ZIONEWS Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church September 2016 2016 Congregational Council Richard Bevington President William Bossetti Finance & Administration Tim Kostel Property & Facilities Karen Dehn Youth & Young Adults Andrew Gundlach Secretary/Treasurer Suzanne Jeffery Worship & Music Nancy Kinsel Mission & Stewardship Darlene Lowery Parish Life Judy McEowen Outreach Carla Mitchell Faith Formation Mike Todi Vice President September is upon us, and so we begin the usual routine of fall to spring. The kids are back in school, the football season has started, and the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. At this time of the year, I ask myself, "What is routine?" This question has come up more frequently since I have "retired." At one point, routine was worshiping together with Pat as we both sang in the choir. It then progressed into going to the annual Rotary meetings, District, Region, and International. It then progressed into visiting Rotary clubs in my area, as well as training sessions. Next, it was visiting all the Rotary clubs in our district, as well as continuing to worship on Sunday mornings with Pat. (She also attended many of the Rotary meetings with me.) After I was finished with much of my Rotary stuff, I started getting calls from my daughter. That started a routine of being an interim pastor. And, routines start, they continue, or they conclude. What are your routines? For many in the fall, it might be attending the high school football games, followed by basketball. It might even include going to pro football games, or at least spending time watching them on TV. It might involve Saturday at the mall, or watching movies on TV. Whatever, we all have routines, ways in which we normally spend our lives and of doing things. We, as Christians, must continually ask ourselves, "Where is God in my routine?" We cannot ask that question too often, because He is often not there. We get up in the morning, do our daily work, relax a little in the evening and go to bed. On weekends, we do the necessary chores around the house and try to relax a little but. On Monday we start all over again. But again, where is God? It seems that for all that God continually does for us; the least we can do is take some time out to worship Him, either on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. You might even consider singing in the choir, serving as a lector or communion assistant, or serving on the altar guild. (Men can do this, too.) If you have gotten out of the routine of weekly worship, perhaps it is time to get back into the habit. God has not forgotten you. Don t you forget Him! Pastor Ralph Communion will be served at all weekly services every Saturday and Sunday starting on September 4.
Greetings! It seems impossible that fall is in the air, even if it doesn't feel like it. I guess it's true that the older we get, the faster time goes! The end of summer brings new beginnings! Now that we are all refreshed from the lazy, hazy days of summer, it's time to get back into the swing of a more regular schedule. Circle meetings will be starting up again this month. Agape meets the first Wed., at 7:00 p.m. in the church library. Circle of Friends meets the first Wed., at 7:00 p.m. at different locations; however, Sept. will be in the Chapel at Zion. They are doing "Life Lessons from Women of the Bible", this year. Priscilla meets the first Thurs., at 9:30 a.m. at different locations each month. The Book Connection meets the fourth Wed., at 2:00 p.m. in the church library. They read a different book each month and then discuss it. Those who attend circles learn God's word and share great fellowship! All women are welcome. If you are a "snowbird", you are welcome to just come when you can. Also, as I've said before, if there is a group of ladies out there who wants to start another circle, you are most welcome to do so. Monthly board meetings will also resume the 3rd Monday of Sept. Zion ladies are invited to the "29th Annual Ladies Rally", on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. This will be held at the First Christian Church at 3419 Hayes Ave. Dinner and dessert cost is $7.00. The entertainment will be given by Betty Grey, portraying "Fanny Crosby". This has always been a delightful evening to spend time with our Christian lady neighbors. The time was not included on the invitation, please, watch the bulletin for further information. The monthly "Chat & Chew" is another wonderful way to get to know Zion's fellow members! All are welcome the 3rd Wed. of each month at noon. We have a short devotion / message, prayer, and sing a hymn; with a light lunch and good conversation following. Please, join us for another great fellowship and learning opportunity! The women's Eastern Conference Fall Retreat will be held on Sat., Oct. 1, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The location is Zion Lutheran, 500 S. Brentwood Dr., Gibsonburg, OH. The theme is "Leadership". In-Kind gifts will be food or paper products for Gibsonburg Food Pantry. Cost is $5.00, paid at the door and includes coffee hour and lunch. Registration and coffee begin at 8:30. Please, RSVP by Sept. 25th to: Beth Schlea 419-637-7378 or bschlea@amplex.net. Other means of getting involved is by joining various committees. Quilters need more help, and you don't have to be a seamstress. There are many other jobs one can do. Hospitality can always use more helping hands; whether it be to help set up, prepare / donate food, serve, and to clean up. There is also a group who make baby quilts that are given out at baptisms. There is a prayer shawl group. Alter guild takes care of setting up for church services and the communion committee prepares the wine and bread for communion. There are lots of ways to serve, have fun, and enjoy good fellowship all at the same time. If you have any questions, you can call the church office or ask one of the officers. May you have a great month, full of God's blessings! Sincerely, Carla President of ZELCW
Dates: 9/4/16 9/11/16 9/18/16 9/25/16 Greeters Virginia Lillian Brad & Beth Wimmer Joanne Hosey Dale & Ann Cerny 8 am Wine 10:30 am Dick & Marlene Long Ron Dahs Dan Willey Tom & Cindy Patterson Dale Cerny Chet Leser Jim & Chris Stradtman John & Judy Mears Dick & Marlene Long Ron Dahs Dan Willey 8 am Bread 10:30 am Carolyn Steinfeldt Carolyn Steinfeldt Carolyn Steinfeldt Carolyn Steinfeldt Roger Gundlach Suzanne Jeffery Roger Gundlach Dale Cerny 8 am Lectors 10:30 am Andy Gundlach Bill Steinfeldt Dick Long Suzanne Jeffery Carol Albert Sylvia Gembka Dean Meyers Dale Cerny Prayers Carolyn Steinfeldt Marjorie Burton Laura Stellhorn Judy Mears Children's Message Laurie Mears Connie Castello Dale Cerny Marjorie Burton 8 am Sound Board 10:30 am Janet Stradtman Bob Butlet Dean Meyers Tim Kostel Andy Gundlach John Nejedly Janet Stradtman Bob Butler 8 am Gathering Hosts 10:30 am Darlene Lowery Jeff & Rhonda Pollock Jim & Jeanette Toft Dave & Pat Volz John & Alma Toft Barb & Jim Thom Glen & Doris Brennan Ushers for September 8:00 am Randy Koch, Diane Ernst, Joyce Leimbach, Gene & Kathy Ott 10:30 am Greg, Tami, & Sara Schultz, Alan & Juanita Mitchell
September 11, 8 & 10:30 worship, Blessing of the Backpacks All students are invited to bring backpacks & school supplies for a special back-to-school blessing. Confirmation Begins! All 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade students are invited to join us for Confirmation, beginning September 18 th from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. each Sunday afternoon. This year we will meet at St. Paul Lutheran Church at the corner of Mill & Perkins Streets. Please call Carolyn at 419-625-2112 for more info or to register.
SCAASP Opportunities for 2016-2017 School Year: SEE LINDA KERST FOR A NEW MEMBER GREEN PACKET on SEPT. 11 in the Zion Gathering Room! Tutoring/mentoring in two ways: Osborne school one day a week, one day a month, or any duration. Volunteering in our new program at Zion called ECEF! EVERY Tues and Wed after School from 3pm to 6pm Beginning this October, Zion Lutheran Church will be the host site for the (ECEF) Erie County Education Foundation 1st 3rd grade Osborne Elementary students! The purpose of the Erie County Education Foundation is to provide educational services to youth in the Greater Sandusky community which promotes all forms of education and learning through formal academic instruction, mentoring, community service, and volunteerism. The ECEF After-School Program students receive additional reading instruction to meet Common Core reading standards established by the State of Ohio, homework help, and faith-based lessons from a dedicated group of tutors. Most importantly, the members of Zion will have the opportunity to form close bonds in Christian mentorship with the young students! Classroom and kitchen volunteers from the Zion congregation are CRUCIAL to the enrichment of your Osborne students! Not only will you be following in the footsteps of Christ while serving His Children, you will be a valuable builder of healing bridges between groups in our community! To support and encourage our local children s development, Zion Lutheran and the ECE Foundation will provide this specialized enrichment from the school day s end 3:00-6:00pm every Tuesday and Wednesday. The School District will provide transportation for your students to Zion Lutheran from the student s home school. Students will be picked up by parents/guardians at 6:00. Students will be served a hot dinner and snack each day. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this absolutely crucial mission! Please call Laura Mastropaolo for more info! 419-602-0912 Making student birthday cards with Jeannie Johnson 1 time a month. Prepping and serving meals on the 2nd wednesdays at Nehemiah Center 4:30 to 6:30 Bluestreak Prayer Angels. A chance for anyone to pray over an entire classroom and their teacher. Collecting school supplies, school uniforms, hats and gloves for school children. Annual Back to School Rally always the 1st weekend in August! Wrappong caryons for Christmas gifts with youth. Coming soon. Pay Back night at a local restaurant to fundraise for the S.C.A.A.S.P. Program! Linda Kerst 419-357-2897 or lkerst@bex.net
Appeal for the ELCA and the Northwestern Ohio Synod Zion congregation gives a yearly amount to the NW Ohio Synod. This Mission Support allows the synod office to offer financial support to new and innovative ministries in the synod and to provide ongoing support services such as help with calling a pastor, conflict resolution, and events that gather leaders together for learning and service.all activities vital to our lives together as Lutherans in NW Ohio. Those funds are needed continually. In addition, a portion of our Mission Support (51%) goes to the ELCA offices to assist with funding missionaries and new Christians around the world, seminaries and seminarians, camps, disability services here in NW Ohio, and the development of resources to do this work through the church-wide organization. In recent years, there has been a sharp decline in Mission Support receipts. That means there are fewer dollars to do the work of the church. This Appeal serves to provide resources beyond what congregational Mission Support is no longer providing. Always Being Made New is a 5 year campaign with 5 different programs. Areas of emphases are: Congregations, Outreach, and Leadership. This puts emphasis where we can see the Spirit clearly at work. You may remember the 2014 Malaria Appeal which had good results in the battle against this disease, as well as growth among those who are learning to give more. We can make a real difference in this world both in specific areas and in our own lives especially when we focus on a clear goal. By participating in the Appeal, we participate in the work of Christ s Church which is three-fold. First, we are called to the mission of spreading the very good news that God who created all things continues to provide for all of creation, and helping those in need is just about the best way to proclaim that message. Second, giving is a key spiritual discipline for engendering individual and corporate growth in faith ---trusting in God s guidance and continued abundance. And, finally, this is an opportunity to be a part of a legacy of the future. The benefit is that we will be doing what we are called to do. Special Giving Opportunity at Zion For two weeks in September we will be lifting up the Appeal and asking all members of Zion to participate. To help our dollars go further the Zion Lutheran Church Foundation has agreed to match our gifts dollar for dollar up to a total of $5000.00. Total gifts of $5000.00 from the congregation will mean $10,000.00 to support the work of our church both in NW Ohio and worldwide.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Council Meeting July 13, 2016 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: President Richard Bevington called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. ROLL CALL: Rev. Ralph Schibler, Carolyn Steinfeldt, AiM, Richard Bevington, Mike Todi, Andy Gundlach, Carla Mitchell, Suzanne Jeffery, Judy McEowen, Karen Dehn, Bill Bossetti,, Nancy Kinsel and Lori Harris. Absent and excused: Carly Dahs, Darlene Lowery and Tim Kostel. Visitor: Judy Mears OPENING PRAYER & HYMN: Suzanne Jeffery said the opening prayer and led Council in the singing the Doxology. CORRESPONDENCE: Was read by Recording Secretary, Lori Harris. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mike Todi made a motion to approve the amended agenda, (to be added is meeting update from Judy Mears and under New Business Staff Compensation, ELCA Appeal and Pancake Truck Date). Carla Mitchell seconded the motion. Motion Carried. VISITOR PARTICIPATION: Judy Mears reported on the Lutheran - Catholic dialog meeting on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church she attended. Carla Mitchell made a motion to support the joint dialog. Suzanne Jeffery seconded the motion. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Carla Mitchell made a motion to approve the June 8, 2016 Council Minutes as written. Mike Todi seconded the motion. Motion carried.
STAFF REPORTS: Pastor Ralph Pastor Ralph shared his written report. Carolyn Steinfeldt Carolyn shared her written report talked about an upcoming Human Trafficking Conference. Devotions were from the book One Hope the final chapter titled Dying and Grieving. TREASURERS REPORT/INVOICE LIST: The Treasurer s Report was reviewed. Andy Gundlach made a motion to approve the Invoice List with paid invoices of $19,317.07 and $6,173.91 unpaid for a total of $25,554.98. Carla Mitchell seconded the motion. Motion carried. FLAMe: Judy McEowen highlighted some of the items in the June 20, 2016 report. MINISTRY TEAMS REPORTS: Faith Formation Carla Mitchell reported that the staff and volunteers are in place for Cave Quest vacation Bible study. There have been work sessions this week. There will be a potluck on July 31 during the visit of Bishop Kinyunyu of the Dodoma Diocese. The hospitality committee will supply beverages and sandwiches. All those attending should bring a dish to share. Volunteers are needed. The Church picnic is August 21 at Shoreline Park. Worship and Music Suzanne Jeffery reported that Tami Schultz is training for Altar Guild. It was stressed that Ushers need to be (re)trained. The date and time will be set. Parish Life No report. Outreach Judy McEowen reported that there was a good turnout for the July 4 event. St. Paul Lutheran Church would like to be included in the God s Work Our Hands breakfast on September 10. The opportunity to purchase t-shirts is available until July 31. Youth/Young Adult The Youth are taking the summer off. Finance/Administration Bill Bossetti reported that all is going well. Property/Facilities Mike Todi shared the submitted report. Mission/Stewardship Nancy Kinsel reported on the many activities the team is involved with. NEW BUSINESS: Discussion was held regarding the 2016 Nominating Committee. 2 Council members have been appointed: Bill Bossetti and Karen Dehn. Policy and Procedures that was updated by a committee including Mike Bailey need to be approved by the Congregation. A table will be decorated by Zion for the Bishop Installation. Carolyn and Karen (Dehn) to facilitate that. The Executive Council recommends that Zion would be able to hold/administer funds for Life Tree Café. Carla Mitchell made a motion that funds for Life Tree Cafe be held and administered by Zion. Nancy Kinsel seconded the motion. Motion carried. Discussion was held regarding the idea of forming a Communication Committee to facilitate social media, e-mail, Zionews, website and other related functions. Nancy Kinsel made a motion to proceed with developing a Communication Committee. Carla Mitchell seconded the motion. Motion carried. Executive Council recommends participation in the ELCA Appeal. Temple talks will occur mid-september by Roger Gundlach. Foundation will make up to $5000 to Mission Support. Andy Gundlach made a motion that Zion participate in the ELCA Appeal. Mike Todi seconded the motion. Motion carried. Michael Hanck has contacted Carolyn asking for a date to have the Pancake Truck come to Zion in appreciation of the partnership with Salem Lutheran Church in Toledo. Dates in October have been selected. Finalization and advertisement will follow. The six month temporary bonus for Carolyn Steinfeldt and Lori Harris has been fulfilled. Carolyn and Lori excused during discussion that concluded in the recommendation to continue the $75/week bonus for Carolyn while suspending the bonus for Lori. AUGUST PRAYER & HYMN ASSIGMENT: Darlene Lowery, Parish Life ADJOURMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m. with The Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Lori Harris, Recording Secretary
Lutheran/Catholic Covenant
September 2016 Communion is served at EVERY Service.