2023 Stewardship Brochure

The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor

This year's Stewardship Appeal is "A Place for You." Our theme is inspired by ELW Hymn #641, All Are Welcome

Let us build a house where love can dwell And all can safely live, A place where saints and children tell How hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions, Rock of faith and vault of grace; Here the love of Christ shall end divisions; All are welcome, all are welcome, All are welcome in this place

I've been saying, "Welcome back," on Sunday mornings quite often lately as more and more of our people return to in-person worship, learning and service opportunities. Just as often, the response to that phrase has been something like, "It feels so good to be here." Of course, most of the people I am greeting have never really left, they have been just as faithful worshiping on line and serving and growing while at home.

But there is something special about worshiping while sitting in our beautiful sanctuary or greeting a friend in the Atrium before or after services. There is a powerful feeling reconnecting with a fellow disciple in person that can never be replaced by a n image on a computer screen.

Of course we not just welcoming back our returning members. We have also had the joy of welcoming new friends who have found us on line, moved into our neighborhood, or who have connected to us through our various service and outreach ministries. They too have experienced a community that has welcomed them to find their place to worship, grow and serve. We want to say, "Thank you," to our committed staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to keep Redeemer strong and vital during these last few challenging years. We also want to thank all who have continued to faithfully and generously financially support our mission, even when they were not able to be present in person. It is those families who took the bold step of pledging their financial support last year that helped build the strong financial foundation that supports all that we do.

While it feels we have turned a corner, we know that there will be challenges ahead. The entire world is entering into an economically uncertain time. More and more of our families are experiencing stress. It becomes all the more important for those who can to help carry the burdens of our neighbors.

Another challenge we face is rebuilding all of the teams who give of their time and their talents to accomplish our ministries. From serving as a greeter or communion assistant on Sunday, to teaching a Sunday school class, or serving on church council, there is a place for you to grow in your discipleship through the mission and ministry of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

VISION

Through Redeemer the World Will See Jesus.

MISSION

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.

VALUES

Love of God. Love of neighbor. Love of each other.

OUR STRATEGIC GOA LS

GOAL ONE

To build a community of Christ’s disciples, who in word and deed reflect the love of Christ.

GOAL TWO

To strengthen Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Redeemer) as a center for social action, community collaboration, learning and spiritual growth, focusing on hunger and homelessness, justice and inclusion, and mental health and wellness.

GOAL THREE

To deepen our relationships with one another and welcome others into a nurturing and caring community.

GOAL FOUR

To build on Redeemer’s identity and reputation as a center for social action, community collaboration, learning and spiritual growth.

GOAL FIVE

To ensure the sustainability and long-term vitality of Redeemer’s witness and mission by managing and using our resources to honor God.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As COVID-19 levels decreased in our community and we were able to transition to a mask-optional approach to all events, more and more people felt comfortable returning to in-person gatherings. One highlight was Easter Sunday when it really felt like "Redeemer was back." We also continue to support and remain connected to those who are unable to gather in person. As you can imagine, we have had to learn how to do church in new ways. Despite, and in part due to, the many challenges presented by COVID-19, Redeemer continued to move forward in fulfilling our vision for mission outlined in our strategic plan:

COMMUNICATING OUR VISION

• We expanded our capacity to offer faith formation and other events in a hybrid format.

• We welcomed our new receptionist, Alexa Brooks, to be that welcoming first contact for anyone calling the church or coming through our door

SERVICE AND OUTREACH

• After serving over 100 K to-go style meals over the pandemic and distributing 50 tons of food to our partners, the Lutheran Community Food Ministry returned to in-person dining.

• The Food Ministry has also expanded wrap around services, including monthly showers provided by our partner Hope Through Soap.

DEEPEN RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTICIPATION

• After an in-depth analysis, we adopted a Sunday schedule that included a dedicated Faith Formation Hour with expanded Adult study options.

• Sunday school returned in-person classrooms and we held our first inperson Confirmation service in two years

We will perform over twenty baptisms by the end of the year

Both our Young Adult and Keystone ministries started monthly fellowship gatherings.

BECOME A CENTER OF COMMUNITY LIFE AND FAITH

• Our leadership and staff concluded a year-long anti-racism training led by Out of Hand Theater.

• We partnered with local congregations for a Good Friday Way of the Cross and a Suicide Prevention training and memorial service.

• We partnered with the synod to train volunteers to be Guardian Angels for un-accompanied minors moving through immigration court.

• We participated in a number of synod sponsored youth events.

DESIGN OUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

• The Master Planning programming process was launched with over 200 people attending Subject Area gatherings so far

• Major maintenance work was done on the roofs of the sanctuary and office wing

• We welcomed our new Property Administrator, Kofi Broadnax.

2021Plans 202 3 GOALS

REBUILDING AND RECONNECTING

It is truly an exciting time at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer as more and more of our people are returning to in person worship and taking part in our many programs and events. Attendance at worship is up, both on line and in person, and the Atrium has that old "buzz" of excitement on Sunday morning.

But we're still in a transitional time. Some may find it challenging to return to pre-pandimic practices and involvement. Others may have a sense of disconnection after having been gone for so long. We need to make sure that everyone hears the message that there is A Place for You to grow faithfully and serve boldly at Redeemer

A number of people have also remarked at all of the new faces who have now become part of the Redeemer family. We need to make sure that everyone is welcomed and enabled to find their place to serve and grow.

As we reconnect with old friends and welcome new ones, we have a great opportunity to increase participation and volunteer support.

IMAGINING OUR FUTURE

One of the highlights of 2022 was the launch of our Master Planning Process. Moving forward on accomplishing the fifth goal of our strategic plan, we have almost completed the programming part of the process, envisioning how our entire campus can be developed and improved for mission while strengthening our financial future for generations to come. During 2023, we can expect to see specific plans and options laid out to help us discern where God is leading us in the future.

CARING FOR OUR PRESENT

Even as we imagine our future, we need to prudently take care of our resources in the present. Our Property Team has done an excellent job of using funds that were bequeathed to the congregation for the purpose of maintaining the building and property. Those funds are coming to an end, but the needs of our facilities continue, particularly this year in terms of upgrading the electrical system in our sanctuary, roof repairs, and caring for our world-renowned pipe organ.

FULFILLING THE VISION

As we enter into a economically uncertain time with the potential for rising inflation, it is possible that more and more of our families will be placed under financial pressure. While we are fortunate to have reserve and designated funds set aside, blessings which come from previous generosity and faithfulness, this year our stewardship pledge drive is more important than ever to help us make plans and set budgets. Your gifts and pledges have a direct effect on our ability to continue to provide the service and mission upon which so many depend.

Please pray and consider how you can support our congregation with your gifts of time, talent and treasure.

Please join us for a Reformation Celebration on October 30 when we will receive your pledge and say Thank You for your generosity.

A Year of Milestones

50 Years of Providing Housing at Lutheran Towers

In April of 1972, the first residents moved into Lutheran Towers. What began as a dream of the Rev. Dr. Robert E. Lee to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for low and moderate income seniors in Midtown Atlanta had become a reality. Now, fifty years later, Lutheran Towers continues to provide federally subsidized housing and so much more. In partnership with Redeemer's Lutheran Community Food Ministry, over 10,000 meals are provided to residents yearly. A new free grocery opened in the basement. Health and wellness programs surround residents so that they are not only surviving but thriving.

40 Years of Feeding the Hungry

In January of 1982 Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was approached by St. Luke Episcopal to serve as an overflow warming location for neighbors without shelter. Redeemer responded by opening Zittrouer Hall and serving pimento cheese sandwiches and coffee. Now, after 2.2 million meals served we have expanded to support residents of Lutheran Towers and students at our local universities. With our partners, we have, our offerings have moved beyond soup to daily supplying socks, shirts, showers, gift cards, health and wellness programs, and most important of all, hope.

Midtown Lutheran Preschool begins its Tenth Academic Year

Midtown Lutheran Preschool began as an answer to the question of stewardship: “How can we make better use of our facilities?” Directed and encouraged by Pastor Tim Smith, we opened in August of 2013 with 2 students and 2 teachers. By May the school had grown to 15 students and 3 teachers. Before long, previously empty rooms were filled with children. Today, 90% of the children are from Midtown-area neighborhoods with no prior affiliation with Redeemer (although a number of families choose to participate in Redeemer beyond the school and four families have become members). Because many of the students are international, through our preschool, Redeemer’s evangelism truly reaches across the world.

HOW DO I …

…DECIDE HOW MUCH TO COM MIT?

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?

There are three simple ways:

† Go on line at Redeemer.org/give.

† Return the Estimate of Giving card from your Stewardship packet on or before Commitment Sunday, October 30.

† 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.

Another way to support our mission is through your gift of time. Please go to our website www.redeemer.org to explore the many ways you can connect and serve.

We thank you for your continued faithfulness and support for Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Remember, there is always A Place for You to grow and serve.