February 2015 I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Sunday School Lenten Book Club. Pastor s Note 3. ZLCW News Presidents Report. Calendar 6-7 Celebrate 8

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1 F e b r u a r y Zion Lutheran Church PO Box 323 Scotland, SD The Messenger Zion Lutheran Church Welcomes all to worship with us and work together to do God s word Phone: scotland@gwtc.net February 2015 I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : God s Word, Our Hands The Tree of Life in Lent Many world religions use the image of the tree of life when depicting their central beliefs and values. For Christians, that tree of life is the cross. This year s Lenten devotions focuses on the biblical use of the tree of life. Each week a biblical passage and a hymn cast some light on the cross of Christ as our tree of life. The weekly repetition of Psalm 1, each time with an appropriate focus, helps worshipers memorize this important Jewish and Christian song. Sunday School Lenten Book Club 2 Pastor s Note 3 ZLCW News Presidents Report 4 5 Calendar 6-7 Celebrate 8 We Gi ve thanks 9 Budget R eport Classifieds FEBUARY 25TH Reading: Genesis 2:8-9, 15-18; 3:22-24 The tree of life in Eden is given, and then denied. MARCH 4TH Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24 God will transform the low tree into the tree of life. MARCH 11TH Reading: Proverbs 3:13-18 We hold fast to wisdom, as if it were the very tree of life. MARCH 18TH Reading: Mark 4:30-32 The mustard bush is a tree of life only in a hidden way. MARCH 25TH Reading: Galatians 5:16-26 Love, joy, peace, patience... are fruits of the tree of life.

2 Sunday School! Zion Classifieds Lessons for Sunday School: February 1 Jesus Feeds the 5,000 February 8 Valentines Craft/ No Lesson February 15 The Transfiguration February 22 The Greatest Commandment Today s society is full of whirring and beeping even our own bodies make a humming sound as we pump blood through our veins, there is so very little quiet that most of us fear that we are not hearing God. That the silence of God in our world and our lives is the absence of his Word. Are You Listening? This Lenten season explore with your Zion Community the moment when God s voice went from a burning bush and boom so loud it shook the mountains to the soft whisper of Jesus, a voice that not everyone heard, to our own longing to hear the voice of God. When God is Silent by Barbara Brown Taylor navigates the silence with intelligence, compassion and beauty. It is with reverence that we enter into the silence of God understanding that silence may not be an absence of God but is as much a sign of God s presence. This slim but powerful book retails for $11.00, $9.99 for the Kindle, and $10.50 for the Nook. If you are interested in joining us and would like Kara to order your book please let her know by Thursday February 15. Lite goodies will be served along with wonderful discussion and insight. We will meet every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. starting February 25th. The book is a mere 3 chapters, but each chapter packs a lot of information so we should plan on reading half a chapter each week. Everyone is welcome! See you on Wednesday February 25 at 6:00 p.m. The Food item for the month of February is canned fruit. Ash Wednesday services will be February 18th starting at 7:00 p.m. Midweek Services will be every Wednesday from 7:00-7:30 p.m. Starting February 25th. When God is Silent by Barbara Brown Taylor will be the book for our Lenten Book Club this year. We will gather for the first time on February 25th at 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in a book they will be $11.00 please let Kara know if you would like to have her order one, if so please have your order to her by February 15. For a review of the book please see page 2 of the newsletter. We are adding more trees to our Memorial Orchard. If you are interested in purchasing a tree please sign up in the Narthex. Tress are $55 a piece. If you are a Thrivent Action team member you are once again reset with your $500. Now a good time to start to think of projects that can benefit from your help. If you have questions or need ideas please speak with Pastor or Kara. There are still some months open for the Eternal Candle. If you wish to donate the candle in honor of a loved one you can sign up in the Narthex. We are still in need of people to deliver Meals on Wheels if you are interested a sign up sheet can be found in the Narthex. If you are interested in a large print Messenger please speak with Pastor or Kara and they can provide one for you. Have something that could go in the newsletter or a great picture of Zion? Pass it along to Kara and it will make it into next month s issue of The Messenger. February Acolyte Derek Pravecek (2/1) Tristin Friederich (2/8) Chaylub Hall (2/15) Katrina Millsap (2/18) Brittany Bauder (2/22) Confirmation Readers (2/22) Brittany Bauder Derek Pravecek February Counters Nathan Fischer (2-1) Verlyn Jerke (2-8) Jim Kocer (2-15) Heather Friederich (2-18) Andy Bueber (2-22) Heather Friederich (2-25) February Communion Deacon Nathan Fischer (2-1) Stan Hieb (2-18) February Ushers Melvin Kepplinger David Eberhardt Don Bietz Wilbur Bauder February Alter Guild Erin Odens

3 Receipts Expenses General Fund 14, , , , Benevolence 5, , Capital Outlay Fund , , Choir Fund 2, , Community Assistance Fund Designated Giving 1, , Memorial Fund Parsonage Basement Fund (0.00) Super Now 4, , Zion Projects Fund - 1, , Actual 2014Budget 2015 Budget Dif from 2014 Choir Music Church Improvements 1, , , Total Church Supplies 5, , , Continuing Education Dues Insurance Expense 3, , , Luther League 1, , , Mileage 3, , , Miscellaneous Mission Support-SD Synod 4, , , Parish Ed 1, Total Parsonage Loan Mthly Pmts 3, , , Parsonage Maintenance Pastor - Housing Equity Allowance 1, , , Retirement/Health 17, , , , Salary 37, , , Social Security 3, , , Total Payroll 5, , , Payroll Tax Expense (IRS) Snow Removal Supply Pastor Church Electricity 4, , , Fuel 2, , , Garbage Telephone 1, , Water Parsonage Electricity 1, , , Fuel Water/Garbage Total Expense 104, , , , Benevolence Giving 6, , , Pastor s Note Recently I was reminded of a familiar quote, Church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of non-members. Spoken by William Temple, an archbishop in the Anglican Church. I m not sure I agree completely with the line, but it is a provoking way to look at the nature of the church. That is, our primary function is for those who don t regularly gather in our walls. Now, there can be made an argument that the church also exists for those who gather here. We do exist to comfort each other in times of need and encourage each other in the exercising of our faith, and even celebrate new life in baptism and as husband and wife are joined together. But for a moment let s assume that Bishop Temple has a point, that we as a community of faith don t exist for ourselves. What would be different? After all, Jesus never tells the disciples to stay locked in a room to themselves. Jesus never tells them to argue about which one has the greatest place in their circle of disciples. Doesn t tell them to concern themselves with their own hungry stomachs before feeding the 5000 gathered before them. If we are anything like the disciples, then seems that time and time again our natural tendency is to focus inward and on our own needs and interests. And every time that happens (at least in the Gospels), Jesus calls them to look outward and beyond themselves. Take for example the rich young man For Whom Does the Church Exist? who seeks the kingdom of God from Jesus and leaves in tears because he is not able to do what Jesus asks. Namely, sell all he has and follow him. I think there is enough evidence in scripture pointing out that humans have a problem of too often worrying about themselves; and certainly enough evidence shows that the same problems confront our own world, as well. But the truth is that we don t exist for ourselves, we exist for the one who created us, claimed us in baptism, and sends us out into the world to bring God s blessing. I do hope that we benefit from this calling and blessing. Yet, I think at the heart of Bishop Temple s words is a challenge to be outwardly focused, and maybe even a warning of what happens when we are only working for ourselves. To the point that we focus only on our needs and desires, then we cease to be the church (aka. the gathered community of God s people). That s what it means to be the church. It is not a place we go, or the name of a building, the church is the whole communion of the faithful who rejoice in the Good news of Christ Jesus and live for God and one another. As we move forward into this year, I give thanks for you all. It is a joy to be pastor here, and I look forward to the new ways that we will seek to reach out and welcome those who have yet to hear the Gospel of our Lord.

4 The February Birthday Fellowship will be February 15. Bring your treats and enjoy the fellowship. Mark your calendars for the ZLCW General Meeting to be held on February 11 at 6:30 pm. Rebekah Circle will be in charge of refreshments. February Bible Study will be Friday, February 20 at 1:30 pm with the Mary Circle serving. World Day of Prayer is coming in the beginning of March, and many thanks to Janet Bauder for being our representative. We will host the service so you may be asked to help out. Watch the Scotland Journal and the bulletin for more information. The Valentine's Party will be held at the Good Samaritan Center on Friday, February 13, with Anna Circle in charge of bingo and prizes. The Prairie River Spring Gathering will be at Bridgewater in April. Date has not been set, but it will be on a Saturday. We will need a delegate. If you are willing to represent the ZLCW, please let me know. More information will follow. Sincerely submitted, Arleen Bietz ZLCW News ZLCW Bible Study February 1:30 p.m. The Letter to the Colossians In the United States 190 million Valentines are sent a year this does not include all the Valentines that students give out in class. This is an amazing amount of mail! Lets add to those numbers; lets send a Valentine to our shut ins. Young kids and adults alike are encouraged to make or purchase a Valentine for our shut ins. If you are interested in doing this stop in and see Pastor or Kara and we will supply you with the names and address for each shut in. Lets shower them with Zion love this Valentines Day! Lets Go to Camp! I know that the temperatures are dropping and many of us think that summer is never going to arrive but these cold temps are not stopping us from making summer plans. Since you are already cruising websites and books for warmer weather activities why not consider a South Dakota Camp. To help you get started on your search here are brief descriptions of our camps: NeSoDak-Located on a beautiful Glacial Lake, NeSoDak provides a safe place for youth to build relationships, develop new skills and live in a grace -filled community. NeSoDak specializes in summer youth programs, including camps (one day, one night) for elementary youth, half-week and week-long camps for middle school through junior high youth, and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs. Klein Ranch - Like horses? You'll love Klein Ranch! Klein Ranch is a unique camp that offers youth the opportunity to begin to stretch their boundaries, and abilities, as they ride horses on 2,300 acres of Wild West ranch country. Campers can spend a week exploring the prairie on horseback and participating in other activities, such as hiking the mini badlands, having an overnight campout, playing games and more. Through the camp's small group community, youth strengthen their identity and gain depth in their faith. At Klein Ranch, youth also develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and for others as they care for the animals at the camp. Come and experience life on the ranch! Outlaw Ranch-Located amongst granite outcroppings in the southern Black Hills, Outlaw Ranch is open year round, offering summer youth camps, family camp, year round retreats for youth and adults, as well as hosting business gatherings and family reunions. Outlaw Ranch is known across the country for its top notch family camps, bringing youth and families together. Joy Ranch-Our newest camp and retreat center has been specially-designed to be fully barrier free, allowing people of all abilities to "experience Christ's love in community and creation." Joy Ranch hosts specialty medical camps and programs for people with special needs, and is also an extraordinary place for youth, families and businesses. Joy Ranch is not just a place for people with special needs; it is a place that includes all people. You can rent Joy Ranch on your own or attend programmed events. We are happy to serve you all year long! Let s not forget that Lutheran Outdoors South Dakota has day camps and family camps! Outlaw Family Camp- Come spend quality time with your family in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring great food and Christian community in a peaceful Black Hills valley. Outlaw Ranch welcomes families of all sizes and descriptions. Weeks include multiple generations, as parents, children, grandchildren, and singles come together for a week of family camp. During this week you ll live in a community of grace surrounded by family and friends as you play, pray, worship, and grow together in faith. For more information go to Happy Camping!

5 Bob Moore 2 Eugene Bietz 6 Laverna Roth 6 Trevor Schultz 7 Verlyn Jerke 8 Erin Zeeb 8 Austin Herrboldt 10 Teri Varilek 10 Jason Konstanz 11 Karen Stewart 11 Bill Suurmeier 11 Linda Zander 11 LaVerne Goeken 13 Eli Soukup 13 Viola Auch 14 Bruce Kepplinger 15 Kalley Vitek 15 Verne Grosz 16 Sasha Roth 18 Sherry Fischer 19 Dudley Nelson 20 Addison Haase 23 Wilbur Bauder 25 Danny Eberhardt 25 Jaymison Knakmuhs 25 Jadyn Zeeb 25 Stephanie Keppen 26 Emma Sexton 26 Austen Soukup 26 Jaymie Barrett 27 Marge Grosz 28 Jerry and Dianne Neugebauer 7 Congratulations to the newest members of Church Council, ZLCW and Sunday School Board: Andy Diede Deacon Megan Fischer Sunday School Board Michelle Hlavac ZLCW Recorder Colleen Jerke ZLCW Treasurer and Growth The Eternal Candle for February is given in memory of: Ellington Mehrer and Sgt. Allen Kokesh Jr. by Darlene Mehrer Council News By Verlyn: January Zion Council met for their monthly meeting on January 14 with 11 members and Pastor Vehar in attendance. Pastor led in devotions by reading from Amos 7 and Matthew 1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The treasurers report was presented. Nicole stated that the General Fund is much lower than previous year end balance but that all bills have been paid. Motion by Larry to approve the report, second by Andy, motion carried. In old business the nominating committee presented a full slate of candidates for the upcoming annual meeting. The bathroom floor will be torn out as soon as possible, then we will need volunteers to paint the walls before the new floor can be installed. We are still in need of someone to lock and unlock the church. If interested or have questions, let me know. Pastor was given permission to take whatever we have for the directory and submit it to Lifetouch. In new business Nicole reported that the Audit committee has found the treasurers books in order. The budget committee has met and we presented the 2015 budget to the council. After lengthy discussion council agreed to give Pastor a $ increase in salary. Which would leave us below guidelines but Pastor is satisfied with that because of the lower deductible in the new health plan. This budget will be presented to the congregation for approval at the annual meeting. The annual meeting agenda was then set up. One of the items will be Stephen Ministry. Motion was made by Stan, that the council give their recommendation to go forward with this ministry when funds are available. Second by Andy. Motion carried. This recommendation will be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting. Stan reported that St. Dysmas has an opening for about 12 people to attend worship on March 26. At this time I thanked those council members who helped tear down and put away the nativity and manger. I also thanked Larry H. for his 6 years of service given to Zion Council. The next council meeting will be February 11 at 7:30. There being no further business motion to adjourn by Andy, Second by Nicole, motion approved. Meeting was adjourned with the Lord s Prayer.

6 February 2015 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:30 Worship w/ Communion 10:45 Sunday School 8 9:30 Worship 10:45 Sunday School 3:00 p.m. Luther League Broomball 15 9:30 Worship 10:45 Sunday School/ Birthday Fellowship :00 a.m. LEEE Committee 10:30 a.m. Worship at Good Samarita an 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 7:45 Choir 8:30 Community Choir 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 7:45 Choir 7:30 Church Council 8:30 Community Choir 6:00 p.m. Confirmation 7:00 Ash Wednesday 7:45 Choir 8:30 Community Choir 5 8:00 Morning Jolt 12 8:00 Morning Jolt 19 8:00 Morning Jolt 6 9:00-12:00 Pastor s office 13 9:00-12:00 Kara and Pastor s office 20 9:00-12:00 Pastor s office 1:30 p.m. ZLCW Bible Study :30 Worship 10:45 Sunday School :00 p.m. Greatest Story Ever Told 25 6:00 p.m. Book Club 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 7:00 p.m. Lenten Service 7:45 p.m. Choir 8:30 p.m. Community Choir 26 8:00 Morning Jolt 27 9:00-12:00 Pastor s office 28