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May 23, 2007
The Foundation Stone of Fellowship
Are we, the present day church, not to take our cues from the first church? Four foundation stones or pillars of the early church are unmistakably clear in Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Fellowship was, has been and is one of the most important aspects of church life. It happens wherever the church meets and its importance cannot be overstated.
One of the most fulfilling and productive ways to achieve fellowship or true koinonia in the church is through the “small group” or “fellowship group” ministry. In fact, during the centuries since Christ, whenever spiritual awakenings have occurred, fellowship or koinonia has been a significant result, wherein the Christian church has displayed repentance, confession of sin, love for one another, and care in burden-bearing. During the Wesleyan awakening in England in the 1700s evangelist George Whitefield wrote this to his converts, “My brethren, let us plainly and freely tell one another what God has done for our souls. To this end, you would do well, as others have done, to form yourselves into little companies of four or five each, and meet once a week to tell each other what is in your hearts; that you may then also pray for and comfort each other as need shall require. None but those who have experienced it can tell the unspeakable advantages of such a union and communion of souls. None, I think, that truly loves his own soul and his brethren as himself, will be shy of opening his heart, in order to have their advice, reproof, admonition and prayers, as occasions require. A sincere person will esteem it one of the greatest blessings.”
Zion is already blessed by a number of “small” or fellowship groups where teaching, caring, sharing and prayer are already happening. Praise God for this good thing that is happening among us. But many more of us could be involved and, so, we encourage all to consider attending an existing small group or beginning a new one. We would be delighted to assist wherever we can.
Not only is fellowship with other Christians in the church body fulfilling and productive, it is vital in establishing accountability with fellow believers and in bolstering our spiritual resistance against the insidious temptations of the evil one. It is said that during World War II, the enemy conducted experiences to discover the most effective way to
elicit information from prisoners. They found that solitary confinement was the most effective. After a few days of solitary confinement, most men would tell all. This is why we need fellowship. Without it we unnecessarily become easy prey for harmful temptations and “the abandonment of our values” (Michael P. Green).
A foundation stone of the present church, as it was of the first church, continues to be fellowship. Join us this Sunday when we learn from Scripture how we can keep the koinonia.
Blessings,
Pastor Ralph Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)
THE BUZZ AT ZION
WORKERS NEEDED
A HUGE thank you goes out to all the people who made this year’s Wednesday Night Dinners such
a great success. We are all a few pounds heavier thanks to your scrumptious meals! Without your hard work we would “have to cook on Wednesdays”, so we are grateful. There is a need of 2 more workers to work one day a month for the 07-08 crew. Please know if we do not have these slots filled WE WILL NOT HAVE MEALS! If you would like to volunteer to fill a slot, PLEASE let Denise Cloud know ASAP! You can reach her at 347-8447. If she is not home, please leave a message.
CHECK OUT OUR LIBRARY!
There are great books on all kinds of topics: faith, leadership, love, parenting, spirituality, and lots more! There is an entire selection of adult and juvenile Christian fiction too. So, check out a “good read” from your church library today!
BOOK REVIEWS
How to be a Christ Shaped Family Non Fiction
By Myron & Ester Augsburger
She is a sculptor and he is president of the Christian College Coalition. Their book is for all who are shaping a family now, or who plan to someday. This book will help you evaluate your own priorities and make practical applications in your home.
Shepherding a Child’s Heart Non Fiction
By Tedd Tripp
The revised edition comes after 10 years of teaching this material in conferences worldwide. Luke 6:45 says “...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child’s heart as they journey the paths of life. Clear, biblical, and practical teaching.
Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life Non Fiction
By Charles R. Swindoll
Centered around the four seasons of the year, this book brings encouragement, nourishment, and motivation to aid in becoming a stronger Christian. There are 144 short readings with Scriptures to help you learn and grow.
“ HUGS FOR THE HEART” BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
Hugs for the heart Bible Study will begin meeting again at Zion in room 206 beginning on Thursday, May 31st at 9:00am. The study will be lead by Debra Pompei and will meet monthly. If you have any questions, please contact Debra via email at djpompei@cfaith.com. Come and be refreshed!!!
FRIENDSHIP/MEMBERSHIP CLASS
BEGINS June 10th at 9:15 a.m. during Sunday School-For all who are interested in joining Zion
-For any who simply wish to find out more about our church
The class consists of six one hour sessions in which you’ll have opportunity to fellowship with others, learn about the church’s history, hear about the church’s ministries, meet the leaders, study the church’s statement of faith and share your own walk of faith.
If interested in attending, please speak to the pastor as soon as possible.
Classes led by Pastor Partelow and Dan Scheuerman
WORLAND VBS
Thank you to all who have contributed to this years’ VBS. I know it will be an awesome fun-filled week for all who attend. We are still in need of a few items to make our set complete. If you are able to contribute please let me know ASAP. I will be on vacation May 30th - June 8th, so I need as many loose ends tied up as possible. Thank you so much!
We are STILL in need of: *4 beach chairs *20+ sand buckets *1-2 water coolers Items will be used for props and decoration only! If you are willing, please have all items marked with your name so we may return them to you (in one piece) once VBS is finished. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer either at the church 347-2266, or at home 347-9358. Thanks again!
VBS PRAYER NEEDS
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have kept our Vacation Bible School in your prayers. Melissa Hefenieder will be leading a prayer time on Sundays at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary starting this Sunday until our Navajo Mission crew returns from Blue Gap, AZ on June 23rd. Some of our current prayer needs are as follows:
The Lord to prepare the hearts of the children and volunteers.
That He will cover every minute detail
Wisdom and clarity as we continue to plan and prepare
Good weather
Thank you! I will keep you posted with future updates. God’s blessings! Jennifer
NAVAJO VBS UPDATE
Praise God! He has provided us with all the team members that were needed and an extra van! The vans are not full though if you still feel a prompting to go with us. We are still need of meat for the many meals Jackie & Jodie will be cooking, and an 8-10 foot trailer for supplies and luggage Please let Khela know if you are able to help us out in any way. Thank you very much!
COOKIE THANKS
Women’s Ministry,
Thank you to all that participated in helping with the packages sent to us college kids. As everyone else has already mentioned, they were very much appreciated. Receiving something from home definitely takes your mind off the craziness down here. So again, thank you very much.
In God’s Name,
David Schneider
OPEN HOUSE
WE INVITE YOU
TO OUR OPEN HOUSE
AT 1416 CIRCLE ROAD
SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2007, 2 – 4 P.M.
Please stop in to visit us for a few minutes on
June 3rd for some fellowship and treats.
We’d love to get to know you better. Hope to see you then!
Pastor Ralph and Carolyn Partelow
FARMERS MARKET
Farmer’s Market will continue throughout the summer as produce is ready. The ladies are more than willing to make jams and jelly’s, but are in need of some jelly jars. Should you have any lying around and would like to donate them, please let Pat Wiseman know.
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2007
THE BUZZ AT ZION
VBS NEEDS
For the past few weeks I’ve informed you of our exciting Vacation Bible School, Take the Plunge. Now I’m calling on you for help. As you may know the setting of this year’s VBS is a water park.
We are in need of:
2 brown tarps, (to simulate sand)
5 beach towels
4 beach chairs
20+ sand buckets
2 beach umbrellas
10+ Water noodles
2-3 water coolers
Anything beach related you feel comfortable letting us use for the week of June 11-15.
Items will be used for props and decoration only! If you are willing, please have all items marked with your name so we may return them to you (in one piece) once VBS is finished. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer either at the church 347-2266, or at home 347-9358. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!
VBS PRAYER NEEDS
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have kept our Vacation Bible School in your prayers. Melissa Hefenieder will be heading a prayer time on Sundays at 6:30 in the Sanctuary starting this Sunday until our Navajo Mission crew returns from Blue Gap AZ on June 23rd. Some of our current prayer needs are as follows:
The Lord to prepare the hearts of the children and volunteers.
That He will cover every minute detail
Wisdom and clarity as we continue to plan and prepare
Good weather
Thank you! I will keep you posted with future updates. God’s blessings! Jennifer
NAVAJO VBS UPDATE
Praise God! He has provided us with all the team members that were needed and an extra van! The vans are not full though if you still feel a prompting to go with us. We are still need of an 8-10 foot trailer for supplies and luggage and meat for the many meals Jackie & Jodie will be cooking. Please let Khela know if you are able to help us out in any way. Thank you very much!
WORKERS NEEDED
A HUGE thank you goes out to all the people who made this year’s Wednesday Night Dinners such a great success. We are all a few pounds heavier thanks to your scrumptious meals! Without your hard work we would “have to cook on Wednesdays”, so we are grateful. There is a need of 2 more workers to work one day a month for the 07-08 crew. Please know if we do not have these slots filled WE WILL NOT HAVE MEALS! If you would like to volunteer to fill a slot, PLEASE let Denise Cloud know ASAP! You can reach her at 347-8447. If she is not home, please leave a message.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY MEETING
This month’s Women’s Ministry meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Some of the topics to be discussed are:
Family Picnic Day~ July 8th
Nursing Home Birthday Party
Father’s Day Breakfast
We look forward to seeing you there!
6 EXTRA WOMEN OF FAITH TICKETS
If you didn’t have the time to order tickets for this years’ Women of Faith Conference in Billings, no worries. There are two ladies you can contact to get them. Tammy DeCroo currently has 4 tickets and Judy Brewster has 2 tickets. You can contact Tammy at 347-4094 and Judy at 347-9286.
CONGRATULATIONS GRADS
Congratulations go out to all of our high school and college graduates for their hard work and determination in reaching this milestone in life. We would like to recognize them and their parents and let them know that we are proud of them!
Our 2007 graduates are:
Ryan Apland, grandson of Pat Apland
Jesse Busch, son of Grace Busch
Austin Brookwell, son of Roger & Barbie Brookwell
Bryce Cullins, son of Tom & Crystal Bancroft
Sarah Garnett, daughter of Pastor Dan & Nora Garnett
Jamie Jackson, daughter of Matt & Cheryl Jackson
Jacob King, son of Darrell & Penny King
Stephanie Kiracofe, daughter of Steve & Sue Kiracofe
Jordan McKamey, son of Dick & Liisa McKamey
Lissy Miller, daughter of Dave & Sally Miller
Joey Miller, son of Jim & Shellie Miller
Urja Patel, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Patel
PRAYER CHAIN REPORT FOR - APRIL 2007
We did not have many requests for prayer during the month of April, which was nice. I just hope we continue to have few requests during the month of May.
2nd – Ray Face – Blood clot in lungs. Has cancer of the liver. Please keep him in prayer.
Sam Dweek – lives in Texas. Fell off a 10 foot ladder. Has a double skull fracture. Is in ICU. Pray for a speedy recovery. This is a friend of Sandi Mischke’s daughter.
12th – Update on Esther Buckman. Had a chemo treatment in Billings on April 3rd and 10th. Following second treatment they did a test and said no cancer in bone nor in brain. Tom Buckman, her husband, had surgery to repair damage he had done to his wrist. He is doing okay.
21st – LeRoy Fabricius - back in the hospital. He was unable to get out of bed, so took him to hospital. They did a number of tests to see why he was having so much pain. Update – they determined he has rheumatoid arthritis. He is on medication and is backup getting around. He has appointment in June with an Arthritis Doctor in Billings. Pray that they will be able to help him.
Verna Schaffer – Ruth Lungren’s sister, who lives in Scotts-
Bluff, Nebraska. She has diabetes, but they found a blood clot behind her eye. She had an appointment to have a MRI. Pray that the clot does not move. Update – The clot has not moved. She will be going in for further tests to see where the blood came from that caused the clot.
Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God’s own time—
To lift the cross we bear.
WHEN WE PRAY, GOD WRAPS US IN HIS LOVING A
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:26 PM | Comments (0)
Move On With God
Graduation is a time for moving on. It’s almost a rite of passage, at least from high school to full time employment or on to college. The graduation ceremony, though a formality to recognize the accomplishment of graduates, can sometimes be a defining moment. Cap and gown signify a transition from past to future. One graduate standing in line behind me at a seminary graduation years ago, said, “I can’t figure out how I got to this point. I can’t remember anything I’ve learned. It scary thinking about the next phase of my life!”
Last Sunday we examined the 2 Timothy 1:1-7 passage from the standpoint of what a tremendous influence mothers, parents, and guardians are in the raising of their children. However, in a sense, that same passage could be viewed as a kind of graduation challenge to Timothy. Paul challenges the young Christian servant with these words: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Is Paul not encouraging Timothy to move on with God, to develop his ministry gifts for service, and to move on with faith and the confidence that God is with him.
This is moving on time for graduates. May all whose accomplishments we recognize this Sunday not only bask in the glow of a job well done, but see the transition to the future as a challenge to move on with God in desiring a deeper relationship with Jesus and developing their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities for service to the Him. Wise Solomon counsels, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come. . .” (Eccl. 12:1).
I graduated from high school with forty eight other students in our small upstate town in New York. Six of us, attending the same church, were recognized that Sunday in the worship service and given a small plaque with an inscription that has encouraged and challenged me since that day. The writing by M. L. Haskins is an exhortation to move on with God and to trust Him with the future, whatever it may hold. “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, give me a light that I might tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
Please join us this Sunday to celebrate with our graduates as we recognize their achievement and encourage them to move on with God.
Pastor Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:20 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2007
FROM THE COUCH
The “Word” Most Beautiful!
Words like “lovely,” “pretty,” and “beautiful,” are adjectives which describe people, places and things that bring joy and sunshine into our lives. Beauty for one person is not necessarily beauty for another. An artist may see beauty in a landscape that may totally elude everyone else around him. A cattle rancher may see beauty in a prize bull that may not be totally appreciated by others except his peers. In Pennsylvania one time I visited a farmer just at the moment his new tractor was being delivered. When it rolled off the flatbed, he exclaimed, “that’s just about the prettiest little thing I’ve ever seen.” His wife standing nearby, muttered, “I wish he would say that about me!”
The Biblical writers were selective in their use of “beautiful,” employing the word to describe people, beasts, or feet that carried the Good News, human apparel, landscapes, and more. A classic reference is Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Something beautiful is that which brings enjoyment, blessing and delight to our lives. In Philippians 4:7, Paul uses a synonym for “beautiful” in this exhortation: “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on such things.” To appreciate beauty, wherever it is found, is a virtue!
Despite differences we may have in what to call beautiful, I think there is wide agreement with the sentiments of one, who said, “the most beautiful word in the world is Mother.” She is described as such for her industrious nature, incredible energy, matchless wisdom, undying care, unconditional love and depth of faith. Godly mothers everywhere bear these marks. Years ago, during our fourth term of service as missionary teachers at a seminary in Africa, two brothers were graduating the same day. They had been raised by a single mother who had worked tirelessly doing the most difficult and menial tasks to pay for her sons’ education. The most anticipated day of her life was marked by a tragedy that none of us present at the time will forget. Just before the graduation ceremony, the mother was leaving her home when she attempted to pick up a rope that was crossing the path. Her poor eyesight failed to notice that the rope was a deadly poisonous spitting cobra that immediately bit her several times. She was rushed to the local hospital where an antidote was injected and her life was spared. When her sons were called to come forward to receive their degrees, they stood at the podium together and paid this tribute to their mom, yet in the hospital: “Mom, these degrees are a credit to your hard work, daily encouragement and faithful prayers. Mom, you are the greatest.”
To all who are called “Mother” this Mother’s day, we pay tribute to you. You are the greatest! Happy Mother’s Day. Please join us this Sunday for a special service to honor all mothers.
Pastor Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)
THE BUZZ AT ZION
VBS PRAYER NEEDS
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have kept our Vacation Bible School in your prayers. The Lord is doing some great things! I’ve had several people ask me how they can pray for the Bible school and I felt the best way to inform you is through the Newsletter. Some of our needs are as follows:
The Lord to prepare the hearts of the children and volunteers.
That He will cover every minute detail
Wisdom and clarity as we continue to plan and prepare
Good weather
God will call forth the volunteers we still need and supplies.
Thank you! I will keep you posted with future updates. God’s blessings! Jennifer
2nd ANNUAL FLEE PARTY THANKS
Thanks goes heavenward first to a loving, generous, ever-bestowing-blessings, forever-answering prayers, awesome God! Second, deep thanks to our church family who supplied all the earthly needs for the sale. Because of your generosity, support, participation and prayers, the sale and the Lungren ladies delicious fresh Grebbles together brought in a total of $2600! What a fellowship, what a love divine! The Family Life Center received $2000 and the 2007 Navajo trip received $600. May God be honored and glorified by his servants. In Jesus’ love, Karen and Sandi
WORKERS NEEDED
A HUGE thank you goes out to all the people who made this year’s Wednesday Night Dinners such a great success. We are all a few pounds heavier thanks to your scrumptious meals! Without your hard work we would “have to cook on Wednesdays”, so we are grateful. There is a need of 2 more workers to work one day a month for the 07-08 crew. Please know if we do not have these slots filled WE WILL NOT HAVE MEALS! If you would like to volunteer to fill a slot, PLEASE let Denise Cloud know ASAP! You can reach her at 347-8447. If she is not home, please leave a message.
CHECK OUT OUR LIBRAY!
There are great books on all kinds of topics: faith, leadership, love, parenting, spirituality, and lots more! There is an entire selection of adult and juvenile Christian fiction too. So, check out a “good read” from your church library today!
BOOK REVIEWS
Honey for a Child’s Heart –Non Fiction
By Gladys Hunt
Children and books go together in a special way, but not without and introduction. In this book the author shares the treasure she has found in the Bible and in literature. Honey for the Heart will guide you to the best in the book world for your child’s development.
Kidnapped by River Rats - Juvenile Fiction
By Dave and Neta Jackson
Set in the 1880’s, Jack and Amy go to London looking for their uncle. Trying to live on the streets is frightening and dangerous especially with those strange Salvation Army people! Can General and Catherine Booth be trusted? What hope do Jack and Amy have when ruthless men come after them? A thrilling adventure story for young readers, ages 8-12, meeting Christian heroes of the past.
ONE LAST THANKS
Dear Zion Church,
I would like to take the time to thank you for the care package with all the fantastic goodies in it! It really made my day. Thank you! Casey Lass
SHARED GRATITUDE
Dear Zion Family,
I shared with you on Sunday the song our African students always sang to us upon our return to Scott Theological College in Kenya (we served six two year terms there): “We are together again just praising the Lord; we are together again in one accord. Something good is going to happen; something good is in store. We are together again just praising the Lord.” That captures our sentiments and anticipation in trusting God for His leading and blessing together. Thank you for calling us back to your dynamic church family, for cleaning, cooking food, lifting boxes, and for visiting and praying. You are absolutely the greatest and our door is
ALWAYS open to you.
With our love and prayer,
Pastor Ralph and Carolyn Partelow
ATF UPDATE
Hey Ya’ll
Well it has been an interesting, stretching and God-filled last few months. The Lord has guided me through it all and I thank you for your prayers. I went to the Kansas City Acquire the Fire event in April. We spent 8 months calling and saw over six thousand youth experience God! It was amazing!! Now, I’m calling youth that went to the ATF events this year who wanted to go on a summer Missions trip. It is so cool to see how the Lord provides as these youth sign up for missions this late in the year. All of their finances come in out of what appears to be “nowhere”, and we know that it is totally God! I wanted to thank you all for the prayers and support that you gave. Over 200,000 youth experienced God at an ATF event. Thousands of youth will be sent overseas to spread the Gospel in 26 different countries!! In the last Newsletter, I talked about going to a Bethany College of Missions in Minnesota. I also wanted to stay a second year with Teen Mania Ministries. Well, both of these prayers were answered! I was accepted to go to Bethany, and also stay a second year with Teen Mania as a Graduate Intern. That means I will be helping the new “Honor Academy North”, which is just like the one here in Texas, but it is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. I am so thankful you have all been an important part of this year. I’m equally glad to hear that Sarah has raised all her tuition money! I wish I could describe what a privilege and blessing it is for interns and graduate interns here at Teen Mania Ministries to be able to reach thousands of teens throughout the world, for Christ!!
Thank you all for sending Sarah and me to the Honor Academy!! You are instrumental in reaching a lost teen world with the gospel of Jesus Christ! It’s a blessing that words cannot describe!
Consumed by the Call,
Mattie Brill
6 EXTRA WOMEN OF FAITH TICKETS
If you didn’t have the time to order tickets for this years’ Women of Faith Conference in Billings, no worries. There are two ladies you can contact to get them. Tammy DeCroo currently has 4 tickets and Judy Brewster has 2 tickets. You can contact Tammy at
347-4094 and Judy at 347-9286.
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:20 PM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2007
THE BUZZ AT ZION
WORLAND VBS
For the past three weeks I’ve informed you of our exciting Vacation Bible School, Take the Plunge. Now I’m calling on you for help. As you may know the setting of this year’s VBS is a water park. We are in need of brown tarps, (to simulate sand) beach towels, beach chairs, sand buckets, beach umbrellas, water coolers, or anything beach related you feel comfortable letting us use for the week of June 11-15. Items will be used for props and decoration only! If you are willing, please have all items marked with your name so we may return them to you (in one piece) once VBS is finished. If you have any questions please contact Jennifer either at the church 347-2266 or at home 347-9358.
VBS PRAYER NEEDS
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have kept our Vacation Bible School in your prayers. The Lord is doing some great things! I’ve had several people ask me how they can pray for the Bible school and I felt the best way to inform you is through the Newsletter. Some of our needs are as follows:
1. The Lord to prepare the hearts of the children and workers.
2. That He will cover every minute detail
3. Wisdom and clarity as we continue to plan and prepare
4. Good weather
Thank you! I will keep you posted with further updates. God’s blessings! Jennifer
2nd ANNUAL FLEE PARTY-THIS WEEK!!!!
Friday, May 4th– 12:00-7:00pm and Saturday, May 5th - 8:00-1:00pm
All items need to be brought as soon as possible. If you donate large items that remain unsold, we ask that you pick them up after the sale is closed on Saturday. Also, we would greatly appreciate any and all kinds of physical help on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thanks to all who participated in any way. May God’s family be blessed!
CHECK OUT OUR LIBRARY!
There are great books on all kinds of topics: faith, leadership, love, parenting, spirituality, and lots more! There is an entire selection of adult and juvenile Christian fiction, too. So, check out a “good read” from your church library today!
WORKERS NEEDED
A HUGE thank you goes out to all the people who made this year’s Wednesday Night Dinners such a great success. We are all a few pounds heavier thanks to your scrumptious meals! Without your hard work we would “have to cook on Wednesdays”, so we are grateful. There is a need of 3-4 more workers for the 07-08 crew. Please know if we do not have these slots filled WE WILL NOT HAVE MEALS! If you would like to volunteer to fill a slot, PLEASE let Denise Cloud know ASAP! You can reach her at 347-8447. If she is not home, please leave a message.
WOMEN OF THE WORD SUMMER SCHEDULE
WOW Bible study on May 8th will meet at 10:00am for a brunch at Donna Jones’ house. Beginning on May 15th WOW will meet at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall for the remainder of the summer. If you have any questions please feel free to call Donna at 347-6299.
DIANA NAPPER
Former member Diana Napper passed away April 3, 2007 of cancer in Woodland, California. Please keep her husband, Jack Napper, in your prayers. If you would like to send him a card of encouragement or an uplifting phone call, the information is as follows:
Jack Napper
420 W. Southwood Drive
Woodland, California 95695
(530) 662-4541
MORE THANKS
Dear Women of Zion,
Thank you so much for the cookies. They are delicious! It is so encouraging to know I have a supportive church family.
Ericka Martinson
Dear Zion Church Ladies,
Thank you so much for the care package. It’s nice to know there are people thinking of me and giving me encouragement. All the cookies were outstanding! Thanks again.
Love,
Steve Snyder
Dear Zion Lutheran Church,
Thank you for the brownies and cookies. They were much needed down here! Thanks again!
Shaun DuPree
SINCERE THANKS
We would like to thank everyone for their kindness during Jake’s illness and throughout his Memorial Service. The cards, food, and phone calls were very much appreciated.
Ruby Yakel, Brenda Jacober, Jane Yakel and families.
BAKE SALE THANKS!
Dear Church Family, What a wonderful gift you all gave last Sunday at the Bake Sale. More than $1,132 was raised, which put me over the top for my Honor Academy tuition. Because of your generous support, I now have my tuition paid for the entire year!
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. (Phil1:3)
Thank You so much,
Sarah Garnett
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:50 PM | Comments (0)
FROM THE COUCH
National Day Of Prayer
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet livesin all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
If you are reading this on Thursday, then today is the annual National Day of Prayer. It is a day when we are called to set aside some special time to pray for our nation and her leaders. As I look around at our culture, I’m convinced that every day should be a national day of prayer for Christians in the United States. We desperately need the Gospel to penetrate the hearts and minds of American people and be salt and light to American culture.
Today is set aside for us to cry out to our great God and ask Him to bring blessing, healing, forgiveness, and protection to our nation. This is nothing new. National prayer is something that is woven into the fabric of American history and has become the foundation of our greatness. In 1775, the First Continental Congress sent out a plea to the colonies to pray for wisdom and guidance in seeking independence from England. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln made a National Proclamation of Prayer and Repentance. In it, he wrote these words - “We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” In 1952, a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer. Ronald Reagan amended it in 1988 to be held on the First Thursday of May each year. So you see that national prayer has been a big part of the life of our nation from the beginning. I think that it’s important to keep this perspective as we see how some in government and popular culture strive to remove this Christian heritage from the world around us. We can’t forget these words - “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Let’s join together today and every day in acknowledging this great God who liberated us not only from the tyranny and oppression of a king, but also from the chains of sin and death through our Savior Jesus Christ. May the Lord hear our humble prayers, forgive us for our sins, rain down blessings on our lives, and may He continue to uphold our nation with His mighty Right Hand for all generations until Christ returns.
Pastor Couch
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:48 PM | Comments (0)