Business Details
Welcome to Christ Our Redeemer LUTH Church
Christ Our Redeemer LUTH Church is a community rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ, dedicated to worship, learning, and service. We gather around the Word and Sacrament, proclaiming God's love through liturgical worship, music, and outreach. Our congregation embraces all individuals, offering weekly Holy Communion, diverse worship styles including Americana and New Orleans Jazz services, and programs for youth and adults.Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we serve Temple Terrace and surrounding areas through faith formation, community events like Oktoberfest, and partnerships with local organizations. Our mission emphasizes welcoming all baptized Christians to the Lord's Table while fostering spiritual growth and service to others.
Services
Worship Services
Youth Ministry
Confirmation Classes
Sunday School
Community Events
Funeral Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Volunteer Opportunities
Electronic Donations
Music Programs
Highlights and features
- We welcome all baptized Christians to weekly Holy Communion.
- Our diverse worship styles include traditional, Americana, and New Orleans Jazz services.
- We offer faith formation programs for all ages, including youth confirmation.
- Our congregation actively supports community service and local outreach.
- Pastoral leadership with decades of combined experience in Lutheran ministry.
Associations and certifications
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- Florida-Bahamas Synod
Services
Worship Services
Our worship services combine Word and Sacrament with diverse musical traditions. Weekly Sunday services include Holy Communion, with special Americana and New Orleans Jazz worship formats monthly. All services emphasize scriptural teachings and communal participation through liturgy, hymns, and contemporary music.
Youth Ministry
We provide faith development opportunities for youth through confirmation classes, Sunday School, and special events. Our programs focus on biblical education, community service, and spiritual growth, including opportunities for teens to earn community service hours through church activities like Oktoberfest volunteering.
Community Events
Annual community events like Oktoberfest foster fellowship and support our capital campaign. These events feature food, music, and family-friendly activities while providing volunteer opportunities for members to engage with the broader Temple Terrace community through service and outreach.
Faith Formation
Our faith formation programs include Sunday School for children, confirmation instruction for middle school students, and adult education classes. These programs emphasize biblical literacy, Lutheran doctrine, and practical application of faith in daily life through interactive learning and discussion.
Music Programs
We offer diverse musical worship experiences with organ, choirs, bell ensembles, and specialty instruments. Monthly Americana services feature bluegrass-style music with fiddles and banjos, while New Orleans Jazz worship incorporates brass instruments, creating unique expressions of praise and worship.
People
Pastor Eric Friedrichs
Pastor
Pastor Eric Friedrichs has served since 2017, bringing 25+ years of pastoral experience. A graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, he leads worship, coordinates youth programs, and oversees spiritual care while maintaining active ELCA ministry credentials.
Deacon Tara Friedrichs
Director of Faith Formation
Deacon Tara Friedrichs directs faith formation programs, including Sunday School and confirmation. With ELCA deacon credentials since 1994, she specializes in developing age-appropriate religious education materials and coordinating youth outreach initiatives across the congregation.
Keith Miller
Bookkeeper
Keith Miller manages financial operations, ensuring accurate record-keeping for donations, events, and church expenses. He works closely with the finance committee to maintain fiscal transparency and accountability in alignment with ELCA financial standards.
Vickie Sufka
Parish Administrator
Vickie Sufka coordinates church operations, manages staff communications, and oversees facility logistics. With 15+ years in church administration, she ensures smooth day-to-day functioning while maintaining connections with local Lutheran organizations and community partners.
Chris Robinson
Music Director
Chris Robinson leads music programs, directing choirs and coordinating instrumental ensembles. He develops musical worship plans that blend traditional and contemporary elements, working with volunteer musicians to enhance congregational participation through diverse musical expressions.
Questions
What worship services do you offer?
We offer traditional Sunday services with Holy Communion, monthly Americana worship with bluegrass instruments, and New Orleans Jazz-style services. All services follow Lutheran liturgy with varied musical accompaniment.
Are children welcome at your services?
Yes! Children are welcome in all services. We provide Sunday School for children ages 3-12 and youth programs for middle school students through confirmation classes.
How can I get involved in the church community?
Volunteer opportunities include Oktoberfest planning, worship music teams, youth ministry assistance, and facility maintenance. Sign-up sheets are available at church or by contacting our parish administrator.
Do you offer online worship options?
Yes, we stream Sunday services live on Facebook and maintain a YouTube channel with past worship recordings for those unable to attend in person.
What outreach programs do you support?
Our outreach includes community Oktoberfest events, partnerships with local organizations, and mission projects through the ELCA network. We also provide emergency assistance to Temple Terrace residents in need.
Can non-members participate in church activities?
All are welcome to attend services, events, and programs regardless of membership status. We encourage everyone to explore faith and community through our open and inclusive Lutheran tradition.
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