MAY 2026 - News & Views
Message From Pastor Jen
WHAT A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE?
A spiritual pilgrimage is a purposeful and physical journey to a sacred place, which is intended to bring about personal transformation, inner healing, and/or a deeper connection with God. It involves leaving daily life – it’s comforts, distractions, and demands – to focus solely on God and your own spiritual growth. Spiritual pilgrimages often involve walking, solitude, and silence. While each person’s journey is unique, pilgrimages can lead to profound transformation, greater wisdom, and a sense of being and “becoming.”
The most notable spiritual pilgrimages have been taking place since just after the time of Jesus, such as visiting Holy Land sites in Jerusalem or Rome to walk the footsteps of Christ and the saints. Another notable path is the Camino de Santiago to travel the ancient path in Spain to the Santiago de Compostela, the believed burial site of James, the first apostle of Jesus to be martyred. Others pilgrimages are made to sites of reported miracles and healings such as Lourdes (Portugal) or Fatima (France).
But spiritual pilgrimages can also happen in nature hiking, walking or visiting secluded peaceful areas to connect with God. Whatever the path is taken, the purpose is a sacred journey to a holy site to deepen faith, seek forgiveness or healing, or to find answers to life’s profound questions, and more! Does your soul cry out for a spiritual pilgrimage?
Here is one opportunity…
Spiritual Journey through Spain: Camino de Santiago June 6-13, 2027
Join a group from Redeemer to experience a spiritual pilgrimage of a lifetime – Walking the Camino de Santiago to travel the ancient missionary pathway of Apostle James (the Greater), the first apostle of Jesus to be martyred. One of the world’s most famous spiritual pilgrimages next to Jerusalem and Rome, this path ends at the Santiago de Compostela, a church built over Apostle James’ believed burial site.
Join myself and Chris along with Debra Denson-Whitehead as we lead you on this spiritual sojourn of a lifetime along the ancient path in Spain known as the Camino Frances. It is an 8-day journey to complete the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago. Space is limited to 16 people. The cost is approximately $1,849 per person with a $350 non-refundable deposit due by Sunday, June 7, 2026 (yes, a year in advance) to Gail Lampman of Cruise Planners who will handle our tour & purchase of travel insurance. This cost includes the pilgrimage only with hotels (7 nights), breakfast (7), official Camino Passport & eligibility for your Compostela Certificate upon completion, luggage transfer, and an experienced guide. All other expenses such as air/transfer travel, other meals, travel insurance, travel documents, etc. are not included. Participants must be able to walk 12-15 miles per day including some ascents and descents, carrying a day pack. Lunch and dinners are not provided but our opportunity to eat in local villages along the Camino. Please see Pastor Jennifer or Debra for more information! Space is limited so inquire now!
IN OUR PRAYERS
Gail Damerau, Melissa Reimers, LaVerne Luensmann, family of Anton "Buster" Strzelczyk
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 13, 2026
Our domino/Sr. Luncheon is May 13, 2026.
Games begin at 10:00 AM and lunch will be served at 12 noon. See you on the 13th.
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, MAY 17TH
Adult Bible Study on The Book of Revelation
Join us on Sunday mornings from 9AM – 10AM for in depth study of the book of Revelation!
Class led by Pastor Jennifer & Michele Taylor
THE CHOSEN: SEASON FOUR
Join us May 3 & May 17 in the Back Social Hall at 4PM to see the final episodes of Season 4!
May 10 – Happy Mother’s Day!
We will honor Mother’s with a flower on that Sunday! And there will be a special Mother’s Day photo booth for you to make memories together!
Embracing The Dementia Journey: Listening and Responding with Heart
May 31 — 9:15-10:15 AM
Dementia Awareness opens our hearts and minds to the realities faced by millions living with dementia, as well as those who care for and support them. It reminds us that dementia is a deeply complex condition, affecting not only individuals but their families and communities. Dementia-related “behaviors” are often gentle signals that something important is missing or needed. These actions are rarely intended to cause harm; instead, they are heartfelt, non-verbal ways of expressing discomfort, emotional distress, or responding to environmental changes.
The behaviors we observe in those living with dementia are not deliberate or intended to upset; rather, they are ways of communicating. By recognizing these behaviors as signals, we’re able to respond with empathy and kindness, making the dementia journey gentler for everyone involved.
Does your loved one express agitation, wandering, or repeated questions? Would you like to better understand how to respond? Join us in a conversation where no question is off limits. If you, or someone you love, are facing dementia, you are encouraged to join the conversation on May 31, 2025, from 9:15–10:15 AM in the Social Hall. This hour together offers a safe space to share, learn, and support one another.
Debbie Wiegand will guide our discussion, focusing on the ways unmet needs surface for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She’ll be joined by a special guest, Kayla Allen, who is a senior living specialist in Dementia and Aging Studies. Her caring expertise brings hope and understanding to families. Kayla will offer practical education for care partners and share real-life stories that inspire compassion. Through this thoughtful leadership and faith-based approach, you’ll see how the power of empathy and kindness supports those on dementia journeys.
Guatemala Team Fundraiser Lunch – May 17 after Worship
Thank you to Redeemer Fellowship who is graciously cooking up a delicious lunch to help Redeemer’s Guatemala team raise funds for our mission trip! Meatloaf and all the trimmings will grace your plate for a hearty lunch! The cost of the meal is by your generous donation!
Desserts will be available for donation as well. We welcome those who would like to help contribute to the dessert table! Thank you!
Also, the Guatemala team will also be sponsoring a Silent Auction that day! If you have something new to put into the auction, please let a team member know. Redeemer mission team participants are: Tammy Friesenhahn, Yuko Taylor, Mike Schulze, Michael and Kayla, Kyle and Matthew Sweet, Pastor Jennifer and Chris Gold, Troy Meckel, Debra Denson-Whitehead.
Muchisimas Gracias for supporting Redeemer’s mission to Nuevo Eden, Guatemala!
Congrats to Redeemer’s Grads!
From College – Aiden Rackley, Carson Manning
From High School – Kaitlyn Rackley, Kade Pape, Jackson Missildine, Leana Loyola, Jarron Leach
Redeemer’s Graduates will be recognized in Worship on Sunday, May 17.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - March 17, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mike Schulze called the meeting to order. In attendance were Pastor Jennifer Gold, Mike Schulze, Cody Canham, Tammy Haecker, Ann Lindley, Jackie Meek, Derek Pawlik, Susan Gray, Greg Williford and Ken Friesenhahn. Missing Steve Gangawer.
OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jennifer Gold said the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 2026 COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting were approved.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Discussed Holy Week responsibilities.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Memorial Fund Report(as of 2/28/2026)
Balance of $99,199.87
Building Fund Report(as of 2/28/2026)
Balance of $31,918.51
Treasurer’s Report(as of 2/28/2026)
Checking Account - $20,160.00
Money Market Account - $75,555.00
Certificate of Deposit - $50,000.00
Balance of $145,715.00
OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS
Board of Christian Education (BCE)
May 10th Mother’s Day – Provide carnations
May 17th Honor Graduates
May 24th Confirmation Sunday
Property & Maintenance Report
Work day March 28, 2026
EXISTING BUSINESS
School House– Committee with new members– Mike Schulze, Jackie Meek, Janice Gangawer, Chris Gold, Debbie Wiegand, Pastor Jennifer Gold, Harry Voigt, Russell Reinhard, Jerry Wieters and Beverly Muenchow. The owners have accepted the offer of $350,000.00, want to close in 15 days. The following inspections need to be done Electric, Foundation, Septic (Pump & Inspection), Water Flow, etc. and an Appraisal per Marion Bank.
NEW BUSINESS
Marion Project Graduation have asked to use 12 Tables and 72 Chairs to use March 21 and return the next day. Council had voted on this by text; with further discussion we need to rethink this for future requests.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR MAY
May 3 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
- Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60
- Psalm 146
- I Peter 2:2-10
- John 14:1-14
May 10 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
- Acts 17:16-31
- Psalm 66:8-20
- I Peter 3:13-22
- John 14:15-21
May 17 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
- Acts 1:12-26
- Psalm 68:1-10
- I Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11
- John 17:1-11
May 24 – Day of Pentecost
- Numbers 11:24-30
- Psalm 25:1-15
- Acts 2:1-21
- John 7:37-39
May 31 – Holy Trinity Sunday
- Genesis 1:1—2:4a
- Psalm 8
- Acts 2:14a, 22-36
- Matthew 28:16-20
May Birthdays
03-Camdyn Missildine, Sterlee Reiley, Kayla Sweet
04-Kimberly Luensmann, Krysta Canham
07-Sabrina Reiley, Colleen Jenke, Tyler Schneider
08-DonAnne Williford
13-Aden Rackley
17-Wade Maierhofer
18-Dalton Lampman
20-Ken Friesenhahn
21-Aron Thayne
22-Donald Dilworth, Doriann Damerau
23-Leona Penshorn
24-Cody Robertson
25-Emily Haecker
26-Tammy Friesenhahn
27-Rev. Lee Zillmann, Justin Missildine
28-Bill Luensmann - CONGRATULATIONS - 95 YEARS OLD
29-Kevin Saulter, Brad McDougal
30-Elizabeth Fritz, Finn Rackley, Bryan Davis
May Wedding Anniversaries
03-Donnie & Laurie Garrison
26-Joseph & Yuko Taylor
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 3, 2026 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETERS – Church Council
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Reese Thayne & Ryleigh Hulett
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Sinclair family
May 10, 2026 – Mother’s Day
USHERS/GREETER – Wade, Lora & Kade Pape
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Parker Missildine & Cade Kurz
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Ellie Potts
May 17, 2026 – Graduation Sunday
USHERS/GREETER – Russell & Lana Luddeke & Vicki Lassere
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Ella Maierhofer & Matthew Sweet
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Elsie Barnett
May 24, 2026 - Confirmation
USHERS/GREETERS – Church Council
LITURGISTS – Confirmands
ACOLYTES – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Confirmands
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Bill Luensmann Family
BULLETINS – open
May 31, 2026
USHERS/GREETERS – Darren, Kim & Emma Luensmann
LITURGIST – open
ACOLYTES – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – open
BULLETINS – Saulter Family
THANK YOU
Dear Church family,
I want to say “thank you” for your prayers, calls, and cards for my surgery. I want each of you to know that because of you I’m doing ok! I’m blessed to have each of you in my life!
Blessings,
Betty Surman
LCMC Annual Gathering & Youth Lock-In
July 24-25, St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels
Join other Redeemer folks as we attend the LCMC Annual Gathering in July! Under the theme, “Called,” we will hear from keynote speakers and get to choose from 18 different breakout sessions, as well as experience worship with the larger body of Christ. There is also a separate Youth Gathering and Lock-In taking place at the same time. See Kayla Sweet for more information about the Youth Gathering.
Also, as a SPECIAL TWIST – REDEEMER has been asked to lead the OPENING WORSHIP for the Gathering at 6:30PM on Friday, July 24! We need LOTS of volunteers to help usher, greet, serve communion, and set up/take down/transport items needed for worship, etc. Additionally, we will be distributing communion to 400+ participants, so we need many communion servers to help. There is a sign-up sheet in the Social Hall for volunteers. Note, volunteers who are helping with worship do NOT need to register for the event if they are doing worship only.
To register for the gathering, go to www.lcmctexas.org/annual-gatheringor see QR Code on the screen in worship. The early fee is $80/person. Youth are $40.
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.
CONFIRMATION II CLASSES
May 3 – 12PM-4PM– Carpool Lunch to Whataburger then You’re So Crafty, Seguin to paint Communion Chalices!
May 10 – 9:15-10:15AM– Faith Statement Writing with Kayla Sweet (please make every effort to attend this!)
May 17 – 2-4PM– Last Class – What does it mean now that I am Confirmed?
Saturday, May 23– Confirmation Rehearsal 9:30-11:30AM – This is for Confirmands, Parents, and Mentors
May 24 – Confirmation Sunday – arrive 9:45AM; Worship at 10:30AM
*Please submit baby or baptismal picture, picture with mentor, and individual photo to Pastor Jennifer by May 10.
Blessings to Redeemer’s 2026 Confirmands
Breelynn Fennell-Leach, Ryleigh Hulett, Addison Klein, Cade Kurz, Ella Maierhofer, Parker Missildine, Avery Nelson, Reid Nelson, Charlie
Nickel, and Reese Thayne
DATES TO REMEMBER....
Sunday, May 3
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
Sunday, May 10
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 17
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School – Last Day
Potluck Breakfast
Sunday, May 24
Confirmation Sunday
Sunday, May 31
No Sunday School
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Summer Bible Day Camp at Slumber Falls!
August 3rd-5thfrom 9:30AM – 2:30PM for Kids who have completed 2nd through 5th grade.
Children will enjoy classic day camp activities such as games, crafts, songs, Bible stories, Gaga ball, and swimming, all while discovering Jesus' love and light. There is an overnight stay for our 4th and 5th graders on Tuesday night. We hope your children can join us for this fun and meaningful experience! This Day Camp is being run by St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels. They have invited Redeemer kids to join in the fun! Cost is $50 (group discounts are available). To register, please contact Pastor Jennifer by email to receive the link. Pastor Jennifer will accompany Redeemer kids some of the days, but we need other adult volunteers to help!
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 22-25; 6-8:15PM
Join us for an amazing week of Bible stories, games, crafts, and FUN! At Rainforest Falls, embark on a wild, creature-filled Amazon adventure where kids learn that Jesus is Creator, All-Knowing, our Refuge, Love, and Forever! To register as a kid or volunteer, go to…
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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Mother has ears that listen,
Arms that always hold.
Love that's never-ending
And a heart that's made
of Gold.