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Grace and peace to you.
I greet you this Friday with a sharing of what occurred this week. As many know rostered leaders, pastors and deacons spend a lot of their times with their community. We offering pastoral care, guidance along our spiritual formation journeys (preaching and teaching), participating in the congregational life. We are also called to faithful participation in society as an integral and vital part to the mission.
"The ELCA is a church that believes God is calling us into the world — together. As part of this call, we seek the common good for society, provide moral vision and are committed to addressing social and cultural injustices and issues. The ELCA participates in God’s just and loving purpose for all of creation in many different ways, from the daily actions of members as citizens, to efforts in social service, to public witness for justice." (ELCA Faith + Society Page)
This week happened to be one of the times where I was invited to join many of my Minnesota neighbors, it was a large alliance of people from various places and organizations (Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Youth 'n Power, EcoFaith Network of Mpls Synod, MN Environmental Justice Table, Coalition to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, MN350 Action, and more). We all joined for "Rise and Repair".
As people of faith who view thru a Lutheran lens, we acknowledge that Jesus calls us to act justly and with love towards our neighbors. The record-setting high temperatures this winter have been a stark reminder of the urgency in co-creating a just and sustainable future for all. A future that includes cleaner air and water, fosters healthier communities, and increases access to opportunity and abundance.
I am grateful for the littlest of ways we all can join in, as well as the larger opportunities to come together to move forward solutions to keep tending and caring for all creation! Together, we met with over 60 legislators, held an amazing rally and made our voice heard at the capitol to advance the platform of this alliance. This is just the start. There will be a steady stream of calls to action & ways to engage as we move forward. Explore where you might be called into joining!
-Pastor Jen Collins
(Featured in Photos above: Youth 'n Power of MNIPL, Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Deacon Lauren Morse-Wendt at ECLC, Pastor Eric Hoffer at Salem, Pastor Jenn Nagel at University Lutheran church of Hope)
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!
Many THANKS from the Torrance Family, they were very appreciative of all those who volunteered and provided space for family, friends and community to gather. Frankie Torrance was a long time Harrison resident and friend of Redeemer. She loved and cared for many people over the years. We continue to hold the Torrance family in our prayers during this time of grief.
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REDEEMER IS COMPOSTING!
Stay tuned for learning more about these colorful bins showing up in our building. We invite you to practice using the bins and thinking about how our waste gets disposed of as we care for God's creation. Thank you to Kim Jakus who applied for a Hennepin Grant to help get us started!
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NEW Eco Faith Group forming at Redeemer!
Our Minneapolis synod has an Eco Faith Network, Redeemer has participated in many of their events and we've even hosted listening sessions, rallies for specific actions in our neighborhood and greater Twin Cities. There are a few people in our Redeemer community seeking to bring more of us together in small ways (like washing dishes) and big ways (coordinate plans for making our building more sustainable, i.e. solar panels, building efficiency, sustainable food solutions). This team can be a start for us building more awareness and working towards cultivating a more sustainable, just, and equitable community. As an Eco Faith Group, join together to take action for a new vision of God’s creation.
Reach out to Kim Jakus, Maggie Dexheimer Pharris to connect and sign up to help!
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MN ELCA EcoFaith Summit in Duluth on Saturday, April 6
9am -4pm (with lunch included)
The summit is organized annually by the NEMN, NEWI, and Saint Paul Area Synods. We support their efforts and recruit a Minneapolis Area contingent every year. Notably, this year the organizers are offering free registration for all attendees under 30.
This could be a good opportunity for folks from Redeemer to meet people from other EcoFaith and Green Teams across MN & WI. If distance is a barrier, we could help figure out some arrangements for car- or van-pooling.Details & RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cross-currents-in-the-flood-building-arcs-together-for-a-livable-planet-tickets-793955230467
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EVERY SUNDAY THRU APRIL 21!
Times: 12:00 noon (in-person) OR 6:00 pm (zoom)
We will spend intentional time reading this book from February through April, delving deeper into each chapter and getting to know one another.
Call to Allyship, through vivid (and sometimes painful) storytelling and profound insights, these leaders in the ELCA will invite participants into deeper conversation about the work that can be done by predominantly white congregations before calling a leader of color. It is also applicable to preparing space for any person of color regardless of rostered status. Prepare to learn and understand more about your own call to allyship as an act of living out your baptismal calling.
We hope you can make it as often as you can to have the fullest, richest experience. Upon registering, select a primary time so we can plan appropriately for our spaces.
*Free copies provided through a Thrivent Action Grant
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March 20 - Redeemer is hosting the meal, to help contact Jane Friendshuh (763.516.0950)
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Our leading question, “I’ve been meaning to ask... ”conveys intentionality, warmth, curiosity, and consideration. In essence, this question also implies the following statements: “I’ve been thinking about you and I’ve been wanting to check in... You’ve been on my mind... I haven’t known how to have this conversation, but I’m getting started with a question.” The ellipses symbolize the main objective of this series: to cultivate courageous conversations— and to keep having them, even if we need to pause. As you can see, these questions aren’t surface level; they invite us to share our pain and seek ways to care for one another. We pray that through vulnerability and authenticity these conversations lead us to glimpse hope, joy, and beauty.
March 17- I've been meaning to ask...where do we go from here?
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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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Dennis West, Property Council member is leading and coordinating. Please reach out to Dennis with questions or for more information. No sign up necessary, invite a friend!
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MONTHLY COMMUNITY MEAL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Fellowship Hall | 6:00- 8:00 pm
This is our final MONTHLY community meal of the season. We will shift to our OUTDOOR WEEKLY Summer Cookouts in June. Please join Rachel Carmichael between 3-6 to help prep and setup. Stay to meet a neighbor and enjoy a good meal!
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**PLEASE SHARE HEALTH COMMONS WILL BE HOSTED AT REDEEMER CHURCH THRU MARCH.**
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BISHOP NOMINEES FOR MINNEAPOLIS
The Holy Spirit was moving through Conference Assemblies last Saturday, February 10. Members of the Bishop Election Committee (BEC) are grateful for voting members' prayerful participation in the synod's election process. The BEC received the top three nominees from each conference assembly, and our Synod VP Felecia Boone called nominees to ask about their openness to discerning a call to the office of the bishop.
As of Tuesday morning, we confirmed that 14 nominees agreed to continue their discernment as candidates for the office of the bishop. Please note that nominees can withdraw at any point in their discernment process. The individual pastors are:
- Babette Chatman
- Aaron Fuller
- Stephanie Espinoza
- Justin Grimm
- Norma Malfatti
- Joy McDonald Coltvet
- Jen Nagel
- Dan Poffenberger
- Bradley Schmeling
- Siri Strommen
- Natalia Terfa
- Mark Tiede
- Kathryn Tiede
- Megan Torgerson
The BEC is diligently preparing for the four upcoming forums with nominees in April scheduled on the following dates:
- Sunday, April 7, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Location: Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 19001 Jackson Street NE, East Bethel
- Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. | Location: TBD
- Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Location: Bethel Lutheran Church, 4120 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis
- Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Location: Via Zoom
The final slate of nominees who have submitted all forms and completed the required background checks will be posted on the Bishop Election website no later than Monday, April 1. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to contact us at BEC@mpls-synod.org or visit our web page at https://mpls-synod.org/2024-bishop-election.
As Lent unfolds, may the still small voice of the Spirit prompt us to reflect and ready ourselves to be church together at May's Synod Assembly.
En paz,
Pr. Hierald, Chair, Bishop Election Committee
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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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Update on Youthprise Intent to Purchase Milda's Building from RCFL
Many Redeemer Lutheran Church members attended the January 14 presentation by Youthprise, an organization proposing to purchase the Milda's Building from RCFL. The intent was to create a housing cooperative in the Milda's building for BIPOC youth to develop the skills and financial footing to eventually purchase and maintain a home of their own. This proposal aligned closely to our mission. As an update, Youthprise has moved on to another site due to time constraints and slowed response time from RCFL. Please keep the RCFL Board in your prayers as they discern next steps.
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Enneagram Intro Workshop Retreat
Finding Balance, Connecting with your True Self, and Practicing Compassion
The Enneagram is a personality typing tool that is both psychological and spiritual. It helps us differentiate between our True Self (our Essence) and our False Self (our ego). The Enneagram doesn't slap ridgid labels on us, but instead it shows us that "box" that our personality has us trapped in so that we can get out of it and discover more choice and freedom in our lives. Each personality type has inherent spiritual gifts and each has inevitable challenges that lead to suffering. Let's explore together some practical (and non-shaming) ways we can develop compassion and understanding for ourselves and others! And we'll even have fun along the way!
When: Saturday May 18th, 9am - 12:30pm with a potluck lunch to follow
Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church
Who: Anyone age 16 and older can participate
Facilitated by: Chelsea Forbrook - she/her (former RCFL staff, current spiritual director and Enneagram coach)
Workshop Take-Aways:
- Discover how your personality gets in the way of connecting with your True Self, God, and your relationships
- Insights on where in your life you are imbalanced and contributing to your own stress, and how to change that
- A deeper understanding of the Enneagram system and each of the 9 types
- A good idea of what your personality type is and how to work with it
- Understanding, empathy and strategies for relating to those different from you (family, friends, coworkers, enemies)
- Tools for showing up in a more present way so you can fully enjoy your life!
STAY TUNED FOR REGISTRATION TO OPEN NEXT WEEK!
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Summer Cookouts set to begin Wednesday, June 12. If you are interested in helping coordinate Redeemer's cookout week, and work with our community and church partners please reach out to Kelly Mielke or Pastor Jen to get connected.
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MARCH
20- Last Lenten Meal, 6-7:30 pm
24- Palm Sunday, 10:30 am
28- Maundy Thursday at Salem Lutheran, 4150 Dupont
29- Good Friday at Christ River of Life, 2200 Fremont
31- Easter Sunday 10:30 am + Kid Egg Hunt (after worship)
APRIL
7- Guest Preacher Bishop Mark Hanson
5-11- Pastor Jen Collins Out of Town
21- Call to Allyship Guest Preacher, Lunch + Panel Conversation
MAY
5- Camp Sunday with Luther Park
18- Enneagram Retreat with Chelsea Forbrook, 9-12:30pm Open to All
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