Mixing it up' with feet and labyrinths
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Some years ago it was the practice at Redeemer to do something a bit different in worship on the fifth Sundays of the month, which occurs four times a year. But we let
the practice slip for a while. And so now we are committing ourselves to the practice once again, because as we know, Lutherans need to "mix it up" every once in a while so we won't get stale (or bored, or sleepy).
In anticipation of the fifth Sunday of September then, Sept. 30, we are planning a worship service that has something to do with "feet."
 Don't worry; we won't be washing them, as that beautiful event is something we save for Maundy Thursday. But, as you have heard, we are hoping that each Redeemer person will email a photo of their feet to Judy Madson some time before Aug. 31 so we can use the photos in an art piece. These photos need not be of bare feet. We want them to tell stories about where we've been and what we've done this summer. So maybe your picture will show your feet in flippers or hiking boots or garden shoes. Maybe your photo will be of newly painted toenails or your feet buried in sand. Actually, this Fifth Sunday worship experience will begin the evening before, on Saturday evening, Sept. 29, as we invite people to come to the back parking lot of Redeemer for a candlelight labyrinth walk. More information about this will be forthcoming. But for right now we will simply encourage you to mark your calendars.... 6 o'clock on Saturday evening, Sept. 27.
Walking the labyrinth is an ancient method of contemplation. Did you know we have a labyrinth at Redeemer already?
(And if you'd like to know more about labyrinths, Google "Grace Cathedral Labyrinth" or "Chartres Labyrinth." Walking the labyrinth is an ancient method of contemplation. Did you know we have a labyrinth at Redeemer already? After having it for more than five years, we will now begin to use it.
In relationship to this method of meditation, I will take this opportunity to say that there is a group of Redeemer folks planning other opportunities for spiritual growth outside our regular Sunday morning worship experiences. Such opportunities will include retreats, praying with colors, day-trips to places in Maine that foster awe or gratitude, learning together about spiritual practices.
You will hear about these opportunities in the months to come. If you have ideas about what we might offer in this regard, please let me know. This new direction in our life together came about as people have expressed a hunger for "going deeper" into the spiritual life than Sunday worship sometimes allows. We are just beginning to explore the possibilities.
But for now, we want your feet!
In Christ,
Pastor Elaine
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Walking the labyrinth
An Episcopal congregation in Georgia built a replica of the more than 800-year-old labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France in their new worship space. The King of Peace Episcopal Church in Kingsland, Ga., offers suggestions on walking the labyrinth as a spiritual and meditative practice, and explains why a labyrinth is not a maze. |
Youth overnight and shore trip
All of Redeemer's youth (grades 6-12) are invited to an overnight at the Hewes' home in Sedgwick on July 27. Festivities will begin any time after 1 p.m. on Friday, July 27, and pick-up will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.
Everyone is invited to bring a friend. The fun will include a trip to the shore, kayaking, hiking, and a cook-out. Let Pastor Elaine know if you plan to attend. |
 | Voting delegates to the New England Synod Assembly (left to right) Pastor Elaine, Pam Shellberg, Nancy Leibfarth-Orndoff, and Jackie Leibfarth. |
by following this link.Choosing a new bishop, led by the Spirit
By Pam Shellberg
The choosing of a new bishop commanded the lion's share of time and attention at the 2012 New England Synod Assembly. Voting members to the assembly cast ballots four times before the new leadership of the synod was clearly discerned, in a process that is remarkable on a number of counts.
On the first ballot, any clergy person rostered in the ELCA can be nominated. (Your voting members all pinky-swore ahead of time to not nominate Pastor Elaine.) The second ballot then contained the names of more than 150 nominees. Subsequent ballots concentrated the votes on seven candidates, then on three, then on one, the Rev. James Hazelwood. In between the ballots were increasingly extensive and intensive periods of questioning of the candidates and opportunities for them to address the assembly.
Prior to each vote, the assembly would quiet and attend to the presence of the Spirit with the singing of these words: "We seek your presence. The way ahead you must show. We seek your presence. For without you, Lord our God, we will not go." Several times this verse would be sung, slowly and contemplatively. These were really powerful moments as the voting process would be intentionally interrupted, all discussion stopped, and there would be something that felt like a collective surrender of more than 500 wills to this humble, earnest, faithful plea for Spirit-led decisions.
'We seek your presence. The way ahead you must show.' I myself did not vote for the Rev. Hazelwood; he was in a field of several strong candidates. Nevertheless, there was, in the assembly as a whole, a clear sense of the goodness of his selection -- and so I joined my most earnest hopes for our church and our synod to the collective wisdom of the gathered assembly and the Spirit which governed its deliberations.
The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director of Global Mission for the ELCA, told a story about traveling on an airplane and the conversation he had with a fellow passenger that went something like this. His seatmate asked what kind of work he did. The Rev. Padilla said that his organization was responsible for building houses, providing clean, drinkable water, providing solar energy to power homes, and responded to the earthquake in Haiti a couple of years ago."
The seatmate was visibly impressed and asked for whom he worked, to which the Rev. Padilla replied, "the church."
In a day when much is made of how the church in its long-standing denominations is declining in our country, when much is made about the trends toward churches that are more loosely organized, self-supporting, and self-governing, I experienced our synod assembly as something of an act of resistance. It was a powerful witness to just how far the gospel can reach, just how potently the love of God can be made known, when our material and spiritual resources along with our desires and passions are fused, and then bent in the direction of the needs of our world through partner ministries and the ELCA's large-scale initiatives.
Three resolutions were passed, the first encouraging continued support of the ELCA World Hunger Program and the second committing resources to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. The third resolution was offered in recognition of the consequences to our rostered leaders when their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs go untended. This resolution called for multiple ways to support the prevention and treatment of depression in our rostered leaders. Full descriptions of the resolutions and all the action items of the assembly can be found by following the link. |
| The Rev. Anja Stuckenberger (center) with her ordination sponsors, the Rev. Susan and the Rev. Michael Thomas. |
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Assembly worship 'spiritually refreshing'
By Nancy Leibfarth
Jackie and I were voting members of this year's Synod Assembly. It was an exciting experience to be among the 500 other Lutherans who were there to elect a new Bishop. Jackie was a voting member with the "young" folk 15 through 30 and there were quite a few in attendance.
Through the election process, we learned about each candidate and some of their passions. I remember one saying, "If you know a quilter, give her a hug," and through that quote we learned that not only does this rewarding gift stay local but there are people throughout this world that receive these beautiful quilts, such as a young mom who places it down so her children can sit on it, an older woman who wraps herself in it and can't believe there is someone who "loves her" that much to give her a quilt.
The worship services were spiritually refreshing and the music by the Global Mission Singers was outstanding.
Jackie enjoyed spending time with other Lutherans her age and learning more about what youth can do, such as options at Camp Calumet or Hammonasset.
We recommend that you consider attending a Synod Assembly. It has been a spiritually fulfilling experience.
Thank you.
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A way to explore questions of faith
By Pam Shellberg
There is a strong current flowing through Redeemer of interest in learning more, in more deeply exploring questions of faith. The Synod's School of Lay Ministry (SLM) may be just the thing to meet that deep interest. The SLM is designed for people who desire a more structured course of study and exploration, and/or who may desire to contribute to their congregation's life in ways that are informed more deeply by studies of scriptures and of the Lutheran church. Small groups are formed (determined by geographical proximity) that meet regularly to work through a two-year course of study that includes biblical studies, the study of Martin Luther, Lutheran theology, and the American religious experience. The program is primarily offered via video presentations and readings which are discussed in the small groups. (Only three people are required to constitute an official small group - we could field that team in a blink at Redeemer!) In addition, there are two "in-person" retreats held each year. This year's course of study focuses on biblical studies and begins with a retreat at Camp Calumet in September. Applications for the SLM are due Aug. 15. |
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Art Camp is 'love made visible' to children
Once again this year we had a wonderful week of art camp, this year's theme being "Three Ring Circus."
There are so many people to thank we can't even begin to name them all. So we will simply thank the Redeemer community for supplying snacks, art supplies, and all the help we needed to make every day a success for every child.
While art camp is not the traditional "Bible School" with explicit references to the Christian story, it is love incarnate... love made visible in ways that give children a sense of their gifts and their inherent beauty.
So thank you to the Redeemer community for bearing witness to the love of God that has no boundaries. Art camp week is always a little Christmas in June!
-- Pastor Elaine
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What Lutherans believe
Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world's inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world. (ELCA.org) |
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Redeemer Lutheran Church
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| A House of Mercy
A Place of Grace
Sunday Services: 8 and 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages 9:15 a.m.
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Staff Listing
| Church Office: (207) 945-3166
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Church Council
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Pam Shellberg, President
Wally Jakubas, Vice President
Cheryl Olson, Recording Secretary
Harry Madson, Treasurer
Rudy Walter, Financial Secretary
Gavin Batchelder
Ruby Herring
Pat Kelly
Roger Pelletier
Lisa Wahlstrom
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 Redeemer Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is a program of Lutherans Concerned North America (LCNA) that recognizes Lutheran congregations that adopt a statement that includes the naming of lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual people as welcome to full participation. Redeemer affirms its welcome to people of all ages, genders, ethnic backgrounds, and economic situations. |
| Year-end Financial Snapshot |
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Redeemer Treasurer Harry Madson has compiled the following quick look at Redeemer's finances for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which ended on June 30.
Income
$202,551
of which 84% was given as "regular and loose offering"
Expenses
$200,455
Approved Budget was $199,789
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Offering
May Regular Offering
$ 11,117
Year to Date
$66,630
Year to Date
$4,990
June Regular Offering
$11,910
Year to Date
$78,540
June Building Fund
$1,130
Year to Date
$6,120
Needed monthly to meet budget:
$15,600
Food Pantry
May - 20 bags of food and
one Hannaford certificate
June - 13 bags of food and
four Hannaford certificates
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A child dies from malaria every 60 seconds.
Today we are in a special moment where we could turn this around. Working though Lutheran churches in Africa, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is uniquely positioned to provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, health care, education and more to help eliminate deaths from this disease-for good.
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Each month, the Caller will bring you a link to a featured blog. This month's blog focuses on creative efforts throughout the ELCA to benefit the ELCA Malaria Campaign, a grassroots effort in partnership with 11 African church bodies to eradicate the illness that kills more than 655,000 people a year in Africa, most of whom are children under five. Read about ideas to make Malaria history.
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Each month, we at Redeemer collect items and supplies through our "Gathering In" social ministry.
The Gathering In for July will be school supplies. Your gifts of paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, glue sticks, erasers, rulers and other supplies will help give local children and youth a fresh start to the school year.
Trial size shampoo, lotion, sun screen, mouthwash, disposable razors, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and other toiletries will be gathered in during August to benefit the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter.
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If you love to sing but can't make regular Wednesday choir practices throughout the year, please join us in the summer. Summer folks and visitors are more than welcome to join the summer music ministry at Redeemer. Below is the schedule. Hope to see a big group of you at each of the summer choir practices!
Director of Music
Summer Choir
Aug 5 - 9:30 a.m. - Practice
Aug 13 - Sing at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services (Warm-up at 7:30 a.m.)
Aug 19 - 9:30 a.m. Practice
Aug 26 - Sing at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services (Warm-up at 7:30 a.m.)
Art Camp Song
Thanks to all who contributed ideas to a kid-friendly version of "The Man on the Flying Trapeze" for art camp ("Three Ring Circus.") Below is the final product of several suggestions. The kids loved it! They even added their own little part..achoo!
-- Michelle
'The Kid on the Flying Trapeze'
I float through the air, with the greatest of ease
A daring young kid on a flying trapeze.
Like birds in the air I can see all the trees
I just hope I don't have to sneeze!
(Achoo!)
I climb way up high with the rope in my hand
At the top I look down and I see bits of land.
The wind rushes by and blows through my hair,
I'm having such fun, I don't care!
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I'm back from the Trek Across Maine and am writing to thank everyone at Redeemer for their support. I had a very enjoyable 3 day bicycle ride across the State of Maine and more importantly reached my goal of raising $750 for the American Lung Association.
Thanks for your help,
David Mahoney
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Happy birthday and anniversary to members of the Redeemer family celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in August.
If you would like your name either added to or removed from the Celebrations list, email
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BIRTHDAYS
1 Charlie Newton, Tom Costain
2 Jordan Lorenz
5 Lynn Bolduc
6 Nancy Leibfarth-Orndoff
8 Matthew Deschesne
9 Sarah Harris
10 John Hauge
12 Meegan Bolduc
14 Ethan Newton, Jane Deane
15 Margaret Clark
17 Donald Graham
18 Mary Kunstman
19 Janice Melmed
21 Alison Bemis
24 Galen Fishburn, Chris Kopang
25 Fletcher Hand
29 Tania Erickson
31 Bobbi Prygrocki
8 Marty & Pat Kelly
Fred & Joan Banks
11 Gary & Jane Shaffer
18 Jan & Ken Franz
20 Gary & Paula Johnson
25 Patrick & Shari Taber
26 Earl & Mary Kunstman
27 Don & Lesley Graham
30 Conway & Nancy Stone,
Jackson & Karen Williams
31 David & Margaret Costain
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Submit an Article
| | If you would like to submit an article, please send it as a Word document or a PDF in an attachment to: Cheryl Olson,The Caller editor
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If you do not have access to the Internet, you may leave articles on Nancy's desk..
Deadline for September: Aug. 19
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