Redeemer Lutheran Church

Jesus often used the picture of a feast to describe God's kingdom. We are reminded that we are people who have been invited to the feast—not because we have earned a place, but because God graciously invites us through Christ. Our gatherings around tables are small glimpses of the greater joy we have as God's people, gathered around His Word and His gifts. So come, enjoy the food, laughter, fellowship, and friendship—and give thanks to the Lord for the blessings He has given us. Free Indeed October culminates in Reformation Sunday, when we especially remember and give thanks for the clear confession of the Gospel that lies at the heart of our Lutheran heritage. Jesus says: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36. What does it mean to be free? The world often defines freedom as the ability to do whatever we want. But Jesus speaks of a deeper freedom—the freedom from sin, guilt, condemnation, and the impossible burden of making ourselves acceptable before God. Christ sets us free. The Lutheran Reformation points us back to this simple and profound truth. We are saved not by our works, our accomplishments, or our worthiness, but by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace Alone. Faith Alone. Scripture Alone. Christ Alone. These are not merely phrases from the past. They remain our confession today because they direct us away from ourselves and toward Christ. We are free indeed because Christ has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. Pastor Rod’s Book of the Month Recommendation: Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love by Martin Luther. Overview: In Luther's day, the precious message of Christian freedom was often misunderstood by those whose focus was on the things of this world rather than on Christ and the cross. Luther was not a politician; he was a pastor who found true freedom in the Gospel. Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love offers a comprehensive and well-rounded presentation of this classic writing. It invites us to consider what it truly means to be free in Christ—and how that freedom expresses itself through faith working in love. A fitting read for Reformation month as we reflect on Jesus' words: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36. This publication is available through Concordia Publishing House. Upcoming Events October: “Celebrating God’s Gifts of Word, Shepherds, and Fellowship.” Sunday, October 4 – Pastor Appreciation Celebration - Pastor Bo Brink • Fellowship breakfast following Divine Service. Sunday, October 11 – Pastor Appreciation Celebration - Pastor McPherson • Fellowship luncheon following Divine Service - Church Salad Potluck. Please sign up in the narthex for Potluck Salad. The Word of the Lord endures forever. Sunday, October 18 – Oktoberfest & Pastor Appreciation Luncheon - Pastor Ash • Combines our traditional Oktoberfest celebration with Pastor Appreciation following Divine Service - Sign-up sheet is in the narthex. Pastor Ash reports that this cuisine is his and Melanie’s comfort food! Sunday, October 25 – Reformation Sunday (Pastor - TBD) • Special Reformation Celebration with Birthday recognitions following Divine Service. Sunday, November 1 – All Saints' Day Celebration Luncheon - Chaplain Potts • Saintly BBQ Sandwich and Sides luncheon following Divine Service. A Thought for October: Perhaps October's three themes can be brought together in one simple thought: We are called to serve because Christ has first served us. We are gathered together because Christ has called us into His family. And we are free because Christ has set us free. That is reason enough to celebrate—not only in October, but every day as people who belong to Christ. Closing Prayer: Gracious Lord, thank You for calling us to serve, gathering us together in fellowship, and setting us free through Jesus Christ. Bless our pastors and all who serve Your Church. Keep us faithful to Your Word, joyful in fellowship, and steadfast in the freedom we have through Christ. By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, keep our hearts focused on You. Amen. In Christ’s Service, The Executive Board – Redeemer Lutheran Church