Announcements ~ August 25, 2023
"May I be blessed today with wisdom, patience
and strength." -Mary Davis
Have you ever experienced being surrounded by so many people just rooting for you, empowering, praying, supporting and wanting you to reach your potential? That's what it felt like on Saturday as so many showed up to honor and celebrate PASTOR Christine Free Belfrey (pictured above). What a joy! What a joy!
You're invited to take a moment out of your day and pause.
Settle in and allow yourself to breathe deeply,
clearing all the things in your mind, setting all the things down.
Just let yourself be still. Let yourself laugh and cry. Let yourself be.
I invite you to ponder: Can you think about who surrounds you? Who are the people rooting for you? How are you being supported and empowered?
One of the most fundamental aspects of being human is our interconnectedness. Being connected and supported and cared for are all so vital for thriving. It is remarkable to observe people leaning into their fullest potential. We get to witness the passion, energy and drive that encourages them to do more than what is required of them, for the sake of other people.
May we reflect and hold these moments, remembering the people who helped us exceed expectations (ours and theirs), who made us more mindful, who paved a way for leadership and growth. May we honor the wisdom, patience and strength from within ourselves. Way to go!
Peace & Blessings,
Pastor Jen Collins (she/her)
"Whatever stands in the way of you being
known and loved without reservation
is synthetic and scared,
fabricated by fools
who confuse their own shame
with your beauty and freedom."
(Blessing for being your whole self, Meta Herrick Carlson)
BEGINNING THIS WEEK: SALEM'S STATE FAIR DINING HALL
August 24 - September 4
Do you love the state fair? If so, here is a great opportunity to join our friends at Salem Lutheran and serve up some delicious Swedish meatballs and egg coffee! Sign up here: https://signup.com/Group/212462094041/
Message Salem Lutheran Office with any questions you've got, office@salem-elca.org
UPCOMING GUEST PREACHER
August 27th: Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown
Rev. Dr. Jia is a Minneapolis pastor whose experience in community education, engagement, and outreach encompasses more than 20 years. She pastored her community through the events that followed the murder of George Floyd, and she continues to advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Read more about Rev. Dr. Jia here.
FAITH MATTERS NEWSLETTER
Please find attached our Summer/Fall 2023 Faith Matters Newsletter. This Newsletter includes Fall Save the Dates and more!
As always, the newsletter may also be viewed online here.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 10:30 am
Join us for worship to hear a good word from our guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown!
As always, our Sunday worship will be streaming on Facebook Live for those who are unable to join us in person. View the worship bulletin here. (Due to internet instability, we are no longer hosting worship on Zoom. Please reach out to Pastor Jen or Amy if you need help with digital accessibility.)
LABOR DAY - NORTHSIDE COLLABORATIVE WORSHIP
Sunday, September 3 at 10:00 am
Location: Christ the River of Life, 2200 Fremont Ave N, Mpls, MN 55344
Join Christ the River of Life, Salem and Redeemer as we all worship together. Pastor Deanna Kim Bassett and Pastor Eric Hoffer will be leading worship. Join on zoom, link here.
WORSHIP HELPERS NEEDED:
Greeter, Usher, Communion Setup & Serving, Readers
This Sunday ALL ROLES ARE OPEN. If you are joining us this Sunday, please sign up here, talk with Roger Mikelson (651-332-6849) or let Pastor Jen know.
CONGRATULATIONS! WELCOME BABY ERU
Eru Azai Halim was born Tuesday, August 15th. Everyone is back home now and mama and baby are doing well. Eka is happy to be a big sister! Let us keep praying, supporting and loving Rachel, Derwin, Big sister Eka and Baby Eru as they bond and rest.
UPDATING BREEZE CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sunday, August 6 after worship
It has been awhile since we have updated our Breeze Church Directory, which means that we have a lot of out of date information! Please help us update you and your family’s information by filling out this Google Form. (Even if your contact and family information has not changed, please fill out the form!)
If you prefer to provide your information in person, please contact the Church Office (612-886-1468) and ask for Renee. We will also be having time after worship on Sunday, August 6th to update your information in person or to ask any questions! Please reach out to Renee, Sarah Stadie, Mike Tarras, or Maggie Dexheimer Pharris, if you have any questions or concerns!
MEAL TRAIN SUPPORT FOR ALYSSA + FAMILY
Elizabeth, Alyssa, and Remi are SO excited to welcome Baby Hanson home very soon. Baby was due on 8/23 via planned C-section, and the family is expecting to come home on 8/26. Thank you all for your love and care, let's keep supporting this family. Click the button to volunteer to provide a meal for the family.
PAINT & PLAY
Saturday, September 9, 10-12 noon
Calling all families and community friends to help us set up our kid spaces at Redeemer, 10-12 noon. Kids can play together while we work. At family camp we spoke about cleaning, painting and creating spaces for our kids. The main floor nursery and play space is ready to reopen, but we need your help. As well as prep work for expanding our worship space for families, read about the origin of the Prayground.
For volunteering let Pastor Jen know.
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEEDED
We are always seeking worship volunteers to serve on Sunday mornings as readers, ushers, greeters, and communion assistants! We welcome children, youth, and adults in every aspect of worship, so if you'd like to offer the gift of your Self, please sign up here, reach out to Pastor Jen, or reach out to Roger Mikelson (651-332-6849).
ADDITIONAL OFFERING COUNTERS NEEDED
Council treasurer Jane Friendsush is looking for volunteers to help count the offering after Sunday Worship once every two months or so. If you are interested in helping out, please call Jane at (763) 516-0950, talk to her after worship, you may also reach out by email to Amy or Renee to join the team, or sign up here. Thanks!
Monthly Financial Update:
Finance Snapshot:
July Income: $22,087.07
July Expenses: $31,650.00_____
End of Month Balance: -$9,562.93
Current (to date) Balance: $1,061.93
Dear friends, members, and visitors,
The Redeemer Church Council wants to thank YOU for all your recent offerings! When we work as a team, all things will be blessed! Thanks again or your generosity.
RAISING FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBER
We have a NEW Community member support ask. Alonzo Adams, a long time Redeemer community member who played on Redeemer's youth basketball team has many things to celebrate, a beautiful daughter and new job. However, his car was damage due to some folks stripping it for parts. The damage is $1300 to repair, any help to get Alonzo support so he can retain his new job is appreciated. Pastor Jen is collecting donations and forwarding them to Alonzo. You may send your gifts to Pastor Jen @prjencollins. You may give by check or cash in the offering plate (note designated gift) or after worship. Let's rally together to support this young dad!
We are raising funds to support a former staff member, Jasmine Greene. She is a mother of two young sons and was laid off for the summer from employment as a school bus driver. She was also recently diagnosed with a chronic illness. We want to help her with rent, bills, and groceries for the remainder of the summer until she begins full time work again in the fall. Amy Koopman is collecting donations and forwarding them to Jasmine. You may send your gifts d directly to Jasmine via Venmo @jasminegreen93 or to Amy @amycourts; through Cashapp to $amykoop; or through PayPal at ojym@yahoo.com. You may give by check or cash in the offering plate or after worship. Please designate your gift accordingly. Let's rally together to support this young mama of two!
HARRISON TOWNHOMES
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and City of Lakes Community Land Trust are building 17 affordable townhomes in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis! Click here to learn more about the Harrison Townhomes.
SIGN THE HERC COMMUNITY PETITION
Our northside neighbors at the Minnesota Environmental Justice Table are working hard to secure clean water and breathable air for our children, but their work is often an uphill battle. They are currently campaigning to gather signatures to shut down the HERC trash burner, a major source of environmental toxins in North Minneapolis. We invite you learn more about the HERC trash incinerator, and sign their petition for Hennepin County to shut it down.
FREE LEGAL CLINIC at HNA
The Harrison Neighborhood Association is working with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid to provide free legal help every TUESDAY and THURSDAY from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. They are able to help with family law, consumer, public benefits, housing, tax, and immigration problems. Walk-ins are welcome, however, appointments are preferred. Call 612-352-9778 or visit www.mylegalaid.org (1501 Glenwood Ave. Suite A, Mpls MN)
PAID and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Senior Community Services (SCS) is a 73 year old MN non- profit. Our focus is helping seniors remain independent and stay in their homes! The HOME Program through SCS is hiring people 16 years and older to cut grass and do lawn care for seniors in your neighborhood. Both paid and volunteer opportunities are available.
How to get started: Call the HOME Program at (952) 746-4046 or visit us on the web for more information.
RECLAIM GATHERING
September 14-17, 2023 at Redeemer and Central Lutheran
RECLAIM is a curated gathering for people of African Descent of all ages and gender identities brought to us by African Descent Ministries.
Sunday, September 17 Worship will be a collaborative service with RECLAIM preacher and musical guests.SAVE the DATE: WELCA FALL WOMEN'S GATHERING ~ NOV. 4th, 2023
Join WELCA (Women of the ELCA) for their annual Fall Women's Gathering on Saturday, November 4th! The topic this year is Just Love. Participants will learn how to Love in Action and Loving Yourself. If you have any questions about this year's event, feel free to contact Dena.
SEPTEMBER
3 - Worship at Christ the River of Life
7-10 - Burning Bush Church Event (9/7 Thursday -6-9 pm, Sanctuary; 9/8 Friday - 6-9 pm Sanctuary; Sunday [sanctuary and fellowship hall] 1-8 pm)
9- Paint & Play, 10-12 noon
17 - Redeemer Member Gathering at La Dona's (241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405, 12:30 pm
20- FIRST Food & Faith Night, Wednesday Meal (6-8 pm) & Community activities (begin at 6:30 pm)
24-26 Bishop's Theological Conference, Pastor Jen Out of Office
OCTOBER
1- Faith Milestone: Bible Blessing, Kids & Youth receive a bible
4- Food & Faith Night, Wednesday Meal (6-8 pm) & Bible 101 (begin at 6:30 pm)
8- Indigenous People's Celebration Worship
29- Soul Food Sunday & Vaccine Clinic
