A Word About Stewardship From John & The Gang
[John Davis had worked on this Stewardship article with Cindy Ferry, Steve Ross, and Chris Thomas, who together made up our Stewardship Team. Stewardship was John's love, and this article reflects his gratitude for Zion's positive response to his team's hard work this year.]
The generosity of the members of the congregation has enabled us to take the first step toward our vision for Zion 200, the vision that looks forward to Zion's 200th anniversary in the year 2014. Congratulations and thank you.
Your contributions in time and resources have made this possible. We recognize that this is the beginning of our ongoing and continuing effort for improving every aspect of our church, its leadership, our activities, and the building. As we work together on stewardship, we will grow in fellowship and Christian maturity.
While we need to take a moment to bask in our achievement, we can't lose sight of the day-to-day operations of the church. For the most part our giving has kept pace with expenses. Still, the challenge of our 2005 Operating Budget remains before us. We are currently running a slight year-to-date deficit of just over $1,800 through the end of August. The summer months have seen their typical drop-off in giving and attendance due to vacation schedules. Now is the time to see to it that we pick up the pace and ensure that current expenses are met. I am sure that each of us would like to close out the year in the black and start 2006 on a positive note.
Hopefully, all of you reading this column are aware of the four-session crash course that is building awareness among our congregation of our need to make Zion a healthier church. The outcome of these sessions is a plan that has put forth activities that will aid us in our desire to grow Zion - to grow in gratitude, to grow in grace, to grow in confidence, to grow in love for one another and for the world. We will need the time and talents of all of you, all of the members of our congregational family, to bring this about.
The Stewardship Team
Cindy, Chris, Steve, and John
Membership Class To Teach The Membership Covenant
Starting on October 2nd, the Adult Sunday School Class will begin a seven session course on membership at Zion. This is a class for new members, prospective members, and long-time members, young and old. Since we have just recently updated our understanding of what membership invites and requires, the Membership Covenant will be the central focus.
| Session #1 | October 2 | Zion's Constitution and the Membership Covenant | |
| Session #2 | October 9 | God's Word and the Membership Covenant, Part 1 | |
| Session #3 | October 16 | God's Word and the Membership Covenant, Part 2 | |
| Session #4 | October 23 | Lutheran Heritage and the Membership Covenant | |
| Session #5 | October 30 | Reformation History and the Membership Covenant | |
| Session #6 | November 6 | Zion's Organization and the Membership Covenant | |
| Session #7 | November 13 | Your Gifts & Interests and the Membership Covenant |
Great News From The ZION SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday, October 2nd----- Youth Event in Luther Hall after the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, October 9th----- Communion Class starts during the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, October 9th----- Youth work on their crafts after the 10:30 a.m. Service
Saturday, October 22nd----- Youth Missions "Oktoberfest" Craft Show: all day long!
Sunday, October 23rd------ Sunday School Choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Saturday, October 29th----- Halloween Party at 5:30 p.m. in Luther Hall
PRE-K TO 6TH GRADE NEWS
Sunday School is now under way! The kids are learning important and fun Bible lessons from our Witness curriculum each week. They hear stories about Bible characters that teach them important faith traits that will help them in their daily lives like TRUST, OBEDIENCE, LOYALTY, THANKFULNESS, RESPONSIBILITY and PATIENCE. Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m., following the children's choir practice, which begins at 9:10 a.m.
ZION'S CHILDREN'S CHOIR
The children's choir has started practicing with Suzanne Walters. They meet each Sunday from 9:10 a.m. to 9:30 am before Sunday School. The Children's Choir will sing on Sunday, October 23rd, at the 10:30 a.m. Service. Our children are working really hard and sound great. We look forward to October 23rd! Parents will be receiving a choir schedule listing the dates that the Children's Choir will be singing throughout the year.
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNION CLASS
| Chuck Danner and Debbie Fox will be starting a Communion Class on October 9th. This class will take place during the 10:30 a.m. Service, and will last for 5 weeks. The classes are available to all of our Sunday School children. There is also material available for parents of our younger children who feel their children may not be ready for Chuck's class that can be done at home as a family. Please sign up in the Church Office if your child will be attending. Also, if you have any questions, please see Chuck Danner or Debbie Fox. They'll be glad to help. |  |
2005 YOUTH MISSIONS CRAFT SHOW
Zion's Youth will once again have a table at this year's craft show. They will be selling tickets for themed raffle baskets that each of the Sunday School classes will put together. They will also be making items that will be for sale. This craft show will help raise money for our future mission trips, the first of which is being planned for June 2006. The youth will also be selling tickets for the German take-out dinners for $7.00 each. Please support our Youth as they serve God by helping those in need.
The youth will get together Sunday, October 2nd after the 10:30 a.m. service to start making items for the craft show table. This event is for all ages. We will start with pizza for lunch and then get to work! Please join us to help make this craft show a great success. We'll repeat this on Sunday, October 9th.
The youth will also be needed to assist with the Craft Show on October 22. We will need the kids to help staff the youth table, to help the other crafters unload, to help in the concession area and bake sale table, and any other odds and ends that come up. There will be sign up sheets in Luther Hall for all those that can help! There will also be sign up sheets for food items, bake sale items and set up for Friday night for everyone in the congregation. Your support as always is greatly appreciated!
IT'S OUR ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY
| The Halloween Party will be Saturday, October 29th, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Luther Hall. We are looking forward to another great evening of fun! This event is for our Pre-K thru 6th grade children. The kids should wear their costumes and bring a pumpkin to decorate. They are also welcome to bring a friend. There will be pizza, snacks, crafts, games and a kid-friendly haunted house done by Zion's older youth. We will send a flyer with all the details. If you are interested, please sign up in the Church Office by Wednesday, October 26th so we can have enough food, crafts and treats for all the children. Zion's older youth will also head to a haunted house and have an overnighter at the church that evening! They are also welcome to bring a friend. Youth leaders will provide more details to the kids. |  |
HIGH SCHOOL & CATECHISM NEWS
Our High School and Catechism classes are teaching new curricula this year! The High School class is using Follow Me as their guide. Wayne Slease and Todd Elsass are looking forward to a great year of learning and fun with this series. The Catechism class, taught by Mark Morris, is using Here We Stand, which is an internet-linked curriculum. This class meets in the Resource Center at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday, and is for 7th and 8th graders. We are very excited about both of these new series as we guide our youth through their studies. Please join us!
DAILY DISCIPLESHIP is a lectionary-based Bible study produced by our ELCA, designed for small groups. It follows the Lessons that were selected for the previous Sunday. There's no study guide. It is not assumed that participants will have read the texts. There is no official leader who presents a lesson to go with the Scriptures. We gather every Wednesday to talk about the Word of God. Each session includes a two-page resource: a "Word of Life" page that provides biblical background for the Gospel Lesson, and a "Last Word" page that offers suggestions for applying what we've learned during the week. Our objectives are three-fold: to discover more about being a disciple of Christ, to connect the Word of God with our daily life experiences, to explore ways to deepen our faith in everyday living. We started the series in September, and there's a good group of us that like how it works. You are invited to join in anytime - although the best time would be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.
The September Council meeting continued the strong start of great attendance at Council meetings: Laura Thompson, Carol Rossbach, Jayne Schrader, Dave Palumbo, John Davis, Sharon Stout, Lorin Beaber, Renee Schrader, and Pastor Sherwindt. Opening devotions included a story that Bob Lancashire shared about God, a soldier, and a deck of cards. We then took a look at the Treasurer's Report, which provided some encouraging news about August. Expenses came in on the light side, which made even a summer month's income look pretty strong. We continue to make some minor adjustments to the 2006 Proposed Operating Budget. The Pastor's Report recounted an impressive record of atten-dance at our cottage meetings. We had set as our target the goal of involving 80 to 90 of our members in these meetings. We have met and exceeded that target with all three sessions. Support has been strong and consistent. The theme of each meeting has been constant: becoming a healthy church, getting everyone on the same page, and taking ownership over a single plan of action. A consensus is emerging, and our Action Plan is taking shape. Responsibilities were assigned for our presentation of this plan on September 18. Some highlights of our meeting include the decision to increase our budgeted commitment to worship staffing in 2006 by $1,400.00, the decision to regard our commitment to the Lutheran College Fund as an investment in the future of the church, concluding that our making use of Memorials & Gifts was a good way to express the connection between one generation's accumulated generosity and the next generation's potential for leadership; the decision to support a Progressive Dinner in support of Habitat for Humanity.
I think everyone who works with, in and around Zion's Food Pantry would all agree on one statement. "If we won't eat it, do not expect someone else to." Five years later that statement is still the backbone of our Food Pantry.
We also believe that everyone deserves to have a turkey on Thanksgiving - not a chicken, not a ham. The turkey symbolizes unity and family. To sit down and enjoy our dinners knowing that in this great country of ours there will be some who will go hungry is an atrocity. Every year the folks organizing our efforts at Zion's Food Pantry worry about having enough funds to purchase all the turkeys needed for our clients. We not only serve our pantry clients, but also all the Siffrin homes in Stark County! Siffrin homes are group homes for individuals with mental or physical limitations. Our projected goal for this Thanksgiving is SEVENTY-THREE 12-pound turkeys. This goal could never be reached without the help we receive from the congregation of Zion. We are asking for a turkey from you. If you would prefer to give a cash donation, we will do the shopping for you. All moneys and turkeys need to be in place by Sunday, November 6th.
The turkey is only a small part of what we supply through the ministry of our Food Pantry. Every family is also handed bags filled with stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cranberries, applesauce, noodles, muffins, pies, and liquid refreshment. I know that with your help, and God's, we can achieve our goal.
I recently was told a sad tale by the Director of the Stark County Hunger Task Force, Donna Berkebile. A young minister had recently called her with questions pertaining to the hungry. He was from the Allen school area in Canton, and told her of a program they had started at the school. Because of the lack of food at the homes of some students, children were fed at school throughout the week. In order to meet the hunger needs felt by children on the weekend, the school instituted a backpack program. Every Friday afternoon, five pounds of food is loaded into the child's backpack, which, in turn, is to be taken home for the weekend. Needless to say, when I heard of the need, it seemed clear to me that all the school supplies and backpacks that were collected during Vacation Bible School should be donated to the students at Allen school.
Something to think about: Every once in a while we witness a form of greediness on the part of our clients. This week it was over meat. Maybe what we perceive as greed is really hunger and desperation.
A Green Thumb Award goes to Faye Shankle, and Verle and Ruth Elsass. All the work they put into the garden is not in vain. There are always shrieks of delight from our pantry clients at the prospect of eating fresh vegetables; and these fresh vegetables were provided in abundance when we were open in September. You are definitely members of The Pantry Crew. I thank you for your time, your talent, and your understanding what Zion's Food Pantry is all about.
One final comment: the food of the month for October is BOXED STUFFING.
Shirley Cavender & the Pantry Crew
THE NEW FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULE:
FALL: Beginning in September, we will be open only the 1st and 3rd TUESDAYS of the month.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays:----- September 6th and 20th,--- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays:----- October 4th and 18th,------- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays:----- November 1st and 15th,---- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays:----- December 6th and 20th,---- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
October Anniversaries and Senior Birthdays
OCTOBER SENIOR BIRTHDAYS
October 5 Harold Scott
October 5 Fran Tucker
October 11 Gert Meyer
October 11 Dick Findlay
October 12 Mary Corbett
October 14 Dorothy Anderson
October 21 Eddie John
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
October 9 Ken & Debbie Elsass
October 9 Rob & Lisa Frock
October 17 Mike & Jayne Schrader
October 18 Ralph & Bridget Edwards
October 22 John & Beth Fromholtz
October 24 Allan & Mary Humbert
October 26 Dick & Edna Smith
October 30 Jeff & Cindy Ferry
A Note to Our Readers:
If you would like your anniversary information included in The Zion Herald,
just let the church office know by calling , 330-499-3909.
The Men of Zion met in Luther Hall on Wednesday, September 21, and, after sending John Davis and Chris Thomas to pick up some KFC take-out, we enjoyed some delicious food and great fellowship. We planned an outdoor cleanup day for October 15th, and then another for the middle of November. We also decided to change our meeting date to the first Wednesday of the month, a week ahead of the Council meeting rather than the week after the Council meeting. Since we try to support and even implement some of the initiatives our Church Council plans for property care, we concluded that the lines of communication would be fresher and stronger by meeting the first Wednesday, which begins with October 5th at 6:00 p.m. John Davis meant a lot to the Men of Zion. He led the charge in trying to get us meeting again on a regular basis. He kept at it with persistence that wore many of us down, for our good and the good of the church. We want to make sure that we keep this impor-tant group meeting and working for the good of the church. So, please, make every effort to join us for dinner on October 5th; and if you haven't yet purchased your Men of Zion pullover shirt, please do so soon, before supplies run out. The shirts are good looking, and a great value at $20.00!
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of John Davis, especially Kay, their sons, Kent and Jay, and their grandchildren. John certainly knew his share of health's persistent challenges; but he bore these burdens with grit, with good cheer, and a bold faith. He had been reading from a book of daily meditations entitled Bedside Blessings, given to him by his dear friends, Chuck & Helen Heller. The mediations on the day he was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Medical Center and the day God called him home to heaven were so perfect that we share them here.
In response to Isaiah, 32:17, the Scripture verse appointed for the day John slipped from consciousness and into the embrace of God's faithful presence, Charles Swindoll writes, "We call any work done in the will of God 'the work of righteousness.' And in doing that work, you will be surrounded by peace. Deep within you, in the very out-working of that service and your obedient walk, you will enjoy quietness and confi-dence. There will be an invincible sense of inner assurance, quietly and humbly accepted." The Scripture verse appointed for September 24 was also right on the mark: "Do not fear! Stand fast, and see the salvation of the Lord." [Exodus 14:13]
"ACTING BOLDLY", our Bible study meets the third Tuesday, October18th: Just what is it to act boldly? As a new triennium begins for Women of the ELCA, women call to one another, "Act Boldly!" Whether gathering in church parlors, around dining room tables, or in basement meeting rooms. "Act Boldly!" we encourage one another. Mary Ellen Kiesner, recent past president of Women of the ELCA said, "Without always realizing it, women have always acted boldly. If there's a need, a call, they respond. Our hope is to recognize together how women are acting out their faith in bold ways." Why not act boldly, and join us on October 18th at 9:30 a.m. This month we will Act Boldly with Joy. As all of us know, it's easier to let someone else do the hard work. How are we called to act boldly despite our fears? Often we fail to follow our hearts because it's a more difficult path. How can we realize our true passions and act on them boldly?
"BLANKET SUNDAY" is October 9th: This is the month. We hope that you have found some bargains on buying blankets. Please bring them to church with you for Blanket Sunday. We use these blankets to ship with the Lutheran World Relief shipment. All of our health kits, school kits and blankets will be gathered together at Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Seville on October 15. We will do our packing on Thursday, October 13th, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Please join us.
Last year, women from around the ELCA distributed a total of 356,440 quilts, 141,655 school kits, 102,900 health kits, along with 25,875 sewing kits, 53,400 layettes, 101,760 pounds of soap, 615,330 pounds of clothing. Thousands of women, men, and children in places like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Botswana, China, Georgia, Ghana, India, Iran, Liberia, Peru, Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Thailand, and Zambia received a gift of comfort through these efforts. The Women of the Church hope to do even more to help others in need throughout the world this year.
Progressive Dinner To Help Habitat For Humanity
Lutheran Churches in the Canton-Massillon Conference are preparing their final drive to place Kristine Jones in a Habitat House by October 22nd. Zion has planned a series of Progressive Dinners in the hope of raising $1,500 to help with the costs. Our first Progressive Dinner is planned for Saturday, October 8th, after the 5:00 p.m. service. Rick & Sharon Stout will host for appetizers. Lou & Darlene Milavickas will host for the entrée. Brian & Suzanne Walters will host for dessert. The food will be absolutely sensational. We are asking that all diners contribute $25 for Habitat for Humanity. We hope to involve many of our younger families with a Kids Night Out at the church. We'll provide child-care for $5 a child, with pizza, a movie, and lots of fun using Luther Hall and the gym. For those who cannot join in this time around, we're planning another such evening for January. Donate now!
The bathrooms in Memorial Hall have been completed. Now it's on to the Ladies' Room in the Main Hallway. We will start work on this project the first of November. We have received great support from Zion's members in terms of the time and talents many have offered. We continue to encourage you to share your treasures to fund the renovations. Your generosity is needed and appreciated.
Brian Walters, Task Force Chairperson
This is a story about a soldier who returned to camp after heavy fighting. The Chaplain noticed the soldier looking at a deck of cards. The soldier explained its religious significance. "You see, Sir, when I look at the Ace, it tells me that there is one God. When I see the 2, it reminds me that there are two parts to the Bible, the Old and New Testaments. The 3 tells me of the Trinity, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The 4 reminds me of the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. When I see the 5, it tells me of the ten virgins, five who were lost and the five who were saved. The 6 makes me mindful that God created the earth in six days. The 7 reminds me that God rested on the seventh day. As I look at the 8, it reminds me that God destroyed all life by water, except for eight people, Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their three son's wives. When I see the 9, I think of those nine lepers. There were ten lepers in all, but only one stopped to thank Jesus. The 10 reminds me of the Ten Commandments carved in stone by the hand of God. The Jack makes me remember the Prince of Darkness. When I look at the Queen, I see the mother of Jesus. As I look at the last card, the King, it reminds me that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings. There are 365 spots on a deck of cards, and that is the number of days in each year. There are 52 cards to a deck and that is the number of weeks in a year. There are 12 picture cards and that is the number of months in a year. Sir, my deck of cards reminds me of my Bible, serves as a Prayer Book, and doubles as an Almanac. Most importantly, it reminds us that we need Jesus 365 days, 52 weeks, and 12 months a year, and that we should pray 4 others." May you never look at a deck of cards the same way again.
An Outdoor Cleaning Day at Zion Saturday, October 15th, 8:00 a.m. Beginning with a Pancake Breakfast Prepared by our own Chris Thomas Join Us for a Great Day of Service You'll be glad you did, and so will we!