September 2006 Newsletter
A WORD FORM OUR PASTOR
Dear members and friends of Zion,
What a summer! The Mission Trip to New Orleans, Vacation Bible School, Cedar Point, and now, a Congregational Pig Roast to usher in a new program year with Rally Day, a Ministry Fair, and a Dunk Machine! What began as a series of rewarding experiences and gratifying success stories somehow along the way became serious signs that Zion has found itself on the way to becoming a healthier and stronger congregation. We've begun to grow again. Interest is picking up, participation is gaining momentum. September 10th promises to be a great beginning to some kind of year! When Church Council met this past month, we all agreed that we didn't know what it was that we had done to get it right, but we wanted to be sure that we did more of it! I guess you can say that we're becoming believers. We hope that is happening for you, too.
There have been some changes along the way. We created a new service, with dedicated leadership, and some surprising responses - children (and adults) humming during the week the songs we sing on Sunday, two-year-olds dancing on pew cushions, smiles on the faces of young people enjoying that weekly obligation called worship, adults appreciative of the uplifting spirit the joy of our praise can produce. I've been thankful for the dedication our worship leaders have offered, and for the support that our members have given in response. As with many of the mysteries of life, the spontaneity of feeling good because we seem to be hitting our stride doesn't just happen. It takes the initiative of planning, the discipline of staying on track, and the responsiveness of sustained support. We've had these ingredients this past year, and we will need even more of the same as we look to sustain the momentum we've been blessed to enjoy.
Worship has been an area where we have enjoyed some success with the changes we've pur-sued; but challenges remain. The more contemporary sound of our 10:30 a.m. service seems to have caught a wave, but our traditional service at 8:00 a.m. needs to come into its own, too. To that end, the Senior Choir has committed to adding their presence to the early service on a more regular basis. Many of us love the great canticles and hymns that form the anchor in life we call tradition, but not enough of us have followed through on the commitment to honor the Sabbath regularly with our presence at worship. We need those of us who love the sound of our pipe organ (played with polished excellence), and the familiar ring of chanting, setting the stage for hymns that have long combined grace and art to add the sound of their voices to the songs of God's praise we offer at that early 8 a.m. hour.
We're just at the beginning of what we hope will be a long run of healthy growth. It's still not too soon to get excited about the good things that are happening; and it's certainly not too soon to plan on joining us on September 10th - for the joy of our outdoor service, for the fellowship that will follow, for the fun we'll have with games for kids of all ages, for the food that will once again be indescribably delicious. Come, too, to take your try at "Dunking the Pastor for Good", for the good cause of raising funds for Zion's Food Pantry & Clothing Closet, and also lending our support to the good work our partners at Operation Blessing are doing to Help New Orleans Heal. So, when Sunday, September 10th, comes around, I hope to see you here. Come, expecting great things; and, by all means, bring your tired arms and inaccurate throws. In this one area of our life together, missing the Mark is my heartfelt aim for all.
In His service, and yours,
Pastor Sherwindt
CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
The budget process began at our August meeting. We will meet again in September to take a closer look at the progress we've been making in piecing together our proposal for the 2007 Operating Budget. All will be ready for our Congregational Meeting at the end of October. So, we're ahead of schedule.
Brian Walters presented his proposal for the new sound system. Its total: $17,900 for the Sanctuary, with an additional $1,200 to extend this sound system into Luther Hall, the Nursery, the Church Offices and beyond. The specifics call for a new soundboard, additional speakers, eight headset micro-phones, four handheld microphones, and building a mixing board sound control area in the back of the Sanctuary on the pulpit side. This area will also serve to create space for a wheelchair-accessible area at worship. Most of the system will be wireless, clearing the Chancel from cables, microphone stands, and additional amplifiers. Our sound system presently extends beyond the Sanctuary. For an additional $1,200 we will connect the upgraded system to these rooms, and install volume controls. We thank Brian for his leadership, and the congregation for your generosity and support.
By way of review, 2006 has seen several families choose Zion as their church home: the Franks (in March), the Keavenys (in April), the Mileks (in May), the Fidlers (in June), the Rhodes family, McNamaras, Browns, and Bentons (in August), plus the added bonus of baptisms in April, May, and August, along with the Rite of Confirmation in June. We look forward to still others who have enjoyed their worship connection with us joining in the fellowship that is ours in Christ. God has blessed us in ways that con-tinue to confirm that we are on our way to becoming a stronger congregation.
MORE FROM THE COUNCIL
Rally Day is on, as is the Congregational Pig Roast, set for Sunday, September 10th, a day that will include the start-up of the choral year, our Ministry Fair in Luther Hall, an outdoor service at 10:30 a.m., Rally Day fun, and fabulous food. The Men of Zion are taking the lead in preparing the Pig Roast. The Sunday School leadership is organizing the fun we expect our kids to enjoy. Council will oversee our Annual Ministry Fair, and we are securing a Dunk Machine to raise money in our effort the Help New Orleans Heal, Part Two.
Part Two refers to the partnership we have formed connecting our food and clothing ministry at Zion with the food and clothing ministries at the Adullam Christian Fellow-ship in Saint Bernard Parish. Our goal is to find 200 donors with $25, for a sub-total of $5,000, to which the Stark County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (30787) will add $800! We will use $3,750 to strengthen our efforts to battle hunger in Stark County, and share $2,050 with Operation Blessing in New Orleans. It is our hope to present these funds personally, when we head south again to help in the long-term project of rebuilding in the greater New Orleans area.
AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR - SUZANNE WALTERS
After a refreshing summer break, the music groups are about to move back into full swing!
Zion is blessed to have so many willing individuals who come together on a regular basis and generously give of their time and talents to help in leading worship.
Our Senior Choir will resume regular rehearsals on Wednesday, September 6, in the choir room, from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Senior Choir will offer an anthem at the 8:00 a.m. traditional service, three Sundays every month. On the other one or two Sundays of the month, a soloist or small ensemble will offer an anthem as special music. Watch for the Senior Choir to make their debut for this year on Sunday, September 10th! For your information, the choir is comprised of adults in the congregation who love to sing! The door is always open and the welcome mat is always in place for anyone and everyone who would like to join us. This includes middle school and high school students who are too old to sing with the Children's Sunday School Choir. Please do not hesitate to call me if you would like to sing with the choir. We would love to have you.
Speaking of the Children's Choir, we will meet in the choir room at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 10, to rehearse a couple of songs from Vacation Bible School. We will then include these as part of the outdoor service at 10:30 a.m. that morning. We would love to see each and every VBS participant that morning to add a joyful noise to our outdoor worship service! The Children's Choir will meet for regular rehearsals beginning Sunday, September 17, from 9:10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the choir room. These rehearsals will precede the regular Sunday School classes. The children will sing once each month at the 10:30 a.m. service. A schedule of these Sundays will be forthcoming.
Zion's Praise Team will continue to lead our worship at the 10:30 a.m. service as they have tirelessly done for the last year. I am confident I speak for the members of the Praise Team when I say how grateful we are for the support the congregation has given for our efforts to change the style of the 10:30 a.m. service. Your positive and encouraging remarks are very much appreciated, and the consistently impressive attendance at that service is inspiring to the congregation as a whole.
I would be remiss if I neglected to mention the contributions that our organists have made to our traditional services. We have been so very fortunate to enjoy the talents of Fred Locker, Phil Lehenbauer, Kathy Miller, Sandy Simpson, and Marcie Greenfield. While it is true that we do not presently have a "full-time" organist, we are truly blessed to have contact with these gifted musicians on a regular rotational basis. If you have not yet had the opportunity to meet any of these folks, please take time to say hello and introduce yourselves, as well as to express our congregation's appreciation for their playing. In the same vein, we appreciate the wonderful musical talents of Carole Singer and Marilyn Espe-Sherwindt, who offer accompaniment at the Saturday evening service. If you have never had an opportunity to attend a Saturday evening service, give it a try sometime and experience worship with a different mood. The atmosphere is casual yet serene, and the group is friendly and welcoming. Well, it's September, back to school, and back to great music at worship! You won't want to miss any of it!
A NEW MEMBERS CLASS?
Yes, it's clear that we need one; but more than a class for new members, we need a class for all members to learn more about what it means to have healthy members and a healthy church. That is the aim of our new adult Sunday School class. We'll begin on September 17th. We hope that our newer members will join us as we introduce all to our Membership Covenant; but we want all of our members to join us. Our Council members will be there in force, as we try to make sure that we get everyone on the same page again this year, as long as that same page involves inviting Zion to support the unity of our church, to support the sense of community at our church, to support the ministries of our church, and to support the strengthening of our church.
September 17: Our Healthy Congregation
September 24: Supporting Our Unity
October 1: Supporting Our Community
October 8: Supporting Our Ministries
October 15: Growing Stronger in Christ
October 22: Lutheran Heritage
October 29: Reformation History
The series begins the Sunday after Rally Day, and continues through to the Festival of the Reformation, a highpoint in the history of Lutheranism, on October 29th. We will meet in Luther Hall between the worship services on Sunday morning. Pastor Sherwindt, Chuck Danner, and Carol Rossbach will serve as our presenters and group leaders, with members of the Church Council and leaders from our various ministries joining us to talk about who Zion is, how we are organized and what we do outside of Sunday mornings.
These sessions will involve some Bible study, a little bit of history, and funny stories about Luther, Lutheranism, and Zion. Please join us. You'll be glad you did … and so will we.
GREAT NEWS FOR YOUTH!
What a great time we had at Cedar Point! Some of our youth did a great job in helping out with Vacation Bible School. Others put in some overtime hours working to Help New Orleans Heal. Together, thirty-one of us had a fabulous time enjoying the roller coasters, suffering through near 100-degree heat, and figuring out how to cool off on the water rides. Adults and youth were all kids at heart in the confines of America's #1 Amusement Park with the best roller coasters on earth!
We want to thank our drivers - Randy Cizek, Debbie Fox, Karen Kirk, Cheryl Roman, Doug Roman, Linda Ross, and Suzanne Walters - along with Beth Heller and Pastor Sherwindt, for taking the time to make sure Zion's Youth could have a wonderful day at Cedar Point. All of our kids were absolutely fabulous: Corey, Todd, Michele, Nathan, Jeremy, Christian, Savannah, Kara, Kirsten, Richelle, MacKenzie, Tommy, Max, Brooke, Josh, Nicki, Matt, Ashley, Jon, Kelly, Kevin, and Chase. Quite a group, and quite a day!
As we move forward into the fall, we have scheduled a combination fun day and plan-ning meeting with an afternoon at the beach with boating and the challenge of doing some water skiing on the Sunday afternoon of September 17th. Last year the Ross family gave us the run of their home for this kind of Sunday afternoon. This year, they've donated their boat! We'll have a great time. We'd like our youth to join us, along with parents who can help with the driving and also join us in planning a great year for the Youth of Zion.
By the way, shortly after Pastor Sherwindt arrived at Zion in 2002, he suggested a mission trip to Germany to learn about our Lutheran heritage. We weren't ready for that kind of trip back then; but it's back on the calendar for June 2008. This time we'll go!
Great News from Zion's Sunday School
UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Sunday, September 3rd: No Sunday School on Labor Day Weekend
Sunday, September 10: Rally Day, Outdoor Worship, Hawaiian Luau & Pig Roast
Sunday, September 17: Children's Choir Practice begins, 9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, September 17: The First Day of a New Year for Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 21: Our Youth Missions Fall Craft Show 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
RALLY DAY AND THE HAWAIIAN LUAU & PIG ROAST
Rally Day will be Sunday, September 10th. This is going to be a great day filled with fun and fellowship! We will start off at 9:15 a.m. with our Ministry Fair in Luther Hall, which will also include music, food, and games for the kids, and will be followed by an Outdoor Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. The children will be singing several songs from Vacation Bible School during this service. So, please have your children wear their T-shirts that they painted during VBS for the service. The kids will be singing If We Turn, Before All Time, Follow the Way of Love, and He's Alive Again! The kids can practice these songs at home with their CDs, and then we'll rehearse at 9:15 a.m. on the morning of September 10th. We are looking forward to this service, which will be followed by our Hawaiian Luau & Pig Roast. There are many activities planned for the day including relay races, carnival games, face painting, volleyball, limbo contests, hula hoop contests, crafts and much more. We will see you on September 10th, as we kick off the new Sunday School year with our plans to have an awesome day!
A NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR AT ZION BEGINS!
We are looking forward to Rally Day and the start of the new Sunday School Year! We have a year of great lessons and activities planned, along with our Christmas and Easter Programs. We will also have our traditional Halloween Party, service projects at Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with other fun events this year! Our children's classes are for kids age 3 through 6th grade. This year's teachers will include Lisa Frock, Melissa Riffle, Janet Slease, Connie Riffle and Tina Beaber. Sunday School classes take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. each Sunday, following the Children's Choir practice. Our Sunday School Leaders will make sure the children get from choir to the right classroom each week. We are looking forward to a great year and hope that you will join us each Sunday.
THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR SCHEDULE
.Our children will begin choir practice on Sunday, September 17, from 9:10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. before Sunday School. The kids should meet in the choir room at 9:10 a.m. They will have rehearsal each Sunday at this time, and then will go to their Sunday School class. Suzanne Walters will once again be leading Zion's Children's Choir. Thank you to Suzanne for all of her time and commitment, and the great job she does with the kids!
The following is a schedule of times when Zion's Children's Choir will sing during service:
Sunday, October 15, at our 10:30 a.m. worship service
Sunday, November 12, at our 10:30 a.m. worship service
Sunday, December 24, at the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, January 28, at our 10:30 a.m. worship service
Sunday, February 25, at our 10:30 a.m. worship service
Sunday, May 13, Mother's Day, at the 10:30 a.m. worship service
Sunday, June 10, Father's Day, with the Children's Choir singing at the 10:30 a.m. service
CONFIRMATION CLASS AND THE HIGH SCHOOL GROUP
This year's edition of our Confirmation classes will start on Sunday, September 17, beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the Resource Center. This class is for all 7th and 8th graders. Renee Schrader will lead our Confirmation Class this year. Our Confirmands continue studying the Hear We Stand Confirmation program, a curriculum that includes some online possibilities.
In terms of the High School class, Wayne Slease will lead this group, while receiving help from a whole lot of friends, folks we'll call Special Guest Leaders. You'll be surprised how much you like it! We have planned a curriculum of interesting and relevant topics for this group, and we'll plan on getting an early start on preparing for the Bible Bowl this year!
YES! SAVE YOUR ACME RECEIPTS AGAIN!
It is that time of year again! We will begin collecting Acme Receipts in September. This year we will receive cash back credit for receipts dated September 17, 2006 through April 7, 2006. There will be collection cans in Memorial Hall by the coffee counter 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!
ZION'S YOUTH SPOTLIGHT FORMS
Please help your children fill out the Youth Spotlight Form, which is included as an insert in the newsletter this month. If you have more than one child, additional copies of this form are available in the Church Office or from Debbie Fox. We will also have plenty available on Rally Day! We would like forms for all of Zion's children from ages 1 through 18. We'll begin our Spotlight Page again in the October Newsletter. I know the Zion Family looks forward to reading and learning about our amazing youth. Please return the completed forms to Debbie Fox by Sunday, September 24th.
THE MEN OF ZION
The Pig Roast is on! It' set to go for Sunday, September 10th, announcing the kickoff to the new Sunday School year, the new choral year, and another program year of good fun, great food, and unforgettable fellowship. Y'all come now, and invite your friends and neighbors. There will be plenty for everyone. We have organized into teams, with five team leaders, and plenty of men randomly assigned to each team. Our team leaders are Mark Votaw (adult games and activities), Brian Walters (decorations), Dale Jacobs (kitchen crew), Jim Fidler (clean-up crew), and Mark Keaveny (the drinks team).
The Men of Zion will take care of the main menu, which consists of roast pork, pork loins, chicken, hotdogs, potato salad, cole slaw, and baked beans. Tickets have been produced. While the Pig Roast is free, we'll need a pretty good count on the number of hungry diners planning to come so that there will be enough for all. We've also drafted Suzanne Walters to help organize folks to bring desserts, sides, and salads. Debbie Fox is already onboard organizing games for the kids. We know you'll have fun, lots of fun, with great food. So, make sure you join us.
Every now and then we actually think about something other than food, and that happened August 5, when the Men of Zion gathered at the church for a pancake breakfast, after which we focused on cleaning up the church grounds. Our thanks to everyone who came out to help. We've got lots left to do, but we're making progress with every work day.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, September 6th, in Luther Hall at 6:00 p.m., when we will put the finishing touches on our plan for an unbelievably delicious Congregational Pig Roast. All men are encouraged to attend.
THE WOMEN OF ZION
The monthly Bible study for the Women of Zion meets on the third Tuesday, September 19, when we will start a new series with our focus on Hope in God in Times of Suffering. Christians, like all people, often struggle to make sense of suffering. Faith and Terence Fretheim co-authors of our curriculum, have observed that suffering is a fact of life, and that nearly everyone suffers, although not everyone suffers equally. Why is that, and what does it mean? The Fretheims distinguish among types of suffering, and they focus mostly on the ways we can respond to it. The key question they explore is "What will we do with our suffering?" Each of our sessions will be filled with information, probing questions, and Bible passages, which will spark reflection, conversation and prayer. Please plan to join us. We begin at 9:30 a.m. and meet in Luther Hall.
The Chancel Guild will meet for our fall cleaning on Tuesday, September 12. We focus on polishing the brass. Our meeting will begin 6:30 p.m. There's much to do, and we look forward to a strong turnout.
Zion's Comfort Givers resume their twice-a-month schedule, meeting in Luther Hall on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. We've got a great and friendly group of quilters. Feel free to check us out. We'd love you to join us in some good old-fashioned needling!
ZION THANK YOU'S
A Letter of Thanks to our Zion Family,
Thank you, people of Zion, for your cards and kind words on the death of our son Don. Thank you to Chuck Danner for his calls and visits, and to Pastor for his call from Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
God bless you all,
Earl and Juanita Bathol
STEWARDSHIP AT ZION
We've been following Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians during worship this summer. After three chapters of praising God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Spirit's presence among us, Paul then invites us to respond to God's gracious love by living lives that are worthy of our calling. He concludes with a prayer: "Look carefully then how you live, not as the unwise but as the wise, making the most of the time…. Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father."
In thinking through the many things she might say to highlight the challenges of stewardship, our Resource Ministry Elder, Cindy Ferry, found a Stewardship Prayer, which she thought was worth sharing. O God, we are taught to give as an act of faithful-ness. We are reminded that giving is a Christian responsibility. As Paul taught the early Christians, we are taught to be careful how we live, to live as wise people. Yet sometimes we are drawn by the insufficient promises of our everyday culture. We end up giving with begrudging attitude, a hesitant heart, or selfish reluctance. Forgive us! Enable us in this very moment to give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Also worth sharing is this snippet of informa-tion about Zion's support of Global Missions through a line-item in the Operating Budget that offers $3,600.00 annually in Missionary Sponsorship. We invite you to read a bit more about what our support helps accomplish….
MISSIONARIES IN KENYA
Among Zion's many commitments to the ministry of the wider church, our support of missionary work in Kenya through Bob and Denise Schmalzle helps sustain an important connection between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC). Bob serves as a Pastor and Denise as a Parish Nurse at the Nairobe International Lutheran Congregation. Their home church was here in the Northeastern Ohio Synod, the Lutheran Church of the Covenant in Maple Heights.
Denise has broken new ground in focusing on Parish Nursing and Holistic Health. Parish nurses, as folks at Zion know because of our experience with this program locally, work within the local church to promote good health, encourage healthy lifestyles, and prevent illness. Our relationship with Christ is key in creating and sustaining health and wellness throughout our lives. In her ministry as a Parish Nurse, Denise has emphasized a Biblically-based concept of holistic health that promotes a lifestyle that balances seven distinct and yet inter-related dimensions of health. The seven dimensions of holistic health are physical, mental, emotional, social, relational, environmental, and spiritual.
Denise educates congregants about holistic health and counsels them in ways to prevent illness. She teaches health concepts to child-ren who attend the nursery school at NILC. She holds classes and offers seminars for adult groups inside and outside the church. She leads a support group on HIV/AIDS. Regular Sunday blood pressure screening is offered. Hospital visits and home visits to those recuperating from illness are also counted among the long and growing list of responsibilities that are a part of Denise's job description in serving as a Parish Nurse.
LOOKING BEYOND SEPTEMBER
The Men of Zion invite all of Zion to mark your calendars for a very special meeting, Wednesday November 1, which begins with a meal at the usual time, 6:00 p.m., but then continues at 7:00 p.m. with an opportunity to meet Dr. Lester Mohler, brother of our own Stella Smiley, and well-known throughout the world as world-class humanitarian.
Dr. Mohler was recently recognized by the city of Columbus as one who “Puts Others First.” He recently returned from Bangladesh where, with other surgeons, he preformed repair surgery for cleft palate and hair lip on those whose lives are limited by these conditions. Other countries where he has been an instrument of God's love include China, Thailand, and Guatemala.
Because of the inspiration that Dr. Mohler brings to his presentations, we are opening the 7:00 p.m. program to the entire member-ship, as well as friends of the congregation. Please make it a point to join us in Luther Hall for an evening you will not soon forget.
Speaking about a mission to the wider world, Zion's Comfort Givers need your support in order to complete the School & Health Kits for the Lutheran World Relief shipment in October. The following items are needed:
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)
SPORTS 'N MORE AT ZION
Zion's Coed Softball Team breezed through the regular season without a loss, with only one last inning tie reminding us that we weren't yet perfect. However, when the dog days of August arrived, results were some-what different, as in two losses during the two rounds of the Round Robin Tournament! Despite our losses, the season and the league turned out to be a grand success, with fourteen teams representing twelve churches enjoying a whole lot of fun.
The fun continues for our North Canton Ministerial Association with a Sunday Evening Volleyball League. Four churches have expressed interest: Zion United Church of Christ (#1), Zion Lutheran Church (#2), Grace United Methodist (#3), Faith United Methodist (#4). We will play at Zion, with games scheduled for 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The season starts on September 17, and extends through October to November 19.
The schedule through October 1 is as follows:
September 17 at 6 p.m.: #1 verses #2
September 17 at 7 p.m.: #4 verses #3
September 24 at 6 p.m.: #1 verses #4
September 24 at 7 p.m.: #2 verses #3
October 1 at 6:00 p.m.: #1 verses #3
October 1 at 7:00 p.m.: #2 verses #4
September Anniversaries
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Happy Anniversary to:
| John & Virginia Long |
September 3 |
| Drew & Beth Heller |
September 3 |
| William & Peggy Leed |
September 7 |
| Sam & Beth Shaheen |
September 21 |
| James & Betty Boettler |
September 22 |
| Doug & Lisa Roman |
September 30 |
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JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - A LITTLE LIGHT-HEARTED HUMOR
Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a white bag on the seat next to Sally. "What's in the bag?" asked the old woman. Sally looked down at the bag and, smiling, said, "It's a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband." The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: "Good trade."
One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when someone shouted, "Look at that dead bird!" Someone looked up at the sky and said, "Where?" They walk among us! I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from a man who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" They walk among us! My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car. It's designed to cut through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk. They walk among us!
A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." Sermon complete, he sat down. The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, "For our closing song, let us sing Song #690, Shall We Gather at the River.
Some Answers to Life's Perplexing Questions, written by kids: How do you decide whom to marry? "You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming." (Alan, age 10) "No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with." (Kristen, age 10)
What do most people do on a date? "Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough." (Lynnette, age 8) "On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. (Martin, age 10)
Is it better to be single or married? "It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them." (Anita, age 9) How would the world be different if people didn't get married? "There sure would be a lot of kids to explain." (Kelvin, age 8)
ZION'S YOUTH SPOTLIGHT FORMS
ZION "YOUTH SPOTLIGHT" FORM
Child's Name__________________________________________
Birthday_____________________________________________
Grade_________School_________________________________
Parents' Name_________________________________________
Brothers or Sisters & ages_______________________________
___________________________________________________
Pets________________________________________________
Favorite Foods________________________________________
Favorite School Subject_________________________________
Favorite Music/Artist & Song_____________________________
___________________________________________________
Favorite TV Shows_____________________________________
___________________________________________________
Favorite Movie________________________________________
Favorite Sports_______________________________________
Sports or Activities involved in____________________________
___________________________________________________
Hobbies_____________________________________________
Instrument___________________________________________
Favorite Color_________________________________________
Achievements or Awards_________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!)
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