October 2006 Newsletter
A WORD FORM OUR PASTOR
Dear members and friends of Zion,
What a month! What a wonderful month! September has been a fabulous beginning to what we hope will be a very productive year. There are so many folks to thank for their help in getting us off to such a good start. I'd like to thank the Men of Zion for taking the lead in resurrecting that longstanding tradition of a Congregational Pig Roast. What a great day, with such great fun, and a really great turnout! Over two hundred from Zion's family of friends and members were there to enjoy delicious food, and lots of it, along with the friendly fun taking turns at dunking the Pastor, along with Debbie and Dean Fox, Steve Ross, Mark Votaw, Todd Cizek, and Lorin Beaber! It was all for a good cause, raising funds for Zion's Food Pantry, with more than a little left over for our partners at Operation Blessing in New Orleans. Along with thanking everyone who contributed to the fun and our fundraiser, I'd like to thank some of the folks who led the way in planning the big event: Steve Ross for his overall direction; Mark Votaw, Debbie Fox, and Bob Lancashire for organizing the games; Jim Fidler and the clean-up crew; Mark Keaveny and the drinks team; Dale Jacobs and his kitchen crew; Suzanne Walters for sides and desserts, with Brian Walters and Darlene Milavickas creating the ambiance for a great Hawaiian luau.
There was more to Rally Day than our Pig Roast. I'd like to thank Darlene Milavickas for organizing our Ministry Fair, and Debbie Fox for creating Rally Day fun for all of our kids and classes. Our Sunday School program is really blessed this year with teachers like Lisa Frock (the 3 and 4 year-olds), Melissa Riffle (our 5 and 6 year-olds), Janet Slease (2nd and 3rd graders), Connie Riffle (4th graders), Tina Beaber (5th & 6th graders), and Renee Schrader (Confirmation). I've heard that we've taken a new approach with our high school class, namely, outnumbering our high schoolers with teachers - Wayne Slease, Todd Elsass, Karen Kirk, Mary Humbert, Linda Ross, and, when necessary, Steve Ross! We are taking prisoners, and holding them in the high school class all year long! All I can say is thanks for all you do. All of us admire your spunk, and we're very grateful for your dedication.
Finally, I'd like to thank Zion's Senior Choir. It was great to have their voices back for Rally Day. It was even better to enjoy their presence again and again at our 8:00 a.m. liturgical service. It is such a great service, and it is always so much better with their voices to support us. The power of our pipe organ, the ritual of our liturgy, historic canticles, the sense of tradition, and the presence of fellow members who are willing to step forward when help is needed to strengthen our worship: that's what the choir's presence means for Zion. The Senior Choir isn't singing at the early service simply because all of them are long-term eight o'clockers. They are there to help Zion grow healthier. That's what it takes to grow a healthy church, members who want to help one another, who understand that building our programs takes mutual support. What a great witness to camaraderie. We can learn from their willingness to see the need, to hear God's call, and show up for service, literally. So, thank you, Senior Choir, for your commitment to Zion. Thank you, Sunday School staff, for your dedication to growing a new generation of disciples. Thank you, Men of Zion, Women of Zion, members of Zion. God has richly blessed us with your presence. I extend my deepest thanks to you … and to God.
In His service, and yours,
Pastor Sherwindt
CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
We are right on schedule. We have a 2007 Budget to propose, and we will present that Proposed Budget at our fall Congregational Meeting, set for Wednesday, October 25, beginning with dinner in Memorial Hall at 6:15 p.m., and the meeting to follow in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. A good portion of our meeting was spent basking in the glory of a great Rally Day at Zion. The program year has now begun. Sunday School is underway, and Council is looking forward to the adult class on Sunday mornings, which will revisit the skills of membership that lead to our becoming a healthier congregation.
We continue to encounter unexpected expenses for repairs to our heating and air-conditioning systems which have put added pressure on the 2006 budget. The deficit is higher through August of this year than last year; but it is also true that we have enjoyed good summer giving for the sound system and our special benevolence fundraising drive. Total Giving for the year is ahead of last year's pace, and that is Good News; but we still need to focus on overcoming the Operating Budget deficit through August, which is now well over $5,000.
$TEWARDSHIP AT ZION
Stuff from the Internet gathered by Steve Ross, a member of our Stewardship Team: "Scripture has a tremendous amount to say about money or material possessions. 16 of the 38 parables of Jesus deal with money; and 1 of every 10 verses in the New Testament deal with this subject. Scripture has 500 verses on prayer, fewer than 500 verses on faith, but over 2,000 verses on the subject of money! Money is an extremely important issue because our attitude toward it is so determinative of our relationship with God."
Money is a very little thing according to Luke 16:10. Why? Because money cannot buy happiness. Money cannot give eternal life, and in the end, as well as right here and now, it does not give real meaning in life. In Luke, Jesus challenges us to think about what we really value. In Isaiah, God calls us to seek those things that cause our soul to live. In Revelation, we hear a more startling message:
"So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.'"
I guess you might say that there is nothing that reveals our relationship with God like our attitude toward money. None of us wants to be spit out of God's mouth when the final judgment is pronounced. Let none be mistaken: we are saved by God's grace, not our works. But laying hold of God's promise and enjoying true life begins with how we live now, how we share what God gives us, learning to value what God holds dear.
AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR - SUZANNE WALTERS
The music department has gotten off to a great start in September with the Praise Team adding some new songs to the 10:30 a.m. services, the Children's Choir rehearsing in the choir room on Sunday mornings before Sunday School, and the return of the Senior Choir to the 8:00 a.m. services on Sunday mornings. A joyful noise can be heard throughout the morning!
I have said this before, but I can't seem to say it enough. I am so pleased to work with all three of these groups of singers. The Praise Team consists of a small group of dedicated musicians, all of whom have taken a leap of faith with us to form a new worship style during the 10:30 services. This new style has eliminated some of the barriers to traditional worship services that visitors sometimes sense, and has created a less formal yet meaningful alternative to the traditional service. The sustained increase in attendance at the 10:30 service provides evidence that we are getting it right at that service. Where would we be without the Praise Team?! Thanks be to God for their talent and commitment!
Anyone who works with groups of children on a regular basis knows that there is never a dull moment with them! This is certainly the case with the Children's Choir. They are a lively bunch, and that is great news because they have lots of energy to use for beautiful singing! They are quick learners with great memories, so they can learn and retain from week to week the music that I have chosen for them. They especially enjoy singing for their parents and Sunday School teachers who periodically pop into the room during rehearsal. So take advantage and pay us a short visit some morning. You will be pleased with what you hear! The children will sing for the first time during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, October 15th, and you won't want to miss their sweet voices and happy smiles. Where would we be without our children?! Thanks be to God for their energy and their love of the Lord!
The Senior Choir is made up of approximately sixteen of some of the friendliest and happiest people you will meet at Zion. This is a group that is dedicated beyond measure. The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and they bring their collective love of music and worship as well as their sense of humor with them! This group smiles easily, learns quickly, appreciates one another, and understands the importance of enriching our traditional worship with their leadership. Where would we be without our Senior Choir?! Thanks be to God for their musical gifts and dedication to Zion!
A moment ago I said that the choir is composed of approximately sixteen people. More precisely, it is made of twelve women and four men. There is no doubt that the men believe the women are no match for them vocally despite their being outnumbered three to one. However, clearly we could use more men in our choir! So, it is time for the official invitation: I invite all men of Zion to join our Senior Choir at this time. Our church is growing! The spirit is alive! Jump in with both feet to one of the liveliest and most engaged ministries of the church, and feel the inspiration of making a contribution as a worship leader to praise the Lord. Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God. Use it to add to the worship experience as a member of Zion's choir.
Great News from Zion's Sunday School
UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Sunday, October 1: Youth Craft Event in Luther Hall after the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, October 8: Communion Class starts during worship at the 10:30 Service
Sunday, October 8: Youth Craft Event in Luther Hall after the 10:30 a.m. service
Sunday, October 15: Zion's Sunday School Choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, October 15: Halloween Party 2:00-5:00 p.m. in Luther & Memorial Halls
Saturday, October 21: Youth Missions “Oktoberfest” Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OUR GREAT STAFF OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THEIR CLASSES
Lisa Frock has our 3 and 4 year old children
Melissa Riffle will teach the 5 and 6 year olds
Janet Slease is with the 2nd and 3rd Graders
Connie Riffle will teach the 4th Grade Class
Tina Beaber is with our 5th and 6th Graders
Renee Schrader has the Confirmation Class
Zion's Sunday School year is off to a great start! The kids have been learning lessons about finding the "Treasure of God's Love" through a curriculum called Treasure Seekers. Our Sunday School classes begin at 9:30 a.m. each morning, right after our Children's Choir practice, which begins at 9:10 a.m. in the choir room. Sunday School classes end at 10:20 a.m. These lessons are filled with important messages about God's love, and our activities include great crafts, games and snacks.
ZION'S CHILDREN'S CHOIR CONTINUES
The children will continue to practice in the choir room from 9:10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. before Sunday School. After choir practice Sunday School leaders take the children to their classes. We are very grateful to Suzanne Walters for leading our children in singing God's praises. The following is the schedule of times when the children will sing during service:
Sunday, October 15, at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, November 12, at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, December 24, at the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, January 28, at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, February 25, at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, May 13 (Mother's Day), at the 10:30 a.m. Service
Sunday, June 10 (Father's Day), at the 10:30 a.m. Service
ZION'S ANNUAL COMMUNION CLASS
Chuck Danner and Debbie Fox will be leading our Communion Classes starting Sunday, October 8. This class takes place during the 10:30 a.m. Service, and lasts for four Sundays. Chuck's class will be for our Sunday School children from Kindergarten to 6th grade. Debbie Fox will be leading our 3 & 4 year olds. There is also material for parents who have younger children and feel they may not be ready for these classes that can be done at home as a family. If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Danner, Debbie Fox, or Pastor Sherwindt.
HALLOWEEN PARTY AT ZION
The Halloween Party will be Sunday, October 15th, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Luther and Memorial Halls. 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, face painting and other fun activities. You will be receiving a flyer with all the details. If you are interested, please sign up in the church office by Thursday, October 12th so we can have enough food, crafts and treats for all the children.
Zion's older youth will be helping with this event. They will have several fun activities for our Sunday School children to enjoy. The youth leaders will be organizing the details with our older youth for this event!
This will be a great event for all of Zion's Youth! We'll see you there!
CONFIRMATION CLASS AND THE HIGH SCHOOL GROUP
Renee Schrader is leading our Confirmation Class this year for Zion's 7th and 8th graders. This class meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Resource Center each Sunday. The class is currently studying the Old Testament as part of the Here We Stand program.
By the way, something new and exciting is happening with our High School Class. We now have a team of leaders working with our High School Class. This group includes Wayne Slease, Todd Elsass, Mary Humbert, Karen Kirk, Linda Ross, and Steve Ross, when we feel the need to call in the cavalry. Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in the recently furnished Youth Room for great discussion and interesting activities that will cause you to think in new ways about life and God.
THEY'RE BACK: ACME RECEIPTS
We are once again collecting Acme Receipts to help raise funds for the youth. This year we will receive cash-back credit for receipts dated September 17, 2006 through April 7, 2007. There will be collection cans in Memorial Hall by the coffee on Sunday mornings and in the church office. Please save your receipts and help us raise money for our youth! Thank you in advance for your support as always!
FALL "OKTOBERFEST" YOUTH MISSIONS CRAFT SHOW NEWS
Zion's Youth will once again have a craft table at this year's craft show. We are thinking about drink mixes and candles, which will be for sale during the craft show. We will also be selling tickets for themed raffle baskets, which each of the Sunday School classes will put together. We are asking that each of the children bring items in for the theme basket their class is working on by Friday, October 13th. This year's theme baskets are as follows:
The Family Game Night Basket (our 3 & 4 year old and 5 year old classes)
I Scream! You Scream! We All Scream for Ice Cream! Basket (2nd & 3rd Grade class)
The Fun for the Holidays Basket (put together by our 4th Grade class)
The Chocolate & Candy Lovers Basket (put together by our 5th & 6th Grade class)
The Ultimate Ohio State Fan Basket (put together by our Confirmation class)
The Movie Night Basket (creatively designed by our High School class)
This craft show helps raise money for our Youth, which helps with expenses for future mission trips and youth events. The Youth of Zion (and youth leaders) will also be asking you to buy and donate tickets for the German Take-out Dinners, which once again are priced at the low, low price of $7.00 each. Please support our Youth as they serve God by helping those in need.
The Youth of Zion will get together after worship on the Sundays of October 1st and October 8th in order to get started on making items for our craft show table. This after-church event is for youth of 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!
Attention All Youth! Your presence (and help) will be needed on October 21st in order to help with the craft show. We will need the kids to staff the youth table, to help the other crafters unload, to help in the concession area and bake sale table, and to pick up the slack on any other odds 'n ends that come up. There will be sign up sheets in Luther Hall for all those that can help! We are also asking for help from anyone and everyone in the congregation who can help with donating food items and bake sale items, with set up for and help during the craft show. Your support as always is greatly appreciated!
The Youth of Zion gained some great momentum this summer, and are heading into an exciting time for the rest of the year. The Mission Trip to New Orleans in June was outstanding. Vacation Bible School in July was a huge success. The Fun Day at Cedar Point in August couldn't have been better. We had great weather for water skiing in September. Then, it was some new furnishings for the Youth Room. And now, it's our Youth Committee. Everything is falling into place. We look forward to a great year, some great leadership, and a lot of support. Youth Committee members include Karen Kirk, Debbie Fox, Wayne Slease, Steve and Linda Ross, Beth Heller, Suzanne Walters, Mark Votaw or Lorraine Weinman, Mary Humbert, Pastor Sherwindt, and two youth representative, Todd Cizek and Jon Votaw. So, expect great things … and then help us accomplish them!
YOUTH SPOTLIGHT
Men of Zion Plan Ahead: Wednesday, November 1
The Men of Zion invite all of Zion to mark your calendars for a very special meeting, Wednesday, November 1, which begins for the men with a meal at 6:00 p.m., but then continues at 7:00 p.m. with an opportunity for all to meet Dr. Lester Mohler, brother of our own Stella Smiley, a man known throughout the world as dedicated humanitarian.
Lester R. Mohler, M.D., a 1960 graduate of Capital University in Columbus, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is recognized internationally for his contributions in the care and repair of children born with the deformity of cleft lip and palate. Dr. Mohler completed his medical education at The Ohio State University in 1964, and served intern-ships and residencies in Santa Barbara, CA, Columbus, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA.
He has given his time and talent to numerous overseas surgical missions with various organizations, including the Honduras Central America Medical Outreach program, the Midwest Medical Missions and the Medical Ministries Internet. He has made four trips to Honduras, sixteen trips to the Dominican Republic, one trip to Brazil as senior surgeon with Operation Smile and traveled to Ecuador to aid an organization called Children of the Andes. His mission work includes performing over 1,200 surgical procedures on children throughout the world - primarily for congenital facial deformities. His technique for the repair of unilateral cleft lip deformity is now used in all major craniofacial clinics throughout the world.
In 1964, he received the Surgical Award for Outstanding Performance from The Ohio State University, and the First Place Award for Congenital Anomalies at the Plastic Surgery Chief Residents Conference in 1970.
He served as the Director of the training program for plastic and reconstructive surgery at Riverside Methodist Hospitals from 1973 to 1979, as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Carmel Medical Center from 1986 to1996, and as Assistant Clinical Professor of surgery at The Ohio State University since 1971. He also served as the President of the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in 1982. He has authored numerous articles and made presentations to various groups throughout the world on craniofacial surgical techniques.
In addition, having graduated from North Canton High School in 1953, Dr. Mohler was inducted into the North Canton Alumni Association Hall of Distinction on September 29, 2004; and in 2003, he was a Stark County Wall of Fame Inductee.
Dr. Mohler serves as an example of Christian caring and is an educator in the truest sense of the word. In recognition of his dedication to his profession and his dedication to helping those less fortunate, Capital University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, at their May 14, 2000 commencement.
The Men of Zion are thrilled to invite Dr. Mohler to be the Guest Speaker at our November Program. All members of the congregation are invited to join us for the program, which begins at 7:00 p.m. Please invite your friends and neighbors. You'll be glad you did, and they will be, too. Chuck Danner is in charge of making sure that all of our video and audio equipment is cued and ready, and the Men of Zion have some great refreshments planned. That's Dr. Lester Mohler, world-renown humanitarian, on Wednesday evening, November 1st, 7:00 p.m.
A Timely Word from ZION'S Food Pantry
Here's a story you'll treasure: There was a beautiful little girl from Zion who worked with her family at our food pantry. She worked very hard at her job and was so moved by what she learned that she decided on her own to raise money for the people who came to her church and received food. She set up a little stand at the end of her driveway and commenced playing tunes to collect for the people. She did have one stipulation: if you wished to hear her sing as she played, that was going to cost you a lot more! Bless you, Brooke Stout, for being so intuitive at such a young age.
Here's the truth, in snippets, straight up: Food, you can't live with too much of it, and you can't live without enough of it. Every single one of us would prefer to live with too much, which we probably do, but unfortunately hunger is still on the rise in our Ohio cities. If we do not feed our youngsters properly their bodies and minds will not develop to their full potential. If they do not have food for their bodies, how are they expected to have food for their souls.
Here's our challenge, and our call: All I think about from one Tuesday to the next is food. Will we have enough food for all the pantry clients? Will we have the quality of food that each and every human being deserves? Will we have enough funds to support the expanding needs our Food Pantry must meet? What are we going to do about the problem of purchased orders exceeding the capacity of the Suburban we use for transport, and will we have enough volunteers on the next pantry Tuesday?
By far my biggest worry always begins the first of September with the planning for holiday meals. The Newcomers Club of North Canton has already committed to baking pumpkin pies for 30 Siffrin group homes and 45 of our pantry families. Curves of North Canton has once again committed to collecting from its members, fresh bags of potatoes. Zion members have been asked to donate boxed stuffing during the month of October. But, what would Thanksgiving be without the star of the show - turkeys, and lots of them!
In November we are going to ask each and every family at Zion to donate a 12-pound turkey (or the cash equivalent.) I challenge you to visit your food pantry on Tuesday, November 21, when all the holiday food is distributed. We have an awesome food pantry crew, and all of us would be delighted to share our enthusiasm with you.
Become a volunteer and make a difference every day,
Shirley Cavender (and the Zion Food Pantry Crew)
Some Good News: As many know, Rally Day's rally cry to Dunk the Pastor for Good was about raising funds for our Food Pantry & Clothing Closet, while also offering help to our partners working with Operation Blessing in New Orleans. Our goal is $5,000. We are looking for 200 donations of $25. The Stark Country Chapter (#30787) of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match our efforts with an additional $800. With Rally Day's success, we had found 148 donations of $25, totaling $3,700; with Thrivent's match, we stand at $4,500. We've got a ways to go; but with your help and our determination, we'll reach that final goal, with the result that our Food Pantry & Clothing Closet will be richly blessed both this year and next
THE WOMEN OF ZION
The monthly Bible study for the Women of Zion continues its focus on Hope in God in Times of Suffering. Christians believe that God is present with us in our suffering, but questions still abound as to just how God is involved in our sufferings. Please plan to join us on October 17, 9:30 a.m., in Luther Hall.
Blanket Day is Sunday, October 8, and the Comfort Givers need your help with our collection of blankets. We hope that you have found some bargains on buying blankets. Please bring them to church with you for Blanket Sunday. We also need your help with all those items that complete the School & Health Kits we put together for Lutheran World Relief. Will you help with donations of the following items: scissors (blunt point); rulers (30 centimeters, or 12 inches); crayons (16 or 24 count); construction paper; hand towels (not finger-tip); washcloths; toothbrushes (adult size); toothpaste (5 to 7 ounce); combs (wide tooth variety). Cash donations are welcome.
OCTOBER SENIOR BIRTHDAYS
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Happy Birthday to:
| Harold Scott |
October 5 |
| Fran Tucker |
October 5 |
| Gert Meyer |
October 11 |
| Dick Findlay |
October 11 |
| Mary Corbett |
October 12 |
| Dorothy Anderson |
October 14 |
| Eddie John |
October 21 |
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OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES
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Happy Anniversary to:
| Mike and Diane Dunphy |
October 1 |
| Ken & Debbie Elsass |
October 9 |
| Rob & Lisa Frock |
October 9 |
| Mike & Jayne Schrader |
October 17 |
| Ralph & Bridget Edwards |
October 18 |
| John & Beth Fromholtz |
October 22 |
| Allan & Mary Humbert |
October 24 |
| Dick & Edna Smith |
October 26 |
| Jeff & Cindy Ferry |
October 30 |
IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHARLES A. "CHUCK" HELLER
CHARLES A. "CHUCK" HELLER
03/18/1929-09/26/2007
Memorial Service at Zion
Friday, October 6, 2:00 p.m.
What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" [Micah 6:8]
It was already after ten when the call came with some sad news. This was a tough one. Maybe it was because Chuck's strength was so strong, and that, along with everyone else, I only wanted what was best for him. Maybe it was because he was such a supportive presence that I knew we needed him. His family needed him. I needed him. Maybe it was because there should have been a cure, or at least a treatment that gave Chuck a fighting chance, because given a chance, finding a way to turn the aims we envision into the reality we share was just a matter of time, with time yielding to the steady direction of will, applied with the certitude of a very thoughtful man.
That was Chuck Heller, a very thoughtful man. To be sure, Chuck was a man of action, and a leader, but as such, he was through and through a thoughtful, deliberate, and considerate man, for whom, as he would often say, thought inspires action. While Chuck was too humble to think that his thoughts could ever be mentioned in the same breath as God's, there is no doubt in my mind that God's thoughts inspired Chuck's life, and that Chuck Heller's life was what God had in mind when in the garden God's breath brought forth from the form of Adam the miracle of new life. We know the words that followed, “And God saw that it was good….” We caught a glimpse of what God meant in sharing the life of a dear friend, so firm in faith, and a fellow worker in the life of the church.
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