Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church December Grace and peace to you from the one who is coming into this world.

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1 ZIONEWS Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church December 2017 Grace and peace to you from the one who is coming into this world. The calendar we have creates interesting rhythms. The last time Christmas Eve was on a Sunday was in The time before that was in With leap years, this makes sense, but it does mean that since we entered the 21 st Century, there have been more Saturday Christmas Eves than Sunday Christmas Eves. And whenever Christmas Eve or Christmas Day falls in line with regular weekend services, there s always a bit of an upset. True, this upset is more visible in denominations and congregations that do not follow the liturgy. When Christmas Day is on a Sunday, questions come up like, Should we have Christmas Day services on Sunday? And the arguments against having a Sunday morning Christmas Day service tend to be, But Christmas Day is family time. I will let you ruminate on what this means about which god is being worshiped. But such calendar troubles are still real for those of us who embrace the liturgy. If we were to follow our normal schedule this year for Christmas, we would have our regular Saturday evening service at 6 p.m., our two regular services on Sunday (Christmas Eve morning) at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., our two regular Christmas Eve services at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., and our regular Christmas Day service on Monday at 10:30 a.m. Whew, that is a lot of services! The question becomes how many of those services would you show up for? (continues next page) Advent & Christmas Services Advent services Tuesdays: December 5, 12 & 19 at 7 p.m. Daytime Advent services (with a light lunch) Wednesdays: December 6, 13 & 20 at noon Saturday, December 23 - Fourth Saturday of Advent 6 p.m. Worship Sunday, December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:30 a.m. Worship (No 8:00 a.m. service) Sunday, December 24 Christmas Eve 7 p.m. (Family Service) Christmas Eve 11 p.m. (Traditional Service) Broadcast Live on WLEC

2 I am still learning the cycles and patterns of Zion, but in general most people go to church a fixed number of times. That means that for most people who attend services on a regular basis which on average is about twice a month if they go to a wedding or funeral that counts as one of the times they go to church for the month. If you normally go to services on Christmas Eve which by the record here, most people do would you also show up for a service earlier that same day? The historic record is mixed. Most of the members I ve asked have been very honest with me and said that they will not show up on Christmas Eve morning because they re planning on coming for Christmas Eve evening or night. After many such conversations, we have a slightly different schedule this year. We are not going to have the Sunday Christmas Eve morning 8 a.m. service. We will still have the Saturday service, which we will celebrate as the fourth Sunday of Advent. We will have the Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. service for the radio broadcast and those who do want to join in on that ministry and worship, which we will also celebrate as the fourth Sunday of Advent. Then we ll have the regular cycle of services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including broadcasting the 11 p.m. service on the radio. Oh, and congregational candle lighting as part of the 11 p.m. service cleared by both the fire department and our insurance. This year s calendar also has direct implications for our Advent services. While there are four Sundays in Advent, Sundays are the only days of the week that there are four of, so we will have our regular Tuesday evening Advent services and our Wednesday worship and lunch, but there will only be three of them. This focus on our schedule is not just to make sure you are informed about the service times, but also provides a chance for me as we enter the holiday season to remind you that if you are not careful, your schedule will get away from you. Try and structure your days and weeks, intentionally deciding to spend time with God, with your friends and family, and with Zion. Part of God s gift of renewal is knowing that we have some measure of control in these days when we would be pushed to do too much too much shopping, too many holiday activities, too much time spent on that which does not satisfy. Prepare the way of the Lord within yourself and have a blessed Advent and merry Christmas! PE Advent is a season of hope and expectation. It is a season in which we prepare the way of the Lord (Mark 1:3). Advent candles, wreaths and calendars are joined with as-yet unfinished nativity scenes to mark our preparations for the birth of Jesus Christ. This year, ELCA World Hunger s Advent Study celebrates this season with reflections focused on the preparation of the people of God for the work of the new year the work of feeding, clothing, accompanying and advocating with our neighbors for a just world in which all are fed. The four sessions of this Advent Study are based on the Scripture readings for each week of Advent. This can be used during worship, educational forums or special Advent services, at home or in small groups for personal reflection as we prepare for the Christmas season and the coming new year. Each week includes a meditation on the theme, reflection questions, a prayer and hymn suggestions. The four themes are: Beginning at the end: suffering and hope (Mark 13:24-37) Our baptismal calling (Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8) Movers and shakers (John 1:6-8, 19-28) The world is about to turn (Luke 1:26-38) Link to entire study booklet:

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4 Carolyn's Corner Several years ago, when Augsburg Fortress introduced their new Spark Bible for youth, Kay Neubauer asked those of us who were gathered in her workshop if we remembered our first Bible. She asked how many of us had a black or white (mine was black) Bible with a nice zipper on it; if it was the King James Version; if it were kept on the shelf so it didn t get damaged. She described my first Bible my pride and joy my If your house is on fire, what would you save? answer. I was so proud of that Bible, but it was pretty hard to understand and I really didn t want to rumple the pages! I took it to Catechism each Saturday, then put it back on the shelf. At home I shared my mother s Bible and in Sunday School we had Bibles to use, so I could protect my special gift. Over the years I ve had several different Bibles. The two I mostly use now are beat up, pages falling out from being used and have lots of passages that are underlined. I still have my little Black Bible with the pristine pages and the nice zipper it s still on my shelf. It reminds me that my parents loved me enough to want to gift me with the special word of God. The ones I use today remind me that God wants me to know that God loves me enough to gift me with the grace that saves me through faith God s gift to all of us. As we begin our Advent journey to Bethlehem we encourage you to bring your Bible to worship each week. The weekly announcement page of the bulletin will include the lessons for the following Sunday so that you may look them up and mark them in your Bible. As the lessons are read, you can follow along in your own Bible, mark them and refer back to them during the week. If you need a Bible, please let me know and I will provide one for you. As we journey through Advent, let us look forward together to the birth of our Savior, Jesus our Lord and King; the one who brings salvation to all. Blessings, Carolyn Bring your Bible to Worship! You are invited to bring your Bible to church. Each Sunday the bulletin lists the readings for the following Sunday so that can look them up and mark them during the week. At worship you can turn to them and follow along as the lector reads them.

5 Youth News for December The holidays are upon us and as we prepare for celebrations let us remember to also prepare a place in our hearts for the Christ Child. This is a time of preparation and excitement as we share the gift of Christ with all the world. If you would like to share your joy this Christmas with a child who is less fortunate contact me and I will get you a name and gift ideas for a local child in need. We will be taking a turn ringing the bell for the Salvation Army watch the bulletin insert for exact time and location. There are a few movies out that would be great to go to as a family. First = Wonder, based on the novel and a good story about kindness Second = Star, the story of the first Christmas from the animal's perspective Also think about gathering a few families together to go see the movie then get together at someone's home for Hot Cocoa and cookies. (I love movies, cookies and cocoa...hint, hint;)) I will be continuing the tradition of going to see the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo Friday December 15. We will leave from St. Paul at 5 pm and be back in Sandusky by 9 pm. The first 12 to let me know they are coming can ride in the church van with me!!! This event also includes a selfie scavenger hunt so come prepared to compete! Jennifer Parkison

6 Cardboard City We had an awesome turnout for Cardboard City Nov. 12 & 13. Thanks to all of the youth involvement (there were 32 teens there!) we were able to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless in our area and in doing so, raised approximately $2,800. for Crossroads Homeless Shelter in Sandusky. In addition to the money raised we were able to donate a good supply of blankets and toilet paper as well. Great job! Confirmation Classes: Dec. 3rd, and Dec. 17th from 3-4:15 p.m. in room 204. This will finish out Look to the announcements for the 2018 schedule!

7 Thank you! Thank you to the Confirmation students who wrapped Christmas gifts for the Osborne School children. Your service is greatly appreciated! Journey to Bethlehem Children's Christmas Program Saturday, December 16, 6 p.m. & Sunday, December 17 during 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. worship Practice will be December 10 beginning with lunch at 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Songs being learned during Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday All children aged 3 and older are invited to participate. Questions? Call Carolyn at Cherub Choir Cherub Choir rehearsals: Come and make a joyful noise with us! We meet every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. National Youth Gathering, Fundraiser: Look for the gas can located in the Gathering Room and consider placing your spare change in them. This money is to help us fly down to Houston and we are calling this Gas-to-Go! To date we have collected $ between the Zion and St. Paul congregations! We are well on our way! Thank you and please, continue to donate your loose change to help our youth make it to The Gathering in Texas in 2018.

8 Worship Leaders for December Dates: 12/03/17 12/10/17 12/17/17 12/24/17 12/31/17 8 am Wine 10:30 am Tom & Cindy Patterson Dan Willey & Ron Dahs Randy Koch & Sarah Mears Chet Leser & George Clements Andrew Castello & Kris Stradtman Jim & Judy Mears No 8am Service Lyle Marquardt & Suzanne Jeffrey Dick & Marlene Long Dan Willey & Ron Dahs 8 am Lectors 10:30 am Addison Stradtman Linda Reichenbach Judy Mears Dale Cerny Jean Bossetti Sarah Mears No 8am Service Carol Albert Dean Meyers Carla Mitchell 8 am Prayers 10:30 am Marjorie Burton Laura Stellhorn Betty Bickley Ann Cerny Judy Mears Doris Suman Children's Message Laurie Mears Nancy Kinsel Dale Cerny Marjorie Burton Connie Castello 8 am Sound Board 10:30 am Janet Stradtman Tim Kostel/ Andrew Castello Andy Gundlach John Nejedly Dean Meyers Bob Butler No 8am Service Tim Kostel/ Andrew Castello Janet Stradtman John Nejedly Greeters Dale & Ann Cerny Rebecca Brown Earl & Bea Rosen Al & Juanita Mitchell Roslyn & Rainey Orticari 8 am Gathering Hosts 10:30 am Jim & Tracee Duncan Gisela Ohly & Carol Steuk Tom & Nancy Kinsel Jeff & Linda Kerst Wendy Schonhardt & Judy Burrows Karen Dehn No 8amService Ron & Carol Albert Michael & Susan VanBarg Carla Mitchell, Kay Eash & Pat Cassidy Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! Luke 2:14

9 December ZELCW News Greetings on this blustery day. I trust all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now it s time to set our hearts and minds on Advent. I love this time of year. Preparing to celebrate Christ s birth involves many things. Meditation, Bible study, prayer, singing, worshiping, and showing God s love for us to everyone we meet are just a few ways to prepare for Christmas. Of, course, we should show God s love to others 24/7, 365 days of the year! Zion s women will start off the Advent season on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:00 p.m., by hosting our annual Advent Gathering in the gathering room. Sharon Moenter, from Pemberville, will provide our main program of Snowflake Crismons and other Christmas symbols. Everyone is invited to attend, so gentlemen, come and join us! We will make Crismons and decorate a tree. We will also enjoy Christmas cookies, punch, and singing Christmas carols. Please, join us for this fun and delightful evening! I want to take this opportunity to thank Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy, Carolyn Steinfeldt, and all the other ladies who helped make our Thankoffering Weekend services successful! Your talents and efforts were greatly appreciated. I wish each and everyone a blessed Christmas and a healthy and wonderful New Year! May God Bless us Everyone! Carla Mitchell ZELCW President Agape Wednesday, Dec. 6th 6:00 Perkins Pancake House ZELCW Circle Meetings Circle of Friends Wednesday, Dec. 6 th 6:00 Olive Garden 7: Woodbridge Dr. (Bible Study) Priscilla Thursday, Dec. 7 9:30 a.m. in Zion's library Book connection Wednesday, Dec. 27 2:30 p.m. in Zion's library

10 Care and Share Yes, Care and Share is still there providing food for those in our community less fortunate. And, we keep asking for the same things from Zion only because those are items we need and cannot purchase due to costs. If you are buying those items of ketchup, mustard, salad dressings the dollar stores have a good selection and you get value for your dollar. For the last year we have tried something different and it seems to be working. Thru the health department and Ohio State Extension office we have been offering cooking classes. We have a church that donates crock pots and items are taken off our shelves and mixed in the crock pot and makes a meal for a family. We try to keep 6-8 participants and they leave with a crock pot and the items that were used for the class. If you are part of another organization and would like to tour the Care & Share facility to give you an idea of what we offer those in our community, call Linda Moore for more information at Prayer List We will be starting with a clean slate beginning in December. If there is someone that needs to be on the prayer list, please contact Lori Wobser in the church office at and she will add the name to the new list. For several months some names have remained and we do not know the status. Starting with a fresh list will become a yearly practice. Deadline to submit articles and announcements for January's Zionews is Wednesday, Dec. 20, Please submit articles in a digital format. all submissions to Lori Harris - loriharris@zionsandusky.org

11 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Prayer shawl ministry meets the 4th Thursday of the month. The Shawls made can go to those in the hospital, sick at home, lose of a loved one, new birth in a family and shut in nursing homes. Ken Fultz has been giving the prayer shawls to people he visits. If you are interested in making them please contact the church office or call Connie Castello at Church Addresses Pastor Eric Bodenstab: pastoreric@zionsandusky.org Carolyn Steinfeldt, AiM: csteinaim@zionsandusky.org Lori Harris, Office Admin.: loriharris@zionsandusky.org Lori Wobser, Office Secretary: loriwobser@zionsandusky.org Church Websites (Zion Lutheran Church) (Northwestern Ohio Synod) (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

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14 NEW BUSINESS: There was no New Business. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. with The Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Lori Harris, Recording Secretary SCAASP for Zion Team Osborne Students accepting the very first Zion Award on Nov 3rd. This is a quarterly award given to any student who has shown improvement in academic, behavior, kindness toward others and classroom respect. Zion SCAASP will be Christmas Caroling on Monday, Dec 18 at 11 am at Osborne Elementary. All congregation member are welcome to participate. Something New: we are searching for volunteers for Osborne Santa Shop. Date and Time TBA. Please call Linda Kerst There will be NO Nehemiah Cafe for the month of December. We will continue to collect boxes of Kleenex, wet wipes, and school supplies in the gathering room.

15 Christmas Poinsettias, Memorials and Honors (Decorating the Sanctuary and printed in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bulletin) Poinsettias can be purchased in memory or in honor of a loved one. Completed forms and payment need to be returned to the church office no later than Monday, December 4, Cost is $9 per poinsettia. I wish to purchase poinsettia(s) in memory of: by: I wish to purchase poinsettia(s) in honor of: by: Total number Poinsettias Total Cost: Christmas Memorials and Honors: In honor or memory of a loved one. Return completed form/payment no later than Monday, December 11, In memory of: by: In honor of: by: Memorial/Honor Amount Fund: (Undesignated gifts will be split 40% Debt Retirement, 40% Facility Fund, 20% General) Name Phone Total enclosed Cash Check

16 December 2017 Communion is Offered at Each Service Rev. Dr. Eric L. Bodenstab Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon