of bowling is $20 per person (including shoes), which Redeemer can reimburse if it would help you participate. Lunch will be available to order on your own. Please RSVP at this link by February 17th
young adult ministry FEBRUARY EVENTS
Every year during Lent, Redeemer studies a book together to deepen our faith as we prepare for Holy Week. Groups will meet five times over the six weeks of Lent. We are forming small groups of young adults based on what times, days, and formats work best. If you are interested in joining a group, please contact Pr. Jenny or Dn. Mary, ormaking fill outlefse this form.
March Save-the-Dates Making Momo with the McLellans in March: meet at Pr. Jenny's home on Saturday, March 4th, from 6-9 pm to learn how to make Tibetan dumplings (and eat them!) Email Pr. Jenny, for their address. Lunch Together: Sunday, March 12th Lenten Small Groups will continue through March
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 Genesis. 6:00 PM Pastor's Class | Rudisill Hall & Zoom This year our gospel readings come mostly from Matthew. Matthew groups most of Jesus’ teaching into the famous Sermon on the Mount. These three chapters tell us that the kingdom of heaven is not some abstract place with pearly gates and a bunch of angels flapping their wings. The kingdom of heaven occurs when people take the words of Jesus in these chapters to heart and live into them. Beginning March 1 Lenten book study, Entering the Passion of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine. This Lenten season, we explore what the Passion of Christ means from the perspective of risks. Dr. Levine engages us to explore the Six Risks Jesus took to provide and secure our Salvation. 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 15 Wednesday evening worship service will be contemplative order of word and service using the new litergy from All Creation Sings. Ash Wednesday, February 22 | Noon and 7 pm Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes March 1 | 7 pm Lenten worship
Wednesday Night Dinner Join your Church friends with a tasty Wednesday Night Dinner at Redeemer. Remember, we recently dropped our prices. We offer meals for $6.00/per adult and $5.00 for Children and Seniors. The menu for each week is listed below: February 8 - Hot Dogs, Cole Slaw, Chips, Dessert, and a Beverage February 15 – Pizza, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage February 22 - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage March 1 - Chili with all of the Fixings, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage We hope to see you for Dinner in Sims Atrium on “Wednesday at Redeemer.” For more information, please contact Bob Boyd (bboyd@redeemer.org) or Seth Brown (sbrown@redeemer.org).
community engagement
BLACK HISTORY MONTH LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEAL FEBRUARY 16, 2023 On February 16th in honor of Black History Month, LCFM will share a special meal that will be prepared by Chef Michael. Many of you know that February is designated as Black History Month and even though February is a short month, Carter G. Woodson in 1926 chose February because of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, February 12th, and Frederick Douglass, February 14th. In 1926 it was a week-long celebration of the contributions of “Negroes” to American society. In honor of Black History Month, Chef Michael is preparing a healthy version of modern African American cuisine. This meal will consist of Baked Chicken, macaroni & cheese, collard greens, yams, rice, and cornbread. We are hoping for a large turnout and if you would like to volunteer, please contact Stephanie Hart at stephanie.hart1987@icloud.com.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MARCH 12, 2023
THE HOME DEPOT BACKYARD 12-4PM | IN PERSON & VIRTUAL The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk Run is a celebrated annual event and community energizer, bringing people together in solidarity with a collective goal to end hunger. Team Redeemer has come together to raise funds through the Hunger Walk Run on March 12 to benefit our Lutheran Community Food Ministry, as well as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Inspiritus. This year, Hunger Walk Run will be a hybrid event, which means it will take place everywhere—on every sidewalk, track, and trail in your own neighborhood and at the Home Depot Backyard next to Mercedes Benz Stadium. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to walk or run wherever you are most comfortable gathering. Festivities at the Home Depot Backyard kick off at noon with onsite registration and entertainment. Register today at http://engage.acfb.org/goto/Redeemer23!
The 5K Fun Walk and Run start at 2 p.m., and the event ends at 4 p.m. The Hunger Walk Run takes place rain or shine, but please know that the Atlanta Community Food Bank is closely monitoring conditions that could impact safely holding an in-person event. If you prefer not to walk at home or the Home Depot Backyard, consider walking in prayer for all who face hunger, poverty, and food insecurity. You can also donate to support Team Redeemer, and the first $250 donated will be matched 1:1. Last year, we raised $1,720; can we double it this year to $3,500? Knowing the generosity of our congregation, this should be an easy goal to reach! Thank you for your support, and please get in touch with Lorraine Dorough, team captain, at ledorough@gmail.com for assistance in registering or for more information. Why We Need You! Click here for the FULL flyer.
Georgia Human Trafficking Advocacy Day February 21
9:00 -12:00
Please join Redeeming Grace and others as we urge lawmakers to protect our children and restore the lives of victims. We have a tradition of gathering at Redeemer at 8:00 a.m. and riding MARTA to the Gold Dome. Register by clicking on "Register Here" but also let Redeeming Grace know if you plan to join us at Redeemer for our walk/ride to the Capitol by sending an email to amy.carpenter@comcast.net. We need your voice!!
Georgia State Capitol
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New Member Class
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Beginning Feb. 26 10-10:45 AM | RECEPTION RM
REGISTER HERE Stephen Ministry Training Coming in April Register HERE On January 29th, we recognized and blessed our trained Stephen Ministers who are prepared to provide quality, one-to-one Christ centered care to people experiencing life difficulties. The following people were recognized: Oni Borchers Ed Kuhen Sharon Jeffries Jojo Nelson
Jeanne Merritt Oscar Dela Cruz Marlit Hayslett
These Stephen Ministers meet monthly for one hour of supervision and one hour for continuing education on Christian Care. We are looking to grow the Stephen Ministry program by offering a 50-hour training to become a Stephen Minister in April for 20 weeks. The training will be a hybrid class for 2.5 hours once per week. Learn more about Stephen Ministry Training by clicking here.
KEYSTONE MINISTRY 65+ Lunch Out: Benihana (Alpharetta) Saturday, February 25 at 1 pm 2365 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Dinner and habatchi entertainment! Join us for lunch out at Benihana's. RSVP to Mary Brown by Feb. 22: marybrown.books@gmail.com
Time Together Building up full lives of faith with adults over 65
Thursday Feb. 16 1-3 pm A 30-minute worship service with communion followed by coffee and time to be in fellowship together.
CONGRERGATIONAL CARE Bearing one another's burdens and mourning with those who mourn, we pray, 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.
Mary Ann Julg Entered the church triumphant January 8, 2023
Frank dePeterse Entered the church triumphant December 23, 2022
We pray for his family. Condolences may be sent to his brother, Ed at depete@att.net
Daniel "Deuce" Bonner II Entered the church triumphant January 2, 2023
We pray for his grandfather, Pastor Ron, parents, Danny and Kimi, and siblings, Kala, Daniel, and Dana. Condolences may be sent to Pastor Ron Bonner at Redeemer 731 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Joel Souther Entered the church triumphant January 3, 2023
We pray for his sister, Mary Souther, and whole family. Condolences may be sent to Mary Souther at 2888 Belvedere Ln. Decatur, GA 30032
We pray for her brother, Mike Bell, and her whole family. Condolences may be sent to Mike and Carol Bell at 2160 Briarlake Trce. NE Atlanta, GA 30345
Thomas Jonas Entered the church triumphant January 10, 2023
We pray for his wife, Milena, and whole family, especially his son, Tom, Robin, Thomas and Hazel Jonas. Condolences may be sent to Milena Jonas at 170 Little Gem Court, Griffin, GA 30223
Clark Tomlin Jr. Entered the church triumphant January 18, 2023
We pray for his family, especially his brother, Alan. Condolences may be sent to Alan at AlanTomlin@tomlingroupcpas.com
Allen Tess Entered the church triumphant January 26, 2023
We pray for his family, especially his wife, Mary. Condolences may be sent to Mary Tess at Sunrise of John's Creek 11405 Medlock Bridge Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097
If you would like to announce the death of a loved one in the newsletter so our congregation may pray for you, please email Pastor Jenny McLellan: jmclellan@redeemer.org
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 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