Zion Lutheran Church

2714 James Street

Marinette, WI 54143

715-735-7898

zion@newbc.rr.com

www.zionlutheran-marinette.org

WE ARE Z I O N E W S

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The Seven Marks of Discipleship Pray

Worship

Study

Invite

Encourage

Give

Serve

The One of Peace

“And he shall be the one of peace.” Micah 5:5

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” Peace-makers are called children of God because this is what God does. God makes peace. This is most clearly proclaimed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not come with swords and armies. He did not “knock a few heads together.” In-stead, he gave himself in love to a broken and

hurting world, taking that sin, pain, and brokenness upon himself. There is no violence in the peace that God offers through Christ. Rather than violence, God embraces the vulnerability that comes with love.

It is our nature to distrust and scoff at vulnerability. We wonder about what they have given us: things like pain, sorrow, loss, heartbreak. Toughness and violence are em-braced because we are tempted to think that these are means to peace. We are told that walls create peace, that they make “good neighbors.” But walls keep us from know-ing one another. They avoid vulnerability, and prevent rela-tionships from developing. We don’t need more walls. We need more relationships, and relationships can only grow through the vulnerability of love.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, destroyed the wall of sin be-tween us and God. He did so through vulnerability, by tak-ing upon himself the rejection of humanity which led ulti-mately to the cross. He was the anti-super-hero showing us how peace is made and enabling us to be peacemakers along with him.

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This world is hungry for peace-makers like you. We are the living body of Christ and Christ wants to be a peacemaker through us because this is what the Prince of Peace does. How will you be a peacemaker in this new year?

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. Ephesians 2:13-14

Pastor Keith

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A message from the ELCA Presiding Bishop________

I was driving to work one day thinking about my schedule – the meetings I needed to attend, reports I needed to finish, preparations for upcoming travel, email, phone calls, and mak-ing a grocery list in my head so that I could pick up what I needed for supper on the way home from work. All of a sud-den, I found myself pulling into the parking garage at the Lu-theran Center. I had driven the 9 miles to work and had no idea how I got there. I didn’t remember the traffic lights, the turns, the scenery – nothing. I had been so absorbed in what was coming up that I was completely oblivious to the present.

I think this experience is not unique to me. We set part of our lives on autopilot and set the planning, list-making, what-if scheduling part on overdrive. Now, planning is a good and nec-essary thing. One ought to be aware of what is coming up and what needs to be done, but I found that I was so driven by the contingencies and possibilities that I was everywhere all of the time, and, therefore, not anywhere at all.

I asked my spiritual director about this, and she recommended that I meditate on these four words: “Just this. Just now.” It’s a simple discipline but not an easy one. It can alleviate all that anticipatory stress but only if we are willing to be still.

Here we are in Advent. This season doesn’t exist in secular cul-ture where everything is barreling toward Christmas. No time to wait, no time to notice, no time to be present. Not this. Not now. All of a sudden, we will find ourselves on the day after Christmas not knowing how we got there.

Continued...

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A message from the ELCA Presiding Bishop_________

Advent is a holy season, a season that bids us to be present, to be still. So much is evoked in this season – hope, longing, and the bittersweet awareness that the world is beautiful and bro-ken. Consider all of these things. Sit with them. Pray with them. Be aware of this time of great promise that comes, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, when night is longest. Come, Lord Jesus.

Wait for the Lord. Disengage the autopilot. Notice. Just this. Just now.

Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas, dear church!

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Council Summary for the Month of December_______

Zion Lutheran Church Council Minutes Tuesday, December 12th at 6 p.m.

Members Present: Pastor Keith Kolstad, Roxanne Bowdin,Troy Cording, John Radloff, Mark Swenson, Lori Despins, Colleen Mad-den, Sarge Rudell, Dave Johnson, Tyler Lund, LeeAnn Martin, and Karen Sylvester

Members Absent: Sarah Marzahl

Pastor’s Report November Attendance: ‘17-115, '16-114, ’15-128, ’14–103, ’13–117, ’12–122+Worship Baptism: Morgan May Haid - November 26 Rainbow House Domestic Violence Workshop - November 30 M&M Community Foundation Social Media Training- December 6 Synod Candidacy Meeting - Dec. 8-9 St. James Interim Ministry Blood Drive--Dec 11 and 12 Facebook Live--new since last meeting. Chad Derby got this lined up. Reaching hundreds more people than the vide- os we have posted in the past New Kneelers and Holy Communion--kneelers are not an- chored. Christmas Eve Communion--4 stations on Christmas Eve? We have switched to a digital phone with Spectrum and now get 2 lines and internet for less than we are presently paying. Also, Wi-Fi in office area. Switch in how Pastor is doing calls. He is letting Karen Sylvest- er know his times available during the week and she schedules him. Committee Reports

Stewardship and Generosity:

...continued

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Council Summary for the Month of December______ *They have not analyzed yet how the drive went. Sent out sur-veys about it. Everyone liked it. There were a few concerns about all of the things done on one Sunday. Previously people thought it was drawn out too much last year. So they are going to beat the drum harder coming up to the Commitment Sunday to make people more ready to make commitments. October of 2018. *This style of Stewardship Drive is relatively unique. There are thoughts that we might write a book about it, but we have much yet to learn.

Old Business

*Budget Draft *Pew Cushions not going to be done before Christmas. We have it all paid for by donations. He is working on getting a system down for completing all the pews by working on the small pews.

New Business

*Carla Clark Resignation from council *Approval of 2018 Housing/parsonage expense: Motion made: Resolve, that of the total compensation to be provided Pastor Keith Kolstad in 2018, $22,500 shall be designated as a housing allowance under the provisions of Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code. *Community camper account for 2017 Discussion on Community Camper Fund and retaining some of the money that we usually send to Fortune Lake at the end of December to give us some more money for just in case. We may need to look at different ways of funding Fortune Lake instead of from the General Fund. This does not affect money people give that they specifically designate for Fortune Lake. Motion that we do not make any more disbursements to Fortune Lake from the Community Camper Fund for 2017

Next Meeting: January 9, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

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A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY___________________

Are you open to donating an hour of your time every month to brighten someone's life? We have individuals in our congre-gation who would very much welcome a visit, especially in the winter months. The Caring Ministry Team truly does not have enough visitors and people to administer Holy Communion.

You can decide when you'll see someone and how long you want to stay; even a short 15 minute visit is good. Holy Com-munion will take longer, especially if you're going to visit for a bit.

Won't you examine your heart and prayerfully consider this ministry. Please give me a call at 715.732.4206 to get particu-lars. Learn what you can do to brighten someone else's life; you truly can make a remarkable difference.

Thank you and God bless.

Karen Sylvester, Chairman Zion’s Caring Ministry Team

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Jolly Times___________________________________

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Jolly Times game day continues on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 1-3 p.m. in Zion's Family Room. We will play on the 4th and the 18th in January. We're always looking for new players to join in the fun. In December we had Lynn Derby and her children Norah and Owen join us to play Mexican Train Dominoes. They promised to come back again on occasion. We also played Smear and Pinochle and, we had Christmas treats! It's going to be a long winter. Why not consider joining us for some fun and laughter!

Sharon 715-735-5577

NEWCAP Donations___________________________

The donation theme for the month of January is Souper Bowl of Caring. Please remember, all donations must be nonperishable and will go to the Marinette NEWCAP Food Pantry. Thank you for your generosity.

Pictures Please________________________________ The Stewardship Committee invites the congregation to assist in making a pictorial biography of Zion “Growing in Faith” through our “Seven Marks”. These pictures may be used for our website (with approval), congregation events, and Zion’s 2018 steward-ship drive. Please start snapping pictures of Zion's members in action: meetings, SPARK, Christmas bell ringing, children's pro-gram, decorating, Council, VBS, fellowship, greeters, choir, groups, worship events—OH MY!

Please email your photo(s) to Zion’s

office at: zion@newbc.rr.com

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Zion congregation, The DAR Boys & Girls Club would like to thank you for the donation of $295.98. As we get into the holiday season this dona- tion will help us give our young people a blessed season. Thank you so much for being a friend to the DAR Boys & Girls Club. Richard Crevier, CPO DAR Boys & Girls Club

Dear Members of Zion Lutheran Church, Thank you for your gift to support the mission of Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp of $193.81. This past summer we welcomed 550 onsite campers, and we thank God for each of these campers, and for the families, churches and supporters wo make it all possible. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you in an identified area of ministry, either here at camp, your own re-treat weekend, or VBS at your church. Let us know how we might enhance our partnership of ministry with your congre-gations and serve your groups. Thank you again for remember-ing Fortune Lake with your gifts. Together in Christ, Pastor Tracy Polzin, Camp Director

Thank you to all who helped to make Christmas and assistance to countless others in 2017 and 2018! The gifts provided via the Angel tree and giving of your time to ring bells is greatly appre-ciated. You have been a great "Army”, thanks so much!!! Please remember to pray for the least, the lost, and the lonely. Look-ing forward to serving you in the new year. Please let us know if we be of specific service to you. Major Carol Lemirand, Corps Officer, The Salvation Army

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Dear Friends,

Gathered as a church in Christmas hope, we feel deeply our oneness with all the people of the world. From wee ones dressed in angel costumes singing “Away in a Manager” to an-cient ones humming along and all of us in between, and wher-ever on this earth we dwell, we are all dear children in God’s tender care.

With the love given in the manger so long ago and your faith-ful support, fragile and vulnerable communities become strong and resilient, today and for the future.

Thank you for your gifts to ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response this year. Thanks to you, together we’re working for justice and peace in the United States and more than 60 countries around the world. May God bless you this Christmas and always, even as you and your generosity are a blessing to others.

With gratitude,

Rev. Daniel Rift Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal, ELCA

Thank you for your recent donation to the Abundant Life mis-sion. As you know, needy families and individuals in our com-munity go without proper food, shelter, and essentials every day due to a variety of factors.

Thanks to your thoughtful donation of $1,000.00, we are able to help families and individuals not only meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future.

Sincerely, Pastor Dave Pennell, Abundant Life Church and Mis-sion

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Brownie Troop # 4406__________________________

On Monday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m. Brownie Troop # 4406 will be meeting in one of Zion’s classrooms. If you happen to be at Zion while these young ladies are present, please welcome them.

Altar Flower Change____________________________

As of February 1, 2018, Altar Flower and Eternal Candle sponsor-ship dates will not be carried over from year to year. If there is a specific date or month you would like to sponsor flowers and/or the eternal candle, please call Debra Harding at 715.735.0228.

Preference is giving to those who make the first contact. Prompt pay-ment of the sponsorship fee is greatly appreciated. The cost of sponsoring Altar Flowers remains the same at $12.00 and the cost of sponsoring the Eternal Candle for the month is $13.00.

Annual Meeting____________________________

Extra! Extra! The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018 after worship. See you there!

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January Worship Assistants

Sunday, January 7, 2018 9:30a.m. Traditional

Intinction

Sunday, January 14, 20189:30a.m. Contemporary

Intinction

Acolyte Alexis Roth Bristol Dugre

AV Team

Troy Cording and Jonah Zuehls

Sarge Rudell andGage Schutt

Greeters Sue Baxter Jackie Hamer

Head Usher Don Schutt HYG Team

Communion Assistant Roxy Bowdin HYG Team

Lector Karen Dill HYG Team

Coffee Time Sponsor Katy Bauer and

HYG Team

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January Worship Assistants

Sunday, January 14, 2018 9:30a.m. Contemporary

Intinction

Sunday, January 21, 2018 9:30 a.m. Traditional

Intinction

Sunday, January 28, 2018 9:30a.m. Traditional

Intinction

Bristol Dugre Sydney Lund Matthew Swenson

Sarge Rudell and Gage Schutt

Chad Derby and Kathy Heimbuch

Cheryl Maxwell and Sharon Powilaites

Jackie Hamer George and Ruth Olson Sarge and Joni Rudell

HYG Team Don Schutt Karen and

Katelyn Sylvester

HYG Team Sharon Powilaites Pat Rondeau

HYG Team George Olson Heidi Beland

Katy Bauer and HYG Team

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Musical Notes_______________________

Each Sunday, as I prepare for worship, I need to figure out what I am going to play on the organ. Lately, I have been thinking of actually having a slide that tells you the title of my piece and who wrote it. I try to pick out a variety of pieces. I look for songs that are based on familiar hymns or something I know you will recognize. I also like to play classical pieces that were written by famous composers. I start by looking at the lessons of the week and see if that will bring me any ideas. Then I look back at what I had played last year at this time, as I keep a diary on my computer.

The last Sunday of December was the first Sunday of Christmas. I chose a prelude based on the hymn “I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In.” My offertory was “Carol of the Bells”, a song that is very popular. Since this was the last Sunday of the month and we do the Liturgy, Now the Feast and Celebration, I know I will be playing the piano that week. The piano up front has a special bell sound that I thought would be great for my offertory. My postlude was “Masters in the Hall”. It is a Christmas carol with words written around 1860 by William Morris to an old French dance tune. Nice bright, joyful and fast for the end of the ser-vice.

I did not choose a classical piece that week, but on Christmas Eve my prelude was “For Unto Us a Child is Born” by George Handel from the Messiah. At the morning service I played one of the first pieces I ever learned on organ, “Ave Marie”, written back in 1530 by Jacques Arcadelt, a French Renaissance compos-er, as the gospel was all about Mary.

You may not always recognize the classical pieces I play but I do think you should be exposed to them. My selections for during communion are usually quiet ones.

I love playing the piano as I can really express myself on the key-board. I am not a true organ player as I do not play the pedals but I do try to have my music reflect the Word and themes for that Sunday. If you ever have a request, please let me know and I will try to work it in my repertoire. Musically yours, Ann Buscher

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FLLC News____________________________________

Dear Friends, On the final night of staff training last summer, each staff mem-ber sat at the end of the dock with a tea light and had some time to reflect on the commission God had given to us to be the hands and feet of Christ to our campers. We ended the time by singing the song “You are the Light of the World” by Cathy Pino. As we got to the second verse “You are the star in the sky, You are the star in the sky, So, shine, shine, shine where you are” a shooting star zoomed across the sky shining so brightly that you could see it’s reflection on the lake. For me, it was an awe-inspiring reminder of God’s great love for us and presence in our mission and ministry at Fortune Lake. Throughout the sum-mer I witnessed daily the light of Christ shining through those staff members as they gave fully of themselves to be servants of Christ.

In the story of Christmas, it is the star that is the sign to the Wise Men that the Savior has been born, and it is the star that guides them on their path to find Jesus. I can only imagine what a bright star it must have been and how incredible their journey would have been to lead them to the Messiah. It would have been overwhelming to see God’s greatest gift to us-a gift of love incarnate all wrapped up in a tiny human!

One of the names that Jesus is given is Emanuel, which means God with us. Jesus came into the world to be with us. He came so that we might know the love that God has for us. God’s love knows no boundaries and has no limits.

Fortune Lake is a place where people come to experience that love. I hear often that as people drive around the corner into Camp, they can breathe easier as they can feel God’s presence here. God’s love comes alive at Fortune Lake as campers are loved and welcomed for just who they have been created to be. Christ is lived out through each new generation of staff who shine their lights brightly through song, laughter and warm Continued...

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Twitter & Facebook__________________________

Are you on Twitter? Zion is! Join in the conver- sation during worship and anytime of the week. Simply use #zionmarinette Are you a Facebook user? Be sure, “Like” and follow Zion’s Facebook page. Help “Share” His word! Don’t forget to “check in” when you arrive for worship, SPARK/Confirmation or Choir practice! When you are not able to attend worship – watch it on Facebook “Live” AND click on the “Shop Now” button on Zion’s page to make your contribution.

FLLC News____________________________________

...continued

welcome. Fortune Lake is a place of grace because of people like you who support our mission through prayer and by giving generously. We could not welcome all people, regardless of their ability to pay, if we didn’t have people like you who sup-port Fortune Lake.

May the light of Christ shine brightly on you and yours this holi-day season. Thank you for prayerfully considering a year-end gift to Fortune Lake.

Joy & Peace,

Pastor Tracy Polzin

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Celebrating January Birthdays__________________

January 2—Debra Harding January 3—Tyler Brooks and David Francour January 4—Mary Hayward January 5—Adison Rosenfeldt and Daniel Zuehls January 6—Sarah Pecard January 8—Rhonda Bromund January 10—Johanna Zuehls January 13—Oliver Sewenson January 15—Paige Dugre, Marilyn Gould, Dianne Slack and Bethany Wolf January 17—Maryellen Radloff January 18—Regina Boucher January 20—Kathleen Heimbuch January 21—Sharon Powilaites and Drake Schutt January 22—Shawn Limberg January 23—Willow Williams January 24—Pamela Lund and Tatem Schroeder January 25—Beverly DeGroot and Denise Despins January 26—Colleen Madden January 27—Ralph Anderson January 30—Shirley Kaufman

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The Stewardship Corner_______________________

On December 4, 2017, the Stewardship Committee held a meeting to discuss and work to improve the 2019 Stewardship Drive. Roxy Bowdin and I were talking later about the changes that have taken place in Zion's Stewardship Drive over the years. That got me to thinking about the past and how far we've come in our understanding of what stewardship actually encom-passes. While I haven't done any official study regarding this, I don't be-lieve I would be wrong in saying that our congregation is the on-ly one in our area, and perhaps the entire state, that takes stew-ardship to the level that we do. That's how focused we are about having congregation members grow in faith. I know at least one congregation in our area that doesn't hold a steward-ship campaign of any kind, and I think I can safely say that those who do hold a campaign focus almost exclusively on the finan-cial aspect, as we once did. Our stewardship drive isn't like a public radio or television membership drive which focuses on raising funds. No, it's about looking at ourselves, evaluating our lives, and growing our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Pastor Keith presented the idea about writing a book regarding our Stewardship process so that others could learn this good news-our committee heartily agreed!

I have been involved with Zion's Stewardship Committee since 2006; that's eleven years of stewardship campaigns which have essentially been all over the place. I won't name them all, but I'm betting you'll probably remember one or more of these – Dessert & Devotions, Legacy Sunday, God's Blessings, My Re-sponse (a discussion held in private homes), Pony Express with pictorial binders, Consecration Sunday, and Going Where Jesus Leads Sunday.

It wasn't until the 2016 campaign that we began utilizing Zion's Seven Marks of Discipleship. Growing in Faith Sunday had the congregation pledging to all seven marks of discipleship over a (continued)

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The Stewardship Corner_______________________ …(continued)

seven week period for the very first time. We learned a lot that first year – what worked and what didn't. Now two years later, we continue to tweak our stewardship campaign to make it more enriching, significant, and understandable.

The goal of the Stewardship Committee has long been to help God’s people grow in their relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents, and finances God has entrusted to them. Each of the Seven Marks of Discipleship, “Pray, Worship, Study, Invite, Encourage, Give and Serve,” help to enrich our lives and those of others and ultimately increase our faith.

At worship on December 10, 2017, Pastor Lee Goodwin gave this congregation the highest possible compliment it could ever receive. Pastor Lee told us that he's rather a nomad now and has served many congregations and he wanted us to know that “The Light shines here.” What a fantastic thing for a congrega-tion to be told.

To me, that means that our Seven Marks of Discipleship are alive and well here at Zion. That means that we are welcoming, caring, and willing to express our faith verbally and through ac-tion.

I am blessed to be a member of such a wonderful congregation. In God's peace and love, Karen Sylvester

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Retirement Plans______________________________

Retirement Plans can lead to significant income taxes for heirs of a retiree. The fact is, often retirees do not draw installments (called annuitizing) from their IRAs or other retirement plans. This leads to substantial retirement plans passing at death to the named beneficiaries. These heirs will face ordinary income taxes at their frequently high income tax brackets. Changing the retirement plan beneficiary designation to make an ELCA minis-try the beneficiary of a portion of the retirement plan provides the dual benefit of being a gift to ministry that also avoids in-come taxation on the portion of the retirement plan proceeds given to ministry. Utilization of a remainder trust may provide income to heirs, spread out the taxable income and ultimately provide a gift to ministry. Think about the needs of your heirs and talk to a gift planner in your synod about whether a portion of your qualified retirement plan or IRA should be given to an ELCA ministry at your death. For more infor-mation: Contact Timothy Knutson, ELCA Foun-

Donate to Zion________________________________

Did you know that you are able to contribute to Zion via the website? Simply to go: http://www.zionlutheran-marinette.org and in the far right margin of the page is a nice blue rectangle button that reads: Donate. Click it and follow the steps to do-nate. If you have questions, please call Karen Houdek on Tues-days at Zion or at home. She’ll help you through each step of the way. You may also click on the “Shop Now” button on Zion’s Facebook page!

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Beauty, Choir Members, Caroling—OH MY!_________

Thank you! A big thank you to everyone who helped decorate Zion inside and out. Thank you to Debby Harding who coordi-nates and places the poinsettias in the sanctuary. Thank you to all who have donated poinsettias for the Christmas season. It looked beautiful. Thank you to Don Limberg, Carole Boerner and Bruce Olson for putting up the Nativity Scene outside. Please drive by at night and see the lights in the tree and the Nativity Scene all lit up!

Thank you to the Senior Choir who worked so hard on the mu-sic for Christmas Eve, especially Rachel Rosenfeldt our incredi-ble accompanist, and Shawn Limberg who brought his oboe all the way from Colorado. Choir will begin again on Wednesday, January 24th. We are continuing to look for a few more people who might be willing to join choir. We have many snowbirds this year and Easter is early. Come try us out!

If you would like to perform special music in the month of Janu-ary or February please contact Ann Buscher. We are looking forward to Kenny Sallee playing his Native American Flute on January 21st.

This year we had over 20 people go caroling to our home-bound members. We divided up into two groups so we could sing for more people. We brought them each a little gift. We received many smiles and much thanks as we departed.

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February Newsletter Deadline___________________

Articles for the February Newsletter are due on Sunday, Janu-ary 21st. Thank you!

A Message from ELCA World Hunger_____________

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Salvation Army Bell Ringing____________________

Several of our members along with the Confirmation Students rang bells on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 on behalf of the Salvation Army. Thank you to all who were able to donate their time to this cause. Pictured below, left to right are Kathy Heimbuch and Karen Sylvester who shared their talents of singing while bell ringing together.

5 Wishes Workshop___________________________

On Wednesday, January 24 at 10:00 a.m. and at 6:00 p.m. Pas-tor Craig Mansur will be holding a Five Wishes workshop. The workshop will be held in the Superior Room at Bay Area Medical Center. Attend to learn how to plan for care in ad-vance of a crises.

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From your Financial Secretary___________________

If you are going to CHANGE your pledge this year and you give online - YOU MUST either get a change sheet from me OR go online and make your change. If you would like to give online for the first time you may do it by going on our website www.zionlutheran-marinette.org or see me for instructions. It’s easy!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at church on Tuesday’s between 11am and 1pm or call me at home any-time 715-735-7180. Please leave a message if there is no an-swer.

Thank you,

Karen Houdek Financial Secretary

JOLLY TIMES GAME DAY_______________________

Open to the public. Held the first and third Thursday each month from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Family Room at Zion Lu-theran Church, 2714 James St. (north entrance), Mari-nette. Games played have been pinochle, hand and foot, smear, cribbage, sheepshead and Mexican Train Domi-noes. No experience necessary. If questions, call Sharon at 715-735-5577.

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From my family to yours; we wish you a very happy, healthy and

love filled New Year. We are looking forward to seeing what is in

store for 2018!

~ Melissa