ZIONEWS. Zion Vacation Bible School, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church June Congregational Council

Transcription

1 ZIONEWS Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church June 2014 Congregational Council Officers President Kathie Mominee Vice-President Bob Butler Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Bodi Ministry Team Leaders Faith Formation Vicki Boesch Pentecost Anthropologists describe fire as one of the markers of the human species. For tens of thousands of years, human beings gathered around fire for light, warmth, protection, community and better food. Many passages in scripture compare God to fire. The Holy Spirit of God appeared on Sinai in flames of fire, which on Pentecost appeared on the heads of each believer. When we think fire--think God. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit that we experience is the Spirit of the risen Christ, a spirit of service, a spirit of love, a spirit of resurrection beyond death. The weekend of June 8th Zion Lutheran Church joins our sisters and brothers around the world to remember, reflect upon and relive that bestowing of the Holy Spirit upon the church. On this third festival day in the church year, all are encouraged to wear the color of fire (red) and be prepared for the Holy Spirit to "ignite" us once again! Worship & Music Karen Slater Parish Life Darlene Lowery Outreach Connie Castello Betty McDonald Finance/Administration Dan Willey Property/Facilities Tim Wojnar Mission/Stewardship Mike Todi Youth/Young Adult Judy McEowen Beth Bauer Zion Vacation Bible School, 2014 Abundance Orchard Where Faith grows & hungry people are fed July a.m. to Noon Exciting stories and songs, crafts and games. Fun for everyone age 3 thru those completing 6 th grade. Hear how Abraham & Sarah serve an unexpected guest; Esau sells his birthright for a bowl of stew; The Hebrew people eat & run; God provides manna & quail in the desert; A poor mom shares her food with Elijah; To register, complete form found on pages 7-8 of this Zionews or visit Zion s website at

2 Page 2 ZIONEWS Pastor John s Thoughts Recently all rostered leaders of the ELCA received a book entitled, Stewards Of God's Love: A Year-Round Guide To Stewardship. I would like to share with you a very simple definition given early in this publication for stewardship. According to Clarence Stoughton, former president of Wittenberg University, stewardship is,...everything we do after we say, I believe. It is the way in which we use all of the resources that God has entrusted to our care so that we can love God and our neighbor. Stewardship is about love.' This definition of stewardship requires a shift in the way we think about stewardship: "Stewardship is about paying the bills" > Stewardship is about loving God and neighbor "Stewardship is about money > Stewardship is about my whole self. "How much of what is mine > "How much of what is God's should I give away.how much should I keep for myself?" "We don't have enough" > God has provided for us in abundance. The issue is not about paying Zion's bills. Instead stewardship is about how Zion can do God's work together. Let me share just a few of the ministries and missions our stewardship enables us to be a part of: Sandusky Churches Adopt-A-School Partnership Care and Share Sunday School and Confirmation Women's quilting and prayer shawls Worship opportunities Sandusky Area Lutherans in Mission Global Mission (such as Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran World Federation) And let's peek into the future: Making our building and restrooms accessible for everyone Moving from paper to electronic communication Working to strengthen our ecumenical partnerships Stronger commitment to serve with and for Crossroads Homeless Shelter Making improvements on our historic building Providing a stronger ministry with and for our young people Do you see? God has blessed us, the people of Zion Lutheran Church in this place at this time, to be a blessing to others. Let us express our love to God through our stewardship! Peace, Pastor John Mawhirter Women of the Church Spring Potluck The Spring Potluck was a great success. Over 100 people attended for a great meal and an excellent program by Mona Rutger from Back to the Wild, a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center located at 4504 Bardshar Rd, Castalia, OH We hope to make this an annual event. Thank you everyone who made this a great night of fellowship. Photograph used by permission from Back to the Wild. Photo credit; Morning Journal

3 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Page 3 Carolyn s Corner... As I was preparing for the workshop I led at the recent Northwestern Ohio Synod, I reread parts of a book, Holding Your Family Together, by Dr. Rich Melheim. Here he offers the FAITH5, or Faith Acts in the Home as a tool for families to create opportunities for faith formation and growth. He suggests that parents use these five steps consistently for six weeks. They are: 1) SHARE your highs & lows every night. 2) READ a key Bible verse or story every night. 3) TALK about how the Bible reading might relate to your highs & lows every night. 4) PRAY for one another s highs & lows aloud every night. 5) BLESS one another before turning out the lights on the day. What a great way to end your summer days gather your family around and use these simple ideas to start the conversation! Blessings, Carolyn Thank you! Thank you to Zion s amazing children s Sunday School teachers who have just completed another year of enthusiastic commitment to this important ministry of Zion. The staff this year included Tami Schultz, Marjorie Burton, Vicki Boesch, Connie Castello, Elaine Conley, Virginia Lillian, Greg Schultz, Andy Castello, Anna Johnson and Annette Gallagher. Our children continue to be blessed by the dedication and love of these folks! Mark your calendars now! Rally Day is Sunday, September 7 Bible Story Summer Reading Challenge! Are you looking for a way to keep your faith active and engaged this summer? Join the Bible Reading Story Summer Reading Challenge! Each week there are assigned readings that will guide you/your family through some of the key stories the Bible has to offer. You will also have a chart that you can check off each story as you complete it. You can choose between Old or New Testament readings. To participate, just pick up a packet from the usher s stand or on Zion s webpage at sign the pledge on the first page and start reading! If children participate, consider using a children s Bible, such as the Spark Story Bible that our children use in Sunday School or The Lion s Storyteller Bible, available on Amazon. In the fall there will be a celebration for all who participate!

4 Page 4 ZIONEWS Pastoral Acts: 4/16-5/15 No Weddings No Baptisms Funerals 4/22/14 Leola M. Schafer 4/29/14 Mildred E. Bickley 4/30/14 Lewis A. Nitschke (by Pastor Gardner) 5/9/14 Peggy L. Lawrence In Memory Of... Leola Schafer: by Anna Hoehne, Dean & Karen Slater, Lucille Stocker, Chris Cattano, Gary & Julie Ferber, Jack & Lou Toft, Bob & Sharon Barnes, Leo & Barbara Brown, Pauline Druckenmiller, Doris Suman, Rolland & Lila Bertsch, Robert & Jill Ritterbusch, Jim & Jeannette Toft, Rolland & Myrna Schlessman, Annabel Anderson, Chuck Willis, Robert & Gloria Helfrich, Lee Ann Twells, Sarah Carver, Lynn Kirkby, Cynthia Neiding, Gary Gangluff, Carla Mitchell, Roger & Deb Gundlach, Randy & Christine Koch, Earl & Dorothy Hammond, Zonta Club of Sandusky, John & Judy Caporini, Larry & Diane Schafer, Ruth Wicker, Marc & Betsy Ruggles, John & Karen Fries, Larry & Gail Cantu, Owen & Elizabeth Schafer, Stieber Bros. Inc., Kathy Wenger: by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Welton Lewis Nitschke: Dean & Karen Slater, Randy & Christine Koch, Earl & Dorothy Hammond, Nelson Berger, Robert & Janet Chappell, Heather Zess & Family, Gene & Kathy Ott, Carla Mitchell, James Grathwol, Clare & Jan Everhart, Gene Nitschke, Lee Ann Twells, Joe & Julie Berger, Ron & Kathy Berger, Dan & Chris Berger, Gus & Karen Hoffman, Sharon Evans & Family, John Kinn, Robin, Katie Innes & Family, Doris Suman, Eugene & Bonnie Kubo, Pauline Druckenmiller, Ben & Donna Cooley, Al Montelauro, Anna Hoehne, Dale & Ann Cerny Mildred Bickley: Dean & Karen Slater, Virginia Neuman, Bickley Family, Carla Mitchell Evelyn Laepply: Evelynn Lynn, Kathleen B. Wenger: Rosemary Pugh, Karen Watts New Members 5/11/14 Heather Zess Michael Moyer Martha Quick Katherine Bartels Confirmands 5/11/14 Breanna Armstrong Jacque Butler Jenna Hofer Heather Leedy Mason Orshoski Sara Schultz Dawson Varoula Alexis Yontz Greetings Members of Zion and Friends! We can not thank you enough for the care, concern, prayers, notes, cards, phone calls and visits that you shared with Mom. All were greatly received by her and brought joy to her daily living. This year she celebrated Easter in a special way with Dad and many of the saints from Zion. What a celebration it must have been! Again, thanks to each of you for touching her life and ours in so many special ways throughout the years and during this time. Blessings and thanks, Jerry, Cathy and Evan Schafer

5 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Page 5 Crossroads Dinner A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the Crossroads Dinner held on May 22, Those who helped included: George & Betty Bickley, Janet Evans, Barb Garrett, Ned & Suzanne Jeffery, Carla Mitchell, Karen & Dean Slater, Bill & Carolyn Steinfeldt, Sandy Likes and Jim & Barb Wyatt. Upcoming Crossroads Dinner Zion Lutheran Church will be providing a BBQ dinner for Crossroads Homeless Shelter residents on Wednesday, July 16th. In order for this event to be successful, we are in need of volunteers to prepare food, serve dinner and provide monetary donations to cover costs. If you would like to make a donation for the Crossroads dinner, please designate your donation on your offering envelope. If you would be interested in helping with the dinner in other capacities, please contact Kaye Kuzell, at (419) or the church office at (419) There are supplies left from the Basket of Promise project. We would like donations of a few more bath towels and nail clippers to complete some more personal care kits. Please leave your items in the baskets in front of the cart in the gathering room. Thank You! ZIONEWS ARTICLES DUE JULY 18 Please remember that you must submit a written article in order for it to appear in the newsletter. No partial information will be accepted. Digital articles submitted by are preferred. Articles may be ed directly to Deb Gundlach at dgund@gundlach-hvac.com by the deadline date. Please remember to reference Zionews in the subject line so that your article does not end up missed because it went into the Spam Box. Items received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date cannot be printed in the current issue. April 2014 Income & Transfers $ 41, Expenses $42, Church Addresses & Websites Pastor John Mawhirter: PJ1405@zionsandusky.org Carolyn Steinfeldt, AiM: Csteinaim@zionsandusky.org Lori Harris, Office Admin.: loriharris@zionsandusky.org Robin Ross, Church Secretary: robinross@zionsandusky.org Deb Gundlach, Zionews Layout : dgund@gundlach-hvac.com (Zion Lutheran Church) (Northwestern Ohio Synod) (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

6 Page 6 ZIONEWS Agape Tuesday, June 3, :00 p.m.-potluck Zion Library Circle of Friends Tuesday, June 3 6:00 p.m.-potluck 1126 Marlboro Book Connection Wednesday, June 25 7:00 p.m. Zion Library Priscilla Thursday, June 5 9:30 a.m Waterberry Dr. News From ZELCW Greetings to all! Spring has finally sprung, I hope! At least it did with our Spring Fling, hosted by our Zion women. Thank you, to Connie Castello, who headed the event and to her committee! Great job, Connie! Good food, great fellowship, and a wonderful program by Mona Rutger, from Back to the Wild, were enjoyed by 112 people. We are not only supposed to help take care of people, but also, God s creation and His creatures. Mona and her husband Bill, have certainly done a tremendous job and continue to help God s creatures. A very worthy cause! The hospitality committee is going to try to reorganize a bit. The saying goes that, Many hands make light work. Well, this will be our attempt. In order to save the church and families money with today s rising costs, we would like to form at least 3 or 4 groups to help in the contribution of food. Each group would be divided into 3 categories; Casseroles / Salads & Fruits / and Desserts. When we have a funeral luncheon we would call on each group in turns to help provide food. The hospitality committee would then take care of the main course, condiments, and beverages. We have some loyal participants who help in this manner, but we don t want anyone to get burned out. The rest of the workings of the committee would work as before. The main contact people will still be Pat Cassidy or Carla Mitchell. Once we talk to the family we would contact the head of whichever group s turn it is to help with food. The head would simply start a phone chain, which will be provided. If you would be willing to assist in this endeavor, please call Carla ( ) or the church office and state what you would be willing to prepare (if you have a preference) and leave your name and phone number. For those ladies who are already on a list to help serve or to donate food, please, call to confirm your listing. Those ladies, who don t volunteer, please, be open to a phone call requesting food donations. Families will still need to pay a nominal fee for paper goods and for the food that needs to be purchased. Preparation, serving, set up, and clean up are services provided by the hospitality committee. If you are unable to help in either capacity, donations to the ZELCW Kitchen Fund are always welcome. If you have any questions or suggestions don t hesitate to call. Some friendly reminders: Please, return kitchen items where you found them. Replace what you use up, or let the office know. Label (name, group and date) whatever you place in the refrigerator or freezer. If you make a mess, clean it up. Be aware that items not labeled in the refrigerator / freezer may be subject to disappear. These common courtesies are greatly appreciated by all of us who deal with kitchen activities. Upcoming events: During the July 4 th Celebration in the Parks day, which is on a Friday, Zion will have a table. We will be passing out information about Zion, VBS, Quilters, and handing out Bibles. These are some of the things that will take place. We will also, sell raffle tickets for one of our quilts. All the proceeds will go toward the shipping costs for all the items we will be sending to LWR in Oct. The event starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Our booth will be close to the Gazebo. We would like for 2-3 or 4 people to take a 2 hour shift to help man the table and sell tickets. Shift 1 10:00 to 12:00, shift 2 12:00 to 2:00, and shift 3 2:00 to 4:00. Please, call Carla or Barb Garrett, if you can help. The women will have a joint Bible Study on Sat. Aug. 23 at the party room at Muirwood Condos, off of McCartney Rd., from 10:00 till 1:00. This is always a nice study along with good fellowship. Anyone attending is asked to bring a packed lunch as we will eat together. There will be a refrigerator to use if needed. Before you know it, we will be back into our normal activities in Sept. Until then may all of you have a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing summer! Remember, as we are vacationing, God does NOT take a vacation! Thankfully, He is always with each and every one of us wherever we go! In Christ Service, Carla Mitchell President ZELCW

7 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Page 7 Confidential Registration Form Abundance Orchard - Zion Lutheran Church 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky July / 9 a.m. noon Child s name: Nickname/preferred name to be called: Parent/Guardian name: Address: Home telephone: Cell phone: Home address: Child Age: Date of birth: Gender: M F Last school grade completed: Siblings: Home faith community (if any): In case of emergency (when the parent/guardian cannot be reached), please contact: Name: Telephone: Relationship to child: Please list any allergies/medical needs the VBS staff should be aware of: Person responsible for picking up this child at the end of each VBS day: Name: Telephone number: Tell us anything special you d like us to know about your child (use back side if you d like) This will/will not be my child s first large-group experience other than Sunday school. ONE friend my child would like to be with: Special needs/circumstances: Signature of parent/guardian: Days available: (Please complete back)

8 Page 8 ZIONEWS Emergency Card Child s Name: Child s Age: Birthday: Height: Weight: Hair: Eyes: Parent/Guardian: Address: Home Telephone: Cell Phone: Emergency contacts: Name/Number/Relationship: Name/Number/Relationship: Allergies: Medications: Medical conditions: Other: Physician: Name/Clinic/Phone Dentist: Name/Clinic/Phone Photo Release: On occasion we publish photos of activities in the newsletter or on the website. By signing below you give authorization for your child s photo to be used. Signature Date PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 503 COLUMBUS AVE., SANDUSKY, OH OR FAX

9 Page 9 ZIONEWS June Worship Leaders 06/01 06/08 06/15 06/22 06/29 Acolytes McClain Farley Justin Smith KarleeAnn Chapman Jala Hunter Hayden McKillips Kendall Troike Morgan Gast Miguel Tackett Cameron Smith Keegan Mominee Crucifers Breanna Armstrong Heather Leedy Alexis Yontz Wine Earl & Bea Rosen Ron Dahs & Bob Butler Betty Bickley & Suzanne Jeffery John & Judy Mears Bread Roger Gundlach Dick Long Carolyn Steinfeldt John Mears Suzanne Jeffery Judy Mears Dale Cerny Lector Roger Gundlach Deb Gundlach Dean Meyers Dick Long Jean Bosetti Suzanne Jeffery Dale Cerny Carol Albert Sylvia Gembka Linda Reichenbach Greeters Gathering Hosts Vicki Boesch Julie Kessler William & Wilma Wood Ned & Suzanne Jeffery Dawn & Mia Smith Barb Garrett Tami & Sara Schultz Jim & Jeannie Johnson Jim & Barb Thom Elaine Conley & Barb Garrett Karen Dehn & Wade Orwig Chris Antel & Anna Johnson Mike & Hope Bailey Dean & Linda Reichenbach Betty Bickley Ed & Sylvia Gembka Prayers Marjorie Burton Laura Stellhorn Carolyn Steinfeldt Judy Mears Betty Bickley & Ann Cerny Children s Message Marjorie Burton Carolyn Steinfeldt Laurie Mears Dale Cerny Connie Castello Bus John Nejedly Nick Denslow Dean Slater David Buchholz Nick Denslow Sound Board Dean Meyers Nick Denslow Janet Stradtman Tim Kostel Dean Meyers Bob Butler Janet Stradtman Bob Butler Dean Meyers Andy Gundlach Ushers 8:00 a.m. Bill Wood, Charles Scroggy, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello Bill Wood, Charles Scroggy, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello Bill Wood, Charles Scroggy, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello Bill Wood, Charles Scroggy, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello Bill Wood, Charles Scroggy, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello Ushers 10:30 a.m. Lyle Marquardt Karen Dehn Marc, Brenda & Erica Henrichsen Lyle Marquardt Karen Dehn Marc, Brenda & Erica Henrichsen Lyle Marquardt Karen Dehn Marc, Brenda & Erica Henrichsen Lyle Marquardt Karen Dehn Marc, Brenda & Erica Henrichsen Lyle Marquardt Karen Dehn Marc, Brenda & Erica Henrichsen

10 Page 10 ZIONEWS Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Council Meeting April 9, :00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: President Kathie Mominee called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Pastor John Mawhirter, Carolyn Steinfeldt, AiM, Council members: Kathie Mominee, Bob Butler, Sandy Bodi, Vicki Boesch, Judy McEowen, Karen Slater, Darlene Lowery, Connie Castello, Betty McDonald, Dan Willey, Tim Wojnar and Mike Todi. OPENING PRAYER & HYMN: Sandy Bodi led council in prayer and the council sang Hymn How Great Thou Art. BIBLE STUDY: Pastor John read page 6 from The Lutheran magazine, What Does It Mean To Be A Lutheran and a brief discussion followed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved and accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mike Todi moved to approve and accept the January council meeting minutes and Connie Castello seconded. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE: Correspondence was received and read. STAFF REPORTS: Pastor Mawhirter: Pastor John thanked Ron Borchardt for setting up the schedule and working with all those who provided special music for our Tuesday Lenten worship. The offerings have been outstanding. He also thanked the Altar Guild and Communion Preparers who work very hard to make the worship work and to John Mears for being part of the SALM board. Pastor John is looking for someone who is willing to take charge of God s Work, Our Hands on Sunday, September 7 th, if interested in the opportunity, visit The dates for the Community Free Farmer s Market have been set and include: July 17, August 7, September 4 and October 2. These are all Thursday s and Zion will host and work with the United Way, Second Harvest and Care and Share. Pastor John would like to investigate the opportunity for Zion to serve as an internship site for the new two year program at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Carolyn Steinfeldt: Carolyn reported that the Ministry Teams will be having an opportunity to come together on Sunday, May 4, 2014 for a light lunch and conversation. This will give those who signed up for various ministry teams the opportunity to break into small groups and discuss how to move forward. Letters will be sent out inviting those who signed up to the meeting. Carolyn attended the Lifelong Learning Partners Gathering in Carefree, Arizona and the theme was Ministry On The Margins. TREASURERS REPORT: Sandy Bodi reported our regular offerings for March were $35, and our total income for March was $38, Kathie also reported our expenses for March were $36, Mike Todi moved to pay invoices in the amount of $ Bob Butler seconded. Motion carried. Pastor John commented that we need to watch discretionary spending. Bills submitted to office without prior approval will be paid one time and not again. Macadamia nut cookies will be discontinued and we will continue with chocolate chip and oatmeal.

11 Page 11 ZIONEWS REPORT FROM SALM: Linda Miller Moore was the guest speaker and reported that they are still in need of volunteers. Jane Ann Cummings reported that volunteers are still needed for the Synod Assembly to greet those attending and help with finding rooms. John Mears has volunteered as a representative from Zion for SALM. MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS Faith Formation: Vicki Boesch reported that Zion will host Abundance Orchard Vacation Bible School and there will be a teacher workshop on June 24 th. Worship and Music: Karen Slater reported that everything is running smoothly and the ushering staff is completed with a good start on May through September. Parish Life: Darlene Lowery reported that most have taken care of Gathering Hosts and Greeters for May. Outreach: Connie Castello reported that the Easter Prayer Vigil on Good Friday is filling up. She also reported on the possibility of perusing Jail Ministry. Youth/Young Adult: No report Finance/Administration: Dan Willey thanked Vicki for bags of salt and there is still some left. He also thanked Bob Butler for helping count money and we are still in need of a third person to count money. Dan reported that the motor on heater needs a bearing replaced; he is going to get an estimate and give to Tim. Property/Facilities: Tim Wojnar reported that he would like opinions on keeping the bus and whether the cost to maintain the bus is worth the benefit. He would like any thoughts ed to him. Mission/Stewardship: Mike Todi reported that we are heading in the right direction for volunteers and key people are in place. He also reported that we are in need of 2 or 3 people to head the budget. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Council Workday 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. to go through the lists in the Gathering Room. Dan Willey motioned to accept the lawn/landscape contract from Green Oasis for $1000 for the entire season and Bob Butler seconded. Motion carried. FAITH STORY: Connie Castello and Vicki Boesch shared a Faith Story. MARCH MEETING PRAYER & HYMN ASSIGMENT: Vicki Boesch, Faith Formation ADJOURMENT & LORD S PRAYER: Betty McDonald moved to adjourn the meeting. Karen Slater seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. with The Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Bodi, Recording Secretary

12 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 503 Columbus Avenue Sandusky, OH Phone: Fax: A community of servants sharing the Good News through Jesus Christ. Non Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sandusky, Ohio PERMIT NO. 84 We re on the Web! June 2014 WORSHIP SERVICES: SUNDAYS 8:00 & 10:30 AM and SATURDAYS 6:00 PM Communion offered every Saturday service, 1 st & 5 th Sundays of the month: both worship services, 2 nd & 4 th Sundays of the month: 10:30 worship service, 3 rd Sunday of the month: 8:00 worship service 10:30 AM 10:30 Sunday AM Sunday Worship Worship Service Service is is Broadcast Broadcast Live Live on on WLEC WLEC 1450AM 1450AM and on and the on the World World Wide Wide Web Web at at Zion Zion Evangelical Evangelical Lutheran Lutheran Church Church is is handicapped accessible. accessible. Nursery Available Sundays 9:00 AM 12:00 Noon Sunday School, 9:15 AM: 2 yrs. 12 th Grade Adult Sunday School, 9:15 AM led by: Pastor John Mawhirter - Stellhorn Library 9:30 AM Informal Bible Study - Rm. 205 Pastor: John B. Mawhirter Director of Faith Formation: Carolyn Steinfeldt, AiM