Her name is Ann. She’s a volunteer at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rehoboth Beach. For the past nine years, Our Savior has provided dinners, three days a week, to the international students in the area. The students come from all over the world and find work in the Rehoboth area during the summer. The concern has been that people have taken advantage of these students in a variety of ways including the cost of housing, transportation, and other services. Providing meals has been a significant way of assisting these young people and creating a sense of community and hospitality. Close to 100 students come to the meal, usually by bike, and the volunteers make sure the students are welcomed and well fed. The past several years, the program has been expanded to include the homeless in the area. The addition of the homeless has created an unusual mix around the tables, but the sense of community and hospitality has not changed and speaks of the power of the gospel. As Jesus says in Matthew, “I was hungry and you gave me food.”
All of this brings me back to Ann. As I said, she has been volunteering for the past nine years. She is known in the kitchen as the onion lady and she takes great pride in that title. What’s remarkable about Ann is that she is 98 years old. She thinks nothing of it. She is a little embarrassed by the attention she receives. For her, serving is a part of her discipleship and discipleship knows no age limit. Her witness of living out the gospel is wonderful. There she is working beside our teens making a difference in the lives of others for the sake of Christ. What does age have to do with service? Ann is an example to all of us in our discipleship and I pray that we’re like Ann and that Ann keeps peeling onions and serving her Lord.
Lots of Sun; Lots of Fun at Rehoboth!
This year 31 youth and advisors spent the week at Rehoboth Beach. It was a year of firsts for YOZ, first year we were joined by our brothers and sisters from Living Waters and the first year we included service projects while we were at the beach. The weather was perfect for the beach – sunny and hot. Thanks to the congregation, advisors, and the drivers for making this Youth gathering happen.
Highlights of the Week:
Sunday & Monday – No Air Conditioning on the 1st floor. Need I say more?
Monday & Tuesday – We worked at the New Life Thrift Store located in Lewes receiving, sorting and stocking items for the store. This store has an amazing history. It was started about 19 years ago under the umbrella of the local churches in the Rehoboth / Lewes area. The store only sells the high quality merchandise, however nothing is wasted. Items that do not make the cut for sale in the store are forwarded to a large distribution center that will again sort items for shipment to other organizations or Third World countries. As a last resort, unusable items are sent to a recycling center. Last year the Thrift Store was able to return $500,000 (truly amazing!) back to the local community organizations. The staff was so impressed by our energetic group that we were asked to please return the next time we were at the beach.
Thursday – We spent time at the Rehoboth Beach Lutheran Church of Our Savior serving meals and assisting in preparation and clean-up. The church has a program that feeds about 100 international students and homeless in the Rehoboth Beach area 4 days a week.
Christmas in July was a great deal of fun. The house was decorated with crepe paper and ornaments made from aluminum foil. A tree was donated from the Thrift Shop. The secret Santa gift exchange was fun for all.
The ocean was awesome! The water was warm and there were waves that were large enough to dive through and ride boogie boards.
Highlights of the Week:
Sunday & Monday – No Air Conditioning on the 1st floor. Need I say more?
Monday & Tuesday – We worked at the New Life Thrift Store located in Lewes receiving, sorting and stocking items for the store. This store has an amazing history. It was started about 19 years ago under the umbrella of the local churches in the Rehoboth / Lewes area. The store only sells the high quality merchandise, however nothing is wasted. Items that do not make the cut for sale in the store are forwarded to a large distribution center that will again sort items for shipment to other organizations or Third World countries. As a last resort, unusable items are sent to a recycling center. Last year the Thrift Store was able to return $500,000 (truly amazing!) back to the local community organizations. The staff was so impressed by our energetic group that we were asked to please return the next time we were at the beach.
Thursday – We spent time at the Rehoboth Beach Lutheran Church of Our Savior serving meals and assisting in preparation and clean-up. The church has a program that feeds about 100 international students and homeless in the Rehoboth Beach area 4 days a week.
Christmas in July was a great deal of fun. The house was decorated with crepe paper and ornaments made from aluminum foil. A tree was donated from the Thrift Shop. The secret Santa gift exchange was fun for all.
The ocean was awesome! The water was warm and there were waves that were large enough to dive through and ride boogie boards.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch has been invited to Janet Schmidling’s for a summer luncheon on July 31 at noon.
Social Ministry News
Family Promise August 17 – August 31
Please mark your calendars; our Family Promise guests will be arriving at Zion on Sunday, August 17. There will be many opportunities to help make our guests’ stay at Zion comfortable and pleasant. We need volunteers to:
1. Set up guests’ rooms
2. Socialize
3. Make dinners/ Share a meal
4. Stay overnight
5. Break down guest rooms and set up classrooms (after our guests leave)
6. Transport guests to next church
7. Wash sheets and towels after guests leave.
Look for the sign up board in the narthex at the beginning of August. If you have any questions you may contact Kay Beagle or Linda Held.
Food Pantry Donations – Please check expiration dates!!
Social Ministry appreciates all the canned goods that people have donated to our local Food Pantries. So many people rely on the food pantries to feed their families. Unfortunately the food pantry will NOT accept food items where the “Best By Date” has expired. When cleaning out your cupboards please check the expiration dates and remember, “If it is not good enough for your family it is NOT good enough for someone else’s family.”
Senior Baskets
The Women of Zion celebrated their annual Christmas in July party by painting 100 Santa Claus Ornaments. The ornaments will be included in this year’s Senior Baskets. Great job ladies!
Please mark your calendars; our Family Promise guests will be arriving at Zion on Sunday, August 17. There will be many opportunities to help make our guests’ stay at Zion comfortable and pleasant. We need volunteers to:
1. Set up guests’ rooms
2. Socialize
3. Make dinners/ Share a meal
4. Stay overnight
5. Break down guest rooms and set up classrooms (after our guests leave)
6. Transport guests to next church
7. Wash sheets and towels after guests leave.
Look for the sign up board in the narthex at the beginning of August. If you have any questions you may contact Kay Beagle or Linda Held.
Food Pantry Donations – Please check expiration dates!!
Social Ministry appreciates all the canned goods that people have donated to our local Food Pantries. So many people rely on the food pantries to feed their families. Unfortunately the food pantry will NOT accept food items where the “Best By Date” has expired. When cleaning out your cupboards please check the expiration dates and remember, “If it is not good enough for your family it is NOT good enough for someone else’s family.”
Senior Baskets
The Women of Zion celebrated their annual Christmas in July party by painting 100 Santa Claus Ornaments. The ornaments will be included in this year’s Senior Baskets. Great job ladies!
MidYear Stewardship Report
Second Quarter General Fund-2014
Our Operating Budget is based on a projected income of $479,000. This is comprised of pledges of $339,000 from 76 families and an estimate from non-pledging families of $140,000. For the 76 pledging families, their giving was:
25 gave over the pledged amount by $27,287
18 met their pledge
33 were below the pledged amount by $23,442
The 6 month projected amount from pledges was $169,800. The amount received was $173,600 or 102%.
The 6 month income projection from non-pledging families was $70,700. By the end of June, we actually received $62,200 from 106 giving units or 88%. The total member giving was 98% of our trending estimate.
Mission 300- Three Year Summary
Giving to M300 in 2014 totaled $36,900. Our three year campaign began on June 1, 2011. Participation in M300 has been:
· Total pledging families: 90
o 75 families completed their pledge
§ Total pledged: $415,100
§ Total received: $431,900 104%
o 15 families pledged, but have not yet completed their pledge
§ Total pledged: $42,400
§ Total received: $19,500
· In addition, 35 families gave to M300, but did not pledge
o Total received: $38,700
· Total families participating in M300: 125
o Total received: $490,100
These funds were allocated into three areas as follows:
· Yesterday/Restoration: $298,300
· Today/Special functions and debt retirement: $91,800
· Tomorrow/Edna’s Haven: $100,000
· Total: $490,100
The success of our ministries at Zion relies on the generosity of the giving of our members. Please keep that prayerfully in your heart as we continue to celebrate our milestone 300th anniversary.
Our Operating Budget is based on a projected income of $479,000. This is comprised of pledges of $339,000 from 76 families and an estimate from non-pledging families of $140,000. For the 76 pledging families, their giving was:
25 gave over the pledged amount by $27,287
18 met their pledge
33 were below the pledged amount by $23,442
The 6 month projected amount from pledges was $169,800. The amount received was $173,600 or 102%.
The 6 month income projection from non-pledging families was $70,700. By the end of June, we actually received $62,200 from 106 giving units or 88%. The total member giving was 98% of our trending estimate.
Mission 300- Three Year Summary
Giving to M300 in 2014 totaled $36,900. Our three year campaign began on June 1, 2011. Participation in M300 has been:
· Total pledging families: 90
o 75 families completed their pledge
§ Total pledged: $415,100
§ Total received: $431,900 104%
o 15 families pledged, but have not yet completed their pledge
§ Total pledged: $42,400
§ Total received: $19,500
· In addition, 35 families gave to M300, but did not pledge
o Total received: $38,700
· Total families participating in M300: 125
o Total received: $490,100
These funds were allocated into three areas as follows:
· Yesterday/Restoration: $298,300
· Today/Special functions and debt retirement: $91,800
· Tomorrow/Edna’s Haven: $100,000
· Total: $490,100
The success of our ministries at Zion relies on the generosity of the giving of our members. Please keep that prayerfully in your heart as we continue to celebrate our milestone 300th anniversary.
Shepherding
As you maybe aware, Shepherding is involved in a number of ministries, like the prayer chain, prayer shawls, WOZ, and Visitations.
Recently, we had need for handyman/woman help for a couple of minor jobs for one of our members. We were very fortunate to have a volunteer come forward right away. Thank you to new member David Moser! On a 90 degree day, he used his lunch hour to install AC window units in a member’s home. We discussed this as a committee and thought this service might be something we could incorporate as one of our ministries going forward. If you would be interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Rosi Delia.
Our next Shepherding meeting will be July 20 at the CEB following worship. Some of you may be interested in a specific ministry and not the committee. That's ok too. There's something for everyone.
Recently, we had need for handyman/woman help for a couple of minor jobs for one of our members. We were very fortunate to have a volunteer come forward right away. Thank you to new member David Moser! On a 90 degree day, he used his lunch hour to install AC window units in a member’s home. We discussed this as a committee and thought this service might be something we could incorporate as one of our ministries going forward. If you would be interested in helping with this ministry, please contact Rosi Delia.
Our next Shepherding meeting will be July 20 at the CEB following worship. Some of you may be interested in a specific ministry and not the committee. That's ok too. There's something for everyone.
Property News
Parsonage Restoration Nearing Completion
We thought the day might never come, but the end of the parsonage work is just around the corner. The final punch list is being completed and the lawn repair and foundation planting will begin right after Labor Day when the weather conditions are more favorable and the shrubs can be guaranteed for one year.
There will be a tour and Open House at our parsonage on October 5. If you have never seen the basement of a really old house you will not want to miss this. And if you want to hear what goes into the renovation of a house that is not framed like a modern home you will want to hear Jay Wieder speak about this. And if you are looking to hear about the history of this home you will find Kay Beagle is full of information. And if you want to take a close look at the remaining stump from one of the fallen oaks, this is your chance.
Dumpster Dumping
Dumpster dumping has taken on new dimensions with the dumping of a GIGANTIC TV in the Zion dumpster. Over the years we have experienced “community dumping,” but not to the degree of what we found two weeks ago. The police have been notified and in the future we will be notifying Tim Hanft, Tewksbury police officer, if we find people continue to dump.
If you are at the CEB and notice cars heading into the back parking lot please take note if they are dumping. Jot down the license plate number and let Jenny or Joanne Rupp know. Our sign “Please Do Not Dump. God is Watching” is not making an impact. We need to watch also.
We thought the day might never come, but the end of the parsonage work is just around the corner. The final punch list is being completed and the lawn repair and foundation planting will begin right after Labor Day when the weather conditions are more favorable and the shrubs can be guaranteed for one year.
There will be a tour and Open House at our parsonage on October 5. If you have never seen the basement of a really old house you will not want to miss this. And if you want to hear what goes into the renovation of a house that is not framed like a modern home you will want to hear Jay Wieder speak about this. And if you are looking to hear about the history of this home you will find Kay Beagle is full of information. And if you want to take a close look at the remaining stump from one of the fallen oaks, this is your chance.
Dumpster Dumping
Dumpster dumping has taken on new dimensions with the dumping of a GIGANTIC TV in the Zion dumpster. Over the years we have experienced “community dumping,” but not to the degree of what we found two weeks ago. The police have been notified and in the future we will be notifying Tim Hanft, Tewksbury police officer, if we find people continue to dump.
If you are at the CEB and notice cars heading into the back parking lot please take note if they are dumping. Jot down the license plate number and let Jenny or Joanne Rupp know. Our sign “Please Do Not Dump. God is Watching” is not making an impact. We need to watch also.
Celebrate300 is HERE!!
Five years ago, when we began planning for Zion’s 300th anniversary, August 3, 2014 seemed so far away! Now, it is upon us and we are shaking our heads at how quickly the time flew by. We are pleased that on our actual anniversary, Sunday, August 3, we will host many of the founding families. People are coming from all over the country to be with us on that special day. They are eager to see the church that their families created and how it has grown and continued to be a source of preaching the Gospel for 300 years.
So we are asking you all, our current Zion members, to be sure to attend that day as we mark this 300th year. It will truly be a memorable service. Afterwards, we invite you all, along with our guests, to the CEB for a brunch. We hope that all members can contribute their favorite dish and deliver it to the CEB prior to the 9:30 service. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Call or e-mail Anita Zarate with any questions.
On Sunday, October 5, Zion will host “Parsonage Day” for all members of the congregation and residents of Oldwick. On this day, everyone can tour the parsonage, learn about the history and renovations of the house, and join us as we dedicate the new trees that were planted to replace the old oak trees uprooted by Hurricane Sandy. Punch and cookies will be provided. This is a great opportunity to see our second-oldest property!
For our Anniversary Celebration Dinner, invitations have been mailed to all members. The celebration starts at 4:00 on Sunday, October 26 at The Grand Colonial on Route 173 in Hampton. Be sure to get your RSVP with payment returned as soon as possible since invitations to the community will soon be sent out.
Joining us at the dinner, will be our ELCA Bishop, the Reverend Elizabeth Eaton. She will be presiding at our church services earlier in the day and has graciously accepted our invitation to stay with us for the entire day and dinner. This is quite an honor for Zion. We hope to have the church packed that morning!
Finally, on November 8, the Hunterdon County Tricentennial Committee is hosting a Tavern Tour at The Tewksbury Inn. Following that tour, participants will be coming over to Zion to tour the church and cemetery. The county, along with Zion, is celebrating a 300th anniversary this year. For those interested, we also still have woven throws that the county had made for their anniversary. Zion Lutheran Church is prominently pictured on that throw. They can be ordered at the church office or can be picked up at county libraries.
Zion also has sets of the Honeyman History of Zion available for purchase through the office. While it is a three book set, you can purchase them individually. Call the church office for more information. This is a great way to learn details of Zion’s history.
So we are asking you all, our current Zion members, to be sure to attend that day as we mark this 300th year. It will truly be a memorable service. Afterwards, we invite you all, along with our guests, to the CEB for a brunch. We hope that all members can contribute their favorite dish and deliver it to the CEB prior to the 9:30 service. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Call or e-mail Anita Zarate with any questions.
On Sunday, October 5, Zion will host “Parsonage Day” for all members of the congregation and residents of Oldwick. On this day, everyone can tour the parsonage, learn about the history and renovations of the house, and join us as we dedicate the new trees that were planted to replace the old oak trees uprooted by Hurricane Sandy. Punch and cookies will be provided. This is a great opportunity to see our second-oldest property!
For our Anniversary Celebration Dinner, invitations have been mailed to all members. The celebration starts at 4:00 on Sunday, October 26 at The Grand Colonial on Route 173 in Hampton. Be sure to get your RSVP with payment returned as soon as possible since invitations to the community will soon be sent out.
Joining us at the dinner, will be our ELCA Bishop, the Reverend Elizabeth Eaton. She will be presiding at our church services earlier in the day and has graciously accepted our invitation to stay with us for the entire day and dinner. This is quite an honor for Zion. We hope to have the church packed that morning!
Finally, on November 8, the Hunterdon County Tricentennial Committee is hosting a Tavern Tour at The Tewksbury Inn. Following that tour, participants will be coming over to Zion to tour the church and cemetery. The county, along with Zion, is celebrating a 300th anniversary this year. For those interested, we also still have woven throws that the county had made for their anniversary. Zion Lutheran Church is prominently pictured on that throw. They can be ordered at the church office or can be picked up at county libraries.
Zion also has sets of the Honeyman History of Zion available for purchase through the office. While it is a three book set, you can purchase them individually. Call the church office for more information. This is a great way to learn details of Zion’s history.
Time & Talent Results
Thanks to all who participated in the Time & Talent campaign in June. A total of 56 members pledged their service to Zion in the coming year. The wonderful thing is that those 56 people signed up for 238 tasks! This is what keeps worship happening, Zion’s properties in good repair, and ministries continuing to our community and throughout the world.
If you neglected to fill out a Time & Talent form, you may call the church office (439-2040) to volunteer your time and abilities to serve Christ here at Zion. Keep your eyes open for special opportunities in the newsletter’s “Invitation to Serve” column.
Altar Guild Needs Volunteers
Zion’s weekly worship services have a group of people, the altar guild, who set up for communion and clean up following the service. New volunteers are always needed to join the group. If you are able to help, we will pair you with another member to learn what needs to be done. When Zion has two services, volunteers sign up to help for either service. For the 8:30 service altar guild members set up for communion; other volunteers clean up and give out the flowers after the 11:00 service. Volunteers sign up on a sheet in the narthex. Please contact Betty Lanka or the church office if you are able to help and would like to be trained.
The altar guild is looking for donations of large glass vases to be used for delivering summer altar flowers to our members. Please bring any vases to church on Sunday. Call Betty Lanka if you have any questions.
The altar guild is looking for donations of large glass vases to be used for delivering summer altar flowers to our members. Please bring any vases to church on Sunday. Call Betty Lanka if you have any questions.
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