Reverend Bill Schulenberg — A Celebration of Life.
Dear friends, family, and beloved members of the New Hope Presbyterian Church community,
Today,
we gather not in sorrow alone, but in profound gratitude and joyful
remembrance to celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of
Reverend William "Bill" Schulenberg — New Hope Presbyterian Church's own
Moses.
Like Moses leading the Israelites from
humble beginnings to a promised land of greater promise and purpose,
Reverend Bill guided our congregation on a remarkable journey. He took
us from a relatively small Presbyterian church in Barker, Texas, to the
thriving, much larger community we cherish today in Katy, Texas. Under
his visionary leadership as our founding pastor, what began as a modest
gathering grew into a vibrant beacon of faith, hope, and service — a
testament to his unwavering trust in God's guiding hand.
What
an amazing man with an amazing legacy. Reverend Bill was a unifier at
his core, a shepherd who brought people together in the truest sense. He
forged a community of like-minded souls, bound not by obligation but by
a shared passion to serve God and one another. There was absolutely
nothing about Reverend Bill Schulenberg that was divisive; in fact, he
was quite the contrary. In a world often fractured by differences, Bill
embodied grace and reconciliation. He listened deeply to every voice,
offering his full presence and attention, and in doing so, he had the
rare power to make every person feel truly seen, valued, and important.
His
leadership was marked by humility and trust. He never micromanaged;
instead, he gave people free rein, empowering them to discover and use
their God-given gifts. He believed in the potential of his flock,
encouraging lay leaders, volunteers, and dreamers alike to step forward
with confidence, knowing they had his steadfast support. This approach
nurtured growth not just in numbers, but in spirit — cultivating a
church family where individuals flourished and ministries multiplied.
Reverend
Bill's influence extended far beyond the walls of our sanctuary. As
Pastor Emeritus, his wisdom, kindness, and faithful example continued to
inspire generations. He showed us what it means to live a life devoted
to Christ: one of listening hearts, open hands, and boundless love.
Though
he has now entered into eternal rest at the age of 97, his legacy lives
on in the community he built, the lives he touched, and the faith he
strengthened. We honor him today by carrying forward his vision —
uniting, listening, empowering, and serving with the same grace he
modeled so beautifully.
Reverend Bill Schulenberg: a
faithful servant, a beloved pastor, and a true gift from God. May his
memory be a blessing, and may we continue to walk in the light he so
brightly shone.
With deepest affection and thanksgiving,
The New Hope Presbyterian Church Family
