+The GOODNEWS Letter+
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
3300 Benham Ave
Elkhart, IN 46517
office :574-293-5332
www. elkhartredeemer.com March 2016 Volume 56 Issue 3

I have no idea….
I have no idea what I’m going to write about this morning. None. Zero. Zip. So, as I’ve told my students for more than four decades…just start writing.
By this time last year, we knew that Pastor Andrea was leaving us. She left for many reasons, not the least of which, was we simply couldn’t afford her salary anymore. Our church had shrunk. Perhaps Pastor Andrea didn’t know this, but she came to us as a healer. Her quiet, gentle spirit helped us grieve the loss of a pastor whom we were instructed not to even talk about. That was a decree that we almost couldn’t handle. Our shock at the situation required the processing of talk. Yet we were denied that luxury. So, Pastor Andrea had her hands tied from the beginning…. And we grieved in silence. Every bit of research on the grieving process will tell you one thing about what we were told to do: not healthy.
There’s a line in one of my son’s favorite movies Sandlot. It’s a repetitious word, a single long and drawn out word. We say it at home every once in a while. F.O.R.E.V.E.R. That’s what those couple years immediately following Pastor Mark’s departure were like. F.O.R.E.V.E.R. It took us twice or three times as long to heal because we were not allowed to talk. This was a mistake of synod’s focus on protecting one at the expense of the many. And so, we weren’t ready to take care of ourselves. We weren’t ready to talk about a “missional community.” We were like sheep, lost in the wilderness for 40 days, a good long time. And many of us drifted away,
But the flock that remains is strong. Leaders have arisen. Some are shepherds who guide us. Some of herders, who give us reasons to stay in the fold. Some are the farmers who feed us. Some are the watchdogs who keep the wolves at bay. We were shorn—about this time last year. Our wool was taken from us and we had to start anew. And that was not a bad thing.
So, as we come up on our one-year anniversary of asking, “What now? What happens next? Where do we go from here?” We even spoke those terrible words: “How long can we last?”
We wondered, “Will we be here next year?”
The thing about sheep is that wool grows back. In ancient Greek mythology, there were the Three Fates who spun the threads of our lives. When that thread ran out, well, so did we. Not the sheep of Almighty God, though. We always grow new wool. When we’re living within the will of God and allowing His Holy Spirit to guide us, we just keep making new wool and following wherever God leads us. You see, God never asks us to do something for which we are not equipped.
Continued on next page. > Randi Marie

Inside this Newsletter:
Page 1—-- CONNECTions
Page 2 — Redeemer Events
…….___ Wedding Anniversaries
Page 3 — Noisy Offering updates
— Prayer list
Page 4-7—- Redeemer Happenings
Page 8 — Mar birthdays
— Servant Schedule
— Mar altar flowers
— Altar Guild
Page 11 — Calendar of Events
Page 10— Redeemers Mission Statement & Vision Statement

March
Anniversaries
Fred & Berdine Adams 3/1
If we missed your anniversary, please make a note and place it in the offering plate.

Redeemer Events for March

Wednesday Bible Study Continues after Easter (Mar 30)
Wednesday Bible Study continues at 10 a.m. Led by Cheryl Mann and Randi Mochamer, we are currently looking at the various Gospel accounts of Jesus walking on the water. It’s fun seeing how each Gospel writer interprets the event; the different versions of the passage lend variant themes, as well. All are welcome to attend: Men and women. When we finish this study, we’ll decide as a group where, in the Bible, we want to visit next. And remember… “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.”
Join us for Lent Suppers!
Soup suppers at 6:00 and Vespers with Communion at 7:00 p.m.
February 10- March 16, 2016

Continued CONNECTion

The past year does not seem like F.O.R.E.V.E.R to me. Yes, our flock is smaller. But we’re stronger. We take care of each other. We feed each other. We nurture and encourage each other. We pastor each other. We have grown strong in the absence of a pastor. We are no longer in the “40 days of wilderness” because we have redefined where we are. We are in a good spot. It is as verdant as I imagine Ireland. The waters of our baptism flow freely. We are no longer afraid of the “change” we feared: the storms of life. We, ourselves, have ensured that we are not in drought. And like God fed Elijah through a raven, He is feeding us.
It has been a tumultuous year. And as I sit here rather amazed at the ease of which these words dance across my keyboard, my heart is absolutely bursting with thanks. I’m speaking words. I’m talking. I miss Mark Kloess and his humor and his wacky way of taking care of us. But today, I choose to live in the space of forgiveness and forgive a synod structure that denied us the opportunity to grieve our loss of him. I miss Andrea Hickey and her gentle spirit, her healing nature, her quiet wisdom. And I’m saying the words: she was put in an impossible situation because our synod-imposed gag order did not allow us to grieve what had happened to us—and to Mark. Yes. Andrea Hickey was put in an impossible position, and yet, all that she tried to lead us to, we have discovered by ourselves—perhaps only because she prepared us so well. So, she was successful in a way that none of us realized at the time, including her. And I forgive a synod leadership, that thinking it was doing the best it could, put her—and us--in an impossible situation.
But God being who He is, always takes the impossible, leads us out of our wildernesses, gives us new direction, provides healing for all, and equips us to redefine who we are and what we’re doing in his body. And here we are—a year later—it’s time to be shorn again. But this year, living in the space of forgiveness, we offer ourselves to the shepherd’s clippers willingly, having every confidence that our wool will grow back beautifully and find its way into the tapestry that is our community—and our selves
Randi Marie

Upcoming Noisy Offering Project
The noisy offering for this quarter will go to Humane Society of Elkhart County. If you have extra change or missed your noisy offering chance you may give to the bucket at any time.
January $53.48
February $47.56
March
Thanks for all contributions to this cause .

Staff:
Choir Director: Chris Beyer
Organist: Mary Harder
Sexton: Jeanne Balogh
Church Secretary: Cindy Minnie

Noisy Offering is the 1st
Sunday of every month! These are special offerings that the children collect.

Congregational Ear-
Please speak with a council member if you have any thoughts or concerns about Redeemer. We will be trying different Pastors and if there is one you really like let them know. We Could request them back. The plan is to have communion as often as possible but at least twice a month with a hired pulpit supply pastor.
Contact:
Our vacancy pastor, has been assigned and its Pastor Karen Strietelmeier. She is for emergency calls of the sick and hospitalized. She will also be our pastor that will perform any Connect meetings, weddings or funerals. Redeemer pays her a monthly rate and mileage. She can be reached at 219-381-6039
Church Chores ~ We are in need of men and women to help the keep the church maintained. Everyone is invited to join EVERY Thursday at 9am at Redeemer. There are many areas that need some attention. If you have some free time, please stop by and help with some gentle maintenance of our church to help make it welcoming and inviting every Sunday.

Chili and Brownie Cook-off! We had 22 members attend and vote on the chili’s and brownies. The winners for 2016 was Cheryl Mann for her mild chili and Bryce Minnie for Johnathan Mochamer’s recipe of almond joy brownies

Those who are struggling with cancer:
Tane Adams, Yamilette Martinez, Nancy Schneider, Gary Ricard, Dan Fuerbringer and Jay Clutter
Those in need of God’s healing and guidance:
Pat, Fred Adams, John, Randi, Sue, Cameron and Roy Richards
Those on church Council for guidance in church duties:
Donna, Marceil, Pat, Sharla, Randi, Deb, Virginia, Melody and Sharon W.
Those in need of comfort, care and love:
Shut-ins and Homebound:
Loretta, Jane, June, Mary Shea and Jeanne
All members of Redeemer:
May we all feel the Holy Spirit touch our lives and give us peace.
We give glory to God for all those who are able to be taken off the prayer list, for their healing. All prayer requests will stay on this list for six weeks. If you would like continued prayers for a request longer, please let office know.

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One of the CONNECT team’s goals made was to improve communication within and outside out church community. New efforts are being to post to our Facebook page on a regular basis. We ask that you use your smart phones to take pictures at our events and post them on our page.
When new events are posted on Facebook, please hit the share (public) button – this is purely free advertising! Tag former, or non-attending members to let them know what’s going on in church.
A NEW THING: We now have a closed Facebook group which is administered by Cindy. Any of us in the group can post ideas, conversation threads, meeting reminders and invites for activities. The benefit of the closed group is that it is just that: closed. Only those who want to be a part of it—and church—can be in it. It’s not exclusive; rather, it is private. That’s all.
Volunteers Needed!
For our Synod Assembly
June 9-11, 2016
Century Center in South Bend
For more information:
Heather Apel
hapel@iksynod.org

Reminder to turn in yellow emergency forms to office.

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Spirit Filled. Spirit Sent:
Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly
The 29th Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly is scheduled for June 9-11, 2016. It is close to home this year: South Bend. Redeemer will be sending two delegates, but anyone can attend as a registered visitor. Costs are $195 per person, which includes two evening meals, refreshments, evening reception and materials.
The four keynote presenters reflect the synod’s commitment to mission:
The Rev. Dr. Willem Simarmarta is the “Presiding Bishop” of the Indiana-Kentucky’s companion church in Indonesia; over four million strong, it is the largest Protestant denomination in Indonesia.
The Rev.Izani Bruch serves as the first bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile; with 3,000 members, Bruch serves a dozen congregations spread across the southern two-thirds of Chile
Andre Gingerich Stoner directs the Holistic Witness for Mennonite Church, USA, the offices of which are just down the street from us at the Anabaptist Seminary,
Kathryn Johnson, director of ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, was instrumental in the growth of position relations between the ELCA and the Mennonite Church, as well as other ecumenical communities.
The synod is seeking volunteers to serve at registration tables, assist in the plenary hall, work with elections team or support other important roles during the assembly. If interested in helping, contact Heather Apel at: hapel@iksynod.org.

SAVE THE DATE!
Annual Fish Fry:
April 23, 2016
Helpers needed !!

Lessons, by Randi Mochamer: Words From the Cross:
Golgotha: a place of death and shame…
Father forgive them for they know not what they do….
Today you will be with me in paradise….
Here is your son. Here is your mother.
My God, My God, wh y hast thou forsaken me?
3/20/16 Palm Sunday
3/24/16 Maundy Thursday: It is finished.
3/25/16 Father, into your hands I commend my spirit
3/27/16 Easter Celebration!

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Women of the ELCA Plans Synod Service Project
In partnership with the Women of the ELCA, attendees of the synod assembly are asked to bring items for Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits (PCK). The kits will be assembled on-site during the assembly.
Individuals and churches asking donations should decide how many PCKs they want to provide form and then bring the number of individual items (unassembled) that will complete those sets. Monetary donations will also be accepted; write checks to “IK Synod” with “personal care kits as a memo.”
When Lutheran World Relief distributes care kits, it is always in the wake of a disaster in which people have most often lost everything. When they clasp a towel, a toothbrush, a bar of soap, they know that someone far away from them still cares. We can help someone in crisis start anew—with something as simple as a bath.
Guidelines: -- new items only
--no religious symbols or congregation names
--no military, patriotic, Armed Forces, U.S. flag, or camouflage decorations
--Do not add other items
--Do not leave items out
--Each personal care kit should be “standard” – all the same
Contents:
One light-weight bath-size towel, dark in color (between 20 x 40 and 52x27 inches)
To (2) bars of soap, equaling up to 8-9 oz brand, in original wrapping
One adult toothbrush in its original packaging
One sturdy comb; remove packaging
One metal nail clippers (attached file optional), remove packaging
Ribbon to tie kit together – minimum 36 inches per health kit

Look at your hands. God made these hands to work wonders--to comfort those who need it--to create new things--to help those in need--all part of God's purpose in your life. I ask you this month to become God's instrument in someone else's life. What is God calling you to do for someone else? Where do you see God as you go through your days? As we go through the next few months the connect team will begin asking everyone to look for God in your every day lives. Where did you see the beauty of God's creation? When did someone answer your prayers that you have only told to God? How is The Holy Spirit working in and through you? I am praying that you begin to see the Holy Spirit in your life and in our church. Cheryl Mann

March Birthdays

Bret Robertson 3/2
Michael Eby 3/5
Sharon Craven 3/9
Greggory Lee 3/14
Blake Sommers 3/19
Justin Talcott 3/21
Pat Johnson 3/24
Martha Miller 3/28

Altar Flower’s for March

Mar 6*** Open
Mar 13***Open
Mar 20***Open
Mar 27***Ken Canen in memory of his mother, Toka.
*If nobody sponsors the flowers, there will be silk arrangements that adorn the altar in their place. This is a way we can be good servants of Redeemer’s finances and members do not feel obligated to give to flowers and may give in other ways or places. The altar flowers may be given to family members for birthdays, to a neighbor as a hello or they can be scheduled to be delivered to a home-bound members, just let the office know.

Altar Guild for March: Alice Bjornstad

Sunday Servants Schedule for March

Volunteers are always needed for all Servant positions!!
If you would like to help fill the openings, please sign-up on the bulletin board.
March 6 9:30am
Pastor: Judy Follis (Connect Coach)
Acolyte: Jonathan Iwaniec
Assistant: Randi Mochamer
Greeter: Donna Dobbs
Lector: Barry Beyer
Usher: Brent Robertson & Pat Johnson
March 13 9:30am
Pastor: John Holten
Acolyte: Open
Assistant: Barry Beyer
Greeter: Alice Bjornstad
Lector: Sharla Kinney
Usher: Brent Robertson & Sharon Windmiller
March 20 9:30am
Pastor: Heather Apel (Synod)
Acolyte: Bryce Minnie
Assistant: Sharla Kinney
Greeter: Melody Robertson
Lector: Randi Mochamer
Usher: Brent Robertson & Pat Johnson
March 27 9:30am (Easter Breakfast 8am)
Pastor : Tim Diemer
Acolyte: Sharon Windmiller
Assistant: Deb Murphy
Greeter: Pat Johnson
Lector: Randi Mochamer
Usher: Brent Robertson & Sharla Kinney

2016 Council Members:
Randi Mochamer Vice-President ** Evangelism and Stewardship
Melody Council Secretary ** Social Ministry Committee
Pat Johnson ** Finance Committee
Donna Dobbs ** Property Committee
Marceil Holmes ** Social Ministry Committee
Sharla Kinney ** Christian Education Committee
Deb Murphy ** Music and Worship Committee
Virginia Paulson ** Music and Worship Committee
Any issues or questions please see a Council member. Peace and Grace to you!

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March 2016

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1	2Lenten Service / 10am Bible Study / 6pm Soup Etc / 7pm Worship	3 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 5:15pm Worship & Music Committee / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice	4	5
6 Fourth Sunday in Lent Noisy Offering / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / Scrip orders Due / 4p Line Dance Class	7 / 1pm Line Dancing Class	8 / 1 pm Finance / Meeting	9Lenten Service / 10am Bible Study / 6pm Soup Etc / 7pm Worship	10 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice	11	12 / 2pm Knitwits at Redeemer
13Fifth Sunday in Lent / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / 4p Line Dance Class / Daylight Saving Time Begins	14 / 8:45am-noon Heartland Quilters / 1pm Line Dancing Class / Presidents’ Day	15 / 9-noon Blanketeers	16Lenten Service / 10a Bible Study / 6pm Soup Etc / 7pm Worship	17 / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 6pm Vocal practice / 7pm Bells practice / St. Patrick's Day	18	19 Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
20Palm Sunday / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school / 4p Line Dance Class / Spring Begins	21Mon. In Holy Week / 1pm Line Dancing Class / 6:30pm Council Meeting	22Tues. In Holy Week / Newsletter Articles Due	23Wed. In Holy Week / 10a Bible Study	24Maundy Thursday / 9-11Food pantry / 9am Chore Crew / 7pm Maundy Thursday Service	25Good Friday / 7pm Good Friday Service	26Resurrection of Our Lord: Vigil of Easter
27Resurrection of Our Lord / 8am Breakfast / 9:30am Worship Service / 10:30am Fellowship/Cookies / 11am Sunday school	28Annunciation of Our Lord / 8:45am-noon Heartland Quilters / 1pm Line Dancing Class	29	30	31

Lutheran Church of The Redeemer
574-293-5332
3300 Benham Avenue
P.O. Box 27
Elkhart, IN 46515

Mission Statement of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
We are a family of God faithfully and joyfully sharing Christ’s love
Guiding Principles/Vision Statements
As God forgives us and blesses us, we:
Forgive others, seeking to help through prayer and a giving Spirit.
Joyfully open our hearts to the care and needs of others.
Love others because God first loves us.
Help and bless others with our time and resources because God blesses us.
Are grounded in Bible Study, worship, and the sharing of Sacraments.

I will not forget you. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16

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Blessings Corner

Thank you to those who have been able to come to the “gentle cleaning” Thursday. Mary Lou Boomershine, Donna Dobbs, Carolyn Conley, Janice Conrad, Janet Wiggins and Pat Johnson for working on cleaning up the church in varies areas. Everyone is invited to join Thursday’s at 9am.
Thanks to all who helped with the Special Meeting. Lots of information was shared with the congregation.
Thanks to the Energy Conservation committee (Pat Johnson, Donna Dobbs, Barry Beyer & Gordon Sherven) for putting a lot of energy and time looking at various ways to conserve energy and save church money.
With out the support and help of many members, these community activities are not able to happen. Please consider helping at the next event.

Where do you see God present and at work in your life?
Where do you see God present and at work in the life of your church?
Where do you see God present and at work in the life of your community?
These are simple, yet profound questions. The answers to these questions are bound to be a varied as the people who respond to them.
At this year’s Synod Assembly in Indianapolis, these questions were asked and discussed among the pastors and delegates present one afternoon. First, people were asked to answer and to listen along with one other person. Then, they were asked to join another pair and to answer and listen again. Stories were exchanged, experiences shared, insights were spoken and noticed.
The next morning, some of the Synod’s guiding team and prayer/discernment team, who are leading these conversations (I’m part of the prayer/discernment team) met with groups of people from all the synod’s conferences and received feedback about their discussions. In most cases, people were quite excited and energized by these questions and by what had been shared. And, at least in the group that I related to, the Lafayette conference, a good number of people were enthused about having these conversations in their home congregations.
The Synod would very much like for all congregations to have these conversations too, including, ours. Our bishop feels that in asking these simple, yet profound questions, we are inviting the Spirit to help us notice what God is doing among us, and that may give us some direction in moving forward both in our congregation and as a Synod. In essence, we are asking, who is God calling us to be, and what is God calling us to do? Maybe this is what comes out of the questions about what is God doing in our lives, our church and our community.
I think this conversation could take place in a number of ways. Groups that already meet on a regular basis– the women’s group, men’s group, council and varies committees– could take some time out of their meeting to discuss the three questions and then to report back results.
I’d like to propose that we set aside some time to have these conversations in September– (Cindy says : Maybe at the Rally Day meal. )Where we are already around tables and having time to share conversation about what is going on in our lives. I feel these questions are good questions to keep asking ourselves, and to take the time to notice when and where we see God active in our lives, church and community.
I trust that in asking these important questions, God’s Spirit is moving the church forward, to looking out beyond our own walls, and engage the neighborhood and the community around us– some of which we are already doing. We trust that God is already present out in our neighborhood and the community around us– some of which we are already doing. We trust that God is already present out in our neighborhoods and community, present and active among us, even among those who may not acknowledge God. And perhaps, in our noticing, we may also sense the Spirit’s nudge as to what we might do to reach out in the love and compassion of Christ, because that is our mission as Christ’s disciples.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve
This is from Augustana News (August 2015 issue) with Pastor Steve’s permission to print. Cindy Minnie

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IK Synod

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Blessings Corner

Sun
Mon
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1Seventh Sunday of Easter
Travis Minnie Baptism
SCRIP Orders Due
9am Worship
10am fellowship
2
1pm Line Dancing Class
3
5:30pm Guiding Team
4
6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
5
9am Gentle Cleaning Group
5:15pm Music and Worship Meeting
Synod Assembly
6
Synod Assembly
7Vigil of Pentecost
Men’s Breakfast
Synod Assembly
8Day of Pentecost
9am Worship
10am fellowship
10:30am Banner Work Day
9
8:45-noon Heartland Quilters
1pm Line Dancing Class
10
6:30pm Finance Meeting
11Barnabas, Apostle
6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
12
9am Gentle Cleaning Group
13
14Flag Day
Hall Reserved
12-5p
Mochamer
2pm KnitWits
15First Sunday after Pentecost
SCRIP Orders Due
9am Worship
10am Father’s Day celebration
16
1pm Line Dancing Class
6:30pm Council Meeting
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6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
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9am Gentle Cleaning Group
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21Summer Begins
22 Second Sunday after Pentecost
9am Worship
10am fellowship
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News Articles due
8:45-noon Heartland Quilters
1pm Line Dancing Class
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John the Baptist
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6 pm Bible Study
7pm Worship
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9am Gentle Cleaning Group
27
Rummage Sale (8a-3p)
28
Rummage Sale (8a-2p)
29 First Sunday after Pentecost
9am Worship
10am fellowship
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1pm Line Dancing Class—cancelled
NEXT Month:
Red Cross Blood Drive July 2 (2-6p)

Energy Conservation at Redeemer

Realizing How Much God Loves You
Luke 15:11-32
How do you see God’s love in your daily life? Jesus’ parable of the prodigal is an example of the deep and profound love between a father and his son (and, God with God’s people). This parable could be named the parable of the prodigal father. It is the father who is a central character. The selfish and jealous behavior of the two sons is a sharp contrast to the loving behavior of the father. Similarly, God’s most basic character is love.
What experiences in life are brought to memory by this parable? Has there been a time in your life when you wanted to go off to a far country? It was not unusual for younger Jewish sons to venture into the Dispersion. Centuries later in colonial England, it was not unusual for younger sons to venture to the colonies to start their life. And in our own country, it was not unusual for younger sons to respond to the challenge, “ Go west, young man.”
These ventures were often undertaken because there was sense of love and security at home, and a loving relationship with God. The life of Jesus was a venture to live in a “new creation”, a “new age”. It was difficult for the disciples to leave their settings and follow Jesus. It was even more difficult to grasp the significance of Jesus’ teachings. Yet as their experiences evolved there were revelations that showed God’s love and presence in every day life.
The older son struggled to see the loving relationship with his father and brother upon the brother’s return. Yet the father’s love was free, unmerited and unconditional to both sons. It is this kind of love that God has for God’s people. Continued on page 5.

Stewardship is a spiritual issue not a financial issue:

Pentecost prayer written by our Sunday school kids:

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July 2014

Blessings Corner

Vacancy Pastor’s Message

Listen Christian
I was hungry
And you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.
I was imprisoned
And you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.
I was naked
And in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick
And you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless
And you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely
And you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy; so close to God,
But I’m still very hungry
And lonely and cold.
So where have your prayers gone?
What have they done?
What does it profit a man to page through his book of prayers when the rest of the world is crying for his help?
Copywritten: Bob Rowland. Used with permission
Children rewrote this to reflect a reply that would have Jesus saying well done:
I was hungry and you fed me
I was imprisoned and you worked to free me
I was naked and you gave me clothing
I was sick and you cured me
I was homeless and you let me stay in your home
I was lonely and you stayed with me
Going back to the old saying “ you cant give Christ’s name without the cup of water, nor the cup of water without Christ’s name.” We need to not only believe but act.
Submitted by Cheryl Mann and the Sunday school children

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Blessings Corner

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2015 Graduates of our Redeemer Family:
Graduating from High School:
Elizabeth Balogh—will be attending Purdue in the fall
Ben Cauffman—Carrol High School
Zackary Stauffer—Concord and will be attending IUPUI in fall majoring in Business/Sports Marketing
Graduating from College:
Michael Balogh—with a degree in psychology and going to grad school
Garrett Brubaker—Ball State with a communication major
Connie Kutschbach—Southwestern Michigan with a 4.0 with an Associate in Arts

Living in the Next by Randi Marie
We might still be wondering, “what happens next?” But I think most of us have relaxed and are in a comfortable “waiting to see what happens” attitude. Unfortunately, that’s not the attitude in which we need to be. We need to be “Living in the Next.” Without excitement, our adventurous spirits and active prayer life, we’ll never achieve our goal of growth.
And yes, we can grow without a permanent pastor. After all, a new pastor is coming—in God’s time. I’ve been thinking about this question, “how do we grow without a pastor?” I think the answer is both clear and easy. We just do it. A pastor alone does not create a body of believers, a family, a church. We, the family of our church create a congregation. We are still here. We are alive, active, and joyfully serving our community. So the ever-present question remains :How do we grow?
Like I said, the answer is clear and easy: one person at a time. If over the next year, each of us links a person to our congregation, we will grow. That does not mean giving a single invitation to come to a church service. On the contrary, I believe that God will put one single person in each of our paths (young and old) with whom we are placed to mentor— to teach, guide, and love— into a new place with God. Mentoring is not a quick fix or a fast means to growth. It takes time, prayer, and lots of patience. But it is the only thing that truly works.
Taking on a mentoring role is comparable to becoming a disciple and sharing God’s love. It is no small task, and no small responsibility. Indeed, we are all called to be disciples, and in our modern vocabulary, that might translate into being a mentor. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and a person will be chosen for you through whom you can make a difference in his or her life. Perhaps you’ll provide a meal, babysit a few times, bring a friend to line dancing, or make continuous contact with someone who has left the church. Just listen and react upon the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Last week Gordon called me and offered to do something for me. He reacted to the voice of the Holy Spirit and I am blessed by his offering to me. Id like to think I will do the same for others. And you know what? This kind of mentoring is a blessing in and of itself—for the giver, as well as the receiver. Whether your person comes to Redeemer or not, you’ll be fulfilling our mission statement: faithfully and joyfully serving God.
So, each of us are being challenged in this time of transition. We’re challenged to be excited, not complacent. We’re challenged to move forward and not wait to see what happens. We’re challenged to act, share, and bring others to Christ. If these things are the desires of our hearts, then God will fulfill them through growth. He promises us the desires of our hearts. As covenant sons and daughters of the Most High God, we can expect no less. Our God, Jehovah Jirah, remains our provider over the course of all time. Remember always, He is a faithful God, just waiting to give us the desires of our heart and extend the size of our congregational family.

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