January 2023 - News & Views
A Message From Pastor Jen
“Behold, I am doing a new thing.” (Isaiah 43;19)
“And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’” (Rev. 21:5)
God is always in the process of making all things new! A new year, a new day, a new season, a new thing, a new you… “See, [God] is making all things new!” God is in the business of even making the old new and bringing about new traditions, new ideas, new opportunities, and more! If we don’t allow God to re(new) us always, we die. To be made new is a good thing! And it’s something the Lord is doing around us and in us every day. Ringing in a New Year reminds us that God is also ringing in a New Season always!
Something I do every New Year’s Day is to ask the Lord for a Word for the year – One Word – that’s it! I can go back over the past 8 years since I started it and tell you every word the Lord has given me – Conquer, Steadfast, Surrendered, Hopeful, Trust, Renew, Spark, and Unleash. I’m looking forward to what Word the Lord will give me for 2023 because all throughout the year, I turn back in my journal to the words the Lord has given me and can see how He’s making me new in that area of my life. It’s always so powerful! I write these things in the same journal every year so I can turn back to it. I encourage you to do the same! On New Year’s Day, spend some quiet time with the Lord and journal while you ask HIM these questions and write down what you hear:
1. What is God saying to you about this past year?
2. What area of your life does God want to take hold of and use for His glory?
3. How does God want to position you for the coming year? (ask the Lord what Word He wants to give to you this year to encourage you and challenge you to be made new this year).
After reflecting and then receiving my Word from the Lord, I find a bible verse to go alongside it. It’s easy to do with a bible app (do a word search) or you can even use Google.
I would love to hear what Word the Lord has given you for the year 2023! Doing this each year will encourage you that God is always in the process of “making all things new” in YOU, in our CHURCH, in the WORLD! Have a Blessed New Year!!!
Thank you
From God’s heart and mine…
My family and I are so grateful for the Christmas gifts you have given to us so generously! Every gift is a tangible reminder of God’s love to us, and how blessed we are to be here at Redeemer! Thank you for your gifts of love, encouragement, and blessings!
We love you and are thankful for each and every one of you!
Pastor Jennifer, Chris, Zachary and Zane
IN OUR PRAYERS
Debbie Babcock, Gayle Albright, Ruslan Jagge, Mel & Elsie Barnett, Randy Wells, Jean Manning, Vivian Wilson, Lillian Brietzke, Terri Aaron, Marlene Friesenhahn, Whilma Achterberg, Larry Ristow, Cleven & Betty Engelhardt, Gerry Metzger, Jackie Golson-Meek
IN SYMPATHY
family of Aaron Golson
Happy Wedding Anniversary
No mile markers the month of January
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
We will take off the two winter months of January and February. We wish everyone a wonderful healthy New Year!!
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Thank you for your willingness to serve as leaders of our church. Our 2023 Council and other Officers of ALL church organizations will be installed in worship on Sunday, January 29th at 10:30 A.M.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 29th after the 10:30 A.M. Worship.
- Please send reports to the Church Office by Tuesday, January 24th.
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed
November 17, 2022
Caleb called the meeting to order at 6:39 pm. Pastor Jennifer gave the opening prayer.
GUEST COMMENTS
Don Denson addressed the council regarding the effort to build a chapel at TruLight127 Ministries. The first phase (12x26 building, 6x8 entry, skirting, wiring, cross and bell tower) has been completed, but considerable funds were exhausted in doing so. The second phase will include insulation, interior and exterior painting, sheetrock, light fixtures and flooring). The current estimate for completion of the second phase is approximately $30-35,000. Approximately $4,650 was collected from the congregation during the first half of November. Don asked the Council to consider appropriating additional funds toward the project. Council will consider the issue and present its recommendation to the congregation at the annual congregational meeting in January.
PASTOR'S REPORT
Pastor Jennifer gave her Pastor's Report, discussing plans for Totenfest and the Thanksgiving Worship Service. She also announced that, thus far, Redeemer has six youth planning to attend Camp Eagle this summer. She also discussed plans to create a Widow's Support Group in the coming months.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 2022 COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
Minutes from the October 2022 council proceedings (conducted virtually) were approved upon motion by Lora and second by Krista.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The council reviewed and approved the financial reports:
Memorial Fund Report
Balance of $98,690.10
Building Fund Report
Balance of $42,731.22
Treasurer’s Report
General Operating Account
Checking Account - $61,117.64
Money Market Account - $63,838.98
Total Balance of $124,659.62
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE)
Krista stated the BCE would help reimburse the cost of pizzas for the Anti-Bullying video presented to the youth in November. She also covered the various youth events being held in November and December, including the angel tree set-up, pageant practice, and the Trulight Christmas Bash.
Property & Maintenance Report
Doug provided the Building Report. He stated that the tree trimming around the Church grounds had been completed. The water leak continues to be an issue and will require digging up some of the parking lot to fix. The meter on the front of the building needs to be replaced, and they will need to further investigate where exactly the water line is.
EXISTING AND NEW BUSINESS
The council discussed the pending restroom renovations, potential application of Harvest Festival proceeds, donations from the Women's Fellowship for youth camp scholarships (along with additional possible donations for furniture in the Sunday School classrooms). The council very much appreciates the willingness of the Women's Fellowship to continue generously supporting the church's youth.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 pm.
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FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
9:15-10:15 A.M.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1
NO BREAKFAST
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
HOST: SIGN-UP
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29
HOST: POTLUCK
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SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JANUARY
Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
- Revelation 21:1-6a
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Jan 8 – Baptism of the Lord
- Isaiah 42:1-9
- Acts 10:34-43
- Matthew 3:13-17
Jan 15 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
- Isaiah 49:1-7
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-
- John 1:29-42
Jan 22 – Third Sunday after Epiphany
- Isaiah 9:1-4
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
- Matthew 4:12-23
Jan 29 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
- Micah 6:1-8
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
- Matthew 5:1-12
January Birthdays
01-Sondra Harborth
03-Jeannie Koenning
04-Michael Wiederstein
06-Jim Rackley, Ava Harborth, Buster Strzelczyk
07-Zachary Gold
08-Elmon Wiedner, Wade Pape, Douglas Muenchow
10-Faye Reinhard
11-Duane Kutach, Steve Origas, Marion Denson
13-Loretta Corkran, Koert Zegels
14-Jean Manning, Tim Schneider
15-Wyatt Kunde, Jr.
17-Audrey McDougal
18-Joyce Frederick, Betty Surman
19-Terri Rosebrock
21-Sharon Zillmann
22-Vivian Wilson
24-Karl Harborth
27-Avery Corkran, Patti Dilworth, Michael Woerndel, Jamie Wells, Donna Torbet
28-Vicki Lassere
29-Tammy Haecker, Michael Nickel, Eli Guenther
30-Melvin Krueger, Shari Moore
31-Willfloyd Strey
January Wedding Anniversaries
03-Koert & Kayla Zegels
07-Kevin & Krista Saulter
11-Chris & Pastor Jennifer Gold
30-Darren & Kim 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.
January 1, 2023 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETER – Church Council
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Gold family
BULLETINS – Schulze family
January 8, 2023 – Youth Sunday
USHERS/GREETER – Youth
LITURGISTS – Youth
ACOLYTES – Jackson Kurz & Colby Schulze
ALTAR FLOWERS – Glen & Beverly Muenchow
BULLETINS – Glen & Beverly Muenchow
January 15, 2022
USHERS/GREETER – David & Ann Lindley & Virginia Mott
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Weston Woerndel & Tucker Wells
ALTAR FLOWERS – family of Hank Luensmann
BULLETINS – Marion & Don Denson
January 22, 2023
USHERS/GREETERS– Jim & Gerry Rackley & Carol Lilie
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Dallas Sheffield & Grayson Maierhofer
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Duane Kutach birthday
January 29, 2023
USHERS/GREETERS – Tanya & Aden Rackley & Richard Chaplin
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Reide Reininger & Kass Pape
ALTER FLOWERS – Willfloyd Strey family
BULLETINS - Willfloyd Strey birthday
Confirmation II Classes (4-6pm)
Jan. 8 – Apostle’s Creed:
Creed & Creation
Jan. 29 – Apostle’s Creed: Providence & Stewardship (Note date has been moved due to Stock show week)
Feb. 5 – Confirmation II only – Train Mentors & Confirmands with Parents after worship
Good Luck to ALL of our Youth participating in the Guadalupe County Stock Show
and other Stock Shows this month!!!
Your Redeemer Church Family
is cheering for you!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!