News from Zion Z i o n E v a n g e l i c a l C h u r c h ~ S c o t t s b l u f f, N e b r a s k a D E C E M B E R, 2 0 1 6 z i o n @ z i o n s c o t t s b l u f f. c o m w w w. z i o n s c o t t s b l u f f. c o m COMMUNION Sunday, Dec. 4th Communion will be served after both services. F r o m t h e p a s t o r s d e s k... During November, we celebrated Mission Sunday by inviting Ryen and Laura House, missionaries with New Tribes Mission, who are preparing to begin missions work with an unreached people group in northern Mexico. As they shared their vision for the work God is calling them to do, our hope is that there will be families from Zion who will commit to pray for and support their family financially as they serve. For those who are interested in being part of their support team, the easiest way to make contact is through the New Tribes website: http://usa.ntm.org/missionaries/ryen-andlaura-house. You can also reach Ryen via email at ryen_house@ntm.org. After Missions Sunday, we were able to begin a new study on Sunday mornings of the Gospel of Luke. We began by looking closely at the big picture of why Luke thought it necessary to write another account of Jesus' life when there were already several in existence at the time. Luke identifies himself as someone who, from the first moment he heard the claims of Jesus, has carefully investigated the claims in effort to be certain he could believe they P l e a s e T a k e n o t e... Mission Prayer Partners for DEC 2016 4-Ben & Becky Rivera/CRU 11-Potter s Wheel 18-Sunday School Program & Choir Cantata 25-Zion in 2016 GREBEL & COFFEE Saturday, Dec. 3rd 7 am - 10 am PRE-ORDERS and HELP welcome. Sign up at the Welcome Center! Or call 632-8125. were true. Luke knew that if what Jesus claimed about himself were true - who he is and what he came to earth to accomplish - there could be no half-way in a person's response to Jesus. Either he must be rejected as an imposter or a crazy person, or he must be followed wholeheartedly. Luke after having conducted a thorough investigation of the claims of Jesus, wrote this book for others who want to come to know if they can be certain the claims of Jesus are true. It's going to be a great study for anyone who is curious about the claims of Jesus but is not sure if he is convinced they are true. It's going to be a great study for anyone who has faith in Jesus but has never really asked the hard questions about why he believes the claims of Jesus. It's going to be a great study for anyone who has a firm faith in Jesus and also has a desire to learn how to articulate to others why he believe and why they should believe the claims of Jesus. We have begun our study of Luke just in time for the Christmas season. It's perfect for the season because we'll spend the weeks leading up to Christmas look- (Continued on page 2) Christas Eve Candlelight Communion Serice December 24th 4 pm or 6 pm
Page 2 (Continued from page 1) ing at stories of God sending the angel, Gabriel, to announce the miraculous births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. We'll see how each set of parents responded to the exciting news that after over 400 years of silence, God was beginning to move to bring fulfillment of the many Old Testament promises of a Messiah who will be the Savior of the world. These stories will set up our choir's cantata entitled "Come Let Us Adore" which they will share with us on December 18. Please plan to be with us each week leading up to our celebration of Jesus birth during our candlelight and communion services on Christmas Eve during which we'll look at the Christmas story as told in the opening chapters of Luke 2. Please note: we will also have one service at 10:30am on Christmas day which falls on Sunday this year. Have a Merry Christmas! Andrew Some dates to be aware of in DEC/JAN: DECEMBER Dec 3 Grebel Dec 4 Sunday School practice/ 1-3 pm Dec 5 Women s Ministry Ugly Sweater Christmas Party/6:00 Dec 10 Cookie Walk/8am till sold out Plates of Love assembly Circle of Praise Prime Rib Dinner/6pm Dec 11 Sunday School practice /1-3 pm Awana/Bday for Jesus/Caroling/3:30 Dec 17 Sunday School Dress Rehearsal practice /9-12 Dec 18 ONE SERVICE ONLY Cantata /10:30 am SS Christmas Program/5pm Dec 24 Christmas Candlelight Communion Service 4pm/6pm Dec 25 ONE SERVICE ONLY Christmas Day Service 10:30 Dec 31 New Year s Eve JANUARY Jan 1 ONE SERVICE ONLY New Year s Day Service /10:30 COOKIE WALK Sat~ Dec 10th 8:00 12:00 Noon (or sold out) Let us do your holiday baking!! Cookies to be Sold by the pound See you there! This year s BIRTHDAY FOR JESUS will be going to to Leigh Anne Tofflemire and family as Leigh Anne has been ba.ling cancer. We would like to show our love and encouragement to this Zion family. There is a decorated box in the foyer where you can put your monetar4 giſt. Make checks payable to Zion Missions. Thank you ahead of time for your generosit4 in giving! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!
General Fund for October, 2016 INCOME: Fund Raisers $ 1,234.25 Other Income 1,188.35 Missions 60.00 Sunday Offering 20,858.00 TOTAL INCOME $ 23,340.60 EXPENSES: Bldg. & Grounds $ 2,043.55 Fund Raising 501.31 Ministry 274.06 Mission Fund 110.00 Office 336.16 Staff Benefits 236.73 Staff Salary 11,710.81 Utilities 2,994.99 TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 18,207.61 TOTAL INCOME/EXPENSE $ 5,132.99 CIRCLE OF PRAISE: Circle of Praise met Nov 4 with 25 in attendance. Ed, Elaine, Sandy and Dick were our hosts for the evening. A carry-in supper was enjoyed by all. In our business meeting, flyers were handed out for the Spaghetti Supper, Nov 19 and the Cookie Walk, Dec 10. Sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center for help and cookies. A signup sheet is also there for the Prime Rib Christmas Dinner to be held Dec 10 at 6 pm. The price is $15; make checks payable to Dave Erdman who is preparing the meat. We will have prime rib, baked potatoes, salad, rolls and dessert. Bring a white elephant gift if you would like to participate in a gift exchange. Our program for the evening was provided by Dave and Teri who sang a few songs for us. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Teri Erdman.............. Page 3 MISSIONS: The last verses of Matthew tell of the Great Commission to Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations and CMI has used broadcast, print and the Internet to impact people in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming for more than 25 years. CMI is the parent company for KCMI, 97.1fm radio station, CrossTimes newspaper and Cross Reference Library. The radio station went on air in 1981 serving mainly Terrytown, Scottsbluff and Gering. In the late 80 s KCMI received a major boost in power and listenership as it became a 100,00o watt station. The station is the only local Christian radio station in the area. In the mid 90 s, the CMI staff realized the need for a monthly Christian newspaper in the area and started CrossTimes. CrossTimes is one of the only Christian newspapers being published in Nebraska and Wyoming. CMI ministries are funded with a mix of donations and advertising. The leadership structure consists of a Board of Directors, a General Director and an Assistant Director. CMI has a long history of reaching out to those in need and proclaiming the Word of Truth to people in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Thank you for your support and continued prayers. Peggie Ross, Missions Secretary.............. Sunday School News: We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, There is so much to be thankful for here at Zion; a wonderful Pastor and family, a great Youth Pastor and family, so many wonderful people who dedicate their time teaching Sunday School and Awana and so many ministries in our church that do wonderful things to tell others about Jesus. We are so blessed. Last week we sent home CD's, scripts, and a practice schedule. We hope everything made it home. I will give you the practice schedule again, just in case: Nov. 27th 1:00-3:00 Sunday Dec. 4th 1:00-3:00 Sunday Dec. 11th 1:00-3:00 Sunday Dec. 17th 9-12:00 Saturday/Dress Rehearsal/lunch will be served Dec. 18th 5:00 Christmas Program We only have 4 practices so please have your children here on time. Healthy snacks will be provided on all Sunday practices. God Bless, Sharon, Robin, Malissa
Page 4 Congratulations......Jake & Dorothy Kautz on their 63rd Anniversary!...Carl Meier on his 93rd Birthday, 11/2!...Elsie Trupp on her 89th Birthday, 11/4!...Nadynne Schaaf on her 87th Birthday, 11/6!...Dorothy Kautz on her 88th Birthday, 11/11!...Emma Stricker on her 90th Birthday, Sympathies and condolences to...rick & Tami Pierce and family on the passing of Rick s mother, Eileen Pierce....the family and friends of Judy Rahmig....Cheryl Rupp and family on the passing of brother-in-law, Fredrick Rupp....Diana Schmall & family and George & Violet Knaub on the passing of Helen Schneider....the family and friends of Janice Kampbell- Brannan....the family and friends of Helen Schmer....the family and friends of Esther Bauer....the family and friends of Bernard Benzel. The KCMI Broadcast for DECEMBER is given by Maryann Ott in memory of husband, Jerry Ott and daughter, Tami (Ott) Busch. Thank you for sharing in this valuable ministry. There are dates available for 2017. Please call the office if you are interested in sponsoring a broadcast in honor or in memory of someone. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Blessings to all who participated! We sent 173 boxes!!! Great job, Zion!!! COOP RECEIPTS: $62,465.82 Good job! Keep em coming! We will be decorating the church with poinsettias again this year. If you would be interested in purchasing one in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone, the cost is $11. See Terry Martin or call the church office at 632-8125. CIRCLE OF PRAISE Saturday, December 10th at 6pm Prime Rib Christmas Dinner Sign up at the Welcome Center
Page 5 YOUTH: Hello Zion Family! Thanksgiving is here and Christmas looms on the horizon like a snow storm. The spirit of Christmas was definitely alive and well with the kids last Thursday night at Youth Group! Carols were already being sung and excitement was beginning to build, despite Thanksgiving having not even arrived yet. Thank the Lord for a time of year where everything around us reminds us to focus on Jesus and what he did for us! Speaking of what Jesus has done, it is my pleasure to update you on some little things he is doing right now with the kids! We are still studying all the subjects I have previously mentioned, and each group of kids is learning bit by bit. They remember things to a degree that surprises me every time I ask. Many of them think critically and have even demonstrated a tendency to be budding theologians from time to time. One particular instance that I remember is something I have been wanting to share with you for awhile! One day at Awana, I was sitting surrounded by a pack of 2nd and 3rd graders (Would it be a pack? Or more of a herd? A flock maybe?). A time opened up for questions, and one kid asked what I have come to call a "who made God" question. These are the questions about who God is and how he works that many kids have in their minds. Sadly, I can't recall the question itself specifically, but I know it caught me off guard due to its depth. I answered as best I could and was about to go on, when a score of little hands all shot up. Each kid had a "who made God" question of their own! I was blown away by the variety and thought present in each question. These were questions I would expect from college students! I kept answering where I could, many times with "college level" answers that the kids both understood and accepted. I dealt with as many questions as I could, but soon I noticed all the hands going up again. Each had a fresh question about the nature of God. I was amazed! These kids wanted to know about God! They wanted to see and understand Him! I am so happy to see these kids taking an interest in God and who he is. I hope the questions keep coming, popping up in all age groups! I also hope that we adults rise to our God given responsibility of teaching the truth to these kids that they obviously both desire and need. Lets do our best to lead the kids on their own journeys to finding Jesus and his great salvation! Isn't it great to see the younger generation searching for truth? I think so! I want to personally thank you for your prayers for these kids. Keep at it! Pray that Jesus and the truth of God's awesome word would capture the minds and hearts of each young person that walks through our doors. Pray also that I would be sensitive to God's truth so that would have sufficient answers to give when questions are asked. May you all know the joy of God's grace! Taylor Boltjes ~ AWANA NEWS ~ In November, we had four club meetings... three meetings which we call normal club nights since there were no changes in the schedule, special visitors/events, etc. and one Sunday, November 13 th that had TWO BIG things packed into it (1) Packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and (2) Missions Sunday in which New Tribes Mission missionary, Ryen House shared with us. My only problem with sharing with you about this action packed evening is that due to a minor injury to my ankle and going home after a visit to Urgent Care earlier that afternoon, I was not there and because of the chaos of the evening, no pictures were taken. Needless to say, it was a bit stressful for those left at club to carry on thru the evening. In addition to me being gone, we had two Directors out of town, along with a leader and student leader. Also another Director and our Senior Pastor missed the first part of club due to their daughter s piano recital. A HUGE THANKS to Kathy Trook and Taylor Boltjes who stepped up to lead our club through the evening!!! As I said last month, it is very nice to have very capable leadership in my and others absences!!! You re the best!!! So, since I don t have anything to share on the above, I d like to include some pictures from our two youngest clubs (Puggles & Cubbies) that have added some very cool sensory activities to their club evening. For Thanksgiving, the Puggles (Continued on page 6)
Page 6 (Continued from page 5) turned into turkeys (ha!!!) and got to make their own mini pies!!! Thank you, Miss Mickie for the special treat!!! Another WONDERFUL ADDITION to our club meetings each evening is the musical talent of Camp Rock Director, Art DeVos (who is also our Trek Director). Art does a wonderful job of leading the clubbers in worship with his guitar and starting our club night off on an energized note!!! We are also privileged to have his wife, Pam, presenting our Sparks devotions each week. Coming up in December, we only have two club meetings: December 4 th & 11 th : Our Birthday Party for Jesus and Caroling to Zion s Shut-ins will be on the 11 th. We look forward to this special activity every year!!! As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, let s look past the busyness, stress, materialism, etc. and focus on the gift of love that God gave to the world... that precious baby is THE ONLY WAY through which man can be reconciled to God!!! For those of us that have put our faith in Jesus, it is our responsibility to shine Jesus into the lives of those around us!!! Please be reminded that there never was nor will there ever be a moment in time when GOD (was not) IN CONTROL!!! Cheryl Rose, Commander P.S.: I almost forgot that we as a staff are really excited for the first club meeting in December as we will be completely moving back into our beautiful, newly remodeled ministry center after the fire in May. Woo hoo!!! BIG THANKS to my husband, Tom Rose, for all that he did to make this happen!
Page 7 Zion Evangelical Church Calendar DECEMBER, 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 GREBEL & COFFEE 7-10AM 7:00 Jr High Youth 2nd Sunday of Advent 8:30 Worship & Praise 8:30 S.S. @ Heritage 9:30 Prayer Team I 9:30 S.S. @ Zion/Emerald Ct. 9:30 Communion/Chapel 10:30 Worship & Praise 10:30 KCMI Broadcast 11:30 Communion/Chapel 1:30 SS Program Pracce 3:30 AWANA 5:30 Sr High Fellowship 3rd Sunday of Advent 4 11 8:30 Worship & Praise 8:30 S.S. @ Heritage 9:30 Prayer Team II 9:30 S.S. @ Zion/Emerald Ct. 10:30 Worship & Praise 3:30 AWANA/Caroling/ Bday for Jesus 4:00 Vespers/Residency 5:30 Sr High Fellowship 45 6:00 Women s Minist<ies Ugly Sweater Christas Par?4 12 12:00 Women s Bible Study/BK 7:00 Church Board Mtg 12:00 Women s Bible Study/BK 6:00 MOPS @ Night 6 13 7:00 Confirma9on 7:00 Choir 8:00 Worship Team 8:00 Sr High Bible Study 7:00 Confirma9on 7:00 Choir 8:00 Worship Team 8:00 Sr High Bible Study 7 14 7:00 Jr High Youth 7:00 Jr High Youth 8 15 9 10 8-Noon Cookie Walk Circle of Praise Christmas Party 6pm 16 17 Sunday School Program Pracce 9-12 noon 4th Sunday of Advent 18 ONE SERVICE ONLY: 8:30 S.S. @ Heritage 9:30 Prayer Team III 9:30 S.S. @ Zion/Emerald Ct. 10:30 Choir Christmas Cantata NO AWANA 4:00 Vespers/Residency 5:00 SS Christmas Program 19 NO Women s Bible Study/BK 20 21 22 Happy Anniversary, Pastor Amos & Violet Harris!! 23 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion 4pm OR 6pm ONE SERVICE ONLY: 9:30 Prayer Team IV 10:30 Christmas Worship 25 26 NO Women s Bible Study/BK 6:00 MOPS @ Night 27 7:00 Confirma9on 7:00 Choir 8:00 Worship Team 8:00 Sr High Bible Study 28 29 30 31