Zion Messenger Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 West Main Street Hummelstown, PA 17036 717-566-2589 website: www.zluth.org May 2017 Contrary to what many people think, Easter is not a single day. It is actually a season that continues for 50 days or seven full weeks. from Easter Day, the Sunday of the Resurrection, April 16 to the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, June 4. This seven-week liturgical cycle is historically known as the Great Fifty Days or the Week of Weeks. During this time, the church celebrates the Lord s resurrection, his appearances to the disciples after Easter, his postresurrection teachings, his ascension into Heaven, and the disciples eager anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Ascension Day, the 40 th of the Great Fifty Days, is frequently commemorated with a special evening worship service since it always falls on a Thursday (this year, May 25). The Lord s new life, in which we share, is the message of this season. As the sacrament of new life, baptism is an Easter theme. As baptized Christians we take time during Easter to ponder the meaning of membership in Christ s body, the church. We look at events in the church s life, the sacraments, the accounts of resurrection and the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to discover their meaning and what they tell us about how we as a community are to live the life of the Risen Lord. Like the two who walked the Emmaus road with Jesus, we can know Christ in the sharing of the word and in the breaking of bread at the Eucharist. The Great Fifty Days of Easter are the time when those who have reaffirmed their baptismal vows or have been baptized at the Easter Vigil reflect on the meaning of their baptism. Through the lectionary texts they explore the mysteries of their faith. The early church called this period of the process mystagogia. Today the whole church enters into this period of uncovering anew the mysteries of faith expressed in sacrament, word, and life lived for others. Each time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist using certain versions of the Eucharistic Prayer, we say these words: We proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. This is an exciting season this year for us at Zion as we proclaim the living Christ. May is filled with celebrations Church Music Sunday to include Sally s retirement luncheon, Mother s Day, and Sunday School Teacher appreciation Sunday. Additionally, May is transition time for the Congregation Council as the terms for the newly elected officers take effect on May 1. Jesus resurrection changes everything. How will Christ, alive in our midst, continue to change and shape us as a faith community? In what ways is God calling us to serve others? Will we embark on new ministries or new building projects to enhance the accessibility of our facility? There is much on our horizon and I look forward to walking with you through this time of ongoing change for renewal. As always, my office is open should you have any concerns or ideas to share. I appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to continue healing from the past so that you may live a new life filled with Christ s love. Blessings, Pastor Van Orden 1
Worship News Worship Services of Holy Communion All services are in the main worship area. 8:00 am Music Liturgy 9:45 am Spoken Liturgy 10:45 am Music Liturgy Mark your calendar: June 11 begins one worship service at 9:30 am for the summer months. 4 th Sunday of Easter May 7 10:00 am One worship service The Season of Easter continues Come celebrate Church Music Sunday followed by a luncheon to honor Minister of Music Sally Cummins on her retirement. RSVP by May 3 to the church office. 5 th Sunday of Easter May 14 Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. John 14:6 6 th Sunday of Easter Teacher Appreciation Day May 21 Jesus said, If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 7 th Sunday of Easter May 28 Jesus prays for his disciples: Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. John 17:11 2
Council News The Congregation Council met on Thursday, April 20, 2017. A summary of major actions and progress reports is provided in this column. Treasurer's Report - Lynn Knepp provided a written report with verbal explanations. Pastor's Report Pastor Van Orden submitted a written report. She added: *The synod office provided a written response approving our revised constitution as approved at the February 26, 2017 Annual Meeting. *Memorial Funds - letters were mailed to the next of kin to the loved one for whom financial gifts were given in their memory, requesting their preference for the use of these gifts. A list of responses received to date was presented to Council for approval. Designations include: Elevator, Music Ministry, Christian Education ministry, Youth Ministry and Property. Council approved the designations. Property Committee - *Council approved engaging with Slatehouse Group Property Management, effective June 1, 2017, to take over management of our rental properties. *Council approved the $9,846.00 proposal from Keystruck Construction to repair the plaster in the Sanctuary from water leaks and other damage. The expense will fall under the Property line item of the Unified budget. *Sale of Chapel the building remains on the market; no offers to date. Youth Advisory Committee Council approved the budget for the 2018 youth gathering as presented in the April 10, 2017 committee minutes. Election of Officers The meeting concluded with the election of council officers whose terms will commence on May 1, 2017: President Peggy Wilson Vice President Rich Weiss Secretary Cindy Shingler Accolades of praise were expressed for David Ranck s leadership over the past three years as President. Thank you David and Jim Davis, Jill McGrorty and Ruth Hoffer. Membership News Commended to God s eternal care on March 30, 2017, Jack Wolfersberger. (member) who died March 24, 2017. Funeral service at Trefz-Bowser Funeral Home. Jack was the beloved husband of Marge. Baptized into Christ on April 23, 2017, Mariana Christine Lacasse, daughter of Norman and Dana. Mariana is in the sixth grade in the Lower Dauphin School District. Received by Affirmation of Faith on April 23, 2017, Norman and Dana Lacasse. The Lacasse family lives in Hummelstown. on April 23, 2017, Bruce and Tristyne Youngbluth and their baptized children, Juliet (4 th grade) and Noah (2 nd grade). The Youngbluth family lives in Hummelstown and comes to Zion from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey. Celebrating First Communion on April 23, 2017 six young people received their first communion after completing instruction with Pastor Van Orden. We celebrate with Megan Laudermilch Jaxon Roeder Elizabeth (Libby) Stephenson Riley Stephenson Juliet Youngbluth Noah Youngbluth 3
Christian Education Ministry Sunday School Classes Sunday, May 21 will be the last day for classes to gather (all ages) before the summer recess begins on Sunday, May 28. Adult Sunday School April 23: The study of Paul's letter to the Romans continues through May 21, 2017. Pigs for Lent We made a BIG difference with your financial gifts totaling $270.00 to purchase 9 pigs. Thanks to everyone who donated to this appeal. Vacation Bible School Theme: Maker Fun Factory- Created by God Built for a Purpose VBS Dates June 25-June 29 6:00-8:00 pm VBS welcomes all children and youth, ages ranging from preschool through 5 th grade. This year's school theme is the exciting "Maker Fun Factory - Created by God, Built with a Purpose"- allowing children to be hands on inventors and discover they are God s purposeful creation. Children and youth will have a fun filled week of Bible stories, play and games, crafts, music, prayer, and tasty snacks! Together we will to look for evidence of God all around us through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with the Funshop Finale that gets everyone involved in living what they ve learned. Members and non-members are encouraged to participate - bring a friend, tell a family member or neighbor! This year s youth at Maker Fun Factory VBS will join a mission effort to fund the digging of effective clean water wells for remote villages in Peru. Want to register, learn more, or interested in volunteering during the week? Contact Shannon Bastian, Kim Elicker, Bonnie Rudi, Irma Stough, or Kristie Swanger. Supply donation lists will be located in the Narthex beginning May 14. 4
Music Ministry You are invited to join us for a festive retirement luncheon honoring the service of our dedicated Music Director, Sally Cummins. The luncheon will begin immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, May 7 th, which is Church Music Sunday. Please complete the following, letting us know if you are coming individually or the number attending, if registering for your family/friends: Name: Number of people attending: *Please RSVP By May 3, 2017 We have set aside Sunday, May 7, 2017 as the date to celebrate Sally s music ministry at Zion. This Sunday is also Church Music Sunday. At the recommendation of the Worship and Music Committee, Council approved one worship service at 10:00 am on this date. A luncheon and retirement program will follow. Cindy Shingler is chairing an ad hoc committee to plan the retirement event. Please mark this date, Sunday, May 7, on your calendar to join in the celebration of Sally. A call committee has been organized to audition and interview applicants. The members are: Pastor Van Orden, Chris Ehmann, Mike Good, Bonnie Rudi and Kristie Swanger. 5
Zion Lutheran Preschool Employment Opportunities Zion Lutheran Preschool is looking for energetic staff to encourage young children to love God, their peers, and the gift of learning. Multiple positions are available with our 2s, 3s, 4s, including substituting at our Christian center which incorporates Christian teaching in our daily lessons. Great opportunity for adults who want to be at home with young, school-aged children. Lead teacher roles require early childhood classes or teaching certificates. Zion is located in the heart of Hummelstown, on the outskirts of Hershey. Dedicated to providing quality child care, interactive learning and memorable experiences, we are looking for highly motivated adults to inspire and be part of a great team that cares for the early learners. This is an excellent chance to join a friendly, vibrant and dynamic team environment. Recent early childhood graduates are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities: * Develop and deliver early childhood curriculum including resources based on child-directed learning * Create positive learning environments * Develop strategies to guide positive behavior * Foster open communication with children, families and staff * Observe and record children's growth, development and behavior * Ensure the learning environment is organized, hygienic and safe * Undertake administrative teaching tasks as required You will need: * Completion of at least 2 years of full-time postsecondary study or the equivalent (or) Possession of an associate s degree or higher (or) Ability to meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstration of knowledge through a formal state or local academic assessment (or) Possession by the teacher s aide of a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate **Preferably a Bachelor of Education. * Experience working in an education or childcare setting * Fantastic organizational and teamwork skills * Sound written and verbal communication skills * Computer literacy * Current First Aid certificate * Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and FBI clearances If you are qualified and passionate about early childhood learning and care, send your resume to Cherie L Pedersen, Director: zluthpreschool@gmail.com or mail to Zion Lutheran Preschool C/O Cherie L Pedersen 100 West Main Street Hummelstown, Pa 17036 6
Outreach Ministries The Grateful Ladies of Zion The Grateful Ladies had a fabulous evening at Fenicci s where we simply enjoyed a relaxing evening of fellowship. We had so much fun we tied up a table for 15 for almost 3 hours! Consider joining us for our next meeting! Dialogues with Local Muslim Women Monday, May 15, 2017, 7:00 pm Program suggestions are welcome, send to Nancy Weikel, Susan Zacher or Jill McGrorty." Wonderful Women of God Wednesdays at 11:00 am Gather in the parlor to join your sisters in Christ as we continue our study of Galatians through May 24. We begin a summer recess on May 31, 2017. Watch for summer events to gather for lunch and other activities. Zion s Men s Group Thursday, May 11, 7:00 pm Demey Library 500 Pairs Socks for 500 years of Reformation We did it! We collected 500 pairs of socks! Our original goal was 250 pairs of socks during lent. You were so generous that we collected 456 pairs by April 9- Passion/Palm Sunday. So we extended the drive to collect 500 pairs. As of April 24, we have 501 pairs for Christ Lutheran Harrisburg and the Bethesda Mission. The Sock Drive is a success and the official end is declared. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Hummelstown Food Pantry is looking for these food donations: Cake/brownie mix Frosting Rice/pasta side dishes Regular spaghetti pasta Thank you for all of your donations throughout the year! 7
Outdoor Camping Ministries Summer Camp for Children & Youth Don t miss out on summer camp. Camp booklets are available. If you prefer to look online at summer camping options, go to www.lutherancamping.org. Summer Camp Opportunities The Lutheran Camping Corporation is hosting a Summer Camp Kickoff on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Kirchenwald with worship beginning at 3:30. Of course, fellowship and fabulous food will also follow the service. RSVP for this event by May 3 to 717-677-8211. Spring Work Days Volunteers are needed to do general housekeeping, gardening, painting, carpentry, and other tasks on Saturday April 29, 2017 at Kirchenwald & The Wittel Farm starting at 8:30 am and at Nawakwa starting at 9:00 am. A noon meal will be provided. Please call the camping office to volunteer 717-677-8211. 8
Around our Synod and beyond 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. 2018 Assembly of the Lower Susquehanna Synod June 2 3, 2017 Messiah College, Grantham, PA The theme for the 30th annual Lower Susquehanna Synod Assembly is R3: reform + renew + revision. Together we will explore congregational renewal that springs from nurturing relationships with God, with one another, and with the communities our congregations are called to serve. We ll also worship, learn about ministries and mission happening here and around the world, and celebrate life together as synod. Scripture reveals how our world is always changing and how God continually calls leaders to adapt, grow, and find new ways to reach God s people. This year, as we observe the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we seek the Holy Spirit s guidance, wisdom and strength to help us better to fulfill our mission. God will reform us and our congregations as we pray, worship, and listen with open hearts, minds and souls. God will renew us and our congregations in spirit and purpose as we thoughtfully and prayerfully act on the Holy Spirit s leanings. God will revision us and our congregations as we earnestly desire to understand and live into God s preferred future for our world. Pastor Van Orden will attend with Zion voting members Rich and Deb Weiss. 9
Youth Ministry HARRISBURG SENATOR S Friday, May 5, 6:00 pm. We ll meet at Zion. The days are flying by, how is it May already? There is a lot going on with ZYG this month, another school year is almost over, plans need to be made for the coming summer just breathe. It seems everything happens so quickly. With our phones, we can find out the weather, what s happening with our friends and check our calendar in an instant. But is that always a good thing? I challenge you to take time every day to put down your phone, close your eyes and just breathe Stop all the chatter in your head, listen to the sounds around you or the silence and just breathe What are your blessings for today? What are you grateful for? What hurts do you need to let go of? Who do you need to forgive? Five minutes every day to just breathe try it I dare you! Blessings to you today & always - Alicia June 06.18-23 Harrisburg Area Confirmation Camp 06.25, 6:00-8:00 pm Volleyball at St Peter s July 07.15, 9:00 am-noon Car Wash/Bake Sale 07.23, 6:00-8:00 pm Volleyball at St Peter s August 08.13, 1:00-3:00 pm Swim Party at Alicia s 08.27, 6:00-8:00 pm Volleyball at St Peter s SUMMER+GOD= Sunday, May 7, 6:00-8:00 pm ZYG We ll play games outside if the weather is nice. Please wear sneakers. HARRISBURG HUNGER RUN, Saturday, May 13, 9:00 11:00 am We ll be cheering on the runners of this 5k. We ll meet at Zion. SUMMER+GOD= Sunday, May 14, 6:00-8:00 pm MINIS We ll play games outside if the weather is nice. Please wear sneakers. ELCA 2018 YOUTH GATHERING MEETING, Tuesday, May 16, 6:00 7:00 pm Informational meeting for youth who have committed and their parents COOKIE LOCK-IN Friday, May 19 Saturday, May 20 ZYG Lock-in & baking cookies. Pick up information on the ZYG bulletin board. VOLLEYBALL AT ST PETER S Sunday, May 28, 6:00 8:00 pm ZYG We ll meet at St Peter s. MINIS = grades 2 nd - 5 th ZYG = grades 6 th - 12 th ZYG SR HIGH = 9 th - 12 th CONNECT WITH GOD EVERY DAY STUDENTDEVOS.COM Keep current with all ZYG happenings on our webpage www.zluth.org/youth-ministry Contact Alicia zyghtown@gmail.com & 717-712-2611 10
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Zion Messenger Worship Services of Holy Communion 8:00 am Music Liturgy 9:45 am Spoken Liturgy 10:45 am Music Liturgy The Rev. Lois K. Van Orden, Interim Pastor Church Office: (717) 566-2589 Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:00 am 3:30 pm Website: www.zluth.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ June Newsletter Deadline is: Monday, May 15, 2017 Send all articles to: zluthoffice@gmail.com Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 W. Main Street Hummelstown, PA 17036 May 2017 Church Music Sunday May 7, 2017 One Worship Service 10:00 am If you would like to receive the newsletter by email, please call the church office at (717)566-2589. 12