Membership Forms
We are missing membership forms for some of our new members! We are starting to go through our files to make sure we have everyone’s information. If you are not seeing your name on the Birthday list or are always having to pick up your newsletter at church rather than receiving it in the mail, we probably do not have your current information. Please stop by the office on Tuesday or Thursday to get a membership form or pick up one in the Narthex on Sunday when you come to church. Also, be sure to return it! We would like to have all members’ information because we are discussing doing a new Church Phone Directory BY OUR NOVEMBER ANNUAL MEETING!!!

WANT TO FEEL A PART OF
BUILDING UP THE CHURCH?

Have you considered more fully participating here at Redeemer? The fastest way to ownership and stewardship is by becoming an ACTIVE part of the church. Please, take some prayerful time and consider your position as baptized members of the Body of Christ - His only hands and feet are yours!
Opportunities for Service:
Want to work behind the scene? There are opportunities with our Altar Guild, Maintenance Crew, and Counters.

Want to help serve others? We need people to help with coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings. The task is light as we share it.

Want to help with our Worship Services? you could be a Communion Assistant, Reader, Acolyte, Usher, Greeter, Prayer Leader, or part of the Choir.

Ready to go out and visit people? Our Outreach and Visitation Team can always use more participants. They regularly gather in the conference room at 2:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

There is a downloadable form here that you can print out, fill out, and return to the Church.  We will make sure it gets to the person it needs to and they will be contacting you!!

Prayer List

We continually updated our Prayer List of Family Members and Friends. If you have someone you wish to put on the list, please let the office know. Phone (562) 598-8697 and leave a message. 
"All Are Welcome Here!"
There have been some questions on how to continue to support Lutheran Social Services during this time of social distancing and safer at home. Both for your own safety, and theirs, the current way to support their needs (which has never been greater) is by sending them a check through the mail. Their address is: 12432 Ninth Street; Garden Grove, CA 92840. We have dropped off every non-perishable item we had gathered in early March and will begin this in-gathering of food again when our regular services resume. Thank you for your ongoing concern and support for this program.
And we are continued to be blessed by an anonymous congregant donating many beautifully made cotton (washable) pleated masks which have a pocket to put in coffee filters for clean breathing. If anyone needs one, please let Pr. Lisa know and we can arrange delivery.👍
See our "DONATIONS" page for directions for using the "GIVE" button!
DISASTER RELIEF

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Dear Friends,

The last year has been full of changes and challenges for all of us. Now we are again witnessing a devastating disaster amid the ongoing pandemic. As neighbors in Christ, we have an opportunity to share God’s hope, healing and renewal with each other.

Beginning Feb. 14, a polar vortex descended over the United States. Subfreezing temperatures and heavy snow swept across the country, impacting millions of people. The harsh conditions severely impacted Southern states, such as Texas, which lack the infrastructure to handle the freezing temperatures and record-setting snow and ice. This has led to power, food and water shortages throughout the region. At its peak, 4.5 million homes and businesses in Texas were without power. With bursting pipes and broken water systems, around 10 million Texans are facing water disruptions. As temperatures rise, melting ice and snow is expected to cause more water damage. 

Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, the Southwestern Texas Synod, the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, and Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response. Congregations are already conducting relief efforts such as supplying water, food and generators to those in need and opening their doors to serve as shelters. Long-term recovery may include repairing water-damaged homes, disaster case management and supporting vulnerable populations. 

Please give today. Your gifts ensure that our church will be able to provide help and hope for those whose lives have been devastated by the severe storms in Texas. Gifts designated for “U.S. Severe Storms” will be used entirely (100%) for direct response. 

Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support for those whose lives have been impacted by severe winter storms and subfreezing temperatures in Texas. Doing this we reflect Christ’s light and hope to our neighbors in their time of need. For updates on this and other disasters, follow Lutheran Disaster Response

PRAYER BOX
One thing we can do despite any pandemic restrictions is pray. A Prayer Request Box has been installed by the front door of Redeemer Lutheran Church for all of LW residents to use.

The Leisure World Interfaith Council encourages all to go by the entrance to Redeemer (13564 Saint Andrew’s Drive) and use the paper and pens to write a prayer request to God. Think of the locked, copper-toned mailbox as a way to share your concerns with your Creator. Let go of fear, discouragement, frustration, sadness and of course share thanksgivings and blessings. This new physical prayer place will be dedicated during this Passover and Lenten season as a way of staying spiritually close (while remaining socially distant!) with the One who loves us and knows our needs before we even ask. May God bless all of us as we continue to build our relationship with God and one another, in prayer.


Asia-Pacific Disaster Response
“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me” (Psalm 30:2).

Dear Friends,

Over the past two months, a surge of COVID-19 cases has ravaged India. The country has officially recorded over 20 million cases and 220,000 deaths. On April 30, India reported over 400,000 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count in any country during the pandemic. Thousands of deaths are documented each day, yet the actual number is suspected to be much higher. I’m writing to you today because, to respond, we need your help.

Padhar Hospital, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madhya Pradesh, has a ward dedicated to COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, the hospital is currently being forced to turn away patients because it lacks the space and oxygen to support them. 

Lutheran Disaster Response is helping Padhar Hospital purchase an oxygen generator for its COVID-19 ward so it can treat more patients and not have to turn away people suffering with COVID-19. 

Last year, Lutheran Disaster Response supplied Padhar Hospital with the funds to purchase a ventilator and monitoring equipment. But as another wave of COVID-19 sweeps through India, the needs are increasing. The work of Padhar Hospital is just one example of how our companions and faith-based partners continue to bring relief to communities during the pandemic. For the past year, Lutheran Disaster Response has continuously supported companion churches and partners throughout India as they raise awareness about COVID-19, provide personal protective equipment and distribute sanitation supplies to vulnerable communities. Your contributions to Lutheran Disaster Response will support its crucial work.
Together, we can help provide immediate support for people impacted by COVID-19 throughout India and the Asia-Pacific region. Please join me in prayer and partnership.

What you can do:
Pray: please pray for communities in India and around the world impacted by COVID-19. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Pray that God will deliver comfort to those who mourn and strength to those working diligently to contain the fires and care for affected communities.

Give: Please give today. Your gifts ensure that our church will be able to provide help and hope for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in India. Gifts designated for “Asia-Pacific Disaster Response” will be used entirely (100%) for direct response to COVID-19 in India and to other disasters in the region. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. The ELCA's tax identification number is 41-1568278.

Other Ways To Give
Are you eligible for matching gifts through your employer?

Give through your congregation
Make checks payable to your congregation, write “Lutheran Disaster Response” in the memo line, and place your gift in the offering plate.

Mail your donation
Make checks payable to “Lutheran Disaster Response” and mail to:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009

Give by phone
800-638-3522
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm central time

Online at: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/AsiaPacific-Disaster-Response


ELCA Disaster Relief - U. S. Tornadoes

"By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:78-79).

Friends,

On the night of Dec. 10 and early morning of Dec. 11, an outbreak of at least 30 tornadoes swept through six states. So far, 94 people are reported dead across five states, more than 80 of those in Kentucky. For those unaccounted for, search-and-rescue operations are underway. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and over 300,000 people were without electricity.

Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and other partners in the area to assess the damage and develop an immediate and a long-term response plan. Your gifts to support these response efforts will empower our partners to meet survivors’ immediate and long-term needs. Given the extent of the damage, recovery will take years as thousands of homes will need to be rebuilt or repaired. With your support, Lutheran Disaster Response can accompany survivors on the long road to recovery.

Your gifts to “U.S. Tornadoes” will be used in full (100%) to help people impacted by the tornadoes until the response is complete.

The season of Advent is a time of hope as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth. Right now, we have an opportunity to share hope with our neighbors in their time of greatest need. Please join me in prayer and consider giving if you are able.

Please give now
In Christ’s service,

Daniel Rift

The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Fund
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Additional Ways to Give

Checks or money orders can be sent to:

Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009

Write "U.S. Tornadoes" on your check memo line.

Give by phone at 800-638-3522 (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm CT) or online.


ELCA Disaster Relief: Eastern Europe Crisis Response

The Situation:
On Feb. 24, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, launching land, sea and air attacks. Russia has launched air strikes across the country, including on the capital of Kyiv and other major cities. Millions of civilians fleeing the violence are heading toward Ukraine’s western districts and such neighboring countries as Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary. There are major humanitarian concerns for both internally displaced people and refugees. Many of these Ukrainians fleeing their homes need shelter and such basic necessities as food, water and toiletries. Care for people also includes pastoral and psychological support to address the trauma they’ve endured.

Our Response:
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has joined other religious leaders from Europe and around the globe in issuing an interfaith call for peace in the region.

What you can do:
Pray:
Please pray for those in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries that have been affected by the crisis in Ukraine. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need.

Give:
Your gifts designated for “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used entirely (100%) to provide support for people impacted by conflict in the region.
https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/Eastern-Europe-Crisis-Response

Open Ministry Positions

If you are interested in being a Reader/Prayer Leader, please let us know! We really do need more people willing to participate in our Services. We can always use more Greeters and Ushers, also.

CALENDAR NOTES
Sundays
10:30 a.m. Communion Service

Thursdays
12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m. Office Hours

MARCH
March 6, 13, 20:
3:00 p.m. New Member / Re-Affirmation of Faith Meeting Sanctuary
4:00 p.m. Lenten Midweek Study and Soup Supper Fellowship Hall

March 10: Daylight Savings Time Begins

March 21: 2:30 p.m. Council Meeting

March 24: Palm Sunday
10:30 a.m. Service

March 26: Newsletter Articles Due

March 28: Maundy Thursday
10:30 a.m. Service

March 29: Good Friday NOON to 3:00 p.m. Service

March 31: Easter Sunday
10:30 a.m. Service


Sharing Your Gifts
Do you see the same faces every time you come to church? The same people greeting you, the same person giving out bulletins, the same few people reading the Scriptures month after month, the same people calling when you are ill, the same voices in the choir, the same people on the finance team in the bulletin, the same people preparing the Sanctuary for service, the same people preparing for our Birthday celebrations at the end of the month, and in other roles in the church? Why is this? Is it time to see some new faces in these roles? Is it time to see YOUR face in one of these roles? Think about it. If not you, then who? You are the only hands and feet of Jesus to others.
In the back of the Annual Report, there is a list of Opportunities for Service that we are asking you to fill out and return. Extra sheets are in the entryway. It can be mailed to the office or turned in on Sundays in the offering plate. Stewardship is not only about money. Stewardship is also about sharing your time and talents in the service of others and the church. God has given you many gifts, how you use them is your gift back to God in thanksgiving. Please consider prayerfully how you can make the Kingdom of God present here.


Contact us:
13564 St. Andrews Drive
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Phone: (562) 598-8697
Fax: (562) 598-8697
email: redeemer_lutheran@verizon.net
website: redeemersealbeach.com

Sunday Holy Communion Service 10:30 a.m.

St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church
Joins with us in Worship
New Members Meetings, Preparation for Baptism, and Re-affirmation of Faith

Several persons have indicated interest in officially joining the membership of this worshiping community. Another has asked about baptism. In preparation for the reception of new members, for the Sacrament of Baptism, and as an opportunity for any others to have a brief “refresher course” in what we teach and believe, and why, there will be five one-hour classes held on upcoming Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m., prior to the 4:00 p.m. Midweek Lenten Gatherings. We will meet on these Wednesdays and have conversation together about the following:

Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. March 6
An Overview of Lutheran & Episcopal Theology – Part Three
The Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion

Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. March 13
A Brief History of the Lutheran and Episcopal Churches
and of Redeemer and St. Theodore of Canterbury

Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. March 20
The joys and privileges of being a members
 of the Body of Christ and of one of his churches.

A New Member Reception and Re-affirmation of Faith Liturgy 
will be woven into the 10:30 a.m. worship service on 
Palm Sunday, March 24.

Any and all are welcome. After a one-hour time of conversation about the topics listed above, the attendees are invited and encouraged to join the 4:00 p.m. Lenten Midweek gatherings for a 45-minute time of song and study followed by the traditional soup supper and fellowship.

Interim Pastor
We are honored that Bishop Murray Finck has agreed to work with our community as our Interim Pastor. We welcome him to our shared community and are blessed by his presence.

Lenten Midweek Fellowship 
We are again having Lenten Midweek Service, Study, and Soup Supper on Wednesdays (March 6, 13, and 20) at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We had 32 people attend our first Soup Supper. These gatherings begin with a biblical study of one of the stories of Jesus’ passion during his final days before his crucifixion. We read stories as told by each of the four Gospel writers -- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In the weeks ahead, we will continue reading more of those passion narratives written by the four evangelists. We also sing Lenten Hymns, and have delicious homemade soups. We enjoy fellowship with one another. Come and join us on our Lenten journey!
March 10 begins Daylight Savings Time
Do remember to move your clock AHEAD 1 hour before you go to sleep on Saturday night!
[otherwise, you will miss Sunday Service]
Good Friday
We will be holding our own solemn Good Friday Service at 10:30 a.m. on March 29 [Good Friday].  It will end in time for you to also attend the Interfaith Council's  Last 7 Words on Friday, March 29 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater. You may join for the whole service or come for part of it. People will be allowed to move during the musical interlude between Words.  Note: Bishop Finck will be preaching on the Fourth Word (Why Have You Forsaken Me?) 

Easter Sunday
Please join us on Sunday, March 31st at 10:30 a.m. for our beautiful celebration of Easter! Feel free to bring family and friends as we remember the reason for our faith: the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Maundy Thursday
Please join us on Thursday, March 28th at 10:30 a.m. for our celebration of the institution of Holy Eucharist at our Maundy Thursday Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Feel free to bring family and friends as we remember the last days of our Lord Jesus as his Passion begins.