Lord, Teach. Us To. Sunday, July 22, :00 am Slatterly Park - (11th Ave. & 10th St. SE)

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1 JULY 2007 Lord, Teach Us To Inside this issue: Worship Schedule Prayers Emergency Team President s Notes Staff Notes Voters Highlights Library News Upcoming Events Thank You Notes New Member Info Health Notes Financial News RLCW/LWML Mission Update Council Highlights Community News Monthly Statistics Sunday, July 22, :00 am Slatterly Park - (11th Ave. & 10th St. SE) VBS children will share their experiences! Potluck will follow the worship service. Please bring a dish to pass. Please bring your own lawn chairs, if possible. Special thanks to the Strohschein ChristCare group for providing the beverages and place settings. Thanks to the Board of Family Life for providing and leading the games. In the event of rain, all activities will be held back at the church. Look for more information on Vacation Bible School themes and registration later in this newsletter. Inserts: July Youth Page July Calendar VBS Registration

2 WORSHIP THE LORD WITH GLADNESS JUNE 28, 30/JULY 1 we will celebrate the Fifth Sunday After Pentecost. Scripture readings will be from 1 Kings 19:9b-21, Galatians 5:1,13-25, and Luke 9: The theme will be Follow Me! Holy Communion will be celebrated at all service this weekend. JULY 5, 7, 8 we will celebrate the Sixth Sunday After Pentecost. Scripture readings will be from Isaiah 66:10-14, Galatians 6:1-10,14-18, and Luke 10:1-20. The theme will be Choosing What s Best. The Bethesda Youth participants will share their experiences at both services on Sunday. JULY 12, 14, 15 we will celebrate the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost. Scripture readings will be from Leviticus 19:9-18, Colossians 1:1-14, and Luke 10: The theme will be Eyes Like Jesus. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services. JULY 19, 21, 22 we will celebrate the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Scripture readings will be from Genesis 18:1-14, Colossians 1:21-29, and Luke 10: The theme will be Finding Focus. In addition to our regular indoor services, there will be a special outdoor service to conclude our week of Vacation Bible School. It will begin at 11am, at Slatterly Park. Our VBS students will share their music, crafts, and experiences. All are welcome! JULY 26, 28, 29 Page 2 we will celebrate The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost. Scripture readings will be from Genesis 18:20-33, Colossians 2:6-15, and Luke 11:1-13. The theme will be Calm in the Storm. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services. Service of Prayer for Healing will be in all services this weekend. There will be opportunity to have the pastor and elder lay hands upon you and offer a special prayer (for yourself or a loved one). There is also opportunity to make use of the ancient practice of anointing with oil (James 5:14) for those who so desire. July :00 am to Noon

3 Page 3 REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS... Hospitalized and Health Concerns: Paul Tradup, Ione Stoltenberg, John Pavek, Ken O Haver, Jackie Crandall, Bob Keith, Jim Fister, Al Berg, and Ketan Schwerman for those struggling with physical afflictions Grieving: Chris Tjosaas and her family upon the recent death of her grandmother Lori Lewis and her family upon the recent death of her sister Al and Judy Schacht and their family upon the recent death of their grandson, Justin Wisdom and Guidance: for our nation and its leaders for Pastor Heining and all the delegates at the LC-MS convention this month Safety: for Luke Wrubel, serving in Iraq, and for Scott Feeder, who will soon be back in Kosovo Rejoice: for the privilege of living in a free nation with Bob and Angie Fitch upon the birth of their son, Wyatt Micheal, on May 24 with Tom and Dori Moore who celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on June 3 with Sarah Ludwig and Chad Rothmeier who were united in marriage on Saturday, June 9 that we are able to welcome several new members to our fellowship on June 10 with Pastor Jim and Jolene Heining who celebrated 35 years of marriage on June 11 with Kelly Chaloner and Kevin Kruse who were united in marriage on Saturday, June 16 with Carl and Evie Burfeind who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 16 Lindsey Kling and Alex Haagenson who were united in marriage at Redeemer on Saturday, June 23 with Obed and Marlene Jacobson who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 23 Nancy White and Jamie Mussell who will be united in marriage at Redeemer on June 30 Newly Baptized: Katie Lettelleir Don Irish Wyatt Micheal Fitch, son and Robert Jr. and Angela Fitch Kayli Jo Walters, daughter of Ryan Walters and Rachael Galbreath EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TEAM The voters authorized the assembling of a group to consider how Redeemer members could help each other and those in our community should there be a severe crisis among us. This could be a pandemic, fire, tornado, terrorist attack, or whatever. Those that might like to help in this effort should please call congregational President, Ruth Weispfenning at (daytime).

4 Page 4 From Church President - Ruth Weispfenning We, as Christians, based on the solid foundation of God s Word, strive to live out, lift up, and share our faith in Jesus Christ, welcoming all into our family of believers. Several months ago, the late Troy Reinke challenged the Church Leadership to begin an exercise, looking at the future of Redeemer. Upon approval of the Church Council, Troy appointed the following individuals to serve on a Planning for the Future Committee: Paula Kuisle Michael Harvey Ardella Brenner Scott Okuno Jim Naessens Darryl Schultz Pastor Heining Ruth Weispfenning Paul Rengstorf, Facilitator. The committee began meeting in January. We began the discussion by reviewing Redeemer s mission statement which was last modified in In order to review a mission statement, one must first identify the core values of the organization. Core values are basic, timeless, deeply held beliefs affecting decision making. You may remember being surveyed during a worship service or in a group meeting about what the Church and Redeemer meant to you. From these several hundred responses, the committee identified these basic core values: (listed alphabetically) giving thanks to God, growing in faith, living out and lifting up the Gospel, serving one another, and welcoming all. With these core values, the committee then began composing a mission statement. A mission statement, by definition, is a relatively short statement that reflects who we are, what we do, what we stand for and why we do what we do. After much discussion and debate, the following mission statement is being proposed: We, as Christians, based on the solid foundation of God s Word, strive to live out, lift up, and share our faith in Jesus Christ, welcoming all into our family of believers. Over the next few weeks all members of Redeemer will have the opportunity to offer comments or suggestions about this statement. Young, old, male, female, active or inactive, your comments are important. Feel free to discuss this with your families, other members or members of the planning committee. All comments and suggestions will be reviewed and a final statement will be presented for adoption at the Voters Meeting. God s blessings abound in Redeemer and its people! We look forward to your feedback.

5 Page 5 STAFF REFLECTIONS During this next month, I will be serving as our circuit s pastoral delegate to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod s convention in Houston, Texas. I sincerely request your prayers for myself and the other delegates. As many of you know, conventions are not my favorite activities. They often bring out the worst in Christians. I need to be reminded that those with whom I might disagree are dedicated Christians, and are only promoting what they sincerely believe is God s will. We pray that the Spirit will work through this assembly. This has led me to ask, Why have a synod at all? Things seem to work pretty smoothly here at Redeemer. Why get into all of this? The simple answer is that there are certain things we can do better together than as individual congregations. We can help each other. We see the fruits of this on our circuit level. Last week we let the members of Christ Lutheran use our (larger) sanctuary for a large funeral. (Only a few months ago, our friends at Trinity did the same for us.) Pastor Schilbe of Christ covered for me while I was in Germany last year, and gave wonderful pastoral care for three families who lost loved ones during those two weeks. I preached at Grace last month while their pastor was gone. Several of our ladies will be attending a women s conference this fall on a bus secured by the women at Holy Cross. Our staff was at Trinity for a retreat last week, even as their staff has used our facilities for the same. Trinity and Grace are combining for Vacation Bible School. We hosted the installation service for Family of Christ, and have helped them with their printing needs. It is easy to skip over the 16 th chapter of Romans, for it seems to be mostly greetings. (The word is used about twenty times! Thirty-six names are mentioned.) But this shows how those in the various early Christian churches cared for and prayed for one another. I see that happening in our Rochester churches. Please pray that it will happen at the LC-MS convention as well. Pastor Jim Heining MICHAEL HARVEY SELECTED MICHAEL HARVEY SELECTED AS KINDLE ASSOCIATE Michael Harvey, Director of Christian Education (DCE) at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN, has been accepted to participate in a process of leadership training through KINDLE. The KINDLE Learning Cycle equips DCE s and other parish professionals to cultivate generations of Christ-like servant leaders. The rigorous curriculum integrates research based content with innovative delivery systems and distance learning. The learning design will equip Michael to foster and multiply congregational leaders at Redeemer, who desire to mature as Christ-like leaders. He will experience individualized coaching provided by veteran leaders from the DCE field. As a result, Redeemer will be enhanced as Michael develops congregational leaders who make a profound impact on their homes, work places, congregation, communities and the world. The KINDLE process was developed through an independent foundation established by visionary leaders in DCE ministry to honor Dr. William O. Karpenko, a recognized pioneer and visionary in the formation of DCE ministry with the LC-MS. The KINDLE experience is subsidized by individuals, congregations, and in partnerships with institutions who share the KINDLE vision and desire to invest in the future of lay leadership in the LCMS. Congratulations Michael!

6 Page 6 voters meeting highlights VOTERS ACTIONS: Authorized a 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2008 Approved the updated Rochester Central Lutheran School Tuition policy Authorized the assembling of an Emergency Preparedness Team Elected the following as officers for this next year PRESIDENT Ruth Weispfenning (2008) VICE-PRESIDENT (PRES- Bill Cochran (2009) ELECT) SECRETARY Elaine Gittus (2008) TREASURER Tom Burton (2009) FINANCIAL SECRETARY Marge Rengstorf (2009) ELDERS 2008: Al Schacht, Joel Pralle, Scott Brandt 2009: Mark Gennrich, Randy Hellickson, Larry Stoen, Tim Strohschein, Jeff Lee, Mick Reese, Darin Grewe, Jeff Hartson 2010: Bob Keith, Mike Sonnabend, Dan Zemke, Jim Peterson, TRUSTEES EDUCATION STEWARDSHIP YOUTH MINISTRY FAMILY LIFE CHURCH GROWTH HUMAN CONCERNS FUND DEVELOPMENT 2008: Gordy Rupkalvis, Paul Johnson, Doug Koepsell, Dick Valde, Brant Schimmel, Rich Ward, Gordy Hinsch 2009: Dan Hildestad 2008: Jenny Zmina, George Poch, Beth Hanson, Judy Bartlett, Marcia Cochran, Lynette Miller 2008: Ted Saxman, Stan and Linda Sohre, Elvera Cordes 2008: Pat Fitch, LuAnn Haack, Melissa Haring, Dave Galanits, Bryce Beckman, Tim and Sandy Batterson 2008: Shirley Fingerson, Jodi Hellickson, Julie Probach, Terri Zemke 2009: Jean Michaelis 2008: Elli and Don Binder, Caroline Ferdig 2008: Kay Fockler, Rosie Peterson, Bob Vehrenkamp, Darla 2008: John Sprenger 2009: Glenn Prehn 2010: Sherri Hoffmann All officers (newly elected and continuing) will be installed in any of the services on the weekend of July 29.

7 Page 7 voters highlights CONTINUED... With these words, congregational President Ruth Weispfenning closed the May Voters Assembly. They are reprinted here by special request. I want to close this evening by offering some of my comments and reflections on this past year. It has in many ways, been a challenging year. First with the very untimely death of our President, Troy Reinke. He was an amazing person in so many ways and will always be remembered for his wisdom and many contributions to our congregation. We thank God for his life. I feel honored to have known Troy and to have been mentored ever so briefly by him as I prepared to follow in his footsteps. We had other challenges as well but challenges often present opportunities and this was certainly the case this year. Our second challenge was the impending Mortgage shortfall. Through the work of many dedicated individuals, and amazingly little expense, we had an extremely successful Sustained By God s Grace emphasis that has met and surpassed our monthly mortgage obligation. This will allow our congregation to make more than the required monthly payment and have considerably less interest expense. Praise be to God. At the end of first quarter, it appeared we would be facing a significant budget deficit, but that has essentially been caught up through weekly offerings. Thanks be to God, the giver of all our gifts. Our blessings are too numerous to count but there are a few that I think deserve special mention. Pastor Rance and April have been a wonderful addition to our already stellar staff. Their presence among us has already enriched us, and I can only see that continuing. I am very thankful for those of you who have agreed to serve, or in some cases continue to serve, on Boards and Committees for the coming terms. The more that serve, the more the load is divided. And as we become involved and give of our time, we often realize that in our giving we receive so much more. I want to say a special word of thanks to the Church Council, an extraordinary group of people. I have now presided over ten meetings and I have been impressed by the care, concern and dedication of these leaders. We have dealt with some challenging issues, and the ability of this group to express their opinions without emotion or being judgmental of one another and to continue the discussion until there is consensus is nothing short of phenomenal. Looking forward, we have many opportunities. We have a planning committee in place to take a look at our past, our present and where we want to go in the coming years. This will be a rather lengthy process but I am convinced good things will happen because of this process. This committee is committed to seek the ideas, opinions and desires of the congregation one survey has already been completed during the worship services. I would encourage everyone to participate in these congregational opportunities for expressing their thoughts and ideas. We want to be a church for all God s people. We have an opportunity for celebration our congregation s 75 th anniversary. I would ask you to become involved in this celebration and ask you to encourage others to join in as well. Our staff have adopted as their theme this year, Lord Teach Us To Pray. We are being reminded weekly to pray for one another and those things that concern or burden us and to certainly praise God for our blessings. What a wonderful opportunity for all of us to support the work of God s people. (continued on page 8)

8 Page 8 (continued from page 7) I thank God daily for Redeemer. It has been a stabilizing force in my life. In the warmth and comfort of this congregation, Jim and I have raised our four children; Individually and collectively as a family, we have been nurtured and supported along that journey. One of the greatest strengths has been the stability of our staff which leads to continuity of programs and the development of relationships which is essential to the continued involvement of our youth. The members of Redeemer are incredible in reaching out to one another, young or old, member or visitor, active or inactive. As Jim and I anticipate our empty nest and in developing a new way of life, we look forward to our continued involvement in the warmth and comfort of this congregation. And finally, I thank you for the opportunity to serve our congregation in this leadership position. It has been a pleasure to work closely with our staff, council and others in the congregation this past year and I look forward to all the opportunities that will come our way this coming year. For, I too, this past year, have received far more than I have given. Thank you. NEW IN THE LIBRARY! Three new books have been donated to the library on parenting, by the Mothers In Christ ChristCare group, in honor of the grandmas who care for our children while we are in Bible Study. Building the Christian Family You Never Had Author Mary E. DeMuth addresses the fears, frustrations, and anxieties of those who lack role models of faithbased parenting. She introduces encouragement, practical tools, and strategies for embracing a faith-filled family life. NOW COLLECTING EYEGLASSES AND INK PENS FOR YOUTH GATHERING Youth attending this years Gathering in Orlando have been blessed in their fundraising as they prepared for the Gathering. Now the organizers are asking them to give-back to others in need. Besides bringing non-perishable foods and material for blankets, they would like participants to bring gently-used eyeglasses and ink pens. The eyeglasses will be distributed to clinics in Nicaragua. The pens will be used at the Gathering and they would like hometown pens. We are asking for your help in these last two requests. Please drop off your eyeglasses in the box by the main doors in the narthex. If you have any ink pens that are from businesses in Rochester, we would also appreciate those. There will be a box for those, too. These items are needed by July 22. Thank you for your help. My Heart s at Home Jill Savage explores the important role home plays in a family s faith-journey. With her personable, humorous style, Jill shares from her experience as a mother of five and from conversations with many other moms to offer practical ideas and motivation. Mama Said There d be Days Like This Mothers often feel they are running as fast as they can to keep up or to stay just ahead of those who want a piece of their time, energy, and self. With comedic flair, Jenn Doucette confesses to her own failings as well as God s successes in the face of them, reminding mothers that it is healthy to laugh, take a break, and practice grace while giving tips on how to balance it all.

9 Page 9 UPCOMING EVENTS GOLF ANYONE? The Redeemer golf tournament did not happen last September because no one was willing to organize it. Gordy Rupkalvis ( ) would be glad to share his experience with new organizers. LC-MS CONVENTION JULY Houston, Texas Pastor Heining and Ed Schultz (from Trinity) are the Rochester Circuit delegates. Keep them and the other delegates in your prayers. Mark Your Calendars! Sunday, August 12 Dad s Belgian Waffles will be serving waffles (with many toppings), sausage, and a beverage of your choice at Redeemer for a breakfast/brunch. Tickets will be sold between services starting the weekend of July 14/15. We will also have a silent auction. Donations to the auction can be gift certificates, handmade items, services, unused new or nearly new items. Let s be creative and support Michael s KINDLE experience. All proceeds will go to the cost of the program and Mike s travel expenses to Chicago for classes. Questions, please contact Sandy Weiden ( ) or Sue Tollers ( ). SEVENTY-FIVE Years of BLESSINGS! Yes, in 2008 Redeemer will have been a congregation for 75 years! Seventy -five years of worshiping, learning, meeting new people, making new friends, growing, and praising God. Plans for recognizing this milestone are just beginning. You can help with these plans in two ways: 1. In the last 75 years Redeemer has experienced many laughs, tears, special moments, and new experiences. Please relate some of those memorable time in short stories -- interesting and/or funny things that happened, or general information about the early congregation. (Don t worry about being grammatically correct; we just want your thoughts on paper.) These can be sent to or dropped off at the church office labeled 75 years. 2. Please submit any addresses of former members who might wish to celebrate with us.

10 Page 10 NOTES OF THANKS THANK YOU A belated thank you to Rebecca Circle for the May basket which was personally delivered to me by one of its members. I also very much appreciate the many visits from the pastors. Even though I am unable to attend worship services with all of you, I continue to feel the support and love of the Redeemer congregation through your acts of kindness. Thank you! - Florence Burgardt THANK YOU A sincere thank you to Pastor Jim, Pastor Rance, Michael, and Jan Dicke for their visits, phone calls and prayers during my recent hospitalization and recovery period. To the members of the Sandwich Generation ChristCare Group and other members of Redeemer, a heartfelt thank you for all the prayers, phone calls, cards, hugs, food, and kind words of concern and encouragement. It is truly a blessing to be a member of this caring church family. - Iva Kietzmann THANK YOU Thank you all so much for your generous donations and Lenten fund raiser to go towards my education debt reduction! I am continually humbled and so blessed to be a part of this church family. You daily show me the face of Christ in so many ways, and for that I am forever grateful. In Christ, Pastor Rance THANK YOU A special note of thanks to all the Redeemer members who expressed their condolences to me and my family upon the recent death of my Grandmother. My Redeemer family is a constant source of joy and strength for me, thank you. - Chris Tjosaas and family THANK YOU A grateful thank you to the women who continued to support the ChristCare group, Mothers in Christ, by caring for our children during meeting times. We not only appreciate your presence in our children s lives, but also the time your surrogate-care affords us to focus on Christ. We celebrate you, and three new books have been donated to the library in your honor of our appreciation for your continued support and love for our children. Books and toys have also been donated to the nursery in your honor! Thank you again from all of us! Love, Mother s in Christ ChristCare Group THANK YOU By the time you read this I will have entered that new chapter of my life called Retirement. I have seen many of you make the transition successfully and pray that mine will also be the same level of joy that those of you who are retied are experiencing. There have been many surprises for me as I neared the retirement date. So many of you have been so kind in sharing greetings and gifts with me. I am overwhelmed. I have enjoyed tremendously my years both at RCLS an at the other two schools which I served. It doesn t even come close to feeling like 42 years overall. People like you have been a huge factor in that. Thank you. Jan and I plan to stay in Rochester so that means that we will still be able to see each other at least periodically. I look forward to that. God bless your days ahead. - Cletus Pfeiffer THANK YOU I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns during the last couple of years with the illness and death of my sister, Judy. God knew that in this life, some heartache would be ours and that is why -- God, gave us the gift of friends. God bless you all! - Lori Lewis

11 Page 11 THANK YOU NOTES THANK YOU to the Redeemer Lutheran Quilters for the beautiful graduation quilt. How did you know that Ketan s favorite color is red?! It is so nice and very comfortable. The quilt is already keeping him warm while he recovers from surgery. God has blessed you all with a wonderful talent for making beautiful quilts. Thank you to Pastor Heining and Pastor Settle for your visits after Ketan s semi-urgent surgery and short hospital stay. Also, thank you to Michael and Chris for lending your supportive ear and kind words. We are truly blessed to be members of Redeemer. Ketan is now slowly recovering at home. Sincerely, Lori and Ketan Schwerman WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Chris Burdick Chris has lived in Eyota for two years and is currently employed by Creative Resources Services. Chris plans to wed Sandi Norton in September, 2007 and she has three children: Emily, Jake and Megan. He works for Creative Resource Services as a manager of the CAD dept. Sandy works for Mayo in the Phlebotomy dept. Chris enjoys biking, camping, trout fishing. He is a former member of St. John s in Stewartville. Don and Marilyn Carlson have lived in Rochester since October They previously lived in Blaine for 40 years and were members of King of Glory. They moved to Rochester to be closer to extended family. Don was a quality control manager in manufacturing for 35 years. Marilyn worked for Anoka Hennepin County School Food Service for 20 years. Currently, they are spending time in their summer home in Alexandria, MN. Don enjoys fishing, reading, and bow hunting. Marilyn enjoys baking, sewing, quilting. They have one daughter (Nancy) in Overland Park, KS and one son (Scott) and two grandsons who live in York, PA. Kim Hayden Kim lives in Spring Valley and is currently employed by the Mayo Clinic. She is married to James Hayden, who is a member of Redeemer. Don Irish Don lives in Rochester and is currently employed as a Maintenance Supervisor at an apartment complex. He is married to Lisa Irish, who is a member of Redeemer. Don was baptized in to the family of God on June 9. Katie Lettelleir Katie has lived in Rochester her entire life and attended Redeemer as a child. She is a 2007 graduate of Century High School. Katie plans to attend Brown Institute and major in Interior Design. She has helped teach the 1 st and 2 nd grade Sunday School and helped with VBS. Her interests include art, reading, and spending time with friends. Katie was baptized in to the family of God on June 3. Kris Otto Kris lives in Rochester and is currently employed by the Mayo Clinic as an R.N. Seth VanProosdy Seth lives in Rochester and is already a member of Redeemer. He is now being confirmed as an adult.

12 HEALTH NOTES Page 12

13 Page 13 Financial news FINANCIAL UPDATE - Going into Summer we are very close to having all regular bills paid. May Budget Income: $56,626 Year-to-date Budget Income: $275,602 May Budget Expenses: $57,517 Year-to-date Budget Expenses: $277,072 While this is not a bad position to be in, with summer here we are reminded of the continuing need to be regular with our offerings -- even when we are on vacation. Thanks to all! As always, a detailed report is on the bulletin board in the narthex. GIVING FROM DIFFERENT RESOURCES - New IRA Rollover provides more giving opportunities from different resources. The new provision within the Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows individuals to make direct gifts of up to $100,000 per year from their IRA s to public charities and church ministries without including the distribution in income. Some key points of the new provision: You must be at least 70 1/2 when the distribution is made Distribution must be made directly from the IRA administrator or trustee to a public charity, your church or ministry organization Distribution counts towards your minimum distribution requirements for IRA s Excluded from income -- so no charitable deduction New provision effective for tax years Excludes income from Federal income tax purposes; distribution amount may still be included for State income tax purposes -- check with your local tax preparer For a more detailed summary of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 contact the LCMS Foundation at or the Gift Planning website at Locally you can call the Minnesota South District Gift Planning Counselor, Glenn Thiel at MEMORIAL AND SPECIAL GIFT OPPORTUNITIES Camp Omega Scholarship Fund - helps defray cost for Redeemer members to attend our summer church camp Christmas Decorations - This fund currently has $134, which is only the beginning of what is needed for greenery and other Christmas decorations. MORTGAGE DIPS BELOW $1,000,000! This is fantastic, considering we took on a $1.8 million dollar challenge just three years ago. Due to the tremendous response to our Sustained By God s Grace campaign, we will not only be able to make our monthly payments, but will continue to apply extra money to the principal, saving many years worth of interest.

14 Page 14 REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN L.W.M.L. NEWS The LWML Women s Retreat at St. Peter, Journey of Faith, will be July 27/28. The retreat includes Bible study, fun, food and fellowship. Registration forms were in the Spring WOM or contact Dorothy Zemke at Deadline for registration is July 13. Don t forget your LWML Mites this summer. The large Mite box in the narthex and the one by the Library are check regularly. Remember your Mites are needed! Mark your calendars: September 29, the LWML Whitewater Fall Conference seminar will be at Redeemer. We will be presenting a workshop for adults and youth. We will be discussing life issues. The teen portion will be emphasizing abstinence and other strictly teen issues. New Life Family services and Lutherans For Life will be partnering with LWML for this presentation. Watch for more information. Women of Faith Conference October LAST CHANCE TO SIGN-UP! We have reserved 25 spots with 15 of them filled. If these remaining spots are not filled within the next two weeks, we will have to cancel. Gather your mothers, daughters, aunts, cousins, and friends and join us for a spirit filled event. The cost is $65 for the event and will be collected in July. Call Sandy Weiden at with any questions. take note LUTHERANS FOR LIFE Sunday, July 1, at 7 pm at Redeemer At our last meeting, officers for the Rochester Area Chapter were elected. They are: President: Pastor Larry LaDosser Vice President: Pastor Lyle Kath Treasurer: Jolene Heining Secretary: Sandy Weiden Pastoral Counselor: Pastor Jon Vollrath IHN RE-CERTIFICATION JULY 19-7 pm There will be opportunities for volunteers who have not had training in 2006 or 2007 to attend on July 19 at 7 pm at Oasis Church ( th ST NW). This evening will include both the original and re-certification sessions. Anyone interested in volunteering must complete this training by the end of We need many volunteers, please consider attending this training!

15 Page 15 mission emphasis update - Partners In Mission Partners In Mission Expands to Africa Partners In Mission (PIM) is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod established in the 1980 s to help the children of Trinity First Lutheran School in the inter-city of Minneapolis. Today PIM still financially helps Trinity First Lutheran School and six other ethnic ministries in the Metro area. Working closely with the Minnesota South District Mission Executive Peter Meier, PIM has helped the missions and the Missionaries. One Hmong and one African Missionary graduated from the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology Program at the St. Louis Seminary this year. Many congregations have helped PIM to assist the missionaries in their work financially and with quilts and household items for the immigrants. Redeemer, Rochester is one of the congregations assisting the missions. PIM wants to thank you so much for your kindness with quilts and gifts of money to support the ethnic missions. One of the African Missionaries, Charles Gaye and his wife Louise, an RN, have gone back to Africa to start a clinic and a computer school to help the people in Monrovia, Liberia, Africa. PIM has raised the funds to build two buildings. Charles was there last year and saw all the youth that had not been to school for most of their lives because of the 14 year civil war. The country is now rebuilding, but the youth have no training or education to find work. And the clinic will also help them with their health problems. Thank you so much. Carol M. Zemke Director of Major Gifts A LITTLE HUMOR... Written by kids... How do you decide who to marry? You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. (Alan, age 10) No person really decides before they grow up who they re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and then you find out later who you re stuck with. (Kristen, age 10) Is it better to be single or married? It s better for girls to be single, but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. (Anita, age 9) How would the world be different if people didn t get married? There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn t there? (Kevin, age 8) How would you make a marriage work? Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck. (Ricky, age 10)

16 Page 16 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS -- June 12 We were brought up to date on the Sustained by God s Grace Task Force. Pledges are pretty much in with a total of close to $17,000/month being pledged. Everything given above and beyond will be applied to the principle. Information on the Emergency Preparedness Committee will appear in the next issue of the Resource. A coordinator will be needed to bring the Committee together, attend some formal training, and facilitate disbursing this information to the congregation. The next Resource will also ask for volunteers who might be interested in joining this group. We are especially looking for persons with skills in needed areas, i.e., Red Cross training, life saving techniques, etc. A Motion was made, seconded and passed that we appoint Bill Cochran, next year s vice-president, to assume his duties immediately since Ruth Weispfenning, our last year s vice-president had to assume the presidency early with the death of Troy Reinke. New officer installation will take place at all services the weekend of July 29. With increasing costs in the basic expenses of the church, e.g., utilities, added custodial expenses, etc., Pastor Jim asked everyone to look at the Budget to see if we could cut expenses in some areas. Perhaps we could utilize some talents in the congregation to volunteer to do some of the jobs that we now pay for. It was also suggested that perhaps we could check into outsourcing some of the maintenance work instead of having our new maintenance person do it. The motion was made, seconded and passed that we conduct an expense audit. Pastor Rance requested that his housing allowance be raised to $2,500 for the coming year. This is purely for tax purposes and does not affect his yearly salary. Church Growth We had our first new member reception under the new format, and it seemed to have worked well. Education Committee This summer s VBS plans are well under way. The big concern regarding the Sunday School is how to get parents more involved. The curriculum for next school year will involve both the CPH and Augsburg materials. Lynette is getting a good response from people who have agreed to be Sunday School teachers next year. It was also suggested that perhaps we could apply for an LCEF Grant for next year and use it in connection with a neighborhood round-up, both for church and for Sunday School. Board of Elders Four of the incoming Elders attended the June 5 meeting with Zone assignments and duties beening made. The Vice-Chair position is still open but will be filled shortly. Jeff Schoppers will be the rep from the Elders to the 75 th Anniversary Committee. The Elders also approved a request for a pastor from POBLO (LCMS Ministry to Muslims) to speak on the weekend of October 6/7, The Elders approved the contents of a letter to be sent to inactive members who are now out of the area, asking them if they will be transferring their membership, if they need assistance finding a new church, etc. If we do not get a reply, they will be moved to the Inactive List and will not receive any of the church mailings in the future. Along with this, Don Zimmerman has requested a release to be able to join Autumn Ridge Church. This request was granted. A recommendation was also made to remove the names of adult children of members who have not been confirmed. This list consists of 9 names. Family Life This Board is working on games for the VBS picnic coming up in July.

17 Page 17 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS -- continued Health Cabinet Jan Dicke is presently negotiating to have a nurse give flu shots again this fall at the church. Human Concerns Redeemer will host the next IHN week the week of June 24, but then we won t host again until October. Board of Stewardship This Board discussed ways to keep the congregation apprised of Redeemer s financial status. They will use the weekly bulletins, the Resource, and if needed, a personal announcement at each church service. They also discussed ways to get more people to make pledges during our Stewardship Program. Board of Trustees The Trustees will be serving coffee between services on July 29. The AC units in the sanctuary were not working last weekend, but have now been repaired. Chuck Kreter gave notice that he will be retiring on November 9, The Trustees will work in connection with the Personnel Committee to find a replacement. A notice will go into the August Resource asking for names of anyone who would be willing to take over this position, and also a decision needs to be made whether or not we need more than one full-time person. A Christ Care group has offered to re-stripe the parking lot. Maintenance work will be done on the restroom by the kitchen and locks will be installed on the AC gates. DPM Report A Music Page has been forwarded for inclusion on the Redeemer website; summer special music has been arranged, and the Worship and Music Committee has music planned through mid-august. DCE Report We are still looking for someone to be the VBS Snack Leader. A new projector has been purchased for the Youth Room, and we are looking for people interested in learning to run our new sound equipment. Plans for attending the National Youth Gathering are almost complete, and Michael has been accepted into the KINDLE Program. Bethesda Trip is scheduled for June Pastor Heining s Report He will be at the LCMS Convention in Houston, Texas, from July He will be taking some vacation in connection with this trip to allow time for driving to Texas and back home again. A special circuit forum will take place on June 23 to allow our circuit delegates to discuss some convention business that may come up and gain input from our circuit. The Staff is working on goals for next year, and will be on retreat next week for a couple of days. There is a Board of Directors meeting for the SE Minnesota District at Burnsville next Thursday. Pastor s Settle s Report Pastor and wife will celebrate their 8 th wedding anniversary this coming week, and he also congratulated Pastor Jim and Jolene on their 35 th anniversary. He is busy working on summer sermon series, working with Church Growth Committee as advisor for mission and goals in , and continues to work with the Stephen Ministry group to get them active again and able to meet some set goals in The webmaster is ready, willing and able to add items to the Redeemer website.

18 Page 18 miscellaneous news and events LIFE QUOTES - from Lutherans For Life As Christians let us pause this July 4 and give thanks above all for that liberty which stretches into eternity, our liberty in Christ. Jesus frees us from sin s power and condemnation by forgiving us before the throne of God, pardoning us fully of all guilt. Through faith in Christ and His redeeming work on our behalf, we are citizens of heaven. devotion LOOKING FOR A WAY TO SERVE THE LORD? Bethesda Upscale Resale need your help! One hundred percent of the profits go to benefit people with developmental disabilities, providing for both their physical and spiritual needs. Volunteering at the resale store is a wonderful way to meet new friends and to make a difference in the lives of people with development disabilities. For more information on volunteering, stop by the store or call Marni at We are also looking to open one evening a week. Anyone interested in volunteering for this shift should apply! Store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. NEW LIFE FAMILY SERVICES IS HAVING A GARAGE SALE! Friday, June 29, 8 am to 7 pm and Saturday, June 30, 8 am to Noon. To give items to the sale you may drop them off on Thursday, June 28, from 1 to 6 pm at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, building #40 (across from the 4-H building). All items donated much be priced with the exception of children s clothing. We will NOT be accepting adult clothing ONLY children s clothing size infant - youth (12 years). We WILL NOT accept exercise equipment. All proceeds of the sale will help us continue to honor the sanctity of human life as we serve men, women, and families facing an unplanned pregnancy! GOOD GRIEF CAMP, Saturday, July 14, 9 am-3 pm - Seasons Hospice Office, 1811 Greenview Place SW. This program will help children understand their journey through grief and learn how to help themselves. Good Grief is facilitated by trained Seasons Hospice staff and volunteers who will guide children through fun and meaningful activities that will enhance the children s understanding of their grief journey. Parent/Caregivers will attend a meeting on Monday, July 9, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Seasons Hospice Office during which they will increase their knowledge of the bereavement process to better support their children s grief journey and understand the goals and activities at Good Grief Camp. Register for either program by calling or ing shbp@seasonshospice.org. THE LUTHERAN HOUR is heard each Sunday on WCCO (830 AM) at 6 am; KOLM (1520 AM) at 10 am; KAGE (1380 AM) and KDHL (920 AM) at 6 pm. The upcoming topics are: July 1 - Free For What? July 8 - No Boasting July 15 - Orders Is Orders July 22 - Have You Seen Him? July 29 - TBA

19 Page 19 BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SERVE: Pastor James W. Heining - jamesheining@hotmail.com... res Pastor Rance A. Settle - PastorRance@hotmail.com... res Michael J. Harvey, Director of Christian Education - daharveys@msn.com... res April Beckman, Director of Parish Music - beckmana1@hotmail.com... cell (651) Christina Tjosaas, Administrative Secretary - redeemer@charterinternet.com Chuck Kreter, Custodian... res Lynora Miller, Youth Coordinator - millertwins2@charter.net... res Jan Dicke, Parish Nurse jdicke325@charter.net... res Michelle Haack, Nursery Coordinator... res Missionaries Rev. James and Tiina May and family - Togo, West Africa - rev.jamesmay@yahoo.com Office Hours: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday Office Phone: (507) Fax Number: (507) redeemer@charterinternet.com Website: NEWSLETTER DEADLINE for articles to be included in the next Resource is Wednesday JULY 18. Please call the Church Office ( ) with questions. Thank you! Worship Attendance OUR RESPONSE TO GOD S LOVE May 24/26/27 May 31/June 2/3 June 7/9/10 June 14/16/17 June 21/23/ ( ) 569 ( ) 438 ( ) 472 ( ) 494 ( Guests Budget Offerings $ $14, $ $11, $ District/Synod $ $ $ $12,33.20 $ Undesignated $ $ $30.00 $ $37.50 Renovation $ $ $ $ $ LOOSE COINS for July have been designated for the Interfaith Hospitality Network. MEMORIALS/SPECIAL GIFTS $20 for New Hymnals $441 for Debt Reduction in memory of Ardith Fister $633 for Debt Reduction in memory of Carlton Bormann $53.75 for Orphan Grain Train $1000 for Interfaith Hospitality Network $65 for Bus Fund $50 for Music Fund $30 for Youth Group $57 for Good Samaritan Fund in honor of Ev and Marion Mueller s 57th wedding anniversary $50 for Debt Reduction in honor of Obed and Marlene Jacobson s 50th wedding anniversary $61 for Debt Reduction in honor of Carl and Evie Burfeind s 61st wedding anniversary $50 for Undesignated Memorials in loving memory of Ardith Fister s birthday $20 for Lutheran Hour Ministries $48 for Budget in honor of Arlan and Elnora Hildestad s 48th wedding anniversary

20 REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN When help is needed, the chairpersons for July, Renee Saxman and Lorraine Fahrman, will call women who are listed in the church directory. ALTAR GUILD (*) Monthly Co-Chairpersons (*) Brenda Meyers (*) Shelly Potter Sheryl Haugen Rosie Petersen Kathy Solomonson USHERS Saturday, 5:30 pm Sunday, 8:00 am Sunday, 9:30 am Lyle Voight and Wayne Miller Ken Klennert, Royce Ernst, Ken Fabian, Willard Nisbit, Tyler Hameister Dale Neumann, Grant Dicke, Larry Reinartz, Dick Valde, Terry Ellerman, Eric Bruns LAY READERS July 1 8:00 am Herb Mueller 9:30 am Sue Naessens July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 8:00 am Bob Vehrenkamp 9:30 am Sharron Smith 8:00 am Kurt Rump 9:30 am Roger Applen 8:00 am Ginger Lagergren 9:30 am Lynette Miller 8:00 am - Ardell Brenner 9:30 am - Beth Hanson ACOLYTES July 1 8:00 am Peter Bartlett and Sam Hinsch 9:30 am Dustin Seering and Gaius VanProosdy July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 8:00 am Tom Ihrke and Dylan Lyke 9:30 am Hannah Kuisle and Sarah Feldhusen 8:00 am Josh Evers and Troy Stoen 9:30 am Liz Dicke and Mercedes Erpelding 8:00 am Adam Roerish and Jacob Bosshart 9:30 am Jessica Hepinstall and Emily Hayes 8:00 am - Bree Behne and Tanya Hoppe 9:30 am - Jorgen Brandt and Jonah Mueller BUS DRIVERS - Please call the church office by 3:30 pm on Friday ( ) if you need a ride to worship. July 1 - Kermit Bormann ( ) July 8 - Bill Sas ( ) July 15 - Harold Mellem ( ) July 22 - Roland Hansen ( ) July 29 - Kermit Bormann ( ) BLOOD PRESSURE NURSES - Blood pressures are taken every Sunday and every 3 rd Saturday of the month. July 1 - Laurie Rupkalvis July 8 - Sue Kazos July 15 - Barb Wallskog July 21 - Jan Dicke July 22 - Sue Kazos July 29 - Laurie Rupkalvis GREETERS June 30 5:30 pm - Bob and Jacque Bonsi July 1 8:00 am Doug and Elna Jerde 9:30 am Caroline Ferdig, Joan Geerts, Mary Hepinstall July 7 July 8 July 14 July 15 July 21 July 22 July 28 July 29 ELDERS June 28 June 30 July 1 July 5 July 7 July 8 July 12 July 14 July 15 July 19 July 21 July 22 July 26 July 28 July 29 5:30 pm Gene and Elaine Searles 8:00 am Don and Arlene Strelow 9:30 am Jim and Patti Tackmann 5:30 pm Sue Kazos 8:00 am Don and Arlene Krueger 9:30 am Paul and Paula Rengstorf 5:30 pm - Bob and Jacque Bonsi 8:00 am John and Dot Sprenger 9:30 am Dick and Shirley Valde 5:30 pm - Arlan and Elnora Hildestad 8:00 am - Everett and Marion Mueller 9:30 am - Bob and Jeanne Vehrenkamp 6:30 pm Ted Bennett 5:30 pm Otto Wondrasch 8:00 am Jim Weispfenning 9:30 am Bill Cochran 6:30 pm Dean Jensen 5:30 pm Joel Pralle 8:00 am Al Schacht 9:30 am Larry Stoen 6:30 pm Tim Strohschein 5:30 pm Jeff Lee 8:00 am Mick Reese 9:30 am Darin Grewe 6:30 pm Jeff Hartson 5:30 pm Mark Gennrich 8:00 am Dean Jensen 9:30 am Randy Hellickson 11:00 am - Otto Wondrasch 6:30 pm - Ted Bennett 5:30 pm - Jim Weispfenning 8:00 am - Bill Cochran & Scott Brandt 9:30 pm - Joel Pralle & Al Schacht