Spirit Steps. May we be instruments that help bring peace to this day. Pastor Bob

Transcription

1 Through Zion s Window Spirit Steps FEBRUARY 2017 This past Friday we inaugurated Donald Trump as the 45 th president of the United States. Regardless of your political affiliation it would be difficult to deny that this presidency is filled with controversy. Some of the controversy seems quite petty like the disagreements over which president had the largest turnout for their inauguration and other disagreements could have a serious impact on a large number of people such as what needs to happen with the Affordable Care Act. The controversy together with actions that the president has already taken or promises to take have created a great deal of fear and anxiety among many who could be adversely affected. The Affordable Care Act is an issue that I believe everyone would agree needs attention. The controversy is around how to go about addressing the problems inherent in it as it currently stands. There are those who believe that it should be abolished and replaced but at this point have not shared any specifics on what would replace it. This causes a great deal of anxiety among those who are currently dealing with long term illnesses in that they are concerned that if the section of the Affordable Care Act that prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to a person because of a pre-existing illness is eliminated, they won t be able to get affordable insurance. This is but one of the many sub groups covered by the Affordable Care Act. The building of a wall along our southern border and the concern of deportation and splitting up of families as well as the possible restrictions placed on Muslims and immigrants Another area of controversy and concern is in regard to the environment. The president has already signed an order that would again make possible the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. This action is sure to cause a renewal in protests and increased polarization for and against these projects. Where each of us stands in regard to any or all of these issues will be affected by how we approach them with our political biases, whether we are a republican or democrat, conservative or liberal. We may all agree, for example, that universal health care is a good thing but disagree on how to achieve this. As Christians, however, we are called to be concerned about our sisters and brothers who are living in fear, who are filled with anxiety. It is the poor and those that are already marginalized by our society that are the most vulnerable. It is for these that I came, says Jesus throughout Scripture and it is for these that we as the body of Christ need to be concerned. We as the church cannot sit quietly by and ignore what is happening to the least among us for they are Christ among us. May we be instruments that help bring peace to this day. Pastor Bob

2 Page 2 Through Zion s Window February 2017 January 15, 2017 Council Minutes - Meeting was brought to order by Jerry Liesener, President at 10:15 am. Next month s devotions will be by Doreen Schultz. A motion was made by Sandy Jaeger to approve the secretary s report as printed. All in favor, motion carried. Treasures report- Discussion of the Treasurers report. A Motion was made to accept the treasurer s report by Bart Liesener and seconded by Erla Newbecker, motion carried. Pastor s report: Pastor discussed interpretation of scripture and how many of us have a different understanding of it. How to try and not get ourselves caught up in minor differences in order to create separateness but rather to work together. Discussed the Cross Pastor resigning and how they have the lowest attendance along with us, locally in comparable. Discussed Pastors questions; What is the ministry, What are we about, How do we live what the gospel is telling us? Pastor will keep us posted on any information pertaining to meetings regarding ministry and local churches. Pastor talked about having 79 from Holy Name last week at the 8:30am service. Pastor is open to hearing any ideas that might help in future planning. Pastor presented that Matt Polzin would like to come to Zion and would provide a list of things we can choose from for 3 nights of ministry, for those who want to attend. Holy name would pay half the fee of the total, of $200 per night. Jerry Liesener made a motion to put funds toward this and Erla Newbecker seconded it, motion carried. Zion Ministry reports: Parish Ed- Erla Newbecker and Heidi Tunak reported they are feeling the loss of the Christmas program, which was due to the weather. The Sunday school kids are now making Valentine baskets for the Senior Apartments. Worship- Anna Gramling reported on the positive response from the joint service last week with Holy Name. It sounds like they are inviting others to come as well, heard many talking positively afterwards and seemed to be enjoying the snacks. Anna presented that Divine Savior in Hartford is doing a social hour for coffee and donuts, to hopefully bring others into their church. Evangelism- Discussed we missed the Senior Apartment meal due to weather and it is rescheduled for next Sunday, January 22 nd. Discussed not giving candy due to the health of many at the apartment residents who should not have the sugar. Missions- Nothing to report. Stewardship- Cindy Wagner finished putting together the volunteer schedule for the church after receiving the time and talent sheets. Building and Grounds- Bart reported that if appeared the snow plowing went well. Heidi Tunak reported that neighbors helped with shoveling the sidewalks. Old business: Discussed the church council nominations that are needed; Worship, Building and Grounds and Missions. New business: February 12 th is the Annual meeting and February 26 th is the Chili lunch. Volunteers will be needed for the Chili lunch. Doreen Schultz discussed the Saints in Light tree and suggested with the 500 year anniversary and the bishops request to plant trees, if we should plant it somewhere in support. After discussion, Anna Gramling said she would call the fire chief to discuss putting it at Firemen s Park. Discussed the Firemen s Picnic Parade being big this year and having a float in it. Heidi Tunak discussed having a funeral committee developed and said she was willing to make calls to members who said they would volunteer. Erla Newbecker remains the contact person for funerals and does whatever they ask of her in terms of their wants and needs. Pastor will announce at church the desire to have the youth take a trip to the Heifer Project in Arkansas in June, A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Erla Newbecker and seconded by Anna Gramling, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 am with the Lord s Prayer. Next meeting date will be the annual meeting on 2/12/17 after service. Respectfully submitted, Jeanine Heinrich, council secretary

3 Page 3 Through Zion s Window February 2017 Plan to Be at Our Annual Meeting February 12th It s the business meeting of the congregation, of which we are all a part. This is where decisions are made and ideas are heard. As you think about the direction Zion should take for Reach out to our community Educate those who gather Affirm our beliefs in Jesus Christ Communicate with God Help those in need HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: ACOYLTES USHERS 05 Nathan Petersen *Franklin Wolter Team 03 Sue Welch 12 Ashlyn Schlieve Shorty Schuett 07 Lester Schuett 19 Andrew Balmer Ruth Peirick 14 Ashlyn Schlieve 26 Cayden Fredrick Millie Moldenhauer 15 Wendy Egholm 17 Annalyse Heinrich ALTAR GUILD 20 Tyler Gramling GREETERS Wendy Egholm 20 Joshua Fredrick 05 Barth Liesener Ruth Peirick 21 Natalie Siedschlag 12 Sally Schoenike 27 Tessa Christopherson 19 Art & Pauline Hall ASS T MIN 26 Roger & Millie Kopfer 05 John Siedschlag 12 Jerry Liesener HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO: LAY READER 19 Anna Gramling 13 Mike & Kathleen Johnson John Siedschlag 26 Carrie Wendorf 21 Paul & Wendy Egholm 25 Dave & Sandy Jaeger PROJECTION SYSTEM 05 Cindy Wagner 19 Jeanine Heinrich 12 Carrie Wendorf 26 Carly Christopherson SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER African-American History Month 20 Presidents Day 05 Boy Scout Sunday 26 Transfiguration of Our Lord 14 Valentine s Day LOSS: On Friday, January 13, 2017, we Franklin Braunschweig at the age of 91. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

4 Page 4 Through Zion s Window February 2017 December Total Income: $9, December Total Expenses: $10, December Overall Total: $-1, Full financial reports are posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Please feel free to make a copy if you would like one for your own records. ############################################################################ Saturday, December & 80 Sunday, January 8 75 Sunday, December Sunday, January Sunday, January 1 39 Sunday, January Zion Lutheran Church and Holy Name of Jesus Evangelical Catholic Church 2017 Combined Lenten Mission: "Water, Light, and Life in Christ" March 26th, 27th, and 28th --- 7:00-8:30 pm Mission Presenter: Matt Pozen Sunday, March 26th, 7:00 pm --- Thirsting: The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) Monday, March 27th, 7:00 pm --- Seeing: The Man Born Blind (John 9) Tuesday, March 28th, 7:00 pm --- Living: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11) For the past 2000 years, these three stories from the Gospel of John have been central to the Christian understanding of conversion to Christ. During this 3-night mission Matt will reflect on these texts and apply their lessons on our spiritual lives today. Each evening will incorporate song, prayer, Scripture, preaching, and symbolic action. ********************************************************************************************************* Mark your Calendars - Zion will host its annual Chili Lunch and Pie Auction, on Sunday, February 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Zion s Fellowship Hall. Watch for more information in the coming weeks and how you can help out! ########################################################################### THANK YOU Thank you to all who contributed to the money that was given to me as a Christmas gift. Pastor Bob

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