MAY 2022
WWW.REDEEMER.ORG
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
r e s t e s i a r o E m e M
ATLANTA, GA
Joy Shared on Easter through the Visitation Ministry
During the 11:30 worship service on Easter morning, you couldn’t miss Leona Fehn, 101, in her baby blue suit and smile on the front right side of the sanctuary. Her presence in worship was made possible with the help of Redeemer’s Visitation Ministry. Cocoordinator, Jeanne Merritt, called half a dozen transportation organizations until she found one that was open on Easter and able to transport a rider who uses a wheelchair. The other Visitation Ministry Coordinator, Peg Wyse, notified Leona’s son of our offer to transport Leona to worship. He was delighted and offered to cover the cost. Then on Easter morning, Leona’s regular Visitation Minister, Colin Walker, arrived early and rode with Leona in the van to Redeemer where they celebrated the resurrection of Jesus together. He is risen, indeed, Alleluia!
more photos from Easter
UPCOMING EVENTS
Master Planning Kick-off May 15 Sims Atrium Do you have gifts and talents to share? Do you have dreams of Redeemer and our Congregation for the next 50 years or beyond? Do you belong to a Ministry Team? Are you simply curious as to what is going on? Then join us in the Sims Atrium on the morning of May 15th after each service to sign up and get involved in the Master Planning process. You will have an opportunity to choose areas of interest leading to creative input throughout this months-long process. On April 19th, Council approved the Management Team, and Erin Hull and Lew Engle will serve as Council Liaisons to the Management Team. Council also approved Lord Aeck Sargent and Ennead as the project consultants. These are two extraordinary firms that each have extensive experience with church and urban planning. We are excited about beginning this process and are setting the schedule for the scope of work to present to the congregation so everyone will have an opportunity to be involved.
A seat is Reserved for You Wednesday Night Dinners Return for the month of May! Enjoy your dinner at Redeemer then attend Pastor Mark's class and cap off your evening with the Wednesday Evening Service or Choir Rehearsal. Redeemer's resident Chef Michael Clarke and his team will prepare delicious meals for your culinary delight from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM! These meals are available for our members, our friends at Lutheran Towers, and the community. The schedule for May is: Wednesday, May 4 - Mostaccioli, Garden Salad, Selection of Bread, Chef's Selection for Dessert, Beverages Wednesday, May 11 - A Taste of Italy Wednesday, May 18 - An Italian Feast Wednesday, May 25 - Memorial Day Kick-Off with Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Cole Slaw, & Dessert
We will maintain our previous meal pricing despite rising food costs during this "soft opening period." The pricing is: Adults $7.00 Children (under 10) $5.00 Seniors $5.00 Ten (10) employees and volunteers successfully achieved ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification earlier this year. As a result of this training, we will implement process changes to ensure proper food safety and compliance with the public health code. Please remember, there will be changes to the meal service. We look forward to sharing a meal with our Redeemer friends and guests. If you have any questions regarding Wednesday Night Dinners,
don't
hesitate
to
get
in
touch
with
Bob
((bboyd@redeemer.org) or Seth Brown (sbrown@redeemer.org).
Boyd
SUMMER AT REDEEMER
Ranch Rangers May 14: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!! Lutheranch is offering a new program called Ranch Rangers for families on Saturdays: At Ranch Rangers, you and your family will embark on a guided hike where we will explore the Georgia wilderness of Lutheranch! Meet our farm animals, learn about a different nature topic each month, enjoy a craft or special activity, and as parents/guardians we will learn how to best support our children in independent play-based learning. Click here for more information and to register
Vacation Bible School REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!! June 6-10 It's Palm Sunday! Join us at Rejoicing Spirits as we prepare to walk together Redeemer is planning on in-person VBS this summer. through Holy Week. Our April service will be Hybrid. You can join worship in We will meet each morning from 9-12, June 6-10 with person in Rudisill Hall at Redeemer, or on Zoom by clicking on this link. Covid precautions as appropriate at the time. Optional: you can also find more information on how to participate at this link. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer after-care, so campers will need to be picked up at lunchtime. Our VBS planning team will be working out all the details, and we could use your help! Please contact Deacon Mary if you'd like to help. Click here to register a camper! Click here to register as a volunteer (all youth who have finished 6th grade and up to adults should fill out this form)
SUMMER AT REDEEMER
Children and Family Ministry
Family Events Jungle” May June and13-17 Summer 2022
Music and Arts Camp – “Welcome to the Registration is now open. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will have a wild time with music, art, drama and more! 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 and a t-shirt. Sibling discounts apply, and financial need-based 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/
Redeemer Week at Camp June 19- 25 We had a BLAST with our friends from Lutheranch and 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.
FAITH FORMATION
A New Commandment Rejoicing Spirits Worship Sunday, May 15 at 3:30 pm
In Rejoicing Spirits this month we continue the Easter season with Jesus' command to love one another! Join us to celebrate the many ways our Redeemer community shows love to our neighbors. Our May service will be on Zoom only. You can join worship directly on the 15th by clicking on this link. Optional: you can also find more information on how to participate at this link.
FAITH FORMATION REDEEMER YOUTH GRADES 6-12
High School Parents and College Parents Gathering High School Parents (and College Parents) are invited to their once-a-month gathering on Sunday, May 1 from 10:00 am-10:45 am hybrid. This is fellowship-based and a great time to connect with other High School Parents and College Parents. Faith Formation | Confirmation Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth. Confirmation Class will meet hybrid on the following Sundays in May: May 1, 8, and 15.
Confirmation Service-Sunday, May 15 We will celebrate our 2022 Confirmands on Sunday, May 15 with their Confirmation Service at 1:30 pm followed by a short reception. We will also celebrate, bless, and recognize our 2020 and 2021 Confirmands during the 9 AM and 11 AM worship services. Congrats to our Confirmands!
High School Sunday School High School Sunday School meets hybrid on Sundays from 9:30 am-10:45 am. If inperson, we meet in the Youth Lounge. 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.
Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 8 Graduates receive a blessing during 11:00 worship, followed by a reception in Sims Atrium. We congratulate graduates of all degrees and ages – high school, college, even doctoral grads! Graduates should contact Hillary no later than May 1 to be listed in the bulletin – email hnelson@redeemer.org. We will also be blessing and recognizing our graduates from 2020 and 2021. Congratulations graduates!
*For updates and further information, contact Youth Director Hillary Nelson @ hnelson@redeemer.org
YA
FAITH FORMATION CHILDREN YOUNG ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRY MINISTRY
Young Adults @ Redeemer
May
SMall Group Planning
Sunday, May 1, 10 -10:45 am You are invited to gather from 1010:45am with Pr. Jenny in room 119 (at the end of the Sims atrium near the red doors). We will talk about what we want to do for our next ’small group’ study in terms of format, timing, and topics we are interested in studying.
Lunch Together
Sunday, May 22 at 12:30 Meet in the Sims Atrium
Enjoy the midtown neighborhood with some Redeemer friends: meet in the Sims Atrium after the late service to walk somewhere nearby for lunch. NOTE: This month we moved from the second Sunday because it is Mother's Day. In June, we will resume having lunch on the second Sunday, June 12th.
Hiking
Sunday, May 15 after 11:00 worship Meet in the Sims Atrium Meet Ann Ridenhour in the Sims Atrium after worship, then caravan or meet at the hike location. Enjoy some of our beautiful Atlanta scenery before the summer heat sets in!
We can't wait to get together with you in safe ways this spring! Contact Pr. Jenny McLellan (jmclellan@redeemer.org) or Deacon Mary Houck (mhouck@redeemer.org) to join the YA mailing list, or watch Redeemer newsletters and Facebook pages for more details to come.
FAITH FORMATION
Pastor's Class | Beginning Wednesday, May 4th Book Discussion: C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce Do you believe in heaven? What about hell? What do they look like? While not pretending to have any “inside information,” C.S. Lewis imagines a bus ride from hell to heaven. On the way, he masterfully leads us into a meditation on the natures of good, evil, grace, and judgment. While reading the novel is not required, it will enhance the class discussion. Rudisill Hall/ Zoom
Special Note: The Great Divorce is being performed at the Cobb Energy Center on June 12 at 3 PM.
Sunday Morning at 10 am Ed Scherlacher leads a class on the role of women in the early church. Reception Room / Zoom, If you are interested in the important, and prominent, role that women played in the church, this is a great opportunity to learn more! Liberation Thoughts Bible Study, Zoom, led by Pastor Ron Bonner Beginning Sunday, May 8 for four weeks, Pastor Mark will repeat his Wednesday evening discussion on, C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Tuesday
7:30 am Zoom - Bible study led by David Ott and Don Noland. 5:00 pm Zoom - Pastor Jonathan leads a study on Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.
Wednesday
4:00 pm Reception room/Zoom - Early Birds Bible Join David Ott on Zoom as he leads a study and discussion of Isaiah
FAITH FORMATION
Get To Know Keystone Ministry What is Keystone?
Building up full lives of faith with adults over 65
Keystone is more than a program. It is a comprehensive ministry, much like children or youth ministry, that focuses on the life stage of retirement. We are about fostering meaningful relationships, finding accessible and purposeful opportunities for service and volunteering, providing engaging life-long learning classes and supportive caregiving resources, caring for Keystone members who are lonely, and advocating for seniors in our church and community by combating ageism.
Who are Keystone Members? Redeemer members and friends who are 65 years old and older.
Why “Keystone”? We were inspired by the building metaphor from Ephesians 2 in which Christ is the cornerstone. At the top of an arch, the keystone maintains the strength and architectural integrity of a structure. We believe that Keystone Members of our congregation sustain the spiritual strength and moral integrity of our community. We wanted a strong and empowering image to capture the honor and respect of older adults in our congregation. In addition, Keystone Members are the bridge between the faithful saints who have gone before us and the generations to follow.
I don’t belong to Keystone Ministry… because I don’t feel old. Age is just a number. We wanted to focus a ministry on the last third of life though we recognize 65 and up is a huge range with a lot of diversity. Some Keystone Members are retired while others are working. Some Keystone Members have limited abilities while others don’t. Some are parents, grandparents, great grandparents or don’t have children. No matter where you are in this stage of life, we hope you find a place here.
because I am not over 65. That’s OK! Come and join us. You can participate in any of our Keystone events and offerings and many times we plan to be intergenerational.
I want to be a part of Keystone! Great! Here are some ways to get involved: Participate Come to events and invite friends or become a friendly caller to lonely members. Plan events Help make something happen. Share your ideas and skills working together with others to plan social, service, or learning events. Lead with the Keystone Ministry Leadership Team Work together with the leadership team to build up this important ministry. Read the full description of team positions here. The following positions are open: Keystone Chairperson: Leads and Represents the Keystone Ministry Leader Team. Purposeful Service Coordinator: Direct Keystone Members to volunteering opportunities of service that aligns with members’ interest and ability within and outside of the congregation. Meaningful Relationships Coordinator Coordinates subcommittees who plan opportunities for meaningful engagement with one another across generations. Communications Coordinator Manages and Coordinates internal and external communications for Keystone ministry.
I have more questions Let’s talk! Contact one of our Keystone Leaders: Connie Eshenour, Cliff Burt, and Karen Cramer or email Pastor Jenny McLellan to set up a time to talk jmclellan@redeemer.org.
Inspired Redeemer Members after viewing Jesus Christ Superstar at the Fox Theatre. Keystone Ministry provided discounted tickets for the show.
FAITH FORMATION Come Walk Through Redeemer History and Christian Symbols Around Us Friday, May 13th, 10:45 AM-11:45 AM Redeemer's Keystone Ministry presents a special walking tour through our congregation's history, the symbolism in our church, and the meaning of the stained glass windows. Led by lifelong Redeemer member and amateur historian Bob Gibeling, this interactive walk will combine explanations of the artistic beauty around us in our buildings and humorous Redeemer stories he has collected through the years. This event is for any interested Redeemer member or guest. We will gather at the historic Good Shepherd window in the upstairs chapel (elevator access available). Don't miss this special event that showcases the love that went into every aspect of Redeemer's history.
Keystone Time Together Luncheons Tuesday, May 16th, 12 pm-2 pm "Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." Acts 2:46-47a
Following the example of the early believers, Keystone Ministry welcomes adults to monthly worship and lunch every fourth Tuesday of the month. The theme this month is “Food for the Soul” and the meal will be a free-will offering. Please register here so we can plan your lunch. If you can provide a ride to another member or if you would like to request a ride, contact Pastor Jenny McLellan jmclellan@redeemer.org or 404- 874-8664 ex 224. Come, and spend time together at Redeemer.
Keystone members enjoy lunch and fellowship after midweek worship during the first “Time Together” event.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE May is Mental Health Awareness Month The New 9-1-1 for Behavioral Health On July 16, 2022, Georgia callers will be able to dial 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The 9-8-8 Georgia Steering Committee (including Redeemer member, Wendy Tiegreen) has been hard at work in preparation. When 9-8-8 goes live this summer, it will kick off a long period of transformation for our behavioral health system, increasing awareness of resources for individuals in need and, consequently, demand on our system. It will be a long road, but it will eventually lead us to a place where all Georgians have someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go in their time of need. For more information and for updates, visit https://988ga.org/
Recommended Reading for Mental Health Awareness Month All Who Are Weary: Easing the Burden on the Walk with Mental Illness
by Emmy Kegler From The Rev. Kegler’s website: In All Who Are Weary, Emmy Kegler joins the reader on the long walk of reflection, understanding, and compassion, calling followers of Jesus back to ancient practices of lament, vulnerability, honesty, community, and hope. This book is not a map to a cure, nor a perfectly restorative prayer. Written with a wide community in mind–patients, but also parents and partners, coworkers and friends, pastors and therapists, and the whole church – All Who Are Weary points to the embodied grace known in Jesus, trusting in the promise of a lighter load for all. http://emmykegler.com/all-who-are-weary/
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
IN SYMPATHY IN SYMPATHY
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7
March
April
April
Andrew Charles Nephew of Sharita Robinson, entered the church triumphant on March 21, 2022. Please pray for his family. Condolences may be sent to:
Irene Keller Mother of Jonathan Keller, entered the church triumphant on April 15, 2022. Please pray for her family. Condolences may be sent to:
Christopher Reed Brother of Caroline Reed, entered the church triumphant on April 19, 2022. Please pray for his family. Condolences may be sent to:
Sharita Robinson 3955 Embassy Way Lilburn, GA 30047-7829
159 Robin Hood Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30309-2657
401 Cranleigh Rdg SE Smyrna, GA 30080-2001
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 Caroline Reed Jonathan Keller and Terry Longstreth
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
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME MAY 22
Following worship throughout the month of May, inquirers are learning about Redeemer’s core values (Love of God, Love of Neighbor, and Love of One Another) and building community. Please pray for them as they discern becoming a member of our church. Then join us for worship on May 22nd at the 11 am service to witness their affirmation of baptism and stay to welcome them at the New Member Reception following worship.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
LCFM featured Partner NEIGHBORS SERVING NEIGHBORS
If you’ve been to Redeemer’s food ministry (LCFM) lately, no doubt you’ve seen a friendly new face. Intown Collaborative Ministries (ICM) Case Manager, Lilian. ‘Miss Lilian’ works full-time in Midtown alongside the Midtown Blue Public Safety Team to offer wrap-around services to our city’s most vulnerable neighbors. “Intown believes that all our neighbors have the right to housing and to food security,” says Katie Farmer, Director of Community Engagement and Development for ICM. From humble roots eleven years ago when several congregations in Atlanta came together to form Intown Collaborative Ministries, fast-forward to today. Now the group supports the whole city of Atlanta through a best-practice homeless outreach program and a client choice food pantry. The number of households Intown serves weekly has increased to over 300 and the pounds of food distributed weekly increased during the pandemic to an average of 1,700 to 1,830 pounds. For more information about LCFM, go to redeemer.org/serve/lutheran-communityfood-ministry or to learn more about ICM, visit intowncm.org.
Officer Anthony Ewing and Sgt. Corrigan visited the Lutheran Community Food Ministry on Peachtree Street, which opened its doors for the first time in two years since Covid. For the last two years they served breakfast every day on the sidewalk to those homeless in need of food. The ministry has been serving Atlanta for over 35 years and has previously been awarded by the GSU Police H.O.P.E. Team.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The LCFM, Hope thru Soap, and the City of Atlanta Public Defender’s Office is hosting a Springtime Celebration for our homeless community at Redeemer on Saturday, May 7th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Hot showers, haircuts, clothing, food, music, and fun will be available for all. Feel free to join us for this wonderful outdoor outreach event for the community. Want to be a part of this exciting event? We are looking for several volunteers to assist with assembling meal bags and organizing clothing on the day of the event. If interested in volunteering, please contact Lisa Wayco at lowayco@bellsouth.net or 678-576-0541.
May is the month we celebrate Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) and there is a lot to celebrate this year. After more than 20 years at Atlanta First United Methodist Church MAC is moving to the corner of Spring Street and North Avenue on the campus of All Saints’ Episcopal Church. MAC’s mission to provide emergency assistance to the working poor of midtown and downtown Atlanta to prevent homelessness and hunger during periods of crisis remains the same but the number of people and services we provide has grown. This new location will provide expanded space which will allow us to help more and is very convenient to the North Avenue Marta Station for our clients. In the Fall there will be a grand opening so people can tour the new space. This is an exciting opportunity for MAC. One of the things it will have is an expanded food pantry which will provide the clients with more choices. This is one of the things Redeemer can help with. Due to the pandemic, we have not been able to do our annual food drive for the last two years but we can this year. May is when the need really increases since children will be out of school and do not receive free meals.
For the month of May, there will be bins in the Sims Atrium where food can be dropped off and then taken to MAC. See the attached flyer with the items that are needed for the clients. The MAC 5K has moved back to May 14th in Piedmont Park. It was canceled in 2020 and moved to the Fall of 2022. In the Fall Redeemer had the largest turnout of any of the congregations. We hope to make that a trend by doing it again this year. You can use the QR code on the flyer or you can go to MAC's website to register. This year it is easier to register for a team. When it asks if you want to be on a team, select Yes and search on Redeemer. We have Redeemer Lutheran Church – Team Katy. This is in memory of Katy Hurley who was a very active member at Redeemer and on the board at MAC. Even if you can’t do the 5K, you can sign-up and that benefits MAC and counts toward our team numbers. If you have any questions about MAC, the food drive, or the 5K. Please feel free to contact Richard Mauney at 404-7753359 or richardemauney@gmail.com. Any support you can provide to MAC would be greatly appreciated.
May BIRTHDAYS 1 Matthew Baer 1 Patrick Bello 1 Sam Berg 1 Phyllis Oblander 1 Mahlon Stiles 1 Ben Street 2 Isabel Benson 2 Douglas Carl 2 Josie Durdin 2 Evan Fowler 2 Cindy Holler 2 Liz Liston 2 Richard Spady 2 Shera Taylor 2 Alyce Wise 3 Barbara Dougherty 3 Hilly Holcomb 3 Nathaniel Pearson 3 Mallorie Platko 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 Hewan Peterson 10 Hogan Hans 10 Maureen Hetrick 10 Brendan Jackson 10 Stacie Kershner 11 Natalie Chu 11 Daniel Kershner 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 14 Heidi Stolte 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 19 Sydney Sosebee 20 Cheryl Jackson 20 Alison Kyle
20 Andrew Pearson 20 Sidney Robinson 20 Penny Saunders 20 Felicity Smayda 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 Jeremy Smith 30 Jax Hunter 30 Bruce Lewis 30 Mary Powner 30 Randy Rekoske 30 Pargen Robertson 31 Todd Larsen 31 Scott Stinson 31 Cecelia Tiller