Redeemer Midweek News
June 3, 2026
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What is an Everyday Revolutionary?
An Everyday Revolutionary:
Anchors Hope in Christ
Christians anchor their identity and future hope in the resurrection of Jesus and eternal life.
Loves
They/we love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and practice deep forgiveness.
Is Humble
They/we emphasize humility, putting others first, and serving the marginalized.
Is Generous
They/we encourage the practice radical generosity, viewing wealth as a resource to steward to help others and support community.
Views Sex/Marriage Biblically
They/we view sex and marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman.
Engages in a Christian Community
They/we intentionally participate within our congregation, which is multi-generational community and prioritizes spiritual accountability, corporate worship, and mutual support.
If you’d like to watch and discuss this with friends, please join Jeff Shoumaker and Gail Williamson in the Conference Room at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings, beginning June 7th.
Click here to visit the series page. If you do not yet have a RightNowMedia account, see Jeff Shoumaker to be linked with Redeemer’s subscription.
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Family Faith Sundays
This June, we are offering Family Faith Sundays — a summer Sunday School experience for the whole family! We’ll gather each week from 9:30–10:30 a.m. as our youth drama team brings a Bible story to life. Families will then explore the story together through crafts, games, and hands-on activities that help connect God’s Word to our lives.
Family Faith Sundays are a great opportunity to spend time together in God’s Word, meet other families, and grow in faith as a household.
Family Faith Sundays will meet June 7, 14, and 21 in the Green Room.
Click here to register your family.
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Men's Fellowship at Peoria Chiefs Game
Join us for our annual night out at the Chiefs Game at 6:35 p.m. on June 18th. Food and soft drinks will be provided. Cost is $20.00. We are looking forward to getting everyone together again to enjoy a great evening at the Ball Park. We'll be sitting behind home plate - bring your fathers and/or sons! See you there!
RSVP Mark Briggs (22mbriggs@gmail.com or text 309-231-2995)
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Book Discussion Opportunity
The Uncommon Guide to Retirement by Jeff Haanen
Are you thinking about retirement, planning for it, or already there? A few of us from the congregation are considering a monthly book discussion around The Uncommon Guide to Retirement, a thoughtful Christian look at retirement that explores purpose, rest, service, and what the Bible has to say about this season of life.
We'll plan to meet once a month and discuss a couple of chapters at a time. Meeting dates and times will be based on the availability of those who are interested.
If you'd like to join us or learn more, please contact Jeff Shoumaker or Gail Williamson. We'd love to have you.
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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.
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Mission Trip Opportunity
The Redeemer family has an opportunity to travel to Naples, Florida in July to serve Pelican Lutheran Church, one of our mission partners, by assisting with their ESL program! English classes will be held the week of July 19, and whether or not you are proficient in Spanish, there is a role for you!
If you are interested in joining our group, or if you have questions, please get in touch with Jennie Haluska at 309.253.6009 or jlhaluska@dekroyftmetz.com.
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Food Pantry News
Last Saturday Redeemer’s Food Pantry participated in the Pack the Cruiser Food Drive held at the N. Knoxville Kroger Store. The generous response from our community was remarkable. We collected $1,496.13 in cash donations and 847 pounds of food. The presence and support of the Peoria Police Department was a huge factor in this tremendous success. A big thank you to Redeemer members Steve Brown, Clarence Carr III, Alley Roberson, and Laura Grichnik for helping with this event. All donations collected will benefit Redeemer’s Food Pantry.
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Dorcas Thank You
Thank you to all the ladies who attended the Dorcas May Salad Luncheon and Style Show! The food was delicious and our conversations lively. A huge thank you
to our models: Jami Winter, Kim Klokkenga, Pam Prunch, and Gloria Harms. A special thanks to Four Seasons for the wonderful clothes and great narration giving many new ideas for putting together outfits. Looking forward to seeing you all at our September 14th Dorcas meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m.
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Summer Nursery Hours
The nursery will only be staffed for the 10:45 service during the summer starting the first weekend in June. We will resume childcare for both services and Sunday school in mid to late August.
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LWML Central Illinois District: Mite Goal for 2026–2028
As part of this new biennium, delegates approved an updated mite goal of $220,000 at the district convention the end of April.
- 75% of mites will remain in the Central Illinois District to fund district mission grants
- 25% will be contributed toward national LWML mission grants
This structure allows us to continue supporting meaningful ministry work both locally and across the broader mission.
The following mission grants were approved for the 2026–2028 biennium:
- Student Church Workers — $60,000
- Christ-Centered Crisis Support – LFS — $25,000
- Sharing Our Savior, 1 Meal at a Time — $7,500
- Hands that Serve, Hearts that See – Braille — $12,000
- Care Packages – Phil’s Friends — $5,000
- Children’s Books – LHM State Fair — $10,000
- Lutheran Books for Children – World — $5,000
- Set Apart to Serve — $10,000
- Gospel Access for Aging Adults – CID — $13,000
- Deaconess Kim Bueltmann in Germany — $10,000
- Family 4 Life in CID — $7,500
Keep saving up your mites and watch for a collection the last weekend in June.
Thank you for Sharing Christ’s Love Through Your Mite Offering!
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Congregational Matching Gift Opportunity for Lutheran Seminary Scholarships in Ethiopia
The Master Builder Center (MBC) led by LCMS Pastor Dr. Tilahun Mendedo is working 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.
Due to two different matching gift opportunities, gifts by Redeemer members to MBC to train Lutheran seminarians can be tripled. An MBC donor has agreed to match gifts up to $75,000, and a Redeemer donor has agreed to match gifts up to $8,000 plus the Redeemer Missions Board has agreed to match an additional $2,000 for a total of $10,000. Thus, for example, a gift of $1,000 will be tripled to $3,000, and a gift of $100 will be tripled to $300, etc. The deadline for the Redeemer match is July 1. The Missions Board is asking Redeemer members to prayerfully consider supporting this important mission opportunity with a financial donation. Donations may be made payable to Redeemer with a notation to support Master Builder Center scholarships.
Click here for a short video with more information about the Master Builder Center.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the Missions Board members listed on the Missions tab of the Redeemer website.
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Batter Up!
Redeemer welcomed 320+ all stars to our annual church picnic! Despite the raindrops, the baseball themed event was a hit!
Our MVP was head elder, Nate Gregg. He scored the highest number of correct answers on baseball trivia.
If you would like to join us as we plan for 2027, please contact Mark Briggs (309) 231-2995 or Lisa Mack (309) 360-2669.
The 2026 picnic committee:
Mark Briggs
Beth Rice
Megan Arseniadis
Jennifer Anders
Gail Williamson
Katie Lunzman
Lisa Mack
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Dear Redeemer Friends,
It was so thoughtful of you to think of me during my time of sadness. Your prayers, sympathy cards and kind words of condolence have been a great comfort to me as I grieve the loss of my husband.
With deepest gratitude,
Sue Skahill
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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The Peoria Municipal Band will be presenting free concerts at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday evenings from May 31 to August 9. Sunday concerts are at Glen Oak Park and Wednesday concerts are downtown on Water Street. Come enjoy the music!
For more information go to peoriamunicipalband.com.
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Concordia Positions
Concordia Lutheran School is seeking applicants for the following positions for the
2026-2027 School Year:
Part-time Teacher Aide – Duties include assisting instructional staff with student supervision, assessment, and individualized student needs.
Substitute Teachers – Are you looking for a flexible and rewarding position where you decide when and what grade levels you want to work with? Concordia is looking for substitute teachers for the next school year.
Please contact Emily Craine 309-691-8921 or
email your resume to employment@concordiapeoria.com
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