We strive to be an inclusive

congregation that follows Jesus in hope, love, joy,

and peace.

March 2021

Worship streamed live on Facebook Sundays 9 a.m.

and online at

redeemersav.org

Drive-Thru Holy Communion

10:30-11a.m. Every Sunday

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 51 Wilmington

Island Road Savannah, GA

31410 912-897-1133

redeemersav.org

Pastor’s Message

The Redeemer

Record

The more fervent Christians, those who believe most firmly in the possi-bility and incomparable value of di-vine guidance, turn in prayer to God in their perplexity….We bring our dilemmas to God, seeking an answer. Must we give in, or must we impose our will? And God, in so many cases, gives no reply.

Paul Tournier To Resist or to Surrender, p. 51

May I just say from the get-go that Lent is a time of the surrendering of our wills. What brings us to the Foot of the Cross on our Lenten journey is a humbling walk with Jesus. Each day during these weeks – from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday – is a conversation with God. “Please change me, O Lord” and “God, I sur-render this sin to you” and so on. But, as Tournier suggests, often we hear no response from God. I suggest that is because we often know the answers before we ask God the questions. God’s silence is not meant to be interpreted as God’s ig-noring of the questions. No, God’s silence is to be interpreted as, “Well, why are you even asking me this question? You already know the an-swer.” Yes, in worship and study and prayer we have come to God so many times; yet, so many times we fail to act upon God’s answers. So, just as any parent who has heard the same repeated question from their toddler would do,

God simply remains silent. But don’t believe for a moment that God is not listening. During this Lenten season be strengthened in God’s relationship with you; when you experience the strength that comes from spiritual growth, you’ll notice immediately that the answers you seek are right in front of your nose. As my former pastor used to tell me in counseling sessions, “Steve, if you will just pay attention, you’ll trip over God!” During Lent in 2021, anticipate the trip. To God be the Glory for all God has done,

Pastor Steve

Anticipating Changes

When the Marketing Committee met on March 1, it became clear that we will need to make changes as we prepare for an interim pastor. Check the church directory to

make sure you are listed, and your address, e-mail, and phone are up-to-date. If not, please contact Pastor Steve by phone or e-mail to update your info.

Committee heads: let Pastor Steve know when your standing meetings are planned. Continued on Page 2

Anticipating Changes cont. Written materials, such as pamphlets, flyers, and

cards, anything that reflects Redeemer to the com-munity, will need to be changed.

Worship and Music will meet March 10 to discuss plans for Holy Week, and information will be shared in the e-News and the newsletter. Church Council is working to find a person from

the congregation to help keep the Redeemer Web page and Facebook pages current. Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on March 15 to address this need and other concerns.

Easter Lilies—10 still available. Contact Pastor.

Worship Continues Sunday and Wednesday Pastor will lead Lenten worship services at 7 p.m. Wednesday by livestream on Facebook at https: face-book.com/redeemer/sav. Regular Sunday worship services continue at 9 a.m. by livestream on Facebook at https:facebook.com/redeemer/sav. Drive-through communion continues on Sunday mornings from 10:30-11 a.m.

Church Council Highlights Feb. 15, 2021 Meeting by Zoom Bishop Kevin Strickland joined Council as the meet-ing began to announce that Pastor Steve Hilgeman has resigned his call at Redeemer. The Bishop answered our questions and said he and the Synod will work with Council during this transition. Jim Drinnon presented the need to purchase a module for Church Windows that will allow us to track pledg-es and giving electronically. Carol Gerling moved to make this purchase for $189.50, Loretta Brandon se-conded, and it was unanimously approved. Jim Heater outlined Worship and Music’s plans for the coming year and requested careful attention to budget. His report also noted that Heidi Wagstaff has stepped down as chair and Alison Garnjost will accept that position. The committee will meet on March 10. Congregational Life liaison Michael Duncan submit-ted a written report. Charlene Altman will continue to chair the Care Team. We will receive a letter when Bananas tickets are available.

Learning liaison Brianne Wood delivered children’s Lenten materials during drive-through imposition of ashes. Dewey Mosher said Operations is identifying re-sources for painting the outside of the building when the weather breaks. He expects this will be in the next 1-2 months. Pastor recommended modifying the door-way between the Redeemer hallways and the Montes-sori school to reduce noise. Carol Gerling requested that Social Ministry begin to offer a small food distribution at the end of each month. Council agreed that she should talk to Second Harvest about setting up a plan, then come back to council for a vote on beginning this ministry. Becki Cannon delivered 68 bags for Backpack Buddies in January. Carol said the committee will work at getting small blankets (2’x4’) into backpacks in the future. Brianne asked if they could involve the church’s youth in this activity. Gregg Anderson submitted the January financial re-port. Brianne moved to accept and Mike Duncan se-conded, unanimous approval to publish. We need to seek and appoint a Thrivent Advocate in the congregation to encourage use of Thrivent money in ministries. Best wishes those celebrating birthdays in March: Alison Garnjost March 2 Audrey LaMar March 3 Robert Fennell March 3 Keith Woods III March 7 Gloria Leonard March 11 John Reed March 12 Nick Groover March 20 Ellie Loewen March 21 Benjamin Tellefsen March 23 Drewana Sammons March 26 Nolan Sandquist March 26

Bishop Strickland will preach and pre- side Sunday, April 25

Bishop Kevin Strickland, leader of the Southeast-ern Synod of the ELCA, will lead the service(s) at Redeemer on Sunday, April 25. The Church Coun-cil is considering the options for both indoor and outdoor services, and will determine the location as the date approaches. Bishop Strickland met with Council by Zoom on February 15 as Pastor Steve Hilgeman announced his resignation from this call. He let the Council know that the Synod would be available to assist during our interim, and he answered many ques-tions. While he will be here to preach and preside, he will also respond to questions as they arise. Please consider attending this service, and pray that as April 25 approaches, we may be able to gather safely again.

Wednesday 7 p.m. Lenten Services continue through March 24 Walk through Lent with Facebook livestreamed services at 7 p.m. March 3, 10, 17, and 24. Join Pastor Steve and members of the congregation as we walk with Jesus, deepening our own person-al reflection on our faith and love for God. Lent is our time to prepare for the celebration of the risen Christ, so enrich your journey with wor-

ship and song.

Reconciliation with God: New Testament Reflections on our Lenten Theme by William J. Danaher Journal of Lutheran Ethics In Ephesians 2:14-18, we read that reconciliation is ac-complished through Jesus Christ. Christ has broken down the wall of hostility that exists between Jews and Gentiles, for "he is our peace." The peace referred to here is not merely the end of hos-tilities, but shalom, the presence of harmony and well-being. Christ is this peace, for he has created "in him-self one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace." Christ has "reconciled both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to those who were far off and to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father." In 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, we read that this reconcilia-tion changes radically the way Christians treat each oth-er. "From now on," Paul writes, "we regard not from a human point of view," for "if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" This gift of becoming a new creation is "from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us." Therefore, having received this birthright, Paul admonishes his listeners to "be reconciled to God."

Mission Opportunities Corner

Spring cleaning? Do you have clean, gently used items to donate? Consider giving them to Island Helping Hands (IHH) Thrift Store, located in the Whitemarsh Town Center. (see card at left)

When you drop off items, you may designate any one of more than 100 non-profits to benefit from the sale of your gift (including Redeemer!). IHH sends checks to these charities on a regular basis.

Welcome to 2021 Church Council Members At its annual retreat in February, Redeemer’s Church Council welcomed three new members: Michael Duncan, Carol Gerling, and Jim Heater. Council also said good-bye to Becki Cannon, Sandi Postle, and Alison Garnjost, and thanked them for their years of service. It was not quite the same, doing this traditional meeting by Zoom, and it left all of the old, new, and continuing members feeling a little lost. However, we want the con-gregation to be aware of who is on Council and what their responsibilities are, so please welcome those on the following list: President Jim Drinnon—oversees the work and activities of Coun-cil, serves as liaison with Pastor, with COVID-19 task force, with finance committee, and with Synod. Vice President Jim Heater—leads Council when President is away, works with committees. Jim Heater also serves as liaison to the Worship and Music Committee and provides tech-nology support as Redeemer moves into the Zoom age. Secretary Loretta Brandon—records minutes of all Council meet-ing and voting done between meetings. She serves as chair of the Stewardship Program and writes the Re-deemer Record each month. Brianne All leads the Learning Committee and works with Pastor to develop children’s programs and confir-mation. Gregg Anderson is liaison to the Finance Committee. Michael Duncan is liaison to the Congregational Life Committee and chair of the COVID-19 task force. Carol Gerling is liaison to the Social Ministry Commit-tee and works to develop mission outreach activities for members who want to get involved in community. Dewey Mosher oversees the Operations Committee of the church. He ensures that work is done to keep the building in good shape and organizes projects to update and care for the building and grounds.

If you’d like to volunteer for any committees or pro-jects, these Council members welcome your calls. Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself and be part of Re-deemer’s life.

Guess the Council member!

Attention Women of Redeemer!

The Women of Redeemer would like to get active again. Let Sandi Postle (912-346-2810 or spostle@mac.com) know if you can Zoom for a meeting or want to rejoin when we meet in person. Our goals include producing hand-made items for those in need, so if you knit, crochet, sew—come join us!