May 2015
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA e-newsletter
An opportunity to share stories of faith, inspiration, community-building, and mission.
Outreach Spotlight for May
Lutheran Towers Sunday | May 3
Lutheran Towers opened its doors more than 42 years ago when Pastor Robert E. Lee and the congregation of Redeemer foresaw the need to create a community of homes for seniors. Many of you remember the major renovation of each apartment that took place a few years ago.  Last year the board of directors concentrated on developing a plan to renovate the common areas including the first floor and basement.  As these renovation plans are solidified, we are excited to further cultivate a contemporary space that provides a home of dignity, safety, health, nutrition, and an active quality of life all within a harmonious, positive atmosphere. 

By and large, the more than 200 seniors who call Lutheran Towers home are vibrant and thriving members of the midtown community and a good many of them are Redeemer members or frequent visitors.  On a recent visit, residents were overheard chatting about how much fun they have and that there is always something going on in their building. Many attend scheduled activities such as chair yoga, bingo, and Friday night games with local college students.  They enjoy walking the Beltline, weekly Thrift Club shopping trips, and attending area cultural events.  Not to be trounced by advancing technology, residents attend iPad tips and tricks sessions and are often found in the computer lab.  Among these activities, living at Lutheran Towers also means having support available for physical well-being such as health services, medication management, and home keeping. 


 

Our residents fit right into Redeemer on a number of levels.  Many join us for Wednesday night meals, WELCA circles, Men's Coffee, and of course Sunday morning worship!  Our relationship is further strengthened by volunteer opportunities such as the intergenerational group Hands Across the Bridge that provides communal meals and events like Trick-or-treating and the Princes and Princesses party held each year.


 

Pastor Lee's vision all those years ago is flourishing because of the generous financial support of Redeemer and our members.  Thanks to our time, treasure, and dedication, our seniors are flourishing, too!

 

 

Click on this link to Lutheran Towers resident, Mardeene Mitchell's Grady hospital commercial. Mardeene is a real light in our community. We are so thankful that she survived her stroke and is doing quite well.  She participates regularly in our exercise programs. In the past, she has run the Peachtree Road Race!  She is awesome!

 

https://youtu.be/KvCmceja6NI


Dear Myra,

 

 

   I remember reading something earlier this year that Pastor Tim wanted to begin another Long-Range planning process here at Redeemer. We're not anxious; just curious. What's the timeline for that?
--Anne T. Supacion
 

 


Inquirers Class

Interested in joining the Redeemer family?

 

 Are you interested in becoming a member at Redeemer, or wanting to learn more about us? Join us for Inquirers Class! In this class we will get to know one another, explore what it means to be a Christian, a Lutheran, and part of the Redeemer community, and discuss topics on faith, the bible, and the many activities and ministries offered in and through our church. This class is led by Redeemer clergy and meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. in the Library, located near the back entrance next to the receptionist desk. Nursery care and Sunday school are available for children. The next class meets on May 3rd, 10th, 17th and 31st. All are welcome, and sign up is not required to attend. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Pastor Seyward (sask@redeemer.org). We hope to see you there!


Conflict Resolution | A Workshop for Daily Living

 


On Sunday, May 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Dr. Rick Voyles, noted trainer and mediator, will lead an event on Conflict Resolution - A Workshop for Daily Living. The event will be held at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. No pre-registration is required and there is no charge for attending this event.

Read More...
 

 

 


Refugee Resettlement Info Meeting | Tuesday, May 5

 

   

 

 
Pastor Tim to Preach on  'Day 1'

 

Pastor Tim Smith will be the featured preacher on Day1 (formerly The Protestant Hour) on Sunday, May 10.  His sermon, based on the farewell discourse of Jesus in John, is titled "Last Words."  He draws from John 15:9-17, where Jesus gives the command to love one another. He asks, "If you could say just a few last words as you knew you were dying, to whom would they be addressed, and what would they be?" The sermon will be broadcast on WSB radio, 750 AM in Atlanta, at 7 a.m. that Sunday and is accessible along with host Peter Wallace's interview with Pastor Tim on the Day1 website at day1.org



MAC 2015 Food Drive and Midtown Race


 

2015 Redeemer Food Drive

In 1986, the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer partnered with three other neighborhood congregations and formed the Midtown Assistance Center with the hope of meeting some of the needs of the working poor living in our area.  MAC provides emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food, transportation and clothing to these low income Atlantans. Read More...

 

 

Midtown Race for MAC

Get your sneakers/tennis shoes /whatever-you-call-them ready for the Midtown Race for MAC! On June 13, hundreds of runners and walkers will gather in Piedmont Park for our 5k. Registration information can be found on www.active.com, Phidippides in Ansley Mall, or in the office. Race participants also receive a great gift bag and a t-shirt!  For more information - whether you'd like to run, walk, volunteer, or cheer runners on, contact themacatlanta@gmail.com or contact your MAC congregational liaison, Diane Currence at currencemd@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!

More information & entry form
 

 

 


Redeeming Bloomers


The Redeeming Bloomers would like more volunteers to help plant annuals and weed

our beautiful grounds around the church.  It is volunteers who help keep the grounds looking beautiful.  We meet the 1st Thursday of each month at 10:00 am for an hour or so.  Please join Brenda Ingham, Elise Thomas, Heidi Franetovich, Sue Frierson and Bev Alden for a fun and productive time.  Contact any of the above members or call Bev Alden 770-925-3003 or e-mail balden@mindspring.com.

 

The accompanying photo shows the Redeeming Bloomers working at the front of the church with the pansies and dusty miller planted in the fall.  The new Encore azaleas were planted after the workers on the air conditioning /heating system damaged the old azaleas.  Please take time to step out the front door to check out how the front entrance looks.  Additional Encore azaleas were planted at the back entrance under the direction of Susan Cordell.   

 


Inner Treasures and Overlooked Secrets


 "Symbols in the Background"

 

The image accompanying this article is a photograph of the white parament (decorative cloth covering) on the lectern at Redeemer.  The principal symbol portrays the legend of the mythical phoenix, who every 500 years sets himself on fire and rises from his own ashes -- a traditional symbol reference to the resurrection. But now, let your eyes shift from the foreground phoenix to the background.  There you see raised figures on the white silk brocade background.  The symbols in this repeating pattern include:

  Read More... 


 From the Library



 

Enhancing Your Spiritual Practices

 

Mary Mahoney

Many of you seized the opportunity to walk Redeemer's labyrinth during Holy Week.  Some call this experience "walking a sacred path."  Others may be wondering, "How do I walk the labyrinth?  What is its meaning?  How does it fit into my spiritual practices?  Interest in the labyrinth in our country has risen greatly in recent years as a metaphor for a spiritual journey and as a walking meditation or walking prayer.

Read More...
 

 


Vacation Bible School | June 22-26 | 9am - 1pm

 

Don't miss Vacation Bible School! We are climbing Mt. Everest as we learn about overcoming obstacles with God's mighty power! At Everest VBS, kids embark on the coolest adventure of the summer!  Everest VBS is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste!  Sciency- Fun Gizmos, amazing crafts, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life.  Plus, we'll help kids discover how to see God in everyday

life-something we call God Sightings.  Before and after care are available. Register on-line at www.redeemer.org. Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, and to help during the week to lead groups of children, crafts, snack, and games! Let us know you can help by registering on-line at www.redeemer.org. For more information contact Pastor Melody at melodysimpkins@redeemer.org. Join this great icy expedition.


 


Mountain-Top Moments | June 22-26 | 9:45 - 11:30 am

 

Mountains often had a significant role in God's dealings with His people. In the English language we have the expression "mountain-top experience." This expression has originated from the Bible because of the dealings God had with His people on various "mountain-tops." So the phrase has come to mean a moment of transcendence - or epiphany; and in particular an experience of significant revelation given by God. This year we will offer a VBS adult class at 9:45-11:30am each day.  Pastor Tim will "visit" some of the best known mountain-top  stories and will  lead a discussion of how God uses these experiences as defining moments that strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God.  Each day is a separate lesson so you may come to one or all and not miss anything! Bring a friend! 

 


Redeemer's Week at Lutheridge | June 7-13, 2015

 

An invitation from Pastor Melody Simpkins

My first campfire at Lutheridge was a wonderful God-filled experience.  Singing songs, watching counselors act crazy, eating s'mores, and time in prayer helped me see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.  From that moment on, Lutheridge has had a special place in my heart, a place where God is made more visible to me.  However, Lutheridge is not just a special place for me.  I believe it touches the heart of everyone who visits.  I was talking to a former counselor the other day and he described his time working at camp as a time when he could see God most clearly.  God is always with him and he has "God moments" in his everyday life, but at camp those God moments are more frequent and he can see God more clearly in the people and the nature around him there.

Giving your children opportunities where they can get away from their everyday life and go to a camp community like Lutheridge is important to their faith development.  What is Lutheridge?  Lutheridge is a camp outside of Asheville, North Carolina and I can say truthfully one of the reasons I'm a pastor today.  Redeemer is going to Lutheridge June 7-13.  Find out more information at the table by the library or at the Welcome Center in Sims Atrium.  To register, visit www.novusway.com.  Early bird registration ends March 15th.  Scholarships are available.  Contact Pastor Melody at melodysimpkins@redeemer.org or Bill Porter at bporter@redeemer.org for more information. 

 


Youth Gathering

 


Help Our Youth Attend ELCA Youth Gathering in July

Redeemer youth are selling "stock" to the congregation! Each share of $25 will help defray the cost of $1000 per person to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, July 15-19. For questions, contact Bill Porter at bporter@redeemer.org

 

 

 

 


Meet Congregation Treasurer, Richard Mauney

 

 

Richard was born in Charlotte, NC and raised in a small town outside of Charlotte called Stanley.  He received both his accounting and business administration degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Richard has worked in various areas of banking and currently works for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta in the Community Investment Services Department dealing with affordable housing. Read More...


 

 

 


Redeemer Quilters

 

 

This stunning yet simple wall hanging was created this Easter by the Redeemer Quilters at the request of Susan Cordell.  The empty cross signifies the Risen Christ. It will be available in following years as needed. Please take a few moments to enjoy the current wall hangings and quilts that are displayed on a rotating basis throughout the year. The location is the wall across from the front elevator on the main level of the church. The quilters meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month and welcome new members. They are on schedule to complete 450 to 500 quilts for Lutheran World Relief! Join them and help them meet the goal! Please contact Jenny Borchers at eborch2844@bellsouth.net or Jean Iverson at ivarvik3@comcast.net

 

 

 

Lutheran Services of Georgia Hunger Walk/Run2015

 

On March 15, 289 walkers and runners came out to fight hunger with Lutheran Services of Georgia at the 2015 Hunger Walk/Run. The numbers are still coming in, but LSG has raised over $40,000 that will go towards hunger-fighting programs all across Georgia. The final totals will be made available in May.

 


New Stephen Ministers Commissioned

 



 

On Sunday, April 12, the following four Stephen Ministers were commissioned: Oscar Dela Cruz, JoJo Nelson, Donna Ruder, and Jeff Elkins. They join the other eleven Redeemer Stephen Ministers who serve in this critical ministry of Christian caregiving.

Read More...
 

 

 
Children & Family Bowling


 

On April 19, a group of children and families headed to Midtown Bowl for a fun time of strikes and spares!  For more information on Children and Family Ministry contact Pastor Melody at melodysimpkins@redeemer.org or Jen Fuchs at jfuchs@redeemer.org


 


 

 
Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson

 


Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson, American New Testament scholar and historian of early Christianity is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Candler School of Theology. Seen here with Karen Slappey, Candler student and Redeemer staff for young adult ministry and mission developer with Atlanta Beer and Hymns and Bar Church.  Dr. Johnson spoke on "Paul, Oppressor or Liberator"   to over 100 people during the Sunday School hour on April 19.  An audio recording of his message is available on the

web site and for check out from the library.

 

 

 
Evangelism

  

Wanna evangelize but not sure how?      It's easy as 1,2,3. 

 

One- "like" Redeemer on Facebook. 

 

Two- watch for Redeemer events posted on your newsfeed that you think friends may want to attend.

 

Three- "share" those events with your Facebook friends, especially if you plan to attend.

 

Inviting people to Redeemer is evangelizing.     And it's easy as 1,2,3.

 


Redeemer Circa 1962

 

The accompanying photo is from a postcard of Redeemer in 1962. Longtime Redeemer member Harry Baxter was reviewing his memorabilia and found the postcard.  This was our campus prior to the building of Sims Atrium in 1996 and prior to the building of Lutheran Towers in 1971. The wording on the back of the postcard is as follows: "Aerial view of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, located at Fourth Street on famous Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. The new nave, completed in 1952 and the Parish Building, completed in 1962, are considered the finest examples of Gothic architecture in America. Reverend Robert E. Lee, Pastor." Who would argue with Pastor Lee? And yes, we were parking on the lot to the right of the church (where the office building and garage are today). 

 

Save the Date!



Women's Fall Retreat

"Journey to the Center" September 11- 13, 2015

The Calvin Center

 

Join Pastor Mary Peters to look at how we journey with God's help to find the still center in the ever turning world. Using spiritual practices, prayer and worship, we will explore ways to connect with God that will strengthen us as we journey. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.   Cost per person: $185. Register now and invite friends to join you. For more information: Kmedford@redeemer.org


 


 

   

Men's Retreat 2014

 

 

Men's Retreat

Second Annual Men's Retreat - November 13-15 at Lutheranch!

Spend time with Pastor Tim and Pastor Matt in this spectacular setting. Mark your calendars today!


 

 

Save the Date!


 

 

Due to weather, Redeemer Day at Goshen Valley has been rescheduled! Please join your Redeemer Family at Goshen Valley Boy's Ranch on Saturday, June 20. 

 


Redeemer Life 

 

Congratulations to:

  • Megan Simmons and Nathan Adrian on the birth of their son, Daniel William Adrian on April 1. 
  • Liesl and Jeff Merkel on the birth of their daughter, Brigitte Charlotte Merkel on April 7. 
  • Christi and Robby Johnson, (grandparents: Gayle and Peyton Morgan) on the birth of Robert Morgan Johnson ("Bo"), born April 8 in Breckenridge CO. 

  • Jen and Michael Fuchs on the birth of their daughter, Natalie Joyce Fuchs born April 18.

We thank God for the gift of new life.

 

 

 

 

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