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Grace & Peace to you.
It is a beautiful invitation as we move through these seasonal and thematic messages from Christmas --> Epiphany --> Baptism of our Lord and now into commemorating a sibling in Christ, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend. On, Monday, January 15, 2024 being the official Federal Holiday.
What does it mean to commemorate this day?
As I walk past people at my children's school, grocery store, standing at the gas station, I hear people say, "What are you doing for your day off?" "It's a 3-day weekend" To many, this day is simply a day - an extra day off. However, when this day was established it was done with the intention for people to in variety of meaningful ways honor Dr. King’s legacy and promote his ideals, such as the philosophy of Beloved Community.
As people of faith, called to work for justice and peace. How might you make this weekend (and everyday) more and more about living a love-centered way, in our thinking, speaking, acting and being?
As we commemorate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and all who have followed in his footsteps, may we continue to be a light for others. Below are invitations and opportunities:
- Attend Commemorative Events: Many communities organize parades, lectures, and other events that celebrate Dr. King’s life and message.
- Engage in Community Service: Participate in volunteer activities or service projects that benefit your community, aligning with Dr. King’s commitment to social justice.
- Educational Activities: Learn more about the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s work through books, documentaries, or visits to relevant museums and historical sites.
- Reflect on Social Justice: Take time to reflect on the progress made in the fight for civil rights and consider how you can contribute to a more just society.
- Spread Awareness: Share Dr. King’s messages of equality, love, and nonviolence on social media to inspire others.
Sending Lots of Love,
Pastor Jen Collins (she/her)
**Pastoral Care NOTE:
I will be out of town Wed, January 17 & returning Mon., January 22
If there are any pastoral emergencies there will be a pastor care list when you call the office (Mon. or Thurs.) or in my email away message. I ask for prayers as I am a workshop leader and participant at ELCA's Youth Ministry Network's Extravaganza Conference in New Orleans, LA.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEKEND
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE + LEARN:
Saturday, January 13th
Redeemer Volunteer Day: Saturday, January 13th + 20th
Time: 10 am - 2:00 pm
Location: 1922 N 4th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Our neighborhood food shelf at Minneapolis Central Church of Christ (MCCC) is in need of diapers for distribution. Remember Redeemer drops off our collected diapers on 3rd Saturdays. If you can help deliver or volunteer, reach out to Sally Ankerfelt or Pastor Jen. Please bring boxes of diapers of any size (sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6 are the most requested) to church on Sundays or drop off during office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays are food distribution days, where over 200 families are served, come meet our community neighbors and join in the work.
Sunday, January 14th
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday of Service
Location: Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley, MN
Time: 1:15 to 4:30 pm
All are welcome: to celebrate and connect, to love, to uplift and teach, to honor, and to remember Together. Join Sweet Potato Comfort Pie in honoring Martin Luther King’s 95th birthday and our 10 years of Origins. We are looking forward to coming together and sharing stories – uplifting one another through our shared commonalities and differences, all while enjoying a delicious catered meal and a slice of sweet potato comfort pie. This year’s theme is "Our Origins Travel Onward". Mark your calendar for this free hybrid event! We recommend registering soon, as seats will fill up fast! Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.
Monday, January 15th
Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55407
Powderhorn neighborhood’s family-friendly, 2-hour artist showcase featuring storytellers, visual artists and performing artists, art activities, lunch and giveaways. FREE event. 10am-2pm. Learn more here.
At Your Own Pace
Location: 1256 Penn Ave. N, 4th Floor Minneapolis, MN
Regular hours: Tues-Fri 1-5 pm; Sat. 10am-1pm
The permanent exhibit, UNBREAKABLE: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota, explores African American history in MN from the settlers and pioneers through the world wars. Stop by the Children's reading section for a story break.
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REDEEMER CENTER FOR LIFE
Sunday, January 14 at 12:30 pm
Church Fellowship Hall (downstairs)
On behalf of Redeemer Center for Life, Board members invite anyone to join this listening session. Youthprise an organization in the Twin Cities, will be giving a presentation on a proposal to potentially purchase an RCFL property. Come and listen, there will be a time for questions following presentations.
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SUNDAY FORUMS - ANNUAL REPORT
Hosted by Redeemer Council
Sunday, January 21 after worship (Fellowship Hall downstairs)
Annual Reports will be made available soon through a congregational email. Printed copies available per request. Join in to ask questions about Council Leadership elections, Synod Elections (Conferences on February 10 + Synod Assembly in May) proposed budget, and reflections on 2023.
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REDEEMER ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, January 28
Annual Meeting will be called to order at 12:30 pm
Potluck immediately after worship, bring a dish to share. Happening online and in-person. Zoom information to come.
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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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Blessing + Ashes from 10-12 noon; for those who might not be able to attend the evening service. Please come by Redeemer and Pastor will be offering individual blessings and ashes.
Evening service will be held at 6:00 pm in Sanctuary (Facebook Live is offered online)
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UPCOMING Worship Guests + Holy Days:
January 21 - Guest Preacher: Rev. Melissa Melnick Gonzalez, Pastor at Tapestry in Richfield
February 14- Ash Wednesday
February 14- March 24 (Lent Season)
March 28-29 - Holy Week (Maundy Thursday + Good Friday)
March 31 - Easter Sunday
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NEW MEMBER RECOGNITION
Sunday, January 14 during worship at 10:30 am
Whether you have attended twice or two hundred times, we welcome you. You are welcomed at Redeemer exactly as you are. Whether you are a first-time visitor or you have been with us a long time, know you are loved by God and appreciated in this community of faith.
Did you know in the ELCA's tradition there is an "official" membership process? What does that mean?
As stated above, people are welcomed in faith communities and may participate fully in a variety of ways. People may already show up and participate in worship and other congregational life opportunities, provide tithing and living generously in so many ways. Many consider themselves to be a member. This process and the language used to define members varies from place to place, organization to organization. Being a "member" has morphed and changed over the years, especially when we as people strive to define and discover belonging and finding meaning in life.
Redeemer is reimagining membership and striving to reengage with one another, we want to recognize those who never had the opportunity in last 2-3 years or New and interested in deeper level of learning and connecting with Redeemer community. We need people who love this community, who love one another and are willing to step deeper into participation so that, we can keep creating a place for people to experience the love of Jesus and find a place to belong.
When you say "yes" to being recognized as a member officially, whether during worship (like on January 14) or in conversation with the Pastor. It's an affirmation of your engagement to the life of the faith community, it's a part of honoring our Baptismal Promises. It's affirming we are on the way together.
As a non-profit, religious organization we also need to have "official members" per the church's governance (constitution + bylaws). SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? Saying "yes" is an opportunity to engage by adding your vote when the church needs to make official decisions (i.e. budgets, calling rostered leaders, larger missional priorities). This also opens up opportunities for you to serve in larger leadership roles (council, synod council, churchwide assembly representative). We prayerfully hope you will consider being "officially" recognized as a New Member on January 14th. Your voice matters, may God lead and guide you.
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NEXT MONTHLY COMMUNITY NIGHT MEAL
**FIRST NORTHSIDE LENTEN SERVICE**
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 6:00- 8:00 pm
INVITE & BRING A FRIEND!
We will be moving into the season of Lenten season and partnering with our Northside Parish neighbors: Christ River of Life + Salem Lutheran Churches. This is starting to become a yearly partnership of sharing a meal and worshipping with Holden Evening Prayer Service.
We will be rotating who is hosting the meal. If you would like to sign up click below. We look forward to gathering!
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Wanna join this book read + conversation?
We have 18 FREE* copies available until we run out. Please sign up to reserve your copy and secure your spot in our learning groups. 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.
Pastor Jen will be hosting two times (TBD) for groups to gather. 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.
STAY TUNED - REGISTRATION OPEN NEXT WEEK!
*Free copies provided through a Thrivent Action Grant
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NEIGHBORHOOD LISTENING TRAINING
Hosted by Faith & Prejudice
This is a great opportunity to gain skills and create grace-filled accountability within a community of lay leaders learning to engage their neighbors better!
Themes:
- Part 1: Neighborhood Mapping
- Part 2: Learning how to do a 1:1
- Part 3: Planning a Neighborhood Event
Here are the dates and times
- January 30th: 6pm - 7pm CST
- March 26th: 6pm - 7pm CST
- May 28th: 6pm - 7pm CST
Please feel free to email Anna Stamborski with any questions at anna@faithandprejudice.com
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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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JANUARY
13- MLK Day of Service at MCCC Food Distribution
14- New Member Recognition
14- RCFL Church + Community Listening Session at 12:30 Fellowship Hall
21- Church Forum: 2024 Annual Report + Budget, after worship
28- Annual Meeting at 12:30 pm
FEBRUARY
14- Ash Wednesday
21- Wednesday Lenten Meals begin at 6:00 pm
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