Zion Messenger. June We are learning a new song! from Pastor Van Orden

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1 Zion Messenger Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 West Main Street Hummelstown, PA website: June 2018 from Pastor Van Orden We are learning a new song! Yep! You read that right! We are learning the Youth Gathering theme song during the month of June. Why? Because Zion is thrilled to be sending six (6) youth, Ethan Elicker, Brenna Holland, Faith Swanger, Grace Swanger, Kaitlyn Rager and Maya Yashinsky and adult leader Beth Rager to the Gathering who are joining youth and adult leaders from Palm (Palmyra) and St. Peter s (Middletown) Lutheran Churches. This is the first Gathering for Zion youth since the 2012 event in New Orleans. (We didn t make the 2015 Gathering in Detroit.) You helped to make this trip possible with your generous donations to the Houston pledge-a-mile, cookie sales, car washes, the silent auction and many other fundraisers over the past three years. And so, we want to cheer our youth on their youth gathering experience. The new theme song, This Changes Everything was composed by Judi Tyler and James Kocian as part of a national challenge to submit an original song for the 2018 Gathering in Houston, Texas. On the first three Sundays of June, this theme song will be our Gathering hymn. Thanks to tech-savvy Tim Bastian, we downloaded the instrumental music and lyrics (see page 2 of this newsletter). This music will help us feel the spirit of this energetic song. On the last Sunday of June, the 24th, we ll sing the song as part of the Commissioning liturgy for the Zion youth and adult leader who are leaving on Tuesday, June 26 for Houston. We ll know the song by then so we ll be able to sing it with the enthusiasm that matches the enthusiasm of the youth going to the Gathering! So.please don t sit in the pew with a frown on your face! Listen to the music, follow the lyrics, and stir up your best spirit to sing along. Don t worry if you don t quite get the rhythm or notes on the first try. As everyone knows, everything improves with practice! The youth met with Shannon Bastian this past year on different occasions, including the February youth retreat at Camp Nawakwa, engaging in the Bible studies offered by the Gathering in preparation for the event. They have learned a lot about what changes everything! When the youth arrive at the Gathering, they will explore the theme in greater detail: Wednesday God s call changes everything (Moses and the burning bush) Thursday God s love changes everything (The Samaritan woman at the well) Friday God s grace changes everything (Philip & the Ethiopian Eunuch) Saturday God s hope changes everything (The Road to Emmaus) Sunday Jesus changes everything (The hemorrhaging woman and the healing of the 12 year old girl) So let s sing with joy in our hearts and send our youth and their leader off to Houston to experience the BEST Youth Gathering yet! 1

2 Worship News Worship Service of Holy Communion Summer Worship Beginning May 27, 2018: one service at 9:30 am Pentecost 2 June 3 Recognitions: High School Graduates College and Trade School Graduates Names of graduates will be included in the announcements and remembered in the prayers. Pentecost 3 June 10 Keep practicing the Gathering Theme Song! Pentecost 4 June 17 Happy Father s Day! This Changes Everything 1. When the walls around me crumble When the ground beneath me shakes When the skies above me rumble or when my heart breaks You re there, with me, with me Oh God, You never leave This changes everything, everything This changes everything, this changes everything, everything This changes everything, everything This changes everything, everything 2. Now we re learning to surrender In our weakness, You are strong When we re desperate for a breakthrough We find hope in You alone You re there, with us, with us Jesus, You never leave It s by grace we are saved, we belong to Jesus It s by grace we are saved, we belong to Jesus. Pentecost 5 June 24 Commissioning of ELCA Youth Gathering Participants Leader: Beth Rager Youth: Ethan Elicker Grace Swanger Brenna Holland Kaitlyn Rager Faith Swanger Maya Yashinsky 2

3 Council News The Congregation Council met on Thursday, May 17, After opening devotions by Tim Bastian, who offered a podcast about the Holy Spirit, Pastor Van Orden continued the study of Healthy Congregations by Peter Steinke. The focus was Chapter 5, Infectious Anxiety. The study continues next month with Chapter 6 The Coconut Captivity of the Church. Lynn Knepp provided the financial report through April, Council approved reimbursement of Lynn Knepp in the amount $10, for the air fare for the 2018 Youth Gathering participants which was charged to his credit card. Council authorized Lynn Knepp and John Kiessling to commence suit against Howard Hanna for the rents and other utilities not reimbursed to the church. This step will move forward if pre-suit negotiations fall short of the estimated $5, (or more) unreimbursed monies. Council authorized Lynn Knepp and John Kiessling to negotiate a settlement with Howard Hanna outside of small claims court. (See previous paragraph.) Pastor Van Orden presented a written report. President Peggy Wilson provided an update on the elevator/restroom building project. In follow up to discussion with Pastor Van Orden, Peggy asked Council to approve one worship service at 10:00 am on Sunday, September 16, 2018 for the dedicatory service, to be followed by a luncheon then an afternoon open house with refreshments. Council approved the request. President Peggy Wilson addressed conversations regarding the fall worship schedule; that is, whether to return to three worship services or to change to two services. With the major changes that we have addressed in the past months, including the elevator/restroom construction, the capital campaign, and the recent organization of the Call Committee, the direction is to offer stability and consistency by returning to three worship services this fall. Peggy invited comments. Pastor Van Orden indicated that yes, presiding and preaching at three worship services is exhausting. She is seeking some alternatives with the synod office to relieve the workload but she concurs that for now, another major change is not in the best interest of our faith community. Committee chairs offered various comments in support of written reports from May meetings. Property Committee Council approved the re-designation of the Jean Landis memorial monies from property to worship to purchase a new banner stand. Capital Campaign Committee A financial report is provided in the weekly bulletin announcements. Lynn Knepp anticipates drawing on the loan monies in the next month or so as invoice amounts approximate $100,000 as we near completion of the project. Pastor Van Orden agreed to revise the report and narrative to reflect loan draws. In closing, President Peggy Wilson expressed appreciation once again for everyone s commitment to service as a council member and to their specific area of ministry. Zion Rising Capital Campaign as of May 20, 2018 Member Giving $186,578 Transfer from other Zion Funds $245,761 Loan Draw $0 Income Total $432,339 Disbursements $378,802 Balance $ 53,537 3

4 Christian Education Youth Ministry All Sunday Classes in Recess for the Summer Vacation Bible School Theme: Shipwrecked Rescued by Jesus VBS Dates June 24-June 28 6:00-8:00 pm Calling ALL Zion Youth Save these dates: Mark your calendar with these exciting dates! HAYI The next event is planned for Sunday, May 13, 6:00 8:00 pm at St. John s Steelton. Images of God HAYI future events: Sunday, June 10, 4:00 pm at Wittel Farm. Light volunteer work on the farm followed by a meal and worship. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL OPEN VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Do you love watching kids faces light up as they worship? Are you someone who enjoys VBS songs? If so, think about donating a few hours of your time to VBS this year. Our goal is to reach over 30 children, and to do so we will need a few more people to fill the positions listed below. Please contact Shannon Bastian at zluthvbs@gmail.com if you are willing to lend a hand. Thank you! Mixed-Age Crew Leader Job Description: Take a small group of children from one activity or station to the next. Your primary job is to guide the children safely from one location to the next. You would ensure that children are having fun, and share in the excitement as kids dis4cover that Jesus rescues! We need a Mixed- Age Crew Leader on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:45-8:00. We will accept you as a volunteer even if you can only lead one evening. Mixed-Age Assistant Job Description: Assist the Crew Leader. Take a small group of children from one activity or station to the next with the Mixed-Age Crew Leader. Assist in guiding the children safely from one location to the next. You would assist in ensuring that children are having fun, and share in the excitement as kids discover that Jesus rescues! We are looking for a Mixed Age Assistant for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night from 5:45-8:00. We will accept you as a volunteer assistant even if you can only assist one evening. Preschool Assistant Job Description: Assist the Preschool Leader by taking the children from one activity or station to the next. You will be assisting the children in the bathroom as needed and encouraging safe play when outdoors in the courtyard. While you are not responsible to lead any activities, you will need to help the children participate in crafts and music. We are looking for a preschool assistant on Wednesday and Thursday of Vacation Bible School. 4

5 With Thanksgiving Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ, I deeply appreciate your verbal expressions and cards of sympathy after the death of my dear mother-in-law, Glendora Van Orden on April 15. As I posted on my Facebook page, When God put mother in-law packages together, she received all the wonderful qualities! I am so thankful for 38 wonderful years of timely advice, honoring boundaries, love and arts and crafts! We honored her 86 years with a beautiful service. Thanks to everyone who made today a living tribute to her very full life: And so I thank you for remembering our family as we grieve the earthly loss of our loved one and, as we celebrate her new life with all the heavenly saints. Peace, Pastor Lois Van Orden Gift of New Banner Stand On Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018, a new banner stand was given in memory of Jean Wanamaker Landis, mother of Ann Kopp, Richard Landis and Jill Kiessling, who died on August 25, The stand was given with gifts donated in her memory by various friends and relatives. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of the family, especially on the day when a new banner was presented in honor of the newly confirmed. Thank you to the Landis family! Confirmation Banner Each year a new banner is designed and crafted for the youth who are affirming their baptism. This year s banner was designed and made by the high school youth under the guidance of Kim Elicker. Each candidate for confirmation gave the symbol that reminded them the most of baptism. Then, their hands were traced to underscore the symbol. We appreciate the time and energy of this group of young leaders who offer this beautiful gift in honor of the newly confirmed youth. 5

6 With Thanksgiving -continued Capital Area Intermediate Unit Hummelstown Hunger Run The 5K Hummelstown Hunger Run was a huge success for the 4th year in a row. Thanks to the 256 participants, our amazing volunteers and the generous support of 124 local businesses and many individual donors we were able to donate over $20,000 to the Hummelstown Food Pantry. The food pantry also received two truck beds full of non-perishable food items donated by the participants, volunteers and vendors, plus all the fresh fruit, water, and snacks from event day. Please mark your calendars for the 5th Annual 5K Hummelstown Hunger Run scheduled for Saturday, May 11, Thank you for supporting the Hummelstown Food Pantry! B.J. and Jill Osevala, Volunteer Event Organizers Janice Laudermilch Thank You 6

7 Volunteer Opportunities 9:45 Worship Lay Assistants As you read in the Council News column, we are planning to return to three worship services this fall. Sue Templin, Volunteer Ministry Coordinator, wishes to update her list of volunteers for the 9:45 worship service so that a rotation of lay assistants can be easily arranged. The lay assistant is responsible for setting up communion, reading the first and second scripture passages and the psalm if included, offering the prayers, assisting with communion distribution and cleaning the table following worship. Many worship participants volunteered last year and we hope that you will continue to offer your time and talents. Please contact Sue directly by: stemplin@pa.gov Telephone: Or, call the church office: And thank you for volunteering! Volunteers for the Elevator Restroom Building Dedication We want to celebrate the completion of the elevator and restroom building project. As you read under Council News, the date is set for Sunday, September 16, We are planning one worship service at 10:00 am followed by the dedication, then lunch, then an open house during the afternoon. Volunteers are needed for an Ad Hoc Committee to help with the guest list, invitations, food, Thrivent Action Team monies and greeters to direct visitors during the open house hours. Please contact the church office to volunteer your time and we thank you! Telephone: zluthoffice@gmail.com Home Communion Visitors Fellowship Volunteers We are looking for individuals who would like to host the Fellowship Hour in the parlor the following Sundays in August. Volunteers are needed to take communion to our home bound members once a month. Pastor Van Orden will provide training following a worship service this summer. Please contact the church office to express your interest in this extraordinary ministry that connects our homebound members with the faith community of Zion. Thank you! August 5, 2018 August 12, 2018 August 19, 2018 August 26, 2018 Sign up on the events tower located outside the Parlor or by contacting Cyndi Young at or the church office

8 Outreach Ministries The Grateful Ladies of Zion Deck Party at T.J. Rockwell s Monday, June 11, 2018 at 6:00 pm Join us for an evening of food and fellowship. RSVP by Monday, June 4, 2018 to Jill McGrorty at j.mcgrorty@me.com. Wonderful Women of God...are enjoying a summer recess! Thank you to everyone who joins this gathering each week. Watch for our September topic. Seafarer s Christmas Boxes Each year in November, we assemble boxes for mariners from the Baltimore Harbor. This project provides men with a gift of essential items for Christmas. Since there are so many appeals before Christmas, we decided to collect the nonperishable items now to store for assembly in November. Donations may be placed in the box outside the church office. Thank you! Please offer donations of gender neutral or men s items: Soap Toothpaste Razors Toothbrushes Lip balm Playing cards Craft supplies for making cards Travel size: shaving cream, shampoo, deodorant, and hand cream. Needs: Pasta sides, canned fruit (15 oz), cake/brownie mix, cake frosting and Progresso chunky soup with meat. Your food donations are greatly appreciated! Sophia Ditty, Wyatt Yeakle, Cyndi Young, Pastor Van Orden, Kristie Swanger, Maya Yashinsky and Katie Nutt Membership News Received by the Affirmation of Baptism...on May 20, 2018, four youth affirmed the promises made for them at baptism and are now confirmed members of the congregation: Sophia Ditty, Katie Nutt, Maya Yashinsky and Wyatt Yeakle. Received by Affirmation of Faith...on May 20, 2018, Lisa Ditty was received from Christ Lutheran, Linglestown, by Affirmation of Faith. Lisa has been worshipping with us for the past few years and desired to join the Zion faith community. 8

9 June Calendar 9

10 Zion Messenger Worship Services of Holy Communion 8:00 am Music Liturgy 9:45 am Spoken Liturgy 10:45 am Music Liturgy Summer worship begins May 27, 2018 One worship service at 9:30 am The Rev. Lois K. Van Orden, Interim Pastor Church Office: (717) Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:00 am 3:30 pm Website: Facebook: July/August Newsletter Deadline is: Monday, June 18, 2018 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 W. Main Street Hummelstown, PA June 2018 If you would like to receive the newsletter by , please call the church office at (717)