GETTING INVOLVED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In response to God’s love, we serve the Lord with gladness! Redeemer offers a wide variety of opportunities for Christian service. To get involved, contact the Church office at 714-846-6330 or churchoffice@redeemer-lutheran.net.
ACOLYTES
These are the young people enrolled in Confirmation Class, or are confirmed, who assist in worship services. Training is provided by the Pastor as a part of Confirmation Class.
ALTAR GUILD
Working together in teams, the Altar Guild carries out the responsibilities associated with preparing the sanctuary for Sunday morning worship services. Activities include changing the altar paraments, maintaining the altar candles, changing the banners, organizing the pews, and most importantly, preparing for the celebration of Holy Communion. Both men and women are invited to serve.
DINNER FOR SIX
A fun way to get to know each other better. Groups of six have dinner together hosted by each couple or pair for six months. Then we all come together, switch up the groups and start all over again. IT IS NOT FOR COUPLES ONLY. We encourage individuals to participate as well. We do this in March and September.
ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE (The Aaron Fund)
This committee accepts Aaron fund donations, manages endowment fund investments, reports fund activity to the congregation and recommends uses for the income from investments.
FOREVER LEARNING
Classes are held on various subjects. Our most popular classes are in cooking, whether it be International Cooking or Puff Pastries. We also have a Crochet Club for all levels, or just come for fellowship. Other classes: will include: holiday crafting, woodworking, cake decorating, quilting, hors d’oeuvres, wine and cheese tasting, to name a few. If you have a talent to share or have a request for a particular class, let us know. Class scheduling depends on the teacher and when the majority can attend. Some classes are held at the church while others are held in the home. Everyone is welcome.
Contact: Ellen Prior (714) 651-1881 or Doris White (714) 454-2902.
GREETERS
With a friendly smile, a warm handshake, and a cheerful “good morning”, each Greeter creates a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter the church for Sunday morning services. Greeters are very important contributors to Redeemer’s evangelism program, making visitors feel comfortable.
LUTHERAN EARLY RESPONSE TEAM (LERT) DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Volunteers meet with other churches and local government representatives to coordinate emergency services, collect emergency tools and equipment, facilitate annual training and advanced training classes in disaster preparedness, first aid, and emergency communications (Ham Radio operators).
LWML (LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION)
The mission of LWML is to assist each woman of the Church in affirming her relationship with the Triune God. Women should feel empowered to use their gifts to spread the Good News and assist in missions in their community and around the world. Our ongoing mission project is Mites for Missions. Through Mites for Missions, congregational members save their pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters in special boxes to be used for LWML missions. The Redeemer LWML also provides outreach through Advent by Candlelight (See “Seasonal Events”) and holds meetings occasionally as advertised in the Redeemer Reflections. Service to the Lord is foremost in all LWML activities. All women members of the congregation are automatically members of LWML and are cordially invited to attend. Bring a friend!
Contact: Carol Waidner (714) 846-6330 or churchoffice@redeemer-lutheran.net
MEMBER ASSISTANCE MINISTRY
This ministry enables Redeemer volunteers to help members who are shut-in or recovering from surgery or non-contagious illness. Volunteers help with such tasks as picking up prescriptions, providing meals, assisting with light jobs around the house, and providing transportation to doctor’s appointments and to church.
MUSIC MINISTRY
CHOIRS
Sanctuary Choir (Adults)
The Choir typically sings two Sundays per month and provides special music for Easter, Christmas, Reformation Sunday, and other major church days. The most important qualification is a desire to praise the Lord in song. The ability to read music is not required, but some musical experience is helpful. The Sanctuary Choir meets each Tuesday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 PM, except during the summer months.
Contact: Beth Hansen (714) 841-2027
Hosanna Choir (Children Ages 2 – 5th Grade)
This choir practices during the Sunday School hour. The children serve a few times per year in our worship services. They also enjoy participating in the Children’s Christmas program on the Sunday before Christmas.
Contact: Deaconess Pat Anderson (714) 824-0027 deaconess@redeemer-lutheran.net
HANDBELL CHOIRS
Praise Ringers (Elementary – Middle School)
Children with beginning to intermediate musical skills ring in this group. The Praise Ringers serve in church several times per year as well as at the children’s Christmas program. They rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 5:15 – 6:00 PM, except during the summer months.
Contact: Deaconess Pat Anderson (714) 824-0027 deaconess@redeemer-lutheran.net
Celebration Ringers (Confirmation Age – Adults)
This adult handbell choir normally plays for services on the 4th Sunday of the month and provides special music for Easter, Christmas, Reformation Sunday, and other major church days. The ability to read music is helpful, but is not a requirement. We meet every Monday night from 7:00 – 8:30 PM, except during the summer months.
OTHER MUSICAL GROUPS
Ukulele Jam
This is open to both adults and children. We learn basic musicianship along with beginning to intermediate ukulele technique. Bring your own ukulele or use one of ours. We play both sacred and secular music and also reach out to the community as we perform in various community settings (performing is always optional, so please don’t let that scare you). No prior musical experience is necessary. Join us for a light dinner afterwards, if you can. We meet on Wednesdays from 5:15 – 6:00 PM. This is a year-round program.
Contact: Deaconess Pat Anderson (714) 824-0027 deaconess@redeemer-lutheran.net
Shepherd’s Strings Ensemble (Children Ages Kindergarten – 8th Grade)
They learn to play the violin, viola, cello, and Celtic Harp. No prior musical experience is necessary. This ensemble serves in our worship services from time to time as well as at concerts and special events. They meet on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:15 – 6:00 PM. Come to either or both of these weekly rehearsals as your schedule permits.
Contact: Deaconess Pat Anderson (714) 824-0027 deaconess@redeemer-lutheran.net
Opportunities for Other Musicians
Anyone wishing to praise the Lord through his or her musical talents is invited to share those talents in service to our Lord. Special musical offerings featuring instrumental ensembles and soloists are scheduled as is appropriate.
NURSERY
Although small children are always welcome to worship with their parents in the sanctuary, nursery care is available for all services for infants and children (5 years and under). Volunteers watch over these children so that their parents can participate in the worship service. Necessary supplies such as disposable diapers are provided.
OFFICE SUPPORT
Many opportunities, large and small, are available. Help is needed with office work (proofreading, copying, stamping) and other things around the church. Some tasks can be completed at home.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Campus Outreach
Our volunteers speak the Gospel in love to those outside of our church. There are weekly opportunities to visit the Golden West College campus. Volunteers are needed to design outreach materials and to explore other local venues for Gospel proclamations, e.g. Huntington Beach Pier, other school campuses, job fairs and shopping malls.
Community Outreach Volunteers help with fundraising, provide tutoring, and support sports participation (Junior All American Football). We coordinate with other organizations to explore the possibility of acquiring additional community support such as legal aid, ESL, and scholarship opportunities for local youth.
Homeless Outreach Activities include collecting food and hygiene items and meeting with other churches and organizations to coordinate services offered and formulate strategies to better address the needs of the local homeless population. Redeemer volunteers also serve meals to the hungry monthly at Grace Lutheran Church.
Contact: Pastor Toma (714) 846-6330 jbtoma@redeemer-lutheran.net
REDEEMER REFLECTIONS (Monthly Newsletter)
The Redeemer Reflections is the church’s monthly newsletter to members and friends. It is e-mailed, mailed, or distributed by the first of each month. If you would like to receive the newsletter electronically, please give your e-mail address to the church office. The Reflections includes regular features such as “From the Pastor’s Study”, Bible study schedules, and variety of things that are happening around the church.
Editor: Elaine Ohgi newsletter@redeemer-lutheran.net
SCRIP PROGRAM
This group makes scrip available for purchase after each service. Proceeds from gift cards sold at Redeemer support the Building Fund or the Preschool.
Contact: Steve Snyder (562) 598-6902 palmsny@gmail.com
USHERS
These are Redeemer’s welcoming ambassadors. They welcome members and guests, assist with the worship services. Behind the scenes, the ushers also provide hospitality by setting up after-service refreshments on the patio. Men, women, and young adults are encouraged to serve in this capacity.
TRUSTEES
This group manages the care and upkeep of the church property. They do regular maintenance and larger improvement projects.
Contact: Jason Duffey (714) 418-3436 jduff240@yahoo.com
SEASONAL EVENTS FOR FELLOWSHIP AND OUTREACH
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES FOOD DRIVE
The congregation supports a November food drive on behalf of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) to restock their food pantry.
Contact: Jan Flores (714) 349-1215 janf1215@yahoo.com
SOUP SUPPERS
During Advent and Lenten seasons, Soup Suppers or other informal meals are served in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 PM, prior to the Wednesday evening 7:00 PM worship services. Dishes are donated by various members of the congregation. Volunteers are needed to provide food, help set up, serve, or clean up after supper.