Newsletter: February 2007 Archives

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February 21, 2007

THE ROCK UPDATE

THE ROCK UPDATE
UP & COMING
Feb 25th: Sunday School—9:15 am
Girls Bible Study—4:00 pm

Feb 26th: Breakfast Club—7:30 am

Feb 28th: Praise Jam—4:30pm
Lenten Service—6:30 pm
Jr/Sr High Youth—7:00 pm
***Birthday Club***

YOUTH SERVICE TIMES UPDATE
Lenten Services this year will begin at 6:30 pm. Because of this, we will begin BOTH youth services at 7 pm then break apart for the teaching times and finish BOTH about 8 pm.

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:26 PM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

WOMEN OF FAITH- MAY 18 & 19-BILLINGS
Women of Faith’s Amazing Freedom tour is in Billings this year! Tickets are: Standard-$45 (group early bird rate) and Premium- $65 (group early bird rate). In order to qualify as a group we need 10 or more tickets. In order to qualify for the early bird rate, tickets must be purchased by March 5th.Tickets go fast, so please let Jennifer know , ASAP, if you would like to reserve a ticket.

MEALS ON WHEELS
Women’s Ministry is still in need of volunteers to help deliver meals. Meals are distributed Monday thru Friday. Those of you who are already signed up...please be at the Senior Center at 11:15am to pick up your meals. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry please contact Sarah Lungren-347-3960.

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE 2/21
Due to conflicts in several schedules for March 18th, Ralph has consented to switch the days he will come to candidate. Please note the change in dates. Ralph and Carolyn will drive in on Friday, March 9th and leave on Tuesday, March 13th. Ralph will preach on Sunday, March 11th. Please set aside this date as Ralph comes to candidate for the position of senior pastor.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDFOR PAINTING
It’s a painting party and you’re invited! This Friday the 23rd and Saturday 24th the Fellowship Hall and hallway will be freshened up with a nice coat of paint.Friday we will start at 6:00 pm with a Pizza Bash followed by the Painting Bash. The process will continue on Saturday beginning at 9:00am until finished. We are in need of at least 15 volunteers. Remember the more we have the faster it will go. So, if you like to paint, bring your brushes, rollers, and paint buckets. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Zion family –

Back in November, I approached Dan Scheuerman with an offer of making the parsonage available for our new senior pastor. After much prayer and consideration, Carol and I have decided that this is what we want to do. The consistory has given us approval to make arrangements to buy or rent a house in Worland. We are excited about this opportunity, and are encouraged about the great work that God is doing at Zion. We look forward to continuing to grow and serve Christ with you in the months and years to come. Pastor Steve

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
February 28, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Hot Chicken Casserole, Tossed Salad,
Rolls, and Peach Cobbler
*$3.00 per person or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)

FROM THE COUCH

ADDICTED

Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Cor. 7:1

“I can quit anytime I want!” This is the heart felt cry of the addict. Name your poison (drink, drugs, chocolate, lust, laziness, gossip, games, food, Internet, entertainment . . .) - the list is almost endless - but its result and our perceived power over it is the same – harm and denial.
Most of our addictions seem harmless enough and are generally socially acceptable. My addiction was smoking – 2½ packs a day when I quit. Many of my acquaintances smoked and we were oblivious to the damage we were doing to ourselves, others and our environment. Sure we read the labels on the package – “Smoking may be hazardous to your health” and focused on the word may – it’s easy to get around that warning. I would have probably ignored the warning even if it would have said, “Smoking will kill you,” (which I knew to be true) passing it off with a handy quip such as, Well, I have to die of something and it might as well be something I enjoy. We even knew the hazards of second-hand smoke that we subjected our loved ones and others to, but we didn’t care enough to quit. Addiction is like that – it deceives us into having a distorted view of reality and a fool’s attitude toward the consequences.
One writer has said that addiction is the primary problem with sinful humanity – we all are addicted to something. Whether or not we agree with that statement, we must see that those things to which we may be captivated (that which brings comfort, delight, pleasure, security, etc.) can actually become idols in our life – something that insidiously takes over God’s rightful place.
So how can I tell if I have become mastered by or have become a slave to something? It’s pretty simple really . . . try quitting whatever it is for an extended period of time - the 40 days of Lent for example. Reality will set in pretty quick. Here are a quick half dozen:
· Do you have a favorite drink (coffee, soda, etc.)? Stop drinking it for the next 40 days . . .
· Turn off the T.V. and video games for Lent to see if they haven’t gotten an inordinate hold on your heart and mind . . .
· Try fasting from food one or two days a week . . .
· If you’ve become reclusive and non social - determine to visit someone in the hospital, jail or Nursing Home or invite someone over once a week . . .
· Drop the non Christian reading material in favor of prayer, daily Bible reading and time in the Christian classics (may I recommend A.W. Tozer’s two paperback volumes, The Attributes of God, for starters)
· Hoarding things God has given us (time, money, things, etc) – go give something away to someone who needs to see the love of God . . .
Purifying ourselves for a deeper relationship with the Lord should always be a prime endeavor of the believer, but the time of Lent can be a special motivation. We must keep in mind though that we can’t just quit doing something, we must also fill that void with something else. As the idols of addiction displace and push the Lord to the sidelines, so to, by the willful bringing of the Lord back to the center of our lives, the idols of addiction will be weakened and displaced.
Will you join me this Lenten season by choosing one or more in the above list (or others if your addiction isn’t listed) and purify yourself in the next 40 days so that we can grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord together and put our addictions in their proper place – finally being able to enjoy the gifts of God without us becoming their slaves, or them our idols.
Pastor Garnett

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)

February 14, 2007

THE ROCK UPDATE

THE ROCK UPDATE
UP & COMING
Feb 18th: Sunday School—9:15 am
Girls Bible Study—4:00pm

Feb 19th: Ski Trip—All Day
Meet at church 8:30 am

Feb 21st: Lenten Service—6:30 pm
Praise Jam—4:30pm
Jr/Sr High Youth—7:00 pm

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

MEALS ON WHEELS
Zion is the host of Meals on Wheels during the month of February. Women’s Ministry is still in need of four volunteers to help deliver meals. Meals are distributed Monday thru Friday. Those of you who are already signed up...please be at the Senior Center at 11:15am to pick up your meals. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry please contact Sarah Lungren-347-3960.

DAN THIMELL
Former Pastor Dan Thimell lost his wife in September. Please keep him and his children (ranging in ages from 20-27) in your prayers. If you would like to send him a card of encouragement or give him an uplifting phone call the information is as follows: Dan Thimell, 6127 S, 28th W. Ave., Tulsa, OK. 74132. (918) 408-2350.

MISSING CONTRIBUTION BOX
It’s the UNSOLVED case of the missing contribution box. It was last seen on the table in the Narthex. The number… 67. The owner...Floyd and Jeannie Thompson. Seriously, I can’t seem to locate it anywhere around the church. It is a possibility that I misplaced it, but if someone accidentally picked it up, please bring it to the church office. I would appreciate it.

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE 2/14
The search committee, along with the consistory, has announced the recommendation of Dr. Ralph Partelow as our candidate for senior pastor. They have asked that we please set aside the date of March 18th for Ralph as he comes to candidate for the position of senior pastor.

THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY WILL MEET
This month’s Women’s Ministry meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 21st at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Some of the topics to be discussed are: March’s Spring Fling, Lenten Breakfast, and Beth Moore via satellite. We look forward to seeing you there!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER PERMANENT RESERVATION SYSTEM
Purpose: To determine how many people will be attending Wed. Night Supper each week.
Why: The cook team needs firmer guidelines for buying and preparing the right amount of food.
Stewardship - We want to avoid shortages and or waste.
Method: A Permanent Reservation List will carry the names of all people who regularly attend Wednesday Night Suppers.
If you ARE NOT on that list, and would like to attend this week, make your reservation by calling Peggy Mangus @ 347-3511 by Tuesday noon.
If you ARE on the list, and will not be attending this week, let Peggy Mangus (347-3511) know by Tuesday noon, that you will not be attending.
If your plans change either way at the last minute, don’t worry. Please join us if you can – we will miss you if you are not here.
Peggy Mangus has an answering machine and you can leave her a message if needed.
If you would like to sign up on the permanent list, they will be posted throughout the church. Please feel free to contact Denise Cloud (347-8447) with any further questions.

LENTEN SERVICES TO BEGIN
Lenten Services will begin Wednesday, February 21st starting at 6:30pm. The services will continue each Wednesday until March 28th. Lent is a time of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock of our spiritual lives and our relationship with the Lord. Lent originated in the very early days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. Come join together as we prepare our hearts for the blessing of Easter.

CHURCH LIBRARY OPENED!
Check out the Zion Church Library! There are great books on all kinds of topics—faith, leadership, love, parenting, spirituality, and lots more! There is and entire section of Christian fiction, too. So, check out a “good read” from the church library today!

5th ANNUAL NAVAJO MISSION TRIP
Another year has flown by and it’s time to start thinking about the Navajo Mission Trip. This year it will be from June 15th -23rd. We are in need adult volunteers! If you are interested or would like more information please contact Khela or Steve.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
February 21, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Chicken Enchiladas, Blackberry Swirled Jell-O,
Carrots and Celery Dip, Nacho Chips and Cheese,
and Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae.
*$3.00 per person or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 04:22 PM | Comments (0)

FROM THE COUCH

From the Couch
One Body
If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it.
1 Corinthians 12:26

Sometimes I’m amazed at how busy life can be. It seems like I woke up just two weeks ago and it was Rally Day (that was in September!). So much has happened in our lives since then. As we look back over the past several months, most of us look back on a blur of activity. It’s easy to get so busy that we can only see what’s happening right in front of our noses. Recently I’ve been reminded that I’m intimately connected with people that are far away. These are people that I’ve never met, I don’t often think about or remember in prayer. Though I don’t know them, they are nonetheless a part of me. Today, in 40 countries around the world, thousands of these brothers and sisters are suffering simply because they belong to Christ. Because we are all members of Christ’s body, we suffer if one of them suffers. I’d like to use the rest of this space to tell some of their stories, and encourage you to pray for them. Each of these prayer updates come from an organization called Voice of The Martyrs. You can receive weekly updates from around the world by logging on to www.persecution.com. May the Lord honor and bless your committed prayers. Pastor Couch

UZBEKISTAN
Pastor Arrested by Secret Police in Uzbekistan - VOM Sources/ Compass Direct News A pastor was arrested by Uzbek secret police on January 21. During the raid of the Full Gospel Church in Andijan, secret service officers asked Pastor Dmitry Shestakov to step outside with them for five minutes. They then escorted him to the nearest police station. At last report, he was still in police custody. The pastor is accused of "incitement of national, racial and religious enmity," under Article 156 of Uzbekistan's penal code. He could face up to five years in prison if convicted of this charge. Pray God will give this Christian brother the right words to say when he stands before accusing authorities. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring his neighbors, friends and persecutors to Christ through his faithful witness. Romans 12:14, 21

CHINA
Christians Arrested in China - VOM Sources /China Aid Association. On January 22, 2007, three "Minority for Christ" workers were arrested in Guizhou province. Guizhou has one of the largest Hmong populations and is also one of the strongest Communist provinces in China. VOM sources also report that security police arrested 11 Korean Christians after visiting a local village in China. After extensive interrogation they were released. The group is helping a local village build a new church building. On January 26, 2007, Hua Huidi and his 76-year-old mother were attacked and wounded by seven police officers while walking near a 2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, China. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua, an active house-church member in Beijing, and his mother were kicked on the ground and later taken to the Olympic Police Station for questioning. "When Hua asked the police to release his sick mother and explain the legal ground for the detention, he was beaten repeatedly. While the temperature in Beijing was in the 20s, cold water was poured on him. He was later taken to a detention center," CAA said. Hua's family learned that he was sentenced to one month of criminal detention.

COLUMBIA
Teachers Forced to Deny Christ - VOM Sources. A VOM contact reports that three teachers working with a tribal group are being forced to deny Christ in order to be permitted to teach for the next year. All three teachers intend to stand firm. An effort is being made in some of the tribal areas to eliminate Christianity. Pray God gives these believers courage to stand against this persecution. Ask God to protect them and use their experiences to bring others to Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:13

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 04:20 PM | Comments (0)

February 09, 2007

FROM THE COUCH

From the Couch
I Believe

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Every Sunday morning we confess our faith together by reciting the Apostle’s Creed. We always start with the same two words – “I believe”. They’re simple words. We probably didn’t concentrate on them too much when we recited the creed this past Sunday. But in these two simple words we find a wealth of meaning. In them we find the very way of salvation and the very foundation on which to build our lives. Let me explain -
First, belief in Jesus Christ is the way of salvation. The Apostle John explains – “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12-13). The Apostle Paul says - “if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
That’s easy enough. Now comes the more difficult part. What does it really mean to believe in Jesus Christ? We wrestled with this question in confirmation class last week. We read Luther’s catechism and found that to “believe” in Jesus Christ is to know and to trust in Him as Savior (Q #117). I think that’s a pretty good definition of faith. We have to know and understand the truth of who Jesus claims to be, and we have to accept that it’s true. Then comes the hard part - we have to trust Him with our lives. This is easier said than done! Let me illustrate - In the 19th century there was a French acrobat named Jean Francois Gravelet. Everyone called him Blondin because of his fair skin. He was famous for walking across Niagara Falls on a tightrope, doing all kinds of crazy stunts along the way. Once he carried his manager across the falls on his back. When he got to the other side, he turned to a man in the crowd and asked, “Do you believe that I can do that with you?” The man agreed that he could. “Hop on”, said Blondin. “Not on your life”, replied the man. He believed in his head that Blondin could do what he claimed he could do, but he wasn’t willing to trust Blondin with his life. The same stakes apply when we “believe” in Jesus Christ as our Savior. We have to trust that He really is who he claims to be, and then we have to “hop on” and enjoy the ride!
My prayer for you this week is that you live each moment of your life by faith in Jesus Christ. I pray that you will find security and comfort in believing that as you “hop on” His back, He will carry you through life and He will get you safely to the other side.
Pastor Steve

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:55 AM | Comments (0)

THE ROCK UPDATE

THE ROCK UPDATE
UP & COMING
Feb 11th: Sunday School—9:15 am
Boys School Worship—1:00 pm
Girls Bible Study—4:00pm

Feb 12th: Breakfast Club—7:30 am

Feb 14th: Praise Jam—4:30pm
Youth Theme Nite—6:30 Combined

SKI TRIP
If I don’t have your money yet…whatcha waitin for? We will be leaving Monday the 19th at 9:00 am from the church.

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

NEW : “HUGS FOR THE HEART” SMALL GROUP
Bible study for ALL ages! We will meet at Zion up stairs in room 206 on Thursday, February 8th at 9:00 am. If you have any questions please contact Debra Pompei at djpompei@cfaith.com

MEALS ON WHEELS
Zion is the host of Meals on Wheels during the month of February. Women’s ministry is still in need of four volunteers to help deliver meals. Meals are distributed Monday thru Friday. Those of you who are already signed up...please be at the Senior Center at 11:15am to pick up your meals. If you would like to volunteer in this ministry please contact Sarah Lungren-347-3960.

MISSING CONTRIBUTION BOX
It’s the case of the missing contribution box. It was last seen on the table in the Narthex. The number… 67. The owner...Floyd and Jeannie Thompson. Seriously, I can’t seem to locate it anywhere around the church. It is a possibility that I misplaced it, but if someone accidentally picked it up, please bring it to the church office. I would appreciate it.

YOUTH BAKE SALE—THANK YOU!
Mark 4:3-8
A hearty thanks goes out to those who baked their wonderful goodies and to those who purchased and ate their scrumptious treats. Over $700 was raised for the youth. A big thanks to the ladies who helped price and set up. Thank you very much for contributing to this vital ministry!

DAN THIMELL
Former Pastor Dan Thimell lost his wife in September. Please keep him and his children (ranging in ages from 20-27) in your prayers. If you would like to send him a card of encouragement or an
uplifting phone call the information is as follows: Dan Thimell, 6127 S, 28th W. Ave., Tulsa, OK. 74132. (918) 408-2350.

THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY WILL MEET
This months Women’s Ministry meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 21st at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Some of the topics to be discussed are: March’s Spring Fling, Lenten Breakfast, and Beth Moore via satellite. We look forward to seeing you there!

THE COUCH’S THANK YOU“We so appreciate the prayers for Carol’s mom and stepfather. All surgeries went well and both are recovering nicely. Thanks, too, for remembering the girls and Carol in your prayers during their travels. For all those who showed such love to Pastor Steve by providing him a meal (or 2 or 3) we also say a big thank you”. The Couch Family

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
February 7, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes
*$3.00 per person or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

Worland After 5 Club
Monday February 12, 2007
Ranchito Restaurant
Dinner begins at 6:30, $7.00
Music: Worland High School Marshazz Choir
Directed by Cecile Wiechmann
Speaker: Georgia Leithead, Worland
Rides, Reservations, Childcare and Cancellations
Respond by February 8, 2007

ABOUT RALPH AND CAROLYN PARTELOW
This past Sunday we announced that the search committee and consistory was recommending Dr. Ralph Partelow as our candidate for senior pastor. Following is some background information on Ralph and Carolyn.
Dr. Ralph and Carolyn Partelow are no strangers to Zion. Ralph served Zion as senior pastor between 1993 and 1996 before he and Carolyn headed back to Kenya, E. Africa as full term missionaries in 1996. Ralph has had extensive experience as a pastor in several churches, as well as missionary teacher and administrator at Scott Theological College in Africa, and administrator/counselor in the AIM’s home office in Pearl River, New York. Before the Partelow’s service as missionaries in 1978, Ralph pastored the Fardale Chapel (independent) in Mahwah, New Jersey and St. John’s Reformed Church (independent) near Butler, Pennsylvania. More recently, Ralph served as senior pastor of the Lander Evangelical Free Church in Lander, Wyoming.
As Missionary seminary teacher, Ralph taught hundreds of African ministerial students as Scott Theological College (a private accredited Christian university in Machakos, Kenya) in homiletics, hermeneutics, theology and management. Carolyn also taught in the college’s women’s program in the earlier years. Though Carolyn is now wheelchair bound, she continues to read, loves to visit and is an avid prayer warrior. Twice, while in Africa, the President of Kenya visited Carolyn and Ralph at their home to especially thank Carolyn for faithfully praying for him everyday. Zion has supported the Partelow’s in the missionary work since they left Zion in 1996.
Ralph and Carolyn met in Bible College (Nyack College, Nyack, NY) where Ralph carried a dual major in music and theology until it became apparent that God’s call was definitely in the realm of pastoral work. Ralph still enjoys music, having studied both organ and piano, and loves using it in the church ministry. Ralph has completed two masters programs (Master of Professional Studies at Alliance Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity at Denver Seminary) and a Doctor of Ministry at Denver Seminary.
The Partelow’s currently reside in Delhi, New York where their ongoing ministry with Africa Inland Mission is based.
We, the search committee and consistory, encourage the members of Zion to set aside the weekend of March 18th for Ralph as he comes to candidate for the position of senior pastor.

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:48 AM | Comments (0)

February 01, 2007

THE ROCK UPDATE

THE ROCK UPDATE
UP & COMING
Feb 4th: Youth Bake Sale—Following Morning Worship
Girls Bible Study—3:00pm
Super Bowl Party—4:00pm

Feb 7th: Praise Jam—4:30pm
Jr. High Uth—6:30pm
Sr. High Uth—7:00pm

SUPER BOWL PARTY
Our Super Bowl Party this year is @ the Cloud’s! We will be meeting there @ 4:00 to stuff our face before the game starts. Please bring a friend & your appetite!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)

FROM THE COUCH

This past Sunday we installed the officers of the church for 2007. As I watched the officers of the consistory and women’s ministry take their vows, I couldn’t help but thank God for the unique gifts that I see in each one. As I looked out on each face in the congregation, I was equally grateful. If you read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, you will see that there are a variety of different spiritual gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives each of them. There are many different ways of serving God, but it is the same Lord who is served. God works through each person in a unique way, and His purpose is always accomplished through each work. And each of us is given a gift of the Spirit for the common good of all. That’s right – God has blessed you with a wonderful supernatural gift that is to be used to bring Him glory and to strengthen the body. Though we are each gifted in unique ways, each gift is equally important and necessary to the well being of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:15-26). Paul mentions several of these “unique” gifts in the Scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 12 he mentions some charismatic gifts, such as prophecy, healing, miracles, and tongues. He also mentions the gifts of administration and teaching. In Romans 12, he adds the gifts of encouragement, giving to meet the needs of others, mercy, and hospitality. Another important gift that he doesn’t mention is intercessory prayer.
Though each of these “unique” gifts is equally important to the church, Paul does set apart three gifts that we should all earnestly seek. He calls them “greater” gifts. They are the gifts of faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). While the other gifts are unique, faith, hope and love are common to everyone who belongs to Christ. With faith we can let go and trust Christ to be the shepherd of our lives, committing to Him our marriages, our children, our jobs and finances, our health, and our very souls. With hope, we can face today with a view toward eternity, knowing that Christ is coming and final victory over sin, death, and the schemes of the devil is sure. And with love, we have the greatest gift imaginable. With love, all of our other gifts work as they were designed to work. But without love, our other gifts aren’t worth much at all (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
I’m thankful that God has given you a unique gift to use for God’s glory and the building-up of the church. I’m also thankful that He has given each of you the “greater” gifts of faith, hope, and love. May the love of Christ which lives in you bring power and meaning to your lives this week. May you exercise your gifts in love, and may we all be strengthened as Christ works in and through you!
Pastor Steve

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE 1/31/07
The members of the Search Committee conducted phone interviews with two of the applicant on Saturday, January 27th and the other on Sunday, January 28th. A meeting will be held Wednesday, January 31st to further discuss the interviewees. No further update has been given at this date. Please know the congregation is encouraged to communicate verbally or in writing with the Search Committee members.

NEW : “HUGS FOR THE HEART” SMALL GROUP
Bible study for ALL ages! We will meet a Zion in room 206 on Thursday
February 8th at 9:00 am. If you have any questions please contact Jennifer
in the office or Debra Pompei at djpompei@cfaith.com

MEALS ON WHEELS CORRECTION!
Zion 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 Monday thru Friday throughout the entire month of February. Four volunteers are needed per week. If you would like to volunteer to help in any way please contact Sarah Lungren-347-3960. February is approaching quickly so call ASAP!
IT’S A GIRL!
Skip and Linda Crawford are proud to announce the birth of their granddaughter Emma Rea, born January 21, 2007 to parents Jacob and Cody Hardman. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. What a blessing!

FOOD BANK THANK YOU
Many thanks to your who have brought food and non perishable items for the Food Bank. About 65 families are served and greatly appreciate any and all donations. Please continue the help and I’ll see that it gets there. God’s Blessing to you! Helen Schoeler

VALENTINE BANQUET UPDATE
Women’s Ministry has agreed to have a Spring Fling instead of a Valentine Banquet this year. The Spring Fling is set for March 17, 2007. Stayed tuned for updates.

HEY! IT’S A YOUTH BAKE SALE!
This Sunday, February 4th there will be a bake sale immediately following Morning Worship in the Fellowship Hall. All goodies can be dropped off in the kitchen prior to the service. And remember all proceeds go to our youth, so bring your sweet tooth and pocket book.

Greetings from Kijabe,
I apologize for our lack of correspondence. I realized the other day that it’s been since Christmas since we've written and here we are chasing Valentines Day!!

Not to make excuses, but this term, as expected, has been an extremely busy one. In addition to our regular responsibilities, (the classroom and library) there have been many other things demanding our time.

Probably the most prominent of those is the junior/senior banquet. This is an event that takes place the middle of February, but the planning began back in September. Trying to organize 80 teenagers, in two hour blocks each week, to plan a dinner theater that includes everything from building the set, making the costumes, rehearsing the play, making the food, making table cloths and napkins, performing music, and keeping all the details together has been giving us something on the "to do" list nearly everyday. We are coming down to the end here in the next few weeks and it will get busier before it lets up in April. These two jobs by themselves would be sufficient for a goods nights sleep, but there are the other aspects of RVA that keep going as well. Brian and I continue to enjoy going to the children's home each week, we enjoyed a day working with our students in community service projects around the Kijabe area, I have been helping to officiate basketball, and there are always the normal things of "life" that keep us going in different directions.

But even with the craziness of the RVA schedule we enjoy the ministry that God has called us to and we are able to see beyond the frustrations and the schedules to see that God is at work in the lives of these kids. As demanding as the schedule is for us as adults, the kids (especially the juniors) are also struggling with getting balance in their academic, athletic, social, and spiritual lives. It’s getting to that part of the term where people, staff and students alike, are tired, and the light at the end of the tunnel is very small.

So we carry on with our responsibilities and pray that God will show us the attitude of Christ Jesus that we should have in all of our circumstances. We thank God for the days he gives us, the people we work with, and the beauty he surrounds us with. We pray that you too are able to seen the handiwork of God in your lives.

Blessings,
Alan and Sara

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
February 7, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Cheeseburger Soup, Wild Rice Soup,
Roman Salad, Rolls, and Dessert
*$3.00 per person or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)