Redeemer Church Meets In Outdoors

Sat., May 6, 1995

Ward Sanderson Correspondent

While many folks probably don’t associate outdoor adventure with church fellowship, some at Redeemer Lutheran Church certainly do.

In addition to typical get-togethers like luncheons and ice-cream socials, members of this congregation don’t miss a chance to hike, ski, backpack or ride a river. It’s all part of an activity series called Redeemer Outback Adventures.

Their next adventure is a raft float trip May 13 at Wenatchee State Park.

Organizers Sandy and Brian Haasch came up with the idea. Brian, a marathoner and cyclist, succeeded at converting his wife and a few friends to his love of sports. After going on a few adventure trips together, they decided their outings might have a greater appeal.

“We just figured if we liked to do it, other people would, too,” Sandy says. “We consider it our little ministry.”

Everyone can’t keep up with a marathoner, though (even his wife can have trouble - “I’m his sag wagon sometimes,” she says), so most trips are planned with that in mind.

“Most events are designed for people of all ages,” Sandy says. “Older people can do them, and so can young kids. If we do something more demanding, like an overnight backpacking trip, we’ll let them know ahead of time.”

The upcoming raft trip is an example of an all-age adventure. It’s not a whitewater gut-wrencher, although Redeemer’s youth group has those, too. It’s a relaxing three- to four-hour float with a catered lunch included.

The more adventurers signed up, the merrier and cheaper the trips are. Sandy said the upcoming float outing is open to all comers. Tickets are currently $41 to $45 per person, depending on the number of people attending.

For more information, call the church at 926-6363 or the Haasches at 838-3640.

Upcoming events

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 15319 E. Eighth, is having its “Food Bank Sunday” drive Sunday at 8 and 10 a.m. All are asked to clean out those cupboards and bring any canned or non-perishable food items for donation to the Spokane Valley Food Bank.

Calvary Chapel of the Spokane Valley, 16409 E. Broadway, will present the music of Shelley Jo Spady, May 21 at 6 p.m. Spady is a “contemporary country worship” recording artist. A freewill offering will be taken. Worship will be led by local musician Crystal Rose. For more information, call 467-2860.

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