zion echoes november 2017
TRANSCRIPT
Zion Echoes November 2017 Zion Lutheran Church “To be together growing in Christ, to be His message to others”
557 Perry Highway www.zioninharmony.com
Harmony, PA 16037 [email protected]
724-452-8886
The other day I saw an aisle of Halloween decorations, an aisle of Thanksgiving decorations,
and an aisle of Christmas decorations: which tells me that the holiday season is looming ahead of
us. In general, I am a fan of the holiday spirit and by “holiday spirit” I mean that fascinating
dynamic of incredible generosity, family gatherings, and beautiful decorations mixed with
overspending, angry outbursts, and stress. It is the best and worst of humanity and I personally
enjoy observing it. I am reminded of the apostle Paul as he writes in Romans 7, “I do not
understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” It seems
to me that the holiday season proves Paul & Luther right about our broken, flawed human nature
that tends to take what is supposed to be good and distorts it by sin. Paul goes on to write “For I
know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot
do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”
For the sake of teaching and honesty,
perhaps this season I’ll start greeting people
using that famous line from the movie Home
Alone, “Merry Christmas you filthy animal!”
This would serve both as a reminder of the joy
that we should have in this season and the reality
of our human brokenness. I believe joy and
brokenness come hand in hand – isn’t that what
the holiday season demonstrates? And, isn’t that
what confession and forgiveness is for? And,
isn’t that why God sent Jesus? So I won’t waste
your time or mine by telling you to be a better
person this year. Rather, when you find
yourselves weighed down by sin, acknowledge
your brokenness, receive God’s forgiveness and
head right back out into the fray. Repeat as
necessary…. God’s forgiveness is unlimited and God’s grace knows no bounds.
--Pastor Nathaneil
Zion Echoes
Serving Zion this month Ushers
November 5: Linda Armstrong
November 12: Trudy Levere
November 19: Edie Brain
November 26: Tom Meyer
Greeters
November 5: Bill & Jessica Gasior
November 12: Debbie Muders & Melissa Painter
November 19: Shawn & Shane Domhoff
November 26: Oscar Domhoff & Cindy Benoit
Money Counters
November 5: Chris Trimble & Pam Ferrainolo
November 12: Tom Bickert & Al Stephens
November 19: Evelyn Stephens & Shirley Fichter
November 26: Linda Armstrong & Marsha Davis
Bulletin Sponsors
November 5: Painter
November 12: Trimble
November 19: Hall
November 26: 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.
Zion Echoes
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated on November 5th
during our Fellowship Hour.
Veterans’ Appreciation Lunch will be on November 12th. Join us for a light lunch to honor those who have served our country!
Everything Gingerbread will be the theme for the November 26th Fellowship Hour. All manner of gingerbread goodies will be available!
The Congregational Meeting will be held on
Sunday, November 19th, following our worship service.
Please be here for this important meeting!
The Chime Choir will play during our December 17th service.
Rehearsals will be held following worship on November 5, 12, 26, December
3, and December 10, for about 20 minutes. ALL teens and adults are
welcome to join! You do not need to know how to read music to play the
handchimes, and it’s a lot of fun! Please see Rosemarie if you’d like to play.
Operation Christmas Child is now underway! Please consider packing a box for a
deserving child. We now have boxes available in the Fellowship Hall, and you’ll find
suggestions for packing the boxes in the bulletins and also on the box itself. Collection
week is November 13-20, so please have your boxes returned to the church by Sunday,
November 19th
.
The Sunday School children will sing during the December
17th worship service. Please watch the Sunday bulletins for
more information!
Zion Echoes
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
All members of Zion are invited to draw a picture or write a
poem depicting any aspect of the Christmas story as recorded in
Luke 2:8-30 and Matthew 2:7-11. Your picture or poem must be
in pencil or ink and have your name at the bottom. The choir will choose which
picture and poem best represent the Biblical account of the Christmas story and they will be
printed in the Christmas Eve bulletins, in the December newsletter and hung on the bulletin board
until Epiphany. Please give your entry to Rosemarie no later than Sunday, December 3.
Please thank everyone who had a part in the events for the 175th
Anniversary. The
Pig Roast was a huge success and delicious in every way and the dinner after
church was super. How wonderful to see the church nearly full again and so many
children participating. It gives me hope that our little country church will continue
into the future with so many hard working people behind the scenes. My
grandparents came here in the early 1900’s and brought my father, who in turn
brought all of his children. It is very sentimental to me after being gone so many
years.
Good job, people of Zion. I’m so proud of you and our church family.
Warmly, Barbara Burgh
Here it is soon to be Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and then it’s time to reveal
who your Secret Sister is. This year we will meet on December 4th
at 6:30 at the
church. We ask that you bring your favorite ornament to the party and tell us
about it. For those of you not already part of this special group of women, we
invite you to join us. Each year we pick a name for the next year. During the
year we pray for that person and let them know that we are thinking about them with a card or a small gift. If
you think you might like to join us, come on December 4th
with a wrapped $10.00 gift and be ready to enjoy
good food and good company.
We are looking for college addresses of our students currently in higher education. If
you know of anyone who is in college, and can provide their address (snail mail as well
as email!) please let Melissa know. We’d like to keep them up on what’s happening in
their church.
Zion Echoes
BOB AND JAN’S CHURCH BLOG
On Sunday, October 15th
, we were blessed with two visitors during our worship service—Bob and Jan Chess, who
visit area churches and highlight each church on their blog (http://ourchurchblog.blogspot.com/). Here are their
impressions of our church and church family:
Bob’s thoughts: We were welcomed by a number of people and it made me wonder what prompts folks to say hello. In a
church of 50 or so worshipers, visitors often stand out. I frequently seek someone who looks busy to ask how to get my
shut-in prayer information letter to the right person. Today a woman took the time to engage us in conversation, and in the
course of it I learned she has a ministry to their shut-in members. If God orchestrates something as simple as that for us, I
wonder what else He is doing in our lives every day.
She also stopped by during the Passing of Christ’s Peace to let us know we would be welcome to partake of Communion.
I noted a cross on the chancel and an interesting pattern of the painted wood paneled ceiling.
There was a prayer of dedication for the new cross on the steeple.
The congregation is searching for a new pastor and Pastor Susie was filling in. Her message today was from the Parable of
the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22. The sermon developed easily and included application. To God’s glory, believers’
names are now on the guest list.
She interjected a story of a woman’s troubles with her VW Beetle and I was reminded of a prank when I was young. VWs
were still new to Pittsburgh when two women in my church both bought one. There were few options then so they were
the same color but parked on opposite sides of the street. The challenge was too much for some teenaged boys: we
switched them and waited for the service to end. The concept that a couple of teens could move their car was beyond
comprehension. Wish I could remember how it ended.
The pastor told the congregation how she prays her way through the church directory. What a powerful thing, to have the
pastor praying for the individuals of the church.
We were addressed by name when we went up for Communion, a most friendly gesture.
We had a great few minutes with the pastor and others after the service. I wish we could have stayed for the social time
after.
Jan’s thoughts: This is one of the Lutheran churches that has been on our list for some time. It’s a lovely building, but the
treasure is its people. We were warmly greeted from the moment we entered the building, and a couple of gentlemen
struck up a conversation with Bob about military service. By the time we entered the sanctuary, eight or 10 people had
introduced themselves and welcomed us. During the Passing of the Peace more folks greeted us, and this continued even
after worship ended.
Occasionally when we visit a church we encounter someone who is especially welcoming, someone with whom we just
seem to click. Today we met a friend we had not met before who was warm and gracious. She stopped prior to worship to
introduce herself and chat, and then again before Communion to let us know that theirs is an open table and we were
welcome to partake. This sort of hospitality can make all the difference for first-time visitors, and we deeply appreciated
her kindness.
The church is between pastors at the moment, but as this is a Communion Sunday here, Pastor Susie, who lives nearby
and serves part-time, preached and administered Communion. Physically Pastor Susie has several challenges, but her
voice and faith are strong, along with her sense of gratitude.
Pastor Susie’s untitled message was a strong warning not to make excuses or put off accepting the invitation of the King
of Kings. I appreciated her reminder that “because Jesus was snubbed, our names are on the guest list.”
We were delighted to take part in Communion and I was touched when Pastor Susie handed me the Bread, spoke to me
and called me by name.
We appreciated the time taken by these new friends to chat after worship and we were overjoyed for the opportunity to lay
hands on and pray for Pastor Susie.
Our prayer for this church: Lord, we pray for this church as well as the spiritual leader You are preparing for them. We
trust Your care in this time of preparation and Your timing in bringing them together. Amen.
Zion Echoes
The following devotion was read at October’s Council Meeting.
Dear Congregation Council Members:
What can I say to you? I am a retired pastor who spent more than 30 years as the leader of a congregation, and several
more years as a part time interim of several congregations. You are leaders of a congregation, which may be large or
small, thriving or struggling, or may be somewhere in the middle. Probably you are not a full time worker in a
congregation, (although some of you may feel that way, sometimes). So, I repeat, what can I say to you?
Here is what I can say: that you are valuable and necessary; that you are not just a nameless, faceless, replaceable
component; that you are fulfilling a need, and not just a constitutional need, but a real need as a leader in a part of the
‘body of Christ’; that you have gifts and experiences and valuable qualities that can be shared; and that you are an
important asset to the congregation and to the pastor where you are a leader.
You may be thoughtful and insightful. You may be bold and outspoken. You may be willing to speak up and step
forward when everyone else is quiet and doesn’t want to be singled out and called on. You may have questions and need
to understand the ‘why’ of something. You may be all of these qualities or none of these. Still, in all of this, you are an
important and necessary part of this group that has the responsibility of leading your congregation.
This is a difficult time to be a leader of a congregation. Is it more so than other times? Perhaps. Nevertheless, it is a
difficult time. Many people are reluctant to step forward to assume a leadership position. They say that they are too busy,
or don’t want to get in the middle of some controversy, or already have too many responsibilities, or don’t feel capable.
You have said, “Yes, I will do this, “and you have.
You may find the task sometimes tedious or without reward. You may be glad when your term is over. Or you may be
surprised at the satisfaction you receive and the new relationships you have created. This may be your first term as a
member of council or you may be a ‘lifer’, someone who has served many, many terms.
In all of this, you are doing a job that is important and significant. One of the important tasks that you can do as a
member of this leadership group is to listen to what others are saying and to try and hear what they mean in what they are
saying. As others do, we bring a lot of ourselves with us to any gathering and that includes this congregation council of
which you are a part. Listen to what others have to say. Be open to those words. Risk sharing your own thoughts and
ideas. And join with these others to become, together, the leader that God has given you the opportunity to be.
--Rev. James A. Higgins, retired pastor
Formerly pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicora and Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Zelienople
These are powerful thoughts, and something to think about if you are asked to serve on our church’s
council. If asked, prayerfully consider stepping out of your comfort zone and serving the Church.
Zion Echoes
Minutes of Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Attendees: Chris Trimble, Shirley Fichter, Tom Bickert, Marsha Davis, Evelyn
Stephens, Al Stephens, Linda Armstrong, Pam Ferrainolo and local interim Pastor
Nathaneil Christman.
Devotions: Marsha opened the meeting with devotions.
Holy Cow program: Michelle Snyder of Crows Feet Consulting made a presentation on the “Holy Cow” assessment
program, designed to survey congregation members on their thoughts about where we are and how to move forward. The
program involves completing a questionnaire, either online or paper, which has no more than 100 questions and takes
about 20 minutes to complete. Once the information is gathered, the consulting firm compiles an assessment and analysis
for review by council and the congregation.
It takes about a month of “marketing” to let the congregation know about the program and encourage participation, and
about a three-week window for members to complete the survey. The assessment is usually complete within 48 hours. We
would have input on what questions are asked, although there are about 85 questions that are standard. Marsha, Pam and
Evelyn volunteered to be on a committee to determine specific questions for Zion.
The cost to us is $1,165. Council approved going forward and participating in the program on a motion by Marsha and
second by Pam.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the Sept. 12 meeting were reviewed. There was one correction. Council agreed last
month to purchase a carpet scrubber at a cost of not more than $250.
The minutes and correction were approved a motion by Marsha and second by Evelyn.
Treasurer’s Report: SEPTEMBER 2017:
As of 9/30/17 As of 8/31/17
Checking 62,451.42$ 62,149.24$
Petty Cash 25.00 25.00
Cash Balance 62,476.42$ 62,174.24$
Less: Capital Improvements 14,800.57 17,275.57
Less: Designated Funds 24,340.34 23,010.18
Less: Payroll Tax Withholding (3.23) 487.78
Current Budgeted Funds Available 23,338.74$ 21,400.71$
Contributions by envelope and plate for September (4 Sundays) were $9,709.00. Compared to our budgeted amount of
$7,867.52 giving was $1,841.48 more than was needed to meet monthly budget. Receipts exceeded our budgeted amount
on two Sundays last month. Envelope giving to date in 2017 totals $88,919.00 (39 Sundays), and we are $12,210.68 over
budget.
It is important to understand that although our checking account shows $62,451.42 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 $23,338.74. Our average weekly attendance for September was 52.
Rex Energy – Miscellaneous (Account #980)
Opening Balance was $2,907.99. September receipts were $228.65. September disbursements were $76.22 (Cemetery
Association). Ending balance for September was $3,060.42.
The September report was reviewed. Council agreed to eliminate Account 120 (Pulpit Supply) and move that money to
Account 150 (Altar Care). Motion was made by Tom and a second came from Evelyn.
Council approved the treasurer’s report on a motion by Marsha and second by Pam.
Zion Echoes
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Christman presented his report for September, which showed 248.3 miles driven for visitations
and Zion matters, and 28.5 hours committed to Zion. He also noted a reminder to call or text him if pastoral care is
needed.
Also, council presented Pastor Christman with a card and token of appreciation for his work since this is Pastor
Appreciation Month.
OLD BUSINESS
Call Committee: The committee has met and will meet again Oct. 29.
Meeting with St. Paul’s members: There is nothing new to report at this time since the bishop has scheduled a meeting
with members of St. Paul’s council.
Car Payment: Pastor Susie thanked the congregation on Sunday for the decision (unknown to her) to make four
payments on her new vehicle in appreciation for all she has done for Zion.
Membership List: Linda has prepared a list of active and inactive members. We will use the list of contributors from last
year to determine who on the active list is considered a voting member (someone who has communed at least once the
previous year and made a contribution of record).
500th
Anniversary: Pastor Susie will be here for worship and communion on Oct. 29, Reformation Sunday. We will have
cake after worship as we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation.
NEW BUSINESS
Confirmation: An outline of confirmation requirements used for the joint confirmation class for youth from English, St.
Paul’s and Zion Lutheran churches was distributed.
There was much discussion on how to handle requests from youth (and their parents) that confirmation education be
handled at Zion, rather than in a joint class.
It was decided that the Education Committee will work on establishing some guidelines for confirmation and we will
consider ways to offer instruction in-house.
Lutheran Extension Society: Council agreed to renew our membership, at a cost of $50, on a motion by Shirley and
second by Marsha.
Envelopes: With the cost of mailing contribution envelopes to members increasing, council agreed to go back to having a
box of envelopes for the entire year printed for members who use them. The approval, to spend $217.75 on the envelopes,
came on a motion by Tom and second by Pam.
New Member: Council formally approved Bill Gasior as a new member of Zion on a motion by Linda and second by
Pam.
Budget: Council reviewed a proposed budget presented by Chris. There were some minor changes made, but ultimately
council approved a preliminary budget for 2018 of $85,211.58, which requires a weekly collection of $1,638.68. The
approval came on a motion by Pam and second by Evelyn.
Chris also prepared a budget that would have included a pastor’s salary at the Synod-established minimum. In such a
scenario, our budget would be $140,486.54 and require a weekly collection of $2,701.66. Council agreed it was important
to make the congregation aware of that significant difference as we look to the future.
Blog Review: The couple who worshipped with us on Sunday compiles a blog of their visits to churches in the area,
something they have been doing for several years. They were very complimentary of Zion’s members and the welcoming
attitude displayed to them. The address to read their review is: ourchurchblog.blogspot.com
TEAM REPORTS
Property: The new cross was placed on top of the steeple on Monday, October 2, by Alex Restoration. A few of our
members—Al & Evelyn Stephens, Jim & Debbie Muders, and Tom Davis managed to get to the church for this glorious
occasion. It took about 1.5 hours for the placement of the cross and after it was placed the sun shined upon it and it was
one of the most beautiful sights we had ever seen. The cross was dedicated to the Glory of God on Sunday October 15th
by Pastor Susie Esseck and we wish to thank Jima and Debbie Muders for their generous contribution.
At the parsonage the dirt has been spread and the grass seed planted and the extra parking pad completed, thanks to Don
Grubbs, Denny Bintrim and Doug Trimble.
Through the fall and winter months the property team plans on painting the offices, both restrooms, and removing the old
wallpaper and repainting the Fellowship Hall.
DONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: during all the preparations for the start of our 175th anniversary, the carpet in the
Fellowship Hall was badly stained, so the Food Cupboard agreed to have it cleaned for our special day. It was cleaned by
Porter’s Carpet Car and generously paid for by the Food Cupboard as they also use the Fellowship Hall. So a special
thank you goes out to them.
--Submitted by Al Stephens
Zion Echoes
Fellowship: The following events are planned for November:
November 5: Birthday & Anniversary celebration
November 12: Light lunch to honor our veterans
November 26: Everything Gingerbread fellowship hour
--Submitted by Evelyn Stephens
Meeting Human Needs: The Turkey Trot is underway. Lydia Wright has chosen to use one of the turkeys to create her
own mission, that is, to collect money to help the hurricane victims. We are happy to see a young person step up to help.
Thank you, Lydia. We are collecting items for the Christmas Child Boxes, and the deadline is Sunday, November 19. We
will be scheduling the Salvation Army bell ringing at BiLo as soon as they get the schedule out.
--Submitted by Marsha Davis
Worship: The Worship Team met with Pastor Nathaneil in attendance. Worship assistants were assigned. Preparations
for the Advent season began. The church will be decorated for the holiday season on December 3rd
, and we are waiting to
hear from the Synod about pastors for all of the season’s services. Rosemarie is planning a Hand Chime Choir
performance for Advent as well as having the children sing. Christian Education: On September 10
th we celebrated returning to Sunday School with Rally Day. Invitations were
sent out to children through grade 7 as a reminder. We had 17 people in attendance. After worship there was a light
lunch of meatball hoagies and side dishes from Saturday’s pig roast. Sunday School is open to anyone ages 3 to 103.
Sunday School begins at 9:15 with worship at 10:30. As Christians we need to continue learning of God and his love for
us so that we can continue to grow in our faith! Hope to see you there.
We also dispersed last year’s Sunday School offering. We gave $250.00 to each of the following: Glade Run (Back to
School Supplies), Lutherlyn, Meals on Wheels, The Lighthouse Foundation and Stella. We also gave $150.00 to
Building/Maintenance and $100.00 towards our 175th Anniversary. During the 2017-2018 Sunday School year we would
welcome suggestions on where you would like to see the offering go.
Stewardship: No other business other than the proposed budget.
Every Member Involvement: Linda will be teaching a CPR class after service on Oct. 22.
Executive Team: No report.
CONSTITUTION REVIEW
Give the lateness of the hour, it was agreed to postpone the second half of the constitution review until next month.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. The meeting was moved because of several conflicts for council
members.
Money Counters: Money counters for November are as follows:
Nov. 5: Chris and Pam
Nov. 12: Tom and Al
Nov. 19: Evelyn and Shirley
Nov. 26: Linda and Marsha
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m. on a motion by Shirley and second by Marsha. Council
closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted,
Tom Bickert
Council Secretary
FUNNY, ISN’T IT……
Funny how a $10 bill looks so big when you take it to church, but so small when you take it to the market.
Funny how long it takes to serve God for an hour, but how quickly a team plays 60 minutes of football.
Funny how hard it is to read a chapter in the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a best-selling novel.
Funny how we can’t think of anything to say when we pray, but don’t have difficulty thinking of things to talk
about to a friend.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
FUNNY, ISN’T IT??