The. Chimes MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH JUNE 2018 FROM PASTOR RON S DESK...

Transcription

1 Chimes The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH JUNE 2018 FROM PASTOR RON S DESK... Dear Friends in Christ, Do you always lock your car doors when you get out at the store? Do you automatically fasten your seat belt? Do you take the same route to the places you go frequently, not even thinking about traffic or where to turn (and arriving without realizing how you got there)? Do you always fold clothes the same way? Such automatic behaviors are automatic because we are trained in them. I grew up always making my bed. Now, as soon as I get up in the morning, I make the bed. I do not stop to think about whether I want to make the bed or need to make the bed; I just do it. That behavior has become an established habit for me. I have become what I call a creature of habit. Though our discipleship in Christ is a much more far reaching part of our lives than whether we make our beds or how we fold towels, many of us do not approach discipleship with as much discipline or consistency as we do daily ordinary tasks. Yet, in many ways, becoming a faithful disciple is a matter of training ourselves. We are all Christians in training. So, think about attending church regularly. It is not always convenient to get out of bed, get dressed, and make it to worship. We may be tired from Saturday s activities, or the weather may be hot, cold or rainy. Some mornings we do not feel particularly positive about going to worship. But as we repeatedly choose that act of discipleship, it becomes established as a habit. The same can be said of other disciplines such as reading the Bible regularly, being a part of the women of the church, participating in ministry to the community, and singing in the choir just to name a few. On any given day, the choice to be faithful in attending a church function or worship may not be easy, but each time we make the choice, we train ourselves. And these individual choices help establish a pattern of faithfulness. This can extend into every area of our discipleship. As we read the Bible or pray or even listen to a sermon, God may nudge us to change the way we relate to our coworkers or family members, to show God s love more consistently. CONTINUES ON P.3

2 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Many items are developing and happening at Zion. Bracher House is near completion with repairs. We want to say thank you to Pastor Ron, Helen Rode and Bernard Scrogin for representing Zion at the Synod assembly. Bishop Ray will present the message at Zion on Sunday, June 10. Lets welcome him to Zion. This is his last year as Bishop. The Council is very grateful for all the planning that has been done for the June VBS at Zion. There is a lot of work and planning to make this happen. Thanks to all the volunteers that are helping in all capacities. This includes housing, donations, teaching, preparing food, and many other items. There are opportunities for Zion members to get involved. We hope as you are able and time permits you will see ways you can help. There is always something for everyone. Even the smallest things make a big difference. Helen Rode has volunteered to serve as volunteer coordinator for Zion. The Council wants to say Thank You to all the volunteers and members at Zion. You make Zion what it is. Thank You. 1 John 2:14 I write to you, FATHERS, Because you know him who is from the beginning. Page 2 YOU ARE INVITED The Fellowship Committee will be hosting a Potluck Lunch on Sunday, June 10 for a question and answer session with Bishop Ray Tiemann. Please bring a dish to share. Bishop Tiemann will give the message at both services that day. A BBQ PLANNING MEETING IS MONDAY, JUNE 4 AT 6PM IN THE LIBRARY. WOMEN OF THE ELCA MEET JUNE 7 All women of Zion Lutheran are invited to join the WELCA Thursday, June 7 at 1:30pm for Bible study and fellowship. Barbara Sultemeier will lead the Bible study on prayer. Can we persuade God with prayer? Have you prayed and received what you didn t want? Come and join the discussion as we look at the paradoxes of prayer.

3 CONTINUATION FROM P.1 We may decide that our words should be more hopeful and joyful. We may see that we need to be more patient with others. Whatever area needs attention, we can choose to act in more Christ-like ways. We can choose not to behave as we have in the past, and each time we choose the new behavior, we move closer to making it a habit of faithfulness. Christian training is a very serious business!! I hope that you all see this. The summer is now upon us and each of us will have choices that will affect our discipleship. If worship becomes more of an option because of the temptations of the summer, then we may be beginning a new habit. Please do not allow the temptations of summer to affect your discipleship. This process of growth is taking place in so many areas and we need to continue the process of growing in the faith and not handle our ministry being put on hold. So during this summer I encourage you to continue to be faithful and strong in discipleship here at Zion Lutheran. Some questions for reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you feel a need for more consistency and faithfulness? Why? What habits of discipleship are a part of your life already? How did these habits become established in your behavior? Whose example challenges you to greater faithfulness? Why? By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit together we will continue to grow in the FAITH. As we grow together closer to our Lord, we in effect strengthen our discipleship and then the message of Christ is spread to others at the same time. Discipleship! Think about it!! ~In His Service, Pastor Ron Windecker Page 3

4 SPECIAL CONCERN June s Special Concern is the Gillespie Literacy Council! We are told to love the foreigners and sojourners who live among us and to treat them as we would treat our brothers. Sharing our language is a priceless gift for the foreign born and also for those born here, but for some reason never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. The Literacy Council strives to increase literacy in Fredericksburg by offering classes in Basic Literacy, ESL, and Citizenship Preparation tutors from Zion were: Stan Sultemeier, Mary Wilson, Al Sunday, Bernard Scrogin and Barbara Sultemeier. Marissa Paloma and Vanessa Pitts provided childcare. This past year over 40 students who came from Mexico, Honduras, The Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Russia, and Cambodia registered for classes. The Literacy Council relies on funding from churches, civic groups, and individuals in our community. Please consider helping with this ministry. You can make a monetary donation which will help pay for books and childcare. You can also help by tutoring or distributing fliers. You can make a difference in someone s life right here in our community. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (DAY CAMP) IS JUNE :30AM-3:30PM There are still spots available! On Thursday, June 14, the VBS youth will have a program at 5:30pm with a hamburger supper following. Families, friends, and the congregation are invited to attend. A few more volunteers are needed, if interested contact Janalee. Page 4

5 YOUTH ACTIVITIES THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS ARE NEEDED (large packages, please): goldfish, pretzels, breakfast bars, cubed cheese, peanut butter, cheese filled crackers, raisins, teddy grahams, popsicles, and fresh fruit. Please see the sign-up poster in the Atrium! Thank you in advance! Canned goods for the food pantry will be collected during the week. Page 5 The Confirmation Retreat on April 22 was considered successful. The students studied the Ten Commandments. The next retreat is June 3 and they will study Holy Communion. On Sunday May 6, 22 youth, friends, and family gathered at the McGookey Ranch and had a BLAST! It was fun just visiting but also playing in the huge sand pile and digging for treasure, climbing up into the tree house and sliding down, and blowing bubbles. There were swings (one swing could hold 600 pounds!) and rock tic-tac-toe. There was yard ball pong, corn hole toss, and ladder golf. After a delicious supper of hot dogs and/or sausage wraps, all who wanted walked up to the hay bales and spent time jumping back and forth from bale to bale. After that we cleaned up and reluctantly went home. If you missed it this time, plan on making the next activity. (see pictures on back of usher schedule) The youth will sing during the 10:30am service on June 17. They have a special song for the father s so plan on being there to listen. And yes, we will have Sunday School during the summer. Rhonda Behrends is teaching a Ukulele class beginning on Sunday June 17.

6 PASTORAL ACT Elliott Klein Menking was baptized on April 29, 2018 by Rev. Ron Windecker. He is the son of Joel and Elizabeth Menking, the grandson of Robert and Janice Menking, nephew of Jeremy Menking and Paige Menking, and the brother of Jasper and Maxwell Menking. His sponsors are Kenneth and Mary Woolsey. SUMMER CAMP Gavin, Ty & Jonathen Mudd, Brandon & Vanessa Pitts and Arena Turner will attend Summer Camp at Camp Chrysalis July 1-6. August & Robert Schonaerts will Attend Day Camp at Camp Chrysalis August Thank you all for your continued support. CONGRATULATIONS HAPPY FATHER S DAY!!! JOURNEY TOWARD HEALING A sweet thank you to Alma Sobey for serving on the Altar Guild and as bulletin assembler for many years! Your dedication will be greatly missed! Collin McGookey, the son of Dan and Judy McGookey, was selected to represent Texas as a member of Team Texas with Special Olympics, competing in Aquatics at the National games in Seattle June 30-July 7, He will travel with coaches and other athletes and live in the dorm on the University of Washington campus for a week. His family, friends and extended family will attend as spectators. This National competition only occurs every 4 years so it is quite an honor for him to have been asked to apply to go, and be accepted. He swims the 25 M and 50 M freestyle and the 25 M backstroke. Mr. Bob Riggle will turn 90 on June 1. Coming this August to Zion Lutheran Church will be a grief seminar entitled "Journey Toward Healing". This seminar will be led by Pastor Don Taylor of Beeville, Texas and Pastor Ron Windecker. Through this three session seminar you will have the opportunity to learn about grief, ways of handling grief, and how the Bible brings comfort in times of loss. We all have experienced grief in our lives and this seminar can be a great help to all. Look for the details of this great opportunity (place, dates and times etc.) in future bulletins and Chimes. THANK YOU Page 6

7 CelesteCare 2230 N Llano: LOUISE THOMAS Knopp Healthcare & Rehab 1208 N Llano: LUCYLLE KUNZE DWIGHT WEIRICH MARGARET WILKE Knopp Nursing & Rehab 202 Billie Dr. ARTHUR REEH, JR Windcrest 210 W Windcrest: DAVE MAYER FBG Nursing 1117 S Adams: ROSALEE HEIMANN HARRIET SCHLAUDT GENEVA SCHWARTZ Page 7 STATISTICS Attendance: Early Late April May May May May General Fund Offerings: April 29 $ 4, May 6 $ 7, May 13 $ 4, May 20 $ 2, May 27 $ 1, Total $ 19, Building Fund Offerings: April 29 $ May 6 $ May 13 $ May 20 $ May 27 $ Total $ May s Totals Cemetery $ VBS $ Gen Fund Rev & Exp for APR: Gen Fund Revenue Total $ 24, Gen Fund Expense Total $ 26, Year-to-Date thru APR: Revenue/Expense $ (9,747.23) From Reserve/Conting. $ 0.00 Remaining Rev/Deficit $ (9,747.23) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS To-Date $65,798 MONTHLY CONCERN Update World Hunger $516 Food Pantry $115

8 Zion Lutheran Church (830) W. Main Street (church location) 415 W. AUSTIN ST ( ) Fredericksburg, TX Bulk Rate US Postage Non-Profit Organization Fredericksburg, TX Permit #103 SUNDAY WORSHIP 8AM & 10:30AM Worship Service with Communion 9:15am Sunday School Opening 9:30am Sunday School 9:30am Adult Bible Study Office Hours Monday Friday 8am 3pm Pastor Ron Windecker prwzion@gmail.com Pastor s Office Hours: Mon & Wed 9am noon Parsonage Phone: Christi Fowler, Administrator zionfbg@gmail.com Council Members President, Wilfred Crenwelge Vice President, Jim O Neal Treasurer, Harold Lotz Secretary, Florence Rogers Mark Becker Virginia Soell Perry Strackbein