March 2006 Newsletter
A WORD FORM OUR PASTOR
Dear members and friends of Zion,
Zion enjoyed some really Good News with our Congregational Meeting scheduled for the last Wednesday in February. It began with a delicious dinner, an ample serving, with invitations for seconds, of the most tender and tastiest roast beef anyone could order anywhere, with sides of mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, and a choice of chicken for good measure. When the meeting began we were ready to enjoy a nice evening, with good conversation, a made-for-Zion movie, and some great fellowship. The world premier presentation of Brian Walter's Oscar quality video narrating the renovation of the restrooms, entitled A Change Will Do You Good, was delightful. It's a classic, and it's already out in video if you'd like to take a copy home and watch it with your family and friends!
The main business at our meeting was the election of members to open slots on Church Council, with the Deacons, and among our Trustees. For the first time since I've been here, we filled all open positions. What is more, we had members offering to be on a waiting list should the need for service arise! Carol Rossbach will serve her first whole term as Vice-President; Jayne Schrader, her first whole term as Council Secretary; Steve Ross, his first whole term as Witness Ministry Elder; Cindy Ferry, her first whole term as Resource Ministry Elder; Bob Lancashire, his second term as Parish Life Ministry Elder; Mary Humbert, her first term as Caring Ministry Elder. John Brokloff, Beth Shaheen, and Mark Votaw were elected to first terms as Trustees. Randy Cizek, Rob Frock, and Rich Kolarik were elected to first terms as Deacons. Laura Thompson will complete a full two-year term as Council President, and John Long will serve in the role of Continuity Advisor as we make some changes in how our deacons function.
What a great result, and it comes as the culmination of a very good year at Zion. We have accomplished some impressive results with our property renovation program, with financial support, with attendance at worship and attendance at meetings. Month after month this newsletter has reported close to perfect attendance at Council meetings. We are all beginning to understand that leadership requires presence, and not only presence at the meetings, but presence at worship as well. It's not just about personal piety, although having a healthy worship life is important for one's spiritual life. It's about making a connection between the goals we set and the people we serve, the folks who make up the better part of Team Zion. The road to becoming a stronger and healthier congregation doesn't require stars but teamwork. The more we see ourselves as part of a team effort, the stronger and healthier Zion will become.
Our commitment to teamwork will be tested with Lent. We have five Sunday evening Lenten programs, with five different groups hosting our Lenten dinners: the Men of Zion, the Senior Choir, the Church Council, the Chancel Guild, and the Youth of Zion. These dinners involve setting up, preparing the food, serving our guests, and clean-up afterwards. Let's make sure we support their hard work with our attendance. This year we will offer childcare for our families with younger children. Let's continue to improve on our commitment to being a part of Team Zion, by supporting one another with our presence during the course of our Lenten journey.
In His service, and yours,
Pastor Sherwindt
STEWARDSHIP NOTES
The vision of Zion Lutheran Church is for every member to have a growing relation-ship with Jesus Christ. An effective way to do this is to serve the church in anyway that we can. Our stewardship is a giving of our time, talent and resources, which will enable us to carry out God's work at the church. By being involved we will also help to secure a robust, living, alive church home for our current and prospective members.
Won't you prayerfully consider a donation of your time, talent and resources in order to help Zion continue on its path to becoming a healthier church in the weeks and months to come?
Zion's Stewardship Team -
Cindy Ferry, Chris Thomas, Steve Ross, Mabel Kolarik
OUR NEXT CHALLENGE: A NEW SOUND SYSTEM IN THE SANCTUARY
Here are the Top Ten Reasons why we need a new sound system at Zion:
#10: The Praise Team will be able to sing and dance in the Chancel!
#9: The last time we upgraded the sound system, Pastor wasn't yet in seminary!
#8: The volume on hearing aids can only go so far!
#7: No more microphone slalom getting around all the cords in the Chancel!
#6: Pantomiming children's programs went out with silent movies!
#5: More folks might laugh at the Pastor's jokes if they could hear them!
#4: What did he say?
#3: If you come to church to hear the sermon, you should be able to hear the sermon!
#2: We can't improve how the Pastor looks, but we can improve how he sounds!
#1: Our children should be seen and heard during their programs at worship!
We did a great job with the Restrooms Renovation, raising over $10,000.00 for a job that cost just about $10,000.00. It's nice to have the bathrooms behind us. Now, it's on to something that will dramatically improve the quality of our worship. Our sound system needs to be updated and improved. We are reminded of that fact every time our children offer one of their special programs, whether on Palm Sunday, or right around Christmas, or when we think about wanting to offer something special for Mother's Day or as the culmination of Vacation Bible School.
With the Praise Team bringing in their many microphones for leading us in song during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, we've been able to enjoy the various ways in which the Sunday School and Youth of Zion have contributed during worship. However, their many microphones has made the Chancel a dangerous place for folks walking from the choir pews to the lectern. There are a lot of wires lying across the carpet, quite an obstacle course for those who aren't paying attention.
We've got three major projects in mind for the sound system: more and better microphones, greater flexibility of use (with wires and without), and a control box set up in the back of the sanctuary. The Five-Year Property Program Task Force (Brian Walters, Darlene Milavickas, and Marilyn Espe-Sherwindt) have some specifics in mind. They will draw together a small working group to think through the final decisions and the plan of action. We knew last year that this was going to require a five-figure total. When we have the specifics in terms of parts and labor, we will introduce a strategy for having this system in place before the year's end.
We are going to need some serious financial support. As with the restrooms, we will do much of the labor ourselves. Still, moving our Sanctuary into the 21st century is a major commitment, but one that we must embrace if we are going to continue on our path to becoming a healthier and stronger congregation. That's our number one goal. You are our number one resource.
JUNE 10-17, 2006: HELPING NEW ORLEANS HEAL
The Mission Trip is ON! We're leaving from Zion on Saturday morning, June 10, and returning Saturday evening, June 17. That will give us two travel days down to the Gulf Coast, three full work days, and three travel days back home, with some excursion time worked into the trip. The itinerary is still quite flexible, as we will want to wait until we know who is planning to join us. There are lots of options for work commitments in Mississippi and Louisiana: the needs are great, and many people are still struggling with the challenges of reconstruction.
There was a great article in the Canton Repository, which recounted the experience of a father and son from the Canton area who recently returned from a week of volunteer service. “The people need help. Government efforts remain uncoordinated and directionless. Churches and relief organizations are really championing the human crisis. I would encourage anyone to look into taking a week to help out. Check with your church…. It was the trip of a lifetime, rich in experience, culture, emotion and, of course, exhausting work. I highly recommend it.” So do we! Make plans to join us in June.
At the moment, we have ten commitments. We are hoping to have a group of twenty-five missioners looking to make a difference with time well spent in service of others. We've had a lot of success raising funds for this trip. As a result members of Zion are invited to express their interest with a nominal $25.00 nonrefundable registration fee. Friends of members are invited to join us for slightly more, $100.00, which should cover just about everything except spending money. We'll be heading down in vans and SUV's, with most evenings spent with sleeping bags. We'll provide all the food, some excursions along the way, and other necessities.
As is always the case, cost should not (and will not) be an issue in deciding whether to join us. We want everyone to enjoy the opportunity we are creating with this long-awaited Mission Trip. We met on Sunday, February 19, to determine dates for travel. We will meet again on Sunday, March 5, to talk more about interest and itinerary. Please join in the conversation as we move toward finalizing our plans for what is going to be the greatest mission trip ever!
St. Patrick's Day Party at Zion Lutheran Church
Hosted by the Fellowship Ministry for the Elderberries
Saturday, March 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
You are invited to join us for music, games, snacks, visiting, and a whole lot more! Bring a friend. Our Fellowship Ministry has made a tradition of planning these wonderful events for a group we have enjoyed calling the Elderberries. The Elderberries include everyone who is sixty and older. Our events are planned mostly for fun. We would love for you to join us. If you need transportation, we will provide it. So put on some green. Let us entertain you the Irish way. To help us plan, let Darlene Milavickas or the Church Office know if you would like to join us.
Great News from Zion's Sunday School
UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Sunday, March 5: Reception for Bible Bowl Team between services in Memorial Hall
Sunday, March 5: Practice for the Children's Easter Program during Sunday School
Sunday, March 5: Youth Meeting after 2nd service (Mission Trip and Lenten Service)
Sunday, April 2nd: Youth of Zion host the Lenten Dinner (5:30 p.m.) and the Service
Sunday, April 9th: Palm Sunday, Children's Easter Program at 10:30 a.m. Service only
Sunday, April 16: Easter Sunday, Children's Easter Egg Hunt during Sunday School
Sunday, June 4th: The Festival of Pentecost, Rite of Confirmation at 10:30 a.m. Service
The Week of June 10 - 17: Zion's Mission Trip to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast
The Week of July 17 - 21: Zion's Vacation Bible School from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR
Sunday, May 14, Mother's Day: Children sing at 10:30 a.m. service
Sunday, June 18, Father's Day : Children sing at 10:30 a.m. service
Just a reminder: Choir Rehearsal begins at 9:10 a.m. on Sundays
SUNDAY SCHOOL: PRE-K THRU SIXTH GRADE
We will begin practice for the Children's Easter Program this month. We will pass out parts and go through the play during Sunday School on March 5th. This year's program is called Props for Easter. We will enjoy the Easter Story as we see what “goodies” the Easter Bunny has brought in a large basket for all to behold. There are many cast parts for everyone; so join us on Sunday, March 2, to receive yours. There are both speaking and non-speaking parts available for those interested in participating. We will practice our play on Sunday during Sunday School through April 2. Our children will perform the Easter Play on Palm Sunday, April 9, at the 10:30 a.m. worship service only. We will have our dress rehearsal on Saturday, April 8, at a time to be announced.
YOUTH SPOTLIGHHT
MORE GREAT NEWS ABOUT THE YOUTH OF ZION
Our Confirmation and High School Classes
Mark Morris is doing a wonderful job with our Confirmation Class, and Wayne Slease has been working with Todd Elsass to create an inviting, challenging, and fun conversation for our High School group. These classes meet during the Sunday School hour, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., with Confirmation in the Resource Center, and the High School group in our Youth Room. Now that the Bible Bowl has concluded, Wayne and Todd will turn their attention to some of the current issues that our young people face on a daily basis. Faith can help, both in understanding and responding to the crises and challenges that come our way. Mostly, friendships help, and that is what Wayne and Todd want most for our youth, where Zion offers a place where friendships can form. By the way, our second year Confirmands - Laura Kay, Taylor Roman, and Chase Weinman - are looking forward to Confirmation Sunday, which is the Festival of Pentecost, June 4th, with their Rite of Confirmation at the 10:30 a.m. service.
The Youth of Zion: The Bible Bowl
Congratulations to Zion's 2006 Bible Bowl Team for their performance on Sunday, February 26, at the Canton-Massillon Conference Bible Bowl Competition. Todd Cizek, this year's last minute Team Captain, and team members - Corey Beaber, Becca Coulter, Laura Kay and Taylor Roman - received yet another superior rating after a great performance. All five members scored over 30 on the written test giving them an average of 36.5 out of 40, one of the best showings by any Zion team. Laura Kay led the way with a perfect 40, followed by Taylor Roman's 39. The team also did very well during their oral rounds. They survived some difficult questions and memory verses, while adding a bit of levity to the competition! The judges wanted to award bonus points for our team's comic relief!
We are very proud of this team for all of their hard work and dedication. Each and every one spent a great deal of time learning about the book of Exodus. This difficult book of the Bible includes Moses' journey to free the people of Israel from Egypt, the ten plagues, the Ten Commandments, the Passover and building the Tabernacle. Thank you, Team Zion, and thanks to our Team Leaders, Wayne Slease and Todd Elsass, for your commitment and hard work. All of you have made Zion very proud! We have planned a reception to celebrate the accomplish-ments of our 2006 Bible Bowl Team between the services on Sunday, March 5th. Please make it a point to join us for some cake, coffee, juice, and a few fun surprises, too.
Youth Service during Lent: April 2
The Youth of Zion will be hosting the Lenten Service, which begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. The kids and their families will be serving pizza, salad and, of course, fabulous desserts. During the service, our youth will offer their rendition of the Passion narrative as told by the Gospel of Mark. We have scheduled a meeting for our youth and their parents following worship on Sunday, March 5. We will meet right around Noon following the 10:30 a.m. service, with pizza provided as we make plans both for our Mission Trip in June and our Sunday Evening Lenten Dinner (and a Drama) on April 2nd.
CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
We began the year with great attendance: Laura Thompson (President), Carol Ross-bach (Vice President), Dave Palumbo (Treasurer), Jayne Schrader (Secretary), Pete Fenney (Witness), Sharon Stout (Worship), Lorin Beaber (Property), Cindy Ferry (Resource), Steve Ross (Caring), Renee Schrader (Learning), Bob Lancashire (Parish Life), and Pastor Sherwindt.
Our meeting began with a look at our financial performance in January. We were nicely surprised. Despite winter fuel costs, the primary culprits in our January deficit were two non-recurring costs, one related to our refinishing the floors in the education wing, the other, several repairs to the heating system. All in all, our members were very responsive to our call for greater giving to offset higher utility bills. Looking ahead, adjustments were made to the monthly rent paid by the Bixler PreSchool and Senior Independence to help absorb some of these increased costs.
Our Membership Activities in 2005 showed that we added 17 baptized members and 12 confirmed members: Sandra Carrion, Jim & Beverly Dansizen, Howard Dansizen, Gregg Evanoff, Cathy Harvey, Nikki Kitzmiller, Mike & Julie and Ian McCartt, Mark & Tina, McKayla, Mariah, and Alayna Morris, Kathie Valentine, and Marissa Yates. One baptized member was confirmed, Nicole Ross. Two members transferred to sister ELCA congregations, and seven members were called home to heaven: Lucille Snyder, Raymond Breese, Betty Findlay, John Davis, Susan King, Mary Brown, and Hubert Roy. Our baptized membership increased to 439; confirmed membership increased to 370.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC AT ZION
Zion's Music Department continues to keep busy! The Senior Choir has been ever so flexible with schedule changes during the month of February. The choir has done such a great job this year learning some rather challenging music. I have not taken it easy on them! They continue to remain very committed to attendance at rehearsal and at worship, and the congregation consistently responds with complimentary remarks regarding the Senior Choir's work. We all appreciate that!
The Praise Team also remains flexible regarding slight modifications to the rehearsal schedule as well as with new music. This group is unshakable! They can learn new music in a heartbeat, and our repertoire continues to increase, adding new sounds to each worship service. I am very appreciative of the efforts and the commit-ment of the members of the Praise Team, and I thank the congregation for their support of this group.
The children have been doing a great job coming to rehearsals. They work hard when they are there, and they have done an out-standing job learning the music that I have planned for them this year. The attendance on the Sundays that we sing during worship is impressive, and I know the congregation enjoys seeing and hearing children's voices lifted in song to praise the Lord
All of these groups will continue to keep busy preparing for the Lenten season, Holy Week, and Easter. I so appreciate all that members of these groups, and family members of these groups, do to enhance our various worship services. Please continue to do what you're doing!
Suzanne Walters
NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Our last photo directory was back in 2000. As we become a healthier church and our congregation grows, a new photo directory will help to bring us closer together and strengthen the relationship that we all share as Christians. Here are some quick facts about our project to produce our directory:
We are working with Olan Mills again to produce Zion's 2006 Photo Directory.
Each family who gets photographed will receive a free 8" x 10" portrait as well as a free Church Pictorial Directory.
The church will receive additional directories, new member brochures, and more, at no cost to the church.
The only thing required of each Zion member is to sign up for a photo session during the three days that Olan Mills will be onsite at Zion. During the session, several poses will be taken, and you will select which poses should be used for your free 8" x 10" and for the directory. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits, if you choose.
Three days of photography are scheduled for May 2, 3, 4. We'll be posting sign-up sheets for three weeks prior to those dates.
We will need volunteers to help with scheduling the photography appointments, to help with contacting members who have not made an appointment, to host and greet members during the photography sessions, to design and create the cover and activity pages for the directory
If you're interested in volunteering, contact Steve Ross at 330-244-1158 by March 6. We'll start soon after with a kick-off meeting with our Olan Mills representative.
THE WOMEN OF ZION
The monthly Women's Bible Study will meet on Tuesday, March 21, continuing our focus on Acting Boldly with the fruit of the Spirit. March's fruit is faithfulness. When two people exchange vows, they trust their lives will grow richer over time. When you know you have a friend who will remain faithful to you in a time of crisis, you are comforted. These are examples of bold faithfulness, evident in biblical times with stories like Ruth and Naomi's and evident today. What's your personal story of bold faithfulness?
The Chancel Guild meets on Tuesday, March 14, 6:30 p.m., for seasonal cleaning, focusing on brass and silver items that need to be polished. Also, plans for the Lenten dinner, which the Chancel Guild will host on Sunday, March 26, will be discussed.
The Clothing Closet was the recipient of some of the blankets our Comfort Givers have made. Betty Tracy, Edna Smith, Karen Kirk, and Mary Humbert would like to invite the entire congregation to donate unused blankets to the Clothing Closet. The families we serve through the Food Pantry and Clothing Closet have quite a need for these items. So, if you're not using them, bring your blankets with you to church, and then leave them with our Clothing Closet. Also, we will begin receiving spring and summer clothing after Easter. Remember that all the clothing you donate needs to be clean, wearable, and ready for distribution.
ANNIVERSARIES IN MARCH
March 20 Al & Sue Whitmer
MARCH SENIOR BIRTHDAYS
March 21 Mabel Snyder
ODDS 'N' ENDS AT ZION
Dear Members and Friends of Zion,
I would like to thank the congregation for the concern, prayers and memorials during Ron's illness and after his passing. It was very much appreciated by all of us.
The Ronald Hartman family
Dear Pastor Sherwindt,
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for your support during this difficult time. Your visits during Ron's illness were very much appreciated. I also wanted to thank you for capturing Ron so well in your eulogy. We certainly gave you more than enough information during our planning at the church and he would have been proud to have been remembered in such a way. Thank you also for printing your words in the church newsletter to share with the congregation. You have been a blessing to our family and we just wanted to express our gratitude.
Peace,
Audrey and family
THE MEN OF ZION
The Men of Zion got together for a delicious dinner and some great fellowship on Wednesday, February 1st. We decided that rather than meeting on Ash Wednesday, we will meet prior to our hosting the Lenten dinner on the evening of Sunday, March 5. We will need lots of help; so, keep your evening free. Also, Dick Spall invited us to participate in a fundraiser for Lutheran Men in Mission on Saturday, March 25, when Kountz Memorial Church will host a Chili Cookoff, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event will raise money for the Habitat home we'll be building with the help of Thrivent.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendars! We have scheduled Vacation Bible School for the week of Monday through Friday, July 17-21, from 9 a.m. to 2.p.m. Join us on our Adventure to Son Treasure Island as we find a treasure on the island that is more precious than gold or silver - GOD'S LOVE!
The children will be learning how God's love is giving, kind, caring, forever and forgiving. It is going to be a great week of fun, fellowship and learning. As always, we need plenty of volunteers to make our VBS a success.
If you are available and interested, please contact Debbie Fox at 330-966-2433. If you are not available during that week, there are still many other ways to help out. We will have donation cans, sign up sheets for food and supplies needed for the week, and work days to do all of the prep work for VBS. We truly appreciate the support Zion's family always gives for this great event!
TEACHER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sunday School Staff in the Spotlight: This month's Sunday School Staff Spotlight shines on Vicki Givler, who has been a member at Zion for twenty-eight years. She currently is the Sunday School Secretary/Treasurer, handling all the attendance records and collecting of Sunday School offering each week, along with whatever else needs to be done. Vicki has also taught the 4th grade in her past years of service. She has been helping with Sunday School for twenty-two years - an amazing commitment to long-term dedication! Her favorite part of helping with Sunday School is watching the kids grow and learn about God.
Vicki is also active in Zion's Senior Choir and is one of our Assisting Ministers during service. During the week, Vicki is an Administrative Assistant at the Hoover Company, where she has worked for thirty years. She has been married to her husband Clarence for twenty-eight years, and they enjoy their dogs, Jackson and Rusty. Vicki and Clarence enjoy going to car shows and cruise-ins during the summer. They have four classics of their own - 1939 Buick, 1955 Studebaker, 1963 Buick Riviera, and 1967 Cougar.
Her other hobbies include cooking, gardening, NASCAR racing, and supporting the Cleveland Indians. Some of her favorites include green beans for food, 30 Minute Meals with Rachel Ray on TV, and Star Trek or any John Wayne flick for movies. She loves to listen to Gospel and Country Music, with The Statler Brothers and Johnny Cash being her favorite performers.
Vicki is a very important part of Zion's Sunday School staff, and we would like to thank her for all of her great work and dedication throughout the years!
LENT AND HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday
| Date |
Time |
Special Features |
| Wednesday, March 1 |
7:00 p.m. |
Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion
Zion's Senior Choir will sing at Worship |
| Sunday, March 5 |
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. |
Lent 1, Sunday Morning Services, (Choir, 10:30) |
| Sunday, March 5 |
5:30 p.m. |
Dinner hosted by the Men of Zion |
| Sunday, March 5 |
6:15 p.m. |
Drama: Judas, featuring Dale Jacobs |
| Sunday, March 12 |
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. |
Lent 2, Sunday Morning Services, (Choir, 8 a.m.) |
| Sunday, March 12 |
5:30 p.m. |
Dinner hosted by the Senior Choir |
| Sunday, March 12 |
6:15 p.m. |
Lenten Selections with the Choir |
| Sunday, March 19 |
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. |
Lent 3, Sunday Morning Services, (Choir, 10:30) |
| Sunday, March 19 |
5:30 p.m. |
Dinner hosted by the Church Council |
| Sunday, March 19 |
6:15 p.m. |
Drama: Pontius Pilate and Procula |
| Sunday, March 26 |
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. |
Lent 4, Sunday Morning Services, (Choir, 8 a.m.) |
| Sunday, March 26 |
5:30 p.m. |
Dinner hosted by the Chancel Guild |
| Sunday, March 26 |
6:15 p.m. |
Drama: Peter, featuring Pete Fenney |
| Sunday, April 2 |
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. |
Lent 5, Sunday Morning Services, (Choir, 10:30) |
| Sunday, April 2 |
5:30 p.m. |
Dinner hosted by the Youth of Zion |
| Sunday, April 2 |
6:15 p.m. |
Drama: St. Mark's Passion Narrative |
Holy Week and Easter
| Date |
Time |
Special Features |
| Sunday, April 9 |
8:00 a.m. |
Palm Sunday Liturgical Service, (Choir Sings) |
| Sunday, April 9 |
10:30 a.m. |
Palm Sunday Children's Program, (Choir Sings) |
| Thursday, April 13 |
12:00 p.m. |
Quiet Communion with the Ragman |
| Thursday, April 13 |
7:00 p.m. |
Evening Service & Lenten Drama, (Choir Sings) |
| Friday, April 14 |
12:00 p.m. |
Community Service, Hoover Park |
| Friday, April 14 |
7:30 p.m. |
Good Friday Tenebrae at Zion, (Choir Sings) |
| Saturday, April 15 |
5:00 p.m. |
Saturday Evening Easter Vigil |
| Sunday, April 16 |
8:00 a.m. |
Easter Sunday Festival Worship, (Choir Sings) |
| Sunday, April 16 |
10:30 a.m. |
Easter Sunday Festival Worship, (Choir Sings) |
|