Announcements~ August 18, 2023

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View this email in your browser CLICK LINK TO GO TO THE SECTION This Week  I   Worship  I   Serve  I   Community   I  Save Date Grace and Peace Redeemer Community! I am going to strive to write a weekly reflection to share God moments, happenings at Redeemer and more. It is my hope that this weekly note will be a little piece to help connect us more. After hearing the kind words on Sunday from you all as I celebrate ONE year at Redeemer, I began reflecting on the commitments we made to one another. For those who have joined in after I was called, these commitments were those made when I signed my letter of call (contract) with Redeemer's Call committee and council in Summer of 2023. I believe we have began living into many of these commitments but, we are still in a liminal space moving through as we find ourselves once again. With a community who has had years of change, it takes time to cultivate and reach these commitment goals. (CLICK THIS LINK READ "The Spiritual Work of transition") I am so honored and continue to be grateful that we are on our way together... BUILDING COMMUNITY. This was the main commitment we have among ourselves, for you and myself. This next season, I encourage us all to lean deeply into practicing this commitment to each other. It is about living out our baptismal promises, "To living among God's faithful people...serve all people following the example of Jesus and strive for justice and peace."  I have been tasked to work alongside this community to develop, imagine, experiment with wonder and curiosity as we hold space for addressing this community's social, spiritual and emotional needs. We are in seasons of renewal, figuring out shared understanding between the pastor and community at Redeemer so that, we feel comfortable sharing what we need in order to feel safe, supported, valued and that we belong. I need to start sharing what I need as we strive to honor our commitments to one another... CONNECT. 1) With me. I don't want you to believe that you are ever a "burden" or that I am too "busy" to connect with you. I'd happily set the other tasks aside to be present with you. This might be new for you but, that is why I am a spiritual leader, to foster care and support as best that I can. To be journeying with you as you move through little and big milestones, in your hardest and joyous moments. Jesus loves you and so do I.  2) With each other. You have to power of the Holy Spirit to support each other too! Be brave. The Spirit calls, gathers and invites...so, try inviting someone you know or don't know to coffee, FaceTime, send a card and discover the connections you have. Maybe it will lead to a long lasting friendship or you are exactly the person needed in that time, place or space. Ponder how you/your family might participate in the life of this community?  AREAS OF SUPPORT  1) Finances. If you are a person with a strong financial background and would be able to commit time to serving on the finance team please reach out. As I have worked over this year, we have found there is need for financial strategy and administrative support to continue moving into a better sustainable model. Our financial landscape has been changing, such as a shifts in missional support, access to grant funding, inflation costs for many services as well as staffing changes.  2) Office Volunteering beginning in Mid-September. More information to come soon. We will be looking for people who can join during daytime hours (1-2 hour shifts) for hospitality, daily phone/email correspondence. As well as help with occasional community events (evenings/weekends) and Thursdays printing bulletins.   Whew....  I know I said a note, apologies for the LONG note but, I want to make an effort to share clearly, authentically and transparently so that we can continue to grow and strengthen our community!  God is good all the time. All the time God is good.  Peace & Blessings,  Pastor Jen Collins (she/her)  CHRISTINE BELFREY JOHNSON'S ORDINATION  Saturday, August 19, 2023 - 2:00 to 4:00 PM We look forward to celebrating Christine Belfrey Johnson, longtime Redeemer and community member on Saturday, August 19th. As her Congregation Home Church, we will be acting as HOST to the guests, family and friends! Come celebrate with her, thanks be to God.  FUN EVENT WITH CPAC ORGANIZERS Saturday, August 19- 12:00-4:00pm Join for a fun, family-friendly day with CPAC (CPAC, an elected all-Civilian Police Accountability Commission). Saturday, August 19 from 12 to 4pm in the backyard and Living Room space of RCFL. There will be: Classic BBQ fare, with meat and veggie options Epic bake sale fundraiser by @audreybakes612 Face painting and lawn games CPAC petitions will be on-site for anyone who needs to sign, or who wants to get trained up to collect signatures. (CPAC, an elected all-Civilian Police Accountability Commission, is our proposal for putting power over police into the hands of Minneapolis residents living in the communities they patrol.) Hosted by Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar, and Minneaoplis for Community Control of Police. BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS (and work bags) THIS Sunday, August 20 during worship Bring your backpack or work bag of choice and be BLESSED as we prepare for another year of school and changing seasons. Join during worship for this faith blessing! All ages welcomed to participate. After worship we will have FREE school supplies for any child or youth who needs those items as they prepare for school. FOOD MINISTRY FORUM at REDEEMER THIS Sunday, August 20th - 12:00-1:30pm STAY TUNED as we are planning for our community cookouts to continue and be re-imagined for the fall and winter months. If you want to learn more about the NEWLY Forming food ministry at Redeemer, attend a forum in fellowship hall after worship on Sunday, August 20th. Learn more, especially if you have a heart for feeding people and dreaming up food solutions!  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 SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 10:30 am Join us for worship to hear a good word from Pastor Jen Collins! 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 -- it can be found on our website.  Please reach out to Pastor Jen or Amy if you need help with digital accessibility.)   Weekly Worship Bulletin. Live Stream. Past Services. UPCOMING GUEST PREACHER August 27th: Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown Rev. Dr. Jia is a Minneapolis pastor whose experience in community education, engagement, and outreach encompasses more than 20 years. She pastored her community through the events that followed the murder of George Floyd, and she continues to advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Read more about Rev. Dr. Jia here. LABOR DAY - NORTHSIDE COLLABORATIVE WORSHIP  Sunday, September 3 at 10:00 am Location: Christ the River of Life, 2200 Fremont Ave N, Mpls, MN 55344 Join Christ the River of Life, Salem and Redeemer as we all worship together. Pastor Deanna Kim Bassett and Pastor Eric Hoffer will be leading worship. Join on zoom, link here. WORSHIP HELPERS NEEDED: Greeter, Usher, Communion Setup & Serving, Readers This Sunday ALL ROLES ARE OPEN. If you are joining us this Sunday, please sign up here, talk with Roger Mikelson (651-332-6849) or let Pastor Jen know.  SALEM'S STATE FAIR DINING HALL August 24 - September 4  Do you love the state fair? If so, here is a great opportunity to join our friends at Salem Lutheran and serve up some delicious Swedish meatballs and egg coffee! Sign up here: https://signup.com/Group/212462094041/ Message Salem Lutheran Office with any questions you've got, office@salem-elca.org 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) and ask for Renee. Please reach out to Renee, Sarah Stadie, Mike Tarras, or Maggie Dexheimer Pharris, if you have any questions or concerns! PAINT & PLAY Saturday, September 9, 10-12 noon Calling all families and community friends to help us set up our kid spaces at Redeemer, 10-12 noon. Kids can play together while we work. At family camp we spoke about cleaning, painting and creating spaces for our kids. The main floor nursery and play space is ready to reopen, but we need your help. As well as prep work for expanding our worship space for families, read about the origin of the Prayground. If you are a thrivent member, we'd like to apply for a grant to aid in our creation of these spaces. For volunteering let Pastor Jen know.  WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEEDED We are always seeking worship volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings as readers, ushers, greeters, and communion assistants! We welcome children, youth, and adults in every aspect of worship, so if you'd like to offer the gift of your Self, please sign up here, reach out to Pastor Jen, or reach out to Roger Mikelson (651-332-6849). ADDITIONAL OFFERING COUNTERS NEEDED Council treasurer Jane Friendsush is looking for volunteers to help count the offering after Sunday Worship once every two months or so. If you are interested in helping out, please call Jane at (763) 516-0950, talk to her after worship, you may also reach out by email to Amy or Renee to join the team, or sign up here. Thanks! Monthly Financial Update: Finance Snapshot:  July Income: $22,087.07 July Expenses: $31,650.00_____ End of Month Balance: -$9,562.93 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. RAISING FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS We have a NEW Community member support ask. Alonzo Adams, a long time Redeemer community member who played on Redeemer's youth basketball team has many things to celebrate, a beautiful daughter and new job. However, his car was damage due to some folks stripping it for parts. The damage is $1300 to repair, any help to get Alonzo support so he can retain his new job is appreciated. Pastor Jen is collecting donations and forwarding them to Alonzo. You may send your gifts to Pastor Jen @prjencollins. You may give by check or cash in the offering plate (note designated gift) or after worship. Let's rally together to support this young dad! We are raising funds to support a former staff member, Jasmine Greene. She is a mother of two young sons and was laid off for the summer from employment as a school bus driver. She was also recently diagnosed with a chronic illness. We want to help her with rent, bills, and groceries for the remainder of the summer until she begins full time work again in the fall. Amy Koopman is collecting donations and forwarding them to Jasmine. You may send your gifts d directly to Jasmine via Venmo @jasminegreen93 or to Amy @amycourts; through Cashapp to $amykoop; or through PayPal at ojym@yahoo.com. You may give by check or cash in the offering plate (note designated gift) or after worship.  Let's rally together to support this young mama of two! 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. SIGN THE HERC COMMUNITY PETITION Our northside neighbors at the Minnesota Environmental Justice Table are working hard to secure clean water and breathable air for our children, but their work is often an uphill battle. They are currently campaigning to gather signatures to shut down the HERC trash burner a major source of environmental toxins in North Minneapolis. We invite you learn more about the HERC trash incinerator, and sign their petition for Hennepin County to shut it down. 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) PAID and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Senior Community Services (SCS) is a 73 year old MN non- profit. Our focus is helping seniors remain independent and stay in their homes! The HOME Program through SCS is hiring people 16 years and older to cut grass and do lawn care for seniors in your neighborhood. Both paid and volunteer opportunities are available!   How to get started:  Call the HOME Program at (952) 746-4046 or visit us on the web: https://seniorcommunity.org/services/home-program/ for more information. RECLAIM GATHERING September 14-17, 2023 at Redeemer and Central Lutheran   RECLAIM is a curated gathering for people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities brought to us by African Descent Ministries. Sunday, September 17 Worship will be a collaborative service with RECLAIM preacher and musical guests. Learn more and register SAVE the DATE: WELCA FALL WOMEN'S GATHERING ~ NOV. 4th, 2023 Join WELCA (Women of the ELCA) for their annual Fall Women's Gathering on Saturday, November 4th! The topic this year is Just Love. Participants will learn how to Love in Action and Loving Yourself. If you have any questions about this year's event, feel free to contact Dena. SEPTEMBER 3 - Worship at Christ the River of Life 7-10 - Burning Bush Church Event (9/7 Thursday -6-9 pm, Sanctuary; 9/8 Friday - 6-9 pm Sanctuary; Sunday [sanctuary and fellowship hall] 1-8 pm) 9- Paint & Play, 10-12 noon 10 - Redeemer Member Gathering at La Dona's (241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405, 12 noon 20- FIRST Food & Faith Night, Wednesday Meal (6-8 pm) & Community activities (begin at 6:30 pm) 24-26 Bishop's Theological Conference, Pastor Jen Out of Office  OCTOBER 1- Faith Milestone: Bible Blessing, Kids & Youth receive a bible 4- Food & Faith Night, Wednesday Meal (6-8 pm) & Bible 101 (begin at 6:30 pm) 8- Indigenous People's Celebration Worship 29- Soul Food Sunday & Vaccine Clinic 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.