Announcements Nov. 3

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View this email in your browser CLICK LINK TO GO TO THE SECTION This Month  I   Worship  I  Learn  I  Save the Date  I   Community   I  Calendar "The work of leadership must do more than improve. It must change." - Gil Rendle Grace and Peace to you! Have you heard the story of Moses? His journey begins in the pages of the Old Testament text, in the Book of Exodus (younger Spark Story Bible readers can start on page 66 "Baby Moses"). As we move through his story we have an opportunity to find where God shows up in and through people, just like us. The Hebrew Midrash provides biblical imagination, detail that isn't in the Hebrew text, this leads to wonder, curiosities and changes in storytelling. Lawrence Kushner describes the Midrash as the stories and reflections of the rabbi scholars that rest before, after, above and below the biblical text. There is one example I'd like to draw our attention to, it comes from the story of the Red Sea - The Exodus out of Egypt (Spark page 84). When Pharaoh finally said, "Go" and the Israelite people got to the shore of the Red Sea, the waters lay before them unparted and there fear, anxiety and chaos surrounded them. To lead people into the water would be to drown, but to wait without action would be to give themselves up to the Egyptians (remember Pharaoh changed his mind and was coming after the Israelites). They were stuck and trapped. At this part in the story, the famous miracle of Moses raising his staff and striking the waters, but...someone needed to be first to go into the water to test the promise of God.  The Midrash stories tell that the leaders of Israel all gathered at the water's edge, sat down, and argued with one another about who would go in the water first. Action was needed, but the leaders did what they knew how to do and hosted a committee meeting instead. Waiting...Waiting...Waiting... Finally, waiting no longer, a person remembered why they were there and the promise that brought them there, so they stood up and began to walk in the water. As the story is told, the person walked from their ankles, the waters did not part. They walked into the water to their waist...up to their shoulders...up to their chin...As they took the step that would've put their nose under the water, the waters parted. "Quiet courage" as Gil Rendle calls this. He says, "no memorable words to be included in the biblical text, no persuasive arguments - not even the hero's assurance that they knew what they were doing. Simply remembering the why, the purpose of fleeing the Egyptians, remembering the promise given to Moses. They quietly got up and did what was required. Quiet courage. Above all, purposeful but also poised and risky. While others argued about the right way to do things, quiet courage stepped up to fulfill the intended purpose of the moment." I wonder, how we might be quietly courageous?  Peace & Blessings,  Pastor Jen Collins (she/her)   **If you are curious about leadership at Redeemer, we will be looking for people to serve in a variety of roles on our 2024 Church Council. Some areas of focus: Finance, Organizational Development, Youth + Family, Community Engagement, Visioning. Please reach out to Pastor or a council member if you or someone you know would like to be nominated. Two Adults and One Youth needed for Synod Assembly Representatives May 2024 (there will be a Bishop Election for Minneapolis, learn more).  THANK YOU FOR HELPING We extend a BIG AMOUNT of Gratitude for all who helped coordinate, donate, cook and clean for the annual Soul Food Dinner. We thank all of our healthcare providers who came for the Vaccine Clinic in efforts to keep people healthy and up to date with the flu vaccine. REDEEMER COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION RCFL Board Hosts - Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 pm in Fellowship Hall For more than 20 years Redeemer Center for Life (RCFL) has worked in partnership with the Harrison Community to provide youth leadership development, after school and summer programming, affordable and transitional housing, as well as greater community social and economic development advocacy work at policy and government levels. RCFL is currently reevaluating how to best serve the community of Harrison going forward. This listening session will be hosted to listen to the community in regard to greatest needs, what community services already exist, where are there needs not yet met, what needs could be better met? As well as what role(s) might Redeemer church play?  Light food provided. Please feel free to bring a dish or side to share. Pastor Jen will act as Facilitator Guide for our time. We look forward to gathering with you as we listen to one another.  Honoring Sacred Waters Gathering Tuesday, November 21 5:30-7:30 pm Ecumenical partners coming together to support All Nations Indian Church and Indigenous People's Task Force What to expect? 5:30pm - Fresh oven-fired pizza dinner 6:30pm - Honoring Sacred Waters Gathering with Nibi Play  7:30pm - Pie (bring a pie to share) Where? Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 2315 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404   Our gathering will include a Nibi (water) play by the Ikidowin Youth Acting Ensemble. This ensemble of Native youth actors is a program of Indigenous People's Task Force. The Indigenous Peoples Task Force strengthens the wellness of our community in a way that is based in indigenous values and ways of knowing. They were founded in 1987 to develop and implement culturally appropriate HIV education and direct services to the Native community in Minnesota. We know our community will not be completely well until all people have restored their relationships with each other and the earth.    At our gathering, a freewill offering will be collected to support the ministries of All Nations Indian Church. Around 6pm, we may have an opportunity for a pop-up choir to learn Nibi songs in Ojibwe to support the storytelling. Everyone is welcome! Reserve your books + join in! COMMUNITY BOOK READS  Beginning October thru End of year 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. UPDATE: BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED + NEW DATE FOR DISCUSSION Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer Books available thru grant - Pick up a copy in Church Office  Once you have your copy, begin reading and we will gather together December 6 at 6:30 pm  during the community meal December 6, Group Dinner + Conversation at Redeemer at 6:30 pm *Pick up a free copy in Redeemer Church office, while supplies last. Also found as an audio book, and local stores     Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color Books available thru grant beginning in Mid-November* Once you have your copy, begin reading and we will gather together January 10 at 6:30 pm  during the community meal (online conversation options TBD) January 10 KICK OFF, Dinner + Intro to 2024 Lenten Learning (February thru March opportunities) at Redeemer at 6:30 pm  Purchase through Augsburg Fortress 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. 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.) Weekly Worship Bulletin. Live Stream. Past Services. UPCOMING SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES November 5: All Saints Sunday What does this mean? A little background for learning about these Holy Days and why we celebrate All Saints. May we acknowledge the rituals, traditions held across many cultures; there are people in our neighborhoods and various faith communities who have practiced these holy days for years and people who are (re)creating ritual during these days: All hallows eve (American's have called Halloween), All Saints and All souls days (Dia de los Muertos). At Redeemer, who primarily has been a Christian, Protestant, Lutheran community, we tend to gather and recognize the first Sunday of November for All Saints Sunday which celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died. You're invited to visit the memorial table during Prayers of Intercession and light a candle. November 19: Guest Preacher, Rev. Sarah Anderson We will be swapping pastors on this Sunday. Christ the King (CtK) in New Brighton is celebrating their mission partnership partners, which Redeemer has been a local partner for years. Pastor Jen is preaching at CtK while, Pastor Sarah is joining Redeemer.  WE NEED WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS - Setup (before 10:30 am), Greeter, Reader, Prayers of  Intercession, iPad setup, Clean Up of the Space November 26- December 17: Advent Sundays Family Advent Candle Lighting, click the "Worship Volunteering" button to sign up. Worship Volunteering MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR GERTRUDE B. AMMONS We lift up and pray for the family of Gertrude Ammons, who died on October 20th. Redeemer will be hosting a memorial service, Friday, November 17 at 11:00 am. Gertrude was a member of Redeemer and will be missed. We send love and peace to the Ammons family. If anyone would be interested in helping offer Hospitality (greeting, assisting Pastor Jen) please contact Pastor about volunteering.   CREATING SPACE FOR KIDS IN WORSHIP We are developing a Prayground in our worship space. At Redeemer, as Jesus did, we welcome children of all ages as integral members of the body of Christ. As we strive to be A Beacon of Hope, that also means letting our littlest of lights shine bright! We welcome the sounds and activity that accompany them! Kids learn from others, especially the adults in their lives. May we keep introducing our young people (infants on up) to the importance of gathering in sacred space fully and wholly as they are. Whether that sacred space is in our sanctuary, homes or great outdoors.   There are a number of spaces we are designing for our kids at all ages to experience and participate in, especially during worship. At the entrance to the worship space, kids can pick from a selection of quiet manipulatives and creative tools to take to their seats in the REDEEMER KID BAGS. There are baskets with a variety of MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. New to our Sanctuary in South East corner of our Sanctuary is The Prayground. Read more about other churches and where this idea was cultivated on link below. This area is designed for children to engage in age-appropriate activities while experiencing God in their own ways of worshipping in the sanctuary along with their families and the whole of the Redeemer community. We will be adding a wider liturgy library for all ages to explore, learn and grow with God as they find their way of belonging. This will stretch us as adults, reminding us of Jesus' ask to have "childlike faith" as we make enough space for kids to be kids wherever we are at on our journey.  Please stay tuned for more from Redeemer Families about how this is impacting their experience of worship and helping develop their children's faith. Learn about the Prayground 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 Worship Volunteering Reach out to Lonna Field or Sally Ankerfelt to sign up to volunteer and/or donate.  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" 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). Monthly Meal Volunteering 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! Financial Updates: September Income: $43,460.34* August Expenses: $35,628.65           End of August Balance: $7,831.69 *$14,645 was received for our Imagination Grant Funding Dear friends, members, and visitors, The Redeemer Church Council wants to thank YOU for all the ways you give! When we work as a team, all things will be blessed! Thanks again or your generosity. Stewardship Letter FAITH MATTERS NEWSLETTER Please find attached our Summer/Fall 2023 Faith Matters Newsletter.  This Newsletter includes Fall Save the Dates and more!  As always, the newsletter may also be viewed online here.    Faith Matters Newsletter 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) MEET OUR NEW NEIGHBOR - BIG HILL BOOKS Pastor Jen met the owner recently and discovered once a month there are Tiny Tots Thursdays + Second Saturday Storytimes for kids and families. If you like Cuppa Java, they're just across the street. Visit their event page to learn more. 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. 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) CALENDAR  NOVEMBER 5- DAYLIGHT SAVINGS, Fall back All Saints Sunday, beginning Oct. 22 bring your memories to build the community memorial table. RCFL Listening Session at 12:30 pm  19- Partnership Sunday, Pastor Jen will be preaching at Christ the King + Pastor Sarah Anderson will be preaching at Redeemer 21- Thanksgiving Gathering at Our Saviour's 5:30-7:30pm 22-24 Church Offices CLOSED 26- First Sunday for Advent Worship at Redeemer DECEMBER 9- Christmas store at Redeemer 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) Copyright © Redeemer Lutheran Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 1800 Glenwood Ave. Minneapolis, MN 5540 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.