Your life is in Christ, with God!

First Sunday in Lent Your life is in Christ, with God! February 18, 2018 Rev. Eric Zacharias, Pastor Julianne Marcsisak, Organist 14745 Co. Road 153, Cologne MN 55322 www.zion-cologne.org

EDUCATION FOR LIFE! Good Morning and Welcome! Prayer before worship: Dear God, our heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of your Son, who was tested in the desert for forty days, enduring temptations of body and soul, even as he fasted and prayed for strength. As we enter this season of Lent, strengthen our hearts, that we may resist temptations and endure hardships, trusting in you--in Jesus' name. Amen. This Week s Prayer List remember these in prayer: We pray for a portion of Zion s family and friends Terry, Jill, Sydney, Courtney, and Megan; Harry Bruesehoff Jr.; John Bruesehoff; Harold Bruesehoff; and Alan and Nancy Buckentine. We pray for those under the care of a physician, undergoing treatment and therapy; for all difficulties meeting obligations, and a strong faith for every need. Olivia Marie Buetow, daughter of Chris and Jenna Buetow, will be baptized during the service today. Her sponsors are Jenny Reimer, Ryan Rolf, and Brian Buetow. Congratulations to the Buetows, and welcome to the Zion family! Youth Group Sledding this Sunday evening starting at 6:30 PM. We will provide the chili; bring some chips or bars to pass. Come and have fun! Fish Fry: Zion s annual fish fry will be February 23 rd from 4 8 PM. Cod, au gratin potatoes, French fries, and the always delicious assortment of Zion desserts are all on the menu! Come join us! Silent Auction/Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for March 4 th. We are looking for donations. If you would like to contribute, donation forms can be found on the counter in the narthex. Lenten Suppers are held after the first service each Wednesday. Wednesday's meal is hosted by ZEL. If you would like to host a meal, please contact the office.

Opening Hymn # 550 Lamb of God P In the Name of the Father Son Holy Spirit. C Amen! Baptism of Olivia Marie Buetow Pledge & Promise of Parents and Sponsors Laying on of Hands - Lord's Prayer Confession of Faith (Apostles Creed) Washing of Regeneration, Renewal by the Holy Spirit P In Baptism, God has made you a member of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and has joined you with his church and made you to be an heir of his kingdom along with us. C We welcome you into the Lord's family. We pray that you may grow in God's grace and in knowledge of the truth and proclaim the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. In water we grow, secure in the womb, Tune #665 and speechlessly know love's safety and room. Baptizing and blessing we publish for good the freeing, caressing safe keeping of God. In water we wash: the dirt of each day, its trouble and rush are carried away. In Christ re-created by love's cleansing art, self-will and self-hatred dissolve and depart. In water we dive, and cannot draw breath, then surface alive, rebounding from death. Our old self goes under, in Christ dead and drowned. We rise, washed in wonder, by love clad and crowned. In water we dwell, for by its deep flow through bloodstream and cell we live, think, and grow. Praise God, love outflowing, whose well of new birth baptizes our knowing, and waters the earth.

Collect of the Day Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: Give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Old Testament Reading Genesis 22:1 18 P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. Epistle Reading James 1:12 18 P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. P The Gospel according to Mark, chapter one. C Praise be to you, O Lord! Gospel Reading Mark 1:9 15 P This is the Gospel of our Lord. C Praise be to you, O Christ! Apostles Creed Children s Message Sermon Hymn #725 "Children of the Heavenly Father" Sermon It Took a Life All Its Own! James 1:12-18 God advises us to look to our sin; then he does, in Christ. Offering Prayers & Lord's Prayer Generous God, even as you offered yourself for the love of the world, you command your followers to give of themselves in love for others. Lead us to be faithful disciples and give us strength to love where love is taken away; wisdom to love where love is darkened by the forces of hatred; and hope to love where love seems impossible.

Strengthen our spirits for the sake of your creation--in Jesus' name. Amen. P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Lift up your hearts and lives in service to God. C It is right to give him our thanks and praise! P The Lord bless you shine upon you and give you peace. C Amen. Closing Hymn #922 Go My Children, With My Blessing Zion Lutheran Church & School Tour of Tables Salad Luncheon, hosted by Zion s Ladies Aid/LWML, on April 7, 2018. Entertainment will be Alan and Matt Carlson. Any ladies from Zion are invited to decorate a table for this event. If interested, call Juliene Klaustermeier 954-442-0422 or Carol Henschen 952-466-5905. Reservations for the luncheon can be made with Ruth Harms at 952-467-3084. Adults & teens $10, 12 and under $5. Ladies Bible Study has begun, but you can still join., Meetings will be 2/14 & 2/28, but will go back to a weekly meeting March May. Meeting time will also be at 2 PM throughout the Lenten season, but will return to the normal 1 PM time frame after Easter. Agnus Day Mark 1:9-15

Chance International Update Chance is planning another container of items to help the families at Chance homes in Liberia. They are in need of lots and lots of items. If you are interested in helping out, please bring your items to church and drop them off in the crib located in the back hallway by the office. Chance is collecting monetary donations with the goal of purchasing 420 bags of rice (each bag is $30) along with other nonperishable food items, clothing for babies, children, and mothers, bedding, medicine, medical supplies, personal hygiene items, school supplies, play items, household items, and program items. (Please see the flyer in the narthex for an a specific list of what is needed.) Most importantly they are in need of prayers. Thank you so much for your continued support!! Orphan Grain Train Needs Your Help! Our inventory of hygiene kits, school kits and back packs has been depleted. The requests and need for these items are great within the US and worldwide. Would you, your employer, a local organization, youth group, or congregation consider collecting these items to assemble kits? It is a fun and rewarding event which helps children and families less fortunate. If you are a Thrivent member you can apply for a Thrivent Action Team and the seed money goes toward purchasing supplies. For more information on these Special Projects go to www.ogt.org click on the tab How You Can Help and scroll down to Special Projects. If you have any questions, please call toll free 1-877-371-7393. Thank you for your support of Orphan Grain Train missions. Dinner & Silent Auction, hosted by Emanuel Lutheran, on Saturday March 10 th, from 5-7 PM. Live auction starts at 8 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

Finances Salary: Beginning Balance (1/1/2018) -$66,153.75 YTD Income *$103.805.04 YTD Expenses $61,044.59 Current Balance (2/14) -$23,393.30 Missions: YTD Total (2/4) $162.00 Budgeted $7,597.00 Unbudgeted $1,289.41 2017 Pledged $7,500.00 2017 Goal $15,000.00 LHS: Year to date total (2/4) $20,262.66 2017 Commitment $22,825.00 We still need $2,562.34 to meet 2017 commitment Per communicant member $55.00 Building/Repair Fund: Account Balance (12/31) $74,090.06 Suggested household contrib. $550.00 Memorials in Memory of Florence Lindquist By the Family of Florence Zion Lutheran Building Fund $600.00 Zion Lutheran Salary Fund $500.00 Memorials given directly by others in Memory of Florence Lutheran Hour Ministries $50.00 Mayer Lutheran High School $60.00 Zion Lutheran Church & School $30.00 Zion Lutheran Building Fund $25.00 Zion Lutheran Salary Fund $35.00

This Week February 18 th February 24 th Sunday, 18 th Sunday Service 9:30 AM Monday, 19 th NO SCHOOL Tuesday, 20 th Midterms Sent Home Evangelism Meeting 7:30 PM Wednesday, 21 st Lenten Service 3:30 PM Confirmation 5:30 PM Lenten Service 7 PM Friday, 23 rd Chapel 8:10 AM Fish Fry 4 8 PM GBB & BBB State Tourney @ CSP (thru 25 th ) Next Week February 25 th March 3 rd Sunday, 18 th Sunday Service w/communion 9:30 AM Confirmation Meeting Following Service Tuesday, 27 th Dartball 8 PM Wednesday, 28 th Ladies Bible Study 2 PM Lenten Service 3:30 PM Confirmation 5:30 PM Lenten Service 7 PM Thursday, 1 st Ladies Aid/LWML Meeting 1:30 PM Friday, 2 nd Chapel 8:10 AM Attendance/Communion February 4 th Attendance = 144 February 11 th Attendance = 128/192 Ash Wednesday Afternoon Attendance = 92/81 Ash Wednesday Evening Attendance = 29/26 Pastor Zacharias Principal Dehning Office revez123@juno.com chrisdehningzion@gmail.com leahjanzenzion@gmail.com