January May 2019 2006 Page 16 16 What s Happening? Flower & Bulletin Sponsor sheets for 2019 are outside the office. Sign up today to be a flower or bulletin sponsor. Sponsoring the weekly bulletins helps offset the cost of the bulletins. It is a time to celebrate or remember a special loved one or occasion. Preparation has begun for the Annual Meeting. If you have photos from 2018 church activities, please email them to the church office by January 16. January 2019 Pastor s Page You have a place in God s story: Belong, Grow and Share I polled several congregation members to see why they attend Annual Meeting, and here are the reasons they suggested: 1. The ushers slam the doors shut and I can t get away 2. I stay so I can get breakfast casserole at the brunch afterwards 3. I want to know if my favorite ministry is on the chopping block in this year s budget 4. Someone told me there wouldn t be a sermon this year Church Directory Updates We will be working on the 2019 Phone Directory during the month of Februar. If your phone number, address or email address has changed, be sure to contact the office. The is published monthly by Zion Mennonite Church. The editor is Jennifer Moyer. Contributors this month included: Nancy Constanzer, Yvonne Detweiler, Bill Fridey, Lori Groff, Sonya Stauffer Kurtz, Laura Martin, Eric Musselman, Juanita R. Nyce, Ron Price, Stories and information for the newsletter can be submitted to Jennifer via email <jenn@zionmennonite.org> or left in the mailbox marked in the church office. Next Deadline for the February issue: January 13. Okay, so we all have our own angle on Zion s Annual Meeting and the Brunch that follows. Perhaps you think about Annual Meeting like one of my fictional characters. I d like to suggest a few more reasons to attend Zion s Annual Meeting and Brunch on January 27. First of all, #4 is correct - there is no sermon! Instead, throughout our morning service we ll hear about the mission and vision of the church. Each ministry team - outreach, fellowship, worship, stewardship and education - will share a couple of their goals for the coming year. We will get a chance to show our support for their goals through an interesting visual exercise. Continued to page 2... Zion Mennonite Church www.zionmennonite.org 149 Cherry Lane Souderton, PA 18964 215-723-3592 Fax: 215-723-0573
January May 2019 2006 Page 2 2...Pastor s Page, continued from front page. As part of planning for our work towards our mission and vision, we ll vote on the 2019 budget. Afterwards we have the opportunity to celebrate and get to know other Zion attendees as we enjoy a brunch casserole prepared by Fellowship Committee, and fruit or breads provided by the rest of us. Annual Meeting and the festive brunch that follows is an opportunity to strengthen congregational relationships. We belong to God and each other. As a community we are growing in Christ. We can share the good news of God, the good times and bad. We all have a place in God s story and Zion s story. Let s enjoy our time together on January 27 at the Brunch and Annual Meeting! Table of Plenty Talk Pastor Sonya As the calendar flips to reveal the winter months, the weather has followed suit and cold has crept in accordingly. It is the pleasure of the Table of Plenty to provide folks with hot soup on chilly days and throughout the year. I am so thankful to the congregation and organizations who commit to providing the Table of Plenty with soup for our patrons. They are grateful for the delicious, nourishing warmth. Our freezers are full, so in place of making soup this month, please take a moment to take a deep breath, enjoy a warm beverage, or say a prayer of joy. Every day, I am thankful for the sense of community and teamwork that has created and sustained the Table of Plenty. Table of Plenty will be closed for two weeks over the holiday season from December 24 January 4 and will host lunches again beginning on January 7, 2019. Thank you to all those who have provided so generously for us during 2018. We look forward to continuing to nourish and serve in 2019! Katie Musselman January 2019 Page 15 Recipes Worth Sharing Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish INGREDIENTS: 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls. 8 ounces cream cheese; softened 1 can of cherry pie filling 2/3 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla For the Glaze: 1/3 cup powdered sugar 2 tsp. milk INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the glaze ingredients together until smooth and set aside until the Danish is baked and cooled. Open the packages of crescent rolls, but do not separate them. Using a serrated knife, slice each "roll" into 11 equal pieces. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently indent the middle of each circle so there is a space for the cream cheese to be placed inside. Arrange the crescent circles into the shape of a Christmas tree. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each crescent circle. Then place a small spoonful of the cherry pie filling on top. You will not use all the cherry pie filling. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes. Let cool and drizzle with the glaze. Yvonne Detweiler December Church Board Highlights 1. Review and finalized 2019 budget for presentation to the congregation on January 13 for approval at the congregational meeting on January 27. 2. Discussed agenda for 2019 Annual Congregational Meeting on January 27. 3. Discussed Peaceful Living/Soul expanding their program and use of facilities at Zion. Ron Price, Church Chair
January May 2019 2006 Page 14 14 January Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays 1 Joseph Deng 1 Jim Gunden 1 Gerald Hartzel 1 Linda Moyer 2 Donna Rosenberger 3 - Robert N. Kershaw 4 Barbara Voth 5 Sheryl Duerksen 5 Austin Schanz 6 Tana Godshall 10 Bralene Rathgeber 10 Lauren Schmittinger 10 Lorraine Shoemaker 11 Donna Baum 11 Marvel Rosenberger 12 Martin Wiens 14 Rhoda Gaugler 14 - Jackie Murphy 14 Karen Godshall 18 Mays Abdulameer Anniversaries 25 Bruce and Sherri Russell 18 Bob Kehs 21 Rod Landis 21 - Kenzie Musselman 21 Chelsea Picon 21 - Ben Repsher 22 Gabriel Gunden 23 Christian Derstine 23 - Jakob Yoder 24 Nancy Detwiler 24 Sue High 26 Ruth Gehman 26 Mike Hedrick 27 Maggie Derstine 27 Willard Price 28 Brenda Oelschlager 29 Donna Landis 29 Patricia Peters 30 - Heather Freed If your birthday or anniversary is incorrect or missing, please notify the office. January 2019 Page 3 50 Years on Cherry Lane It is hard to believe that 2018 has come to a close. And that means our 50 Years on Cherry Lane celebration is coming to a close also. I hope you all enjoyed looking at the displays that were set up each month in the alcove and hallway. It was fun to stroll down memory lane while putting them together. Many people need to be thanked for helping me make this year-long celebration possible. Thank you to those who agreed to be on the original committee and contributed many good ideas! Mike Landis, George & Rhoda Gaugler, Brenda Oelschlager, Denny & Jenny Worman, Joyce Price and Edie Landis. Thank you to those who worked endlessly on the banners and displays, Edie Landis, Mike Landis, Jenn Moyer, and Brenda Oelschlager. Thank you to all who made the Gordon Turk concert happen! It was truly a wonderful afternoon; Pastor Sonya & Pastor Beth, Janet Davis, Joyce Price and all the Adult choir members. Thank you to all the pastors who were nurtured here at Zion and came back to preach and reminisce about growing up at Zion; Bill Eberly, Phil Schanz, Deron Bergstresser, Steve Musselman, Randy Keeler, and Laurie Hartzel Haller. Congregation, your wedding pictures and other photos for us to use in the displays were appreciated and a major part of what made this a success. Hopefully, I didn t forget anyone, but if I did forget your name on the list, know that your contribution was important and appreciated. Zion donated 214.9 pounds of amount of canned goods and other food products to Keystone Opportunity Center from our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Thank you to all who participated! Calendar Collection 2019 calendars are still being collected for SCI Phoenix (formerly Graterford Prison). Drop them in the box in the office. Thank you for your support of this project!
Joyful Noiz May 2006 January 2019 Page Page 4 4 Mark Your Calendars January 13, 2019: Budget Information Meeting immediately following the worship service. January 27, 2019: Annual Meeting in the sanctuary following the worship service. A congregational brunch will follow the meeting. Watch for details about what to bring. Nursery School News Welcome to 2019!! We have flipped the calendar and the students and teachers look forward to a winter of fun-filled days of learning. Registration for the 2019-2020 school year has begun this month. Some of the programs will be changed slightly for this upcoming school year. The three year old class continues to be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The four year old program will have class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and afternoons. An additional four year old class will be added on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and is being taught by Mrs. Lutz who was with our staff last year. The five year old Pre-K program will be held only as a five day a week class. It is our hope that with these slight changes we are able to meet some needs of the community better. We will be holding an Open House on Wednesday, April 3 so new families can tour the school and meet the teachers. If you know a family that is going to need a nursery school, please give them our number to call. Word of mouth is and always has been our best advertisement. Thank you for the continued support and prayers that are given to the Nursery school program throughout the year. Jennifer Moyer January 2019 Page 13
January May 2019 2006 Page 12 12 Just a note of Thanks Thank you to all who contributed to our collection of candy canes. The parade was well attended. The nursery school appreciated your support. The Nursery School Special thank you to Bob Musselman and Musselman Builders for the use of their trailer and helping out the day of the parade to make it all run smoothly. The Nursery School Thank you church family for all the cards and prayers that were sent my way. Sarah Landes I extend my gratitude to Zion congregation for both your words of condolence through cards and loving presence at the memorial service for my husband, Irv. Sincerely, Althea Detwiler Thank you for those who purchased cookies to support Peaceful Living SOUL ( Social Opportunities for the Ultimate Living). We were able to raise $795.00. Kindred Sisters The Gatherings News After a long break The Gatherings are back! Start the year 2019 right by coming to The Gatherings on Tuesday, January 15. Join us for a yummy meal, kid s club, youth group and Bible study. There is something for everyone. January 2019 Page 5 Youth Group Activity Schedule Sunday, January 13 Bubble Soccer Lunch and then travel to XL Sports World in Hatfield Monday, January 21 Table of Plenty Soup Making Service day at Zion February 15-17 Jr. & Sr. High Winter Retreat@ Loft Friday, March 15 Shop for crazy outfit at Care and Share & Dinner Out (TBD) (Sr. High only) Sunday, April 28 Scavenger Hunt You will be given clues/activities to complete Prizes will be given! Sunday, May 5 Cinco De Mayo - Mexican Meal June Weekend Camping Trip July, August Summer Activities (TBD)
Joyful Noiz May 2006 January 2019 Page Page 6 6 January 2019 Page 11 Giving Thanks! Peaceful Living is grateful to the Zion Mennonite Church community for partnering to create belonging for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Everyone deserves to have companionship and express their unique talents, interests, and capabilities. For many years, Zion has hosted Peaceful Living s Saturday Respite Program (formerly known as SOUL) on a monthly basis. Caregivers need help balancing their many responsibilities, but often lack the necessary resources to utilize additional care. The Saturday Respite Program enables caregivers to enjoy a break to focus on themselves or other family members, while their loved one enjoys a planned menu of events and outings. Zion Mennonite Church provides space for this Peaceful Living program and volunteers to assist and build relationships with the men and women who attend. The Kindred Sisters bible study s annual cookie sale and your support of it provides vital support for the Respite Program! Thank you so much for sharing your time, talent, and resources. To learn more about Peaceful Living s programs and volunteer opportunities, please visit peacefulliving.org. Juanita R. Nyce Vice President of Mission Engagement You re Invited to a Superhero Party! Incredibles 2 Friday, February 8 at 6:45 p.m. This free event will include movie snacks and drink. This will be held in our Fellowship Hall so be sure to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on. Don t forget to wear your favorite superhero costume! I can hardly believe another Thanksgiving Meal has come and gone. It almost seems crazy that this year will soon be over and we will be moving full steam ahead into 2019. Time surely has a way of slipping by. Is it because we are getting older or is it just that we are all so busy or probably a little of both. Well, as crazy as the year was, we know Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the past year and to give thanks for all our blessings, and we do have many. One of those blessings at Zion Mennonite Church is the TOP Thanksgiving Dinner. As a committee, we are thankful for the many volunteers that came out this year to serve. We saw many familiar faces, but each year we see more and more volunteers from Zion, which tells us Zion has truly taken ownership of this ministry. We are very fortunate at Zion to have such dedicated and hard-working people, committed to serve, whether for this dinner or for some other outreach, Zion has wonderful people working together, sharing their time, resources, and using the gifts they were given to love one another. Each of us does that in a different way, but that s what makes it work. That is God s plan for us and that is what we are called to do. We are also thankful for the many who came out to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast with us and to share this time of community and fellowship. We may all look a bit different and come from different backgrounds, but truly we are all similar, with the same need to feel wanted, needed and to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This dinner is one of those things. It brings many people together for a variety of different reasons, but in the end it feels like family and it feels good. It is a blessing to us all and something for we are truly thankful. Thank you again for all who participated whether with prayers, time, or resources. We needed each one of you, and together we made a difference. Blessings to you and your family! TOP - Thanksgiving Dinner Committee Tina Rhoads, Stefanie Dockery and Erin Saunders
January May 2019 2006 Page 10 10 Library News New Book Review by Erin Saunders Have you ever had something in life not go as you expected? Lysa TerKeurst's new book, It's Not Supposed to be This Way, not only addresses her own personal challenges with her marriage and health, but also practical ways to apply God's word and work through difficult times yourself. Each chapter ends with "Going to the well" which recaps the learning in the chapter, scriptures and a prayer. I appreciated Lysa's transparency and encouragement in practical ways to work through difficult times. She leaves you with lies that we believe and scriptures that combat those lies. This book would be a great book to study with a small group or a personal study if you are going through difficult times currently or building up strength for when difficult times come your way. Lysa says, "Though we can't predict or control or demand the outcome of our circumstances, we can know with great certainty we will be okay!" More New Titles for Adults Becoming a Welcoming Church by Thom Rainer (NF) Daring to Hope: Finding God s Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Davis Majors (NF, sequel to Kisses From Katie) Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith by Andy Stanley (DVD & study guide) The House of Unexpected Sisters by Alexander McCall Smith (F, No. 1 Ladies Detective Series #18) Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff (NF) Parenting: 14 Gospel Principals that Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp (NF) Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Brokenhearted World by Osheta Moore (NF) (NF = nonfiction, F = fiction) Laura Martin January 2019 Page 7 Creati n Care Tidbits 2019 Resolutions For Creation Care Have you started to think about those resolutions that you may make for the next year? Here are several that you may want to add to your list. Saving money! Who doesn t want to do this? For those of you that did the energy reduction challenge, don t forget to submit your forms to Creation Care. Please let us know what you did to make the difference. And also provide your usage for last year as well as your usage for this year. Have your trees been loaded with the red spotted lantern fly this past year? Ours were! By now you probably have heard how invasive they are and the damage that they cause. Before spring arrives call an arborist to assist in reducing next year s population. How about trying to go strawless when dining out. Restaurants unfortunately always seem to want to provide a straw with that glass of cold water. If it s still in it s wrapper, just don t use it. Their glasses are sanitized just as their coffee cups are. If you really need to use a straw, how about purchasing a reusable set of your own. Does your home have any ceiling fans? Use them to help cool or heat those rooms. They will help, cool or warm you by moving the rooms air in the proper circulation pattern. Thus by lowering the room temperature and using the fans, your cost for heating will be lower. These may not seem like much but every little bit helps!! HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bill Fridey
January May 2019 2006 Page 8 8 January Children s Ministries January 2019 Page 9 February Children s Ministries Bible Mania Children s Church Bible Mania Children s Church January 6 Heidi Borisow Ben & Sherry Russell Lori Groff & Dawn Repsher February 3 Heidi Borisow Ben & Sherry Russell Laura & Matt Musselman January 13 Enjoy Time in Worship Enjoy Time in Worship February 10 Heidi Borisow Ben & Sherry Russell Enjoy Time in Worship! January 20 Heidi Borisow Ben & Sherry Russell Brad & Susan Schanz February 17 Enjoy Time in Worship! Mike & Stephanie Helfrich January 27 Enjoy Time in Worship Enjoy Time in Worship February 24 Enjoy Time in Worship! Enjoy Time in Worship! Sunday Morning Child Care Infant & Toddler Nursery January 6 January 13 Worship Service Rob & Erin Saunders Nancy Detwiler & Judy Francis Sunday School Deb Godshall & Ashlen Godshall Donna Halteman & Suzanne Gunden Sunday Morning Child Care Infant & Toddler Nursery February 3 February 10 Worship Service Mike & Stephanie Helfrich Nate & Bekki Dibble Sunday School Barb Musselman & Beth Rauschenberger Amy Cummings - Leight & Wendy Levin January 20 Jim Musselman & Susan Schanz Mark & Trish Watkins February 17 Tim & Lori Groff Bill & Nancy Fridey January 27 Matt & Laura Musselman No Sunday School Today! February 24 Nate & Bekki Dibble Deb Godshall & Ashlen Godshall