What’s New?

Here’s a quick round-up of some of the recent events involving members of our congregation:

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

On April 5, 2026, we celebrated Easter and Jesus’ victory over death when He rose from the grave!
We had worship, fellowship, and fun as we heard the Word of God in service and enjoyed a meal hosted by the Youth Group. We gladly state and sing, “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!”

Hockey, fun, and fellowship

On February 15, 2026, our church family had a great time watching the Sioux Falls Stampede play hockey!

Soup and Pie!

On January 10, 2026, the Discipleship Committee hosted a Soup and Pie Luncheon. Many people came and enjoyed several types of soup and pie. What a great time for food, fun, and fellowship!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship

We had multiple services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 25, 2025), and had performances from our Choir groups.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Caroling!

On December 21, 2025, several members of Our Redeemer went out and sang at the nursing homes and houses where our shut-in members reside. Our carolers were spreading Christmas cheer, singing loud for all to hear!

Children’s Christmas Program

On December 21, 2025, our youth performed between worship services and sang multiple songs to remind us of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior!

Christmas Concert

On December 7, 2025, our Brass, Bells, and Singing Choirs performed in concert at Sioux Falls Lutheran School to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior!

A new Church Year!

On November 29, 2025, our altar area has been re-decorated to focus our hearts and minds on Advent and Christmas, where we celebrate Christ’s birth. Let every heart prepare Him room!

Youth say it’s a tie to help others!

November 22, 2025, our Youth received donations from our congregation to make tie blankets to donate for children in need of warmth this winter. Thank you to everyone involved in this great event to benefit others!

Kids 4 Christ Fun!

Throughout the Fall, the Kids have been having a blast!

Hear about the mission field!

On October 30, 2025, we had the pleasure of hearing from Makia Adler, one of the missionaries our congregation supports. Makia provided insights related to spreading the Word of Christ across countries that prohibit God’s Word. Thank you for your work, Makia!

Happy 100th Birthday, Mavis!

On October 12, 2025, we celebrated Mavis Fritz’ 100th birthday! (It’s actually on October 14.) We are glad for her continued health and the positive example of faithfulness she provides to Our Redeemer!

First Communion!

On September 28, 2025, some of our youth, after examination with Pastor and the Elders, were able to take their first Holy Communion as they continue learning and preparing for the full Rite of Confirmation.

Check your numbers

On September 21, 2025, our Parish Nurse (Karen Morfitt, RN) invited those interested to a free blood pressure screening as a great opportunity to be proactive with your health and wellbeing. Please contact the church office if you have any questions or concerns that Karen may be able to help with (or at least point you in the right direction).

Rally Sunday!

On September 7, 2025, we resumed full Sunday School and Bible Study classes (after a lighter Summer schedule). We had the Backyard BBQ food truck, inflatables, and information about activities available at Our Redeemer. What a great day for fellowship and fun!

Kids 4 Christ is back!

On September 5, 2025, Kids 4 Christ (K4C) had a fun kick-off event at Air Madness to begin the 2024-2025 schedule! K4C meets on most 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at the church at 5:45 pm-7:30 pm (dinner served at 5:50 pm) from September to May. All kids are welcome! Contact the church office for more details, and to confirm dates.

Family-Style Vacation Bible School (VBS)!

Throughout the month of August 2025, Our Redeemer hosted multiple Sunday afternoon VBS events in a family style (meaning parents got to join in on the fun!). Through directed time considering God’s Word and through activities and crafts that reinforced the learning, a great time was had learning together!

Higher Things Retreat at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD

From August 8-9, 2025, many kids from Our Redeemer went to the Higher Things Retreat at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory SD, for Bible study and reflection. “You are the man!” Maybe you’ve heard these words when you’ve done something well to celebrate your accomplishment. When King David heard these words, he wasn’t celebrating, but was cut to the heart by his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah. Jesus flips these words around, as he is arrested in Gethsemane and says, “I am He.” Jesus flips these words on you through confession and absolution when He says “You are mine.” Together, we sought God’s Law and Gospel, confession and absolution in these words, “You are the man!”

Higher Things Confirmation Camp at Camp IO-DIS-E-CA

From July 29-August 1, 2025, many kids from Our Redeemer went to Camp IO-DIS-E-CA for in-depth Bible study and time in nature. The emphasis this year was on the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.

Take me out to the ballgame!

On July 25, 2025, we had fun and fellowship at a Canaries baseball game.
The event was a homerun!

Camp Minneboji at Camp Okoboji, IA

From June 15-21, 2025, many kids (and adults) from Our Redeemer went to Camp Minneboji in Iowa, spending a beautiful week getting a little closer to nature and a lot closer to God. This year’s theme was “Hidden and Revealed”, based on 1 Corinthians 3:7, “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

Bean Bag Tournament!

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, we enjoyed our annual Bean Bag Tournament. Nine teams competed, and all had a ton of fun on a beautiful day!

Kids 4 Christ Summer Send Off at Air Madness

On May 16, 2025, Kids 4 Christ ended until the Fall with a fun time at Air Madness!

Pizza Ranch Fundraiser for Camp Minneboji Campers

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, our youth volunteered at Pizza Ranch to raise money for going to Camp Minneboji this Summer. Several members got together for good food and great fellowship!

The Ladies Luncheon

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, a few days before Mother’s Day, the men of Our Redeemer hosted a luncheon to celebrate the ladies of the congregation.

Trail Life Troop SD-1412

On May 2, 2025, Trail Life Troop SD-1412 held their Court of Honor and End of Year Party, with meetings resuming this Fall on Monday evenings at Our Redeemer. (Other Trail Life activities will occur throughout the Summer.)

Troop 1412’s vision is to be the premier character development organization in the Sioux Falls region to train up young men into godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.

Troop 1412’s mission is to guide generations of courageous young men in the Sioux Falls region to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others, and experience outdoor adventure.

If you would like more information, please contact the Church Office.

New Member Potluck

On April 27, 2025, we had a new member potluck. Fun and fellowship were had by all!

Mardi Gras Celebration

On March 1, 2025, we had a Mardi Gras Celebration. Between special food, fun activities, musical chairs, and a pinata, it was quite an event! Lots of fun and fellowship was had!

We welcome Pastor Simek and the Simek family!

On February 9, 2025, Pastor Simek was installed as the Senior Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. We welcome him and his family to Our Redeemer!

Wassail!

On December 14, 2024, we had our annual Christmas Wassail event, featuring music and entertainment intermixed with a meal of traditional wassail (cider), hors d’oeuvres (appetizers), boar (ham), and sweets (desserts). The evening was full of fellowship and fun!

Reformation Day and Confirmation Day

On October 27, 2024, we celebrated Reformation Sunday (Reformation Day is October 31). We also had four confirmands complete the Rite of Confirmation.

From LCMS.org:

“More than 500 years ago, the Protestant Reformation brought the church’s focus back to God’s free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses — the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” — to the church door in a small city called Wittenberg, Germany. This event ignited the Protestant Reformation, and thus the church officially commemorates this important anniversary on Oct. 31.

The Reformation was, first and foremost, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then, and it still is now. The task of reformation never ends. Every person, in every generation, needs to hear the Good News of their Savior from sin and eternal death.”

70 years at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church!

On October 6, 2024, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with a potluck and fellowship. We thank and praise God for the continuation of His Church!

Dinner Theater!

On August 9, 2024, we enjoyed dinner and a show, put on by our Drama Team. Their performance of “Jerusalem P.D.” was a lot of fun with a great message. The food was outstanding!

To Know Christ and to Make Him Known!