Facilities
CHILDREN are always welcome in our worship. Jesus says so! For children who are learning to be in the church service, Happy Bags can be found hanging on the rack in the narthex. These bags contain a coloring book, crayons, books, and other items that enable children to busy themselves quietly during worship. Youngsters can choose a different bag each week, but please return them to the rack after the service! If there are other things we can do to help you or your child feel welcome please let the pastor or the office know!
PARKING is available at the Wheatland Middle School parking lot at the western end of Fifth Street.
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OUR SHUTTLE BUS picks up in the parking lot before the Sunday services and drops off under the canopied front door. The shuttle will return to the parking lot after the service.
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HANDICAPPED PARKING is available behind the church where a ramp goes directly into the sanctuary. Accommodations have been made at the ends of some pews for wheelchair parking.
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JUNIOR CHURCH is offered to children ages 3 through 5th grade during the sermon. Pastor Bob announces Junior Church after the Gospel is read. Children follow the teacher to the Sunday School room and are brought back to the sanctuary approximately 20-25 minutes later. If there is a change or Junior Church cannot be held, Pastor Bob will announce this prior to the Gospel reading.
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HEARING IMPAIRED accommodations are handled through portable Helper devices located at the Sound Desk.
ELEVATOR SERVICE is available to all levels of the church.
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Shiloh House News
HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF SHILOH HOUSE
Of the just over 22,000 households in Lancaster city, almost 8,500 households are housing cost burdened. This represents about 1/3 of total households in Lancaster city in need of affordable housing. Affordable housing means that a family is spending 30% or less of their income on housing. Understanding the great need for affordable housing in Lancaster city, the congregation at Redeemer Lutheran Church decided to convert their former parish house into two affordable housing units.
Since the 1940s, the original church parish house on Sixth Street in the Jewels neighborhood of Lancaster city (pictured above, left and center), has been used as housing, gathering space, and church offices. However, after structural issues were noted 20 years ago, it has been used only as storage. Realizing that this neighborhood home could be a refuge for people seeking affordable housing, the church congregation, along with community volunteers, secured the home’s foundation and began preparing the house to be returned to residential housing. We have renamed the home “Shiloh House”, which means place of tranquil abundance.
PARTNERSHIP
Redeemer has partnered with Chestnut Housing, an organization based in Lancaster City that provides affordable rental housing to people at risk of homelessness. Chestnut Housing will consult with Redeemer throughout the rebuild process, then serve as property manager once we arrive at the point of welcoming tenants.
MOVING FORWARD
Over the past two years, Redeemer's congregation has been rejuvenated by this project, and has moved forward to make this vision a reality. We have structurally reinforced the basement walls, and installed a sump pump, obtained drawings and quotes from prospective contractors, and received approval from the Lancaster city zoning board for the project. We also held a volunteer day at the house, with 25 volunteers from both within and outside of the congregation to remove the carpet, wallpaper, and all storage items from the house. We have been raising money through individual donations and community events. We have received over $100,000 in grant money for the project through the ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod and City of Lancaster. We still need to raise close to $175,000 to meet our budget and complete the project.
FUNDRAISING AND WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHILOH HOUSE PROJECT
Our current focus is on fundraising, with a goal of raising 95% of our total budget. This equals approximately $160,000. With the continued support of our neighbors and community, we are confident we can meet this important goal. There are several ways you can be involved.
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Donate: Your tax deductible contribution will directly impact people’s lives and help with the affordable housing burden in Lancaster City. Any amount is helpful, and no amount is too small. You can write a check to Redeemer Lutheran Church (“Shiloh House project” in memo) or electronic payment via the QR code at the top of this page.
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Sponsor a fundraising event (contact us for more information).
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Offer a fundraising match. During fundraising events, it can be very motivating to know that your contribution can be doubled by a donor match. Consider this giving opportunity for yourself or your business.
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Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can reach more people and make a bigger impact.
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Volunteer: Get involved in our fundraising and workday events.
To learn more about The Shiloh House, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, contact:
Redeemer Lutheran Church- redeemerlutheranchurch.net or 717-394-0651
Chestnut Housing - chestnuthousing.org
Megan Snell and Brané Nichols (Shiloh House committee co-chairs)
THANK YOU FOR BEING INVOLVED!