March 2021 - News & Views
March 2021
A Message From Rev Bauer…
“Springing Back To Life“
As I write this column Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel is talking about the amount of potential snow accumulation in the Dallas, TX area on Valentine’s Day. He stated that he couldn’t find a snow brush in his rental car (Weather Channel 02/14/2021). It’s Sunday afternoon and we cancelled church this morning due to the inclement weather. For many of us, including me, we moved here, in part, to flee the cold weather associated with other areas of the country.
When did South Texas begin to resemble Chicago?
There are a lot of transitions that we encounter. Winter becomes spring, a new Presidential administration settles in, high school, college and graduate students prepare and look forward to graduation, sports fans are eager for the return of the baseball season.
We live with anticipation of what will occur next.
The season of Lent also presents with a challenge of anticipation. We are remembering again the life of Jesus, the teachings, miraculous events, the lives changed, the journey to Jerusalem, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
Again, like experiencing a change in the weather, we are warming up and springing back to life from the cold and darkness of winter.
We are looking forward again to being with family and friends again, in the flesh, post quarantine.
I noticed out in my backyard that bluebonnets are starting to emerge. I wonder if they will survive the freeze.
Our Christian faith tells us, especially during Lent, that against all odds that new life will emerge. Through Jesus, our lives will continue to be reborn and will continue to flourish.
Are you springing back to life? What do you want to see changed? What do you still need to learn? Whom do you know still needs to receive your love?
See you in church?
I hope so.
Our lives are being revived in this holy season.
May it be so,
Pastor Peter Bauer
IN OUR PRAYERS
Jimmy Wilson, Pastor Eric Titus, Wanda Haecker, Vivian Wilson, Tommy & Judy Brown, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Luke Hunter, Leola Schultze, Joyce Schaefer, Deanne Engelke, Mariann Bielke, Camdyn Missildine, Robyn Gregory, David Lindley, Nicole Baumann Zimmerle, Butch Kunde
IN SYMPATHY
Family ofGisela Drayton
Family ofRaymond Skloss
Family ofVenge Rakowitz
DOMINOES & LUNCH
There will be NO Dominoes or Lunch until further notice. Hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Ron & Liz Fritz – 55 years
Rudy & Gladys Kutach – 53 years
Leroy & Vicki Lassere – 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.
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Redeemer's Pastoral Search Committee continues its work and is making continued progress. Since posting the position in late-November, the committee has received and reviewed over 50 resumes from candidates of various denominations from throughout the country. The committee conducted two interviews in January, and has now conducted another three interviews in February. It anticipates conducting another round of interviews shortly, all while still receiving and reviewing additional resume submissions.
Should you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to reach out to the committee as a whole at ourpastorsearch@yahoo.com, or contact any of the committee members individually.
Sincerely,
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)
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR MARCH
Mar 7 – Third Sunday in Lent
- Exodus 20:1-17
- I Corinthians 1:18-25
- John 2:13-22
Mar 14 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
- Numbers 21:4-9
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- John 3:14-21
Mar 21 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Hebrews 5:5-10
- John 12:20-33
Mar 28 – Palm Sunday
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
- Philippians 2:5-11
- John 12:12-16
Redeemer Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
December 16, 2020
President David Albright called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Janice Gangawer provided the meditation.
Council members and visitors read the November 2020 council meeting minutes. The minutes were accepted as written.
NOMINATIONS FOR 2021 CHURCH COUNCIL POSITIONS
President – Janice Gangawer
Vice President – Wyatt Kunde
Secretary – Debbie Luensmann
Treasurer – Carrie James
Financial Secretary – Faye Titus*
Recording Secretary – Jeff Thayne
Property & Maintenance Rep. – Doug Muenchow*
Building Fund Treasurer – Caleb Rackley*
Christian Education Rep. – Krista Saulter*
Memorial Fund Treasurer – Vacant
Stewardship Chairman – Jed Wells
Evangelism Rep. – Karl Harborth
*New Council Members for 2021 (All departed after nominations for council positions)
FINANCIAL REPORTS - Reviewed, discussed, and accepted with corrections to the Building Fund and Treasurer’s Reports.
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
The wiring to the carillon speakers in the bell tower will be replaced on December 17th. Reimbursement costs for rental of a lift will be paid from the Building Fund.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Christmas Pageant conducted using COVID safe protocols. Phone contact with the families of Claudia Schneider and Kenneth Winkelmann upon their passing. Christmas Eve Service scheduled for December 24th at 5:30 pm.
ACTION ITEMS REVIEW
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
· Raffle Status – To date, $2,550.00 collected. Council tabled voting on distribution of final funds until after the raffle on December 20th.
· Other Unfinished Business – Council approved Brooke Reininger’s request to be confirmed in-person; dates will be discussed with the family.
SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATES/STATUS - The committee continues to review applications and sorting into two categories, Possible and Probably Not.
NEW BUSINESS – Distribution of 2020 Gift Cards was discussed.
CALENDARS REVIEW
Christmas Eve Service – Thursday, December 24th
Next Council Meeting – Wednesday, January 27th
Annual Congregational Meeting – Sunday, January 31st
NEW ACTION ITEMS
Safety/Security Committee – 2-3 people; AV Coordinator; New equipment for recording worship services.
Meeting adjourned at 9:53 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra (Debbie) Luensmann
Redeemer UCC Council Secretary
Give to Redeemer United Church
You make the Difference!
Giving to the church is essential to the vitality and future of the church. Your faithful, weekly giving enables the continued fulfillment of the ongoing mission of Jesus for our church in the community.
As we navigate the uncertainty and impacts of the current health crisis surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important that we continue to reach out to friends, family and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Equally important is your continued giving, to ensure the vitality and financial stability of our congregation.
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
March Birthdays
01-Shelly Grunewald
03-Mikaela Hoagland, LaVerne Luensmann
05-Larry Luensmann, Shayna Westendord
06-Ronald Ullrich
07-Ethan Luensmann, Carol Bielke
09-Morgan Friesenhahn, Scarlett Kunde
11-Anna Dell Luensmann, Sharon Ullrich
12-Loraine Luensmann, Gail Damerau
13-Karen Canham, Laurie Leach, Darvi Mayo
16-Becca Albrecht, Embry Guenther
20-Allyson Martinez
21-Becky Robertson, Josh Guenther
22-Steve Gangawer
24-Kade Pape
25-Gloria Clark, Betty Wiederstein,
Richard Chaplin
26-Leola Schultze
27-Edward Henk, Jordon Nickel
28-Dorothy Luensmann, Kathy Wiederstein,
Colby Schulze
31-Butch Kunde, Matthew Luddeke,
Justin Lindley
March Wedding Anniversaries
04-Caleb & Tanya Rackley
07-Ronald & Liz Fritz
12-Josh & Becky Guenther
13-Duane & Melissa Kutach
14-Kelly & Diana Weber
16-Rudy & Gladys Kutach
18-Zach & Rachel Luensmann
22-Ronnie & Deanne Hulett, Jr.
24-Gene & Sherry Bielke
29-Leroy & Carol Reininger
30-Leroy & Vicki Lassere
ALTAR FLOWERS & BULLETINS
March 7, 2021 – Holy Communion
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – Bielke family
BULLETINS – Doris Muenchow
March 14, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – open
March 21, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Gerald & Betty Kriewald
March 28, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Leroy & Vicki Lassere
DATES TO REMEMBER....
March 7th – Sunday School
March 14th – Sunday School
Youth Worship (Tentative)
March 21st – Plant Flowers (Tentative)
March 28th – Sunday School
Palms during Church*
1:00 P.M. – Games/Crafts*
2:00 P.M. – Easter Egg Hunt*
*Subject to Change
February 2021 - News & Views
A Message From Rev Bauer…
“The Lengthening Of Days“
Today, I was outside installing a 2 by 4 in a concrete support to buttress and support one of the fences in my backyard. The warmth of the sun reminded me, that in the midst of Winter, Spring is not too far in the distance.
We have been celebrating Epiphany, the season which signifies the light of Christ brightening the world.
We now begin to turn our attention to Lent. The English word Lent is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning "spring season". This refers to the lengthening of days, the process of transforming Winter into Spring.
Lent has been associated with many traditions:
Lent, in the Christian church, a period of penitential preparation for Easter. In Western churches it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. In Eastern churches Lent begins on the Monday of the seventh week before Easter and ends on the Friday that is nine days before Easter. This 40-day “Great Lent” includes Saturdays and Sundays as relaxed fast days.
In the early centuries, fasting rules were strict, as they still are in Eastern churches. One meal a day was allowed in the evening, and meat, fish, eggs, and butter were forbidden. The Eastern Church also restricts the use of wine, oil, and dairy products. In the West these fasting rules have gradually been relaxed. The strict law of fasting among Roman Catholics was dispensed with during World War II, and only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are now kept as Lenten fast days. However, the emphasis on penitential practice and almsgiving remains, and many Catholics also observe a meatless fast on Fridays during Lent. In addition, Catholics and other Christians often choose to give up specific pleasures, such as sweets, alcohol, or social media, during Lent as a way to foster simplicity and self-control; many use their cravings or desires for these items as a reminder to pray and to refocus on spiritual matters.
Lent offers us the opportunity for self-inventory on our lives. We can evaluate what we like, what’s working and consider what we would like to discard, what is not working.
Our journey to Easter can be a meaningful one, but it requires vulnerability and trust. Can we trust God to be there for us? Can we trust one another as we support each other in our spiritual growth?
I hope you’re willing to journey with me during this Holy Season.
See you in church?
I hope so as we bear witness to the lengthening of days.
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, Leola Schultze, Joyce Schaefer, Michael Strzelczyk, Deanne Engelke, Mariann Bielke, Venge Rakowitz
IN SYMPATHY
Family of William Roberson
Family of Roland Luensmann
Family of Betty Wiederstein
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 February.
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.
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
On Sunday, February 7th the EDGE will be participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring. No food will be served but monetary donations are being accepted. Please support the EDGE.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR FEBRUARY
Feb 7 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
- Isaiah 40:21-31
- I Corinthians 9:16-23
- Mark 1:29-39
Feb 14 – Transfiguration Sunday
- II Kings 2:1-12
- II Corinthians 4:3-6
- Mark 9:2-9
Feb 17 – Ash Wednesday
- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
- II Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Feb 21 – First Sunday in Lent
- Genesis 9:8-17
- I Peter 3:18-22
- Mark 1:9-15
Feb 28 – Second Sunday in Lent
- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
- Romans 4:13-25
- Mark 8:31-38
Redeemer Church Council
Meeting Minutes
Due to the rescheduling of the Council Meeting to January 27th the December minutes were not available for the Newsletter.
Give to Redeemer United Church
You make the Difference!
Giving to the church is essential to the vitality and future of the church. Your faithful, weekly giving enables the continued fulfillment of the ongoing mission of Jesus for our church in the community.
As we navigate the uncertainty and impacts of the current health crisis surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important that we continue to reach out to friends, family and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Equally important is your continued giving, to ensure the vitality and financial stability of our congregation.
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
Redeemer United Church
P.O. Box 743
Marion, TX 78124
· Online! Use the church’s new Online Portal
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
· 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
HEART OF TEXAS ASSOCIATION
The Heart of Texas Association Committee on Ministry licensed Rene Slataper during its January 19th meeting. Rene is currently serving as Minister of Outreach and Organizational Development at Labyrinth Progressive Student Ministries in Austin, an ecumenical college student ministry based near the University of Texas. The ministry is supported by several Austin area churches. Rene is also a student in the online Master of Divinity program at Chicago Theological Seminary and is a Member in Discernment with the Heart of Texas Association. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Austin, where he also currently works part-time as their video technician. Rene is also a recipient of multiple scholarships from the national UCC. We receive Pastor Rene with joy as begins licensed ministry in the Heart of Texas Association.
It is with sadness that I share that the Evangelical Church of Lyons has voted to leave the United Church of Christ and give up its membership as a church in the Heart of Texas Association. The Lyons church has been part of the former Brazos Association and then later part of Heart of Texas since the South Central Conference became part of the United Church of Christ. Our ties have been long and heartfelt, with good memories over the years of meeting with them, sharing their joy as the church fellowship hall and sanctuary were rebuilt, and having their members be active and great supporters of the Association and at Slumber Falls Camp. They have recently called Andrew Keuer as their pastor, and have decided to head in a different direction in their ministry. They leave us with our appreciation for their many years with us, and with every hope and prayer that their ministry will flourish in faithfulness and joy in the years to come.
Tom VandeStadt has announced his retirement as pastor of the Congregational Church of Austin as of the end of February 2021. Tom has served Congregational Church for nearly 20 years and has led the church in many ways -- in homeless outreach, in excellent worship, through his active social justice work in Austin, and in caring ministry. We wish Tom well as he prepares for this transition in his life, and offer prayers for Congregational (the church where I am a member) as it joins several other churches in the Heart of Texas in a time of transition and search for new leadership in Christ’s ministry.
Blessings in Christ,
Liz Nash, Association Minister
ALTAR FLOWERS & BULLETINS
February 7, 2021 – Holy Communion
LITURGIST – Jeanne Rawe
ALTAR FLOWERS – Jimmy & Candace Scheibe
BULLETINS – open
February 14, 2021
LITURGIST – Pam Griffin
ALTAR FLOWERS – Bielke family
BULLETINS – open
February 21, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – open
February 28, 2021
LITURGIST – open
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – open
February Birthdays
02-Carli Luensmann, Marshall Strey, Rev. Gerry
Metzger
03-Jeanne Rawe
04-Ann Lindley, Reagan Rawe
05-Tameria Lindley
06-Ronnie Hulett
09-Emmalyn Walter
10-Lana Smidt
13-Lennert Steffen, Ella Maierhofer, Elliot Zegels
15-Virginia Strey, Carolyn Reininger
16-Halla Nickel
17-Susan Gray
18-Marvin Krueger
19-Becky Reinhard
21-Gail Lampman, Ashtyn Dilworth
23-Michael Reinhard, Brooke Reininger
26-Jeremy Walter, Heather Niles
28-Carol Lilie, Caleb Rackley
February Wedding Anniversaries
14-Ronnie & Lois McDougal
16-Greg & Darvi Mayo
19-Darrell & Diane Hunter
ASH WEDNESDAY WORHSIP
There will be no in-person worship for Ash Wednesday but it will be pre-recorded and posted
to the Church website.
DATES TO REMEMBER....
February 7th – Sunday School
EDGE – Souper Bowl of Caring
February 14th – Sunday School
Youth Worship (Tentative)
February 21st – Sunday School
February 28th – Sunday School