Tower 2015-06

Transcription

Tower 2015-06

The Tower
For Members & Friends of Zion Lutheran Church
June 2015
Please submit news items to tower@zlc-aa.org by the 10th of the preceding month
From Pastor Jim
Sabbath
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
In the relentless busyness of modern life, the rhythm between work and rest is often lost. Our culture teaches and
encourages us to value action and accomplishment over rest and quietness. Our daily schedules begin early and
end late, are packed full of things to do and people to see. We take out our phones and planners to make appointments, but often it is our way of justifying our lives (“My life is busy, and because I’m busy I am of value.”) It’s interesting that the Chinese pictograph for “busy” is composed of two characters: heart and killing.
There is a story told about a South American tribe that went on a long march, day after day, when all of a sudden
they would stop walking, sit down to rest for a while, and then make camp for a couple of days before going any
further. They explained that they needed the time of rest so that their souls could catch up with them.
I wonder if the emptiness that we often feel is that we have not taken the time to rest, so that our souls can catch
up with us. God has given us Sabbath time, a Sabbath afternoon, a Sabbath hour, a Sabbath walk, time that
gives nourishment and rest. Wayne Muller writes in his book Sabbath, “Sabbath is more than the absence of
work; it is not just a day off, when we can catch up on television or errands. It is the presence of something that
arises when we consecrate a period of time to listen to what is most deeply beautiful, nourishing and true. It is
time consecrated with our attention, our mindfulness, honoring those quiet forces of grace or spirit that sustain
and heal us.”
Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished. If we
were only to stop when our work was done we would never stop—because our work is never done. This summer
take time to stop and be refreshed. Remember, we can’t buy “stopped.” We simply have to stop.
This summer be intentional in your stopping and resting. This summer, Zion Lutheran will offer rest stops for your
busy life to pause, to praise and to pray. Worship on Sundays is at 8:30AM with our Outdoor Drive In service. Our
9:30 and 11AM services will be inside. And our New Terrific Tuesday Worship Service with weekly communion,
starting June 9, will begin at 7:30PM. Wednesdays we worship in the chapel at 10AM.
One season of my life, I took scuba diving lessons. One of the first things I learned is that you never hold your
breath, especially as you are ascending to the surface. The laws of physics state that if you hold your breath bad
things will happen as you ascend to a lower pressure. We often metaphorically hold our breaths. This summer we
need to stop and rest, but we also need to exhale, clearing our lungs of the carbon dioxide and all the pressures
of the day. Sabbath is the exhale, so the life-giving inhale of the Spirit is possible. In scuba diving a safety stop is
a specific time scheduled at specific depths, to exhale and inhale and to allow your body to adjust to your ascending. We need safety stops in our everyday lives.
Our safety stop in life is our Sabbath time. When we don’t take the safety stop there are physical, emotional and
spiritual problems that occur. Time is precious for all of us. It’s the one commodity that everyone has the same
amount of everyday. It is only a set amount, we can’t buy more time or make more time. We simply use it.
This summer as you plan for vacations and weekends away, be aware of Sabbath time. Let your Sabbath be a
time of blessing, a time of rest, a time to relax and recharge both in body and soul. Sabbath implies a willingness
to be surprised by unexpected grace and the unending promise of love and life. The twenty-third psalm says, “He
makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” May your summer
be filled with soul-restoring time.
Congregation Council
few were near completion. Given this, Council tabled additional discussions about these reports until the May meeting.
Draft Version of the Revised/Updated Zion Constitution
A working group has been evaluating and updating the Zion
constitution. A draft version of this should be available for
fine-tuned editing shortly.
Zion Delegates to the SE Michigan Synod Assembly
This year many Zion members and staff will attend the SE
MI Synod Assembly on May 15-16. Attendees include: Diane and Marcus Hunt (voting delegates), Sue Walters
(voting delegate), Kelly Nieman-Anderson (non-voting seminarian) Vera McEwen (non-voting seminarian), Barbara
Debner (non-voting guest), Blake Bertrand (youth voting
delegate), Bob Thompson (non-voting guest), Pastors Jim
(voting rostered leader), and Margie Reynolds (voting synod
council member).
Dispute Resolution Effort
The most recent series of communications identified only
two people interested in pursuing additional discussions
concerning disputes related to the music program at Zion.
This number of interested parties makes it extremely difficult
to conduct the resolution process and efforts are underway
to conclude this effort.
April 19, 2015—Highlights
Financial Report Summary

Cash: Cash available at the end of March $63,527.
Cash in operations account as of 4/17/15 is approximately $67,000; we have sufficient cash to last until late
summer or early fall at which point we will start to fall
short without a distribution from the Endowment fund.

Income: In March, contributions were $80,882, which
was $19,936 less than what was projected in the budget. This compares to contributions of $96,855 in March
of last year. Year to date (YTD), contributions are
$9,850 less than budgeted but $2,398 more than YTD
compared to last year.

Expenses: Overall, we were $227 over budget for the
month. In all, we are $13,503 under budget YTD.

Building Fund: Contributions to “Down with the Debt”
were $2,897.62 by 19 givers in March. The minimum
principal payment for April was $2,429.23; we are paying the full amount received in March contributions plus
the minimum principal payment from the Operations
Fund. We owe Thrivent $92,603.56 as of the end of
March.

Attendance: Year to date, 5,741 compared to 4,623 last
year at this time (both numbers include Bibleland). This
represents a 24% increase in attendance YTD.
Updates from Pastor Jim

Music: A small working group of Zion leaders met to
discuss the music program, having previously developed a short term plan to deal with Zion staffing changes. Based upon positive views noted concerning short
term progress, the group voted to extend a request to
continue the services of Amy (organist) through the
summer time period (May 31 through September 6).
The longer term needs for the music program are expected to emerge from discussions that take place at
the leadership retreat on May 2. Margie will write up
additional information related to these music program
decisions and make them available to the congregation
as soon as possible.

Leadership Summit. Pr. Jim discussed the merits of
having Zion leaders (and others) attend a Leadership
Summit (www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership) on
August 6 and 7. This summit can be viewed locally via
the internet, thereby minimizing any travel necessary to
attend.
April 21, 2015—Highlights
Review of Zion’s Gift Policy
Marcus Hunt presented the Endowment Board’s recommendation for the gift policy. Council approved. It will be available in the office. It may be also posted to the website.
Proposal from the Call Committee
Based on their observations of the demands on the pastors,
the Call Committee proposed that Zion fund gym memberships for our pastors. The pastors could choose the gym of
their choice, and Zion would pay an amount up to the
monthly fee for the YMCA. Council approved.
Visioning
Pastor Jim presented. What are some interesting things
that churches on the cutting edge are doing?

Zion Weddings: Pr. Jim reiterated his view that weddings are routinely an opportunity to disciple to many
people beyond just Zion members. Council approved a
motion to open its wedding policy to non-members at
the discretion of pastors and within the guidelines of the
Zion Building use policy.
Reports from Ministries:
Kelly’s report from Young Discipleship was distributed to
Council. Several other reports were just submitted and a

For example, Prince of Peace has their web page organized by their tag lines for worship, community within
the church, and getting out into the world. Their website
also includes links for “life events,” e.g., baptism, weddings, funerals.

One website has “Plan a Visit.” Same church has Theology on Tap: deep discussions at local breweries.

One website notes Total Family Worship in place of
Sunday school, one Sunday a month. This is a way of
getting children into worship.
How do we get there? Simply by taking the time to dream
together. Give permission to ministries to try things. The
leadership retreat will be a time for discussing: What are we
doing? What are we not doing? What’s the gap in between? That will help us orient for who we need to hire.
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From Our President
Margie Reynolds
This message is a brief update of activities your leaders and staff are engaged in…what they are focusing time on right
now. We hope to update the congregation from time to time, particularly about activities and issues that you might want
to address with Zion leaders.
Music Program: A group of leaders from Council, Worship Core Ministry and Personnel Committee met on April 12 to
think through needs for music during the summer. It was agreed Amy Studt would be asked to continue as organist/
keyboardist at the first two services during these months, and also asked to arrange for occasional special music. Amy
has agreed to the offer. A team will be formed to address music needs for the longer term. It is hoped interviews can
take place for candidates who have the identified skill sets needed at Zion.
Personnel: The Personnel Committee is being expanded and restructured to take on more direct responsibility for
staff performance and support toward goal achievement. A new staff handbook is in development, along with revised
job descriptions and personnel policies. This should provide a more comprehensive way to address needed skill sets
among Zion staff as we move toward the Vision. Day to day direction of staff will remain with Pr. Jim.
Constitution: Zion’s constitution is being revised for the first time in 17 years. The constitution of a congregation supports leaders and staff in their activities and provides important direction as we all perform God’s work. These revisions
are based upon the 2013 Model Constitution provided by the ELCA. It is much more complete than our previous document, for the first time incorporating all bylaws. Because it is rooted in scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, it reminds us that this is not our church, but God’s church. The new constitution will be presented to the congregation later
this year, and will need to be approved by the SE Michigan Synod.
Endowment Board: The Endowment Board is reviewing its bylaws to assure they are up-to-date, and these bylaws
will be incorporated into the new constitution. In addition, a new gift policy has been developed in collaboration with the
Financial Stewardship Committee; this policy was recently approved by Council. Next steps will include a focus on education about giving to Zion and its ministries.
Leadership Retreat: On May 2, 40 leaders and staff from Zion attended a full day leadership retreat at the Weber Center in Adrian, Michigan. The goals of the retreat were to:

Provide opportunities for leaders to engage in fellowship and get to know
each other
 Determine how our current structure fits (or doesn’t fit) into the Vision
 Identify needed changes in ministries/organization
 Articulate resources needed to move forward (staff, funds and building resources).
The day began with worship and Holy
Communion, led by Pr. Jim.
He
charged those present to think “out of the box” and “dream big.”
Most of the day was spent identifying current activities of the six Core Ministries, identifying what these ministries are not doing (but should be), and then
prioritizing all of these activities with respect to the vision. Once this work was
done, leaders focused on gaps to accomplishing these priorities, particularly
skill sets from staff that would be needed, building requirements, and financial
resources. The outcomes of this work are posted on Zion’s website…take a
look!
Throughout the day, Zion’s Prayer Team led
us in prayer and reflection; this brought the
group together and reminded all that the work
of the day was God’s work. Next steps will
include communication with Zion members
and Core Ministry teams to move the priorities
into action.
All in all, the retreat was successful in accomplishing its goals, but there is much more work
to do. This is just the beginning work to accomplish our vision. Please pray for your leaders and staff as they do God’s work.
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Young Discipleship Core Ministry
Summer Youth Events!
th
th
Events for all 6 – 12 grade youth & friends:

Toledo Exclaim (www.exclaimtoledo.org) Christian Music Festival Sunday July 26, noon -7PM. Free. Transportation provided with RSVP by July 20. Bring bag lunch & dinner money.

Cedar Point amusement park. Monday August 24. 7:30AM – 8PM.
$50 per person, plus money for dinner. Transportation provided.
RSVP required by August 1.

Dearborn visit to Mosque & Arabic Lutheran Church. Saturday in August. Details TBD.

Backpack Blessing. Sunday September 6, all worship services. Bring
your backpack to church!
RSVP via email to knieman@zlc-aa.org
Middle School Servant Day Camp
Monday July 27 – Thursday July 20; 9AM—4PM daily. Start and end the
day at Zion, but serve and play in a new location each day! $150 per person or $250 per family. More information via email to knieman@zlc-aa.org
Events for all 9th – 12th grade youth & friends:
Kelly Nieman Anderson
Resigning to Begin Seminary
Internship
The Director of Young Discipleship,
Kelly Nieman Anderson has finalized
her 12 month seminary internship to
complete her Masters of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary. Her last
Sunday at Zion will be August 2, 2015.
She will be serving at Shalom Lutheran
Church in Pinckney, Michigan. This is
sad news for Zion who has enjoyed her
gifts of ministry with our youth for the
last five years. It is however joyful news
for Kelly who is fulfilling requirements
to be an ordained pastor in the ELCA.
Please take time thank Kelly and say
your good byes in the coming weeks.
Look for more information with details
about a thank you celebration in July.
Graduation Blessing Sunday

Lunch downtown, Thursdays (June 25, July 9 & 23, Aug 6 & 20). Meet
at Zion 11:30AM; bring lunch money and wear walking shoes.

The Adventure Park (http://westbloomfieldadventurepark.org/) Tuesday
Aug 11, 4—9PM. $25 + dinner money. Transportation provided with
RSVP by Monday Aug 1. High Ropes adventures for all skill levels!

National Youth Gathering July 15-19 for those pre-paid and registered.
Group Blessing Tuesday July 14, 7:30PM at Zion.
Attention all high school graduates!
You are invited to participate in a special church blessing event on Sunday
June 7, during the 11AM Sanctuary
worship service. Please contact knieman@zlc-aa.org for more information
about the event, and plan to join us that
day!
It is Time for Vacation Bible School at Zion!
At this year’s VBS, we will embark on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God's awesome power. We will try to anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths
that will guide them through life's challenges.
Dates: June 15 – 19
Time: 9 AM to NOON
Cost: $25 per child
Age to Participate: 3 years old through entering 5th Grade
Registration forms can be found at www.zlc-aa.org/vbs
Here is what you can do:

Sign up your friends, neighbors, and family for this year’s VBS! Cost is $25 per child. All children ages 3 years old
through entering 5th grade are invited to attend.

Donate materials. Each year, we feed over 150 participants and volunteers and do some really fun crafts and activities that take your generous donations. A donation board is set up in the Welcome Center. Take a tag, and bring
donations back to church!

Donate your time. We usually have over 60 volunteers that make VBS such a success. Talk to the VBS coordinator
Sarah Wentzloff in the Welcome Center between services, or send her an email (sarahwentzloff@yahoo.com) to
see how you can participate!
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Stewardship & Finance News
Financial Data Through March 31, 2015
- reported by David Beck, Finance Manager
Summary of Income and Expenses
YTD Through March 31, 2015
Budget
Income
Actual
Variance
Cash and Investments
Actual
2015
2015
2015
2014
218,222 $ 208,372 $ (9,850) $ 210,770
806
472
(334)
791
2,813
2,103
(710)
3,119
5,000
(5,000)
6,750
10,000
3,250
400
23,750
(23,750)
$ 257,341 $ 220,947 $ (36,394) $ 215,079
$
Contributions
Board Income
Other Income
Bequests
Dedicated Funds
Endowment Fund
Total Income
Expenses
Council
Pastor's Office
Adult Discipleship
Young Discipleship
Worship Ministry
Missions Core Ministry
Member Caring
Welcome Ministry
Building & Grounds
Administration
Debt Service
$
1,368 $
31,978
20,840
25,300
35,911
20,475
2,166
28,156
53,579
64,803
13,715
1,030 $
25,341
19,863
22,077
34,314
20,475
1,288
28,619
59,475
61,128
11,179
(338) $
(6,637)
(977)
(3,223)
(1,598)
(878)
463
5,896
(3,676)
(2,535)
1,925
8,959
21,521
22,094
34,658
20,750
2,970
29,295
63,126
58,645
13,645
$ 298,292 $ 284,789 $ (13,503) $ 277,588
Total Expenses
Net Income (Expenses)
$ (40,951) $ (63,842) $ (22,891) $ (62,509)
Month End
$
200
63,527
Petty Cash
Operations Checking
Dedicated Fund Checking
Expansion & Renovation
DF
Money Market account
Subtotal
Dedicated Funds Receivable
49,516
35,850
200,736
349,829
Dedicated Funds Payable
(286,101)
-
$
Unrestricted Cash
63,727
$2,694,707
Endowment Fund
$ 242,520 above restricted balance
Loans
Month End
United Bank & Trust
- Line of Credit
Member loans
United Bank & Trust
- Mortgage
Thrivent Mortgage
Total
$
$
205,000
$
$
$
92,604
297,604
YTD Attendance and Offering
Attendance (YTD)
-Including Bibleland
Offering (YTD)
Offering per Person
2015
2014
Variance
%
4,582
3,720
862
23.2%
1,118
(2,398)
(11.18)
24.2%
-1.1%
-19.7%
5,741
$ 208,372 $
$ 45.48 $
4,623
210,770
56.66
$
$
Where and How Have You Seen God in Your Giving Lately?
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase
the harvest of your righteousness.
- 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)
Like the lovely flowers, trees and crops that are currently blooming, we, through our gifts to Zion, are able to see the
beautiful and positive outcomes in our community and throughout the world in the ministries that our giving supports.
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Adult Discipleship Core Ministry
Adult Class
Making Sense of the Christian Faith. Continuing through June 7, 9:30AM, Holtfreter Classroom A. Kelly Nieman Anderson will lead a class on church and Holy Spirit on May 31. On June 7, Sonja Page will complete the series with the discussion of eschatology (big word meaning the end of all things). Christianity at a basic level tries to make sense of just
about everything -- where things came from, what meaning and purpose we have, where things are going. A variety of
teachers - Ron Delph, Kelly, Pastor Mike, and Sonja have all sought to make sense of creation, the fall, sin, the incarnation, atonement, salvation, the role of Church, and eschatology in light of this faith we call Christianity.
COMMUNITY GROUPS—SPRING 2015
Listed below are existing and new Community Groups. Please contact the church office for more information on joining or
starting a group.
Group make-up / focus / interest
Leader(s)
Day
Time
Frequency
Location
Open to all, service to the homeless
Kent Peterson
meet irregularly, serve the homeless often
Women, generally over 50
Debbie Weber
Mondays
7:00PM
twice a month
in homes / at Zion
Open to all, ministry to military families
Laura Girbach
Sundays
5:00PM
every other week
in Girbach’s
home
Couples with teenagers
Chris Gajar
Sundays
6:30PM
(currently suspending regular meetings, but continuing with work on Foster Children projects)
once a month
in homes / at Zion
Bible Bumpkins (open to all)
Mary Ardner
Wednesdays
6—7PM
1st Wed of month
at Zion
Couples with young children
Sarah/David Wentzloff
Sundays
1:00PM
every other week
at Zion
Couples with teenagers / empty nesters Heidi/Todd Newman
Sundays
in homes
Men
Dale Eckart
Mondays
6:30AM
every week
at Zion
Men, bowlers
Mike Weber
Mondays
after bowling
every week
Bel-Mark Lanes
Individuals/couples who like to learn
Ruth Huff
Mondays
7:00PM
every other week
at Zion
Individuals/couples, 50’s-70’s
Steve & Judy Kesler
Mondays
7:00PM
every other week
in homes
Couples, retired
Charlotte Dootz/Joyce Schlecht Mondays
7:00PM
Women, over 70
Linda Greb
Tuesdays
9:30AM
every other week
Open to all
Ron/Linda Hilst
Sundays
11:00AM
last Sun. of month at Zion
Open to all
John Leipzig/Avis Ellingrod
Wednesdays
7:00PM
once a month
in Avis Ellingrod’s home
Men
Dan McConnell
Thursdays
7:00—8:30AM
every week
at Zion
Recent Empty Nesters
Christy Nelson
God’s Gardeners
Carol Brodbeck
Mondays
9:30AM—Noon
fourth Mon of month at Zion
Young couples
Kara Kogelman
Tues. or Wed.
evening
every other week
in homes
Moms
Karen Fry
Thursdays
9:30—11:30AM
2nd & 4th weeks
at Zion
in homes
in homes
occasionally
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary
troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So
we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
- 2 Corinthians 4: 16—18
16
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Worship Core Ministry
June Lectionary
Terrific Tuesday Summer Worship
Genesis 3:8-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Mark
3:20-35
June 14 Ezekiel 17:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17,
Mark 4:26-34
June 21 Job 38:1-11, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41
June 28 Lamentations 3:22-33, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark
5:21-43
Services
June 7
Summer Worship Special Music
Opportunities
Zion invites members of any age to offer their musical talent
during any of the worship services. If you are available and
interested please contact Zion’s interim organist Amy Studt
(amystudt1@gmail.com). We hope to have our summer
worship filled with a variety of music.
Terrific Tuesday will begin 6/9 and continue through
9/1 at 7:30PM. This new worship opportunity on
Tuesday evenings is intended for everyone, including
families with their children that desire to worship other
than on a Sunday morning. It will be brief most of the
time, not to exceed 40 minutes. Music of some kind,
scripture readings, sermon and Holy Communion will
always be included. If you are away on weekends
(and we know that many of you do go away), then
this is your chance to be fed with Word and Sacrament, so that you can be strengthened in faith, hope
and love. Come comfortably dressed and bring a
friend. Hope to see you there!
Remember also that chapel is every Wednesday at
10AM.
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to
take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
20
And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
22
So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How
can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom
cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot
stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has
come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him
up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be
forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes
against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
23
30
He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone
in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
31
33
“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my
mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and
mother.”
- Mark 3: 20—35
34
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Mission Core Ministry
Eagle Scout Project Completed in Haiti
While I was in Haiti, I had the opportunity to build a
roof for the second grade classroom. This was my
Eagle Scout project. Before I left for my trip, I
worked with Mary Jane and Andris to design the
roof structure for the outdoor classroom. The original roof was an old tarp, and the new roof was to
be made of tin.
I raised money from family members and from Zion. All the materials were ordered and delivered
before our team arrived. We started work on
Easter Sunday after church. It took about 100
man-hours to get the project completed, and we
had a lot of help from Mayjin and Jonel at the mission.
With the tin roof in place, this large area can be
used as a classroom or a gathering space for a lot
of different groups at Living Hope. It was great to
be able to see the finished project after all of our
hard work, and even better to see the students
already using the shaded classroom on the day we left! Thanks to the ten travelers on the Zion trip and to all the
helpers we had from LHM!
- Jake Single
Habitat for Humanity
[Ed. Note: Another in a continuing series about local, national and international missions supported by Mission Core Ministry.]
One of Zion’s Outreach Ministries is our annual participation with Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley (HHHV).
HHHV was founded in 1989 as the 7th affiliate in Michigan when a few local residents saw a need to create more
affordable homeownership opportunities for residents of Washtenaw County. Now there are more than 70 affiliates
in Michigan. HHHV is ranked #1 in the state for number of renovated homes, and #2 in the state for number of
families served. Several years ago, we made a commitment to send funds to build a house overseas for every
house we build or renovate in our community, with our support focused in Haiti and Guatemala.
This year marks HHHV’s 25th year of building and renovating affordable homes for sale to low income families in
our community. To date, they have built or renovated 147 homes. Between 1989-2007, Zion participated in the
construction of stick-built new houses, generally one to three per year. Each year was a challenge to find appropriate build sites and raise the funds for each house. Through the generous support of Zion Lutheran and Thrivent
for Lutherans, Zion and other ELCA Lutheran churches have been fortunate to have supported Habitat for many
years.
Plans changed dramatically in 2008 when the economy crashed in Michigan and the housing market in
Washtenaw County took a huge hit. The environment for fundraising changed significantly for all nonprofits.
HHHV switched their housing model from new construction to renovation. HHHV applied for federal funding targeted specifically to address neighborhood stabilization. They have determined the greatest opportunity for success was to concentrate projects in and around a single neighborhood. Gault Village in Ypsilanti Township, a
neighborhood with a high incidence of foreclosure, still has a significant number of homeownership units. From
2009-2014, we purchased and renovated 26 homes in and around Gault Village. The focus now is to continue to
provide critical repairs and weatherization improvements to sell homes to new homebuyers in Washtenaw County.
How can Zion members/friends participate this year? You can help in ongoing renovation projects:

Sign up online at www.h4h.volunteerhub.com

Contact: Shataura Clayborne, HHHV Faith Relations Coordinator (sclayborne@h4h.org), 734-478-6331

Visit us on the web: www.h4h.org
8
Mission Core Ministry (cont.)
Blood Drive—June 8
On Monday June 8, Zion will host a blood
drive for the American Red Cross from 1:00—
6:45PM in Piper Hall. Volunteer blood donors
are a vital part of America's health care system. There is a constant demand for blood,
as it is perishable and must be used within 35
- 42 days. We are grateful for our prior donors
and hope that you will consider responding
again. We also welcome first-time donors!
There are three ways to make an appointment:
 To schedule an online appointment go to
www.redcrossblood.org with Zion’s sponsor code, zionlutheran.
 There will be a sign up sheet in the Welcome Center on Sundays.
 To schedule an appointment through
email, please contact Mary Pearson
(marpear@gmail.com) indicating your
preferred time (appointments are available on the quarter-hour from 1:006:45PM), or call Deborah Weber at 734662-7781. We will do our best to reserve
the time that is most convenient for you.
1
Always Being Made New:
The Campaign for the ELCA
By now, Zion members should have received a mailing regarding the ELCA's multi-year campaign on missions. Your
Mission Core Ministry has chosen to highlight the
church's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program
for this year's fundraiser. If you have not already contributed, please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry now,
or when you are able to do so. Checks should be made out
to ELCA Global Church Sponsorship and sent to:
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
ELCA Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
(Write YAGM GCS3000 in the memo line.)
Your prayers are always needed for the church's missions
and missionaries. Zion member Emmeline Weinert will be
finishing up her year of YAGM service in South Africa this
summer.
Check
out
her
blog
site
at
www.emmelinemarieblogspot.com.
Next year's YAGM missionaries will be deployed to ten
countries in August. There are many more young adults
willing to serve than there are funds to support them. With
your help, these missions can grow and prosper. Zion's
Mission Core Ministry thanks you for your support.
As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
- 2 Corinthians 6: 1—2
Thank You and Congratulations
We would like to thank the congregation for their thoughts and
prayers during this dark time. We appreciated the many meals
brought to our home as well as the wonderful funeral luncheon.
Many thanks for the outpouring of support.
- The family of Willis Lillard,
Christy Nelson, Elizabeth and Catherine Lillard
Thank You...to all those who sang in the Chancel Choir and Zion
Singers over the past few months. You enhanced our worship and
sang for the community. Know that your hard work and faithfulness is appreciated! Thank you for your servant hearts!
- Amy Studt
9
School will soon be on break for the
summer; it is time to recognize and
thank all of the volunteers who prepared and served meals at Peace
Neighborhood Center for the afterschool program this past year. You are
all a very important part of this program, and we extend a huge “thank
you” to each and every one of you for
volunteering. We sincerely hope that
you will again be a part of this program
come September. Thanks again.
- Marianne Rauer & Mary Pfaus
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large
crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his
feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come
and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went
with him.
21
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who
had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting
better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in
the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his
clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her
body that she was freed from her suffering.
At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around
in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
30
“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you
can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
31
But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with
fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has
healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
32
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the
synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher
anymore?”
35
36
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of
James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to
them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but
asleep.”40 But they laughed at him.
37
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples
who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the
hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get
up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve
years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not
to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
- Mark 5: 21—43
10
JUNE CALENDAR
Monday, June 1
6:30 AM Men’s ChristCare/Sunday Spot
1:00 PM Samaritan Counseling/Counseling Office
7:00 PM Ruth’s Small Group/Stellhorn Lounge
Tuesday, June 2
7:00 PM IT Committee Meeting/Church Office
7:00 PM Life’s Lessons Book Club/Stellhorn
Lounge
7:00 PM Five Miles More Rehearsal/Sanctuary
7:15 PM Building & Grounds Meeting/Creation
Station
Wednesday, June 3
10:00 AM Prayer Time/Yeager Chapel
10:30 AM Staff Meeting/Pastor’s Office
6:00 PM Family Matters Group/Creation Station
6:45 PM Bible Bumpkins/Stellhorn Lounge
7:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal/Sanctuary
7:30 PM Al-Anon Meeting/The Gathering
7:30 PM Alcoholics Anonymous/Piper Hall
Thursday, June 4
9:30 AM Samaritan Counseling/Counseling Office
7:00 PM Adult Discipleship Meeting/Omega Room
Friday, June 5
3:00 PM Samaritan Counseling
Saturday, June 6
Sunday, June 7
8:30 AM Traditional Worship Outdoors/Parking Lot
9:30 AM Adult Discipleship/Holtfreter Room C
9:30 AM Blended Worship/Sanctuary
11:00 AM Adult Discipleship/Holtfreter Room C
11:00 AM Korean Baptist Church/Yeager Chapel
11:00 AM Contemporary Worship/Sanctuary
12:00 PM Korean Baptist Fellowship/Garden Room
Monday, June 8
11:00 PM Blood Drive/Piper Hall
7:00 PM Kesler Small Group/Alpha Room
Friday, June 12
Saturday, June 13
10:00 AM Carol Brodbeck-Garden Seminar/The
Gathering
Sunday, June 14
8:30 AM Traditional Worship/Outdoors
9:30 AM VBS Training Meeting/Youth Room
12:00 PM VBS Decorating/Sanctuary
Wednesday, June 10
10:00 AM Prayer Time/Chapel
Thursday, June 11
7:00 PM Men’s ChristCare/Sunday Spot
9:00 AM Activity Day/Piper Hall
7:00 PM Mission Core Ministry/Pastor’s Office
Thursday, June 25
Friday, June 26
Saturday, June 27
Monday, June 15
9:00 AM VBS/Everywhere!
7:00 PM Ruth’s Small Group/Stellhorn Lounge
Tuesday, June 16
7:00 PM Council Meeting/The Gathering
7:30 PM Terrific Tuesday Worship/Yeager Chapel
Wednesday, June 17
10:00 AM Program Staff Meeting/Pastor’s Office
Thursday, June 18
Friday, June 19
Saturday, June 20
Tuesday, June 9
9:00 AM Waterman Board Meeting/The Gathering
Wednesday, June 24
Sunday, June 21
Monday, June 22
9:00 AM God’s Gardeners/Stellhorn Lounge
7:00 PM Kesler Small Group/Alpha Room
Tuesday, June 23
6:30 PM Worship Core Ministry/Pastor’s Office
11
Sunday, June 28
11:00 AM Korean Baptist Worship/Yeager Chapel
Monday, June 29
9:00 AM Youth Day Camp/Youth Room
6:00 PM Ruth’s Small Group/Kitchen
Tuesday, June 30
9:00 AM Youth Day Camp/Youth Room
The Tower
NON-PROFIT ORG.
Zion Lutheran Church
1501 West Liberty
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
Permit No. 436
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Return Service Requested
Date Sensitive Material
Please Deliver by
June 1, 2015
May Life Passages at Zion
BAPTISMS:
Emmett Alexander Sturza, parents David & Julie Sturza; Isaiah Anthony Paul Cassadine, parents Prince & Sarah
Cassadine
WEDDINGS:
Christine Carlsen and Larry Sharley; Kelley Michelle Osborne and Eric Robert Doutre
FUNERALS:
Mark Waters
NEW MEMBERS: Barbara Debner, Daniel & Brandi Gih, Sonnet Meek, Grant Peterson
CONFIRMED:
Nick Bertrand, Mikey Clifford, Katheryn Cohen, Katie Collins, Lauren Filipiak, Andrew Hayes, Emma Johnson,
Tristan Kloehn, Savanna Moody, Cole Pelton, Nick Pachera, Natalie Prestegaard, Eric Reuter, Allison Ringold,
Vanessa Wooley, Emily Oliverio, Rose Oliverio
Staff
Elected Ministry Leaders
Congregation Council
President: Margie Reynolds (margiereynolds@comcast.net)
Vice-Pres: Lorin Cartwright (cartwril@gmail.com)
Secretary: Laura Berry (berry.laura@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Bob Bertrand (bobbertrand@yahoo.com)
At Large:
Christine Karshin (ckarshin@emich.edu)
Nick Kogleman (nkogelman@gmail.com)
Vickie Matthews (vickiematthews@comcast.net)
Connie McComb (cmccomb0822@comcast.net)
Mark Warwashana (whellieman@gmail.com)
Bob Thompson (mutant@umich.edu)
Core Ministries
Worship:
Welcome:
Adult Discipleship:
Young Discipleship:
Caring:
Missions:
Support Ministries
Personnel:
Building & Grounds:
Financial Stewardship:
IT:
Dale Eckart, Holli Bertram
Chris Karpinnen, Joanne Dence
Sonja Page, Felicia Leipzig
Tom Clifford, Ken Utsunomiya
Dianne Daily, Laura Girbach
Mark Gunderson, Layle Weinert
Senior Pastor
Welcome Pastor
Director, Adult Discipleship
Finance Manager
Office Administrator
Director, Young Discipleship
Bibleland Coordinator
Director of Music
Organist
James Debner
Michael Walters
Vacant
David Beck
Diane Rinehart
Kelly Nieman-Anderson
Nina Johnson
Vacant
Amy Studt, Interim
Praise Team Director
Sound Operator
Vacant
Tyler Dence
Worship Media Coordinator
Resident Custodian
Weekend Custodian
Wedding Coordinator
Nursery Coordinator
Eddie VanRiper
Chris LeVasseur
Patrick Peck
Andrea Clark-Ribick
Jasmine Schuler
Email addresses for staff may be found at our website:
www.zlc-aa.org.
Tim Damschroder, Dave Werner
Bill Lehmann, Doug Behnke
Nick Rogers, Lisa Rombes
David Anderson, Ray Vanderbok
Office phone
12
994-4455

Tower 2015-06

Transcription

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