Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is a
great comfort in these days of turmoil and uncertainty, affliction and fear. It is what Christians
have been given and what the rest of the world does not yet know. So, take heart! The sun still
rose in the east. God is still the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and
invisible. Jesus the Christ still came to earth and was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, died and was buried. And on the third day He rose from the dead, ascended into
heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He is our Savior and Redeemer!
And through Him all things were made and by Him all things are sustained. That means you and
me.

In this period of time in which we are advised, for the safety of the body of Christ the Church,
that we should not gather in numbers greater than 10, there are still many things we can do
and are being done:

1. The church is not closed. There may be shorter office hours, but probably not noticeable
to you. If you have a need, call!
2. Services will continue to be conducted and video of them placed on the Redeemer
website.
3. Greater contact will be made to all of you through phone calls and emails. Please be
part of that by starting your own prayer chains and prayer groups.
4. Begin worship as a family at home, in the living room or around the table. Use your
Lenten devotionals, Portals of Prayer, or Luther’s Small Catechism.
5. Small groups of 10 or less can continue to gather at church, but remember to use good
judgment and if you are at risk, or have symptoms of the cold, stay home.
6. Communion can be still be administered, one family at a time, at our church or in your
home. Please call for a schedule.
7. Don’t forget that the church still needs resources to serve people in time of need and to
keep these activities going. So please, keep your offerings coming by mail or drop them
off at the church

James 5:13-16 – Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing
praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray
over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the
one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be
forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may
be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Resources:

1. Redeemer Website: https://redeemer-lutheran.net/
a. Video services: https://redeemer-lutheran.net/video-services/
2. 1517.org (for articles, podcasts, and devotions): https://www.1517.org/
3. Treasury of Daily Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/Treasury-Daily-Prayer-Concordia-Publishing/dp/0758615140/
4. Book of Concord: https://www.bookofconcord.org/
5. Higher Things: https://higherthings.org/

May the peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!

Pastor Jim

James Toma, Pastor
Redeemer Lutheran Church
16351 Springdale Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-846-6330 (office), 714-676-6190 (cell)

Due to concerns about COVID-19, all worship services and activities at Redeemer are suspended until further notice.  Please visit our Online Worship Services page for resources that are available to you.  Christ’s peace be with you.
† Pastor Jim Toma

The following Pacific Southwest District page has current information regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19.
https://www.psd-lcms.org/coronavirus

“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  (2 Timothy 1:7)

Here is the official secured link for our dedicated Facebook site for the Church’s monthly gathering for Faith, Hope & Board Games.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/298382040682962/

To access the site, visit the above link. Pending review and admin approval, you will become a member and see all updates and times and information on how to participate.

USHERS The Elders are being asked to prioritize assisting the Pastor in the worship service over serving as ushers. Therefore, we need to fill more positions on our usher teams. This is not limited to men only. Please see Wayne Pereboom service@redeemer-lutheran.net or call the church office at (714) 846-6330 or email churchoffice@redeemer-lutheran.net.

NURSERY ATTENDANT Would you like to help play quietly with small children? We need nursery attendants for the 11:00 AM services. If you would like to help or to get more information, contact Wayne Pereboom service@redeemer-lutheran.net or call the church office (714) 846-6330.

ALTAR GUILD Have you ever wondered who sets up for communion? The Altar Guild is looking for new members to join the existing Altar Guild teams. The Altar Guild prepares the communion, changes the banners and paraments, and prepares the church for worship. We really need more members. If you would like to join a team or just get more information about the Altar Guild, contact Chris Ohlendorf chrisohlendorf@yahoo.com or Carol Waidner in the church office at (714) 846-6330 or email churchoffice@redeemer-lutheran.net.

SUNDAY SCHOOL We are looking for more Sunday School teachers and/or helpers. Please contact Pat Anderson at deaconess@redeemer-lutheran.net or (714) 824-0027 or Brian Viers at bigbrianv1@gmail.com if you are interested.

GREETERS We have an urgent need for more greeters on Sunday mornings. All you have to do is help members and visitors feel at home as they arrive for worship services. To find out more, call the Church Office at (714) 846-6330 or email churchoffice@redeemer-lutheran.net.

Forever Learning is a new group at Redeemer for anyone interested in learning or improving a skill. Upcoming events might include:

• Cooking, baking – breads, candies, pies (pie crusts), cake decorating, holiday themes, appetizers, soups, main course, vegetables, foods from different countries, and so much more;
• Crafting – stamping, card making, scrapbooking, jewelry making, quilting, sewing, handwork, woodworking, and more;
• Painting, flow painting, pinochle, bunco, ice skating, water exercise and more.

Events are announced in church and in the Sunday bulletin. A donation of $3 per event is requested to offset the price of ingredients when having food. A further donation may be required for some events but you will know about it ahead of time. After a cooking event we will sit down and enjoy the meal together. Everyone is welcome.

If you are interested or would like more information please call or text Ellen Prior at 714-651-1881 or Doris White at 714-454-2902. If you would be willing to teach, assist, or provide your home for an event, please let us know. Days and times are up to the host.