Redeemer Lutheran Church

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I hope this message finds you well and following all the precautions advised in this current pandemic. The world appears to have dramatically shifted as we are now called upon to take actions which a week ago would not have occurred to us. In this rapidly changing climate I so appreciate our congregation's ability to remain flexible as together we seek in trying times to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Following conversations with staff and council, Redeemer Lutheran Church is responding to the crisis with these initial steps:

WORSHIP: We will suspend public worship for the foreseeable future. Our online worship, however, begins this Sunday morning at the usual worship times at 8:00 and 10:45 on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RedeemerBett/ Please "like" us if you haven't already. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view the worship service, however Facebook will ask if you want one. Videos of the service will later be posted on this website and elsewhere, TBD.

FAITH FORMATION: See Virtual Sunday School in the top menu bar.  We are offering virtual Sunday School for all ages. Go here for times and how to access Sunday School.

MEETINGS: All meetings will be held remotely via Zoom, which allows both video and audio conferencing and is simple to use.

IN-REACH: I am so thankful for the ways Redeemer members stay connected and care for each other! Please stay posted for messages regarding an InTouch phone tree which will enable us to check in with each other, offer scripture or prayers, and learn about needs.

OUTREACH: Our Social Ministry Committee is in conversation with community leaders to explore ways Redeemer can be a resource and partner as the situation continues to develop.

ONLINE GIVING: I so much appreciate your continuing support for Redeemer and our mission through your regular financial giving. Your generosity is important for continuing the congregation’s many commitments and for maintaining our daily operations. Options for making offerings and pledge commitments include:

THANK YOU so very much for your patience and flexibility during these times of rapid change and uncertainty. Please remember to pray for each other and our world. Take some time to reflect on this opportunity to trust God more deeply and to love our neighbor in new and creative ways. I repeat the quote of Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky shared by Bishop Burk in his letter:

We can do this, church. We can come together and support one another and our world as sisters and brothers in Christ. And when this crisis is over, with God's help, we will emerge stronger in faith, hope, and love.

In Christ's Mercy,

Pr. Joel