OCTOBER 2025 - News & Views
A Message From Pastor Jen
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF HISTORY AT REDEEMER!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
How exciting that October 2025 is here and Redeemer is celebrating 125 years of “HIS” story – the story of Christ being proclaimed since the first founders of Redeemer were called to build a church right here in Zuehl, Texas on October 14, 1900. That newly established church voted to give the church the name, “Erloeser,” translated from the German, Redeemer. Such was their faith that the church founders felt that “They should never set their Redeemer aside, but that they should have Him clearly before their eyes.” So, this church became known as Redeemer Evangelical Church and now Redeemer United Church.
Our church’s beginnings keep our eyes focused on The One who will carry us through to the end and every day in between! So it is with our Redeemer before us that we take a look back at Redeemer’s 125 years of history and celebrate “HIS” story – Jesus’ story through us – throughout the generations! Knowing our history propels us into the future of where God is yet to lead our church!
Join us for two big events in October in which we will celebrate all that God has done and is still doing through Redeemer United Church!
On October 12, we will worship our Redeemer at the 10:30 AM service. Included in our special celebration, our worship will feature the New Braunfels Gemischter Chor Harmonie choir to lead us to sing in both German and English. Matthew Luensmann (a son of the congregation) will bring us the message from God’s Word. We will celebrate Holy Communion with Pastor Jennifer presiding using the historical pitcher and chalice from 1900. We will recognize and honor the previous pastors who have served at Redeemer. And Jeannie Rawe will share more unique stories of Redeemer’s past as she’s been doing leading up to our celebration. After our worship concludes, we will have a beautiful reception featuring a walk through Redeemer’s History, complete with appetizers and desserts. What a joyous occasion this will be!
On October 26, our anniversary celebration continues in the midst of our community as we worship our Redeemer together before the Harvest Festivities begin! The Mannechor German choir will sing and lead us in music. Glen and Beverly Muenchow will lead our children and youth in singing a praise song put to German music. Pastor Jennifer will bring us the message of God’s Word that keeps our eyes focused on our Redeemer!
Also, Redeemer Church anniversary ornaments, t-shirts and caps will be available at both events to commemorate this special 125thAnniversary!
Join us! Invite others! Together, let us keep our eyes focused on Jesus, our Redeemer, as we celebrate “HIS” story yesterday, today and forever!
IN OUR PRAYERS
Yoshiko Miyasaka, Judi Bullington, Eddie Moore, Alice Valle, Ellie Potts, Lillian Brietzke, Charlie Meckel
IN SYMPATHY
Family of Dorothy Zunker
Family of Dorothy Nell
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Steve & Janice Gangawer - 52 years
Darryl & Barbara Schneider – 40 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, October 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Lunch is served at noon; come and join us!
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, OCTOBER 19TH
Adult Bible Study Begins REVELATION
9AM-10AM Sunday Mornings, Back Social Hall
Led by Pastor Jennifer Gold and Michele Taylor
Join us on our journey through the scriptures as we study and are changed by one of the most mysterious books of all the Bible! Revelation is one of the most debated books of the Bible by theologians and biblical scholars today. So, join us as we wrestle with the words of promise and warning that Revelation presents to us. Here is the schedule for upcoming classes:
October 5 – Introduction to Revelation – Part 1
October 12 – No class – Redeemer’s 125th Anniversary
October 19 – Introduction to Revelation – Part 2
October 26 – No Class – Redeemer’s Harvest Festival at Bexar Hall
November through May– Study Revelation
THE CHOSEN: SERIES THREE
Come and join us as we watch The Chosen and experience the scriptures like you have never done before!
Next showing is October 12 from 4-6PM, Back Social Hall
We will watch and discuss the episodes: Two by Two and Physician, Heal Yourself.
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - August 21, 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, Tammy Haecker, and Ann Lindley. Not in attendance were Lora Pape, Derek Pawlik and Audrey Badders.
OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jennifer gave the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 2025 COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes from July 22, 2025, meeting were approved as written upon motion.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Pastor Jennifer presented her Pastor’s Report
Of note:
1. Pastor Jen would like to suggest moving Totenfest from the last Sunday in November to the first Sunday in November to coincide with All Saints Day. She also suggests using the terms “All Saints Sunday.” The change will be made in November 2026 to allow time for transition.
2. Disaster Response to Flooding – Half of the special offerings collected by Redeemer was sent to the NALC disaster response network for immediate dispersal. The other half of collections (including gift cards) will be provided to the LCMC church in Kerrville.
3. Confirmation Sunday will be May 24, 2026.
4. Women’s Retreat: scheduled for March 6-8, 2026.
5. Freedom in Forgiveness Event September 25 – LCMC is sponsoring a grant for a couple to come to Redeemer for an interactive event that explores the power of forgiveness.
6. There will be a joint 2025 Thanksgiving service, hosted by St. John Lutheran Church in Marion.
7. Redeemer will travel to Guatemala on a mission trip July 11-18, 2026.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Council reviewed the memorial fund, building fund and treasurer’s reports.
Memorial Fund Report (as of 7/31/2025)
Balance of $93,274.58
Building Fund Report (as of 7/31/2025)
Balance of $44,111.30
Treasurer’s Report (as of 7/31/2025)
Checking Account - $12,484
Money Market Account - $75,226
Certificate of Deposit - $50,000
Balance of $137,710
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE)
Upcoming notable dates:
8/24 – Blessing of the Backpacks during worship
8/24 – Family Fun Day after worship
9/7 – Sunday School Kick-Off with pancake breakfast & Grandparents Day
Property & Maintenance Report
Of note:
- Sprinkler repair will begin 8/25/2025.
- Backs of the church pews continue to split/crack. Steve will look into repair options and report back to Council.
- Need to put a barrier around the water meter across the street to prevent damage.
- There is a rodent problem. Traps have been put out. Need to ensure that all food/drink is removed and trash is taken out. The church is currently using two pest control companies.
EXISTING BUSINESS
125th Anniversary Committee continues to plan and make preparations for the celebration.
Important Upcoming Dates:
October 12 (10/14/1900) – 125th Anniversary celebration with worship, invited guests (former pastors), German choir from New Braunfels, appetizers and desserts after worship
October 26 – Anniversary celebration continuation at Harvest Festival.
Harvest Festival
1. Harvest Festival will be held on October 26, 2025. Help will be needed to set up on Saturday, October 25th.
2. It was decided that all Council members donate $100 to the raffle.
3. A motion was made to provide up to two meal tickets per German choir member as compensation for performing at Harvest Festival. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Cemetery Grove Road
There was some discussion regarding who is responsible for the maintenance/upkeep of the cemetery grove road. Council believes that it should be the responsibility of the Cemetery Committee. Mike Schulze will get with the committee to further discuss.
Inactive Membership Letter
In accordance with Redeemer’s updated constitution and membership policy, Council conducted an annual review of church membership. A letter from the Council President and Vice President will be sent to all members who have not 1) taken Communion, 2) supported the church, and 3) attended service for one (1) year. The proposed letter was reviewed.
Policy Review
Council reviewed the church’s Funeral policy as a reminder of roles and responsibilities and affirmed the rights of the Pastor including sole discretion of who may perform any religious ceremonies at Redeemer.
CALENDAR REVIEW
1. Sunday, August 24, 2025 – Blessing of the Backpack & Family Day
2. Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Next Council Meeting
3. Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Potluck Breakfast at 9:15 am
CLOSING PRAYER
Pastor Jennifer gave the closing prayer.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 pm.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The Quarterly Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 2nd after the 10:30 A.M. Worship.
- Please send reports to the Church Office by Tuesday, October 28th
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR OCTOBER
October 5 – 17th Sunday after Pentecost
- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
- Psalm 62
- II Timothy 1:1-14
- Luke 17:1-10
October 12 – 18th Sunday after Pentecost
- Ruth 1:1-19a
- Psalm 111
- II Timothy 2:1-13
- Luke 17:11-19
October 19 – 19th Sunday after Pentecost
- Genesis 32:22-30
- Psalm 121
- II Timothy 3:14—4:5
- Luke 18:1-8
October 26 – Reformation Sunday
- Revelation 14:6-7
- Psalm 46
- Romans 3:19-28
- John 8:31-36
REDEEMER CEMETERY NOTICE
To preserve the dignity and beauty of Redeemer Cemetery, we kindly remind families that items on graves must follow cemetery guidelines.
· A named plaque (headstone), surface-mounted, with one (1) flower vase will be allowed.
· No trees, shrubs, or flowers are to be planted on graves.
· Any loose items that are on graves must be placed on the plaque, not outside the plaque area.
The Cemetery Committee is very flexible, but in recent months, the number of unauthorized items has grown to a level that makes it difficult to properly maintain the grounds, causing a great deal of additional time in our maintenance. For this reason, items not in accordance with cemetery policy will be removed and discarded.
Please also note that while every effort is made to care for the cemetery, the Cemetery Committee cannot be responsible for loss or damage to artificial flowers or personal items that may occur during mowing, trimming, or general maintenance.
We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep our church cemetery a peaceful and respectful resting place.
Thank You
We would like to thank our Redeemer family and friends for the many cards, prayers and words of comfort we received. Thank you to Pastor Jen for a wonderful service.
Blessings,
Willie Strey family
A big thank you to everyone who supported the New Berlin Sausage Supper and Raffle to help the New Berlin VFD and Community Club. It was very successful!
Thanks,
Glen & Beverly Muenchow
October Birthdays
01-Curtis Chaplin
02-Barbara Strey, Karlie Schneider
03-Luke Zegels
04-Elsie Barnett
08-Trevor Robertson, Tiffany Niles
09-Kim Luensmann, Kase Kelso, Jeff Thayne
10-Helen Luensmann
11-Reno Bielke
12-Gerald Kriewald
14-Gene Bielke, Arya Burkhart
16-Jennifer Swanson, Darnell Muenchow
18-Warren Lampman, Shawn Leach, Betty Kriewald
20-Adalynne Friesenhahn
21-Lynda Hoagland
23-Carrie Origas
24-Samuel Treat
25-Horace Luensmann, Cailey Kutach
26-Kristen Klein
27-Hayden Woerndel
28-Grace Kunde
October Wedding Anniversaries
02-Bradley & Sally Klein
05-Kyle & Hailey Leach
12-Mayson & Aerin Schulze
13-Steve & Janice Gangawer
14-Jimmy & Candace Scheibe
16-Samuel & Debra Treat
17-Jimmy & Gail Damerau
19-Cody & Krysta Canham
20-Ken & Gery Friesenhahn
24-Trent & Collette Corkran
25-Geoff & Ashley Long
26-Darryl & Barbara Schneider
26-Timothy & Karen Schneider
27-Allen & Faye Reinhard
28-Michael & Tiffany Niles
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.
October 5, 2025 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
LITURGIST – Jeanne Rawe
ACOLYTES – Ella Maierhofer & Parker Missildine
ALTAR FLOWERS – family of Alfred & Leonie Wiederstein
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Gladys Kutach
BULLETINS – Gladys Kutach
October 12, 2025 – 125thAnniversary
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
ACOLYTES – Finn Rackley & Breelynn Fennell-Leach
ALTAR FLOWERS – family of Jeanne Henkes
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Marsha & Mike Schulze
BULLETINS – Kriewald family
October 19, 2025
USHERS/GREETERS – Samuel & Debra Treat & Ashley Pawlik
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Reese Thayne & Ryleigh Hulett
ALTAR FLOWERS – Canham family
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Ken & Geri Friesenhahn
BULLETINS – Ellie Potts
October 26, 2025 – Harvest Festival
USHERS/GREETERS – Church Council
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Women’s Fellowship will be hosting a Craft Fair on November 22, 2025. Please contact Patricia Sheffield at 210-275-3096 for more information.
Medical Items Available
People have donated gently used medical care items to be re-used by anyone who needs them. The following items are currently available:
Walker with seat, Cane, sliding transfer board
Anyone is welcome to take and borrow or take and keep. If you have other “hard to come by” medical items to donate to others, feel free to call and ask before bringing to church. Contact the church office for more information.
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, October 5th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
Sunday, October 12th
No Sunday School
Sunday, October 19th
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School & Potluck Breakfast
•• Sunday, October 26th ••
No Sunday School
Harvest Festival – Children Sing during Worship!
►Bring your Baked Good Donations◄
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Calling all Youth (and Parents) to help with Harvest Festival October 26 –
*Sing with the children during worship
*Help serve desserts in the Drive-Through line
*Sell tickets in the Drive Through line
*Present auction items to the gathering during the Live Auction
BASKETS FOR HARVEST FESTIVAL
Janice’s class — Christmas Theme
Vicki & Richard’s classes — Gift Cards
Kayla’s class — Adventure Theme
— Items due October 19 —
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Maker’s Market Kids Bake Sale
The kids will be participating in a bake sale booth at the Maker’s Market. We are looking for baked good donations along with volunteers to work the booth. Be on the look out for the booth sign-up.
ITEMS DUE NOVEMBER 22
ANGEL TREE & MOVIE NIGHT
Enjoy a fun night decorating the Angel tree and starting off the season with a fun Christmas movie.
EVENT NOVEMBER 23
˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜
CRANBERRY SALAD RECIPE
4 (3 oz) pkgs cherry gelatin
4 cups boiling water
2 (16 oz) cans of whole cranberry sauce
1 cup of celery finely chopped
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple w/juice
Dissolve gelatin in hot water, let cool slightly. Add cranberry sauce, pineapple and celery. Chill overnight or until firm.
1 batch makes 24 small servings.
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HARVEST FESTIVAL – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025
Bexar Social Hall
15681 Bexar Bowling Rd.
Marion, TX 78124 (Zuehl Community)
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Turkey Dinner - $15.00 per plate
Drive thru Meals – 11:00 A.M.
Dine in Meals – 11:30 A.M.
Live & Silent Auctions
Raffle
Country Store
Bake Sale
Children’s Activities