April 23, 2021

If you didn't feel like you were a part of the Redeemer Family before -- we certainly hope you do now. We know we have been communicating A LOT at the risk of over communicating. This said we are at an exciting stage in Redeemer's history and we want (need) your participation. When we say, we are on this journey with God together -- we mean it!

Our mission, living out the Word and healing ministry of Jesus, is our guiding principle as we envision Redeemer's future and trust God to lead us according to His plan.

To prepare for this journey we are doing some really big things, like our Visioning work and our research with Barna CoLab -- Leading the Hybrid Church.

This said... it is in the little things where we affirm God's presence and know we are truly living out our mission. Just check out the examples below...

Look at this face! Brayden was the winner of our Empty Egg Drawing. For those not familiar, as a part of our Easter Egg Hunt OUT in the community, one hidden egg was left empty in every yard to represent the empty tomb. In turn, the empty egg could be registered, by the family, to enter a drawing for a prize valued at $100. (250 Easter Egg Hunt Kits filled with plastic eggs, candy and prizes were shared with friends, neighbors, and strangers.)

When our Children's Minister Erica Barton drew Brayden's name and informed him that he'd won, this was his response:

"Thank you, God. Thank you, God. Thank you, God!"

Or take these four women -- Michelle DeReu, Mary Ellen (Mes) Schultze, Jane Curtis and Kristy McCoy -- who served as the hands and feet of Jesus when Central Valley School District (CVSD) asked Redeemer to open its doors to underserved students in the community during the pandemic. These Sisters in Christ welcomed both teachers and students into Redeemer with a smile and fresh treats every day while CVSD used our facility -- truly living out the Word and healing ministry of Jesus.

In CVSD's words:

Thank you, Michelle, Mes, Jane and Kristy!

These are just a few examples of God's light shining through the people of Redeemer. We've been given the love of Jesus Christ -- not to just carry His light within, but rather to let it shine through us as we go out into the world.

Which takes us back to the big things and where we need your input and participation.

Thank you to everyone who has already completed the Barna CoLab survey on Leading the Hybrid Church. Over 150 of you have let your voice be heard! We'd like to double that number...

The survey will take less than five minutes of your time but will provide us with valuable insight to inform future actions. All the data collected in this survey is anonymous, so feel free to be as honest and candid as you wish. Your responses will not be traced back to you, as we value your open feedback. 

We appreciate your partnership as we enter the post-pandemic era -- and look forward to new opportunities to worship and grow together. 

We'll look forward to sharing the results in a few weeks.

Here, we'd simply invite you to join the Visioning discussion by attending one of our informational meetings on May 2 at 9:30 am or 11:30 am. During these meetings you'll have an opportunity to interact with all of the Visioning Task Forces in person. You can register to attend at this LINK. Thank you!

As always, we'd love to hear from you! Please feel free to submit your updates, stories, questions, photos, and videos to our Director of Marketing & Communications, Susan Baldwin at sbaldwin@redeemeralive.org. If appropriate and with your permission, we'll feature them here and/or on our social media channels.

Happy Friday Friends,

I hope you will join us for Worship on Sunday. Over the past several months, you've heard a lot about our Visioning work as we've taken you behind the scenes to learn how God is working through our Visioning leadership and task force members.

This weekend we are going to dive a little deeper and revisit our original visioning question:

On Sunday, I've invited Indy Dehal, fellow Redeemer member and architect at ALSC Architects, to join us to share a draft of the conceptual plan for the 30+ acres of land. This is a plan that aligns with our mission, vision and core values and also reflects the input of our church leaders and task force members. We now look forward to your input.

Related, I hope you will also join us on May 2nd in between each Worship Service (9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.) when you will have the opportunity to provide your feedback and interact directly with our Visioning Task Forces.

Last week my sermon focused on partnership. This week the theme is the ultimate plan. The ultimate plan being God's plan to build healthy followers of Jesus Christ. I firmly believe God gathered the people of Redeemer to be a light in the Spokane Valley. As God continues to reveal His plan, our role in the community becomes clearer.

You can enjoy my full message below.

I'm thankful to be on this journey together.Together we shine the light of Jesus brightly.

Blessings,

Friends of Vacation Bible School...It's time to hit the trail!

YES... Redeemer VBS 2021 is happening!

We are hosting our second STAYCATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 12-16 and we hope you will join us and invite all of your friends and neighbors to come along for the adventure!

Since it is impossible to know what COVID restrictions will look like in July, we've put on our BIGGEST creative hats to find a FUN and interactive way to share God's Word AND keep our community safe.

Just like last year, we are preparing awesome Staycation Bible School Kits packed with 5 days' worth of grade/age appropriate materials. The kits coordinate with our daily YouTube broadcasts.To ensure the best experience possible a ‘How To Do VBS at Home' instruction sheet will also be included with each kit.

Registration will open on our website on May 1. Stay tuned for a link and more details.

Sneak Peek: This year's Staycation Bible School theme explores Jesus’ simple words from Matthew 4:19 “FOLLOW ME!”

Thank you for keeping VBS in your prayers and watch for updates about how you can stay connected to this ministry. Please contact Erica Barton, Children's Minister and Director of Early Childhood Education, with any questions at ebarton@redeemeralive.org.

Give-to-Give Sunday is on May 23rd this year! Please submit projects ideas and/or sign-up to volunteer at this LINK.

For those new to Redeemer, Give-to-Give Sunday is an awesome experience for all ages. It is a day when, as a Redeemer congregation, we 'do Church' out in the community. A morning of service -- living out the Word and healing presence of Jesus.

Please contact Doug Weinrich, Minister of Servant Leader Development, with any questions at dweinrich@redeemeralive.org or (509)926-6363.

Registration is OPEN!

If you are looking for a fun FAMILY activity this SUMMER, please join us for Shoshone Family Ranch Camp -- August 13-15.

Registration is officially open on our website. You can both register and pay online at this LINK. We have options for every family size and camping preference whether you prefer staying in the lodge, a tent, or an RV.

Please contact Doug Weinrich with any questions -- dweinrich@redeemeralive.org.

Please join us for Tuesday Night Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, April 27th at 6:30pm. The group is currently studying “Fight Back with Joy” by Margaret Feinberg. Books can be purchased on Amazon and the videos can be accessed for FREE on RightNow Media. If you don't have a RightNow Media account and would like one, please email dweinrich@redeemeralive.org.

Please contact Kim Nelson to learn more about our Tuesday night Women's Bible Study at 509-995-7179 or cknelson01@msn.com. 

Please join us for Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study. We are currently doing a study on Foundations in Faith. Beyond this very thought-provoking study, the fellowship is fantastic.

For those who prefer to join our Bible Study us from home, you can do so at this link: meet.google.com/czo-vmdh-qqp Please contact Doug directly with any questions at dweinrich@redeemeralive.org.

We have a wonderful SERVICE OPPORTUNITY for our youth to enjoy Christian fellowship in the community.

On April 24th, Redeemer Youth along with Fairchild Air Force Base Youth will be partnering to provide families with deployed service members a day of FUN, GAMES, and PIZZA.

The event will take place at Redeemer 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Both Middle School and High School Youth are invited to participate to help with GAMES, "littles" on the playground, and even play CAPTURE the FLAG.

Please TEXT Maria Devenport, Redeemer’s Minister of Youth and Families at 509-939-4866 with questions.

Registration is OPEN.

Our Senior High Summer Mission Trip to Shoshone is the week of June 20-25.

And our Middle School Youth will be headed to Shoshone for our annual Summer Service Week the week of August 1-5.

WHY: An opportunity to serve together as Christ-like Servant Leaders helping families in the Silver Valley who don’t have access to resources like those found in Spokane. We'll be serving outdoors in family groups -- be prepared for a ton of fun!

LOCATION: Camp Shoshone in Idaho (a sister camp of Lutherhaven)

REGISTRATION: Please register/pay ONLINE. A $50 Deposit is due at the time of registration. If you'd prefer to pay by check, make checks payable to “Redeemer Lutheran Church.” 

Scholarships are available. Contact Trisha Rountree at trountree@redeemeralive.org 

Please contact Maria with any specific questions -- mdevenport@redeemeralive.org or 509-939-4866.

If you'd like to share your gifts in support of Redeemer Lutheran Church's ministries, you can do so online at this link or via any of the options listed in the image below.