Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” —2 Peter 3:18
This year’s Stewardship Appeal centers on these words from the Apostle Peter. The Christian life is never meant to stand still we are called to grow each day in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Just as God continues to pour blessings into our lives, so we are invited to grow in how we share those blessings for the sake of the gospel.
Our annual stewardship appeal is more than a conversation about finances. It is a time to look back with gratitude for how God’s grace has carried us, and to look forward with hope at what God can accomplish through us when we open ourselves to his presence.
One of the most tangible ways we grow in grace is through the practice of pledging our support for the coming year. A financial pledge is not simply a number—it is a prayerful act of faith, an expression of gratitude, and a way of supporting the mission we share at Redeemer. It is also how God shapes us into generous people. It is one of the most practical ways we can grow in grace.
Generosity lies at the heart of the gospel. Our God holds nothing back. When we give—whether our finances, our time, or our talents—we not only strengthen the ministry of the church, but we also live out our faith in action.
Pledging
matters. When we pledge our time, talents, and treasure, we both nurture our own growth in faith and help Redeemer plan its ministries with greater confidence.
This year, our goal is for every household to make a pledge—of any amount that feels faithful and comfortable.
If you have pledged before, we are deeply thankful and invite you to consider how you might grow in grace by increasing your gift this year. If you have never pledged, we warmly invite you to take this step of faith for the first time. Every pledge, large or small, makes a difference. Together, our gifts sustain the ministry God is doing among us.
As we begin this year’s stewardship drive, may we be encouraged to live into Peter’s words: "to grow in grace, to give with joy, and to glorify Christ— now and always."
2021Plans
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Growing our Grace-Filled Welcome
Last year, Redeemer took a bold step of faith. Instead of reducing spending just to maintain the status quo, our church council invited us to make a radical investment in the future: funding a new Associate Pastor position dedicated to evangelism and mission development.
And what a response! Over thirty new families pledged for the very first time, and overall giving increased by 9%. As a congregation, we made it clear—we are no longer content to be “the best-kept secret in Midtown.” Our message of radical welcome and grace is too important to keep inside our walls. Our neighbors are longing for hope, healing, and purpose—and Redeemer has something lifegiving to share.
WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY DONE
This past year has been filled with signs of growth:
• A new and energized E-Team has formed, improving our Welcome Center, strengthening our social media presence, and joining in community events like Streets Alive.
• A Call Committee worked faithfully to discern who could best lead this next chapter of evangelism and mission. After interviewing candidates from across the country, it became clear that God had already provided the right leader—Pastor Timothy Lloyd, from right here in Atlanta.
Pastor Tim brings gifts that fit perfectly with Redeemer’s mission. He has experience planting a new church, is a gifted musician and worship leader, and is skilled in social media. Most importantly, he has a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people who may have never heard it before.
WHAT WILL PASTOR TIM DO?
• Share in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care with our dynamic staff.
• Equip and encourage every member of Redeemer to share in the ministry of welcome and outreach.
• Develop an alternative worship service designed to reach our un-churched neighbors.
• Organize community events that connect us with the many new people moving into Midtown.
• Help us live fully into our Welcome Statement so that everyone knows they belong at Redeemer.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
• Pray for Pastor Tim, his family, and this new ministry.
• Pledge generously. If you’ve pledged before, consider how you might grow in grace by increasing your gift. If you’ve never pledged, this is the year to take that step of faith. Every pledge matters.
• Share the story of Redeemer. Be an Evangelist among your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Join the E-Team, lend your social media skills, or help shape and launch our new worship service.
• Plan for the future. Consider long-range giving, as saints like Bob Gibeling and Rose Mary Kolpatzki once did, leaving a legacy of generosity that makes today’s growth possible.
What does my Offering Do?
Every dollar that you give to Redeemer goes toward accomplishing our mission. Together we nurture disciples of all ages as we GROW FAITHFULLY. Together we use our God-given gifts and resources to SERVE BOLDLY in a hurting world. Together we faithfully maintain and care for our facilities so they most effectively serve our mission as we BUILD OUR FUTURE. It is interesting to note that our mission budget is almost evenly divided among all three goals.
GROWING FAITHFULLY: 35% of our Budget
As we worship, pray and study, we grow as disciples. We are deeply grounded in our Lutheran identity. Our theology is generous and grace filled. Our worship is centered on the invitation that Christ offers at the communion table: all are welcome in this place. That welcome flows through all we do and say.
2025 Highlights
• Rejoicing Spirits, our worship with families with special needs, celebrated its 5th anniversary in February.
• We celebrated nine baptisms, confirmed five middle schoolers, and sent 12 teenagers with their adult leaders to North Carolina to help with hurricane relief.
• Our Children and Family ministries had another full year of programming including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Summer camping, and a variety of Fellowship events.
• We welcomed a new vocalist, Rainey Lindsey, to lead our jazz service.
SERVING BOLDLY: 28% of our Budget
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is a caring church. We support our members when they are struggling and we are an active force for good in the world. Redeemer has a rich history of action and advocacy throughout metropolitan Atlanta, the impact of which remains central to our identity today.
2025 Highlights
• We welcomed Allison Lizdas as our Director of Congregational Care and hosted her ordination as a Deacon in the ELCA.
• As the next step in living into our new Statement of Welcome, we initiated the process for Lutheran Church of the Redeemer to become a Reconciled in Christ congregation.
• We supported nearly twenty local ministry partners as well as our Core Spiritual Partners.
• Lutheran Community Food Ministry expanded its partnership with Hope for Soap, provid cuts to our neighbors in need
BUILDING OUR
Seven generations of generous Redeemer members have blessed us with the properties and beautiful spaces we use to worship, learn, and serve. As we care for our legacy building, we do so with an eye towards future development and expanded mission possibilities.
2025 Highlights
• We received a generous bequest from the estate of Rose Mary Kolpatzki that will support and expand our music and worship ministries for years to come.
• Our Stewardship Team sponsored a mid-year drive to encourage those who had never pledged before to take that step of faith resulting in 30 new families pledging this year.
VISION
Through Redeemer the World Will See Jesus.
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 MISSION
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.
G OAL FIVE
To ensure the sustainability and long-term vitality of Redeemer’s witness and mission by managing and using our resources to honor God.
Why Pledge?
People who are new to Redeemer may wonder about pledging financial support for our mission ahead of time. Even some lifelong Lutherans have questions about this unique spiritual practice.
What
is a pledge?
A pledge is basically a promise between you and God shared with the church for the purpose of being more faithful, accountable, and generous. Each year, we ask our members to pray and consider how they will support the mission of Jesus Christ in this place through the offering of their time, talent and financial resources in the coming year. It is not a legally binding contract and can always be changed if your circumstances change.
What is the spiritual purpose of making a financial pledge?
Pledging helps us embrace the spiritual gift of generosity. Created in the image of our generous God, we are made to reflect God’s generosity. And God calls us to become partners in God’s work in the world through our gifts. As we grow in generosity, we grow in godliness and discipleship.
Why is pledging considered a spiritual discipline?
Like prayer, scripture reading, fasting, and service, the practice of giving regularly and intentionally helps us grow in faith and mature spiritually. It serves as a continual reminder of God’s claim on our lives. It requires us to put our own needs and wants into proper perspective, to set aside our own interests for the sake of God and others.
How are pledges used?
The congregation's Finance Team and Church Council uses the pledges we receive to estimate our resources for ministry for the coming year.
HOW DO I …
…DECIDE HOW MUCH TO COMMIT?
First, begin by giving thanks and remembering 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. The best way to determine the amount of one's pledge is to determine a percentage of one's income you want to return to God. Biblically a tithe (10%) is a suggested guide. But no matter the percentage or amount, it is the act of pledging that is important.
There are three simple ways to make your pledge:
• Go on-line at Redeemer.org/give.
• Return the Estimate of Giving card from your Stewardship packet on or before Commitment Sunday, October 26.
• Email your pledge to bdavis@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/serve/volunteer 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, it is because of your generosity that our congregation continues to grow faithfully and serve boldly.
