Newsletter: January 2008 Archives

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January 30, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

COORDINATOR NEEDED
Due to health concerns Denise Cloud will be resigning as the Wednesday Night Dinner coordinator. She will continue through the remainder of this year, but a replacement will be needed soon after. If you are interested in taking on this much appreciated ministry, please contact either Sarah Lungren
(347-3960) or Denise Cloud (347-8447) as soon as you can. Thank you Denise for your years of faithful service.

MEALS ON WHEELS
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, February 4th - 29th. Four volunteers are needed per week. If you would like to volunteer to help in any way please contact Sarah Lungren-347-3960. Sarah is in desperate need of volunteers. Please call ASAP!

Men’s Breakfast
Men’s Breakfast and Bible study has resumed. Join us each Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 am. We have started a new study in Book of Job. All men in the church are welcomed and encouraged to come.

2008 BUDGET APPROVED
We praise the Lord for the wonderful congregational meeting on January 20 at which 135 voting members attended to approve the 2008 budget of $440,621.00 A blessing for our church is that a little more than 25% is going to Missions, both domestic and foreign, meaning that Zion is touching lives for Jesus Christ around the world. May God enable all of us to give as we are able to meet or even surpass our goal, as we did in 2007.

LENTEN SERVICES
Lenten Services will begin Wednesday, February 6th starting at 7:00 pm. The services will continue each Wednesday until March 12th. 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.

The Sunday School Contest is well underway. Our recent attendance has grown approximately 39%! That’s AWESOME! That averages 139 members in Sunday School each Sunday! Way to go! Our goal, as you know, is 208 and I know we can do it. We have 6 Sunday’s left and in order for Steve to preach in Swahili we need to hit that number THREE times. So let’s make the next three Sundays count by reaching 208 in 2008!
~Jennifer
Remember:
Sunday School - It’s For Life!
See you Sunday morning!

WE HAVE A NEW BUS!
A 1996 Bluebird 72 passenger bus has been purchased for the church by an anonymous donor. The cost for the bus was $6,750.00. If you would like to donate to offset this cost, please specify “bus” on the memo line of your contribution.
Thank you so much for your support!

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A FRIEND LIKE YOU
Umakant Gupta
Everyone should have a friend like you
You are so much fun to be with
And you are such a good person
You crack me up with laughter
And touch my heart with your kindness
You have a wonderful ability
To know when to offer advice
And when to sit in quiet support time after time
You've come to my rescue
And brightened so many of my routine days
And time after time I've realized how fortunate
I am that my life includes you
I really do believe that
Everybody should have a friend like you
But so far it looks like
You are one of a kind!

Friendship Sunday is February 10th!
Don’t forget to invite a friend to
Sunday School and Morning Worship

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

IMAGINE THIS!
James King, a missionary in Africa, once told this amazing true story. An African woman faithfully attended every service of the church and was accompanied by an old, mongrel dog. As the woman entered the church, the dog would enter with her and sit beside her during the service. She always sat on an outside seat beside the aisle. At the conclusion of the service, when the invitation was given for folks to come up front to pray, the woman would always come and kneel at the altar for prayer and the dog would faithfully take his place beside her.
     The woman’s husband, a cruel man, deeply resented her devotion to Christ and one day beat her so severely that she died. So hateful was he that he even denied his wife a Christian burial. After the woman’s death and burial, only the husband and the dog were left in the house. But the man noticed that the dog
disappeared every Wednesday night about 7:00 and didn’t reappear for about two hours. Every Sunday morning the dog would disappear for a couple of hours, as well.
     One day the man’s curiosity was aroused so he followed the dog to see where he went. Hurrying to keep up, the man followed the dog to a little church and watched as the dog took his seat on the aisle while the service went on. At the close of the service the dog went to the altar and took his place where his wife had prayed. The man became so moved in his spirit by what he saw that he, too, went forward and gave his life to Christ. Now the dog comes to church with a new master.
     Imagine, that a woman’s example led to a dog’s devotion which led to a husband’s amazing conversion to Christ. Imagine this! Your faithfulness to Sunday School and Worship is setting an example for others to follow which will produce eternal results!
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)

January 23, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

Adult Sunday School ClassesPHILIPPIANS- “Running The Race With Joy”
with Pastor Couch In the Sanctuary
Life is like a marathon. Sometimes, we find ourselves wishing that we were at an easier or more interesting point in the race. In the Book of Philippians, we find the secret to joy and contentment in the race of life, regardless of the circumstances. If you desire overflowing joy, hope for the future, a peace beyond understanding, and lasting contentment, then Philippians is the book for you! Please join us this Sunday as we learn together how to “run the race with joy.”

MEMBERSHIP/FRIENDSHIP CLASS
with Pastor Partelow, in the Pastor’s Office
This Sunday, representatives from all the church ministries will be on hand to share and answer any of your questions. Come join us!

A.B.B.A (A Band of Brothers Advancing)
with Mark Hansen in the Chapel
Discussions explore Christian fatherhood and male leadership as our Heavenly Abba and our Lord Jesus’ leadership shows. We will support and instruct one another from the Bible in how to be the men our heavenly ABBA wants us to be. This time focuses on men becoming Godly Gentlemen in the manner of Our Lord, using strength under control to benefit those we love. ABBA is a ministry by and for men of ALL ages
**Nursery available during Sunday School hour**

MEALS ON WHEELS
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, February 4th - 29th. 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!

LIBRARY NEWS
As Iron Sharpens Iron
By Howard & William Hendricks
Forget the idea of the old western hero riding off into the sunset. As Christians, we support one another and men are no exception. This book stresses the need for men to hammer out the nitty-gritty issues of life together through mentoring one another and seeking guidance from a Christian brother. As Iron Sharpens Iron will challenge and motivate you to lift up your brother.
Come check it out. It’s on your church library!

MEET THE TAYLORS
Come this Sunday and meet Jason and Amanda Taylor, who are visiting Zion from Tennessee to consider the position of
Minister of Youth and Worship.
Please make them feel welcome.

LENTEN SERVICES BEGIN
Lenten Services will begin Wednesday, February 6th starting at 7:00 pm. The services will continue each Wednesday until March 12th. 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.

Thank You!
Dear Zion,
I want to thank you all for your prayers and support during my struggles to literally “get back on my feet”. Also, thanks to Pastors Ralph and Steve, along with others, for their visits and for the cards of support from everyone else. Progress is slow but I remain hopeful and have put my trust in Jesus to deal with whatever comes next; He is definitely in control.
In Christ’s Love,
Don Rabun.

Thanking You For
Your Servant Heart...
We bid a gracious farewell to
Lowell Peterson and John Snyder for their years of service to Zion on the Consistory.Your leadership is much appreciated.
Thank you John and Lowell!

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Rachel Scheuerman and her family has they mourn the passing of Jake Scheuerman.

Chancel Choir
ATTENTION ALL WHO SING:
Chancel Choir practices will resume on Wednesday, January 30th at 7:00 pm Please come and join us as we prepare our voices to worship the King!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
February 6, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Chili, Cornbread, Veggie Tray,
and Red Tart Cherri Pie.
***$3.00 per adult, $2.00 per child (3-10)
or $12.00 per family (that includes all
children under 18)***
Come join in the fellowship and fun!
NOTICE:
Before taking out any contained food, (i.e. to-go-boxes or left over food) please see Denise or the Team Leader.

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

Let Your Light Shine

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they
may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

It is a joy to see more and more making a commitment to honoring God with their presence on Sunday mornings for Sunday School and Worship. Each person brings a special light to the whole as he or she joins with the rest. Light reflects from each one’s face and clothing, in joining with the rest, to create a masterpiece of vibrant and living color every Sunday morning. Excitement, warmth, joy and hope are generated every time we meet. God planned it that way and that is why the writer of Hebrews, under the direction of God’s Spirit, wrote, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

There is a legend of a village in Southern Europe that boasted of a church called “The House of Many Lamps.” When it was built in the sixteenth century, the architect provided for no light except for a receptacle at every seat for the placing of a lamp. Each Sunday night, as the people gathered, they would bring their lanterns and slip them into the bracket at their seat. When someone stayed away, his place would be dark; and if very many stayed away, the darkness became greater for the whole. It was the regular presence of each person that lit up the church. Likewise, it is our regular attendance to Sunday School and Worship that lights up our classrooms and Sanctuary each Sunday morning. The light of Jesus in your life and mine brings untold encouragement to the rest when we are present to learn, pray, praise, and fellowship.

Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

January 16, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
PHILIPPIANS- “Running The Race With Joy”
with Pastor Couch In the Sanctuary
Life is like a marathon. Sometimes, we find ourselves wishing that we were at an easier or more interesting point in the race. In the Book of Philippians, we find the secret to joy and contentment in the race of life, regardless of the circumstances. If you desire overflowing joy, hope for the future, a peace beyond understanding, and lasting contentment, then Philippians is the book for you! Please join us this Sunday as we learn together how to “run the race with joy.”

MEMBERSHIP/FRIENDSHIP CLASS
with Pastor Partelow, in the Pastor’s Office
This Sunday, is the second of five classes, we will be discussing the very important topic of Zion’s
doctrinal statement. Come join us!

A.B.B.A (A Band of Brothers Advancing)
with Mark Hansen in the Chapel
Discussions explore Christian fatherhood and male leadership as our Heavenly Abba and our Lord Jesus’ leadership shows. We will support and instruct one another from the Bible in how to be the men our heavenly ABBA wants us to be. This time focuses on men becoming Godly Gentlemen in the manner of Our Lord, using strength under control to benefit those we love. ABBA is a ministry by and for men of ALL ages
**Nursery available during Sunday School hour**

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO BE HELD
Final Notice
The Annual Meeting has been scheduled for January 20th, immediately following Morning Worship in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided.
The nominees for Consistory are:
Elders
Dan Hampton, Rick Brill ,Bob Hefenieder
Deacons
Darrell Schneider-Financial Secretary, Dave Pompei
Vance Lungren Jr., Matthew Herrmann
Reports are published and ready for your reviewing. Please note that the nursery will be available during the meeting. There will also be an activity for the older children in the Chapel.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Due to the annual meeting, we asked that ALL announcements during Morning Worship be as minimal as possible to allow more time for the meeting.. Thank You!

MONTHLY MEETING
This month’s Women’s Ministry meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to see you there!

LIBRARY NEWS
Teach Me Your Ways, by Kay Arthur
Could you be in need of a personal bible study this year? Teach Me Your Ways is available to you! It’s a study of the first five books of the Bible complete with questions to answer. If you made a New Year’s resolution regarding the study of the Word, this might be the tool you need. Come check it out!
It’s in your Church Library!

CONTRIBUTION BOXES
Just a friendly reminder that your contribution boxes are in the Narthex in alphabetical order. If you have given to the church in the past year, there is a box for you. The purpose of the envelopes is to help keep track of giving. I will leave them in the Narthex till this Sunday, after that I will hunt you down and give them to you.☺ Or you can come and pick them up in the office. ~ Jennifer

BOUCHARD UPDATE
Many people are wondering what's happening in Kenya now that we seem to be experiencing a relative calm and we are out of the US News headlines. We are indeed thankful for the past week of peace and calm around the country and things seem to be getting back to sense of normal. This upcoming week should be a telling week. After failed attempts by a US envoy, and the chairman of the African Union to bring the two side to talk and settled their differences, Kofi Anan will be coming to Kenya to try to settle the dispute. In the mean time president Kibaki has called for the opening of parliament on Tuesday and the opposition has called for mass action protests around the country to "show Kofi Anan and the world extent to which Kenyans are upset" Their doesn't seem to be any indication of the two sides coming to an agreeable solution anytime in the near future. We ask that you continue to pray for the country of Kenya and the leadership. As for us here at Kijabe and RVA we are safe and out of harms way in Kijabe, but getting our students here safely is the question. We are scheduled to start school on Saturday the 19th. We pray that things would remain peaceful enough that everyone could travel to RVA safely and we could be back to "normal" Again thank you for your prayers and concern.
Blessings,
Alan and Sara

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

Tribute to a Sunday School Teacher
One of the most striking memories I have as a teenager is the dedication and faithfulness of my Sunday School teacher. Harris Snowdon worked in a rubber factory who ended his nightly shift around 7:00 a.m. every day, including Sundays. Harris would come home on a Sunday morning, clean up, eat breakfast, review the Sunday School lesson and head 15 miles to church to arrive by 9:30. He was never late and he was never absent. His calling in life, according to his own assessment, was to teach our teens Sunday School class of six guys. Each one of us was special to Harris. We didn’t know it at the time, of course, but found out about fifteen years later. It was while I was doing deputation for missionary service in 1978, and visiting my home church where Harris was still teaching Sunday School, though now retired from working in the rubber factory, that he handed me a piece of paper after the service with the names of all six of our original classmates. Harris had prayed for each one of us every day and each one of us ended up going into a Christian ministry.

What I owe my Sunday School teacher is :
1) appreciation for his dedication to God and faithfulness to the class
2) application of the life lessons he taught us.
3) commitment to the ongoing rich ministry of the Sunday School wherever I would serve.

It was he who instilled within us the conviction that
seven days without Sunday School makes one weak!

Our Sunday School teachers are waiting for you this Sunday. The goal is 208 three times by March 9. To reach the goal we need your support and prayer. Time is short, only 8 Sundays left!
Let’s Reach 208
This Sunday 9:15 am

Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:50 PM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

Men’s Breakfast
Men’s Breakfast and Bible study will resume this Wednesday, January 9th from 6:00-7:00 am. They will start a new study in Book of Job. All men in the church are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS COMING!
ABBA (A Band of Brothers Advancing) The name ABBA is taken from a Bible word meaning “daddy”. Discussions will explore Christian fatherhood and male leadership as our Heavenly Abba and our Lord Jesus’ leadership shows. We will support and instruct one another from the Bible in how to be the men our heavenly ABBA wants us to be. This time focuses on men becoming Godly Gentlemen in the manner of Our Lord, using strength under control to benefit those we love. ABBA is a ministry by and for men of ALL ages. Come join this exciting new study every Sunday morning starting January 13th during the Sunday School hour.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
January 16, 2008 @ 5:30pm
Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread,
Salad, and Peach Crisp
Mmmm-Mmmm Good!

***$3.00 per adult, $2.00 per child (3-10)
or $12.00 per family (that includes all
children under 18)***

Come join in the fellowship and fun!

NOTICE:
Before taking out any contained food, (ie: to-go-boxes or left over food) please see Denise or the Team Leader

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO BE HELD
Second Notice
The Annual Meeting has been scheduled for January 20th, immediately following Morning Worship in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided.

The nominees for Consistory are:
Elders
Dan Hampton
Rick Brill
Bob Hefenieder
Deacons
Darrell Schneider - Financial Secretary
Dave Pompei
Vance Lungren Jr.
Matthew Herrmann

Reports will be published and laid out in the Narthex for you to review one week prior to the meeting.

Missionary Moments
Brian Bouchard will graduate high school in July 2008 and they will all be coming to the U.S. for a year of Home Assignments. See their Christmas Newsletter on the missions bulletin board in the hall parallel to the Sanctuary.
Stan Hankins vision for his ministry is to “preach the gospel as many time, to as many people, in as many places as possible.” See his newsletter and far-reaching photos on the missions bulleting board.
Bud Surles has completed his return trip to El Salvador and Guatemala. He was able to deliver, for Zion Church the projector and computer to the Pastor’s Conference Center! His work travel log and writing are in his newsletter- on the missions bulletin board!

MONTHLY MEETING
This month’s Women’s Ministry meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to see you there!

SANDWICHES AND COOKIES
Women’s Ministry will be hosting the lunch provided for the congregation on January 20th for our Annual Meeting. Debbie is asking for volunteers to make either sandwiches or cookies. If you are willing to provide sandwiches, cookies or both please call Debbie (347-6439) ASAP. Thank you!

FOOD BANK ON HOLD
Helen has asked that we please hold all donations to the food bank for the month of January. You may resume your generous
contributions in February. Thank you for your continued support of your local Food Bank.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Just a friendly reminder...If you would like to contribute to funds such as the Family Life Center, Building Fund, Memorial Fund, or Scholarship Fund, please make a separate check out for that fund. They are completely separate accounts from the Zion General Fund. The above contributions need to be deposited into their specific account. Thank you for your continued support of Zion’s Ministries.

Thank You
I would like to send out a big thank you to all the Committee Chairs for getting their reports to me on time. Your dedication and hard work is much appreciated. Thank you so much!
~Jennifer

THE BOUCHARD’S
Thank you all for your prayers for the country of Kenya. There is an African Proverb that says " When Elephants fight the grass dies" Kenya is in the middle of an elephant fight and many people have lost their lives, and tens of thousands have been displaced.
I asked earlier this week for your prayers as violence in Kenya was escalating. I wanted to let you know that your prayers are being answered and to update you on the situation here. The rally that was scheduled for Thursday was prevented by the security forces in Nairobi, another rally was scheduled for Friday and again it never materialized. It seems that the gangs are loosing their energy, and things are slowly returning to normal. We are still a long way from a solution to the political tensions, but there seems to be hope that some aspects of life can get back to a sense of normalcy. There is talk of a run-off election, which could be interesting. We praise God for the relative peace that we are seeing and that the leaders are talking with international leaders. We continue to pray for a solution to the problem and a return to normal life here in Kenya. Here at RVA we have delayed the opening of school for 2 weeks in anticipation of the uncertainty of safe travel. We are now in the process of trying to put all the activities and academic curriculum that normally happen in 12 weeks into less than 10. So we will be working with students via email and trying to see how this can fit into a much smaller window of time.
Again, we thank you for your prayers, and we will continue to keep you posted on the developments here.
Blessings,
Alan and Sara

DON’T MISS THE LAST THREE
MESSAGES FROM THE BOOK OF JAMES
January 13 Staying Ready for the Second Coming
January 20 Prayer and Healthcare
January 27 Is there a chance for the Backslider?

Upcoming Events
January 13 Sunday School Contest begins!
January 20 Zion’s Annual Congregational Meeting following morning service
February 10 Bring A Friend Sunday (more about this soon)

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)