VOLUME 17
■ ISSUE 8
■ AUGUST 2017
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1 The Lord has called each one of us by name, and we need not be afraid of anything! It is such a special thing to be known so intimately and deeply by God that we have been called by name – and isn’t it wonderful when we can be reminded of this in worship? Much of our time in worship is spent as the group of believers – we sing as a group, we confess as a group, we pray as a group – and it’s amazing to be part of a faith community that can support us in our faith life and worship. But there is a special moment in worship where it is just you, named child of God, who is receiving God’s grace in that intimate, name spoken way – Communion. When you receive communion from someone, be it pastor or lay leader, they look you in the eyes and proclaim that this bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ, have been given for YOU. The person giving communion is speaking the words of God on God’s behalf – so you can be reminded of how intimately God cares for you and loves you, that you would have this gift of communion as a result of the death and resurrection of God’s only son, Jesus. How does it feel, then, to have your name spoken aloud before these words of promise? For those who serve communion, it’s an honor to speak those words, and an even bigger honor to add the name of the person we are serving – but sometimes, it can be tricky! Not everyone has the gift of “name recall” – and some of us can know someone for years and STILL blank on their name. In fact, a friend of mine who is a pastor in Iowa recently confessed that as she went to bless her daughter, she totally forgot what her name was. Her own daughter! Crossroads of Redeemer
This is one of the more intelligent women I know – she started her Master’s degree at 20, I’m not exaggerating – if this brilliant and put together woman can forget her own daughter’s name in a moment of pressure, I think it’s only fair to think that those serving communion might feel those moments of pressure and not want to speak a name out loud – just in case we mess it up! So, my siblings in Christ, I ask that you aid those of us who have name-blank panic by wearing a name tag to worship. I know – if everyone knows who you are, why do you need to wear one of them? Here’s the thing - not only is it helpful for those who are serving communion to call you by name to remind you of your uniqueness and belovedness by God – it is helpful for guests and visitors who we ask especially to wear nametags to not feel alone in the wearing of these nametags, not to mention, help people who haven’t yet learned your name to have a way to see your name next to your face to imprint that memory and your name into their brains for the next time they see you. And know that even if one of your fellow humans forgets your name at a crucial moment, God will NEVER forget your name, that you are called – or that you are loved. In Christ, Pastor Stefanie
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Page 1
MEET REDEEMER’S COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GOING TO THE HOLY LAND IN 2018?
Scott Costello Council Representative for Worship and Music
There is still time to learn about the April 20 – May 1, 2018 trip.
We have been members of Redeemer almost 25 years. After shopping around for churches, we joined because of Redeemer’s positive vibe. When we moved from Vadnais Heights to White Bear Lake 17 years ago, one of our goals was to be closer to Redeemer, and we landed 1¼ miles from the church. I have been involved in the area of worship and music for the entire time, and it has been a wonderful outlet for my creativity. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to write and present monologues, homilies, song lyrics, and visual displays. And of course, the people of Redeemer have become a huge extended family to me and my family. I have been married to Pam for almost 38 years. She is in choir and loves to knit and read and hike. Watch for her knitted and sewn items in Holiday Fair. Our elder daughter is Kim, a designer who has spent most of her career creating pet products and is now designing little girls’ accessories to be sold at Target. Our younger daughter is Beth, who currently works for the Minnesota Department of Revenue. They are both single and live in south Minneapolis, each living with a roommate who was her best friend from Redeemer youth programs. I am a Strategic Research Analyst in the computer industry, working with industry analysts to drive strategy around emerging technology trends like cloud computing and Internet of Things. I have worked for Fujitsu for five years, after a long 30 year stint at Unisys. I love to hike, walk, write and take photos. Every year I produce a photo wall calendar of photos I have taken in our travels to national parks. I envision Redeemer as a vibrant and growing center for ministry to the community around us. I am excited to see all the activities constantly going on in the building and out in the community.
Page 2
There will be a special meeting and slide show this month at our partner congregation, Grace Lutheran Church, with trip co-host, Pastor Karen Williams. You can also pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center. See Pastor Pam if you are interested in learning more . . . and plan to attend the meeting on August 13. The trip will take you to ancient sites including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Cana and Capernaum. You’ll be able to sail on the Sea of Galilee and soak in the Dead Sea. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to travel to the holy sites and deepen your faith by connecting to the land where Jesus lived and where the Christian church began. Holy Land Pilgrimage Information Meeting
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Sunday, August 13, 10:30 a.m. Grace Lutheran Church 1730 Old Hudson Road St. Paul, MN 55106
Crossroads of Redeemer
Save the Date (month)! SOMETIME in August, we say Farewell and God’s Blessings to Zach Taylor. When we know the actual date, we will let you know. For now, keep the MONTH of AUGUST open for a Zach celebration!
GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS Service Sunday will be held on September 10. Service project sign-ups will be provided at a later date. If you have any questions or service project suggestions, please call Jesse Anibas at 651-773-9629.
Have you signed up?
Photo sessions will be offered on: Thursday - Saturday, August 17 - 19 Wednesday - Saturday, September 6 - 9 Weekday photo hours are 2:00 – 9:00 PM, Saturdays are 10:00 – 5:00.
GATHERING TOGETHER… Introduction to the
ELCA GATHER BIBLE STUDY Saturday, September 16, 2017 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 2499 N. Helen Street North St. Paul MN
Registration: 8:30-9:00 am Bible Study: 9:00 AM-12:30 PM Lunch follows Join us as we gather for a mini-retreat to explore these lessons: Fall 2017: The Apostles' Creed December 2017: Christmas Devotional Spring 2018: Multiple Meanings: Learning from Other Interpretations More information and registration forms available in the church office. Please contact Virginia Coller with any questions (651-777-0584
[email protected]). Crossroads of Redeemer
Pop Tab Collection: It’s summer and a time when we consume more beverages. When you pop that top, please remember to save the tab for the Ronald McDonald House! There is a collection jar by the Welcome Center.
Redeemer Trust Fund Mini-Grant Application If you wish to apply for a mini-grant, please follow these guidelines: -Must be for projects outside our congregation and beyond the scope of our current operating budget. -Must include the direct involvement of Redeemer members. -May be submitted by either individuals or small groups. -Range from $100—$1,000.
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Page 3
We are excited to have Children and Youth ages 3 years through High School register for the academic year programs! Please go to the Children, Youth & Family page to find the online registration form—or type this link into your browser: https://redeemerwhitebear.wufoo.com/ forms/20172018-registration/ All are welcome to our program—we look forward to an amazing year!
High School Students and Parents ELCA Youth Gathering June 27-July 1, 2018 in Houston, TX Financial Assistance Applications DUE by August 31st! For more information on the gathering, visit http://www.elca.org/YouthGathering
Registration for the trip is due to Pastor Stefanie November 12th.
CYF CONTACT: Associate Pastor of Faith Formation Stefanie Fauth
[email protected] Page 4
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Crossroads of Redeemer
Community Night: Thank God it’s Wednesday Summer is almost over! How did that happen so fast? Now that it’s August, we are finishing up Camp Allegro, sending our group to Denver for a mission trip— and before you know it, school will begin and our academic year programming will kick off! Last spring, a team of folks met to discuss a “rebranding” of RNO—something that would be fun, catchy, and inviting to people who were new and didn’t know what the letters “RNO” (Redeemer Night Out) really meant. The team tossed many ideas, and finally settled on Community Night: Thank God it’s Wednesday. Community night may not be the most flashy title, but the team agreed it would help people new to Redeemer understand what it is: a night for community to gather, eat, and learn. There won’t be many changes to the night itself—we will still eat our meals and learn together and continue to have meaningful seasonal worship. We may also try adding few new worship opportunities this year. We hope it doesn’t take too long for your family to get used to the new name—and we are excited to welcome everyone back for the Community Night Kickoff on September 13th!
: t gh
i N ty
i n u m
m o C
k n a h T
W s ’ t i God
y a d s edne
Kickoff for fall programming is
September 13th, dinner at 5:00 PM Beginning at 6pm Fun, games— and most importantly, a bouncy Crossroads of Redeemer
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Page 5
castle!
DATE
THEME
August 2
God’s Work. Our Hands
August 9
Happy Terror
August 16
Daring Playfulness
August 23
Childlike Faith
August 30
Barn Bash!
Page 6
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Crossroads of Redeemer
August 17 September 21 October 17 November 21 December 19
WELLNESS CHECKS with Becky Hulden, Faith Community Nurse from Lyngblomsten Crossroads of Redeemer
9-11 AM (Thursday) 9–11 AM (Thursday) 10am–12 noon (Tuesday) 10am–12 noon (Tuesday) 10am-12 noon (Tuesday)
Watch for Health Talks on that same morning from 9:30 – 10:30 prior to the Wellness Checks. Pastor Candee will lead the Health Talk in October on Spiritual Direction. Plans are in the works for a Winter Fitness Fair in November.
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Page 7
The White Bear Lake Health Partners Clinic is in need of books for the chilrdren’s waiting area at the clinic. If you have any children’s books you would like to donate, please contact Bev Gillespie (651-429-6449). Thanks so much!
August 14
August 5
Giving Voice Chorus® St. Paul Summer Community Presentation
August 9 September 2 September 16 October 7
This unique and joy-filled choral experience is for people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Come and hear Giving Voice Chorus®-St. Paul present a concert of fun summertime songs. Enjoy the music, learn more about the chorus, and find out how you can be involved! Monday, August 14, 2017 11:00 AM at the Lyngblomsten Chapel, 1415 Almond Ave W, St. Paul MN 55108 Free. Refreshments to follow.
Page 8
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Crossroads of Redeemer
Dear Redeemer Family, David and I would like to thank you for all of the love and support and hugs you have given us during the loss of our father. From attending the funeral, to all of the cards and memorial and donations, to the prayer shawl and calls from Pastor Candee and Pastor Pam...we are so grateful that you are all in our lives. God Bless you! Ellen Reeves and David Dahlin ——————— Redeemer Lutheran Church, Each week our members look forward to coming to your facility where we are so warmly welcomed and our needs are always met. Thank you! Tops MN #507 ——————— Trust Fund Board, Thank you so much for the generosity of funds to provide a comfortable space in my office! Youth have been stopping by more often to chat now that they have a place to sit. I truly appreciate your help to fund it! In gratitude, Pastor Stefanie ———————-
Except for three days in the hospital and several doctor visits, I have been home trying to feel better and get my health back. I miss my church friends and our Sunday morning family reunions. I have another two weeks at home and hope and pray that I can then get back to my church and volunteering. I realize what a wonderful life God has given to me and I am hoping that I can again have that blessing very soon. Again, thank you for your love and support. That is also good medicine for me. God Bless You, Donna Miller
2017 Church Council David Dahlin-President
Kathy Sjursen-CYF
Redeemer Trust Fund Board, Thank you so much for awarding me with a scholarship. These funds will help immensely in the next academic year. I am excited to be back for the summer and to reconnect with everyone. Thanks, Natalie Huntley ————————
Jan Johnson-Vice President
Linda Tucker-Congregational Care
Kathy Bourne-Secretary
Jesse Anibas-Outreach
Kevin Maijala-Spiritual Growth
Scott Costello-Worship & Music
Phil Jacobsma-Finance
Jim Ramberg-Facilities
Dear Redeemer Trust Fund Board, The White Bear Area MEALS ON WHEELS program provides hot, fresh nutritious meals that are heart-healthy and diabeticfriendly to nearly 75 people per day. Because of your generous gift of $1,000, these meals are provided on a sliding fee scale so meals are more affordable to those that need assistance. Because your donation qualifies to be on our Tree of Life, a plaque will be made and attached to the tree. Thank you for your ongoing support! Tara Jebens-Singh,White Bear Area Senior Program ————————
John Walsh-Stewardship
My love and sincere thanks to my wonderful Redeemer staff and church family for your cards, calls and prayers as I recover from my illness. Thank you to Pastor Pam for her hospital visit and prayer shawl and to Pastor Candee and Dona Will for their calls and emails. It has been a very long month. Crossroads of Redeemer
Church Staff Senior Pastor………………….……….…..
Pam Stofferahn
Assoc. Pastor of Congregation Care…….
Candee Moser
Assoc. Pastor of Faith Formation………..
Stefanie Fauth
Interim Director of Worship & Music ……
W. Zachary Taylor
Office Administrator………….…………...
Dona Will
Communications Designer………………..
Jean Johnson
Children’s Music Directors……….……….
Deb Gardner, Mary Gregory
Kitchen Coordinator………….….………...
Kim Lacek
Wedding Coordinator………….…....…….
Pam Huntley
Custodian……………..……….……………
Tom Larsen
Congregational Care Coordinator………..
Ann Marie Gere
Event Helper……………..…………………
Sam Maijala
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Page 9
Sunday Worship - 9:30 AM (Summer) August 6 Acolytes
August 13
August 20
August 27
Linda Tucker, Ann Marie Gere
Sue and Gary Eddy
Jane Schroeher, Shirley Ruehle
None needed for the summer
Communion Darlene Sigstad, Assistants Doug Huntley Counters
Wendy Jenz, John Allen
Ken Haslow, John Allen
Wendy Jenz, Marlene and Jack Burkel
Sue Johnson, Marlene and Jack Burkel
Lector
Doris Zieman
Wally Hanson
Don Lundgren
Nadine Meyers
Prayer Servants
Richard Wahlstrom, Gloria Wachtler
Sound
Media Team
Ushers
Jim Ramberg, Captain, Donna Miller, Darlene Sigstad, Keith Swenson
Jim Ramberg, Captain, Donna Miller, Darlene Sigstad, Keith Swenson
Jim Ramberg, Captain, Donna Miller, Darlene Sigstad, Keith Swenson
Jim Ramberg, Captain, Donna Miller, Darlene Sigstad, Keith Swenson
Welcome Center
Barb Christensen
Jeanne Schwarze
Phyllis Hostager
Nan Carlson
Worship Hosts
JoAnn Brichacek
Joan Gens Eimpson
Ellen Reeves, David Dahlin
Roger Rasmussen and Lee Lundgren
We are always looking for people interested in volunteering in worship leadership. If you are interested in any of these areas, please contact the person responsible for arranging each calendar. Acolytes—Nan Carlson Communion Assistants—Irene LeClaire Counters—Avis Bourne Lectors—Wally Hanson Prayer Servants—Jan Johnson Ushers—Diane Jones Welcome Center—Jo Rahn Worship Hosts—Nan Carlson Page 10
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Crossroads of Redeemer
Tuesday, August 1 8:00 AM Men's Prayer Group 8:15 AM Bibles & Bagels 9:00 AM Camp Allegro 9:00 AM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 12:00 PM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 6:00 PM Lake Country Chorus Wednesday, August 2 9:00 AM Camp Allegro 9:00 AM Quilters 10:30 AM Living Well 5:30 PM Dinner on the FarmBruentrup 6:30 PM Worship on the FarmBruentrup Thursday, August 3 8:30 AM TOPS 9:00 AM Camp Allegro 10:00 AM Spiritual TLC 7:00 PM Camp Allegro Performance“It’s Cool in the Furnace” Friday, August 4 Saturday, August 5 Sunday, August 6 9:30 AM Worship/Kamstra Baptism 10:30 AM Coffee Corner Monday, August 7 10:00 AM Lyngblomsten Creative Circle—Garden Flowers 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 434/ Webelos II Tuesday, August 8 8:00 AM Men's Prayer Group 8:15 AM Bibles & Bagels 9:00 AM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 12:00 PM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 6:00 PM Lake Country Chorus 6:30 pm Council Meeting Wednesday, August 9 9:00 AM Quilters 10:30 AM Living Well through Chronic Conditions 11:00 AM Worship at the Lodge 5:30 PM Dinner on the FarmBruentrup 6:30 PM Worship on the FarmBruentrup Crossroads of Redeemer
Thursday, August 10 8:30 AM TOPS
Monday, August 21 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 434/Webelos II
Friday, August 11
Tuesday, August 22 8:00 AM Men's Prayer Group 8:15 AM Bibles & Bagels 9:00 AM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 12:00 PM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 6:00 PM Lake Country Chorus
Saturday, August 12 Sunday, August 13 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER 9:30 AM Summer Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Corner Monday, August 14 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER 10:00 AM Healthy Rhythms Drumming 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 434/Webelos II Tuesday, August 15 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER 8:00 AM Men's Prayer Group 8:15 AM Bibles & Bagels 9:00 AM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 12:00 PM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 6:00 PM Lake Country Chorus Wednesday, August 16 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER 9:00 AM Quilters 10:30 AM Living Well through Chronic Conditions 5:30 PM Dinner on the FarmBruentrup 6:30 PM Worship on the FarmBruentrup Thursday, August 17 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER LIFETOUCH PHOTOS 8:30 AM TOPS Friday, August 18 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER LIFETOUCH PHOTOS Saturday, August 19 YOUTH MISSION TRIP-DENVER LIFETOUCH PHOTOS Sunday, August 20 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Coffee Corner
Wednesday, August 23 9:00 AM Quilters 5:30 PM Dinner on the FarmBruentrup 6:30 PM Worship on the FarmBruentrup Thursday, August 24 8:30 AM TOPS Friday, August 25 Saturday, August 26 Sunday, August 27 9:30 AM Worship/Johnson Baptism 10:30 AM Coffee Corner Monday, August 28 8:30 AM LADC Orientation 10:00 AM Lyngblomsten-Art History- Emily Carr 4:00 PM LADC CPR training 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 434/Webelos II Tuesday, August 29 8:00 AM Men's Prayer Group 8:15 AM Bibles & Bagels 8:30 AM LADC Orientation 9:00 AM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 12:00 PM Lady of the Lakes Quilters 4:00 PM LADC CPR training 6:00 PM Lake Country Chorus Wednesday, August 30 9:00 AM Quilters 5:00 PM LADEC Back to School Night 5:30 PM Dinner on the FarmBruentrup 6:30 PM Worship on the FarmBruentrup Thursday, August 31 8:30 AM TOPS
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Page 11
Relational Outreach ˑ Nurturing Community ˑ Spiritual Growth ˑ Engaging Worship CROSSROADS OF REDEEMER Published monthly by Redeemer Lutheran Church 3770 Bellaire Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: 651-429-5411 Fax: 651-429-6802 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: rlc-wbl.org Facebook.com@rlcwbl Twitter: /rlcwbl Time-dated material Crossroads of Redeemer is published monthly. Crossroads is published and available online and in print the 4th Tuesday of the month. Submitted articles are due the 15th of the month and should be 500 words or less. Articles may be edited for clarity and space.
ned u
g ou si Are y
p?
Summer Worship Themes and Readings Sun Aug 6
Romans 9:1-5
Sun Aug 13
Romans 10:5-15
Sun Aug 20
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Sun Aug 27
Romans 12:1-8
Page 12 Sun Sep 3
rlcwbl.org | 651-429-5411
Romans 12:9-21
Crossroads of Redeemer
