Rede

emer

Pastor Casey’s Corner

AUGUST 2019

Grace and Peace to you all,

As I sit here writing this, we are finishing up this year’s VBS. This year we used ROAR, a safari-themed program. It was another year of wonderful and exciting programing for a whole bunch of kids from Redeemer, SJB, and the community as a whole. We had some wonderful leaders and helpers, some great cooks, and help from unexpected sources too. Each day our kids learned about a time or situation where “God is Good!”

When life is unfair, God is good. When life is scary, God is good. When life changes, God is good. When life is sad, God is good. When life is good, God is good.

Of course, most of us know and trust that in each of these situations, God remains faithful and is good. But, when there is change or disappointment, even though we trust God will see us through, sometimes it is hard to see through the disappointment or unexpectedness.

I remember a Christmas from when I was about 10. All my brother and I wanted was NFL Quarterback Club for Super Nintendo. Christmas Eve at My grandparents’ house, we opened NFL Quarterback Club ’98 (the one with Brett Favre on the cartridge) for Nintendo 64. We were so disappointed because grandma got the wrong game. Having our visions of throwing touchdowns dashed, we went to bed sad. The next morning when we opened our new Nintendo 64 under the tree, it all made sense and we were playing as Brett throwing touchdowns all day. I still remember that feeling of disappointment, then the feeling of joy, then the feeling of regret that I doubted that my grandparents knew what they were doing.

Our God is a God that works through disappointment. There was not one of the original twelve disciples that wasn’t, at the very least, disappointed that Jesus had to go to the cross. They thought He was supposed to be a great military leader and king. Of course, we can see now that Jesus had to die and that eternal life is better than any general or king could ever be. Eleven of the twelve stuck with it and after a very dark few days, saw first-hand Jesus resurrected.

I am thankful that even after a handful of degrees and years of ministry experience, VBS still teaches me a lesson or two. As we finish our travels and summer projects, even when things don’t go as planned, let us all remember, that that is when God does His best work, and through it all God. Is. GOOD!

Peace, Love, and Laughter, Pastor Casey

You have a place at God’s table. You have a place here.

Redeemer Council Meeting Highlights May 21, 2019

The Council did not meet in June or July

Motions: Approved $1600.00 from the Memorial Reserve fund, 914 to be added to the already donated $1000.00 for the purchase of a Mac computer for the new sound and video system.

2019-2020 Redeemer Council Members

Next Council Meeting Tuesday, August 20 - 7:00p

Room 8

Ministry Team Meetings

Anyone is welcome to join our ministry teams! Contact Lorri in the church office or Pastor Casey for more information.

Christian Life Tuesday, September 10 6:30p - Community Room

Compassion Thursday, August 8 6p - Youth Room

Stewardship Monday, August 19 6p - Room 7

Property Tuesday, August 20 6p - Room 3

Worship & Music TBD

Wendy Schmitz President ukschmitz@yahoo.com 920-892-6023

David Wilson Vice President daveandkerrywilson@gmail.com 920-893-5980

Christine Johnson Secretary yogaforlife1961@gmail.com 920-980-6247

Keith LaCount John Loehrke

Chris Madgwick

Heather Russell

Julie Van Norwick

Wanda Zaczyk

Redeemer Staff Pastor

Casey Sugden

Administrative Assistant Lorri Rommelfaenger

Director of Music Ministry Kurt Colburn

Financial Secretary Jim Hansen

Treasurer Pam Rauwerdink

Custodian: Mark Krahn

Organists: Linda Hundt

Freddie Noordyk

Redeemer News

God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, September 9

On Sunday, September 9, we’ll be joining churches across the United States participating in God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. It will be our final 9am combined worship service for the summer. Following worship, we will work on service projects.

Our service projects this year will be a food drive for the Plymouth Food Pantry and making blankets for Project Linus. Both projects can be done by any age and any skill level. Diane Lueke will be coordinating items for the food pantry. You can assist with sorting, boxing and delivering food to the pantry. Jessica Nelson will coordinate making six blankets for Project Linus. Join us for prepping, cutting and tying of blankets. These important projects directly assist members of our community. Please consider sharing your time, talents and resources to make this a success!

At about 11am, after working on our God’s Work, Our Hands projects, you are invited to our Church Picnic. The Christian Life Team is hosting a Hot Dog Bar featuring Johnsonville sausages, relish, condiments, chili, and cheese for our main course. Buns, chips, lemonade and water will be served, and plates and utensils will be provided. We are asking you to sign up for a potluck dish to complete the meal. You are also welcome to bring other beverages if you wish.

To make things more interesting, we are organizing a cornhole tournament during the picnic. Get a partner and start practicing—any age is welcome to compete. Bragging rights are on the line! Sign up on the board in the Fireside Room. For those not interested in the tournament, we’ll have other yard games to play.

Please join us this remarkable Sunday as we combine worship, service and fellowship.

You have a place at God’s Table. You have a place here.

Redeemer Foundation Q&A September 15, 9:15a

Redeemer’s Foundation Fund continues to grow due to generous donations from the congregation, their families and friends. On Sunday, September 15 Cindy Halverson will offer a special presentation and Q&A session between services. This is an opportunity for our church members to learn about how, why and when to give to the Foundation.

Welcome Cindy Halverson – LPGW and the ELCA Foundation are pleased to announce that Cindy Halverson is now serving as the LPGW Director and ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. In this capacity, Cindy serves as a resource and supports: 1. ELCA members in their call to live as faithful and generous people through legacy and gift planning. 2. ELCA congregations, synods and agencies/institutions to strengthen their financial capacities through a full offering of gift planning services and mission endowment investment and management.

In her role, Cindy is here to serve the church without cost or obligation. She is available to work with pastors, the congregation council/endowment committee and individuals and families.

“As a Lutheran and resource development professional, I have deep experience in assisting people to give meaningful support to the ministries they care about most deeply. I enjoy using my gifts to engage individuals and families in planning and giving that ultimately leads to positive change in the lives of people and communities. I am excited that my new role also involves working directly with congregations to encourage generosity and stewardship through endowment growth and management.

Redeemer News

CindyHalverson

A day away in a quiet place Maya Angelou said, “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” Similarly, when Jesus’ disciples were consumed with ministry, he urged them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31, NIV). The late days of summer might be just the time to seek “a day away” not only from problems but even from ministry. While serving God and others can be energizing, we must balance work with rest. God set that example, resting after creating the world; Jesus set that example, calling his disciples away — not just alone, but with him — to be refreshed. Spend a relaxing day at a lake. Go on a scrapbooking retreat or a leisurely hike with a friend. Find a monastery that welcomes guests, and experience 48 hours of prayer and silence there. Invite Jesus into that time and space. And remember another message he shared: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Help our Cross Wall Grow! While you’re out on vacation this summer, how about purchasing a unique cross to decorate our church! Bring your cross to the church office and we’ll add it to our cross wall.

Redeemer News

May 26 thru September 8

9am Worship Memorial Day Weekend through September 8th we will have one worship service at 9am. As one body, it is important for us to worship together and see faces that we aren’t used to seeing. Our “standard” schedule of 8am and 10:30am will resume on September 15th.

Looking For: 3-5 people to work with Pastor Casey to provide an adult education class on Sunday mornings. Please let Pastor Casey or Lorri know if you are interested or have any questions.

Volunteers Needed!

Book Study Tuesday, August 20, 1pm

Book Study will meet on Tuesday, August 20th at 1pm at Redeemer. Janette Higley is hostess. We will discuss the fourth story in the book, The Lineage of Grace.

The book is in the church library as well as the public library. Please share it.

“Try not to become a [person] of success, but rather try to become a [person] of value.”

—Albert Einstein

On a recent trip to an area public library’s book sale, my mission was to find “new” books, in particular for kids. The following is a list of books that will soon appear in our library for the younger set: •The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon (this book would be appropriate for kids in middle school) •The Lion Book of Prayers to Read & Know by Sophie Piper •Explorers for God by Nathan Aaseng •Green Bible Stories for Children by Tami Lehman-Wilzig •God’s Little Seeds: A Book of Parables by Bijou Le Tord •Love One Another: The days of Jesus •Journeys with Elijah by Barbara Diamond Glodin •Bible Encyclopedia: A First Reference Book by E. Wilson & S.L. Jones

Without a doubt, I felt much better after my conversation with Lorri a couple of weeks ago. You see, I thought I had somehow missed the July Newsletter deadline. How could that have happened? Well, of course it could happen with the craziness of my schedule which I have allowed to dominate my days with teaching summer school, yard work, (we have lots of it) and daily life. I really was disappointed in myself for not being more diligent. I decided to contact Lorri and confirm my missed deadline…and voila!!!! I was made aware the June and July Newsletters were combined. Needless to say, I didn’t feel like a nitwit anymore. So here I am diligently trying to author an article for the August Newsletter – August, already? Once again, the summer is going by way to fast.

Since my last expose´, I have been in pursuit of books that you might enjoy visiting discount bookstores and book sales. One of the books I thought you might enjoy reading is by Tom Doyle. He has written a book titled Killing Christians: Living the Faith where It’s Not Safe to Believe. Mr. Doyle compares the torture because of religion in the Middle East with that of Jesus’ followers oh so many years ago. The people that the author has encountered want to share with their brothers and sisters in Christ “on the outside” what Christ has taught them.

While I was perusing through the books on my latest adventure, there was a woman also looking at the books. She said a few words to me and as I looked more closely at the woman, I had a realization. I asked her if she was someone that I knew by saying her maiden name. She looked at me kind of like this is crazy, because actually it was, and she answered “yes”. I told her who I was. She was too flabbergasted to think I would have recognized her and actually said something. This woman happened to be one of my high school classmates from Valders whom I have not seen in about 40 years. We had a nice chat and I encouraged her to come to our upcoming class reunion in late August. I totally enjoyed this encounter and had to say “Thanks, God” for this book buying trip because it had just turned out to be more than I had thought it would be.

In the meantime, keep on reading! It is great exercise for the mind, inspires our soul and gives us a great excuse to sit back and relax and enjoy information. Until our adventure continues in September…

May God bless you each and every day.

Signe Burkart, Librarian

Library News

We are looking for cans of baked beans (all kinds and all sizes) in August for the families who come to the Plymouth Food Pantry.

Please bring your donation to the Food Pantry Box located across from the church mailboxes.

CompassionQuilting: Come Help!

Redeemer’s quilting group started up again on Thursday, May 2. These dedicated ladies work from 8:30a-11 every Thursday from May to October. The quilts made will be distributed to Lutheran World Relief, the Lakota at Pine Ridge and the Salvation Army.

No special skills are needed. You can receive your training on the job. As a bonus, there is a coffee and treat break every week! If your interested, contact Carol Anderson for more information.

Plymouth School Supply

Drive

Bring Items to Redeemer by

August 18

Redeemer is collecting new school supplies for St. Vincent de Paul. These supplies will be distributed by St. Vincent de Paul to families in the Plymouth School District who have applied for assistance in obtaining school supplies for their children. Supply lists are available at local stores. If you, or someone you know, needs help with school supplies in the Plymouth School District, applications are available at St. Vincent de Paul, Plymouth.

August Baked Beans

Birthdays1st Gene Block Nichole Dirks

5th Wayne Ahrens

6th Pastor Casey Sugden

8th Michael Russell

9th Karla Lisowe Doreen Salkowski Carl Wimmler

10th Charles Brumer Sr.

14th Terry Larson

16th Patricia Efflandt

17th Diane Krepsky Ryan Osness

18th Donna Arneson Thomas Epping

19th Dr. Scott Peschke

20th Cindy Scott

21st Donna Counselman Don Pohlman

23rd Jeannette Entringer

24th Brenda Knutson

25th Lily McClurg

26th Tom Rathsack

27th Molly Leider Alexandra Mitchler Carrie Pieper

29th Bill McCreedy

30th LaVerne Aisenbrey Elle Klecka Lois Kolberg Glenn Ter Maat

Fun in the sun Enjoy some summer-themed laughter while you lounge! Seen on a church sign (and appropriate for grilling season): “God doesn’t make misteaks.” Person approaching a shoreline: “Is this river any good for fish?” Response: “It must be. I can’t get any of them to leave it. Q: Why do people go to church in the summer? A: It’s prayer-conditioned! Q: Why was it so hot in the stadium after the game? A: All the fans left. Q: While hiking, how can you identify a dogwood tree? A: By its bark.

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2019 Delta Retreat Saturday, September 21 Delta Retreat for Confirmands entering 9th Grade will be held at Redeemer on Saturday, September 21. We’ll spend some time reflecting on our Christian faith with adults and high school students, play games and enjoy fellowship. More information and a schedule for the day will be mailed to 9th graders. We’ll be asking members of the Redeemer congregation to take part by sharing their faith experiences with these students. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lisa McClurg (lisamariemcclurg@gmail.com).

Christian Life -Youth & AdultsShaking Up Confirmation Grades 6-8 This year, the lesson part of confirmation will take place on Sunday mornings at 9:15a. We will be using the video series the kids became familiar with last year with lessons being taught by a team of volunteers. Parents are needed! Please use Sign-up Genius to pick two Sundays where you can help out in the classroom and provide a snack. Please know we can not do this without the parents. Two Sundays each will give every family a chance to participate and cover each lesson for the confirmation year. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c48a4a923a5fd0-confirmation

Another change is with the mentor/mentee program. Mentors and mentees (8th graders) will meet with Pastor Casey once a month on Wednesday nights to develop the faith of our confirmands. They will create a faith statement, talk about their faith and their relationship with God, develop a connection with their mentor and

complete a service project with the help of their mentor.

If you have any questions about these programs, please see Julie Van Norwick.

High School Students Take Note! High School students are welcome to join the incoming freshman for food, fellowship and fun as they explore their faith at Delta Retreat on September 21. This year Delta will be a one-day retreat held at Redeemer. You can come for the whole day or a couple hours if that fits your schedule. If you would like to suggest an activity that made your Delta Retreat fun or meaningful, please talk to Lisa McClurg or a member of the Christian Life Team. For meal planning purposes, please let Lisa know if you will attend (lisamariemcclurg@gmail.com).

Mentor Opportunity This fall the Confirmation Team will be matching 8th grade students with adult mentors to walk with them as they explore their faith in the final year of the confirmation program. Mentors will be paired with confirmands during services on November 17. They will work one-on-one with the confirmand, as well as participate in monthly small group meetings led by Pastor Casey. The year of mentoring will be capped by the Delta Retreat, held in September 2020. Confirmation Sunday will be October18, 2020. If you are asked to be a mentor, please prayerfully consider joining the team. We’ve identified a spiritual quality in you that you may not have realized yourself. If you have any questions about the mentor’s responsibilities, please contact Lisa McClurg (lisamariemcclurg@gmail.com).

You're never too young or too old to

be a mentor. -Reshma Saujani

Christian Life — Children

We need Sunday School teachers! We have short-term opportunities so you can help out as much as your schedule allows.

Grandparents make great teachers! Contact Patty Lehn for more information.

Christmas Program Coordinator Needed! Without volunteers, we cannot provide special programs for our children. Can you help out?

Sunday School begins September 13 9:15a

Our fall lesson series will pick up where VBS left off with Moses’ life, explored under the theme of WATERPARK! We’ll coordinate a family pool or waterpark outing to celebrate the series.

The family tree Many people have worked on their family trees gathering data about the generations that went before them. This can yield some helpful information about health issues in a family and reveal connections with other families that were unexpected. Have you tried charting a spiritual family tree? Who were the people who have helped you grow in faith? Perhaps you had a Sunday school teacher who was especially important to your faith development. Interview that person. Find out who was important in their growing up as a disciple of Jesus. Ask about books as well as people. You will be amazed at the number of folks who are in your “tree.” What a wonderful gift God has given us in those who have passed the faith to us.

VBS 2019

VBS 2019

VBS 2019

Community Events SCIO Farmer’s Market Sheboygan – Wednesdays & Saturdays, Fountain Park 8am-2pm Plymouth – Thursdays, Old Plank Road Trailhead (57 & C), 9am-1pm BloodCenter of Wisconsin Blood Drive – Monday, July 29 - 11:30a-5:30p Generations Center, Plymouth, WI Walk-ins accepted, but appointments are encouraged. Visit bit.ly/plymouthjuly2019 or call 877-232-4376 to make an appointment. All attempting donors will receive a Wisconsin State Fair Ticket as a thank you for your dedication to saving lives-while supplies last! Your donation with the BloodCenter is the single source of blood for local hospitals. Sponsored by the Plymouth Lions Club and American Legion. Parent Café Summer Series: Strengthening Families Through Change – August 1 - 5:30-7:30pm Reinl Center, 824 Superior Ave., Sheboygan Parents & Caregivers: Come together to talk, listen, and support one another with the same successes and challenges! FREE sessions include childcare and dinner. Please contact Terri to register: terris@familyconnectionscc.org or (920) 457-1999. ADRC Senior Picnic Music & Vendor Fair – Wednesday, July 31 - 10:00am-2:30pm South High School Commons, 3128 S. 12th St., Sheboygan Picnic $5 per person. Non-refundable payment by Friday, July 19. Doors open at 10am. Meal served at noon. Payment accepted at the following locations: Aging & Disability Resource Center, or Sheboygan County Dining Sites. A meal donation of $4 is greatly appreciated payable in advance or at the door. Caregiver Connect: Effective Communication with Healthcare Professionals – Thursday, August 15 - 1:00-2:30pm Aging & Disability Resource Center, 650 Forest Ave., Sheboygan Falls As a caregiver and advocate for a loved one, you play a central role in communication with healthcare professionals. You are likely to be the person who assists in the collection of information, speaks to doctors, transports the patient, ensures lab tests are done, picks up, prepares and gives medications, researches treatment options and risks, handles insurance, and fulfills many other related tasks. This program will provide tips to encourage meaningful communication between you, the doctor, and other healthcare practitioners. Call 920-467-4100 to register. Sheboygan County Det. Center & Jail Golf Event – Friday, August 23 - 7:30am Registration; 8:30am Shotgun Start Pine Hills Country Club, 4914 Superior Ave., Sheboygan For more information call 920-254-6566 or email rick.cawthon@goodnewsjail.org The Welcome Table - Community Dinner - Every Tuesday 5:30p! Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1808 Eastern Ave., Plymouth The Welcome Table is held every Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1808 Eastern Avenue, Plymouth. Area churches and organizations provide, prepare and serve the meals at no charge to guests. This is a fellowship and food event that was created in 2008. The fellowship hall at Redeemer Lutheran opens at 5:00 pm and dinner is served at 5:30 pm. The location is wheelchair accessible. What a great opportunity to visit with others and let someone else do the cooking! Please consider inviting a friend, neighbor or family member to this weekly event. Check out our Facebook page at welcometableplymouthwi The Sharing Closet - Open Wednesdays from 9-Noon or by Appointment St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Plymouth Accepting donations of medical equipment (new or used) and medical Supplies and lending donations to the community (bandages, beds, canes, crutches, hospital beds, toilet risers, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.). Equipment is on loan at no charge to anyone in need. There is no time limit. When the equipment is no longer needed, it is returned, sanitized (repaired if needed) and made available to another in need. The borrower is required to sign a release form when items are taken. Contact: Lisa Dicker 980-7976.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 1808 EASTERN AVENUE PLYMOUTH, WI 53073

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Plymouth, WI

Permit No. 151

Redeemer Lutheran Church, ELCA ~ 1808 Eastern Avenue, Plymouth, WI 53073 ~ 920-892-7431 www.redeemerplymouth.org office@redeemerplymouth.org

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“You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together, we can do great things.”

—Mother Teresa