Sharing the Changeless Christ in a Changing World!

Transcription

1 REFLEC TIO NSRRREFLECTIONS EFLECTIONS Redeemer Good News August 2013 REDEEMER August 2013 Redeemer Lutheran Church & School in Wayzata, MN. Matthew Mitchell Sharing the Changeless Christ in a Changing World!. To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:25-26 I think I ve had the same song stuck in my head for the past two months now. It s called Lost In My Mind by a group called The Head and The Heart. It s got a line that I wish I had written myself: How s that bricklaying coming? How s your engine running? Is that bridge getting built? Are your hands getting filled? Won t you tell me, my brother, because there are stars up above That s perfect the casual weave between the smallness of the daily human INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Redeemer Lutheran School Update... 2 Fox9 Features RLS... 3 August Music Notes... 3 Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity... 4 Lutheran Night at the Twins... 5 August Wednesday Morning Summer Bible Study... 6 Redeemer Auction... 6 August Calendar... 7 Summer Midweek Worship... 8 Redeemer Mondays... 8 concerns and the wonder of the stars above. I think one of the reasons I love this song so much because I am reminded of this verse above that I return to frequently, from Isaiah, where God invites us to consider His unfathomable power and strength, blowing to bits the smallness of our human concerns. The following is taken from my journal in the summer of 2011, when Wild Bill Mueller, Wendi Bottiger, Danielle Hanson, and I lead a mission trip to Puerto Rico for a dozen Redeemer high school youth group kids. My group of teenagers was serving at a church just outside of a city called Arecibo, at which a remarkable man named José was the pastor. I remember it fondly because of my obsession with details, and how I genuinely believe God speaks through them, but also because it reminds me of God s complete control and sly wisdom. It s a beautiful story. I hope you think so, too: We have finished our task for the week over two hours early, but we cannot yet return to Arecibo because the adult leaders from the church in Madison have gone to a different worksite. Pastor José seems comfortable killing time showing videos on the bed sheet screen, discussing his decision to become a pastor (the calling hit him while he was eating a chicken sandwich) and asking questions. Now he is unfolding a story God is in the tiny details, Pastor José says. Growing up, José s church had a Christmas pageant every year. It was a major event, and as a major member of his church youth group, José was expected to participate. The pageant required its members to attend a weekend retreat in a town far outside of Hatillo so they could learn parts and rehearse, but also so they could study the Bible together. The retreat featured several speeches from pastors of both Iglesia Alianza Cristiana Y Misionera de Hatillo and neighboring churches. Going on the retreat at age 15, José remembers a consistent theme: every speaker, for whatever reason, repeatedly and passionately spoke on the importance of finding a good and godly spouse. There was a girl José loved very much. Her name was Tamara. Throughout the speeches, José kept looking over at her, hoping she would look back at him. Tamara did not seem to notice. Confused by the feelings he was convinced God had (Reflections continued on page 6)

2 2 Redeemer Good News August 2013 REDEEMER LUTHERAN SCHOOL UPDATE Submitted by Linda Wiebold ENROLLMENT UPDATE We rejoice that our school enrollment for next year is actually ahead of where it was at this point last year, even though we graduated a large class of 16 eighth graders. This past year we have had more families tour our school than ever before. This is tremendous evidence of the strength of Redeemer's foundation of the past and enthusiasm for the future. Be sure and let the school office know if you or someone you know is interested in instilling in your child: Teachings for a LIFEtime Learning Integrity Faith Excellence It's what we do at Redeemer Lutheran School - and we do it well! Enrollment is open for pre-school through grade eight with options for full or half day kindergarten. Since 1978, Redeemer Lutheran School has provided affordable faith-based education. Our Christ-centered environment offers small class sizes and exceptional instruction from caring teachers who pray for and with the students. FAREWELL We encourage you to acknowledge the service of those who have recently left Redeemer Lutheran School in the teaching/leadership capacity: Lori Schroeder, Curt Boeder and Jeni Zimmer. We wish them well as they seek God's guidance in using their gifts and talents in new ventures. You may send a card or note to them in care of Redeemer Lutheran School, 115 W. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN We will forward this mail to them. MAKING A GODLY DIFFER- ENCE IN CHILDREN'S AND THEIR FAMILIES' LIVES Recently the teachers met to plan for an exciting new school year. Among the items worked on were: Affirming each other and confirming our willingness to do what it takes at Redeemer in making a Godly difference in children's and their families' lives. That's the driver - the bottom line it s why we do what we do. That's the "filter" through which we put everything we're planning. Being one being focused as a team. We have a history of working well together and we complement each other s gifts and abilities as a team. Committing to our family focus. It has not changed, and we most definitely value you as a member of our family. Planning a Vision Night for all Redeemer school parents to share our plans with you in the next few weeks. We're excited to let you know what's in the works. The time will be announced to you soon, but we want you to know that the Vision Night will take place a few weeks from now. Doing what it takes to plan for an exciting, successful school year. Every teacher stepped forward as part of the team to take on extra responsibilities according to their gifts and talents. It was amazing to witness each and every task being willingly taken up so that they could begin to carry out these tasks even though we are technically on summer vacation. We will share our progress and who has what responsibilities at our Vision Night. Making sure each teacher had the opportunity to teach to their gifts and talents. A staffing model was put together and will be shared at Vision Night. Filling open positions in the smartest way and with the best people available. Names of potential teachers are being gathered. We already have six strong candidates who will be interviewed in the next few weeks. Our goal is that they be in place soon to plan for a (Continued on page 3) CHECK OUT OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE AT: school.redeemerwayzata.org

3 Redeemer Good News August (Continued from page 2) successful coming school year. Rededicating ourselves to growing Redeemer Lutheran School one family at a time. We still have some very interested potential families who have toured our school and been contacted by Parent Ambassadors and also teachers. Please join us in praying for these families. We also pray that you will spread the word that Redeemer is a place that is making a Godly difference in children s and their families lives. FOX9 FEATURES REDEEMER LUTHERAN SCHOOL This spring Redeemer Lu- theran School was featured on Fox9 TV for our innovative learning practices. Check us out at: school.redeemerwayzata.org/ smart-program/. Our Early Childhood teachers, which include preschool through first grade, are trained in using SMART activities to help a child learn better. (SMART stands for Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training.) The SMART Program is a multi-sensory approach to learning based on brain research. The SMART Program emphasizes stimulating the brain and body to promote richer connections among the neurons. In a nutshell, movement anchors learning. SMART activities include an obstacle course of crawling, rolling, spinning, bouncing and jumping, vision tasks, eye-hand coordination, and balance beams. The activities are fun for kids, making participation play rather than work. SMART activities also encourage and improve a child's physical fitness and body strength. The repetition and frequency of these activities create new opportunities for the body and brain to learn. The teachers have seen a remarkable improvement in the students readiness to learn, learning retention and ability to sustain tasks. AUGUST MUSIC NOTES Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20 Deo Gloria Choir and Redeemer Bells will resume rehearsals on Thursday, September 5. The bells meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and the choir from 7:30-8:45 p.m. There is a place for you in the music ministry at Redeemer. If you are invited to a rehearsal, I pray that you will graciously accept the invitation! The bells generally appear in worship once a month at the 8:30 service. The choir sings 2-3 times per month, also at the 8:30 service. We particularly need additional singers in December (Advent & Christmas) and during Lent as we approach Easter Sunday. Please speak with me if you are interesting in sharing the love of Jesus Christ through our music ensembles. It s not necessary to ring bells or sing in the choir every week; a short-term commitment is also possible. In June an appeal was made to raise $2,100 to fund maintenance of our handbells. The repairs will replace moving parts, which include portions of the inside of each bell. I m happy to report the full amount was raised in about two weeks. Thanks be to God! I m thankful for your gifts, and maintaining the bells will ensure they can be used for many years to come. In Christ, Matt Anderson

4 4 Redeemer Good News August 2013 THRIVENT BUILDS WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Seventeen volunteers from Redeemer worked on a Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity project in Chaska, July 11 and 12. The project was nearing completion so work involved interior paint preparation along with painting and installing interior trim. All came away with a good feeling of accomplishment. Thrivent Financial has pledged $6.8 million to help fund 113 projects in 31 states for Locally, they have com- mitted $425,000 to build five homes in the metro area. While Redeemer doesn't have further volunteering planned for 2013, if you are interested, you may volunteer with other ongoing projects. Contact Hank Radintz for further information at

5 Redeemer Good News August LUTHERAN NIGHT AT THE TWINS A few tickets remain for Lutheran Night at Target Field, MONDAY EVENING, AUGUST 12. Watch the Twins play the Cleveland Indians from the upper deck behind home plate. Ticket cost is $23. Transportation is on your own. Ticket availability is on a first come, first served basis. Contact Hank Radintz, , for further information.

6 6 Redeemer Good News August 2013 (Reflections continued from page 1) given him, José grew desperate and began to pray. ( Now, I must warn you: it was a a how do you say? Juvenile? Yes. It was a very juvenile prayer. I do not recommend. ) José requested some very specific things from God. If José found a note on his pillow that said, José, te amo (José, I love you), he would know Tamara was meant to be his wife. José would not tolerate anything less from his God. It had to be those words, on that pillow. Surely, it was impossible. There were strict rules about boys and girls sleeping quarters on this retreat; Tamara would have no chance to leave such a note on José s pillow. But José had faith, and on this weekend retreat, he checked his pillow habitually to see if his prayers were answered. After looking at his unadorned pillow again and again, José began to lose hope. Before going to bed, he checked his pillow one last time. No note. The girls were tucked away safely from the boys. Heartbroken, José left the room to take a shower. Washing his arms and legs, he first questioned his faith, and then cursed his own foolishness. He felt like crying, but made an effort to laugh instead. He put his towel over his head and walked back to the sleeping quarters. It was Saturday night. They would return to Hatillo in the morning. Without turning on the light in the boys room, José saw a napkin on his pillow. He picked it up to find, José, te amo written on it in lipstick. He could not believe it. He danced around and woke every boy in the room. He threatened to murder any boy who had played a trick on him. José s brother told him there was no trick; Tamara had written the note earlier in the evening, given it to José s brother and told him to give it to José when he got a chance. The brother had forgotten about it until José left the room to shower, and rather than waiting for José to return, his brother just put the napkin on the pillow. Over twenty years later, Pastor José looks back and calls it a miracle. Do you see? God is in the tiniest of details, he says. In His Grip, Matt Mitchell LISTEN TO OUR TRADITIONAL SERVICES FROM WEBSITE Enter into your browser, click on Worship, and then click on Sermon Audio. Adjust your volume accordingly. AUGUST WEDNESDAY MORNING SUMMER BIBLE STUDY So far this summer we have been looking at the connection between Passover and Holy Communion. We looked at the history behind Passover, the outward preparations needed for Passover and the inward preparations needed for Holy Communion, and we've tasted roasted lamb and unleavened bread. In August we will look at the importance of remembering the event that the Lord's Supper celebrates, the ways in which God continues to rescue us from all harm and danger, and we'll also talk about why frequently repeating Holy Communion strengthens our faith. Even if you've missed the first two sessions, come join us on WEDNESDAY, AU- GUST 21ST, at 10:00 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. And bring a friend! For more information contact Linda Krantz at or Mary Sund at REDEEMER GARAGE SALE! AUGUST 7 AND 8, 2013 Donations and volunteers are welcome. Contact Judi Micoley at or or at judi_stamparooni@hotmail.com.

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8 8 Redeemer Good News August Wayzata Blvd. West Wayzata, MN The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Office Numbers: (952) or (952) Pastor Paul Causton Linda Wiebold Matt Mitchell Matt Anderson Jodi Bening, Office Administrator We invite you to worship with us! ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Dated Material Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Wayzata, Minnesota Permit No. 15 SUNDAY WORSHIP & PRAISE: 8:30 am and 10:30 am, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION-All Ages: 9:30 am WEDNESDAY SUMMER MIDWEEK WORSHIP: 6:30 pm REDEEMER MONDAYS Worship-Based Prayer Gatherings continues to alternate on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and are open to everyone. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your relationship with Our Lord and our Redeemer family. Hear alk will resume in the fall. This is a transformational small group experience focusing on authentic relating and helping each other seek WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. Christ s immediate presence in our lives. Our Worship-Based Prayer Gatherings combine worship, scripture, and prayer in seeking God s glory as the manifestation of Christ s presence among his people. Redeemer Good News is a monthly newsletter for members and friends of Redeemer Lutheran Church & School in Wayzata. Newsletter articles are due the second Monday of the month. Submit articles, news, and event items to Jodi Bening at jbening@redeemerwayzata.org. Comments and suggestions are welcome. SCRIP