Spotlight Moments

"How Becoming a Parent Made Me a Bad Youth Pastor (and a Better One Also)" by Redeemer's youth pastor Todd Kardell. 

Pastor Todd recently wrote an article about how becoming a parent affects his youth ministry...in a great way. Get to know Todd's passion through this transparent message from his heart. Read a condensed version on page 3 of the Spring 2013 Northwest Conference Imprints newsletter, or read the full article here >> 

Learn more about all the exciting things going on for the young people at Redeemer >> Always feel free to contact Todd to chat. 

From Los Angeles to Brooklyn Park...

January 14 to 20, 2013, I had the distinct honor to be one of 47 community leaders selected to participate in the weeklong Empowerment Congress Leadership Institute, co-sponsored by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This is a weeklong opportunity to learn the best practices of the seven other communities invited and discuss ways to improve our work. Community Engagement is the process that brings together the elected officials, city leaders, local organizations, and residents to convey strength and renewal.

It was great this year to see the Martin Luther King Hospital open and operating in the Watts neighbor of Los Angeles. Last year, we were only welcomed with a 12-foot-high fence, still standing around the facility as it has since the 1992 Rodney King riots. Since the Watts riots of 1964, this community was been just an off ramp from an expressway that people avoided. However, with the joining forces of the people from the community renewal, a whole medical campus is rising from the ashes.

In south Los Angeles it is clear that elected officials are working side-by-side with residents, teachers, doctors, and ministers to bring renewal. The question that I was asked by the Los Angeles Supervisor and leaders from the Kellogg Foundation was, “How do we get more communities to engage their work with the faith communities?”

The answer to that is what we are seeing right here in Brooklyn Park and surrounding communities. In Jeremiah 29, the LORD says to those who want to do God’s will that they are to build houses and plant gardens. That’s called settling in. However, the power of those instructions comes in verse 7 when the LORD says, “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” The health of a city is directly affected by how the faithful get involved in the community God has called us to live.

On Wednesday, January 23, I had the opportunity to lead the first meeting of the Brooklyn Area Ministerial Association for 2013. Almost 40 pastors and ministers gathered at the new CEAP building to see how we can work together to build a strong community. There is a great commitment to work together for the renewal of our cities.

The city of Brooklyn Park recognizes that this is a very important part of the new community strength. I greatly appreciate the invitation by the city to travel with our team and to continue to be a positive voice for the work of the churches into the renewal of our city. Please keep these efforts in prayer and that what we learned in LA will bring strength to our community.

Pastor Steve

Covenant Village, Covenant Trust Company, and several other organizations were invited by the staff of Redeemer Covenant Church to participate in “Encore” on Saturday, October 6, 2012. This one-day, interactive event brought together a variety of professionals to share with those looking to retire in the next 15 years, those who are already retired and contemplating next steps, those helping aging parents, and those caring for family members with physical and medical needs.During the morning, several presenters provided overviews of their areas of expertise to the entire group. Following lunch, participants were able to attend up to four thirty-minute breakout sessions of their choice where facilitators were able to go into more depth in a small group setting.

Appreciation was expressed by those attending this free event, as they came away with useful resources and information. Many were surprised and pleased to learn of all the services offered by Covenant Village and Covenant Trust Company. A Redeemer member shared, “It is wonderful that the Redeemer staff is providing education on practical ways for us to be good stewards of our health, housing, finances, and possessions.”

The following websites were recommended during the Encore seminar. You will find helpful information on aging and health, senior housing, and caregivers:

• www.seniorhousingguide.us
• www.agingservicesmn.org
• www.health.harvard.edu
• www.covenantvillageofgoldenvalley.org 
• www.havingtheconversation.com

The Worship, Music, and Fine Arts Commission is pleased to introduce Ms. Angela Jamieson as the new Sanctuary Choir Director for Redeemer Covenant Church, beginning September 1, 2012. The commission believes that Angela brings to Redeemer the skill set and passion needed to grow Redeemer’s multifaceted music program.

Angela graduated from Bethel University with a degree in vocal and classical music education. Since then, she has taught music (kindergarten through 8th grade) at Odyssey Academy in Brooklyn Center. Attending Redeemer as a child, Angela is excited to be back serving in the area of music. She loves to be with people and to teach. She is looking forward to worshiping alongside the others in this ministry.

Angela is grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Sanctuary Choir and invites you to join the choir. Join us in welcoming Angela as Redeemer’s Sanctuary Choir Director.