NOVEMBER 2026 - News & Views
Message From Pastor Jen
“UNTOLD STORIES OF SCRIPTURE!”
SERMON SERIES CONTINUES!
It’s been adventurous digging into the infamous untold stories of scripture and the journey continues through November! Over the past couple months, we’ve heard about the talking donkey, God’s mercy for Mephibosheth, Satan’s fall from heaven, the mysterious fate of the Ark of the Covenant, and the giants of the bible who remind of us that Jesus is the giant slayer of our sin and rebellion!
It’s been wonderful learning alongside you and hearing your comments… “I have never heard that before!” and “I’m learning so much!” and “I needed to hear that today, and I shared that message with someone else who needed to hear it too.” I love how God is working through these seemingly less significant scriptures to teach us significant things about our infinite Lord and Savior! The series continues through the end of November!...
Nov. 1
Totenfest/All Saints Day
The Apostle Paul’s Mysterious Heavenly Experience
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
Nov. 8
The Rebellion of Korah: Swallowed Alive
by the Earth – Numbers 16
Nov. 15
Deborah & Jael: Women of Valor – Judges 4
Nov. 22
Christ the King Sunday
The Mysterious Priest-King Melchizedek
Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5-7
Nov. 29
Advent Begins
Thank You for Sending Us to the LCMC 26th Annual Gathering
Pastor Jennifer and Chris, Mike and Marsha Schulze had such a great experience at the National LCMC Gathering in Iowa in October! Hosted by the largest Lutheran church in the nation with 2,500 worshippers per service, three services each Sunday, and 7 satellite churches and another one being built, we were in awe and inspired with big dreams! The three days were filled with worship, Bible studies on Galatians, inspiring speakers, and over 25 different breakout sessions! We even had a serving event where we packed thousands of hygiene kits for Convoy of Hope.
We had the opportunity to meet many churches leaders and pastors who share the same challenges with children and youth participation, worship styles, and volunteer needs. At the same time, we shared the joys of what the Lord is doing in our places and encouraged one another with new ideas! We chatted with many LCMC missions and ministry partners as well as seminaries for training future pastors. We attended a global mission dinner in which we ate foods from around the world where our missionaries live and then spent time in evening worship with music and prayers lifting up our global mission partners and churches and our call to missions around the world!
Through breakout sessions and more, we learned new things like ethical issues with AI/Technology and the Church, doing an audit of our worship space and style, empowering women to lead in ministry, how to reach volunteer leaders in the
church and more! I sent our Sunday School teachers a new curriculum I found through our national church’s SOLA publishing house who was there and picked up some resources for other ministry groups.
We were stirred with teachings in the Word of God and “unleashed” with inspiration for transformational growth in our church by amazing keynote speakers who are doing that already! We learned so much and look forward to using what we learned here at Redeemer. Thank you for sending us to this gathering!
IN OUR PRAYERS
Bill Luensmann, Ronnie Ullrich, Donnie Doege, Gerald Kriewald, Melissa Reimers, family of Vangie Bielke
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Harry & Christy Voigt – 54 years
Alton & Eileen Schneider – 57 years
Steve & Carolyn Steinmetz - 59 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.
DOMINOES & LUNCH
The next dominoes & lunch will be Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. We will celebrate with a Thanksgiving Dinner. Come; enjoy wonderful food and great fellowship!
POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
Bring your favorite breakfast food to share and join in fellowship around food, faith & church family! We will also be having Donuts for Dad!
9:15-10:15 A.M.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH
SCHOOL HOUSE UPDATE: Building A Ministry Together
We Can Do It!
Capital Campaign Pledge is Close to the Finish Line!
The Schoolhouse Committee remains grateful for the continuing generosity of the individuals and families of Redeemer United Church who have prayerfully supported the Capital Campaign. As of October 18th, we have received 95 pledges totaling $342,900, bringing us to 98% of our $350,000 goal. This powerful response reflects faithful stewardship and our God who is faithful.
This brings us ever closer to completing this important campaign.
In October, we began expanding our Capital Campaign to the broader community and beyond our church family who feel called to help with future schoolhouse fund needs such as repairs and other expenses. During the Harvest Festival, an information table was available for attendees and former Clemens Schoolhouse Alumni to share fond memories and other ideas supporting Redeemer’s wider ministry outreach opportunities.
Next Steps
Continued efforts are moving forward in obtaining bids for completing critical repairs in preparation for a Guadalupe County Fire Marshal inspection to obtain necessary Certificate of Occupancy before a hopeful opening planned for Spring 2027. Ongoing budgets and operational considerations are being developed while future fundraisers are being discussed.
Thank you for your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and faithful support. We give thanks to God, for the ways He is at work among us. We are also pleased to share that Council has approved dedicating a percentage of the proceeds from the Harvest Festival auctions and raffle to the schoolhouse fund, a fitting way to give thanks for God’s bounty by investing in the work He has set before us. Trusting in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ, we look forward to continuing this journey together, held in His mercy and sustained by the Holy Spirit with hope and joy.
Sunday Morning Audio Visual Help Needed
We are looking for individuals who can help on Sunday mornings with our YouTube channel and running sound/slides. These are two different positions. You are paid for the time you are here once training has taken place. Please reach out to Pastor Jennifer or the church office to hear more about these positions.
CRAFT FAIR at Redeemer
Saturday, November 14
9AM-2PM
Come and shop handmade crafts, homemade foods, and more from over 20 vendors! A Mexican plate of tamales, rice and beans will be on sale beginning at 10:30AM, so come for lunch too! Invite friends and neighbors!
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - September 15, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mike Schulze called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. In attendance were Pastor Jennifer Gold, Mike Schulze, Cody Canham, Tammy Haecker, Ann Lindley, Jackie Meek, Steve Gangawer, Susan Gray, Derek Pawlik, Ken Friesenhahn, and Greg Williford.
OPENING PRAYER
Ken Friesenhahn said the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting were approved.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Organ Repair and Tune-up
Zoom Purchase for Church
LCMC National Annual Gathering
Vacation Time
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Memorial Fund Report(as of 8/31/2026)
Balance of $100,028.86
Building Fund Report(as of 8/31/2026)
Balance of $39,627.10
Treasurer’s Report(as of 8/31/2026)
Checking Account - $110,123.00
Money Market Account - $60,060.00
Certificate of Deposit - $50,293.00
Balance of $220,476.00
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE)
Pancake Breakfast was a success and Sunday School started with approximately 17 youth in attendance. Adult Sunday School also had 17 in attendance.
Property & Maintenance Report
Thank you to Cameron Luensmann for Power Washing the back patio, table, etc.
EXISTING BUSINESS
2026 Harvest Festival
School House Update
Water Line Update
Loan Repayment Recommendation
NEW BUSINESS
2027 Council Nominations – Cody Canham and Steve Gangawer will both be going off at the end of 2026.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR NOVEMBER
November 1 – All Saints Sunday
- Revelation 7:9-17
- Psalm 149
- I John 3:1-3
- Matthew 5:1-12
November 8 – Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost
- Amos 5:18-24
- Psalm 70
- I Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Matthew 25:1-13
November 15 – Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
- Zephaniah 1:7-16
- Psalm 90:1-12
- I Thessalonians 5:1-11
- Matthew 25:14-30
November 22 – Christ the King
- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
- Psalm 95:1-7
- I Corinthians 15:20-28
- Matthew 25:31-46
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
- Deuteronomy 8:1-10
- Psalm 67
- Philippians 4:6-20
- Luke 17:11-19
November 29 – First Sunday of Advent
- Isaiah 64:1-9
- Psalm 80:1-7
- I Corinthians 1:3-9
- Mark 13:24-37
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship & Social
Tuesday, November 24; 6:30PM at Redeemer
Redeemer and four other churches and pastors from St. John Lutheran (Marion), Christ Lutheran (Elm Creek), Cross Church (Seguin), and United Methodist (LaVernia) will host an ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service and social to follow at Redeemer this year. There will be a combined choir led by Mike Schulze, so watch for choir practice times forthcoming!
Following the service, we will have a Social to include appetizers and pies! Please bring something to share with everyone! What a joy it will be to come together as one church to bless and thank God for His many gifts!
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 118:1
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BLESSING
To Ross & Darci Luensmann on the birth of their daughter, Leddie Kate. She was born on September 23, 2026. Grandpa is Charlie Luensmann and Great-grandma is Helen Luensmann.
To Morgan & Colt Mulanax on the birth of their daughter, Shay Collins. She was born on September 28, 2026. Grandparents are Lisa & Mike Friesenhahn and Great-grandparents are Otto & Loraine Luensmann & Marlene Friesenhahn.
November Birthdays
02-Russell Luddeke, Deborah Wiegand
06-Terry Canham
07-Parker Missildine
09-Darren Luensmann, Gwynne Cortes
10-Sophia Sheffield
11-Cynthia Davis
13-Rebecca Guenther
14-Laura Luensmann
15-Bonnie Kunde
16-Eric Schulze, Dennis Kucherka
17-Kade Clark
18-Gladys Rowley
19-Jerald Wieters, Brent Reininger, Kaitlyn Rackley
20-DeAnne Hulett, Garrett Schulze, Zane Gold
22-Tanya Rackley
23-Diana Myers
25-Sherry Bielke, Jerry Beckmann, Konner Harborth, Dorothy (Reiley) Luensmann
26-Mariann Bielke, Kellie Bielke, Michael Rosebrock, Glen Muenchow
29-Wayne Koltermann, Phyllis Luensmann, Brody Nichols
30-Avery Nelson
November Wedding Anniversaries
04-Harry & Christy Voigt
04-Shelby & Melissa Reimers
05-Victor & Maryjo Contreras
09-Carl & Pam Griffin
11-Steven & Carolyn Steinmetz
18-Morgan & Colt Mulanax
25-Adam & Heather Lampman
26-Derek & Ashley Pawlik
29-Alton & Eileen Schneider
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.
November 1, 2026 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETERS – Church Council
LITURGIST – Troy Meckel
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Carol Lilie
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Helen Luensmann
BULLETINS – Gloria Clark
November 8, 2026 – Youth
USHERS/GREETER – Youth
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Family of Alfred & Leonie Wiederstein
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Donna Luensmann
BULLETINS – Pam & Carl Griffin
November 15, 2026
USHERS/GREETER – Andrea & Parker Missildine & Patti Dilworth
LITURGIST – Gail Lampman
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Ellie Potts
November 22, 2026
USHERS/GREETER – Michael, Kayla & Kyle Sweet
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Tracy & Jackie Meek
November 29, 2026
USHERS/GREETER – Patricia & Dallas Sheffield & Madyson Schulze
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Family of Lee & Lucy Wiederstein
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Phyllis Luensmann family
BULLETINS – Elsie Barnett
Thank you
Thank you for your prayers and well wishes during Ron's convalescence. We are hoping to be back in church soon.
God Bless,
Ron and Sharon
Dear Redeemer Church Family,
Thank you for the prayers and the outreach of support during, Dennis Kucherka’s, stent in the hospital with his heart. The encouraging words and prayers went a long way.
Many thanks, Joyce & kids Kucherka
Pastor Jen & Congregation,
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during my surgery and recovery.
Steve Steinmetz
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.
THE CHOSEN: SERIES FIVE
Showing at Redeemer - Sundays in November - 4-6PM -Social Hall
Join us!
November 1 – The Same Coin
November 15 – Because of Me
November 29 – Reunions
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ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Book of Revelation!
Join us from 9AM to 10AM in the Back Social Hall. Bring your coffee and bring your Bible as we dig into the mysterious book of Revelation led by Pastor Jennifer and Michele Taylor.
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Sunday School!
Sunday, November 1st
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
Sunday, November 8th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
Sunday, November 15th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School & Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, November 22nd
9:15 A.M. – Pageant Practice
5:00 P.M. – Angel Tree, Movie & Meal
Sunday, November 29th
No Sunday School
ANGEL TREE SET UP MOVIE & MEAL
Sunday, November 22
All youth and families are invited to help set up and decorate the Angel Tree and enjoy a movie and a meal! Decorating begins at 5pm! Middle School and High School youth may be unaccompanied by adults, but please have an adult to accompany elementary age youth.
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.
~I Chronicles 16:34