Tag: reminders

General News, Announcements and Upcoming Events!!!


Faith Church Dates to Remember (details below):

Good Friday Service April 15th
Easter Breakfast Brunch and Service April 17th
Lenten Book Study April 20th
Interfaith Pride Worship Service Planning Meeting April 21st
Reception of New Members April 24th
Theology on Tap April 24th
Homeless Coalition Zoom Meeting April 26th
Heart of Texas Spring Association Meeting April 30th
Youth Bowling Gathering May 1st
UCC and Faith Church 101 May 1st
Serve Spot Prayer for Unity Gathering at Faith Church May 2nd
SCC Annual Meeting May27-29th
Interfaith Pride Service June 9th
Riverside Pride June 11th


Good Friday Service April 15th 7:00pm  This year we will observe the end of our Lenten journey through a Good Friday service of stories, songs, and prayers.  Join us in-person or by Zoom for this special evening in the Christian journey.


Easter Sunday Activities Sunday, April 17th  We will hold a Breakfast Brunch at 9:00am at the church both inside and outside (weather permitting) the Fellowship Hall.  We’ll then take our full bodies to go fill our spirits further in Worship at 10:30am while our older children help prepare for our younger children to have an Easter Egg Hunt immediately after the service.  To sign up to bring items for the brunch, please see Holly Rice or Mikki Ward.


Lenten Book Study Continues April 20th 6:30-7:45pm In-Person and by Zoom  Marcus Borg’s Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally is our focus this season.  We meet every other Wednesday evening and our last two sessions are April 20th and May 4th. Bill Burns purchased extra copies you can purchase from him.  Others ordered through Half-Price Books with no-charge delivery.  Make plans to join us for an incredible time of sharing and learning together!


Interfaith Pride Worship Planning Meeting April 21st 6:30pm  Join a team of folx in the Fellowship Hall as we continue working to prepare to host the first ever service of its kind in New Braunfels.  Persons are needed to plan marketing, liturgy, music, setup, take down, and snacks afterward.  Contact Pastor Carla for more information or go to http://www.nbinterfaith.org


New Members Joining April 24th  Anyone interested in becoming a Member or Associate Member (keep your membership with another congregation while also joining us) of Faith Church, please contact Pastor Carla as we prepare to receive new members during worship that Sunday.


Faithful Praise Rehearsal April 25th 7:15-9:00pm  All are welcome to join Jamie Cameron and other musicians to rehearse music for our weekly services.  Next rehearsals will be May 9th and May 23rd.


Theology on Tap April 24th 4:00pm  Join us for a afternoon of fellowship and discussing whatever questions of faith the group decides to consider that date.  We’ll meet at Guadalup Brewing Company where food is served and animals and kids are welcome.  The parents ask that all kids remain at the table with their parents.  Come visit, relax, and get to know members of your faith family better in a casual atmosphere.


Homeless Coalition Zoom Meeting April 26th  This vital coalition of those working to support our siblings without adequate shelter meets monthly by Zoom.  Our presence is noticed and appreciated and the more we all work together as a church to learn about the needs and resources available, the better we can serve and be involved with projects in our community.  Rev. Ralph Ludwig and Molly Dixon have begun attending these meetings along with Pastor Carla and we covet other participation.


Youth Bowling Social May 1st   Thanks to all who helped make our Youth Gathering last Sunday a success!  Our young, ages 10 and up, are invited to gather the first Sunday of each month for fun events.  Our next gathering is an after-church bowling party.  Be watching for details or contact Youth Leaders, Lauren Pearce, Carol Cisco-Martinez, and Sue Ashinhurst.   


UCC and Faith Church 101 May 1st  Join us for our new quarterly information sessions to learn more about the UCC and the history of Faith Church after worship with pizza, information-sharing, and time for questions and answers.  All current, new, and aspiring members and friends of Faith Church are invited for this special gathering to help learn more about our denomination and church’s history, get to know other members better, and find ways you can participate in the activities of the UCC and the life and ministry of Faith Church.  Please RSVP to Rev. Bill and Florence Burns at [email protected] so we may order enough pizza.  Also contact them if you wish to help provide information for this session.


Serve Spot Prayer for Unity Gathering Hosted by Faith Church May 2nd 9:00am The leadership of all 81 churches in New Braunfels are being invited by Kim Francis of Serve Spot to pray together for our ability to unite in service of the needs of our city.  Faith Church has the honor of hosting the first gathering and we need all our retired clergy and church lay leaders available to be present that day as we demonstrate the hospitality of Faith Church, even amongst those who may be skittish about coming through OUR doors because of our progressive faith.  We will welcome them as we continue to work to change hearts and minds in this town.  


Building and Grounds Committee  Our worship space and surrounding property is in need of some repairs and sprucing up to be good stewards of our buildings and to provide an appealing space for members and visitors.  A meeting will soon be planned to walk the property, create a list of items that need attention, make plans for what needs to be done first, and discuss ideas for colors and plants and other updates.  To participate in these discussions, let your thoughts be heard, and participate in this revitalized committee, please contact Molly Dixon.


New Members Committee  As we grow, it is important that more of us engage in welcoming visitors and helping new members build relationships and find ways to get involved with our activities and ministry.  To participate in this newly-forming committee, please connect with Rev. Bill and Florence Burns and Revs. Ralph and Sandy Ludwig. 


Pride Festival Support  If you would be willing to help plan for our booth and/or the 800-1000 pieces of swag we will be able to put into attendees festival gift bags at Pride Festival at the Comal County Fairgrounds Saturday, June 11th, please contact Pastor Carla!!! 


Adult Sunday School  9:00-10:15am  Rev. Bill and Florence Burns are leading a discussion of Dr. Beverly Brown Tatum’s book, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations Around Race.” Books are available from the Burns or can be ordered on-line. Contact the Burns for more information and join them in the Fellowship Hall or by Zoom.  Please let Pastor Carla know if you can help run Zoom for this class.

Announcements, Reminders, and Upcoming Events

Time Change!!  A quick reminder to Spring Forward and set your clocks ahead this Saturday evening, lest you arrive at church as everyone else is heading to lunch!

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Youth Party April 3rd

All our young, ages 10 and up, are invited to an after-church Pizza, Plan, and Play Party Sunday, April 3rd.  Pastor Carla is working to set up a youth area in the fellowship hall with games and puzzles, places to sit and hang out, a ping pong table, and also a basketball goal outside.  Lauren Pearce and Carol Cisco-Martinez have agreed to host monthly gatherings for our young ones, so come eat and play and help plan future outings and pre-teen/youth events and projects. 

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Dates to Remember (details below):

Newsletter Deadline April 4th

New Braunfels City Council March 14th

Faithful Praise Rehearsal March 21st

Homeless Coalition Zoom Meeting March 22nd

Lenten Book Study Begins March 23rd

Adult Sunday School Resumes April 3rd

Good Friday Service—April 15th

UCC and Faith Church 101—TBA

Interfaith Pride Service set for June 9th (Planning meeting, soon!)

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Faithful Praise Rehearsal March 21st 7:15-9:00pm  All are welcome to join Jaime Cameron and our other musicians to rehearse our music for the remainder of the Lenten season through Easter (April 17th). 

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Lenten Book Study Begins March 23rd 6:30-7:45pm In-Person and by Zoom  Marcus Borg’s Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally will be our focus this season.  We will meet every other Wednesday evening March 23rd then April 6th, April 20th, and May 4th. Bill Burns purchased 6 extra copies you can purchase from him for $20. Others ordered through Half-Price Books with no-charge delivery.  Make plans to join us for an incredible time of sharing and learning together!

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Adult Sunday School Resumes April 3rd 9:00-10:15am  Rev. Bill and Florence Burns will lead a discussion of Dr. Beverly Brown Tatum’s book, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations Around Race.” Contact the Burns at [email protected] for more information and let Pastor Carla know if you can help run Zoom for this class.

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Good Friday Service—April 15th 7:00pm  This year we will observe the end of our Lenten journey through a Good Friday service of stories, songs, and prayers.  Stay tuned for more details.

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UCC and Faith Church 101—For New Members and Members in Discernment  Plans are underway to share the history, structure, and beliefs of the UCC and of Faith Church to help new members, those considering membership, and anyone who wants to learn more about our denomination and church.  This meeting will take place sometime late April or early May.  If you would like to help provide this information session by sharing what you know about Faith Church and the UCC, please contact Pastor Carla or Faith Church Moderator, Rev. Dr. Bill Burns at [email protected].

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For Everyone Born, A Place at the Table: 2022 Pledge Campaign Re-Boot!  Thanks to those 28 households who have shared their intended giving of tithes and talents for the coming year.  We still do not have enough pledges to make or faithfully plan our Statement of Faith (aka, budget), so Council members will be sending letters and making calls to invite folks to share. To participate, please list your intended giving of time, talents, and reources on the forms that can be found on-line https://www.faithuccnb.org/2022pledge/ or on the kiosk in the Narthex.  Join us as we plan and prepare to live into the future God is calling Faith Church to this coming year!

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2-3 Year Old Class / Nursery Attendants or Pledges Needed Immediately!  We are in need of 4 Children’s Church teachers each week—one for the 2-3 Year Old/Nursery Class, one for the Younger Children, one for the Older Children, and one floater to help as needed and maintain safe protocols for all.  If you would like to volunteer, or pledge extra for the year to help hire a Nursery Attendant for our littlest ones, please contact Pastor Carla or Pam Robinson at [email protected].

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Social Media Help Needed  As we continue to seek the right fit for our Social Media Outreach and Communication position to help folks find and learn about the life and ministry of Faith Church, we need those fluent in posting to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and TikTok to work with Pastor Carla and others to develop content and schedule posts.  Many who have visited and even joined Faith Church this past year found us on-line, and we want to make the most of this free outreach to let folks know we are a safe and nurturing place for them and their families.  Contact Pastor Carla if you can be of service.

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Rides for Members  Some members wish to participate in our events but do not feel comfortable driving in the dark. If you would be willing to give them a ride to and from events, please let Pastor Carla or Janet know so we can help arrange these.

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Merging and Updating of Member Rolls  As people move in and out of our community in the ebb and flow of life, it can be easy, especially during times like this pandemic, for us to lose touch with our members.  Council will be inviting persons to both help update our current Membership Rolls and to join a Phone Tree to help maintain contact with one another as a congregation each month.  Be watching for ways you can help these efforts.

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PFLAG  Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays had their inaugural meeting and are now in process to become a chapter.  If you have interest in this amazing space for supporting loved ones of those who are LGBTQ+, be watching for announcements for their next meeting!

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Ministry Opportunities

Faith Church has a long history of social service and social justice ministry, but life events can shift so those who once led our efforts are no longer able to do so.  If you would like to help renew our connection with the Refugee Network or help deepen our connection with the Homeless Coalition, please contact Pastor Carla. There are many opportunities to serve at Faith Church, and we want everyone to feel they have the chance to find their place in serving God by serving our neighbors in whatever way feels right to them. 

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Pastor Carla invites you to read the weekly Lectionary scriptures that can be found at https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/daily.php?year=C

March 13

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)

March 20th

Isaiah 55:1-9

Psalm 63:1-8

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9

March 27th

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 32

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

April 3rd

Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm 126

Philippians 3:4b-14

John 12:1-8

Announcements, Reminders, and Upcoming Events

Rides for Members? For those members wishing to participate in our events but who do not feel comfortable driving in the dark, if you would be willing to give them a ride to and from events that end later in the day, please let Pastor Carla or Janet know so we can help arrange these.

Return to In-Person Worship  As of February 13th, we returned to in-person worship.  Those who are fully vaccinated (and those children not yet eligible for the vaccine) are welcome to mask and distance in the sanctuary with us each week and for events.  Those not yet vaccinated are welcome to join us via Zoom.  Our folks have done well with protecting one another, we pay extra for MERV-rated filters designed to filter our viruses from our air in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, and have purchased air purifiers with HEPA filters for our Children’s Church rooms.  Unless a more deadly strain of the virus comes along or our hospitals become stretched thin once again, we will remain in-person for worship for the foreseeable future. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Carla or a member of Council:

Rev. Bill Burns (Moderator)
Philip Graves (Vice-Moderator)
Charlie Robinson (Secretary)
Michelle Perry (Treasurer)
Mikki Ward
Sam Ward

Merging and Updating of Member Rolls  As people move in and out of our community in the ebb and flow of life, it can be easy, especially during times like this pandemic, for us to lose touch with our members.  Council will be inviting persons to both help update our current Membership Rolls and to join a Phone Tree of sorts to help maintain contact with one another as a congregation each month.  Be watching for ways you can help these efforts.

Theology on Tap 2/27 4:00-5:15pm at 5-Stone Brewery  Join us for what is sure to be another great time of sharing and asking questions of one another.  This month, we will meet on the grounds of 5-Stone Brewery (which should be FAR less crowded than they were for their Christmas event!).  Bring a friend, your kids, your pup, and perhaps an extra chair so we can gather somewhere quiet and to ourselves.  Stay afterward for more food and drink and for the Hymn and Hops Hymn Sing 6:00-7:00pm  We will work to arrange rides for those who do not wish to drive after dark, so bring a chair and join us!

Adult Sunday School Resumes March 6th 9:00-10:15am  Rev. Bill and Florence Burns will be leading a book discussion of Dr. Beverly Brown Tatum’s Book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations Around Race.”  Contact Bill and Florence for more information. 

As we gather more volunteer support for our Children’s Christian Education programs, we will seek to make something available for kids during this time so all parents may attend.  Please give us time as we re-build, and come help by volunteering to teach by contacting Pam Robinson and Chrissy Gossett!

Newsletter Deadline  In order to help facilitate communication after Council meetings the second Tuesday of each month, we will begin sending out our monthly Glimpses of Faith Newsletter in the week after Council meets.  For March, please provide all Newsletter articles to Pastor Carla and Janet by March 7th for release later that week.

Lenten Book Study—Marcus Borg’s Reading the Bible Again for the First Time  We will hold this book study in person in the Fellowship Hall and via Zoom from 6:30-7:45pm Wednesday evenings (rides available for those who do not wish to drive in the dark) March 23rd continuing every other week (4/6, 4/20, and 5/4).  Bill Burns purchased some extra copies you can purchase from him and others ordered them through Half-Price Books with no-charge delivery.  Make plans to join us for an incredible time of sharing and learning together!

Interfaith Pride Service  Riverside Pride Fest was such a huge success last year that it is moving to the much larger venue of the Comal County Fairgrounds just down Common St. from the church and will be Saturday, June 11th.  Event organizers have given permission for Faith Church to host an interfaith worship service of supportive faith communities and persons of faith to show our LGBTQ+ siblings that God does love and affirm them, and so do we! 

Other faith communities in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas are being invited, a committee is being formed to begin planning, and our own active and retired clergy at Faith Church will be asked to vest and process for the service.  It is tentatively scheduled for 6:30pm Thursday, June 9th, but that date may change to earlier in the week if schedule conflicts become apparent.  To help plan for and/or support this service, reach out to Pastor Carla.

Tiny Home Exploration Update  Pastor Carla, Sarah Dixon (Executive Director of Family Promise), and Melissa Elizondo met recently with various staff from the City of New Braunfels, including the head of Zoning and Planning, to discuss the possibility of a Tiny Home Community being placed on our property.  They were very encouraging and appear to want to help find an easy way for this project to move forward.  An architect is drawing up a rendering of what the whole project and each tiny home would look like to present to the City, who will then work to let us know what the way forward could look like. 

Once these things are answered, Church Leadership will meet with support persons from our Insurance Board to discuss what this could mean for the future growth opportunities at Faith Church and mean for our own insurance liabilities.  Once this information is all obtained, we will come to the congregation for a much longer and larger discussion, answering all questions before considering a vote on whether to move forward.        

In the meantime, Pastor Carla has begun meeting with other groups working to address housing insecurity in New Braunfels known collectively as the Homeless Coalition.  Representatives from the McKenna Foundation, City of New Braunfels, Crisis Center of Comal Co., First Footing, Family Promise, Serve Spot, Hill Country MHDD, Connections Individual and Family Services, Workforce Housing Committee, Next Step, and more are coming together to organize and share resources as we seek to address the growing problem our community is facing.

Help Needed to Support Our Missions  Pastor Carla and Faith Church needs:

*at least 2 people to help attend this monthly Homeless Coalition zoom meeting. 

*1-2 people to help re-establish Faith Church’s connection with the Refugee Network

*1-2 people to help Mike Ziegler decide on microloan lending to various recipients each month

Contact Pastor Carla if you feel called to help support these mission efforts by being a contact person to help relay needs back to the congregation and keep us all informed of what is happening in each of these areas.

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