Pastor S Corner 1-2 s2

MAILING SEAL

In This Issue …

o R S 1

e Article Page f e

Pastor’s Corner 1-2 d l 6 L A

D Offering Envelopes 2 e

President’s Message 3-4 i

a R s a m c

E Those Who Serve 5 i u h

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Remember in Prayer 6 S

C e A r

Our Budget and Expenses 7

n L W l R

Emergency Pastoral Care 7 d i u

P e Birthdays and Anniversaries 8 t I

r C w r h

Bible Study 9 n

Choir News 9 R

E 9 Bargain Basement 9 a r

E i n v

“God’s work. Our hands.” Announcement 10 7 U

o Monthly Calendar Center M C 0 : S R

h Women of the ELCA Convention 11 T

LSS Walk to Fight Poverty 12-13 u

Mission Moment 14 c

Outreach Team 14 E h

Flowers 15

R Lessons to Study 16 2 On Going Outreach 17 0 1

Worship and Discipleship 18-19 1

2 Office Information 20

6 P L N e o r U o n m n g

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0 A r P N e o 8 o I a o f 0 D s i c . 9 t t

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MAILING SEAL MAILING SEAL PASTOR’S CORNER Redeemer Lutheran Church “Prayer Changes …” of Leisure World Phone: (562) 598 - 8697 Dear Friends: FAX: (562) 598 - 8697 E-mail: [email protected] Numerous thoughts and concerns are racing Website: www.redeemerlutheransealbeach.com through my mind as I prepare this article for the September issue of our Newsletter. The Olympics are Church Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - over and they were a pleasant diversion from the politics, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call and leave a floods, fires, terrorist threats and actions, aging and health message at all other times. Phone messages are concerns of members and friends. But they were just a checked daily. temporary distraction. We continue to have many concerns. Beverly Dinning's granddaughter's home is flooded in Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service Louisiana. The Norlander's son's family is evacuated from (Holy Communion on first and third Sundays) their home by the Blue Cut fire. And each day seems to bring another senseless terrorist act. And the list goes on. Bible Study: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays – Fellowship Hall Outreach Visitation: 2:00 p.m. the 4th Tuesday of the And so we often pray because we want God to change Month – Conference Room something. We have pains we want relieved, problems we Council Meeting: 2:30 p.m. the 4th Thursday of the want resolved, and longings we want fulfilled. We want the Month – Conference Room present course of our lives and the world around us altered. Our longing is encapsulated in the saying "Prayer changes Respite Care: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, things." Tuesdays and Thursdays Church Staff Scripture gives us several examples of prayer Pastor: Gilbert Moore appearing to change God's plans. Moses prayed for his people to be spared from God's wrath. Hezekiah prayed for Food Donations: Mickey Costello, Carl and Jessica Keene an extended life. James recalls Elijah's prayer for rain and Secretary: Margo Geesing encourages us to intercede for healing. The question is, is it (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) our prayer that persuades God to act? Organist: Sharon Heck

Page 20 not only does he rejoice in finding what was lost, but calls in the neighbors and friends to rejoice with him. So it is in heaven. The next week Jesus tells two parables: one about a lost sheep and one about a lost coin. Jesus reminds us that he is always looking for us, ready for us to return to him. He is the Good Shepherd who finds his lost sheep. He is the woman who sweeps and searches for the lost coin. In both cases he states that not only does he rejoice in finding what was lost, but calls in the neighbors and friends to rejoice with him. So it is in heaven. The third Sunday seems to be out of place with the usual teachings of Jesus. It’s the story of the dishonest man who cheats his householder, then when he is found out continues to cheat by reducing what is owed to his householder! Rather than throwing the servant in jail or beating him more, he praises him for his shrewdness! What is Jesus talking about? Are we supposed to cheat and steal lie? Of course not, rather we need to be creative in our stewardship and care for others! After all, we are trusted with something much more valuable than stuff – we are given the care and nurture of other people’s hearts. The last Sunday of September we are face with the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Jesus does not punish the rich man for being rich, but for not sharing or caring. The rich man allowed his wealth and what that could do for him to be his focus rather than how that wealth could be used to help others. Again, what we do is more important than what we have. What does all this mean? One way to look at it is that we are called to repent and care. Those who praised God the most in the Gospel were the ones who had the least (the leper, the widow, the sinning woman, the hemorrhaging woman, the bent over woman, the man with dropsy) but were touched by Jesus. Let us do the same – we have all been touched and gifted. In our poverty, let us share with those who are marginalized. Let us look to those in need. Let us reach out to those who are lonely and in pain. There is a country song that is going through my mind as I am writing this, if you get a chance take a listen to it: Tim McGraw’s - Humble and Kind. God Bless your work. Page 19 Page 2 We naturally say "yes." Scripture also suggest something else. Isaiah 65:24 gives God's promise: "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Just as God knew our need for a Savior before we would even think of asking for one, God knows all our needs before we voice them and already knows how to address them. He also knows our need for a way to commit our troubles to His care.

Perhaps the more appropriate slogan would be "Prayer changes me." Our privilege of prayer works less to change His mind about what is best and more to help us rely on His good and gracious will.

God bless,

Emergency Pastoral Care: Whenever you are in need of emergency pastoral care give Pastor Gil a phone call (562) 430-7999. Cedric Elmer and Margo Geesing (our secretary) also know how to reach Pastor Gil.

Page 2 Message from Our President …

Dear Members and Friends of Redeemer:

This month, my letter will feature the Altar Guild and its duties. Every Sunday as you enter the sanctuary, you are surrounded by the Guild’s service to Redeemer Church whose members include Carol Costello, Beverly Dinning, Lottie Dolby, Marion Fraide, Sara Gould, Julia Langevin, and Sylvia Makus.

On the first and third Sundays of each month, the members set up and take down the elements and prepare the altar rail for Holy Communion. Throughout the church year, the paraments covering the altar, pulpit and the lectern are changed according to the church calendar which shows the colors to be used. The church year begins in November with Advent Sunday and the following Sundays whose color is blue. White is used for days that center on God, as Christmas and the baptism of Jesus. Purple marks the season of Lent. White is again used for Easter and the Sundays after Easter. Red relates to the Day of Pentecost and green marks the long season of Pentecost which ends on the Christ the King Sunday whose color is white concluding the church year. As you can see, Page 3 Page 18 Reflections on WORSHIP and DISCIPLESHIP by Margo Geesing “ Repentance and Care” September begins a new mini-season in the church year, the fall season in the Time after Pentecost. There are changes to the Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, Blessing, and the Dismissal. The Gospel lessons also take an interesting turn of direction. At first look, Jesus is making allusions to what we look at now as financial stewardship, but on closer look that may not be what Jesus is really focused on; maybe, he is actually talking about repentance and care for others. These are things that are emphasized in the Confession and Forgiveness “…we come to you with repentant hearts. Forgive us for shallow thankfulness. Forgive us for passing by the ones in need. Forgive us for setting our hopes on fleeting treasures.” and the Dismissal: “Go in peace. Remember the poor.” that are used during this mini-season. The first Sunday in September Jesus gives us the cost of being a disciple. He starts out with the telling the people they need to give up those closest to them and carry a cross! Who really wants to do that? Then he goes on to talk about building a tower and planning a battle. And we give a sigh of relief, because that first part wasn’t what he meant – we need to plan things out and not get rid of everything, which is much easier. Then he comes back with, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” What??? He really meant that?! Well, yes. Rather than planning, counting, and taking into consideration he wants us empty handed so he can fill us with his plans and gifts. The next week Jesus tells two parables: one about a lost sheep and one about a lost coin. Jesus reminds us that he is always looking for us, ready for us to return to him. He is the Good Shepherd who finds his lost sheep. He is the woman who sweeps and searches for the lost coin. In both cases he states that

Page 18 DISASTER RELIEF Gifts designated to a specific response will be used in full -- 100 percent -- to help disaster survivors clean-up, rebuild and recover. Donations given “Where Needed Most” help to respond immediately and effectively where it is needed most. If you give cash or check, on offering envelope write “Disaster Relief” If you give by check make it out to Redeemer Lutheran Church and placing it in the offering plate. Or if you wish you can send a check directly to: ELCA Disaster Response 39330 Treasury Center; Chicago, IL 60694-9300. Or donate online at: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to- the-World/Disaster-Response.aspx

Donations for direct relief of Beverly Dinning’s Granddaughter: Mark the memo line “Flood” and make check to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Thank you to those who have been turning in your Education Labels! Box Tops go directly to the Navajo Mission. They can be found on more than a 100 different General Mills products. They do have an expiration date, so be sure to turn them in with time to send them to the Mission! These labels generate points that turn into dollars!

CONTINUING FUNDRAISER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE Thank you to those who have been turning in your used ink cartridges! We have an ongoing collection of used ink cartridges and cell phones. Please bring them with you when you come to church and place them in the box in the Conference Room! Page 17 Page 4 the Altar Guild is a busy group whose responsibilities also include maintaining the altar linens, the candles and the eternal candle hanging above the choir.

The members replenish envelopes and attendance slips in the pew racks and at Christmas they decorate the tree, as well as draping the cross on Good Friday. “We have many responsibilities,” says Lottie Dolby who is our Council’s non-voting representative, “and we would welcome new members to assist.”

Thanks to the Altar Guild for your dedicated service through the year.

Cedric Elmer President

Page 4 THOSE WHO SERVE Please study the following at home to prepare for Sunday Worship: THIS MONTH Lessons for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost through the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Altar Guild Financial Team September 4, 2016 – September 25, 2016 – Carol Costello 4th: Phyllis Mackey Sixteenth Sunday after Nineteenth Sunday after Beverly Dinning Flo Nesland Pentecost Pentecost Lottie Dolby Alma Zamzow Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Amos 6:1, 4-7 Marion Fraide 11th: Phyllis Mackey Psalm 1 Psalm 146 Sara Gould Flo Nesland Philemon 1-21 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Julia Langevin Alma Zamzow Luke 14:25-33 Luke 16:19-31 Sylvia Makus 18th: Barbara Dykman Acolyte Phyllis Mackey September 11, 2016 – October 2, 2016 – Twentieth Carmen Leslie Alma Zamzow Seventeenth Sunday after Sunday after Pentecost 25th: Barbara Dykman Pentecost Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Communion Assistant Phyllis Mackey Exodus 32:7-14 Psalm 37:1-9 Jerry Brady Alma Zamzow Psalm 51:1-10 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Greeters Choir 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 17:5-10 Shirlene Bradrick Welcome Back to our choir! Luke 15:1-10 Bernie Gerard Beverly Anderson October 9, 2016 – Twenty- September 18, 2016 – First Sunday after Pentecost Reader Charles Cullimore Eighteenth Sunday after 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Alma Zamzow Joan Cullimore Lynda Elmer Pentecost Psalm 111 Prayer Leader Debbie Hugdahl Amos 8:4-7 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Carol Costello Julia Langevin Psalm 113 Luke 17:11-19 Ushers Sara Lee 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Jean Ackerman Nancy Luebben Luke 16:1-13 Wendy Alfageme Kay Pushman Pam Smithson Violet Quist Maria Swift Shirley Reimers

Page 16 Note from Outreach and Worship and Music Committee. Guidelines for prayer list: We are requesting all members (and friends) to please call the church office and leave a message requesting prayer regarding any illnesses, surgeries, procedures, and treatments regarding you, church members, and family members. Please also notify us when the prayers are no longer needed. Altar Flowers for September th REMEMBER IN PRAYER September 4 : Our Members: Dena Anderson, Shirley Anderson, Bea Anita Smart in Honor of Birthday and Anniversary. th Bander, Russ Cullimore, Patti Drumm, Lucy Fitch, Sara September 11 : Gould, Don Gramly, Beverly Hansen, Debbie Hugdahl, Jann Shaffer in Memory of Francis Shaffer’s Birthday. Christine Hughes, Geri Lein, Dody Lynch, Phyllis Mackey, Jann Shaffer in Honor of Joann Mischlich Birthday Helen McDowell, Flo Nesland, Kathleen Nilsson, Ken and daughter, Mychele Delgado. th Newsham, Lodi Nieto, Erich Obersteiner, Christine September 18 : Osterberg, Jim Pushman, Edith Sessa, Lillian Smith, Nina Richard Stiitz in Memory of Aileen Garcia. th Smith, Don Stephens, Juanita Townsend, Richard Stiitz, September 25 : Nelda Sunday, and Martha Ziegler; Ron and Linda Robertson in Honor of Grandparent’s Day on September 11th. And Our Family Members and Friends: Joshua Paul Agarrado, Julia Arroyo, Rose Betancourt, Roman Bentley, Flower Chart Directions Lynda Bischof, Sally Blevins, Julie Carlson, Rich Carlson, 1. There are 2 bouquets for each Sunday. Caren Condon, Anna Dow, Eileen Dow, Rachelle Gould, 2. Print your name and the special reason for the request on Margie Garceau, Paul Higgenbotham, Joey Jananian, the line next to the date you would like them. Dolores and Gordy Jagusch, Patricia Jo Javier, Mary Kent, 3. If there is not enough room to write your request on the Mavis Lancaster, Lisa Lindsay, David Ludwig, Cynthia chart, please leave the secretary a note in her box Luff, Mary Matthews, the McNall family, Carol Miller, specifying your request. Ethan Millerick, Heidi Mitchell, Alex Molina, Bill 4. The requested donation for one bouquet is $15.00; $30.00 Montague, Maxine Nagel, Kyle Nguyen, Chuck Nieto, Joe for both. If you wish to request both bouquets, please Nieto, Jared Norlander, Matthew Norlander, Victor note that on the chart. Obersteiner, Pat O’Donnell, Lori Rhodes, Nathan Rhodes, When putting your donation in an envelope, please note that it is for altar flowers and the date of your flowers. Please write a Matthew Shaffer, Sharon Sipe, Louise Wagner, June separate check for flowers. Do not include it with your regular Welton, and Bryce Young. offering. We also remember those confined at home, in hospitals, or in nursing homes. And, always pray for peace. Page 15 Page 6 OUR BUDGET AND EXPENSES Global Mission Call ~~ Income and Expense Statement Our next Mission Moment will be on for the Month Ending Sunday, September 25th. July 31, 2016 In July Flo updated us on the Mid-East and European refugee crisis and how our Actual Budget Variance Lutheran Disaster Response it working on Operating Income $11,166.00 $9,529.00 $1,673.00 the ground to help displaced people. If you wish to donate to Operating Expenses $10,850.75 $9,529.00 ($1,321.75) Lutheran Disaster Response you may write a check to Redeemer Variance $315.25 $0.00 $351.25 and write "Disaster" on the memo line and on the envelope. For cash, just write "Disaster" on the envelope. The gift will then be used where needed most. If you want it used only for the Mid- East and European refugee crisis, write "Refugee Crisis" on the Income and Expense Statement memo line and on the envelope. for the 2016 Year to On the last Sunday of each month we take a moment to reflect on July 31, 2016 our call to serve all of God’s people.

Actual Budget Variance Operating Income $83,682.00 $66,703.00 $16,979.00 Operating Expenses $73,531.89 $66,703.00 ($6,828.89) The Outreach Team meets on the 4th Tuesday of each Variance $10,150.11 $0.00 $10,150.11 month in the Conference Room at 2:00 p.m. This month we will meet on th Offering Envelopes are available on the September 27 . stand in the narthex of the church. Take as “Whatever you do for the least of many envelopes as you think you may need. my brothers and sisters, you do for Please also remember your pledge. By me.” preparing your envelope ahead of time at home, that way you will not be caught short of your offering and (Matthew 25:40) can maintain your pledge. Please put your name on We are Calling All People who like to talk, visit, go out, the envelopes that you use. Thank You! talk about our church, and be with people: the Outreach Team always has room for new members to join. It is easy work but very necessary. Many hands make light work! Try it, you may find that this is your call from God!

Page 14 Page 7 Page 14 Register as an individual, family or as part of a team with this easy to use website. Once you sign in you can create Happy your own page. Use your own image or use the library of images and videos on the site. Once you are set up, use the convenient email component and send your link to all your Birthday friends, family, co-workers and business associates to help you raise money. It has never been so easy to make a September Birthdays donation to support your friends, family and teams and their Anita Smart September ?? fundraising goal. Search by name and donate using your Maria Swift September 2 credit card securely online or pledge an amount and send a check. Leslie Arrington September 5 Can’t walk in the event – no problem. You can still Jann Shaffer September 5 participate by donating to the event. All proceeds go Gil Moore September 17 directly to help those in need in your community. Winston Eakin September 19 Margo Geesing September 24 “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least Shirley Holland September 25 of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Sylvia Makus September 26 Matthew 25:40 Lottie Dolby September 27 Thank you for supporting us on our walk to fight poverty. June Lowensen September 27 Kathy Aldstadt September 29

September Anniversaries

Page 8 BIBLE STUDY ~ Pastor Lynda We will be beginning a new Bible Study in September! We will be studying the Gospel of Mark on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Bibles are always available for your use. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend! Our thanks to Pastor Lynda for her dedication to opening the Scriptures with us. Help us fight poverty CHOIR NEWS Join us on October 1, 2016 Welcome Back to our at 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saint Olaf Lutheran Church Redeemer Choir! Regular choir 12432 Ninth Street rehearsal and performance will Garden Grove, CA 92840 resume on September 4, 2016 Orange County when rehearsal will begin at 9:00 Or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church am. Is this the time for you to 5872 Naples Plz. join in with your voice? Long Beach, CA 90803-5044 South Bay / Long Beach BARGAIN BASEMENT Our goal this year is $10,000 Time is running out! There are still LSS-SC's "Walk to Fight Poverty" proceeds will go to those more good treasures to find at our living below the poverty line in our community...The Bargain Basement! It will be open hungry, the homeless, the unemployed, the elderly, single during Sunday coffee hour for one mothers and children will all benefit from this event. Please more week: first Sunday in September. use this POWERFUL "Friends Asking Friends" website to Our thanks to Judy Norlander for managing this fun launch your effort and reach your fundraising goal! project and all her helpers. Items that do not sell are http://www.lsscommunitycare.org/walkathons/ donated to charities like the Precious Life Shelter.

Page 12 Pacifica Women of the ELCA Convention The Pacifica Women of the ELCA will be holding their convention on November 4th and 5th, 2016 locally! It will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Los Alamitos at 3352 Katella Avenue (near Polly’s Pies). The title of Love Gift to go to Precious Life Shelter: the Convention is “A Family of Faith” and will feature Diapers, Wipes, Receiving Blankets, Women’s Socks, workshops, talks, and a Bible Study. Hygiene items, phone card (no expiration date) & gift More information is here! cards The cost for Friday and Saturday will be $80.00. Friday will include a workshop with our Churchwide Representative, Gwen Edwards titled “Prayer Tangles”; a book discussion/review of A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter; dinner with some light entertainment; followed by the Business Session #1 where you will be electing a new president; and ending with an evening devotion. This year we will be offering a Saturday Only option! The cost will be $60.00. Saturday includes a light Continental breakfast and lunch. We will start the day with Worship; include a Bible study, keynote speaker, special guests, and fellowship. The Business Session includes the election of a new secretary, four board members and Triennial Voting Members. There will be the ever popular Silent Auction Baskets! You can always come back home but there is a block of rooms at the Ayres Hotel at 12850 Seal Beach Blvd (there is no saving time in the drive; it’s almost outside the gates of Leisure World). The cost of a room including 2 queen beds plus a full American breakfast is $178.18. If you want to stay at the hotel, please book by October 4 for this price. Page 11 Page 10 “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. On Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, the nearly 10,000 congregations of this church gather to serve communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God’s people. Just as we did last year we are going to receive donations for the Orange County Food Bank and, new for this year, cash donations for the Orange County Fire Authority Benevolent Association. We still have t-shirts available for $10.00 to wear that day or anytime! We need people to help plan, set- up, collect, donate (both from the church and the community), count, and clean up afterwards. Also, donations of water and snacks for the workers can be brought early and left labeled “for God’s work. Our hands. workers” in the Fellowship Hall Please let your friends, neighbors, and everyone you know that we will be outside of Church after Worship service that Sunday until 2:00 p.m. ready and willing to accept their donations. We would love to surpass our collection from last year! Last year we collected 7 large boxes of food for the Orange County Food Bank and $150.00 for the Seal Beach Animal Shelter

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10:30 am Holy LABOR DAY 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – Bible 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PASTOR GONE Communion Service 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Office Hours Class Office Hours UNTIL THE 20th Coffee Fellowship Respite Care 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care Respite Care 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 GRANDPARENT’S 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. HOLY CROSS DAY 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. DAY Respite Care Office Hours 10:30 a.m. – Bible Office Hours 10:30 am Worship 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Class 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Service Respite Care Respite Care Food Ingathering 4:00 p.m. – Interfaith 4:00 p.m. – Devotions Guest Preacher: Karen Council Meeting at SBHRC Merkel NEWSLETTER Coffee Fellowship ARTICLES & THOSE “God’s works. Our WHO SERVE DUE Hands” 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10:30 am Holy 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – Bible 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Communion Service Respite Care Office Hours Class Office Hours Guest Preacher: Pastor 2:00 p.m. – Outreach 2:30 p.m. – Council Lynda Elmer Visitation Meeting Coffee Fellowship 2:30 p.m. – Finance 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Committee Meeting Respite Care 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care NEWSLETTER Fall Begins PRINTED 25 26 27 28 29 30 10:30 am Worship 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – Bible 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Service Respite Care Office Hours Study Office Hours Mission Moment 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Birthdays and Respite Care Respite Care Anniversaries NEWSLETTER Celebrated at Coffee MAILED Fellowship

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