New Photo Directory Coming in 2018!

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1 Inside this Newsletter 1-2 General News 3 Pastor s Paragraphs 4 New Members / El J s Elucidates 5 Day Camp (VBS) / Mission Jamaica 6 Musically Speaking 7 Library / Council Minutes 8 Council Corner / God s Acres 9 Treasurer Reports Birthdays, Anniversaries, Action Group Lists, June Calendar Have a prayer request? Call the prayer chain: Contact the church office New Photo Directory Coming in 2018! Mark your calendar for the photo sessions: June (Tues Sat) and July (Tues & Wed) Photo Directory Session Sign up June 3 & 10 at 9:15 a.m. Volunteers will be on hand to make an appointment for you. There are no sitting fees and each family receives a free 8 x 10 portrait. Photo directories are an asset for our congregation please participate! As with every event, help is needed to make it a success. Please let the office know if you are willing to help. Questions? Contact the church office MEN S BREAKFAST Saturday, June 2 nd at 8:00 a.m. at Zion. God s Acres Tree Planting June 2 nd at 9:30 a.m. When we realize that God is in the ordinary, our daily grind suddenly has meaning and purpose. ~ Bickel/Jantz Kempters in Concert at Zion!!!! June 13 th at 7:00 p.m. Come see and hear what people are buzzing about: 5 youths with extraordinary talents will lift our spirits with beautiful renditions of traditional gospel and innovative country praise music. Led by their father, Chaz, we ll share an evening of inspiring showmanship to glorify God and Older Drivers Education Classes to be offered at Zion A four hour refresher class is scheduled at Zion on: Wednesday, June 20 th Noon to 4:00 p.m. These classes are open to the public - friends and relatives are welcome. Attendees are able to fine-tune their driving skills and to learn about the latest in auto technology, law changes, and safe driving techniques. There are no written tests or behind the wheel instruction. Sign-up sheets are in the narthex/lobby. 1

2 FROM THE OFFICE Every week we out the announcements usually on Friday. We use the same list to notify you of any deaths and special announcements. If you are not getting the s and would like to, please let the office know. Circles at Zion DORCAS Circle will be meeting on Wed, June 6 th at 9:00 a.m. at Zion. RUTH Circle will meet on Thursday, June 14 th at 1:30 p.m. Call the church office for location. Ruth Communion Schedule June 3 rd & June 17 th MARY Circle will be meeting at Zion on Wednesday, June 13 th at 1:30 p.m. SARAH Circle will meet on June 3 rd and June 17 th at 9:15 a.m. (during fellowship) in the Gathering Room. Exercise daily run from Satan, walk with God. Thank you to everyone who helped with the WELCA Salad Luncheon. We served 113 people and took in over $1,000. Let money be your servant not your master. ~ Bickel/Jantz Book Discussion on Lila by Marilynne Robinson Thursday, June 7 th at 1:30 p.m. An unforgettable story of a girlhood lived on the fringes of society in fear, awe, and wonder. Do you enjoy classic movies like ET, Homeward Bound and Cool Runnings? Mark your Calendars! The OTC Youth are going to Valley Fair on August 6 th. Deadline to sign up is July 22 nd. Cost is $ Faith N Films June 10 th at 6:30 p.m. Faith N Films is a multigenerational event where we watch a classic movie and discuss the movie as well as where we see God at work. FREE FOOT CARE CLINIC at ZION What: Foot care for those who cannot care for their own feet adequately. When: Tuesday, June 19 th - Appts. start at 8:30 a.m. Who: Anyone in need bring and/or recommend a friend. How: Call the church officefor an appointment at What to bring: A basin; two towels; your own clippers if available; your own lotion if you prefer. Call Marlys for more information. Thank you!. Evening Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. It will last about an hour. Come enjoy God s Word, fellowship and (of course) treats. 2

3 Pastor s Paragraphs Dear Members and Friends, It seems as if summer is on its way here! Hooray! We ve had a long winter. When the weather warms up, we want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. I get that. I m the same way. I have so many things to do outside and time is short. Thank heavens for the longer days which give us time to do outside things in the evenings! While time is short, it is also imperative that we make good use of it. I know that many of you take off on the weekends and are busy with entertaining guests, going places, and doing family things. As we enjoy the out-of-doors, it is good to remember WHO gave us this beautiful area and the beautiful, wonderful world to explore. Over the years, I ve noticed an interesting thing: We grow in the summer months here at Zion with our many faithful visitors, summer residents, and snowbirds. We add a service, we have great fellowship times, but something is missing. So often our own members are not here on Sundays for worship. I don t want this to seem pushy or guilt-driven, but I really miss you when you aren t here. One interesting thing I have noticed is that our finances are tighter in the summer months. It s not about the finances for me; however, that is one telltale sign that many of our members are not here. So I encourage you to worship this summer! Give thanks to God who has blessed us with this awesome land with all the fun things to do! Bring your company with you to worship. We have opportunities during the week for Bible Studies on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Don t forget the concert by the Kempters June 13 7 p.m. This will be a great event to invite a friend. And, of course, there is God s Acres, our beautiful natural playground for all ages! Have a great summer! See you at Zion! Pastor Jim PS: If you know of anyone who may be interested in the Otter Tail Central Luth. Youth Org. position (previously held by Troy Olson) please let me know! Gluten Free What is that all about? Gluten is found in all foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. For example, wheat flour used in making breads, cakes, pastas, thickening sauces and soups and many other food products. The same goes for rye and barley. Get the idea? Why can t some people eat Gluten? Celiac disease is one reason. The body can t digest it properly and it damages the intestines and other organs in the body. Eating gluten containing products will cause vomiting and other nasty symptoms much like the flu. Some people are so sensitive they can t even touch products made with wheat, rye or barley. Gluten free foods must not touch foods containing gluten. Some people are gluten sensitive. The body can have reactions such as, headaches, bloating, abdominal distress, rashes, brain fog, joint pain, diarrhea, and many more reactions. Wouldn t you stop eating foods containing gluten it if it caused you to have these symptoms? This is just a simple brief summary of why people eat gluten free. Doctors are learning more about it every day as the number of people being affected by this seems to be increasing. Food manufacturers are coming out with more gluten free choices too. It affects men, women, and children and is something we should all be aware of in today s world. Here at Zion we offer gluten free wafers at communion and care must be taken not to have them in contact with the bread. We sometimes have gluten free goodies at coffee hour and for pot luck meals there is usually something that would be designated as gluten free. I hope this information has been informative and you will take the time to learn more about living gluten free. ADULT FORUMS The goal of Adult Forums is to educate and engage adults about the topic. Sun., June 10 Mission Jamaica Where: Gathering Room Sun., June 24 Make A Wish Where: Gathering Room 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Have an idea for a forum? Call or the church officer or zionamoreducation@prtel.com. 3

4 El. J. Elucidates Summer is finally here! With summer comes a veritable plethora of activities and events. It seems that every time we turn around something new has been added to our calendars. I remember a wall sign that always makes me nod in agreement, The hurrier I go, the behinder I get. And our lives become even busier when we factor in our 24/7 news alerts, texts, and social media. Jesus addressed this issue in the Bible. The Gospel of Luke the 10 th chapter tells of a visit that Jesus paid to the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus listening to what Jesus was saying while Martha bustled around the house doing everything that needed to be done to entertain visitors. Martha became annoyed with Mary and the fact that Mary was neglecting her duties as co-hostess. Martha went so far as to tell Jesus that he should make Mary get up and help with the housework. Jesus responded that while he understood that Martha had lots of irons in the fire, Mary s decision to sit at the feet of Jesus was the correct choice. As we get enveloped by the activities of our summer, let s pause and take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. Let s follow Jesus example and find a time and place away from the crowds to talk to God. This means that we need to turn our cell phones to silent. We need to ignore the lure of social media. We need to learn how to say no to some requests, even requests from church. We need to remember as the book of King s tells us God is in the silence. Because laughter is good for you Q: What did the bee say to the flower? A: Hey, bud. When do you open? Q: Why couldn t anyone find the deck of cards? A: They got lost in the shuffle. Q; Where do fish keep their money? A: In a river bank. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT FIRST LUTHERAN, BATTLE LAKE Monday Thursday July For children that have finished kindergarden through 6th grade. Also we will need volunteers to host the counselors (3) for supper each night, provide sack lunches for the counselors and also a small snack (animal crackers, snack mix, etc.) for the VBS kids each afternoon. LUTHER CREST DAY CAMP REGISTRATION FORM CAMPER NAME SEX AGE PARENT'S NAME ADDRESS CITY ZIP HOME PHONE ( ) WORK PHONE ( ) GRADE JUST COMPLETED BY CAMPER (circle one) K I GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR MY CHILD TO ATTEND LUTHER CREST DAY CAMP, to take part in the normal activities, and I authorize the camp doctor to provide any necessary emergency medical care. I understand Luther Crest assumes secondary insurance coverage; the camper's family assumes primary coverage. I also give Luther Crest permission to use any photograph of my child taken at camp in future promotion of Luther Crest. Parent's Signature I would like to be a Day Camp Volunteer. I would like to bring an extra lunch for a counselor. 4

5 I would like to have the Luther Crest Day Camp Team at my home for supper. I would like to have the Luther Crest Day Camp team stay at my home. Zion of Amor s 2019 Mission Jamaica trip will be February 2-9, 2019 You are invited to participate in a Vacation with a Purpose February 2-9, 2019 as we travel to Montego Bay, Jamaica to participate in Mission Jamaica s opportunities at West Haven Children s Home, Clifton Boys Home, or J Abode which will be building a house for a family. Register now by sending your $100 per person deposit to the Zion Amor Office by June 20, Any questions contact Pastor Jim or the church office. MUSICALLY SPEAKING Look and Listen to the Lessons A special thank you to those who attended Dr. Kevin Priebe s piano recital on Sunday, May 20 th. His selections by Beethoven, Mozart, and Brahms were especially fitting for a beautiful, spring afternoon at Zion. As I mentioned when I introduced Dr. Priebe, one of the goals of the Worship and Music Committee is to present musical events of little to no cost to the community. We members consider this an outreach, and in many ways, a mission, to encourage people to come together to enjoy and appreciate God s gift of music. Sometimes we have challenges with scheduling or finances, but one must never forget this is valuable work. For example, after the kitchen was set up, the sanctuary rearranged, and the piano situated, Sonja and I sat in the front rows visiting and waiting for the excitement to begin. Shortly after 1:15, a young woman entered, said Hello, and I asked, Hi! Are you here for the concert? She replied, Yes, I saw the poster at the Mission Alliance Church in Battle Lake and thought, Oh, my, what an opportunity. We talked for awhile, learned her name is Karen; she works in Alexandria, and she has a five-year-old who she wasn t quite sure was ready to sit still long enough for a full piano recital. We were so glad she came, she enjoyed the recital tremendously, and she was very appreciative of our efforts to secure such a fine musician. After his performance, Dr. Priebe graciously consented to stay during the short reception, and we were amazed, AMAZED, at his answer to How old were you when you started studying the piano? We expected him to say age three or four, but instead, he said, Seventeen. I thought, What? Is that even possible? How on earth? Whoa... (I certainly hope I didn t say any of that out loud.) Our reactions must ve been obvious, because he quickly added, But I think I made up for it because when I got to college, I really practiced. He also said he played the drums and percussion in high school, so he knew how to read music and count. Moreover, he used to fool around at the piano, playing one note at a time and trying to memorize it. I was, and still am, bewildered. I haven t known anyone who s made a dramatic musical leap like this. He said he s taught students of all ages, and specifically mentioned a woman who had played when she was younger, but she hadn t continued. She came to him when she was seventy-years-old, became a really good player, and mastered works by Chopin and other well-known composers. He was obviously very proud of her progress. During coffee, I saw a young woman and two older adults sitting alone at a table, so I sat with them and thanked them for coming. The younger woman was their daughter, and she told me they had come all the way from Fergus Falls because she had seen a poster about the recital. The mother, who volunteered that she was eighty-seven, said she was a former organist who ended up playing the organ within a week at every church I ve ever been a member of. Meanwhile, I noticed that Dr. Priebe had pulled a chair up to one of the tables and was also visiting, so I continued my conversation with the three guests. A bit later, I asked the former organist if she d like to visit with Dr. Priebe, and she replied, Oh, yes! I d tell him how I used to play all the time! Her daughter turned to me and quietly said, She can t walk. He d have to come over here. I told her not to leave, and I d be sure he did. Awhile later, I approached him, There s a woman who would really like to talk to you, okay? Of course. I introduced him and stepped to the side. Never will I forget the look on the woman s face as she spoke to this young man. She was smiling and laughing and obviously so happy. Dr. Priebe was so kind and attentive; it made my heart happy to see them connect so quickly. This is the longest article I ve written for Zion s Tidings because it s important to me to share what I learned that Sunday afternoon. Regardless of 5

6 the endeavor, whether it s exercising, woodworking, singing, cooking, volunteering, writing, gardening, quilting, or whatever, sometimes, we just get discouraged. That s when we want to give up. We question the importance of the work. Is the extra time worth it? Does it really matter? Do people even care? Can we can even complete it? If someone can begin at seventeen and become as accomplished as Dr. Priebe, if another can learn Chopin at seventy, and a few posters can prompt people to drive to Zion to hear music, the answer to the above questions is Yes. What I saw and heard confirmed it s never too late to persevere and go forward. It s valuable work, all of it. Don t ever forget that. Coming up on Wednesday, June 13 th, at 7:00 p.m. is Zion s second 2018 musical outreach event. We will host the Kempters, a gifted family of five led by their father, who have devoted their extraordinary talents to God s work. I know people who ve heard the Kempters, and the listeners rave about the group s artistry and presentation. Please come, invite your friends, be inspired, and enjoy an evening of exceptional Christian music. ~ Sandra Sedivy Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein Lila, by Marilynne Robinson will be the book group discussion focus Thursday, 1:30 p.m., June 7. Judy Carlson will be the leader. Robinson is the author of Gilead, a book previously read by our group and a Pulitzer Prize winner. The character Lila, wife of minister and widower John Ames, is our study for the way life s trials and difficulties mold her past, but also influence her new life with John and the community of Gilead. June is the first full month of the summer reading program. The theme is GETTING TO KNOW YOU, GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOU, GETTING TO LIKE TO READ WITH YOU. Children may find books with the theme for this month flora and fauna. After reading the book with this subject write your name on a game tile found in the library and add it to the container for collection and reward at the end of the month. During the adult forums on Sunday, there will be story time reading for little kids in the library. Join us while your parents attend the forums. Volunteers to read during these forums can sign up on the list located on El J s office door. Last month this column talked about nature books, and we want to share an opportunity for children 5 15 at Glendalough State Park. Wednesday Wild Wednesday June 6 from 1:00 2:30 p.m. will be a Junior Naturalist Program. Check with the park for more details about programs on Wild Wednesdays ahead. The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, shares a woman s connection to the world through flowers and their meanings. As you plant, read this book; you may learn more about flowers than you expected. Summer is a great time for a car ride, and Kate DiCamillo writes a great tale, Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride. See how a pig, named Mercy, can have an adventurous ride with the family. American Born Chinese, by Gene Yang tells of one person s idea of the American dream from another culture viewpoint. The book is a graphic novel. That means it is written in comic book form. It won the Michael Printz award, a recommendation for young adults. Children at the Well, by Lora Redman, is a board book talking about the need for clean water for people all around the world. It talks about many countries and the serious need for good clean water everywhere for all children and people. Thank you and happy reading from the library team. Summary of Zion Council Minutes May 9, 2018 Unapproved 6

7 Secretary s Report: Motion to approve Secretary s Report on April 11, Seconded Approved. Treasurer s Report: Motion to accept and include file for review. Seconded. Approved. Business: Executive officers met on April 25 th, during which the Mutual Ministry Team presented on the their role and process for gathering feedback and showed the revealed opportunities/themes for Zion and Pastor Jim. Motion made to appoint a congregational member on the Audit Committee. Seconded. Approved. Audit Committee submitted the 1 st quarter report. Discussion on what God s Acres or the Foundation might want to do for review suggestions following some of the same best practices and protocols in place at Zion. A Council Liaison Description was drafted to help clarify and understand the role of the council liaison and the committees or teams they represent. The mission is to provide enhanced communication between Zion Church Council and church committees or teams. Motion to approve made. Seconded. Approved. Discussion on the God s Acres sign that will be installed off of Hwy 1. As Zion will also be replacing the sign closest to Hwy 1, it was helpful to see the size and appearance of the God s Acres sign and receive feedback going forward because of the research that God s Acres has already done. Council supports God s Acres desire to move forward with getting the sign. To the entire congregation for the bounty that was our Volunteer appreciation potluck, April 29 th. To all those who helped with the funerals this past month. To the Women of WELCA for the marvelous Salad Lunch! To those who work to provide the heavenly park that is God s Acres. For the foot care ministry. To those who suggest, present, and attend our adult forums. Many thanks to all of the volunteers that came out to help clean up God s Acres and get things ready for the new season. (Not all pictured here.) Some raked and hauled away more than 10 trailer loads of pine needles and grass from the playground area, trimmed trees, painted and cleaned up equipment. While others roto-tilled and got the community garden ready for spring planting. A very fun filled couple of days! The word is out about God s Acres and we had two large groups call to schedule their end-ofyear picnics in May; St. Paul s Lutheran Church and St. Henry s Catholic Church, both in Perham. We expect a lot of new visitors to use the park this summer and are grateful for the many volunteers that help maintain the property. As long as God keeps waking you up, He s not done with you yet. Opportunities at Zion: Stewardship Team Youth event helper for communication, rides and chaperones Team Sunday School Teacher Secretary for the Worship & Music Team Fair Trade (coffee & chocolate) Champion Investigate if we need a funeral team and create it if needed. Adult forum ideas & presenters ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMOR TREASURER S REPORT April 2018 Year-to-date Annual Percent of 7

8 Income Actual Actual Budget Budget Sunday Offering 22, , , % Special Offering , , % Other Income , % Expense Total Income 23, , , % Our Benevolence 1, , , % Missions 3, , , % Pastoral Compensation 8, , , % Pastoral Expense , , % New Members/Outreach , % Education 1, , , % Library % Music & Worship 1, , , % Altar % Office Staff 3, , , % Stephen Ministry % Office Expenses , , % Stewardship % Planning % Property Management 2, , , % Maintenance & Repairs , % Capital Improv/Emerg Op , % Total Expense 22, , , % Income Less Expense , ========================================================================================= Attendance/Contributions April April 2018 April Date Attendance Contributions Date Attendance Contributions 2-Apr 136 $5, Apr 1 Easter 7: $3, Lent 4/5/ $ Apr 1 Easter 8: $1, Apr 157 $3, Apr 1 Easter 10: $1, Maundy Thurs Apr $ Apr 124 $3, Apr 16 Easter 7:00 90 $2, Apr 134 $3, Apr 16 Easter 8: $1, Apr 192 $5, Apr 16 Easter 10: $1, Apr 176 $3, Apr 124 $2, Apr 155 $5, TOTALS 1,102 $23, TOTALS 952 $22, Flowers Improvement Fund Designated Giving 2, Food Shelf Sunday School 2, World Hunger 0.00 Cemetery Fund 0.00 Library Fund Memorials & Gifts 2, Music Fund 1, Youth Group Found. Pass Thru Restricted Funds April 2018 Sunday School Projects 0.00 Stephen Ministry 1, Funeral 1, Fair Trade Coffee Organ Fund 0.00 Pancake Breakfast God s Acres Men s Group Funds Mission Jam Pass Thru 0.00 Twins Game 0.00 Helping Hands 3, Missions Jamaica House Technology 1, Total $22,

9 If there is a funeral in June, the Winter C action group is responsible for the funeral lunch. 9