MARCH 2026 - News & Views

Message From Pastor Jen             

ARE YOU MAKING TIME FOR JESUS?    

Do you wish you had more time? If you had more time, what would you actually do with it? Probably fill it with even more events, activities and stuff to keep you busy instead of using it for rest and reflection. The truth is when we make time for Jesus as the first priority in our lives, amazingly everything else still gets done. That’s how the economy of time works with God who created the sun and the moon, dark and day to order our seasons – the more time we give to Jesus, the more time we have for everything else. The season of Lent invites us to make time and space for Jesus in our lives. I encourage you to sit in silence and solitude to reflect, ponder and pray – to look into your own soul and evaluate your priorities in life, examine your heart for God and for others, and to explore God’s love and dreams for you. 

Jesus accomplished more in 3 years and then in 3 days than most of us do in a lifetime, and he changed the world in that short amount of time! And he did it by building relationships slowly, walking with people (not running), and spending ample time with our Heavenly Father. Oh, what we can learn from Jesus when we spend time with Him! So, if you feel like you’re always running out of time, stop running, slow down and start walking with your Savior.

Join us on Wednesdays and Sunday mornings during the season of the 40 days of Lent. Finally, Holy Week is the culmination of Jesus’ love for us, so let us set aside time to worship, rest, pray, and listen as together, we walk with Jesus who beckons us to “Come, follow me.”

Holy Week Schedule…

March 29 – Palm Sunday in Worship & Easter Egg Hunt following worship

April 2 – Maundy Thursday Worship 7PM

April 3 – Good Friday Worship 7PM

April 5 – Easter Worship in the Grove 7:30AM / Easter Breakfast 8:30-10:15AM / Easter Worship in the Sanctuary 10:30AM

*Both Worship Services include Flowering of the Cross and Holy Communion. Please bring flowers that morning to help transform the wooden cross into a flowering symbol of the resurrection of Jesus!

Join Us Wednesdays during Lent!

Soup and Sandwich Supper at 6:30PM 

& Worship at 7PM in the Social Hall

Jesus said, “Come, Follow Me!” (Mark 1:17)

*Wednesday, March 4

Be with Jesus; Meal hosted by Women’s Fellowship

*Wednesday, March 11

CANCELLED for Spring Break

*Wednesday, March 18

Become Like Jesus; Meal hosted by Redeemer Fellowship

*Wednesday, March 25

Do What Jesus Did; Meal hosted by Evening Circle

Thank you to our gracious Wednesday Evening Supper Hosts!

IN OUR PRAYERS  

Eddie Moore, Leroy Albrecht, Gail Damerau, Melissa Reimers, Harry Lee Schneider, Buster Strzelczyk

Happy Wedding Anniversary     

Glen & Beverly Muenchow – 50 years 

Ron & Liz Fritz – 60 years

Rudy & Gladys Kutach – 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   

The senior luncheon and dominoes are back in play on March 11th! After a brief intermission, it’s time to get back together! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a domino newbie, it’s time to gather for fun, fellowship and food! The games start at 10am and lunch is served at 12pm. We look forward to seeing everyone!

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, MARCH 15TH 

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 

Special Called Congregational Meeting Sunday, March 1

Following Worship, regarding an update on the School House property across the street from the church.

THE CHOSEN:  SEASON FOUR   

March 8

The Chosen – Calm Before

March 29

The Chosen – Sitting, Serving, Scheming

Back Social Hall 4-6PM    

Ladies’ Retreat - March 20-21 - Register NOW! 

Registration ends March 13; Only $30!

Friday, March 20 from 5-9PM (includes catered dinner by Next Door Catering)

Saturday, March 21 from 8AM-6PM(includes light breakfast & Jason’s Deli Boxed Lunch)

Inspirational Talks by Pastor Jennifer Gold, Dr. Michele Taylor, and Debra Denson-Whitehead.

Worship Music led by Debra Denson-Whitehead on Keyboard and Guitar

Fair Trade Crafts, Coffees and Teas will be for sale by Holly Schwartz (Fair Trade Vendor and friend of Pastor Jennifer)

“Paint Your Own Cup” Keepsake from the weekend by Deaconness Jennifer Tinker and “You’re So Crafty,” Seguin

Bring a favorite Teacup or Coffee Cup that tells a story and is meaningful to you! Bring your Bible! Bring Girlfriends! Bring a dessert or snack to share! Bring yourself ready to be filled to overflowing with the love of the Lord!

Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed  - January 15, 2026

CALL TO ORDER     

Mike Schulze called the meeting to order.

In attendance were Pastor Jennifer Gold, Mike Schulze, Tammy Haecker, Ann Lindley, Steve Gangawer, Derek Pawlik, Jackie Meek, Susan Gray, Greg Williford and Ken Freisenhahn. Missing Cody Canham.

OPENING PRAYER 

Derek Pawlik gave the opening prayer.  

ELECTION OF 2026 OFFICERS

Handed out the CHURCH COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES and gave an overview

The following is a list of officers and month as Council Person in Charge. Greg Williford made the motion and seconded by Jackie Meek. Motion carried.

President – Mike Schulze - November

Vice President – Cody Canham - February

Treasurer – Ann Lindley - August

Secretary – Tammy Haecker - July

Memorial Fund – Jackie Meek – June

Building Fund – Steve Gangawer - October

Building Maintenance – Derek Pawlik - January

Financial Secretary – Greg Williford - April

Christian Ed Rep. – Susan Gray - May

Hospitality – Ken Friesenhahn - September

All Council Members - March & December

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 2025 COUNCIL MEETING 

Minutes from the December 18, 2025, meeting were approved as written upon motion.

PASTOR’S REPORT     

Pastor Jennifer presented her Pastor’s Report 

Ash Wednesday – no meal, worship only at 7:00 pm and Lent Wednesday night services at 7:00 pm – Food at 6:30 pm

Ash Wednesday – Feb. 18, 2026

2nd Lent Service – Feb. 25, 2026 meal hosted by BCE

3rd Lent Service – March 4, 2026 meal hosted by Women’s Fellowship

4th Lent Service – March 11, 2026 meal hosted by Church Council (Update – Cancelled)

5th Lent Service – March 18, 2026 meal hosted by not determined at this time 

6th Lent Service – March 25, 2026 meal hosted by not determined at this time

Palm Sunday – March 29, 2026 Easter Egg Hunt hosted by BCE

Good Friday – April 3, 2026 – Possibility of joint service with St. John, Marion and Christ, Elm Creek 

Easter Sunday – April 5, 2026

AUDIO VISUAL UPGRADE

Motion to Upgrade the Audio-Visual Equipment to be able to use Screen on Screen, Microphone and a few other things. Motion to approve up to $2,500.00 for these items made by Steve Gangawer and seconded by Greg Williford. Motion carried.

ORGAN REPAIR & TUNE UP

Motion made to have Andrew Maurais with Aetheral Organs come out to repair the G Pedal that sticks and vibrates plus Tune Up the Organ for $250.00 made by Susan Gray and seconded by Jackie Meek. Motion carried

WOMENS RETREAT

Date changed to March 20 – 21, 2026. Also including St. John, Marion and Christ, Elm Creek.

FINANCIAL REPORTS   

Memorial Fund Report(as of 12/31/2025) 

Balance of $98,152.24

Building Fund Report(as of 12/31/2025) 

Balance of $39,419.71 

Treasurer’s Report(as of 12/31/2025) 

Checking Account - $32,452.00 

Money Market Account - $75,463.00 

Certificate of Deposit - $50,000.00 

Balance of $157,915.00

OTHER COUNCIL REPORTS  

Board of Christian Education (BCE) 

VBS date June 22-25, June 28, 2026 

Rainforest Falls is the Curriculum

Property & Maintenance Report

All Air Filters were changed 1/11/2026

EXISTING BUSINESS  

New Office Computer will be here soon

Surge Protectors will be added to Electrical Panel Boxes

Proceeds from the Harvest Festival of $17,733.00 from the Live and Silent Auctions and the Raffle will be split the following way. 

$3,000.00 to the Guatemala Mission Work Project

$500.00 to the Women’s Retreat

$1,000.00 to New Berlin Volunteer Fire Dept.

$1,000.00 to Marion Volunteer Fire Dept.

$500.00 to Thriving Hearts Crisis Center (formerly Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Center)

$500.00 to Christian Cupboard Inc. of Guadalupe County

$1,000.00 to Habitat for Humanity of Guadalupe County

$1,000.00 to Special Olympics Team Texas Softball

$1,500.00 to LCMC 26thAnnual Gathering & Convention Oct. 4-7 in West Des Moines, Iowa

$7,733.00 to General Fund

NEW BUSINESS    

Custodian Pay Increase

Approved 2026 Faith Statement

Clemens School House Property Discussed

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned.

We have a Mission Team for Guatemala!

Nineteen people from Redeemer and Bethlehem, Quihi will be traveling to El Eden Guatemala July 8-17 to minister to the indigenous Mayan Kekchi (also spelled Q’eqchi) people. While there we will lead children’s ministry activities, worship with the local churches, spend time with the people of El Eden, build a home for the village pastor and more. We’re making plans now so stay tuned! We appreciate your prayers and support for this mission of Redeemer United Church! It’s exciting this year that we get to raise up and train another church in world missions and partner them with the missionaries that we as a church support! Together we’re engaging more people in the Great Commission Jesus gave us to “Go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28.

So you can pray for our team by name…

Pastor Jennifer & Chris Gold

Pastor Aaron, Kristen & Liesl Goeke

Mike Schulze

Debra Denson-Whitehead

Caliegh Aquiqui

Stan and Dolly Meyer

Greg & Deb Waltz

Michael, Kayla, Kyle & Matthew Sweet

Yuko Taylor

Tammy Friesenhahn

Troy Meckel

SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR MARCH     

March 1 – Second Sunday in Lent

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 121
• Romans 4:1-8, 13-17
• John 3:1-17

March 8 – Third Sunday in Lent

• Exodus 17:1-7
• Psalm 95:1-9
• Romans 5:1-8
• John 4:5-26 (27-30, 39-42)

March 15 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

• Isaiah 42:14-21
• Psalm 142
• Ephesians 5:8-14
• John      9:1-41

March 22 – Fifth Sunday in Lent

• Ezekiel 37:1-14
• Psalm 130 
• Romans 8:1-11
• John      11:1-45 (46-53)

March 29 –Palm Sunday  

• Isaiah 50:4-9a
• Psalm 118:19-29
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Matthew      26:1—27.66

March Birthdays 

01-Shelly Grunewald
03-Mikaela Hoagland, LaVerne Luensmann
05-Larry Luensmann, Lindsey Williford
06-Ronald Ullrich
07-Carol Bielke
09-Morgan Mulanax, Donna Luensmann
10-Mark Sievers
11-Anna Dell Luensmann, Sharon Ullrich, Eddie Moore

12-Loraine Luensmann, Gail Damerau
13-Karen Canham, Laurie Leach
16-Becca Casanova, Embry Guenther
19-Harry Voigt
20-Allyson Martinez
21-Becky Robertson, Josh Guenther, Greg Williford
22-Steve Gangawer
24-Kade Pape
25-Gloria Clark, Richard Chaplin
27-Cade Kurz
28-Dorothy Luensmann, Kathy Wiederstein, Colby Schulze
31-Butch Kunde  

March Wedding Anniversaries     

04-Caleb & Tanya Rackley
05-Glen & Beverly Muenchow
07-Ronald & Liz Fritz
12-Josh & Becky Guenther
13-Duane & Melissa Kutach
14-Kelly & Diana Weber
16-Rudy & Gladys Kutach
22-Ronnie & Deanne Hulett, Jr.
24-Gene & Sherry Bielke
24-Michael & Kayla Sweet
25-Leslie & Ethan Barela
29-Leroy & Carol Reininger
30-Leroy & Vicki Lassere

  
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.      

March 1, 2026 – Holy Communion   

USHERS/GREETER – Church Council

LITURGIST – Jeanne Rawe

ACOLYTES – Cade Kurz & Reese Thayne

ALTAR FLOWERS – open

BULLETINS – Sinclair’s

March 8, 2026 – Daylight Savings Time

USHERS/GREETER – Russell & Becky Reinhard & Kathy Wiederstein

LITURGIST – open 

ACOLYTES – Matthew Sweet & Ryleigh Hulett

ALTAR FLOWERS – open

BULLETINS – Elsie Barnett

March 15, 2026

USHERS/GREETER – Troy & Elaine Meckel & Becky Robertson

LITURGIST – open

ACOLYTES – Ella Maierhofer & Finn Rackley

ALTAR FLOWERS – open

BULLETINS – open

March 22, 2026

USHERS/GREETERS – Marshall & Barbara Strey & Shari Moore

LITURGIST – open

ACOLYTES – Matthew Sweet & Breelynn Fennell-Leach

ALTAR FLOWERS – Reagan & Jeanne Rawe

BULLETINS – Ellie Potts 

March 29, 2026 – Palm Sunday

USHERS/GREETERS – Rudy & Gladys Kutach & Richard Chaplin

LITURGIST – open

ACOLYTES – Parker Missildine & Reese Thayne

ALTAR FLOWERS – open

BULLETINS – open   

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, March 1st 

9:15 A.M. – Sunday School

Sunday, March 8th

No Sunday School

March 8-15

Happy Spring Break!!! 

Sunday, March 15th

9:15 A.M. – Sunday School 

Potluck Breakfast

Sunday, March 22nd  
9:15 A.M. – Sunday School

Palm Sunday & Easter Egg Hunt
 

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CONFIRMATION II CLASSES - (*Note changes)     

March 1 

Apostles Creed:  Justification & Sanctification & Purpose

March 22

Baptism

4-6 PM

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Mark your calendars!

Vacation Bible School — June 22-25 & 28  

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HOSANNA in the HIGHEST