Our Redeemer Lutheran Church gathers on the corner of East Court Street and First Avenue in Iowa City, a brick-and-stone parish where three weekend services, a thriving Christian preschool, and a generation-spanning set of ministries come together under the banner "Equipping Disciples to make Disciples for Jesus." The congregation belongs to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and traces its ministry through baptisms, confirmations, and the steady rhythm of Divine Service each week.
Three Services, Three Musical Worlds
Worship at Our Redeemer follows a clear pattern: one Saturday evening gathering and two Sunday morning services, each with its own musical character.
Saturday at 5:30 p.m. is "Gracious Beginnings," a service that opens the weekend with the words of Psalm 113:3 ringing out: "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised." The congregation gathers casually for the service, hearing God's Word, remembering baptism, and sharing bread and wine. The piano, with its dynamic range, leads the singing, and Holy Communion is celebrated on the Saturdays corresponding to the first, third, and fifth Sundays of each month.
Sunday morning opens at 8:00 a.m. with "God is Our Foundation," built on 1 Corinthians 3:11 and Ephesians 2:20. The Divine Service liturgy, unchanged across centuries, connects worshipers with angels, archangels, and the company of heaven. The Casavant tracker organ, ideally suited to the space, carries the singing. Communion is observed here on the first, third, and fifth Sundays.
At 10:30 a.m., "God is Our Hope" lifts the same Divine Service into a fuller sound. Psalm 150 sets the tone, and the music swells with organ, bass, guitar, synthesizer, and drums joined in praise. The Praise Team leads contemporary songs alongside the historic liturgy, weaving a blended style that reflects Ephesians 5:19. Communion is also celebrated on the first, third, and fifth Sundays, with the matching Saturdays following the same calendar.
All services are recorded and posted to the church's YouTube channel, so the weekend's worship can be replayed or shared with those unable to attend in person.
The Lord's Table: Communion and Baptism
Two sacraments stand at the center of life at Our Redeemer. Baptism is offered to adults upon confession of faith and to infants at the request of their parents. Anyone wishing to be baptized, or expecting parents planning ahead, may contact Pastor Hartwig to schedule a date.
Holy Communion is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of each month, plus any fifth Sundays, with corresponding Saturdays observing the sacrament as well. Communion is shared under the agreement in the Christian faith as taught in the Lutheran Confessions, and worshipers are encouraged to examine themselves beforehand with questions drawn from 1 Corinthians 11:28: Do you acknowledge that you are a sinner? Do you believe Jesus' death on the cross paid for your sins? Do you recognize the true body and blood of Christ in the bread and wine? Do you believe this meal brings forgiveness and strengthens faith?
Practical details ease participation: non-alcoholic wine sits in the center of each communion tray, and gluten-free wafers are available on request. Those uncertain about receiving are invited to speak with a pastor or elder first.
Music Across the Generations
Music ministry at Our Redeemer is overseen by Louise Klopp, who directs three ensembles that span ages and styles.
The Senior Choir, open to anyone of high school age and older, sings regularly at services and occasionally at other events. Rehearsals run Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., late August through early May, with adjustments during Advent and Lent.
The Praise Team brings contemporary worship to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, anchored by acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard, drums, and bass guitar. Rehearsals are scheduled week-to-week, often during the 8:00 a.m. service, and additional players or singers are welcome.
The Handbell Choir, also directed by Louise Klopp, is open to anyone who reads music, high school age and up. Practice and playing dates are sent out to interested ringers in advance.
Sunday School children, ages 2 through eighth grade, also sing as part of their weekly session, performing during worship on "The Bible is Right Sunday" and at the Christmas program. Volunteers of any age, including youth, are invited to share vocal or instrumental solos, duets, and small ensembles throughout the year.
The Preschool on the Lower Level
Tucked into the lower level of the church building, with its own entrance from the east-side parking lot, Our Redeemer Preschool has served Iowa City families since 1981. The preschool is licensed by the State of Iowa, governed by a Preschool Committee made up of church members and a parent representative, and admits children of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin.
The program uses the "One in Christ" curriculum from Concordia Publishing House, weaving short Bible stories, Christian songs, and brief prayers into a day that also covers language arts, music, math, science, social studies, physical development, and creative arts. Three schedule options are offered from Labor Day through Memorial Day: a Monday/Wednesday/Friday program from 9:00 a.m. to noon for $256 a month, a Tuesday/Thursday program for $188 a month, and a five-day program for $423 a month. Extended care begins at 7:30 a.m., and scholarships are available.
Kaja Mueller, who holds a Director of Christian Education degree from Concordia University St. Paul, has directed the preschool since fall 2013 and has served in youth, children's, and family ministries at the church since 2004. She is joined by Sara Cross, who teaches on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Christie Cherian, who teaches on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The preschool generally follows the Iowa City Community School District calendar, so weather-related closings match the public schools.
Communication runs through the ClassDojo app, with daily pictures, text updates, and reminders, plus a printed weekly newsletter that goes home with each child.
Children: From Nursery Through Eighth Grade
Families with young children are welcomed into every worship service, and an unattended nursery is open on the upper level just past the church library and restrooms. The nursery has a changing station and audio/video access so parents can follow along with the service.
Sunday School meets at 9:20 a.m. for children birth through fifth grade, combining music, Bible lesson, and crafts, with classes dismissing at 10:15 a.m. Memory work is built into the program from toddler years onward, with age-appropriate verses: "Jesus Loves Me" for the youngest, Exodus 3:12 for the three- and four-year-olds, Psalm 119:105 for kindergarten and first grade, John 3:16 for second and third grade, and the books of the Old and New Testaments for fourth and fifth grade. Children share their memory work during worship on "The Bible is Right Sunday" each spring.
Older children, fifth through eighth grade, are part of Our Redeemer Kids (ORKS), a ministry that adds monthly fellowship and service events to weekly Sunday School and Confirmation classes. Each ORKS member is asked to take part in two service activities a year and to help with the youth group's peach fundraiser.
Each summer, Vacation Bible School draws children ages 4 (potty-trained) through eighth grade for a week of Bible stories, crafts, games, music, and a shared evening meal. The program is organized by Kara Hartwig, the youth coordinator, and staffed by church members and youth volunteers.
Confirmation and Youth: Lutheran Youth Fellowship
Confirmation at Our Redeemer is both a three-year class and a single day of public profession, traditionally held the last Sunday in April of a student's eighth-grade year. The journey begins in sixth grade with a biblical overview of the Old and New Testaments, continues in seventh grade through the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and Baptism from the Small Catechism, and concludes in eighth grade with the Apostles' Creed, the Sacrament of the Altar, and Confession. A Spiritual Growth Event the week before Confirmation Day lets confirmands display their banners, share their papers, and demonstrate their knowledge.
Confirmation youth meet for Midweek classes on Wednesdays throughout the school year, with additional Sunday School at 9:20 a.m. in Room 208. In the summer, Wednesday evening activities continue for confirmation and high school youth.
High school students, ninth through twelfth grade, gather in the youth room for Sunday School at 9:20 a.m. and for Wednesday Midweek from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. The Lutheran Youth Fellowship (LYF) plans offsite retreats, week-long servant events, and trips to the National Youth Gathering. Each December, the high school students stage a Live Nativity - sometimes called "the church with the real animals at Christmas" - that draws neighbors from across the community. The youth ministry's annual Colorado peach sale, with peach delivery in the late summer, and a fall pie sale are the primary fundraisers, and the entire parish is invited to take part.
Adults: Bible Studies, Small Groups, and Stephen Ministry
Adults at Our Redeemer have many ways to grow in faith together. Adult Bible Study meets Sunday mornings from 9:20 to 10:05 a.m. Wednesday evening Midweek classes, held in Room 208 during the school year, take up varying topics through the year.
Small Group Ministry is built around groups of four to twelve people who meet regularly in their homes around Scripture, prayer, service, and mutual care. Each small group is shaped by five characteristics: caring, sharing, praying, growing, and serving. Denise Holida coordinates the ministry, and prospective members can email smallgroups@ourredeemer.org.
Stephen Ministry extends Christ's care to people facing crisis or life challenges. Trained lay Stephen Ministers provide a listening, Christ-centered presence during difficult times. Anyone interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, or in receiving care from one, may contact Pastor Hartwig.
For parents of young children, a video-driven Bible study called "Parenting: The Early Years," based on the work of Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, has been offered as a six-session small group study on Wednesday evenings, with child care provided. A Young Adults group for college-aged and older singles meets monthly for Bible study and a social event, coordinated by Aaron Mueller.
The Women's Mission Guild and Men's Bible Study
The Women's Mission Guild of Our Redeemer is a local society of the National Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). The Guild's purpose is to help all women of the church grow spiritually, encourage them to reach out in love, and provide opportunities to serve others. Monthly meetings include devotions, a featured program, a short business meeting, and fellowship with a meal or dessert. The Tasting Bee in the spring and the Christmas Cookie Walk in December are major fundraisers that support mission outreach. The Guild also sponsors a Mission Project Grant for women over 18, supporting LCMS-aligned service organizations and other entities aligned with the Guild's values.
For men, the Lutheran Layman's League gathers on the fourth Tuesday of the month, four times a year, in January, March, May, and October, with a special steak fry kickoff on the fourth Tuesday in August. A Bible study for men meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, working through a book of the Bible.
Women's Bible study meets during the school year on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings, with a specific study focus announced in the annual Equipping Disciples book and in the weekly Reflections newsletter.
What They Believe: Statement of Faith and Core Values
Our Redeemer's statement of faith affirms that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, authoritative Word of God, and that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The congregation teaches that humanity was created in God's image and fell into sin, that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified for our sins, and bodily resurrected, and that repentance and faith brought about by the Holy Spirit are essential for salvation. The gift of eternal life comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone and is expressed in a life of good works. The Holy Spirit places every Christian in the Body of Christ. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are recognized as the Church's two sacraments.
Nine core values animate the parish's life: Christ-centered and Bible-based; caring small groups; everlasting life through grace; neighbor-to-neighbor service; vibrant, genuine worship in Word and Sacrament; encouraging, loving relationships; reflecting Jesus' unconditional love; spiritual growth for all ages; and dedication to home and family.
The motto is "Equipping Disciples to make Disciples for Jesus." The mission is "Connecting all generations to Jesus, His Word and each other; Reflecting His Love in word and deed." The vision is to be "a grace-filled, God-glorifying community of believers devoted to Word, fellowship, Sacraments and prayer, committed to involving more people in ministry so that the Body of Christ would be built up for service to others as we reach out to more people with the Gospel."
Reaching Beyond Iowa City: Mission Work
Our Redeemer has long-standing relationships with mission partners in two very different parts of the world. The congregation supports the Lutheran Churches of Panama, sending teams to help with Vacation Bible School and other outreach, and partners with the Parish Nurses of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) in southern Africa. Each summer, a high school mission trip carries youth and adults to UKANDU, a servant event in Chicago, and the parish continues to walk alongside missionaries and partner churches through prayer, financial support, and short-term service trips.
The congregation has also been part of a long-running Vicarage program, hosting seminarians from Concordia Seminary for their year of pastoral formation. Twenty-one vicars have served here over the years, and several now pastor congregations across the country. A vicar currently lives in the on-site vicarage.
Publications That Connect the Parish
Three regular publications keep the parish informed. Reflections, a weekly insert, features upcoming and current activities, with contributors encouraged to update their articles each week. Reflections comes out each weekend except the last weekend of the month. The Parish Beacon, a monthly newsletter available on the last weekend of the month, includes the pastor's letter, Parish Nursing and Stephen Ministry articles, library news, membership changes, new member profiles, stewardship articles, Board of Directors kudos, summaries of past events, and a quiz or puzzle. June and July are published together at the end of May. Life Together, a mid-week email, rounds out the lineup. The annual Equipping Disciples booklet lists the year's adult Bible study offerings, women's studies, men's studies, parenting studies, and youth activities, and is published each September.
The "Enter His Courts" brochure, a welcoming document for newcomers, is also available.
A Building That Keeps Growing
The church building at 2301 East Court Street has been updated in major projects in the mid-1990s and mid-2010s, and a current Cross and Entrance project is adding canopies to the exterior entrances and a second door at each entrance. The work has been on the drawing board for nearly two decades, with awnings removed in earlier projects to save money; the current effort is described by the parish as "old dreams meeting present-day needs."
Inside, the sanctuary houses a Casavant tracker organ that leads the 8:00 a.m. service, and the lower level holds the preschool, additional classrooms, fellowship spaces, and the youth room.
Coming to Worship
First-time visitors at Our Redeemer will find three services on the weekend: Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ("Gracious Beginnings"), Sunday at 8:00 a.m. ("God is Our Foundation"), and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ("God is Our Hope"). Adult Bible Study and Sunday School for all ages meet between the Sunday services at 9:20 a.m. The nursery is open during every service with a changing area and audio/video feed. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first, third, and fifth Sundays (and corresponding Saturdays), with non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free wafers available.
The church follows the Iowa City Community School District for weather closings, so when the public schools are closed, the church office, preschool, and activities are closed as well.
Midweek classes for children preschool through high school run Wednesdays from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. during the school year. Adult Midweek Bible study meets in Room 208 the same evening. Senior Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., late August through early May.
Worship recordings are posted to the church's YouTube channel, and giving is available through direct withdrawal via the LCEF Vanco link, by mail, or by dropping contributions at the church office during the week.
For more information, contact the church office at 319-338-5626 or stop by at 2301 East Court Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52245. The preschool can be reached at 319-338-3949 or preschool@ourredeemer.org.