
Serve the City
At last, our chance to “Serve the City” with Dream Center Peoria! On Saturday morning, September 27, 2025, get out and work side by side with other great people who share a love of and respect for our community.
So, here’s what to do:
Sign up…through September 14th on the RLC Group sign-up sheet near the Redeemer Welcome Center or online at Dream Center Peoria | Serve the City if you want to be independent
After sign-up, watch for Midweek Newsletter updates and email updates as the date approaches
A “Serve the City” t-shirt is required for security, so wear an old one if you have it, or we can purchase one for you for $10 (also on the sign-up sheet)
We will plan to meet at the RLC parking lot at 7:15 am on event day, then go together to our work destination. Details to come.
Pray…for a beautiful day, many hands for quick work, and a blessing on our community
There are multiple work locations in the city and many ways to serve. Once registration is complete, Dream Center will divvy up the chores, and we will update you.
If you have any other concerns or questions, contact:
Linda Holcomb of the RLC Missions Board
Cell phone/text 309-648-7818
Brought to you by the RLC Missions Board

Dinner with Strangers
An Open Table for Everyone Ages 19-29
Hey there!
Are you ready for an evening of great food, good vibes, and new connections? Whether you’re new in town, never been to our church or you’ve been around for a while, we want to invite you to Dinner with Strangers—our open dinner night designed just for 19-29 year olds on September 27!
No need to come with a crew or have a friend on standby—this is all about showing up, grabbing a seat, and meeting awesome people you haven’t met yet. It’s a zero-pressure, all-fun space where the only thing you need to bring is yourself (and maybe your appetite).
Who: Anyone aged 19-29 with a pulse (zombies need not apply)
What: Dinner with Strangers—an open, friendly dinner night
Why: Because the best friendships start with “hello” (and maybe a shared dessert)
How: Let Tony and Heather Grichnik know you’re coming by shooting an email to us at ajgrichnik@gmail.com. We’ll get back to ya with times, directions and such.
Come hungry for food, laughter, and the chance to connect with others who are right where you are in life. We can’t wait to see you at the table!
Questions? Reach out anytime—otherwise, see you at Dinner with Strangers!

Men's Hog Roast
When: Thursday, Sept 18th @ 5:30 pm or after
Details: Car show and games at 5:30, dinner to follow. Announcements at 6:00.
Where: Redeemer Pavillion
Please come enjoy a great night of connecting with your Church family of men, enjoying amazing food with a hog from Raber's, playing some bags, and seeing some amazing cars! See you soon!
Please RSVP to the RLC Connect invite or text Jason Bloms at 309-643-4054.

Sixty Plus Group
Please join us on Thursday, September 11th at 11:30 a.m. in Miller Hall as we welcome DCE Scott Treptow!
Scott is currently completing his DCE internship at Redeemer Lutheran Church as part of his studies at Concordia University Chicago. He has a heart for sharing the love of Jesus with others and is excited to bring that passion to Redeemer! Scott recently married his wife Amanda Treptow who works at Concordia Lutheran School as a teacher. In his free time, Scott loves to play the guitar, go disc golfing and play a variety of board games.
Fried chicken and drinks will be provided for $5.00 pp. Our hosts this month are Dave and Becky Auer. If your last name begins with A-K, please bring a side dish and a dessert if L-Z. Sign up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the office hallway.
Any questions, please contact Ken Stoppenhagen at (309)265-1992 or Becky Auer at (309)370-5169. Hope to see you and bring a friend!

Golf Outing
This year’s Redeemer Youth Ministry Golf Outing will be held at Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin on Saturday, August 23rd. 7:00 am registration, 7:30 am start time. The deadline to register is August 13.
Download a form (or pick one up at the Welcome Center) to sign up or be a hole sponsor.
Please reach out to Jessica Schuch at jhschuch@gmail.com with questions.

Men's Axe Throwing
We have our annual Axe Throwing Event coming up on Thursday, August 21st, at 6:00 pm at Industry Brewing. This is a fun night of learning how to throw axes and having some friendly team competitions, while enjoying some good appetizers and drinks. We would love to see you at this event, if you have never done this, I know you will enjoy it, so come out to participate or just come to socialize with your church family of men. See you guys soon.
Please by texting (309) 643-4054.

50+ Social
Come and enjoy good music, good food, and good fellowship at the Mackinaw Valley Winery with the 50+ group. We will be meeting there at 6 PM, on Saturday, 7/26/25. There is a five dollar fee per person collected on your entry into the parking lot. We have reserve seating so we can see the band very well. Please bring an appetizer or a dessert to share along with your serving utensil. Water, soft drinks, wine, and pizzas are available for purchase. Drinks are not allowed in from outside the premises. If you have any questions or wish to reserve your spot, please contact Jeff Shoumaker or Gail Williamson.

Youth Water Party
All of the youth headed to New Orleans for the Youth Gathering are invited to kick things off with water party at Redeemer! Join us for grilling out, water balloon fights, Slip and Slide Kickball, and other water games. Bring your water blasters and all of your paperwork for the youth gathering to turn in. Not able to attend the Youth Gathering? No worries! We'd love for you to still come soak up some fun!

Men of Redeemer at the Peoria Chiefs
Join us for our annual night out at the Chiefs Game at 6:00 p.m. on June 26th. 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)

Fresh Produce Drive
Redeemer Food Pantry will be holding our first Fresh Produce Drive of the summer the weekend of June 14th and 15th. Please consider buying an extra bag, carton, or fresh produce item and help supply our pantry with healthy summer produce. Any whole fruit or vegetable is welcome. Examples include melons, pears, berries, oranges, bananas, and grapes along with broccoli, cucumbers, onions, peppers, green beans, and potatoes. Items can be placed in the red wagon by the front offices or the church library. Produce will be distributed at food pantry on Monday afternoon.

Church Picnic
Save the Date!
Race on over to Redeemer for our Annual Picnic on June 1st! Join us at 11:45 for some car themed fun!
Pulled pork, hot dogs, and drinks
Bounce houses
Car show (bring your classic or cool car!)
Giant bubble wand
Tropical Sno
Mingo (Musical bingo - identify songs with a car/transportation theme)
Volunteer are needed to help make this a successful event! Sign up here to help out.

50+ Dinner
Calling all 50+ Redeemer Members!
Slide on in to Double A’s Restaurant on Wednesday, May 21st, at 6:00 pm to enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship! A few appetizers will be sponsored by leadership. Feel free to purchase and enjoy your choice of food and beverages.
There will be a few mixer games and some prizes! Come and join your fellow Redeemer Church friends and make some new friends!
Please RSVP to Jeff Shoumaker jeff.shoumaker@redeemerlutheran.com or Gail Williamson gwilliamson@liahbee.com by May 18.

Men's Fishing
Redeemer Men: Join us for some breakfast and fishing on May 10th. Click here for the location. Contact Brian Loyd (309-256-8092) or Mark Briggs (309-231-2995)

60+ Picnic in the Pavilion
Come and join us on Thursday, May 8th, at 11:30 in the Pavilion for our final gathering until Fall. If weather becomes an issue, we will gather in Miller Hall. Our special musical host will be our own Joe Couri, sharing his gifts of music and song with us!
We will provide a picnic box lunch and drinks. You don’t need to bring anything but yourself this month but we are asking for $10.00 to help cover costs. When you sign up you will be asked to choose your sandwich preference and also prepay for lunch by check or cash. All of this information will be shown on the sign up sheet. Registrations must be in Monday, May 5th, by noon. Sign up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the office hallway.
Any questions, please contact Becky Auer at (309)370-5169 or Ken Stoppenhagen at (309)265-1992.

Sixty Plus Group
It is with great pleasure that we have been able to reschedule Pastor Michael Mohr, President of the Central Illinois District of LCMS as our speaker in March! Please join us on Thursday, Match 13th, at 11:30 a.m. in Miller Hall. President Mohr will bring us up to date on the work of CID and the part we play in that.
What is the CID? The LCMS Central Illinois District (CID) is comprised of 148 congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), spanning over 50 counties in Central Illinois. The purpose of the LCMS Central Illinois District as a corporate body, is to respond to the Great Com mission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matt. 28) which is “to make disciples of all nations.”
The luncheon main dish of fried chicken and drinks will be provided for $5.00 per person. If your last name begins with A-K, please bring a dessert to share, and a side dish if L-Z. Sign up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the office hallway. Any questions, please contact Ken Stoppenhagen at (309)265-1992 . Hope to see you and bring a friend!

50-60’s Winter Roundup
Let’s make the most of winter together before we gallop into the warmth of spring! Join us on Friday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. in Miller Hall for a night of great food and southern hospitality. We'll serve delicious pulled pork BBQ on buns with yummy sides to enjoy. If you’d like, bring a dessert to share!
Feel free to dress in your cowboy hats, boots, and plaid – whatever gets you in the spirit! And don’t be surprised if you hear a little country music, enjoy a game or two, and see a video featuring a horses.
We’re thrilled to welcome our special guest, Megan Sundeen, the Executive Director and Equine Specialist of Sundance for Soldiers (SoS). Megan will share how SoS uses horses to support soldiers with PTSD and at-risk youth/adults dealing with disabilities and mental health challenges. We are suggesting a $10 donation, which will go directly to Sundance for Soldiers.
Please RSVP by texting or calling Jeff Shou at (309) 657-1722, or by emailing jeff.shoumaker@redeemerlutheran.com. Please also let us know if you plan to bring a dessert. It’s time to enjoy a fun evening with new friends, old friends, and some good ol’ country vibes!

Ash Wednesday
Lent midweek services begin March 5th. Meals will be served at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Services are at 12:15 and 6:00 p.m.

Men's Bowling Event
Date: Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Landmark Bowling Alley
Cost: $10 includes 2 games and shoes
RSVP: RLC Connect Invite or text to 309-643-4054
We will enjoy some good Pizza, Wings, and Popcorn while we bowl to see who will take home the coveted Redeemer Bowling Pin

Jr High Nerf Night
Jr. High Nerf Night
All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited for the ultimate Nerf showdown at Trinity!
Contact Jennifer Anders with questions.

Couples' Valentine Dinner
The couples Valentines Dinner will be on Friday, February 14, at 6:30 at Alexander’s Steakhouse. For reservations, please call or text Ron & Pat Jackson at 309-253-3251 or email at rpkajaxon@comcast.net.


An Evening of Poetry and Music
With all the hustle and bustle that the New Year brings, Redeemer invites you for a night of rest with An Evening of Poetry and Music.
Please join us and invite a friend to rest and listen to the love of God in song and poetry. From 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. you’ll be able to meet the artists and enjoy some of Tanners favorite food, Chick-Fil-a! The concert will begin at 6:30.
Tickets are $10.00 per person or $25.00 per family
In person sales: At the door (Cash/check only)
Buy tickets at www.redeemerlutheran.com/epm

Peoria Youth Christmas Party
Calling all Jr High and Sr High students (and your friends)!
It's time for our annual Christmas party with the Peoria area Lutheran churches to celebrate the joy of Jesus and have lots of fun! January 2nd, 5-9 PM hosted at Trinity Lutheran Peoria this year.



Advent Gingerbread Celebration
Kick off the season of Advent with a family event on December 1st from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Life Center. We will be making gingerbread nativities for your family to use all season as we look forward to the birth of Jesus. We will also be doing an activity for our shut-ins and having plenty of fun!
This is an event where children will need an adult with them. It’s a great opportunity to invite cousins, friends and neighbors to join in as we celebrate the sweetest gift- Jesus! Please RSVP by filling out this quick form to let us know how many kits you’ll need.


Men's Hog Roast
Invite your friends for a great meal and fun times playing bags, washers, or just hanging out and catching up.

Blood Drive
The next blood drive hosted at Redeemer will be on September 17th from 12:00 - 5:00 pm in Miller Hall.

Missionary Visit
Nate and Shannon Ackerman, missionaries with the Jesus Film Project, will be visiting Redeemer September 14 and 15 during our Bible Study hour.


Golf Outing
This year’s Redeemer Youth Ministry Golf Outing will be held at Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin on Saturday, August 24th. 7:00 am registration, 7:30 am start time. The deadline to register is August 14.
Download a form (or pick one up at the Welcome Center) to sign up or be a hole sponsor. You can also pay online by visiting the online giving page and choosing the golf donation or registration options in the dropdown menu.
Please reach out to Jessica Schuch at jhschuch@gmail.com with questions.