Newsletter: March 2008 Archives

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March 26, 2008

In Pastor's Words

There is no article this week. Sorry for any dissapointment this may cause.

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

THE BUZZ AT ZION

Praises
Thank you, Lord...
* Wonderful Easter Season. A beautiful worship service with wonderful music and almost 400 in attendance.
* Jason & Amanda Taylor will be with us in Worship this Sunday.
* Healing, and continued healing, of so many of our brothers and sisters.

LIBRARY NEWSAngels on Assignment
By Chas & Frances Hunter
There is a lot of interest and wonder in the angelic dimension. Jesus is the center of all things and the angles proclaim Him. This book is the true story of an ordinary man who has experienced an extraordinary series of events.
Come check it out!
It’s in your church library!

DIRECTORY PROOF IS IN!
A proof of the new church directory is in. We are asking that you please take a moment to double check for correct spelling of names, phone numbers, addresses etc. Please check both the pictorial directory and the address directory in the back. The proof will be placed in the Fellowship Hall and will only be here for ONE WEEK! It will be sent in on Monday, March 31st. Thank You!

“HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD” DVD IS HERE!
The amazing DVD “How Great Is Our God”, by Louie Giglio, that was viewed during Sunday School IS HERE! The cost for each DVD is $15. You may pick them up in the church office at your convenience. Please make your checks payable to the church. If you have any questions call the church office.

Want to order your own?...
I have had several requests for more DVD’s of the “How Great Is Our God” video. I did order extra, but they have been taken. If you would like to order one for yourself, here is the website.
www.store268.com
To the left of the page, you’ll see a column that says “TOP 10”. Click on the link that says “How Great Is Our God”. Specify how many DVD’s you want in the “quantity” box, then click “add to cart”. Next, click on the “check out” box. That will bring up a secure page where you will enter your billing and shipping information. If you have any problems, please call me and I will walk you through it. Happy Shopping!

NEW FRIENDSHIP/MEMBERSHIP CLASS
If you are interested in joining the church or just finding out about Zion, please let the pastor know. The class will meet for five weeks during the Sunday School hour at 9:15 a.m. covering the doctrine, history, and ministries of the church. It will give you a chance to become more acquainted with and involved in the church.

WEB SITE UPDATE
If you would like to help freshen up Zion’s website and are knowledgeable of webpage building please let me know. I would like to add a few nifty features to the site. ~Jennifer

Spring Missions Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, April 19 & 20
Special guest- Dr. Joseph Okello. Dr. Okello is a Kenyan national who has been studying and teaching in the U.S. for the past ten years. Joseph is a graduate of Scott Theological College in Kenya. He earned Music and Theology degrees at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky as well as a PhD from the University of Kentucky. He has been a professor of philosophy and theology at both Asbury and the University of Kentucky and has authored a book entitled “Miracles”. Joseph was a former student of Pastor Partelow at Scott College who taught him theology, hermeneutics (Bible Interpretation), preaching and piano. Joseph is a gifted speaker as well as an accomplished musician and soloist. Please mark your calendars for this special Mission Weekend.

AMBASSADORS IN ACTION - USA, INC
Cathy Kreis’ recent personal letter to the Zion church is signed “Your sister serving joyfully!” - and what a terrific letter it is! She tells about her Navajo work finished up in 2007, the early plans for 2008 - AND her plans for completing a Fiji documentary - she’ll go there in May to gather history, interviews and photos. She also sent “Notes from the Southwest” which is her newsletter from Kingman, AZ.
Check it out on the Missions bulletin board in the hall!

Confirmed Thanks
Thank you so much!“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.“
Philippians 1:3
Dear Zion evangelical Lutheran Church,
Thank you for the nice card and wonderful devotion book. Sincerely,
Cassie Hefenieder

Thank You
Dear Members of Zion Church,
Thank you for the gift of the book and your support of our confirmation class this year. Pastor Partelow made our sessions interesting and fun while helping us grow in Christ. Alec Hampton

Thank You for Your Hard Work
We would like to extend a special thanks to Marylou Hunter and Donna Jones for their creative hard work in fashioning together the beautiful banners which have been displayed in the Sanctuary over this Easter season. Thank you for using your
creativity for God’s glory.

Zion Annual Youth Fundraiser!!
Pancake Supper &
Rent - A Kid Auction
Coming Sunday, April 6th.
Supper begins At 5:30pm
Youth auction Follows
Admission
Adults $5.00 / Kids under 12yrs $3.00Please come and support our youth by enjoying a great meal and "buying" a young person to do your dirty work for you.

Upcoming Events
Mar. 30 - International Sunday (Chakulafest)
Message- What Everybody Knows About God
Apr. 6 - Message- God Behind the Scenes
* Reception for Jason and Amanda Taylor
following the Worship Service
* Pancake Supper/Rent-A-Kid Auction @ 5:30pm
April 7 - Cookies for College Kids
Apr. 19,20 - Spring Missions Weekend
Special speaker- Dr. Joseph Okello
May 1 - National Day of Prayer
May 3 - Mother’s Day Brunch ~ Hello Dolly @10am
June 9-13 - Vacation Bible School
God’s Big Backyard
June 13-21 - Navajo Mission Trip

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)

March 21, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

LIBRARY NEWSAnd Then We Were Women
By Dee Brestin
This personal study book explores the impact of women’s friendships on marriage and mothering. The author also looks within the family at sisters, daughters, and the ex-wife/new-wife relationship.
Come check it out.
It’s in your church library!

DIRECTORY PROOF IS IN!
A proof of the new church directory is in. We are asking that you please take a moment to double check for correct spelling of names, phone numbers, addresses etc. Please check both the pictorial directory and the address directory in the back. The proof will only be here for ONE WEEK! It will be sent in on Monday, March 31st. Thank You!

COOKIES FOR COLLEGE KIDS
Women’s Ministry is again sending out boxes of cookies for our college students who are away from home. Boxes will be assembled April 7th at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are needed for baking and packaging. Please call Sarah Lungren (347-3960) to volunteer.
Parents: WE NEED A HEAD COUNT,
so please call the church office to
request a box for your student or
to verify their address.

WEB SITE UPDATE
If you would like to help freshen up Zion’s website and are knowledgeable of webpage building please let me know. I would like to add a few nifty features to the site. ~Jennifer

STRONG BACKS NEEDED
Jason and Amanda Taylor will arrive on Friday, March 28th. Steve is asking for a few good men to help unload what little things they have. They will be here sometime in the afternoon of the 28th. If you are willing and able to help, please call Steve to volunteer.

Opportunity Knocks!
Please help us welcome the Taylors to our family by helping fill their home with canned goods, paper supplies or anything you would like to contribute. Non-perishables can be left in Jason’s office anytime in the coming week. Perishable goods can be brought to his home on Wednesday the 26th or Thursday the 27th. Please note: Jason is extremely allergic to pineapple.
Thank you so much for your help!

ALTAR LAVISHED WITH LILIES
If you’d like to help decorate the altar area for Easter, please bring your lilieson Friday or by 9:30 am on Saturday.

CHAKULAFEST
JAMBO! Join us for the Chakula (food) fest right after the morning service. Your plate will be filled with many tasty “mini-bites” from countries like, Kenya, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the Middle East, China and perhaps England are presently on the menu. But there is room for many more! There is NO CHARGE for this meal, although a donation basket will be present to receive any love offerings for the future Kenya trip. If you would like to prepare an ethnic dish that would be able to be served in small portions to approximately 100 people, please contact Jackie Becker (347-8379) or Sandi Mischke (347-4159) as soon as possible. They will say, “Na kwenda wewe.”

Zion Annual Youth Fundraiser!!
Pancake Supper &
Rent - A Kid Auction
Coming Sunday
April 6th
Supper begins At 5:00pm
Youth auction Follows
Admission
Adults $5.00
Kids under 12yrs $3.00
Please come and support our youth by enjoying a great meal and "buying" a young person to do your dirty work around the house!

Upcoming Events

Mar. 23 - Easter Sunday Message- Jesus Lives!
6:30 am - Sunrise Service @ the Banjo
9:30 am - Communion Service
10:30 am - Easter Morning Worship

March 28 - Jason and Amanda Taylor arrive

Mar. 30 - International Sunday (Chakulafest)
Message- What Everybody Knows About God

Apr. 6 - Message- God Behind the Scenes
* Reception for Jason and Amanda Taylor
following the Worship Service
* Pancake Supper/Rent-A-Kid Auction @ 5:30pm

April 7 - Cookies for College Kids

Apr. 19,20 - Spring Missions Weekend
Special speaker- Dr. Joseph Okello

May 3 - Mother’s Day Brunch ~ Hello Dolly @10am

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:16 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

The Empty Tomb
A Sunday School teacher once asked the children in her class to bring plastic eggs on Easter Sunday, each one filled with something that symbolized the meaning of the resurrection. The day came, and the teacher took each child’s egg in turn, opening it and making a point of amplifying and reinforcing its meaning. One child had a tiny flower, and the teacher spoke of the new life that springs forth at Easter. Another egg contained a crayoned picture of Christ, and the teacher spoke of that. Another had a small nail, and the point was made about the nails of the cross. Another had a round pebble that represented the stone that had guarded the tomb. But the teacher was dumbfounded when she opened the egg of seven year old Brian, a mentally challenged boy, and found nothing there. With a surprised look, the teacher glanced at Brian who immediately spoke up and announced: “It’s full of emptiness—just like the tomb of Jesus.” His egg was the best of all. (From the Book, Jerusalem to Irian Jaya).

This Sunday we meet to celebrate the empty tomb and mighty resurrection of Jesus and invite you to join us for:

Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m.
(At the Banjo Ranch/Led by the Youth)

Communion at 9:30 a.m.

Easter Worship at 10:30 a.m.

Join us this Sunday for a wonderfully blessed Easter Service.
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)

March 12, 2008

In Pastor's Words

Sharing Our Wealth
Have you ever considered yourself to be wealthy? When we compare ourselves to others around us we might not think of ourselves as rich. We are constantly bombarded with information and images that tell us we need the latest model or the newest technology in order to just keep up with those around us. But did you know that in the eyes of most of the world we are the ones who are wealthy? I heard some statistics recently from a pastor named Rob Bell that really gave me perspective on this - The United States contains about 6% of the world’s population, but we consume 40% of its resources. Only 8% of people in the world own an automobile. That means 92% of the world looks at me driving around in my car and considers me to be rich. Somewhere around a billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water. Around 800 million people won’t eat today, and 300 million of them are children. Around a billion people live on less than a dollar a day. In our world, we might not feel rich. But in the eyes of the world, we are a people who are richly blessed.
As Easter approaches and we focus in a special way on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, I’m overwhelmed by the riches we have been given in Christ. The Apostle Paul said - “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). We are so privileged, and so wealthy!
All of this begs the question – what should we do with all of this wealth? The Bible gives us lots of insight on this question. For the sake of space I’ll focus on one particular passage of Scripture - “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). We who are rich are commanded to be rich in good deeds. We must use our material wealth to bless those who are poor in material things, and our spiritual wealth in Christ to bless those who are spiritually poor. This could mean supporting the local food and clothing bank by donating time and materials, or sponsoring a child through an organization like Compassion International. It could also mean inviting someone to church on Easter Sunday, reaching out in love to someone who needs kindness and fellowship, sending a card or letter to someone who needs encouragement, and talking with someone about the hope that you have in Christ. What opportunities do you have to bless others with your spiritual and material wealth? May each of us celebrate Easter by being rich in good deeds, and in doing so may we take hold of the life that is truly life!
Pastor Steve

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:47 PM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

HIGHLIGHTS For March 30th
* Pastor Partelow and Pastor Couch will deliver the sermon together in Swahili and English in the morning worship service
* Chakulafest (International food fest) after the service for everyone in the Fellowship Hall

Confirmed This Sunday
Alec Hampton
Cassie Hefenieder
Nathan McMartin

LIBRARY NEWS
A Shepherds Look at Psalm 23
By Phillip Keller
See this favorite Psalm in a new way: see with the Shepherd’s eyes, touch with His hands, fell with His heart through this intimate look into the full life of our Lord - the Great Shepherd.
Come check it out.
It’s in your church library!

MISSING BOWLS
It’s the case of the missing bowls. Can you solve the mystery?
What: Two very large plastic bowls used frequently by the Wednesday Night Cook Teams.
When: date unknown.
Where: Last seen in the church pantry.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of these bowls please call the church office at 347-2266, or return them to the pantry.

COLLEGE COOKIES ARE COMING SOON!
Women’s Ministry is again sending out boxes of cookies for our college students who are away from home. Boxes will be assembled April 7th at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are needed for baking and packaging. Please call Sarah Lungren (347-3960) to volunteer.

Chakulafest
International Sunday
Set aside the afternoon of March 30th, following Morning Worship, for a food fest you won’t forget! Volunteers are needed for this afternoon of different cultural food. If you are interested in cooking an authentic dish please contact Jackie Becker @ 347-8379.

Parents: please call the church office to request a box for your student or to verify their address.
OUR DAILY BREAD
THEY ARE HERE! The April, May, June edition of Our Daily Bread, in large print are here. They will be placed in the Narthex for you who would like to pick one up. Should you wish to reserve one just call the office and I will set one back for you.

WEB SITE UPDATE
Many comments and concerns have been voiced about our church website and its inaccurate information. I appreciate the concern and am please to hear our members visit the site. However, due to a minor computer problem I’ve been unable to update the weekly schedules and staff pages. We are currently in the process of fixing the glitches and your patience and understanding is appreciated. We hope to have it updated soon. If you would like to help freshen up Zion’s website and are knowledgeable of webpage building please let me know. I would like to add a few nifty features to the site. ~Jennifer

ALTAR LAVISHED WITH LILIES
If you’d like to help decorate the altar area for Easter, please bring your lilies on Friday or by 9:30 am on Saturday.

LENTEN BREAKFAST
The annual Lenten Breakfast is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. The spiritually uplifting message and music will be sure to ready your heart for the miracle of Easter. All women are encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!

Special Thanks
A special thank you to each and everyone of you for the cards, phone calls, visits, and food you brought in . It meant so much to me and my family.
Thank You.
Jim, Denise, Gary, Cheryl and Matt
Love You All

Thank You So Very Much
To the Family of Zion, I would like to thank Pastor Partelow, family and friends of Zion for your cards and prayers during my surgery and recovery. Thank you Pastor for the many visits.
God Bless You All,
Mark Lungren

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:39 PM | Comments (0)

March 05, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

LIBRARY NEWS
No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
By Max Lucado
In your Bible of over a thousand pages, what matters? Among all the do’s and don’ts and shoulds and shouldn’ts, what is essential? What is indispensable? The Old Testament? The New? Grace? Baptism?
You’ve probably wrestled with these questions. Maybe you’ve gone through the acts of religion and faith and yet found yourself more often that not a dry well. Prayers seem empty. Goals seem unthinkable. Christianity becomes a warped record full of highs and low and off-key notes.
1 Corinthians 15 - For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then the twelve.There it is. Almost too simple. Jesus was killed, buried, and resurrected. Surprised? The part that matters is the cross. No more and no less. The cross is what counts. My, what a piece of wood!
Come check it out.
It’s in your church library!

OUR DAILY BREAD
They have arrived! The April, May, June edition of Our Daily Bread, in large print are here. They will be placed in the Narthex for you who would like to pick one up. Should you wish to reserve one just call the office and I will set one back for you.

“HOW GREAT IS UR GOD”DVD’S FOR SALE
The amazing DVD “How Great Is Our God”, by Louie Giglio, was viewed during Sunday School last Sunday, and is available for you to purchase. The cost of the DVD is $15.00. If you wish to buy a copy please call the church office before Friday, March 7th. The order will be placed ON FRIDAY. Once the DVD’s arrive you may pay for them in the church office as well. Don’t want to buy the DVD? That’s okay, there are TWO available for check out in the Zion Library!

Coming Soon…
New Friendship/Membership Class
begins soon. Would you like to find out about Zion and/or join the church. Please speak to Pastor Partelow or call the church office to let us know.

VARIOUS CONTAINERS NEEDED!
The Wednesday Night Cook teams are in need of any containers you may have. For example, cottage cheese, butter (large and small) sour cream, or any other small to medium containers you may have lying around. They use them for sending home and storing leftover food from the dinners. Please drop them off in the kitchen here at the church. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

COLLEGE COOKIES ARE COMING SOON!
Women’s Ministry is again sending out boxes of cookies for our college students who are away from home. Boxes will be assembled April 7th at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are needed for baking and packaging. Please call Sarah Lungren (347-3960) to volunteer. Parents: please call the church
office to request a box for your
student or to verify their address.
Easter Sunday Schedule
March 23rd
6:30 am Sunrise Service at the Banjo
9:30 am Communion Service
10:30 am Morning Service

Deepest Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy goes to Dorothy Schleiger and her family as they mourn the passing of loving husband and friend, Art Schleiger who went to be with the Lord on Monday evening.

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

Jesus Paid It All

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
It is not possible to talk too much about the cross! Everything we are as a Christian goes back to the cross. When we speak of unity in the Spirit, giftedness for service, forgiveness of sin, hope of eternal life, all of it and much more takes us back to the cross where Jesus made it possible by His substitutionary death for us.
But not everyone embraces the cross or appreciates it. To many it is an offense and a symbol of defeat and shame. While several examples could be mentioned, one recent incident occurred this past Christmas when the presidential candidates were airing holiday greetings across America. In Governor Mike Huckabee’s ad, a white bookshelf in the background suggested a cross and caused not a small negative reaction in the media. Yet, despite suspicion, derision and rejection by the world, “to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The cross has the power to forgive our sins completely, erasing the debt and giving us the hope of heaven. The word “forgive” actually means “to send away” and makes God’s forgiveness of us so much more vivid. The essence of God “sending away” our sins is illustrated in Psalm 103:12 where the Psalmist says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
But the preaching of the cross also has the power to remove the blinders from the eyes of unbelievers. While Satan seeks to spiritually blind those whose eyes are darkened to the Gospel (1 Cor. 4:2), the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, which includes the cross, enables the Holy Spirit to reach the human heart. Paul asks, “how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them” (Romans 10:14)? God uses our faithfulness in witness to open darkened eyes and convict hardened hearts to God’s truth which will lead them to salvation and hope.
For the payment of our sins, Jesus gave all. Josh McDowell tells the story of a young woman who was picked up for speeding. After being ticketed, she was taken to the judge. The judge read off the citation and said, “Guilty or not guilty?” The young woman replied, “I’m guilty.” The judge brought down the gavel and fined her $100. Then something amazing happened. The judge stood up, took off his official robe, walked down to the front, reached into his pocket and paid the fine himself. You see, the judge was the young woman’s father. He loved his daughter, yet he also had to maintain the integrity of his position. His daughter had broken the law, so he couldn’t just excuse her. If he had done that, he wouldn’t have been a righteous judge. But the point is he loved his daughter so much, he took off his official robe, stepped down, and paid the fine. Jesus stepped down from His royal position in heaven, paid the fine for our sins so that we would not only have His fellowship and guidance in this life, but have the hope of eternal life.
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)