December 14
9:30 am in the church
Voting on 2015 Budget and 2015 Council
A Message from Pastor Summer
One of the joys of being a grandparent is watching your children adapt to the new people in their lives. Bonnie and I have watched over the past years our granddaughters Anna and Evelyn changing the lives of our son and daughter-in-law. The experience has caused both Bonnie and me to remember when our lives were so dramatically changed by the arrival of our son. You think you are ready. You read the books, buy all the baby stuff, gather information from those who have gone before you, and even listen to the advice of your parents. You feel that you are prepared. You have done everything you can imagine. Then the day arrives and your world is forever changed in ways that you never imagined and can never truly explain to another. This little person enters your life and at once your world in opened to a depth of love, wonder, and responsibility that takes you by surprise. For all the sleepless nights and moments of worry, there is such joy. After a while, you can’t imagine your life without this child who changed everything.
Advent is the season of preparation as we get ready for the arrival of God’s son, the Christ child. We prepare through devotions, worship, and prayer. By the end, we think we are ready, but nothing can truly prepare us for the change that takes place when Jesus arrives in our lives. Nothing is the same. The Christ child comes and our world is open to a depth of love, wonder, and responsibility that takes us by surprise. For all the challenges, there is such joy. After awhile, we can’t imagine our lives without Jesus, who changes everything.
My prayer this Advent season is that we open ourselves to the coming of God’s son. May we welcome the one who changes everything. And may we discover the world of joy, love, and wonder that God intends for us all.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
Advent is the season of preparation as we get ready for the arrival of God’s son, the Christ child. We prepare through devotions, worship, and prayer. By the end, we think we are ready, but nothing can truly prepare us for the change that takes place when Jesus arrives in our lives. Nothing is the same. The Christ child comes and our world is open to a depth of love, wonder, and responsibility that takes us by surprise. For all the challenges, there is such joy. After awhile, we can’t imagine our lives without Jesus, who changes everything.
My prayer this Advent season is that we open ourselves to the coming of God’s son. May we welcome the one who changes everything. And may we discover the world of joy, love, and wonder that God intends for us all.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
Advent & Christmas Worship Schedule
Advent Book of Faith (Christian Education Building)
Wednesdays at 12:00 pm – December 3, 10 and 17
Advent Vespers (Christian Education Building)
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. – December 3, 10 and 17
December 7 – 2nd Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am Sunday School
4 pm – 7 pm Advent Parish Night
December 14 – 3rd Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am Sunday School
December 21 – 4th Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am Sunday School Christmas Program
December 24 – Christmas Eve
4:00 pm Children’s Service at the Christian Education Building
7:00 and 9:00 pm Candlelight Communion and Carols
December 25 – Christmas Day
11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
Wednesdays at 12:00 pm – December 3, 10 and 17
Advent Vespers (Christian Education Building)
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. – December 3, 10 and 17
December 7 – 2nd Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am Sunday School
4 pm – 7 pm Advent Parish Night
December 14 – 3rd Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am Sunday School
December 21 – 4th Sunday of Advent
8:30 and 11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
9:45 am Sunday School Christmas Program
December 24 – Christmas Eve
4:00 pm Children’s Service at the Christian Education Building
7:00 and 9:00 pm Candlelight Communion and Carols
December 25 – Christmas Day
11:00 am Service of Holy Communion
Christmas Program
The Sunday School Christmas program
“Twas the Night Before Christmas”
will be held at the CEB on Sunday, December 21 at 9:45 am.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas”
will be held at the CEB on Sunday, December 21 at 9:45 am.
Every Member Response Update
Our fall pledge campaign “Generously Stepping Out in Faith,” featured a call-a-thon on November 9. We contacted over 100 families receiving 87 pledges for a total of $343,518. (Last year we received 81 pledges totaling $368,718.) With estimates for the families who have not yet pledged, the income projection for member giving in 2015 is $465,500.
Last year, 46 families accepted the $300 increased giving challenge and pledged an increased amount of $52,500. The follow-up for 2015 from these same families contains 13 who increased again, 7 who pledged the same amount and 26 families who pledged less. The net amount pledged was a decrease of $46,500.
23 families increased their pledge (12%) and 19 families pledged for 2015 who had not pledged for 2014 (11%). 91 families did not pledge (51%); 24 families pledged the same amount (13%); and 21 families decreased their pledge (12%). These results indicate that 136 Zion families are in “neutral” in their giving (76%).
Council will use this income projection when we vote on the 2015 budget on December 14. Please attend this meeting.
Last year, 46 families accepted the $300 increased giving challenge and pledged an increased amount of $52,500. The follow-up for 2015 from these same families contains 13 who increased again, 7 who pledged the same amount and 26 families who pledged less. The net amount pledged was a decrease of $46,500.
23 families increased their pledge (12%) and 19 families pledged for 2015 who had not pledged for 2014 (11%). 91 families did not pledge (51%); 24 families pledged the same amount (13%); and 21 families decreased their pledge (12%). These results indicate that 136 Zion families are in “neutral” in their giving (76%).
Council will use this income projection when we vote on the 2015 budget on December 14. Please attend this meeting.
Finance Committee Update
During December, Zion will discuss and approve the 2015 Zion Operating Budget. Because of the generosity of Zion’s members, the church finances are healthy as we approach the end of 2014. Council has established a goal of $40,000 as an Operating Reserve. These funds are needed to assure Zion has a cash buffer. During some months of the year, expenses may outpace member giving. The Operating Reserve balance as of the end of October was $48,030. Based on projections for the balance of 2014, the year will end with an even higher Operating Reserve balance.
In addition, Zion established a Capital Reserve in 2014. The fund was established to cover non-routine maintenance expenses for our three buildings. As of the end of October, the balance in this fund is $26,271.
We hope this information provides clarity on Zion’s financial status and provides context as we discuss the 2015 General Fund budget.
In addition, Zion established a Capital Reserve in 2014. The fund was established to cover non-routine maintenance expenses for our three buildings. As of the end of October, the balance in this fund is $26,271.
We hope this information provides clarity on Zion’s financial status and provides context as we discuss the 2015 General Fund budget.
A Message from the Council President
I am excited to let you know that the Zion Church Council has accepted the recommendation of the Ministry Search Committee that has been working to fill Zion’s new created staff position. This role, a salaried full-time position shared equally between Zion Lutheran Church and Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center, is entitled Parish Director of Youth and Family Ministries at Zion Lutheran Church and Program Director at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center.
Kathryn Schaefer is from Prescott, Wisconsin and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Children, Youth & Family Studies from Trinity College in Everett, Washington. She will be joining the Zion Lutheran Church staff in early January 2015.
This represents an important step in going forward to meet the needs of Zion’s family.
Kathryn Schaefer is from Prescott, Wisconsin and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Children, Youth & Family Studies from Trinity College in Everett, Washington. She will be joining the Zion Lutheran Church staff in early January 2015.
This represents an important step in going forward to meet the needs of Zion’s family.
Household Goods "Shower"
Kathryn Schaefer, our new Director of Youth and Family Ministries, will be joining us effective January 5, 2015. She’ll also be working and living at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center. We’ve been working with Cross Roads to prepare her apartment. Since Kathryn is moving from Minnesota and this will be her first apartment, she needs a full array of household goods. Therefore, we’re seeking donations of new or gently-used items.
There’s a sign-up sheet in the Narthex, along with a laundry basket in which to place donations. Items needed are as follows:
1 hand mixer
5 dish towels
1 stick vacuum
1 spatula
3 mixing spoons
glassware (4 large, 4 medium and 4 small glasses)
1 pair scissors
1 measuring cup (2 cup size)
1 set measuring spoons
1 can opener
1 bottle opener
1 set tongs
2 pot holders
2 hot pads or trivets
1 small and 1 large frying pan
1 small, 1 medium and 1 large pot
1 dish set (service for 4)
1 set of 3 mixing bowls
1 cutting board
1 colander
1 covered garbage pail
1 waste basket
2 sets of linens (for double bed)
2 blankets (double bed)
2 sets of towels (bath, hand and face cloth)
1 bath mat
Please write your name next to your donation to assure we don’t duplicate items. WE’D APPRECIATE RECEIVING DONATIONS BY DECEMBER 21. Contact Anita Zarate with any questions.
There’s a sign-up sheet in the Narthex, along with a laundry basket in which to place donations. Items needed are as follows:
1 hand mixer
5 dish towels
1 stick vacuum
1 spatula
3 mixing spoons
glassware (4 large, 4 medium and 4 small glasses)
1 pair scissors
1 measuring cup (2 cup size)
1 set measuring spoons
1 can opener
1 bottle opener
1 set tongs
2 pot holders
2 hot pads or trivets
1 small and 1 large frying pan
1 small, 1 medium and 1 large pot
1 dish set (service for 4)
1 set of 3 mixing bowls
1 cutting board
1 colander
1 covered garbage pail
1 waste basket
2 sets of linens (for double bed)
2 blankets (double bed)
2 sets of towels (bath, hand and face cloth)
1 bath mat
Please write your name next to your donation to assure we don’t duplicate items. WE’D APPRECIATE RECEIVING DONATIONS BY DECEMBER 21. Contact Anita Zarate with any questions.
Zion Christmas Ornaments
To commemorate Zion 300th Anniversary, hand-painted Christmas ornaments have been created by artist Margaret Higgins. They have a lovely picture of the church on the front and our name and dates on the back. For $15.00, this keepsake can be purchased through the office Tuesday through Friday or call Jenny at 439-2040.
Women of Zion
Christmas Cookie Exchange
Thursday, December 18, 7 pm at the CEB
It’s time again for our annual cookie exchange and prayer pal recognition. You have an opportunity for good company and tasty cookies and to fill cookie boxes to give to those who are sick and/or home bound.
It’s also the time to give a small gift to your no-longer-secret prayer pal and to pick a new one.
Bring three dozen cookies and some friends --- and be prepared to have a good time!
Thursday, December 18, 7 pm at the CEB
It’s time again for our annual cookie exchange and prayer pal recognition. You have an opportunity for good company and tasty cookies and to fill cookie boxes to give to those who are sick and/or home bound.
It’s also the time to give a small gift to your no-longer-secret prayer pal and to pick a new one.
Bring three dozen cookies and some friends --- and be prepared to have a good time!
Advent Parish Night
Advent Parish Night takes place this Sunday, December 7, 4 pm-7 pm at the CEB. It is a wonderful night of crafts, pot luck dinner, and caroling. It is a fun night for all ages. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can still do so this Sunday. Also, you can call or email questions to Wendy Minerowicz. See you Sunday!
Altar Flowers
The 2015 Flower Chart has been posted in the church narthex. Please sign up to donate altar flowers for an anniversary, birthday, or in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost per week is $50 which should be paid when you sign up.
Lunch Bunch
The Christmas Lunch Bunch will be on December 11 at noon. We will be going to Spain 92 just south of the Somerville Circle on Route 202
Book of Faith
This year, Book of Faith will have a different focus. As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we thought it would be appropriate to study the Small Catechism as our Book of Faith. We are working through the Ten Commandments. Join us as the adventure continues! We meet Wednesdays at noon in the CEB conference room.
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