The monthly newsletter of Redeemer Lutheran Church-Rochester, Minnesota September 2012 Mission Statement is our theme for 2012-2013. “As Christians based on the By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote in solid foundation of God’s Word, Ephesians 1:3 empowered by the Holy Spirit we “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus strive to live out, lift up, and share Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with our faith in Jesus Christ -welcoming every spiritual blessing.” all into our family of believers.” It was in response to his blessings, that Paul served his Inside this Issue Staff Reflections ............................ page 3 Lord in many, many ways. This Fall we also will focus Prayers ........................................... page 4 Worship Notes .............................. page 4 upon our blessings. On Rally Day weekend we will Education Highlights .................... page 5 begin the New Testament portion of The Story. Yes, we Upcoming Events ..................... pages 6-7 In Memory .................................... page 8 will be celebrating Christmas on Rally Day! Stephen Ministry .......................... page 8 Rummage Sale .............................. page 9 Golf Sign-up .................................. page 9 Those who have been reading along, might be shocked Stewardship News ....................... page 10 Movie Night Update ................... page 11 that God continued to love his ungrateful, selfish, Notes of Thanks .......................... page 12 forgetful, self-centered people and sent his Son into the Music Ministry ............................ page 13 Health Notes ............................... page 14 world. Nelson Benefit ............................ page 15 Church Council Highlights ... pages16-17 ChristCare News ......................... page 17 That is the BLESSING that is the motivation for our LWML News ........................... page 18-19 Youth Highlights .................. pages 20-21 service. Orphan Grain Train News ......... page 22 September Calendar ................... page 23 Blessed to Serve........................... page 24 Bethesda Servant Event Page 2 Staff Reflections Church Office Hours: M-F 7:30 am-4:00 pm Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives Phone: 507-289-5147 the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self- Fax: 507-289-7887 control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an Email: [email protected] imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 Website: www.redeemer-rochester.com Like many of you, I found the Olympics fascinating. Our family Blessed to Serve would watch with excitement as the best athletes in the world, blessed with Pastor, James W. Heining incredible ability, competed for honor and country. We would cheer on the [email protected] American athletes, the underdogs, the favorites and it seemed like every (office) 507-289-5147 night something special would happen. Personally, what I found most (residence) 507-282-6955 uplifting was listening to athlete after athlete give honor and glory to God (cell) 507-202-2546 knowing that that statement of faith was being heard by millions of people. Wow! Pastor, Adam Koglin [email protected] The inspiration that came with the Olympics was tempered by the (office) 507-289-5147 commercials. However, even some of those sought, and succeeded in (cell) 507-316-8181 inspiring the viewer. My favorite was the ad where this boy who was carrying some extra weight and obviously not a natural runner was shuffling/jogging Director of Christian Education, down what appeared to be a quiet country road. The simple message: there Michael J. Harvey is a champion inside of everyone. We are all blessed. [email protected] (office) 507-289-5147 We are blessed. Blessed by God in so many ways. (residence) 507-529-5463 As we think about how God has blessed us, our minds immediately (cell) 507-319-4929 go to the cross, they should. It was there that Christ clenched the sins of the world in His blood soaked hands and died, but three days later rose in Director of Parish Music, victory. Usain Bolt says he is a legend because he can run up to 200 meters April Beckman [email protected] really fast. What does that make Jesus? (office) 507-289-5147 Jesus is THE real deal, THE savior, THE truth, THE life, THE (cell) 651-338-0354 servant, THE I AM! Our Olympic athletes were blessed to serve their country. Jesus Administrative Secretary, served us so that we might be blessed through Him. Now we are Blessed to Christina Tjosaas Serve. [email protected] (office) 507-289-5147 The Olympics are done, the medals are awarded, but there is still a (residence) 507-634-7094 race to be won. The apostle Paul speaks of a race, a race that is much longer than 200 meters. A race that takes training, and focus. A race fraught with Custodian, Randy Kautz danger and distraction. Many of us may choose to sit on the sidelines, [email protected] thinking we haven't been blessed with the ability to run. (office) 507-289-5147 (residence) 507-843-3144 We must hold on to the fact that Jesus chose to die to save all of us and has gifted you — yes, you — with the talent and ability to run the race Youth Coordinator, Lynora Miller WITH HIS HELP. We all need His help. We are all that overweight kid [email protected] running. We run/jog/shuffle with purpose, filled with the Holy Spirit. We (residence) 507-288-7219 are not naturals but God is shaping us. We look around and see that our fellow runners are at different stages of formation but moving for the same Parish Nurse, Jan Dicke goal. [email protected] (residence) 507-288-6405 As the education year at Redeemer begins — keep running! God has great plans for you, plans that are far more honorable and exciting than Nursery Coordinator, Michelle Braem Olympic gold! [email protected] (residence) 507-951-6467 - DCE Michael Harvey Page 3 Remember in your prayers. Worship The Lord. Hospitalized/Health Concerns AUGUST 30/SEPTEMBER 1 & 2 Sue Tollers, Connie Bennett, Lavon Pavek, Marty We will observe the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Cordes, Madison Okuno, Bev Helmbrecht, Austin with scripture readings from Nehemiah 9:6-8,32-38; and Ethan Manuell, Ian Cunningham, Greg Utesch, Romans 5:18-6:4; and Mark 7:14-23. The theme will be DeLayna Nitz, Mike Wendt, Paul Johnson, Carole “Back to God’s Word,” based on chapter 21 of the “The Cochran, Charles Beasley, and Wayne Morse Story.” Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services Grieving this weekend. Kurt Pinnow and family upon the death of his brother Corey. SEPTEMBER 6/8/9 The family and friends of Jacki Crandall who passed We will observe the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost with away July 31. scripture readings from Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-4; and Luke The family and friends of Roger Peterson who passed 2:1-20. The theme will be “The Birth of the King,” based away on August 7. on chapter 22 of “The Story.” Our Fall Worship Schedule Dean Jensen and his family upon the recent death of will begin with worship Thursday at 6 pm; Saturday at 5:30 his father. pm; and Sunday at 8:00 and 10:40 am. Sunday School Rejoice and Adult Bible Classes will begin at 9:20 am. With Sara Mickelson and Aaron Lassila who were Join us on Sunday for special Rally Day activities united in marriage on August 11. for the whole family! With Joel and Dawn Dubbels upon the birth of their granddaughter, Jillian Dawn, on August 9. SEPTEMBER 13/15/16 With Al and Stacy Zimmerman upon the birth of We will celebrate the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost twins, Bryan Matthew and Brooke Isabel, on August with scripture readings from Isaiah 35:1-10 and Mark 1:21- 10. 45. The theme will be “Introducing — Jesus!” based on With Brian and Nicole Smith upon the birth of their chapter 23 of “The Story.” Holy Communion will be son, Maddox Andrew, on August 11. celebrated at all services. With Allison Wingren and Dan Lucas who were united in marriage at Redeemer on August 25. SEPTEMBER 20/22/23 With Lindsay Arnot and Stephen Smith who will be We will observe the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost united in marriage in Michigan on September 1. Encouragement/Guidance with scripture readings from James 4:1-10, Luke 15:1-10, Matthew 4:23-24; and Mark 4:35-41. The theme will be For our officers, as they guide our congregation “The Compassionate Jesus,” based on chapter 24 of “The For Eric Hauan who continues study for the pastoral Story.” ministry at Concordia College in St. Louis, and for Samantha Carlson who begins DCE ministry studies at Concordia University in St. Paul. SEPTEMBER 27/29/30 Thanksgiving We will celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost With Marty and Elvera Cordes who celebrated their with scripture readings from Psalm 110; Acts 2:29-36; and 59th wedding anniversary on August 2. John 8:48-58. The theme will be “Jesus, The Son of God,” With Paula and Mark Kuisle who celebrated their 22nd based on chapter 25 of “The Story.” Holy Communion wedding anniversary on August 11. will be celebrated at all services. With Bob and Lorraine Keith who celebrated their SERVICE OF PRAYER FOR HEALING will be 55th wedding anniversary on August 18. in all services this weekend. You will have the opportunity With Marvin and Louelyn Reinecke who celebrated to have the pastor and elder lay hands upon you and offer their 50th wedding anniversary on August 25. a special prayer (for yourself or a loved one.) There is also With Chuck and Dorothy Beasley who celebrated their opportunity to make use of the ancient practice of 54th wedding anniversary on August 29.