“Our Core Values drive everything we do towards accomplishing our mission of serving all through spirituality and God’s Love.”

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Worship Service – Sunday, January 17, 2021

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, January 17, 2021

Our Sunday worship is broadcast on WTKM radio in Hartford (104.9FM and WTKM.COM) on Sundays at 10:30am. It is also video-recorded to appear here on our website and on our Facebook page. Please click on the bulletin image to open the PDF and follow along.

January Craft Project

Virtual Sunday School – Session 7 – January 2021

Virtual Sunday School – Session 6 – January 2021

Worship Service – Sunday, January 10, 2021

A Pastoral Letter on Recent Events

— Bishop Paul Erickson —
Greater Milwaukee Synod – ELCA

Siblings in Christ:

Events of recent days have been incredibly hard and painful to watch. First, the decision by the Kenosha County District Attorney not to file charges against the officer who shot Jacob Blake seven times in August was widely anticipated and, for many, deeply disappointing. While many feared a resurgence of the violent protests that took place following the shooting in August, it appears that the response has been mostly peaceful thus far. It is clear to me, however, that regardless of the decision whether or not to charge Officer Sheskey or take other actions against the individuals involved, we need to seriously reexamine how our police respond to tense situations, especially when people of color are involved. We also need to dismantle the economic and social structures that perpetuate injustice and often lead to these confrontations. Structural racism is real, and, while its impact can be fatal for those among us who are black and brown, it harms all of us.

Of course, the events in Washington, DC yesterday have quickly taken over the headlines and our attention. I found the images of people storming the halls of congress, violently seeking to intimidate our nation’s leaders, to be quite distressing. That these acts were encouraged and fueled by words and actions of the President and his closest allies makes yesterday’s events all the more troubling. Again, however, this should not surprise us; yesterday’s events are the natural, logical continuation of the path that we have been on for quite some time.

As much as we may want to place the blame for the turmoil and unrest on specific individuals, we need to be clear that the path forward is not just about removing a few bad apples, and it’s not about sawing off the diseased branch from the tree. We need to recognize that the very soil in which the tree is planted is toxic. Generations of racism and greed have resulted in acts of violence and division that sicken our souls and poison our communities. Those who work with toxic soil will tell us that it is possible to reclaim the soil and heal the earth, but it takes commitment, time, and lots of hard work.

If we hope to participate in God’s mission to reshape our world, our country, and our communities to more closely reflect God’s reign of justice, love, and mercy, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We need to learn how to speak with courage, love, and truth; we need to learn how to listen with humility and compassion; and those of us with power and privilege need to learn when to use it to make a difference and when to release it and get out of the way.

Through it all, I pray we will be grounded in faith, fueled by hope, and shaped by love. The road before us is long and filled with challenges and uncertainty, but God has not brought us this far to abandon us now.

“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
–Isaiah 43:16-19

In faith and hope,
Bishop Paul D. Erickson

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, January 10,2021

Greater Milwaukee Synod / Diocese of Meru in Tanzania – Worship for Sunday, January 3, 2021

This is the second of two worship videos produced by our Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA for our use on 27-Dec and 3-Jan. The services highlight our Synod’s global companion relationships with our partner synods in El Salvador and Tanzania.

On January 3rd, we focus on the Diocese of Meru in Tanzania. This worship video contains an opening prayer and update on the life and ministry of the church in Tanzania, a gospel reading in the Kimeru language, and a conversation between Bishop Elias Kitoi Nasari, the Diocese of Meru, ELCT, and Bishop Paul Erickson, the Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA based on John 1:1-18. Included also are prayers led by the partnership committees of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, a closing prayer led by GMS Bishop Paul Erickson, and three hymns – one of which comes from Tanzania.

Enjoy. Happy New Year!

Worship Service – Sunday, December 27, 2020

Greater Milwaukee Synod / El Salvador Synod Worship for Sunday, December 27, 2020

This is the first of two worship videos produced by our Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA for our use on 27-Dec and 3-Jan. The services highlight our Synod’s global companion relationships with our partner synods in El Salvador and Tanzania.

On December 27, we focus on the Lutheran Synod of El Salvador. This worship video contains an opening prayer and update on the life and ministry of the church in El Salvador, a gospel reading in Spanish, and a sermon by Bishop Medardo Gomez. Included also are prayers led by the partnership committees of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, a closing prayer led by GMS Bishop Paul Erickson, and three hymns – one of which comes from El Salvador.

Enjoy. Happy Holidays!

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, December 27, 2020

Christmas Eve Worship

Christmas Eve Presentation

Worship Bulletin for Christmas Eve

Christmas Program – 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, December 20, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, December 20, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, December 13, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, December 15, 2020

Centennial Celebration – First Congregational Meeting Minutes

The minutes of the very first congregational meeting – December 5, 1920.

Centennial Celebration – Hartford Newspaper Announcement

An article from the local, Hartford newspaper – announcing the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. From the first week of December, 1920.

Worship Service – Sunday, December 6, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, December 6, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, November 29, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, November 29, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, November 22, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, November 22, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, November 15, 2020

An Important Message from Bishop Erickson

November 11, 2020

Friends in Christ,

On October 8, in response to Gov. Evers’ executive order limiting the size of gatherings in Wisconsin, I released a message stating, “While religious organizations are legally exempt from this order, I am strongly urging all our congregations to refrain from gathering indoors for worship and other activities until mid-November at the earliest.” Since then, we have seen a continued surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in every county of our synod and across the state.

Yesterday, Gov. Evers issued a new executive order, urging all Wisconsinites to stay home as much as possible and avoid gatherings with people not part of your immediate family and household. While this order is advisory and not mandatory, I believe it is prudent and wise for the congregations of our synod to follow it. I therefore am strongly urging all congregations of the Greater Milwaukee Synod to discontinue indoor gatherings for worship or other activities until at least January 2021.

I recognize that the vast majority of our congregations have been following this guidance, and I am grateful for your willingness to work together and participate in the efforts to slow the spread of this dangerous virus. I am also aware of several congregations that are continuing to gather for worship indoors. While these congregations may well be following guidelines regarding the wearing of masks, physical distancing, and other safety protocols, and while these congregations may not be aware of any COVID-related spread or outbreaks in their community, I believe the risks involved in gathering far outweigh the benefits. I urge you to reconsider the decision to gather indoors at least until the start of the new year.

When this pandemic began earlier this year, few among us could have known how long this would last and the kinds of decisions and sacrifices we would be asked to make. And now, as we prepare for a holiday season that will be unlike any we have experienced, I am well aware of the challenges and disappointments that continue to fill our lives. And yet, we are not without hope. There is promising news of an effective vaccine that may be widely available in the spring of 2021. As people of faith, we cling to the hope we have in the promises of Christ. This coming season of Advent can be a rich time of reflection and prayer, as we dwell in the silence and the longing of this season of waiting. Across our synod, congregations are experimenting with simple and creative ways to connect people to the promises of Advent and Christmas, even when we can’t physically be together. In the words of one of my favorite Advent hymns, “Yet I believe beyond believing that life can spring from death, that growth can flower from our grieving, that we can catch our breath and turn transfixed by faith.” (Each Winter As the Year Grows Older, ELW 252, verse 3).

In hope and love,
Bishop Paul Erickson

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, November 15, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, November 8, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, November 8, 2020

Session 4 – November

Session 3 – November

November Craft

Session 2 – October, 2020

October Craft Project

Devotional Service – Sunday, November 1, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, October 25, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, October 25, 2020

Confirmation Group 1 – Lesson #2

Pastor Appreciation Month

“Thanks be to God” for Pastor Aida. She is a strong, yet kind and caring woman of faith – who leads our lives in the direction of the gospel. Her faithful devotion to our spiritual growth is extraordinary. Pr Aida deserves our gratitude, our kindness, and our support. She is the cornerstone of our temple that is Christ the Lord.

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Worship Service – Sunday, October 18, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, October 18, 2020

Confirmation Group 1

Confirmation Group 2

Worship Service – Sunday, October 11, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, October 11, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, October 4, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, October 4, 2020

Redeemer Adult Study Group – Welcoming New Participants

For some time now, Pastor Aida has been leading a 4-person adult study group. We have been reading Bible texts, magazine articles, books, ELCA materials, and discussing the content.

Before COVID-19, we met prior to Sunday worship in the Gathering Room. Now, during the pandemic, we are meeting on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm via ZOOM. Our discussions are lively and informative, and last an hour to an hour and a half. BTW – Pr Aida is a wonderfully energetic and insightful leader.

Some recent material for study included Fr James Martin’s book, “Jesus a Pilgrimage”, and A.C. Bouquet’s book, “Everyday Life in New Testament Times”.

We are about to begin discussion of the ELCA’s “A Social Message on … Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy”. It promises to be especially timely just before the election.

In November, we will examine the book “The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong”, by Karen Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez relates the immigrants in the Bible and their stories, with her own family and personal narrative.

And in February, we plan to explore Fr James Martin’s newest book release, “Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone”. Fr Martin has the rare ability to relate Biblical stories and teaching to our lives today. He has become one of our favorite authors.

Our small group barely fills up the ZOOM screen. So we are encouraging anyone who enjoys reading and learning about our faith through discernment and discussion – to join us and help us fill our ZOOM screen.

Simply send an email to myself and/or Pr Aida to let us know that you’d like to join us virtually on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. We look forward to welcoming you.

Rick Ninmann
rick.ninmann@gmail.com

Pastor Aida Muñiz
redeemerhartfordpastor@gmail.com

Peace and Good Health,
– Rick Ninmann

Worship Service – Sunday, September 27, 2020

A Message from Bishop Paul Erickson on Worship Practices

September 24, 2020

As the weather turns colder and the pandemic continues to restrict our ability to gather for worship and other activities, we recognize that congregations are revisiting decisions previously made about when and how to gather safely. As we do this, I’d like to lift up several things for consideration.

Engage in conversations with curiosity and compassion. We are all being forced to make difficult decisions in an environment in which public health information, political tension, and individual preferences cloud our conversations. Please recognize that our pastors, deacons, and leaders are under a great amount of stress as we try to lead and serve. Ask questions before making judgments and seek to shape all our considerations with love for one another.

Recognize that all the counties of this synod are experiencing a significant rise in positive COVID-19 test results and hospitalizations (Wisconsin Department of Health Services). This is not surprising, given the increase in indoor activity and the return to in person attendance in schools of all levels.

The bishop’s office recently conducted a survey, asking pastors serving in the synod to respond to questions regarding their worship practices, feelings of connection, and financial needs as we enter the seventh month of the Coronavirus pandemic. We received responses from 89 congregations, or 74%.

A few results worth noting:

“How is your congregation worshipping?” (some chose more than one option)
37% Indoor, in-person (with seating restrictions, masks, etc.)
59% Outdoors (drive-in or green space)
87% Online (livestreamed or pre-recorded)
12% Other (telephone, printed materials in the mail, etc.)

“Do you offer communion?”
82% Yes / 18% No
77% In person
26% Take home
42% Online

In addition, 44% of congregations reported that they were in a position to “respond with generosity to ministry needs in the synod” and 17 congregations requested financial assistance to support upgrades in technology to strengthen their ability to provide worship and/or to respond to food or housing needs of individuals and families. We are grateful that we are able to respond positively to each request for assistance, and we will be sharing other opportunities for those who are in a position to be generous in the near future.

The Wisconsin Council of Churches has just released additional guidance for those who are exploring indoor, in person worship. Please note that they are still discouraging this, but if congregations are wanting to explore indoor gatherings, these guidelines are important to follow.

We will be hosting two online zoom conversations for pastors, deacons, and council leaders to engage in conversations with others as you seek to make faithful and responsible decisions. These will be held on Tuesday, October 6 and Thursday, October 8, from 6:30-8:00 pm. The link for these meetings will be sent to all pastors and deacons next week.

These are challenging, unprecedented times, and, to put it simply, there are no perfect, risk-free options available. As we try to make the best decisions possible that will help us get through these coming months, I pray we will be guided by Paul’s words to the church in Colossae: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Thanks for continuing to be church together,
Bishop Paul Erickson

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, September 27, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, September 20, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, September 20, 2020

September, 2020 Redeemer Sunday School Craft Project

September 13, 2020 Redeemer Sunday School – Intro to the Beatitudes

August 23rd Drive-in/Outdoor Service

Worship Service – Sunday, September 13, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, September 13, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, September 6, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, September 6, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, August 30, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, August 30, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, August 16, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, August 16, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, August 9, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, August 9, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, August 2, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, August 2, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Drive-In Service – Sunday, July 26, 2020

This Sunday’s worship will be a drive-in service that will be broadcast “live” on WTKM radio in Hartford (104.9FM and WTKM.COM) at 10:30am. Click on the bulletin image to open a PDF bulletin to print and bring with you.

Please drive-in to our lower parking lot, remain in your vehicle, and tune your vehicle’s radio to WTKM. At the end of the service, you will be directed to drive around the back of the church to the upper parking lot for drive-through communion and to exit.

Worship Service – Sunday, July 19, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, July 19, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, July 12, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, July 12, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, July 5, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, July 5, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Drive-In Service – Sunday, June 28, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, June 21, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, June 21, 2020

Worship Service – Sunday, June 14, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, June 14, 2020

Worship Service – Holy Trinity Sunday – June 7, 2020

Worship Bulletin for Holy Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020

WI ELCA Bishops Letter – Regarding Supreme Court Safer-at-Home Ruling

Coronavirus Decisions and Cancellations

March 17, 2020

Dear brothers and sisters,

Grace and peace to you all! If there is something I remember from my Old Testament Class is that in the month of August of the year 70 a.d., Emperor Titus retook and destroyed much of Jerusalem, and with that, the Temple. Back then the Temple was where God dwelled. After its destruction, the great question was: “Where is God?” As we, the body of Christ face this pandemic crisis, and the reality of not being able to gather in our churches, nor connect in person with one another, we might ask ourselves the same question: “Where is God?”, “How are we going to be the body of Christ, together, even when physically apart?” That represents a challenge for us as we go through this crisis.

On Monday our council met and made a few decisions that will be shared with you. The decisions are the following:

Worship – We will not be gathering for worship services throughout the rest of March, this includes Monday worship as well. You can still listen to prayers, Scripture readings and preaching on WTKM, Redeemer’s website and Redeemer’s Facebook page. We invite you to remain as diligent as possible with your offerings: mail your envelopes, or through your bank institution.

Confirmation Classes – Our meetings at church are cancelled, throughout the rest of March. Right now I’m working with “Google Classroom”, and soon, parents will receive an email with instructions.

Coffee with the Pastor – Cancelled, until further notice.

The pastor will be available throughout this crisis. Feel free to call me for emergencies, prayer, etc.

This has not been a decision made lightly, but one, made in light of the serious moments we find ourselves in. It is our Christian duty to act diligently. We are not acting out of fear, but out of love for our neighbor. Pray for our Synod and pastors as we lead in the midst of uncertainty, and make significant decisions that we never imagined making. As a body, rostered ministers are meeting daily with Synod Office.

I want to invite you all to breathe, pray, trust, and to take good care of yourselves. Remember to check our website and our Facebook page, as we come up with things to keep us connected. Please remember that God is here walking with us and giving us wisdom. Let’s show up God through the love of our neighbor, even during these difficult times.

Peace and God Bless!
Rev. Aida Muñiz
redeemerhartfordpastor@gmail.com
(262)232-2153

Upcoming Events

Let’s Have Café! (Cancelled until further notice)

During the past few Sundays we have been announcing “Coffee with the Pastor”, and maybe some of you might be saying: “Well…I can have coffee at home.” You are right! So, let me talk to you a little bit more about what’s intended behind the “Coffee with the Pastor” idea.

During the past year many things happened behind the scenes: building bridges with the Synod, putting our name out there in the community’s philanthropic network, and in the midst of everything, a few drawbacks like loosing a secretary (Thank God for all the volunteer help!). This year we will continue the same work, but, there are still connections and relations to be strengthened.

So, I say “Let’s get to know our stories” Your story, Redeemer story, and my story as well! Let’s talk about ourselves in Redeemer, bring thoughts to the table, and questions about what’s going on and/or what could happen. What better way to do it, but with coffee!

If you wish to host one of these meetings you can sign up! There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex, if not we can still meet at church. Who knows, one day I could surprise you with Puerto Rican coffee. So, get on board, and let’s have CAFÉ!!!

– Pastor Aida

The Nest – Our Social Outreach Space at Redeemer

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WI Memorial Park Cemetery Plots For Sale

Eight cemetery plots in Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI – have been given to Redeemer/Hartford. Our council has decided to offer these plots for sale at reduced prices for a limited time.

The plots are in Section 22, a very desirable location off a main road and near the main memorial building. Plot details are as follows:
Section 22, Lot 138, Graves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Section 22, Lot 390, Grave 5 and 6

The retail price of each grave plot is $5995. Redeemer will sell them for $4995 each. Please contact the church office.

Redeemer’s Giving Tree

A permanent Giving Tree is now located in the Narthex! It’s simple to use and benefits many worthy causes in our community and at Redeemer. Simply remove a tag from the tree, bring in the donation on the tag and place it into the proper bin at the foot of the tree. Many thanks to Matt Nettesheim for constructing this amazing work of art (including LED lighting), to Jenny Nettesheim and Sheila Bauer for managing this project, and to Thrivent for providing a grant to help get in “off the ground”. We look forward to many years of use in service to others.

Food Pantry Sunday

The third Sunday of each month has been designated as Food Pantry Sunday. Please bring non perishable items and place them in the barrel in the Information Area.