JUNE 2025 - News & Views
A Message From Pastor Jen
Happy 1700th Anniversary to the Nicene Creed!
The Nicene creed is the Creed we have been reciting in worship during this season of Easter. Did you know that this year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea on May 20 and the formulation of the Nicene Creed? How cool is that? In case you’re wondering why that matters, here’s why.
The First Council of Nicaea took place in 325 AD, called together by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in the city of Nicaea (in modern-day İznik, Turkey). The purpose was to bring unity to a fragmented empire and to a fragmented church. As a result, the Council produced the Nicene Creed and established a unified date for all Christians to celebrate Easter.
In today’s churches, you will hear a wide range of messages - some deeply rooted in Scripture, others seeming less so. But the Nicene Creed brings us back to our center. It grounds our congregations in the truth of Christ Himself reminding us of what matters most. This creed has become the foundation for what most Christians – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant (including us) – believe about the character of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit today.
Why does this still matter? Christian churches today can feel divided. Different doctrines, different styles of worship, even disagreements over what’s essential to the faith. Sometimes, that lack of unity is exhausting and confusing - not just for believers, but for seekers and sceptics watching from the outside.
That’s exactly why this anniversary is so powerful! It centers us. It reminds us of our shared foundation. It points us back to Christ and affirms our belief in the God who came down, died, rose, and is still alive and active today.
When you say the words of the Nicene Creed, you participate in a tradition that stretches back 1,700 years. The Nicene Creed unites billions of Christians across the world and across centuries, and that’s a powerful thing that only God can do!
We believe in one God…We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ…We believe in the Holy Spirit…Amen.
God Keeps His Promises!
The promises of God are what keep us rooted and encouraged in our faith. Read these, memorize them, let them sink deeply into your heart and mind. Allow God to transform you – to change you through the promises God has made to you…
41. God will bless you (2 Corinthians 9:8)
42. God will give you rest (Matthew 11:29)
43. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)
44. Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)
45. God’s peace is with you (John 14:27)
46. God chose you to bear fruit (John 15:16)
47. You have the words of eternal life (John 3:16)
48. Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35)
49. You belong to God (John 8:47)
50. No one can snatch you from God’s hand (John 10:28)
Worship in the Grove – June 1!
Leading up to Redeemer’s 125th Anniversary, we will be commemorating the giving of the land to create a Memorial Grove by having Worship and Holy Communion outside in the Grove on Sunday, June 1. Guest musicians will be Waymon and Brenda Williams bringing their beautiful talent of playing Blue Grass Gospel to lead us in worship. Guest speakers will be from the Ullrich family whose families donated the land for the Memorial. Pastor Jennifer will give a short message, and Holy Communion will be celebrated in our worship. Anniversary Recognition “fans” will be passed out to all worshippers to help you stay cool and will be a memorable way to worship like in the “good ol’ days”! What a wonderful day it will be – join us!
IN OUR PRAYERS
Betty Engelhardt, Randy Wells, Yoshiko Miyasaka, Judi Bullington, Eddie Moore, John Brogdon, Alice Valle, Betty Strzelczyk, Otto Luensmann, Mark Kriewald, Allen Reinhard
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Otto & Loraine Luensmann – 59 years
Chester & Colleen Jenke - 61 years
Bill & Phyllis Luensmann – 71 years
Reagan & Jeanne Rawe – 50 years
Marshall & Barbara Strey – 40 years
Ronald & Sharon Ullrich – 58 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
Everyone is welcome to enjoy some food, fun and fellowship on June 11, 2025 at the Domino/Sr. Luncheon. Games begin at 10 A.M. Lunch is served at 12 noon. Menu: Pork loin, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, cracker barrel apples and sides. See you on the 11th!
Redeemer’s 125th Anniversary Upcoming Events (Mark your calendar!)–
Sunday, June 1 – Worship in the Grove & Remembrance of the Memorial Grove
Sunday, October 12 – 125th Anniversary Celebration in Worship and Reception to follow
Sunday, October 26 – Recognition of 125th Anniversary at Harvest Festival
This anniversary year for Redeemer, let us look “…to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…!” Hebrews 12:2
POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST & DONUTS FOR DAD
Bring your favorite breakfast food to share and join in fellowship around food, faith & church family! BCE will also be providing Donuts.
9:15-10:15 A.M.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - April 23, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mike Schulze called the meeting to order at 6:39 pm. In attendance were Pastor Jennifer Gold, Mike Schulze, Jessica Kurz, Steve Gangawer, Diane Hunter, Lora Pape, Derek Pawlik, Cody Canham, Tammy Haecker, Ann Lindley and Audrey Badders.
OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jennifer gave the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 2025 COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes from March 27, 2025, meeting were approved as written upon motion.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Pastor Jennifer presented her Pastor’s Report
Of note:
1. Worship
a. Holy Week and Easter were wonderful! Thanks to everyone who helped.
b. A guest musician will be playing for Yuko on Sunday, March 30.
2. Important Upcoming Dates
a. May 11 – Mother’s Day, Graduate Recognitions, Panoramic Picture, Choir Performance, Reception following Worship
b. May 18 – Sunday School Recognition & Compassion Sunday
c. June 1 – Worship in the Grove (Guest Musicians Waymon and Brenda Williams)
3. LCMC TX District Annual Gathering & Lock-In – July 25-26 in Victoria, TX.
a. Council will pay for Leaders to attend ($75/adult)
4. Drinks in the Fridge – To Pay or Not to Pay?
a. Ann will review costs to determine the financial impact of not charging.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Memorial Fund Report (as of 3/31/2025)
Balance of $88,761.09
Building Fund Report (as of 3/31/2025)
Balance of $43,298.40
Treasurer’s Report (as of 3/31/2025)
Checking Account - $65,467
Money Market Account - $75,038
Balance of $140,505
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE) Report
Upcoming notable dates:
5/11 – BCE will be providing desert table in honor of Mother’s Day and cake for graduates.
5/18 – End of Year Party / Sunday School promotion
6/15 – Father’s Day, Donuts for Dads
6/23 – 6/26 – VBS Reminder: Council usually provides the supper for 1st night of VBS (6/23/25).
7/14–7/19 – Camp Eagle
Pastor Jen stated that Camp Eagle reached out with a campaign request to see if Redeemer would be willing to pledge $500/year for the next three years to help with camp repairs, equipment replacement, etc. There was discussion among Council regarding the investment in Church youth and all agreed it is a worthy benevolence. A motion was made and seconded, to support Camp Eagle’s campaign with a monetary donation of $500/year for the next three years. Motion carried.
Property & Maintenance Report
Of note:
- The water fountain has been fixed.
- Air filters have been changed out.
EXISTING BUSINESS
125th Anniversary Committee continues to plan and make preparations for the celebration. Important Upcoming Dates:
May 18 (5/20/1900) – acknowledge the day that the Congregation voted on the name of the church
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.
Grove Renovation
This is an on-going project, but Phase 1 has been completed. A motion was made and seconded, to cover Phase 1 costs as follows: - $2,000 - General Fund - $2,500 - Evening Circle. Motion carried. Lights at Grove need to be fixed. Council recommended seeking input at next Congregational meeting as to what other projects they would like to see done in the Grove.
2025 Directory In progress – more to come soon.
Audits - Building Fund and BCE are still outstanding and need to be completed.
NEW BUSINESS
Quarterly Congregational Meeting Light agenda – mainly just updates on the Grove Improvements, 125th Anniversary and Cemetery.
CALENDAR REVIEW
1. 1st Quarterly Congregational Meeting – Sunday, April 27
2. Next Council Meeting – Thursday, May 15, 2025
3. Sunday, May 18, 2025 – Potluck Breakfast at 9:15 AM
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned.
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.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JUNE
June 1 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
- Acts 1:12-26
- Psalm 133
- Revelation 22:1-6, 12-20
- John 17:20-26
June 8 – Day of Pentecost
- Genesis 11:1-9
- Psalm 143
- Acts 2:1-21
- John 14:23-31
June 15 – The Holy Trinity
- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
- Psalm 8
- Acts 2:14a, 22-36
- John 8:48-59
June 22 – Second Sunday after Pentecost
- Isaiah 65:1-9
- Psalm 3
- Galatians 3:23—4:7
- Luke 8:26-39
June 29 – Third Sunday after Pentecost
- I Kings 19:9b-21
- Psalm 16
- Galatians 5:1, 13-25
- Luke 9:51-62
June Birthdays
01-Allen Reinhard, Madison Saulter
02-Weston Woerndel, Brady McDougal
04-Mike Schulze, Emma Luensmann
05-Harold Sinclair
07-Troy Meckel
08-Otto Luensmann, Brian Cullins, Jackie Meek
09-Gerry Rackley
11-Lesley Barela
14-Nathan Friesenhahn
15-Jan Luensmann
16-Tyler Canham, Bennett Reiley
18-Pastor Jennifer Gold
19-Trent Corkran, Diana Weber, Gladys Kutach
20-Laurie Garrison, Jimmy Scheibe, Ali Thayne
27-Don Denson
28-Kayla Zegels, Candyce Gembler
29-Lorene Bielke, Adam Lampman
30-Harry Lee Schneider
June Wedding Anniversaries
04-Otto & Loraine Luensmann
05-Chester & Colleen Jenke
10-Justin & Jessica Kurz
11-Mike & Lisa Friesenhahn
12-Bryan & Cynthia Davis
13-Bill & Phyllis Luensmann
14-Anthony & Patricia Sheffield
14-Reagan & Jeanne Rawe
16-Steve & Carrie Origas
22-Marshall & Barbara Strey
25-Justin & Andrea Missildine
26-Rev. Gerry & Karen Metzger
28-Ronald & Sharon Ullrich
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.
June 1, 2025 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
ALTAR FLOWERS – Pam Griffin
BULLETINS – none needed
June 8, 2025
USHERS/GREETER – Russell & Becky Reinhard & Roy Engelhardt
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTE – Ryleigh Hulett
ALTAR FLOWERS – The Nickel Family
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Bill & Phyllis Luensmann
BULLETINS – Gerald & Betty Kriewald
June 15, 2025 – Father’s Day
USHERS/GREETERS – Glen & Beverly Muenchow & Vicki Lassere
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTE – Cade Kurz
ALTAR FLOWERS – Reagan & Jeanne Rawe
BULLETINS – Ellie Potts
June 22, 2025
USHERS/GREETERS – Russell & Lana Luddeke & Shari Moore
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTE – Ella Maierhofer
ALTAR FLOWERS – Ellie Potts
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Marshall & Barbara Strey
BULLETINS – open
June 29, 2025 – VBS Closing
USHERS/GREETERS – Youth
LITURGISTS – Youth
BULLETINS – open
LCMC Texas District Annual Gathering & Youth Gathering – July 25-26, Victoria, TX
Pastor Jennifer and Chris and other people from Redeemer will be attending this annual LCMC Gathering! There is also a special Youth Gathering for all Middle School and High School students who are invited to stay for a fun LOCK-IN overnight Friday also! See event details below:
The Highlights:
- This Gathering is for EVERYONE! All are welcome!
- Great Food, Fellowship, Worship, Teaching… and a FREE T-Shirt!
- Friday Optional add-ons:
- Pre-Gathering Seminar which includes lunch
- Catfish Dinner to benefit the South Africa Mission team w/ Blessman International
- Main Gathering begins at 4:30 pm on Friday and concludes at 4:00 pm on Saturday
- Youth Gathering with overnight LOCK-IN (grades 6-12) happening simultaneously
- Keynote Presentations by Trevor Sutton, Steve Turnbull, and Christian Huntley
- 3 Breakout Sessions with 18 different breakouts to choose from
Hosted by First English Lutheran Church, 516 N Main St, Victoria, TX 77901
Our theme this year is All in the Same Boat. God has given us a mission and a purpose to be and make disciples. Inspired by Mark 4:35-41, as we go through storms of life and ministry, it may seem that Jesus is asleep or uncaring. But as the disciples discover, we also know that Jesus is in the boat with us, too. Therefore, we do not need to be afraid. We're All in the Same Boat!
Register early and SAVE! We can’t wait to see you in Victoria!
If you are interested in going to this, please contact Pastor Jennifer to register.
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, June 15
► Father’s Day ◄
Donuts for Dad (Before Worship)
Monday-Thursday, June 23-26
Vacation Bible School
Sunday, June 29
10:30 A.M. – Vacation Bible School Closing
• NO Sunday School during the Summer •
Register for Redeemer’s Vacation Bible School NOW!
June 23-26, & 29 is VBS at Redeemer!
6:00 P.M. - Meal
6:30-8:15 P.M. - Activities
Volunteers Needed!
Contact the Church office or any member of BCE to volunteer.
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Happy Father's Day!