VOLUME 15 ■ ISSUE 1 ■ JANUARY 2015
Journey to Generosity By the Stewardship Committee
Redeemer has been on a journey of generosity ever since Phil Hanson, our founding pastor, broke ground for our first facility in 1958. Since those early years, our congregation has been faithfully growing their generosity to fund our remarkable facility and ministry programs that have significantly impacted our community. The generous work that we’ve been doing comes in response to God’s remarkable generosity to us. At the end of March 2015, most of us will have fulfilled our giving commitments for the three-year Imagine Freedom Capital Campaign for our Building Fund from 2012. Thank you for your faithful and committed giving to that campaign. In these last three years, we have reduced our mortgage debt by $575,000. If you think that’s pretty impressive, you’ll really be wowed to know that we’ve reduced our building debt by $1.4 million since 2002. That’s a journey worth celebrating . . . and celebrate we will at our annual meeting on February 1. Celebration aside, we still have work to do. Our mortgage balance will still be nearly $700,000 on April 1, 2015. Our stewardship team has been exploring possibilities and talking to folks within the congregation to determine our best next steps. What we’ve concluded is that since we’re embarking on a strategic planning effort this year—and since Pastor Pam is on sabbatical soon—we should simply continue the journey we’re on, paying down our mortgage balance by about $100,000 each year. That means we’d like to ask you to continue giving at the same level (or a higher level, if you’re able) to
our building fund for the next year as you’ve already been doing. That way, we’ll be able to keep paying down our mortgage debt while we develop our strategic plan—and we’ll be able to make financial plans that support our ministry plans for Redeemer’s future. Sustaining our giving to the Building Fund is essential to our financial well-being. Financial health is the foundation for our planning for a mission-minded future. If you haven’t already been participating in our mortgage reduction efforts through the Building Fund, we ask that you consider doing so in addition to your generous support of our general fund for mission and ministry. Your giving to our general fund ministry budget is critical for our ministry and mission health. In order to do the ministry that we have already planned for 2015, we need an increase of at least 4% over and above our 2014 budget. You can learn more about our budget plans at the Budget Meeting on January 25. On February 1, at the Annual Meeting, you will receive further information about our general and building funds along with a request to consider your giving commitment. Your giving really does make ministry happen! Please consider God’s generosity as you join us on our Journey of Generosity.
Anniversary of Baptism on Sunday, January 11,
RNO Adult Study: Hospice 101
at both services. Help us celebrate the anniversary of YOUR baptism! This is an event for all members of the congregation no matter when your baptism took place. Bring a photo from your baptism to be shared on a slideshow, join us between services for cake and coffee, and take part in a special baptismal blessing for all. Families of children who were baptized in 2014 will receive a special gift from the congregation. If you would like to share a picture of your baptism on our slide show, please have the picture delivered to the front office by Sunday, January 4.
On Wednesday, January 28 representatives from Health East’s hospice service will present information on hospice care, entering hospice, and other information relevant to anyone with friends or relatives with significant medical issues. Redeemer members are invited to share their experience in working with Hospice, as hospice volunteers, or friends and family members of patients in hospice. Hospice 101 meets from 6 to 7 AM in the library.
Sunday Morning Bible Study The Sunday Morning Bible study resumes on January 4 and runs through February 15. Led by retired pastors Roger Schwarze and Dan Brumm, the discussion will center on “Signs of the Kingdom” as they appear in the Gospel of Matthew. This class meets Sundays, from 9:30 to 10:30 in the Library. Matthew's account of the good news shows a Jesus who weaves profound new teachings from the threads of ordinary life experience. Matthew also weaves in bright strands of ancient prophecies fulfilled, his way of showing the unbroken line of God's faithfulness in action, from creation to resurrection and beyond. Through the readings in this study, we glimpse Jesus' formidable intelligence and political skill as He nimbly engages His adversaries. We see Jesus as a forwardthinking leader who takes care to equip people for the mission that one day will be theirs: making disciples throughout the world. Weekly topics are: • Working It Out • Extreme Mercy • More Than Fair • Who Do You Think You Are? • The Son and the Stone • The Host with the Most • Show Me the Money Page 2
3rd Annual Ice Block Party! Saturday, Feb 7, 2015, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM Oh the weather outside may be frightful, but the ice will be so delightful! Redeemer is hosting its annual ice block party again. Here’s your chance to see professional ice carving demonstrations and even to carve your own ice sculpture! Join us for sledding, S’mores and hot chocolate, and children’s activities inside. This event is free and open to the public so invite your friends and neighbors. Pizza and pop will also be available for purchase. Interested in making this day a success? Talk to Pastor Nate about ways to help plan for the event or work the day of the event.
Annual Meeting and Potluck Sunday, February 1, 2015, 11:30 AM, Atrium Potluck following the meeting.
Budget Meeting Sunday, January 25 , 9:45 AM, Library Pre-registration savings ends December 31, 2014. More than 500 women have already preregistered for the Tenth Triennial Gathering to be held July 13-16, 2017, in Minneapolis, MN. Join the crowd and preregister before the end of this year and you get a discounted registration fee of just $280. Don’t miss out! Crossroads of Redeemer
Grief Group Date: Mondays, January 5 - March 9 Time: 3:30 – 5:00 PM Location: Library Leader: Linda Tucker Cost: $15 for the workbook Description: If you have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you have probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. GriefShare is a special seminar that provides support for people grieving the loss of someone close, with others who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time. Each session includes a video featuring grief experts as well as real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours and group discussion with others who have experienced a recent loss. The GriefShare workbook will assist you with note-taking, journaling and grief study throughout the 10-week program. Contact the church office at 651-429-5411 or
[email protected] to register.
Tuesday, January 13 at 7 PM is the date and time of the next Redeemer Book Club meeting in the Library. Ice Princess, a mystery by Camilla Lackberg, will be the novel and Ruby Gustafson will be the leader. A small Scandinavian village is the setting of this electrifying story about murder and suicide. A series of twist and turns keep you in suspense until the very end when a deadly secret is revealed. It should be an interesting discussion and we would love to have you join us!
HYPNOSIS - what it is, it’s history, what it is used for, and how we all experience this state of mind daily David A. Swanson, C.H. Certified Hypnotist Hypnotic Progressions of White Bear Lake PRIMETIME - invites you to join us in Redeemer’s Atrium, Thursday, January 15, 9:30 AM - coffee; 10:00 Program. Sign up at the Welcome Desk or call Barb Wojahn (651)429-2557 The Redeemer Chorale will be participating in the annual Church Choir TuneUp put on by the National Lutheran Choir at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Bloomington on Saturday, January 17 from 9 AM- Noon. This year's guest director is Anton Armstrong, Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir. Emphasis is placed on helping choirs prepare specific pieces for presentation in their own churches. This year's literature includes arrangements of It is Well with My Soul, Amazing Grace, and In Thee is Gladness.
Thank you to Ray & Phyllis Hostager for creating the beautiful nativity scene that enhanced our Welcome Center during the Christmas season!
Nativity scene designed and constructed by Ray & Phyllis Hostager
Crossroads of Redeemer
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We invite all of you who are boomers and beyond to join us for some exciting service and social activities this winter! Activities are for all who are boomer age and older. Please see the information below for further details on the upcoming events.
Wood TapRoom, 2222 4th St. White Bear Lake, MN 8:00 PM - ??? How to sign up: Please sign up at the Welcome Center in Redeemer. Deadline for signup is February 19, 2015. Cost is $12 per person for the oil and vinegar tasting. Beer is on your own. Please submit cash or check (payable to Redeemer) to Dee Bear. Questions: Contact Dee Bear at
[email protected] if you have any questions.
Taizé Prayer Service What: Taizé Prayer Service at St Paul’s Monastery
March 26, 6-7:30 PM - Feed My Starving Children, followed by dinner at Olive Garden April 26, 4-7 PM - “Wellness in the 2nd Half” MiniConference
followed by coffee and conversation at Caribou Coffee in Oakdale. Taizé prayer uses simple chants based on the Scriptures and periods of silence to create an environment for encountering the mystery of God. This time of quiet, gentle communal prayer can help get rid of the accumulated stress of the week and free oneself for renewal. When: Friday January 16, 2015 at 7:00 PM. To car pool, meet at the Redeemer Lutheran Church parking lot at 6:20pm. The prayer service is from 7:00-8:00 PM. Following the service, we will meet at Caribou Coffee in Oakdale for coffee and conversation. Where: St Paul’s Monastery –Benedictine Center, 2675 Benet Road, St. Paul, MN 55109. Afterward, we will meet for coffee at Caribou Coffee, 6014 Hwy 36, Oakdale (Hwy 36 & 120). How to sign up: Sign up at the Welcome Center in Redeemer. Deadline for signup is January 9, 2015. There is no cost for the Taize Prayer Service. Coffee will be on your own. Questions: Contact Jane Schroeher at
[email protected] for more information.
“Taste of White Bear Lake” What: “Taste of White Bear Lake.” We invite you to share a fun and informative evening at The Olive Branch Oil and Spice Company to learn about olive oil and balsamic vinegar history, production and its many uses. Enjoy appetizers and desserts created from these products along with a glass of wine or juice. Then stroll to the Big Wood Tap Room and enjoy original craft beers. When: Thursday, February 26, 2015 6:30-8:00 PM and Tap Room 8:00 PM - ??? Where: The Olive Branch Oil & Spice Company, 2202 5th St. White Bear Lake, MN 6:30-8:00 PM; Big Page 4
SAVE the DATE:
A new Yogadevotion session (8 weeks long) will begin in January, on Tuesday, January 6th, 4:30-5:30 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Jean Auger will continue to be our instructor. The class is geared for beginners as well as for those with experience. Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, and a water bottle. Feel free to invite your friends to participate. If you miss a class, you are welcome to make the class up at another church in the area that sponsors Yogadevotions. Please bring your check for $55 made payable to “Redeemer Lutheran Church” (memo: Yogadevotion) to the first class. Soma Yogadevotion session: Time: Fridays, January 9-February 27, 2015, 12-1 pm Place: Redeemer Fellowship Hall Cost: $55 due before the first day of class. Please make check payable to “ Redeemer Lutheran Church” memo: Soma yoga class. Soma yoga is a blend of somatic movement and classic yoga. This class, led by Jane Schroeher, is for everyone, including those with chronic health conditions. Contact Jane Schroeher at
[email protected] or 651-770-9543 for more information.
Crossroads of Redeemer
How blessed I am to have such caring Redeemer friends. Your prayers, your beautiful cards, calls, and your visits these past months have brought me such encouragement. Pastor Nate visited and brought a beautiful prayer shawl which felt so good around my shoulders. Pastor Pam even participated with me in physical therapy. There’s even a Redeemer angel who leaves the bulletin every Sunday morning. Now, I’m going to get out and around in a wheelchair from the lending room. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. -Marjil Hoffman Thank you to everyone who put together an Operation Christmas Child box. This year Redeemer families sent out over 50 boxes! The children receiving your gifts live in Ecuador. Thank you again! -Mary Gregory
itat For Humanity and Holiday Fair. Your work has been a blessing to many, many people. Thank you! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. - The Outreach Leadership team Nate Toso, Brian Brynell, Wally Hanson, Mike Lundberg, Mandy Stokes, Dan Brumm, Kay Kuehn and Gene Ruehle.
Church Staff Senior Pastor………………………….. Pam Stofferahn Associate Pastor……………………… Nate Toso Worship & Music Ministry Director….. Tim Gabriel Office Administrators…………………. Karna Metzger, Dona Will Little Light Choir Director…………….. Mary Gregory Alleluia Choir Director………………… Deb Gardner
Thank you to everyone who took a tag from the Giving Tree and purchased gifts for Solid Ground!
Nursery Attendant…………………….. Mirla Sorenson Kitchen Coordinator…………………... Shelley Strauss Wedding Coordinator………...………. Pam Huntley Custodian……………………………… Tom Larsen
Even though there maybe a risk of missing someone, the Redeemer Outreach Ministry leadership team wants to list each of the following teams and thank them for their outstanding work this past year: Dorothy Day, Panera Bread, Solid Ground, Open Hands Food Rescue, Open Hands Clothing, Redeemer Quilters, Duolos School, First Aid Kits, Willow Lane Elementary Reading Buddies, Feed My Starving Children, Redeemer Day of Service, White Bear Food Shelf, HabCrossroads of Redeemer
Congregational Care Coordinator…... Ann Marie Gere 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.
CROSSROADS OF REDEEMER Redeemer Lutheran Church 3770 Bellaire Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Phone: 651-429-5411 Fax: 651-429-6802 SCAN TO DONATE Website: rlc-wbl.org E-mail:
[email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/rlcwhitebear Page 5
Charles & Mary Brown (children - Abby, Allison, Aaron, grandchild - Alexi) 23 Hillcrest Lane Circle Pines, MN 55014 (763)783-1487
[email protected]
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Eugene & Ardis Danger 782 Echo Shores Court Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (612)779-1028
[email protected]
Crossroads of Redeemer
Ann & Dennis McLaren 1612 4th Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651)373-3976 |
[email protected]
Jeff & Anne Kottke (Dakota, Megan, Isabella) 3641 Glen Oaks Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651)330-9876
[email protected]
Matthew & Catherine Schumann (Elijah) 3500 Texas Avenue South St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (612)254-2693 |
[email protected] Crossroads of Redeemer
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High School Students: Need time and space to study? And maybe a tutor? Let’s meet at the Caribou Coffee on White Bear Avenue and County Road D (across from the mall) on Sunday, January 11 from 6-8 PM. We will buy your first coffee/hot chocolate/or smoothie drink! We will also have some teachers on hand to help you with your homework if you need it. Rides will be provided from church. Please contact Pastor Nate if you need a ride.
Join us for snow tubing at Green Acres in Lake Elmo on Monday, January 19 (MLK DAY No school!) from 12-2 PM. We’ll meet at Green Acres (8989 - 55th Street N. Lake Elmo, MN 55042) at 11:45. This event is open to all 5-12th graders. Students of any age who are accompanied by a parent are also welcome. Cost for this event is $15. All participants must sign a waiver form (see Pastor Nate) and students 18 and under must have a parent co-sign.
Jenny Hanlon to Present Parenting Workshops at Redeemer Jenny Hanlon of Jenny Hanlon Consulting, formerly known as Parent & Teacher Support Services, has a B.S in Child Psychology and a M.Ed. in Family Education along with licensures in both early childhood and parent education.
RNO education hour (Wednesdays, 6-7 PM, in the Library). These sessions are free and open to the public. “Empowering Parents” is a two-session workshop to be offered on January 7 and 14. “More, More, More” will be on January 21. Empowering Parents: Are you in Control? Do you ever feel like the world around you is dictating your family life? Whether it’s work schedules, activities your children are in, or feeling like your children need certain toys or experiences to thrive, you can be in control of this journey! Come for a discussion with Teacher, Consultant, & Author, Jenny Hanlon, M.Ed. on how to take control and have the family life you've dreamed of! More, More, More: Identifying and Teaching How Much is Too Much How do we know when we have enough? How do we know when we have too much? These are often tough questions even for us as adults. However, it's incredibly important for our children to learn the answers to these questions. Jenny Hanlon will share what the negative impacts of having "too much" has on our children and what we can do as parents to teach what constitutes enough. You will walk away from this class with a tool to help answer the question of "Is this too much?" in regards to sports, school, stress, food, etc. for your children and family as a whole.
In January, Jenny will present three evenings of workshop sessions for parents during the Page 8
Crossroads of Redeemer
“God is the beginning-not just the starting point, but the source of all things.” Marilyn
Clarke-Pearson suggests preschoolers be encour-
Morgan
resolution could be “I will be a better listener
aged to work on listening and helping skills. A when Mommy or Daddy asks me to do something”
Happy New Year from LADC!
or “I will help out more when Mommy or Daddy asks me.” If you keep it simple, your child is more likely to understand the concept as well as succeed.”
Here are a few tips from PBS.ORG about New Years Resolutions for kids: The New Year’s Holiday often makes us think of setting New Year’s Resolutions. But, what is appropriate for preschoolers and different family members regarding resolutions? PBS.ORG posted an article relating to setting resolutions for the different members of your family. Here is an excerpt from the article: “For preschool-aged children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends resolutions that focus on cleaning up toys, brushing teeth and washing hands and being kind to pets.
January is also the perfect time to make these home made snow globes! Materials you will need: Small plastic jar, glycerin, glitter, water, super glue or hot glue gun and a small plastic figurine. Pour the water into the jar and then add glitter, glycerin and a small figurine. Hot glue or super glue lid on. Shake it and ask your child what they like to do in the winter. Then go outside and do it with them!
6 LADC is taking registrations for the 20152016 school year. Please call 651-762-7884 to find out more and to set up a tour!
However, parents who consider these behaviors part of their regular expectations may want to provide resolutions that focus on higher goals. Crossroads of Redeemer
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Assisting in our Ministry– JANUARY 2015
Communion
Sunday, Jan. 4
Sunday, Jan. 11
Sunday, Jan. 18
Sunday, Jan. 25
8:30—Myrna Carlson-cc, 8:30 Dan and Dorothy Brumm
8:30—Irene Le Claire-cc, 8:30
8:30—Nan Carlson-cc, 8:30 Kevin Edberg, Don Flentje
8:30—Anne-Marie Gere-cc, 8:30
Assistants Communion Coordinator (CC)
10:30—Sue and 10:30 Gary Eddy
Dawn Aronson, Linda Tucker
10:30—Jane Schroeher, 10:30
10:30—Hussanatu Kamara, 10:30 Jasmine Webber
Doris & Wally Hanson
10:30—Brian Neuhaus, 10:30 Mike Lundberg
Kathy Sjursen
Counters 8:30 Acolyte
Grace and Sam Maijala
Matthew Bourne, Nathan Huntley
Emily Sather, Suvi Swenson
Andrew Allen, Garrett Janssen
8:30 Lectors
Diane Jones
Natalie Huntley
Dick Lindstrom
Kevin Edberg
Prayer Servants
8:30—Wally & Doris 8:30 Hanson
8:30—Aaron Swanson 8:30
8:30—Aaron Swanson 8:30
8:30—Aaron Swanson 8:30
8:30—Aaron Swanson 8:30
10:30— 10:30
10:30— 10:30
10:30— 10:30
10:30— 10:30
8:30—Carsten 8:30 Ingvoldstad (Captain), Connie Ingvoldstad, Gary Gustafson, Candy Johnson
8:30—Carsten 8:30 Ingvoldstad (Captain), Connie Ingvoldstad, Gary Gustafson, Candy Johnson
8:30—Carsten 8:30 Ingvoldstad (Captain), Connie Ingvoldstad, Gary Gustafson, Candy Johnson
8:30—Carsten 8:30 Ingvoldstad (Captain), Connie Ingvoldstad, Gary Gustafson, Candy Johnson
10:30—Brian Adams 10:30 (Captain), Linda Adams, Cory Hawkinson
10:30—Brian Adams 10:30 (Captain), Linda Adams, Cory Hawkinson
10:30—Brian Adams 10:30 (Captain), Linda Adams, Cory Hawkinson
10:30—Brian Adams 10:30 (Captain), Linda Adams, Cory Hawkinson
8:30—Donna Miller 8:30
8:30—Myrna Carlson 8:30
8:30—Nan Carlson 8:30
8:30—Don Flentje 8:30
10:30—-Barb Christensen 10:30
10:30—-Linda Dahl 10:30
10:30—-Ann Marie Gere 10:30
10:30—-Jan Trad 10:30
8:30-Wally & Doris 8:30 Hanson, Kevin & Irene Reid
8:30-Gloria Bly, 8:30 Jean Taylor
8:30-Don Flentje 8:30 Greg & Joan Simpson
8:30-Dan & Dottie Brumm 8:30 Gene & Ardis Danger
10:30—Gene & Shirley 10:30 Ruehle, David & Ellen Dahlin
10:30—Jan Trad, 10:30 Candi Walsh
10:30—Linda Anderson 10:30 Jan Johnson
10:30—Linda Tucker & 10:30 Jan Johnson
Sound
Ushers
Welcome Center Host Worship Hosts
10:30—Nan Carlson, 10:30 Marge Strommer
Calendar - JANUARY 2015
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 Website: rlc-wbl.org E-mail:
[email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/rlcwhitebear
Time-dated material
REDEEMER LUTHERAN JANUARY WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP Sundays at Redeemer 8:30 - Classic Communion Worship Coffee hour to follow 10:30 - Contemporary Worship
January 4
Flight to Egypt
January 11
Jesus Baptism Anniversary of Baptism
January 18
Tempted in the Wilderness
January 25
Beatitudes
