Special Announcements
Living as the Body of Christ
When we pray the “Prayer of the Day” every week during worship, I proclaim we have been made into the body of Christ are invited to pray with one voice. The body of Christ image is used by the Apostle Paul in Corinthians and Ephesians to invite followers of Jesus to respect each other and encourage one another in faith, even while recognizing our differences.
I have been thinking about the different practices that build Christian community. Clearly we are brought together when we worship together, pray for each other and work together for the common good of all. However, the Mission Statement at the top of our Sunday bulletin states that we are “Discovering Christ’s community through building relationships.” How do we build relationships?
This Fall, starting September 14, we will opportunity to discover Christ’s community in 6 weeks of “Faith and Life” forums. On Sundays after worship, we will meet to build community by discussing our own joys and struggles of faith and encourage each other along the way.
We will use themes like Forgiveness of Self and Others, Finding Strength amidst Illness, Praying for the World while listening to the News, and Favorite Song, Films and Books that inspire us. I hope you can attend these forums to discover Christian community in new ways and keep growing in your relationships of mutual care and respect.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Soren Flessen
Many thanks to Pastor Flessen, who is celebrating 7 years with his Redeemer’s family!
Redeemer’s family,
As summer draws to a close and we look forward to the fall season, I hope that everyone survived the rather warm weather we all experienced the last few months. Personally I am looking forward to some cooler autumn type temperatures.
Hopefully, by the time everyone reads this newsletter, the parking lot project will be completed. I know you all have noticed the cutting and patching that has been taken care of to our parking lot, well the seal coating and re-striping should be done by the 28th of August if all goes according to schedule. This should make our parking lot look much better, hopefully give us some more stability to the surface and satisfy our insurance liability requirements. This was a tedious process that took many hours during the two hottest weeks of the summer, in July. For a person that had worked in trades my whole career, this was by far, something I never want to do again, period!!
I need to call out to the other brave souls who, without their time and efforts, this job would never have been completed. My thanks and appreciation to: Jay K., Mick S., Dan F., Art J., Tony O, Drew O., Alec O., Jim W., Jerry M., Gary M. and Jesus (the good Samaritan).Thank you to all these men who did not hesitate when I asked. I so appreciate all your time and efforts to help sustain your congregation. You all helped save Redeemer’s thousands of dollars that we just did not have. May God continue to bless you all.
Other happenings around the congregation, our church liability insurance is now securely in place for the year. Gary R. is always on top of the nuts and bolts of the building. He has been a blessing to the “facilities” of our congregation for more years than I can remember. If Gary lets me know something needs to be replaced or repaired, I know it does! All I need to do is ask “how much”, and I know it is taken care of. Thank-you my friend.
Several weeks ago in late July, something transpired in my life that re-enforced my faith and what 20 plus years of recovery has taught me. There was a situation where I had no immediate control over. I was powerless. All I could do was pray and turn it over to my higher power, God. My faith and recovery brought me acceptance and a sense of peace with the situation. I was able to let it go and sleep that night. The next morning, I was able to start taking the necessary steps to bring the problem to a favorable conclusion. My favorite prayer over many years that had guided me daily, sometimes several times a day, is the Serenity Prayer:
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference,”
Patience, understanding, and remembering it is God’s will and not always mine is a beacon of peace and hope to me each day of my life. More to come….
Peace,
Steve
From the Vice President
Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) was a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany. In the 1920s and early 1930s, he sympathized with many Nazi ideas and supported radically right-wing political movements. But after Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, Niemöller became an outspoken critic of Hitler’s interference in the Protestant Church. He spent the last eight years of Nazi rule, from 1937 to 1945, in Nazi prisons and concentration camps. Niemöller is perhaps best remembered for his postwar statement, which begins “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out…”
The Quote
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Thank You
Art James
The sign up sheet for goodies for our “Faith & Life” forum is now available out in the narthex.
Our hearts and prayers go out to:
Family and friends of Ida Mae Walsh, especially Pam, on the death of her mom.
May they all be comforted by the resurrection and the life yet to come.
Save the Date:
IN SEPTEMBER
- Sep 1 Labor Day!
- Sep 7 4th Outdoor Worship
- Sep 15 7 pm, Book Club: at xxx
- Sep 16 7 pm, Council meeting
- Sep 30 7 pm, Book Club: at the home of Linda McHugh
IN OCTOBER
- Oct 26 Reformation Sunday: Please wear red
- Oct 27 7 pm, Book Club: at Jan Strojny’s house
🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈
SEPTEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
- Sep 8 Jim Woolard
- Sep 8 Kathy James
- Sep 8 Marilyn Rickert
- Sep 11 Jennah Kanacki
- Sep 15 Carol DeVos
- Sep 15 Max Minnick
- Sep 22 Deb Majewski
- Sep 25 Diana Carr
- Sep 25 Cathy Thrun
- Sep 29 Georgia Karash
- Sep 30 Andrew Ogarek
SEPTEMBER
ANNIVERSARIES
- Sep 3 Chuck & Fern Schara
- Sep 6 Tony & Amy Ogarek
- Sep 8 Gary & Marilyn Rickert
- Sep 10 Ray & MaryAnn White
✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️
SEPTEMBER
READERS
- Sep 7 Gary Rickert
- Sep 14 Erica Strojny
- Sep 21 Bob Hecht
- Sep 28 Drew Ogarek
🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈
OCTOBER
BIRTHDAYS
- Oct 6 Judy Carver
- Oct 7 Alec Ogarek
- Oct 9 Tom DeLeeuw
- Oct 9 Natalie Caswick
- Oct 17 Deb Frawley
- Oct 26 Deb Animagi
OCTOBER
ANNIVERSARIES
- Oct 2 Peter & Deb Animagi
- Oct 11 Wayne & Bonnie Trella
- Oct 14 Mick & Jan Strojny
✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️
OCTOBER
READERS
- Oct 5 Tony Ogarek
- Oct 12 Alec Ogarek
- Oct 19 Steve Nowlan
- Oct 26 Dan Frawley
Updated per newsletter.
Altar flowers have been discontinued. There will be permanent artificial flowers. How beautiful!
If you are interested in providing an artificial flower arrangement for the altar, please contact the office, or see Deb Frawley.
Woman to Woman:
So, my dad was a maestro on the accordion. I’m talking Myron Floran caliber (hope someone gets that reference). He could “Lady of Spain” shake that instrument (another reference I hope you get). Any party or celebration in the family brought out the accordion and he would play and we would all sing. It only stands to reason that he would want to share his talent with his children.
As my sister was the oldest, she was first. He found a teacher about a half mile from the house and every Monday evening the two of them would walk there for her lesson. She lasted a year and then said it wasn’t cool. The baton was then passed down to me.
Plus, I was three years younger, not a teenager and didn’t know what cool was. My dad would practice with me and between the walks, the lessons and the practice, we had some very memorable one on one time. I cherished those times. The accordion teacher moved out of the area after three years and without a car it was very difficult to get to her new location, not to mention lugging a big, heavy, awkward suitcase. So, my lessons stopped.
Sixty years later I’ve been gifted a youth sized “squeezebox” and tried to draw on my senior geriatric brain to play a few tunes. Outdoor service has been my outlet and lo, and behold, a couple guys in the congregation came up to me and said they too played back in the day. (the accordion was a popular instrument back then). Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to talk them into testing their brains and muscle memory too and we can get a little combo together. We’ll be the new sensation!
So, thank you for indulging me once a month outside and taking me down memory lane. I hear my dad playing along with me and it’s such sweet harmony.
Til next newsletter------------------Nice chatting with you
Jan Strojny
THANK YOUS:
Part of the crew fixing our parking lot in temps in the upper 90’s!
Thank you to all that participated!
Crisis Center:
We had a presentation in March by Jennifer Kanacki to educate the congregation on the Crisis Center of South Suburbia. During this time, envelopes were passed out so that members could make a donation to this worthy cause. We will be accepting donations until Easter. Please make checks out to Redeemer’s and put a comment on your envelope about the amount and write Crisis Center, so that it will be directed to them. Thank you for your support.
Domestic Violence Outreach Services
(Crisis Center for South Suburbia)
- 24-hour hotline~ 708-429-SAFE (7233)
- Live Safe Patient Advocacy
- Law Enforcement Victim Outreach
- Community Education
All services are free and confidential
WWW.crisisctr.org
OUTDOOR WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Join us outside for worship throughout the summer season:
- Sunday, September 7th
Outdoor worships all weather permitting. alternately done indoors!
OUR CURRENT SELF HELP GROUPS’ MEETINGS
- SUNDAY~ AA 7pm
- MONDAY~ AA 10:30am/ NA 7pm
- TUESDAY~ ❖
- WEDNESDAY ~AA 10:30am/ OA 7:30pm/ NA 7pm
- THURSDAY ~TOPS 5:30pm/ NA 7pm
- FRIDAY ~ SSACNA 2nd Friday/month 7:30pm
- SATURDAY~ NA 10:00am
Little Free Pantry:
Hi.
We always seem to have so long to wait for beautiful weather. But once it is here, we enjoy every day. Thank you to those who have supported our Community Garden. It is year number 10! It is so satisfying seeing so many groups and families enjoying our little corner, not to mention the birds that have found their way there. All produce and herbs that are grown are for the pantry. I feel so blessed to be able to put fresh grown vegies and herbs in there! A lot of the flowers growing were given to me by friends or bought at my own expense. I worked at a nursery for 26 years and miss having a yard, so the church garden fulfills me in many ways. I spend a lot of time in prayer there and marvel at all of God's creations, from the little roly-polys to the squirrels that dig up my plants! Thank you God for this gift and please feel free to enjoy our garden.
Marilyn
Please continue to donate graciously!
Faith & Life:
The sign up sheet for goodies for our “Faith & Life” forum is now available out in the narthex.
Blessings:
God's blessings on the congregation at Redeemer's, and their families throughout the fall season!
BOOK CLUB. . .
SEPTEMBER
BOOK CLUB
“Sandwich” by Catherine Newman
For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, sunny days, great meals, and messes of all kinds: emotional, marital, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient
plumbing—septic too. It's one precious week: everything is in balance; everything is in flux. And when Rocky comes face to face with her family’s history and future, she is forced to accept that she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves.
Join us September 30 at 7pm at the home of Linda McHugh for discussion and refreshments.
📚 📙 📖 👨🏫 🎒 📙 📔 📘 🔖 📕 📖 📗
OCTOBER
BOOK CLUB
“The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
This is the second in a series by this author. It’s the story of three siblings_ Franny, Jet, and Vincent – growing up in New York City in the mid-20th century. They have all inherited magical abilities from their mother, who has run away from her family to try and escape all things magical, and in particular, the family curse.
Join us on Monday, October 27th at 7 pm. The cauldron will be brewing at Jan Strojny’s house.
Help:
THRIVENT MEMBERS Please contact Deb Frawley or Marilyn Fisher to find out how you can help the Pantry and/ or church out financially!
Things To Do:
Kym Frankovelgia opens a new senior luncheon season with the very best of the big bands, standards, comedy, and Broadway hits.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Doors open 10 am entertainment 11 am
Entertainment, Lunch & Bingo
Park Place At Central 15601 S. Central Avenue
Admission $7
Get your tickets at City Hall, 15440 S. Central Avenue or call 708-687-4050.
Please Pray for. . .
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Fern Schara, Pat Kropack, Lottie White, Pete & Debbie Animagi, Gus Scott, Joanne, John, Ryder Conrad, Carole, Tom DeLeeuw, Noah Coyle, Kevin, Nick, Percy, Tommie, Steve S, Ralph, Virginia Drogula, Carol Burge, Bev, Silvia Magana, Howard Doyle, Chris McAuliff, Mike, Bob Graniczny, Kris Neumann, Kristen Richardson, Kim Wisnewski, Gary Miller, Russ; Amber, Tim Dragoon, Jim Mueller, Ralph Mueller, Sommer Trella, Jennifer J.,Courtney Flynn, Blake Murphy, Scott & Brandy, Phil Peloquin, Hayley Jeralowicz, Cheryl, Matt Kuh, Joan Coyle, Greg, Dave Dau, Steve Kryl, Brett, Billy Mueller...
🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
Please inform the office for any name removals or additions. Thank you
Please remember to donate food, money and other resources to your local organizations who are supplying those in need.
Also, don’t forget-- to help Marilyn in supplying her pantry. Any large donations, please put in bag and leave by the back door, or contact Marilyn at 708-687-2432 and she can meet up with you. Monetary donations are always accepted and can be sent to church. If you are sending a check, please make it out to Marilyn Fisher.
Kind Words
Dear Redeemer’s Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your gift of $300 to help individuals and families escape homelessness this Spring season. As you know, we sheltered in place and followed CDC and State government guidance in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Your support helped us pivot services to keep homeless individuals and families safe at local hotels, as all congregate shelters closed, while continuing to provide essential lifesaving services. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Rohit D’Souza,
Philanthropy Manager, PADS
I pray this letter finds you and your congregation hopeful and enjoying the waning weeks of summer during these unprecedented times. As always, thank you for your generous support of the ELCA, the synod, and our shared ministry. The impact that our congregations have in the world is truly amazing! I am proud to be a part of this effort and look forward to working with all of you in finding new, faithful ways to continue this inspiring work of Kingdom Building.
Many blessings of thanks!
Heather Haynes,
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
Dear Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
Thanks be to God for YOU! Your support through your benevolence and other giving is a blessing.
Please keep Bishop Curry and the MCS staff and all congregations of the synod in your prayers as we continue to press through this new way of being.
In Christ, Heather Haynes (Executive Assistant to the Bishop)
To the Redeemer's Family!
Connie Martin
TRIPLE BERRY CRISP
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ c. fresh blackberries
- 1 ½ c. fresh raspberries
- 1 ½ c. fresh blueberries
- ¼ c. sugar
- 2 c. all-purpose flour
- 2 c. rolled oats
- 1 ½ c. packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ c cold butter, cubed
👩🏻🍳🍴🍽️🍛🥗😋🍕🥤🍔👨🏻🍳👩🏻🍳🍴🍽️🍛🥗😋🍕🥤🍔👨🏻🍳
- preheat oven to 350
- Gently toss together all the berries, and white sugar in a large bowl; set aside.
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate large bowl.
- Cut in butter with 2 knives or a pastry blender until crumble mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press ½ of the crumble into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
- Cover with berry mixture. Sprinkle remaining crumble over berries.
- Bake in the preheated oven until fruit is bubbly and the top is golden brown. 30-40 minutes.
- Serve with whipped cream. Enjoy!
The Redeemer's website is maintained by Jerry Marquardt
New to Redeemer's? Here are some common questions
You’ll find everything from jeans to casual clothes to business suits at our worship experiences. At Redeener's, we don't care about what you look like or what you wear. We want you to be comfortable.
If you are visiting us for the first time, we will not ask you to stand up or ask you to give money. Many people want to check out a church and “be anonymous” for a while. That's ok by us!
It can be a intimidating visiting a church for the first time. So we will do our best to welcome you. We are dedicated to making sure you feel right at home. We'll answer any questions you have and make sure you get a hot cup of coffee and know exactly where to go.
When you get here, just head straight upstairs (or take the elevator) to our narthex to sign in! Your family is in good hands!
Giving is entirely up to you. If this is your first visit, we don't want you to feel any obligation to give. You are our honored guest. Also, if you start attending regularly, you'll only be expected to give what you feel you should.