Redeemer Midweek News

August 5, 2026

Last Sunday's Sermon

Backpack Blessing

Join us this Sunday as we pray for God's blessings on all students, teachers, school staff, and administrators as they begin a new school year. You're invited to bring your backpack (if you'd like) as we ask God to guide, protect, and strengthen you throughout the year ahead.

During the service, we'll invite students forward for a special blessing and will be giving each of them a backpack charm as a reminder that they are God's children, sent to reflect His love and serve others wherever they go. Whether in the classroom, on the bus, on the playground, in the hallways, or on the field, we pray that our students will shine the light of Christ and serve others each day.

Uncommon Guide to Retirement

Getting close to retirement…or already retired? Wondering what you will do with ALL the FREE TIME? What if you want more from retirement? Come join Jeff Shoumaker and Gail Williamson as they read through this interesting book by Jeff Haanen. Not only does it give practical advice in regards to retirement, it also helps us find God’s purpose for our next season of life. This hour-long book study/discussion group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning August 5th, at 6:00 p.m. in the main conference room, for 10 months. Please contact Jeff Shoumaker for a book prior to our first meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Gail Williamson at gwilliamson@liahbee.com.

Redeemer Night at Elevate

This Sunday is Redeemer Night at Elevate Trampoline Park in Peoria from 6-8 pm. We’ve reserved the entire park just for our Redeemer community and our friends!

This event is completely free with a donation of canned goods to support our Care Ministry’s Food Pantry.

Everyone entering the building — jumpers and spectators alike — must complete a PAPER WAIVER which can be found at the Welcome Desk. Even if you’ve filled one out before, Elevate requires a new paper copy for this event. ELEVATE WILL NOT ACCEPT ONLINE WAIVERS for this event. Paper waivers can be found at the welcome desk in the narthex or you can print it here. Elevate does not provide paper waivers at the door, you must bring your own.

ELEVATE WILL NOT ACCEPT ONLINE WAIVERS for this event.

Please make sure to bring your paper waiver as they will not be available at the park.

Click here to download the waiver form. (you MUST print it out and bring it with you)

Sunday School Kick-off

We're excited to kick off a new year of Sunday School on Sunday, August 16, at 9:30 am! We look forward to welcoming children back for another year of growing in God's Word, building friendships, and learning about Jesus.

If you haven't already done so, please register your child before Sunday morning. Registration is required for all children so we have current contact information, class rosters, and emergency information for the year. We can't wait to begin another year together!

Click here to register.

The Growing in Faith Bible

As we begin a new school year, we invite families to continue growing together in God's Word. Many individuals and families have been enjoying The Growing in Faith Bible (the blue Bible) that is available in our pews. Designed with helpful notes, illustrations, and family-friendly resources, it is a wonderful tool for reading and studying Scripture at home.

Due to several requests, we have ordered additional copies, which are available for purchase for $35 each. If you would like a copy for your family, please contact Jennifer Anders at jennifer.anders@redeemerlutheran.com.

RightNow Media Series

RightNow Media is a wonderful resource available to our members offering a wide range of topics. Every month we plan to suggest a video series and provide a guide for individual learning and reflection.

Following Jesus in This Rapidly Changing World

Join Five Postures of a Global Christian Video by Mark Matlock

The world seems to be changing very fast. As God’s children, we have very important roles. The Gospel spreads across continents and cultures through God’s global Church today like never before. But it also spreads just as it always has! In this series, you will be introduced to five key postures for following Jesus in our connected world. This study/discussion group hopes to include you as we discuss what God’s Word shows us what He is doing and what we can be doing in these days.

He invites us join Him by imitating His character in our actions.
He connects us with Christians around the world since we all depend on Him.
He gives us joy in Him and shows others His goodness through us.
He calls us to citizenship in heaven as well as representatives on earth.
He instructs us to recognize our own “Jerusalem” and “ends of the earth” and start praying, sharing our faith, and serving where we are.

Join Gail Williamson and Kayla Hoeck on Sundays beginning August 16^th, in Conference Room.

If you do not yet have a RightNowMedia account, see Jeff Shoumaker to be linked with Redeemer’s subscription.

Click here to visit the series page.

Concordia Wednesday Friends Program

Concordia Lutheran school will begin its Wednesday Friends Program on September 2nd. This program invites volunteers to come to the school starting 10:15 to help students. You will be volunteering to listen to young students read or help with math. Please email Kelly at jkeckert91@gmail.com or call 309-256-1423 for more information.

Concordia Positions

Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, IL is seeking candidates for the following positions for the 2026-2027 school year:

Jr. High (6th, 7th, and 8th grade) Teacher

Duties: Subject area instruction in Language, Literature, Science, and/or PE. Expectations also include participation in professional development opportunities, curriculum development, and various student supervision duties.

Qualifications: Classroom teacher candidates must have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in education (or have completed an approved alternate path for state licensure) and a current teaching license (Illinois licenses preferred). All employees are expected to act in a manner that supports the Statement of Belief for the Lutheran Central School Association of Peoria, IL, and live in a manner that exemplifies the Concordia Lutheran School Christian Code of Conduct.

Title 1 Academic Tutor

Duties: Work with individual students or small groups to target specific academic learning gaps. Create and deliver individualized learning plans and lessons based on student performance data. Maintain accurate records of student growth, behavior changes, and assessment results. Report observations and coordinate strategies with the principal and classroom teachers

Special Note: This position is payrolled through Peoria Public District 150, by allotted Title I funds. Schedule is flexible, averaging 10-15 hours per week.

Please contact Emily Craine 309-691-8921 or

email your resume to employment@concordiapeoria.com