January 2022 - News & Views
A Message From
Pastor Jen
I AM therefore I am…
A new sermon series is starting on January 9 and will run through Feb. 27. I AM is the name that God gives to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-15. When Moses wonders if the people will ask who it is that gave him the law and what is His name, God says to tell them his name is “I AM WHO I AM. That is the name of God. I AM. Then during Jesus’ ministry, he expands upon those I AM statements to help people understand who God in Christ is because Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus says…I AM…the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the True Vine. Knowing who God in Christ is, helps us to know who WE are in Christ. God is our Heavenly Father and the better we get to know our Father, the more we get to know who we are as His children. The “therefore” tells us who we are as a result of who God says He is. Come find out each Sunday who YOU are in Christ because of who GOD is!
Here is the sermon series through January with the scripture readings that accompany it…
Jan 9 - I AM therefore I am… Exodus 3:1-15
Jan 16 - I AM the Bread of Life therefore I am… John 6:25-35
Jan 23 – I AM the Light of the World therefore I am… John 8:12-20
Jan. 30 – I AM the Gate therefore I am… John 10:1-10
*Stay tuned for February, but if you read ahead in the gospel of John, you will find out early ;-)
Thank YOU!
My family and I have been overwhelmed by the Christmas gifts you all gave to us so generously! Every gift is a tangible reminder of God’s love to us, and how blessed we are to have been called to serve and worship at Redeemer! You all have become family to us already. Thank you for your gifts of love, encouragement, and blessings!
Love, Pastor Jennifer, Chris, Zachary and Zane
IN OUR PRAYERS
Vivian Wilson, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Leola Schultze, Joyce Schaefer, Emily Haecker, Harry Lee Schneider, Debbie Babcock, Whilma Achterberg, Gayle Albright, Craig Luensmann, Leroy Albrecht, Fuzzy Wiederstein, LaVerne Luensmann
IN SYMPATHY
Family of Wanda Haecker
Family of Roy Albert
New Member Class
Interested in Becoming a Member of Redeemer?
These classes are designed for people who want to find out more about Redeemer United Church and for those who know they already want to join the church. There will be two classes on Wednesday evenings starting at 7:00PM. Here is the class schedule:
January 5 – What Do We Believe?
*Anyone is welcome to attend this class. Pastor Jennifer will give an overview of what we believe in the faith.
January 12 – How to Get Connected at Redeemer!
*Geared for first timers to get to know the history of Redeemer and hear from leaders in our church about how to get connected and involved in serving.
Sunday, January 16 – Receive New Members in Worship at 10:30AM
Please RSVP by Sunday, January 2 to the church office so we know how many to expect.
Town Hall Meetings
The first Town Hall meeting regarding Redeemer’s affiliation with the United Church of Christ (UCC) will be immediately after the church service on January 9, 2022 (11:45-1:00). The second Town Hall will be held February 6. Lunch and childcare will be provided for all at both of these meetings.
Please RSVP to the church office with the number of adults and children (with ages) by Tuesday, January 4, 2022 & Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
The topics for this first Town Hall meeting are provided below:
- Opening Prayer
- Ground Rules & Background
- Historical & Theological Perspectives on the UCC
- The UCC's Constitution & Bylaws
- The UCC's Community Outreach & Advocacy
- Next Steps for Redeemer (depending on vote results)
- Questions/Comments from Congregation
February 6 topics à “Considering the Future: The UCC and Our Youth”
1. Prayer, Ground Rules & Background
2. The UCC’s Sunday School Curriculum for Youth
3. UCC Youth Gatherings
4. The UCC’s Partnerships with the Unitarian/Universalist Association
5. The UCC’s Sexual Education Curriculum for Youth
6. Questions / Comments from Congregation
Thank you for your willingness to be informed prior to casting this crucial vote regarding Redeemer's future denominational affiliation.
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Chris & Pastor Jennifer Gold – 25 years
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 newsletter.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Wyatt and Monica Kunde on the birth of their daughter, Willow Grace. She was born on December 7, 2021. Her grandparents are Butch & Grace Kunde and great-grandparent is Arlene Kunde.
PUZZLE EXCHANGE
I am trying to coordinate a “puzzle exchange” at the Church. I believe that there are many members of the congregation, as well as some of the domino regulars, that enjoy putting puzzles together. However, these can get expensive to purchase and are often a once and done item. To kick-off the project, I will be placing a bookshelf and puzzles in a location to be determined. I invite others to bring your used puzzles to place on the shelf and exchange it for another puzzle to take home, put together and return when finished. My idea is to model this after the neighborhood library boxes where books continue to be recycled among readers. I like to think of this as a way that the puzzles can continue to be loved and enjoyed by many……especially as we are entering the winter months.
Thanks to all that choose to participate.
Laurie Leach
DOMINOES & LUNCH
We will take off the two winter months of January and February. We wish everyone a wonderful healthy New Year!!
2022 Church Council
President – Caleb Rackley
Vice-President – Mike Schulze
Secretary – Grace Kunde
Treasurer – Carrie James
Financial Treasurer – Faye Titus
Recording Secretary – Lora Pape
Property & Maintenance – Doug Muenchow
Building Fund Treasurer – Steve Gangawer
Christian Education Rep – Krista Saulter
Memorial Fund Treasurer – Diane Hunter
Stewardship Chairperson – Jed Wells
Evangelism Chairperson – Karl Harborth
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Thank you for your willingness to serve as leaders of our church. Our 2022 Council and other Officers of ALL church organizations will be installed in worship on Sunday, January 30th at 10:30 A.M.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 30th after the 10:30 A.M. Worship.
· Please send reports to the Church Office by Tuesday, January 25th.
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
November 16, 2021
President Janice Gangawer called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Pastor Gold opened the meeting with a prayer and Doug Muenchow shared a song, Give Me Jesus, by Vince Gill.
Council members read the October 2021 council meeting minutes. A motion was made and seconded to amend the minutes to include the October financial report for the Building Fund. Motion carried. Council reviewed the financial reports. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes, as amended, and the financial reports. Motion carried.
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE) Report (Krista Saulter) –
BCE busy working on Christmas Pageant. There will be Sunday School on December 19thand January 23rd.
Property & Maintenance Report (Doug Muenchow) –
- No update on A/C quote from Justin Reininger
- New Social Hall door and Offices Entrance door need painting
Reports from Other Council Members (as needed) –
- President Gangawer read a letter from Heart of Texas Association which acknowledged Redeemer’s membership of 341 individuals. Annual association dues owed for 2021 are $1705.00, $5.00 per member. The letter stated there will be an increase in 2022 to $7.50 per member and an increase in 2023 to $10.00 per member.
- Faye Titus asked that someone contact Mike Morris to get him paid for providing services for the church lawn.
Pastor’s Report (Pastor Jen) – In summary, full report is filed with official minutes
- Conducted two funerals plus one the day after Council meeting
- Preparing for Christmas Eve and the Sunday after Christmas Worship Services. Researched and found a new online worship resource to use called “Ministry Matters.” Also, introduced the Apostle’s Creed in worship. Positive comments received thanking her for bringing it back in worship. We will be doing an “I AM therefore I am …” sermon series from January 9 through February 27. It will take us into the beginning of Lent. Thinking Lent services and Easter.
- There were nine Senior High youth, two children, and five adults go to the Corn Maize trip. Next event will be in December, a Christmas Party for all Confirmation I & II students and Senior High youth.
- Confirmation Youth still in the Lord’s Prayer and meeting twice monthly for two hours each time.
- In talks with BCE about hosting some “Family Ministry” events for children younger than Confirmation age with their families. Something is planned for each month in the Summer and looking for other possibilities during Lent/Easter.
- Adult Christian Education, the weekly adult bible study on Ephesians is going well. There are 10-20 people per class. Thinking of doing the Alpha Series for Adults next.
- Weekly Word on Wednesdays, a Facebook page live, short video on a word of scripture, applying it to our daily lives, prayer, and blessing. Seems well received.
- Servant Opportunities - Had a volunteer help coordinate crafts for TruLight Christmas Bash. After new year, we’ll look at other places to pour into.
- Sat down with the Mayor of City of Marion to talk about needs in our community. Got some ideas for our church to help with meals for the elderly, potential meal deliveries.
- Vacation: January 11 & 12 (half day)
- Pastor’s Conference: February 15 – 17 (Pending)
- Candidacy Meeting: February 7 & 8, in Dallas
Pastor Jennifer shared that she received an email from Nikki Stahl and Rev Phil Hobson.
In short, someone from Redeemer invited them to our “town halls” and they wanted to know the dates. Pastor Jennifer asked who the member is that invited them. No response has been received. They will be invited to one “town hall” for denomination leaders.
Looking to streamline communion service
CALENDAR EVENTS
- Next Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 14, 2021, beginning at 6:00 pm with a meal. Council Meeting starting at 6:30 pm
- November/December 2021 and January 2022 Calendars – reviewed and upcoming events noted
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Secretary Office Furniture – No update
- Sunday School Refresh – Waiting on Justin Reininger to provide recommendations/quotes
- Bereavement Committee – Russell & Becky Reinhard, Janice Gangawer, Debbie Luensmann
- Facebook Live – Internet Booster, from $44.00 to $99.00 per month. Wyatt Kunde to contact AMD, in Seguin, for recommendation.
- Other Unfinished Business – None
NEW BUSINESS
- Grove Mowing – Set up a schedule for volunteers or pay to have mowed, 2 ½ acres.
Recommendation: Use a sign-up sheet
schedule before adding additional space to the
existing lawn care services.
- Task Force Members - Janice Gangawer, Caleb Rackley, Russell Reinhard, David Albright, and Pastor Jennifer
--Town Halls, Dates & Topics. No formal meeting yet. President Gangawer read draft
letter/email. Signed, Church Council
- Landscape irrigation, Gonzales Landscaping, coming November 17th to inspect the irrigation system for leaks
ACTION ITEMS REVIEW
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra (Debbie) Luensmann
Redeemer UCC Council Secretary
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JANUARY
Jan 2 – Second Sunday after Christmas
- Isaiah 60:1-6
- Psalms 72:1-7, 10-14
- Ephesians 3:1-12
- Matthew 2:1-12
Jan 9 – The Baptism of Christ
- Exodus 3:1-15
Jan 16 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
- John 6:25-35
Jan 23 – Third Sunday after Epiphany
- John 8:12-20
- Ephesians 5:6-14
- Matthew 5:14-16
Jan 30 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
- John 10:1-10
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. They are gratefully appreciated and it is nice to know you are thinking of me.
Craig Luensmann
Redeemer Council & Congregation,
Thank you so much for your generous gift to me at Christmas. It is greatly appreciated. May everyone have a Blessed New Year!
Marsha Schulze
January Birthdays
01-Sondra Harborth
04-Michael Wiederstein
06-Jim Rackley, Allen Wiederstein, Ava Harborth
07-Zachary Gold
08-Elmon Wiedner, Wade Pape, Douglas Muenchow
10-Faye Reinhard
11-Duane Kutach, Steve Origas, Marion Denson
13-Loretta Corkran, Lindsey Henderson, Koert Zegels
14-Jean Manning, Tim Schneider
15-Wyatt Kunde, Jr.
18-Joyce Frederick, Betty Surman
19-Terri Rosebrock
21-Sharon Zillmann
22-Vivian Wilson
24-Karl Harborth
27-Avery Corkran, Patti Dilworth, Michael Woerndel, Jamie Wells, Donna Torbet
28-Vicki Lassere
29-Tammy Haecker, Michael Nickel, Eli Guenther
30-Melvin Krueger
31-Willfloyd Strey
January Wedding Anniversaries
03-Koert & Kayla Zegels
07-Kevin & Krista Saulter
11-Chris & Pastor Jennifer Gold
30-Darren & Kim Luensmann
Members in Service
MEMBERS IN SERVICE
ATTENTION Ushers and Greeters: Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the Church Service. (Two of the Ushers will hand out bulletins and the other one will be greeter.)
Bulletin Cost: $10.00. Please drop off your payment in the church office or place in the offering plate with notation for bulletins.
January 2, 2022 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
LITURGIST – Janice Gangawer
ACOLYTES – Church Council
ALTAR FLOWERS – Larry & Debbie Luensmann
BULLETINS – Audrey & Bruce Badders
January 9, 2022 – Youth Sunday
USHERS/GREETER – Youth
LITURGISTS – Youth
ACOLYTES – Jackson Missildine & Kade Pape
ALTAR FLOWERS – Chris & Pastor Jennifer Gold
BULLETINS – open
January 16, 2022 – New Members
USHERS/GREETER – Jim & Gerry Rackley & Carol Lilie
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Reide Reininger & Weston Woerndel
ALTAR FLOWERS – Reagan & Jeanne Rawe
BULLETINS – open
January 23, 2022
USHERS/GREETERS – Tanya & Aden Rackley & Richard Chaplin
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Grayson Maierhofer & Brady McDougal
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – open
January 30, 2022
USHERS/GREETERS – David & Ann Lindley & Virginia Mott
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Leena Loyola & Ali Thayne
ALTAR FLOWERS – Willfloyd Strey family
BULLETINS – Warren & Gail Lampman
DATES TO REMEMBER....
January 2nd – NO Sunday School
January 9th - 9:15 A.M. Sunday School
10:30 A.M. Youth Sunday
January 16th – 9:15 A.M. Sunday School
January 23rd – 9:15 A.M. Sunday School
January 30th – 9:15 A.M. Sunday School
Interested in being a part of BCE?
We NEED You!
We have 3 open positions
to be filled for 2022.
Let a BCE member know or email us at:
Good Luck to ALL of our Youth participating in the Guadalupe County Stock Show (Jan. 19-22) and other Stock Shows this month!!! We are cheering for you!!!
CONFIRMATION II SCHEDULE
4-6 PM
Jan. 9 – Apostle’s Creed: Creed & Creation
Jan. 30 – Apostle’s Creed: Providence & Stewardship