Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau + Fourth Sunday in Lent + March 30 and 31, 2019

Transcription

1 For You Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau + Fourth Sunday in Lent + March 30 and 31, 2019 PRAYING In Our Prayers This Week Persecuted Christians in: Egypt Uzbekistan Myanmar Sister Congregation Lehurutshe Parish, South Africa Missionaries ~ Elliot and Serena Derricks, Lutheran Bible Translators Studying at Seminary ~ Vicar Joe Pinzl Recovery ~ all those affected by Cyclone Idai Those who need our on-going prayers: ~ David Bittner ~ Kim Blume ~ Les Brolliar ~ Carol Edelburg ~ Barbara Ellen ~ Rita Falk ~ Adeline Fandrey ~ Ben Fiedler ~ Barry Gilbert ~ Avery Kluck ~ Carl Koch ~ Debra Mertes ~ Grace Mueller ~ June Mueller ~ Ed Novitzke ~ Tina Parker ~ Barb Ramker ~ Krista Salas ~ Larry Schubring ~ Renee Shorey ~ David Skola ~ Ethel Ann Smith ~ Elroy Tapper ~ Jayne Zilisch ~ Nancy and Jim and Delores ~ Zion s homebound members Please submit your prayer requests to the church office ( ). We can print prayer requests that you make for yourself or immediate family members.

2 LITURGY Receiving the Gifts Wednesday Worship in Lent 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. This Week s Soup: Pea Soup/Hot Ham Sandwich Lent (Sat/Sun) Sermon Series Catechumenate: Learning the Gifts How do the gifts of Jesus shape our life? March 31: Learning to Feast God teaches us to rejoice. April 7: Learning to Die God teaches us the cross. April 14: Learning to Live God teaches us the resurrection. Lent Midweek (Wed) Sermon Series: Vigil: Watching for the Risen One Beloved stories from the Old Testament teach us about Resurrection and Life. April 3: April 10: Dry Bones Three Men and Fire The readings shared at midweek Lenten worship this year all come from the Easter Vigil, which is held this year on April 20, 6:30 p.m. Come, welcome the Risen One! Heroes of the Faith in March and April Saint Joseph the Patriarch March 31 The favorite son of St. Jacob (Feb. 5), St. Joseph was sold by his jealous brothers into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37). Graciously, God not only freed Joseph, but also worked through him to bless Egypt and forgive his family. As a young man, he refused the sexual advances of another man s wife, demonstrating chastity and self-control (Gen. 39), and he generously cared for his brothers families into his old age (Genesis 45, 50). Saint Albrecht Dürer April 6 Born in Nuremberg, Germany, St. Albrecht used his God-given talents to create works of art, many of them religious, that remain popular to this day (including the common image of Praying Hands ). He also was an accomplished mathematician. Deeply committed to the faith, he embraced the writings of St. Martin Luther (Feb. 18), whom he credited with helping him overcome so many difficulties. Next Sunday: Lent 5: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; Luke 20:9-20; Psalm 126

3 CATECHUMENATE Learning the Gifts Sundays: Practicing Forgiveness. How did forgiveness come to us? How do we rest in this gift daily? How do we share it in hard situations? Tuesdays: The Gospel By Heart. If someone were to ask you for a brief outline of Christ s life, what would you say? How do the four gospels in the Bible help us? The Way, The Truth, the Life Wednesdays, February 20 to April 10 7:00 8:00 p.m. Learn the faith; renew your faith! This class is for those seeking to become Lutheran and join Zion and for all those who want to deepen their knowledge and practice of the faith.. Thursday Men s Breakfast at 7AM: Key Doctrines of the Faith in Romans We continue exploring the riches of St. Paul s letter to the Romans and relearning key doctrines of the faith. This week: Romans 12:1-15:7 New Life in Christ. Sunday School: This Week s Lesson The account of Jacob and Esau that our children will study in Sunday School today is a story of competition and bad feelings between brothers, parental favoritism, and family squabbling. Amidst this chaos, God acted with grace toward all of them and to us. Parents might ask, How do these sins afflict every family? Why is forgiveness important in families? The Catechumenate The Church leads those who inquire about the faith to Instruction, a period of teaching and learning in which the basics of the faith are laid out clearly in connection to Scripture and the catechism. Thereafter follows a time of Preparation: as the time of instruction unfolds, those who are not yet baptized or confirmed the faith begin preparing for those rites. Those to be baptized learn what Baptism is, and those to be confirmed are taught how the Spirit confirms their faith and how they, in turn, confirm the Spirit s work through promises and vows. Also, those who have been baptized or confirmed in the faith, but have spent some time away from the Christian life, may sometimes prepare to affirm their faith in a rite similar to confirmation. Inquiry Instruction Preparation: it s a simple and natural progression of learning. After Baptism, confirmation, or affirmation of faith, there comes the final stage, Mystagogy, which will be explained in next weeks announcements.

4 OUTREACH and MERCY Sharing and Being the Gifts Zion s Mission Goals This Month: Lutheran Bible Translators, The Derricks ($2,000) In December, Elliot was medically evacuated to a Nairobi hospital because of a high fever that was unresponsive to treatment in Cameroon. Elliot spent one week in the hospital and then two weeks as an outpatient for treatment of African Tick Bite Fever, and he has recovered from his illness. The Derricks were able to spend their first Christmas in their home in Cameroon, instead of the hospital. The Derricks are thankful for lots of prayers and encouragement. They can now spend time focusing on French and working towards their goal of fluency. They thank God for our support of their work. Lutheran Campus Center, Madison ($1,000) Students worship, socialize, eat and study together. They participate in events: volunteering, lock-ins, Wednesday evening soup suppers (taking turns providing). Students serve on a Social Concerns Committee and lead worship services and Bible studies. There is a quiet library always full of young people. LCC is a safe haven where faith is emphasized and energized and definitely needed! The Church future lay leaders and future parents stem from these students. Men s Breakfast: Maundy Thursday Coy Sawyer of 89Q will be this year s speaker at Zion s annual Men s Breakfast on Maundy Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 a.m. in the church hall. Tickets are available for $10 in the church office. Bethany Proposal The church council revisited the proposed cooperation between Zion and Bethany-Aniwa at its March meeting. 1) It discussed congregational feedback, which centered on concern for the senior and associate pastors increased workload and the effects that this increase may have on Zion s ministry. 2) At the same time, it reflected on Bethany s desire for Gospel-centered, Christfilled preaching and pastoral care. 3) Finally, it began exploring new ways to include Vicar Pinzl as a future part of Zion s ministry. This latter possibility, with an appropriate financial arrangement between Zion and Bethany as well as Endowment Fund support, could respond to concerns for pastoral workload while creatively addressing God s call to Zion and Bethany and support the mission of the Gospel in Marathon County. The council is still in a fact-gathering

5 mode. Once it has assembled that further information to share, it will pass it on to the congregation through written communication and meetings. Many thanks to God for your continued feedback, prayers, and hope-filled support. Artwork at Zion The paintings of Christ s sufferings that hang on Zion s pillars during Lent were painted by 9 students at East High School and one graduate school. The blue painting at the back of the church, depicting Christ fallen under his cross, was painted by Zion s own Haley Contreras. The image of Christ comforting his mother was painted by Pr. and Mrs. Gulhaugen s son, Joseph. And the latest and final addition, the golden-hued painting of Simon of Cyrene carrying Christ s cross while Christ grips his leg, was painted by Karina Bliese, daughter of Brad and Anissa Bliese and granddaughter of Phyllis Bliese. Thanks be to God for the beautiful talent given to these young artists! Women of Zion Hosting Sundaes on Sunday, March 31 This Sunday, immediately following the 9:00 service, please stop down in the church hall for fellowship and an ice cream sundae. We have wonderful treats waiting for you! Build yourself a fabulous sundae, or just have a cup of coffee. Enjoy! Keeping in Touch With College Kids Do you have a son or daughter going to college? Zion wants to stay in touch! Please advise the church office the student s Lenten Soup Meals: Wednesdays through April 10: served at 11:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. in the church hall This week s menu: pea soup (hot ham sandwich in the evening). Volunteers are needed for serving meals and cleaning up after meals. You can choose the week and time you are available to help out. Call the church office if you would like to help. name, school, and address. The Zion Elders thank you. Donations to Zion s Building Fund Thanks be to God, He has provided Zion church with a place to worship and minister to the community that proclaims the faith of Jesus Christ. Zion s building fund, the Hansen Fund, helps to maintain and improve this property so that it may continue to serve God s mission for years to come. Please consider directing donations and memorials to this helpful fund. Quilting in the Church Hall Mondays: April 15 and 29, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the church hall. This project supports Lutheran World Relief. Quilters: Please label the items you bring to identify them as quilt tops, backs, or fillers. Each item should be 64 X 84. Volunteers are welcome! We need you to sew quilt tops, which you can do at home. Please call the church office if you would like to volunteer. Easter Decorating Fund Please refer to the bulletin insert for this

6 yearly request for funds. Your gifts are due by Monday, April 15. Young at Heart Meetings in Church Hall The April 24 program has not yet been decided. Wednesday, May 22, the featured speaker is Gary Gisselman, presenting A Walk Down Wausau s Historic Main Street. All adult seniors age 50+ are welcome to attend these meetings. Homeless Mats Project We meet each Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the church hall, so please come and join us. We have enough plastic bags right now, and would like people who will crochet the plastic yarn. Crocheting can be done at church or at home. Call Lori, for more information. Spring Salad Buffet Tuesday, May 14 The Women of Zion are hosting the Spring Salad Buffet on Tuesday, May 14, 6:00 p.m. in Zion s church hall. Along with a delicious assortment of salads for dinner, the program features Diane Drinsinger, who will present Going Native Plants that Grow Despite the Gardener. There will be limited seating. Tickets are available in the church office. Hymn of the Day Devotions A packet of devotions on the Hymn of the Day for the Sundays in Lent is available in the display near the 6th Street entrance of Zion. These devotions have been written by various authors for the Center for Church Music from Concordia University Chicago. IN THE COMMUNITY Events around Central Wisconsin American Guild of Organists (AGO) Lenten Organ Meditations Members of the Wisconsin River Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present a series of five Lenten Organ Meditations, thirty-minute recitals on music for the penitential season, each Friday in Lent, now through April 12. The concerts start at 12:15 pm and will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant Street in Wausau. A free-will donation will be received. First Presbyterian Church is handicapped accessible. The remaining schedule: April 5 Kartika Putri April 12 Patrick Burkhart Pancake Breakfast Sunday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Homestead, Hwy. 52, Nutterville (7 miles east of Wausau). Adults: $8; Kids age 5-12: $3; Under age 5: free. Potato and regular pancakes with sausage patties, cheese; applesauce; milk, orange juice, coffee; dessert. Book Signing by Beverly Lewis Meet bestselling author Beverly Lewis, author of The Tinderbox, on Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m. at ChristianFaith Life Resources, 3707 Schofield Ave., Weston. For more information, call Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School Spring Fling 15-Year Celebration Saturday, April 13 at Mount Olive Lu-

7 theran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Weston. Country Western theme this year dress up and win prizes! Dinner with silent auction, live auction, and special music. All ages are welcome to attend. Refer to the bulletin board by the northwest entry of Zion for more information. Reservations are due by April 5. Bow the Knee This dramatic Easter musical will be performed on April 6 and 7 at St. Mary s Catholic Church, Tomahawk, and again on April 13 at 7 p.m. and April 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Refer to the posters on the bulletin boards at the north entrances of Zion. Free!!! 2018 Income Tax Preparation for low-to-moderate income taxpayers; emphasis on age 60+. Appointments required. Call weekdays starting January 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to schedule your appointment. Thrivent Choice Dollars Program: Designate by March 31 Eligible benefit members of Thrivent Financial may now recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable dollars. You can request that Zion be given your charitable dollars. Call and say Thrivent Choice ; or on the internet: thriventchoice; or call Zion member and Thrivent Associate, Steven Zeinemann, DATES TO REMEMBER Upcoming events at Zion Wednesdays through April 10: 11:30 am and 5:15 pm: Soup Meals in church hall Sunday, April 14 Sunday, April 21: Holy Week and Easter Tuesday, April 23: 7:00 pm: Voters Meeting in church hall Saturday, April 27: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Women of Zion Rummage Sale in gym Sunday, May 5: 3:00 pm: Craig Cramer organ concert in nave Tuesday, May 14: 6:00 pm: Salad Buffet in church hall Sunday, June 2: 3:00 pm: Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble concert in nave Attendance: March 20, 23, and 24: Wednesday: 10:30 am 43 6:30 pm 96 Saturday: 5:15 pm 53 Sunday: 9:00 am :00 am 35 Total: 375 Zion s Financial News Income last week: $ 8,109 Year-to-date income: $131,109 Year-to-date expenses: $188,896

8 CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK Sunday March 31 LENT 4 9:00 am Holy Communion; WSAU Radio 9:15 am Sunday School 10:00 am Pre-Confirmation 10:00 am Fellowship hosted by Women of Zion 11:00 am Holy Communion Monday April 1 6:15 pm Group Home Ministry Tuesday April 2 9:00 am Bible Class 10:30 am Staff Meeting 1:00 pm Homeless Mats in church hall Wednesday April 3 10:30 am Matins 11:30 am Soup Meal in church hall 1:00 pm Jail Ministry 5:15 pm Soup Meal in church hall 6:30 pm Vespers 6:30 pm Confirmation 7:00 pm The Way Class 7:10 pm Handchimes Thursday April 4 7:00 am Men s Bible Class 6:30 pm Kantorei Rehearsal Friday April 5 12:15 pm 12:45 pm: AGO Lenten Organ Meditation at First Presbyterian Church Saturday April 6 5:15 pm Holy Communion Sunday April 7 LENT 5 9:00 am Holy Communion; WSAU Radio 9:15 am Sunday School 10:00 am Pre-Confirmation 10:15 am Bible Study/Fellowship 11:00 am Holy Communion Next Sunday: Lent 5: Isaiah 43:16-21; Philippians 3:8-14; Luke 20:9-20; Psalm 126 Kiyo and Chiemi Watanabe: Organ Duet: Zion Concert Organ Series is telecast on Channel 980 on Charter, Fridays at 12:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:00 p.m.; on VieBit: player.php?hash=lduid9vqjqrj; on YouTube: watch?v=qskl9kb pey&list= PLXeExu9Sc2UQ5o02PEOe- EQTo77N1o7F3P&index=6 Christmas Eve 5 pm Service is telecast on Channel 980 on Charter, Thursdays at 4 PM and Wednesdays at 7 AM.; on VieBit: player.php?hash=4gk00bqb8qtn; on YouTube: watch?v=ftrskye_pmm