Redeemer Announcements (March 5, 2021)

REMEMBERING GEORGE FLOYD as the CHAUVIN TRIAL BEGINS // As a city and nation, we anticipate that Minneapolis will once again be in the global spotlight as the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis Police Department officer charged with murdering George Floyd, begins on Monday.
     For many of us, the trial will bring back the trauma of last summer. For others there will be concern for safety and security. Still others might simply be confused by events related to the trial as they unfold. Congregational leaders in several synod churches have already planned events and responses for the coming weeks. The synod staff will periodically offer information about some of these events, as well as convene opportunities for rostered leaders to reflect on what it means to be leading a community of faith during a time and place such as this.
     Additionally, Amy Koopman (who is currently completing her Clinical Pastoral Education through Social Justice Chaplaincy with Redeemer) will open Zoom each weekday morning at 9am throughout the trial for 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence, stillness, prayer, and meditation as we remember George Floyd and yearn for justice. You are invited to join her each morning, and/or light a candle in your own home on your time as you’re able. If you're in need or want of presence, prayer, or space for grief and processing throughout this trial, you may reach out to Amy at admin@redeemermpls.org or akoopman001@luthersem.edu or by text at 615-708-9973. (Zoom dial in: (312) 626-6799 | Meeting ID: 840 5626 5293 | Passcode: 795012)

GEORGE FLOYD EVENTS // Here are more opportunities to engage in on Monday at George Floyd Square (38th & Chicago, South Mpls):
Call to Prayer will begin at 8:00 a.m. Bells will be rung for one minute; then 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence will honor George Floyd's life; this will be followed by one additional minute of bell ringing. (Congregations and individuals are invited to ring bells at this time as a commemoration of this memorial.)
Mutual Aid Supplies Drive will be held 8:15-11:30 a.m. Following this drive, George Floyd Square will become a Black-only space through 2:00 p.m. Under the theme "Black Kings United: Change Starts with Us," participants in this time will pledge unity and community protection.
Open Mic event for youth to elders will follow at 2:00 p.m. A candlelight vigil will begin at 5:45 p.m., and will go until the event ends at 7:00 p.m

FOOD DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED // Service and Advocacy is looking for 4 volunteers to help with Food Distribution efforts at Minneapolis Central Church of Christ, 1922 N 4th Ave. 55405. Four volunteers are needed Fridays between 10am-2pm: Two to unload the truck, and two more to pack food. If interested please contact Service & Advocacy Minister Holly De Souza at desouzaholly3@gmail.com

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS //  Daylight Savings Time begins at 2am on Sunday, March 14th. Sometimes referred to as spring forward, remember to turn your clocks forward one hour if yours don’t automatically change!

LENT ON THE NORTHSIDE // Our Northside Parish sibling congregation, Christ the River of Life, will be hosting at 12 noon a short hybrid Holden Evening Prayer worship each Wednesday in Lent. Those who come in person with masks and distancing may enjoy a soup supper, while others may join via this zoom link.

NEXT WEEK AT WORSHIP we will host Word and Prayer with Baptismal Creed and Prayers of Intercession. (Pre-recorded worship will be available online by Friday at 10pm so you may view anytime over the weekend!)

MINNEAPOLIS AREA TOOLKIT NEXT WEEKEND // Register for the MInneapolis Area Synod Toolkit Saturday, March 13th from 9am-12pm! Join colleagues in ministry for a Zoom morning of learning and connection! Choose two out of 15 workshop offerings to get practical tips to bring back to your congregation. Since there are so many workshops, we encourage churches to send a group so people can split up among the many great options. This is an especially helpful event for new church council members--Ask VP Mike Tarras about his attending! Workshops will be recorded and available to those who pre-register.

DAILY PRAYER MEDITATIONS areprovided by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, World Hunger ministry in the February Bulletin and online.

ZOOM GATHERING OPPORTUNITIES // Throughout the season of Lent we’re offering numerous opportunities for you and your families to gather together online: 
     WEDNESDAY EVENING LENT HOLDEN EVENING PRAYER & DISCUSSIONS  //  You're invited to join us via Zoom each Wednesday evening at 7pm during Lent when we will share in pre-recorded Holden Evening Prayer (created by Paul & Amy Koopman) and discuss various traditional Black spirituals (provided by Christine Free & Traiveon Dunlap). You may also view the videos and conversation questions on our website each week. (Zoom Meeting ID: 874 4538 4114 | Passcode: 340861 or dial-in by phone to 301-715-8592
     ZOOM & FAMILY SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP // Each Sunday morning at 10:30am we gather for Zoom Fellowship. This Sunday, will be our first monthly "Redeemer Family Fellowship"  gatherings for children and families.These virtual gatherings will be an opportunity for us to connect and grow in our faith together! Activities are designed for children ages 12 and younger, but all ages are invited to join the fun! (Family fellowship will be held in place of “regular” fellowship these weeks).

PRAISE & PRAYERS FOR REDEEMER NEWBORNS // We offer profound congratulations and celebrate together with Rachel Birkedal and Derwin Halim on the birth of their daughter Eka Matana (2/10/21); and Linnae Nelson-Seys and Jamie Seys (and Abraham) on the birth of their daughter Leora (2/14/21). We hold in prayer those awaiting the arrival of babies: Alyssa Schwitzer and Elizabeth Hanson, and Steven Hobert and Sarah Lindsey. We can’t wait to meet these little ones and shower their families when it’s safe to do so!

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES // We need readers for Lent worship!! Please register online or email Amy to sign up to record yourself and/or your family speaking the assigned lectionary readings for our prerecorded worships during the months of January and February. Know that you can speak aloud the readings linked on the sign-up or from a children’s or other translation in your home. 

COVID-19 PREVENTION & VACCINES // The best protection from the various mutations of the COVID-19 virus—whether you are vaccinated or not—is to: 
-- stay home whenever possible; 
-- stay 6 feet away from others in all spaces; 
-- wear a mask (or two) so that there is adequate filtration and a snug fit over the bridge of your nose, cheeks, and chin; and
-- wash your hands often and well. 
See the MN Department of Health COVID-19 site for more in-depth and current information about symptoms, testing, and vaccines. At this time, in MN, vaccines are being given to long-term care residents and staff, healthcare workers, K-12 teachers, child care workers, and people over 65. Currently, vaccine demand exceeds the supply. MN Department of Health offers a vaccine locator site. When you receive a vaccine appointment, be sure to dress appropriately so that your upper arm is easily accessible (for example, wear a short-sleeve t-shirt under your sweater/jacket). 

HEALTH COMMONS at the LIVING ROOM currently offers Zumba, Book Club Discussions, and Health Q&A's online and via Zoom. Follow them on Facebook to get current schedules, events, and other resources: Health Commons at the Living Room.