A Message from Pastor Summer

The scripture tells us that the shepherds made haste to see the Christ child. In other words, they ran. I love that image. I can just imagine grown men running through the fields to Bethlehem. With the departure of the angels, they drop everything, leave their work, and take off pell-mell through the dark of night oblivious to unseen rocks and holes. The news is too important. The promise is too great. This is not a time for caution. This is a time to make haste.
In our day and age, we know how to make haste. For most of us, haste is how we live our lives. It seems we are always on the run. Our jobs keep us running. Our families keep us running. Our responsibilities keep us running. Christmas invites into a very different kind of haste. It is not the haste that wears us down and burns us out. It is not the haste that is forced or demanded. It is the haste that comes from great joy, like the birth of a grandchild. Good news that is so wonderful that it cannot be contained. News so important that it leaves our jobs and business of our lives in the dust.

On Christmas Eve, Christ was born. God so loved the world, so loved you and me, that God sent his son. God reached out to claim us all even though we were lost and broken. This is the goods news proclaimed that night. This is the good news that has the power to change the hearts and lives of people. This is the good news that is so wondrous that we cannot help but make haste. May we join the shepherds running in the field this Christmas season. Merry Christmas to you all and may you have a joyous New Year.

Sunday School News

Children’s Christmas Program

Please join us on Sunday, December 15 at 9:45 am in the CEB for our annual Sunday School Christmas Program. This year the children will be sharing The Christmas Story Jesus Christ is the Same-Yesterday, Today, and Forever!

On Sunday, December 22 at 9:45 am all Sunday School students and their families are welcome to enjoy a Christmas Party in the Great Room in the CEB. There will be lots of fun games, crafts, and delicious holiday treats.

Other Sunday School News

Apples – Thanks go out to the Melick family for hosting our 5th and 6th grade students on a wonderful apple picking adventure in October. All the apples picked were donated to a local food pantry.

Thanksgiving Blessings – Our Sunday School families demonstrated both their caring and generosity by donating almost 300 food items to those in need. All items were delivered to the Flemington Food Pantry and the Open Food Pantry in Clinton.

Worship & Music

Advent is the season of preparation and waiting for the coming of Christ. Each week, visual elements will be added to the sanctuary to build anticipation and remind us that we must wait for Jesus’ birth.
On Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 am, we invite everyone to help decorate the Christmas tree. Please mark your calendars and come join the festivities!
As part of the season’s preparations are the lovely poinsettias that adorn the church on Christmas Eve. Please be sure to order your poinsettias by placing your completed form and check in Sunday’s offering plate. You may also mail it or drop it off at the church office. Orders must be in by December 5.
The Worship & Music team wishes you and your families a very blessed Christmas season!

Shepherding

Stephen Ministry and Visitation Program

The Stephen Ministry Program has been a part of Zion for the past 13 years. The Stephen Ministers have supported and cared for 35 people who have needed a faithful Christian friend to walk with them through crisis situations and trying times. Our 15 Stephen Ministers and 4 Stephen Leaders have faithfully committed their time, love, and prayers to those in need. We want to acknowledge and give our heartfelt thanks to these people:
Greg Barabas, Elizabeth Blackwood, Becky Donahue, Lee Campos, Debbie Close, Peggy Eppley, Judy Formalarie, Margaret Griggs, Sue Hutchins, Karl Kamp, Robbin Lamo, Sandy Matsen, Bonnie Michael, Nancy Neuweiler, John Nicodemus, Kathy Rustwick, Jackie Snyder, Angela Sztuk and John Swanson.

The Stephen Ministry Program is now evolving into our Visitation Program, offering different types of visits to Zion members. This past month we have begun these visits with the delivery of flowering plants and caring visits. We will continue to explore ways to utilize this program to care for our members. Additional volunteer visitors are most welcome. Also, if you visit a member of Zion regularly, let Rosi Delia know.

Stewardship

It has been five weeks since Commitment Sunday.  We have now received 70 pledges and 40 of those pledges met the "300 Challenge" by increasing the pledge by at least $300.  We are happy to report that nine giving units who had previously not committed to a pledge took the leap this year and pledged their financial support for Zion. We are sad to report that one family will be moving and will not be part of the Zion family next year.
If you are one of the twenty-seven 2013 pledgers who have not yet pledged for 2014, please consider letting us know your intent.  The 2014 budget is being prepared and as we all know it is never good to “assume.”  It is hard to create a responsible budget when we assume. We will be voting on the 2014 budget at the Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, December 8.
Pledge cards can be found in the narthex of the church.  Completed cards can be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office.

Youth of Zion

Important decisions about Youth Ministry in 2014 were made at an October 27 meeting of all YOZ members and their parents.

· There will be two YOZ meetings a month to be held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month unless a congregational event is being held such as Advent Parish Night.
· The meetings will be held at the CEB from 5:30 until 7:30.
· Only be one event will be held during the summer.
· This summer’s event will be the week at Rehoboth Beach.
· There will be a “give back” component built into the Rehoboth experience such as Habitat for Humanity or clean-up at the nature reserve.
· An invitation will be extended to the youth of Living Waters to join us in Rehoboth.
· A survey will be sent out to pick the best dates for Rehoboth Beach.
· The summer event for 2015 will be the National Youth Gathering in Detroit.
· There will continue to be special service opportunities i.e. CROP Walk

We appreciated everyone who attended this meeting and were part of the conversation.

YOZ Calendar

December 8 Advent Parish Night
December 10 Matheny Chapel – 6:30-8:00
December 22 Christmas Party
January 12, 2014 YOZ Meeting – CEB – 5:30-7:30
January 26, 2014 YOZ Meeting – CEB – 5:30-7:30

Advent Parish Night

Advent Parish Night will take place on Sunday, December 8, 4:00 to 7:00 at the CEB. It is a fun evening of crafts, carols, and a pot luck soup dinner. If you haven't had a chance to sign up and would like to attend please call Wendy Minerowicz.

Property

On Saturday, November 23, Zion held its Fall clean-up/work day at the CEB and church. Quite a lot of work was accomplished: cleaning CEB air conditioner vents, replacing Great Room stained tiles, repairing table leg for large square table (in progress), trimming bushes by sidewalk, cleaning out entrance gutter, gluing loose stage floor tiles, trimming low branches in parking lot, replacing elevator sump pump battery, replacing inside light bulbs as necessary, raking/blowing off CEB parking lot/grass, moving furniture out of shed, putting up Advent tree and wreath, cleaning up flower pots outside church. We had a great day weather- wise and we had an opportunity to socialize with each other. Twenty people came out and volunteered their time and made the work go quickly. Zion and I are grateful to the following for helping out – Linda H, Linda L, Joe L, Justin C, Patricia C, Pastor Summer, Dave W, Frank S, Greg C, Larry C, Bob D, Donna H, Harold W, Ted J, Wendy M, Ron R, Ken H, Randal M and Sophia M.

Women of Zion

Christmas Cookie Exchange
Thursday, December 19, at 7:00 pm at the CEB

It’s time again for our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Not only can we eat wonderful cookies, but we can fill cookie tins and donate them to various charities. Ideally, you should bring three dozen cookies, but even if you can’t, come anyway! Being together is what’s most important. And feel free to bring a friend.
This is also the time to give a small gift to your secret prayer pal (someone who prays for you all year) and pick a new one for 2014.
Look for the sign-up sheet at the church and at the CEB.

Women’ Retreat led by Pastor Dale Selover
Hold Saturday, April 5, 2014, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm for our upcoming retreat. Details will be forthcoming.

Invitation to Sing

Rod Briscoe and the Parish Choir are inviting anyone who would like to sing with the choir on Christmas Eve (7pm service) to join them for rehearsals on Wednesday nights at 7:30. This is a short-term commitment. Of course, if you realize how much fun you’re having, you are welcome to continue singing with the choir in 2014!

Discipleship

Discipleship will not meet until January, 2014. We will be learning about the history of early Lutherans in America.

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch will be returning to another favorite spot, La Casa Bianca in Whitehouse Station. We were planning to go there last December, but the restaurant was already booked. We are placing our reservation early this year. Join us at noon on December 12.

Lunch Bunch 2012(!) Report

At long last, the 2012 results of monthly restaurant visits are as follows:

Service #1 Bensi
#2 Gladstone Tavern
Ambience # 1 Gladstone Tavern
#2 Casa Bianca
Cost #1 Bensi
#2 Casa Bianca
Food #1 Casa Bianca
#2 Gladstone Tavern

Look for the 2013 ratings in the January Newsletter (with any luck at all!)

Congregational Meeting

Zion Lutheran Church Congregation Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 9:45 am between the worship services. The meeting will be held at the church and the purpose will be to vote on the 2014 budget and elect council members for 2014.

A Message from Pastor Summer

There’s a part of me that always enjoys when science is stumped. Recently I discovered that science doesn’t really understand why the colors of the leaves in fall are more vibrant some years than others. There are theories about having enough rain, an early frost, and Indian summer. The old-timers in Vermont are convinced it’s the early frost and I tend to agree; but no one knows why that’s true. As I said, science is just stumped. The vivid reds, yellows, and oranges of fall defy explanation. We are simply left to enjoy the rainbow of colors and witness in awe God’s creation. I like that feeling. I like the thought of awe and wonder in the world. I believe we too often become jaded, cynical, and complacent. Our childhood sense of wonder is replaced with explanations and reasons. We stop looking around us and focus on only what is directly in front of us. We are no longer surprised. Somehow the world loses its magic.

The Eastern world has always left room for wonder. It has always embraced mystery where we in the West have shied away. We in the West like explanations. We like reasons. It’s why we like science. But science doesn’t hold all the answers. The world is more wondrous and mysterious than we can imagine and time and again we rediscover that truth. Beyond the leaves of fall, the Gospel itself is a mystery. Grace, God’s undeserved love, is beyond explanation. It defies common sense. It is not rational. It is the stuff of wonder, mystery, and awe. It is to be celebrated and enjoyed. Grace is the color of leaves in the fall. A gift given that is embraced and welcomed and whose truth is real and powerful though never completely explained.

This year, I will simply enjoy the colors of fall. I will open myself to the wonder. I will see in the leaves not only the hand of God but also God’s grace.

Peace,
Pastor Summer

Ministry Task Force

Dear Members of Zion,

At the direction of the Zion Church Council, a Ministry Task Force has now been established and they had their first meeting on Sunday, October 27.

As we look to the future, it is important to fully assess the needs of the congregation and to better understand the staffing requirements that are necessary to support Zion's ministry programs. The task force will be meeting over the next couple of months to determine what is best for Zion and to recommend to the Council the most appropriate way forward.

The members of the Ministry Task Force are Mike Donnelly (Chair), Laura Bredeson, Mike Mikitiuk, Joanne Rupp, Ellen Stevenson, Susanne Struebing, and Anita Zarate. While there is much information related to Zion's ministries that has already been gathered, they will certainly welcome your input during this process. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

We are entering a new and exciting chapter in Zion's almost 300 year history.

Celebrate 300!
Ron Rupp
President

Property

Mission 300 work has finally started on the parsonage. The old vinyl siding is gone. Foam insulation will be applied before new cedar siding completes the job. Thanks to Harold and Jay for overseeing this big project. I hope to have the remains of the oak tree next to the parsonage driveway taken down before Thanksgiving. This will complete clean up from last year’s Hurricane Sandy damage. A new water system has been installed in the CEB to upgrade our current system. Thank you Greg Brown for your assistance and expertise in this area. Scale build up due to previous water system in sinks and toilets was removed by Frank Stanski. Baseboard molding removed over the summer when the CEB flooded was replaced by Bob Delia and Jim Dornbusch. The church white picket fence was power washed to removed dirt and mildew. My thanks to Joe and Linda Lovas and Ted Jermansen for this project. Lastly our 300th annual fall clean up will take place Saturday November 23 from 9 to 12 noon. Coffee, doughnuts and a light lunch will be provided. If you have a free hour or 2, your time will be well spent cleaning up our properties before winter sets in. My personal thanks to committee members and others who stepped forward this month. I hope to get the property "to do" list posted to the Zion website soon so keep an eye out for the posting.

Youth of Zion

The Youth have had several exciting events within the past month.
On Sunday October 20, members of Zion participated in the annual Hunterdon County Crop Walk to fight
hunger. This year we joined forces with Living Waters Lutheran Church, Ringoes and walked in Lambertville.
Over $900 was raised to fight local and world hunger. Thanks again to the congregation and our youth for
supporting this worthy cause.
We also had lots of fun when we joined Living Waters for a lock-in. We played sardines and manhunt; no one was ever able to find Pastor Lee. For yet another event with Living Waters we saw Jason and DeMarco, a concert with both beautiful music and a message.
We hope to see all youth at our next meeting on Sunday, November 3.

Social Ministry

Alternative Giving

Yes, it’s that time of year already! Before you start obsessing over your Christmas list and what to get that hard to shop for person, let Social Ministry help you. How about making a donation to a charity that would be of interest to your family member or friend? They receive not only a small token craft and information on the charity, but also the knowledge that some good work is being done for others.
This year we present four diverse charities.

$5 – Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary – Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary is a 120 acre protected farmland located in Warren County and dedicated to provide care to sick, injured or orphaned animals. Along with saving animals they educate the public about protecting and preserving New Jersey’s ecosystems.
www.antler-ridge.com

$10 – ELCA Good Gifts: Vaccinations – Each day more than 5,000 children and adults die from diseases that could be prevented by vaccinations. Immunizing a child against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and measles will help them live a healthy life.

$15 – Homes For Our Troops – Homes For Our Troops helps severely injured and disabled Veterans and their families rebuild their lives with the gift of a specially adapted home. These homes provide freedom of movement and the ability to live independently. www.homeforourtroops.org

$20 – Autism New Jersey - 1 in 50 children in New Jersey is diagnosed with autism. Autism New Jersey is a network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. Autism New Jersey links families to services through awareness, credible information, education and public policy initiatives. www.autismnj.org

The Social Ministry Committee will be in the CEB lobby between services starting on November 17.

Senior Baskets

Years ago, a Zion member who volunteered at the local food pantry noticed that at Christmas time gifts were being donated for children but older pantry clients were forgotten. Senior Baskets is a ministry meant to remember the elderly and bring them some Christmas joy. Every year Zion collects enough items to assemble 100 baskets and distributes them to the local food pantries. We will be collecting for Senior Baskets throughout November. Collection bins are located in the narthex and the CEB.

Senior Basket items:
Ladies and Mens Deodorant
Toothpaste/toothbrushes
Razors
Men’s Shaving Cream
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Wash
Moisturizers/Lotions
Chap Stick
Small bottle of dishwashing liquid
Sponges
Hard Candy
Cough Drops
OTC medications
Aspirin
Teas/ coffees/hot chocolate
Crossword puzzle books
Slipper socks
Hats/Scarfs
Gloves
Postage Stamps

If you don’t have time to shop you can donate money or write a check to Zion Lutheran Church with “ Senior Baskets” written in the memo and the Social Ministry Committee will shop for you.

IHN –Family Promise

Our IHN guests will be arriving on November 10 and staying with us at the CEB until November 24. We need volunteers to be at the CEB especially during the weekend hours. Many times our guests come and go throughout the weekend. Some guests like to spend time relaxing in their rooms. If you volunteer to “socialize” your basic duties include:
Being in the Great Room or the CEB lobby.
Smiling and saying hello to our guests. Introduce yourself. Be friendly.

It is that easy.

Some of the things I have done while socializing with our IHN guests:
Baked brownies with a ten year old.
Helped to make a pillow with a teenager
Played Cards, Candyland, Life, and Stratego with various kids
Helped a 4th grader with math homework (thank goodness I remembered fractions)
Rocked a three month old baby in my arms
Read my book club book. (Also read the People magazine in the lobby. Thank you to the person who left them)

It was that easy, and fun. My point is that you don’t have to be nervous about volunteering to “socialize” with our IHN guests. You don’t have to formally plan anything to do. Our guests go to a new church every two weeks and meet new people all the time. They know how much interaction they want. We as volunteers just need to be there and make our guests feel welcomed into our Zion home.

Quilts

The quilters have been busy. We have 20 quilts finished. Our goal is 30. Can you guess why?

Book of Faith

At noon on Wednesdays at the Christian Education Building, we will be continuing our exploration of the Gospel of John as part of the Book of Faith. John was Luther’s favorite gospel. What do you know about the Gospel of John? How is it different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke? What does John want to tell us about Jesus? How do the words of John speak to us today? Bring your Bible. Bring your questions. Let’s explore together. If you cannot come on Wednesday, follow along on the Book of Faith blog at our website, zionoldwick.com. One way or another, join the conversation. You’ll be glad you did.

Women of Zion

Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 21, 2013, 6:30 pm at the CEB

Attention Women of Zion! Let’s get together for a wonderful evening of socialization and good food, without having to cook at all! Come and bring a friend.
For a change of pace, the General Store will cater this event for $27.00 per person. Our menu includes roast turkey with gravy and stuffing, cranberry chutney, mashed potato puree, sweet potatoes with apples and banana cream, green beans almondine, rolls and apple and pumpkin pie, along with beverages.
Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex and CEB entry. Payment for you and any friends (cash or check made out to Zion, which can be mailed or dropped off at the church office) is due no later than Sunday, November 10.Contact Anita Zarate with any questions.

Invitation to Sing

Rod Briscoe and the Parish Choir are inviting anyone who would like to sing with the choir on Christmas Eve (7pm service) to join them for rehearsals on Wednesday nights at 7:30. This is a short-term commitment beginning November 13. Of course, if you realize how much fun you’re having, you are welcome to continue singing with the choir in 2014!

Stewardship and Thanksgiving

In this season of thanksgiving, a sincere 'thank you' is in order to everyone who supports our congregation throughout the year with their attendance, service and regular financial contributions.
For those of you who are interested, Zion offers electronic giving options for making donations on a scheduled, automated basis. It's convenient for you and provides much-needed financial consistency for the church. To donate, visit the church website at www.zionoldwick.com and click on Stewardship and then Simply Giving Online.

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch will be returning to another favorite spot, Spain 92, 1116 US Highway 202, south of the Somerville Circle. We will meet on Thursday, November 14 at noon.

Discipleship Class

Discipleship will not meet in November due to scheduling conflicts.

Parish Life

Dinner Groups
Dinner Group sign up is now taking place for the coming year. Participants will be grouped with two other couples who then rotate homes and meal contributions. The hosting family invites a fourth member or couple from the congregation to the meal. Meals can be as casual or gourmet as you like. It is a great way to share fellowship and to meet new friends. Sign up sheet is in the narthex. Any questions, contact Wendy Minerowicz.

Advent Parish Night
Come to Advent Parish Night! It is a fun night of crafts, carols, and a pot luck soup dinner. It will take place on Sunday, December 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 at the CEB. Look for the sign up sheets in the narthex and CEB and indicate if you will be bringing soup, salad, or dessert. Examples of the night's crafts will be displayed in the narthex. See you there!

Drink container
One of the three clear, plastic drink containers has gone missing. If you have borrowed it, could you please return it to the supply closet in the CEB kitchen. Thanks.

Hunterdon County Woven Throw

Orders will be taken for the $35 Hunterdon County 300th anniversary woven throw through the church office. Our church is featured right on the center top. This is the perfect Christmas gift!

Important Persons in Zion's Early History

Johann Balthasar Pickel
In 1714, there was a man, twenty-seven years of age and unmarried, who throughout the remainder of his life was to manifest unwavering dedication this congregation. This man was Baltes Pickel. He would have been a most likely candidate for the office of Vorleser and one whom we would hardly expect Justus Falckner to have overlooked.
Baltes Pickel was born in 1687 at Durkheim in the Palatinate, the son of Hans Balthasar Pickel and Anna Eva Mullier. He was still just a boy when his father died and his mother was remarried in 1704 to Mattias Reinbold. With his mother and step-father, young Baltes joined the 1709/1710 emigration and was followed, some 17 years later, by an older brother Johann Nicolaus PIckel, who also settled in Hunterdon County.
That Baltes Pickel early assumed responsibility in the affairs of the congregation is evident by the use made of his and his mother’s homes. The place of the meeting in 1715 was given as Nine Mile Run and in 1716 as Mattias Reinbold’s place at Nine Mile Run. Remember that this was the home of Baltes’ mother and step-father, and possibly, therefore, his own. After Baltes’ marriage in 1718 to Anna Gertrud Reiter, the meetings were held in his home. Thus at least five of the eight services held by Justus Falckner after the one in 1714 were held in home of the Pickel family. It was Baltes Pickel who built, at his own expense, the Racheway Church (at today’s Potterstown) about 1729 and the Leslysland Church (serving the district between Whitehouse and North Branch) about 1735. When at last the Raritan congregation under Pastor Johann Albert Weygand reconsolidated itself and in 1749 built the Zion Lutheran Church at Oldwick, it was Baltes Pickel who generously contributed money and much effort to its construction. He also added £25 toward the purchase of Zion’s first organ. Up to 1750, when the parsonage was built, the hospitality of his home always extended to the Lutheran ministers. Finally, concerned with the church’s continuing prosperity, he bequeathed to Zion by his 1765 will the then magnificent sum of one thousand pounds.

John Augustus Wolf
In 1734, the Reverend John Augustus Wolf arrived from Germany. Wolf was a character totally unfit for the office of the ministry. It was only a few months until he entered into a series of disputes with the congregation concerning salary, parsonage, and his personal conduct. To settle these disputes, the first Lutheran Synod held on American soil was convened in this parish. The delegates and pastor were as follows: from New York, Re. Berkenmeyer, Charles Beekman, Jacob Bos; from Hackensack, Rev. Knoll, John Van Norden, Abraham Van Buskirk; from Uylekill, Peter Frederick; from Potterstown, Rev. Wold, Baltes Pickel, Lawrence Roelofson; from Pluckemin, Daniel Shoemmaker, Hendrick Smith. The Synod resulted in a peace which was short lived, and Wolf continued to menace the congregation’s spiritual welfare until 1745. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg came from Philadelphia in that year in response to our ancestors’ appeals, and disposed of the matter with his accustomed dispatch and justice. Wolf left immediately.

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
The visit of Muhlenberg was the first of many and the service rendered then, welcome and helpful as it must have been, was but little when compared with the constant help the busy patriarch gave to the Raritan Lutherans in the next thirty years.
Muhlenberg was a native of Eimbeck, Hanover Province, Germany. A graduate of the University of Goettingen, he had taught one year in the Francke institutions in Halle. In 1714, at the age of thirty, he was superintendent of an orphan home school and pastor of a church. At this time he was asked to go as a missionary to the wilds of America. Accepting, he becomes pastor of the scattered congregations of Philadelphia, Germantown, Providence, and New Hanover in Pennsylvania. He soon was the recognized leader of Lutherans over a wide area. He set the doctrinal, organizational, liturgical, and practical precedents for American Lutheranism. He sent detailed reports of his work to the pastors at Halle and kept a diary for his personal reference. It is from these documents that much of the early history of the Raritan Congregation is drawn.

A Message from Pastor Summer

As we entered our anniversary year, I began to think about our story as a congregation. All that thinking led to the following song. Zion’s Story 1,4. We’re a story being written, 300 years in time. God has been the author, and we have formed the lines. This journey we have taken, Christ has led the way. Each chapter’s been a blessing that’s brought us to today. Refrain Zion’s story is a gospel story. Zion’s story is built on grace. Zion’s story is a gospel story. One, with joy, we embrace. 2. In the home of a freed slave, the gospel first was heard. Water welcomed children, a Pentecost occurred. Emboldened by the Spirit, they answered Jesus’ call To follow in his footsteps, good news to one and all. 3. 300 years of serving, and yet, we’ve just begun, Gathered by the Spirit, following God’s son, Striving as disciples in a world that won’t stand still The story’s only constant, God’s purpose is fulfilled. Peace, Pastor Summer

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH CELEBRATES 300TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE WAGNER COLLEGE CHOIR

The congregation of Zion Lutheran Church is invited to attend a special concert presented by the Wagner College Choir at Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick on October 27 at 4 pm. The Wagner College Choir is a renowned choir directed by Dr. Roger Wesby. The choir recently performed in Germany and Austria. Dr. Wesby has prepared a concert rich in history to commemorate the anniversary. The program will span 300 years of great composers including Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Benjamin Britten, Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi and more. The concert will include a sonata for two flutes and a performance by the Stretto vocal ensemble along with the full college choir. A reception will follow the concert at the Christian Education Building at 5:30 pm. Admission is free, however a free will offering will be collected at the concert to defray the Choir’s expenses. Please plan on joining this historic event as part of Zion’s 300th anniversary. For concert information or questions please call Debra Kaufman.

Stewardship

When you think of Fall you probably think of back to school, pumpkins, and cooler weather. At Zion, Fall means Stewardship. So, what does Stewardship mean? If you Google Stewardship and Steward you find many definitions. It can be *One who manages another’s property, finances or other affairs. *The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. *A steward is a person who is the manager, or in charge of someone else’s property. *There are shop stewards, wine stewards and flight attendants (formerly known as stewardesses). We are Christian Stewards. Christian Stewardship is the grateful and responsible use of God’s gifts. It is not raising money to meet the budget. All the budget does is indicate how our gifts will be distributed. We are giving back to God a portion of the abundance he has given us. We are grateful to God for it all, and responsible to God for how we use it. It is our duty and delight to give, or at least it should be. We are doing what we ought to do as responsible church members, and making cheerful sacrifices out of love for God. It is a way of life. The ELCA’s signature phrase is “God’s work. Our hands.” When we give, our hands can do more of God’s work. During the month of October you will be hearing more from the Stewardship Committee about how your gifts can impact the role Zion can take in being a good steward of God’s gifts to us. Commitment Sunday will be October 27, Reformation Sunday. Our goal this year is simple. In celebration of our 300th anniversary, we are asking everyone to increase their giving by $300. With this simple gift, we can meet our ministry needs. We can reclaim our support for mission and property, explore staffing in the area of Christian Education, and establish a digital platform (social media presence). In faith, we can make this happen and step boldly into our next 300 years.

Shepherding

The Visitation Group is off to a great start with a very nice turnout at our initial meeting. We reviewed the purpose and scope of the new group. Our intent is to offer friendly visits to Zion members who may be in the hospital or in a similar situation, unable to attend Zion’s regular services. Pastor Summer has prepared the Visitation Program Resource Book, an excellent source for all of those interested in participating in this but unsure what exactly to do when you visit. Different types of visits were discussed so that we understand what everyone is comfortable providing. For instance, there are those comfortable providing hospital visits while others would prefer to visit our members at home. There may be those comfortable delivering flowers to members, while others may want to provide communion (as an extension of our regular service). The current group includes the following members: Anita Zarate, Rebecca Illnick, Sue Swanson, Kathy & John Rustwick, Judy & Bernard Davis, Peggy Eppley, Dorothy Saewert, Arlene Martin, Margot Forster, Elaine Jermansen, Debra Kaufman, Sandy Matsen, Judy Formalarie, Nancy Neuweiler, & Dan Matyola. If you would like to participate in the Visitation Program, please email Rosi Delia. If you have questions, please feel free to ask Pastor Summer or Rosi Delia. This is a new program so, don’t be surprised if you’re asked about a visit…giving or receiving. Thank you.

Youth of Zion

This year has been off to a great start for the Youth of Zion. We've had a few Faith Talk meetings at which there has been a lot of discussion of starting "Faith Minutes,” short monthly videos about topics we deal with in our faith. We have also had two YOZ meetings, which have been a great time as we welcome some new members! Looking to the future, we have a busy month planned for October. On Saturday , October 12, Living Waters will be hosting Jason and deMarco, a Christian band visiting as a part of their "Celebrate Diversity" tour. Living Waters will also be hosting a youth Lock-In on Friday, October 18. The Sunday of that same weekend, October 20, the Youth will be attending the CROP Walk in Lambertville. I am greatly looking forward to all of these events. I hope to see you there!

Property

It's been a busy summer for property. The CEB parking lot was re-sealed; the CEB siding and roof were power washed and the windows were cleaned. It all looks great. The insurance settlement from the July flooding problem has been received and work has begun to replace the damaged baseboard moldings. Thank you, Bob Delia and Jim Dornbusch, for stepping up to do the repairs. At the parsonage, the hanging tree limbs left over from Hurricane Sandy have been trimmed and removed from the property. The large oak tree, or what is left of it, next to the driveway will be taken down in October. The most exciting news is that the Mission 300 work at the parsonage to replace the siding, windows and add insulation has started. Jack Hall with Cornerstone Custom Construction was awarded the renovation contract after approval by the Tewksbury Historical Preservation Society. The windows will be replaced barring no unforeseen problems when the siding is removed. A big thank you to Jay Wieder and Harold Wrede for their hard work and dedication to this important project. A couple of other things - mark your calendars for the 300th annual Fall clean up/Work day scheduled for Saturday November 23 from 9 am to 1 pm. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Watch for clean up updates in the coming month. Also I am in the process of getting the property committee's "To Do" list posted on the Zion website. Keep an eye out for it and get back to me with any questions. Thanks again to all property committee members and volunteers. You make Zion shine!

Anniversary Trip to Germany

"What a wonderful trip!” “It was wonderful to visit our Lutheran roots—especially with such a great group of friends! We will cherish the memories!” “So many memories attached to fun, laughs, and pride in our common heritage as Lutherans. Being with fellow worshippers for over a week was a special joy.” From September 1 to 10, 37 Zion members and friends traveled to Germany where our founding members and first pastors came from 300 years ago, not to mention where Martin Luther began the Reformation 500 years ago. Our very first stop was in Worms to see the largest monument to the Reformation in the town where Luther refused to recant his beliefs. We then spent 2 nights in Heidelberg, the center of the Rhineland Palatinate which Zion’s first members left to journey to America. We traveled on to Eisenach where Luther went to school as a young boy and later returned to Wartburg Castle to translate the New Testament into German. While there we also saw the birthplace of J.S. Bach. The next 2 nights we stayed in beautiful medieval Erfurt where Luther became a monk in the Augustinian monastery and was ordained a priest in the cathedral. We learned about the Romantics Goethe and Schiller and more German history when we visited the lovely town of Weimar. Then it was on to 24/7 Luther in Lutherstadt Wittenberg. We visited the church where Luther preached, was married, and where his children were baptized, his home, and the home of Philip Melancthon. Our visit was capped with a vespers service at the Castle church where Luther is buried. Pastor Summer read the lesson and Ron Rupp and David Wintemute served as ushers. Our trip ended in Berlin where we were confronted with signs of the previously divided Germany—Checkpoint Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, and a museum about the escape attempts from East Germany. We were moved and literally confused at the Judisches Museum, and despite the rain, marveled at the architecture of the Bundestag Dome. A visit to the ornate Berlin Cathedral and the magnificent art of the Pergamon Museum rounded out our stay in Berlin. Throughout the 10 days, we enjoyed great German food and drink, had daily prayer and devotions on our bus, handed out our Zion calling cards (Ted Jermansen wins the prize for most cards given out), and learned much about German history, both political and religious (thank you, John, our wonderful tour guide).

IHN Hosting

Please mark your calendars. Zion will be hosting IHN November 10 –November 24. To make a hosting cycle successful we need volunteers to cook a dinner, share a meal with our guests, spend a couple of hours at the CEB, and sleep overnight. If you have any questions about how you can help make our guests feel comfortable while staying here at Zion feel free to contact Linda Held. Fall Food Drive continues. See earlier posting.

Parish Life - Dinner Groups

Do you like to eat good food? Would you like to meet new people from the congregation and get to know others better in a relaxed setting? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then consider signing up for Dinner Groups. Participants will be grouped with two other couples who then rotate homes and meal contributions (appetizers, main course, dessert). The hosting family invites a fourth member or couple from the congregation to the dinner. It is a great way to share fellowship and to make new friends. Look for the sign up sheet in the narthex. If you have any questions, email Wendy Minerowicz.

Pet Blessing

Final Call for the 300 Pet Blessing ( Commemorating Zion’s 300th Anniversary) Sunday, October 13, at the CEB at 2:00 pm If you’re planning to be there with at least one pet OR Have recruited a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or classmate to be there with at least one pet, You’ve been most helpful. If neither, you still have a chance to make this 300th Anniversary Pet Blessing a success by doing the above!

Women's Retreat

Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center is hosting a Women’s Retreat the weekend of October 18-20. Visit www.crossroadsretreat.com to register. Cost is $170 and the topic is “Leaning into Christ.”

Book of Faith

Book of Faith meets every Wednesday at noon in the CEB conference room. We are presently discussing Chapter 5 of the Gospel of John. If you can’t join us for stimulating discussion, follow Pastor’s blog here on Zion’s website.

Discipleship Class

Discipleship will be meeting at the CEB on October 23. Check the Sunday bulletins for more details.

Lunch Bunch

Lunch Bunch will be returning to another favorite spot, the Gladstone Tavern, 273 Main St., Gladstone on October 16 at noon.

ENDOWMENT FUND NEWS

The Endowment Committee will be having our last Endowment Sunday for 2013 on Sunday, November 3. Please consider giving to the Zion Lutheran Church Endowment Fund to commemorate and celebrate a significant milestone in your family’s church life such as a baptism, confirmation or wedding. Envelopes marked “Endowment Fund” will be placed in all the pews. The Endowment Fund only grows with contributions from members and friends of Zion. Those who share the vision of not only a living memorial for loved ones, but also recognize that upon maturity, the fund will provide significant monetary grants for many new mission oriented programs–forever…. Please contact any member of the Endowment Committee (Mike Donnelly, Geof Close and Rick Schroeder) if you have any questions!

A Message from Pastor Summer

We have entered our anniversary year. We have been waiting for what seems like a long time, and now the time has finally arrived. One of the ways we will be celebrating is by including an article every month telling another chapter in the story of Zion. This month we begin with the forward from 225 Years: A History of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oldwick, New Jersey by the Rev. Charles O. Thompson. Pastor Thompson’s forward captures the sense of history surrounding Zion. 300 years is only a number until you set that number in context. Enjoy when and where Zion began. “While our forefathers were founding a little church for worship in their new frontier home, great events were in the making in Europe and in the American colonies. In Europe, a new era was opening in which the power of kings fell; and the middle classes, having gained in wealth and knowledge, reached out for political control. Great names were connected with this change in civilization. In 1714, Voltaire, who was to shake the domination of the clergy, was a youth of twenty; and Rousseau, the liberator of the disfranchised masses, was an infant aged two. Adam Smith, emancipator of the business man and apostle of individual liberties, was born in the year Zion’s first pastor died; and Lavoisier, founder of modern chemistry, was still a boy when the present church was built at Oldwick. James Watt, inventor of the first engine capable of driving a machine, and thus the father of the Industrial Revolution, was born at about the time Zion was host to the first synod held in America. The Romantic Movement in art and literature was then flinging out its banners to demand freedom and justice for the humble and submerged. Thus the life of Zion Church began even before the time of modern freedom, democracy, science, and mechanized industry. Her pastor ministered to her people, while they were not only conquering a wilderness, but while they were also adapting themselves to a bewildering maze of new ideas flowing in from Europe. In America, 1714 saw seven year old Benjamin Franklin starting to school in Boston. Augustine Washington was cultivating his Virginia plantation, unaware of the destiny of his son to be named George upon his birth eighteen years later. It was twenty-nine years before Thomas was to be born to the Jeffersons in Virginia. Zion Church was born exactly three quarters of a century before the birth of the United States. Our church and country have grown up together. So we see that this was a time when not only our church was founded, but when in Europe and America a new age and a new civilization was emerging.” And so, the story begins. Peace, Pastor Summer

Church Council Meeting Highlights, August 1

At its August meeting, the Church Council met with members of the CELEBRATE 300 Committee to discuss plans for the year-long celebration of Zion’s 300th anniversary. During the year, there are a number of programs and events that have been scheduled. These activities are open to all current and past members of Zion. As always, Zion’s doors are open to the community and we invite their participation. Please mark your calendars with the dates listed below. CELEBRATE 300 Schedule of Events and Programs · Sunday, August 4, 2013: 299th Anniversary Service · September 1-10, 2013: Germany Tour Lead persons - Louise Brokaw & Ron Rupp · Sunday, October 20, 2013: Palatines Sunday - Colonial Worship Lead person - George Apgar · Sunday, October 27, 2013: Wagner College Choir Concert at 5:00 pm. Church concert followed by a CEB reception for choir and those attending, then dinner for the choir before they return to Wagner Lead person - Deborah Kaufmann · Sunday, December 15, 2013: Church and Community Christmas Carols in the Sanctuary Lead person - Worship & Music Committee · Sunday, May 4, 2014: NJ Synod Bishop, Reverend Tracie L. Bartholomew visits Zion Celebrate Zion’s ministries and partners in those ministries. CEB Luncheon for the congregation Lead person for lunch - Anita Zarate · Sunday, August 3, 2014: Founders Day—300th Anniversary Service. Brunch for congregation after the service. The Pickel and Aray families who were founding members of Zion will be worshipping with us as part of their family reunion Service Lead Person - Pastor Summer CEB Brunch lead person- Anita Zarate · Sunday, October 26, 2014: Celebration Banquet at the Grand Colonial Restaurant. The ELCA Bishop has been invited to preach during the services that morning and to attend the banquet. Lead persons for the banquet- Joann Donnelly and Joanne Rupp This is an exciting year in the almost 300 year history of Zion Lutheran Church. Much has been planned and I encourage you to take advantage of the many activities. We will keep you updated as more events are added to the calendar. Join us as we CELEBRATE 300.

Evangelism

If you are interested in joining Zion OR just learning more about our congregation and ministries, join us for Fall New Member Classes. Sunday, September 29 “Everything You Wanted To Know About Being Lutheran” Sunday, October 6 “Expectations: Yours and Ours” Both classes will be held between services at 9:45 am in the Christian Education Building. New members will be welcomed into the church during worship on Sunday, October 20. There will also be a “meet the council” session that day at 9:45 in the CEB.

Shepherding…Connecting….

Visitation Ministry – The Shepherding Committee is organizing a Visitation Group that will be responsible for meeting with those members who are unable to come to Zion. This could involve delivering the Sunday flowers, a prayer shawl, or providing Holy Communion, writing a caring note or, simply chatting/visiting. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Visitation Group there will be one initial meeting to review the basics of a visit. There will not be any regular meetings. Please join us for “Visitation 101” on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 pm immediately following Vespers. If you have any questions, please speak to Pastor Summer or Rosi Delia or you can email Rosi. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend on 9/25. Thank you.

Youth of Zion - Cool and Connected at Cross Roads

On July 21-24, our young people participated in Cool and Connected at Cross Roads. They joined young people from Living Waters, Trinity, and Zion in Long Valley for four days of work and fellowship. Staying overnight at Cross Roads, we had the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity, NORWESCAP, Family Promise, Good News Home, and Cross Roads. We also had the chance to lead a music program at the Matheny School. All in all, the week was one to remember. We had the chance to make a real difference.

On The Road To Discipleship - Learn

Once again we are moving on our Road to Discipleship from Prayer to Learn for the month of September. Be sure to catch all the action! We will be "learning" from our fellow disciples as they travel to Germany and walk in the steps of Martin Luther. Adult Forum topics will focus on "learning" the Three Things Every Lutheran Needs to Know. We'll also hear remembrances or "learnings" from some of our current and past Sunday School teachers. BUT, don't wait on us! You can get started on your own "learning" adventure by using the many resources and tools we have available at Zion. Check out the list below. Resources and Tools Available for Learning Sunday School (Sundays in between services – starts in September) Book of Faith (Bible Study, Wednesdays at noon) Confirmation (check in with the church office for the next class) Sunday Bulletin Insert (each Sunday) Zion Website (www.zionoldwick.com ) Weekly Sermon (live Sunday mornings during service and/or recorded on the website) Devotionals (available in the back of the church) Prayer Books (available from the church office) Zion Library Books (top floor of CEB) Discipleship (one evening a month) Adult Forum (Sundays in between services) Faith Talk (High School – Sunday mornings in between services) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me." - Matthew 11:29 Let's Learn!!! Your Discipleship Team - Sandy Matsen, Mike Jennison, Dottie Caplan and Pastor Summer

Join the Choir!

The Parish Choir meets in the church for rehearsal every Wednesday evening at 7:30. Join them to “make a joyful sound” and laugh a lot!

Social Ministry Fall Food Drive

Over 1.2 million people in New Jersey struggle to put food on table and 45% of those do not qualify for any government assistance. Food pantries report that nearly half of their clients are people who sought help because after paying the rent or mortgage and utility bills there was no money left for groceries. Many of these households have children. Research shows that children who don’t have enough to eat are likely to miss more school days due to illness. They are less likely to graduate from high school, which will have a negative impact on their economic future. During the months of September and October Zion will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Flemington Food Pantry and Open Cupboard Food Pantry in Clinton. Some items that are needed: Canned Pastas (Beef Ravioli, etc.) Black Beans Canned Fruits and Vegetables Soups – Vegetable and Beef Canned Meats and Tuna Fish Peanut Butter Jelly Pastas/Canned Sauce 100% Fruit Juices Flavored Oatmeal Cereal Some non-food items that are needed: Bar soap Laundry Detergent Liquid hand soap Coffee Please leave donations in the narthex or the lobby of the CEB. Thank You!

Parish Life

Summer Coffee Hour A big thank you goes out to all who volunteered this summer for Summer Coffee hour. Your delicious treats and beverages helped to make our fellowship time after the summer services a special one! Herkemer Diamond Dig Due to scheduling difficulties, the diamond dig was moved from the summer to September 20--22 If you weren't able to join the dig this summer, hopefully these dates will work for you. Please make your own accommodations for your stay. The choices range from camping (tent or cabin) on site to local hotels. Contact Wendy Minerowicz or Frank Stanski for details.

Discipleship Class

Discipleship resumes on the evening of September 26 in the CEB. Check the Sunday bulletins for further details as to time and topic.

Lunch Bunch

We’re back! Lunch Bunch will be meeting for good food and fellowship at an old favorite, La Casa Bianca in Whitehouse Station. Please join us at noon on September 12.

Do Not Press HOLD!!!

We have been having a problem with thermostat control at the CEB. It is OK to adjust the temperature by pressing the up and down arrows on the thermostats, but it is NOT OK to press the HOLD button. When you do that, the selected temperature will be held forever, or until someone realizes a room is too hot or too cold. What that means to Zion is $$$. If we are cooling an empty, unused Great Room to 72 degrees we are spending money that could otherwise be used for programs or mission work. If you notice a thermostat that is set to Permanent HOLD please press the Cancel button and the thermostat will return to its original program.

Ink Cartridges Wanted

Zion is continuing to recycle used ink cartridges at Staples in order to earn rewards dollars which in turn saves us money on office supplies. We are running low on cartridges to recycle. Please drop off empty cartridges in the narthex of the church or the entry of the CEB

What is a QR Code???

Zion has a QR (Quick Response) Code. And what is that you might ask if you are over 50? You have started seeing these funny squares all over the place. They are on signs and in magazines. And if you have a smart phone, and if your smart phone has an app to read a QR code (such as QR code Scanner), you can use your phone to scan the code and you will instantly be brought to the Zion website. You can expect to start seeing the Zion QR code in the bulletin and newsletter. Thanks to Tim Hunter for acquiring this code for use by the tech savvy members of the congregation, visitors and friends. Welcome to the 21st century.

What are Senior Baskets anyway?

Around 10 years ago Edith Houk, a former member, volunteered at the food pantry. She observed that at Christmastime individuals, groups, and companies would bring special gifts for the children whose parents depended on the food pantry. The Seniors would come and go as usual and maybe get a 'Merry Christmas.’ What could we do about it? With the help of the congregation Senior Baskets was born. Baskets are filled with personal care products, a special little gift, small game or a deck of cards, a goodie to eat, etc. A hand- crafted Christmas decoration is always included. You guessed it. It's a snowman this year. These are given to Seniors who use the pantries in Flemington and Clinton. Thanks to all the Women of Zion who painted 100 snowmen.

Wagner College Choir Performance

Sunday, October 27, 2013 4PM to 5:30PM Reception Following at the CEB

Zion’s 300 Anniversary Gala Dinner

Zion will be celebrating the grand finale of its 300th anniversary with a dinner at the Grand Colonial (formerly the Coach and Paddock) on October 26, 2014, Reformation Sunday, starting at 4:00 pm. We have negotiated a package that includes a cocktail hour with hot and cold passed hors d’oeuvres, a dinner with a choice of three entrees, a celebration cake, coffee, tea and soft drinks. There will be cash bar. All gratuities are included. After the dinner and program there will be dancing. The renovated Grand Colonial has a lovely space for banquets and receptions. The cost of the evening will be $60/person. The cost for children 12 and under will be $30 for a small “adult meal” and $20 for chicken fingers and fries. . Start saving for this Grand Finale today by putting $1/week in an envelope. October 26, 2014 is 60 weeks away!

The 300 Pet Blessing

Sunday, October 13, at the CEB at 2:00 pm We’re asking that you all become one-time recruiters to post and hand out flyers to relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, exercise buddies, etc., so we can draw 300 pets to the CEB! Posters will be forthcoming. Any questions or suggestions may be directed to Anita Zarate.

A Message from Pastor Summer

Last month, I talked about discernment.  I said that the Holy Spirit was blowing through the life of Zion and that we needed to be open to that Spirit.  In listening for that voice of God, the council was asked what their hopes were for the future.  Here are their responses:

· People would remain involved for the sake of Christ

· We would remain a welcoming church

· In considering staff, we would complement our ministry

· We would be guided to make the right decisions

· We will celebrate our 300^th anniversary

· There will be joy, involvement, and clear ministry goals

· Zion will stay mission and future oriented

· Zion will grow

The list is a good one and captures much of the conversation within our congregation at large.  Can we hear the voice of God?  On August 4, we will begin our anniversary year.  There is much to celebrate.  We have a rich and treasured history, but our future holds as many riches and more.  We have just begun to explore the possibilities.  We have opened the door to serving at Faith Kitchen, which has been a blessing for everyone involved.  We are continuing down the Road to Discipleship.  We will be addressing our staffing needs.  We will be exploring the use of social media as a platform for proclaiming the gospel.  We have witnessed the launching of Edna’s Haven.  We have a year’s worth of special events and celebrations in connection with our 300^th anniversary, starting with our trip to Germany on September 1.  We are restoring the church and parsonage.  This is just a partial list.  As a congregation, we have been serving Christ for 300 years, but the truth is we have only just begun.  I look forward to the coming year and all the years beyond our 300th.  May we remain open to the blowing of the Holy Spirit and may God continue to direct and bless our ministry together.

Peace,

Pastor Summer

Council Meeting Highlights -June 13

Pastoral Transition:  The Council has heard that generally Zion’s members seem to feel secure that the Council is being proactive and taking action while taking time to discern the best direction for the church.

Committee Updates: 

Finance – The Council directed the Finance Committee add a “transition” line to the budget for tracking purposes, to cover supply pastors, staffing education, etc.

Parish Life – Eighteen people attended the CEB Sing-Along and had a lot of fun.  Summer Coffee Hour begins June 16.

Property – The CEB doors that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy have been fixed.  The parsonage roof work is in progress.  The paint peeling off the front of the church is being addressed. 

The Council directed the committee to further investigate the costs associated with re-siding and insulating the parsonage and it will be funded with Mission 300 Yesterday money. The Council decided that the remaining Yesterday funds will be directed to the much needed parsonage work and that no more funds will be spent at the Church.  The Council did not approve the restoration of the bead board surrounding the altar at this time.

Shepherding – The Pet Blessing will be held on October 13 and led by Pastor Selover.

Social Ministry – The work at Faith Kitchen is going well and has been very rewarding.

Stewardship – Time and Talent starts on June 23.  There will be Cottage Meetings at the CEB on 6/23, 6/30 and 7/7 to encourage members to sign up for opportunities.

Worship & Music – CEB Worship begins on June 23 so the restoration work can be completed at the Church.  The new pew cushions have arrived and the hymnal racks are being ordered.  Memorial funds have been allocated for the processional cross and a new baptismal bowl.  The new chalice was dedicated last week, in memory of Peter Lanka.

Youth –The Pancake Breakfast was a success.  Planning is underway for “Cool and Connecting at Crossroads”  this year’s multi-church work camp for youth.

300^th Anniversary Celebration:  The Palatines will be coming to worship on October 20 of this year.  In the fall of 2014, the Pickell and Van Guinea families are planning reunions at Zion, which will coincide with Zion’s anniversary.

Germany Travelers

We’re getting closer to our departure for Germany!  On Sunday morning, August 4 following our Anniversary Worship Service, we will meet to finalize details.  Please plan to attend.  Copies of your passports are due at that time.  Check your email for further details.

Celebrate 300!

As we begin the final countdown to our 300th birthday, we have renamed this year as Celebrate 300.   Mission 300--or M300-- was our fundraising effort for our 300th anniversary, but we needed to have a new name for the actual anniversary.  We hope you agree that Celebrate 300 captures our spirit. 

Be ready for August 4, when we officially kick off our year of special events as we lead up to our 300th birthday on August 3, 2014.  This year, we will begin with a special service with a liturgy from the 1970’s.  It should be a wonderful worship that many of us will remember, and let our kids find out what church was like when we were growing up.

August 4 also returns our Sunday worship to the church where all sorts of special improvements have been made over the summer months.  Be prepared to "ooh and ah" and enjoy our revitalized and renewed church building.  You won't be able to miss us (that's all the hint I am giving for now)!

As the year goes on, watch for more exciting events to occur. Our Sunday School, which will restart in September, will have lots of special events to help celebrate our year of festivities. Also in September, a group of Zion members will travel to Germany to trace the steps of Martin Luther and visit the birthplace of Zion’s founders and our first pastors.  We can all follow along by reading their blog, which should be a lot of fun!  In October, we will be hosting the Wagner College Choir for a special concert, and we hope to have a unique service with lots of the descendants of the German Palatines who first settled in Hunterdon County.

Things will be happening throughout this coming year.  We hope you will join us as we "Celebrate 300"!

CEB Flooding

On Monday, July 1, there was torrential rain across the area.  Thanks to Sue Swanson  who was in the CEB that evening, we learned there was water in the kitchen and Great Room and were able to address the problem quickly to prevent further damage.  By 8:30 on Tuesday morning, PuroClean, which is located in Flemington, was on the job cleaning up the mess.  It was then discovered there was water in the bathrooms which made its way into the foyer. 

The flooding was caused by a clog in the drainage system outside the building and water backed up through all the floor drains.  Our insurance is covering the clean up and damage repair.

With no reservations, we would recommend PuroClean if you are ever faced with this kind of emergency. 

Lost and Found Items

These items have been left in the church.  Look for them on the coat pegs in the narthex.

Dark blue North Face soft shell jacket.  Boys - L.

Man’s plaid wool cap - “Stetson”.