Communiqué from the Interim Pastor
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Dear Members and Friends of Redeemer and St. Theodore,
Dee Sessa
I wish to begin with a brief word about our sister in Christ, Dee, whose full name was Edith Sprague Sessa.
Thanks to some information she left for us in the church office, here are a few details about her life.
Dee was born in New York on March 18, 1927. She died here in Southern California on February 5, 2025, just a few weeks shy of her 98th birthday.
Dee was baptized at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockville Centre, NY, where she was also confirmed. She was married in that congregation in 1949.
After becoming a widow, she married a second time in 1990 and was again widowed. She lived in Sarasota, Florida from 1994-2011, and was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran. Twelve years ago, she moved to Southern California and joined Christ Lutheran Church in Brea. Then in the fall of 2013, Dee moved to Leisure World and joined Redeemer Lutheran April of 2014. She is survived by children, their spouses, and grandchildren.
Rest eternal grant Dee Sessa, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.
At the Time of Death
Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11th at 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. and again at 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., I am offering two one-hour session with any who wish to work on a document entitled “At the Time of Death.” We will meet upstairs in the meeting room behind the front entryway.The two documents attached to the email will be available at the gathering. They show the kind of information we are gathering for member and friend files at the church. No one is obligated to do this, however what we leave behind for our loved ones and for our church can be very helpful when that time comes, and plans need to be made. I myself know that to be very true from a pastor’s perspective.
Please join us if you are able tomorrow if you are interested. One more time will be offered on February 19th at 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday Bible Study
Our Midweek Bible Study on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount continues tomorrow downstairs in the Fellowship Hall from 12:00–1:15 pm. This major teaching of Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of Saint Matthew, chapters 5-7. All are always invited. Refreshments are available. Please join us and others are always welcome.
New Member Reception
Another New Member Reception will happen in mid-March. We are preparing for another reception for any who desire to join the official membership of the congregation. The form is below. It will be available on Sunday mornings also. If you are interested, please fill out the form and give it to me on Sunday morning or send it to the church address. There is never any pressure for people to officially join the membership. We always welcome, include, and love our visitors, friends, associate members, and members.
Sealed Pledges
Sealed pledges for the year 2025 are being received and placed in a special box which will be put on the altar. If you did not receive one and want to receive one, please let us know ASAP and we will get one to you.
Fire Relief
Lutheran Disaster Response continues to respond to those devastated by the recent fires. Donations are needed on a continuing basis and can be given through thru disaster@elca.org.
Needed Rain is Coming Again.
Meteorologists are telling us it may again be raining tomorrow. We need the rain! Please be very careful walking, biking, and driving under those wet conditions.
God’s peace and blessings be with you all,
+Murray D. Finck
The Rev. Murray D. Finck, Bishop Emeritus