Newsletter: April 2008 Archives

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April 30, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
The Church will be open from 6:30 a.m. for those who wish to pray at the church for the nation’s needs through the day. A prayer guide will be provided.
A prayer service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please join us for this important time of intercessory prayer for the national.

Mother's Day Brunch
Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.
In the Fellowship Hall
All ladies of Zion are invited to a carry-in salad/dessert brunch in honor of our mothers. Hosted by Christie Weber and her dolly, the theme is "Hello Dolly." Ladies (from birth to 100) are asked to bring either a salad and/or dessert along with their favorite childhood doll or favorite childhood book and share in the memory. The fellowship hall will be transformed into a Doll Store with dolls from the private collection of Emma Weber. There will be musical entertainment and great door prizes.

VBS 2008
Hey Kids! Welcome to God’s Big Backyard: Where you’ll have a blast serving Jesus! Get ready for an outdoor adventure that starts in your own backyard and gets bigger each day as you take the love of Jesus into your neighborhoods and communities! Just take a look over your fence, and help others discover how much fun they can have serving in God’s Bib Backyard! You won’t want to miss this years Vacation Bible School, June 9-13. If you would like to volunteer please contact Kati Asay (388-4102)!
We Still Need Volunteers!
Snack Leader!!!!!!
3 puppeteers
Crew Guides (2) & Crew Guide Helpers (3)

“How Great is Our God” DVD Sign-up
Per your request! There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall for the "How Great is our God" DVD that was shown in Sunday School a couple months ago. Please note the cost of the DVD is $15.27! Please place your order by Friday, May 9th!
~Jenn

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular Sunday School classes will continue each week through the summer. We know summer is a time for traveling and vacations, but when you are in town, please join us for Sunday School and Worship. We thank everyone who will be teaching and serving through the summer months.

Sunday School Meeting
Attention All Sunday School Teachers and
Any Who Would Like to be involved!
There will be a Sunday School carry-in lunch and meeting this Sunday, May 4th, after Morning Worship in the Fellowship Hall. We will discuss a new curriculum for next Fall as well as a curriculum for this Summer. We will hand out the summer schedule too. Please plan to attend this very important meeting. Your input is much needed and appreciated! See you there!
~Jennifer & Kati

Dear Friends at Zion,
It is so hard for me to believe that I have been away from you for over a year. In fact, I went a whole year not being in Wyoming at all. That is always painful for me.
I wanted thank all of you for your continued support of my ministry. It is always a joy to go forward in your name. This year I am scheduled to go to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and to teach at Arrowhead Bible College. I am anxious to hear about plans to go to Canada (the largest non-Christian nation in the Western Hemisphere), although to date that journey is on hold. On another exciting note, I have been contact with other devoted Christians who are interested in starting a new church. I have received the go ahead from our partners and am very excited about the possibilities.
As I continue to get my plans gelled, I will keep you posted. In the meantime thanks for your prayers and financial support.
In Christ,
Bud Surles

College Cookie Thank You’s!

Dear Zion’s Women’s Ministries,
Thank you so much for the delicious box of goodies. It is very nice to know that the family and friends from Zion are thinking of me. Thanks again and I can’t wait to get home for the summer.
Love,
Steve Snyder

Dear Zion Church,
Thank you so much for the box of cookies and treats that you sent. They were delicious! It’s a little bit of home while I’m at college.
Thank You!
Zach Becker

Dear Zion’s Women Ministries,
Thank you so much for the goodies! I really appreciated them! They were great! More importantly, taking the time to bake them has always reminded me of the level of support Zion has for those of us who grew up in the church. I cannot thank you all enough for all the love and support you have shown me throughout the years. Without your support I would not be where I am today. Thanks again!
Yours and His,
Jeremiah Heiser

Dear Zion's Women's Ministry,
Thank you so much for all of the good cookies. My roommate and I really enjoyed them. I really appreciate you thinking about me and your support and prayers. Thanks once again.
Sincerely,
Mark Miller

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

God is There Even On Our Worst Days
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
     Have you ever had a really bad day? A day when everything seemed to go wrong? Thank the Lord that most days are good days, but every now and then a day comes along that really challenges our mettle. It was our first year on the mission field in Africa and we had not seen a TV program or a movie in ten months. Swiss Family Robinson was playing in a Nairobi theater and we thought going to watch it would be a nice first outing for the three of us. Up to that point, our first ten months in Africa had been filled with ups and downs. We arrived in Africa in December 1978, but really didn’t begin our ministry on the Scott Theological College campus until early 1979. Our three-crate shipment arrived by ship to Mombasa (Kenya’s large port city located 300 miles away) around the last of January. Upon claiming the goods, we discovered that about half of our belongings had been stolen at sea. Following that disappointing surprise, serious sickness struck our four year old during the next three months. Two debilitating bouts with malaria and food poisoning left Jonathan hospitalized near death with a third of his body weight claimed by the illnesses. After recovering from those early setbacks in the next few months, we felt we were long overdue for some kind of an outing. We were grateful that the car we shipped with the crates (a used ’74 Robin’s egg blue station wagon) had not been stolen or damaged. However it did have a perpetual problem of the coil overheating and stalling at the most inopportune times, leaving us stranded on numerous occasions, requiring us to push, tow or coast it back to Machakos. Now that you know all that, join with us for a day to Nairobi on September 21, 1979 as we begin our 40 mile journey to see Swiss Family Robinson.
     We made it to Nairobi and almost made it to the theater when the car, up to its old tricks, overheated and quit on one of Nairobi’s busiest traffic circles. Some Africans standing near-by helped me push the car a couple of blocks down the busy six lane thorough fare to a service station for repair. As we waited for the car to be fixed we walked to a close-by fast food outlet for some fish, chips and juice which did not set at all well with Jonathan’s touchy digestive system. So, upon returning to the service station waiting room, he became suddenly sick and lost what lunch he had eaten all over the floor of the people-packed waiting room. No one could find any towels or a mop to clean up the mess. So there we sat for hours in that smelly waiting room, waiting for the car to be repaired and wishing we could have been almost anywhere else!   Finally qualified mechanics assured us that the car was fixed and we paid them handsomely to hear those words. It was supper time, so we stopped at the Kentucky Fried Chicken place before leaving the city. On the way home, we discovered the chicken was only half cooked and the rolls contained assorted insect parts and other indiscernible matter. So much for supper! We barely made it home when the engine of our just-repaired car quit on its own as we pulled into our driveway. Within an hour of our arriving home, I became seriously ill with amoeba dysentery which lasted through the night into the next morning. A visiting missionary neighbor discovered how sick I was and went to fetch a doctor in town who determined that I should really be in the hospital. Recovery took several weeks. Eventually, a local mechanic fixed the car so that it never stranded us again.
     Even on one of our worst days, when the car stalled on the busiest traffic circle in Nairobi, God sent people to help push it to a service station; despite the high cost of the car repair that day, God prepared people ahead of time to help with the expense; although our car just made it home before conking out again, God allowed us to arrive home safely; even though I fell ill with amoeba dysentery, God used the illness to bring us into contact with a doctor who would not only meet our medical needs for many years to come (and would be of indispensable help to Carolyn), but who would also become a great friend with whom we would be able to share the love of Christ many times in the next 25 years. Take heart, God is there with us even on our worst days because, whether we are instantly aware of it or not, all things do work together for those who know and love Jesus Christ
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

April 23, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

Child Evangelism Board Met
Meeting Minutes
The Board met at the First Baptist Church in Thermopolis on Saturday, April 12, 2008. The meeting was conducted by CEF President, Kathy Parsons. At this meeting the new director for this coming years was introduced, Kenny Lowe. Kenny will be working as an intern for the Northwest Chapter of Child Evangelism for this year. At the end of the year he will decide if this is where he wants to work. He will be in charge of the summer programs for CEF such as 5 day clubs. Training for CYIA youth will be held in the
near future ad these are the young people who will then conduct that 5 day clubs throughout this area. He will be working very closely with Tim Hickman, State Director. Kenny comes from a small town in Missouri, population 200. He stated ha had a compassion for children ages 9-10. He hopes to visit the churches in this area to get acquainted with the Pastors.
The next meeting for the CEF Board will be held in Worland on May 31st at 10:00 am.

Love Offering FOR DR. OKELLO
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL who shared in giving Dr. Joseph Okello a love offering of $2,315.00 on Sunday. Joseph’s ministry of dynamic preaching and beautiful music blessed our hearts. Thank you for giving him such a warm welcome.

2008 Summer VBS
Hey Kids! Welcome to God’s Big Backyard: Where you’ll have a blast serving Jesus! Get ready for an outdoor adventure that starts in your own backyard and gets bigger each day as you take the love of Jesus into your neighborhoods and communities! Just take a look over your fence, and help others discover how much fun they can have serving in God’s Bib Backyard! You won’t want to miss this years Vacation Bible School, June 9-13. If you would like to volunteer please contact Kati Asay (388-4102)!
Where Can I Volunteer?
Registration Coordinator
Community Corner Leader (Community Projects)
Backyard Food Leader (Snacks)
Crew Guides (2) & Crew Guide Helpers (3)

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
BEGINNING THIS SUNDAY @ 9:15

WAY WALKERS
New! DISCIPLESHIP CLASS TWELVE WEEKS—TWELVE TOPICS—TWELVE PEOPLE
Meets upstairs in Room 204 with Mark Hansen
Want to grow in your Christian life? Want to learn how to get more out of your prayer life and Bible reading? Want to learn how to be a more effective servant of Christ and how to use your spiritual gifts? All this and much more will be taught in this class.
Mark still has room for 3 more people in this first discipleship class. If interested in becoming part of this class, call Mark Hansen at 347-4363 or Jennifer Herrmann at 347-2266.

New! MEMBERSHIP/FRIENDSHIP CLASS FIVE WEEKS
Meets in the Chapel (just off the front of the sanctuary) Pastor Ralph Partelow and Dan Scheuerman are leaders
Want to more about Zion (its beliefs, history, ministries)? Want to know how to get involved in ministry and service? Want to become a member? Please join us this Sunday morning.

PHILIPPIANS
Ongoing study of the Book of Philippians
Meets in the Sanctuary
Pastor Steve Couch, Teacher

This Sunday Don Rabun teaches from Philippians 4 and will share his testimony of God’s working in his life during these past difficult months of illness. If at all possible, don’t miss this very special class this week!

Make attendance at one of these classes a
must every week and you’ll be glad you did.
College Cookie Thank You’s!

Zion’s Women’s Ministries,
Thank you so much for the wonderful cookies! They instantly brightened my day! I’m so blessed to have a wonderful church family at home that keeps me in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much! God bless!
Love,
Lissy Miller

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
The ROCK Youth Group would like to thank all those who participated in our Pancake Supper and Rent-a-kid auction. We appreciated all those who gave their time to cook our food and set up tables and chairs. We earned a grand total of $3,013.00. So go ahead and reach back there and give yourself a pat on the back. Go ahead now. Your contribution of love and support will fund youth events, discipleship training, and overall support of the ROCK youth ministry at Zion church.
Thanks again and GOD Bless,
Pastor Jason

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

Can Blessing Really Be Found in Illness?
     Almost no one wants to be sick. In fact, a major goal in almost everyone’s life is to keep our health as good as it can be. We spend a small fortune on health insurance, drug stores carry thousands of prescription and over the counter health care products, and we are reminded so often through the media that we are an overweight nation that needs a lot more exercise than we are getting. Despite all of this, we do get sick, our bodies do wear out, and there are times when we feel so “under the weather” we may wish we would expire than to go through prolonged pain, discomfort or disability. Can those times be of any benefit or blessing to us? Can we find something good or learn some lesson in periods of physical trial?
     Even in those times when we feel the worst, some lesson can be learned and some blessing found that will encourage our hearts. Sickness certainly is a trial and James encourages his readers, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2,3). Even Paul, when requesting healing, found this response from God: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (1 Cor. 12:9). Though the water may be deep and the fire of trials may be hot, God reminds us, “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, O Jacob (put your name there), he who formed you, O Israel (put your name there): ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1).
     Here are some blessings you can count on in times of illness: 1) It can awaken us to the sweetness of Scripture (Psalm 119:50, 71, 92, 143), 2) It can drive us to prayer (Isaiah 38:1,2), 3) It can deepen the prayer lives of others (James 5:13-15), 4) It can lead us to spiritual self examination (Psalm 119:67), 5) It can humble our souls (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), 6) It can develop the qualities of patience and endurance in us (James 1:2-4), 7) It can develop maturity in our lives (Romans 5:1-5; Isaiah 48:10; Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 1:6-8), 8) It can enable us to empathize and comfort others who will later got through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3), 9) It can heighten our desire for heaven (Job 19:25-29), 10) It can provide an opportunity for us to witness to others (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), 11) God will be glorified (John 11:4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Whatever illness you’re facing today or will face, be encouraged that God can bring blessing through it.
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)

April 16, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

Taking His Word to the Ends of the Earth...The Jewish Passover is April 20th, and we have had a letter from Rich and Julia Freeman of Chosen People Ministries. Rich is very busy this Passover season traveling and presenting the beautiful message of Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah and the Passover Lamb. He asks for our prayers for his traveling and strength. Their Messianic Center in New York is in Phase 1 of construction - read all about it in their letter on the missions bulletin board.(Rich spoke in our Worship Service October 2007)

Love Offering FOR DR. OKELLO
If you would like to give a love gift to Joseph Okello, our special missions speaker this weekend, please make your check out to ZION and write in “JOSEPH OKELLO” on the memo line of the check. Your love gift for Dr. Okello can be put in the church’s regular offering on Sunday morning. Thank you!

Fireside Chat with Dr. Joseph Okello
YOU ARE INVITED TO AN INFORMAL TIME OF DISCUSSION IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL SUNDAY NIGHT, 6:00 pm WITH DR. JOSEPH OKELLO.
You may have questions about the current state of affairs in Kenya, or Scott Theological College or Missions in general.

WOW Bible Study
WOW (Women of the Word) is starting a new Max Lucado Bible study in the book of James. WOW meets at the home of Donna Jones (608 Sagebrush Drive) every Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. Women of all ages and all walks of faith are invited to this wonderfully delightful time of study. For questions please feel free to call Donna at 347-6299.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
BEGINNING APRIL 27 @ 9:15 a.m.

NEW DISCIPLESHIP CLASS
Way Walkers will bring twelve people together for twelve Sunday mornings at 9:15 beginning April 27. Way Walkers will guide these twelve through these Christian disciplines: Scripture Reading, Prayer, Worship, Scripture Meditation, Evangelism, Serving, Stewardship, Scripture Application, Fasting, Silence and Solitude, Journaling, and Learning. Way Walkers enrollment may be limited. Enroll with Mark Hansen or at the church office.

NEW FRIENDSHIP/MEMBERSHIP CLASS
will meet for five weeks covering such topics as 1) what the church believes, 2) where the church came from (history), what the church does (ministries) and more. MUST SIGN UP on sheet on bulletin board or tell the Pastor or Jennifer. Class will meet in the Pastor’s office. Pastor Ralph Partelow and Elder Dan Scheuerman, leaders.

PHILIPPIANS
study continues in the Church sanctuary. Pastor Steve Couch, teacher.
Make attendance at one of these classes a
must every week and you’ll be glad you did.

Mother's Day BrunchSaturday,
May 3, 10 a.m.
In the Fellowship Hall
All ladies of Zion are invited to a carry-in salad/dessert brunch in honor of our mothers. Hosted by Christie Weber and her dolly, the theme is "Hello Dolly." Ladies (from birth to 100) are asked to bring either a salad and/or dessert along with their favorite childhood doll or favorite childhood book and share in the memory. The fellowship hall will be transformed into a Doll Store with dolls from the private collection of Emma Weber. There will be musical entertainment and great door prizes.

VBS 2008
Hey Kids! Welcome to God’s Big Backyard: Where you’ll have a blast serving Jesus! Get ready for an outdoor adventure that starts in your own backyard and gets bigger each day as you take the love of Jesus into your neighborhoods and communities! Just take a look over your fence, and help others discover how much fun they can have serving in God’s Bib Backyard! You won’t want to miss this years Vacation Bible School, June 9-13. If you would like to volunteer please contact Kati Asay (388-4102)!
Where Can I Volunteer?
Registration Coordinator
Community Corner Leader (Community Projects)
Backyard Food Leader (Snacks)
Clothesline Creations Leader (Crafts)
Crew Guides (3) & Crew Guide Helpers (3)

College Cookie Thank You’s!
Zion Women’s Ministries,
Thanks so much for the box of cookies. It was a really nice surprise and they will definitely get eaten. I really appreciate you guys thinking of me.
Thanks so much,
Jamie Jackson

Greetings from Laramie!
I would like to thank the Women's Ministry and all those that volunteered in helping with the boxes of goodies that were sent out! It is very much appreciated and is a good reminder of home. Hopefully, all is well for everyone in Worland, and I am looking forward to coming home for the summer which is less then a month away now! Anyways, thanks again and God bless!!
Sincerely,
David Schneider

Dear Zion Family,
We are so grateful for your continued support as we continue our time in Dallas. The cookies were fabulous and we needed the sugar pick-me-up mid-semester. As we devoured the cookies, we were thinking of all your smiling faces. You have richly blessed us and we are very grateful. God bless you all.
God's love and blessings,
Jason and Kaylan Snyder

CELL PHONE vs. BIBLE
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bibles like we treat our cell phone?
~What if we carried it around in our purses/pockets?
~What if we flipped through it several times a day?
~What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
~What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
~What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
~What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
~What if we used it when we traveled?
~What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmmmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think "where are my priorities?"
And no dropped calls!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:56 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

This Weekend
April 19 & 20 2008

Special Guest, Dr. Joseph Onyango Okello, who currently teaches Bible courses at Asbury Theological Seminary and Philosophy at the University of Kentucky will be our special speaker this weekend. Joseph is a 1994 gradate of Scott Theological College in Machakos, Kenya where he was a student of Pastor Partelow. He has received Masters degrees in music and theology from Asbury Seminary and a PhD from the University of Kentucky. Joseph is a gifted musician and soloist as well as a dynamic speaker. His plans are to return to Scott College in the near future as a full time faculty member. Joseph and his wife, Sophie, currently reside near Lexington, Kentucky.

You will have opportunity to meet Joseph and hear him speak:

April 19
At the Carry-In Dinner on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm

April 20
In the Sunday School hour at 9:15 am
In Morning Worship at 10:30 am
Fireside Chat at 6:00 pm (for everyone)

A love offering will be received for Joseph on Sunday morning.

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

April 09, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

Missions Corner
The Evangelical Lutheran ministry in Saratov, Russia is continuing to build their church addition! Winter has been really cold and work has been hard, but the congregation sees the Lord working. The letter from Alexander Scheiermann shares the testimony of Paul Schulz - how he found the Lord Jesus through many personal problems and heavy times. As you read his words you hear his broken English - but your also hear his love for the Lord and his dedication. Read this letter on the Missions Bulletin Board in the hall.

You’re Invited
Hey kids! Welcome to God’s Big Backyard: Where you’ll have a blast serving Jesus! Get ready for an outdoor adventure that starts in your own backyard and gets bigger each day as you take the love of Jesus into your neighborhoods and communities! Just take a look over your fence, and help others discover how much fun they can have serving in God’s Bib Backyard!
You won’t want to miss this years Vacation Bible School, June 9-13. We are currently taking volunteers.

The following positions need filled for our 2008 VBS!
Registration Coordinator
Community Corner Leader (Community Projects)
Backyard Food Leader (Snacks)
Backyard Fun Leader (Games)
Clothesline Creations Leader (Crafts)
Crew Guides (3)
Crew Guide Helper (3)

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 03:35 PM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25

Did you know that each of you is special? You have been blessed with at least one spiritual gift that is especially yours, and it has been given to you so that you can use it to bring glory to God and also build-up and refresh others around you. If you are wondering what your gift(s) might be, you can read about some of them in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14, Ephesians chapter 4, and Roman chapter 12. Also, you might ask me, Pastor Ralph, or someone else in the church what your gifts might be. I have seen many of you exercising your gifts over the past several months, and I have seen how God is using you to build and strengthen us as part of Christ’s Body here in Worland. Some of you are leaders, some are gifted to teach, some are evangelists, some are encouragers, and some are gifted in caring for those in need. Some of you have entirely different gifts from those I have listed. Whatever your gifts are, they are important! You are important, and I want you to know that as you exercise your gifts you are making a difference in God’s Kingdom!

I want to give special thanks to so many of you for generously using your spiritual gift of giving to meet the needs of others. Did you know that giving generously is a spiritual gift? In Romans chapter 12, Paul exhorts those who are gifted in contributing to the needs of others to do it generously. I have seen many of you giving your time, energy, and resources to contribute to the needs of others in the church and in the community. I can’t name all of you, because it would take much more space than I have to write this article. Instead, I’ll give two wonderful examples of generous giving from the past two weeks. First, many dozens of people showed their generosity in planning, cooking, and serving at the Chakulafest luncheon after Sunday worship on March 30th. I wonder how many hours of service were tallied during that weekend!! In addition to the many hours of service, $1,163 was donated to help support the Kenya mission trip in 2009. Second, adults and teens alike served generously during the Pancake Supper and Youth fund-raising auction this past Sunday. In addition to all of the cooking, cleaning, and serving, $2,803 was donated to meet the needs of our youth ministry and another $350 was donated toward the Kenya mission trip!! Through your generosity, the needs of these ministries are being met, many lives are being impacted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and God is most definitely being glorified!

My prayer for each of you this week is that as you continue to generously use your special gifts to bless and refresh others, you will in turn receive blessing and refreshing in Christ. Thank you all for refreshing me in so many ways through your loving and generous service!
Pastor Steve

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

April 02, 2008

THE BUZZ AT ZION

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 “The Case for 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.

The Bloomery
Where women blossom in faith and friendship
Cultivate a friendship with Jesus
as you dig into God’s Word!

Saturday, April 26, 9 am - 5 pm
Victory Fellowship Church
3219 Sheridan Ave. Cody, WY

Fee is $25 per person which includes
lunch, snacks and a journal.
Open to all women 13 to 100!

On this women’s retreat we’ll freshen our hearts with enriching activities, devotions and bouquets of fun! ~ Diana Dobson

DIRECTORY PROOF HAS BEEN SENT!
Thank you to all who took the time to review the proof of our new directory. A big thanks to Marc Gehrts who took pictures of our church activities and supplied us with a large variety of photos to choose from. The proof has been sent to Olan Mills and we can expect to have it back in 4-6 weeks!

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
BEGINNING APRIL 27 9:15 a.m.

NEW DISCIPLESHIP CLASS
The freedom to grow in godliness—to naturally express Christ’s character through your own personality—is in large part dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the spiritual disciplines. Far from being legalistic, restrictive, or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty. So if you would like to embark on a lifelong quest for godliness, Disciplines for the Christian Life will help you on your way.
Way Walkers will bring twelve people together for twelve Sunday mornings at 9:15 beginning April 27. Way Walkers will guide these twelve through these Christian disciplines: Scripture Reading, Prayer, Worship, Scripture Meditation, Evangelism, Serving, Stewardship, Scripture Application, Fasting, Silence and Solitude, Journaling, and Learning. Way Walkers enrollment may be limited. Enroll with Mark Hansen or at the church office.

NEW FRIENDSHIP/MEMBERSHIP CLASS
will meet for five weeks covering such topics as 1) what the church believes, 2) where the church came from (history), what the church does (ministries) and more. MUST SIGN UP on sheet on bulletin board (location?) or tell the Pastor or Jennifer. Class will meet in the Pastor’s office. Pastor Ralph Partelow and Elder Dan Scheuerman, leaders.

PHILIPPIANS
study continues in the Church sanctuary. Pastor Steve Couch, teacher.

Make attendance at one of these classes a
must every week and you’ll be glad you did.

Chakula Thanks
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who made INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY and the CHAKULA FEST a huge blessing. The contributions of language, songs, food, decorations and myriad other talents helped to make this an event that many would like to see happen again. Steve and I enjoyed the unforgettable experience of attempting to preach in two languages, while everyone else enjoyed hearing new and different sounds.
Blessings,
Pastor Ralph Partelow

More Thanks
Dear Pastor Partelow and My Church Family,
Thank you for your card and the book by Max Lucado. The book has good stories and advise. Thank you for encouraging me and for your prayers.
God Bless You All,
Nate McMartin

Reception For The Taylor’s
Join us this Sunday, immediately following the Morning Service, for a reception in honor of Jason & Amanda Taylor, our new Minister of Youth and Worship.

Dear Church Family and Friends,
I am writing to inform you of the latest and exciting news in my internship here a the Honor Academy here in Garden Valley, Texas. I have recently been accepted to attend a mission trip to New York. At the Honor Academy we are required to attend a short term mission in order to complete our requirements. The trip is scheduled for June 26th through July 12th. Once in New York the team and I will bring the light and love of Christ to many different people everyday through acting in plays, helping with building projects if needed, and so much more. The total cost of this trip is $1,562.85 which includes the cost of airfare, accommodations, food and training. My first installment of $781 is due by May 19th. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to support me in this exciting opportunity, please make your checks out to Teen Mania Ministries, with 2452466 on the memo line. This is my personal ID and it will ensure that your check gets into my account. PLEASE do not write my name anywhere on the check. Sent checks to:
Teen Mania Ministries
C/O Global Expeditions
Attn. Finances
P.O Box 2000
Garden Valley, TX 75771
You may also may a donation using my ID Number online at www.globalexpeditions.com
May God bless and keep you and make His face shine upon you.
In His Service,
Sarah Garnett

Zion Annual Youth Fundraiser!!
Pancake Supper &Rent - A Kid Auction

THIS Sunday@ 5:30pm

Youth auction Follows
Admission
Adults $5.00 / Kids under 12yrs $3.00

Upcoming Events
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
April 18 - Mission Committee Dinner @ Partelow's
Apr. 19 - Carry-in Dinner in Fellowship Hall @ 5:30
Apr. 20 - Special speaker - Dr. Joseph Okello
May 1 - National Day of Prayer
May 3 - Mother’s Day Brunch ~ Hello Dolly @ 10 am
June 9-13 - Vacation Bible School
God’s Big Backyard
June 13-21 - Navajo Mission Trip

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

PROVIDENCE
     No, we’re not talking about a city in Rhode Island, but rather a doctrine in the Bible that touches every one of God’s creatures. While our English dictionary simply defines “providence” as “God’s benevolent guidance for the future,” God’s Word is much more descriptive. Although the word “providence” is not actually in the Bible, the essence of it can be found throughout the Scriptures. For instance, we find examples like, “gives food to every creature” (Psalm 136:25) and “He makes springs pour water into the ravines” (Psalm 104:10). Providence is best illustrated in Jesus’ words, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Even in Ephesians 2:10, Paul alludes to the doctrine of providence when he states, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The words “prepared in advance for us to do” exactly captures the idea of providence that is played out in each of our lives. Providence is God’s physical and spiritual provision for us that He planned to do beforehand.
     Scripture presents God’s “providence” for us in three categories. First, He prepared Christ for us as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Jesus’ death and resurrection for the salvation of mankind were not accidents of history or alternative choices by the Almighty. Knowing that man would sin and would need a Savior, God prepared and provided His Son from eternity past in to be our Savior. Second, God prepared in advance a witness to Himself through creation. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Third, God provides in advance the care of his creatures, both physically and spiritually. Jesus reminds His listeners in the Sermon on the Mount, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26,27).
     How does “providence” play out in your life and mine? History (yours, mine, the world’s) has been termed “His Story” or “The Hand behind the headlines.” On the world stage, “despots may plan and armies may march, and the congresses of the nations may seem to think they are adjusting all the affairs of the world, but the mighty men of the earth are only the dust of the chariot wheels of God’s providence” (T. Dewitt Talmage).” Reinforcing the fact that our God is the God of history, Daniel declares, “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men” (Dan. 4:25). Likewise, God’s provident care is unmistakably seen in the smallest details of our lives. Vance Havner said, “I thank God for the Unseen Hand, sometimes urging me onward, sometimes holding me back, sometimes with a caress of approval, sometimes with a stroke of reproof; sometimes correcting, sometimes comforting. My times are in His hand.” Whatever you’re going through today, whatever trial you’re going through, whatever joy you’re experiencing, whatever challenge you’re facing, God is behind the scenes causing “all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28) for the believer. Please join us this Sunday as we talk more about “God at work behind the scenes.”
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 10:45 AM | Comments (0)