Special Announcements

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is,  

“Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” ~ Mark 12:28-30

On Ash Wednesday, March 5, we will enter into the journey of Lent, a time to rediscover key parts of our faith in preparation for Easter. It is a time to listen closely to the voice of God and find strength, belonging and direction in our faith.

During Lent this year, Redeemer’s Lutheran will host “Faith and Life” forums after worship. This will be an opportunity to learn and share stories of what it means for each of us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” We will learn from the Scriptures, share experiences and questions about connecting with God and listening for the Divine voice in daily life. How can we hear God’s voice while doing laundry and speak with God while taking a walk? Can I hear God’s direction through conversation with a friend or sense the presence of God’s embrace by lighting a candle? Can I feel God’s delight when I laugh and trust God to care for me when I’m sick? We will explore what this commandment means in practical terms.

From the Pastor_Olive Green Swirley.pngIn and through the Lenten journey, my prayer is that we will discover again God’s deep and abiding love for us and the world. As we trust each other with honest questions, real struggles and powerful experiences of faith, I pray that we will discover the love of God between, around and within us. Perhaps we will discover this commandment is a powerful gift and invitation to abundant life: as we "Love the Lord your God” authentically we also discover that capacity to love ourselves, our neighbors and the world. It is the pathway to freedom and everlasting life.

I look forward to walking the journey with you,

Pastor Soren Flessen

Happy New Year, Redeemer’s family,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. May God continue to wrap His loving and healing arms around everyone in this New Year.  I pray that His will and guidance touch all people throughout the world.  I wish that His love, peace, and humility reach all of God’s children.

Notes from our President.pngSoon we will celebrate the Lenten season. We prepare each week for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, starting on Ash Wednesday service.  During the 5 Sundays of Lent, Pastor will be leading a forum in the Narthex after worship each week. Everyone is invited to participate each week if you are able. We will have coffee, juice and some treats each week to help sustain you. Please mark your calendars!  During holy week, Thursday, April 17th, we will again have our traditional last supper remembrance, along with Good Friday Service.  This is a wonderful event that is deeply meaningful in preparing for the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.If you have never attended this Holy Thursday service, please try. You will be deeply moved.

Marilyn will again be getting Easter dinner together for the community this year.  Please let her know if you will be able to help donate.  Talk with her to see what her needs might be. She can always use something, whether it be food or cash donations.

Everything is running well with the congregations’ finances to start the year off. We are on budget, God blesses this congregation continuously through our good works. May he continue to look with favor on all of us.  Till next time, take care, stay warm, and God bless you all.

In His service,
Steve

Spring Forward '25.jpgMake sure you change your clocks before going to bed on Saturday March 8!

Noisy Offering.jpgThe grand total of this Fall’s Noisy Offering is $248.01.

This money will be sent to Hurricane Relief.

Our hearts and prayers go out to:

With Sympathy.png

  • The Schoenbeck family on the death of Patti’s mother, Ruth Mae Riordan
  • Family and friends of Robert Marquardt & Robert Marquardt Jr., especially Jerry & Eli

 

  • Family and friends of Florence Johnson

 May they all be comforted by the resurrection and the life yet to come.

Volunteering

First there is a need for help. Whether it is disaster relief or to help with ongoing social needs, volunteering starts with a perceived need. We have all felt that tug on our hearts when we see someone (or many someones) who are in need especially when natural disasters occur.

There are many similar needs right in our own back yard and we have the ability to mitigate those needs. Yes we can write a check or put a dollar in that can that someone is shaking at you outside of Jewel and that does help .

But, I’m speaking about the need to help. To satisfy that need, I highly recommend volunteering someplace where you have face to face contact with those in need such as Food pantries where you help with the distribution of food.

We have access to two agencies that serve the homeless in a variety of ways offering a variety of volunteering opportunities.  There is a need for meals, serving meals, help with laundry, front desk reception.  You can contact BEDSPlus at  708-354-0858

South Suburban PADS has a similar program and their contact info is Rashida Hughes at rhughes@sspads.org or 708-515-4940.

Both organizations have similar programs. They are “sheltering” the homeless in hotels where individuals get case management and assistance to help, them get into a permanent housing solution. They need help with providing meals , serving meals and cleaning up.

The locations are Lagrange, Summit and South Holland (175th & Halsted). Contact SSPADS for location info.

So, what is the value in direct involvement volunteering? There is the chance to see firsthand the effect of your efforts, and how it benefits those you are helping. You have a chance to help restore someone’s dignity even if only briefly. Unlike giving money to someone busking for spare change, where you are not certain that gift will be used wisely, serving directly satisfy your need to help and to see the benefits.

I have both worked and volunteered in the homeless/social service arena for 20+ years and nothing in my 78 years on planet earth has been as fulfilling as that engagement. I encourage you to connect with one of these agencies and get involved.

It could be the most fulfilling thing you have ever done.

 

Website:
info@beds_plus.org
rhuges@sspads.org

 

Art James
Council Vice President

Save the Date:

IN FEBRUARY

  • All of February    Epiphany Continues

IN MARCH

  • 'Til Mar 2   Epiphany Continues
  • March   5   Ash Wenesday
  • Mar 9-30   Lent Continues, Fellowship after worship throughout in the Narthex Until April 6th

🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈

Birthdays

FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAYS

  • Feb     7, Abigail Besowshek
  • Feb   10, Dan Frawley
  • Feb   11, Marilyn Fisher
  • Feb   18, Jim Mueller
  • Feb   20, Pam Walsh
  • Feb   21, Wayne Trella
  • Feb   28, Connie Martin
  • Feb   28, Sue Hecht

✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️

ALTAR FLOWERS:
FEBRUARY
ARE GIVEN BY:

Flower Bouquet.png

 

  • Feb 2 still available
  • Feb 9 Glen Sheputis, in loving memory of his mom, Dolores
  • Feb 16 The Strojnys in loving memory of Dolores
  • Feb 23 Darlene Soucek for blessings received

 

 

🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈

🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈🥂🎉🎊🎆🎈

Birthdays

March '25.png

MARCH
BIRTHDAYS

  • Mar  11, Joan Coyle
  • Mar  12, Diane Hein
  • Mar  14, Joshua Carver
  • Mar  17, Pat Kropack/ Dorothy Kropack
  • Mar  22, Tyler Pellegrino
  • Mar  23, Patti Schoenbeck/ Tony Ogarek
  • Mar  27, Jim Thrun
  • Mar  31, Ray White

MARCH
ANNIVERSARIES

  • Mar 18, Jim & Sophie Mueller
  • Mar 19, Ray & Deb Majewski

✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️

ALTAR FLOWERS:
MARCH
GIVEN BY:

Flowers, Winter Lilies.jpg

 

  • Mar  2 still available
  • Mar  9 The Nowlans for blessings received
  • Mar 16 Jim & Sophie Mueller who are thankful for 65 years of anniversary blessings!
  • Mar 23 Jerry Besowshek in celebration of Kim’s birthday!!
  • Mar 30 still available

 

📚 ​📙 ​📖 ​​​👨‍🏫 ​​🎒 📙 📔 📘

READERS

FEBRUARY
READERS

  • Feb  2  Drew Ogarek
  • Feb  9  Art James
  • Feb 16  Steve Nowlan
  • Feb 23  Gary Rickert

✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️ ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊️

MARCH
READERS

  • Mar  2  Tony Ogarek
  • Mar  9  Dan Frawley
  • Mar 16  Deb Nowlan
  • Mar 23  Alec Ogarek
  • Mar 30  Jerry Marquardt

Updated per newsletter.

Visit the Redeemer's Events Page for more details.

WOMAN TO WOMAN:

 

So, recently I received notice of the passing of a very dear friend.  She was 90+ years old and didn't get out as much as she liked.  She counted on visits from friends.  My first thought was "I'm glad I got to visit her."  My second thought was "Oh dear, that visit was last March."  And then my thoughts went to regrets.  How many Christmas cards did I send this past season with the usual "We have to get together."  I checked and it was seven cards.  I put my phone number in each because I don't have phone numbers for these friends so technically, the ball's in their court but still, I regret not keeping in better touch.

Frank Sinatra did it his way and said he had regrets but too few to mention.  I'm afraid I have regrets but not enough time to enumerate all of them.  For example, I have the usual regrets of not finishing school or outgrowing my body which is a nice way of saying I could lose a few pounds.  I regret having big ears (and I know you will be checking on them) but short of having plastic surgery, there's not much I can do with them.

Be present, not perfect.jpgI regret not finishing War and Peace but Dr. Zhivago came out with fewer pages and then the movie had such beautiful music.

I regret not paying more attention growing up.  My maternal grandfather told the best stories about the ragman and the iceman.  He told about the guy who came around and sharpen your knives and the pie truck.  Are you kidding me??!!  A Baker's Square truck that came right to your house!  My paternal grandfather was a fireman but he was also the baker of the family (totally not connected to said pie truck).  He made the best bread and his fruit coffee cakes were to die for.  Now I made sure to be there on baking day but never paid attention to how his pastry delights were made.

As often as I drive down Oak Park Avenue, I pass the roller rink

and remember the days I was on the skate team at Fleetwood Rink and I regret hanging up my skates.  Then again, I suppose I could rent a pair but my family has already given the "you better not" sign, something about falling and breaking a leg.  zzsssh!  But my biggest regret is never hopping on a pogo stick.  That looks like a lot of fun but I get the feeling the family would put the kabosh on that too.

So my list could go on for pages but it's all spilt milk at this point.  I can't live in regrets, I can only move forward and not add any.  I can only try to do better especially when it comes to staying in touch. I can only encourage you to also put your regrets on the back burner and rather create new memories that you'll want to remember for the rest of your lifetime.

Til next month-------------------nice chatting with you
Jan Strojny

Hearts February.png

After The Holidays:

THANK YOUS

  • For all those that helped take down the Christmas decorations.  To the Ogarek’s for hosting this year’s Christmas Party.

For those participating in worship this past Christmas season.

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:

Kindness kickbacks

Random Acts of Kindess Day.jpgRandom Acts of Kindness Day, observed each year on February 17, is a reminder of the power of altruism. Followers of Jesus express kindness selflessly, out of love for God and our neighbors. Yet in return, we reap emotional — and even physical — benefits.

Researchers have identified a “helper’s high” that can ease anxiety and depression. Spontaneous or planned acts of “pro-social spending” have been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, reduce pain and even extend longevity.

For maximum impact, experts recommend getting creative with random acts of kindness and mixing them up. But no matter how you spread kindness, you’re bound to experience blessings in return!

Free Little Pantry:

Please continue to donate graciously!

Collection for the Easter season will start soon. More will be revealed!

 

The generous will be blessed for they share their food with the poor”~ Proverbs

Marilyn

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. . .

FEBRUARY
BOOK CLUB

“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

Book Club.pngSet in 1960s California, this blockbuster debut is the hilarious, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America's most beloved TV cooking show. Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it's the 1960s and despite the fact that she is a scientist, her peers are very unscientific when it comes to equality.

 

Join Connie Martin as we have lively discussion and refreshments on Tuesday, February 18 at 7pm.

📚 ​📙 ​📖 ​​​👨‍🏫 ​​🎒 📙 📔 📘 🔖 📕 📖 📗

MARCH
BOOK CLUB

Mind Games” by Nora Roberts

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

 

We will meet March 18, 7pm, at the home of Linda McHugh for refreshments and discussion.

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

Crisis Center:
The South Suburban Crisis Center is an ongoing project for the Women’s Group. During these trying times, women and children need help more than ever. Please keep them in your prayers.

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

LENTEN WORSHIP SCHEDULE

 

Join us on Wednesday, March 3 at 7pm for Ash Wednesday worship

Cross for Lent '25.jpgPalm 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!

Please Pray for. . .

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Prayer Requests.jpgPhil Peloquin, Wayne Kalizcak. Hayley Jeralowicz. Cheryl, Barry Starkey’ Matt Kuh, Albert White, The White family, Fern Schara, Pat Kropack, Lottie White, Gus Scott, Joanne, Eddie McDermott, John, Ryder Conrad, Pete & Debbie Animagi, Carole, Bridgett Arista, Dave Murphy, Tom DeLeeuw, Noah Coyle, Kevin, Nick, Percy, Tommie, Steve S, Theresa Bentley, Ralph, Richard Coyle, Trisha Williams, Virginia Drogula, Carol Burge, Bev, Audrey, Silvia Magana, Howard Doyle, Chris McAuliff, Harold Carver, Mike; Bob Brennan; Bob Graniczny; Kris Neumann; Kristen Richardson; Kim Wisnewski; Gary Miller; Russ; Amber; Tim Dragoon; Jim Mueller; Ralph Mueller; Sommer Trella; Jennifer J.; Rich Morgan; Courtney Flynn; Blake Murphy; Scott & Brandy; Betty Geneser, Joan Coyle.

🙏  🙏  🙏  🙏  🙏  🙏  🙏  🙏

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!

In the Kitchen with. . ..png

Connie Martin

Summer Berries with Mint.jpgTRIPLE 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

👩🏻‍🍳🍴🍽️🍛🥗😋🍕🥤🍔👨🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳🍴🍽️🍛🥗😋🍕🥤🍔👨🏻‍🍳

  1. preheat oven to 350
  2. Gently toss together all the berries, and white sugar in a large bowl; set aside.
  3. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate large bowl.
  4. Cut in butter with 2 knives or a pastry blender until crumble mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Press ½ of the crumble into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
  6. Cover with berry mixture. Sprinkle remaining crumble over berries.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven until fruit is bubbly and the top is golden brown. 30-40 minutes.
  8. 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.