Redeemer Midweek News

May 20, 2026

Last Sunday's Sermon

Pastor Mendedo Visit and Congregational Matching Gift Opportunity

LCMS Pastor Dr. Tilahun Mendedo will be preaching June 6 and 7 and sharing during the Sunday 9:30 Bible class how God is using the Master Builder Center (MBC) to spread the Good News of the Gospel throughout Ethiopia. The Lutheran church in Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing Lutheran churches in the world. It serves 12.5 million believers, but only has 8,000 pastors, which means one pastor for every 1500 people. MBC has set a goal of training 55 or more pastors to serve in parts of Ethiopia that are up to 90% Muslim and where Gospel witnesses are scarce. Seminary training in Ethiopia is very affordable and less than $2,000 can cover tuition, housing, food, books, and health insurance for a year. The Mission Board invites Redeemer members to prayerfully consider supporting scholarships for Lutheran seminarians through MBC.

Right now, gifts can be tripled through two matching opportunities:

An MBC donor will match gifts up to $75,000.
In addition, a Redeemer donor will match gifts up to $8,000, and the Redeemer Missions Board will match another $2,000, for a combined Redeemer match of up to $10,000.
This means every dollar given by Redeemer members for seminary scholarships can be tripled. For example, a $100 gift by you becomes $300, a $1,000 gift becomes $3,000, etc.

The deadline to qualify for the Redeemer matching funds is July 1. Donations may be made payable to Redeemer with a note indicating “Master Builder Center scholarships.” If you have questions, please contact one of the Missions Board members listed on the Missions tab of the Redeemer website.

Garden Club

Thank you to everyone who helps care for and beautify Redeemer’s grounds. We hope our landscape reflects the love we share for God, for one another, and for all who come onto this property.

Redeemer’s property is overseen by the Board of Trustees, supported through generous donations, and made possible in many ways by faithful volunteers who give their time and energy with servant hearts.

We are grateful for a recent large gift of $1000 that was earmarked for our “Garden Club.” We enjoy a rich history of devoted friends who have contributed, worked, planned, donated, and served. Your care and generosity are deeply appreciated and truly make a difference.

Tiffany from Tanzania

RLC is blessed to welcome missionary Tiffany Smith, now Tiffany Smith Temba on Sunday, June 14th, during the Adult Bible Study hour. Tiffany has worked with Lutheran Bible Translators in Shinyanga, Tanzania since 2023. She will be fielding questions especially about the Oral Bible Storytelling Project among the Datoga people in their heart language of Taturu. Having recently married, Tiffany may have a few photos and share personal insight into the thoughtful local customs of her engagement and wedding. In the meantime, please pray for Tiffany’s continued success in her missionary work and blessings on her new marriage.

Annual Picnic

Save the date for our Annual Picnic on May 31st! Wear your favorite baseball jersey and join us in the pavilion after the 10:00 a.m. single service. We’ll have:

Burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, desserts, and drinks
Wiffle Ball
Bounce houses
Baseball Trivia
Tropical Sno

And a special visit from Homer, the Peoria Chiefs mascot!

Volunteers are needed to help make our picnic a success. Click here to sign up!

The Growing in Faith Bible

Many individuals and families have been enjoying The Growing in Faith Bible (blue Bible) that was recently placed in the pews. Due to several requests, we have ordered additional copies, available for purchase for $35 each.

If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact Jennifer Anders at jennifer.anders@redeemerlutheran.com.

Rummage Sale

Redeemer will be hosting a rummage sale on June 26th & 27th. If you are Spring cleaning or downsizing, this is a great opportunity to declutter. Drop off times for donations* are:

June 21: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

June 22: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

June 23: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Redeemer’s youth and seminary students supported by Dorcas Circle.

*Items accepted: clothing, books, toys, jewelry, misc household items, small working electronics, lightweight furniture. We will not be able to accept large heavy items/furniture, computers, e-waste, or large TVs

Volunteers Needed

In order to have a successful sale, we need help with accepting donations, sorting, pricing, and running the sale. Food will be provided. Click here to sign up.

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.

Our recommendation for May is: How Do We Live as Christians? by Kyle Idleman.

The term “Christian” first appeared around 60-64AD in Antioch. In Acts 11:26 this term distinguished Jesus followers from other Jewish sects. “Follow me” (Matt 4:19) is one of the foundational commands we’ve been given. On Pentecost, May 24, 2026 we will remember and celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to faithfully follow Jesus. In this six-session series, pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman will help us answer the question, “How do we live as Christians?” Kyle will help us answer some of the other questions that follow and that are essential to living faithfully as Christians. Regardless of where we’re at on our faith journey, Kyle will teach us what it looks like to live a Christian life.

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.

Jr High Camp

Jr. High Camp is coming up June 8–10 at Camp Great Oaks! Students will enjoy a fun and faith-filled few days of Bible study, worship, camp activities like swimming, boating and fishing, high ropes challenge course and time with friends.

Please register your child soon, as we will be ordering camp t-shirts shortly. The cost is $115 and includes all activities, meals, lodging, and a camp t-shirt.

If cost is a concern, please contact Jennifer Anders about financial assistance opportunities.

Click here to register for Jr High Camp

Children’s Day Camp - June 11 & 12

Redeemer and several other Lutheran congregations in the Peoria area are partnering to offer a day camp at Great Oaks for children entering 4th and 5th grade next fall.

This FREE camp will be led by the Great Oaks counselors along with Jennifer Anders and Trinity staff. We already have 35 children registered (including 20 from Redeemer), and there is still room for more!

Please register your child soon. Please contact Jennifer Anders with any questions.

Click here to register for Day Camp

Golf Outing

This year's golf outing will be on August 22nd.

Click here for the registration form and sponsor form.

Contact Jessica with any questions at 309-696-2517 or jhschuch@gmail.com.

Concordia Positions

Concordia Lutheran School is seeking applicants for the following positions for the

2026-2027 School Year:

Jr. High (6th, 7th, and 8th grade) Teacher - Subject area instruction (Subject areas flexible based on interest and experience) and homeroom supervision.

Part-time Teacher Aide - Assists instructional staff with student supervision,

assessment, and individualized student needs.

Substitute Teachers

Part-time Kitchen Assistant - Assist the Kitchen Manager in providing food service for students.

Please contact Emily Craine 309-691-8921 or

email your resume to employment@concordiapeoria.com