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Our Mission Statement:
“As Christians, based on the solid foundation of God’s Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we strive to live out, lift up, and share our faith in Jesus
Christ – welcoming all into our Family of Believers.”
Redeemer Lutheran Church Rochester, Minnesota
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Redeemer Lutheran Church Voters’ Assembly Meeting January 15, 2017
Redeemer Lutheran Church Mission Statement: “As Christians, based on the solid foundation of God’s Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we strive to live out, lift up, and share our faith in Jesus Christ – welcoming all into our Family of Believers.” Meeting was opened with devotions and prayer by Pastor Koglin. President Mark Kuisle welcomed those in attendance and explained what would be covered as normal agenda and thanked Pastor Nadsady from MN South District for being with us today to explain our options for the calling of an assistant pastor in 2017. Old Business: A motion was made by Bob Meyers to approve the minutes from the October 2016 Voters’ meeting. Motion seconded by Steve Fingerson and carried. Dale Martinson presented the annual financial report for the year 2016. A motion was made by Dick Valde to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Dave Dubbels and carried. Reports: Pastor Koglin gave his report and reflections on the year 2016. He highlighted a few areas where he hopes to see growth in
Redeemer Ministry for 2017. See attached written report. Michael Harvey reported on the pleasure he has taken during 2016 assuming new responsibilities since the hiring of Josh Heirigs
a year ago. He gave a brief synopsis on technology and what our goals are to meet the specific needs of hearing impaired members. Michael’s written report attached.
April Beckman reminded us that 2017 is the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and her plans to implement classes and music to commemorate this anniversary. April’s written report attached.
Josh Heirigs reported on events in 2016 that better equip him to serve in 2017. A written report from Josh is attached. As one of two Parish Nurses, Jan Dicke reported that Kathy Zarling will also be on board in 2017 with primary responsibility of
being an educational nurse here at Redeemer. There were no more verbal reports.
New Business: Mission Recommendations for 2017 were presented by Ginger Taff-Lagergren. See written report attached under Stewardship
Team. Proposed budget for 2017 was presented by treasurer Dale Martinson, with assistance from Redeemer bookkeeper Anita Werle.
After short discussion, a motion was made by Dick Valde to approve the proposed budget for 2017. Motion seconded by Doug Jerde and carried.
Other Business: Pastor Nadsady at this time addressed those present with the three possible ways Redeemer could go forth with a Call for
Associate Pastor in 2017. After discussion a motion was made by Larry Reinartz to call an Associate Pastor from the field, motion seconded and carried.
Pastor Nadsady reminds us it is important to have a clear job description in place when making a call. He states the congregation may submit names for consideration by District for this call. The team members will be selected by Council in February. The process will likely take no less than six months.
The meeting closed with prayer by Pastor Koglin. A motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn the meeting at 1:23 PM.
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Redeemer Lutheran Church Voter’s Assembly Meeting May 21, 2017
President Mark Kuisle opened the meeting at 12:35. Upon welcoming all as a Family of Believers, he asked those present to share personal God Sightings with others at their table. New Business: A motion was made by Robert Meyer to approve January Minutes and seconded by Dick Valde. Motion carried. Treasurer Dale Martinson was unable to attend this meeting so Mark Kuisle presented the budget report on his behalf. A motion
was made by Robert Meyer to approve the Treasurer’s Report upon audit and was seconded by Bill Cochran. Motion carried. Names and positions for upcoming church year Council Officers in 2017-2018 were presented as follows:
President: Kathy Zarling Trustees: Curt Walter Vice President: Mandie Anderson At Large: Dawn Shelstad Secretary: Tracy Decklever At Large: Dawn Radtke Elders: Tom Werle At Large: Molly Gommels Education: Connie Scheid At Large: Joan McCormick Fund Development: Jim Weispfenning, Marv Reinecke, Dave Zarling Mike McCormick Elders: Frank Kmett, Mike Holst, Lynn Meier, Jeff Schoppers, Jeff Ihrke, Kelly Anderson Chairman, Tim Rossman, Mark Radtke, Darin Grewe, Tom Werle, Randy Hellickson, Scott Feeder, Joel Pralle, Tony Fick, Steven Brady, Aaron Peter, Dan Zeccardi
A motion was made by Bill Cochran and seconded by Dick Valde to approve the submitted list of future Council members. Motion carried.
Old Business: Pastor Koglin submitted the results and explained the outcome of the Pastoral Expectations Survey and the job description of the
Associate Pastor. A Call Team Update for an Associate Pastor was made by Sue Walch. The three names submitted by Redeemer members were
submitted to South District and we are currently awaiting a comprehensive list for the Call Team’s consideration. The second annual Leadership Retreat will be held August 22, 2017. More information will be forthcoming. Michael Harvey reported the status of the new technology regarding improvements to our sound system downstairs and the
ongoing discussion for the installation of the Loop System. Curt Walter explained Redeemer’s Community Engagement and Outreach in our church neighborhood. This is being achieved
through various activities such a softball and the Rochester Servant Event. Josh Heirigs reported on Redeemer’s participation with Riverside Elementary School in collection of goods and financial support
from Sunday School and VBS Mission for a resource room at the school. He is also excited about the Community Garden Project and hopes Redeemer will also participate in this.
Office Staff Reports: Pastor Koglin explained the desire for Redeemer to be an active participant in Community Involvement. He thanked all of our
members for their patience and support during this time of being short staffed. He stated he is very grateful to our office secretary, Chris, for her 20+ years of service here and the fine job she does for us. We are in need of finding and training 3 members to become Stephen Ministry Training Leaders. The money for the training has already been allocated for this.
Michael Harvey shared he has been working on Leadership of Youth Training. Christ Care groups continue to meet and we recently equipped new leaders and would like to find at least 3 additional people to train for leadership positions.
Josh Heirigs commented that we are, as of today, wrapping up the Sunday School year. The Rochester Servant Event could still use more volunteer help as well as Vacation Bible School. The Youth Group will go to Chicago for their annual servant event and asks for prayers from members of Redeemer for support of this mission.
April Beckman thanked those people who hosted members of the Concordia Choir who performed at Redeemer. She shared there will be a large musical concert at Trinity Church on November 12, 2017, honoring the musical contributions of Martin Luther to our faith.
On behalf of the Parish Nurse program, Jan Dicke welcomes Kathy Zarling to the team, and thanked her for implementing the recent Grief Support and Education program.
Forum: Daryl Schulz reported on the Stewardship Committee’s actions, the need for all of Redeemer members to be active within our
church community and plans underway for the 2nd Annual Retreat. Aaron Peter reported on activities of the Go To Team (GTO) in the outreach of members for their support and participation at
Redeemer.
Pastor Koglin shared the last words from Martin Luther during this year of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. After prayer, the common doxology was sung and meeting adjourned at 1:38 PM.
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OFFICERS 2017‐2018 COUNCIL President – Kathy Zarling (2018) Vice‐President – Mandie Anderson (2018) Secretary – Tracy Decklever (2019) Treasurer – Eric Brown (2019)
Elders Representative – Tom Werle (2019) Education Representative – Connie Scheid (2019) Trustee Representative – Curt Walter (2019)
**At Large Reps** Dawn Shelstad (2018) Joan McCormick (2019)
Dawn Radtke (2019) Molly Gommels (2018)
FUND DEVELOPMENT Jim Weispfenning (2019) Marv Reinecke (2018) Dave Zarling (2018) Mike McCormick (2019) ELDERS Lynn Meier (2018) Mike Holst (2018) Frank Kmett (2018) Jeff Schoppers (2018) Jeff Ihrke (2018) Kelly Anderson (2018) Chairman
Tony Fick (2019) Randy Hellickson (2019) Scott Feeder (2019) Joel Pralle (2019) Tom Werle (2019) Tim Rossman (2019)
Mark Radtke (2019) Darin Grewe (2019) Steven Brady (2019) Aaron Peter (2019) Dan Zeccardi (2019)
2017 STATISTICAL INFORMATION
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Average Worship Attendance
524 518 513 523 523 529 523 520 521 549
Active Baptized Membership
1177 1163 1176 1212 1231 1237 1228 1200 1193 1184
Active Confirmed Membership
971 963 979 1006 1017 1023 1030 1004 997 993
Number of Households 564 551 561 572 567 565 563 557 551 548
Baptisms Gabriella Renee Ambrose (Pastoral Act) Rory James Brown Dison Dane Bruns Xyra Annabelle Bruns Michael Manford Corson Gabriel Jon Micheal Engel Kali Jane Engel Ariah Jane Espinoza (Pastoral Act) Liesel Joy Fisk Owen James Haagensen
Nolan Michael Heine Piper Ann Hendrickson Parker Jacob Hershberger Hunter Wayne Hoppe Naomi Joy Koglin Hannah Becky Lassila Langping “Sunny” Li (Pastoral Act) Susie Mae Marrero (Pastoral Act) Holden Robert Meaike Mackenzie Catherine Miller
Elijah David Schneider Kane Landon Schulz Riley Ann Schartz (Pastoral Act) Bennett Karl Smith Charlee Rose Sohre (Pastoral Act) Brevon Ryan Swancutt (Pastoral Act) Bryson Allen Swancutt (Pastoral Act) Cheyanne Nicole Swancutt (Pastoral Act) Connor Taylor Zafft
Transfers (in from other LC‐MS)Steve and Sandy Arnot Judith Borgschatz Steven and Laura Brady
Eric and Kate Brown, Jace and Ryan Teresa Louks Claryn Van Meekeren
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Karina Van Meekeren, Noah and Kyra Schmitz Michael Zarling Daniel Zeccardi Bryce and Emilie Domaille, Lydia, Isaac, and Elayna Dan and Kay Kluge Marc and Heather Woolman, Zach, Kaitlyn, Andrew
Bob Storma Bill and Dawn Foy Jesse and Brooke Meaike Marilyn and Ken Monsrud Tom and Arlene Schwerzler
Affirmation of Faith (from other Lutheran) Arnold and Lydia Blauert, Joshua and Rachel Lee Nauss and Geri Maxwell Helen Collopy David Huntington
Curt and Linda Lenz Eric and Kami Lenz Dave and Chris Walters, Sam and Bailey
Reinstated from Inactive Tom and Vicki Rud Adam Schulz Adult Confirmation Weddings Alyssa Heim and Ridge Erdmann Junior Confirmation Tyler Bell Tyler Bruns Noah Decker
Taylor Fick Addie Harvey Bethany Mennecke
Hailey Moore Olivia Rossman Davis Schulz
Sophie Schwarz
DeathsElvera Cordes Peter Waitikowich June Dean Harold Priebe Sharron Smith Betty Borgwardt Gerhardt Poch
Eileen Berg Eugene Searles Roger Hovland Bernadine Stahlhut Ketan Schwerman Linda Walters Helen Johnson (Pastoral Act)
Dana Wentworth Louelyn Reinecke Gene Lewallen Rose Polikowsky Earl Schwerman Alvin Hein Janet VanProosdy
Judy Mueller John Randall Marilyn Monsrud Lyle Voight Terry Ellerman (Pastoral Act)
Transfers (to other LCMS congregations) Dauline Menze Nancy Stiles Todd Rahlf Lynne Billing Released (to other churches)Joshua Burdick Faith VanProosdy
Ginger Taff‐Lagergren Fabio and Tanja Morello, and Katie
To Inactive (no current address, inactivity, out of area, or by personal request) NOTE: The people in this category are welcome to request a transfer or resume active membership at Redeemer whenever they would like to do so. As a Family of Believers if you know someone on this list, reach out to them and remind them they are loved and cared for by their Redeemer family. Jeff LeCrone Pamela Jech Elizabeth Schroeder and Holden Emily Vale, and Keeva Sanford Steve and Kathy Williams, and Kyle Steven and Sandra Nelson
Ellen Swenson Donna Fitzgerald and Isaiah Heather Tomlinson Christopher and Victoria Leitz Shelly Sturdevant
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STAFF REPORTS Administrative Pastor – Pastor Adam Koglin How Have I grown in Christ in 2017?
In 2017 Jesus solidified the importance and the reminder to me that I am a sheep before I am His “under” shepherd. “I am Jesus little lamb…for my shepherd gently guides me.”
2017 God used to call out my “self – trust” and develop my “God‐Trust.” The fruit there is so much better!
This year I have grown in my appreciation for all the servants and leaders we have here at Redeemer that love their Savior, love this church family, and want to have a positive influence on their community. Christ truly has blessed this church with dedicated workers with servant hearts! Not only this vacancy – but all of it – would not be possible without His work through you.
God has grown me as a family member of yours. I have laughed with you. I have cried with you. I have cared for you. You have cared for me. I have prayed for you. You have prayed for me. I love this family. Thanks for not just letting me be a part of it but a leader in it.
How will you share God’s love in 2018? (The Transition Year!)
In 2018 I plan to share God’s love by intentionally working to set up Pastor Loos as the caring pastor I know he will be. So that you are loved by him and he is loved by you. Transition one.
In 2018 I plan to begin the conversation with mentors, church leadership, and Pastor Loos on how we can best be a pastoral team that cares for this Family of Believers and works with this Family of Believers to welcome all into it. Transition two.
In 2018 I plan to help solidify Pastor Loos as an important, valued, and cared for part of our wonderful staff here at Redeemer. Uniting us and playing from our strengths will only deepen our opportunity and influence in sharing God’s love. Transition three.
How Do I spend time in God’s Word?
Anna and I are reading the Bible in a Year doing the Chronological Plan
I start as many mornings as I can in the sanctuary with the cross light on. In prayer for you. In prayer for my family. In prayer for our community. In prayer for our Family of Believers. And I intentionally read at that time not for sermon, Bible study, or prep ‐‐ but for me!
How Can Redeemer encourage me in 2018?
Pray for my family. Pray for Isaac as we start talking potential surgery in the summer of 2018. Pray for the Lord’s strength, grace, and guidance for me as your pastor.
Love Pastor Loos and welcome his family into our Family of Believers.
Know I will make mistakes. I am not perfect. My door is open. Come talk to me if I do. I will try to be quick to listen and to say “I am sorry.”
Pray for this church. Read your Bibles. Tell your family that Jesus loves them. Apply the sermon/service to your week. Pray for our impact in this community. Sing with us in church. Kneel with us at the rail. Talk about Jesus in the Narthex. Connect with your neighbors and model to them a life lived with Jesus.
Director of Faith Formation – Michael Harvey How have you grown in Christ in 2017?
Through education, humiliation, laughter, prayer, God’s Word, relationships, and collaboration I have grown a lot this last year. Hard to capture in words!
How will you share God’s love in 2018?
In 2018 I will share God’s love in many ways. Rochester Servant Event continues to bring this Family of Believers together in intergenerational service and outreach. Through Peer Ministry more youth will be developed as leaders and equipped to share God’s love here at Redeemer and throughout the community. We will continue to offer a variety of Family Ministry opportunities to strengthen the home and marriage. The Leadership Development Team has been started and will support and help leaders at Redeemer as they serve. The Stewardship team will be growing Redeemer’s understanding of how generous God is and how we can share His generosity with others. The ChristCare Equippers and Leaders are a huge blessing to Redeemer and they will continue their labor of love into 2018. We are hopeful that we can train more leaders in the new year! Through confirmation, adult education, children’s messages and music God has allowed and will continue to allow me to share His love.
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I will also be sharing God’s love outside of Redeemer as I continue to share music for the RCLS Wednesday morning chapels. I am also serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the UKANDU Mission Trip. I will continue my work with KINDLE as I train DCEs and commissioned workers to foster and multiply Christ‐like Servant Leaders.
The most enjoyable and exciting way I will share God’s love is in everyday interactions with people in and out of the church. I thank God for all these opportunities!
How do you spend time in the Word?
I am enjoying reading through the scriptures. I am using a Bible called, “The Books of the Bible”. It does not have chapters or verses so the text flows with less interruption. I also take full advantage of all the devotions that the leaders of the various groups I am a part of prepare. As I serve and plan lessons and devotions God speaks to me as I prepare to speak to others.
How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist you in 2018?
Please pray for me. Please be in the Word of God. Please consider joining one of the ministry teams here at Redeemer. Please proactively look for ways God is calling you to serve and let a staff member help you answer that call!
Who are you in team ministry with? The Family of Believers! Director of Parish Music – April Beckman How have you grown in Christ in 2017?
2017 – A huge year to celebrate the Reformation. o Last January I had the privilege to lead the Bible class looking at Luther’s hymns. I learned so much! o I was blessed to be the head of planning our Regional Hymn Festival, as well as preparing the mass choir
and working with instrumentalists. It was an amazing service celebrating what Christ has done, and joining with our sister choirs and congregations!
A time to trust in the Lord and rely on many to support my family through prayer. First with Bryce’s surgery last January to remove the hardware from his wrist surgery in 2015 and with the diagnosis, surgery, and treatments for my mom’s cancer. It has been a challenging yet blessed year.
We welcomed Concordia St. Paul’s Christus Chorus – Thank you to many who opened your homes to the students and to Sounds of Praise for feeding them!
We have a school age girl – Kindergarten has been great and RCLS is a blessing!
I’ve enjoyed providing the “Singing the Scripture” resource for our “In the Word” theme for the year.
The choir room has new chairs – thanks to the congregation! Thank You! How will you share God’s love in 2018?
Continue to uplift God’s Word through the gift of music with the congregation, choirs, and instruments
Celebrate the Organ’s 50th Birthday with an Organ Recital on January 28 @ 3:30 p.m.
Looking forward to welcoming the Minnesota Boy Choir to Rochester and to Redeemer for worship and a concert on April 28!
How do you spend time in the Word?
Continue to read God’s word through music in preparing weekly for services.
Enjoy time with staff as we look at the sermon text each week How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist you in 2018?
We always need singing in worship – whether in your own pews or in the choir – SING!
Continued prayers for my family –Managing work, home, two small children, and my parents – cancer is exhausting!
Prayers as Bryce seeks to further his education
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Director of Youth and Education – Joshua Heirigs How did I grow in Christ in 2017? God is always at work in big ways. I think instead of how I grew in Christ; the question should be: ‘How did Christ Grow Me in 2017?’
This past year God has helped me to grow in understanding of this Family of Believers and the work He is up to through the ministry areas I have been called to.
2017 was a year in which I stepped into leadership roles in more solidified ways. Much of the handoff from Michael to myself has happened at this time. Christ is continuing to mold me into a better leader. Please be patient with me as I learn more and more what it means to lead here at Redeemer.
Christ has been at work at growing me through serving alongside his awesome saints. Chicago, RSE, PYROS events, VBS and Christmas program missions, work with Riverside Elementary’s Family Resource Room, and many other serving areas have brought me an appreciation for how God’s people serve. It is a joy to work alongside His people.
This year was a year of growing in depth in my relationship with Jesus. My intentional time with Jesus has made a huge impact on my outlook on life. Time with Jesus has a tendency to leave you in a different spot that you where before.
How will I share God’s love in 2018?
God works wonders through His Holy Spirit in sharing His love. I have the privilege to be part of that through teaching, through serving at events like RSE, Youth summer Mission Trips, and PYROS events, through connecting youth to their God given mission to Share Jesus in their schools.
I will seek to share God’s love in my relationships as a reflection of His love. Please know that I am available to talk to!
How do you spend time in the Word?
Each morning as I start my day at the office, I get a cup of coffee, close my door, open my Bible and journal and spend the first thirty minutes of my day going through 2‐3 chapters in Scripture. God has been so good to me in that time of music, prayer, and reflection.
How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer, encourage and assist you in 2018?
Prayers are always needed! God works through prayer in big ways, and as a staff member here, I covet those prayers.
This year at Redeemer we are looking for more volunteers for our VBS ministry. This would not only assist me, but you would see the great work God can work through you in your interactions with His kids. Mark down July 16‐20th on your calendars!
Please encourage our youth in their ministries! Redeemer is a church with strong connections across the generations. You have the ability and responsibility to help encourage our youth! If this is a calling God has put on your heart and you would like to serve in a specific way but aren’t plugged in, let me know!
When asked to list the members of my team: I can’t, we are all on the same team together! Parish Nurse – Jan Dicke and Iva Kietzmann
The focus of the Parish Nurse ministry is on health promotion and illness prevention, rather than hands –on ‐ nursing care. The Parish Nurse works to reflect God’s love so that our Family of Believers may receive spiritual support as they face health problems and challenges. Parish Nurses have taken a college class to gain knowledge, which will help them to assist members find resources and information to keep our Family of Believers healthy and safe. Although the Parish Nurses work with the pastor, they are under the direction of the Health Cabinet.
Our primary responsibility has been visitation to the ill and frail member of our congregation. During the vacancy, we have been challenged by Pastor Koglin and the Health Cabinet to add one hospital visit a week to offer spiritual support to our members who are hospitalized. We feel that we have grown from this experience. Although we have always visited the hospitalized parishioners, we were on a schedule to visit the hospitalized on Wednesdays.
This past year Kathy Zarling who completed the Parish Nurse class became our 3rd working Parish Nurse. Kathy Z and Jan Ludwig have completed their 2nd Spiritually‐based Grief and Loss group. Jan L is a retired RN who has worked with support groups in her work at Mayo Clinic. Kathy’s role will be primarily health education and support groups.
We believe that there are many nurses who could participate in nursing activities who wouldn’t necessarily be parish nurses. We have lots of nurses in our congregation who we want to encourage to share their expertise!!
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We encourage the congregation to let the church know of members who are in the hospital and of upcoming surgery. We are blessed to belong to such a caring congregation, which has talents and resources available to share with members. Thank you on behalf of the Redeemer Health Ministry. Arab Women’s Ministry ‐ Martha Farag Hello, my name is Martha, I am from Egypt. Redeemer has blessed me in so many ways , Thank you for bringing me here. My country is no longer safe for Christians, and I am very happy to be in this church and this community. Thank you all for your support. In 2017, I have enjoyed Bible studies, being part of Immanuel Christ Care Group, helping serve at UMR luncheons, and bringing Arab‐speaking visitors to church and Bible class and talking to them about Jesus. I especially enjoyed being a member of the Friendship Team at Redeemer (through which approximately 9 new Christians were brought to Christ through classes, witnessing and baptism), baptism dinners including congregational advocates & pastors from other circuit churches. Many activities at Redeemer (game night, Trunk or Treat, Advent fair, Easter/Christmas services) have been well attended by our POBLO friends. I also spend many hours at POBLO and I connect that work with the church. I will continue doing all of these Activities in 2018, with more expertise since my English is improving and I am more familiar with the people. I keep my faith strong by attending church Bible class and reading my Bible in the morning and afternoon as much as possible. I believe that God has a Plan for me, to be a Missionary in America here at Redeemer. I can help Arabic and Chinese people be introduced to Christ our Lord. Examples of my work now are: meeting with Muslim women to discuss Jesus; and we comparing the differences between the Bible, the Koran, also the Trinity and Allah. I also Translate for Arabic people who come to church on Sunday. I also volunteer at POBLO. Some or the things I do at POBLO are, being a receptionist and helping tell Arabic visitors about POBLO, and attending classes to help interpret for Arabic‐speaking people who know no English and to learn English myself. In 2018, and I hope in the future here at Redeemer, I can continue to increase witnessing to Arabic–speaking people. If it is God`s will and Redeemer will make it possible, I have a vision of Redeemer being a Friendship Center for Arabic–speaking people. Arabic people and I would meet at Redeemer regularly to talk. During the time I am working at POBLO we have Bible study 3 time per week. Sometimes we have no Christian student in Bible studies, we had an Arabic language student and I had to translate our talking for him. That made me to study and think more. Thank you. God bless you!
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MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS Altar Guild – Shelly Potter How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? In 2017, we assisted Pastor Adam during Lent by providing Communion at each service as part of the Lord's Supper Series, it allowed us to grow in Christ by the serving of the Lord's Supper at each week’s Mid‐week Lenten service, reflecting on the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us and how at each Communion we remember this sacrifice How will your team share God’s love in 2018? We continue to assist our Elders’ Team and the Pastor in preparing for each week's worship services How does your team spend time in the Word? I am not quite sure how to address this question; we do have fellowship with our members as we prepare each weekly service for the Congregation How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? For our committee, we find that it has been difficult to gain new or additional members to assist with the duties. I have called and/or emailed persons that have been referred to us as having an interest and after 2 or 3 attempts either do not receive a return call or am advised that so many groups have contacted them they are overwhelmed. Who are the members of your team? Marilyn Olson, Brenda Meyers, Kirsten Hershberger, Wendy Hickey, Susan Blood, Caroline Ferdig, Vicky Ward, Rosie Petersen, Donna Mundell, Nancy Carlson, Kathy Solomonson, Marlie Ernst, Stephanie Behne, Renee Brandt, Connie Harnack, Linda Krueger, Sherry Haugen, Connie Feeder, Shelly Potter, Mary Roehrick, Karen Dee, Jan Corkill, Amy Tostenson, Tammy Konicek, Tracy Decklever, Kathy Zarling, and Sharon Thede. Assimilation Ministry Team – Scott Okuno Members: Chad and Sarah Finley Ministry Mentor Coordinator; Ardis Jenkins Welcome Orientation Coordinator; Scott Okuno Education Coordinator; Lori Lewis Photograph Coordinator How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? We have been blessed to have Sarah and Chad Finley join the Assimilation Ministry Team. God is using their talents in working with the ministry mentors. How will your team share God's love in 2018? The Assimilation Ministry Team will continue to welcome new members to Redeemer allowing them to use their gifts at Redeemer and beyond. How does your team spend time in the Word? The team is reminded that God works through the Word to bring people to faith. We continue to emphasize the importance of being in the Word during our New Member Welcome Orientation. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? Continue to pray for our ministry so we all can use our gifts to His glory. ChristCare – Paula Muth The ChristCare Ministry at Redeemer began in March of 2001 and is a small group ministry with trained leaders. The Equippers are the administrators of the ministry. Currently there are five equippers: Michael Harvey, Sue Tollers, Paul Collopy, Joy Fetchenhier, and Paula Muth. With Pastor Heining's retirement from the team, we welcomed Michael from the church staff, which has worked out very well given his role as Director of Faith Formation. Building faith is one of the cornerstones of the ChristCare Ministry. Spending time in the Word is an integral part of the Equippers' team and also of every ChristCare group. The Equippers' team always has an opening devotion, and each ChristCare group shares in the Word through the process of Biblical Equipping, which enables members to carry the Word with them while away from the group. Last year we trained four leaders who are now actively leading groups. Beginning in January we plan to offer another 16‐week training session to expand the ChristCare Ministry beyond the 18 existing groups. Some groups are at capacity, and starting new groups is a way to share God's love in a smaller, more intimate atmosphere. The Equippers'
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team will also continue to administer to the needs of the individual leaders. We ask that the Family of Believers include this ministry in their prayers, asking that the Holy Spirit will raise up leaders and Equippers, and will continue to bless all members on their journey of faith. Elderberries – Darlene Thompson Elderberries is a ministry for those who are 50 or older, though as Ted Saxman once wrote, we don’t check IDs at the door. We gather for a meal catered by Canadian Honker, Christian fellowship and an educational program. Elderberries meet five times a year: February, April, June, September and November. Programs in 2017 included the following:
February 21: Randy Staver, President of Rochester City Council (update)
April 11: Nancy Cashman ~ “Homelessness in Rochester”
June 13: Darrell Hildebrandt ~ “Crime in Rochester: What is Real and What is Perceived?”
September 19: Program canceled due to Ted Saxman’s accident
November 13: Doug McGill ~ “The Leaf Artist” (story of mom Jean McGill and Alzheimer’s) Because Ted Saxman, the previous facilitator, had a very serious accident on September 14, 2017, Darlene Thompson stepped in to keep Elderberries going, starting with the November program, which she had originally helped schedule for September. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? Attend and invite others to attend. Program suggestions welcomed. Ted Saxman ~ Facilitator for February, April and June Jan Walters ~ kitchen: desserts, drinks Lavon Pavek & Betty Mueller ~ collect meal payments A big thanks to Ted for all his years of service. We greatly appreciate the time and effort he put into Elderberries. Thanks also to Jan Walters, Lavon Pavek and Betty Mueller and to all who support Elderberries by attending. Elders’ Report – Kelly Anderson The elders continued to support Redeemer’s called staff with the spiritual care of the congregational family. Highlights from last year include:
Kicked off the In The Word reading initiative
Met monthly to review reports from the called staff and discussed any needs identified
Assisted at every church service to make sure they went smoothly
Set service times for our various special services
Served on various other church committees as Elder representative
Provided extra assistance during the vacancy
Served on the Call Team for new Associate Pastor
Prayed for congregation members and their families
Provided treats to our Christmas carolers Family Ministry – Cheri Struve The Family Ministry Team works in every level of the congregation – parents nurturing faith in their homes; connecting families to other families at Redeemer; building stronger families and marriages; planning intergenerational events; and lifting up the blessings of being families in all life stages. To address some of these goals the Family Ministry Team continued writing and distributing Faith Journey materials to all students/parents of three‐year‐olds through sixth grade. These materials are given to the families in the fall and in the winter/spring. Anyone interested in seeing this material can contact anyone on the committee. We distributed Lenten Devotions during Lent, held the Annual Easter Egg Hunt the Sunday before Palm Sunday; put on a Family Game Night, organized Rally Day Fair and sponsored the Advent Festival.
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We will continue to lift up the family by planning a retreat this winter/spring, have another game night, and do the Easter Egg Hunt. If anyone has an idea for a retreat or family (all included) activity, please contact anyone on the team. Team Members ~ Cheri Struve, Lori Lewis, Molly Gommels, Diana Reese, Jolene Heining and Katie Schulz. Family Promise (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) – Kay Fockler Redeemer provided a safe, dry, warm (or cool) refuge, for the families that were enrolled in Family Promise (IHN), 4 separate weeks in 2017. These families are homeless and always have young children. There is a limit of 14 people that can be served at a time. Forty volunteers from Redeemer, along with those from our helper churches, show God's love by providing hospitality from 5:00 ‐ 8:30 p.m., staying through the night, meals, cold breakfast items, ingredients for sack lunches, washing bed linens and driving the Family Promise van as needed. The guest families are encouraged and given direction through Family Promise as they work to find stability. The continued commitment that Redeemer makes to Family Promise, both financially and with the use of our church, has made a difference in the lives of these families. We do need more people that would like to serve families in this program, or that would be interested in helping co‐ordinate the volunteers for the week. Training is required before you start volunteering. Volunteers sign up for the activity and time slot they would like to help with. If you are interested, please call Kay Fockler at 288‐0668. I am thankful that Redeemer is willing to serve these families and show God's love through this very important community program. Greeters and Welcome Center – Larry Stoen How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? The Greeter and Welcome Center Teams are many times the first people visitors speak with at Redeemer. By welcoming all, greeting all and providing information especially to new visitors, this team grows in Christ and members and visitors grow in Christ. How will your team share God’s love in 2018? By continuing to Greet and Welcome all to Redeemer. How does your team spend time in the Word? Since these teams main task happens at Worship Services, time is spent in the Word at Worship Services. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? We are in need of new team members. Most of the new help is needed doing the Welcome Center Saturday at the 5:30 Service and we need Greeters at the Late Worship Service Sunday. All Services for Welcome Center and Greeting can use additional team members. Who are the members of your team? Welcome Center: (Larry Stoen: [email protected] 507‐251‐7139) Larry and Diana Stoen, Curt and Sherry Haugen, Kim Jensen, Terry and Sharon Muller, Bernie and Ellie Nesler,
Dan and Terri Zemke, Megan Grudem, Mike and Joan McCormick, Beth Hansen, Arlene Strelow, Caroline Ferdig Greeters: (Larry Stoen: [email protected] 507‐251‐7139) Ele Moore, Dorothy Beasley, Gordy and Janet Hoffman, Ric Theike, Lynora Miller, Caroline Ferdig, Lily Harvey,
Bob and Donna Danielsen, Kathy Voight, Stephen and Chantel VanGuilder, Bruce and Cheri Struve, Kurt and Clare West, Doug and Ellie Jerde, Darrel and Irene Lande, Paul and Heide Diercks, Aaron and Sara Lassila, Bill and Wendy Hickey, Karen and Randy Peck, Paul and Alice Kitzman, Grant and Cara Wilson, Bruce and Janet Ludwig, Dawn Dubbels, Lois Norby, Darlene Thompson, Jerry and Bonnie Ott, Donna Walters, Linda Malnar, Sue Tollers, Ladue and Darlene Vatland, Stan and Linda Sohre, Royce and Marlie Ernst, Lois Hamilton, Paula Muth
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Growth Through Outreach (G.T.O.) – Larry Stoen How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? The GTO team works to engage the community in Christ. The team has grown this year by sharing our welcoming message through the Trunk or Treat, as well as scheduling a tent at Rochesterfest on Family night. This team also works with advertising within the Rochester community. How will your team share God’s love in 2018? By continuing with our large events, Trunk or Treat and Rochesterfest Family Night and advertising. How does your team spend time in the Word? By beginning meetings in devotion which Pastor Koglin leads and ending in prayer. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? We are in dire need of new team members and have been for several years. The team would like to take on more community projects and contact more visitors to Redeemer, but that is impossible without new members. Who are the members of your team? Larry Stoen, Terry and Sharon Muller, Jan Rump (working to document visitors), Pastor Koglin is our Called Staff Advisor. Health Cabinet – Jan Dicke The Health Cabinet is a “volunteer, non‐elected group” of individuals who are interested in the health and spiritual well‐ being of Redeemer members! Anyone from Redeemer is welcome to become a part of the Health Cabinet. The Redeemer Health Cabinet, in partnership with the Parish Nurses, is formed to make health and wellness a part of the Christian’s life and growth. How can we spread Christ’s mission if we aren’t physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually well? Ministries include File of Life, FFF exercise group, Meals in Crisis, Medical Equipment library, Cholesterol Screening, Health Education, Flu Shot clinic, Prayer Shawl and BP ministry. The Parish Nurses are to co‐ordinate and to follow guidelines set by the Health Cabinet. Because the Mayo Clinic has changed its policy on “The List” of parishioners who are in the hospital, it becomes our opportunity to operate as a Family of Believers. We would encourage all of us as family members to let us know when they hear someone has upcoming surgery or is in the hospital. Redeemer would like to offer spiritual support during hospitalization. A magnet was developed and was distributed to all of our members. Redeemer’s name and phone number is on the magnet. It is hoped that caregivers will remember to call the church when someone is in the hospital. This past year the Redeemer Health Cabinet sponsored 2 Health Forums –In February the Campus Ministry was presented. On November 26 Sondra Johnson presented, The Social Worker role in a Mayo Clinic Hospital. A successful flu shot clinic was held on September 24 and a Cholesterol Screening was held on February 5, 2017. Health articles have been written, File of Life packets are available in the Narthex. Prayer shawls are delivered as they are available for support those who are grieving or are sick or having surgery. Faithfully Fit Forever exercise is held two days a week that serves as exercise, devotion and social support! BP nurses are available every Sunday and before every other Saturday evening service. We appreciate the medical equipment that we receive from our members. It is available for those who need it. The Parish nurses primarily offer and distribute the equipment. Meals in Crisis is a special group who will make a full meal and deliver it to our members in a crisis situation. It is not utilized often as we stress that it is available in a crisis. The Parish Nurses evaluate and start the process for this ministry.
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Lutherans For Life Lutherans for Life is a national organization that seeks to educate on life issues. "From womb to tomb" all of life is a gift of God. While some pro‐life organizations work in the political realm, LFL believes that it more effective to provide Biblically‐based educational materials. The Rochester Area chapter meets regularly at Redeemer (currently on the first Sunday evening of the month). The group begins with a life‐oriented Bible study, and then strategizes how best to share the message in simple ways. In recent years, they have provided inserts for Life Sunday in January, special materials for confirmation students, and suggested "bulletin blurbs" for each Sunday. They own fetal models that are available for anyone to use.
The small group welcomes others to join them. Talk to Redeemer members Sally Arrindell, Luanne Krauss, Jolene or Jim Heining for more information.
Membership Ministry Team – Mark Gennrich The Membership Ministry Team is under the guidance of the Board of Elders, with responsibilities that include reviewing member attendance reports and making contacts with members who have not been in worship for some time, or whose recent attendance patterns have changed significantly. How has our team grown in Christ in 2017? Formal processes have been established and followed to review attendance records and determine when contacts should be made, keep track of contacts made, by whom, and with follow‐up recommendations. We continue to remind ourselves that we are not to chastise member’s delinquency, but reach out as fellow members of our Family of Believers, sharing our faith and encouraging them to grow in faith and fellowship through regular church and Bible class attendance. Our “calling team” made 180 calls to 41 households this past year. How will our team share God’s love in 2018? We will continue to reach out in a caring way to those missing or less active, sharing our faith and offering support, help, prayers, or just a friendly contact to fellow Redeemer members. We will also look for special encouragement and contact ideas. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage/assist our team in 2018? Any member who knows of members, or has family members who need encouragement can personally reach out to them in a positive and caring way. Who are the members of the Membership Ministry Team? ‐‐ The Steering Committee: Jim Bronk, Mark Gennrich, Tim Rossman and Pastor Koglin ‐‐ The Callers: Dorothy Beasley, Doug Jerde, Alice Kitzmann, Lavon Pavek and Carole Sorensen
Memorial and Special Gift Committee – Rich Gommels Our Redeemer Family of Believers is so generous! Our 10‐member team started the year with a request for new student Bibles. The Men's Bible study group heard about this, and stepped in to purchase them. Our next request was for new chairs in the Choir Room. It was quite a large amount of money, so our team decided to instigate a congregational fundraiser. Again, the Redeemer family stepped up and purchased all the chairs! We also helped with the purchase of new Christmas trees, and we refurbished the existing Bibles for our Sunday morning Bible study hour. We have projects already on our list for 2018, and are always looking for more. Our team looks forward to serving the wonderful Family of Believers here at Redeemer.
Men’s Bible Study (Tuesday Morning) – Bill Cochran The Men’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets every Tuesday at 9 AM, in Room 102. Each week we study the Lectionary readings for the coming week. We start with a short sharing time and then watch a short video from "What They Didn't Teach Me in Sunday School" before diving into the lessons. Each week's study stands on its own. Our numbers range from 8 to 20 depending on the time of year and the weather. All men and visitors are welcome. Women are also welcome and some do join us during the summer or whenever the Women's Bible Study does not meet.
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Nursery – Anna Koglin How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? Our team has grown and we have had the opportunity to welcome several new families into the nursery and share the love of Christ with them. How will your team share God’s love in 2018? Talking, singing and showing God’s love in our interactions with the kids and families in our care. How does your team spend time in the Word? Reading Bible stories with the kids that visit the nursery. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? Join us in praying for the young families that we get to interact with, that we can help these parents and grandparents introduce their children to Jesus. We have space for a few more volunteers, it’s only an hour or two per month commitment! Who are the members of your team? Kate Brown, Eric Brown, Stephanie Fisk, Becky Decker, Erin Harvey, Addie Harvey, Lily Harvey, Carole Sorenson, Katye Lutzke, Jane Quaintance, Julie Wrubel, Stephanie Fingerson, Anita Werle, Madi Werle, Rebecca Applen, Kylie Geib, Sara Bonnes, Marcia Cochran, Anna Koglin Prayer Chain (Email) – Lori Hameister How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? We have added a lot of new members to our Email Prayer Chain this past year. We now have almost 70 members! How will your team share God's love in 2018? My hopes are that there will be more members who are interested in joining us in the coming year. How does your team spend time in the Word? By sending out Email Prayer Requests as well as follow up emails and updates that allow us to realize that our prayers are being heard. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018? Share the news with others about this wonderful opportunity to pray for fellow members as well as members of our community. I would ask that all board members and staff join the Email Prayer Chain as well. Prayer Chain (Phone) – Gail Sim From 2009‐2014 the phone prayer chain members numbered approximately between 45‐36 members. In March of 2017 the Phone Prayer Chain list was updated after many years due to the fact that many faithful prayer members had passed away. Also, due to more convenient and increased internet sources, some members chose to be transferred to the email prayer chain. A notice was sent out to all members asking which list they would prefer. At that time 8 phone prayer members switched to the email list and an additional 6 members who were on both the phone and email lists, opted to be on the email list only. There are currently 3 members who continue to be on both lists. The current Phone Prayer Chain members list now consists of 10 members. These are Redeemer members who do not use email or have internet access but wish to continue to share God’s love in the prayers of the church. We will support the Phone Prayer Chain as long as there are members who wish to be a part of this mission. POBLO Team – Daryl Schulz How have you grown in Christ in 2017?
This ministry team has grown from an idea to help some people get to church to an organized ministry team to help become friends to pre‐Christians. Praise God for all those helping His kingdom grow multiple new Christians through baptisms after building friendships started through POBLO.
The team helped connect people to POBLO, each other and importantly to Jesus through hosting multiple events like friendship sharing of cultures, baby showers, baptism dinners including congregational advocates & pastors
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from other circuit churches. Many activities at Redeemer, like game night, Trunk or Treat, Advent fair, Easter and Christmas services, have been well‐attended by our POBLO friends. The Agape small group reached out to one of our Friendship Families to encourage a closer connection with the hopes of integrating them more intimately with Redeemer. The goal is to have other small groups reach out to other Friendship families to expand our circle of friends.
How will you share God’s love in 2018?
Have you ever been without a friend? Not many of us have, as God in His perfect plan, put us in family to reach out and take care of one another, rejoice, share sorrows and just “be there” for others. His greatest desire is for us to show His love to those who may not know Him. This is why our POBLO Ministry Team is renaming itself the Friendship Ministry Team. Through our Director of Arab Women's Outreach, Martha Farag, we are working on scheduling coffees in members' homes in the new year as an outreach to the women that Martha visits. We will continue to support the activities scheduled by the POBLO Friendship Center as well as other sharing activities scheduled at Redeemer.
How does your team spend time in the Word?
In Matthew 28:19‐20 Jesus tells us to make disciples of all nations and that He will be with us so we are not alone. We strive to live out this great commission.
How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist you in 2018?
Our plan for the new year includes sharing our vision to have a social ministry with those who have expressed interest. We will reach out to our Redeemer Family of Believers to help so all will have the opportunity to be a part of this mission the Lord has brought to us. We ask that the Family of Believers include this ministry in their prayers, specifically asking that the Holy Spirit will raise up members who have a gift for sharing God's love and also to grow the seeds that are planted in the hearts of those friends whose lives we touch.
Martha has indicated a need to have some Bibles in Arabic/English to hand out to those friends we meet through POBLO, and other ministry events such as UMR. There was a student who would have benefited from this kindness. Please consider this in your prayers and offerings as well as discussing with Daryl other opportunities to join a growing list of area churches and families to help the Rochester International Friendship Center financially.
Project Compassion – Julie Walter, Gail Sim, Gloria Poch Project Compassion is a group of compassionate people who volunteer to visit church members who can no longer attend church regularly due to age, nursing home confinement, extended illness or physical limitations. Members deemed frail or over age 90, no matter what condition, are also included. Members are referred to us by the Pastoral or Parish Nursing team. We visit as a representative of the Redeemer Family of Believers, not as an individual, to let them know that they are still an important part of our church family and we care about them. Each volunteer plans their own schedule for these confidential visits. These may be personal visits, telephone calls, cards or a combination. These contacts continue for an undefined period of time. A special bond of friendship is formed. Sharing Christ’s love is a blessing for all involved. We welcome you to join us and be matched with an individual. All individuals are remembered on their Birthdays with either a rose or flower grouping, Christmas with a poinsettia, Valentine’s Day with a mailing from the youth of Redeemer, Easter with an Easter Lily, May Day with a May basket from the Rebecca Circle and a Thanksgiving Day card. We place a flower at each member’s funeral held at Redeemer. During 2017 over 70 members were remembered during these occasions. While Project Compassion is a budgeted ministry of Redeemer, we usually exceed our budget and use funds directed to us through memorials. We are always looking for new participants. Please contact us if you are interested! Project Compassion Coordinators: Gloria Poch [email protected] 282‐7022 Gail Sim [email protected] 289‐2087 Julie Walter [email protected] 272‐9595
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Redeemer Lutheran Church Women / Lutheran Women’s Missionary League The RLCW gives oversight to Sarah Circle, Rebecca Circle, LWML and Women’s Activities at Redeemer. We provide the LWML Quarterly magazine, collect mites, monies for mission grants on both a District and National Level, sponsor LWML Sunday and a Bakeless Bake Sale in October. We sponsor Christmas and Spring Socials for fellowship. We use funds to supply kitchen equipment and this year donated funds to Orphan Grain Train, Rochester Servant Event and Project Legacy. The LWML Rochester Zone has an annual Winter Retreat, Spring Rally and also a Fall Rally Day with the other two zones in the Whitewater Conference. We also encourage attendance at the District and National Conventions. Quilters – EiLeen Miller Our goal is to provide quilts and lap robes to donate to our shut‐ins, graduating seniors, baptized babies, Orphan Grain Train and to Seasons Hospice, Zumbro Family Health, IHN, POBLO and other needs as requested. This year we were able to make about 300 items to pass on. We have up to 20 people helping at home and then at church every Monday from 8 am to 2 pm. We are always in need of fabric, batting, yarn, money and people to help. Come and visit anytime. Members: Ardell Brenner, Karen Bormann, Norma Holst, Joan Iverson, Arlene Krueger, Kathy Ostrem, Marge Zobel, Carolyn Ferdig, Diane Wendt, June Storma, Bonnie Hoenk, Luanne Krause, Carolyn Walk, Dawn Bell, Nancy Johnson, Gail Wood, Dale Hass, EiLeen Miller Rebecca Circle – Ardis Jenkins and Ruth Vrieze+ Rebecca Circle was formed in September 1960. We meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the North Fellowship Hall. We are always open to new members. Rebecca Circle is a welcoming group that encourages Christian fellowship and friendship and supports church projects. Each meeting includes a devotion and a topic, which may be a Bible Study from the Quarterly or some other, as well as having some speakers or videos. This past year we applied for a Thrivent grant, which enhanced this giving project. We serve treats during the summer between services and provide Lenten supper. A neighbor couple of one of our members has spoken and showed pictures to our group from their homelands of Thailand and Laos and we have given them money to help in funding an orphanage. Members: Sandy Arnot, Dee Christenson, Jan Dicke, Pat Fitch, Maxine Fieck, Diane Fitzpatrick, Joan Gennrich, Jolene Heining, Elnora Hildestad, Norma Holst, Ardis Jenkins, Joann Karges, Judy Lee, Cari Loos, Jan Ludwig, Ruth Hein, Betty Mueller, Rosie Petersen, Sandy Severson, Gail Sim, Linda Sohre, Sharon Thede, Sue Tollers, Darlene Vatland, Ruth Vrieze, Darlene Wentworth, Kathy Zarling and Dorothy Zemke.
Riverside Elementary – Connie Scheid How has Redeemer been a blessing to Riverside in 2017? Redeemer Church has supported our family resource room with basic human needs on a quarterly basis. Items like canned food, laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, deodorant and toothpaste. We have adults from Redeemer who have provided their time to Riverside as reading and math support as well as to help build the garden. How can Redeemer be a blessing in 2018? And what can we pray for you? Students and families benefit tremendously from this level of support. In looking toward 2018 continuing these supports is important, but also actively discuss further ways to build connection and share talents; both Redeemer and Riverside share a vision of Community and fostering that. Sarah Circle – Delores McGillivray What did your team do in 2017?
Conducted a monthly Bible Study and business meeting.
Generated revenue in areas of service ~ Annual Rummage Sale, Salad Luncheons for Organizations and maintain card rack.
Donated funds to Redeemer Projects, Rochester Outreach and Lutheran Organizations.
Served Lenten Supper and hosted the Christmas Social
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What are your plans for the team in 2018?
Continue to lift up concerns in prayer, provide spiritual growth and fellowship, support missions and ministries at all levels and encourage all women to engage in these endeavors.
How can we help you in 2018?
As always continued prayers and encouragement.
This year we are really looking for ways to reach out to younger women in our Family of Believers. As we want to sustain our current members. We also want to grow and support women in all stages of their lives.
Members: Connie Bennett, Janette Benson, Judy Berschet, Ellie Binder, Judy Borgschatz, Karen Bormann, Mary Frances Burton, Helen Eisenman, Molly Gommels, Mary Hanley, Joanne Iverson, Alice Kitzmann, Ellie Jerde, Lorraine Keith, Arlene Krueger, Luanne Kraus, Lois Kuntz, Bobbi Lewallen, Lori Lewis, Delores McGillivray, Joan McCormick, Eileen Miller, Ele Moore, Marion Mueller, Ellie Nesler, Bonnie Ott, Lavon Pavek, Lougene Peterson, Jean Peterson, Darlene Poch, Dawn Radtke, Barbara Rupkalvis, Carol Sonnabend, DoraLee Sprenger, June Storma, Cheri Struve, Arlene Strelow, Jan Walters, Marge Watkins and Marge Zobel. Honorary Members: Doris Mae Golberg, Kitty Harders, Dottie Hultquist Scholarship Team – Tom Werle In 2017 the Scholarship team was blessed to share the contributions from the Family of Believers at Redeemer with two groups of students. We were able to provide tuition assistance for four young men and women from Redeemer that are studying for careers in Church work. We were also able to provide some assistance to students from Redeemer attending RCLS. We pray that we will be able to continue to offer this tuition assistance in 2018. Our Family of Believers at Redeemer can assist us in praying for these students and continuing to contribute to the Church Work Scholarship fund at Redeemer. Our group for 2018 consists of Josh Heirigs, Darin Grewe, Bruce Ludwig, Randy Hellickson and Larry Reinartz. Softball: Youth and Adult – Curt Walter Adult softball. Once again we had a splendid year. We finished in first place in 2017, but lost in the playoffs. Everyone had a great time. We have been playing on Tuesday nights at McQuillan field all summer. A special thanks to all the players and fans that show up. This is a great opportunity for fellowship and storytelling. Thank you Redeemer for sponsoring this event for our Family of Believers. Youth Softball. Another fun and exciting year for Redeemer youth softball. The final playoff berth was in our hands but was lost in the last inning of the last game of the year. The games are both entertaining and educational. The youth at Redeemer learn basic softball skills, teamwork, and how to spit sunflower seeds at their coaches. Games are held on Wednesday nights from May through July. Thank you Redeemer for supporting this activity. And for all the fans in the stands, let’s work on those cheers for next year. Stephen Ministry – Bill Cochran What did your team do in 2017? How has your team grown in Christ in 2017?
Bi‐monthly Continuing Ed and Supervision for our 2 Stephen Leaders (David Wood and Bill Cochran) and our active Stephen Ministers (Sue Naessens, Myrna Reinartz, Jolene Heining, Barbara Wallskog, Ric Thieke, Jane Christensen, and Jan Ludwig) was provided under the guidance and leadership of Pastor Koglin. Gail Wood continues to provide communications and publicity support this year.
Three Stephen Ministers have volunteered to attend Leadership Training in February of 2018: Ric Thieke, Jane Christensen, and Myrna Reinartz.
Continued to be a key part of helping our members through life crises What will your team do in 2018? How will your team share God's love in 2018?
Our goal is to send one to 3 individuals to Stephen Ministry Leadership Training, who will then assume the leadership rolls from current Stephen Ministry leaders.
We plan to also send Pastor Loos to Leadership Training.
We plan to have a Stephen Minister training class in the fall of 2018.
Continue Bi‐monthly continuing Ed and Supervision for our currently active Stephen Ministers.
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Continue to be a key part of Redeemer’s caring ministry in helping members through life crises and difficult times/feelings
How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018?
Pray for this important ministry.
Pray for God to guide our new Stephen Ministry leaders.
Pray for God to raise up new additional Stephen Ministers.
Remember this ministry is for you, if and when you need help. We are here to listen!
Suggest this ministry to hurting members and help them come forward for help
Stewardship Team –Michael Harvey How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? We have grown in appreciation of the talents each of us has been given to accomplish God’s plan. How will your team share God’s love in 2018?
In 2018 the Stewardship Team will place added emphasis on “generosity”. God is generous toward us in so many ways. How can Redeemer share that generosity with others in time, talents and treasure?
We will reach out to our mission dollar recipients and ask them to share about their work and how it serves others. This feedback is important! We will all gain insight on how Redeemer’s generosity impacts others.
We have also chosen additional groups to support with mission dollars. As Redeemer grows, we are blessed to share our God‐given resources, generously with others.
How does your team spend time in the Word? We begin each meeting with prayer thanking God for blessing our congregation and for guidance that our discussions and plans are according to His plans for us. We also have been beginning with a devotion from God’s Word around the topic of stewardship and generosity. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2018?
As Redeemer continues to grow their mission work locally, regionally, and internationally, we would like input from our members on possible mission opportunities for the future.
We would also like to grow our ministry team. We are looking for new team members to help provide insight into how we can grow generosity within our own congregation and beyond.
Who are the members of your team? Chad Finley, Michael Harvey, Virginia Miller, Daryl Schulz, Patti Tackmann PROPOSED 2018 Mission Allocations
Budgeted Missions Dedicated $
POBLO (People of the Book Lutheran Outreach) Annual commitment $35,000.00
TIM (Together in Missions) Dominican Republic (Danelle Putnam)
Annual commitment $12,000.00
Ntshongweni Lutheran Church (Pastor Thwala's salary)
Annual commitment $6,000.00
New Mission Consortium 4 year commitment(2015) 2018 is 4th year of 4
$5,000.00
Grace Foundation (RCLS school use‐‐‐non‐endowment)
Annual commitment $2,500.00
UMR Campus Ministry Annual commitment $3,000.00
Redeemer Church Work Scholarship Annual commitment $16,000.00
Neighborhood Outreach – GTO, Family
Promise
Annual commitmentBanked
$1,200.00
Bethesda Lutheran Communities Annual commitment $10,000.00
Riverside Resource Room Annual commitment New 2018
$1,000.00
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Lutheran Bible Translators Annual commitment New 2018
$2,000.00
Subtotal $93,700.00
Special Designations Special Offerings Estimated Mission$
25% Rochester Servant Event 25% Family Promise (IHN) 25% Community Food Response 25% Channel One Food Bank
Lenten Suppers $3,500.00
25% Church Work Scholarship, (remainder to church budget)
Lenten Services $2,750.00
100% LCMS World Relief Thanksgiving Service $3,200.00
100% Orphan Grain Train Advent Suppers $1,000.00
25% Church Work Scholarship, (remainder to church budget)
Advent Services $1,500.00
15% Camp Omega, 15% Salvation Army Emergency Fund 10% Rochester Servant Event 10% KINDLE(Karpenko Institute of Nuturing & Developing Leadership Excellence(remainder church budget)
Christmas Services $3,000.00
District and Synod (balance as designated on envelopes)
$73,000.00
Special Designations Subtotal $87,950.00
BUDGET AND SPECIAL MISSIONS TOTAL $181,650.00 Sunday School Ministry Team Presently the Sunday school team is made up of Josh Heirigs, Becky Decker, Lynn Gaunt, Paul Lewis and Connie Scheid. We aim to meet quarterly at minimum. Our meetings open in prayer, devotion and God sightings. At the end of meeting we part in prayer, often each adding a part to prayer. In 2017 we prayerfully considered what had been our curriculum for some time and reviewed feedback from other teachers and families. We also really wanted to focus on our Church theme “Family of Believers in The Word.” With all this in mind we carefully looked at options and decided on The Story. This curriculum excited us and it really does get the kids involved in being a part of our theme across all ages with an age appropriate reading. Another big plus was that all grades are at roughly the same point at the same time allowing for families to really talk together about the lessons. Our team continues to encourage and look for ways to bring all ages together during Sunday school. The openings done at the start of some weeks get the kids involved in doing the sharing. Sunday school really is not possible without our Family of Believers at Redeemer. Through the prayers of our congregation, the teachers who volunteer and the encouragement of our congregation to have kids participate in Sunday school; Sunday school is successful and kids are enthused. Our team will continue to share God’s love into the next year and coming years through our support of our awesome Sunday school teachers and seeking to continue partnerships like Riverside Elementary School’s Family Resource Room in which God’s love is certainly shared. Thrivent Choice Dollars Thrivent Financial is a fraternal organization, which distributes a share of its profits for various benevolent projects. Members have a choice to designate money (according to their investments) to qualifying organizations. We are thankful to those who have made Redeemer the recipient of these dollars. These funds are used to supplement our ministry by funding items not in our budget. Technology Team – Stephen Smith How has your team grown in Christ in 2017? In 2017 the Technology team focused on further leveraging our new audio/visual systems and planning for the future. A
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weekly welcome board in the Narthex and office area welcomes members and guests alike and alerts them to upcoming church activities and key messages. Additionally, the “Clickers for Christ” team continues to grow and several new clickers were trained this year. The team formally structured the relationship between our external IT consulting firm and Redeemer. Finally, the team proposed and will execute on a staff computer equipment lifecycle process. How will your team share God's love in 2018? In 2018 the Technology team is exploring ways to reach out. The team is in discussion with a vendor of LOOP technology who will be able to help bring crystal clear audio to our hearing‐impaired members and guests. Additionally, the team will execute on the staff equipment refresh process that we detailed out in 2017. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist your team in 2017? Keep us in prayer! The technology team really appreciates kind, constructive feedback. The team works VERY hard to respect the ministry and worship done at Redeemer and supply the ministry and worship with helpful tools to reach the most people. Feedback is helpful! The team is looking for members who are interested in technology and how it is used in ministry. No computer or technology background is necessary, only a desire to see Him lifted up through its use. If interested, contact Stephen Smith at [email protected] for more information! Who are the members of your team? Who will be your team leader in 2018? Leader: Stephen Smith Members: Chris Senne, Tim Rossman, Andrew Werle, Jim Weispfenning, Mick & Diana Reese Women’s Bible Study
Tuesday Evening – Julie Walter The Tuesday Evening Bible Study Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December, usually in the Sunday school room off to the side of the fellowship hall at 7:00pm. We are a group of usually 10‐15 women (some can come winters and some summers) who are strong in fellowship, prayer and are sisters in Christ. We have been studying a Jesus Calling series by Sarah Young for the last year called Living with God’s Courage. Members study God’s word on their own and together in our group. God has blessed us with a loving bond of care, concern and love for Jesus and each other. If this group interests you, contact Julie Walter 507‐272‐9595 or just join us the fourth Tuesday of each month. Tuesday Morning – Dawn Radtke The Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday at 9 AM, in the North Fellowship Hall. Our current study is on the Gospel of Matthew, and is a bit more intense than previous years, so in that way, we are stretching our minds and hearts around this specific Gospel with the help of the Holy Spirit. We have some lively discussions that can be inspired by the lesson, or by personal experiences, and all lead us to a deeper and closer walk with our Savior. Our group number can vary, but the average is usually 16‐18 women. All women are welcome!
Trustees – Scott Brandt Here are some highlights for 2017
1) Elevator floor repaired to meet Minnesota State standards. 2) Spring and Fall Church clean‐ups 3) Narthex painted and new carpeting 4) New energy‐saving lighting in the choir room 5) Parking lot lights converted to LED. We get an RPU rebate and greatly reduced maintenance costs. 6) Misc. repairs and upgrades throughout the year.
A big THANK YOU to all the members and Trustees who pitch in to help make the church run! UMR (University of Minnesota – Rochester) Campus Outreach – Rachel Johnson uConnect UMR group continues to be a collaboration of leaders from Redeemer and Trinity Lutheran churches, organizing and partnering with other LCMS churches around the Rochester area, to serve the students of University of MN Rochester. The current Redeemer members serving on this team are Megan Grudem, Dawn Shelstad, Paul Lewis, Pastor Koglin, and Rachel Johnson. Every Saturday throughout the school year our uConnect group and one of the
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rotating LCMS churches and their volunteers, plan and serve a meal to the students in their 318 Commons living room. We continue to grow in the students that we serve and have about 75‐100 students each week. At these meals we promote free rides to church, promote our Networking nights, which are also organized by the uConnect Student Leadership team, and embrace the opportunity for Christian networking and evangelizing. As the student growth continues to grow each year, also does our need for support to maintain this ministry. Our leadership team is seeking other members that can assist with planning, attend Saturday meals to support the students and church volunteers, attend Networking nights and assist students in planning, and most importantly, pray for the continued growth and presence of this Christ‐centered ministry on the UMR campus. We also specifically need prayers for strong Christian student leaders as 2018 currently has us facing a void in this student leadership team. VBS Ministry Team – Connie Scheid The Vacation Bible School Ministry team is Josh Heirigs, Marcia Cochran, Paul Lewis, Sarah Finley, Theresa Zafft and Connie Scheid. We meet at varying times throughout the year, based on needs in planning Vacation Bible School (VBS). Each meeting starts with a short devotion, God sightings and prayer. Meetings are also ended in prayer. As we plan VBS, we look for creative ways to engage adults and kids in the Word of God. It is shared through crafts, games, creative skits and building of friendships. We are always looking for ways to engage the community outside of Redeemer and share God’s amazing love. A huge part of making VBS possible is our Family of Believers. Through their prayers, donations, volunteering time and sharing what an amazing opportunity VBS is with their family and friends, we are able to have an amazing week. With this support we’ve been able to share God’s amazing love with around 100 kids two years in a row as well as have over 60 volunteers between youth and adults. VBS is truly an amazing faith‐building experience, not just for kids, but our church. Y.I. (Young Investors) Club Stamp Program – Kristie Klatt Sponsored by Lutheran Church Extension Fund (L.C.E.F.) There are three levels of participation determined by age:
Little Lambs for ages 0‐6 years Mission Builders for ages 7‐12 years World Changers for ages 13‐18
YI Club members, ages 7‐18, can earn up to $25 dollars/year for community service and up to another $25 dollars/year for good grades. What we did in 2017:
The number of savers increased to almost 30. More than 15 earned a prize for completing at least on $25 sheet of stamps. The interest rate on saving accounts continues to be better than most banks (3.5% on the first $1000 saved.)
What we plan to do in 2018: Continue to increase the number of kids participating in the program. Grandparents, Godparents, and others may start accounts for kids that are not members at Redeemer. Stamps are available for purchase in the Narthex most Sundays between services and after late service. Contact Kristie (507‐287‐6091) if you want to purchase stamps after a Saturday evening service. How can our Family of Believers here at Redeemer encourage and assist in 2018?
Prayer support for all of Redeemer’s kids to learn good stewardship practices they can carry with them into adulthood.
Encourage kids ages 0‐18 years to participate. Contact Kristie Klatt with questions about the Y.I. Club Stamp Program
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Youth Ministry Team – Paul Lewis How has your team grown in Christ in 2017?
Welcoming in new youth to the Youth Ministry Team members. Opening each meeting with devotions. How will your team share God’s love in 2018?
Through IGNITE and PYROS. Through fellowship. How does your team spend time in the Word?
Devotions and prayers. Encourage youth to Lead Ignite, devotions and Prayers. How can our Family of Believers, here at Redeemer, encourage and assist your team in 2018?
Continue the support of our congregation that it gives the youth through financial support
Team Members: Josh Heirigs, Lynora Miller, LuAnn Haack, Pat Fitch, Teri Zemke, Tami Timbeross, Heidi Diercks, Mike Tveten, Paul Lewis, Addie Harvey, Lily Harvey, Jordan Timbeross, and Taylor Fick
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REFLECT – CELEBRATE – ANTICIPATE Redeemer Family of Believers 2018 Budget
REFLECTION: God is good! God has richly blessed our congregation in 2017! He has given Redeemer Lutheran Church unending opportunities to share the joy and excitement of His purpose and plan for our ministry here! He has placed us as stewards of not only designated budget items, but many undesignated funds to be used wisely by our family in moving His work forward through your help as family members.
CELEBRATION: He knows our needs and provides! Praise God that all five called staff are in place and ready to serve! This congregational decision made in 2014 laid out a path for the future at Redeemer. Our gifted and dedicated staff does not serve for the money, but for their passion for the Lord. We as a congregation are committed to providing for them by following the District salary guidelines. Remember that “Mission” giving is located throughout our budget . . . . . . Our program budget has a heart for mission! . . . Our building maintenance budget allows our wonderful facility to be used as a community life center to other groups as well! . . . Our personnel portion of the budget is full of mission-minded staff members! As an intergenerational Family of Believers, we are all here to praise our Lord through our missions, our time and our talents in God’s service. This is all done for HIS glory! (Ephesians 3:21)
ANTICIPATION: What’s next? This isn’t just a church budget – it is a “family” budget for our Redeemer Family of Believers. By getting it to you early, our hope is that you will share your thoughts, concerns and questions – the Council, Boards and Ministry Teams want to hear what you have to say. Please feel free to submit items for discussion to any member of the Council or Staff, so that thoughtful and prayerful consideration is given. Submitted items will be discussed at the Council meeting on January 9th where all are welcome to attend. Our goal is to move forward united and excited about what God has planned in 2018! (Psalm 133) God continues to do great and mighty things in our midst – check out Ephesians 3:20! He gives us God Sightings to show us His love and care each and every day so we confidently move forward, trusting Him to equip us for His service. As Mordecai guided Esther, so the Lord speaks to us, “. . . and who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Did you know that 1008 people joined with you in praise and worship of our newborn King on Christmas Eve this year? God will continue to bring others into our family and we will welcome them with open arms! What good works does God have in store for you in 2018? What good works does God have in store for our Family of Believers in 2018? Let’s find out together! (Ephesians 2:10)
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