JANUARY 2026 - News & Views
A Message From Pastor Jen
THE POWER OF ONE WORD!
I’m bringing it back as a reminder to you and me both! Don’t forget to pray and ask God for your “One Word” for 2026! Remember that “one word” may come to you in any way as God has a variety of ways that He speaks to us – in a still small voice, through a conversation with a friend, when you read or hear scripture, through a word that keeps coming to you. Begin praying even now for God to reveal His “One Word” for you!
This spiritual discipline of prayer and listening for “One Word” gives us yearly encouragement, but it also teaches us how to listen to the voice of the Lord who wants to speak to us, and how to keep our prayers and our daily lives ever before Him to lead us and guide us. Praying for “One Word” every year gives me encouragement, direction, purpose, and reminds me daily that the Lord is with me. How about you?
Once you receive your “One Word,” write it down where you will see it daily. I didn’t do that so well in 2025 and I can’t even remember my word, but I journaled it on New Year’s Day as I do every year so I will return to what I heard and wrote to remind me what it was and reflect on what the Lord has taught me through it. In 2026, I need God’s daily encouragement. We all do! So I’m going to make a bracelet again and put the word where I see it often! I encourage you to do the same!
Together, let us avail ourselves to be changed by the Word of God daily in 2026! Happy and Blessed New Year to everyone!
“For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. You were taught to put away your former life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24
Thank You from our Family to Yours
“I thank my God every time I remember you constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you…” Philippians 1:3
I truly do thank my God for allowing my family and I to be here at Redeemer to live and serve among you! We are always so blessed by your care, love and support all throughout the year and even more so at Christmas! We love you and are so grateful for your overwhelming love toward us! Every one of you is a demonstration of Christ’s love to us! May God bless you and your families and our church in this New Year as we continue to faithfully serve our Lord and Savior!
From our family to yours,
Pastor Jennifer, Chris, Zachary and Zane
We will be taking down Christmas decorations on
Sunday, January 4, 2026 after worship.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
IN OUR PRAYERS
Eddie Moore, Ellie Potts, Lillian Brietzke, Leroy Albrecht, Christine Volkmann, Dorothy Mae Luensmann, Gail Damerau, Melissa Reimers
Happy Wedding Anniversary
No mile markers for the month of January
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.
DOMINOES & LUNCH
We will take off the two winter months of January and February. We wish everyone a wonderful healthy New Year!!
POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
Bring your favorite breakfast food to share and join in fellowship around food, faith & church family!
9:15-10:15 A.M.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18TH
2026 OFFERING ENVELOPES
The 2026 offering envelopes are in the Social Hall on the back table. Please pick up. Those that are not picked up by January 25, 2026, will be in the Church Secretary's office where you may pick them up any Sunday. If you did not get envelopes and would like to have some, please let Marsha know.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Lesley & Ethan Barela on the birth of their daughter, Whitley Ross. She was born on December 9, 2025. Betty Surman is her grandmother. Many blessings upon your new little one!
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS
On Sunday, February 1st, Redeemer will have its Annual Congregational Meeting after worship. Please make plans to stay for that meeting. Your voice is important!
Also, during worship, we will be installing the 2026 Council Members and Officers of all of Redeemer’s Ministries.
If you haven’t already, please email the church office with the 2026 officers of your ministry group. Thank you!
- Please send reports to the Church Office by Tuesday, January 27th
2026 Church Council
Cody Canham
Steve Gangawer
Tammy Haecker
Ann Marie Lindley
Derek Pawlik
Mike Schulze
New Members
Ken Friesenhahn
Susan Gray
Jackie Meek
Greg Williford
Guatemala Mission Trip Interest Meeting - January 11
Be praying now about whether God is calling you to go on Redeemer’s next mission trip to Guatemala. This trip is open to youth 16 & older (accompanied by a parent or guardian; 18+ do not need a guardian) and adults of all ages. The trip will be July 11-18, 2026.
There will be an Interest Meeting on Sunday, January 11 after church in the Back Social Hall. Come and find out more about the trip logistics to discern if God is calling you to go this year! If you cannot make it to the meeting, please contact Pastor Jennifer for more information. Interested folks need to fill out an application and submit it to Pastor Jennifer by February 1.
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:37-40
THE CHOSEN: SEASON FOUR - Begins January 11
Join us as we EXPERIENCE JESUS through this HIT TV Series. This is helpful for those who don’t like to read so it will make the Bible come alive for you!
Led by Pastor Jennifer, we will meet twice monthly on Sundays from 4-6 PM in the Back Social Hall to watch & discuss what we saw!
Here is the Schedule for SEASON FOUR…
Jan. 11 – Promises
Jan. 25 – Confessions
Feb. 22 – Moon to Blood
March 8 - Calm Before
March 29 – Sitting, Serving, Scheming
April 19 – Dedication
May 3 – The Last Sign
May 17 – Humble
Guest Speaker and Preacher on Revelation: Rev. Mark Braaten
Sunday, January 18; from 9AM-10:15AM & 10:30AM Worship
Reverend Mark Braaten, a newly retired pastor (as of December 31) of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) will serve as Redeemer’s Guest speaker during the Sunday School hour from 9-10:15AM in the front Social Hall and Guest Preacher in worship. For both, he will share his knowledge and insight on the Book of Revelation.
Rev. Mark Braaten has dedicated over 40 years to studying the book of Revelation, with a Doctor of Ministry degree focused on Revelation studies. He has taught on Revelation both in the United States and Ethiopia. He is the author two books on Revelation - Engaging Revelation and Come Lord Jesus A Study of Revelation. In addition, he has written Prayer as Joy, Prayer as Struggle, Ruth – The Adult Version and Telling Their Stories – Encounters with Jesus.
Pastor Braaten has served in congregational ministry for over 40 years, including congregations in Kentucky, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Texas. He most recently served as the Southern Area Assistant to the Bishop of the North American Lutheran Church. Pastor Braaten is married to Karen, and they have three children and four grandchildren. He enjoys swimming, fishing, reading, and—most importantly—spending time with his grandchildren.
I hope that you will look forward to hearing about the intriguing Book of Revelation through someone who has studied it intensely and has a passion for sharing its message of warnings and promise to people like you and me!
*Also, the Adult Class is studying the Book of Revelation every Sunday morning from 9-10AM led by Pastor Jennifer. Join us!
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - November 20, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mike Schulze called the meeting to order.
In attendance were Pastor Jennifer Gold, Mike Schulze, Jessica Kurz, Steve Gangawer, Diane Hunter, Cody Canham, Lora Pape, Derek Pawlik, Audrey Badders, Tammy Haecker and Ann Lindley.
OPENING PRAYER
Steve Gangawer gave the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 2025 COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes from the October 18, 2025, meeting were approved as written upon motion.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Pastor Jennifer presented her Pastor’s Report
· There will be a joint 2025 Thanksgiving service with St. John Lutheran Church in Marion and Christ Lutheran Elm Creek held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6:30 pm with a pie social afterwards. St. John’s will be hosting this year.
· Christmas Eve Service – with the influx of new housing developments and past years’ attendance, may need to consider having two Christmas Eve services in the future, but we will stay with one service for this year.
· Disaster Response to Flooding – a motion was made by Pastor Jen, seconded by Audrey Badders, to require all disaster relief participants from Redeemer to sign a liability waiver. Motion carried.
· Trulight Special Monetary Donation – Trulight is in danger of closing down without significant financial donations. $300 quarterly benevolence has already been sent to Trulight. Steve Gangawer made a motion to give an additional $1,000 from the Harvest Festival proceeds to Trulight.
· Guatamala Mission Trip is scheduled for July 11-18, 2026. A planning meeting will be scheduled soon.
· A Caregiver’s Support Class will be held at Redeemer on Sunday, November 30, from 9:15 – 10:15.
· Rev. Mark Braaten will be a guest presenter on the Book of Revelation at Redeemer on January 18, 2026.
· Pastor Jen will be out for vacation November 26-29.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Memorial Fund Report(as of 10/31/2025)
Balance of $98,602.86
Building Fund Report(as of 10/31/2025)
Balance of $40,886.25
Treasurer’s Report(as of 10/31/2025)
Checking Account - $27,309
Money Market Account - $75,368
Certificate of Deposit - $50,000
Balance of $152,677
This balance includes approximately $20,443 in Harvest Festival receipts. Council will be making a recommendation for the proceeds and bring the Annual Congregational Meeting in 2026.
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE)
The youth will be providing baked goods for the craft fair on Saturday, November 22.
Angel Tree event will be held Sunday, November 23 to decorate tree, have a meal and watch a holiday movie.
Property & Maintenance Report
A soaker hose will be placed along the outside perimeter to address the gaps/cracking in the back hallway to the old social hall.
EXISTING BUSINESS
Parsonage Driveway
TV in Sanctuary
Grove Road to the Cemetery Fence
NEW BUSINESS
Totenfest – Sunday, November 23
December – Council Assignments
Evaluation Committee
2026 Budget Committee
Computers – Secretary & Pastor
CALENDAR REVIEW
Sunday, November 23 – Totenfest & Angel Tree
Tuesday, November 26, 2025 – Joint Thanksgiving Service at 6:30 pm at St. John’s Marion
Thursday, December 18, 2025 – December Church Council meeting
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JANUARY
January 4 – Second Sunday after Christmas
- I King 3:4-15
- Psalm 119:97-104
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- Luke 2:40-52
January 6 – Epiphany
- Isaiah 60:1-6
- Psalm 72:1-11 (12-15)
- Ephesians 3:1-12
- Matthew 2:1-12
January 11 – Baptism of Our Lord
- Isaiah 42:1-9
- Psalm 29
- Romans 6:1-11
- Matthew 3:13-17
January 18 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
- Isaiah 49:1-7
- Psalm 40:1-11
- I Corinthians 1:1-9
- John 1:29-42a
January 25 – Third Sunday after Epiphany
- Isaiah 9:1-4
- Psalm 27:1-9 (10-14)
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
- Matthew 4:12-25
January Birthdays
01-Sondra Harborth
03-Jeannie Koenning, Athena Taylor
04-Michael Wiederstein
06-Jim Rackley, Ava Harborth, Buster Strzelczyk
07-Zachary Gold
08-Elmon Wiedner, Wade Pape, Doug Muenchow
10-Faye Reinhard
11-Duane Kutach, Steve Origas, Marion Denson
13-Loretta Corkran, Koert Zegels
14-Tim Schneider
15-Wyatt Kunde, Jr.
17-Audrey McDougal
18-Betty Surman
19-Jace Petoskey
21-Sharon Zillmann
22-Vivian Wilson
23-Derek Pawlik
24-Karl Harborth
27-Avery Corkran, Patti Dilworth, Michael Woerndel, Donna Torbet
28-Vicki Lassere
29-Tammy Haecker, Michael Nickel, Eli Guenther
30-Melvin Krueger, Shari Moore
January Wedding Anniversaries
03-Koert & Kayla Zegels
05-John & Jody Nichols
07-Kevin & Krista Saulter
11-Chris & Pastor Jennifer Gold
30-Darren & Kim Luensmann
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 4, 2026 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
LITURGIST – Zachary Gold
ACOLYTES – Cade Kurz & Breelynn Fennell-Leach
ALTAR FLOWERS – Kathy Wiederstein & family
BULLETINS – open
January 11, 2026 – Youth Led Worship
USHERS/GREETER – Youth
LITURGISTS – Youth
ACOLYTES – Reese Thayne & Parker Missildine
ALTAR FLOWERS – Pastor Jennifer & Chris Gold
BULLETINS – open
January 18, 2026
USHERS/GREETER – Reagan & Jeanne Rawe & Lennert Steffen
LITURGIST – Jeanne Rawe
ACOLYTES – Finn Rackley & Ella Maierhofer
ALTAR FLOWERS – Laurie Leach
BULLETINS – Family of Hank Luensmann
January 25, 2026 – Congregational Mtg
USHERS/GREETERS – Jim & Gerry Rackley & Carol Lilie
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Matthew Sweet & Ryleigh Hulett
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – open
Redeemer’s Ladies’ Retreat
Friday and Saturday, March 6-7 at Redeemer
Hosted at Redeemer, the theme will be “My Cup Runneth Over” (Psalm 23:5). Our time together will focus on topics relevant to women’s lives and how our faith in Jesus keeps us filled up to overflowing! Guest speakers will be Pastor Jennifer, Michele Taylor, and Deborah Denson-Whitehead. Special music and worship led by Deborah and Yuko Taylor. The event will also boast of several special surprises for all the ladies! More information will be forthcoming after the New Year!
THANK YOU
We would like to thank everyone again for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, texts, and support during Charlie’s battle with Leukemia. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to those who attended his memorial service, furnished food, assisted in the kitchen and helped during his Celebration of Life along with the monetary contributions received in his honor. Special thanks to Pastor Jen for all her visitations at home and during his hospital stays and for her compassionate prayers and words of comfort. The generous support of Our Church family, community, relatives and friends are such a blessing, words cannot explain the sincere appreciation we felt and continue to feel throughout our lives as we grieve. Simple words can never express how thankful we are, but please know that we will always cherish what our church family means to us and wish each of you continued blessings through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sincerely,
The Family of Charlie Meckel
COLLECTION OF NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS FOR FOOD PANTRY
Some suggested donations needed…
Canned tuna Canned Chicken
Potted meat Mac & Cheese
Spaghetti sauce Pasta
Cereal Toiletries
Canned fruit Cleaning Supplies
Canned corn Juice
Canned vegetables Powdered Milk
Peanut butter Applesauce
Donations are always being received and can be placed in our storage room along the office hallway.
DATES TO REMEMBER....
Sunday, January 4th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
4-6:00 P.M. – Confirmation II
Sunday, January 11th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
10:30 A.M. – Youth Led Worship
Sunday, January 18th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School & Potluck Breakfast
4-6:00 P.M. – Confirmation II
Sunday, January 25
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
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CONFIRMATION II CLASSES - (Sundays, 4-6pm)
January 4
11:45AM – Training for Mentors, Confirmands & Parents’ meeting after worship
4-6PM – Class
Apostle’s Creed:
Creed & Creation
January 18
Apostle’s Creed:
Providence & Stewardship
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Good Luck to ALL of our Youth participating in the Guadalupe County Stock Show and
other Stock Shows this month!!!
We are cheering for you!!!