2007

Friedens was organized July 26, 1903 with Rev. H. J. Leemhuis as pastor to the eight families comprising the congregation. The new church was dedicated January 3, 1904. In 1906 the church became a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America.

In January of 1908, work began on moving the church to the square. In February of that year, the congregation decided to add a vestry to the church and by the last day of February the roof was on. The work was finished by March 20, although it is believed the first service was held there on March 8.

In November, 1909, two acres were deeded to the church by Philip Engelke and his wife. This acreage is where the church was originally located and is now the location of Friedens Cemetery.

In 1950, the congregation voted to rebuild, but the outbreak of the Korean War put it off until late 1951. The concrete slab was poured in late October using 3 mixers and 900 sacks of cement. By December 14, the spire was in place; the cross atop it was (and is) 50 feet from the ground. This new building was dedicated in February of 1952. A major expansion project began in 1964 which included adding classrooms, renovating the pastor’s study and Fellowship Hall. In 1972 new faceted stained glass windows along the sanctuary were added. In spring of 1973, the brick parsonage was built and dedicated. In 2003, the church underwent one more update in the adding of the white rock exterior and a red metal roof.

The church has had several name changes since 1906. In 1934 the Evangelical Church merged with the Reformed church making it Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church. With the merging of the E & R church with the Congregational Christian Church in 1957, the church became Friedens United Church of Christ. In recent years, the church has gone by the name of Friedens Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ.

In the church’s 100 years, there have been nine full-time pastors at Friedens.

Friedens welcomes visitors to worship with them any time. Sunday School for ages two and older begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Friedens means "peace."

In the beginning of 2007 Friedens E & R UCC in Riesel welcomed it's new Pastor and his wife. Both the pastor and his wife  were born and raised up in the E & R religious heritage. Friedens UCC is pleased to have a pastor who is coming from the same exact religious heritage what Friedens Church was established on, more than a century ago just as well the new pastor is pleased to have found a Church to serve God which has the same exact religious heritage he was born and raised up in. Thanks to the interim pastors who took care of the congregation in the past years. Our new pastor's installation service has been held on the 26-th of August at 4.P.M. followed by reception service. Thank you for so many of you to come and share the joy of this special event together. God Bless You All ! Praise be to God for working a mysterious and trustworthy ways for all of us !!!

A Letter From The Pastor:

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, My Friends !

I wrote this Christmas message that as I get to know in time the members of our church and community, it is like unwrapping gifts from God. As visitors and new people come in our Church on sunday mornings, it is like having Christmas every week of the year.

There is something wonderful about having a Home Church though My Friends !

It is a place where children learn values they will need for the rest of their lives.

It is where young people learn, share, celebrate life and have a great fellowship, without drugs and the many things some seem to believe necessary for joy and happiness.

It is where the young adults come to share and learn from one another, the Bible, the messages, the music and the other activities we share.

It is where those who are busy in their business and family lives in their middle years find the rest and renewal necessary to live healthy and full lives in the business world as well as be good examples to their own families.

It is also where those in the golden years of life find the inter-generational fellowship, feeling of family, as well as the guidance and strength for the years of retirement and service to their community.

Ours is an active Church. When you read of our yearly events, the list seems impossible. When I first came, I felt as if I were in the most energetic church I ever attended. We are busy, but we are also a church that takes time to visit the sick among us, serve the needs of those less fortunate, as well as create new projects to serve the community

The Friedens E&R UCC is rich in heritage and proud of its history. You may enjoy reading some of the programs about our church on this website or in this pastoral newsletter. We offer transportation assistance in Riesel to those who are unable to attend to our Sunday services because of transportation or moving, driving difficulties.

Feel free to come visit also and if you like and find a warm welcome and a great group of people you can always come join us in any of the things we are doing that interest you and your family.

I will be pleased to serve you and your family in any way I can. Come visit us soon. Please introduce yourself and then we will be no longer strangers. Know, that you are important to this pastor and that I am available. Call and make an appointment, or come to any of the services listed on our above mentioned website address or in this pastoral newletter .

Dear Church Family,

On Monday, December 24, on Christmas Eve, we will have a special Children’s Christmas Program starting at 6 P.M. to which and every occasion every one of you more than welcome.

December 25-th, Christmas Day; Merry Christmas for All of You. May Jesus Christ be exalted as we remember His birth.

On Sunday, December 30-th we will have our last Sunday Worship Service of the Year;

About the Future: We have great plans for our future yearly operation in our Church also, like increasing the number of our children programs, increasing the number of our adults program etc., but in order to be able to really enjoy and achieve all of our furture plans, we would like to see you all and invite you all to be a part of it also because only than we can truly fulfill our future mission of our Church together, side by side.

2008

Two of our Council members term expired last year, Nancy Ford's and Donna Oliver's, to whom we approtiate all of their hard work what they did for thei home church in the council.

We welcome our two new council members this year Steven Oliver, Lloyd Voges, we wish them good luck and God's Blessing.

Lenten Season has arrived again in this New Year, which is a spiritual preparation for the great day of Easter resurrection of our Lord. In order for this better preparation our Church decided to have a Mid-Week Lenten Service Series every Wednesday nights at 7 P.M.

Palm Sunday service has been held on the 16 -th of March, Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. Good Friday service has been held on the 21 -th of March at 7 P.M.

Easter service has been held on the 23 -rd of March, Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M.

Pot - Luck Sunday on the 30-th of March right after the 10:30 worship service.

Our Mother's Day Bake Sale and Pentecost Celebration have been held on 10-th and 11-th of May at 9 and 11 A.M.

All of our regular Sunday School services are being held at 9,30 A.M. all of our regular Sunday morning services are being held at 11 A.M.

First sunday of every month worship service is followed by Holy Communion Service.

Council Meeting on every 2-nd tuesday of the month at 7 PM.

Shut -In,Nursing Home visitaion on every 3-rd wednesday of the month at 10.30 A.M.

All of you are more than welcome to all of our Sunday, Weekday and Holiday services and wish you all a God Blessed Mother's Day and Pentecost Day; Happy Birthday to the Christian Churches;

All of you are more than welcome to all of our Sunday, Weekday and Holiday services.

In Christ, Pastor Paul and Gabriella

Our Annual Congregational meeting has been held on the 2-nd Sunday of January, our regular Holy Communions will be given on the first Sunday of every month this year following by this our Church old traditional way.

Two of our Council members term expired last year, Nancy Ford's and Donna Oliver's, to whom we appreciate all of their hard work what they did for their home church in the council.

We welcome our two new council members this year Steven Oliver, Lloyd Voges, we wish them good luck and God's Blessing.

Lenten Season has arrived again in this New Year, which is a spiritual preparation for the great day of Easter resurrection of our Lord. In order for a better spiritual preparation of our members our Church decided to have a Mid-Week Lenten Service Series every Wednesday nights at 7 P.M. starting with Ash Wednesday on the 6 - th of February ending with Good Friday on the 21 - th of March following by this our Church old traditional way.

Palm Sunday service will be held on the 16 -th of March, Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M.

Good Friday service will be held on the 21 -th of March at 7 P.M. followed by Holy Communion following by this our Church old traditional way.

Easter service will be held on the 23 -rd of March, Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. followed by Holy Communion and Children's Easter Egg Hunt Fun following by this our Church old traditional way.

Pot - Luck Sunday on the 30-th of March right after the 10:30 worship service.

All of you are more than welcome to all of our Sunday, Weekday and Holiday services and wish you all a God Blessed Easter Holiday;

In Christ, Pastor Paul and Gabriella

A letter from the Pastor for 2008 Easter Season;

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ !

Here how "THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST" happened:

Don't be afraid," he said. "Are you looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified ? He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16: 6;

M.F. The Gospel of Mark tells us that Friday Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a tomb. A big stone was rolled against the door of the tomb. The followers of Jesus were sad and afraid. Sabbath day had passed and now the first day of the week has arrived. Early on that Sunday morning three women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome, went to the garden where they had buried the Lord Jesus Christ. They were mourning and sad. They wanted to anoint the body of Jesus Christ. They talked about who would roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb. When they arrived at the garden tomb, they found that the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. The angel of the Lord said, "Are you looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified, He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive forever more.

M.F. In Romans 4: 25, Paul writes "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Christ died and rose again for our salvation. Christ is Risen and therefore we can be assured of his presence and help in every time of need. Christ conquers death on Easter. He takes on his shoulder the sins of us all. Our hope and strength comes from Jesus, who is alive. We believe in the living Savior, who will help guide and lead every step in life that we take if we ask him. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13. Thank God that our Savior Rose from the tomb with the victory over sin and death. Who assures us "because I Live, you shall live also."

M.F. How wonderful, we as believers and followers of Jesus Christ can sing again on Easter "Because He Lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone; because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives."

I pray that all of us know the joy, love, courage and peace of having the Risen and Living Jesus in our hearts;

Have a God Blessed Easter Holiday; Rev. Paul and Gabriella

Our Mother's Day, Father's Day and Pentecost Celebration have been Blessed by God abundantly, along with our Mother's Day Bake Sale and the Father's Day BBQ Fundraiser Events for which we thank to the Women's Guild and Brotherhood's great help.

Happy Mother's Day, Father's Day and Pentecost Day. Happy Birthday to the Christian Churches.

Pot - Luck Sunday / Kitchen Shower on June 29 - th after the Sunday Worship Service;

All of our regular Sunday School services are being held at 9,30 A.M. all of our regular Sunday morning services are being held at 11 A.M.

First Sunday of every month worship service is followed by Holy Communion Service.

Council Meeting on every 2-nd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM.

Shut -In, Nursing Home visitation on every 3-rd Wednesday of the month at 10.30 A.M.

Fourth of July Celebration;

Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting: July 13, Sunday right after our Sunday Worship Service;

Riesel-Fair / Raffles / Fun - July 16-18; Invitation to volunteers for the Riesel Fair Booth;

Friedens Evangelical and Reformed UCC

Men’s Brotherhood

President : Gordon Voges; Secretary: Lloyd Voges

Why is the Men’s Brotherhood needed?

My Friends! It is a continuing phenomenon Churches in particular, that the vast majority of men on parish rolls do not attend worship services or participate in the life of the parish in any way whatsoever. Generally, those attending services are 60% to 70% women, 10% to 20% children and youth with the men comprising about 15% to 25% on the average. In most communities as many as 50% of the men do not attend any Christian church at all. Why? We do not know all the answers to this phenomenon, but one thing we do know is that where men are able to come together with other men to share in discussions of their Christian Faith along with the discussion of the Business of their Church and study the Holy Bible, they become more active in and supportive of the parish ministry in that community. As they begin to accept the Disciplines of PRAYER and STUDY, they grow to accept the Discipline of SERVICE. No parish needs another men's organization, but every parish needs a ministry to its men. And the Brotherhood of Friedens is a ministry to men, so we welcome all Friedens men to attend our meetings and events. Meetings are held 7:00p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall on every 3-rd Wednesday of the month. (No meetings in July) New and prospective members are welcome and invited to attend any one of our monthly meetings. Bring a friend or come alone and meet new friends. All our occasions starts with social time and refreshments before our meetings. We look forward to your acquaintance.

Many thanks to the Brotherhood members for their continued support.

Your contributions and patronage have enabled us to serve the Lord and one another.

God Bless You All!

Friedens Evangelical and Reformed UCC

Women’s Guild

President : Teresa Voges; Secretary: Patti Voges;

Why is the Women’s Guild needed?

My Friends! It is a continuing phenomenon Churches in particular, certain number of women on parish rolls do not attend worship services or participate in the life of the parish in any way whatsoever. In most communities a significant number of the women do not attend any Christian church at all. Why? We do not know all the answers to this phenomenon, but one thing we do know is that where women are able to come together with other women to share in discussions of their Christian Faith along with the discussion of the Business of their Church and study the Holy Bible, they become more active in and supportive of the parish ministry in that community. As they begin to accept the Disciplines of PRAYER and STUDY, they grow to accept the Discipline of SERVICE. No parish needs another women's organization, but every parish needs a ministry to its women. And the Women’s Guild of Friedens is a ministry to women, so we welcome all Friedens women to attend our meetings and events. Meetings are held 7:00p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall on every 3-rd Wednesday of the month. (No meetings in July) New and prospective members are welcome and invited to attend any one of our monthly meetings. Bring a friend or come alone and meet new friends. All our occasions starts with social time and refreshments before our meetings. We look forward to your acquaintance.

Many thanks to the Women's Guild members for their continued support.

Your contributions and patronage have enabled us to serve the Lord and one another.

God Bless You All!

~November 26; Pre - Thanksgiving Bake Sale Fundraiser at 9 A. M.

~November 27; Wishing You All a Peaceful, Blessed and a Thankful Thanksgiving Day;

~ November 30; Pot-Luck Sunday; First Sunday of Advent;

~ December 7; Second Sunday of Advent Holy Communion Sunday;

~ December 9; Council Meeting at 7 P.M.

~ December 10; Nursing Home & Shut-In Visitations with Communions at 10 A.M.

~ December 14; Thrid Advent Sunday; Community Christmas Hymn Singing at 6 P.M.

~ December 17; Guild & Brotherhood Meeting; Christmas Party 7 P.M .

~ December 21; Fourth Sunday of Advent;

~ December 24; Sunday School Christmas Eve Program at 6 P.M .

~ December 25; Merry Christmas; Christmas Day;

~ January 1; Happy New Year;

~ January 4; Historical Marker Dedication followed by reception; Holy Communion Sunday;

~January 18; Congregational Meeting;

~Early reminder to the congregation that Denise Hegefeld ( President), Tammy Keller (Treasurer) and Linda Gentry council member’s term in the council will be expired by the end of this year, replacements are wanted to take their seats in the council next year. Their faithful services for their Church over the past years are greatly appreciated! God Bless Them All and Keep Them!!!

A Letter From The Pastor For 2008 Christmas Season;

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, My Friends!

Dear Church Family! Greetings in the name of the Word made flesh, Jesus, our Savior, Christ, the Lord. As we approach another joyous celebration of Christ's birth, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you about Christmas and our congregational life.

The Birth of a Savior

My Friends! At the heart of Christmas is the "good news of a great joy" spoken of by the angel in Luke 2. "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord." Christmas is so sacred because it observes the birth of a Savior. Not just any Savior. A Savior who is the long awaited Messiah and a Savior who is the Lord God Himself! God has visited his people to save them. The little babe in the feeding trough is Immanuel (God with us).

Yes, Jesus has been born to save all people. But from what? Not from what many people today think they need to be saved: political oppression, a bad economy, gender bias, political incorrectness, social inequality. So many today feel "Victimized" by a hundred things, but not the one thing that has truly victimized them: SIN. Matthew 1:21: "and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Jesus was born to save you from your sins, that you might not be condemned to hell. And He did so 33 years later by bearing our sins on the cross.

Christmas is truly good news to those who know all too well the crushing burden of their sinfulness. It is a great joy to those who feel unworthy of God's love, who are afraid of His punishment, who struggle with guilt. In a sense Christmas is only for such people. For them it is a celebration of God's complete forgiveness and unconditional love through the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Fear Not

"Fear not," said the angel to Zacharias. "Fear not," said the angel to Mary. "Fear not," said the angel to Joseph. "Fear not," said the angel to the shepherds. Do you notice a pattern here?!

My Friends! Fear is something these people experienced when standing in the presence of the holy. What about us? We are more often afraid of the secular than the sacred, but we are afraid just the same. Afraid of failure. Afraid of rejection and loneliness. Afraid of economic hardship. Afraid of the fate of loved ones. Afraid of illness or death. Afraid of the future.

My Friends! If you are struggling with fear this Christmas season, then give heed to the words of the angel. "Fear not!" God says to you through him. Christ has been born so "that we, being delivered from the hands of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life" (Lk. 1:74-75). If you have repented of all sin, know that Christ has reconciled you to God (2 Co. 5:19). God is totally on your side. And if He is for you, who is against you (Rom. 8:31)? Who or what is there to be afraid of, when the Creator of the universe, before whom the nations are as a drop in the bucket, loves you and is for you (Is. 40:15)?

God has never promised to take away all hardships and pressures in life M.F. In fact, according to Scripture, these are a normal part of the Christian life ( John 15:1-2 ; Acts 14:22 ; 1 Thess. 3:14). But God has promised through Jesus to give us what we need in every situation ( Rom. 8:32 ), to supply us with His strength, His peace, His provision. He will provide for you - as He always does ( Gen. 22:8,14 ).

To Those who are Sad at Christmas

My Friends! We know that for many, Christmas is a time of sadness or depression. Instead of resenting such people for spoiling our "Christmas mood," we need to pray for them and help them as best we can.

Still, I think that most people become depressed during the holidays because they are focusing on who or what they don't have. When they compare the cold reality with the picture of the ideal Christmas they have in their minds (from Christmases past, etc.), sadness comes.

My Friends! Few of us will have a perfect Christmas in the sense of everything being just right. Someone we want might not be there. Something we want (good health, a job, prosperity, etc.) might not be there. Such loss and lack is genuinely hard.

The key is to follow the example of Jesus Himself and focus on others. Don't focus on who or what you don't have. Focus on the needs of others and strive to love them. Give yourself away to others this Christmas. Take the initiative, just as Christ took the initiative to help and save us. Brighten someone's Christmas with an invitation to dinner, a gift, a personal note, a phone call, a listening ear, or financial aid. Use your godly imagination! Do this and see if much of your sadness doesn't fade away. Amen.

We Wish You a God Blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In Christ, Pastor Paul and Gabriella and of course the Friedens E&R UCC

Annual Pastoral Report for the year of 2009; Written by Rev. Paul;

Time period report between 01/01/08 -01/18/09 about our Church Events;

Dear Friedens E&R UCC! Dear Friends in Christ! Our Annual Congregational meetings last year have been held on the 3-rd Sunday of January, and on the 3-rd Sunday of July in 2008; Our regular Holy Communions have been given on the first Sunday of every month this year, following by this our Church tradition.

Two of our Council member’s term expired last year, Nancy Ford's and Donna Oliver's, to whom we appreciate all of their hard work what they did for their home church in the council. May God Bless their lives for their faithful work in Church.

We have welcomed our two new council members last year Steven Oliver, Lloyd Voges, and we have wished them good luck, and strength with God's Blessing.

Lenten Season has arrived again in the past year of 2008, which was a spiritual preparation for the great day of Easter Resurrection of our Lord. In order for a better spiritual preparation of our members our Church decided to have a Mid-Week Lenten Service Series every Wednesday nights at 7 P.M. starting with Ash Wednesday on the 6-th of February ending with Good Friday on the 21- th of March, following by this our Church old traditional way. 

Our oldest beloved church members in Riesel Selma Z. Howard and Lydia B. Pick have passed away in the past year, went to their Heavenly Home on March 2-nd 2008 during our Lenten season and on January 8-th, 2009. God Bless their Souls and comfort their family members during the time of their loss and mourning’s.

Palm Sunday service has been held on the 16-th of March, Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M.

Good Friday service has been held on the 21-th of March at 7 P.M. followed by Holy Communion, following by this our Church old traditional way.

Easter service has been held on the 23 -rd of March, Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. followed by Holy Communion and Children's Easter Egg Hunt Fun, following by this our Church old traditional way.

A Pastoral letter for 2008 Easter and Christmas was written to our members.

SCCUCC’s Annual Meeting has been held in June 4-6 past year and our Church was represented by Pastor Paul & Gabriella: Good news all over in the SCCUCC that the Churches along with the Conference are getting more active on local and national level, taking more part in the Conference and Community life thanks to our great encouraging and supporting work of our Conference Minister state wide;

Our Mother's Day, Father's Day and Pentecost Celebration have been Blessed by God abundantly, along with our Mother's Day Bake Sale and the Father's Day BBQ Fundraiser Sale for which we thank to the Women's Guild and Brotherhood's great helps. Proceeds, over $ 1500 from this event went to the Building Fund.

Pot - Luck Sunday / Kitchen Shower have been held on June 29- th after the Sunday Worship Service which was a great success;

Pot –Luck Fellowships have been held on every 5-th Sunday of the past year;

All of our regular Sunday School services have been held at 9, 30 A.M. all of our regular Sunday morning services have been held at 10:30 A.M. in the past year.

On the first Sundays of every month worship services have been followed by Holy Communion Services.

Council Meetings have been held on every 2-nd Tuesdays of the month at 7 PM.

Women’s Guild and Brotherhoods have been held on every 3-rd Wednesdays of the month, except in July.

Memorial Day, along with Fourth of July and Independence Day have been remembered during our Church services.

On the Riesel-Fair / Raffles / Fun - July 16-18 our church has been represented.

Master Workshop Camp has been organized and set ready by our Church help also for operation to the spiritual benefit of our youth for the Summer time of 2008.

A monthly church activity calendar has been released every month to the church members along with the regular church website and bulletin board updating activities have been taken care of.

Our Church Record Book has been updated up to date, confirmations, weddings, funerals have been recorded in chronological order along with the church history has been updated up to date.

All of the maintenance tasks, needs and duties around the church have been done regularly in the past year thanks to our handy, active and very helpful maintenance. Lawn care has been provided and taken care of by helpful volunteers regularly;

An encouraging letter called “The Church is missing for you” to our church members with poor attendance has been mailed out.

A letter in corporation with the Women’s guild and Brotherhood called” Why the Women’s Guild and the Brotherhood is needed for the Church” have been written, released and mailed out.

Veterans Day has been remembered and our veterans in church have been honored;

Thanksgiving Bake sale has been held along with Thanksgiving Service; Proceeds, over $ 500 went to the Church Building Fund also.

Advent and Christmas services have been remembered and celebrated with youth;

105-th Anniversary of our Church has been celebrated with 3 guest speakers and our Church Historical Marker handled by the Presidents of the Women’s Guild & Brotherhood Fellowship has been dedicated on the 105-th birthday of the Church.

Sick visitations in hospitals, nursing homes, shut-in homes to our church members with Holy Communions in Waco and Riesel along with the follow up phone calls and get well prayer cards along with the anniversary, sympathy, birthday cards have been taken care of, remembered and sent out regularly. Our church members have been visited, called, checked upon by the pastor 173 times combined in 2008.

Our 3 council members, Denise Hegefeld (President), Tami Keller(Treasurer) Linda Gentry’s ( Evangelism) terms expired also on the council in the past year.May God Bless their lives for their faithful work in Church.

Our Usher List has been released for the year of 2009 for our church members;

Upcoming Events, Suggestions to discuss for the near future by the Council:

We must elect 3 new members to the council; also accept the budget for 2009;

Time frame on the Church report toward the SCCUCC to send is by February 4-th;

All of our past year church programs and services will be continued this year;

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Services will be held according to the tradition;

Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost services will be held and remembered by plan;

Our church’ turns to host in this Spring Time the next Master’s Workshop BBQ;

Our church will be represented on very upcoming church meetings and gatherings;

Mother’s Day Bake sale, Father’s Day BBQ may be planned to be held also;

Cemetery Historical marker may be ready for dedication in this New Year also;

Our Fellowship Hall Building Plan may be able to get started in this New Year;

Master’s Workshop Camp will be needed volunteers from churches this year also.

We need to increase our church support by 15 % to keep up with increasing prices.

Praise be to God for His Blessings on all of our efforts and services in the past and for your participations in them by hoping for the same or more in this New Year;

Sincerely, with God’s Blessing in Christ, Pastor Paul 01/18/2009; Riesel, TX