MAY 2021
WWW.REDEEMER.ORG
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER ATLANTA, GA
Returning to In-Person Worship BEGINNING
ON
PENTECOST
SUNDAY
(MAY
23)
During the Easter Season, we celebrate the power of Resurrection, which breaks forth constantly in new and exciting ways. One of the most exciting resurrection moments that we have been looking forward to is the return to in-person worship at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. As we continue to monitor case numbers and hospitalizations, our pastors, church council, and COVID task force are hopeful we can return to in-person worship in our sanctuary beginning Sunday, May 23, Pentecost Sunday! As we prepare, here are a few details to help: Service Times For the rest of the spring and summer, we will host two services each week, a Jazz trio-led service at 9 AM and an Organ/Choir service at 11 AM. This schedule is dictated by our need to have a full hour between services to clean surfaces and allow air to recirculate. Each service will be limited to a 50-person congregation with pre-registration required. We remain committed to providing meaningful online worship for anyone who is not able to be present with us in person.
RETURNING TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP Holy Communion The sacrament will be shared at the end of each service, outside of the sanctuary (in either the parking lot or the Sims Atrium depending on weather). This will allow for a longer time period between services, greater physical distancing, and safer movement, along with allowing those viewing online to join our pastors via Zoom for communion. COVID Protocols The increasing levels of vaccination rates are encouraging and hold great potential for increasing safe gatherings in the future. But as of now, we will gather assuming there will be some present who have not been fully vaccinated, particularly as children are not yet eligible. To be as inclusive and as safe as possible, we will continue to operate by CDC-recommended safety protocols for indoor gatherings: ·Wearing face coverings ·Assigned seating to preserve social distancing ·No congregational singing ·Holding any fellowship gatherings outdoors ·You can find more detailed protocols listed on our website Small Groups In addition to in-person worship, we are excited to invite small groups of fully vaccinated individuals to gather on-site for meetings, study, and fellowship. Please use the application form link if you are interested, and a staff member will contact you to help. We also want to encourage all groups to use a hybrid model so those who cannot attend can remain connected.
Still in need of
Moving Forward devotion writers As we get closer to May 23, you will receive instructions on how to register for worship and what expect for when you at arrive. I want to thank our COVID task contact KarentoMedford details force, Worship team, pastors, and staff for their diligent work in preparing for this kmedford@redeemer.org great time of renewal. And thanks to all of you for your patience and your prayers. This has been a difficult time for all of us, but the signs of new life are all around!
Naturally, a May 23 start date is contingent on continuing decline in infection rates in our community. Let’s all do our parts to keep our neighbors safe and continue to defeat this virus! Pastor Mark H. Larson
CHILDREN AND FAMILY Sunday School Transition
May 2nd is the end of our 20-21 Sunday School year, which we will mark with a celebration of our students and appreciation for our amazing teachers and assistants. Even if you have not participated all year, you are welcome to join us for this final Sing and Play. And either way, be sure to open up your SS Spring bag and have some fun with the contents! Summer Sunday School starts on May 23! We are kicking off another season of Summer Sunday School on Pentecost since we still can’t gather as usual for worship and summer activities. Like last summer, this will be one class for all ages and will meet as usual from 10:15- 10:45 on Sunday mornings on Zoom. If you registered for Sunday School this year you will continue to get emails inviting you to Summer School with the Zoom links. If you want to register now, you are welcome to do so at this link! Please Contact Deacon Mary with any questions.
Still inBible needSchool of Vacation
Materials will bewriters released the week of June 7-11. devotion
Although we are resuming some in-person activities at Redeemer, we are still contact Karen details at be offering VBS content online again not able to gather as Medford usual for for VBS. We will kmedford@redeemer.org this year, with a focus on making it flexible so that your family can participate and use the activities when it works for you. We will be celebrating God’s creation and learning more about how our faith calls us to care for creation. We hope to offer some outdoor, small group ‘playdate’ options during that week and possibly throughout the summer depending on Covid conditions. More details coming soon! Please Contact Deacon Mary with any questions.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY Greetings! 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 the guidance of Redeemer’s Covid Taskforce, we are able to celebrate baptisms immediately following the 11 AM service each week. Currently, we are able to accommodate one family each week. As we move to Phase 3, up to 50 family members can attend while the ceremony will be Livestreamed so those who cannot attend in person can still participate. We have set up protocols to keep everyone safe while making sure the experience will be memorable for all. Please contact me for details. We want to celebrate this special milestone with your family whenever you are ready and will do everything we can to help you make this a special day. Please contact me with any questions and to schedule a date. If you prefer to wait until more can gather safely, please know that there is no predetermined date by which someone should be baptized. God knows and loves each person and the Redeemer community is always ready to walk alongside you and your family in your journey of faith.
Still in need of
In Christ, devotion Deacon Mary Houck writers Director of Children Family contact Karen and Medford for Ministries details at mhouck@redeemer.org kmedford@redeemer.org 770-778-7085
Mom's Group
May 28, 2021 | 5:30 PM | Zoom
Join us for a relaxing conversation and bring your favorite beverage!
WORSHIP
This month at Rejoicing Spirits we will ‘book-end our school year which kicked off with the ‘Blessing of the Devices’ last fall. Learning has been different this year in lots of ways- some good, some frustrating. We will celebrate that whatever the format, the pace, the subject, or the setting, everyone can learn and our capacity for learning is a gift from God. Whether you were in school, teaching school, adapting to remote work, or taking up a new ‘pandemic hobby’, we have all learned something this year (though, alas, we are all still working on learning that Zoom ‘mute’ button)! In our community time, you will be invited to share a picture of your learning this year or share about something you’ve learned. Click here to see more details about how to participate and access the Zoom meeting. Click here to join worship directly on May 16 at 3:30 pm. 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! Please Contact Deacon Mary with any questions.
FAITH FORMATION
May is Mental Health Month
Mental illness touches all of our lives at some point, whether in big ways or in small ones. The hardships it causes to individuals and their families can be lessened with the love and support of a strong community of faith. The Wellness Ministry Team is continuously developing resources to share with the congregation. In May, look for Facebook posts from Pastor Jenny sharing inspiring messages of faith and hope, and Wellness’ Spring Mental Health Series: three Sunday am classes designed to look at different aspects of mental illness from a faith perspective.
The three classes, led by Wellness Ministry Team member Mary Howle, with insights and input from Pastor Jenny, are designed to stand alone while still building on each other. We’d love you to attend all three, but we understand that Sundays in May are busy. There’s no advance reading for any class. The homework is simply to reflect on how you can use what you learn to be more supportive to someone in need in the future.
Here’s the lineup for our Spring Mental Health Series: May 2 at 9 am: Practical Ways to Support a Person or Family who lives with Mental Illness.
It’s called the “no casserole illness” for a reason. We know how to mobilize the congregation for an upsetting new cancer diagnosis. Or a scary illness in a young child. But a protracted period of depression is exhausting for everyone and often the person doesn’t really seem to want help from anyone. By asking people who have lived with mental illness either themselves or in their families, we’ve compiled some proven ways you can be supportive. Not every suggestion works for everyone, of course. But these strategies are guaranteed to be more helpful than, “You just need to count your blessings.” May 9 at 9 am First-Person, Depressed: Lessons from The Pit. Recognizing when things aren’t right, combatting stigma, seeking treatment, trusting God, relying on the Body of Christ, and surviving 30 years of mental illness.
Mary Howle shares her personal story to highlight how we, as people of faith, can better recognize the early signs of mental illness in our teens and young adults, work to break down the stigma that discourages treatment, lovingly support our members with mental illnesses and our families who are caregivers, and be known as a congregation in which these topics aren’t swept under the rug. May 16 at 9 am: Mental Illness, Church History and Modern Faith.
A look at how church history has shaped our (mis)understanding of mental illness and where the church stands today. What role can Redeemer play in not only helping our congregation but in leading in the area of suicide prevention in the wider church? The classes aren’t substitutes for seeking help from a licensed medical professional. They aren’t intended solely for members with mental illness or their families. (They could also teach these classes.) Instead, each class is designed to provide insight into what it’s like to be a Christian living with mental illness and to provide real, practical tools for others to offer support. Not vague suggestions from a glossy selfhelp magazine—ideas that have worked for real people who live with mental illness.
FAITH FORMATION Pastor's Class
Wednesday nights | 6:00 PM Will resume in the Fall
Pastor Jonathan's Book Group Tuesday nights | 5:00 PM Zoom
The group is currently reading, Passionate for Justice: Ida B. Wells As Prophet for Our Time, by Catherine Meeks. On May 16, the group will begin discussing the book, Who Was Jesus and What Does it Mean to Follow Him? by Nancy Elizbeth Bedford.
Refugee Resettlement
Hear the latest from Eli Flournoy May 23, 2021 | 9:00 AM Zoom
Be Still... And Journey
Sunday morning | 9:00 AM Zoom A women's group that shares their lives of faith and discusses books and articles. They gather at 8:45 and begin the discussion of a book or article shortly after 9:00. The class is not meeting on Mother's Day. On May 16, they will begin discussing Mary Magdalene in the book Peter, Paul and Mary, by Bart E. Ehrman
More information and links are available on www.redeemer.org
YOUTH REDEEMER YOUTH GRADES 6-12
High School Parents Parents Gathering
and
College
Sunday, May 2 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM This is fellowship-based and a great time to connect with other High School Parents and College Parents. Information will be sent out via email, Remind, and in the Redeemer Sunday Reminders Constant Contact. If you have any questions, please contact Carol McCloskey.
Middle School Parents Class Sundays | 10:00 -10:45 AM
This class meets when Confirmation Class meets which means that they will not be meeting on Sunday, May 9 due to the Confirmation Bowl. This is a great opportunity to meet with other Middle School Parents and learn what is going on in Confirmation too.
Confirmation Online Service Save the date! Our Confirmation Online Service will be happening on Sunday, May 23 at 3:00 pm via Zoom Webinar. We look forward to celebrating our 12 Confirmands, and hope that you will join us on this special occasion!
Upcoming Youth Events We continue to hold our events virtually to Cultivate Community amongst our Youth. May 2-Online End-Of-Year Party *RSVPs were due April 23 to receive a goodie bag May 8-Class of 2021 Graduate Celebration May 9-Graduate Recognition During Worship May 16-Confirmation Gathering and High School Gathering May 23-Online Confirmation Service
YOUTH
Confirmation
High School Sunday School
Sundays | 9:30 -10:45 AM
Sundays | 10:00 AM
Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth. Confirmation Class will be meeting on the following Sundays in May: May 2 and May 9 (2nd Confirmation Bowl). May 16 will be our Class Celebration Day. Don’t forget to be working on your 3 Sermon Notes and missed class worksheets. These will be due by the end of the semester.
Come catch up and discuss what is going on in our lives with other High School Youth! We are following the Faith Lens Curriculum. We will not be meeting on Sunday, May 16. If you want to invite any friends, please reach out to Hillary.
Thank you for your support in our Online Youth Fundraiser! Thank you for helping us raise some dough! We met our goal of 250 and raised about $2, 500! All proceeds go towards helping our youth attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN in Summer 2022. Thanks again for supporting the youth!
CONGREGATIONAL CARE Visitation Ministry Training -May 16 & 23 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM There is someone waiting for you to see them. Over the past year, all of us have felt the loss of interpersonal connection. One of the greatest gifts we can offer is ourselves, our attention, our compassion, and our presence. This summer, share this gift and the love of Jesus by becoming a Redeemer Visitation Minister. Visitation Ministers embody the love they first received from God through Jesus by offering communion, listening compassionately, and sharing our common faith together with those whom they visit.
Redeemer will provide in-depth and hands-on training for new and returning Visitation Ministers to prepare volunteers to visit our members with confidence. If you are interested in participating in the training, please fill out this form . If you have questions, please contact Peg Wyse pegwyse@gmail.com , (678) 977-0372 or Pastor Jenny McLellan jmclellan@redeemer.org , (201) 961-2844.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Corner’s Featured Partner: Mercy Care You’ve probably seen their red and white mobile units around town. They’re St. Joseph’s ‘Mercy Care.’ And they’re many things. For instance, they’re a federally qualified health center and Atlanta’s only dedicated healthcare for the homeless. Since 1985, they’ve worked tirelessly to restore vulnerable individuals in the community through programs that nurture body, mind and spirit. That spirit is tangible in the countless ways they care for those experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness and linguistic isolation. Like so many other organizations, Mercy Care has pivoted during the pandemic with a focus on COVID-19 testing and, more recently, vaccinations. Mercy Care’s commitment to compassion, integrity, justice, stewardship and reverence for the dignity of each individual is clear when you see their team members interacting with our midtown neighbors who are unsheltered or experiencing homelessness. Whether it’s assisting with a prescription refill, taking someone’s blood pressure or just listening to their health concerns, it’s clear that they embody a spirit of compassion. The Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) is proud to be a long-time partner with Mercy Care. As Tom Andrews, CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System, says “(We)… give people hope where before there was no hope.” Perhaps that’s the best medicine of all. To see how you can help or get more information, please go to www.mercyatlanta.org.
Attention SINGLE ADULTS at Redeemer!
Questions? Email: andreahuntington7@gmail.com cswisher@me.com
SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021 | 1:00 PM ENTRANCE TO THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN. We are excited for our next Adult Singles Connecting meeting to be our first excursion into the world at the Atlanta Botanical Garden where we can be in the open environment with masks and safe distancing. Take note that we will not meet Thursday, May 20, 2021. Instead, we will come together Saturday, May 22, 2021, 1:00 pm at the entrance of the Garden. Please sign up for more information by emailing Andrea Huntington or Carol Swisher.
MAY BIRTHDAYS 1 Matthew Baer 1 Patrick Bello 1 Sam Berg 1 Phyllis Oblander 1 John Pakkala 1 Mahlon Stiles 1 Ben Street 2 Isabel Benson 2 Douglas Carl 2 Josephine Durdin 2 Evan Fowler 2 Cindy Holler 2 Liz Liston 2 Richard Spady 2 Shera Taylor 2 Vendo Toming 2 Alyce Wise 3 Barbara Dougherty 3 Hilly Holcomb 3 Nathaniel Pearson 3 Mallorie Platko 3 Rachel Tilley 4 Karena Cramer 5 Allison Englert 5 Safiatou Robinson 5 David Sides 5 Summer St. John 6 Samuel Aldridge 6 Buffy Currie 6 Jonathan Fuller 6 Carl Tiegreen 7 Elaine Griner 7 Ezra Hawley 7 Theo Mulford 7 Matt Wessinger 8 Ryder Keel 9 Lyla Fuller 9 Peter McLellan 9 Jennifer Meszaros 9 Cathy Ott 9 Ann Otterness 9 Hewan Peterson 10 Hogan Hans 10 Maureen Hetrick 10 Brendan Jackson 10 Stacie Kershner
11 Natalie Chu 11 Daniel Kershner 11 Molly McLellan 11 Thomas McPherson 11 Alisa Norvelle 11 Elyse Van Hoosear 11 Lydia Van Hoosear 11 Joe Wilkins 12 Chris Heath 12 Eva Sau 13 Dan Englert 13 Dylan Frost 13 Jerry Johnson 13 David Miller 13 Amy Nowatzki 13 Shannyn Serfozo 13 John Steinmetz 13 Melinda Yushak 14 Hugh Anderson 14 Elise Bansen 14 Rob Blatecky 14 Barb Liptak 14 Rick Nemeck 14 Mason Nieman 15 Devin Cooney-Sanders 15 Sue Frierson 15 Amy Hendershot 15 Stan Schubert 16 Krista Baire 16 Isabella Bensch 16 James Bensch 16 Martha Cantrell 16 Samuel DeKinder 16 Hallie Dillon 16 Cole Flournoy 16 Myrna Kysar 16 Kelly Schlegel 16 Elijah Thomas 17 Pam Amy-Cupp 17 Jake McCloskey 17 Michael McIntire 17 Colin Moore 17 Kristin Murnahan 18 Brannan Moss 18 Christian Nowatzki 18 Kathy Updegrove 18 Ilsa West 19 Megan Alexander 19 Madison Heath 19 Bob Palma
20 Cheryl Jackson 20 Alison Kyle 20 Andrew Pearson 20 Sidney Robinson 20 Penny Saunders 20 Gisela Zimmer 21 Lori Deuben 21 John Hickman 21 Jennifer King 21 Carol Maxwell 21 Dylan Miranda 21 Sally Rosser 21 Sigrid Spitler 22 Sarah Boone 22 James Maxwell 23 Chelsea Beimfohr 23 Ella Kim 23 Alec Kraby 23 John Perantoni 23 Pat Volan 23 Terrell Weitman 23 Max Weterrings 24 Zach Heisler 24 Brandon Lambert 24 Hollis Lichtman 24 Katelyn Warren 25 Matt Barr 25 Lauren Hull 25 Cindy Noland 26 Emily Patterson 26 Matt Reynolds 26 Carrie Viberg 26 Ken Wayco 27 Cliff Burt 27 Emily Cooper 27 Marykay Gilbert 28 Jenny Mclellan 28 Stine Sides 29 Melita Hobby 29 Mabrey Pearson 29 Jeremy Smith 30 Jax Hunter 30 Bruce Lewis 30 Mary Powner 30 Randy Rekoske 30 Pargen Robertson 31 Kristin Bitter 31 Todd Larsen 31 Scott Stinson 31 Cecelia Tiller