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OUR REDEEMER TOGETHER IN MINISTRY
Brothers & Sisters in Christ: In April, we will conclude our series “Eyes on Jesus.” From Concordia Publishing House:
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Eyes on Jesus O come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus,
the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Gradual for Lent, based on Hebrews 12:2)
(Continued from the March Newsletter) On Maundy Thursday, there is “More Than Meets the Eye” to the Lord’s Supper. We will look into the Old Testament background of the Last Supper and rejoice in the mystery that Je-sus, in and with, bread and wine, gives us His body and blood in order to deliv-er to us the benefits of His Passion.
On Good Friday, we look through “God’s Eyes” to see what is happening during the Passion: the once-for-all atonement for the sin of the whole world and the justification of all sinners on Easter.
“Resting Eyes” is the theme for Holy Saturday. Various disciples rested their eyes upon the dead Jesus, cared for His body, and buried it. As Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses rest their eyes upon the sealed tomb and contemplate further anointing of His body the next day, they cannot see that Jesus’ own eyes are merely resting temporarily, and Easter morning will bring a dramatic reversal.
Finally, Easter Sunday gazes upon “Angel Eyes.” The angel in the tomb knows the whole story of Jesus’ resurrection. When he sees the women, he proclaims the Gospel to them, shows them where Jesus’ body had formerly lain, and tells them that they can see Jesus themselves in Galilee. Likewise, the “angels” or messengers of the Church in the apostolic ministry tell God’s people where they can find Jesus and His salvation in the Means of Grace.
With Eyes on Jesus as our theme this Lent, we will continuously focus on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, buried, and risen for our justification. This is a vision that will never disappoint, for by trusting in Jesus, He promises that we will gaze upon His beautiful face now by faith and forever in heaven!
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I pray that we will be able to resume in-person worship services by Maundy Thursday, or even Easter. Unfortunately that is not looking to be realistic. Until we receive clearance, please join us for worship on Facebook. Weekly bulletins & Parish News are available for download at www.orlcms.net.
Pastor Jeff
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
601 Fall Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703-3157
Phone (715) 835-5239
www.orlcms.net
Rev. Jeff Carlson, Pastor
Office Ph. 715-835-5239
Cell Ph. 715-212-2088
Garth Melville, Lay Minister
Cell Ph. 715-829-4280
Marvin Johnson, Bookkeeper
Office 715-835-9155 ext. 7
Holly Volkman, Office Admin.
Office 715-835-5239
Rick Thole, Building & Grounds
Redeemer Early Learning Programs
601 Fall Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703-3157
Ruthanne Vadnais, Director
Office: (715) 835-9207
2020
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Church Cookbook Wisdom So we've come to April again. That tricky month. It starts right off with jokes, pranks and puns. The weather plays games too --- early spring with green grass or record snowstorm? And is Easter early or late? When's the full moon after the vernal equinox??? Anyway, here are some more cookbook tidbits. Enjoy and Easter Blessings to you. Joan
"HER FIRST CAKE" - (Anonymous)
She measured out the batter with a very solemn air.
Also, the milk and sugar - and she took the greatest care
to count the eggs correctly, and to
add a little bit of baking powder, which you know, beginners oft omit!
Then she stirred it all together
And she baked it full an hour.
But she never quite forgave herself
for leaving out the flour!
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Persian Proverb: One pound of learning requires 10 pounds of common sense to apply it.
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Learn as if you are going to live forever.
Live as if you are going to die tomorrow.
Traditional
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for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:11–12
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VBS 2020
July 20-23
All Aboard for Vacation Bible School!
Highlights:
Free! Fun! Pizza Lunch on Thursday!
Supervised Bible Instruction, Crafts, Heathy Snacks, Outdoor and Indoor Play Activities, Sing-ing, Dancing and a special Imagination Station
Special engineer caps and kerchiefs for all!
Program Needs:
Shepherds—Adults who meet and greet a group of students each day and escort them to their activities.
Shepherd Helpers: Students—Confirmation and above who assist the Shepherds.
Train items/Toys for kids’ play and to enhance our VBS areas!
Artificial Christmas Trees that are no longer needed.
Inform relatives, neighbors and friends!
Prayer Support!
Contact Information:
Jan Kunert—Director—call/text at: 715-579-8002
VBS Registration Forms available at the Church Office & Ushers Station or online at www.orlcms.net
From the Youth Group…
The junior and senior high youth of Our Redeemer would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who ventured out to share a meal, enjoy the hospitality and support a worthy cause at the annual lasagna dinner held on Thursday, March 12th. A Thrivent Action Grant covered most of the supplies needed for the dinner, a total of 92 dinners were sold - 54 meals in-house and 38 to-go meals - and the youth profited $928.00 to go toward the 2022 National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX! This is incredible!
The Youth Leaders would also like to give a big shout out to the youth that worked the dinner. You all showed grace, patience, and friendship with each other and with the congregation and it didn't go unnoticed. It is the hard work of the youth and the support of the congregation that continues to make this annual event such a success. Thank you and God bless!
If you
(or someone you know)
are interested
in becoming a member of
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church,
please speak with Pastor Jeff
or call the church office at
715-835-5239.
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
At the time of this writing, we in the church are facing a trial like we have never seen. Currently, we are barred from gathering together for worship and fellowship, in hopes to stave off some of the effects of original sin; disease and death. In the beginning, God created a perfect world for us. But, with the fall of man came the ugliness of all things corrupt. In this case, we see those effects in the manifestation of COVID-19.
Yet, even in this time of uncertainty there is hope. With the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, came the promise that we all look forward to. That fact that one day we will join Him in the eternal celebration, and all things will be made new, is the light at the end of this current tunnel. And with that in mind, let us not fear anything being presented to us right now.
But until that glorious day when we are all called home, we must deal with life here. Of those adjustments is a seemingly never ending need to change plans. One of which was the goal I had to unveil the Stained Glass Project to you all at the Palm Sunday Men’s Pancake feed. But like God says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
In attempts to alter my own course, I now present to you the above image for you to see what will soon grace our landscape along Birch Street. It is my wish that before Easter, I will be able to install them to give you the opportunity to see them first hand. Currently, they are in the narthex awaiting a stretch of good weather for me to accomplish this task.
I want to thank YOU as a congregation for entrusting me to produce these pieces. From your kind words of encouragement, to your financial support, I am truly humbled to have been given this privilege. I hope you all find them as beautiful as I do.
I also wanted to specifically thank Dick Fornasiere for his gracious use of his wood shop. While I had over 100 hours on this build, without his facility I assure you I would have had at least three times that, as well as a far less an exceptional end product.
May God bless you all and remember, He’s got this!
Rick Thole
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Redeemer Early Learning Programs News
2020-2021 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for the 2020-2021 school year. A Monday/Tuesday/Thursday class will be held for 3 year olds (must be 3 years by September 1, 2020.) Class hours are 9:00-11:30 AM. Tuition will be $1125.00 for the school year ($125.00/month.) We also offer a 4K program through the Eau Claire Area School District. Your child must be 4 years old by September 1, 2020. You must complete the online application. We offer an AM session (8:00-11:30 AM) or a PM session (12:45-4:15 PM.) There is no charge for the 4K program. For more information on enrolling your child in our programs and availability please contact Ruthanne Vadnais at 715.835.9207 or email [email protected].
BUTTER BRAID FUNDRAISER
Redeemer Early Learning Programs is once again participating in the Butter Braid pastries fundraiser March 30-April 14, 2020. The braids come in seven delectable flavors, plus they also have caramel rolls! Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the purchase of new playground equipment. There will be an order form located in the hallway on the first floor. Orders are due by Tuesday, April 14.
Delivery date and PRODUCT PICKUP will be on Monday, May 4 between the hours of 3:15-5:45 PM. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ruthanne Vadnais at 715.835.9207. Thanks for your support!
BOOK FAIR Redeemer Early Learning Programs is holding a Scholastic Preschool Book Fair Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24, 2020. Hours for the book fair will be: Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM. Come and check out a great selection of books for your family and help the daycare/preschool earn new books for their programs!
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CLUB NEWS
LWML - No April Meeting
MEN'S BIBLE BREAKFAST As everything else, we will not be meeting in April. I think we all miss meeting together. We have so much fun in our fellowship and Christian growth in our Bible study. After this pandemic is all over, I hope that
other men from Our Redeemer will join us. Watch here in May for more updates. -Andy
SENIOR BREAKFAST - No April Meeting
SENIOR FELLOWSHIP - No April Meeting
QUILTING The Quilters have recessed for the season. We are so thankful for the milder winter & not having to cancel
our planned session up until now. We have had more help with Jo Olson, Kathy Weiss & Alice Johnson helping weekly. Look for information in the months to come if we will be able reschedule the National
Quilting day event for Lutheran World Relief.
WOMEN'S REFLECTION & FELLOWSHIP Our April meeting has been planned for Tuesday, the 14th, at 6:30pm, in the second floor choir room. The topic will be "Faithfulness.” And, yet, in these uncertain times, Matthew 28:20, "I am with you
always" seems to be comforting. Please call Theresa at 715-225-9714 for further updates.
NOTES FROM JEANNE...
Isaiah 43: 1-3 and Psalm 57 are a few of my favorite Bible verses that I am applying to these strange times in which we are living. The first reminds me that God has chosen us and will get us through everything. The second reminds me how to stay uplifted in the worst of times: with music! Here are a few pieces of music to log into that I hope help lift you up:
https://www.morningstarmusic.com/keep-god-s-light-38996.html
https://www.hopepublishing.com/W3357_YOU_ARE_MINE
https://www.cph.org/p-32640-my-times-are-in-your-hand.aspx
We know God is in charge and will bring us together face-to-face when the time is right. Remember how he used the evil persecu-tion of the early church in Jerusalem to move the new Christians out into the world? I wonder if we, in these times, are delving into new ways of connecting with people who need to hear of the love of Jesus as we work to move to increase our on-line presence. God does work in mysterious ways!
I look forward to making music with everyone again soon, and learning how to better navigate in this most interesting of times.
In Jesus’ Love,
Jeanne Kolis
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BOOK CLUB We will not meet in April. Our next meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2020. Please read either “Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimaging Life” by Louise Aronson or “What? I’m the Pilot Flying the Plane?: How to Personally Design a “Flight Plan” to Intentionally Live the Rest of your Life with Purpose, more Passions and by Intention and Design!” by Tom Kidd.
Looking ahead:
September 8: We will discuss the Broken Road series to read over the summer: “The Broken Road,” “The Forgotten Road,” and “The Road Home,” by Richard Paul Evans.
New books on order: “Born with a Tarnished Spoon” by Patricia Hawkenson and “The Long Flight Home” by Alan Hlad.
Enter to Win a FREE Scholarship to Summer Camp at Camp Luther!!!
Camp Luther is a ministry of the North Wisconsin District LCMS. Located near Three Lakes in northeastern Wisconsin, Camp Luther offers Christ-centered summer camps, 15 year-round cottages, family retreats and group retreats.
This year, Camp Luther has offered our congregation two FREE summer camps to two children through a program called “Every Kid to Camp.” This camp opportunity is available to children in grades 1-12 during the 2018-2019 school year AND have never been to a Camp Luther summer camp! (This is not a scholarship based on need - it is available to all.)
This scholarship is available to attend any of their summer camps (parents will need to transport their child to/from camp). A brochure and registration form detailing the different types of camps are available on the Sunday School bulletin board. You can also go online at their website www.campluther.com.
If you are interested in applying for a FREE summer camp or have any questions, please contact Sue Schwiebert at [email protected], or by call/text Sue at (414)533-1518 by April 1. If we have more than two children/youth interested, we will hold a drawing.
We are very excited for this opportunity for our children and look forward to hearing from you!
People & Animals
Bible Quiz Because of Stories in the Bible, we have come to associate certain people with particular animals or insects. Can you pair the people in the left-hand column with the appropriate animal or insect in the right-hand column?
1. Abraham
2. Balaam
3. Daniel
4. David
5. Herod
6. Joel
7. Jesus
8. Jonah
9. Noah
10. Solomon
Answers are found below...
a. ants
b. ass
c. dove
d. fox
e. lamb
f. lions
g. locusts
h. ram
i. sheep
j. whale
Answers to People & Animals - Bible Quiz
1. h - ram, Genesis 22:13
2. b - ass, Numbers 22:15-35
3. f - lions, Daniel 6:16-24
4. i - sheep, 1 Samuel 16:19
5. d - fox, Luke 13:31-32
6. g - locusts, Joel 1:4
7. e - lamb, John 1:29
8. j - whale (actually a “great fish”), Jonah 1:17-2:1
9. c - dove, Genesis 8:8-9
10. a - ants, Proverbs 6:6-8
Lent 2020 Worship Schedule March 25: Midweek Lenten Worship IV 7:00 PM - FACEBOOK
April 1: Midweek Lenten Worship V 7:00 PM - FACEBOOK
April 5: Palm Sunday Worship 8:30 AM - FACEBOOK
April 9: Maundy Thursday Worship 7:00 PM - FACEBOOK
April 10: Good Friday Worship 7:00 PM - FACEBOOK
April 12: Easter Sunday Worship 8:30 AM - FACEBOOK
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FROM THE TREASURER...
The more things change the more they stay the same. We can certainly apply this to the times we’re going through right now. Even though we are unable to gather at church for worship and other activities the work of the church still goes on. God just provides us another means of doing it. We’re now using various social media to not only reach our own members but also to reach out to the entire community and beyond. He also provides us with other means of continuing to make our offerings. We would like to en-courage all of our members to begin making their offerings electronically. One way would be to utilize ‘Simply Giving”. A number of our members are currently using this as their means of giving. Another way would be to use the online “Bill Pay” system offered at most banks and credit unions. To begin using “Simply Giving” please use the link provided on the church website and Facebook page or call Holly at the church office and she will be more than happy to get you started. To begin using “Bill Pay” at your finan-cial institution you should be able to set up the church as a payee either online or by contacting their cus-tomer service department. All you will need is the church’s name and mailing address. You can set up your offerings to be made as often as you would like.
Please remember that even though we are not having face to face worship services and activities, the min-istry goes on. The saving gospel is still being preached, messages and calls are being received, bills are getting paid, the facility is being maintained and kept sanitized and little children are still being cared for.
Please keep our church and staff in your prayers.
Thanks for your continued support,
Paul Seipel, Treasurer
MEMORIALS AND GIFTS---DESIGNATED GIVING
There are many options available if you are considering a donation as a memorial or special gift to Our Redeemer. Donations to the following areas help support the overall yearly budget of the church.
Our Redeemer General Fund - building maintenance and supplies, salaries, office supplies, etc.
Debt/loan - Includes Wall project and daycare remodel loan
Good Samaritan Fund - funds used to help Our Redeemer members during time of special need
Altar Guild - provides new altar clothes and banners as needed
Decorating fund - Seasonal decorations throughout the church
Library Fund - adult and children’s books
Sunday School - curriculum and supplies to serve our 3yr old through 5th grade children
Cradle roll - Provides monthly mailing to parents of birth to 3 year olds
VBS - 4 day program provided free to 4yr old through 5th grade, curriculum and supplies
Youth Group - serves middle and high school students
National Youth Gathering Group - Next held July 2022 in Houston
Choir/Music - special music, copyright fees, special instrumentalists
Outreach Fund - printed materials, supplies, food for neighborhood outreach education and activities
LWML - funds are directed to Missouri synod mission projects
The following foundations are separate entities from the church. They are each managed by a board of directors whose members are elected from the Our Redeemer congregation. Their mission statements include supporting Our Redeemer by providing funds for special requests. In the past this has included The Wall Project, chaperones for the National Youth Gathering, College scholarships for Our Redeemer students, etc.
Our Redeemer Endowment fund
The Epiphany Lutheran Foundation
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans
for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
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Did we miss your birthday or anniversary? Is there an error in your information? Please help us by submitting your corrections to [email protected]
Also, if you have had any contact information change, please remember to update the church office!
~ Holly
Birthdays 4/1 June Ida
4/1 Michelle Roberts
4/1 Rita Rodenberg
4/2 Kathy Nelson-Smith
4/2 Joanne Radandt
4/2 Thomas Riedel
4/3 Jess Nosker
4/4 Hollis Slimak
4/4 Rick Thole
4/5 Scott Wensel
4/7 Marion Felton
4/7 Amanda Spearbecker
4/8 Curtis Hehl
4/9 Geri Grahs
4/9 Fue Chi Lukas Kong
4/9 Stacy Nordby
4/9 Brieanne Vasterling
4/10 Kathy Boetcher
4/10 Chris Vasterling
4/11 James Bleick
4/11 Colin Hagen
4/11 Joanne Kummet
4/11 Diana Rude
4/12 Lee Kleist
4/13 Dianne Green
4/15 Tammy Franson
4/16 Nancy Johnson
4/16 Larry Stelter
4/18 Bob Brownell
4/18 Cathy Seipel
4/19 Joan Onstine
4/20 Kellie Slimak
4/22 Kevin Johnson
4/22 Judith Wensel
4/23 Owen Kircher
4/25 Roger Felton
4/26 Dennis Volbrecht
4/27 Linda Pratt
4/28 Janet Kunert
4/28 Emily Langner
4/29 Faith Schultz
4/30 Emilee Beaudette
Editorial Policy & Monthly Newsletter Deadline
Note: Together in Ministry is a publication of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. The editorial staff reserves the right to screen and edit all submissions. If you have articles or meeting dates to submit for the newsletter, please send them electronically ([email protected]) or written to the church office, marked for the monthly newsletter, to be received no later than the third Sunday of the month. This helps us get to publish and distribute in a timely manner.
The deadline for the May Newsletter is April 20, 2020.
Congregation Special Days Anniversaries
4/20 Chad & Angie Peterson 24 years
4/22 Charlie & Kathy Wiese 53 years
4/27 Jeff & Denise Bleick 24 years
4/27 Denny & Eileen Rowell 58 years
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April 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
“March winds and
April showers Bring forth
May flowers.” English Proverb
1 7:00PM Lent Worship - FACEBOOK
2
3 4
5 Palm Sunday 8:30AM Worship Service - FACEBOOK
6
7 Spring Primary Election
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9 Maundy Thursday 7:00PM Maundy Thursday Worship -FACEBOOK
10 Good Friday 7:00PM Good Friday Worship - FACEBOOK
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12 Easter 8:30AM Worship Service - FACEBOOK
13 Easter Monday 14 9:00AM Circuit 9 Meeting 6:30PM Women’s Reflection & Fellowship
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16 6:00PM Finance Committee Meeting
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19 8:30AM Worship Service - FACEBOOK
20 RELP Book Fair May Newsletter Submissions Due
21 RELP Book Fair
22
RELP Book Fair
23 RELP Book Fair
24 RELP Book Fair
25
26 8:30AM Worship Service - FACEBOOK
27 6:30PM Church Council Meeting
28 29
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Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 601 Fall Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-835-5239 [email protected]
