Special Announcements
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Death will be no more. 'Mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.’ And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ 6Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Revelation 2: 1,4-7
We are preparing to celebrate our Lord’s victory over death and the grave and new life the gift.
We have had a wonderful Lent, discovering prayer and various ways to deepen our relationship with God. Thank you.
One of the most important discoveries is that God’s work that has the power to bring forgiveness, peace and the possibility of new life each day. The resurrection of Jesus inaugurates the new era in which the power of God makes all things new, even us.
We are no longer captive to sin, loneliness and heartache. Christ is risen among us, and we too shall rise to new, every day of our lives. Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Sincerely, Pastor Soren Flessen
Redeemer’s Family,
Happy Easter to all! May the renewal of life at Easter bring new blessings of love, hope, peace, good health and happiness to you and your loved ones….Embrace the renewal of Life!
May God continue to look with favor upon all of us. May He also keep His loving and healing arms surrounding the world. My prayer this Easter is for the world to take a breath and remember that Jesus died on the cross so our sins would be forgiven, was resurrected from the dead, and ascended into heaven to sit near His Father.
We are holding our own with congregational finances. All bills have been
paid and we remain solvent. Remember Lent special offering is going to the Women’s Crisis Center, which will end on Easter Sunday. If you need another envelope, please let Deb Frawley or myself know. Please fill our reservation slips for Maundy Thursday/ Good Friday service. We need to get an accurate account to set up correctly.
We will be doing repairs to the parking lot during the month of April. I will be asking for some help when we start this project. More information to come.
I apologize for a brief report this month, a lot of things passing through my head all at one time right now. I do know that this too shall calm down. Thank you for your patience!
Happy Easter & God bless us all,
Steve
LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
- Palm Sunday, April 13, 9:30am
- Thursday, April 17: Combined Meal in the Upper Room / Good Friday Worship 7pm
- There will be NO worship on Good Friday, the 18th
- Easter Sunday, April 20: 9:30am - The Resurrection of Our Lord!
He has Risen!
He has risen indeed! Alleluia!
Our Advent collection for the California wildfire relief fund came to $200. Thank you all who contributed.
Our hearts and prayers go out to:
- The family and friends of Bob Guzinski, especially, Steve and Debby Nowlan.
- The family and friends of Georgia Karash.
May they all be comforted by the resurrection and the life yet to come
What to have/make for dinner? I do most of the cooking because Kathy gets home about 7pm or 7:30. After a long day and long drive she deserves to relax and not have to cook. So I do. I'm pretty good and I enjoy the preparation. But it is getting harder to put together a meal of real food and not a boxed meal. The shelves are not as full and selection is diminishing. After cooking for Calvin and I for 17 years, I've gotten fairly inventive and imaginative. Still, it is work.
I can’t imagine what a challenge it was for my Mom. She worked part time off and on and then would come home and make dinner for Dad and us three kids. Maybe that's why she was so bad at it! All veggies were the consistency of baby food and all meat was cooked until it was beef jerky. But, she could bake, ummm ummm.
My maternal Grandmother was a single mom. My Mom and her younger bother were about 9 and 11 when Gramps left. It the 1920's and the start of the depression.
I guess Grandma did ok working mostly full time. There were never any stories about food. No favorite dishes.
My great Grand Mother was a stay at home Mom with four boys and two girls, one of whom was my Grandmother. Now she could cook. Every holiday she would do all the cooking like for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Turkey and ham, potatoes and veggies and all the fixings.
Why am I going on about this? As I started to meal plan for tonight and was whining to myself, I thought of my Great grandmother, my Grandmother and my Mom.
How much harder did they have it? Do we give them as much credit as they deserve?
And by we, I mean most husbands, sons (and daughters).
March is Women's History Month and so not just in March but every month we should express our love and gratitude to the women in our lives that have nurtured and cared for us. go ahead and give them a hug and at least a night off!!
Random Thoughts from
Art James Council Vice President
Save the Date:
IN APRIL
- Until April 18th Lent season continues
- Starts April 20th Easter season starts
- Apr 6 5th Sunday of Lent
- Apr 13 Palm Sunday 9:30 am
- Apr 17 Maundy Thursday 7 pm (Combined Meal in the Upper Room / Good Friday Worship on Thursday)
- Apr 18 Good Friday (NO worship)
- Apr 20 Easter Sunday 9:30 am
IN MAY
- May 11 Happy Mother's Day
- May 26 Happy Memorial Day
🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈
Birthdays
APRIL
BIRTHDAYS
- Apr 4, Deb Peloquin
- Apr 11, Lucie Besowshek
- Apr 16, Michael Stephens
- Apr 28, Steve Nowlan
- Apr 30, Pastor Soren
✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️
ALTAR FLOWERS:
APRIL
ARE GIVEN BY:
- Apr 6, Darlene Soucek for blessings received.
- Apr 13, Gina Graniczyny in celebration of mom, Shirley Aggen
- Apr 20, Happy Easter!
- Apr 27, still available
🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈
Birthdays
MAY
BIRTHDAYS
- May 8, Gary Rickert
- May 12, Ida Mae Walsh
- May 13, Bill Cummens
- May 19, Winnie French
- May 24, Linda McHugh
- May 25, Sophie Mueller
- May 25, Ethan & Jack Gockel
MAY
ANNIVERSARIES
- May 26, Jennifer & Jeff Kanacki
- May 18, Gary & Patti Schoenbeck
✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️
ALTAR FLOWERS:
MAY
GIVEN BY:
- May 4, Pam Walsh in celebration of her mom, Ida Mae’s 100th birthday!
- May 11, still available
- May 18, the Strojny’s who are loving life!
- May 25, Darlene Soucek for blessings received.
📚 📙 📖 👨🏫 🎒 📙 📔 📘
READERS
APRIL
READERS
- Apr 6, Deb Frawley
- Apr 13, Bob Hecht
- Apr 20, Steve Nowlan
- Apr 27, Gary Rickert
✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️
MAY
READERS
- May 4, Tony Ogarek
- May 11, Dan Frawley
- May 18, Jerry Marquardt
- May 25, Erica Strojny
Updated per newsletter.
Woman to Woman:
So, Mick and I had the pleasure of visiting St. Augustine with Steve & Debby Nowlan. We stayed at a delightful Victorian bed and breakfast. The highlight was the cookie plate that never emptied. We learned you could obtain the recipe as long as you signed an NDA. I promised the guys I would make them a batch.
Now the opportunity takes place when council hosts coffee. Got all my ingredients, read through the recipe and plugged in the mixer. Spent the morning baking and transferred the cookies to drying racks.
Enter Mick (now called H)
H: What happened? The cookies are flat.
Me: I can see that.
H: Did you read the recipe?
Me: yes.
H: Well, you did something wrong. Me: Not really.
H: What are you gonna do with them?
Me: Take them to church.
H: But they’re wrong!
Me: Who would know?
H: Let me read the recipe.
(This from the man who never even baked a Pillsbury crescent roll!!) Me: Just leave the kitchen.
H: Well, (mouth full of cookie) they taste good.
Me: Isn’t that what matters?
So, in the future I will try again making a couple adjustments.
By the way…the plate was almost empty when discussion time was over, so I guess I didn’t do too bad. Case closed.
Til next month………………………….nice chatting with you Jan Strojny
Easter Lilies:
Easter is around the corner, and again we are taking orders for Easter Lilies to adorn the chancel area for Easter morning. The cost is $20 each. Please put money in a separate envelope with your name and quantity on it and put in the offering plate. Orders need to be paid for by Palm Sunday, April 13. Again, you will be able to take yours home or gift it after worship on April 20.
Help:
THRIVENT MEMBERS Please contact Deb Frawley or Marilyn Fisher to find out how you can help the Pantry and/ or church out financially!
Celebration:
June 8 will be our first outdoor worship.
Please come prepared with sunblock and a chair. This will also be our annual picnic.
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
Easter Baskets:
Thanks and praise for 2025 Easter Baskets:
Little Free Pantry:
EVENT IS COMPLETED! THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATIONED HE PRECIOUS GIFTS!
The little free pantry is sponsoring an Easter dinner/family basket giveaway on Saturday April 12th between 12-1 at the back of the church. If you are a family in need or are able to donate for the dinner and the baskets, you may contact Marilyn @708-567-1039 or Marilynshr@aol.com. Cash donations can be Zelled to my phone number.
Please continue to donate graciously!
Hi! Once again Easter is upon us. It is not only a time of reflection and rejoicing, but a sharing of meals with the community. The pantry will be sponsoring Easter dinner giveaways that will be distributed on Saturday the 12th of April, the week before Easter. If you are interested in donating to these meals, I will post a list of needed items on the big box at the top of the stairs underneath Jan’s bulletin board. All items must be collected by that Friday, the 11th.
The Dinner With Friends community dinner has been going very well. We have been able to provide delicious meals and desserts with the generosity of groups within the community. The turnout has been 20-25 people, serving at least 5 families at each event. They have access to toys and library books for the kids, and winter accessories and toiletries for the adults. The add on of the raffle each event has added an extra incentive for everyone. Last event we had a birthday party for some of the guests. I would love to see our congregation show some interest in these dinners and maybe even host an event.
LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Join us on Wednesday, March 3 at 7pm for Ash Wednesday worship
Palm Sunday, April 13, 9:30am
Thursday, April 17:
Combined Meal in the Upper Room / Good Friday Worship 7pm
There will be NO worship on Friday, the 18th
Easter: Sunday, April 20: 9:30am
The Resurrection of Our Lord!
Blessings:
God's blessings on the congregation at Redeemer's, and their families throughout 2025, and wishing a great & prosperous winter into spring!
BOOK CLUB. . .
APRIL
BOOK CLUB
“PEACE LIKE A RIVER” by Keuf Enger
Is the story of Reuben Land, an 11 year old asthmatic. It’s about Reuben’s unusual family and their journey across the frozen badlands of the Dakotas in search of his fugitive older brother. The novel highlights the faith this family maintains through hardships, showing the amazing power of hope and trust in God. Ask yourself, do you believe in miracles?
We’ll meet at Jan Strojny’s home on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:00pm.
📚 📙 📖 👨🏫 🎒 📙 📔 📘 🔖 📕 📖 📗
MAY
BOOK CLUB
“The Housekeepers” by Alex Hay
Mrs. King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she’s made herself respectable, running the grandest home in Mayfair. The place is packed with treasures, a glittering symbol of wealth and power, but dark secrets lurk in the shadows.
When Mrs. King is suddenly dismissed from her position, she recruits an eclectic group of women to join her in revenge: A black market queen out to settle her scores. An actress desperate for a magnificent part. A seamstress dreaming of a better life. And Mrs. King’s predecessor, with her own desire for vengeance.
Join us for discussion and refreshments at the home of Deb Frawley on May 20, at 7pm
OUR CURRENT SELF HELP GROUPS’ MEETINGS
- SUNDAY~ AA 7pm/ NA 7pm every 4th Sunday
- MONDAY~ AA 10:30am/ AA 7:30pm/ NA 7pm
- TUESDAY~
- WEDNESDAY ~AA 10:30am/ OA 7:30pm
- THURSDAY ~TOPS 5:30pm/ NA 7pm
- FRIDAY ~ CANA 2nd Friday/month
- SATURDAY~ NA 10:00am
Please Pray for. . .
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Phil Peloquin, Wayne Kalizcak. Hayley Jeralowicz. Cheryl, Barry Starkey’ Matt Kuh, Fern Schara, Pat Kropack, Lottie White, Gus Scott, Joanne, Eddie McDermott, John, Ryder Conrad, Pete & Debbie Animagi, Carole, Bridgett Arista, Tom DeLeeuw, Noah Coyle, Kevin, Nick, Percy, Tommie, Steve S, Theresa Bentley, Ralph, Trisha Williams, Virginia Drogula, Carol Burge, Bev, Silvia Magana, Howard Doyle, Chris McAuliff, Harold Carver, 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; Betty Geneser, Joan Coyle, Greg, Cathy Thrun, Nancy Byrom, Dave Dau, Richard Mentink, Georgia, Dave Martin, Steve Kryl
🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
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.