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January 25, 2007

FROM THE COUCH

Seeing Things Differently

Have you ever had a paradigm shift? If you’re like a lot of folks, you might be thinking something like this: “well, that’s a good question. Sounds painful! Tell me what a paradigm shift is and I’ll tell you if I’ve ever had one!” A “paradigm shift” is a fancy way of saying that something has happened to make me have a sudden change in the way I see things. I had a paradigm shift several years ago, and I’d like to share the experience with you.
I had been a Christian for some time, and I had been growing in my personal walk with the Lord.
I had really been growing through our Sunday morning worship services. Worship was a time for me to learn, and a time for me to be refreshed and get my tank filled for another week out in the world. It was a time for me to fellowship with the people whom I had come to embrace as family. It was a time for me to sing and connect with God through music. While all of this is still true for me today, something was missing in my perception of what worship is all about. To me, the whole purpose of Sunday morning worship was to see what I could get from God. I had confused receiving the benefits of worship with fulfilling my purpose in worship. Here’s where the paradigm shift came - The more I read the Bible, the more clearly I saw God’s character. The more clearly I saw who God is, the more clearly I saw who I was in relation to Him. And once I really got that straight in my mind, God opened my eyes to see what worship is really about.
The word “worship” comes from the Old English word “worthship”. To worship God means to show forth His great worth and to give to Him what He is worth. The book of Revelation gives a vivid picture of what worship will be like when we are in heaven. “The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:10-11). Did you notice what is happening? God is the one receiving, and His people are the ones giving! Our primary purpose for worship is to give, and in turn we receive all of the benefits of worship that I mentioned above. The more we give, the more we receive!
This “paradigm shift” changed my life, because it made me realize that the primary focus of worship is not me, but God. And it’s when I put Him at the center and give myself to Him that He pours out His Spirit and refreshes me. My prayer for each of us this week is that our gift of worship this Sunday will bring glory to God, and in turn He will refresh us as He Pours out His Spirit.
Pastor Steve

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 09:41 AM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATED
The members of the Search Committee met Monday, January 22nd and reviewed the nine applicants plus all new applications placed since the last meeting. After reviewing the resumes the committee narrowed the applicants down to three. The committee will conduct phone interviews with two of the applicant on Saturday, January 27th and the other on Sunday, January 28th. If the committee feels one applicants fits the criteria they will then extend an offer to visit Zion. Please know the congregation is encouraged to communicate verbally or in writing with the Search Committee members.

ZION HOSTS MEALS ON WHEELSZion is the host for Meals on Wheels during the month of February. Women’s ministry heads up this wonderful service and is in need of some volunteers. Meals will be distributed on Wednesdays throughout the month of February. If you would like to volunteer to help in any way please contact Sarah Lungren-347-3960. February is approaching quickly so call ASAP!

LAST CALL FOR OFFERING ENVELOPESOffering envelopes are now in ALPHABETICAL order and can be picked up in the
Narthex. For those of you who did not have a number please recheck the table. If you would like a box and don’t have one please let the office know, we might be able to fix you up.

LOOKING BACK WHILE LOOKING AHEAD
Each month the committee for the Family Life Center will be doing a “fun” activity. For the service on January 28th, Zion will be going back to the 1930’s ,where men and women sat on separate sides in the sanctuary and women wore their Sunday hats. Please note: THIS IS NOT A FUND RAISER. This is something fun the committee has put together to remember our past while keeping our focus on the
future of Zion. Stay tuned for future fund raisers for the FLC.

I’VE LOST MY HOME…Some wonderful dishes have lost their homes and would like to find their owner. If you’ve lost a dish and think you may be the owner you can reclaim it at the table in the Fellowship Hall at no cost to you.J
All unclaimed dishes will be absorbed into the pantry.

NEW:“HUGS FOR THE HEART” SMALL GROUP
Bible study for ALL ages! We will meet a Zion in room 206 beginning on Thursday February 1st at 9:00 am. If you have any questions please contact Jennifer in the office or Debra Pompei at djpompei@cfaith.com

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
January 31, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Baked Potato Bar,
*$3.00 per person or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

LEADERSHIP PRAYER
Leadership prayer has been moved to 8:30am on Sunday mornings and will be held in the prayer room.

To my prayer team members,
This is written to give you the background on my mission trip to visit and work with my very good friends the Bouchard family. They are presently working at the Rift Valley Academy in Kenya Africa. Their work involves the teaching and mentoring to missionary family/children that perform mission work all over Africa. This last August they returned to Worland, WY for the marriage of their oldest daughter Emily. While they were here I had the opportunity to take them to a quick lunch - Little did I know how this would change my walk in faith.
I asked if ever I or anyone had a chance to visit and work with them when would be a good time to visit. As I asked questions I found myself looking at my life and where the Lord had placed me. As you all well know the last few years have been a time of change and trial for me and yet my faith has always been strong to continue on seeking and asking for direction. I shared this eventful lunch of dreams and wonderment with a few friends not really giving much thought to actually having an opportunity to ever go. I was faced with having to possibly find a new place to live and found many of life’s activities as an excuse to put such thoughts aside.
In October 2006 I was approached by a close friend who said, “I’m not quite sure why but I have been moved to give you a donation. I’m not exactly sure if it is to be used for the mission trip to Africa you so enthusiastically talked about or maybe some other need you have but please except it and do as you please with it, no questions asked.” These words would be in my prayers for the next 3 months as I asked for direction on its use. I inquired, with others who had made the trip, what I was to expect and what I might accomplish. The opportunity to buy the house I had been renting came up and also the news of my brother and his family moving to Utah all added more searching for answers. Research on what it would take to financially make the trip work and what I would do while I was there were other important questions. Many of you have been involved in this process and I thank you for your patience and help.
On January 8th 2007 I booked my flight. I’ve saved with the help of other donations enough money to this date to all but pay for my ticket for this trip. I did not have all the money when I booked the flight but trust has been an ever present word in my journey to this point and will continue to be as I try and walk the walk of faith. Alan Bouchard has told me of a pastor who needs work on their house. (Walls, dirt floor). About an orphanage that needs help and possibly other work. I have found myself faced with the fact that I can plan only so much and the Lord’s will, will be done. I’ve been in contact with others from Lander, WY who are and wish to go at the same time. I pray they have the peace I’ve found in whatever is to be. The Lord has truly taught me much in this short time and I’m sure that he’s not finished.
Now, where do you fit in to all this? Well first and foremost is the power of your prayers to guide and watch over me. To question and keep me focused. Though the cost of shots and time spent in Africa is helped by my work benefits, the cost of any projects done while I am there and all other expenses related to my travel (i.e.: visa, passport, food, lodging) still need to be provided. Also, my goal is to bring funds for whatever projects arise and to stretch those dollars the best we can. I say we for the reason that Alan has said much can be done there easier with funds then sending materials. I’ll learn more as I get closer but I have set up, with help, a financial record of all income and expenses and anyone who wishes to see this record is more than welcome to request it. I keep this updated weekly.
So this is where I’m at presently, finishing my shots, gathering my Visa information, and learning more details of my journey as the days get closer to departure. Thank you once again for sharing this with me and I know we all can make a difference through Christ.
God Bless,
Frank Ley

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)

NEWS FROM THE ROCK!

THE ROCK UPDATE
UP & COMING
Jan 28th: Sunday School—9:15am
Youth Girls Bible Study—4:00pm
Jan 31st: Praise Jam—4:30pm
Combined Youth Birthday Club—6:30pm

SKI TRIP UPDATE
Since there were a lot of questions on our Red Lodge ski trip we have decided to change it up a little bit. We will be going skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Meadowlark on February 19th. Please plan on coming for an affordable, fun day of snow bliss!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 09:19 AM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2007

THE BUZZ AT ZION

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
The members of the Search Committee met Tuesday, January 9th and reviewed the 19 applications sent in for the Senior Pastor position. After reviewing the resumes the committee narrowed the applicants down to nine. The committee will communicate with the nine for more information and will have them answer a series of questions. A meeting is set for January 22nd at 7:00pm to review the responses and to narrow the search down to three or four applicants, followed by telephone interviews. The Zion congregation is encouraged to communicate verbally or in writing with the Search Committee members.

ANNUAL MEETING
This year’s annual meeting is scheduled to be held on January 21st following the church service in the Fellowship Hall at 12:00pm. This will be a carry-in dinner and all yummy foods are wanted. We look forward to seeing you there.

NOMINATIONS FOR ELDERS AND DEACONS
Current Elders—Dan Scheuerman—President , Rick Rigg—Vice President,
Dan Hampton—Secretary, Rick Brill, John Snyder, Wally Jorgensen, and John T. Scheuerman.
Current Deacons—Cal Jones—Treasurer, Darrell Schneider—Financial Secretary,
Lowell Peterson, David Hollingsworth, Tim Garretson, Vance Lungren Jr., and Dave Pompei
Nominated Elders— Dan Scheuerman—President , Rick Rigg—Vice President,
John T. Scheuerman, and Wally Jorgensen
Nominated Deacons—Cal Jones—Treasure, Ed Hunter and Tim Garretson
We bid a gracious farewell to David Hollingsworth for his years of service to Zion on the Consistory. Thank you Dave!

CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE
Due to the current transition in the church, the Church Directory has been temporarily put on hold. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact one of the committee members. Sally 347-4971, Tyeta 347-4003, Jennifer 347-9358, or Melissa 347-8480

LET’S P-A-R-T-Y!
The Jr. High Sunday School class will be having a hoppin’ party on January 21st (that’s this Sunday) after the church service. You will hitch a gnarly ride will Bob and Melissa to their house for a Mystery Dinner. If you have any questions, just give Melissa a ring. 347-8480

CONTRIBUTION REPORTS
Contribution reports are ready, printed and placed alphabetically in the Narthex for you to pick up. Thank you for all your contributions that made 2006 such a successful and wonderful year!

WOMEN’S MINISTRY MEETING
Wednesday, January 24th at 6:15pm there will be a meeting in the Fellowship Hall following the Wednesday Night Dinner. This will be the meeting where officers are being elected, so please try to make the meeting. Hope to see you there!

Dear Friends and Family of Zion,
    Margaret and I have made it safely to Texas and are snuggled into our 400 square foot home. We feel very blessed to have this as we begin our new life here.
    We wanted to take time to give thanks to all of you for such a wonderful send-off. It has been a blessing that we will always cherish. Thank all of you for the wonderful sentiments on the cards. It gave us encouragement that our ministry had value in your lives. And for all whom made financial sacrifices for us in the midst of the holiday season, we are truly grateful.
    I want to give a special thanks to Laura Newell who sacrificed her time and energy to do the job of loading the moving van. And to Dan Scheuerman, Rick Rigg and the rest of the church leadership to make sure that our leaving would be a memorable time. And for all the personal encouragements, we cannot say enough.
    I will be launching my new ministry today as I prepare for a time of teaching and leadership training at Arrowhead Bible College in Montana. I will be there on the last week of January and the first week of February.
    You will always be in my prayers. Love one another and "obey the leaders whom God has appointed for they will be held to account."
God bless you all! Bud and Margaret

“FORGIVENESS” BOOKLET UPDATE
Happy New Year! I hope you and the family had a wonderful Christmas and that this New Year will be great beyond your expectations! J My purpose for writing is to let you know that I haven’t forgotten your request for the “Forgiveness” booklet I wrote. It is ready to print but my printer broke down so I can’t even get one copy out; I’ll be looking to buy a new printer in a few weeks. Meanwhile I’m in the process of arranging a local printing company to do several copies, making it more cost effective. As soon as that is accomplished I will send you the materials. Thanks! Cathy Kreis

OFFERING ENVELOPES
Offering envelopes are now in ALPHABETICAL order and can be picked
up in the Narthex. You may pick them up at any time.

NEWSLETTER BLURBS
This is your newsletter and your input is welcomed. Should you wish to have something put in the newsletter, please have your information to Jennifer no later than Tuesday’s by 3:00pm. Thank you and God Bless!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
January 24, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Marinated
Vegetables, Rolls, and a Buffet of Desserts!

*$3.00 per person or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

LEADERSHIP PRAYER
Leadership prayer has been moved to 8:30am on Sunday mornings and will be held in the prayer room.

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:15 PM | Comments (0)

THE ROCK UPDATE

UP & COMING
Jan 18th:
Youth Led Worship at the Nursing Home—4:30pm
Jan 21st:
Youth Girls Meeting—4:00pm
Jan 22nd:
Breakfast Club—7:30am
Jan 24th:
Youth Jam—4:30pm
Jr High Youth—6:30pm
Sr High Youth—7:00pm

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:46 PM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2007

From the Couch

Well, another Christmas season (and another year) is in the books. I can’t believe that it has all passed so quickly! If your home is like ours, the Christmas lights are already down, the decorations and the Christmas CD’s are back in storage, the tree is history, and the mountain of Christmas candy has been reduced to a little pile of rubble. In time, our pants will again be a little easier to button (we hope), the excitement over the gifts will begin to fade, and Christmas of 2006 will become an ever-fading memory.
But as I write this, I can’t help but be filled with the same joy and excitement that I felt on Christmas day. Why? Because I hold one gift that will never lose its value, and will never stop giving. You know what I’m talking about, because you are holding it too. “The virgin shall be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” – which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Have you ever stopped and really considered the impact that the gift of Immanuel has on your life? Because of His birth, His obedient life and death, and His resurrection, the veil of separation between God and His people has been torn away (Mat 27:51) and we are no longer alienated from God. Every day is Christmas, because through Christ we are now sons and daughters of the Most High God, and can go confidently to His throne of grace to find mercy and help in every need (Hebrews 4:16). Without Christ it was all hopeless, but now God is with us! He is with us in our struggles with sin. He is with us in our physical infirmities. He is with us in our financial hardships. He is with us in our times of grief and mourning. And yes, He is most definitely with us as we move into a time of transition in the life of our church family. He will always be with us. And one day, He will return bodily and make all things new. On that day we will rejoice as we hear these wonderful words – “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev 21:3-4).
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready! In the mean time, we shouldn’t fear what the future will bring. On the contrary, we should look forward to the coming year with great joy and expectation. Why? Because if we have entrusted our lives and families and church body to Jesus Christ, we hold the gift that will forever keep on giving. And if God is with us, who can be against us?
Pastor Steve

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)