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Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
This summer I took some time to watch the Summer
Olympics and I heard these words a number of times, “Take
your mark, set, (BANG!) I was talking to a few people, I
found that many of us, including me, remember those
words a little differently from when we were younger. Some
of us remember, “On your mark, get ready, (BANG!)” or “To
you mark, get set, (BANG!) There is of course something
very noticeable in all these versions…(BANG!) We all
remember the bang the same, BANG! Maybe that is
because, even though we knew it was coming, we were
never quite ready for it because we were not sure how
much time each starter gave us between each command.
Or maybe, just maybe, it was because any loud bang will
catch us off guard even when we know it is coming.
If we look at our Christian faith, we can certainly see the
importance of the “expected” but “not certain exactly
when” BANG in our life will happen, can’t we? We don’t
know when our earthly life will end, but we do know that we
should always be ready, right? Jesus tells us, “But no one
knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in
heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father
knows. Keep watch! Stay awake! You do not know when
that time will come” (Mark 13:32-33). We know our “BANG”
is coming, but we do not know exactly when.
When we are young, we don’t really think about it. As we
get older, we try not to think about it, but there is always
someone to remind us of the unpredictability of the ending
“BANG.” Our life insurance agent may be one of those
reminders and certainly the Bible has many reminders. Paul
writes, “Brothers and sisters, we don’t have to write to you
about times and dates. You know very well how the day of
the Lord will come. It will come like a thief in the night” (1
Thessalonians 5:1-2).
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“We need to encourage new believers to feed on
God’s Word, it is nourishment for the soul.”
Billy Graham
So what does this mean Sisters and Brothers? It means
that we are to live the Christian Life each and every day. It
means that as we wake in the morning and take our waking
breath, we should give thanks to God for that breath as we
exhale. It means that we consciously “Take your mark”—
find our place in God’s creation, find our purpose in Christ’s
ministry and fulfill that purpose. Then we are to “get set” for
the true joy of living a life in Christ. That’s right, if we find our
purpose and fulfill it, we will be rewarded here and now with
God’s love and joy in our hearts. Then when the “BANG”
comes, we will have not only lived a life filled with the love
and joy of God, we will also be equipped by our faith to
enter into the greatest life that is yet to come. We will not
be afraid. We will not falter. We will be “Ready” and “Set”
for all eternity.
Now the question is, “How do I know where I am to be?
What is my part in Christ’s ministry? The answers are waiting
for us. We ask God. We read the Bible. We ask our church.
And when we feel our place and purpose, we begin to
serve God in new ways by bringing the Word of God to life
just as Jesus did when he became one of us. We read the
Bible; we live the Bible and by doing so we make it come to
life with the power of the Holy Spirit. When we do this we
begin to explore our purpose in this life, and you know
what? God will let us know when we have found our place
in God’s kingdom on earth. And when that happens, we
will be “on our marks” and we will be “set” for the BANG of
new life in God’s eternal kingdom! Praise be to God!!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve
Sept. 4, 2016 Church Council
Sept. 11, 2016 Duane & Terry Lasack
Sept. 18, 2016 Judy Proesch & Jared Bentrott
Sept.25, 2016 Senior High Fellowship
Oct. 2, 2016 Church Council
Oct. 9, 2016 Jessica Coppess & Annette Behrens
Oct. 16, 2016 Lou & Janis Krafock
Oct. 23, 2016 Barry & Julie Hoffmeier
Oct. 30, 2016 Senior High Fellowship ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIDEOGRAPHERS for September
September 4, 2016 Aaron Horman
September 11, 2016 Jean Stepp
September 18, 2016 Cheryl Boedeker
September 25, 2016 Donna Luepker
Sept. 4 Nathan Nabb & Koby Stewart
Sept. 11 Abby Balke & Milo Easterly
Sept. 18 Leighton Tjaden & Nathan Nabb
Sept. 25 Koby Stewart & Taylor Lohman
October 2 Jacob Gottschalk & Abby Balke
October 9 Milo Easterly & Leighton Tjaden
October 16 Nathan Nabb & Koby Stewart
October 23 Taylor Lohman & Jacob Gottschalk
October 30 Abby Balke & Milo Easterly
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
September 2 Shelley Jacobs
September 4 Ray Wiese, Linda Freese,
Marcine Miller, Jacob Gottschalk
September 5 Jess Axline
September 7 Brett Esbaum, Avery Luepker
September 8 Emily Hayton
Septmber 12 Henry Boedeker, Gail Hamdorf
Caitlyn Neill
September 17 Vicki Mohr
September 19 Helen Gottschalk
September 21 Chris Drewelow
September 22 Alice Rowold
September 23 Joy Combs, Randy Horman
September 25 Taylor Lohman
September 26 *David Holst, Jared Bentrott
September 27 Bob Rowold, *Pam Jensen
Royce Gottschalk
September 28 Rhonda Poppe
September 29 Steve Poppe, Kelli Proesch,
Jennifer Horman
Card… …shower Henry Boedeker 100 Roosevelt Ave., Lowden,
Iowa 52255
Helen Gottschalk 404 1st Street, PO Box 252
Lowden, Iowa 52255
Alice Rowold 307 Main Street,
Lowden, Iowa 52255
September 2 Allen & Sandra Koch (1960)
Darrell, Jr. & Jody Yutesler (1990)
September 8 Brad & Liz Norton (1979)
September 9 Kent & Janice Strackbein (1961)
September 11 Pete & Sharon Johnson (1965)
September 15 Gary & Kim Klahn (1984)
September 18 Jill & Mike Jacobs (2010)
Zion United Church of Christ
Church Council meeting
July 19, 2016
Zion United Church of Christ met at 7:00 p.m. on July 19, 2016. The
meeting was called to order by President David Niermeyer. Pastor
Steve opened with a reading and a prayer. Those in attendance
were Pastor Steve, Pete Johnson, David Niermeyer, Merlin
Conrad, Bonnie Kintzel, and Jamie Nabb. Linda Behrens was
present thru the treasurer’s report. Tanya Stewart was absent.
Joy and concerns were shared. News and happening were
announced.
Secretary’s minutes from the Church Council meeting on June 21,
2016 were read and approved on a motion by Pete and second
by Merlin. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s reports were reviewed and passed with a motion from
Merlin, Pete second.
Motion carried.
Calendar review:
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July 30 2:00 p.m. Pastor has Clarence Nursing Home for
church service
August 28 Worship at Lowden Park- “Park Day
September 11 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Classes begin
September 11 2:00 a.m. Pastor to Clarence Nursing Home
or church service
PASTOR REPORT:
Pastor’s Report was read and approved on a motion by Bonnie,
second by Pete. Motion Passed.
Discussion Topic: When do we grow as a person and a
Community in our faith?
Pastor Mils always does a great job leading us in worship while
Pastor Steve was on vacation.
It was decided to have a Congregational meeting on September
11th after church in regard to the Iowa Conference merger with
Jean leading us in discussion. Bible study what works for you?
Day or Night? Which day of the week?
OLD BUSINESS:
No bids for the Pew.
Lawn Care Estimate from AllStart of Tipton $50.00 for fall,
$75.00 for Spring. Motion
Made by Merlin, second by Jamie. Motion accept.
Thank you to all who have done Landscaping, weeding
and tree and brush trimming.
NEW BUSINESS:
Outdoor service July 31 at 10:00 a.m.
Dehumidifier in fellowship no good, looking to replace.
Gas cards for the needy- Jamie will talk to Ryan
VaderHeiden to be used at pumps at RJP on Highway 30.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Jamie and building and grounds committee met and did a walk
around. It was decided shingles on garage and west windows in
Education building are some projects that need our attention.
Next meeting: Tuesday August 16, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Steve closed with a prayer. Meeting adjourned with a
motion made by Merlin, second by Jamie. Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted
Bonnie Kintzel, Secretary Pro-temp
Zion United Church of Christ
Church Council Meeting
August 16, 2016
Zion United Church of Christ Council met at 7:00 pm on August 16,
2016. The meeting was called to order by President David
Niermeyer. Pastor Steve Stepp opened with a reading and a
prayer. Those in attendance were Pasto Steve, Jamie Nabb,
Tanya Stewart, Bonnie Kintzel, David
Niermeyr, and Pete Johnson. Linda Behrens was presented thru
the treasurers reports. Merlin Conrad was absent.
Joys and concerns were shared. News and happening were
announced.
Secretary’s minutes from Church Council Meeting, July 19, 2016
were read, corrected and approved, on a motion made by
Jamie, second by Bonnie. Motion Carried.
The treasurer’s reports were reviewed and passed. Pete motion,
Tanya second. Motion carried.
CALENDAR REVIEW:
August 28th Park Community Worship Service at 10:30 am.
Sept. 4th 10:15 am Worship Service returns
Sept. 11th Sunday School resumes. Congregational meeting
following church, Ice Cream Social
Sept. 18th Music & Worship meeting following worship
Sept. 21st Confirmation Class 2018 begins at 6:30
Pastor’report was read and approved on a motion made by
Bonnie, second by Tanya. Motion Passed. Discussiong topic:
“What is the church council willing to do and willing promote
to help our church find new members and bring our current
members back to our worship services?”
Iowa Conference merger discussiong.
Bible Studies every other Tuesdays at 7 pm.
A motion was made by Bonnie, second by Pete to hire a
ZYC youth choir music leader, funded by Faith Strackbein
memorial gifts. Motion approved.
Be a church advocate invite someone to church and
volunteer to pick them up.
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OLD BUSINESS:
Pete motioned, Bonnie second to replace the
dehumidifier, funded by Fern Schluter memorial gifts.
Motion carried.
Jamie reserching gas cards.
Discussed Fellowship Hall flooring options verses cleaning.
NEW BUSINESS:
Memorial gift received from the families of Patricia B. Witte
Soft library chairs to be placed in the sanctuary, as
designated.
Bring your kitchen improvement to the council 3
Next meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Pastor Steve closed with a prayer.
Meeting was adjourned with a motion by Bonnie, second by
Pete. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted
Tanya Stewart, Secreary
Brandon & Jessica Horman are proud
parents of a baby boy, Paxton
Christopher Horman. He was born on
June 29th and weighed 9 lb. and was
20” long. He is welcome home by big
brother. His proud grandparents are
Randy and Sandra Horman, Great
grandmother, Deloris Kahl.
ZION EVENING CIRCLE
They had no meeting in August, will be back in action in
September.
The Missions Committee met Sunday, July 24, 2016 following
church services. Members in attendance were Linda Behrens,
Beth Kahl, Carmen Fields, Mary Huffman and Rev. Steve Stepp.
Linda called the meeting to order.
Minutes were presented and it was moved by Beth and
seconded by Carmen to approve the minutes with corrections.
Linda presented the Financial report and noted that $500 was
paid to Pilgrim Heights as per our agreement and that $500 was
paid from the Mission account to the Church Camp Fund. The
Mission Breakfast raised $300 and $200 was donated to the Camp
Fund after expenses. Mary moved and Beth seconded to
approve the finances.
The Ice Cream Social will be held September 11 to kick off the first
day of Sunday School. It will be outside, weather permitting. The
I hope everyone
will consider
joining our Bible
Study group that
meets alternating
Tuesdays at 7 pm.
It is through us,
with the power of
the Holy Spirit, that
the Living Word of
God comes alive.
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menu will include walking tacos, maid-rites, chips, potato salad,
ice cream, brownies and Root Beer float.
RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Mary: Chips (4 Large), Doritos (2), Lemonade and
one 5 lb. bag of cheese
Beth: Potato Salad
Linda: Potato Salad
Marlene: Two pans of brownies
Jessica: Two pans of brownies
Carmen: Two pans of brownies
Tanya: Ice Cream
Condiments/other needs: Salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream,
ketchup, mustard
Mary will follow up on paper products (plates, napkins,), plastic
wear and long straws and spoons.
We will need nine picnic tables and will have to line up help and
pickups. Linda will work with Joey to see how he might be able to
help. Pastor Steve will ask Makayla for music.
Linda will make ups a sign-up sheet to see if we can get others to
donate. We will readjust what members of the committee will
bring after we see how the list goes. Setup will be at 9:00 on
Saturday, September 10.
Linda announced that the Mission Committee has received
$380.00 from offerings since we included it on the envelopes.
The next meeting date will be August 21, 2016.
Pastor Steve closed with a prayer.
Vacation Bible School
This year our Vacation Bible School
theme was Cave Quest – Following
Jesus; the Light of the World! We had
48 youth from our surrounding
communities attend from Sunday July
24 through Thursday July 28 with a grand finale. Throughout the
week the youth enjoyed Outdoor Games; Bible Stories; Crafts and
Science; Energetic Music and dinner was provided. The youth
collected an offering for Operation: KID to KID to help and assist
families in need of home improvement in the United States. A big
thank you goes out to ALL of our many volunteers who were
essential to making the week a true success!
Sunday School Kickoff We are excited to kick-off our 2015-2016 Christian Education Year!
There will be an OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday, September 7th from
4PM to 6PM for anyone who is planning to attend Sunday School
Classes and/or those who may be interested for the first time! It
would be a great time to reach out to friends and/or neighbors
and let them know about our program.
Our classes begin on Sunday, September 11 at 9AM. All youth
are welcome if they are 3 years old or older. Please be sure to fill
out an enrollment form and permission slip for your youth! Thank
you!
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September 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
4
Blood Pressure check
before church
10:15 p.m.
Worship Service
5
Labor
Day
OFFICE
Closed.
6
7 9:00 am North
Cedar Clergy
4-6 pm
Christian Education
Open House
8 9 10
11 9:00 a.m. C. E.
Classes begins
10:15 a.m. Worship
Service
Congregational Mtg.
Ice Cream Social
12 13
7:00 p.m. Bible
Study
14
15
8:30 a.m.
ECI
Meeting
16 17
18
9:00 a.m. C. E.
10:15 a.m. Worship
Service
Music & Worship
Meeting
19
Evening
Circle @
7:00
20 10:00 am
E I COM
2:00pm
Advisory Board
7:00 pm
Church Council
21
6:30-8:00 pm.
Confirmation
22
10:00 a.m.
Wheatland
Manor
Worship
23
Herald
Articles
Due
24
25
9:00 a.m.
Christian Education
10:15 a.m.
Worship Service
26
Printing
Herald
27 11:30 am
EI Clergy
Gathering at
Zion
7:00 p.m.
Bible
Study
28
8:30 a.m.
Assemble the
Herald
6:30-8:00 pm.
Confirmation
29 30
Zion United Church of Christ
Ice Cream Social
September 11, 2016
Walking Tacos/Maid Rites Potato Salad/Chips
EVERYONE IS
WELCOME
BRING A FRIEND
Sponsored by the Zion Mission Committee
Starting after the congregational meeting.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjN8cPapM3OAhVBPiYKHb3MDKMQjRwIBw&url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/root-beer-floats-many-restaurants-are-doing-it-wrong-7406728&psig=AFQjCNHTaG3Gk242cJf7Vv5ssSmOunIVsQ&ust=1471689414600088http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiTmaqLpc3OAhUNySYKHfgMCmcQjRwIBw&url=http://www.recipeshubs.com/walking-tacos/5210&bvm=bv.129759880,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNH6DSrl0uePcMbsLibdWDgf13cMyw&ust=1471689534730637https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwimgeiAps3OAhUBzSYKHeV_DIUQjRwIBw&url=https://www.pinterest.com/explore/maid-rite/&bvm=bv.129759880,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNE0sk-id7c_nrcCU-k1qf6AFFT6Pw&ust=1471689749466703
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