Connecting people with Jesus for eternity, by guiding them on a life-long journey of faith.

Get to know us

Our Story

Every church family has a story — and ours began in 1940, in a simple rented space at The Seventh Day Adventist Church. From those small beginnings, Our Redeemer has been blessed to share God’s love with thousands of people over the years.

In March 1940, our congregation was officially organized, and just a few months later in July, we became part of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod under the care of our first shepherd, Pastor Theodore Meibohm. Our very first building went up on North Hwy 35, with its cornerstone laid on December 7, 1941 — the day the world remembers as Pearl Harbor Day. That building now serves as American Legion Post #131, but in those early days, it was a place filled with prayer, fellowship, and hope.

By 1972, God had grown our church family, and under Pastor Norman Berning we moved into a brand-new facility on our current site. This new home gave us space to welcome more people into our community and to expand our ministries.

In 1985, Pastor Joseph Townsend and his wife, Debbie, followed God’s calling to open Little Lambs Preschool. What began as a vision to nurture young hearts has now been serving children and their families for over 40 years.

God’s blessings continued. In 2005, under Pastor Timothy Miller, our building more than doubled in size. We added the Family Life Center, new classrooms for Little Lambs, a Youth Ministry room, and other spaces designed to help us grow together in faith.

Through the decades, our ministry has been guided by faithful leaders:
Pastor Theodore Meibohm, Pastor Norman Berning, Pastor Joseph Townsend, Pastor Timothy Miller, and Pastor David Putz. Each has left a unique mark on our church family.

In 1998, we welcomed Mrs. Diane Cruz as our Director of Christian Education, bringing passion and direction to our Youth Ministry and outreach programs.

Pastor Eric Gawura served our congregation faithfully from June 2018 until answering God’s call to a new ministry in June 2025. We are now in a time of pastoral vacancy — a season of prayer, trust, and anticipation as we seek the shepherd God has prepared for our next chapter.

From a rented room to a thriving church home, our story is one of God’s faithfulness. And we believe the best chapters are still to come.

Our Affiliations

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). A “synod” is simply a cooperative fellowship of churches that walk together in shared beliefs and mission.

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and life. We believe that salvation comes by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that God’s grace is delivered to His people through the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

You can read the full list of the fundamental beliefs of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on their official website.

How LCMS Differs from ELCA

While both the LCMS and the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) share roots in the Lutheran Reformation and value the Bible, there are important differences:

View of Scripture – The LCMS teaches that the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, fully trustworthy in all it says. The ELCA allows for a broader range of interpretation and often takes a less literal view.
Doctrinal Consistency – The LCMS holds to the historic Lutheran Confessions without change. The ELCA has adapted certain positions over time in response to cultural shifts.
Social and Moral Issues – The LCMS maintains traditional Biblical teachings on marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life. The ELCA has adopted more progressive positions in these areas.
Communion Practice – The LCMS practices “close(d) communion,” meaning the Lord’s Supper is shared with those who share our confession of faith. The ELCA practices open communion, welcoming all baptized Christians.

At Our Redeemer, we joyfully live out our LCMS heritage — holding fast to God’s unchanging Word while reaching out with Christ’s unchanging love.