REDEEMER PRAYERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS (May 14, 2021)

Members of Redeemer and friends & family of Jamie Seys and Linnae Nelson-Seys gather in Redeemer's courtyard for the baptism of their daughter, Leora, on May 9th.

PARKED CAR WORSHIP SUNDAY at 11am // We invite you to come in your cars and park on the lawn, or bring out your chairs or blankets (and masks!), and join us Sunday morning (May 16th) at 11am for Parked Car Worship in Redeemer’s backyard! Worship will be livestreamed on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/redeemermpls), and you may also view our pre-recorded service online at www.redeemermpls.org/virtual-worship. We’ll begin weekly parked car worship in June. All services are weather permitting; in the case of inclement weather, the worship team will livestream worship from our sanctuary at 11am. See you Sunday! 

REDEEMER GARDEN // You’re invited to stop by Redeemer each Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm when Greta, our garden volunteer, hosts weekly workdays!

THANK YOU from the NELSON-SEYS FAMILY // Last week’s baptism service for Leora Irene Seys, daughter of Jamie Seys and Linnae Nelson-Seys, was beautiful, and the family thanks all who gathered, or who held them in prayer throughout the morning! We can’t wait to baptise more Redeemer babies this Summer!

POTENTIAL COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC AT REDEEMER // Do you or someone you know still need a COVID-19 vaccine? Redeemer and RCFL are exploring the potential of hosting a vaccine clinic in early June, but we need at least 100 people to make best use of Fairview nurse’s time and capacity. Please call or email Beth Heinly Munk (651-247-8903 / cottoncandy7000@ gmail.com) or email Amy (admin@redeemermpls.org) and let us know who and how many vaccines you and your friends, family, and neighbors need! 

CHURCH STAFF OFFICE HOURS // We have new office hours! Through the summer months, Pastor Peter and Amy will be in the church offices on Wednesdays from 1-3pm and Fridays from 10am-noon. If you need to stop by the church at any other time during the week, let Amy know and she can make arrangements to meet.

TAKE MEANINGFUL ACTION for POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY & SYSTEMIC CHANGE // Now that we have a police accountability victory, let’s work toward true systemic change so that no more people are killed by police and no more police go to jail. One way to enact enduring systemic change is through legislative advocacy. We ask you to contact your state representative and senator to support the bills in the linked document. We all have “response-ability” for what happens next and advocacy does not take a lot of time. Please read, act, andpass this document widely through your contacts and ask those you know to do the same.
In the Spirit,
Redeemer Service+Advocacy and Outreach+Evangelism Ministers,    
Holly DeSouza, Sally Ankerfelt, Pastor Babette Chatman 

JOIN HANDS for the HARRISON NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD SHELF FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at 10am // Evangelism & Outreach minister Pr. Sally Ankerfelt invites us to help our siblings in Christ at the church around the corner from Redeemer (MCCC at 4th & Newton) where you will make a huge difference in the lives of our Harrison neighbors. The bonus is that you will make new connections and friends and have fun in the process! And stay tuned for details about an ongoing collaboration for summer food distribution beginning when we’ll need 5-7 volunteers weekly at MCCC! 

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES // We need readers for Easter and Pentecost worship!! Pleaseregister 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 April and May. Know that you can speak aloud the readings linked on the sign-up or from a children’s or other translation in your home. 

THE HEALTH COMMONS is a drop-in health and wellness space here in North Minneapolis whose services are FREE and open to everyone. They offer Zumba classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 6pm. They’ll be hosting Book Club Discussions from 4-5:30pm on May 18th. And on May 26th, a new Healing Circle series will continue (4-5:30pm), facilitated by Arubah. They still host Health Q & A's online (Facebook Live) or in person with social distancing. For more information and questions, visit their facebook page or contact our Community Liaisons: Bertha 763-843-9988 | Angela 651-529-6003

KUAMBATANA (ACCOMPANIMENT): THE MINISTRY of MARK and LINDA JACOBSON Documentary // For 38 years, Mark and Linda Jacobson have worked in the health field in Tanzania (they’re currently there!) becoming the ELCA’s longest-serving missionaries. In partnership with Tanzanian leaders, they’ve developed the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, started the Widow’s Might craft project and more. Their powerful story is featured in the new documentary Kuambatana, which means accompaniment in Kiswahili. The 30-minute video premiered on the ELCA Facebook page and is still available. Be sure to check it out!

EMERSON VILLAGE UPDATES // Beacon Interfaith Housing Collectiveprovided two important and time-sensitive updates / actions for us as we continue to work with the City of Minneapolis to move these homes forward:
1. The North Minneapolis Neighbors Night that had been scheduled for 4/22 has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 6. If you live in North Minneapolis, please take a minute to register for this important community conversation byclicking here. Don't live in the neighborhood? Share the invitation with anyone in your circles who does and encourage them to register to learn more about Emerson Village.
2. The city's Public Comment period for Emerson Village wraps up at the end of April, and we still need a LOT more letters of support! If you're a resident of Minneapolis, can you send a quick email to Carrie Goldberg with the city sharing why YOU want Emerson Village prioritized in upcoming funding decisions? Email her at: carrie.goldberg​@minneapolismn.​gov and copy Emily (egoldthwaitefri​es@beaconinterf​aith.org). You can findmore information on our request here - but the main need is to send in your email TODAY and say you support Emerson Village!
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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 6 feet away from others in public 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. Minnesotans 16-years of age and older are eligible to be vaccinated.  Vaccine demand often exceeds the supply. MN Department of Health offers a vaccine locator site. You can also attempt to access vaccines through community pharmacies (Walgreens and CVS) or your healthcare provider. 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).

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Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.

Holy God, in Christ Jesus the joy of the church is made complete. Root the church in your Word and unify us as Christ’s body. Send us into the world as your loving people, ready to testify to your Spirit at work. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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Mighty God, the world is your handiwork, displaying your creative impulse. Seas teem with life, forests reach up to praise you, and the mystery of life lies deep in the soil. Guard and keep this world for the well-being of all your creatures. Help us to be healing agents in the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Gracious Sovereign, those who follow your ways are like trees planted near streams of water. Establish the leaders of nations and all in authority in your grace and truth. Strengthen them, so that the people they serve will have abundant life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Generous Savior, you befriend those who are sick, suffering, poor, lonely, outcast, rejected, or sick. Grant healing and love to all in need, especially Shelby, David, Charlie & Linda, Sarah, Kent Schwitzer, T & Mary Lou, Mike, and Kent & Irene's family who grieve the recent passing of her father. Give them tangible signs of your steadfast love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, here in this community we share the gift of praying, learning, and supporting one another. Give us thankful hearts as we claim the unique gifts that every individual brings to our ministry. Give us loving and caring hearts to appreciate that – with those many differences – we all share the same mission and purpose. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Saving God, your wonderful promise is the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Through the witness of those who have died in you, strengthen us now in this gift of life. We cherish the memory of your saints (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen