What’s New?
Here’s a quick round-up of some of the recent events involving members of our congregation:
Spring-O!
On April 14, we had a new member potluck and played Bingo! Fun and fellowship were had by all!
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
On March 31, 2024, we celebrated Easter and Jesus’ victory over death when He rose from the grave!
We had worship, fellowship, and fun as we heard the Word of God in service, enjoyed a meal hosted by the Youth Group, and the younger children had an egg hunt. We gladly state and sing, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!”
Palm Sunday!
On March 24, 2024, we kicked off Holy Week by celebrating Palm Sunday and remembering Jesus entrance into Jerusalem. At both services, the children had a processional with palm branches. Praise Christ, our King!
Soup and Pie!
On January 6, 2024, the Discipleship Committee hosted a Soup and Pie Luncheon. Many people came and enjoyed several types of soup and pie, and the youth sold treats to fundraise for going to Camp Minneboji this Summer. What a great time for food, fun, and fellowship!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship
We had multiple services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 25, 2023), and had performances from our Brass, Bells, and Singing Choirs.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Ebenezer LWML Potluck
On December 21, 2023, the Ebenezer LWML group (which meets mid-days and afternoons) had a Christmas Potluck. What a fun time for fellowship!
Youth Group skating… and cookie decorating!
On December 17, 2023, the Youth Group (Grades 7-12) went ice skating and decorated cookies together. A lot of fun was had!
Potluck and Farewell for Pastor Drevlow
On December 17, 2023, our congregation had a potluck and farewell for Pastor Drevlow and family. Pastor Drevlow accepted a call to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota. His final service as Pastor at Our Redeemer is scheduled as December 25, 2023, and his installation at St. Paul’s is scheduled as January 14, 2024. We thank Pastor Drevlow for sharing the Word and Sacrament with us at Our Redeemer for almost ten years. He and his family will be dearly missed!
Hockey, fun, and fellowship
On December 16, 2023, our church family had a great time at the Sioux Falls Stampede’s Ugly Sweater Night!
Kids 4 Christ Christmas Party!
On December 15, 2023, Kids 4 Christ had fun and learned about Jesus’ birth at a Christmas party!
Caroling!
On multiple dates in December 2023, several members of Our Redeemer went out and sang at the nursing homes and houses where our shut-in members reside. Our carolers were spreading Christmas cheer, singing loud for all to hear!
Evening LWML says it’s a tie!
On December 12, 2023, our evening LWML group got together and made Tie Blankets to donate, and shared Christmas treats. What a great event for fellowship and for the community!
Children’s Christmas Program
On December 10, 2023, our youth performed during worship in a play titled “Jesus Christ is the Same- Yesterday, Today, and Forever” and sang multiple songs to remind us of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior!
Wassail!
On December 9, 2023, we had our annual Christmas Wassail event, featuring music and entertainment intermixed with a meal of traditional wassail (cider), hors d’oeuvres (appetizers), boar (ham), and sweets (desserts). The evening was full of fellowship and fun!
Preparing for the Advent season
On December 3, 2023, we began the Advent season, and our church sanctuary has been decorated for the season!
What is Advent? (from https://www.lhm.org/advent/)
The church divides the year into different seasons that emphasize the life of Christ and the life of the church. Beginning on Sunday, December 3, 2023, we will enter the season of the church year called Advent. Advent is the season of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, and continuing to Epiphany on January 6, 2024.
Advent, then, is a time for us to repent and believe. Knowing that Jesus was born to forgive our sins, we repent (admit our failures to God) and believe that we are forgiven because of the death and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf. Also, knowing that Jesus is coming back, we repent and believe that when He returns, He will give us eternal life.
End-of-Life Planning Seminar
On November 18, 2023, we had experts (both in-house and from the greater Sioux Falls area) present and discuss on advance directives, options at the funeral home, planning your funeral service, and estate planning.
Guys’ Garage at the Bowling Lanes
On November 16, 2023, the Guys’ Garage group went to Empire Bowl and had a great time in fellowship!
Youth Group Mystery in the Library
On November 5, 2023, our Youth Group had fun at their Mystery Dinner, and solved the case!
Fall Women’s Retreat
On November 3-4, 2023, our Deaconess Amanda led a Women’s Retreat, where faith and friendships were strengthened.
UNO!
On November 2, 2023, the Guys’ Garage group shared fellowship and fun with an UNO tournament in the Fellowship Hall.
Reformation Day and Confirmation Day
On Sunday, October 29, 2023 we celebrated Reformation Sunday (Reformation Day is October 31). We also had seven confirmands complete the Rite of Confirmation.
From LCMS.org:
“More than 500 years ago, the Protestant Reformation brought the church’s focus back to God’s free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses — the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” — to the church door in a small city called Wittenberg, Germany. This event ignited the Protestant Reformation, and thus the church officially commemorates this important anniversary on Oct. 31.
The Reformation was, first and foremost, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then, and it still is now. The task of reformation never ends. Every person, in every generation, needs to hear the Good News of their Savior from sin and eternal death.”
Check your numbers
On October 22, 2023, our Parish Nurse (Karen Morfitt, RN) invited those interested to a free blood pressure screening as a great opportunity to be proactive with your health and wellbeing. Please contact the church office if you have any questions or concerns that Karen may be able to help with (or at least point you in the right direction).
Trail Life Troop SD-1412
In September 2023, we became the home of Trail Life Troop SD-1412 and support their vision and mission.
Troop 1412’s vision is to be the premier character development organization in the Sioux Falls region to train up young men into godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.
Troop 1412’s mission is to guide generations of courageous young men in the Sioux Falls region to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.
If you would like more information, please contact the Church Office.
Kids 4 Christ is back!
On September 15, 2023, Kids 4 Christ (K4C) had a fun kick-off event at church to begin the 2022-2023 schedule! K4C meets on most 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 5:45 pm-7:30 pm (dinner served at 5:50 pm) from September to May. All kids are welcome! Contact the church office for more details, and to confirm dates.
Rally Sunday!
On September 10, 2023, we resumed full Sunday School and Bible Study classes (after a lighter Summer schedule). We had a potluck meal and inflatables that the kids enjoyed!
Take me out to the ballgame!
On August 11, 2023, we had fun and fellowship at a Canaries baseball game.
The event was a homerun!
Fellowship and fun bowling!
On July 25, 2023, the Guys Garage Men’s Club went to the Great Life Suburban Lanes and did some bowling. All in attendance had a great time bowling and spending time together.
Summer Dinner Theatre
On July 14, 2023, a great time was had as we hosted a dinner and a play, where detectives set out (Dragnet-style) to explore mysteries caused by the miracles of Jesus.
The show was entertaining and the food was fantastic!
Pool Party!
On June 28, 2023, several members from Our Redeemer went to Kuehn Park for a fun time at the pool with pizza, fun, and fellowship. Those in attendance really had a splashing good time!
Camp Minneboji at Camp Okoboji, IA
From June 18-24, 2023, many kids (and adults) from Our Redeemer went to Camp Minneboji in Iowa, spending a beautiful week getting a little closer to nature and a lot closer to God. This year’s theme was “Way + Truth + Life = Jesus”, based on John 14:6, “Jesus Answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Fellowship and fun at the gun range
On May 30, 2023, the Guys Garage Men’s Club went to the Crooks Gun Club for a Trap Shooting Night. All in attendance had a great (and safe) time shooting guns and spending time together.
Kids 4 Christ Carnival!
On May 19, 2023, we ended Kids 4 Christ (until the Fall) with a carnival!
Step right up, for fun!
Bingo!
On May 6, 2023, we shared fellowship and fun (and snacks) as we got together and played some bingo.
Fun was had by all!
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
On April 9, 2023, we celebrated Easter and Jesus’ victory over death when He rose from the grave!
We had worship, fellowship, and fun as we heard the Word of God in service, enjoyed a meal hosted by the Youth Group, and the younger children had an egg hunt. We gladly state and sing, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!”
Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper
On April 6, 2023, we had a special service where we remember Jesus instructing his disciples in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This year, our Drama Team performed a fantastic re-enactment of the Last Supper.
Mardi Gras Celebration
On February 19, 2023, we had a Mardi Gras Celebration. Between special food, creating masks, playing trivia, musical chairs, and a pinata, it was quite an event! Lots of fun and fellowship was had!
Joint Choir Event
On December 11, 2022, the Our Redeemer Senior Choir and the Sioux Falls Lutheran School (SFLS) High School Choir came together and performed “And the Glory of the Lord” by George Frideric Handel under the direction of Rev. Howard Shane. It was a beautiful, powerful performance!
LWML Equipping Leaders
On October 19-22, 2022, some leaders from our local LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) branch traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, for a national LWML event with sessions to enhance their skills and provide information that can improve our local LWML groups.
Food, Fellowship, and Bean Bags!
On October 2, 2022, we had a potluck meal and a bean bag tournament. Lots of fun all around!
Wild Game Feed!
On September 17, 2022, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church hosted a Wild Game Feed to benefit the Rev. Travis Loeslie family after a major disability struck Rev. Travis at age 37. On the menu was lamb chislic, venison meatballs, rocky mountain oysters, venison chili, and a baked potato bar. Fun, food, and fellowship were served!
Higher Things Conference in Bozeman, Montana
From July 19-July 22, 2022, Our Redeemer sent a group of young adults to Bozeman, Montana, for the Higher Things conference, focusing on developing a deeper understanding of our faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. This year’s theme was “For You”, based on 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, “BROTHERS, I AM MAKING KNOWN TO YOU THE GOSPEL THAT I PREACHED TO YOU, THAT YOU RECEIVED, IN WHICH YOU STAND, AND THROUGH WHICH YOU ARE SAVED.”
Mardi Gras Celebration
On February 27, 2022, we had a Mardi Gras Celebration. Between special food, creating masks, playing trivia, musical chairs, and a pinata, it was quite an event! Lots of fun and fellowship was had!
Painting the Fellowship Hall
In February 2022, volunteers cleaned up the lower-level Fellowship Hall and painted the walls. It was a fun event, and makes a commonly used space in our church look nicer. Thank you to all who helped!
Chapel at Sioux Falls Lutheran School
On October 13, 2021, Pastor Drevlow led chapel at Sioux Falls Lutheran School.
The kids received a great message and enjoyed some music time with Pastor as well!
(The full chapel is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcBwkZGiWVA)
VBS (Vacation Bible School)
On July 24, 2021, Our Redeemer hosted a one-day VBS (Vacation Bible School) event. Around 40-50 kids were in attendance, and had a great time learning about God, singing, and doing some fun activities!
LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missonary League) Convention, Lexington, KY
From June 24-27, 2021, members from Our Redeemer (and other Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod churches) met together to focus on Jesus, our salvation, and service to others. The 2021 convention was in Lexington, Kentucky, under the theme “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus”, based on Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”
Mortgage Burning Celebration
On Sunday, May 23, 2021, we celebrated paying off the mortgage on our new addition to the church building by burning a copy of the mortgage paperwork. On behalf of the LCEF (Lutheran Church Extension Fund), Randy Gayken presented Our Redeemer with a plaque to commemorate this event. Praise God!
The Ladies Luncheon
On Saturday, May 8, 2021, right before Mother’s Day, the men of Our Redeemer hosted a salad luncheon to celebrate the ladies of the congregation.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 