A Look at Lent. February Lent 2009 Begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25

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1 The monthly newsletter of Redeemer Lutheran Church-Rochester, Minnesota A Look at Lent The season of Lent is a time when we prepare our hearts, minds and souls for the sacred observances of Christ s death on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter. In Lent, we recognize we are simply dust and ashes without Christ, we confess our sins to God, and we follow Christ to the cross, where we are made whole again. In the early Church, the six weeks of Lent were a time of training and instruction for converts to Christianity who were preparing to be baptized on Easter. The English word Lent is derived from the Germanic root for long, because Lent occurs in the spring, when the days lengthen. Forty Days. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Sundays are excluded from the from the counting of the 40 days because they still remain little Easters even during this solemn season. The number 40 is significant because, at the start of his ministry, Jesus spent 40 days fasting, praying and resisting temptation, as we are called to do during Lent. Lent 2009 Begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25 Special services will be held at 4:15 and 7:00 pm, each Wednesday with supper served from 5 to 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Our Wednesday Lenten Theme will be: By His Stripes: Healing Wounded Relationships Each week we will look at an event from the passion story, and how this ties into contemporary relationships. Plan to join us and invite a friend! February 2009 Mission Statement As Christians based on the solid foundation of God s Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit we strive to live out, lift up, and share our faith in Jesus Christ -welcoming all into our family of believers. Inside this Issue Scenes from Christmas... page 2 Staff Reflections... page 3 Prayers/Worship Notes... page 4 Upcoming Events... page 5 Bible Classes... page 6 Sunday School News... page 7 We Remember... page 7 Stewardship News... page 8 Thank You Notes... pages 9-10 Music Notes... page 10 Health Notes... page 11 Council Highlights... page 12 R.L.C.W./L.W.M.L.... pages Youth Page... pages February Calendar... page 17 Blessed to Serve... page 18 Page

2 Page 2 Scenes From Christmas

3 Staff Reflections Several have asked about Sabbatical Plans. Am I leaving or what? Yes, and no. Keep in mind that the deadline for this newsletter is before our annual meeting, so I can only share a bit of what I have in mind if this request is approved on January 25. I think that we have a wonderful congregation here at Redeemer and I hope to be here for several years yet, but sometimes if a congregation and pastor get a little too comfortable, it can lead to complacency. Sabbaticals are designed to give new energy and new ideas. So here are my tentative plans: It will begin on July 27, with Jolene and I attending a Grace Place Retreat in Wisconsin for a week. These are sponsored by our Synod for professional church workers, to give some time to relax, reflect, and grow spiritually. I first learned of this in an article in the October Lutheran Witness. Then I will spend some time (in a quiet place somewhere) reading the Scripture, praying, and reflecting. During this time I will also be preparing for time teaching in Uganda. I am hoping to get caught up technologically have to keep up with these young pastors. The major part of the Sabbatical experience will be several weeks working with Pastor Gillard in Uganda. I know that I will share in his work of training lay leaders in the Lutheran Church Mission Uganda. Exactly what it will entail, I am not sure. I expect I will learn as much from them as they will from me. I hope to come back refreshed, and with new energy and enthusiasm here. That is what a Sabbatical is supposed to be about. What will happen here for the three months I am gone? We will probably call upon some retired pastors to help with preaching and visiting our shut-ins and those in the hospital. I am confident that with our excellent staff and dedicated lay leadership, you will get along just fine. (But I hope you miss me at least a little bit!) So those are the plans so far but we always say Lord willing, and pray that we might give him glory in everything we propose to do. Pastor Jim Heining Church Office Hours: M-F 7:30 am-4:00 pm Phone: Fax: redeemer@charterinternet.com Website: Blessed to Able to Serve Pastor, James W. Heining JHeining@charterinternet.com (office) (residence) (cell) Pastor, Rance A. Settle PastorRance@charterinternet.com (office) (residence) (cell) Director of Christian Education, Michael J. Harvey daharveys@msn.com (office) (residence) Director of Parish Music, April Beckman beckmana1@hotmail.com (office) (cell) Administrative Secretary, Christina Tjosaas redeemer@charterinternet.com (office) (residence) Custodian, Randy Kautz (office) (residence) Youth Coordinator, Lynora Miller millertwins2@charter.net (residence) Parish Nurse, Jan Dicke jdicke325@charter.net (residence) Nursery Coordinator, Michelle Haack (residence) Page 3

4 Remember in Your Prayers... Hospitalized/Health Concerns Ruth Maasch, Rita Engelbrecht, Margery Luehmann, Martin Mueller, Carl Burfeind, Addie Lockman, Ted Rahlf, Dorothy Groth, Leon Larson, Charlie Pederson, Obed Jacobson, Ketan Schwerman Grieving The family and friends of Ralph Treder who passed away on December 29. Betty Mueller and her family upon the death of her brother Betty Brand and her family upon the death of her sister Rejoice With Harlan and Rosie Peterson who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Acceptance of people of all races and backgrounds as your dear children Encouragement/Guidance For the Gillards and all our missionaries for those Christians around the world who are undergoing persecution for our new president and all who serve our nation Worship The Lord With Gladness! February 7/8 Sharing...Hope For The Weary We will observe the Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany. Scripture readings will be from Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-27, and Mark 1: February 14/15 Sharing...the Simple Things of Salvation We will celebrate the Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany with scripture readings from 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, and Mark 1: Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services this weekend. February 21/22 Sharing...a But of Heaven We will observe the Transfiguration of our Lord Sunday with scripture readings from 2 Kings 2:1-12 or Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12-13;4:1-6, and Mark 9:2-9. February 25 ASH WEDNESDAY Jesus in Gethsemane - The Destructive Patter of Escalation Ash Wednesday services will take place at 4:15 and 7:00 pm. Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes will be offered at each service. Supper will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 5 to 6:30 pm. The menu will be Hamburgers with fixings, potato salad, and bars. Thanks to Thrivent for serving this evening. February 28/March 1 Profiting From Your Problems Beginning this weekend, Pastor Rance will begin a five-week sermon series entitled, James: A Manual For Maturity. Focusing on readings from the book of James. We will celebrate the First Sunday In Lent with scripture readings from Genesis 22:1-18, James 1:1-12, and Mark 1:9-15. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services this weekend. March 5 Mid-Week Lenten Worship Jesus on Trial: The Destructive Pattern of Invalidation Services will continue at 4:15 and 7:00 pm. Supper will be served from 5 to 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. The menu will be: Taco Salads, fruit cup, bars and cookies. Thanks to the Vacation Bible School Committee for serving this evening. Page 4

5 News! News! And MORE NEWS! PIZZA! PIZZA! BUNCO NIGHT! On Friday, February 20, come join the Family Life Board for a fun filled night of Bunco! Russ and Janelle Miller will be hosting the evening (3007 Oakview Drive NE). The evening starts at 7:00pm and goes until the dice stop rolling. Please sign up on the sheet by the upstairs coffeemaker so we know how many tables we will need. When you come, please bring an appetizer to share. Whether you are a long time Bunco player or new DID YOU MISS THE ANNUAL MEETING? ANNUAL REPORTS are available in the narthex or by calling the church office at REDEEMER WILL HOST IHN We will be hosting families from the Interfaith Hospitality Network, February The signup schedule for all trained volunteers is located next to the coffee machine on the first floor. Our commitment is to host up to 14 people, in families, for a week 4 times a year. If you would be interested in becoming part of this wonderful service please call Kay Fockler ( ). New Fund Raiser to Benefit IHN Plans are coming together for the first IHN House Party this Spring! We are looking for people that would like to use their imagination and build a specially designed house for a dog, cat, bird, hamster, doll, etc. This house would be part of an auction at the House Party on April 25. Registration to participate is March 1, 2009 and your house would need to be ready by April 15th If you think this sounds like fun, (there are other ways to participate as well) please call Kay Fockler ( ). Page 5

6 LAW AND GOSPEL - Those in this class with Pastor Heining will look at the 25 theses presented by Dr. C.F.W. Walther in his classic work, The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel. It has been said that to confuse these two great doctrines is to remain confused about ourselves and our God. Please join them in the North Fellowship Hall. GOSPEL OF JOHN - Pastor Rance leads this six-week study looking at the Gospel of John, using the DVD movie of the same name. With vivid imagery and narration taken directly from the Good News Translation of the Bible, the unique perspective of St. John comes alive with a message for all God s people! Feel free to join them in the South Fellowship Hall. HEALTH CABINET FORUM January 25 Sleep Disorders, Sleep Apnea and What YOU Can Do Presented by Dr. Mark Hansen, Mayo Clinic Sleep Medicine Consultant February 1 February 8 February 15 Program February 22 Kidney Disease, with speaker to be announced What is Hospice and When Do We Need It? Presented by Ann Bartlett, RN, Mayo Clinic Hospice Program Coordinator Grief and Loss Affects All of Us, Presented by Carol Kuisle, Bereavement Coordinator at Mayo Clinic Hospice Fibromyalgia-What Is It and How to Manage It Presented by Janet Guderian, RN, and Connie Luedtke, RN, Mayo Clinic s Fibromyalgia Program Page 6 March 1 Heart Surgery-Which Type is Needed for Which Problem? Presented by Dr. Thomas Orszulak, Mayo Clinic Cardiac Surgeon Everyone is welcome to attend and bring a family member or friend. Please come with your questions regarding these prominent health topics. And, be prepared to learn about everything we would like to know but don t always get the

7 Sunday School News and Updates What an exciting month December was! It s always exciting celebrating the birth of Jesus and telling his story, and the Sunday School children did such a good job this year doing just that. I was very proud of all the young people who participated in the program; they did an awesome job. I also would like to thank all the teachers for their help with the program and April Beckman for her help with the music. It takes a lot of people to make things run smoothly. Thanks to Paul Collopy for taping this year s program again. You can still order CD s or a VHS tape. Just see me or leave a note in the office. Sunday School Superintendent, Lynette Miller MISSION PROJECT For the Christmas program, Sunday School children were to bring items for the IHN organization. We had over ten bags of cleaning material, toilet paper, paper towels, personal items, etc., donated by the children. They also brought in two boxes of gloves, mittens, scarves, and caps to be distributed to those in need of them. We also collected our first money that the students have been saving for IHN. So far we have collected $ We will be collecting again in February and in March. Keep saving that change for IHN. We Remember... RALPH EDWARD TREDER Ralph Edward Treder was born on August 29, 1920 in St. Paul MN, and was made a child of God through the Sacrament of Baptism on June 1st, He married Edna Dorn on September 28, 1946, and their marriage was blessed with three children, Barbara, Donna and Pamela. After farming in the Lewiston- Bethany area from , Ralph and Edna moved to Rochester, where Ralph worked for the Mayo Clinic until his retirement in During that time, he worked as a custodian for St. Luke s Episcopal Church and at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rochester. Ralph and Edna joined Redeemer in 2002, where Ralph served as an elder and sang in the choir. After a stay at Samaritan Bethany Heights, Ralph went to live with his Savior on December 29, 2008, where he now joyfully looks for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. The funeral in his memory was held at Redeemer on January 6, Please remember Ralph s family in your prayers, as they look forward in faith to the day when all who are in Christ will be reunited again. Page 7

8 December 17 (Mid-week Advent) Worship Attendance ( ) Guests... 9 Guests Budget Offerings... $43.00 District/Synod... $2.00 Renovation... $50.00 Special Services... $ December 20/21 Worship Attendance ( ) S.S. & Bible Classes (72+71) Guests Budget Offerings...$ District/Synod...$ Renovation...$ Special Services... $94.00 December 24/25 Worship Attendance ( )) Guests Budget Offerings...$ District/Synod... $ Renovation...$ Undesignated...$ Special Services...$ December 27/28 Worship Attendance ( ) S.S. & Bible Classes (60+118) Guests Budget Offerings... $14, District/Synod...$ Renovation...$ Special Services... $ January 3/4 Worship Attendance ( ) S.S. & Bible Classes (64+124) Guests Budget Offerings... $10, District/Synod...$ Renovation...$ January 10/11 Worship Attendance ( ) S.S. & Bible Classes (86+158) Guests Budget Offerings... $17, District/Synod...$ Renovation...$ January 17/18 Worship Attendance ( ) S.S. & Bible Classes (84+154) Guests Budget Offerings...$ District/Synod...$ Renovation...$ Page 8 Stewardship: Your Response to God s Love LOOSE COINS Loose coins for February have been designated for the Good Samaritan Fund. Memorials and Special Gifts $10 for Sunday School Bibles $100 for Pastor Settle s Education Debt $100 for Good Samaritan Fund $10 for Lutheran Hour Ministries $23.30 for Orphan Grain Train $25 for Ablaze! $10 for Interfaith Hospitality Network $51 for Debt Reduction in honor of Al and Ruth Hein s 51st wedding anniversary $20 for Debt Reduction in memory of Roland Hansen $200 for Sharing Tree $50 for Upper Room $200 for Music Fund in honor of Melissa Haring $10 for Project Compassion in memory of Ralph Treder $20 for Good Samaritan Fund in memory of Owen Moore $50 for Music Fund in memory of Wallace Bornmann $61 for Debt Reduction in honor and Harold and Mary DeVries 61st wedding anniversary $45 to Debt Reduction in honor of George and Gloria Poch s 45th wedding anniversary

9 Thank You Thank you to the members of Redeemer for once again generously supporting the efforts of the Sharing Tree in December. Many wonderful gifts were collected and distributed to those in need. Thank you notes from some of those organizations are posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. - Sarah Circle Thank You A special Thank you to Pastor Heining and Pastor Settle and to Jan Dicke for their visits. Thank you also to Project Compassion for the beautiful Christmas poinsettia. The Christmas carolers were a wonderful joy -- that was really great! Blessed New Year to you all! - Carl and Evie Burfeind Thank You Thank you to wonderful Project Compassion group for the beautiful card and poinsettia that was delivered to me during Christmas. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated. - Jim Fister Thank You Thank you to Project Compassion for the beautiful flowers that were given to me upon my birthday. - Dorothy Volberding Thank You Thank you friends for the cards and calls when I had my carpal tunnel surgery in December. All seems to be well now and I so appreciated your concern for me. What a great congregation to be a member of! God bless you, Myrna Reinartz Notes of Thanks... Thank You Dear Friends at Redeemer, thank you for your kindness shown to me in Most recently the poinsettia plant delivered to me by Connie Bennett and the Christmas Carolers at my door. I so appreciate the visits from Pastor Jim, Jan Dicke, and Connie. Redeemer continued to be a thoughtful, caring congregation. I am with you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Joyce Bormann Thank You We wish to thank Project Compassion for the Christmas poinsettia and also June Hovland for delivering it, much appreciated. Also, thank you to the carolers who sand to us, a very nice group. You did very well and we both enjoyed you. Wishing you all a blessed New Year. - Ray and Loretta Rahman Thank You What a humbling feeling it is when you become hospitalized and experience the Christian love in the form of personal notes, cards, and telephone calls from your Christian friends expressing their care and offering prayers for your recovery. This was especially true when it was necessary for both us to be hospitalized. Both Pastor Jim and Pastor Rance visited us bringing us the words of the Lord s grace and healing. Many thanks! - Bernie and Ellie Nesler Thank You Thank you for your $300 gift to Orphan Grain Train. Your continued support is a special blessing from the Lord. There is no new news about the container to Sudan. Please keep this in your prayers. Wishing you a blessed New Year, Nancy English (MN South Orphan Grain Train) Thank You I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in your congregation; especially the volunteers and coordinators who help to make the IHN program a success. In 2008 our network served 25 families and 14 of them found housing and employment in the Olmsted County area. We helped 86 people, 56 of those were children and 22 of those were under the age of 5. We are able to do this because of the kindness, generosity and caring of our network faith communities. Without your commitment to helping God s children in need we would not be able to do this work. You all are the backbone of this organization and the caring and love you all give on a daily basis through your efforts help to make the families lives a little brighter during this troubling time in their lives. We appreciate the support and partnership of each one of you and look forward to another great year together helping families move forward to stability and success. Blessings & Peace Joanne Markee; Executive Director, IHN Greater Rochester Page 9

10 Notes of Thanks...cont. THANK YOU Dear Redeemer Friends, Our family wishes to thank you for your continued support of the ministry at Rochester Central Lutheran School. Let us count the ways! You pray for RCLS. You provide two extremely talented musicians to play for chapel every week (take a bow, Michael Harvey and Pastor Rance!). You provide pastoral/dce support for awesome messages at the chapel services. You provide financial assistance to make it possible for Redeemer families to attend RCLS. You welcomed the RCLS preschool satellite campus at Redeemer. You supported Liz when she was raising funds to participate in the National Lutheran Basketball Tournament. You donate quilts every year to the RCLS auction. You support the SCRIP fundraising program, initiated and operated at Redeemer by two very caring RCLS staff members, Lonnie Strohschein and Lynn Schoppers. You attend RCLS activities. You have blessed the ministry and its families in more ways than we can ever count. This is our tenth year at RCLS and we are more convinced than ever that the ministry is a precious beacon of God s love right here in Southeastern Minnesota, the impact of which is limitless. We are thankful to have the opportunity to be part of it. Thank you for partnering with RCLS and its families. Blessings, Grant, Kris, Liz & Jon Dicke THANK YOU Thank You to all who remembered us so generously with cards and gifts during the Christmas season! We cannot express how blessed we feel to be in a congregation with members who care so much! Thank You for all your support and love! Blessings on your New Year! ~Bryce & April Beckman THANK YOU Many thanks to the members of Redeemer for remembering me and my family during this Christmas season. Once again your generosity is humbling. Thank you so much for the cards, treats, gifts, and well-wishes. I truly am blessed to be part of such a wonderful church family. - Chris Tjosaas Music Notes by April Beckman, DPM 1 st and 2 nd grade Sunday school students will be sharing the gift of song on February 1 st at the 10:40 a.m. service! Thank you to the great teachers who have allowed me to come in and sing with the students. Thank you also to parents for supporting your child to be actively participating in worship! Concert Opportunity As some of you may know, I play many Paul Manz organ pieces. Please consider coming to this great event to listen, sing, and enjoy some great compositions and hymns. I will even be playing a piece for this program! -April Beckman AREA MUSICIANS HOST MANZ TRIBUTE The Southeast Minnesota Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is hosting a musical tribute to famed organist Dr. Paul Manz on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The event, including hymn improvisations, hymn singing, commentaries, and choral and instrumental music, will be held on Sunday, February 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 222 6th Ave SW, Rochester, beginning at 2 pm. Area organists will lead the event. Dr. Manz, currently residing in Minneapolis, is one of the most influential American organists of the latter half of the twentieth century. His noted hymn improvisations are heard in churches all across the world. Capping the afternoon will be the singing of "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come," led by the Trinity Lutheran Choir and participants from the assembled congregation. Page 10

11 Cholesterol Screening Cholesterol Screening Sunday, February 8, 2009 Cholesterol is in every cell of the body and every cell needs it. But risk for cardiovascular disease goes up considerably if there is too much of this waxy, fatty substance in the blood. Lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as bad cholesterol. Over time, it can build up in blood vessels with other substances to form plaque. That can cause a blockage, resulting in heart attack or stroke. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often good cholesterol because it helps clean cholesterol from blood vessels. On Sunday, February 8 nurses will be available to do Total Cholesterol Screening. Testing will be available in the north Fellowship Hall between 8:30 and 10:30 AM. Total Cholesterol Screening will not tell you how much good or bad cholesterol that you have only the total cholesterol. This testing is a screening and a Health Care Provider is needed for clarification and direction. For your best results it is best to fast (no food or drink after midnight except a glass of water and medications) before this cholesterol screening is done. Questions, contact Jan Dicke, or a member of the Health Cabinet. Health Notes Flu or Cold Symptoms? How do you know if you have flu or cold symptoms? Take your temperature, say many experts. Flu symptoms often mimic cold symptoms with nasal congestion, cough, aches, and malaise. But a common cold rarely has symptoms of fever above 101 degrees F. With flu symptoms, you will probably have a fever initially with the flu virus and you will feel miserable. Body and muscle aches are also more common with the flu. This table can help determine if you have cold or flu symptoms. Symptoms Cold Flu Fever Sometimes, usually mild occasionally higher, lasts 3 to 4 days Headache Occasionally Common General aches and Slight pains Fatigue/Weakness Sometimes Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual, high ( F); especially in young children Usual, often severe Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes Sneezing Usual Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Chest Discomfort, Cough Complications Prevention Treatment Mild to moderate; hacking cough Sinus congestion; middle ear infection Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold Antihistamines; decongestants Usual; can last 2 to 3 weeks Usual; at the beginning of the illness Common, can become severe Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia, can be life threatening Annual flu shot; anti viral medicine -- see your doctor Antihistamines, decongestants, analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen); anti viral drugs within the first 48 hours of symptoms; call your doctor for advice - Source: WebMD Page 11

12 Church Council Highlights - January 13, 2009 Old Business: Paul Rengstorf, Chairman of the Planning for the Future Committee gave an overview of what the Committee has done up to this time. He also presented the Committee s recommended goal that they would like the Council to approve and to bring to the Annual Voters Meeting for discussion and approval. There was quite a length discussion on the wording of the goal, and finally approved the following: By January, 2012, we will have all of our membership actively participating in Redeemer s mission. Right now, we have approximately75% of our people involved according to a rough estimate. A motion was made, seconded, and approved that we bring this goal to the congregation for approval. Paul will be the one to present the committee s findings. The proposed Sabbatical Policy for Redeemer that had been discussed at the December Council Meeting was discussed. A motion was made, seconded, and approved that we adopt the policy as presented with the changes noted. New Business: Pastor Jim reported that two new people have expressed an interest in attending training sessions in St. Louis to become Equippers for the Christ Care Program. They have requested they be allowed to use designated funds for Leadership Training to cover the expense of travel, etc. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that these funds be made available to them. The next item on the Agenda was deciding the disposition of the remaining 75 th Anniversary funds totaling $1, The motion was made, seconded and passed that this amount be moved to the Undesignated Memorial Fund. Bill Cochran noted that we had an end-of-year balance for 2008 of $22, in our treasury. He suggested that we give 10% to Fan into Flame, a portion to the Endowment Fund, and a portion to Mortgage reduction. After some discussion, the Council decided the following disposition of the surplus: 10% to Fan into Flame, 10% to the Endowment Fund, and the balance to the Mortgage Reduction Fund. A motion was made, seconded and passed to this effect. Officer, Board and Cabinet Reports Because of the lateness of the hour, unless any Board or Committee had something that needed to be acted on by the Council at this meeting, we would dispense with the usual reports. Page 12 President s Report: Bill Cochran Delegates to the District Convention in June will be Pastor Rance, Scott Okuno (if schedule permits), and/or Kristie Klatt as the Alternate Delegate if Scott cannot attend. Church Growth Judy Lee Church Growth continues to work on revising the new member packet and is planning to host a 2009 National Night Out at Redeemer. Magnetic name tags will be ordered for members Board of Family Life KrisAnne Nelson The Board received only 18 replies to their recent survey on a summer retreat from various-aged families, with a variety of responses. A lot more work and research will be done on this project. Other item discussed were Bunco night scheduled for February 20; another parents-night-out planned for March 21; roller skating in March, and an Easter egg hunt with no date set for that activity. Health Cabinet Roger Toomey A 6-week Health Forum is set to begin January 25 during the Bible Study hour, and the next cholesterol screening will take place on February 8. A date is being worked on for CPR-AED Training. Board of Stewardship Kristie Klatt The Board was well pleased with the responses they received from the Time and Talent Survey sheets. The responses are being tabulated and results are being sent to the various Boards and Committees involved. Board of Trustees Dick Valde The Trustees met and reviewed the proposed 2009 Budget and the open-item list. Several items on this list are Spring projects. The insulation for the attic area of the office/ Sunday School wing will be installed on Wednesday, January 14. Youth Ministry Tim Batterson A ski trip is being planned for a Friday near the end of January when there is no school. Youth will meet Saturday morning, January 31, to assemble Super Bowl Subs which will sell for $5.00 each. Another fund raiser at the Pizza Ranch is scheduled for February 16. This project will be advertised more so that we can have a good turnout. Final plans are being put on the Chicago trip; a youth lock-in scheduled for March; the Bethesda trip during the last week in July; Special tee shirts for volunteers to wear during fund raisers and servant events; possibly getting a performer to appear at Redeemer, and a Parents Night Out in March.

13 R.L.C.W. L.W.M.L. NEWS THE FRIENDSHIP TREE sponsored by RLCW/LWML Beginning in the month of February is our annual Friendship Tree Ingathering of baby items. This project is a local mission servant event. The baby items will be distributed to four charity organizations: ~ Margie Scruggs of the lower Room ~ Red Cross Please remove a heart from the Friendship Tree, purchase the item and place it in the collection box below the tree. Baby items needed are: sleepers, nightgowns, daytime wear, disposable diapers, receiving blankets, quilts, crib blankets and sheets, onesies, booties or socks, sweaters, hats, small baby toys, etc. NO SARAH CIRCLE MEETING IN FEBRUARY! Reminder: We will be meeting at Michael s Restaurant for our February Meeting, on Thursday, February 12, at 11 am. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jan Walters at Page 13

14 Concordia University College of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Braemer Campus Native Student Bursary Fund : $50,000 Let us be reminded of what Our Lord has accomplished through the LWML by this brief look into our past and encouraged, in Christ and by His grace, toward the future. In 1985, Concordia College in Edmonton initiated the University and College Entrance Program, which is designed to prepare native students for higher education. Students and families where necessary, are brought to the Edmonton campus. Many students suffer economic hardships and in some cases have had to drop out of the program to seek employment. Temporary assistance is needed to help pay rent, utilities during severe winter months, and emergency expenses. Each student is assigned a counselor who works closely with the student (and family) regarding the academic program and also the physical well being of the families involved. - From the LWML 2007 Mission Grants Resumé Throughout its history, Concordia has remained grounded in the belief that the Christian faith gives purpose to life and that success depends upon spiritual maturity. Concordia fosters a Christian lifestyle on campus and encourages a dual commitment to academic excellence and religious vitality. The school motto is Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini-The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Today, the Concordia Bursary continues to exist as a non-repayable form of assistance given to students on the basis of financial need. Though students are expected to make plans for funding their education through primary sources, students experiencing financial difficulties while attending Concordia University College of Alberta may apply for a bursary to supplement their existing funds. The amounts can vary, depending on financial need, up to a maximum of $1,500 per academic year. Page 14 - Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1)

15 Feb. 3 Emily Hayes Adam Roerish Feb. 7 Libby Batterson Feb. 9 Jadenn Poch Feb. 11 Troy Stoen Feb. 12 Brian Gray Feb. 15 Noah Probach Feb. 19 Darin Horstmann Feb. 25 Josh Evers Feb. 28 Peter Bartlett to Libby Batterson, Sam Batterson, Justin Collopy, Chris Nitz, Leah Ward, Andrew Werle, Madison Werle, Marshall Rengstorf, Adam Roerish, Jennifer Evers, Josh Evers, Alexis Burdick, Jessica Hepinstall who did a great job with the Youth service; to Kathy Zarling who, once again, was our accompanist for the service;. to Scott Brandt and Dave Galanits for helping chaperone the tubing. Coffee Schedule Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Feb. 4 Feb. 8 Feb. 11 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Feb. 25 Make Super Bowl Subs - 9:30 am Super Bowl Sunday Confirmation - 6:10 pm SHOUT! Confirmation - 6:10 pm Y.E.S. - 9:20 am Confirmation - 6:10 pm Confirmation - 6:10 pm RECYCLABLES The youth are still collecting old cell phones. ink cartridges, eyeglasses, aluminum cans, and pop tabs. Cartridges, aluminum cans and cell phones benefit the youth (the money received for those goes in our servant events and youth gathering funds). The pop tabs go to the Ronald McDonald House and the old eyeglasses go to the Lions Club. Jan Sam Carlson Feb Heather VanGuilder Feb Jessica Hepinstall Feb Sam Carlson Feb Libby Batterson March 1... Leah Ward SHOUT! Come, join us for another fun evening of Shout! on Sunday, February 8, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. Come and join us for a fun evening. You might be surprised what we do. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited! Be sure to bring a friend! Shout Snack Volunteers! February... Batterson Family March... Johnson Family April... Evers Family May... Paul and Lori Lewis June... Potluck Page 15

16 PIZZA RANCH STEWARTVILLE On Monday, February 16, Redeemer Youth will be helping out at the Pizza Ranch in Stewartville. We will be getting some of the profits and the tips for doing this. We did this in November and it s a great fundraiser (also a lot of fun). We need youth to sign up to help. We can do this in shifts, so you don t have to stay the whole time (unless you want to). There will be a sign up sheet on our bulletin board. Please indicate what times you can work and if you need transportation. Also, be sure to spread the word to all your friends and family. The more that come to eat, the more we get. If you plan on going on the Chicago Servant Event or Bethesda, you really need to help out with this, but others can help also. Sign up today! BETHESDA It s time to start signing up for the Bethesda Servant Event. We just got confirmation that we will be going July If you are at all interested in attending, please contact Lynora Miller. There is a deposit fee of $40.00 which should be paid when you sign up. The first deposit has to be sent in the beginning of February, so please contact Lynora as soon as possible to reserve your spot. Spots for this great servant event fill up fast - we have room for 28 youth and adults. This is such a wonderful event - hard work, but lots of fun and loads of satisfaction. This is open to all youth 13 years old and up. Be sure to check your schedules before signing up. We will most likely be doing the sharing service either the Sunday we return or the following Sunday, and you are required to be at that service. Jesus is HOPE because every promise of God is fulfilled in Him JOY because in Him dwells all of God s fullness... PEACE because all authority has been given to Him LOVE because He gave Himself without reservation Y.E.S. (Youth-Enlightened-Encouraged-Enthusiastically Led By the Spirit) Y.E.S. Group meets once a month in the Youth Room. Michael Harvey and Justin Collopy lead them in singing. They usually have some devotions with discussion. In January, they made up Valentine bags for all the shut-ins. They also did some work on designing a t-shirt for youth and chaperones to wear at different activities, servant events, etc. DON T MISS OUT! Check out these upcoming events! March 24- Pizza Ranch March 25 - Serve Lenten Supper Servant Event in the Cities Lock-In Page 16

17 Redeemer Lutheran Church - February 2009 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 7 5:30p WORSHIP 6 6:30p Families in Christ CC 5 1:00p Faithful Followers CC 6:15p Men s Choir 6:30p Stephen Ministry Training 7:00p Chancel Chimes 4 5:30p Youth Choir (7-12) 5:47p Youth Chimes (7-12) 6:00p Alleluia Singers (2-6) 6:05p Cherub Choir 6:10p Confirmation 6:30p Angelic Chimes (2-6) 7:00p Sounds of Praise 7:30p Celebrating God s Grace 8:00p Celebration Practice 11 9:00a Staff Meeting 5:30p Youth Choir (7-12) 5:47p Youth Chimes (7-12) 6:00p Alleluia Singers (2-6) 6:05p Cherub Choir 6:10p Confirmation 6:30p Angelic Chimes (2-6) 7:00p Sounds of Praise 7:30p Rebecca Circle 7:30p Celebrating God s Grace 3 9:00a Men s Bible Study 9:00a Ladies Bible Study 9:00a Large Church Summit - Bloomington 10:30a FFF 11:00a Elderberries 7:00p Board of Elders 7:00p Friends in Christ 2 9:00a Quilters 5:45p Board of Family Life 7:00p Joy-n-Caring CC 1 HOLY COMMUNION - 8:00 and 10:40 am 9:00a Blood Pressures 9:20a Adult Bible Classes 9:20a Sunday School 14 9:00a Sisters In Christ CC 5:30p HOLY COMMUNION :00a Circuit Conference - Pleasant Valley 11:00a Sarah Circle at Michael s 6:30p Stephen Ministry Training 10 9:00a Men s Bible Study 9:00a Ladies Bible Study 10:30a FFF 6:00p Church Growth 6:30p Trustees; RLCW Exec 6:45p Stewardship 7:00p Youth Board 7:00p Education 8:00p Church Council 9 9:00a Quilters 8 WORSHIP - 8 and 10:40 am 8:30-10:30a Cholesterol Screening 9:00a Blood Pressures 9:20a Sunday School 9:20a Adult Bible Classes 6:00p SHOUT! INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK AT REDEEMER - FEBRUARY :00p Blood Pressures 5:30p WORSHIP 20 9:30a Library Committee 7:00p Bunco Night 19 1:00p Faithful Followers CC 6:15p Men s Choir 6:30p Stephen Ministry Training 7:00p Chancel Chimes 18 Newsletter Deadline 1:00p Seekers ChristCare 5:30p Youth Choir (7-12) 5:47p Youth Chimes (7-12) 6:00p Alleluia Singers (2-6) 6:05p Cherub Choir 6:10p Confirmation 6:30p Angelic Chimes (2-6) 7:00p Sounds of Praise 7:30p Celebrating God s Grace 7:30p CC Equippers 17 9:00a Men s Bible Study 9:00a Ladies Bible Study 10:30a FFF 7:00p Koinonia ChristCare 16 9:00a Quilters 4:30p Youth Pizza Ranch Fundraiser 7:00p Health Cabinet 7:00p Salt Shakers CC 15 HOLY COMMUNION- 8:00 and 10:40 am 9:00a Blood Pressures 9:20a Sunday School 9:20a Adult Bible Classes 9:20a Y.E.S. Group 6:30p Partners in Christ CC 28 5:30p HOLY COMMUNION :00p Chancel Chimes 25 Ash Wednesday 1:00p Newsletter Assembly 4:15p HOLY COMMUNION 5:00p Supper (5-6:30 pm) 5:30p Youth Choir (7-12) 5:47p Youth Chimes (7-12) 6:00p Alleluia Singers (2-6) 6:05p Cherub Choir 6:10p Confirmation 6:30p Angelic Chimes (2-6) 7:00p HOLY COMMUNION 7:40p Sounds of Praise 7:30p Celebrating God s Grace 8:00p Celebration Practice 24 9:00a Men s Bible Study 9:00a Ladies Bible Study 10:30a FFF 7:00p Women s Bible Study 7:00p Friends in Faith CC 23 9:00a Quilters 22 Stephen Minister Commissioning WORSHIP - 8 and 10:40 am 9:00a Blood Pressures 9:20a Sunday School 9:20a Adult Bible Classes Page 17

18 Sharing their time and talents this month... Acolytes 2/01 8:00 am Jansen Dostal / Job VanProosdy 10:40 am Alicia Hoffman / Faith VanProosdy 2/08 8:00 am Jordan Ly / Noah Probach 10:40 am Adam Schulz / Michael Bosshart 2/15 8:00 am Jesse Lowery / Maurice Lowery 10:40 am Chris Nitz / Luke Wilde 2/22 8:00 am Jessica Henkel / Abby Kuisle 10:40 am Jaimie Shumaker / Ally Kann 2/25 4:15 pm Jennifer Evers / Madison Okuno 7:00 pm Zach Hepinstall / Forrest Hoffman 3/01 8:00 am James Bartlett / Andrew Werle 10:40 am Nicolette Johnson / Mackenzie Horn Altar Guild Nancy Johnson Ruth Vrieze Karen Dee Susan Kuehn Connie Harnack Blood Pressure Nurses Blood pressures are taken every Sunday and every third Saturday of the month. February 1 February 8 February 14 February 15 February 22 Page 18 Barb Wallskog Sue Kazos Barb Wallskog Sue Kazos Elders 1/31 5:30 pm Jeff Lee 2/01 8:00 am Darin Grewe 10:40 am Bob Keith 2/07 5:30 pm Jim Peterson 2/08 8:00 am Mike Sonnabend 10:40 am Dan Zemke 2/14 5:30 pm Mark Gennrich 2/15 8:00 am Bob Keith 10:40 am Randy Hellickson 2/21 5:30 pm Jeff Schoppers 2/22 8:00 am Scott Brandt 10:40 am Joel Pralle 2/25 4:15 pm Al Schacht 7:00 pm Larry Stoen 2/28 5:30 pm Jeff Lee 3/01 8:00 am Mick Reese 10:40 am Darin Grewe Greeters 1/31 5:30 pm Jill Swihart 2/01 8:00 am Bob and Jeanne Vehrenkamp Bruce and Jan Ludwig Dory and Thomas Moore 10:40 am Caroline Ferdig and Mary Hepinstall 2/07 5:30 pm Paula Muth 2/08 8:00 am Don and Arlene Strelow Royce Ernst family 10:40 am Craig Nelson family Marty and Elvera Cordes 2/14 5:30 pm Sue Kazos 2/15 8:00 am Stan and Linda Sohre Christopher Nitz family 10:40 am John and LaVon Pavek Dan and Terry Zemke 2/21 5:30 pm Kurt and Clare West 2/22 8:00 am Bob and Bonnie Hoenk Dick and Marge Rengstorf Marilyn Poppe 10:40 am Ann Boyd and Lois Norby Jim and Patti Tackman 2/28 5:30 pm Arlan and Elnora Hildestad 3/01 8:00 am Bob and Jeanne Vehrenkamp Bruce and Jan Ludwig Dory and Thomas Moore 10:40 am Caroline Ferdig and Mary Hepinstall Lay Readers 1/31 5:30 pm Doug Priebe 2/01 8:00 am Jess Ihrke 10:40 am Erin Harvey 2/07 5:30 pm Clare Lovick-West 2/08 8:00 am Joel Dubbels 10:40 am Jennifer Pralle 2/14 5:30 pm Chris Burdick 2/15 8:00 am Terry Severson 10:40 am Tim Strohschein 2/21 5:30 pm Linda Neterval 2/22 8:00 am Kurt Rump 10:40 am Beth Hanson 2/28 5:30 pm Doug Priebe 3/01 8:00 am Lowell Dale 10:40 am Herb Mueller Pew Maintenance Sherrill VanGuilder Redeemer Women When help is needed, the chairpersons for February, Rosie Petersen and Dorothy Schwanke, will call women who are listed in the church directory. Transportation Please call the church office by 12:00 noon on Friday ( ) if you need a ride to worship. Ushers 5:30 pm Dale Hass and Bob Sim 8:00 am Jay Kurtz, Leon Larson, Dave Zarling, Samantha Carlson, Peter Bartlett 10:40 am Marv Reinecke, Mark Fister, Gordon Hinsch, Charlie Hinsch, Sam Hinsch

19 Redeemer Lutheran Church 869 7th Avenue SE Rochester, Minnesota Return service requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Rochester, Minnesota Permit No. 376 Sneak Peek of Events! February 3 - Elderberries Dinner February 8 - Cholesterol Screening February 16 - Pizza Ranch Fundraiser February 20 - Bunco Night February 25 - Ash Wednesday Holy Humor There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. Is there anything breakable in here, asked the postal clerk. Only the Ten Commandments. answered the lady. While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust. Page