TI DI NGS Redeemer Lutheran Church

1545 Chain Bridge Road

McLean, VA 22101

Vol. 59, no. 3

March 2014

A MESSAGE FROM

PASTOR SANDY KESSINGER

The 40 Days of Lent

I find Lent to be one of the most powerful seasons of the church year. It offers us a wonderful opportunity for self-

reflection in light of God’s unconditional love for us. And even though we begin every Ash Wednesday with the

same mandate from Christ (as found in Matthew 6:1-18) we search for new insights and creative ways to approach

the three traditional disciplines of Lent – almsgiving, prayer, and fasting.

Almsgiving (by definition) is making a voluntary contribution to assist the poor. Redeemer has an incredible his-

tory of serving those in need. Our consistent financial contributions to the church offer us the resources we need to

maintain a healthy level of giving outside of ourselves. Even our offerings to reduce the debt on the last two build-

ing projects are visible ways for us to thank God for the facility we have been given to do the ministry we have

been called to do.

But voluntary contributions are much more than helping our church and other organizations financially. During

Lent we have this special time to reflect on different ways to offer ourselves to God’s service. So a good question

to ask ourselves is this: Where does our passion lie? Our sermons leading up to Lent have been talking about the

Sermon on the Mount (as found in Matthew 5:1-48). Is our passion for the poor in spirit, for those who mourn,

and/or for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? How can we be the salt of the earth and a light to those

who are in the midst of some dark times? Almsgiving includes intentionally sharing the light of Christ with others.

What would that look like for us this Lent?

Prayer is going to be very personal for us this Lenten season. Our members wrote devotions for the 40 days of

Lent (Sundays are not part of the 40 days but we added one Sunday into the mix – Palm Sunday) that has now been

collected, edited, and formatted into a devotional booklet for you. I had the privilege of reading all of the devotions

and I can say with confidence that our members approached this assignment very thoughtfully and prayerfully. I

believe that you will join me in appreciation for their work.

We will distribute the Lenten devotionals in several ways:

The booklets will be available on Ash Wednesday

They will also be available on March 9 – the First Sunday in Lent

We will mail the booklets to those who cannot make it to church on a regular basis

We will post the entire booklet on our website

Every morning the “devotion for the day” will be on the front page of our website

The Friday devotion will also include Saturday

There will not be any devotions for Sunday as we encourage you to come and worship

I hope that you will benefit from these personal reflections and prayers. If they are well received

then it is my hope that we will make this part of our Lenten discipline again next year with a whole

new group of members participating.

Fasting is considered to be one of the most spiritual of the Christian disciplines. A strict fast is ab-

staining from all food and drink (except for water) for a specified period of time. Our young people

experienced a form of this when they spent the day at church on February 22 for the 30-Hour Famine.

Adults were available to help monitor them as they learned about hunger issues and did local service

projects.

Although many people fast to lose weight – a spiritual fast means something different. Like the 30-

Hour Famine, it helps us be more self-disciplined and works on our self-control issues as we deny

ourselves those things that we crave. It is also meant to direct our hunger towards God by clearing

our minds and bodies of everything that distracts us.

But it is not healthy or wise for all of us to fast so a different approach might be in order for some of

us. For example, I try to eat healthy and I continue to maintain a regular exercise routine. Both of

these things require a certain discipline and self-control and, therefore, they give me the same bene-

fits of fasting.

My attention to all three of these disciplines started during one Lenten season and it has continued

over the years. As a result, when Easter comes on April 20 the things that I already started in the ar-

eas of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting will not end just because Lent is over. Each year I build on

those things that are working well for me and I will keep adding to them in subsequent years.

40+ Days of Lent: This leads to the final point about Lent. In Matthew 6 Jesus assumed that his dis-

ciples had already begun (and would continue) the fundamental disciplines of giving alms, praying,

and fasting. They inherited these traditions from their Jewish background and they were to be contin-

ued (and not stopped after a certain number of days). In this Scripture passage Jesus was clarifying

the motivation behind doing these acts of grace. He did not need to encourage doing the acts them-

selves because they were already a part of the daily lives of his disciples. And unlike the hypocrites

who do everything they can to be noticed, Jesus wanted his disciples to do these things in secret.

It is God who will reward us.

We do not need to seek the affirmation of others for our good works.

Prayerfully consider how you can continue to practice almsgiving, prayer, and fasting.

Yours in Christ – Pastor Sandy Kessinger

Report on Church Council Meeting of February 10, 2014

Pastor Kessinger led the opening devotions. She read from Matthew 4:18-22. Pastor Kessinger suggested that

Council Members consider how the work of the Council can be done by following God’s instructions, and leading

the Congregation with a “listening heart”.

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Kessinger distributed copies of her report. She noted that the Youth mission trips are becoming very well

attended with 26 youth signed up for the next mission trip. In addition, the Church is working on various ways to

reach out to the Youth in the community to support them and reduce stress, especially after the two recent suicides

at Langley High School.

Pastor’s priorities for the year include: Christian Education, Extreme Hospitality (greeters), Sermon Preparation,

Stewardship and Volunteers, and Visitation.

Upcoming events include;

The spiritual retreat at Hallowood Retreat and Conference Center, February 21st - 22nd.

Shrove Tuesday, March 4th (6:15-7:30 pm)

Ash Wednesday, March 5th (12 pm and 7:30 pm)

Treasurer’s Report

Dean Graves reported that January was too early in the year to read any trends into giving or expenditures but noth-

ing seemed out of the ordinary after the 1st month. Giving and expenditures are almost identical to the same time-

frame last year. Dean noted that as directed by Council at the last meeting, $20,000 of surplus funds from the 2013

operating budget were applied to the 1st mortgage (and $2,000 was sent to the Synod), leaving the current 1st mort-

gage balance at $320.6k.

Executive Committee Report

The Executive Committee report from the January 28th meeting was approved. The highlights included prepara-

tions for the Congregational meeting on February 2nd, establishing the agenda for the February Council meeting,

and review of the Child Protection Policy.

New Business

Parochial Records:

Mickey Skelton has been working with Pastor Kessinger to identify active and inactive members in the

Congregation’s database. Letters were sent and phone calls were made in order to contact all of our mem-

bers. Roughly half of those who received letters responded. This has resulted in two lists, one of inactive

members and the other of names to be removed from Parochial Records. Names to be removed are those

who have not contributed or communed within 3 years. It is important to clean the database up so that it

accurately reflects who we are as a Congregation. Each Council member present reviewed the list to help

with accuracy. Mickey stated that the next step is to educate the congregation to at least once a month sign

the red attendance books in the pew so we can now keep accurate records. The council moved to accept the

lists as presented and edited.

Committee Ministries and Council Liaisons:

Ministry team leaders and Council liaisons were confirmed as follows:

MINISTRY TEAMS LEADERS COUNCIL LIAISONS

Financial Review Committee –Jerry Hahne, Chair Gordon Jones

Mutual Ministry Committee –Al and Linda Rogers, Co-Chairs Pastor Sandy

Personnel Committee – Marti Hopler, Chair Kirk Betts

Buildings and Grounds Ministry Team –Rob Wenk, Chair Bjarnie Anderson

Christian Education Ministry Team – Ellen Kennedy, Chair Shawna Tunnell

Congregational Life Ministry Team – Eric Sivertsen, Chair Carolyn Ubben

Finance Ministry Team – Cindy Waldron, Chair Dean Graves

Membership Outreach Ministry Team – Mark and Lee Cronin, Co-Chairs Russel Jones

Social Outreach Ministry Team – Gene and Joan Durman, Co-Chairs Paul Hammelton

Spiritual Nurture Ministry Team – Paula Green, Chair Kirk Betts

Stewardship Ministry Team – Steve Lancaster, Chair Steve Lancaster

Worship and Music Ministry Team –Liz Scheffler, Chair Gretchen Gniffke

Youth Ministry Team –Joan Bradley, Chair Natalie Sather

Preschool Board – (Tammie Koenig, staff) Laura Broderdorf, Chair Shawna Tunnell

Endowment Fund Committee – Charles Brown, Chair Mickey Skelton

Afterschool Board – (Roberta Pittman, Staff) John McBride, Chair Carol Martz

Council Priorities for 2014:

Russel Jones requested that, in response to the Congregational Meeting call for fund raising, a campaign

committee be established to pay off the first mortgage debt and sufficiently fund a second pastor (or other

staff). The Council moved that the committee be formed and for Russ to contact people suggested to ascer-

tain their interest in joining the committee.

Another goal is improving communication within the Congregation through further improvements to the

web site, welcoming of visitors, upgrading of written communications, and making activities of the Council

more transparent to all members.

Make stewardship, both financial and talent, an ongoing process. This can be accomplished identifying

member’s interest and skills and to develop lay leadership. This can be perpetuated by regularly recogniz-

ing and thanking volunteers.

Holding a day long retreat in the Spring at Redeemer for Council members, Ministry team leaders, key staff

members, and interested members will help focus the congregation for the year ahead.

Increase the number and diversity of events that welcome people from the surrounding community into the

Church.

Update and collect all policies and procedures of the Church.

Russ suggested that new Council Members read the last Strategic Plan. Pastor Kessinger wittily noted that

we should also read the Bible.

Child Protection Policy:

Shawna Tunnel has updated the Child Protection Policy with input from Pastor, the

Christian Education Committee chairperson, the Youth Ministry Committee chair-

person, and review by the Youth Mentor. The Child Protection Policy requires:

that key leaders who serve children submit to a background check and interview

with designated leaders, two approved adults be present for activities involving

children and youth, and that the Congregation follow a specific plan in the event of

an allegation of child abuse or neglect. One member of Council was concerned that

the policy might limit volunteers and another wanted to know specifically how we

would address situations that could still make us liable. The review and approval of

the Child Protection Policy will be addressed again at the next meeting of the

Council. A discussion will also be had as to how to implement the policy.

Election of Council officers

The Election of Council Officers resulted in the following:

Russel Jones, President (second term)

Steve Lancaster, Vice President

Dean Graves, Treasurer

Carolyn Ubben, Secretary

Closing

The meeting adjourned. The next Council meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2014 at 7:30

pm. The next Executive Committee meeting is March 4th at 7:00 am. The meeting

adjourned with a prayer.

Christian Calendar: Special Days in March

Traditionally, the Christian calendar1 has two parts:

--- The first is our normal cycle from Advent through the Season of Pentecost. It is the yearlong commemoration of the re-

demptive acts of God.

--- The second cycle commemorates selected examples of the faith. They are celebrated to show how the acts of God in Christ

are lived out in individual lives.

There are eight categories of commemorations: martyrs, theologians, artists and scientists, pastors and bishops, missionaries,

renewers of the Church, renewers of society, and saints. A person may fit into two categories. The date chosen is normally that

of the person’s death – also known as the heavenly birthday.

The ones we pay most attention to are found on pages 15-17 of the ELW (the new Cranberry hymnals - we just purchased our

first 100 hymnals and will use them for our Wednesday evening services during Lent).

The lesser festivals are associated with the life of Christ or of the Apostles but are “less” important than the festivals of Christ-

mas, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, etc. Congregations have some flexibility about celebrating those festivals in lieu of the

regular Sunday in the church year.

Below is brief information2 about Transfiguration and about the lesser festivals and commemorations for March (lesser festi-

vals in all capital letters).

= = = = =

March 1 – George Herbert, hymnwriter, died 1633

As a student at Trinity College, Cambridge, England, George Herbert excelled in languages and music. He went to col-

lege with the intention of becoming a priest, but his scholarship attracted the attention of King James I. Herbert served

in parliament for two years. After the death of King James and at the urging of a friend, Herbert’s interest in ordained

ministry was renewed. He was ordained a priest in 1630 and served the little parish of St. Andrew Bremerton until his

death. He was noted for unfailing care for his parishioners, bringing the sacraments to them when they were ill, and pro-

viding food and clothing for those in need. Herbert is best remembered, however, as a writer of poems and hymns such

as “Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life.”

March 1 – John Wesley, died 1791; Charles Wesley, died 1788; renewers of the church

The Wesleys were leaders of a revival in the Church of England. Their spiritual discipline (or method) of frequent com-

munion, fasting, and advocacy for the poor earned them the name “Methodists.” The Wesleys were missionaries in the

American colony of Georgia for a time, but returned to England discouraged. Following a conversion experience while

reading Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, John was perhaps the greatest force in eighteenth-century revival.

The brothers’ desire was that the Methodists Societies would be a movement for renewal in the Church of England, but

after their deaths the societies developed a separate status.

Charles wrote more than six hundred hymns, including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the

Skies,” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”

March 2 – TRANSFIGURATION (last Sunday in Epiphany)

It is on Transfiguration Sunday that we stop looking back at Christmas and begin looking forward to Lent. As Epiphany

in general is symbolic of shining light in the darkness, the Transfiguration is the ultimate “light and mountain top” ex-

perience. The identity of Jesus as Son of God is reaffirmed by a voice from above as he talks with Moses and Elijah.

During his ministry, many will question who Jesus is. During challenging times, his followers could look back to this

experience and be sustained in their beliefs.

March 7 – Perpetua and Felicity and companions, martyrs at Carthage, died 202

In the year 202 the emperor Septimus Severus forbade conversions to Christianity. Perpetua, a noblewoman, Felic-

ity, a slave, and other companions were all catechumens at Carthage in North Africa. They were imprisoned and

sentenced to death. Perpetua’s father, who was not a Christian, visited her in prison and begged her to lay aside her

Christian convictions in order to spare her life and spare the family from scorn. Perpetua responded and told her

father, “We know that we are not placed in our own power but in that of God.”

March 10 – Harriet Tubman, died 1913; Sojourner Truth, died 1883; renewers of society

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland and remained a slave until about age thirty when, fearing she

would be sold and moved farther south, she escaped with the help of the Underground Railroad. After that, she

helped about three hundred others to escape until slavery was abolished. After the Civil War, her home in Auburn,

New York, became a center for women’s rights and served the aged and poor.

Sojourner Truth, too, was born a slave, in New York state. Her birth name was Isabella. After slavery was abol-

ished in New York in 1827, she was freed and, while working as a housekeeper, became deeply involved in Christi-

anity. A number of years later, she discerned a call to become a preacher. Take the name Sojourner Truth, she set

out on an evangelistic journey, where people found her testimony to be deeply moving. In later life, she also be-

came a popular speaker against slavery and for women’s rights.

March 12 – Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, died 604

Gregory was born into a politically influential family. At one time he held political office and at another time he

lived as a monk, all before he was elected to the papacy. Gregory’s work was extensive. He influenced public wor-

ship through the establishment of a lectionary and prayers to correlate with the readings. He established a school to

train church musicians. Gregorian chant is named in his honor. He wrote a treatise underscoring what is required

of a pastor serving a congregation. He sent missionaries to preach to the Anglo-Saxons who had invaded England.

And at one time he organized distribution of grain during a shortage of food in Rome.

March 17 – Patrick, bishop, missionary to Ireland, died 461

At sixteen, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. He himself admitted that up to

this point he cared little for God. He escaped after six years, returned to his family in southwest Britain, and began

to prepare for ordained ministry. He later returned to Ireland, this time to serve as a bishop and missionary. He

made his base in the north of Ireland and from there many missionary journeys, with much success. In his autobi-

ography he denounced the slave trade, perhaps from his own experience as a slave. Patrick’s famous baptismal

hymn to the Trinity, “I Bind unto Myself Today,” can be used as a meditation on Lent’s call to return to our bap-

tism.

March 19 – JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF JESUS

The gospels are silent about much of Joseph’s life. We know that he was a carpenter or builder by trade. The Gos-

pel of Luke shows him acting in accordance with both civil and religious law by returning to Bethlehem for the cen-

sus and by presenting the child Jesus in the temple on the fortieth day after his birth. The Gospel of Matthew tells

of Joseph’s trust in God, who led him through visionary dreams. Because Joseph is not mentioned after the story of

a young Jesus teaching in the temple, it is assumed that he died before Jesus reached adulthood.

March 21 – Thomas Cranmer, Bishop of Canterbury, martyr, died 1556

Cranmer was serving as bishop of Taunton in England when he was chosen by King Henry VIII to become

archbishop of Canterbury, largely because Cranmer would agree to the king’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

Cranmer’s lasting achievement is contributing to and overseeing the creation of the Book of Common Prayer,

which is revised form remains the worship book of the Anglican Communion. He was burned at the stake under

Queen Mary for his support of the Protestant Reformation.

March 22 – Jonathan Edwards, teacher, missionary to American Indians, died 1758

Edwards was a minister in Connecticut and described as the greatest of the New England Puritan preachers.

One of Edward’s most notable sermons found its way into contemporary anthologies of literature. In this ser-

mon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” he spoke at length about hell. However, throughout the rest of

his works and his preaching, he had more to say about God’s love than God’s wrath. His personal experience

of conversion came when he felt overwhelmed with a sense of God’s majesty and grandeur, rather than a fear

of hell. Edwards served a Puritan congregation, where he believed that only those who had been fully con-

verted ought to receive communion; his congregation felt otherwise. Edwards left that congregation and car-

ried out mission work among the Housatonic Indians of Massachusetts. He became president of the College of

New Jersey, later to be known as Princeton University.

March 24 – Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, died 1980

Romero is remembered for his advocacy on behalf of the poor in El Salvador, though it was not characteristic

of his early priesthood. After being appointed as archbishop of San Salvador, he preached against the political

repression in his country. He and other priests and church workers were considered traitors for their bold

stance for justice, especially defending the rights of the poor. After several years of threats to his life, Romero

was assassinated while presiding at the Eucharist. During the 1980s, thousands died in El Salvador during

political unrest.

March 25 – ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD

Nine months before Christmas the church celebrates the annunciation. In Luke the angel Gabriel announces to

Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God, and she responds, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord.” An-

cient scholars believed that March 25 was also the day on which creation began and was the date of Jesus’

death on the cross. Thus, from the sixth to the eight centuries, March 25 was observed as New Year’s Day in

much of Christian Europe.

March 29 – Hans Nielsen Hauge, renewer of the church, died 1824

Hans Nielsen Hauge was a layperson who began preaching about “the living faith” in Norway and Denmark

after a mystical experience that he believed called him to share the assurance of salvation with others. At the

time, itinerant preaching and religious gatherings held without the supervision of a pastor were illegal, and

Hauge was arrested several times. He also faced great personal suffering: his first wife died, and three of his

four children died in infancy.

March 31 – John Donne, poet, died 1631

The priest of the Church of England is commemorated for his poetry and spiritual writing. Most of his poetry

was written before his ordination and is sacred and secular, intellectual and sensuous. He saw in his wife,

Anne, glimpses of the glory of God and a human revelation of divine love. In 1615 he was ordained and seven

years later he was named dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. By that time his reputation as a preacher

was firmly in place. In his poem “Good Friday, 1613, Riding westward,” he speaks of Jesus’ death on the

cross: “Who sees God’s face, that is self life, must die; What a death were it then to see God die?”

1 General information about commemorations from Pfatteicher, Philip. Festivals and Commemorations: Handbook to

the Calendar in Lutheran Book of Worship. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House; Philadelphia: Board of Publi-

cation, Lutheran Church in America, 1980.

2 Information about the March lesser festivals and commemorations from Sundays and Seasons, Year A: 2014. Min-

neapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2013.

Redeemer Volunteers Contribute to Progress at

Douglass Avenue New House Build

upcoming volunteer dates:

Wednesday, March 5th (8:45 to 3:00) & Saturday, March 22nd (8:45 to 3:00)

Please contact Lynn Barth at lynnbarth@gmail.com or 703-346-8012 for more information or to sign up.

Redeemer Lutheran Church volunteers are actively involved in advancing the mission of Habitat for Humanity

of Northern Virginia. Habitat frequently expresses its appreciation of the support provided by the Redeemer

community.

Thank you to our volunteers, who range in frequency from one-time volunteering to attending almost every vol-

unteer date (all are appreciated and needed): Gene Durman, Andy Pribulka, Amy Mykityshyn, Sara Egeland,

Thomas Mueller, Sara Mueller, friend Hannah, Carol Martz, Steve Wesbrook.

Prospective volunteers and donors are encouraged to learn more about how involvement with Habitat of Hu-

manity builds more than homes – it builds families and communities.

The demand for affordable housing is substantial in Northern Virginia. Because many people apply to Habitat

for Humanity for a home, the selection process is competitive and typically takes from one to two years.

Families are selected based on these criteria:

Have lived in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, or Fairfax City) for at least

one year prior to application.

Ability to Pay:

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia considers families who earn between 35% and 55% of the area

median income. The exact income requirements vary based on family size and each individual property.

Have adequate income to pay a 20-30 year no-interest mortgage with a 1% down payment.

Willingness to Partner:

Be willing to partner with Habitat to complete 300 – 500 hours of “sweat-equity” in the building of their

home and other Habitat homes.

Have a need for affordable housing. To be considered applicants must currently be living in either substan-

dard or inadequate housing. This may include overcrowded or unsafe living conditions.

The Habitat for Humanity model harnesses the power of volunteers, the generosity of donors and the commit-

ment of homeowners to make affordable home ownership a reality in Northern Virginia.

Please contact Lynn Barth at lynnbarth@gmail.com or 703-346-8012 to sign up to volunteer. Volunteers

must be 16 or older. Volunteers do not have to be members of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Friends are

welcome to join the Redeemer team.

The Forum The Forum During Lent

Due to the popularity of our Advent devotional series of studies, we will do a similar series this Lenten season

Series 2 - Lenten Journey: Beyond Question

In this series we follow a daily devotional path through the season of Lent, and we encourage you to purchase

the guidebook beforehand. Copies are available on a table in the Narthex. In this guidebook there are readings

for each of the 40 days, beginning March 5 and ending April 14. During our Sunday Forum sessions for Lent,

which begin on March 9, we will discuss questions and reflections that have arisen from the scripture selec-

tions used from the Gospels.

We will use the following 7 theme questions for further exploration.

March 9 - What Are You Looking For?

March 16 - Where is Your Faith and Who Do You Say I Am?

March 23 - What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

March 30 - Do You Love Me?

April 6 - How Will You Believe What I Say?

April 13 - Whom Are You Looking For?

Our Daily Bread Food Drive

The next Redeemer ODB Food Drive will be held in the church Crossroads on Saturday, March 22nd from

9:00 AM -12:00 PM.

We will be accepting food items or gift card donations for this drive.

Grocery donations can be dropped off in the Crossroads by Friday, March 21st

To sponsor a family with a gift card, please sign up after services or contact Deanna Heier by Sunday

March 16th

Additional volunteer opportunities:

Sorters: sort and pack items for delivery (Sat, 3/22 at 9AM in the Crossroads)

Drivers: deliver donations to 2-3 sponsored families on Saturday (3/22 afternoon) or Sunday (3/23

anytime)

Special needs shoppers: shopping for families with dietary restrictions or other special needs (diapers, for-

mula, etc)

To volunteer, please be on the lookout for sign up sheets after services or contact Deanna Heier at

dmheier@yahoo.com or 678-478-3561.

This is a great hands-on service event if you are looking for ways to serve the community during this

Lenten season.

Friday, March 14th 7 – 8:30 pm Gym Night for 4th – 6th graders. Come play games, have fun with friends,

savor snacks and enjoy God’s love! Friends are welcome! Contact: Marlon Yearwood

(marlon.yearwood@yahoo.com).

Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16. Shekinah Retreat – a Synod retreat designed specifically for 7th

and 8th graders. Not too late to sign up – please contact Ralita Chambers for more information

(jmchambersiii@juno.com).

Friday, March 21. High School Youth Group meeting. Gather with your friends for fun and fellowship –

playing games in the gym (possibly floor hockey??). Contact: Marlon Yearwood

(marlonyearwood@yahoo.com).

Sunday, March 30. Confirmation workshop – Seder dinner. Confirmands and their families are invited to

join us for a Christian Seder led by Pastor Kessinger. This is definitely one of the highlights of the year! Co-

ordinator: Lisa Richter (Lcrichter3@hotmail.com) and Katherine McGuire (kackymcguire@hotmail.com).

Gym Night coordinator – Seeking a volunteer to help coordinate the monthly gym nights for the 4 – 6th grad-

ers. Involves planning / discussing with Marlon the monthly activity and then ensuring that we have a parent

volunteer to help out. If you are interested, please contact Joan Bradley (joanandpat@verizon.net).

Semi Annual Consignment Sale

The Preschool’s Baby/Child/Maternity Consignment Sale will be held Friday, March 28 from 7-9 PM and

Saturday, March 29 from 8 to 11 in Parents’ Hall. We need quality, gently used children’s or maternity items.

Equipment can be no more than 5 years old. Anyone may consign or donate items. Donations can be dropped off

on Thursday only from 9 AM-8 PM. Contact us for a unique consignor code and tagging information. This fund-

raiser provides benefits to many groups: some families get more storage space (closets/basements/garage); other

families get quality items at reasonable prices and; the charities place the remaining items with families in need

within our community or on the other side of the world. The proceeds are used to purchase preschool equipment

and fund need based scholarships.

The Fall Sale will be October 17 & 18, 2014. If you want to consign or volunteer or have any questions,

please send an email to RLPSale@gmail.com or call the Preschool at 703-356-3567.

Redeemer Lutheran Preschool is a half-day, developmentally appropriate, Christian preschool for children 2.5-4

years of age. Classes meet either 8:30-11:30 AM or 12-3PM. We offer low teacher/student ratios and have open-

ings for all age groups. There is an Open House on Monday, March 10 at 9 AM. Checkout our website at re-

deemermclean.org/preschool for more details or contact us via email at redeemerlutheranpreschool@gmail.com or

call 703-356-3567.

THE 40 DAYS OF LENT

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

EAT, STUDY, AND PRAY

6:30 pm – Dinner in Fellowship Hall

7:15 pm – Bible Study

8:00 pm – Evening Prayer in Sanctuary

Evening will conclude at 8:30 pm

BIBLE STUDY

THE PARABLES OF JESUS

DISCUSSION TOPICS

March 12 – Things We Cannot Live Without

March 19 – A Study on Patience

March 26 – A Time to Party

April 2 – Tough Questions from God to Us

April 9 – The Power of Grace

RESOURCE:

KINGDOM LIVING

by Pamela Fickenscher

Please contact the church office (church@redeemermclean.org)

703-356-3346 to order a copy

Cost per copy ($7.00)

For use in class and/or personal devotions

Sun 3/02 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a The Forum FH 10:55a Youth Choir MSB 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 3:00p MOJO Volleyball PH Mon 3/03 4:00p French Class CL 6:30p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA Tue 3/04 12:00p Rotary FH 4:00p 123 Soleil CL 6:15p Pancake Supper RLC Wed 3/05 9:30a Quilting FH 12:00p Ash Wednesday Service NA 6:00p Daisy Troop CL 6:30p Ash Wednesday Dinner FH 7:30p Ash Wednesday Service NA Thu 3/06 1:30p Prayer Shawl Ministry LI 6:30p MYI Basketball PH 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:00p Men’s Basketball PH Fri 3/07 7:30p Praise Team Rehearsal MSB Sat 3/08 1:00p MYI Basketball PH Sun 3/09 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a The Forum FH 10:55p Youth Choir MSB 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 2:00p MYI Volleyball NA 4:00p Girl Scouts CL Mon 3/10 4:00p French Class CL 6:15p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA 7:30p Congregational Council Mtg. CR Tue 3/11 12:00p Rotary FH 4:00p 123 Soleil CL 6:00p Langley Residential Services CR 6:30p MYI Volleyball PH 7:00p Finance and Administration LI 7:30p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH

Wed 3/12 8:30a Voyagers MSA 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 6:30p Dinner/Compline FH Thu 3/13 6:30p MYI Basketball PH 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:00p Men’s Basketball PH Fri 3/14 10:00a Imhof Wedding NA 7:00p Youth Grades 4-6 PH Sat 3/15 5:00p MHS Boar’s Head Dinner PH Sun 3/16 8:30A Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a The Forum F 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 3:00p MOJO Volleyball PH 4:00p Cub Scouts CL

Mon 3/17 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 6:30p Aerobics CR 7:00p AA MSA 7:30p McLean Swim and Tennis CR Tue 3/18 12:00p Rotary FH 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:30p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH Wed 3/19 9:30a Quilting FH 4:00p Daisy Troop CL 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 6:30p Dinner/Compline FH 7:00p Yoga MSA Thu 3/20 1:30p Prayer Shawl Ministry LI 6:00p Abundant Wellness Class CL 6:30p MYI Basketball PH 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB 8:00p Men’s Basketball PH Fri 3/21 6:30p High School Youth Group PH Sat 3/22 9:00a Our Daily Bread CF 12:00p Boy Scouts Blue and Gold RLC 3:30p Cub Scout Court of Honor RLC Sun 3/23 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a The Forum FH 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 12:15p New Members Class CR 3:00p MOJO Volleyball PH 4:00p Girl Scouts CL Mon 3/24 6:30p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA Tue 3/25 12:00p Rotary FH 6:30p MOJO Elite Volleyball PH 7:00p Stoneleigh Association CR 7:30p Boy Scout Troop 1916 FH Wed 3/26 6:30p MOJO Elite Volleyball PH 6:30p Dinner/Compline FH 7:00p Yoga MSA Thur 3/27 7:00p Bell Choir MSA 7:30p Membership Outreach LI 7:45p Traditional Choir MSB Fri 3/28 7:00p Consignment Sale RLC Sat 3/29 9:00a Consignment Sale RLC Sun 3/30 8:30a Traditional Worship NA 9:45a Contemporary Worship NA 9:45a The Forum FH 10:55a Youth Choir MSB 11:00a Traditional Worship NA 6:00p Seder Meal PH Mon 3/31 6:30p Aerobics CR 6:30p MOJO Volleyball PH 7:00p AA MSA

March 2, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Russ Jones Karin Ryding

Reader Doug Ubben Jim Kuhagan Karin Ryding

Communion Assistant(s) Gretchen Stark Nancy Etkin & Matthew Kratz Karin Ryding

Acolyte and Crucifer Max and Milo Engel David Englund

Ushers Steve Lancaster and Janet Pfister Julia Fredriksen and Lars Magnusson Ed Leong and Paul and Jack Lettow

Chancel Care Liz Scheffler Lucinda Romberg Karen Devlin

March 9, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Phyllis Peter-Mallard Paula Green Sara Egeland

Reader Harold Hofstad Nancy Etkin Flo Hall

Communion Assistant(s) Karen Miller Jim Kuhagen & Steve Gunderson Flo Hall

Acolyte and Crucifer Emma Bradley Catherine Hutchinson

Ushers Michael Philpy and Andy Pribulka Dean and Tracy Graves Howie Lind and Eric Sivertsen

Chancel Care Joyce Clark Tammie Koenig Betsy Kutscher

March 16, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Carol Pribulka Sara Egeland

Reader Jackie Budde Steve Englund Sara Egeland

Communion Assistant(s) Charlie Brown Steve Englund & Judy Loving Bob Hahne

Acolyte and Crucifer Andrea DeChaine Lauren Markwart

Ushers Doug, Carolyn, and Will Ubben Steve Gunderson and Steven Kutscher Bob Hahne and Norman Knutsen

Chancel Care Jane Skotzko Marti Hopler Elaine Tucker

March 23, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Janet Pfister Betsy Kutscher

Reader Wayne Ludkey Diane Miller Dianna Heier

Communion Assistant(s) Rob Wenk Diane Miller & Geri Swarm Paul Lettow

Acolyte and Crucifer Connor Yuzon Catherine Hutchinson

Ushers Rob Wenk and Family Jamie Kanski and Matthew Kratz Gordon and Kate Jones

Chancel Care Hayley Wenk Megan Kratz Kate Jones

March 30, 2014 8:30 9:45 11:00

Assisting Minister Doug Scheffler Thomas Miller

Reader Scotty Skotzko Carol Pribulka Ron Kutscher

Communion Assistant(s) Janet Pfister Carol Pribulka & Linda Peterson Ron Kutscher

Acolyte and Crucifer

Ushers Charlie and Gwen Brown Bill Swarm and Jim Turner Ron and Betsy Kutscher

Chancel Care Janet Pfister Judy Loving Nancy Powers

Worship Assistants for March 2014

Shirley Detweiler 3/1

Dylan Jones 3/1

Willa James Thom 3/1

Diane Carsten-Pelak 3/2

Reid Klanderman 3/2

Justin Leas 3/2

Margitta Muhlenberg 3/2

Steve Wesbrook 3/2

Emma Williams 3/2

John Barnes 3/3

Kurt Darr 3/3

Kim Buseman 3/4

Carl Lettow 3/4

Greta Opsal 3/4

Denise Augustenborg 3/5

Kirk Betts 3/5

Lee Cronin 3/5

Bruce Heier 3/5

Alexander Rubin 3/5

Joseph Thompson 3/5

Mitchell Brown 3/6

Steven Etkin 3/6

Robb Heier 3/6

Wayne Ludkey 3/6

Hans Crone 3/7

Stephen Gerke 3/7

Elizabeth Kutscher 3/7

Christopher Manitius 3/7

Craig Arness 3/8

Jennifer Demske 3/8

Colin Dibble 3/8

Michael Jansen 3/8

Lily Carroll 3/9

Sydney DeLeonardis 3/9

Paul Lettow 3/9

Erik Magnusson 3/9

Mary Friend 3/10

Judith Kuhagen 3/10

Pehr Pehrsson 3/10

Thomas Redding 3/10

Lawrence Tucker 3/10

Judith Woost 3/10

Amy Carr 3/11

Katherine Armstrong 3/12

Skylar Hendricks 3/12

Jack Mallek 3/13

Laura Stoessel 3/13

John White III 3/13

Kim Lien 3/14

Kathryn Maglio 3/15

Elizabeth Spiros 3/15

Monica Cho 3/16

Younghae Choi 3/16

Meera Dunleavey 3/16

John Linthicum 3/16

Waka Osifchin 3/17

Michael Bradley 3/18

Stephen Moser 3/18

Amy Mykityshyn 3/18

David Englund 3/19

Marion Wildung 3/19

Kimberly Williams 3/19

Forrest Stieg 3/20

Maya Alexandra Van Scoyoc 3/20

John Elliot 3/21

Krista Opsahl-Ong 3/21

Bob Robertson 3/21

Evan Thorson 3/21

Daniel Bader VI 3/22

Thomas Miller 3/22

Chelsea Engle 3/23

Anna Pelak 3/23

Sean Connolly 3/24

Lukas Malachowski 3/24

Karen Miller 3/24

Frank Peterson 3/24

Mats Ahlgren 3/26

Rene Jeffress 3/26

Alexis Leibensperger 3/26

Rebecca Pilson 3/26

Richard Stewart 3/26

Alessandro Papandrea 3/27

Emily Sullivan 3/27

Timothy True 3/27

Thomas Roesel 3/28

Eric Trichtinger 3/28

Ava Macomber 3/29

John Angstadt 3/30

Elizabeth Carroll 3/30

Jeanne Imhof 3/30

William Pelak 3/30

Andrea Villafuerte 3/30

Lisa Campet 3/31

Jacob Smout 3/31

Ministers: The People of Redeemer Church

703-356-3346 church@redeemermclean.org www.redeemermclean.org

Position Name Contact Information

Senior Pastor Pastor Sandy Kessinger 703-635-4672 psk@redeemermclean.org

Director of Church Operations Ham Loving hloving@redeemermclean.org

Office Manager Carol D’Amico cdamico@redeemermclean.org

Director of Music Matt Osifchin mosifchi@hotmail.com

Director of Preschool Tammie Koenig tkoenig@redeemermclean.org

Director of After-School Program Roberta Pittman rpittman@redeemermclean.org

Financial Coordinator Bonnie Steuart bsteuart@redeemermclean.org

Youth Mentor Marlon Yearwood marlonyearwood@yahoo.com

Organist Joy Mentzel joymentzel@gmail.com

Contemporary Accompanist Scott Crowne scottcrowne@gmail.com

Youth Choir Director Amy Tribie atribie@gmail.com

Bell Choir Director Waka Osifchin waka.soprano@gmail.com

Sexton Lionel Jackson ljackson@redeemermclean.org