We are approaching the season of Lent. Traditionally, it has been a time of penance, which has meant we have focused on our sinfulness and need to repent. Its beginning is marked with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday and concludes liturgically with the absolution on Maundy Thursday, but emotionally on Easter.
Lent, however, is more than a time of self-examination of our sin. It is also to be a time of renewal. The central focus is baptism, sin to forgiveness, death to life. Through our baptism, we are able to look at ourselves the way we truly are, both the good and the bad. Through our baptism, we are able to confront our sinfulness not out of our own strength and courage, but out of the promise of the gospel. Through our baptism, we are able to recognize our sin and own it in the knowledge that we are loved by God, forgiven by God, and claimed by God’s grace. We can acknowledge our sinful life in order to be led into newness of life.
When we mark our foreheads with ashes this Ash Wednesday, we remember that ashes are the ancient symbol of sin, judgment and frailty. However, ashes are also an ancient symbol of cleansing and renewal. It is those two elements, our sinfulness and God’s grace through Christ, that we hold in tension as we make the journey through Lent to the good news of Easter.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
Lenten Calendar
ASH WEDNESDAY
Imposition of Ashes
March 5
12 pm and 7:30 pm at the Church
7:30 pm service preceded by Soup Supper
at 6:30 pm at the Christian Education Building
SUNDAYS IN LENT
Communion Worship Services
March 9 – April 6
8:30 am and 11 am at the Church
Family Worship Service
March 9
9:45 am at the Christian Education Building
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
Book of Faith – Lenten Bible Study
March 12 – April 9
12 pm at the Christian Education Building
Lenten Vespers
March 12 – April 9
7 pm at the Christian Education Building
Preceded by Soup Supper at 6:00 pm
Ecumenical Lenten Series - Discipleship "Unplugged"
March 5 Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Mark Summer
Church Street, Oldwick, NJ 08858
WHY FOLLOW?
March 12 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Whitehouse United Methodist Church w/Rev. Philip Carr-Jones
73 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ 08889
WHY PRAY?
March 19 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Clinton United Methodist Church with Rev. Andrew Paek
12 Halstead Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
WHY ASSEMBLE?
March 26 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Stanton Reformed Church with Rev. Cathy Gumpert
1 Stanton Mountain Rd., Stanton, NJ 08885
WHY STUDY?
April 2 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Lebanon Reformed Church with Rev. Phil Pratt
100 Brunswick Ave, Lebanon NJ 08833
WHY SERVE?
April 9 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15
Cokesbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Drew Dyson
230 Cokesbury Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833
WHY SHARE?
Church Street, Oldwick, NJ 08858
WHY FOLLOW?
March 12 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Whitehouse United Methodist Church w/Rev. Philip Carr-Jones
73 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ 08889
WHY PRAY?
March 19 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Clinton United Methodist Church with Rev. Andrew Paek
12 Halstead Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
WHY ASSEMBLE?
March 26 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Stanton Reformed Church with Rev. Cathy Gumpert
1 Stanton Mountain Rd., Stanton, NJ 08885
WHY STUDY?
April 2 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15pm
Lebanon Reformed Church with Rev. Phil Pratt
100 Brunswick Ave, Lebanon NJ 08833
WHY SERVE?
April 9 Soup at 6:30, Learning at 7:15
Cokesbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Drew Dyson
230 Cokesbury Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833
WHY SHARE?
Shepherding
Thank you to all who delivered flowers in 2013!!!
Visitations
As many of you know, the Visitation Group is a new service we are engaged in whereby volunteers stop in to see members of the congregation who are unable to attend services. One type of visitation involves delivering flowers. Our next venture will be to deliver Easter flowers in April. If you can deliver, we can use the help.
Another type of visitation is delivering communion. This is a service any of our members can perform. You would simply use the bread and wine from the regular service and share it with one of our home-bound or hospitalized members. If you’re not sure what to say, Pastor Summer has prepared a cheat sheet. This is your time to shine.
Rides
Some of our members regularly walk to services. However, during the winter months, they are unable to due to weather. Please let us know if you wouldn’t mind offering a quick ride to a member near the church.
Please contact Rosi Delia if you are willing to deliver flowers or communion or provide rides, or just want to be added to the regular Visitation or Shepherding group. Thank you.
evANGELism
If you’ve been thinking about the possibility of joining Zion or just want to learn more about our congregation and ministries, join us for our Spring New Members classes. Class 1, Everything You Wanted To Know About Being Lutheran will be held March 23 and Class 2, Expectations: Yours and Ours is scheduled for April 6. Both classes will meet between church services at 9:45 in the CEB. Those attendees who decide to join Zion will be accepted into membership April 27.
Living Stewardship
Using Your Talents
What do you do well? Are you surprised when you learn that something you do or some trait you possess is not held by everyone? You might think that your ability to create a beautiful craft is no big deal, but then you probably haven’t worked next to me at Advent Parish Night! I always thought keeping a steady rhythm was something everyone could do until I tried clapping next to someone whose initials are JZR.
Put modesty aside and admit to the abilities you possess. My next question is obvious. What are you doing with your talents? I’m sure you use them in your work career; that’s how we select our career paths when we’re young. You are good at science or math or writing so you enter the fields of medicine or accounting or advertising, for example.
But in what other ways do you “let your light shine?” If you are reading this article, you most probably believe that the abilities you have come from God; and as I do, you thank God every day for them. But a good steward develops those gifts and returns them to God. This doesn’t just have to happen at church. Coaching a youth athletic team, working with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, volunteering at the medical center, and serving on local governing boards are all ways to use your talents wisely.
There are so many opportunities to use your talents for the church, and Zion is eager for your help. Do you work well with children; do you like being with older people? Are you handy with repairs; do you play an instrument? Do you like meeting new people; are you a good cook? And what about that secret ability you have – the one only you and God know about because you’re not sure how to reveal it. Look around Zion and God will point to the task where that special talent will shine. And the really amazing thing is that the more you use the abilities you know you have, the more talents you will find that you didn’t realize you had!
What do you do well? Are you surprised when you learn that something you do or some trait you possess is not held by everyone? You might think that your ability to create a beautiful craft is no big deal, but then you probably haven’t worked next to me at Advent Parish Night! I always thought keeping a steady rhythm was something everyone could do until I tried clapping next to someone whose initials are JZR.
Put modesty aside and admit to the abilities you possess. My next question is obvious. What are you doing with your talents? I’m sure you use them in your work career; that’s how we select our career paths when we’re young. You are good at science or math or writing so you enter the fields of medicine or accounting or advertising, for example.
But in what other ways do you “let your light shine?” If you are reading this article, you most probably believe that the abilities you have come from God; and as I do, you thank God every day for them. But a good steward develops those gifts and returns them to God. This doesn’t just have to happen at church. Coaching a youth athletic team, working with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, volunteering at the medical center, and serving on local governing boards are all ways to use your talents wisely.
There are so many opportunities to use your talents for the church, and Zion is eager for your help. Do you work well with children; do you like being with older people? Are you handy with repairs; do you play an instrument? Do you like meeting new people; are you a good cook? And what about that secret ability you have – the one only you and God know about because you’re not sure how to reveal it. Look around Zion and God will point to the task where that special talent will shine. And the really amazing thing is that the more you use the abilities you know you have, the more talents you will find that you didn’t realize you had!
Social Ministry
“A Thank You” from one of our Family Promise guests
The following is a note that was written by one of our guests, Nichole. She and her 4-year-old son, Nyzaiah, were with us for the past two weeks. If you met them you would know they were a pleasure to be with. It just goes to show you that something as simple as a meal and conversation can mean so much to someone.
Sun. 2/23/14
Good morning. Nyzaiah and I would like to thank everybody at Zion & the volunteers for making our stay here very comfortable. Words cannot express our gratitude enough. Thanks to the volunteers who also brought their children to play with ours. Thank you Miss Kay for coming out & giving me the opportunity to meet you. Linda you're the best. You went above & beyond for me. Please keep us in your prayers, as I shall do the same for y’all.
God Bless.
P.S. The food was wonderful as well.
Thank you to all the volunteers who made this hosting period a success:
Kay Beagle, David & Elizabeth Blackwood, Sue Clausen, Justin & Patricia Craig, Judy & David Formalarie, Lynn Fuller, Tim & Donna Hunter, Becky Illnick, Mike Jennison, Ted & Elaine Jermansen, Debra & Allison Kaufman, Robbin Lamo, Kristina Maiwaldt, Sandy Matsen, Amy McMillian, Rebecca Melick, Lisa Nowell, John Rustwick, Christine Scarloss, Dawn Smith, Ryan & Dylan Smith, Bonnie Stanski, Pastor Summer, Sue Swanson, Frank & Angela Sztuk, Chris Treanor, Darcie Venito, Rodney & Kathleen Weems, and Dorothy Wuest.
If you missed this opportunity to volunteer, mark your calendars because the next time our Family Promise guests arrive at Zion is April 6 – April 20. As you can see it takes a lot of people to help with our hosting responsibilities, so please consider signing up to support this important ministry.
Christian Education
Many thanks to all the families that attended Family Worship this month and participated in making the Valentines for Matheny. The young people made over 40 valentines. Our message to the Matheny residents was based on 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are.” What a great way for our children to share their love of God.
Thanks to Rodney Weems for leading Adult Forum during the month of February. Please join Sandy Matsen as she leads Adult Forum during the month of March. We will continue to meet during worship services at the CEB.
Plans are underway for a family event as part of Zion’s Lenten activities. Please mark those calendars for Sunday, March 30. The event will begin at 9:30 and conclude by 11:00 am. We will “Walk with Jesus” through 5 fascinating stations where we will experience Holy Week from Palm Sunday, to the Last Supper, to the Garden of Gethsemane, on to Good Friday, and then the celebration of the Easter resurrection. This is a family event so please plan on attending with your children. We can use some creative help both in setting up the stations and actors, so if you want to help make this a truly special event for our families, please contact Debra Kaufman.
Property
The Property Committee has accomplished a lot this month thanks to the efforts of Harold Wrede, Greg Brown, Jay Wieder and Bob Delia.
Bob has organized all the building plans for the CEB. We will now be able to easily access important information about the building which will become more necessary as the building approaches its 20th birthday.
Jay has been watching over the slow but continuing work on the exterior of the parsonage. The siding has been removed during the coldest winter in a long time. In many spots there is nothing but a sheet of plastic, bricks and the plaster walls separating the interior of the parsonage from the elements. Luckily for us, there have not been any unforeseen complications and we will be able to replace the windows and stay within the budgeted amount of $137,000 from Mission 300.
Greg has been addressing the issue of maintenance of the new water softener and sterilizer at the CEB. He is putting together maintenance manuals for both the church and the CEB so we don’t lose track of all the things that need to be done to keep the buildings running smoothly. He is also working on the quality of the water at the church and seeing what can be done to eliminate the staining on the plumbing fixtures.
Harold has been studying the frozen pipes and what lies beneath the church. He discovered that the heat tape on the pipes underneath the narthex had not been plugged in. The pipes had frozen and when the tape was plugged in the flood gates opened. The pipe has been repaired and a water circulation system was installed on the pipes under the sanctuary and the narthex. We believe frozen pipes will be a thing of the past. While underground, the plumber discovered fresh raccoon scat below the narthex. Harold found a hole in the foundation that was the likely entry point. He is in the process of having it repaired.
Other committee members are taking care of the little things on the to-do list. If you see anything on the properties that needs to be addressed please speak to Joanne Rupp or leave a message with Jenny in the church office. If you would like to join the force that is Zion’s Property Committee speak to Joanne.
Bob has organized all the building plans for the CEB. We will now be able to easily access important information about the building which will become more necessary as the building approaches its 20th birthday.
Jay has been watching over the slow but continuing work on the exterior of the parsonage. The siding has been removed during the coldest winter in a long time. In many spots there is nothing but a sheet of plastic, bricks and the plaster walls separating the interior of the parsonage from the elements. Luckily for us, there have not been any unforeseen complications and we will be able to replace the windows and stay within the budgeted amount of $137,000 from Mission 300.
Greg has been addressing the issue of maintenance of the new water softener and sterilizer at the CEB. He is putting together maintenance manuals for both the church and the CEB so we don’t lose track of all the things that need to be done to keep the buildings running smoothly. He is also working on the quality of the water at the church and seeing what can be done to eliminate the staining on the plumbing fixtures.
Harold has been studying the frozen pipes and what lies beneath the church. He discovered that the heat tape on the pipes underneath the narthex had not been plugged in. The pipes had frozen and when the tape was plugged in the flood gates opened. The pipe has been repaired and a water circulation system was installed on the pipes under the sanctuary and the narthex. We believe frozen pipes will be a thing of the past. While underground, the plumber discovered fresh raccoon scat below the narthex. Harold found a hole in the foundation that was the likely entry point. He is in the process of having it repaired.
Other committee members are taking care of the little things on the to-do list. If you see anything on the properties that needs to be addressed please speak to Joanne Rupp or leave a message with Jenny in the church office. If you would like to join the force that is Zion’s Property Committee speak to Joanne.
Celebrate 300
Advent Parish Night, everyone present received a gold or silver star ornament. Written on the ornament was a year—one year for each of our 300. Instructions were to claim that year as your own and try to find a ‘fun fact’ that could be shared with others as we go through this anniversary year. It can be something from Oldwick, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the USA or anywhere in the world! So, look at your star—or if you didn’t get one or it has long been packed away with the Christmas ornaments—pick a year and do a little digging to see what you can come up with. Send your Fun Facts to me at judyform@comcast.net and each month we will publish some in the newsletter.
My year was 1748. I found this interesting:
In 1732, Emanuel Coryell purchased land south of the survey line between Church Street and Swan Creek in Lambertville. He operated a ferry across the Delaware River slightly south of the present Lambertville-New Hope Bridge. Coryell also opened a tavern and inn to handle travelers. (Both settlements-Lambertville and New Hope-were called Coryell's Ferry). Lambertville was the mid-point on the two-day journey between New York and Philadelphia.
In 1748 with the death of Emanuel Coryell, his 1,016 acre estate was divided among his four sons. Then during the Revolutionary War, General Washington and his troops used Coryell's Ferry. George Coryell served in the New Jersey forces and reached the rank of Captain. During that time, General Nathanael Greene, a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, stayed at the home of George Coryell while in our county.
Anniversary Dates to Remember
Be sure to put these dates on your 2014 calendar now so you won’t forget:
May 4—A celebration of Zion’s ministries and a visit from Bishop Tracie Bartholomew of the NJ Synod at our 8:30 and 11 am worship services, followed by a luncheon at the Christian Education Building.
August 3—Our Anniversary Sunday and Founders’ Day will be celebrated by members of the Aray and Pickel families at our 9:30 worship, followed by a picnic brunch at the CEB.
October 26—Come out for a visit from Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA at our 8:30 and 11:00 am services. That evening, plan to join us at The Grand Colonial for the Celebrate 300 banquet.
Celebrate 300’s Invitation, Participation, Celebration
In last month’s newsletter, I sent out a list of needs and issued an “invitation” for your “participation” which would help in our “celebration.” If there is anything you would be interested in doing, it is not too late! Please contact me, Bob Durham, or Pastor Summer and let us know that you would like to get involved. We can let you know the opportunities that still exist—or we can make up a new one to suit your talents. As Pastor said in a recent sermon, we are all ‘salt’ and all have value. Share some of your spice with us!
My year was 1748. I found this interesting:
In 1732, Emanuel Coryell purchased land south of the survey line between Church Street and Swan Creek in Lambertville. He operated a ferry across the Delaware River slightly south of the present Lambertville-New Hope Bridge. Coryell also opened a tavern and inn to handle travelers. (Both settlements-Lambertville and New Hope-were called Coryell's Ferry). Lambertville was the mid-point on the two-day journey between New York and Philadelphia.
In 1748 with the death of Emanuel Coryell, his 1,016 acre estate was divided among his four sons. Then during the Revolutionary War, General Washington and his troops used Coryell's Ferry. George Coryell served in the New Jersey forces and reached the rank of Captain. During that time, General Nathanael Greene, a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, stayed at the home of George Coryell while in our county.
Anniversary Dates to Remember
Be sure to put these dates on your 2014 calendar now so you won’t forget:
May 4—A celebration of Zion’s ministries and a visit from Bishop Tracie Bartholomew of the NJ Synod at our 8:30 and 11 am worship services, followed by a luncheon at the Christian Education Building.
August 3—Our Anniversary Sunday and Founders’ Day will be celebrated by members of the Aray and Pickel families at our 9:30 worship, followed by a picnic brunch at the CEB.
October 26—Come out for a visit from Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA at our 8:30 and 11:00 am services. That evening, plan to join us at The Grand Colonial for the Celebrate 300 banquet.
Celebrate 300’s Invitation, Participation, Celebration
In last month’s newsletter, I sent out a list of needs and issued an “invitation” for your “participation” which would help in our “celebration.” If there is anything you would be interested in doing, it is not too late! Please contact me, Bob Durham, or Pastor Summer and let us know that you would like to get involved. We can let you know the opportunities that still exist—or we can make up a new one to suit your talents. As Pastor said in a recent sermon, we are all ‘salt’ and all have value. Share some of your spice with us!
Parish Life
On Saturday, February 22, we were all able to leave the snowy north behind for the evening and enjoy a taste of sunny Mexico at the South of the Border Party. The colorful decorations ( a pinata, serapes, ducks wearing sombreros), the authentic Mexican appetizers and desserts, and the delicious sangria and margaritas all contributed towards making a fiesta that was fantastica! A special thanks goes to Zaida and Bob Durham for all their hard work in hosting this party.
Beneduce Vineyard Wine Tasting - On Saturday, May 8, Parish Life is sponsoring a wine tasting at Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, N.J. It will go from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Cheeses will be offered, but you can also bring your own appetizers. There may also be live music (the May schedule isn't posted yet). In order to give the vineyard an advance idea of how many people might be attending, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you are interested. More details to follow.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch will again be staying close to home. Weather permitting (!), we are going to the Wunderbar, 454 Rt. 22, just west of Whitehouse Station on March 13 at noon.
Discipleship
Discipleship will be meeting again on March 27 at the CEB. Supper will be at 6:30 and the discussion will follow at 7:30.
Youth of Zion Calendar
March 9 – YOZ Meeting CEB 5:30-7:30
March 23 – YOZ Meeting CEB 5:30-7:30
March 25 – Matheny Chapel CEB 6:30-8:00
Invitation to Serve
Opportunity Contact
Substitute Teachers for Sunday School Debra Kaufman
Tailgating Tent Canopies for March 30 SCS event
Work Day for Church Properties (April 12) Joanne Rupp
Celebrate 300 Activity Leaders Judy Formalarie
Synod Assembly Display Table (May 30-31)
Banquet Program Coordinator (October 26)
Anniversary Pamphlet
Parsonage Day Coordinator
Pictorial Directory Coordinator
Thank You for Serving
In addition to the list of people who helped when Zion hosted Family Promise (see the Social Ministry article) thanks for service above and beyond goes to Linda Held who stayed with blizzard-bound guests at the CEB February 12-14.
Substitute Teachers for Sunday School Debra Kaufman
Tailgating Tent Canopies for March 30 SCS event
Work Day for Church Properties (April 12) Joanne Rupp
Celebrate 300 Activity Leaders Judy Formalarie
Synod Assembly Display Table (May 30-31)
Banquet Program Coordinator (October 26)
Anniversary Pamphlet
Parsonage Day Coordinator
Pictorial Directory Coordinator
Thank You for Serving
In addition to the list of people who helped when Zion hosted Family Promise (see the Social Ministry article) thanks for service above and beyond goes to Linda Held who stayed with blizzard-bound guests at the CEB February 12-14.
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