October 2016 Zion Lutheran Church To be together growing in Christ, to be His message to others 557 Perry Highway Harmony, PA 16037 Dear Brothers and Sisters, On Sunday, September 18, we celebrated our 174 th anniversary to the day. In the next year we will be celebrating Zion Lutheran Church as we lead up to our 175 th anniversary on Sunday, September 17, 2017. The Anniversary Team has come up with some ideas for celebrating through this next year but we also need you. We would love to hear your ideas. The team is Marsha Davis, Kathy Gilkey, Evelyn Stephens, and Pastor. The subdivision of the team is Renee Jackman, picture taker and book compiler; Melissa Painter, collector of your old pictures of days gone by; Saundi Hoffman, collector of old acolytes; and Pat Plug, historian of all your stories. The plan is to have a book of historic pictures and stories compiled by December 2017 as a memento of our 175 th year. We want your story as it is part of the bigger story. We would ask that each family or person in the church would write a paragraph or so about your story here at Zion Lutheran Church. Please watch for announcements about the celebration. Calendar to Date September 18, 2016 Dedication of the 175 th Anniversary Quilt Stop and see this beautiful quilt. November 6, 2016 All Saints Sunday Celebrating all the Saints who have gone before us Pictures of your ancestors who rest with the Lord are needed. December 24, 2016 7:30 pm Happy Birthday Jesus Pictures of Christmas' past, Past Christmas Programs, Caroling, and Decorating of the Church January 8, 2017 Baptism of Our Lord We will be celebrating everyone's baptism, Find your baptismal date and bring pictures of your baptism or your baby picture. May 7, 2017 Wedding Day We will be celebrating weddings with wedding cake, Jordan almonds, mints, and the works of Wedding Reception in the 20th century. We will need your favorite wedding picture of those in your family who were married, and oh yes, wedding dresses and old memories from that special day. June 4, 2017 Pentecost Celebration of Confirmation We need confirmation class pictures August 13, 2017 Ice Cream Social Bring your favorite pie Pictures and stories of social occasions in the years past September 16, 2017 Pig and Corn Roast It's a Saturday and the Annual Church Picnic and the close of our year of celebration September 17, 2017 Worship at 10:30 am giving Thanks for the Blessings of God October 29, 2017 Celebration of the 500 th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation December 2017 Commemorative Book of 175 th Celebration As the team sat and talked about the history of this congregation, thoughts came to mind about all the stories that need to be written down. Some of the ones that we thought of were: Apple Butter Making, Boy Scouts, Luther League, the digging of the basement under the church, choirs of the past, events and celebrations, impish acts, and square dancing to name a few. We need you to help us get even more stories and if you know about these few see Pat Plug to record them. And if you know even more stories see Pat Plug to record them. If you have the pictures see Melissa Painter; please put your name on the picture so we may copy it and return it to you. We would appreciate having the pictures named on the calendar about 2 weeks before the event. Saundi Hoffman would like to schedule those who did acolyting in the past so see her for a date to
acolyte. These are the ideas and now the team needs helpers! If you would like to help on one of the events please let us know by calling the church office 724-452-8886. If you are asked to help please say yes. We are looking forward to an exciting year. In Christ's service, Pastor Barbara By now you will have received a letter from our Stewardship Team regarding our financial situation for next year. Included in this mailing was a commitment form. Please fill the form out and return it to the church by October 9 th. This is a completely anonymous form; the Team will use these forms to develop the budget for 2017, and then the forms will be destroyed. Zion depends on YOUR support in so many ways; so prayerfully consider what your financial support for the coming year will be. On Sunday, October 9 th, a representative from the Gideons International Society will be delivering the message. Please plan to be here then to welcome our special speaker!
Serving Zion this month Ushers October 2: Lisa Shedio October 9: Al Stephens October 16: Tom Meyer October 23: Tom Brain October 30: Mark Kristophel Greeters October 2: Chris & Patty Cekella October 9: Al & Joelle Dourlain October 16: Denny & Pam Bintrim October 23: Doug & Chris Trimble October 30: Keith & Cindy Warner Money Counters October 2: Marsha Davis & Pam Ferrainolo October 9: Chris Trimble & Tom Davis October 16: Kathy Gilkey & Debbie Muders October 23: Tom Bickert & Goldie Rader October 30: Shirley Fichter & Pam Ferrainolo Bulletin Sponsors October 2: AVAILABLE October 9: AVAILABLE October 16: AVAILABLE October 23: AVAILABLE October 30: AVAILABLE If you are unable to serve on your Sunday, please trade with someone. Bulletins may be sponsored with a donation of $15 per week, to offset the cost of the bulletins, and can be given to the glory of God, in memory of someone, or in honor of someone. Note Bulletins in the memo section of your check, and please call Melissa in the office if you d like to sponsor the bulletins. Flowers may be given on the altar any Sunday. There are forms on the bulletin board in the entryway. Ask Melissa if you have questions.
Adult Sunday School Class News The Adult Sunday School class is studying and discussing Paul and his missions. He has a lot of good advice for churches, much of which can be applied today. Please consider joining us at 9:15 on Sunday morning, and bring your Bible! The Annual Turkey Trot for the Food Cupboard is underway! Please place food items in your favorite turkey s lane, and let s see how much food we can collect for the food cupboard. Bring ALL types of food, because the food cupboard is currently in need of ALL items. And don t forget that October 2 nd is Harvest Home Sunday another opportunity to show your support for the food cupboard by bringing in donations. A couple of important dates will be coming up in November. First, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday on November 6 th. Then our annual Congregational Meeting will occur following worship on November 20 th. Please mark your calendar!
Fellowship News Sunday, October 2: Monthly Birthday and Anniversary celebration with cake and ice cream Sunday, October 9: Coffee Hour Sunday, October 16: Coffee Hour Saturday, October 22 nd : MOVIE NIGHT at 6:30 p.m. Movie is TBA at the time of this writing, but everyone enjoys a movie, so please come and enjoy. We will have popcorn, gummies, milk duds, and pop. Sunday October 23 rd : Chili Contest. Let s see who has the best chili! Bring your crockpot full when you come to church and stay for the social hour after and enjoy some chili. A sign-up sheet will be posted anyone can make a pot of their favorite chili to share and sample. Fellowship will provide crackers, Italian bread, and corn bread. A prize will be given for the best chili and the runner up. Sunday, October 30 th : Halloween Party. We will have a pumpkin carving contest, bobbing for apples, guess how many candies are in a jar.there will be prizes and treat bags. Look for the great snacks, such as Mummy Dogs, Ghost Cookies, Black Cat Cupcakes, and Spooky Spider Cupcakes. Bring the kids to Sunday School and Church, and stay for a good time! If you make donations to the Disabled American Veterans, please send donations to Butler VA Medical Services, Attention Paula McCarl, 325 New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001. Explain that it is for DAV Chapter 64; if you send your donations to the Cincinnati address, our local chapter does not benefit. On Sunday, November 20 th, there will be a joint Thanksgiving service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Zelienople. The service will begin at 7:30 p.m., and will be led by confirmation students. Join us as we celebrate our blessings with our Lutheran brothers and sisters.
English Lutheran Church is holding a Women s Retreat on Saturday, October 8 th, from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The theme is God is the Potter, We are the Clay. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be provided, and a freewill offering will be taken. Please RSVP by September 30 to the church office at 724-452-8110, or office@elczelienople.org. If you have lost someone close, you know how difficult the holidays can be. There is help available. St. John s Burry s Church (next to Young s Custard Stand) is presenting a video seminar that features some of the nation s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery as seen from a Biblical perspective. The video is combined with support group discussion and a Surviving the Holiday guide. The date for this program is Sunday, October 9, from 1:00 until 3:00. Lunch will be served, and there is no fee for this seminar. Please RSVP to Stacie at Burry s Church, 724-452-6941, or secretary@burryschurch.org. Walk Thru the Old Testament On Saturday, October 15 th, Concord United Methodist Church (285 Concord Church Rd., Beaver Falls, PA) is hosting Walk Thru the Old Testament. This event provides a fresh look at what can all too often be the neglected testament, and presents an overview of the Old Testament narrative and books in an interactive, easy-to-learn, and memorable way. This event will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with registration taking place from 8:30 until 9:00. The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch and all needed material. To register, call the Concord office at 724-846-4739, or via email at register@celebrateconcord.com.
Minutes of Council Meeting, Tuesday, September 13, 2016 Attendees: Chris Trimble, Pastor Love, Shirley Fichter, Kathy Gilkey, Tom Davis, Goldie Rader, Tom Bickert, Pam Ferrainolo, Marsha Davis and Debbie Muders. Absent: Tom Meyer Visitors: Doug Trimble and Ross Cummings Shirley opened the meeting with devotions with passages from John 3:16 and John 12:32 and Corinthians 13. These passages talked about nurturing human bonding through love and compassion and the gift of eternity from God. Pam Ferrainolo will do devotions at October's meeting. We reviewed the Secretary's Report. Shirley said that when Tom Meyer resigned his position as President of Council, he also resigned as Deacon. Marsha made a motion to approve Secretary's report. Pam seconded. Motion passed. Treasurer's Report: August 2016 As of 8/31/16 As of 7/31/16 Checking $52,167.64 $49,848.67 Petty Cash 25.00 25.00 Cash Balance $52,192.64 $49,873.67 Less Capital Improvements 15,932.15 15,907.15 Less Designated Funds 30,385.01 29,903.81 Less Payroll Tax Withholding 671.19 329.05 Current Budgeted Funds Available $ 5,204.29 $ 3,733.66 Contributions by envelope and plate for August (4 Sundays) were $10,036.00. Compared to our budgeted amount of $10,145.44 giving was $112.44 less than needed to meet monthly budget. Receipts exceeded our budgeted amount on two Sundays last month. Envelope giving to date in 2016 totals $83,424.25 (35 Sundays), and we are $5,374.60 under budget. It is important to understand that although our checking account shows $52,167.64, most of that money is in designated accounts and can only be used for that specific account. The amount that we actually have to pay our bills is $5,204.29. Our average weekly attendance for August was 39. The ELCA Mission CD for $8,200.29 was renewed by Council for 2 years at a fixed rate of 1.39%. This CD will mature on August 2, 2018. Rex Energy Miscellaneous (Account #980) Opening balance was $6,574.07. August receipts were $148.73. August disbursements (Cemetery Association) were $49.58. Ending balance for August was $6,673.22. We have received reimbursement for Vacation Bible School from English but have not yet received it from St. Paul's. Pam asked if there was enough money in our accounts to sponsor a student for Rainbow Vision in Africa. Chris said there will be in December when we have to send the funds. Pam also noticed that the Sunday School donations have not shown up on the report. Shirley said this will show up on line 965. It was discussed that Thrivent Choice Dollars line 955 can be used as needed just like the Rex Energy Fund line 980. Marsha made a motion that the report be approved. Goldie seconded. Motion passed. Pastor's Report: August 2016 - Mileage 120 miles = $64.80, 4 services, Bible stories around the Campfire 3, funeral for James Kristophel and hospital call with family for end of life and funeral visit with the family, hospital visits - 14, home visits 8, phone visits - 5, fellowships 4, Periscope August 25, meetings 7, Work Days 3, Food Cupboard, vacation days 4. Pastor has scheduled vacation time October 3 9. She will attend the Bishop's Convo on October 17 19. She will also be teaching Lutheranism at Butler High School. The dates have not yet been announced.
Old Business: Shirley, Tom Davis and Chris met Sunday after church to discuss 2017 budget. They determined the bills that we are mandated to pay. There will be no raises for the employees. So far this year we are behind in our budget $6,500. Next year we will have a difficult time paying our bills with the loss of current members. There are some concerning projects that might be coming up soon like our roof and septic system. These are coming to the end of their lives and must soon be replaced. Our CD's and misc. funds may only last a year. Chris said we need weekly contributions of $2,500.00 to make our budget. The first week of September our contributions were only $1,145.00. Goldie suggested that the Sunday School money go back to the church budget. Pam thought that might be okay. Chris asked the council members to think of ways to improve our financial situation. We will discuss that at the next meeting. Shirley passed around to the members a form showing our congregational giving (benevolence). So far this year the members have given a total of $116,802.85. This is quite a bit for such a small congregation. We are giving more to the Synod than our budgeted 12%. Our line item 500 for our electric bill is now negative. The Food Cupboard donations might even it out. We have to remember to turn off the air conditioners and lighted Cross when we leave the Fellowship Hall. Also Pastor will ask Eric to empty the dehumidifiers in the basement. Rally Day is Sunday, September 18. Children and adult Sunday School will start at 9:15 and services will begin at 10:30. We will celebrate Rally Day with a lunch of pizza and meatball hoagies. New Business: Our Congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, November 20, after service. Chris is concerned about having a quorum so we will call all voting members to remind them how important it is to come to church that day. We will be passing a budget and electing new council members at that time. Pastor Newpher, the Acting Bishop s Assistant, suggests we have a dinner after the meeting to discuss anything that is on the minds of the congregation. This week the congregation will receive the mandated budget. At this time we have garbage pick-up every other week by Vogel for $63.00 a month. If we need an additional pick-up they charge us $40.00 extra. For $82.00 a month Vogel will pick up our garbage weekly. Tom Davis motioned to implement this change. Pam seconded. Motion passed. The Lutheran Church Extension Society provides churches with no interest loans. We used this for the new boiler. If we ever need another loan we must belong to this Society. The premium is $50.00 a year. Marsha motioned to pay this premium. Kathy seconded. Motion passed. Team Reports Property: The new doors are scheduled to arrive on September 14. Hopefully, they can be installed soon. Work Day was a huge success as reported in the Newsletter. Fellowship: October's plans were reported in last Newsletter. Meeting Human Needs: The Turkey Trot to benefit the Food Cupboard will begin Sunday, Sept. 25, and continue until Nov. 13. They would like to begin a winter coat, glove and hat mission to benefit Abiding Ministries. A box will be placed in the Social Hall. Adopt a Highway will be scheduled for a Saturday in October. Worship: Pastor Love will be away on Sunday, Oct. 9. A representative from Gideon's will offer the sermon that day. Tentative plans are to end our year-long celebration of Zion's 175 th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2017 and celebrate the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. We are planning a combined Thanksgiving service with English and St. Paul's on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7:00 P.M. The church hosting the service has yet to be determined. Deacons were assigned for services through November. The youth being confirmed will serve as deacons on Oct. 30, Reformation Sunday. Christian Education: Our regular schedule will resume on Rally Day. A great service was shared by Zion, English and St. Paul's led by 4 church leaders, followed by a delicious breakfast. Pam wants to thank everyone who made the meal and all who went out to do God's work throughout the community. Bibles were handed out to third graders on Sunday, Sept. 18. $250.00 is needed to sponsor our Rainbow Vision child for the year. Stewardship: We already discussed our 2017 budget. Every Member Involvement: The team sent out 23 cards, made 21 visits and made 6 calls. Goldie asks that you let her know immediately if someone goes into the hospital so she can send a card right away. We delayed the discussion about the letters sent to the Bishop by some members of the congregation until now. We went around the table and each member commented about these letters. The Bishop was contacted and will come to the church on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 3:00 to discuss this matter with the council.
Next Council meeting is October 11. Marsha motioned the meeting be adjourned. Kathy seconded. Motion passed. Meeting ended with a prayer. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Muders To the Parishioners of Zion Lutheran: Thank you for your donation to Abiding Ministries. Your thoughtfulness, generosity and offering gift of $135 as well as your ongoing financial support are very much appreciated by our Abiding Ministry Teams. These blessings allow us to continue our mission work which is so needed in the Hilltop Community of Pittsburgh and back into our city s camps and the city rim neighborhood. The no strings attached impact of your gifts on our Ministry is great. Your gifts allow us to remain responsive and nimble in accompaniment. We are so appreciative of you giving us the freedom to discern how to use this contribution as the needs of our SACW and context change often. Abiding is grateful for the gifts of friend like you. With you in mission, Rev. Christine Rotella Dear Members of Zion Lutheran, Hello Pastor Love! Thank you very much for bringing a group of volunteers to Harmony on God s Work Our Hands Sunday. We certainly accomplished a lot. Please pass our thanks on to the volunteers. We are very glad to have you; feel free to come back anytime, we always need cheerful volunteers. Thank you for your donation of $100 to the Zelienople-Evans City Meals on Wheels program. We appreciate you thinking of this program. Sincerely, Barb Kaufman Director Regards, Greg Such