November 2020 - News & Views
A Message From Rev Bauer…
“Giving Thanks in an Uncertain Time”
November is here and its 80 plus degrees outside. The temperature feels delightful for this South Texas afternoon. I am outside raking up leaves, lots of leaves-make that Oak tree leaves. I am filling my wheel barrow several times and wheeling the loads of fallen leaves over to the trees to dump them on the ground where they will disintegrate into mulch for the soil.
Every year, it’s the same ritual. I am wearing a t-shirt and shorts outside on a fall afternoon raking up leaves and generating future soil for the yard.
There is something comforting about this ritual, perennial, maybe even holy, even sacred in its significance.
We are living in uncharted, disconcerting and turbulent times. Many markers that we thought were anchors for how we see our lives and the world have become unmoored.
Given the amount of instability and volatility that we witness, there is reassurance that there are season and activities that are constant and can remind us of what we hold dear regarding our identity as humans.
As people of faith we again celebrate this season of Thanksgiving.
This year 2020 marks the four hundred year anniversary of the Mayflower sailing from England to the New World, landing at Plymouth Rock as part of what would become Massachusetts Colony.
Governor William Bradford notes in his journal regarding the first Thanksgiving in 1621. “They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty.”
The first settlers were confronted with many challenges including cold, lack of stable housing, disease and a shortage of food. Yet, they found a way to honor and celebrate the providence of God that allowed them to survive.
Now, four hundred years later we are living in a similar, unnerving time. We are dealing with disease, suffering, death, and economic hardship.
Like the first settlers we are searching for new ways to celebrate the continuation of our lives and the blessings of being in families and members of a community.
We celebrate our community of faith-Redeemer United Church of Christ (Zuehl) Marion, TX and our prayer is that we can find reasons to be thankful, in this unsettling, uncertain time, for all the good things that God provides for us.
May we be thankful this season and always
See you in Church?
With Thanksgiving,
May it be so,
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Peter E. Bauer
IN OUR PRAYERS
Gisela Drayton, Jimmy Wilson, Pastor Eric Titus, Wanda Haecker, Vivian Wilson, Tommy & Judy Brown, Cleven Engelhardt, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Luke Hunter
DOMINOES & LUNCH
There will be NO Dominoes or Lunch until further notice. Hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
PASTORAL SEARCH UPDATE: The Pastoral Search Committee wishes to thank everyone who participated in the congregational survey. We had an excellent response rate, and the committee was able to glean extremely valuable information from the survey results. The committee has used the results to substantially complete Redeemer's 2020 Church Profile (a comprehensive 27-page document, required by the UCC, to be sent to all interested candidates). The committee believes the document provides an accurate description of Redeemer, in terms of its current status and its future prospects, while also highlighting its many strengths and attributes. Completion of the congregational survey and the Church Profile are the two most labor-intensive steps in the pastoral search process, and the committee has completed them in record time.
The next step will be to obtain the UCC's approval of the Church Profile document so that we may then officially post the position. If you have any questions whatsoever, you are welcome to contact the Pastoral Search Committee at ourpastorsearch@yahoo.com.
A more detailed update will be provided at the Quarterly Congregational Meeting on November 8, 2020.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR NOVEMBER
Nov 1 – Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
- Joshua 3:7-17
- I Thessalonians 2:9-13
- Matthew 23:1-12
Nov 8 – Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
- I Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Matthew 25:1-13
Nov 15 –Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
- Judge 4:1-7
- I Thessalonians 5:1-11
- Matthew 25:14-30
Nov 22 – Reign of Christ
- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
- Ephesians 1:15-23
- Matthew 25:31-46
Nov 29 – First Sunday of Advent
- Isaiah 64:1-9
- I Corinthians 1:3-9
- Mark 13:24-37
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
We will have our 3rd Quarterly Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 8th (Rescheduled to Sunday November 22nd) immediately following worship. Please have your reports in the church office by Wednesday, November 4th.
RAFFLE TICKETS
We are going to have a raffle fundraiser. We will be distributing the tickets around mid November. They will be $2.00 each or 6 for $10.00. The drawing will be held in December.
Redeemer Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
Via ZOOM
September 16, 2020
President Albright called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm and shared a bible verse & reflection.
The August 2020 council meeting minutes were read and accepted as written. The financial reports were reviewed, discussed, and accepted.
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education Report – The board wants Sunday School classes to begin meeting in-person outdoors. Classes met via ZOOM on September 13th with 12 kids participating.
Property & Maintenance Report – No issues to report.
Recording Secretary– Mid-Year Faith Statements were mailed to members on September 16th.
PASTOR’S REPORT
- Pastor Lee and Sharon appreciate everything that everyone has done for them.
- Rev. Bauer is looking forward to starting as Interim Pastor this weekend. He will be available by phone for counseling and visitations.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Playground Design– project is short on funds; Janice will talk to families with undesignated memorials.
Church Signage– two church signs and two No Parking signs were purchased and installed.
Secretary Office Furniture– Janice and Marsha will go to Desks Galore for a desk for the office.
Harvest Festival– calls for donations have been made. Janice will write an article for the newsletter.
Other Unfinished Business– two internet providers in our area, ViaSat and Ziplink. Wyatt will contact Ranch Wireless for their rates.
SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATES/STATUS
- Survey - committee used Heart Seminary to develop the survey. The survey will be emailed/mailed to members.
Committee requested funds to bring pastoral candidates to Redeemer for an interview. A motion was made and seconded to reserve $500.00 in the GF for incidentals. Motion carried.
- Compensation - Council asked, what are the UCC guidelines? Will Redeemer offer a Retention Bonus? Historically, bonuses have been merit based.
CHURCH REOPENING - DISCUSSION
Members want to get back to in-person worship services. Council agrees. In-person service on Sunday, September 27th, at 10:30 am. Services will continue to be recorded. Sunday School classes will also meet in-person. All protocols set in place by the council will be followed.
CALENDARS EVENTS
Next Council Meeting – Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Meeting adjourned at 9:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra (Debbie) Luensmann
Redeemer UCC Council Secretary
Heart of Texas Association News
Our Heart of Texas Association Fall Meeting met on Zoom on Saturday morning, October 24th. We had a good turnout with 13 of our churches represented. Open Cathedral led our opening with a video worship on YouTube that included excellent music -- with one of the musicians sharing from out of state, creative video segments, and a reflection by Ryan Hart. We appreciate deeply their skilled, faithful, and uplifting work.
The meeting began with a time of recognition for Hope United on their tenth anniversary. Their council president, Jim Robichaux, shared about their send off for Ron Trimmer as Ron and his family left for Missouri, the recent interim time with Kyle Walker leading worship, and the exciting news of a new designated pastor coming on board. Jeremy Albers, Director of Slumber Falls Camp, shared with us that the camp is in difficult financial condition because all of the groups that were scheduled to come have canceled due to COVID-19, stopping the major revenue stream. Slumber Falls was able to have our UCC summer camps last summer due to careful planning and hard work to keep people safe (no one got sick), but the revenue that is needed to support the camp is missing for now. Jeremy is working quarter time, and major fundraising is needed. We also recognized and lifted up our chaplains with great gratitude as they continue their life-giving work in this time of real risk. Our attendees connected with a breakout time in small groups, and representatives from each of the churches present shared quite a bit about the life, challenges, and things to celebrate in their churches -- always a rich time in these meetings. Finally, we appreciated the excellent presentation that Campbell Lovett, our Interim Conference Minister, gave on the proposed Unified Conference level Fitness Review Committee and the work needed in the next few months to be able to make a decision on whether to join with the other South Central Conference Associations in forming this committee.
An important decision at this meeting, made during our financial report time, was to donate $5000 of our dedicated youth funds to Slumber Falls Camp. We did this both to show our financial support and because we had funds set aside to give scholarships to the National Youth Event last summer, which had to be cancelled as an in-person event. Also, we are encouraging our churches to give as generously as possible to Slumber Falls.
I also shared the news of my trip last week out to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi to deliver 110 hygiene kits -- 100 from Friends Congregational Church and 10 from Friedens Gay Hill -- along with a check from Friedens. The staff at Back Bay Mission welcomed me and received our gifts with joy, as the need among the homeless people they serve with these particular donations is greater than ever. We are encouraging giving to Back Bay Mission along with Slumber Falls as an offering from our churches.
We offer congratulations to Crystal Silva-McCormick and Church of the Savior. Crystal has been their designated pastor since Mary Wilson retired last spring. In this role, a designated pastor has a contract for a specified period of time, during which the pastor and the church can decide to make the call a permanent one as a settled pastor. Church of the Savior recently voted to call Crystal as their settled pastor. Our joy and prayers for a thriving ministry go with Crystal and Church of the Savior as they embark on this profound calling together.
Blessings in Christ,
Liz Nash, Association Minister
ALTAR/SIDE TABLE FLOWERS
The Council-person In Charge will contact you to confirm if you still desire to provide the flowers and make arrangements with you if so.
November 1, 2020 – Peggy Talley
Side Table – Carrie James
November 8, 2020 – Carol Lilie
November 15, 2020 – Russell & Carol Bielke
November 22, 2020 – Jim & Gerry Rackley
November 29, 2020 – open
November Birthdays
01-Bentley Wells
02-Russell Luddeke
04-Betty Strzelcyzk
06-Terry Canham, Bethann Walter
07-Parker Missildine
09-Darren Luensmann, Gwynne Cortes
13-Rebecca Guenther
14-Laura Luensmann
15-Bonnie Kunde
16-Eric Schulze, Dennis Kucherka
17-Kade Clark, Evelyn Bielke
18-Gladys Rowley, Carolyn Schultze
19-Jerald Wieters, Brent Reininger, Kaitlyn Rackley
20-DeAnne Hulett, Garrett Schulze
22-Trace Weber, Whitney Niles, Tanya Rackley
23-Diana Myers, Monica Kunde
25-Sherry Bielke, Jerry Beckmann, Konner
Harborth
26-Mariann Bielke, Kellie Bielke,
Michael Rosebrock, John Klein
27-Christine Minor
29-Wayne Koltermann
November Wedding Anniversaries
05-Victor & Mary Jo Contreras
09-Carl & Pam Griffin
19-Freddy & Joyce Frederick
25-Adam & Heather Lampman
October 2020 - News & Views
A Note From Pastor Lee…
This will be my last writing for the Redeemer Church Newsletter as I completed my eleven years of ministry at Redeemer on September 17, 2020. I have now turned the ministry over to your Interim Minister, Rev. Peter Bauer. I want to again share with you that I am appreciative of my eleven years of sharing in the joyous times of celebration as well as the sad times of funerals and deaths. In these years, many of you have touched my heart, and Sharon and I will have treasured memories of you. As I look back over the years, I am grateful for your love, concern, gifts, etc., that you have so graciously shared with Sharon and me. May God’s richest blessings be upon all of you at Redeemer as you begin a new chapter in the life of Redeemer Church. I, too, will begin a new chapter of my life as I experience what retirement is all about. I will continue to pray for all of you, and I hope that you will remember Sharon and me as well in your prayers.
Grace and Peace be unto you,
Rev. Lee Zillmann
******************************
New Members Received:
Prior to Pastor Lee’s departure, three new members were taken in. I want all of you to heartily greet and welcome Buster (Anton) Strzelczyk, along with Harry and Christine (Bielke) Voigt. It is always exciting to welcome new members into full membership of Redeemer Church. They were received into membership on September 13th.
Baptisms:
Pastor Lee also had the honor and privilege to baptize two wonderful children. On September 12, 2020, Pastor Lee baptized Dallas and Sophia Sheffield. They are the children of John Anthony and Patricia (Rosebrock) Sheffield. Grandparents of Redeemer Church are Mike and Terri Rosebrock. Great-Grandmother is Alma Rosebrock. The baptism was held in the Memorial Grove. It, truly, was a lovely day and a lovely service. It was nice, cool, and breezy. We all shared how we deeply felt God’s presence in such a wonderful setting. May God’s richest blessings be upon both Dallas and Sophia and their family.
Rev. Lee Zillmann
A Note From Sharon Zillmann:
I have really missed seeing each and every one of you on Sunday mornings and at other Redeemer Church events. Even though I haven’t been able to greet and chat with you, I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I will always treasure the special moments that we have shared together, for example, the choir Christmas cantatas, the Christmas candlelight services, the glorious Easter mornings and inspirational Confirmation services, Vacation Bible School, Christmas pageants, and the teamwork so evident at the Harvest Festivals. Thanks so much for all of the support, kindness, and generosity that you have shown us, especially last year when Lee had his heart bypass surgery. Lee and I are both grateful for the eleven years that we were able to share in your lives at Redeemer. As we move forward in this new phase of our lives, I look forward to our paths crossing again.
Blessings to all of you, dear friends,
Sharon Zillmann
Open Doors, Open Hearts
Rev. Peter E. Bauer
Redeemer United Church Of Christ is beginning a new chapter in its faith history. After eleven years of vibrant ministry, we are saying farewell and God Speed to Rev. Lee Zillmann and Sharon Zillmann. We are thankful for everything that they have done for our church and look forward to continuing to see them in the future. We wish them God’s richest blessings in their retirement.
I am beginning this season of Interim Ministry with you. I’m glad that I was able to provide pulpit supply coverage for Pastor Zillmann last fall as he recuperated from his surgery. I was able to get to know some of us and begin to assess what the interests and needs for the congregation might be at this time.
Fall is here, and with the drop in temperatures and the turning colors of leaves, we look forward to activities and events in the life of our church., Normally, we would be very active preparing for the Annual Harvest Festival.
But this is not an ordinary year nor an ordinary time.
The pandemic has caused us to rethink a number of things including how we facilitate live in-person worship and if we might want to sponsor an online raffle.
We are opening up the church again for worship and as we open the door, I ask that we prayerfully consider how we can best care for one another. It will be good for us to see one another again, but we must be mindful to protect the health and welfare of all.
As we open the door to greet one another, may we also open our hearts to love and concern for each other.
May we open our minds and spirits as well to consider what God would have us to do now in this time and in this place.
I look forward to journeying with you.
May it be so
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Peter Bauer
IN OUR PRAYERS
Gisela Drayton, Jimmy Wilson, Pastor Eric Titus, Wanda Haecker, Vivian Wilson, Tommy & Judy Brown, Cleven Engelhardt, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Luke Hunter, Gayle Albright, Alma Rosebrock
IN SYMPATHY
Family of Gladwin Krueger
DOMINOES & LUNCH
There will be NO Dominoes or Lunch until further notice. Hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!
Happy Wedding Anniversary
No mile markers for the month of October.
Please continue helping us to give special recognition and to honor these wonderful mile markers. If you know of someone going to be married 25, 40, 50 or more years, please let the Church Office know for that month’s
Pastoral Search Committee
Dear member,
Recently you should have received a link or in the mail a congregational survey being conducted by Redeemer's pastoral search committee. As a reminder, please complete the survey at your earliest convenience, and no later than October 1, 2020. If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to reach out to the pastoral search committee directly at ourpastorsearch@yahoo.com. Alternatively, you may contact a member of the committee separately.
Thank you,
Redeemer UCC Pastoral Search Committee
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR OCTOBER
Oct 4 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
- Philippians 3:4b-14
- Matthew 21:33-46
Oct 11 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 32:1-14
- Philippians 4:1-9
- Matthew 22:1-14
Oct 18 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 33:12-23
- I Thessalonians 1:1-10
- Matthew 22:15-22
Oct 25 – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
- Deuteronomy 34:1-12
- I Thessalonians 2:1-8
- Matthew 22:34-46
RAFFLE ITEMS
We will not have the Harvest Dinner this year as most of you already know. We would like to have a raffle fundraiser. We are looking for raffle items, with the raffle date of drawing in November maybe around Thanksgiving. The church does rely on the proceeds from the Harvest Dinner and this is just one way to have a safe fundraiser.
If you have something you would like to donate or gift cards please call or email me. Thank you to everyone in advance for donations and prayers for our church.
Janice Gangawer - 210 912-5804
Redeemer Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
Via ZOOM
August 19, 2020
President David Albright called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Karl Harborth shared a scripture reading. The July 2020 minutes were read and accepted as written. The financial reports were reviewed, discussed, and accepted, with one correction to the Treasurer’s Report.
COVID-19 Status – President Albright shared a graphic showing a trend in the number of cases in Guadalupe County are going up and down.
Other Council Reports
Board of Christian Education Report – Russell Bielke
- The board is talking with the teachers about Sunday School Restart on a virtual platform like ZOOM. Students will register for on-line lessons.
- President Albright wants to know BCE’s plan to come back with in-person instruction.
Property & Maintenance Report – Gerald Kriewald
- A/C unit that cools administrative wing was leaking from the attic. Reininger A/C fixed clogged drain and redirected the drainage line.
Recording Secretary – Mid-Year Report status – Jeff Thayne
- Mid-Year Faith Statements will be completed by next council meeting.
Pastor’s Report
- Thank You to Saturday Group who prepare the church and record the virtual worship services.
- Two upcoming baptisms of the Sheffield children will be a private service in Memorial Grove.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Playground Design– A playground company in Bracken advised the playground equipment should not have swings due to liability concerns. They build the set on-site that meets commercial guidelines.
Church Signage– Fast Signs quote for 30”x40” aluminum composite sign with vinyl reflective letters, $162.12 and a No Parking sign, $35. After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded to order two church signs and one No Parking sign. Motion carried.
Office Furniture– Carrie James will check into office furniture businesses may no longer need due to operational restructuring. Jed Wells gifts the church an oak desk and credenza which may be ideal for the Pastor’s office.
Harvest Festival– Repeat donors will be contacted for raffle items. Jeff Thayne will check for a virtual platform for an On-line Auction.
NEW BUSINESS
Pastor Search Committee status – Jed Wells reported the committee is making progress. Caleb Rackley is the committee chair. They expect the process to take 12-24 months. Advisor to the committee is Rev. Campbell Lovett, South Central Conference Minister.
Calendars Events
Next Council Meeting – Wednesday, September 16, 2020
August and September 2020 calendars were reviewed.
- Pastor Lee’s last worship service will be September 13th. Rev. Peter Bauer’s first worship service will be September 20th
Meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra (Debbie) Luensmann
Redeemer UCC Council Secretary
Heart of Texas Association News
The date of the Heart of Texas Association fall meeting has been changed. It will now be held on Saturday, October 24, 10 am to (no later than) noon on Zoom. We made this change from the original date of Oct 10 in order to allow more time to be ready for a major agenda item presentation, which will be on joining a Conference level "fitness review" committee. Also, we are postponing the meeting in order to schedule an Association board meeting first. I hope many of you will be able to join us on October 24.
Blessings in Christ,
Liz Nash, Association Minister
ALTAR FLOWERS
The Council-person In Charge will contact you to confirm if you still desire to provide the flowers and make arrangements with you if so.
October 4, 2020 – Russell & Carol Bielke
October 11, 2020 – Charlie Henkes & family
October 18, 2020 – open
October 25, 2020 – open
October Birthdays
01-Marie Stacey, Curtis Chaplin
02-Barbara Strey, Karlie Schneider
03-Luke Zegels
04-Elsie Barnett
06-Sherilyn Beckmann
08-Trevor Robertson, Tiffany Niles
09-Kim Luensmann, Kase Kelso, Jeff Thayne
10-Helen Luensmann
11-Reno Bielke, Kevin Manning
12-Gerald Kriewald
13-Gayle Albright
14-Gene Bielke
16-Jennifer Swanson, Darnell Muenchow
18-Warren Lampman, Shawn Leach, Betty
Kriewald
21-Lynda Hoagland
23-Carrie Origas
25-Horace Luensmann, Cailey Kutach
26-Kristen Klein
27-Hayden Woerndel
28-Grace Kunde
30-Alice Markle, Darlene Wollney
October Wedding Anniversaries
02-Bradley & Sally Klein
04-Russell & Carol Bielke
05-Kyle & Hailey Leach
13-Steve & Janice Gangawer
14-Jimmy & Candace Scheibe
17-Jimmy & Gail Damerau
25-Geoff & Ashley Long
26-Michael & Meagan Wiederstein
26-Darryl & Barbara Schneider
26-Timothy & Karen Schneider
27-Allen & Faye Reinhard
28-Michael & Tiffany Niles
29-Butch & Cissie Warncke