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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: THE MESSENGER The Newsletter of How to Thrive in a Non- 1 July 23, 2021 Lutheran Church

Christian Workplace

Weekly Devotion with 2 Pastor Dave Miner

Church Flowers

SED LCMS Summer 3

Video Conference

Strategic Planning Meeting How do you exhibit Christlike behav- How to Thrive ior in the workplace? Are you the Student Station Summer 4 type to invite a coworker out to Program in a Non-Christian lunch? Do you try your best to keep a Workplace Farewell from Debbie positive attitude when adversity

Schuldaski strikes? Do you pray for your super- Nada Romero Thank you RLC Staff 5 visor and coworkers? It can be such a difficult journey, and we all slip at Brisben Center Breakfast 6 times, but just trust that our Lord and Ministry

Savior is with us every Life Thoughts step of the way. He will guide us in

Saturday & Sunday 7 saying the right words to our ene- Worship Services and mies. He will comfort us when we feel Sunday Bible School overlooked or passed up for that pro- motion. He will strengthen us when Stay Connected 8 the days feel long. Keep shining your

Redeemer Giving light and pressing forward. “You are

Birthdays and 9 ife isn’t always easy when you the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13 Anniversaries are a Christian amongst a group L Attendance and of non-Christian coworkers and When we serve and pray for our co- Contributions colleagues. Why is that? Why workers, I believe joy and peace are does it sometimes feel like it is byproducts, or fruits of the Spirit. I harder for us to gain respect, believe these joy and peace virtues MISSION trust, and friendship in the are what motivates us to keep press- STATEMENT ing forward in the non-Christian workplace? Why does it feel like

“Our God given mission is we are the ones being watched workplace. to connect people so closely? with Jesus. Keep pressing forward. Our vision sees people The truth is, our non-Christian connected with Jesus coworkers ARE watching us through a discipling closely. They are unsure of who process that gathers them we really are. They are either into our fellowship of waiting for us to slip and be- believers where we are come more like the world, or nurtured in the Christian faith, as we go into our remain steadfast in our Christ- neighborhoods and beyond like values and virtues. “The to do the work of our Lord reason the world does not know and Savior.” us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1

Page 2 Page 2 WEEKLY DEVOTION WITH PASTOR DAVE MINER

Devotion No. 1 Journey with Jesus (Matthew 13:53-57; Revelation 13:8)

We begin our journey with Jesus at a logical place: his lineage and birth. :23 tells us, “Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of , the son of Heli”. Both Matthew and Luke give us the family tree of Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus’s lineage through Joseph (legally, though not biologically his father), while Luke traces Jesus’s lineage through Mary.

Like Jesus, each of you has a family tree. You have ancestors, some of whom were probably very colorful. But no matter what surprises you might find in your family tree, God has had his hand in every step along the way. He has overseen the wrong turns of your ancestors, but worked it for his ultimate purposes, includ- ing bringing you to this very day. You have a divine purpose rooted in God’s plan. You were born in such a way as to fit uniquely and by design into a great purpose shared by no other person – past, present, or fu- ture.

God’s plan has always involved people just like you – ordinary people through whom he can showcase his grace and mercy. God has used some of your ancestors in the past (just like , Isaac, , and oth- ers in Jesus’s past). But right now, at this time in history, God can use you. It is no small thing to be used as a masterpiece of his grace by living for his glory and sharing his goodness to our neighbors.

Who in your life most needs to see God’s glory right now? What can you do this week to help this per- son see God’s glory?

Church Flowers Flowers this week are given to the Glory of God in honor of Stan Dawgert’s birthday on July 23.

Page 3 Page 3 Online Summer Outreach Conference online Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30, 2021 at Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30, 2021 7 p.m. followed with the opportunity to choose one of 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. two panel discussions. Additional workshop opportuni- Mike Evenson ties will be available ON DEMAND, throughout. Work- shop updates will be posted on the SED website. Folks, I signed-up Redeemer Lutheran Church for a summer outreach video conference on Thursday, July The cost of registration is $10.00. 100% will be do- 29 and Friday, July 30. The big screen TV will be set- nated to the mission ministry of Inglesia Luterana Naz- up in in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to at- aret, Baltimore, MD. tend. Please see the details below from the Southeast- ern District, LCMS. This conference can also serve as Thursday, July 29th 7:00-9:00 p.m. - Jock and Dave a big kick start to the “For Our Neighbor” program Ficken will challenge us with the Shapes of Disci- now that the COVID restrictions have been lifted. pling, how we, as disciples, become more intentional in being real-life real-time followers of Jesus. After the If you are unable to come to the Fellowship Hall and presentation, there will be an opportunity to choose would rather register yourself, please use this link: one of two groups: a panel discussion of becoming a

who disciples and a second discussion with Being Intentional Neighbors in Outreach Sum- those who have been in the discipling journey. mer Outreach Conference (constantcontact.com)

Friday, July 30th 7:00-9:00 p.m. - Rev. Tony Cook, along with members of his team, will help to unpack the Lutheran Hour Ministries "Better To- gether" resource, how do we engage our neighbors. Following the main presentation, will be the oppor- Being Intentional Neighbors in Gospel Outreach tunity to choose a panel discussion about neighbor- hood ministry or a discussion by folks who are in- BINGO Summer Outreach Conference will be "live" volved in neighborhood ministry.

Strategic Planning Meeting

Saturday, August 21, 2021 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Randy Mayer Congregational President

Members of Redeemer are asked to “Save the Date” of Saturday, August 21 to participate in Redeemer’s Strategic Planning Event. We will meet between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to talk about what Redeemer’s future should look like and how we can make that happen.

Past planning events have led Redeemer to bring on a Director of Christian Education (DCE) and look at childcare options that facilitated our creation of Student Station when Covid came along. We have moved this event from January to August to be closer to the congregation’s budget cycle. Further infor- mation will be published as we get closer to the event.

Page 4 Page 4 he Student Station Summer Session has three T and half more weeks of fun summer activities for your children. Theme-based activities are or- ganized throughout the day and are provided in a safe and loving Christian-based environment. Activities over the next three and a half weeks will include the following themes:

WEEK THEME

July 19 - July 23 VBS Rocky Railway

July 26 - July 30 Olympic Theme

August 2 - August 6 Jurassic Theme

August 9 - August 11 Carnival Theme

To register, please contact:

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Phone: 540-898-4748 or Email: [email protected]

Farewell

Dear Pastors John and Dave, Church Family and Board of Elders,

It is with much sadness that I will be leaving Redeemer Lutheran Church and Virginia and relocating to Pennsylvania. I have been richly blessed by our God and Redeemer. God our Father, Son and the Holy Spirit have given my life much more meaning, faith, and blessings by connecting me with Redeemer. I am a true testa- ment of the power of prayer, blessings, and love from God and Redeemer.

I have so much I want to say, yet keeping it short. I truly hope my gratitude, love, prayers, and blessings are received by all of you.

With much love, prayer, gratitude, and blessings to each and every one of you, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Love,

Debbie Schuldaski Page 5 Page 5

Redeemer Lutheran Church Staff

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the past 17 months, our world has been tossed about like a small fishing boat on a stormy Sea of Galilee. During this time, we had to close our building, go online, reopen with all manner of precautions and safety protocols, and finally, try to return to some sense of “normal”.

Throughout this journey, our staff has gone above and beyond our expectations to maintain church op- erations and worship services by taking the action necessary to do so, while asking themselves if they had done enough. Worship services transitioned from no service, to online service only, to offering one to four services a weekend. From the pulpit to the office and preschool, and everywhere in between, all of the staff at Redeemer has risen to the occasion with enthusiasm and energy, adapting to new respon- sibilities with increased labor, planning and extended work hours.

The Church council would like to recognize each of our staff members with a small gift, and we need the congregation’s help to make this happen. Between now and August 8, you can contribute to their gift. You can write a check with “Staff Gift” recorded on the memo line, and place it in an envelope marked “Staff Gift”, or check off “Staff Gift” in your electronic giving. I would like to present these gifts during our Rally Day on August 15. God has surely blessed us as we have been able to come together as people of God to worship in His house.

May His blessings continue to be with you and your families,

Randy Mayer Congregational President

Page 6 Page 6

The Breakfast Ministry is Back! If you don’t have a team? That’s fine, we will cre- ate one! If you have a group not associated with Join me in serving breakfast to God's people Redeemer that would like to do this? That’s at the Thurman Brisben homeless shelter. great! Let me know and we will get it worked out. Mike Diederen Here are the dates: t has been a while since we have been able to I serve breakfast due to this pesky COVID thing. If • August 28 • November 13 you are new to this ministry or your recollection is a bit fuzzy, here is a quick recap. • September 25 • December 11

• October 23 • We make and serve breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the Thurman Brisben kitchen. Give me a call if you would like to volunteer and • Food is provided. what date works for you. • Volunteers need to be 14 years of age or older. (Phew, I just made the cut.) Our Lord's blessings to you, • A grizzled veteran of breakfast making will be teamed with you, so you really don’t need to Mike Diederen know anything going in to it, just a willing (540) 845-5552 heart. • Some additional temporary requirements are that you must be fully vaccinated and must wear a mask to participate. • We need a team of four to six people for each breakfast.

July 25 Life St. James the Elder, Apostle

Supporters of physician-assisted suicide might label Thoughts the martyrdom of St. James as undignified. He did not choose the timing of his death. He had no control over the manner of his passing. But history and heaven cele- brate both his life and his last breath. He met his de- mise with courage and purpose that allowed him to go gracefully with a Savior whose presence and promises to dignify and sanctify even lives death attempts to hu- miliate. Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 MASK MANDATE LIFTED FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE PURSUANT TO CDC AND GOVERNOR NORTHAM’S UPDATES

Redeemer no longer requires FULLY VACINATED members to wear a mask or social distance six feet apart. Signing-up for worship services is also no longer required.

Saturday and Sunday Worship Services and Bible Study Schedule

Saturday 4:00 p.m. (Traditional)

Sunday 8:00 a.m. (Traditional) and 11:00 a.m. (Blended)

Sunday School • Pastor John's Sunday Bible study will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and on and Bible Study Zoom. (Pastor’s Bible study will not meet on July 4 as the church will be celebrating the 4th of July with a picnic.)

QR Codes Replace Paper Bulletins for Worship Services

Use the QR Codes Below or “CLICK HERE” Below Each Service

Redeemer is using QR Codes to replace paper bulletins. A QR code is a barcode that can be read by cameras on smart phones by taking a picture of the QR code or by using a QR code reader app. Many QR code reader apps are free. Please use our custom QR Codes below that we are using for the worship services. Once you take a pic- ture of the QR code, and the QR code has been read, it will take you to a link that you can tap or click on to open the bulletin (hymns, readings, etc.) to follow along during church services. If you need help, contact the church office at [email protected] or (540) 898-4748.

If you would prefer not to use a QR Code to see the Bulletin, please click on CLICK HERE located under the day and time of the worship service you will attend.

Saturday 4:00 p.m. Service Sunday 8:00 a.m. Service Sunday 11:00 am Service

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERE The Messenger Page 8 Stay Connected with Redeemer Lutheran Church Administrative Pastor Dave Miner

DAY TIME TOPIC ZOOM LOGIN SUN 9:30 am Sunday Bible Study Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 894 0301 0091 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89403010091? Password: 512022408 pwd=TVZBS2dXb1YwWVVJdG5OTTJxUUFWQT09

SUN 8:00 am - 9:00 am Women’s Bible Study https://zoom.us/j/99069138280? Meeting ID: 990 6913 8280 pwd=aktSQnRnOUFuMFpITjJSbFpMMzBTUT09 Passcode: NVuN5s Contact Jennifer Koehler: (540) 603-6496 NOTE: Visual Faith Women’s Bible Study does not meet again until September 13. Have a great summer! MON (1st 07:00 pm - 08:00 pm Visual Faith Women’s Bible Study Contact Fran Kassouf:: (843) 685-2667 or by email at and 3rd of (Join in-person at Fran Kassouf’s home or by [email protected] each month) Zoom) MON 07:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday Night Bible Study In-Person Meeting in Double Classroom or join Journey Through the Bible via Zoom (Contact: Rick Moseley 703-201-6037) Meeting ID: 828 7232 2552 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82872322552? Password: 514704 pwd=YkFGdzd3RE1YaTZnY2w0VGVmNFhiUT09 WED 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Pastor’s Bible Class Join In-Person in the Sanctuary or by Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 883 8132 1403 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88381321403? Password: 512022408 pwd=QWtMM2hVV01yQmc4NU5paUVUL3BuZz09

REDEEMER GIVING - WAYS TO GIVE ONLINE PHONE APPS MAIL IN-PERSON

Use Redeemer’s secure • Text amount to • Using App Store or Mail your check: See the wooden web link below to our 540-779-1759 Google Play Tithes and Of- WebPay donation page: Redeemer or • Find “GivePlus Church” to fering Box in https:// Lutheran Church • Scan the QR download for FREE, and the Narthex www.eservicepayments.c 5120 Harrison om/cgi-bin/ Code: follow the easy instruc- Rd. Please drop off Vanco_ver3.vps? tions. Fredericksburg your offerings ap- ——————————- VA 22408 before or after pver3=wWsk24ZWJSTZ • Amazon Smile Open (No cash please) worship ser- KsGd1RMKlg0BDvsSG3V Amazon app on phone. vice, not during IWQCPJNNxD8upkiY7Jl Select main menu. Tap on the service. DavDsozUE7KG0nFx2NS AmazonSmile" in Pro- o8LdUKGuGuF396vbVxs RA5jH4jGaS17CrroEUMi grams & Features. Select YnTg5dP4O6rpX5QvPE "Redeemer Lutheran WlBhHDN59kLZFffwKfY Church - Lcms" as charity ERpQplrfdSPMnKiL1zjI_P to activate app. Follow dv_8=andver=3 instructions, then shop. The Messenger Page 9 Redeemer LutheranPage 9Church 5120 Harrison Road Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Phone: 540-898-4748 Fax: 540-891-9106 E-mail: [email protected]

Contact Us! Redeemer Staff:

Pastor: Rev. John Kassouf BIRTHDAYS [email protected] July 23 Stan Dawgert Administrative Pastor: Pastor Dave Miner July 23 Eric Gasperoni PastorAdmin@embracedbyhim. July 23 Katherine Gorder org July 26 Rob Hybl Church Secretary: July 26 Thomas Keefer Carrie Frank [email protected] July 26 Devon Montgomery 540-898-4748 July 27 Jason Biscamp Choir Director: July 27 Kyle Jedlicka Lea Wiltenmuth [email protected] July 29 Ossie Schmidt

Director of Christian Education Laura Sweere, DCE [email protected]

Newsletter Editor ANNIVERSARIES Susan Antonelli [email protected] If your birthday or anniversary

Organist: Darlene Hardy July 23 Craig & Vicki Ashby organist@ embracedbyhim.org July 23 Douglas & Melissa Berndt

Preschool Director: July 30 L.J. & Teresa Cerritelli Ellen Church July 30 Kirk & Tracy Hymes [email protected]

Treasurer: If your birthday or anniversary Susan Biscamp [email protected] is missing, please contact the church office at Worship Team Coordinator Jennifer Miller [email protected] worshipteam@embracedbyhim. org

Online Directory Worship Attendance and Contributions Staff and Council July 10-11 and July 17-18, 2021 Members https://embracedbyhim.org/ Dates Attendance Average General YTD General redeemer-lutheran-church-email Attendance Offering Offering -summary/

——————- July 10-11,2021 471 228 $29,787 $373,965 & July 17-18, 2021 Church Office Hours Monday-Friday Last Year 320 251 $15,296 $306,706 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.