Blessed be the One by Pastor Summer
Refrain
Blessed be the one, the one who has come in the name of the Lord, the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the one, the one who has come in the name of the Lord, the name of the Lord.
(End) He has come.
1. Hosanna in the highest
In the highest heaven
The Son of David coming
Hope to us now given
2. The Prince of Peace comes riding
Palm branches greet his journey
We greet the King of nations
For freedom we are yearning
3. The Lamb of God has entered
We watch in expectation
The cross now lies before him
The way to our salvation
4. The Son of God forgives us
When we all desert him
Leave the palms behind us
And let hosannas grow dim
As we prepare to welcome the Blessed One and recall Jesus' journey to the cross and resurrection, I invite you to join us in worshiping all through Holy Week. We will begin with shouts of hosanna on Palm Sunday, April 13. We will gather at the CEB to parade to the church at 10:45. We will gather again on Maundy Thursday, April 17, both at noon and 7:30 at the church. On Good Friday, April 18, there will be a children's service at 10:00 at the CEB and then services at the church at noon and 7:30. The Easter Vigil will be on Saturday, April 19, at 7:30 at the church. On Easter, April 20, we will gather to celebrate the goods news at 6:30 at the Round Valley Youth Center and then at the church at 8:30 and 11:00. The Blessed One is coming. Let us meet him and make the journey once again.
Celebrate 300 Anniversary Activities
May 4
A celebration of Zion’s ministries and a visit from Bishop Tracie Bartholomew of the NJ Synod at our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services, followed by a luncheon at the Christian Education Building.
Please sign up for the luncheon (in the Narthex or at the CEB entry) so we know the number of place settings, as we’ll have the ministries’ visitors as well as us.
Please sign up to bring food under the headings shown, so we have a good balance.
Dishes should be delivered to the CEB between services that day. Attach your name, the name of your dish and any serving directions.
August 3
Our Anniversary Sunday and Founders’ Day will be celebrated with members of the Aray and Pickel families at our 9:30 worship. A picnic brunch will follow at the CEB.
October 26
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will celebrate Zion’s anniversary with us at our 8:30 and 11:00 services. That evening, plan to join us at The Grand Colonial for the Celebrate 300 banquet.
A celebration of Zion’s ministries and a visit from Bishop Tracie Bartholomew of the NJ Synod at our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services, followed by a luncheon at the Christian Education Building.
Please sign up for the luncheon (in the Narthex or at the CEB entry) so we know the number of place settings, as we’ll have the ministries’ visitors as well as us.
Please sign up to bring food under the headings shown, so we have a good balance.
Dishes should be delivered to the CEB between services that day. Attach your name, the name of your dish and any serving directions.
August 3
Our Anniversary Sunday and Founders’ Day will be celebrated with members of the Aray and Pickel families at our 9:30 worship. A picnic brunch will follow at the CEB.
October 26
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will celebrate Zion’s anniversary with us at our 8:30 and 11:00 services. That evening, plan to join us at The Grand Colonial for the Celebrate 300 banquet.
Christian Education by Debra Kaufman
Over 50 children attended the “Walk with Jesus” event with their families on March 30. The children followed Jesus through the sand as he entered Jersualem, then they washed their feet and learned about the Last Supper, and then ventured into the Garden where Jesus prayed and ultimately was arrested and taken off to trial and crucifixion. They ended their journey at the empty tomb with Mary Magdalene. It was a morning of learning and fellowship for these families. Many thanks to the Christian Education committee, Pastor, and the Youth Talk and Confirmation classes for all their help.
Following Family Worship on Palm Sunday, the families will decorate eggs to be provided to Faith Kitchen. Families, please bring a dozen hard boiled eggs to decorate.
We pray for our fourth graders as they prepare themselves to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
Vacation Bible School will be held June 23 – 27. The program is Son Treasure Island, a week of treasure-hunting adventure in the Caribbean Islands! Through their adventures children will discover that God’s Love is Giving, God’s Love is Kind, God’s Love is Caring, God’s Love is Forgiving and God’s Love is Forever!
Following Family Worship on Palm Sunday, the families will decorate eggs to be provided to Faith Kitchen. Families, please bring a dozen hard boiled eggs to decorate.
We pray for our fourth graders as they prepare themselves to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
Vacation Bible School will be held June 23 – 27. The program is Son Treasure Island, a week of treasure-hunting adventure in the Caribbean Islands! Through their adventures children will discover that God’s Love is Giving, God’s Love is Kind, God’s Love is Caring, God’s Love is Forgiving and God’s Love is Forever!
Stewardship Update by John Rustwick
2013 General Fund Giving
Actual General Fund Income was higher than the projection for the year. The budget was based on a projection of $460,000 and actual income was $467,890.
Pledged Giving - 91 families pledged.
25 gave over the pledged amount by $20,420
33 met their pledge
33 were below the pledged amount by $27,161
The total pledged amount from 91 units was $388,182. The amount received was $381,441 or 98.3% of pledge.
The 2013 income projection included an estimate of giving from other sources of about $71,800. By the end of December, we actually received $86,449 from 106 giving units. This amount was 20% over the projection. The total member giving was 101.7% of our trending estimate.
2014 General Fund Projection
Our approved budget for this year is based on an income projection of $479K. This amount is based on pledges from 75 families (down from 91 for 2013) of $339K and an estimate of $140K from 86 member families who did not submit a pledge. Of those that pledged, 42 families accepted the challenge to increase giving by at least $300 this year.
Mission 300 Giving
Giving to M300 in 2013 totaled $143,500. We have completed 10 of 12 quarters (83%) of our three year pledge period and have received 92% of the pledged amount. Giving by type of pledge is:
One Time: $100K of $103K pledged (98%)
Annual: $237K of $251K pledged (94%)
Quarterly: $4K of $13K pledged (29%)
Weekly/Monthly: $109K of $130K pledged (76%)
Total: We have received $455K of the $497K expected (92%)
The campaign will end in June, 2014. Participation in M300 has been:
91 pledging families
57 completed 3 year pledge
34 pledges are not yet complete
34 contributed to M300, but did not pledge
A total of 125 participated in M300
90 gave to 2013 General Fund, but did not give to M300
The success of our ministries at Zion relies on the generosity of the giving of our members. Please keep that prayerfully in mind in this our 300th anniversary year.
Actual General Fund Income was higher than the projection for the year. The budget was based on a projection of $460,000 and actual income was $467,890.
Pledged Giving - 91 families pledged.
25 gave over the pledged amount by $20,420
33 met their pledge
33 were below the pledged amount by $27,161
The total pledged amount from 91 units was $388,182. The amount received was $381,441 or 98.3% of pledge.
The 2013 income projection included an estimate of giving from other sources of about $71,800. By the end of December, we actually received $86,449 from 106 giving units. This amount was 20% over the projection. The total member giving was 101.7% of our trending estimate.
2014 General Fund Projection
Our approved budget for this year is based on an income projection of $479K. This amount is based on pledges from 75 families (down from 91 for 2013) of $339K and an estimate of $140K from 86 member families who did not submit a pledge. Of those that pledged, 42 families accepted the challenge to increase giving by at least $300 this year.
Mission 300 Giving
Giving to M300 in 2013 totaled $143,500. We have completed 10 of 12 quarters (83%) of our three year pledge period and have received 92% of the pledged amount. Giving by type of pledge is:
One Time: $100K of $103K pledged (98%)
Annual: $237K of $251K pledged (94%)
Quarterly: $4K of $13K pledged (29%)
Weekly/Monthly: $109K of $130K pledged (76%)
Total: We have received $455K of the $497K expected (92%)
The campaign will end in June, 2014. Participation in M300 has been:
91 pledging families
57 completed 3 year pledge
34 pledges are not yet complete
34 contributed to M300, but did not pledge
A total of 125 participated in M300
90 gave to 2013 General Fund, but did not give to M300
The success of our ministries at Zion relies on the generosity of the giving of our members. Please keep that prayerfully in mind in this our 300th anniversary year.
Celebrate Zion History Fun Facts by Judy Formalarie
Last month I encouraged you all to look at the 'stars' that were given out at Advent Parish Night and to research the year you were given for 'fun facts' of the time. Here are a few new ones:
The frigate U.S.S. Philadelphia ran aground on the approaches to Tripoli harbor in today's Libya. It was burned in 1804 by a U.S. Navy raid to deny its use to the enemy. It was built of oak and hickory from Hunterdon County.
With early transportation incapable of rapidly hauling bulky, perishable cargo, the county's apple orchards turned to distilling the cider at home. Hunterdon became the late 1700s apple whiskey capital of the colonies.
Of the 3,141 counties in the U.S., Hunterdon is the only county of its name. It was named after Robert Hunter, the Scottish Royal Governor of New York and New Jersey in 1710-1720.
Starting in the 1720s, much of the northern part of Hunterdon was settled by Germans. But the World War I anti-German hysteria saw the town of New Germantown renamed Oldwick. To the north, German Valley became Long Valley.
The frigate U.S.S. Philadelphia ran aground on the approaches to Tripoli harbor in today's Libya. It was burned in 1804 by a U.S. Navy raid to deny its use to the enemy. It was built of oak and hickory from Hunterdon County.
With early transportation incapable of rapidly hauling bulky, perishable cargo, the county's apple orchards turned to distilling the cider at home. Hunterdon became the late 1700s apple whiskey capital of the colonies.
Of the 3,141 counties in the U.S., Hunterdon is the only county of its name. It was named after Robert Hunter, the Scottish Royal Governor of New York and New Jersey in 1710-1720.
Starting in the 1720s, much of the northern part of Hunterdon was settled by Germans. But the World War I anti-German hysteria saw the town of New Germantown renamed Oldwick. To the north, German Valley became Long Valley.
Let's Reflect on Worship by Judy Formalarie
As Zion, and we as her congregation, celebrates 300 years of worship, it is a good time to look at what we do in worship and what it means. So, here is a reflection on our worship service step by step, with thanks to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Woodstock, Georgia.
Prelude: In this musical period of meditation, we open our minds and prepare our hearts to receive the gifts of Word and Sacrament, and to offer our praise and thanksgiving.
Confession and Forgiveness: We do not love God or our neighbors as we have been called to love them. Our sin separates us from God, our neighbors and creation, but God has promised forgiveness and wholeness to those who seek mercy. With cleansed hearts and forgiven lives, we are better receptacles for the gifts we receive in worship.
First Hymn: Made new by God’s forgiveness, we lift our united voices, proclaiming our faith in song.
Kyrie: The “Kyrie” is a prayer for God’s mercy. “Kyrie” is a Greek word for “Lord” and this prayer has been a part of worship liturgy since ancient times (Matthew 9:27-31, 20:29-34).
Lent: Lent begins at Ash Wednesday with a solemn call to fasting and repentance, setting the stage for conceptualizing and living Lent as a journey to Easter. The Lenten journey is a turn away from the mirror and toward the neighbor and the world as “ambassadors for Christ”.
Prayer of the Day: The Prayer of the Day focuses on the theme of the day’s worship that will be explored in the scripture readings, sermon and hymns.
Readings: The proclamation of God’s Word is the heart of our worship. Though the Word is proclaimed in many ways in worship, the reading of scripture is primary.
Sermon: The preacher attempts to unpack the Word that has been read and assist us in finding meaning for our own lives in the readings.
Hymn of the Day: The Hymn of the Day is a united musical expression of the theme of the readings and sermon.
Creed: We respond to the full proclamation of the Word with a confession of faith using one of Christianity’s ancient statements.
Prayers of Intercession: The Prayers of Intercession are corporate prayers for the church, the world, and all those in need. With clean hearts and faithful hearing of the word, our petitions move away from our individual and personal needs to the enactment of God’s will in all of creation.
Peace: In a physical demonstration of our love for God and neighbor, we bless one another with Christ’s peace for our lives (Colossians 3:12-17).
Great Thanksgiving: The Great Thanksgiving moves us into the celebration of Holy Communion. As its name suggests, the meal is cause for great thanksgiving in the lives of the faithful.
Words of Institution: These words from scripture proclaim the meaning of the meal to us (Matthew 26:26-28).
Lord’s Prayer: This prayer that Jesus taught his disciples is our table blessing for the meal (Matthew 6:7-15).
Holy Communion: Holy Communion is one of the two sacraments of the church. It is a means by which the underserved love of God is freely given to us by Jesus as he is present in the meal.
Invitation to Communion: All are welcome to Jesus’ meal because the invitation comes from him and not from the church or any other person.
Dismissal: Though our worship together is ending, we are reminded to carry our worship and faith into the world and our daily lives.
Prelude: In this musical period of meditation, we open our minds and prepare our hearts to receive the gifts of Word and Sacrament, and to offer our praise and thanksgiving.
Confession and Forgiveness: We do not love God or our neighbors as we have been called to love them. Our sin separates us from God, our neighbors and creation, but God has promised forgiveness and wholeness to those who seek mercy. With cleansed hearts and forgiven lives, we are better receptacles for the gifts we receive in worship.
First Hymn: Made new by God’s forgiveness, we lift our united voices, proclaiming our faith in song.
Kyrie: The “Kyrie” is a prayer for God’s mercy. “Kyrie” is a Greek word for “Lord” and this prayer has been a part of worship liturgy since ancient times (Matthew 9:27-31, 20:29-34).
Lent: Lent begins at Ash Wednesday with a solemn call to fasting and repentance, setting the stage for conceptualizing and living Lent as a journey to Easter. The Lenten journey is a turn away from the mirror and toward the neighbor and the world as “ambassadors for Christ”.
Prayer of the Day: The Prayer of the Day focuses on the theme of the day’s worship that will be explored in the scripture readings, sermon and hymns.
Readings: The proclamation of God’s Word is the heart of our worship. Though the Word is proclaimed in many ways in worship, the reading of scripture is primary.
Sermon: The preacher attempts to unpack the Word that has been read and assist us in finding meaning for our own lives in the readings.
Hymn of the Day: The Hymn of the Day is a united musical expression of the theme of the readings and sermon.
Creed: We respond to the full proclamation of the Word with a confession of faith using one of Christianity’s ancient statements.
Prayers of Intercession: The Prayers of Intercession are corporate prayers for the church, the world, and all those in need. With clean hearts and faithful hearing of the word, our petitions move away from our individual and personal needs to the enactment of God’s will in all of creation.
Peace: In a physical demonstration of our love for God and neighbor, we bless one another with Christ’s peace for our lives (Colossians 3:12-17).
Great Thanksgiving: The Great Thanksgiving moves us into the celebration of Holy Communion. As its name suggests, the meal is cause for great thanksgiving in the lives of the faithful.
Words of Institution: These words from scripture proclaim the meaning of the meal to us (Matthew 26:26-28).
Lord’s Prayer: This prayer that Jesus taught his disciples is our table blessing for the meal (Matthew 6:7-15).
Holy Communion: Holy Communion is one of the two sacraments of the church. It is a means by which the underserved love of God is freely given to us by Jesus as he is present in the meal.
Invitation to Communion: All are welcome to Jesus’ meal because the invitation comes from him and not from the church or any other person.
Dismissal: Though our worship together is ending, we are reminded to carry our worship and faith into the world and our daily lives.
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