July 2021 - News & Views
July 2021
A Message From Rev Bauer…
“Summer: A Time To Slow Down Or a Time To Keep On Going?“
Years ago, one of my ministerial mentors was fond of saying: “Ah, the blessed pace of summer!” I used to laugh at that and I would wonder “What is he talking about?” Everybody that I knew, growing up, were working all of the time, summer or not. They weren’t taking one to two months off to relax. It wasn’t until later that I learned that the custom in New England for some churches was to close down in mid-May and stay vacant until the end of August. This was seen as the blessed summer rest. I’m sure it also helped the morale of parishioners who did not have to sit in hot steamy parish houses in the summer without air conditioning.
Yes summer is about vacations and you can be assured that this year, with the pandemic waning, that a lot of people will be going on vacation.
But the Church remains.
God does not go on vacation. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves this summer. There will be vacations, picnics, trips to the Gulf Coast, fishing, and family reunions. Here at Redeemer United Church of Christ, we continue to be busy doing the work of the Kingdom Of God. Many thanks to everyone who helped make our Vacation Bible School a great success. Thanks for creating great memories for the students and for the teachers.
We continue to prepare for the arrival of our new settled minister Rev. Jennifer Gold.
You will be noticing a lot of renovation work going on with the parsonage over the next several months. These improvements are needed and will help maintain the parsonage property for the future. Indeed, summer may generate a more blessed pace. There is time to reflect, time to rest, time to renew and recharge. Maybe, also this summer, there will be time to reconsider what God would have us to do in this time, in this place as we continue to serve on behalf of Jesus, the Resurrected Christ. See you in Church this summer? I hope so. There’s a lot going on. You won’t want to miss it.
Blessings, Rev. Peter E. Bauer
IN OUR PRAYERS
Wanda Haecker, Vivian Wilson, Tommy & Judy Brown, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Leola Schultze, Joyce Schaefer, Mariann Bielke, Fuzzy Wiederstein, Emily Haecker, Helen Luensmann, Harry Lee Schneider, Debbie Babcock, Reagan Rawe, Karen Wieters
IN SYMPATHY
Family of Nelleene Froboese
DOMINOES & LUNCH
There will be NO Dominoes or Lunch until further notice. Hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JULY
July 4 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
- II Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
- II Corinthians 12:2-10
- Mark 6:1-13
July 11 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
- II Samuel 6:1-5
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- Mark 6:14-29
July 18 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
- II Samuel 7:1-14
- Ephesians 2:11-22
- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
July 25 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
- II Kings 4:42-44
- Ephesians 3:14-21
- John 6:1-21
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Gerald & Betty Kriewald – 55 years
Please continue helping us to give special recognition and to honor these wonderful mile markers. If you know of someonegoing to be married 25, 40, 50 or more years, please let the Church Office know for that month’s newsletter.
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed May 19, 2021
President Janice Gangawer called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. Council members read
the April 2021 council meeting minutes. The minutes were approved as written. The financial reports were reviewed, discussed, and accepted.
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE) Report (Krista Saulter) –
- Vacation Bible School (VBS), June 7-10
- Promotion & Graduate Sunday, during worship service, May 23
- BCE request to install a bulletin board on wall across from the water fountain.
Property & Maintenance Report (Doug Muenchow) –
- All restrooms are in good shape.
- Replaced bulbs in lanterns in memorial brick area.
- Need to consult with Reininger AC on best filters to use for new units.
Pastoral Search Committee Report (Caleb Rackley) –
Pleased to report there is nothing to report. All done!
Pastor’s Report (Rev. Bauer) –
- Congratulations on the Call Agreement vote for Rev. Gold. Rev. Bauer will meet with Rev. Gold on Friday, May 21, to discuss transition.
- Last Sunday with Redeemer will be August 8.
Reports from Other Council Members (as needed) – None
CALENDAR EVENTS
- Next Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 16
- Special Meeting, June 6
-- Seeking approval of funds for parsonage repairs
- June / July 2021 Calendars – reviewed and upcoming events noted.
-- Janice will send an email to organizational leaders about discussing the upcoming Harvest Festival
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Secretary Office Furniture – Will wait for Rev. Gold and Marsha to determine
- Vacant Council Position, Memorial Fund Treasurer – No update
- Audit assignments – In progress
- Audio Visual equipment – No update
- Parish Nurse to serve community – No update
- Harvest Festival, October 24, at Bexar Hall
-- Ideas on changes were offered for further discussion at a planning meeting
--- Allowing alcohol to be available from the bar, starting at noon?
- Other Unfinished Business – None
NEW BUSINESS
- Pastoral Call Agreement – Rev. Jennifer Gold and Redeemer United Church
-- Council members reviewed the agreement. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement with changes as noted, VII. a. $250.00, Professional Expenses, and first name changed to Debra on signature page. Motion carried.
- List of Renovation projects for Church Parsonage – Council members reviewed the list of 19 items and some bids that had been received. President Gangawer will send council a spreadsheet, via email, for review/approval prior to the Special Called Congregational Meeting, on June 6.
- Approve Special Called Meeting for June 6 as requested by 31 members. A motion was made and seconded to approve the request for a Special Called Meeting for June 6, 2021, for the purpose to discuss the Church Parsonage Renovations, bids, and approval of funds. Motion carried.
- Carrie James and Faye Titus volunteered to look at getting a new computer for the church office.
Meeting adjourned at 10:53 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra (Debbie) Luensmann
Redeemer UCC Council Secretary
ALTAR FLOWERS & BULLETINS
July 4, 2021 – Holy Communion
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – Pam & Carl Griffin
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Arlene Kunde & family
BULLETINS – Pam & Carl Griffin
July 11, 2021 – Youth Sunday
LITURGISTS – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Janice Gangawer
BULLETINS – open
July 18, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Leroy & Vicki Lassere
July 25, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – Gerald & Betty Kriewald
BULLETINS – open
Give to Redeemer United Church
You make the Difference!
Redeemer now has several ways to give. Please utilize what is most convenient for you.
· Mail your offering weekly to our secure P.O. Box – (New!)
Redeemer United Church
P.O. Box 743
Marion, TX 78124
· Online! Use the church’s new Online Portal – (New!)
o Tithe.ly Website: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1343017
o Download the "Tithe.ly" App on your smartphone and select our church to give
· Access the “GIVING” Page on the church’s Website (New!)
· In Person! Drop off your offering to the church
o Call first to arrange delivery to Marsha
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16 NIV
GERMANIA ANNUAL SUPPER
Germania Bowling Society will hold their annual supper on Saturday and Sunday, July 10 & 11th. The cost per plate is $10.00.
Serving Times:
• Drive Thru – Saturday - 5:00-7:00 P.M.
Sunday –11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
• Inside – Saturday – 4:00-8:00 P.M.
Sunday – 1:00 P.M.- ???
As always, Germania Bowling Society thanks you for your support!
July Birthdays
01-Darryl Schneider
02-Cleven Engelhardt
03-Ron Fritz, Brad Reiley, Karson Kelso
04-Arlene Kunde, Breelyn Fennell-Leach, Reese Thayne
05-Linda Sinclair, Leroy Reininger
06-Doris Muenchow
07-Lisa Friesenhahn, Aaron Lampman, Neil Klein
08-Marsha Schulze, Yvonne Scheibe
09-Janice Gangawer, Carson Manning
10-Diane Little
11-Eric Franklin
12-Kyle Leach, Barbara Schneider
14-Carolyn Cohu
15-Dorothy Zunker, Kass Pape
16-Lana Luddeke, Kayleigh Dilworth, Joshua Schneider
17-Russell Reinhard
18-Rayshelle Scheibe, Mel Barnett
19-Marjorie Luensmann
21-Hailey Leach, Kaystin Clark
22-Lora Pape, William Reagan Glass
23-Ronald Torbet
24-Kathy Winkelmann
26-Ryleigh Hulett, Kylie Reininger, Kelsie Reininger
29-Jimmy Damerau
31-Patricia Sheffield, David Muenchow
July Wedding Anniversaries
02-Russell & Becky Reinhard
07-Randall & Emily Reinhard
11-Chad & Jennifer Swanson
16-Gary & Shelly Grunewald
19-Terry & Karen Canham
21-David & Diana Myers
26-Doug & Kade Clark
30-Gerald & Betty Kriewald
31-Donald & Patti Dilworth
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The summer started with our Knights of North Castle VBS. It was a BIG success! We are so grateful to those who help and support us along the way. Thank you to the Council, Women's Fellowship, Evening Circle and Redeemer Fellowship for providing meals every night, they were delicious! Thank you to our station coordinator's for organizing, planning and preparing for the week. Thank you to everyone who volunteered as group leaders, storytellers, leading music, assisting in crafts and recreation and to those who helped in the kitchen each night. Our successes in VBS would not be possible without the entire congregation. We truly appreciate everyone's support! We hope you all have a wonderful summer!
June 2021 - News & Views
June 2021
A Message From Rev Bauer…
“A New Time Begins Here For Redeemer“
Sunday May 16 2021 Rev. Jennifer Gold preached and led worship and was approved by an overwhelming vote (120-For, 3-Against) to serve as the new settled minister for Redeemer United Church of Christ. The Pastoral Search Committee is to be commended, especially in light of the pandemic, that they were able to complete the search process in less than a year.
Redeemer will now be entering a new time in its history. Rev. Gold brings new talents, energies, enthusiasm and a solid witness to her Christian faith. My prayer is that the congregation will be blessed by her ministry, that further spiritual growth, evangelism and mission will emerge that will be a blessing to the surrounding community.
Last September 2020 we started our journey together as congregation and Interim Pastor. Safety precautions and concerns regarding the pandemic limited activities of fellowship, but there was damper on the enthusiasm.
Over the past year, we had a very successful Harvest Auction, a very moving and vibrant Confirmation Sunday, a beautiful and well attended Christmas Eve service, three stimulating Youth Press Conferences which were posted on the church Website. We procured new playground equipment which will be enjoyed for years by the children of the congregation and the community. We also celebrated a glorious Easter Service in the Grove featuring the flowering of the cross, great music and celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus once again into our lives and our world. I believe that we have both grown this year in our journey together.
In the next few months, we will be preparing further for the beginning of Rev. Jennifer Gold’s ministry with Redeemer. Our ministry together this year, even in the mist of the stress and turmoil of Covid-19, has been a blessed experience. We have transitioned to the format of live worship and simultaneously taping the service so that it can be posted on our website.
I hope this practice will continue as it is an effective way to provide Christian witness and evangelism to our greater community.
Thank you so much for your love and support in our time together.
May we continue to be effective messengers of the Gospel and the Kingdom Of God.
See you in church?
I hope so as we celebrate these new exciting times for our church.
Rev. Peter E. Bauer
IN OUR PRAYERS
Wanda Haecker, Vivian Wilson, Tommy & Judy Brown, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Leola Schultze, Joyce Schaefer, Mariann Bielke, David Lindley, Fuzzy Wiederstein, Emily Haecker, Helen Luensmann, Harry Lee Schneider, Nelleene Froboese, Philly & Sara Yaembert
IN SYMPATHY
Family of Clydell Smith
Family ofCelie Luensmann
DOMINOES & LUNCH
There will be NO Dominoes or Lunch until further notice. Hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!
CONGRATULATIONS
To Michael and Meagan Wiederstein on the birth of their daughter, Sawyer Faith. She was born on May 10, 2021. Proud Grandparents are Fuzzy & Kathy Wiederstein.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JUNE
June 6 – Second Sunday after Pentecost
- I Samuel 8:4-11
- II Corinthians 4:13-5:1
- Mark 3:20-35
June 13 – Third Sunday after Pentecost
- I Samuel 15:34-16:13
- II Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17
- Mark 4:26-34
June 20 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
- I Samuel 17:32-49
- II Corinthians 6:1-13
- Mark 4:35-1
June 27 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
- II Samuel 1:1, 17-27
- II Corinthians 8:7-15
- Mark 5:21-43
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Otto & Loraine Luensmann – 55 years
Chester & Colleen Jenke - 57 years
Richard & LaVerne Luensmann - 62 years
Steve & Carrie Origas – 25 years
Ronald & Sharon Ullrich – 54 years
Please continue helping us to give special recognition and to honor these wonderful mile markers. If you know of someonegoing to be married 25, 40, 50 or more years, please let the Church Office know for that month’s newsletter.
CONGRATULATIONS 2021
GRADUATES
High School
Scarlett Kunde– Marion High School
College
Logan Saulter– Texas State University (2020)
Hailey Solar Leach– University of Southern
California with a Master’s of Science in Nursing.
She will begin her new career as a Nurse
Practitioner with Beaver Medical Group.
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
April 21, 2021
President Janice Gangawer called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. Council members read the March 2021 council meeting minutes. The minutes were accepted with one change. The financial reports were reviewed, discussed, and accepted.
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE) Report (Krista Saulter) –
- Vacation Bible School (VBS), June 10-13; Mother’s Day, May 9
- Blessing of the Animals, May 2; Sunday School Celebration-End of Year, May 16;
Graduation & Promotion Sunday, May 23
Property & Maintenance Report (Doug Muenchow) –
- The toilet in Ladies Restroom has been fixed.
- Faucet leak at the parsonage.
- Will replace AC/Heat unit in Kinder Room in the fall/winter.
Pastoral Search Committee Report (Caleb Rackley) –
Sunday, April 18, was an exciting day. Questions were asked and answered.
Pastor’s Report (Rev. Bauer) –
- Sunday went well. Happy with new play set.
Reports from Other Council Members (as needed) – None
CALENDAR EVENTS
- Next Council Meeting – Wednesday, May 19, Discuss Call Agreement
- Special Meeting, May 16
- May 2021 / June 2021 Calendars – reviewed and upcoming events noted.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Secretary Office Furniture – No update
- PPP Second Application – Approved on Friday, April 16. David Albright will sign.
- Vacant Council Position, Memorial Fund Treasurer – Council discussed immediate family members serving on the church council at the same time. Although the Constitution does not address immediate family members serving together some Council members expressed concerns/potential conflict within the family unit.
- Audit assignments –
-- General Fund – Becky Reinhard and Vicki Lassere
-- Memorial Fund & Building Fund – TBD
-- Board of Christian Education – TBD
-- Cemetery Fund – TBD
Other Volunteers: David & Shirley Albright
- Audio Visual equipment – Memorial Funds will not be used to purchase a new keyboard.
- Parish Nurse to serve community – No Action. Carrie James offered to hold a Legal Clinic for church members.
- Playground Pad & Border Workday, April 30
- Other Unfinished Business – None
NEW BUSINESS
- Open church for full events??
-- After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded to FULLY open the church effective Monday, April 26. Motion carried.
- Approve Special Called Meeting for May 16 as requested by 48 members.
-- A motion was made and seconded to approve the request for a Special Called Meeting on May 16. Motion carried.
- Secret Ballot Vote during Special Called Meeting (For or Against)
- Church Parsonage Renovations – Bids
-- Special Congregational Meeting to approve funds
- Council will provide Pizza for VBS
- Harvest Festival, October 24, Bexar Social Hall
-- President Gangawer will contact the organizational leaders
Meeting adjourned at 10:23 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra (Debbie) Luensmann
Redeemer UCC Council Secretary
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
After Rev. Jennifer Gold preached to the congregation on May 16, 2021, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to extend a call agreement to her. The final vote was 120 in favor, and 3 opposed. Thereafter, the church council approved the form of the agreement at its May 19th meeting, and Rev. Gold formally accepted it with her signature on May 23rd. Signing on behalf of Redeemer were Janice Gangawer (council president), Debra Luensmann (council secretary), Carrie James (council treasurer) and Caleb Rackley (search committee chairman).
Redeemer is blessed to have found an outstanding leader in Rev. Gold, and we welcome her and her husband, Chris, and their two sons, Zach and Zane, to the Redeemer family.
Rev. Gold will continue serving as interim pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in LaVernia through July 11th while they search for a new interim pastor. She will then spend the next month vacationing with her family and preparing for her tenure at Redeemer. She will officially start at Redeemer on Monday, August 16th, and her first Sunday preaching at Redeemer will be August 22, 2021.
It has been an honor to assist Redeemer this past year on the search committee, and we thank the congregation for their support and encouragement throughout the search process.
In Christ's Name,
Janice Gangawer (jgangawer@gmail.com)
Troy Meckel (TMeckel@republicplastics.com)
Mike Schulze (mwschulze@hotmail.com)
Caleb Rackley (j.caleb.rackley@gmail.com)
Becky Reinhard (rreinhard001@satx.rr.com)
Jed Wells (jed.wells@tyson.com)
ALTAR FLOWERS & BULLETINS
June 6, 2021 – Holy Communion
LITURGIST – Jeanne Rawe
ALTAR FLOWERS – Jimmy & Candace Scheibe
BULLETINS – Betty Surman
June 13, 2021 – Youth Sunday
LITURGISTS – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Reagan & Jeanne Rawe
BULLETINS – open
June 20, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – open
June 27, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – Ron & Sharon Ullrich
BULLETINS – family of Edgar Penshorn
Dear Redeemer Church Family,
Thank you to everyone for your prayers, concerns and cards during David’s radiation treatments. Our family is very blessed to have such caring friends.
Always,
David & Ann Marie Lindley
Friends of Redeemer,
I want to thank those who called, sent cards and for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers as I go through this health setback. I would also like to thank Rev. Bauer for his inspirational phone calls. I have been receiving encouraging reports from the doctor and hoping to get this behind me.
Thank you, again, for your support and prayers.
Sincerely,
Fuzzy Wiederstein
June Birthdays
01-Allen Reinhard, Madison Saulter
02-Weston Woerndel
04-Mike Schulze, Emma Luensmann
05-Harold Sinclair
07-Troy Meckel
08-Otto Luensmann, Richard Luensmann,
Brian Cullins
09-Gerry Rackley
11-Lesley Surman
14-Nathan Friesenhahn
15-Jan Luensmann
16-Tyler Canham, Evelyn Jenke, Bennett Reiley
19-Trent Corkran, Diana Weber, Gladys Kutach
20-Laurie Garrison, Jimmy Scheibe
Ali Thayne
26-Trenten Schmidt
28-Kayla Zegels, Candyce Gembler
29-Lorene Bielke, Adam Lampman
30-John Germann, Harry Lee Schneider
June Wedding Anniversaries
04-Otto & Loraine Luensmann
05-Chester & Colleen Jenke
06-Richard & LaVerne Luensmann
11-Mike & Lisa Friesenhahn
14-Anthony & Patricia Sheffield
Reagan & Jeanne Rawe
16-Steve & Carrie Origas
21-Richard & Darlene Wollney, Sr.
22-Marshall & Barbara Strey
25-Justin & Andrea Missildine
26-Robert & Tabatha McHardy
Rev. Gerry & Karen Metzger
28-Butch & Grace Kunde
Ronald & Sharon Ullrich
DATES TO REMEMBER....
•• No Sunday School during June ••
June 7th - 10th– Vacation Bible School
6:00-8:30 P.M.
June 13th – Vacation Bible School Closing
10:30 A.M.
June 20th – Donuts for Dad - Before Worship