WELCOME!
Thank you for your interest in Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, a member congregation of The American Association of Lutheran Churches (The AALC)! We are a warm and welcoming congregation committed to proclaiming Christ, nurturing faith, and serving others.
Periodically throughout the year, people interested in the where they go from here—that is, they’ve been attending worship for a while, and now they are wondering what now—attend a “Next Steps” class. This class is intended for people who are new to Christianity or to Lutheran teachings, although it can also serve as a refresher of the basics for current members.
To find out when the new class begins, contact the church office. Pastor Stenzel holds these classes a few time each year on Sundays at 2:00 PM, to discuss the essentials of Christianity through Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Those desiring church membership are encouraged to attend. And those who are interested in a refresher are encouraged to attend as well. All are welcome!
What does joining our church mean?
You will receive Pastoral care and support from fellow Christians for your walk of faith. Members participate fully in our worship life and receive the sacraments as instituted by Christ. Those who join remain active in the work and support of our mission. Finally, they join their “Amen” to ours, confessing the Faith as it is revealed in Holy Scripture and articulated in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.
Five ways to become a member of Our Redeemer’s:
Baptism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is for people of all ages. Infants and children—including adults—are brought into the family of God through baptism are considered “Baptized Members.”
Confirmation: Baptized Members of Our Redeemer’s go through a three-year period of instruction beginning in middle school (typically, 7th grade). At the end of this time, the youth may choose to renew their baptismal faith in the Rite of Confirmation.
Profession of Faith: Adults who are interested in joining Our Redeemer’s may enroll in a future “Next Steps Class”, where they will explore our Church’s teachings and practice. The course is wonderful review for all Christians of the essentials of the Faith.
Letter of Transfer: If you are currently a member of another congregation of The American Association of Lutheran Churches, or the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, you may request that your membership be transferred to Our Redeemer’s. Contact your former congregation and ask them to send us a “Letter of Transfer”; or simply reach out to our church office.
Associate Membership: Those worshipping with us seasonally, or in the area for a time (i.e., school, work, or extended travel), and who wish to retain their home-congregation’s membership, may join as “Associate Members”. Although not voting members, Associate Members receive pastoral care and Christian support, share our confession of faith, and support the work and ministry of Our Redeemer’s.
Agenda of the “Next Steps Class”.
SESSION 1: A GOD WHO CARES, GUIDES, and FREES YOU.
SESSION 2: A SAVIOR WHO SAVES and A SPIRIT WHO CONVERTS YOU.
SESSION 3: A WASHING THAT CLEANSES YOU.
SESSION 4: A MEAL WHICH FEEDS YOU.
SESSION 5: A PRAYER LIFE THAT BLESSES YOU.
SESSION 6: KEYS WHICH LOCK AND UNLOCK.
SESSION 7: A LIFE WHICH NEVER ENDS.
SESSION 8: HISTORY OF OUR REDEEMER’S and NEXT STEPS.
Pastor Stenzel is also happy to meet with people individually, whatever their circumstance, wherever they are in their walk, and however they may have connected with Our Redeemer’s. Please reach out to him directly for membership inquiries: pastorstenzel@mac.com; 701-572-3724.