In June, members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford blessed a painting commissioned in celebration of the church’s 100th anniversary. The congregation will continue festivities with a special service at 4 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a dinner.

KINGSFORD — Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, with a 4 p.m. special service, followed by a dinner in the church’s fellowship hall.

Our Redeemer pastor, Rev. Matthew Ruesch and emeritus pastor Rev. Thomas Mackey will lead the service, while the sermon will be delivered by former Our Redeemer member and current pastor of St. John and St. Paul Lutheran Churches in Pittsville, Wis., the Rev. Gary Markworth.

Our Redeemer was established as a congregation of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in 1924 when a small chapel was built on the corner of Maple Street and Emmet Avenue in Kingsford. The church gathered and grew in that location until 1967 when construction was completed on the current church building at 420 W. Breitung Ave.

Our Redeemer’s celebration of its centennial began earlier this summer when it blessed a painting that had been commissioned in recognition of the church’s 100 years to hang above the altar.

The painting is titled “The Ascended Christ” and is the work of Grand Rapids-based artist Edward Riojas. The image of Jesus ascending into heaven features a unique slope at the top of the piece that mimics the roofline of Our Redeemer’s building.

“Everyone here at Our Redeemer is mindful that we are here only by God’s grace,” said Pastor Ruesch. “As the book of Hebrews says, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.’ We trust that all time is in His hands and whatever time He has given us to live as His people is His gift to us. We pray that we would use that time faithfully.”

The doors to the church will be open at 3 p.m. and the community is invited to join the congregation for this celebration. To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, go to their website at www.ourredeemerkingsford.org.