THE MESSENGER The Newsletter of Redeemer Lutheran Church 1-2€¦ · 05/05/2020 · Beginning May...
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THE MESSENGER May 22, 2020 INSIDE THE ISSUE: Congratulations Class of 2020 HS Graduates From the Pastor’s Desk Redeemer Preschool Job Openings CCC Board Member Opportunity Recap: Procedures for Worship Services SignUp Instructions for Worship Services Monday Bible Studies Celebrating People Lutheran World Relief Face Mask Challenge Stay Connected For Our Neighbors Sake Children’s Corner Redeemer Giving Tithes/Offerings Box Worshiping with Redeemer Online Birthdays and Anniversaries Life Thoughts Attendance & Contributions Parade Photos 1-2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 - 14 “Our God given mission is to connect people with Jesus.” “Our vision sees people connected with Jesus through a discipling process that gathers them into our fellowship of believers where we are nurtured in the Christian faith, as we go into our neighborhoods and beyond to do the work of our Lord and Savior.” The Newsletter of Redeemer Lutheran Church High School Graduates of 2020 are forgoing prom, graduation and other tradi- tions enjoyed by former graduating classes pre-COVID 19. While we cannot change the impact of the coronavirus on high school graduations, we are hon- ored to recognize seven special members of Redeemer Lutheran Church who have achieved this milestone: Colby Bestick, Alex Diederen, Julia Koehler, Abi- gail Leidy, Sarah Lewis, Rachel Unruh and Jacob Woollard. High School graduation calls for recognition and celebration, and folks at Re- deemer did not disappoint. A big thank you is extended to Josie Douglas, coor- dinator, and to all who participated in the May 16th parade that recognized our graduates’ momentous occasion with love and support. (Pictures of the parade are on pages 13 and 14 of this newsletter. ) Please pray for our graduates as they move into the next phase of their life. If you wish to send them a graduation card, please refer to our church directory. Congratulations are also extended to their proud parents!
Transcript of THE MESSENGER The Newsletter of Redeemer Lutheran Church 1-2€¦ · 05/05/2020 · Beginning May...
THE MESSENGERMay 22, 2020
INSIDE THE ISSUE:
Congratulations Class
of 2020 HS Graduates
From the Pastor’s
Desk
Redeemer Preschool
Job Openings
CCC Board Member
Opportunity
Recap: Procedures
for Worship Services
SignUp Instructions
for Worship Services
Monday Bible Studies
Celebrating People
Lutheran World
Relief Face Mask
Challenge
Stay Connected
For Our Neighbors
Sake
Children’s Corner
Redeemer Giving
Tithes/Offerings Box
Worshiping with
Redeemer Online
Birthdays and
Anniversaries
Life Thoughts
Attendance &
Contributions
Parade Photos
1-2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 -
14
“Our God given mission is
to connect people
with Jesus.”
“Our vision sees people connected with Jesus
through a discipling process that gathers them into our
fellowship of believers where we are nurtured in
the Christian faith, as we go into our neighborhoods and
beyond to do the work of
our Lord and Savior.”
`
The Newsletter of Redeemer Lutheran Church
High School Graduates of 2020 are forgoing prom, graduation and other tradi-tions enjoyed by former graduating classes pre-COVID 19. While we cannot change the impact of the coronavirus on high school graduations, we are hon-ored to recognize seven special members of Redeemer Lutheran Church who have achieved this milestone: Colby Bestick, Alex Diederen, Julia Koehler, Abi-gail Leidy, Sarah Lewis, Rachel Unruh and Jacob Woollard.
High School graduation calls for recognition and celebration, and folks at Re-deemer did not disappoint. A big thank you is extended to Josie Douglas, coor-dinator, and to all who participated in the May 16th parade that recognized our graduates’ momentous occasion with love and support. (Pictures of the parade are on pages 13 and 14 of this newsletter. )
Please pray for our graduates as they move into the next phase of their life. If you wish to send them a graduation card, please refer to our church directory.
Congratulations are also extended to their proud parents!
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Missing Pictures Colby Bestick and Sarah Lewis
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Alex Diederen 2020 Graduate
Fredericksburg Academy
Rachel Unruh 2020 Graduate
Stafford High School
Jacob Woollard 2020 Graduate
Riverbend High School
Abigail Leidy 2020 Graduate
Riverbend High School
Julia Koehler 2020 Graduate
Orange High School
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Dear Christian Friends,
Transitions are certainly before us as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have had a closed worship center since March 22. We've all been learning to use technology as never be-fore. Years ago "Zoom" meant going fast, now it is how we distance socially.
Beginning this coming Sunday, by action of the Board of Elders and in concurrence with the church council and our pastoral staff, we begin to return to worship, consistent with the Virginia Governor's latest "Safer at Home'' order and guidelines. For a short time we will have 3 services on week-ends. This is being done to spread time between worship services and building use to allow for extra cleaning and an air exchange from the HVAC system. The desired outcome is a safer climate for our worship life together.
Some other transitions you should be aware of include:
1. Our online worship offering will now become a live recording of a weekend service. It is con-ceivable that a weekend worship service is not available until Monday morning for viewing andhome participation. Thank you for understanding this as we move through the transition.
2. The Board of Elders decided at its May 19 meeting to include an additional Communion wor-ship service on the first Wednesday of June and July at 2pm. It is targeted particularly for thosewho are over age 60 or may be borderline "at risk" who are still worshipping at home on week-ends, yet looking to come to a less crowded brief service at this time, in advance of more fullerengagement in the weeks ahead. To honor this population with the lower numbers we antici-pate, we would ask families with children and other worshippers to use the weekend offeringsor the online option in lieu of this once a month midweek offering. All the social distancing,face covering and other requirements made for weekend worship will apply here. Registrationwill be necessary to properly allow us to prepare for communion. The length of our time to-gether will approach 20 minutes. This is a transition offering and will be offered on a month tomonth basis. It will end as we move beyond this first phase of the governors "Safer at Home"order. If you have questions about this service, please contact Pastor John directly (843 -655-2474). Please watch for additional information next week on how to register for the "MidweekCommunion Worship".
It is my prayer that each of you are feeling well and are continuing to feed on God's Word.
Pastor John Kassouf
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BOARD MEMBER OPPORTUNITY for the Campus Christian Community
Board of Directors Effective July 1, 2020
Amid the educational demands and secular envi-ronment of college life, students’ faith will be chal-lenged. For many students, it is their first time away from their homes and the family, friends and churches that supported their spiritual lives.
At the University of Mary Washington, students who encounter challenges with their faith will find support at the Campus Christian Community (CCC). The CCC provides a safe place for worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities. Equally important, it provides a forum for stu-dents to explore and question issues of faith and life.
The CCC has a board member opening beginning July 1, 2020. If you have a passion to support stu-dents’ walk with Christ during their time at col-lege, this is a unique and special opportunity for you to make a difference in their lives.
Serving as a CCC board member is a three year commitment, and you will be asked to serve on one of its committees, which include property management, personnel, finance, and hospitality and nominating committees.
There are no meetings during the summer.
As an ecumenical ministry, several churches, in-cluding Redeemer Lutheran Church, support the CCC. Rachelle Moles has served as a CCC Boardmember for many years, and she is available toanswer any of your questions regarding this posi-tion. Rachelle asks that you please pray for thisministry, and ask God if He has a calling for you atthe CCC.
Feel free to contact Rachelle Moles at [email protected] or 540-834-3988.
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Employment Opportunities
Redeemer Lutheran Preschool Joan Woollard
Redeemer Lutheran Preschool is hiring for the 2020-2021 school year. We are seeking a pre-school teacher and a preschool aide.
Preschool Teacher
Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have a two or four year degree in child development and/or education. Experience is preferred. This position is 12 to 16 hours per week from September to May.
Preschool Aide
Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and some experience with children. This position is 12-16 hours per week from September to May.
If you are interested in either position, please mail or email your resume to:
Joan Woollard Acting Preschool Director
Redeemer Lutheran Church Preschool 5120 Harrison Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22408 [email protected].
Page 5 Recap of Procedures for Returning to Worship Services in Redeemer’s Worship Center
When you feel safe and comfortable to physically return to the Redeemer worship center, know that we are waiting joyfully for you. Weekend services will be recorded and posted on the church website within a few days of the service. Pastoral care will be available if you request it.
Redeemer has established the following procedures based on guidance provided by our Governor, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the medical community, to conduct worship services as safely as possible:
If you don’t feel 100%, please stay home and don’t put others at risk.
Bring a facial covering with you to wear from the time you leave your car until you return to your car.
Practice distance socializing. To the very best of your ability, maintain 6' between your household and another. Greet from that distance.
Anticipate being greeted, admitted and seated by household. Your family will be seated by an usher much like at a wedding. The ushers will have a pew for you to insure appropriate separation between families.
Our services will be about 35 minutes long. If possible, please minimize the use of the rest rooms. If you must, please use good hygiene practices while using washrooms (especially with chil-dren). Be considerate of those who come after you. We hope to minimize movement in the sanctuary during worship and this will help.
During this time of limited gathering, the Lord's Supper will be distributed in a new way. Please listen carefully to the instructions for distribution offered during the service.
Offerings will be received in a Tithing & Offering Box in the Narthex. If you are not providing your offerings to the Lord electronically, they will be received in the Tithing & Offering Box in the Narthex (lobby) before or after worship, but not during the service. (See Page 10)
At the conclusion of worship, ushers will dismiss us by family units. Unless you need to use the bathroom, please go directly outside. Gathering on the lawn is welcomed, if you choose to stay and greet folks, but please use appropriate distancing. Once outside, we ask that you not return inside.
We do not anticipate "passing the peace" or a more personal pastoral greeting at the end of each service. The Pastor will be available outside (weather permitting). During this period of tran-sition, we will not practice the physical contact of hugging, hand shaking, etc.
In this first phase of reopening, the downstairs is closed, including the fellowship hall, mailbox area, elevator, and classrooms. Upstairs, only the sanctuary and washrooms will be open. Please on-ly use the front door for entering. Your key will not open the other doors to the building.
We are offering three worship opportunities: Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. For now, seating is limited to 75 registered people per service. To register, please see Sig-nUp.com instructions in this newsletter. Once we reach 75 at any service, you will be provided with the opportunity to worship at another of our services. Please do not “drop in” without registration.
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In the first phase of Redeemer’s transition plan to return to worship services in our sanctuary, attendance will be limited to 75 people at each worship service, and each person must be registered
to attend. Please see the Instructions below for using SignUp to register for worship services on SignUp.com.
Beginning May 23-24, the weekend schedule will include worship service on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 pm.
If you require assistance, please contact the Church Office at [email protected] or (540) 898-4748. The message should include which service you are registering for, your name, number attending in your household, and the best way to contact you for any questions.
Instructions to Register for Worship Services on SignUp.com Using Your Personal Computer
1. Click the link https://signup.com/go/XyqaPOS that will be provided to you to take you to the Sign Up Page for May 23rd and 24th.
2. Review the scheduled worship services. Choose and register for the worshipservice you wish to attend by clicking the Green Sign Up Button.
3. Enter your email address and click the Blue Continue Button, then click Con-firm.
4. Enter your name and number of spots you want to register, i.e., the totalnumber of people that you are signing up to attend the service (including yourself).a. The phone number is optional, and you may remove your email address if you do not wish to
receive future event notifications.b. Please uncheck the boxes below your information if you do not wish to receive promotions
from SignUp.com.5. Click the Green Save and Done Button when finished.6. Confirm your registration, by ensuring your name is listed under the correct service.7. Click the Blue Save Button at the top of the screen.
Instructions to Register for Worship Services on SignUp.com Using Your Mobile Device
1. Click the link https://signup.com/go/XyqaPOS to take you to the Sign UpPage for May 23rd and 24th.
2. Select the date of the service you are interested in attending.3. Select the service for that date you are interested in attending. On the follow-
ing screen, click the Green Sign Up Button.4. Enter your email address and click the Blue Continue Button, then click
"Yes".5. Enter your name and number of spots you want to register, i.e., the total number of people that you
are signing up to attend the service (including yourself).a. The phone number is optional and you may remove your email address if you do not wish to
receive future event notifications.b. Please uncheck the boxes below your information if you do not wish to receive promotions
from SignUp.com.6) Click the Green Save and Done Button when finished.6. Click the green Save and Done button when finished.
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Deacon David Minor and Carrie Frank
JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE by Deacon David Miner
Bible Study Leader: Rick Moseley (Pictures submitted by S. Antonelli from Redeemer’s Trip to Israel.)
Deacon Dave shared the unique history of this Bible study group, which has a long and interesting background. The bible study originally started in a motorcycle shop about two decades ago, targeting men who rode motorcycles. In the early 2000's, the Bible study moved to Kings Highway Baptist Church. Deacon Dave was attending the Bible study at this time and later led the Bible study. In the late 2000's, the group moved to Redeemer Lutheran Church with about 10 regular attendees, some of whom continued from the original group. Around 2012, the group decided to study the Bible from Genesis through Revelation, reading each verse. Today, the group is led by Rick Moseley, and the group is studying the late chapters of Isaiah.
Another unique characteristic of this group is the religious diversity of its members, including Roman Catholic, Nazarene, Baptist, Methodist, and of course a few of us Lutherans. Currently, this Bible study continues through Zoom.
The Messenger Page 7
Redeemer’s Monday Evening Bible Studies
A Women’s Bible Study with Fran Kassouf
According to social media research, “the brain loves images. We can process visuals 60 times
faster than text.” This innate human characteristic is a cornerstone in connecting imagery with scripture and prayer in a ministry known as Visual Faith.
If you find your mind wandering while in prayer or studying scripture, you are not alone. But, if you’re ready to improve your focus in these areas, please join Fran Kassouf and other women from Redeemer Lutheran Church on Monday evenings for a bible study, where visual faith is practiced.
During this period of isolation due to the Coro-navirus pandemic, Fran has increased the avail-ability of this monthly bible study to a weekly event using Zoom.
Please see the information above to join in this event . If you have any questions, please con-tact Fran at 843-685-2557 or by e-mail at [email protected].
VISUAL FAITH WOMEN’S BIBLE
STUDY
MEETING I.D.
968 8578 1972
DAY/TIME
Mondays, 7 to 8 pm
ZOOM LOG IN (Join Zoom Meeting):
https://zoom.us/
i/96885781972
Join Zoom Meeting—Zoom Log In https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95937836883?pwd=OE41NVpOSit0MlJ5NHZ3ZkYrZUNkQT09
Meeting ID: 959 3783 6883
Password: 866397
Redeemer Lutheran Church Accepts Lutheran World Relief’s Face Mask Challenge
Nancy Minnich
Lutherans unite to protect families around the world. In response to COVID-19, Lutheran World
Relief (LWR) has launched a challenge for “volunteers to sew 75,000 cloth face masks that will be sent to the areas in which it works — from slums to remote rural villages — for those who don’t have the option of so-cial distancing or frequent hand washing, put-ting them at risk of serious illness.” (https://lwr.org/story-hub/lutheran-world-relief-launches-75000-face-mask -challenge-inhibit-covid-19-vulnerable)
How can Redeemer Lutheran Church (not only quilt-ers, but everyone) help families in some of the most vulnerable communities across the globe?
Redeemer members may help by participating in one or all of the following opportunities:
• Pray for this project and people impacted by theCOVID-19 virus.
• Sew face masks. Make one cloth mask or dozens,any number is appreciated. (See cloth mask pat-tern online by entering https://lwr.org/sites/default/files/Making%20Mask.pdf into yourbrowser.)
• Contribute monies to Lutheran World Relief (Enterhttps://lwr.org/ into your browser.)
• Contribute cotton fabric to Redeemer Quilters touse where needed.
• Deposit completed masks in the church narthex inthe marked container.
This project will run from May 7th until on or about August 31st and has been endorsed by Pastor Kassouf.
Your prayers, sewing skills, material donations and financial contributions are critical to LWR’s success.
Contact Nancy Minnich, Project Coordinator, with questions or to volunteer! Call or text: 540-424-7028 Email: [email protected]
The Messenger Page 8
CELEBRATING SPECIAL PEOPLE
Dear Friends,
It's time to celebrate some special people, and we need your help. We are asking you to send in pictures or a short video (no more than 10 seconds) as a tribute to your loved ones for the following occasions:
In all cases, please include the name of those who are pictured and their relationship to you. Identify the name of the military branch being served or the school being grad-uated from, and include your name with your submission.
All pictures and video clips need to be submitted by the Friday before the Sunday they are to be shown. Please send your photos and video clips to Deacon David Miner at [email protected]. Please do not send them to another address.
We hope that many of you will participate.
Christ Keep You,
Pastor John, Deacon Dave and the Redeemer Staff
May 31: Graduates, including, Kindergarten, Middle School, High School and Post High School programs.
June 21: Fathers Day
The Messenger Page 9
Stay Connected with Redeemer Lutheran Church
Deacon Dave Miner
FOR OUR NEIGHBORS’ SAKESECOND QUARTER EVENTS
“One does not do good works for God’s sake,
but for the neighbor’ sake.”
DATE DESCRIPTION
May 7—Aug. 31
Redeemer’s participation in Lutheran World Relief’s Face Mask Challenge
June 21 Melissa Karges (Missionary) Free Will Offering
June 28 Mites for LWML
June Continuing projects
June Panda Pantry
Questions? Contact Mike Evenson at [email protected]
Worship Services, Bible Study and Announcements
(Find Worship Services and Devotions at Redeemer Lutheran Church’s website.)
DAY TIME TOPIC ZOOM LOGIN
SUN 08:30 - 9:30 am Sunday Adult Bible Study
Meeting ID: 828 4285 3787
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82842853787
SUN 10:00 am - 11:00 am Women’s Bible Study Contact Jennifer Koehler
1 (540) 603-6496
MON 07:00 pm - 08:00 pm Visual Faith Women’s Bible Study
Meeting ID: 968 8578 1972
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/1/96885781972
MON 07:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday Night Bible Study
Journey Through the Bible
Meeting ID: 959 3783 6883
Password: 866397
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/95937836883?
pwd=OE41NVpOSit0MlJ5NHZ3ZkYrZUNkQT09
WED 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Pastor’s Adult Bible Study
Meeting ID: 922 828 577
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/922828577
The Messenger Page 10
REDEEMER GIVING Thanks for asking how you may keep giving!
Concordia Publishing House continues to make educational resources available for families to download and print at home. Please enter the links below into your browser to access these great resources.
Children’s Bulletin: Enter https://www.cph.org/t-bestill-worship.aspx into your browser. Click the download button under Children's Bulletin.
My Devotions and Happy Times: Enter https://www.cph.org/t-bestill-home.aspx.
Children’s Sermon Notes: Engage your kids in fun-filled activities to promote learn-ing during worship service. Enter this link into your browser: https://web-marketing-material.s3.amazonaws.com/Kids+Sermon+Guide.pdf.
CHILDREN’S CORNER Information from CPH
Shared by Carrie Frank
• Go to our website:http://embracedbyhim.org/
• Select Give.• Follow the
instructions.
• Text Dollar Amountto 540-779-1759, or
• Scan the QR Code
Mail your check to:
Redeemer Lutheran Church
5120 Harrison Road Fredericksburg
Virginia 22408
(No cash please)
ENVELOPE
• Go to the App Store or• Go to Google Play• Search for “GivePlus
Church” to downloadfor FREE.
CASH APP PHONE ONLINE
4 WAYS TO GIVE
Did You Worship with Redeemer On-Line? Perry Darley
These are trying times. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do just about every-thing. Redeemer has also adapted with how worship services are provided. There is a small but dedicated team who are hard at work making sure the Wednesday and Sunday services are rec-orded and put online for you to enjoy.
The online services are also getting more "hits", as members of Redeemer forward these services to family and friends who live in their “extended iNeighborhood”.
Redeemer is looking past the social-distancing, stay-at-home, post COVID era and is investigating ways to continue providing worship services online.
Would YOU like to be part of the journey to help take Redeemer onto the Inter-net in an exciting new ministry?
What can you do to make this ministry happen? You may help with the following:
• Operate a camera,• Edit video footage,• Post worship to the Internet, or• Lead the team!
Redeemer cannot do ministry without you!
Please contact Perry Darley at [email protected] for more information on how you can become involved in this exciting new ministry.
Tithes & Offerings Box In the Narthax
If you are not providing your offerings to the Lord electronically, they may be received in the Tithing & Offering Box in the Narthex (lobby) before or after worship service, but not during the service.
We have replaced the cardboard box we were using in the Narthex to provide addi-tional security for our donations.
Thank you,
John Overbey
The Messenger Page 11
The Messenger Page 12
Redeemer Lutheran Church
5120 Harrison Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Phone: 540-898-4748
Fax: 540-891-9106
E-mail: [email protected]
We’re on the web! Embracedbyhim.org
Contact Us!
Redeemer Staff:
Pastor:
Rev. John Kassouf
Administrative Pastor:
Deacon Dave Miner
Church Secretary:
Carrie Frank
540-898-4748
Organist:
Darlene Hardy
Choir Director:
Lea Wiltenmuth
Treasurer:
Susan Biscamp
Acting Preschool Director:
Joan Woollard
Newsletter Editor
Susan Antonelli
——————-
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
9am - 3pm
Worship Attendance & Contributions
5/17/2020 Attendance
Average Attendance
General Offerings
YTD General Offerings
Last Sunday 203
(Virtual)
273 $6.969 $212,928
Last Year 197 280 $9.090 $207,265
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK (May 22-28, 2020)
24 - Mila Church
25 - Cindy Anderson
25 - Anna Bull
25 - Jolene Jonas
26 - Addison Bartel
27 - Heather Carafiol
27 - Lester Jedlicka
27 - Cindy Lloyd
ANNIVERSARIES (May 22-29, 2020)
24 - Timothy & Rachelle Moles
May 24 – Easter VII
“Father of the fatherless and protector of wid-ows is God,” who “settles the solitary in a home” (Psalm 68:5-6). He has not left us or-phaned in our sins but has taken each of us for His own family. So we need not limit our en-thusiasm for adoption only to addressing in-fertility. We can open not just our mouths but our hands, hearts, and homes, because chil-dren need them, and we have in abundance.
Life Thoughts
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Page 13 Thank you to All Who Participated in the May 16th Parade in Honor
of Our 2020 High School Graduates!
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Page 14 Thank you to All Who Participated in the May 16th Parade in Honor
of Our 2020 Graduates!
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