January 2018

The Pastor’s Ponderings

Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com

Zion’s 2018 Council Members

Elder & President ........................................ Fred Walker

Elder & Vice-President ............................... Jody Stanley

Secretary ................................................. Barb Hardwick

Deacons ................................................. Allen Stallsmith

Mike Clamme

Tim Stanley

Trustees ......................................................... Mark Prout

Neil Stroble

Max Langdon

Treasurer ................................................. Dennis Walker

Financial Secretaries .................................Claretta Dutro

Nyla Hile

As I write this, I sit in a hotel

room on our way to Minnesota to

see Sarah’s family. It’s always a

long drive, especially in the dead

of winter, but it is always worth it

to reconnect with family again. It may be cliché, but it’s

true – family’s family, no matter how far away you live.

And yet families are far more than biologically-

based relationships. Sarah and I have found you all at

Zion to be a wonderful extended family for us since I

began my call with you over seven years ago. Families, I

think, are marked by a connection that transcend most of

our other relationships. We all tend to be more invested

in family relationships, which is why there can be so

much joy and pain, love and hate in them. Joys in a fami-

ly can be great – the birth of a child, a graduation, a mar-

riage. The pain can also be great, or greater sometimes.

Wounds can be opened that don’t heal easily, if ever.

Which is why I find the story of Jesus’ family so

fascinating. Jesus’ own family is a hodgepodge of char-

acters. You might remember that on the First Sunday of

Advent, December 3, we heard about a number of people

in Jesus’ family. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had their

foibles. Tamar and Judah, Rahab, King David and Bath-

sheba – Jesus’ family line is marked by people with great

virtues and great faults. Even in Jesus’ own immediate

family, we hear that Mary and Joseph are people of great

faith, and yet later in the gospels his mother and brothers

are a bit put out by Jesus’ career choice (see Mark 3:32-

35 and John 7:5).

This just shows me that Jesus’ family is just as lia-

ble to unbelief and sin as the rest of us. This should give

us hope and comfort. If God could use such flawed peo-

ple to bring about the salvation of the world, surely God

can use flawed people like us. We may not be Jesus’ bio-

logical family, but because of our connection to him

through baptism, we are his adopted brothers and sisters.

We are members of God’s family – and therefore

God has a purpose for us. God keep that purpose in our

hearts and minds as we begin a new year.

Love to you all,

Pr. David

Epiphany Service

Saturday, January 6th, is the Day

of the Epiphany. We will have an

Epiphany service with Holy Commun-

ion in the fellowship hall at 7:00 p.m.

Join Pr. David for a Bible study on

the Psalms, beginning on Wednesday,

January 10th at 5:00 p.m.

Zion’s Annual Meeting

The 2018 Annual Meeting of

Zion Lutheran Church will be

held on Sunday, January 28th.

Please join us for a Carry-in Din-

ner following the worship service.

The meeting will be held after the dinner.

Bible Study on the Psalms

January 2018

November 2017 Council Minutes

Congregation Council met on November

9, 2017.

Fred Walker, vice president, called

the congregation council meeting to or-

der on October 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Devotions on being thankful were

presented by Cathy Willmann.

Present: Dennis Walker, Anita Reid, Tom Arm-

strong, Neil Stroble, Mark Prout, Cathy Willmann, Fred

Walker, and Pastor David Fleener

Absent: Larry Hile, Drew Walker, Mike Clamme,

Sandy Langdon, and Allen Stallsmith

Secretary’s Report was approved as written by a

motion made by Tom Armstrong and seconded by Mark

Prout. Motion carried.

Items added to agenda: Senior Citizens’ Center do-

nation under new business.

Pastor’s Report: Pastoral Care in October—Pastor’s

totals: 7 shut-ins, 1 sick/hospital, 7 home/hospital com-

munions

Deacons’ Fund use in October—Check 1039 - $100

to Ryllo LLC (rent payment). Helped individual with

$30 in gas on 10/29. Replenished $50 in cash in office

for gas assistance with check 1040.

Christian Education—The storms last Sunday

caused our Confirmation class to be cancelled. The next

class will be on November 12th. We are finishing up the

Old Testament unit. Whenever we meet again, we will

watch the PBS documentary Martin Luther: The Idea

That Changed the World as an introduction to Luther’s

life and Lutheran theology.

We began a study of 1st Thessalonians on Wednes-

day.

Reformation Dinner and future possibilities: The

Reformation Dinner was very well attended. About 100

people came that evening to hear Fr. Al Naseman’s

presentation. Thanks to all who helped pick up sand-

wiches, set up, and clean up.

Fr. Dave Newton and I had lunch on Tuesday to

discuss possible future cooperation. At some point, I will

give a presentation at the Catholic church on Lutherans

and Lutheranism. We have also discussed having Sr. Ri-

ta give a presentation, community-wide, to us on various

kinds of prayer.

Other events in October:

1 – Worship at Crown Pointe

9, 16, 23, 30 – “Joe and Jesus” lectionary study at Com-

mon Grounds

10 – ECIC Ministerium at Holy Trinity, Muncie

10, 17, 24, 31 – Blackford County Community Choir

rehearsal

11 – Mission and Ministry meeting

12 – Mentoring orientation at Northside School

12 – Lunch at the Pickle with Blackford County pastors

14 – Helping Hands Benefit Dinner at Lake Placid

16 – Budget meeting

20-21 – Spiritual Companionship Program session at

Mahseh Center, Kewanna

25 – Installation of Pr. Matt Masko at Holy Trinity, New

Castle

26 – Trunk-or-Treat prep

27 – Trunk-or-Treat downtown

Upcoming events—At Michelle Walker’s invita-

tion, I will attend the Truth at Work Conference at North

-view Church in Carmel this Friday, November 10th.

This conference is intended to help both religious and

secular leaders connect their faith to the contemporary

marketplace.

I will attend the Reformation Panel and Discussion

on Saturday, November 11th at Holy Trinity, Lafayette.

Zion hosts the Community Thanksgiving Service on

Sunday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. The Community

Choir will sing and Pr. Ron Branson from Grace UMC

will preach.

At the request of the synod office, I have agreed to

serve as vacancy pastor at Church of the Cross, Muncie.

I am responsible for attending a council meeting once

per month (the next will be Monday, Nov. 20th at 6 p.m.)

and for providing emergency pastoral care (hospitaliza-

tions, funerals).

As I was unable to offer a worship service at Crown

Pointe this past Sunday, I will offer one on Sunday, No-

vember 26th at 4 p.m.

Committee reports—Parish Ed: Cancelled confir-

mation classes last week because of storm.

Worship/Music/Memorial: Dennis Walker

Meeting next week.

Land Use: Waiting until spring to bless the bell tow-

er and land.

Constitution Committee: Mark Prout and Fred Walker

Motion to accept revision but wait until more council

members are present by Neil Stroble. Seconded by Mark

Prout.

Mission and Ministry: Cathy Willmann

Jody and Tim Stanley delivered the Wernle dona-

tions. Cathy Willmann delivered the Senior Citizen do-

nations. Wet night for Trunk or Treat but successful.

(continued on following page)

Mark Prout made a motion to accept all committee

reports. Tom Armstrong seconded the motion. Motion

carried.

Council reports—Treasurer’s Report: Dennis Walk-

er - as printed - October 2017 report

Motion to accept all council reports by Neil Stroble.

Mark Prout seconded the motion. Motion carried.

New Business:

Motion was made by Mark Prout and seconded by

Neil Stroble to designate the Thanksgiving and loose of-

ferings to Helping Hands and the Food Pantry (50%

each) and the Advent and Christmas and loose offerings

50% to the Food Pantry, 25 % Wernle, and 25% Grace

Village. Motion carried.

Senior Citizens’ Center donations were discussed.

Generous donations were received and donated. Mem-

bers always have the option to not donate.

1.2018 Budget was discussed. Neil Stroble made a mo-

tion to accept the budget. Mark Prout seconded it. Mo-

tion carried.

Church security was discussed. Will discuss again

next month and also seek guidelines from the Synod.

Soup Suppers: December 6, 13, 20

Donations from Council members on the 13th. Will

email everyone about donating 2 soups, 30 sandwiches,

and 2 desserts.

Closing: The meeting was adjourned with everyone

praying The Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting: December 14, 2017 with Tom Arm-

strong giving devotions.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy Willmann, Recording Secretary

January 2018

Council Minutes continued 2018 Council Members Newly elected congregational officers for the year

2018 include:

Elder and Vice-President - Jody Stanley

Recording Secretary - Barb Hardwick

Deacon - Tim Stanley

Trustee - Max Langdon

Financial Secretary - Claretta Dutro

Financial Secretary - Nyla Hile

Cemetery Trustee - Isola Banter

Thanks to all who agreed to be on the ballot for

Council.

Other council members and cemetery trustees remain-

ing in 2018 include:

Elder and President - Fred Walker

Deacon - Allen Stallsmith

Deacon - Mike Clamme

Trustee - Mark Prout

Trustee - Neil Stroble

Treasurer - Dennis Walker

Cemetery Trustee - Tim Stanley

Cemetery Trustee - Eldon Willmann

Thanks to all outgoing members for their faithful ser-

vice.

Larry Hile

Cathy Willmann

Drew Walker

Tom Armstrong

Anita Reid

Sandy Langdon

Bill Hiday

January Lectionary Readings

Epiphany of Our Lord - January 6th

1st Reading - Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

2nd Reading - Ephesians 3:1-12

Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12

Baptism of Our Lord - January 7th

1st Reading - Genesis 1:1-5

Psalm 29

2nd Reading - Acts 19:1-7

Gospel - Mark 1:4-11

Epiphany 2 - January 14th

1st Reading - 1 Samuel 3:1-20

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Gospel - John 1:43-51

Epiphany 3 - January 21st

1st Reading - Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Psalm 62:5-12

2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Gospel - Mark 1:14-20

Epiphany 4 - January 28th

1st Reading - Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Psalm 111

2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Gospel - Mark 1:21-28

January 2018

Are you feeling the squeeze between managing your ca-reer, helping your children get started in life—and trying to assist your aging parents? Adding another “to do” to your list may not be easy, but making time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your parents can be well worth the effort. Talking about your parents’ future now, including the care they may need and end-of-life deci-sions, can help take some of the stress out of your life—and theirs. Often, it’s difficult to know how to begin the discussion. Here’s a tip: Start small. For example, rather than discussing the content of legal documents, such as a will, begin by find-ing out where your parents keep the following documents and items. In other words, take a financial inventory and update it annually. Legal documents: proper ty deeds, wills, trusts, living wills, health care and financial directives, and birth, marriage and military discharge certificates. Contact information: attorneys, accountants, finan-cial planners, physicians and anyone else who provides finan-cial, legal, or medical advice and care. Current account information: type, number and insti-tution for all financial accounts, including checking, savings, retirement, investment, loans and insurance contracts. Valuables and collectibles: location and descr iption of any valuables, such as jewelry, silver or gold, and collectibles, such as stamps and coins.

Piecemakers will meet in the

fellowship hall on January 9th and

23rd at 9:00 a.m. to make quilts.

Piecemakers

A Message from Thrivent Financial

Talk to Your Aging Parents Before It’s Too Late

Instructions: funeral, bur ial and obituary information. Keep in mind that the process of finding out your par-ents' future needs and intentions won't happen in a day. By breaking the information-gathering process into small, man-ageable conversations, you can help ensure your parents’ wishes will be carried out. This way, everyone can feel reas-sured knowing you’re prepared for the future. Get financial guidance to help you prepare for the future. Contact Michelle Walker, CFP®, FIC, CLTC® at (765) 212-2307 or michelle.walker@thrivent.com, or visit Thrivent.com. There, you’ll find helpful information and resources, including a checklist to help start “the talk” with your aging parents. For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial has been helping members be wise with money and live generously.

Thrivent Financial and its representatives and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Finan-cial representative and, as appropriate, your attorney and tax professional for additional information. Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also li-censed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. 25880 R8-14

The Zion Herald January 2018

“Happy are those whose strength is in God, in

whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5)

Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. with Worship at 10:30 a.m.

Zion Lutheran Church

308 S. Monroe Street

Hartford City, IN 47348

David Fleener, Pastor

Church Office: 348-3157

zionluth.hc@gmail.com

fleeneda@gmail.com

www.zionhc.org

Serving the Lord in Gladness

January 2018 Lay Ministry Servers

Greeters

Ushers Lectors

Assisting Ministers

Jan. 7 Chris and Michelle Monce—Chris and Tiann Coy

Jan. 14 Pat Gillis—Dorothy Hale

Jan. 21 Eldon and Ann Willmann—Claretta Dutro

Jan. 28 Steve and Viola Willmann—Eldon and Ann Willmann

Jan. 7 Allen Stallsmith, Mike Clamme, Tim Stanley and Cindy Knote

Jan. 14 Allen Stallsmith, Larry Gibson, Eldon Willmann and Cindy Knote

Jan. 21 Mike Clamme, Larry Gibson, Eldon Willmann and Cindy Knote

Jan. 28 Tim Stanley, Larry Gibson, Eldon Willmann and Cindy Knote

Jan. 7 Chris Coy

Jan. 14 Sandy Langdon

Jan. 21 Carolyn Goetz

Jan. 28 Cindy Knote

Jan. 7 Mark Prout

Jan. 14 Jody Stanley

Jan. 21 Sarah Fleener

Jan. 28 Mark Prout

Acolytes

Jan. 7 Keaton Walker and Bryce Stroble

Jan. 14 Kaylin Clamme and Ryne Clamme

Jan. 21 Keaton Walker and Kaylin Clamme

Jan. 28 Bryce Stroble and Sydney Stroble

January Birthdays

Carolyn Chandler 1-12

Pat Gillis 1-12

Val Hiatt 1-12

Mike Clamme 1-14

Elonda Pethtel 1-19

Virginia Langdon 1-23

Larry Hile 1-28