MARCH 2023
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA
Lent 2023 EACH SUNDAY VISIT THE LENTEN DISPLAY IN THE SIMS ATRIUM FOR A REFLECTION QUESTION AND TO PICKUP YOUR CROSS TO FOLLOW JESUS. THE OLIVEWOOD CROSSES WE ARE DISTRIBUTING ARE MADE BY PALESTINIAN CHRISTIAN FAMILIES FROM BEIT SAHOUR CITY (CITY OF THE SHEPHERDS, OUTSIDE OF BETHLEHEM).
Sunday, March 5 Zoom Q & A with Professor Amy-Jill Levine author of our Lenten Study Book 10 am in person and via Zoom
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.
Sunday, March 26 | 10 am Rudisill Hall Come view and discuss The Present, a short film about the Palestinian experience produced by a graduate of the Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem Movie Screening and Discussion
Good Friday, April 7 Worship at 12 Noon and 7 PM In-person and Livestream Neighborhood Stations of the Cross 1:00 PM
Healing Service of the Word with Anointing, April 5 Worship at 7 PM In-person and Livestream
Maundy Thursday, April 6 Worship at 12 Noon and 7 PM In-person and Livestream We begin the Great Service of the Three Days of Jesus' death and resurrection. The service will include the opportunity for individual absolution and Holy Communion, and in the evening, conclude with the stripping of the altar.
Good Friday, Santa Rosa Labyrinth, April 7 10 AM - 8 PM Rudisill Hall EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 9 FESTIVAL WORSHIP 7:00, 8:30 & 11:30 AM CHOIR, ORGAN AND BRASS 10:00 AM JAZZ Breakfast served 7:30 - 11:30 am-Zittrouer Hall
The Great Three Days continues as Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death.
Family Vigil, April 8 10:00 AM -12 Noon Center your family in faith this Easter season. We will hold our Family Vigil Worship Service and an outdoor Easter Activity including an egg hunt, a petting zoo, and more.
Easter Vigil, April 8 7 PM | In-person and Livestream This is the night of salvation! The Great Three Days concludes as we gather around fire, word, water, bread, and wine, proclaiming through story and song that ours is a God who continuously brings life out of death.
---MUSIC
Bach Birthday Bash Friday, March 17, 2022 7:30 PM
Still in need of
Please join us for our annual concert celebrating the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This year’s program will feature Pam Amy-Cupp, mezzocontact Karen Medford for details at soprano; Nicolas Deuson, guitar; Christine DrescherJones,kmedford@redeemer.org harp; Kira Garvie, organ and piano; Sarah Hawbecker, organ, and piano; Rob Tanzola, soprano saxophone; and The Carillon Ringers. There is free parking, and a dessert reception will follow the concert.
devotion writers
Concert 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 T-shirt. 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 wants to request a single-family baptism after worship, we will offer those case-by-case. Please ask! NOTE: This option will be available until July 2023, when we will move to baptismal festivals only. Please inquire for more details on scheduling and getting 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 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
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
b a L s ' r e k a m e g n a h C VBS is back, including After Care! Find more details and register at these links:
Participants (3yrs - 5th grade)
Volunteers 6th gradeadult)
Family Events March 2023 Family Bowling Outing Saturday, March 25: 11:30 am- 2 pm ation: re inform Relax with some Redeemer friends and lunch! r mobowling foover ouck ry H a M n o c a Bowling and shoes are $15 per person, which you can pay to e D mer.org e e d re @ k c u Redeemer. Food is available to order Please RSVP, mhoindividually. -7085 8 7 7 0 7 7 so we know how many lanes to reserve. Payment inr.advance is me org www.redee available but optional. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form.
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! You can find more information on providing a meal or a sweet treat on the form. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form.
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
SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
Risking
the Cross
Rejoicing Spirits Worship Sunday, March 19 at 10:00 am In this Lenten season, Rejoicing Spirits joins in exploring our theme, Risking the Cross. We need each other when offering friendship can feel like a serious risk. We are excited to continue at our new time, 10 am on Sunday mornings in Rudisill Hall! Our March service will be Hybrid. You can join worship directly by clicking on this link.
WORSHIP YOUTH
Redeemer Youth Grades 6-12 Youth Parents Lenten Group Our Middle School, High School, and Post-High School Parents are doing a Lenten Small Group together on Sundays throughout Lent from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in Room 103. Please contact Carol McCloskey and Karen Cramer for more information. This means our High School and College Parents Gathering and our Middle School Parents Gathering will meet again in April.
Faith Formation Confirmation Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth. Confirmation will meet throughout March to continue our study on "Small Catechism."
High School Sunday School High School Sunday School will meet throughout the month of March. Come catch up and hang out with other High School Youth.
High School Lock-In Our High School Youth will have a Lock-In on Saturday, March 4 to 5. We will head to the Atlanta United game and return for the lock-in. Please let Hillary know if you can come to the game or/and the lock-in.
WORSHIP YOUTH
Middle School Youth Group Our Middle School Youth will get together on Sunday, March 19, after the 11 AM service for a scavenger hunt around Redeemer. Lunch will be provided. Please email if you're able to attend.
Post-High School and College Youth Care Packages On Sunday, April 16, we will make Care Packages for our post-high school, college & higher education students. Please send Hillary your student’s mailing address for a special mailing surprise by Sunday, April 9.
Coming Up For Redeemer Youth... March 4-5-High School Youth Lock-In March 5-HIgh School Youth Mission Trip Offering Envelope Fundraiser Begins March 5-High School Sunday School, Confirmation, and Youth Parents Lenten Group <arch 12-HIgh School Youth Mission Trip Offering Envelope Fundraiser Continues March 12-High School Sunday School, Confirmation, and Youth Parents Lenten Group March 19-HIgh School Youth Mission Trip Offering Envelope Fundraiser Continues March 19-High School Sunday School, Confirmation, and Youth Parents Lenten Group March 19-Middle School Youth Group March 26-High School Youth Mission Trip Offering Envelope Fundraiser Continues. March 26-High School Sunday School, Confirmation, and Youth Parents Lenten Group
HELP OUR HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH RAISE FUNDS FOR THEIR MISSION TRIP TO PUERTO RICO!
PLEASE STOP BY OUR YOUTH TABLE IN SIMS ATRIUM FROM SUNDAY, MARCH 5 TO SUNDAY, APRIL 9! 12 HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH AND TWO ADULT LEADERS WILL BE HEADING TO ARECIBO, PUERTO RICO, IN JUNE 2023 FOR THEIR SUMMER MISSION TRIP WITH THE YOUTHWORKS ORGANIZATION! THEY WILL WORK ALONGSIDE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND HELP OUT FIRSTHAND IN THE COMMUNITY.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH!
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
lunch together: hunger walk edition! Sunday, March 12
In April, we will have lunch together as we prepare to participate in the Hunger Walk! Meet at 12:30 at the Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Food trucks are available to purchase lunch at the event. Registering in advance is highly encouraged, and so is carpooling. Donations are also welcome if you are unable to participate.
team meeting Wednesday, April 12: 7:30 pm Join our team to plan for future YA events and discuss how young adults can shape the future of Redeemer. We'll meet in the wedding parlor (adjacent to the atrium). Feel free to come early for worship starting at 7.
momo @ mclellans Saturday, March 4: 6-9 pm
Duck Pin Bowling in February @ the Painted Duck
Pr. Jenny and her family have invited us over to learn how to make Tibetan dumplings called momo (and eat them!) RSVP is appreciated but not required. Find the address in our Discord group, in Realm, or contact Pr. Jenny.
lenten small group Until April 2 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. Join us on Sunday Mornings from 10-11 to explore how our faith calls us to take risks and what stepping outside our comfort zones means. No RSVP required.
young adult ministry MARCH EVENTS
making lefse
april save-the-dates Lunch Together: Sunday, April 16 Lenten Small Groups will end on April 2. Watch for a new Sunday Small Group opportunity starting April 16. 25 and Under Young Adults- Hiking with Pr. Jenny. Watch for more info soon.
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 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 Places of the Passion | Each Wednesday | In-person and Livestream This special midweek worship series will follow in the footsteps of our Savior, contemplating the places where Jesus stood on his path to salvation. Pastor Larson will bring the message each week, including his personal reflections on meaning, history and spiritual inspiration associated with each location he visited on his recent trip to the Holy Land.
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: March 8 - Hot Dogs, Cole Slaw, Chips, Dessert, and a Beverage March 15 – Pizza, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage March 22 - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garden Salad, Dessert, and a Beverage March 29 - 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).
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY WORSHIP CONGREGATIONALCARE CARE
Stephen Ministers are members of Redeemer trained to provide high-quality, Christ-centered, confidential, one-to-one care for people experiencing a difficult time in life.
Stephen Minister
Training
Beginning April 11th 6-8:30 pm weekly class on Tuesday for 20 weeks
Many of us have been cared for by another person during a difficult time or blessed by the compassion of others when we needed it the most. You may have been wondering about how to give back. One significant way is by serving as a Stephen Minister. As a Stephen Minister, you'll be very well trained and supported so that you can provide a very high level of emotional and spiritual support to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.
How might God be calling you to care for others? Ask yourself: Am I compassionate? Do I rely on Jesus? Am I a good listener? Do I want to grow in my ability to bear difficult emotions? Am I open and able to listen nonjudgmentally? Am I trustworthy to hold confidential conversations? Am I looking for an opportunity to serve God?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider becoming trained as a Stephen Minister this year. Training begins in April. To learn more about the training, visit: https://www.stephenministries.org/ stephenministry/default.cfm/1520
LEARN MORE Stephen Ministry Info Session March 12th 10 am Conference Room
For more information about Stephen Ministry at Redeemer, contact Pastor Jenny McLellan at jmclellan@redeemer.org
CONGRERGATIONAL CARE WORSHIP CONGREGATIONAL 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.
Rick Baker Entered the church triumphant February 5, 2023 We pray for his family and friends as they grieve his death.
Sandy Bridgers Entered the church triumphant February 25, 2023 We pray for his son, Charles Bridgers, and his whole family. Condolences may be sent to Charles and Suzanne at 1949 Mercedes Ct NE Atlanta, GA 30345-3939
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
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.
KEYSTONE MINISTRY
Time Together Building up full lives of faith with adults over 65
Keystone is more than a program. It is a comprehensive ministry that focuses on the life stage of retirement. We are about fostering meaningful relationships finding accessible and purposeful opportunities for service providing engaging life-long learning classes guiding supportive elder care resources caring for Keystone members who are lonely advocating for seniors in our church and community by combating ageism.
Thursday March 16 1-3 pm A 30-minute worship service with communion followed by coffee and fellowship
Georgia Human Trafficking Advocacy day
On February 21, members of Redeeming Grace attended the annual Advocacy Day at the state capitol to advocate for legislation that supports survivors and demands an end to the exploitation of Georgia children. Coordinated by Street Grace, the day began with a press conference and remarks from the Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Michael Register; Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Efstration; Senator Jason Esteves; attorney Pat McDonough; and Jamey Caruthers, Street Grace Vice President of Demand Reduction and Policy who presented the bills and policy initiatives of critical importance. After the press conference, participants visited the offices of their senators and representatives to ask for their support. At the top of the list is SB 36, which increases penalties for buying and selling a child and makes such action a felony on the first offense. This major bill has passed the Senate. Key initiatives such as mandatory law enforcement human trafficking training and prohibiting the “hoteling” of trafficked youth are being promoted in the General Assembly. Redeeming Grace welcomes your participation in awareness, advocacy, and survivor support via our work with Wellspring Living. Contact: amy.carpenter@comcast.net
Photo: Redeeming Grace under the Gold Dome: Sharon Jeffries, Peg Wyse, Joyce Smith, Valrie Sanders, Amy Carpenter, Carol Swisher
Northside Circle Members and Friends (L) create school Kits for Lutheran World Relief each Spring and enjoy learning programs each month for instance (R) a recent visit to hear the history of Ponce City Market.
Join the Work of the Women of the Southeastern Synod of the Women of the ELCA as we gather September 16-17, 2023 | Augusta Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
Prayerfully and hopefully submitted, Diana Palma Treasurer of SE Synod Women of the ELCA
march BIRTHDAYS 1 Susan Dowdell 1 Leslie Misch 1 Jimmy Taylor 2 Harriet Burnett 2 Blake Reno 2 Brody Wright 3 Nikki Chunn 3 David Kalin 3 Max Waterhouse 4 Lily Glass 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 Amanda Martin 9 Grace Englert 9 Karen King 10 Jenny Borchers 10 darin glass 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 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 Alexis Myrick 18 Olivia Weller 19 Lisa Beck 19 Don Carter 19 Doug Mulford 19 Sharon Pike 19 TJ Rasmusson Trapp
20 Reed Van Hoosear 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 Dominique Martin 24 Victa McCray 25 Charlotte Barnes 25 Dick Cordell 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 James Heidt 29 Melanie Latham 30 Connie Eshenour 30 Jackson Mayo 30 Wesley Moss 31 David Besherse 31 Ronald Hale 31 Matthew Isaacson 31 Don Schroer 31 Tammy Troy