S U N D AY, O C T O B E R 1 8 T H
C O M M I T M E N T S U N D AY
Cultivating Community | 1
Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer insisted that Christian Community is essential to the mission of Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer was also very realistic about the challenges in caring for such a Christian community. Like a healthy garden, a thriving Christian community Rev. Mark H. Larson needs cultivation. Appropriately, our Fall Senior Pastor
Stewardship Theme is “Cultivating Community.”
i am the vine, you are the branches. those who abide in me and i in them bear much fruit . —John 15:5
Despite this year’s unforeseen challenges, our Christian Community is thriving. Putting the safety of our people first, we pivoted to an entirely virtual life of worship, prayer and faith formation without hesitation. We continue to support and care for one another through our new Vineyard Groups. And the same kind of innovation that foresaw the importance of Livestreaming to expand our outreach continues today with our new Website and membership information system.
2 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
We have not just tended our own fellowship but we are also planting seeds of faith throughout our community. In particular, our Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) now serves residents at Lutheran Towers, college students at Georgia Tech and Georgia State, as well as the young women at Wellspring Living. This commitment to mission is being noticed, as daily our neighbors are stopping by to offer donations or to thank us for not letting the pandemic close down our church for even one day. This coming year we will have the opportunity to enlarge our garden even further. Through enhancements to our Livestreaming capacity, virtual classroom, gathering capabilities, and deeper relationship with our outreach partners, we will be able to reach and invite more families into our community than ever before. Cultivating Community takes intentionality, care, prayer, humility and above all love. Thank you for your faithful generosity and support of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. It is because of you we are fulfilling our Strategic Planning goal that “Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.”
Cultivating Community | 3
Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer insisted that Christian Community is essential to the mission of Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer was also very realistic about the challenges in caring for such a Christian community. Like a healthy garden, a thriving Christian community Rev. Mark H. Larson needs cultivation. Appropriately, our Fall Senior Pastor
Stewardship Theme is “Cultivating Community.”
i am the vine, you are the branches. those who abide in me and i in them bear much fruit . —John 15:5
Despite this year’s unforeseen challenges, our Christian Community is thriving. Putting the safety of our people first, we pivoted to an entirely virtual life of worship, prayer and faith formation without hesitation. We continue to support and care for one another through our new Vineyard Groups. And the same kind of innovation that foresaw the importance of Livestreaming to expand our outreach continues today with our new Website and membership information system.
2 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
We have not just tended our own fellowship but we are also planting seeds of faith throughout our community. In particular, our Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) now serves residents at Lutheran Towers, college students at Georgia Tech and Georgia State, as well as the young women at Wellspring Living. This commitment to mission is being noticed, as daily our neighbors are stopping by to offer donations or to thank us for not letting the pandemic close down our church for even one day. This coming year we will have the opportunity to enlarge our garden even further. Through enhancements to our Livestreaming capacity, virtual classroom, gathering capabilities, and deeper relationship with our outreach partners, we will be able to reach and invite more families into our community than ever before. Cultivating Community takes intentionality, care, prayer, humility and above all love. Thank you for your faithful generosity and support of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. It is because of you we are fulfilling our Strategic Planning goal that “Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.”
Cultivating Community | 3
VISION
OUR
S T R AT E G I C
GOALS
G OA L O N E To build a community of Christ’s disciples, who
Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.
in word and deed reflect the love of Christ.
G OA L T WO To strengthen Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Redeemer) as a center for social action, community
MISSION
collaboration, learning and spiritual growth, focusing on hunger and homelessness, justice and inclusion, and mental health and wellness.
G OA L T H R E E To create a community that in word and deed reflects the love of Christ. Through worship, community and service, Redeemer equips people to be living testaments to the Lutheran faith in Atlanta and beyond.
To deepen our relationships with one another and welcome others into a nurturing and caring community.
G OA L F O U R To build on Redeemer’s identity and reputation as a center for social action, community collaboration, learning and spiritual growth.
VA L U E S
G OA L F I V E To ensure the sustainability and long-term vitality of Redeemer’s witness and mission by managing and using our resources to honor God.
Love of God. Love of neighbor. Love of each other.
4 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Cultivating Community | 5
VISION
OUR
S T R AT E G I C
GOALS
G OA L O N E To build a community of Christ’s disciples, who
Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.
in word and deed reflect the love of Christ.
G OA L T WO To strengthen Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Redeemer) as a center for social action, community
MISSION
collaboration, learning and spiritual growth, focusing on hunger and homelessness, justice and inclusion, and mental health and wellness.
G OA L T H R E E To create a community that in word and deed reflects the love of Christ. Through worship, community and service, Redeemer equips people to be living testaments to the Lutheran faith in Atlanta and beyond.
To deepen our relationships with one another and welcome others into a nurturing and caring community.
G OA L F O U R To build on Redeemer’s identity and reputation as a center for social action, community collaboration, learning and spiritual growth.
VA L U E S
G OA L F I V E To ensure the sustainability and long-term vitality of Redeemer’s witness and mission by managing and using our resources to honor God.
Love of God. Love of neighbor. Love of each other.
4 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Cultivating Community | 5
2020
ACCO M P L I S H M E N TS Despite, and in part due to, the many challenges presented by COVID-19, Redeemer was able to continue and even expand support for our Core Spiritual Partners: Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM), Lutheran Towers, and Goshen Valley Boys Ranch.
We served people of all ages, races, and living situations through our mission partners: Grace House, Our House, Midtown Assistance Center, Georgia Justice Project, Inspiritus, and Lutheran Community Preschool, to name a few. For a complete list go to www.redeemer.org/serve/our-core-spiritual-and-outreach-partners. COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to mission work and in-person worship. The COVID Task Force, led by Pastor Mark, met those challenges skillfully and creatively.
IN MISSION • LCFM served its 2,000,000th meal • Food M inistry expanded to Lutheran Towers, Wellspring Living, and local universities • Diversity and Justice Ministry established
I N WO R S H I P • Pastor Jenny McLellan called as our Associate Pastor for Congregational Care • Rejoicing Spirits inaugurated • Second Organ Scholar, Martha Barth, completed her internship
Pastor conducting service from home
Zoom class
I N S T E WA R D S H I P • New Redeemer.org website launched • REALM membership information system implemented • Building enhancements for LCFM, roof, and elevator completed
Tiegreens singing from home Food Ministry 6 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Rejoicing Spirits
Midtown Lutheran Preschool Cultivating Community | 7
2020
ACCO M P L I S H M E N TS Despite, and in part due to, the many challenges presented by COVID-19, Redeemer was able to continue and even expand support for our Core Spiritual Partners: Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM), Lutheran Towers, and Goshen Valley Boys Ranch.
We served people of all ages, races, and living situations through our mission partners: Grace House, Our House, Midtown Assistance Center, Georgia Justice Project, Inspiritus, and Lutheran Community Preschool, to name a few. For a complete list go to www.redeemer.org/serve/our-core-spiritual-and-outreach-partners. COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to mission work and in-person worship. The COVID Task Force, led by Pastor Mark, met those challenges skillfully and creatively.
IN MISSION • LCFM served its 2,000,000th meal • Food M inistry expanded to Lutheran Towers, Wellspring Living, and local universities • Diversity and Justice Ministry established
I N WO R S H I P • Pastor Jenny McLellan called as our Associate Pastor for Congregational Care • Rejoicing Spirits inaugurated • Second Organ Scholar, Martha Barth, completed her internship
Pastor conducting service from home
Zoom class
I N S T E WA R D S H I P • New Redeemer.org website launched • REALM membership information system implemented • Building enhancements for LCFM, roof, and elevator completed
Tiegreens singing from home Food Ministry 6 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Rejoicing Spirits
Midtown Lutheran Preschool Cultivating Community | 7
2021 Plans
2021
G OA L S DIGITAL MEDIA Before March, Redeemer’s Digital and Audiovisual Ministry was just one of our many ministries. Practically overnight, it became the way that most ministries were able connect during quarantine. We want to continue to invest in technology that will enhance the quality of our online programs, better serve those with disabilities, and meet the challenge of hosting “hybrid” events with some congregants at church and others online.
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY Redeemer’s decision to keep the Food Ministry open during the pandemic was consequential. It laid the foundation for our rapidly expanding involvement with new nonprofit, religious, and governmental partners dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in Atlanta. We are continuing to find ways to develop and grow this vital ministry.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT More than a beautiful façade on Peachtree, Redeemer is part of the neighborhood. Thanks to a concerted effort by many to renew Midtown connections, we expanded our circle of mission partners, and hosted events like the Live Nativity that bring the church onto Peachtree Street. Imagine the progress these community partners could make through shared ministry with greater resources to devote to solving concerns like mental health, food insecurity, and homelessness! 8 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Cultivating Community | 9
2021 Plans
2021
G OA L S DIGITAL MEDIA Before March, Redeemer’s Digital and Audiovisual Ministry was just one of our many ministries. Practically overnight, it became the way that most ministries were able connect during quarantine. We want to continue to invest in technology that will enhance the quality of our online programs, better serve those with disabilities, and meet the challenge of hosting “hybrid” events with some congregants at church and others online.
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY FOOD MINISTRY Redeemer’s decision to keep the Food Ministry open during the pandemic was consequential. It laid the foundation for our rapidly expanding involvement with new nonprofit, religious, and governmental partners dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in Atlanta. We are continuing to find ways to develop and grow this vital ministry.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT More than a beautiful façade on Peachtree, Redeemer is part of the neighborhood. Thanks to a concerted effort by many to renew Midtown connections, we expanded our circle of mission partners, and hosted events like the Live Nativity that bring the church onto Peachtree Street. Imagine the progress these community partners could make through shared ministry with greater resources to devote to solving concerns like mental health, food insecurity, and homelessness! 8 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Cultivating Community | 9
A COMMITMENT TO REDEEMER’S MISSION Whether you were baptized at Redeemer as an infant or joined as a youth or adult, you are a member of the Redeemer family.
for just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
HOW DO I … …DECIDE
HOW MUCH TO COMMIT?
First, begin by giving thanks and remember that everything around us ultimately derives from God. Especially when times are uncertain, we have the assurance that God is always by our side. Thoughtfully and prayerfully consider with your family the meaning and purpose of Redeemer’s mission. Remember that we are working on the mission together and it is together that we will accomplish our goals, each doing what we can.
…MAKE MY PLEDGE?
—Romans 12:4-5 There is no doubt that this is one of the most challenging times in Redeemer’s 117 year history. Our talents and courage will allow us to continue to do the work of Jesus Christ in Midtown, in greater Atlanta, in Georgia, and around the world. Right here. Right now. Your financial commitment to Redeemer will help us: † Support our staff † Develop a hybrid of in person/online worship program † Grow Lutheran Community Food Ministry to ease food insecurity † Expand Redeemer’s technology with fiber optic cable
There are three simple ways: † Go online at Redeemer.org. † Return the Estimate of Giving card from the packet you received at your Vineyard gathering or in the mail. † Email your pledge to jisaacson@redeemer.org If you’re able to remember Redeemer in your estate planning, make a note on your Estimate of Giving and we will contact you. We thank you for your continued faithfulness and support at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. We pray for the health and well being of your family everyday! God bless you.
Your monetary contributions to Redeemer do not only fund these items, but a benevolent portion goes to the larger church to be the hands and feet of Jesus all around the country and all around the world. 10 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Cultivating Community | 11
A COMMITMENT TO REDEEMER’S MISSION Whether you were baptized at Redeemer as an infant or joined as a youth or adult, you are a member of the Redeemer family.
for just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
HOW DO I … …DECIDE
HOW MUCH TO COMMIT?
First, begin by giving thanks and remember that everything around us ultimately derives from God. Especially when times are uncertain, we have the assurance that God is always by our side. Thoughtfully and prayerfully consider with your family the meaning and purpose of Redeemer’s mission. Remember that we are working on the mission together and it is together that we will accomplish our goals, each doing what we can.
…MAKE MY PLEDGE?
—Romans 12:4-5 There is no doubt that this is one of the most challenging times in Redeemer’s 117 year history. Our talents and courage will allow us to continue to do the work of Jesus Christ in Midtown, in greater Atlanta, in Georgia, and around the world. Right here. Right now. Your financial commitment to Redeemer will help us: † Support our staff † Develop a hybrid of in person/online worship program † Grow Lutheran Community Food Ministry to ease food insecurity † Expand Redeemer’s technology with fiber optic cable
There are three simple ways: † Go online at Redeemer.org. † Return the Estimate of Giving card from the packet you received at your Vineyard gathering or in the mail. † Email your pledge to jisaacson@redeemer.org If you’re able to remember Redeemer in your estate planning, make a note on your Estimate of Giving and we will contact you. We thank you for your continued faithfulness and support at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. We pray for the health and well being of your family everyday! God bless you.
Your monetary contributions to Redeemer do not only fund these items, but a benevolent portion goes to the larger church to be the hands and feet of Jesus all around the country and all around the world. 10 | Redeemer Lutheran Church
Cultivating Community | 11
GROWING
FAITHFULLY SERVING
BOLDLY
731 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 874-8664 | Redeemer.org 12 | Redeemer Lutheran Church