And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:3-4
Dear Partners in the Gospel,
 
We start November with one of my favorite worship services, All Saints Sunday. The actual “day” is always November 1, but historically we commemorate this day on the Sunday following. In this case, it will be November 7th.
 
For many of us, this is a solemn time of worship as we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us. We do this by lighting candles and saying their names. I love the beautiful light of all the lit candles. I love how each candle represents a beloved child of God. I love how all the candles, burning brightly, together, remind us that when our light shines together we can light up a room…or maybe even light up gloomy places in the world.
 
As we continue to worship both online and in-person, we will work to include those joining us online. If you will be joining us online, I can light a candle for you. Also, you are invited to bring any photos to place near the candles (or send them to the office before November 5).
 
Personally, this will be an especially poignant day as I will be lighting a candle for the first time in honor/remembrance of my mom who died in January. As I remember her, I will be thinking of all the families worldwide who also lost loved ones to the Covid pandemic. I will also continue to give thanks for the promises that we have through God’s unending grace that death will never have the last word.
 
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
 
Some of you may remember (and some have participated in) my annual Thanksgiving to Christmas Mile a Day Challenge. I started this 7 years ago in an effort to encourage daily physical activity. The average adult can walk a mile in 20 minutes, which all of us can fit into our schedules. The first two years that I offered the challenge I had about 80 people commit, but then only about 30 would complete it. So, to get a bit more commitment, I began charging $25 entry, and I donate $20 of it. Past donation recipients include Ventura Land Trust; Food Share of Ventura County; and Runners for Public Lands.
This year the donation will be made to AIDS/LifeCycle in support of my (and my team’s) efforts to raise funds for a 7-day bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles next June. Each person on the team is required to raise $3,000 to participate. Another team member that you know is my son Matt! If you would like to participate, we do the activity through Facebook. Or if you would like to donate for me or Matt, you can do so at the following links:

LINK
Redimidos Update
Redimidos is Moving!
Beginning January 1, the new mission, Redimidos, will move to Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Oxnard, where TEEM Pastor Jade Ortiz will also serve as supply pastor. We wish TEEM Pastor Jade Ortiz and the members of Redimidos the full richness of God’s blessings as they move to this new location.
Preschool News
 
November is the month that reminds us to be thankful for all the blessings in our lives. During this month at school we will be reading stories, having discussions and making projects that remind us to not only be thankful but also how to share with those that may be less fortunate.
 
On November 18th & 19th each class will have a Thanksgiving feast. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about and teach the students about sharing, giving and being thankful for all the blessings of God. After Friday, November 19th our school will be closed for Thanksgiving week, November 22-26.
 
I wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Peggy Schreiber
Interim Director
 
Operation L.O.V.E. Update
Thanksgiving to Christmas Challenge
Church Council
The October council meeting will be held on
November 8, 2021 at 7pm
Notice of Annual Budget Meeting

 
Dear Members of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer:
 
Please note your calendar for the Annual Budget Meeting on November 21, 2021, following worship in person or via Zoom. You will be acting on the Proposed Budget for 2022.
 
In preparing this budget the council discovered that Pastor Nancy has been working ¾ time and receiving wages for ½ time. According to the Synod guidelines we are paying her far below their recommendation and we simply do not have the money to bring her to the Synod guideline. Therefore, we are recommending a 25% pay increase, which is $10,450. This recommendation along with the other financial commitments will leave the budget with a $19,565.00 deficit. We are asking you to step out in faith with us to accept this recommendation and to join us on raising the money with fundraisers and monetary donations.
 
Voting members were emailed a copy of the budget. Please review this material in advance as it will help to facilitate discussions and questions. If you wish to speak with a council member before the meeting, we will be available on Saturday November 13 after dinner church or contact us at any time with your questions.
 
Pray that the Holy Spirit will be present to lead and guide us to do the will of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 
Blessings,
 
 
Robin Tribbitt
Council President
 
Enclosure
Operation LOVE
This month's meetings:
November 3
November 10
November 17
November 24
9:30 a.m. in the Coffee Room

The quilting group "Operation LOVE" at Our Redeemer has been creating quilts for the Lutheran World Relief quilt ministry for many years. Our quilts are sent annually to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to those in need around the world.

Anyone interested in participating in this ongoing project is encouraged to join the group at any time. Sewing/quilting experience is not essential since there are many different ways to give assistance as needed.
Justice & Citizenship Fair
Justicia Tianguera/Feria de Ciudadanía
Domingo 31 de octubre - 9:00AM-3:00PM
(¡y cada último domingo del mes!)
Oxnard College Swap Meet - al lado del gimnasio
 
Abogados de inmigración y voluntarios donan su tiempo para ayudar a la gente inmigrantes:
·        Contestando preguntas de inmigración
·        Asistencia con la solicitud de ciudadanía
·        Asistencia para renovar DACA y MICA
·        ¡Y más!
 
Para más información, llame al (805) 486-9777 ext 227 (hablamos español)
 
 
Swap Meet Justice/Citizenship Fair
Sunday, October 31 – 9:00AM-3:00PM
(and every last Sunday of the month!)
Oxnard College Swap Meet – next to the gymnasium
 
Immigration attorneys and volunteers donate their time to help immigrants:
·        Answering questions about immigration
·        Assistance with citizenship applications
·        Assistance with DACA and MICA renewals
·        And more!
 
For more information, call (805) 486-9777 ext 227 (Spanish and English)
Birthdays
If you would like to be added to our birthday list, please let us know so that we can add you. You can let us know by replying to this e-mail or calling the church office at (805) 983-0612.