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In This Issue …Article Page Pastor’s Corner 1-2Emergency Pastoral Care 2President’s Message 3-4Those Who Serve 5Remember in Prayer 6Our Budget and Expenses 7Offering Envelopes 7Birthdays and Anniversaries 8Bible Study 9“God’s Works. Our Hands.” 9Monthly Calendar CenterMission Moment 10Outreach Team 10Flowers 11Lessons to Study 12Disaster Relief/Ongoing Outreach 13Worship and Discipleship 14-15Office Information 16

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September 2017

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PASTOR’S CORNER

“Growing Old? Growing in God!”

Dear Friends:

Have you had a birthday lately? I turn 90 this month. I've been in those "Golden Years" for a longtime. And we are told that the over-65 population continues to grow at a rate much faster than the population at large. For many people growing old is something to be feared and avoided. Someone once told me that in old age, everything that works hurts, and everything that doesn't hurt, doesn't work. Most of us who live in Leisure World can agree with that observation. But take it from me, we don't need to fear our golden years. Though we don't know what our future holds, we know with certainty that God will continue to be with us in all things and circumstances.

We have problems in whatever age we find ourselves. Our problems may seem to increase the older we get, yet God assures us that our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15).

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:16 that though our outward body gradually decays, our spiritual self can and should be growing! How, you ask? There is only one way: God has promised always to come to us through His Means of Grace (the Word and Sacraments) and strengthen our

Church Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call and leave a message at all other times. Phone messages are checked daily.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service(Holy Communion on first and third Sundays)

Bible Study: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays – Fellowship HallOutreach Visitation: 2:00 p.m. the 4th Tuesday of the Month – Conference RoomCouncil Meeting: 2:30 p.m. the 4th Thursday of the Month – Conference RoomRespite Care: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Church StaffPastor: Gilbert Moore

Food Donations: Mickey Costello, Carl and Jessica KeeneSecretary: Margo Geesing

(Tuesday and Thursday mornings)Organist: Sharon Heck

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Redeemer Lutheran Church of Leisure World

Phone: (562) 598 - 8697FAX: (562) 598 - 8697

E-mail: redeemer_lutheran@verizon.netWebsite: www.redeemerlutheransealbeach.com

tell “everyone”. These steps are the way we are not embarrassing others and make them defensive. From following these guidelines, we can come to forgiveness and reconciliation with one another.

77. That’s how many times we must forgive another their offence against us. Jesus says so. Realize that’s per offence, not per person or per type of offence. That’s 77 times per individual person per individual offence. Why so many times? Because for some of us it takes us that many times to get through to ourselves to let it go! Remember, we are supposed to be God like in our forgiveness and HE forgives EVERY time.

Deserved. Fair. Promise. Grace. These are concepts that are present in today’s Gospel. A vineyard owner hires workers throughout the day. The first group is stated a wage for the day. The others that were hired later were told just that they would be paid. They all got paid the same. And then the complaining began! The owner is God. The workers are all of us. Sometimes we think we deserve more because we’ve done more, or we’ve been here longer, or (fill in the blank). We contend that things aren’t “fair” when we don’t get what we want, or do more than others, or someone else gets praise or honors that we think are our due. And we ASSUME (and you all are of an age where you know what THAT means!). With God, you get what he promised. He promised life. He promised his love. He promised forgiveness. And above all that he gives us grace.

This month let us give up keeping count: of the number of times we have to forgive, forget, let go, accept, and the times things are “not fair”; rather focus a little more on grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation which will make our crosses a little lighter. Let’s build the Kingdom!

faith in Him as the Great Physician of both soul and body. No matter our age or condition, God promises to abide with us with the power of His presence and the presence of His power.

God bless you with that power,

PS: I again call your attention to Margo's article at the end of the Newsletter.

PPS: Lavona and I will be "on holiday" from September 7 to 19. It's our annual trek to Reno for the Balloon Festival, Air Races, time at Tahoe, and my birthday celebration. Karen Merkel and Pastor Lynda Elmer will fill Redeemer's pulpit in my absence.

PPPS: Please note the article on page 9, God's Work Our Hands is Sunday, September 10, Noon to 3:00 p.m.

Emergency Pastoral Care: Whenever you are in need of emergency pastoral care give Pastor Gil a phone call (562) 430-7999. Cedric Elmer and Margo Geesing (our secretary) also know how to reach Pastor Gil.

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Message from Our President …

Dear Members and Friends:

This month’s September letter will focus on music in our weekly services so I have asked our organist and choir director, Sharon Heck, for her evaluation.

“We have had a wonderful series of special music performances in July and August. We thank everyone who volunteered. I am grateful to Chris Moore for filling in as organist while I attended the Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention in Minneapolis, MN, and I visited my family in Michigan. We really appreciate the work of Cedric Elmer preparing the chime choir to add “AMENS” to our communion worship services in July and August.”

“The choir will return to singing anthems during worship on September 3. They will have been rehearsing since Sunday, August 20. The chime choir will begin rehearsals later in the fall, so they can be ready for Christmas. Please express your appreciation to all our musicians, as they add so much to our worship experiences. They are volunteers and it is nice to know that they are appreciated.”

Reflections on WORSHIPand DISCIPLESHIP by Margo Geesing“Carrying the Cross, Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and Getting What is

Deserved!”The Gospels in September don’t really have a

unifying theme throughout. It’s kind of a mish-mash of all those thing that it takes to be a disciple.

We start the month right after Jesus has renamed Simon Peter to the Rock. Jesus is explaining what he must face when they get to Jerusalem. Peter, because Peter never does anything half way – right or wrong – tells Jesus that this cannot happen! Jesus then calls this Rock, Satan! Poor Peter, he just doesn’t quite understand. This is where Jesus reminds us that we must daily take up our cross to be his follower. Even Jesus had a cross to bear, literally. This is not always easy. Sometimes we try comparing crosses – and end up questioning the “fairness” of what we have to carry. Sometimes we try a “friendly reminder” to others that “we all have crosses to bear” when we really mean is shut up and quite complaining. Perhaps we need to look a little closer – maybe this is YOUR cross or maybe this person really needs your HELP in carrying their cross.

Second Sunday has to do with speaking up, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Jesus gives us guidelines for bringing offences to the attention of others. How often are we offended by someone and never say anything to them about it? We are pretty good about telling everyone else about it but we don’t go to the person and tell them; and we continue to dwell on it, and be mad at them. Jesus tells us to FIRST go to the person and speak to them. Then, if it is not corrected, include one or two others who will listen and

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mediate. It is only after these steps are taken, that you can

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DISASTER RELIEFGifts designated to a specific response will be used in full -- 100 percent -- to help disaster survivors clean-up, rebuild and recover. Donations given “Where Needed Most” help to respond immediately and effectively where it is needed most. If you give cash or check, on offering envelope write “Disaster Relief” If you give by check make it out to Redeemer Lutheran Church and placing it in the offering plate. Or if you wish you can send a check directly to: ELCA Disaster Response 39330 Treasury Center; Chicago, IL 60694-9300. Or donate online at: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response.aspx

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATIONThank you to those who have been turning in your Education Labels!

Box Tops go directly to the Navajo Mission. They can be found on more than a 100 different General Mills products. They do have an expiration date, so be sure to turn

them in with time to send them to the Mission! These labels generate points that turn into dollars!

CONTINUING FUNDRAISER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

Thank you to those who have been turning in your used ink cartridges!We have an ongoing collection of used ink cartridges and cell phones. Please bring them with you when you come to church and place them in the box in the Conference Room!

“I love being a part of worship at Redeemer and look forward to continuing to serve all of you.” It’s an inspirational experience for all of us when we attend weekly worship. Thanks to all who make it happen.

Cedric ElmerCouncil President

P.S. Wear your “God’s Work, Our Hands” logo shirts or make a church donation of at least ten dollars to obtain your shirt to wear on collection day, September 10, 2017.

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THOSE WHO SERVETHIS MONTH

Please study the following at home to prepare for Sunday Worship:

Lessons for the 13th Sunday after Pentecostthrough the 20th Sunday after Pentecost

Altar GuildCarol CostelloBeverly DinningSara GouldSylvia MakusPam SmithsonFinancial Team3rd: Leslie Arrington

Flo NeslandAlma Zamzow

10th: Phyllis MackeyBarbara DykmanFlo Nesland

17th: Wendy AlfagemeFlo NeslandAlma Zamzow

24th: Leslie ArringtonPhyllis MackeyAlma Zamzow

AcolyteCarmen LeslieCommunion AssistantJerry Brady

GreetersMargaret MillerReaderViolet QuistPrayer LeaderCedric ElmerUshersEdith Sessa

ChoirBeverly AndersonCharles CullimoreJoan CullimoreLynda ElmerJohn GraberDebbie HugdahlJulia LangevinSara LeeNancy LuebbenChris MooreKay PushmanViolet QuistShirley Reimers

September 3, 2017 – 13th Sunday after PentecostJeremiah 15:15-21Psalm 26:1-8Romans 12:9-21Matthew 16:21-28

September 10, 2017 – 14th Sunday after PentecostEzekiel 33:7-11Psalm 119:33-40Romans 13:8-14Matthew 18:15-20

September 17, 2017 – 15th Sunday after PentecostGenesis 50:15-21Psalm 103: 1-13Romans 14:1-12Matthew 18:21-35

September 24, 2017 – 16th Sunday after PentecostJonah 3:10—4:11Psalm 145:1-8Philippians 1:21-30Matthew 20:1-16

October 1, 2017 – 17th Sunday after PentecostEzekiel 18:1-4, 25-32Psalm 25:1-9Philippians 2:1-13Matthew 21:23-32

October 8, 2017 – 18th Sunday after PentecostIsaiah 5:1-7Psalm 80:7-15Philippians 3:4-14Matthew 21:33-46

October 15, 2017 – 19th

Sunday after PentecostIsaiah 25:1-9Psalm 23Philippians 4:1-9Matthew 22:1-14

October 22, 2017 – 20th Sunday after PentecostIsaiah 45:1-7Psalm 96:1-131 Thessalonians 1:1-10Matthew 22:15-22

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Altar Flowers for SeptemberSeptember 3rd:

Jo Ann Mischlick in Honor of Jann Shaffer’s Birthday.Ron and Linda Robertson in Honor of Grandparent’s Day, Ron’s Birthday, and Our Grandchildren.

September 10th:Anita Smart in Honor of Birthday and Anniversary. (2)

September 17th:Richard Stiitz in Loving Memory of Aileen Garcia.Pastor Gil and Lavona Moore in Honor of Pastor’s Birthday.

September 24th:Margaret Miller in Memory of Family Members.

Flower Chart Directions1. There are 2 bouquets for each Sunday.2. Print your name and the special reason for the

request on the line next to the date you would like them.

3. If there is not enough room to write your request on the chart, please leave the secretary a note in her box specifying your request.

4. The requested donation for one bouquet is $15.00; $30.00 for both. If you wish to

request both bouquets, please note that on the chart.

When putting your donation in an envelope, please note that it is for altar flowers and the date of your flowers. Please write a separate check for flowers.

Do not include it with your regular offering.

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Note from Outreach and Worship and Music Committee. Guidelines for prayer list: We are requesting all members (and friends) to please call the church office and leave a message requesting prayer regarding any illnesses, surgeries, procedures, and treatments regarding you, church members, and family members. Please also notify us when the prayers are no longer needed.

REMEMBER IN PRAYEROur Members: Wendy Alfageme, Dena Anderson, Shirley Anderson, Bea Bander, Russ Cullimore, Alice Dokter, Patti Drumm, Bob Edwards, Helyn Edwards, Lucy Fitch, Jim and Ann Gay, Sarah Gould, Don Gramly, Bev Hansen, Christine Hughes, Mavis Lancaster, Nancy Luebben, Dody Lynch, Glen Massingill, Dorothea Moll, Kathleen Nilsson, Lodi Nieto, Erich Obersteiner, Christine Osterberg, Jim Pushman, Lillian Smith, Bob Terwilliger, Linda Tracey, Don Trinkle, and Martha Ziegler;And Our Family Members and Friends: John Baumler family, Kyle Belanger, Rose Betancourt, Roman Bentley, Lynda Bischof, John Bishop, Sally Blevins, Julie Carlson, Rich Carlson, Paul Chen family, Caren Condon, Joan and Elwin Cubitt, Fay Cummings, Frank Dean, Anna Dow, Eileen Dow, Cindy Duran, Richard Eggers, Loretta Gilbert, Rachelle Gould, Margie Garceau, Jim Grimes, Paul Higgenbotham, Kiersten Hnizdo, Joey Jananian, Dolores and Gordy Jagusch, John LaMarr, Roger Langevin, Mary and Karen Lanza, Mike Lawrence, John Lochiavo, David Ludwig, Jessica Mackner, George Massingill, Mary Matthews, Mark McCombs, Ethan Millerick, Heidi Mitchell, Bill Montague, Kyle Nguyen, Chuck Nieto, Victor Obersteiner, Pat O’Donnell, David Ream, Nathan Rhodes, Matthew Shaffer, Barbara Steinwehe, William Sue-Ho, Louise Wagner, June Welton, Sandra Wright, and Bryce Young.

We also remember those confined at home, in hospitals, or in nursing homes. And, always pray for peace.

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OUR BUDGET AND EXPENSESIncome and Expense Statement

for the Month EndingJuly 31, 2017

Actual Budget VarianceOperating Income $11,294.00 $10,747.00 $547.00Operating Expenses $9,921.69 $10,747.00 $825.31 Variance $1,372.31 $0.00 $1,372.31

Income and Expense Statementfor the Year toJuly 31, 2017

Actual Budget VarianceOperating Income $73,595.00 $75,229.00 ($1,634.00)Operating Expenses $97,882.90 $75,229.00 ($4,653.90) Variance ($6,287.90) $0.00 ($6,287.90)

Offering Envelopes are available on the stand in the narthex of the church. Take as many envelopes as you think you may need.

Please also remember your pledge. By preparing your envelope ahead of time at home, that way you will not be caught short of your offering and can maintain your pledge. Please put your name on the envelopes that you use. Thank You!

Global Mission Call ~~ Our next Mission Moment will be on

Sunday, September 24th.In August Flo spoke about Global Missionaries. If you wish to support ELCA global missionaries with a gift, you may write a check to Redeemer, write "Missionaries" on the memo line and on the envelope and place it in the regular offering.On the last Sunday of each month we take a moment to reflect on our call to serve all of God’s people.

The Outreach Team meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the Conference Room at 2:00 p.m.

This month we will meet onSeptember 26th at 2:00 pm!

We can always use extra visitors!

“Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.”

(Matthew 25:40)

We are Calling All People who like to talk, visit, go out, talk about our church, and be with people: the Outreach Team always has room for new members to join. It is easy work but very necessary. Many hands make light work! Try it, you may find that this is your call from God!

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BIBLE STUDY ~ Pastor LyndaIn September, Pastor Lynda will be bringing us a new Bible Study. We will begin looking at 1st and 2nd Kings. We will be looking into a

deeper picture of Israel’s relationship with God: the results, aftermath, and influences of that answering of prayers. Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for a unique look into the Bible.

“God’s Works. Our Hands.”As a kick-off for September, we will again be participating in the annual “God’s Works. Our Hands.” Program as we have done the last few years. It will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Following the Sunday service on September 10th, volunteers will set up a canopy; assemble the large food donation boxes and stay to help with the collection. Food donations from all of Leisure World are accepted including food that you the members and friends of Redeemer Lutheran Church have contributed. Last year we collected about 700 pounds of food for the hungry.

Let’s all get into the spirit and not only bring in some extra food that day but also volunteer to help during the three hours of the collection following worship. Snacks and cold water will be available for you. There are many in Orange County who need food assistance. Let yours be the hands and hearts to bring them food, hope and love.

HappyBirthday

September BirthdaysAnita Smart September ??Maria Swift September 2Leslie Arrington September 5Jann Shaffer September 5Gil Moore September 17Winston Eakin September 19Carol Costello September 23Margo Geesing September 24Shirley Holland September 25Sylvia Makus September 26Lottie Dolby September 27June Lowensen September 27Kathy Aldstadt September 29

September Anniversaries

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CENTER CENTER

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1 2

310:30 am Holy Communion ServiceCoffee Fellowship

4LABOR DAY

9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

59:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

610:30 a.m. – Bible Class

79:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours9:30 am to 3:30 pm – Respite Care

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1010:30 am Worship ServiceFood IngatheringKaren Merkel preachingCoffee Fellowship

119:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

129:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care 4:00 p.m. Interfaith Council meeting

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES & THOSE WHO SERVE DUE

1310:30 a.m. – Bible Class

149:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care4:00 p.m. - SBHRC Devotions

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1710:30 am Holy Communion ServicePastor Lynda Elmer preachingCoffee Fellowship

189:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

199:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care NEWSLETTER PRINTED

2010:30 a.m. – Bible Class

219:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

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2410:30 am Worship ServiceMission MomentBirthdays Celebrated at Coffee Fellowship

259:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

269:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours2:00 p.m. –Outreach Visitation 2:30 p.m. – Finance Committee Meeting9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite CareNEWSLETTER MAILED

2710:30 a.m. – Bible Class

289:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office Hours2:30 p.m. – Council Meeting9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Respite Care

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