JUNE 2026 - News & Views
Message From Pastor Jen
A FATHER'S LOVE
I’m a Daddy’s girl. Always have been, and as I reflect on why, it’s because as a young girl, one of my favorite places to be was snuggled under my Daddy’s arm on the couch in the evenings -even if he smelled like corn chips and beer (his favorite evening snack). My Daddy was a “comfort zone” for me – a safe place – and though he didn’t say the words “I love you,” I just knew he loved me because of how he made me feel when I was with him. My Daddy’s love on earth has made me feel secure in my heavenly Father’s love for me even on days I was not always sure.
Fathers on earth have powerful impact on their children that I don’t think we always realize. A father’s love or lack thereof leaves a lasting impression on his kids. With all the conversations I’ve had with people over the years, I have a theory going that people tend to view God, their heavenly Father, through the same lens they view their earthly father. For example, if Dad was loving, they see God as loving. If Dad was absent, they view God as absent and distant. If Dad was cruel, angry, or anxious, they view God as cruel, angry or become anxious in their relationship with God. If we feel insecure with our dad on earth, we feel insecure with our Father in heaven. But the opposite is also true, if we feel secure with Dad on earth, we feel secure with our Father in heaven. If Dad speaks or acts with love, then we see God speaking and acting in love. And did you know that church statistics demonstrate that when the father of the home attends church, children are more likely to attend church when they become adults? If the father of the home does not, they’re less likely to make church a priority in life. Think about your own relationship with your earthly father and how does that shape how you see and experience your Heavenly Father? So, Dad’s, YOU leave a lasting impression on your children in more ways than you might think!
Here’s the promise and truth though, no matter how perfect or not-so-perfect our earthly fathers are, we have a Heavenly Father who IS perfect! Who loves us unconditionally for who we are! Who wants us to come to Him in repentance and forgives us every time we sin and does not hold our sin against us! Who speaks only words of love and respect and affirmation over us! Who, when He corrects us, does so in loving ways because He wants us to become like Him. We can feel secure in our Heavenly Father’s love, and He is not absent – He is God who is always “with us – Emmanuel.” And our Heavenly Father loves to worship with YOU! He loves it when you go to worship with Him! And talk about a lasting impression – our Heavenly Father leaves a lasting impression on us that lasts beyond a lifetime and into eternity!
So, in this month that we celebrate fathers, thank your earthly Dad and show HIM some love! And thank your Heavenly Father whose love for you is out of this world!
Happy Father’s Day!!!
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
~Psalm 103:13
IN OUR PRAYERS
Gail Damerau, Melissa Reimers, LaVerne Luensmann, Bill Luensmann
Happy Wedding Anniversary
Otto & Loraine Luensmann – 60 years
Chester & Colleen Jenke - 62 years
Bill & Phyllis Luensmann – 72 years
Reagan & Jeanne Rawe – 51 years
Ronald & Sharon Ullrich – 59 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
Everyone is welcome to enjoy some food, fun and fellowship on June 10, 2026 at the Domino/Sr. Luncheon. Games begin at 10 A.M. Lunch is served at 12 noon.
POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
Bring your favorite breakfast food to share and join in fellowship around food, faith & church family! We will also be having Donuts for Dad!
9:15-10:15 A.M.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST
THE CHOSEN: SEASON FOUR
Join us June 14 in the Back Social Hall at 4PM to see the final two episodes of Season 4!
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’ burial site.
Join Pastor Jennifer and 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). 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 are opportunity to eat in local villages along the Camino. Here is some additional information…
Walk the Camino De Santiago FAQ
● Who are our Hosts/Pilgrimage-Trip leaders? Pastor Jennifer Gold and Debra Denson-Whitehead
● Who is our Travel Advisor? Gail Lampman, Cruise Planners
● Who is our Tour CEO? The CEO or Chief Experience Officer is your Tour Leader. This person will be a local tour guide who knows the route, the towns, and local sites and will lend their expertise to our pilgrimage.
● What are the dates? The complete walking tour is June 6-13 which is a total of 8 days; however please allow for a day of traveling from the US to Spain before your tour begins. Plan to leave the US on June 5 in order to meet your group in Sarria on June 6.
● What is the cost? The cost of the tour is $1849.00. This does not include airfare, transfers to and from the airport, electronic transit applications, lunches and dinners for the tour, and travel insurance.
● Do I have to be able to walk the entire distance? The goal is to walk the entire distance, but there may be some accommodations should emergencies occur.
● I want to go! What should I do next? ○ First, contact either Pastor Jennifer Gold or Debra Denson-Whitehead to get any additional information and then contact
Gail Lampman - Cruise Planners
EMAIL: gail.lampman@cruiseplanners.com PHONE or text: 210-564-7755. Office hours are Mon-Thu 9-5, Fri 9-3, Sat 9-noon, closed Sun.
Buen Camino ahead! Inquire NOW!
THANK YOU from the Redeemer Guatemala Team
With your help and generosity, we have made significant progress and will reach our goal toward what is needed for Guatemala!
Jazz Concert Fundraiser – Raised $2,936! Thank You the Charles Whitehead Organ Trio for volunteering their talent!
Pecan Sales – Over $500 & still coming in! Thank you to our pecan collectors and crackers and consumers!
Guatemala Luncheon Meal - $2,000! Thank You to Redeemer Fellowship for making the delicious food!
Silent Auction - $1,825! Thank You to our donors and buyers!
What a blessing to have such support as we come together as a church to send missionaries to raise a roof over a pastor’s family in Nuevo Eden and support children in education! Thank you for being part of Christ’s Great Commission to GO! “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” – Jesus (Mark 16:15)
Redeemer United Church Council Meeting Minutes – Condensed - April 21, 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
Greg Williford said the opening prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 2026 COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes from the March 17, 2026, meeting were approved.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Organ Repair & Tune Up
LCMC Annual Gathering
Confirmation Gifts
Spiritual Journey through Spain: Camino de Santiago
Ministry for Aging Health Concerns
Community Bible Camp at Slumber Falls
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Memorial Fund Report(as of 3/31/2026)
Balance of $99,245.96
Building Fund Report(as of 3/31/2026)
Balance of $31,466.80
Treasurer’s Report(as of 3/31/2026)
Checking Account - $12,816.00
Money Market Account - $75,603.00
Certificate of Deposit - $50,000.00
Balance of $138,719.00
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 on March 28, 2026 was a success
EXISTING BUSINESS
School House– The 60-day Time frame started March 26th and have had the following inspections done. – Septic, Overall General Commercial Building, Electrical, Water Flow Test – Did Not meet the requirements-Mike and Russell plan to go talk to the Fire Marshal the week for 4/27 – 5/1.
Are receiving bids on some Electrical work that will need to performed.
Membership
Letters went out late 2025 and have had 14 people that have either attended church, contributed or called about their membership.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR JUNE
June 7 – Second Sunday after Pentecost
- Hosea 5:15—6:6
- Psalm 119:65-72
- Romans 4:13-25
- Matthew 9:9-13
June 14 – Third Sunday after Pentecost
- Exodus 19:2-8
- Psalm 100
- Romans 5:6-15
- Matthew 9:35—10:8
June 21 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
- Jeremiah 20:7-13
- Psalm 91:1-10
- Romans 6:12-23
- Matthew 10:5a, 21-33
June 28 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
- Jeremiah 28:5-9
- Psalm 119:153-160
- Romans 7:1-13
- Matthew 10:34-42
June Birthdays
01-Allen Reinhard, Madison Saulter
02-Weston Woerndel, Brady McDougal
04-Mike Schulze, Emma Luensmann, Melissa Reimers
05-Harold Sinclair
07-Troy Meckel
08-Otto Luensmann, Brian Cullins, Jackie Meek
09-Gerry Rackley
11-Lesley Barela, Charlie Nickel
14-Nathan Friesenhahn, Alton Schneider
15-Jan Luensmann
16-Tyler Canham, Bennett Reiley
18-Pastor Jennifer Gold
19-Trent Corkran, Diana Weber, Gladys Kutach
20-Laurie Garrison, Jimmy Scheibe, Ali Thayne
27-Don Denson
28-Kayla Zegels, Candyce Gembler
29-Lorene Bielke, Adam Lampman
30-Harry Lee Schneider
June Wedding Anniversaries
04-Otto & Loraine Luensmann
05-Chester & Colleen Jenke
07-Todd & Rebekah Nelson
10-Justin & Jessica Kurz
11-Mike & Lisa Friesenhahn
12-Bryan & Cynthia Davis
13-Bill & Phyllis Luensmann
14-Anthony & Patricia Sheffield
14-Reagan & Jeanne Rawe
16-Steve & Carrie Origas
22-Marshall & Barbara Strey
25-Justin & Andrea Missildine
26-Robert & Tabatha McHardy
26-Rev. Gerry & Karen Metzger
28-Butch & Grace Kunde
28-Ronald & Sharon Ullrich
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.
June 7, 2026 – Holy Communion
USHERS/GREETERS – Church Council
LITURGIST – Madyson Schulze
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Bill & Phyllis Luensmann
SIDE TABLE FLOWERS – Saulter family
BULLETINS – open
June 14, 2026
USHERS/GREETER – Glen & Beverly Muenchow & Roy Engelhardt
LITURGIST – Jill Sievers
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Ellie Potts
BULLETINS – Elsie Barnett
June 21, 2026 – Father’s Day
USHERS/GREETER – Brent, Dana & Reide Reininger
LITURGIST – Troy Meckel
ACOLYTE – Youth
ALTAR FLOWERS – Greg & DonAnne Williford
BULLETINS – Ellie Potts
June 28, 2026 – Vacation Bible School Closing
USHERS/GREETERS – Youth
LITURGISTS – Youth
BULLETINS – open
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. Contact Pastor Jennifer if you can volunteer. 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.
Summer Bible Day Camp at Slumber Falls!
August 3rd-5th from 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. We are excited to bring back the 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!
*********************************************************************************************
Special Things in Worship in June
June 21
Father’s Day!
Greg Williford is Preaching & Troy Meckel is Liturgist
June 28
VBS Closing!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - ◄VOLUNTEERS NEEDED►
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! Register NOW at …
Also, our physical donations for VBS this year will be school supplies for kids in Guatemala! Here is a list of what you can help donate…
Collection Items for Guatemala 2026
*Toys:
Soccer Balls (flat) and Air Pumps
Skip Ropes
Blow up beach balls
Small toys that will fit in gallon ziplock with other items for VBS kids (80)
• School Supplies (46 school kids & 2 teachers; additionally, the missionaries have school kids on Educational Scholarship)
Pens (blue, red, & Black) & Pencils
Colored Pencils
12 pack crayons ONLY
Sharpie markers & Dry Erase markers
Highlighters
Scissors (large for teachers & children’s size)
Metric Rulers
Geometry Sets
Erasers
Wooden Rulers (with metric system)
individual pencil sharpeners & classroom pencil sharpeners (NOT electric)
Casio Scientific Calculators
Geometry sets
Spanish Children’s books
World maps (ideally in Spanish)
Additional Donations for Guatemala 2026
*For Construction Workers:
Work gloves
Pocket Knives
Metric Measuring Tapes to give away to workers
*For Moms of the Kids who come to VBS:
Oven mitts
Metal Cooking utensils
Dishcloths and Kitchen towels
*Special Gift for the Pastor and His wife from our Church
– handmade wooden cross, handmade items
*Gifts for our 2 Missionary Couples:
Chupacabra seasonings
Handmade local gifts
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!