Jicarilla Apache Reformed Church
A Century of Service and Partnership
Located in Dulce, New Mexico, among the stunning yet challenging landscapes of the Jicarilla Apache Nation reservation, the Jicarilla Apache Reformed Church (JARC) has been a beacon of hope for over 110 years. Established as a mission church of the Reformed Church of America, its sanctuary and parsonage were completed in 1914, just in time for the first Christmas service. The local congregation has invested in keeping the sanctuary, the parsonage, and the classroom/gym buildings in great shape (with the help of many mission groups) over the years.
Led by Pastor Brad and Robin Kautz, JARC continues to serve a community facing significant challenges, including substance abuse, family hardships, and limited resources. Through weekly worship, Sunday school, youth programs, and community outreach, the church offers more than just practical support—it shares the gospel of Jesus Christ, bringing hope and healing to those in need.
Connections Church is honored to have a long-standing partnership with JARC. Through past Giving Trees and summer mission trips to the reservation, our congregation has joined in this legacy of service, supporting the work of JARC and building relationships with the Jicarilla Apache people. Together, we have witnessed how God’s love can transform lives and strengthen communities.
A Pastoral Legacy
The Kautz family came to Dulce, NM, in 2013, just in time to prepare for the centennial celebration for the church. Brad, Robin, and Kathleen (then 6 years old) came from SW Minnesota, where Brad was a medical professional at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Robin had quit teaching to homeschool after their granddaughter (Kathleen) arrived in their home. Brad had graduated from Western Theological Seminary in 2011.
The mission here is primarily a pastoral call to a local church that serves the Jicarilla Apache people, but there are many differences in what services are provided to this non-Christian nation. First, the Jicarilla Apache Reformed Church provides the vast majority of funerals conducted in the community. Pastor Brad sees these as a perfect opportunity for outreach to the community: He preaches the gospel at every funeral. Pastor Brad has conducted 150+ funerals over his 11 years here. For many community members, a funeral is the only time they are in the church building.
A Community Resource
The mission has a gymnasium and classrooms in addition to the sanctuary. The gym is rented out for birthdays and graduations, as well as being the site for (almost) weekly roller-skating on Friday evenings. Elders in the community love to tell stories about roller-skating in the gym 80 years ago! The Jicarilla Apache Department of Youth frequently uses the gymnasium for youth programming at no cost. The classroom building also has a short-term shelter room for emergency housing. This has been used by women escaping domestic violence, young couples trying to stay sober so they can get custody of their children again, and travelers who had no safe options for shelter.
During the pandemic, Brad and Robin began a ministry almost by accident: Feeding people. The Kautzes were asked several times if they could make a sandwich for an indigent person at their back door. Soon they were making a sack lunch for several people a day. After receiving generous donations from individuals in supportive church communities, the Kautz family has continued to feed anyone who shows up at the door, sometimes feeding 30+ meals in one week. One result of this feeding ministry has been that a few of the indigent recipients have started showing up in church on Sundays! God works in mysterious ways.
Ministry at Home
Seven years ago, the tribe contacted the Kautz family to ask if they would take care of two tiny boys, ages 2 and 4, “for a few days.” Five years ago, the Jicarilla Apache courts gave permanent guardianship of these two boys to Robin and Brad. Robin has been homeschooling them for most of the past seven years and has tutored and homeschooled several of their cousins as well. Robin has tutored and/or homeschooled several other children in need of significant academic help. Serving them in a Christian homeschool setting has been a blessing to all involved. Grandpa (Brad’s father, Tom) joined us a year and a half ago at the age of 91 to make us a family of six.
A Legacy of Service
Joining in service to JARC means stepping into a legacy built by thousands of mission workers over the past 110 years. Each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, adds to the collective impact of those who have come before, ensuring that this community continues to experience the love of Christ through tangible acts of care and compassion.This Advent season, Connections Church invites you to be part of this mission through our Giving Trees. By donating warm clothing, you can help meet a critical need and bring comfort to the Jicarilla Apache people. Together, let’s carry on this legacy of service and extend Christ’s love to a community in need.
