Redeemer Lutheran Church has served the Sun City Center community for 40 years. Its mission is “Proclaim Jesus, Grow in Faith, Love All People.”

Redeemer Lutheran Church celebrates four decades in Sun City Center

By LOIS KINDLE

For the past 40 years, the Redeemer Lutheran Church congregation has quietly served the Sun City Center community. Its focus includes weekly worship services and Bible study, of course, but outside of the church few know of its benevolent efforts.
“We are a vibrant church with vibrant people,” said the Rev. David R. Allman, church pastor since 2013. “Church attendance is between 170 and 250, each week, depending on the time of year.”

The Rev. David. R Allman has been pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church since 2013. He describes the church as traditional, Bible-based and full of vibrant people.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO

Redeemer Lutheran’s Community Outreach Team has a different benevolence project each month benefiting people in need served by a number of organizations. These have included the Samaritan Services Auxiliary, Our Lady’s Pantry and the Catholic Charities free medical clinic; Haven of Hope, My Warrior’s Place and Good Samaritan; James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, AMIKids and the local Disabled Veterans chapter; and more.
The congregation provides hoodies, blankets and backpacks filled with school supplies to immediate area schools for children in need; hosts a carwash for AMIKids and purchases Christmas gifts for kids from low-income families. Its Women of ELCA quilters group donates the items it makes to Lutheran Relief efforts all over the world. Details can be found at www.redeemerlc.com/benevolence-and-social-ministry-projects/.
“We’re a very traditional, Bible-based church,” Allman said. Our worship messages are based on the gospel.”
Edie Moose and her husband Pete have been members for the past five years.
“It’s a great place to worship,” she said. “Our pastor preaches a Bible-based sermon each week, and he relates his message to everyday life. I like that.
“And the people are friendly,” she continued. “We’ve made many friends here.”
Redeemer’s Sunday services are at 10 a.m., and they’re open to the public. Fellowship follows after worship around 11. Its mission is “Proclaim Jesus, Grow in Faith, Love All People.”
Bible study is offered Thursdays at 10 a.m. The church has an Altar Guild, visitation team, music ministry and parish nurse program. The latter is part of the faith community nursing program based out of St. Joseph Hospital. Its 15 nurses serve church members as health advisors, advocates, educators and resources.
A 40th anniversary celebration is set for March 31. Bishop Pedro Suarez, of the Florida-Bahamas Synod ECLA, will preach and celebrate communion. The worship service is open to everyone.
A private, catered meal and pastoral programming will follow.
The church is at 701 Valley Forge Blvd. and
S.R 674, Sun City Center. For more information, call 813-634-1292, visit www.redeemerlc.com or check out Redeemer Lutheran Church on Facebook.