Who we are: Redeemer Lutheran Church is a worshiping community of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
What we believe: We believe that all people are imperfect and are saved (made right with God) by God’s grace and God’s grace alone, through Christ. There is no special prayer you need to pray, no special state of mind you need to achieve and no good deed you need to perform. We believe that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God became one of us and took upon himself the sin and suffering of all the world. God did this to demonstrate God’s love for us. We believe that we receive the gift of grace by faith alone on account of Christ. We live in the tension of still being sinful but trusting that we are forgiven, and that God is at work in us. The gift of grace expresses God’s unconditional love, and in response to that love we are set free to live gratefully and lovingly.
When are our worship services: Sundays at 10am with adult Bible study at 8:45am.
What should I wear: You can attend services dressed up/dressed down as you would like. Be yourself; be comfortable! We no longer require face masks, but if you are more comfortable wearing one, please do so.
Can I bring my child: Yes, children are welcome. There is a Children’s Sermon every Sunday. On the first Sunday of the month, children go to Bible class during worship after the Children’s Sermon.
May I take Communion: United in our shared baptism, our communion table is open to all Christians. We have grape juice for those not wishing to take wine and low gluten wafers. As Pastor Mark approaches you, let him know if you wish to have an alternative to bread and wine.
How do I become a member: If you wish to find out about becoming a member, please contact Pastor Mark at 440-759-3350.
Staff
Pastor Mark Knauss
Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran Church! I am your pastor, Mark Knauss. I was a student at Luther Seminary through their distributed learning program since the Fall of 2015, where I completed all of the classes toward a Masters of Divinity. My two-year internship started in February 2021.
I was not a traditional seminary student. I am in my mid 50’s and am a health-care worker in Cleveland. I have been married to Sharon (also working in health-care) for nearly 30 years, and we have three wonderful daughters who are in their 20’s.
Please come and worship with us on Sunday mornings. I look forward to meeting you and extend a warm welcome to all visitors. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Peace to you! In Christ, Pastor Mark Knauss Office Phone # 216-676-5173
Kathy Walker, Church Secretary
Kathy has been the church secretary since 1999. She has been married to her husband, Mark, for over 40 years. They are proud of their son and daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Although not a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, she is very active in their community.
Ron Palka-Roman, Organist and Choir Director
Ron is an active and versatile musician and teacher. A native of Ohio, Ron studied in Cleveland with British pianist, Clive Lythgoe, and in New York City with Phillip Kawin of the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to his MM in performance from Manhattan School, Ron is also a degreed librarian from Kent State University.
Ron’s performances have taken him as far afield as Brazil, where he was invited to teach and perform for the Music Foundation of Capão da Canoa. He is a faculty member at the Cleveland Music School Settlement and at the Oberlin Community Music School.
With pianist Coren Estrin Mino, he performs regularly in the Cleveland and Akron area as a member of the Double Digit Piano Duo. The Duo’s performance at the Bop Stop was featured on WCLV in their program “Cleveland Ovations.” As the official accompanist for the Coast liners, he had the great pleasure of opening for Joan Rivers at the Palace Theater in October 2013 and at the State Theater for the Big Cleveland Sing in 2014. Accompanying also provided him the opportunity of performing at Carnegie Hall in 2013, but his best gig is marrying Samuel Roman, his partner of over 20 years!
Council Members
President Scott Kreidler
My family joined Redeemer Lutheran Church after we moved to Brook Park in November of 1959. I was there until I graduated high school and then I took a hiatus. I came back in 2001 and have been here since.
I enjoy doing massage and reiki therapy. I love getting out in nature and walking and hiking. Traveling is important, whether it be just around northeast Ohio or the rest of the United States or overseas. I love spending time with my family and friends. Family is number one.
I’ve been council president since 2014 and before that I was vice president for 8 years. I enjoy working with the other Church council members and our congregation and staff. Each person brings their unique gifts from God to the table.
Vice President Aaron Ozanich
Council Secretary Rose Kreidler
Rose has been serving as Council Secretary since 2010. She loves the close worship family at RLC. This may be the only recent photo of me in existence. I hope to see you soon!
Treasurer Diann Long
Diann is an “almost” lifetime member of Redeemer Church. I have held various positions on the church council since 1990, and currently serve as treasurer. I am also active in the Altar Guild. I enjoy reading a good mystery, working in my garden plot in the community garden here at Redeemer, and playing a spirited game of 5 Crowns with friends on Saturday nights.
Rae Batig Worship Committee
My husband Denny and I live in North Royalton with a crazy feline who has graciously accepted us as her servants. I have been involved in planning worship for close to 20 years and am always looking for ways to make the experience more meaningful. I hope you will always feel free to come to me with your ideas for our worship here at Redeemer.
Mark Clark Education Committee
I’m a recently retired optician, married, father of two sons, three step-daughters, and grandfather of six. I’ve been a member of the RLC congregation since about 1994. My service to the congregation began when I was moved to become one of the assisting ministers. Subsequently, as the need arose, I was recruited to be Sunday School superintendent, then Education Committee chairman, and the Sunday School teacher. I have served in these roles, simultaneously, since the late 90′, and, by the grace of God and support of the Redeemer congregation, will continue to do so.
Dan Hoffman Resource & Management Committee
