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"The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." - Deuteronomy 4:6-7
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Grace and peace to you.
If you were wondering after last week, we are in the season of Advent. Several churches have opted to share Advent on Nov. 26 on order to celebrate the fullness of Advent with all four weeks, not rushing too quickly into Christmas.
As we prepare ourselves for Christmas, as time for many of us seems to still move at full speed ahead with our striving and trying to slow down, to live in the moment and make spaces for pauses. Its HARD. I am sending many of you prayers for healing and strength as I know many are with sick family members, walking on pathways of recovery, jumping in to support friends and family is a variety of ways.
I still ask and ask again.... how is it that you and your family 'n friends fill your days? I go back several times a year to this ancient wisdom found in Deuteronomy, its known by our Jewish siblings as the SHEMA. It is recited often. It is wisdom that centers us on the two most important things... Loving God. Loving Others.
Below is attached the Advent Devotional from Illustrated Ministry that is based on our seasonal theme: GOD-WITH-US. This is a resource, an opportunity to practice in ways that work for you and your family. If we are to continue to grow and nurture our spiritual development, commit yourselves wholeheartedly. Seriously try, even if it is 5 minutes of just sitting together saying the same prayer every day for the season. Even if it is coloring and creating together as music is playing. Creating space for God and one another is a practice. Be curious about what God is up to in your lives!
Repeat again and again... these devotions are geared for all ages. Create (color or journal). Read (Bible stories or tell life stories). Prayer (pray with words or songs). Bless ("Jesus loves you" "Beloved you are loved always" "Immanuel, God with us IS with you").
May this happen at home, on the road, morning or night. May you find ways to know GOD IS WITH US! Be well, be safe, be healthy.
Your Sister in Christ,
Pastor Jen Collins (she/her)
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STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY FORUM
December 17 after worship
Plan to join Beth Henley-Munk, Minister of Stewardship after worship on 17th of December. We will gather for YUMMY treats and a conversation surrounding planning for Redeemer's 2024 year.
Last year we had 67 families make a commitment - Help us get to 75 this year! Download the Pledge Card (button below) and return by Dec. 17th. Mail or drop in offering plate.
Below are the invitations from Pastor Jen to start planning ways you'll be a part of our 2024 journey!
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WHAT'S YOUR COMMITMENT?
Each year the church sets goals for our budget, we think about why we are doing the work we're invested in (intention) as well as how we plan to accomplish our goals. Every person in a community has a role to play, your commitment helps guide us in discerning the HOW we plan to accomplish our ministry goals. We need to hear from you, what is your generosity plan?
If you've never made a generosity plan before, let's do this together. Think about your goals and how you'd like to engage within the Redeemer community? What energizes you and how can you commit to being a part?!
Example of Generous Time Opportunities:
- Worship Volunteering to be a reader, join worship or audio tech team
- Cooking + Serving Community meals
- Northside Parish Partnership
- Church Leadership
- Advocacy (work with partner organizations and Synod)
- Eco+Faith
- Racial Equity
- LGBTQIA+
- Immigrants/ Refugees / Local Mission Developments
Generous Financial + In-Kind Gifts
- $1 per week amounts to $50 per year! Every age, every person can create significant change, helping meet goals.
- Diaper Donations once a month, provides a family with $35-40 saved for other resources needed
- $135 per month from each family* would help Redeemer to sustain, retain and hire new staff, musicians and contractors; also striving to prioritize providing a fairer and more equitable wage.
- $40 per month from each family* would help maintain our building as an asset for the community
- $250 gift allows community engagement opportunity like Summer Cookout or Community Meal to happen
- $1k month sustains affordable housing
*We understand and acknowledge everyone is at different economic places and has very different needs. We want you to discern and give what you can, in the ways that you can knowing we appreciate every moment of time and every penny received. It is a blessing to be stewarded in order to work toward the common good for Redeemer, Harrison and beyond. Your participation and engagement in the life of this community is what is truly desired. THANK YOU for being here, we value and appreciate you!
DECIDING WHAT TO GIVE...
Led by the Spirit and with prayerful consideration, each individual and family is invited to determine what faithful commitment they will make to community of Redeemer Lutheran Church for 2024. The chart below shares a framework to get you started. Even the smallest amount contributes to supporting this faith community and our neighbors in BIG WAYS! Above are just some of the examples to use the skills, passions and love you have for the sake of your neighbor. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about the ways in which your generosity creates impactful ministry.
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NEXT MONTHLY COMMUNITY NIGHT MEAL
Wednesday, December 6, 6:00- 8:00 pm
INVITE & BRING A FRIEND!
Welcome Rachel Carmichael, Salem Lutheran Church Staff member as Redeemer's NEW COMMUNITY MEALS COORDINATOR. Say hello to Rachel when you see her, get to know her more as you volunteer chopping!
This opportunity will fund and continue to support Redeemer's mission to be a Beacon of Hope for the Harrison Neighborhood, N. Mpls and beyond. We will offer monthly meals, beginning September 20th, 6:00-8:00 pm. Sign up to volunteer to prep, serve and be a community host (greet and connect people).
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COMMUNITY BOOK READ - CONVERSATION WEDNESDAY
Braiding Sweetgrass Conversations begin at 6:30-7:30 pm (during our Wednesday meal) Learning is an important part of our journey, we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves through their voices and experiences in the stories they share. We also acknowledge we hope that connecting through relationships, conversations will move us into next steps toward action. These specific books are meant to be an inspiring, a place for reflection, awareness and motivation to strive to do more with what you will have experienced.
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YOUTH CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE
REHEARSAL THIS SUNDAY - AFTER WORSHIP
Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 am
Calling all youth of all ages (toddlers to teens)! We want to share the hope, joy, peace and love of the season with our family and community. Lend your voice, theatrical and musical talents as we share of Jesus' birth!
Rehearsal, Sunday December 3 immediately after worship.
Please talk with Kent Goodroad + Alyssa Schwitzer if you want to sing, play or dance for worship. Sign up on the link below for other roles on this special Sunday!
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SOCKS. COOKIES. GINGERBREAD HOUSES
Sunday, December 10 at 12:00 noon in Fellowship Hall
Let's have some family fun together. Come decorate cookies and make a mini-gingerbread house. Bring extra baked treats to share, please label to help with allergies. Share the story behind your treat!
Sock Exchange. All ages, there will be two groups (toddlers - kids size 5) + (one size fits most). We ask for the socks to be NEW + CLEAN. Be creative, fuzzy or patterned! Bring wrapped and we will have an exchange.
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ADVENT SEASON WORSHIP - GOD WITH US!
Join us for our next season in the church calendar. The inspiration for this theme comes from the hard stories of Advent. Jesus is born amid upheaval and historical change and among people who seemed powerless. But when the world feels hopeless, Advent reminds us God is with us. In chaos, God is with us. In suffering, God is with us. In uncertainty, God is with us. In whatever our family and community endures, God is with us. May we explore this Advent the ways in which Immanuel, God-with-us, brings hope, peace, love and joy to our homes and communities, especially during hard times. We will journey through Jesus' birth story in Matthew + Luke's gospels, see scripture below to begin exploring yourself!
November 26 - Matthew 1:1–17
December 3- Matthew 1:18-25
December 10 - Youth Christmas Showcase
December 17- Luke 1:39-56
December 24 -Luke 2:8-20 Christmas Eve
Sign up below to Light the Advent Candles at the beginning of worship!
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WORSHIP HELPERS NEEDED:
Greeter, Usher, Communion Setup & Serving, Readers
If you are joining us this Sunday, please sign up here, talk with Roger Mikelson (651-332-6849) or let Pastor Jen know.
Here are the roles:
Greeter Usher Communion Server Sanctuary Clean up
Kids Message (1-2 per month) Readers
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SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Join us for worship!
As always, our Sunday worship will be streaming on Facebook Live for those who are unable to join us in person. View the worship bulletin here. (Due to internet instability, we are no longer hosting worship on Zoom. Please reach out to Pastor Jen if you need help with digital accessibility.)
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ADVENT SEASON WORSHIP - GOD WITH US!
Join us for our next season in the church calendar. The inspiration for this theme comes from the hard stories of Advent. Jesus is born amid upheaval and historical change and among people who seemed powerless. But when the world feels hopeless, Advent reminds us God is with us. In chaos, God is with us. In suffering, God is with us. In uncertainty, God is with us. In whatever our family and community endures, God is with us. May we explore this Advent the ways in which Immanuel, God-with-us, brings hope, peace, love and joy to our homes and communities, especially during hard times. We will journey through Jesus' birth story in Matthew + Luke's gospels, see scripture below to begin exploring yourself!
November 26 - Matthew 1:1–17
December 3- Matthew 1:18-25
December 10 - Youth Christmas Showcase
December 17- Luke 1:39-56
December 24 -Luke 2:8-20 Christmas Eve
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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DECORATED THE CHURCH
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ORDER POINSETTIAS + CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Order forms available on Sundays and in the church office. Fill out a form and return with your payment. Checks made to: Redeemer Lutheran Church MEMO: "Poinsettias" or "Ornaments" Ornaments are handmade by Roger Mikelson, funds to support Redeemer's Worship + Arts and Music.
Orders due by December 3
Shapes: Star, Nativity & Cross (will be on order form to view)
Ornaments cost: $10 I 2/$18 I 3/$24
Poinsettia orders due by December 17
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CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Sunday, December 24 at 10:30 am - Family Friendly Worship
Sunday, December 24 at 7:00 pm - Candlelight Service
We look forward to sharing time together as we celebrate Immanuel, God-with-us in song, prayer and time spent in community. Come as you are. All invited to celebrate.
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Reach out to Lonna Field or Sally Ankerfelt to sign up to volunteer and/or donate.**NOTE: We have received lots of board games, as you decide on making a donation please look at other gifting options. Thank you for your generosity.
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CHRISTMAS CONCERT FUNDRAISER
Sunday, December 10, 5:00 pm
Come sing with us!
Enjoy a wonderful evening of music with a purpose. We are excited to gather together. Folks who come can expect to sing some of their favorite Christmas hymns, hear some wonderful solos, as well as participate in a faith filled collaboration between Redeemer Lutheran Church & Edina Community Lutheran Church. It is going to be great!
Free will offering - proceeds go to Redeemer Glenwood Young Adult Housing. Help us meet our goal of $5K! Light Refreshments to follow. To make a generous gift ahead of the event go to: www.redeemermpls.org/give
Make a note on the form as you fill out your information "Christmas Glenwood"
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UPDATING BREEZE CHURCH DIRECTORY
It has been awhile since we have updated our Breeze Church Directory, which means that we have a lot of out of date information! Please help us update you and your family’s information by filling out this Google Form. (Even if your contact and family information has not changed, please fill the form!)
If you prefer to provide your information in person, please contact the Church Office (612-886-1468). Please reach out to Sarah Stadie, Mike Tarras, or Maggie Dexheimer Pharris, if you have any questions or concerns!
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The inspiration for our theme comes from the hard stories of Advent. Jesus is born amid upheaval and historical change and among people who seemed powerless. But when the world feels hopeless, Advent reminds us God is with us. In chaos, God is with us. In suffering, God is with us. In uncertainty, God is with us. In whatever our family and our community endures, God is with us. This theme invites you and your congregation to explore the ways in which Immanuel, God-with-us, brings hope, peace, love, and joy to your home and community, especially during hard times.
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BIBLE RESOURCES ANY AGE
Again, congratulations to all who received a bible on Sunday or Wednesday. We hope that you explore and try out new ways to get to know God through stories, songs, prayer and conversation! Pastor Jen has some resources for you:
Augsburg Fortress, under 1517 Media publisher has a large selection of Bibles and books to engage with. Check out the selection. Maybe you'll want to start a small book group yourself!
Bible Tabs for your Bibles - don't worry about not having every book memorized. There are 66 of them! Here is a simple tool that can help navigate the different books of the Bible with ease.
Bible Guide and Journal
Are you able to sponsor a bible? Average cost is $20-25. Please make a sponsorship donation online here. *Note for Bible Sponsorship.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATE:
Reminders as we seek to care for the most vulnerable in our communities.
The new Covid variant is circulating and appears to be more infectious (but not more serious) than those previous (like influenza which changes each year and needs a new vaccine). The symptoms are the same and may appear within a couple of days from the time of exposure. However, it can take up to 10 days to show up. The other difference is that the Covid antigen (over the counter) tests may not turn positive for a few days even in those that are symptomatic. If you get Covid, ask your provider about Paxlovid which reduces the severity and length of illness and risk for long Covid.
For our community well-being:
- To minimize your risk of infection, use masks around those with Covid (cold) symptoms.
- To minimize spreading Covid to others, mask in public for 10 days after an unprotected/unmasked exposure to Covid - since Covid is transmissible up to 2 days before you have symptoms or a positive test.
- If you get Covid:
- isolate at home until symptoms are improving, are without fever (off medications that bring fever down) and test negative for Covid.
- mask in public until 10 days from the onset of symptoms or the positive Covid test (which ever is first - though the day count starts over for those asymptomatic with a positive test if they then develop symptoms)
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HARRISON TOWNHOMES
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and City of Lakes Community Land Trust are building 17 affordable townhomes in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis! Click here to learn more about the Harrison Townhomes.
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FREE LEGAL CLINIC at HNA
The Harrison Neighborhood Association is working with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid to provide free legal help every TUESDAY and THURSDAY from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. They are able to help with family law, consumer, public benefits, housing, tax, and immigration problems. Walk-ins are welcome, however, appointments are preferred. Call 612-352-9778 or visit www.mylegalaid.org for more information. (1501 Glenwood Ave. Suite A, Mpls MN)
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DECEMBER
9- Christmas store at Redeemer
10- Youth Christmas Showcase 10:30 am / Socks. Cookies. Gingerbread houses 12 noon
10- Christmas Concert Fundraiser at 5:00 pm
16- Christmas store at Salem
24- Christmas Eve worship at 10:30 am (Family Style, pajamas optional)
24- Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 7:00 pm
25- Christmas Day (ONLINE PRE-RECORDED ONLY)
31- Carols 'n Lessons Worship
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