August 2023 - News & Views
A Message From Pastor Jen
Let’s GO!
The church does not have a mission. The mission IS the purpose of the church! The church building is meant to be a Mission Outpost – the place where people GATHER in worship and then are SENT out beyond the walls into our neighborhoods and to the ends of the earth to be in mission for Christ! That is the purpose of church. So let’s GO!
As a church, Redeemer is doing just that! We gather weekly to worship God, grow in Christ, and be inspired by the Holy Spirit who then sends us out into the world to GO and share the message of God’s love and salvation in Jesus to a world who so desperately needs to hear it! We don’t keep our worship experience to ourselves, we are called to spread the Word! And that’s what we are doing!
In September, I encourage you to join our outreach groups that will be literally taking God’s Word to our neighbors in the form of gift bags with a bible, a bookmark, and some information on the church, and more! Join us as we meet our neighbors, pray with them, and leave a very valuable gift.
Also in September, Pastor Jennifer will be going on a mission trip to Colombia where she will preach, minister to boys who have lived on the streets and been rescued by God through the missionaries we’re serving with and do construction on the
second story of a dorm so they can rescue 30 more boys adding to the over 30 that already live in this safe house! I will be on this mission trip from September 5-15 and will return with lots of stories to share as I witness what God is doing
through this ministry and missionaries in Colombia.
You may wonder…how does Pastor Jennifer going on a mission trip benefit us here at Redeemer? It already has! Did you know that God gave me the idea to distribute Bibles to our neighbors when I read the newsletter put out by the Colombian missionaries (as I was praying about whether to go or not). They shared the story and showed pictures of distributing hundreds of bibles in their area of Colombia. And the Lord spoke to me, “You’ve distributed Bibles all over the world, but never to your neighbors here in the states.” So that’s what we’re going to do together! And this is just the beginning of how this mission trip to Colombia has and will impact you here at Redeemer. The Lord has shown me through this upcoming trip that He has called me to this church for many reasons but also because we are surrounded by a mission field! There are so many around us who need to hear the life-saving message of Jesus’ love right here in our community! Am I nervous about distributing Bibles to our neighbors? Absolutely! As you may be also. But you know what? If I can do it in other countries, I can do it here! And it will be much easier when we as a church can do it together!
We’re living the purpose of the church – a church in mission – several ways this month! I hope you will be part of it – praying for my mission (prayer itineraries will be available before I leave) and joining in the bible distribution missions to our neighbors!
This is the Great Co-Mission that Jesus gave us…“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~Matthew 28:19-20
Let’s GO Redeemer!!!
Guest Preacher/Teacher in Worship Dr. Kayla Sweet – September 10
Dr. Kayla Sweet is a teacher at Chapa Middle School 2019-present where she has taught English Language Arts, Science, and Special Education. She also has three years’ experience teaching high school Agricultural Science. Additionally, Kayla has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Child Development and Adolescent Development at Texas A&M University, while completing her doctorate in Educational Psychology.
Kayla is married to Michael Sweet and is a mother of two boys, Kyle (12) and Matthew (9). She is also Pastor Jennifer’s sister. Kayla has a passion for learning and sharing information on various educational topics such as dyslexia, restorative discipline, and family engagement.
Kayla is excited to share key points and ideas on making connections and communicating with children of all ages, from an educational and faith-based perspective on Sunday, September 10th. We are blessed to have Dr. Kayla Sweet as our guest preacher/teacher in worship.
Bible Outreaches – Join Us for 1 or more!
Redeemer will distribute Bible gift bags to our neighbors! Will you help? Pastor Jennifer will start with a short devotional, prayer and training each time and then we’ll head out in groups by car to knock on doors, meet our neighbors, pray with them if they would like, and leave them with a gift bag! Here are the scheduled times to do those:
►Saturday, September 23 – 8:30AM – 12 NOON
►Sunday, September 24 – 6PM – 8PM
►Saturday, September 30 – 8:30AM – 12 NOON
*More dates to be determined in October if need be.
IN OUR PRAYERS
Frank Bird, Dennis Wendel, Adeline Biesenbach, Buster Strzelczyk, Judi Bullington, Donna Sagebiel, Becky Brookes
IN SYMPATHY
Family of Milroy Schneider
Family of Johnny Savage
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Don & Marion Denson – 63 years
Jerry & Sherilyn Beckmann – 55 years
Reno & Vangie Bielke - 50 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, September 13, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. Lunch is served at noon; come and join us!
Adult Bible Study Class Begins Sunday, September 17
Starting September 17, at 9:15am on Sunday mornings, Pastor Jennifer will be leading an adult bible study class! Join us as we study God’s Word together and grow in our relationship with the author of the Book – the Bible!
Join us in the Multi-Purpose Room. Bring Your Own Bible plus highlighters, pens and pencils, and a journal if you like!
On Sunday, September 10, feel free to join other families and youth for the pancake breakfast in the Social Hall to launch our Sunday School opening! Then on September 17, our class will be putting together the Bible Gift Bags for the outreaches and talking about what we want to study this year – continue through the Gospel of John where we left off in the Spring?
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” Luke 11:28
FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
9:15-10:15 A.M.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
POTLUCK
NEW BERLIN SAUSAGE FESTIVAL
@ New Berlin Community Center
Sunday, September 3rd – 11:00 A.M. to 11:30 P.M.
Sausage Plates $15.00
Serving from 11:00 A.M. to ??
►For Raffle Tickets◄
6 for $5.00 – 23 Prizes
►Contact Glen & Beverly Muenchow◄
210-269-4985
BEXAR ANNUAL SAUSAGE SUPPER
15681 Bexar Bowling Road, Marion TX 78124
830-420-2512
Sunday, September 17th
Homemade Sausage Supper
Serving 4pm to 8pm
Raffle tickets $2 per ticket or 6 for $10
Children's games-2 tickets $1
Silent Auction 4-6pm
Auction 6-?pm
NEW PEW BIBLES
There are still a few Bibles available. Please fill out a form in the Church Social Hall if you would like to purchase one In Memory of or In Honor of someone. When you purchase the pew Bible you are also donating towards a Bible to give away to people in our community.
The deadline to order Bibles will be Sunday, September 3rd. Payment must accompany your order. Place the order form with payment in the church office or give to Marsha. If you have any questions, please call the office at 830-914-2168 or e-mail: rucczuehl@yahoo.com
On Sunday, September 17th during the 10:30 A.M. Worship we will have a Blessing of the Bibles.
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
July 11, 2023
WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER
Caleb Rackley called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.
OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jennifer provided an opening prayer. She also led the Council in a devotional on the importance of making time for prayer.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Pastor Jen gave her Pastor's Report. Of note, there has been a desire to replace the current pew bibles because the translation is older and more difficult to understand. A motion was made by Jessica Kurz, seconded by Caleb Rackley, to buy 80 new pew bibles and 5 large print bibles using General Funds. Motion carried.
There is an LCMC Texas Mission District Gathering in New Braunfels July 28-29, 2023. Attending from the congregation will be Pastor Jen, Janice Gangawer, Caleb Rackley and Mike Schulze. Redeemer will be recognized as a new congregation and Pastor Jen recognized as a new LCMC pastor. It is customary to send an offering on behalf of a new congregation. A motion was made by Mike Schulze, seconded by Russell Bielke, to present an offering of $150 at the District Gathering. Motion carried.
A request to update the Church Directory has prompted Pastor Jen to reach out to other churches of similar size to see how they have done their directories.
Redeemer’s 125th Anniversary will be in 2025. Pastor Jen asked the Council for recommendations for church members who can serve on the Anniversary Committee.
Pastor Jen will be accompanying youth to Camp Eagle July 17-22, 2023. She will be in Colombia for a mission trip September 5-15, 2023.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Council reviewed the Memorial Fund, Building Fund, and Treasurer’s Reports. Jessica Kurz made a motion to approve reports, seconded by Lora Pape. Motion carried.
Memorial Fund Report
Balance of $78,667.18
Building Fund Report
Balance of $65,585.35
Treasurer's Report
Checking Account: $54,673
Money Market Account: $64,082
Total Balance: $118,755
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
BCE Report
VBS was a great success! Thanks to all church members who helped make it a success. Next year’s theme will be “Change Makers.” A teacher is needed for the Kindergarten Sunday School class. Krista inquired about BCE using the Church copier for preparing curriculum. Council agreed to let BCE use the copier and track usage to possibly reimburse General Fund (if charges are significant). BCE would like for the Council to consider purchasing a copyright licensing protection for showing meetings. Council agreed to table this for one month and circle back to this issue after looking into it further.
Building & Maintenance
Council authorized repairs to the water line in the parking lot up to $1,400 and repairs to the parsonage electricity up to $700. There will continue to be a sheet in the hallway for members to record maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
EXISTING BUSINESS
Update on Cemetery Expansion Behind Grove
A formal proposal to expand the cemetery behind the grove will be brought to the July 2023 congregational meeting. There was discussion about whether or not the proposal included crematorium plots.
Plan for Quarterly Congregational Meeting on July 23rd
Normal reports/financial statements will be presented. Main item on the agenda will be the Cemetery Expansion proposal. Jessica Kurz, Council secretary, will not be in attendance at the congregational meeting as she will be out of town for vacation.
NEW BUSINESS
New Copier Contract
Pastor Jen informed Council that the new contract will include 5,000 copies and will cost $356/month (an increase of $44/month over current contract). However, the current contract doesn’t include any copies.
Furniture Bid for Youth Room
Pastor Jen requested to purchase a TV stand/shelf with doors, a stand for supplies and two end tables to complete the Youth Room Modifications. Lora Pape did the research and made selection recommendations (approved by Pastor Jen, subject to Council approval). A motion was made by Caleb Rackley, seconded by Krista Saulter, to approve the recommendation to spend up to $425 to purchase the furniture from Amazon. Motion carried.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 pm.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR September
Sept 3 – Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 3:1-15
- Romans 12:9-21
- Matthew 16:21-28
Sept 10 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- Psalm 127
- Matthew 18:1-7 & 19:13-15
Sept 17 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 14:19-31
- Romans 14:1-12
- Matthew 18:21-35
Sept 24 – Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 16:2-15
- Philippians 1:21-30
- Matthew 20:1-16
THANK YOU
Dear Redeemer United Church Pastor & Members,
Thank you everyone who has continued to pray for our mom (Joyce Schaefer) or sent her “thinking of you” cards, birthday cards, or come to visit her at Miramar Home Care these past 3 years since our dad & her husband (Alex) passed away. We appreciate your faithfulness of genuine love and care shown for her. We are also grateful for the Eucharist Ministry! It is truly a blessing to mom (and us)! Debbie Wiegand is doing a fantastic job!
Sincerely,
Tammy Sodrok & Christine Volkmann
September Birthdays
01-Bradley Klein, Jennifer Schulze
02-David Lindley
03-Kassen Dilworth, Whilma Achterberg, Cole Swanson, Jeanette Luensmann
04-William Lindley
05-Joyce Kucherka
06-Hailey Hulett
07-Maryjo Contreras
10-Betty Zunker
11-Russell Bielke
13-Karen Metzger
14-Donnie Garrison, Jody Nichols
15-Mark Kriewald
17-Brianna Fulghum
19-Andrea Missildine, Dorrene Henk
22-Jessica Sinclair
24-Cameron Luensmann
25-Ashley Long
26-Roy Engelhardt
27-Tabatha McHardy, Zach Luensmann, Steven Steinmetz
29-Roderick Reinhard
September Wedding Anniversaries
02-Don & Marion Denson
07-Jerry & Sherilyn Beckmann
19-Tyler & Kelsey Canham
24-Wade & Lora Pape
25-Reno & Vangie Bielke
26-Larry & Debbie Luensmann
29-Horace & Laura 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.
September 3, 2023 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Kass Pape & Parker Missildine
ALTAR FLOWERS – Janice Gangawer
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Marion & Don Denson
BULLETINS – Victor Contreras
September 10, 2023 – Grandparent’s Day
USHERS/GREETER – Jerry & Karen Wieters & Jennifer Swanson
LITURGIST – Troy Meckel
ACOLYTES – Reese & Ali Thayne
ALTAR FLOWERS – family of Lee & Lucy Wiederstein
BULLETINS – open
September 17, 2023
USHERS/GREETER – Kevin & McKean Saulter & Donna Luensmann
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Dallas Sheffield & Ryleigh Hulett
ALTAR FLOWERS – Carrie James
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Dorothy Luensmann
BULLETINS – Gerald & Betty Kriewald
September 24, 2023
USHERS/GREETERS – Brad, Audrey & Brady McDougal
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Kass Pape & Ella Maierhofer
ALTAR FLOWERS – Charlie Luensmann & Kids
BULLETINS – Charlie Luensmann & Kids
DATES TO REMEMBER
•• No Sunday School September 3 ••
Sunday, September 10
9:15 A.M.
Sunday School Kickoff Breakfast
Sunday, September 17 & 24
9:15 A.M.
Sunday School
Sunday School!
The First day of Sunday School
September 10, 2023
Begins at 9:15
We will have breakfast!
Classes are open for ages 3 to high school
Everyone is Welcome!
Confirmation II Classes
Begins
September 24, 2023
4-6:00 P.M.
Pet Blessing & Ice Cream Social
Sunday, October 1 from 4-6pm in
Redeemer’s Outside Worship Grove
Bring your pets, bring ice cream
to share (homemade is best!), and bring your family for a fun
(and chaotic!) evening with a
short worship with
Pet Blessing and Ice Cream Social!
********************************************************
Grandparents
You’re a treasure to our family
A gift of greatest price…
There’s no one quite
as special
And no one quite as nice.
*September 10 – Grandparent’s Day*