MAY 2025 - News & Views
A Message From Pastor Jen
Children are our Greatest Treasure!
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
– Proverbs 22:6
This month of May is all about our kids! I have been thinking a lot about kids lately (and I don’t just mean the goat kind 😊)! As parents of a soon to be graduate (May 17th!) and soon to be empty nesters, Chris and I are preparing ourselves for life without kids in our home after 21 years of having them. While we look forward to this new season in our life as a couple, I’m also very mindful of how much our children have been our greatest treasure on earth.
Someone once said, “While we teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is really all about.” Children remind us that life is all about relationships. Children remind us to have a simple faith that believes all things. Children teach us how to see the world with wonder and curiosity. Children teach us how to play instead of being so serious. For all these reasons and more, no wonder Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Children are earth’s greatest treasure and apparently heaven’s too!
I’m going to miss having kids in the house all the time. But at the same time, it’s been a privilege from the Lord to raise His kids (because they belong to Him in the first place)! It is time for us to let go and trust that we have started off our children in the way they should go in the Lord and hope that when they are old, they will not turn away from their Heavenly Father who loves them more than we do. For those of you who have kids younger than ours or for those who now have grandkids, take the time to learn from your kids and train them too in the ways of the Lord. Then in the future, you will be able to let go trusting that the Lord has them and they have the Lord!
This month at church, we have lots of opportunities as a church family to bless our children!
Read more about some of these events in this month’s newsletter…
May 11 – Mother’s Day where we will honor the Mom’s of kids with flowers and cookies and a photo booth!
May 11 – Graduate Recognition Sunday – we will recognize all of our Graduates in worship & with a cookie reception to follow!
May 18 – Sunday School End of the Year Party and Recognition in Worship
May 18 – Compassion Sunday – Opportunity to sponsor a child in need in another country and hear testimonies that day from those who do!
IN OUR PRAYERS
Betty Engelhardt, Randy Wells, Yoshiko Miyasaka, Judi Bullington, Eddie Moore, John Brogdon
Happy Mother’s Day to all Mom’s –
Encouragement for mothers from God’s word –
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:26
We want to honor all Mothers with a photo booth, so come early to get a family photo before church! Also, Flowers and cookies following worship!
Happy Wedding Anniversary
No mile markers for the month of May.
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
Save the Date - May 14, 2025
Our domino/Sr. Luncheon is May 14, 2025.
Games begin at 10:00 AM and lunch will be served at 12 noon. Women’s Fellowship is serving grilled chicken thigh bacon wraps, potato salad, hot shot green beans with sides. See you on the 14th.
Con “Grad” ulations to Redeemer’s Graduates!
Zane Gold – Marion HS
McKean Saulter – LaVernia HS
Cooper Nichols – LaVernia HS
Trace Weber – Seguin HS
Emilie Weber – Texas A&M University
Nathan Friesenhahn – Texas A&M University
We want to honor our graduates on Sunday, May 11 in worship!
A cookie reception to follow outside underneath the Pecan tree after our panoramic photo!
Redeemer’s 125thAnniversary Panoramic Photo – May 11
On Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day), Redeemer will have a Panoramic Picture taken outside in front of the church of all our members together! Photos will be available to order that day. We will be standing on risers. Please let other Redeemer members know to come that day, and bring your best smile! Be a part of Redeemer’s history and future in this momentous memory-making day!
Sunday School End of Year Party and Recognition in Worship – May 18
On May 18, Redeemer’s Board of Christian Education (BCE) will be hosting an “End of the Year” party for Sunday School children and youth during the Sunday School hour 9:15-10:15AM. During worship, those who have participated in Sunday School, including Confirmation 1 students and Adults, will be recognized.
Compassion Sunday – May 18
Compassion Sunday is a day when people speak up in their churches on behalf of children living in poverty. As Compassion Child Sponsors ourselves, Pastor Jennifer and Kayla Sweet will host this year’s Compassion event at Redeemer. In worship, you will hear testimonies from us and see pictures of our own Compassion Sponsor children. Pastor Jennifer has a relationship with this international ministry from her 9 years as a full-time missionary, so you can trust that the money you give to your own child will go where it is promised to go. You can also talk with other Redeemer folks who sponsored a child two years ago when we hosted our first Compassion Sunday event. Finally, there is no pressure, only an opportunity to sponsor your own child – you may choose your own child based on the pictures and packets we will have available that day or go online and look for one that has your same birthday or just tugs on your heart strings!
We have a call from scripture over and over to care for the widows and the orphans, the poor and the needy. When you sponsor a Compassion Child, you do just that! Even if you can’t sponsor a child right now, you will be moved by the stories you hear about how God changes lives all around the world – one child and one family at a time!
If you cannot make it on May 18, you will be able to go online using Redeemer’s personalized QR Code to sponsor a child!
Redeemer’s 125th Anniversary Upcoming Events (Mark your calendar!)–
Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day) - Panoramic Photo following the service.
Spread the word to all members! Panoramic photos will be available to purchase that day.
Sunday, May 18 – Day Congregation Voted on Name of the Church – acknowledged in worship
On May 20, 1900, the congregation voted unanimously on the name of the church. Come find out during worship more about why and how they chose Redeemer’s church name!
Sunday, June 1 – Worship in the Grove & Remembrance of the Memorial Grove (*Please note, the date has been changed from previous announcements*)
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
Worship in the Grove – June 1!
As part of Redeemer’s 125th Anniversary events, we will worship outside in the Grove on Sunday, June 1 to remember the giving and blessing of the Memorial Grove. Please note, this date has been changed from previous announcements. Our Memorial Grove Worship will feature guest musicians, Waymon and Brenda Williams, playing Blue Grass Gospel! The style of worship will be more casual than our normal worship having room for lots of singing, testimonies from families who gave toward the Memorial years ago, and of course Holy Communion! Join us for the first ever Sunday morning Summer Worship in the Grove at 10:30AM!
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - March 27, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting to order at 6:36 pm. In attendance were Pastor Jennifer Gold, Mike Schulze, Jessica Kurz, Steve Gangawer, Diane Hunter, Lora Pape, Derek Pawlik, Cody Canham, and Tammy Haecker. Not present were Ann Lindley and Audrey Badders.
OPENING PRAYER
Cody Canham gave the opening prayer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 2025 & FEBRUARY 2025 COUNCIL MEETINGS Minutes from January 16, 2025, and February 20, 2025, meetings were approved as written.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Pastor Jennifer presented her Pastor’s Report
Of note:
1. Planning is well underway for Holy Week. Pastor Jen asked for Council members to help with services and assignments were made.
2. Music Minister Update
a. Yuko Taylor will serve as our pianist/organist permanently. She will be out of the country May 24 – July 26. A formal job description will be developed over the summer and salary will be discussed in the fall.
3. Keyboard Purchase
a. Pastor Jen asked for Council’s approval to purchase a keyboard that could be used for worship services and other activities held outside of the sanctuary (i.e. in the Grove or Social Hall). She did some research and got an estimate of $2,259.
b. It was authorized up to $2,500 for the purchase of a keyboard.
4. May 25 Worship in the Grove
After Council discussion, it was decided to move the date from May 25 to June 1 since May 25 is over the Memorial Day weekend and many folks will be out of town.
5. Library Remodel
Council discussed a remodel of the space including new furniture and décor. Evening Circle has pledged $1,000 to the project. Diane will check to see if there are any Memorial Funds that could be used also.
6. As part of the 125th Anniversary celebration, a panoramic picture of the congregation will be taken after worship on May 11 from 11:45–12:45.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Memorial Fund Report (as of 2/28/2025)
Balance of $89,351.12
Building Fund Report (as of 2/28/2025)
Balance of $46,494.63
Treasurer’s Report (as of 2/28/2025)
Checking Account - $64,746
Money Market Account - $74,990
Balance of $139,736
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE)
They are busy getting ready for Easter activities. Upcoming notable dates:
4/1 – BCE Meeting
4/6 – Youth will be planting flowers
4/13 – Palm Sunday & Easter Egg Hunt
4/20 – Easter, Flowering of the Cross. No Sunday School.
5/11 – BCE will be providing breakfast 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
Property & Maintenance Report
Of note: - Recent workday was a success – a lot of great work was done. - Two light bulbs need to changed: one hanging light in the sanctuary and one in the back social hall.
EXISTING BUSINESS
125th Anniversary Discussed under Pastor Jen’s report above. Grove Renovation This is an on-going project, but a lot of work has already been done. The 1st workday was 3/23/25 – thanks to everyone who came out to help! Another workday will be scheduled soon to replace the electrical wiring in the Grove. Diane will be looking to the cost of replacing the picnic tables and see if Memorial Funds are available for the purchase. 2025 Directory In progress – more to come soon. Audits Building Fund and BCE are still outstanding and need to be completed.
NEW BUSINESS
Joint Special Discussion with Cemetery Committee – February 23 A joint special discussion with the Cemetery Committee was held to discuss a transfer request of nonmember cemetery plots. See attached sign-in sheet for those in attendance. Request for Non-Member Plot Sales – March 5 A request was made through the Rackley Family to consider the sale of two non-member plots for Brenda and Waymon Williams in the new cemetery expansion. This request was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Cemetery Committee. Council voted on this request via text message on March 5th, with 9 members responding affirmatively. There were no votes against. Approval granted as requested.
GVEC Board of Directors Endorsement – March 19 A request was made for Redeemer to endorse Kim Strey Schlichting to represent our area on GVEC Board of Directors. Council voted on this request via text message on March 19th, with 7 members responding affirmatively. There were no votes against. Approval granted as requested.
April – All Council’s Help There is not a Council person of the month for April so Pastor Jen asked for volunteers to take a Sunday. 4/6 – Cody Canham 4/13 – Tammy Haecker 4/20 – Easter, all Council members 4/27 – Lora Pape
CALENDAR REVIEW
1. Holy Week: 4/17 – 4/20
2. 1st Quarterly Reports for Congregational Meeting due Tuesday, April 22, 2025
3. 1st Quarterly Congregational Meeting – Sunday, April 27
4. Next Council Meeting – Thursday, April 17, 2025 - *Change/Maundy Thursday* to
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 pm.
THANK YOU
The family of Cleven Engelhardt would like to thank the congregation for all of the many acts of kindness, love and prayers we have received over the past few months. It has meant so much to our family to have seen the church support us in so many ways. We are so thankful that God had placed you in our lives.
Thank you so much!
Sharon Abendschein and Brenda Moos
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR MAY
May 4 – Third Sunday of Easter
- Acts 9:1-22
- Psalm 30
- Revelation 5:8-14
- John 21:1-14
May 11 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
- Acts 20:17-35
- Psalm 23
- Revelation 7:9-17
- John 10:22-30
May 18 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
- Acts 11:1-18
- Psalm 150
- Revelation 21:1-7
- John 16:12-22
May 25 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
- Acts 16:9-15
- Psalm 67
- Revelation 21:9-14; 21-27
- John 18:1—19:42
May 29 – Ascension of the Lord
- Act 1:1-11
- Psalm 47
- Ephesians 1:15-23
- Luke 24:44-53
May Birthdays
03-Camdyn Missildine, Sterlee Reiley
04-Kimberly Luensmann, Krysta Canham
07-Sabrina Reiley, Colleen Jenke, Tyler Schneider
08-DonAnne Williford
13-Aden Rackley
17-Wade Maierhofer
21-Aron Thayne
22-Donald Dilworth, Doriann Damerau
23-Leona Penshorn
24-Cody Robertson
25-Emily Haecker
27-Rev. Lee Zillmann, Justin Missildine
28-Bill Luensmann
29-Kevin Saulter, Brad McDougal
30-Elizabeth Fritz, Finn Rackley, Bryan Davis
May Wedding Anniversaries
03-Donnie & Laurie Garrison
CONGRATULATIONS to Bill Luensmann who is celebrating his 94th birthday on May 28.
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.
May 4, 2025 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
LITURGIST – Jeanne Rawe
ACOLYTES – Reese Thayne & Ryleigh Hulett
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Karen & Jerry Wieters
May 11, 2025 – Youth Sunday – Mother’s Day
USHERS/GREETER – Youth
LITURGISTS – Youth
ACOLYTES – Parker Missildine & Matthew Sweet
ALTAR FLOWERS – Gold family
BULLETINS – Nickel family
May 18, 2025
USHERS/GREETERS – Wade, Kade & Kass Pape
LITURGIST – Michael Sweet
ACOLYTES – Cade Kurz & Ella Maierhofer
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Gloria Clark
May 25, 2025
USHERS/GREETERS – Darren, Kim & Cameron Luensmann
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Finn Rackley & Matthew Sweet
ALTAR FLOWERS – Laurie Leach
BULLETINS – Bill Luensmann family
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, May 4
9:15 A.M. – Traditional SS
Sunday, May 11
9:15 A.M. – Music
10:30 A.M. – Youth Sunday
Sunday, May 18
9:15 A.M. – Traditional SS
Potluck Breakfast
End of Year Party & Promotions
Sunday, May 25
NO Sunday School
Register for Redeemer’s Vacation Bible School NOW!
June 23-26, & 29 is VBS at Redeemer!
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2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH WE ENCOURAGE CONFIRMATION I & SR. HIGH YOUTH
TO HELP LEAD WORSHIP!
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Promotion Sunday will be Sunday, May 18th during the 10:30 A.M. Worship
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Happy Mother's Day!