Family Promise has a network of 12 host congregations in Hunterdon that on a rotational basis provide overnight and weekend housing in their facilities for families in need. There are also 36 support congregations that provide additional volunteers, food and sometimes cash support. Zion Lutheran Church has been a proud supporter and host congregation for over 20 years! The Family Promise day shelter is located on East Main Street in Flemington and is open weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm. Family Promise is a program, not just shelter, in that guests work with a case manager to: develop a case plan, find opportunities for education/ employment, and commit to long-term goals to help themselves work out of poverty and the conditions that led to their homelessness.
As a proud supporter, Zion Lutheran Church will donate all net proceeds from the Oldwick Town Wide Tag Sale to fund Family Promise of Hunterdon County. Administrative costs up to $500 will be paid for by Zion.
We hope you will join us! All participants will have a Tag Sale sign placed on their lawn that will be removed the following day. During the Sale, maps will be distributed throughout the village with locations marked.
Don’t have room to set up a site or live out of town? Limited spaces will be available for a flea market at the Zion Lutheran Christian Education Building (CEB) 18 Miller Avenue.
Have items to donate but don’t want to participate? If you have items to donate Zion will sell for you at the Tag sale with all proceeds going directly to Family Promise. No clothing please. Drop off location is at the CEB on Miller Avenue: Sunday April 12 (11:00 – 2:00), Tues – Fri April 14 – 17 (9:00-2:00), Sunday April 19 (11:00-2:00), Tues-Fri April 21 - 24 (9:00-2:00).
For additional info on the Tag Sale go to Zion’s website www.zionoldwick.com. For question please call (908)229-3744. For more information on Family Promise or to make a donation directly go to www. familypromisehc.org
Social Ministry by Rebecca Melick
Coffee Drive for Faith Kitchen Dover -- collected a total of 123 pounds of coffee!
Thank you for your donations! We have surpassed our goal of 100 pounds by nearly 25%! This coffee will be greatly appreciated by the guests at Faith Kitchen as a welcome addition to their meals.
Family Promise
Our guests from Family Promise will be with us from March 1 through March 15. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help make this program a success. A very special thanks goes out to Kay Beagle for her limitless energy attending to the many details of hosting these families and coordinating with our partner churches. We hope that the new online tool to register has been helpful. Please let us know if you have any other suggestions for how to make this easier and more enjoyable for our volunteers. (Please send any feedback to Rebecca Melick rrmelick@gmail.com)
Thank you for your donations! We have surpassed our goal of 100 pounds by nearly 25%! This coffee will be greatly appreciated by the guests at Faith Kitchen as a welcome addition to their meals.
Family Promise
Our guests from Family Promise will be with us from March 1 through March 15. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help make this program a success. A very special thanks goes out to Kay Beagle for her limitless energy attending to the many details of hosting these families and coordinating with our partner churches. We hope that the new online tool to register has been helpful. Please let us know if you have any other suggestions for how to make this easier and more enjoyable for our volunteers. (Please send any feedback to Rebecca Melick rrmelick@gmail.com)
A Message from Pastor Summer
The cross stands at the very center of our faith and its meaning has been explored down through the centuries. The truth is that our explanations, while interesting and helpful, always seem to fall short. C. S. Lewis put it well when he wrote in Do Souls Go To Heaven:
“We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. That is what has to be believed. And theories we build up as to how Christ’s death did all this are, in my view, quite secondary: mere plans or diagrams to be left alone if they do not help us, and, even if they do help us, not to be confused with the thing itself. All the same, some of these theories are worth looking at.”
For myself, the cross overwhelms me. The image is so powerful that I do not preach on Good Friday, but simply retell the story. What can I add? The cross is the ultimate statement of our denial of God. We literally “cross” God out. We say “No” in the most brutal and direct means possible. We nail God’s son to a cross, raise him from the ground, and let him die amidst ridicule and threats. We say “No," but God in the most extraordinary and gracious way says “Yes” to us. Jesus offers words of forgiveness from the cross itself. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Easter and the Resurrection are God’s confirmation of that grace poured out upon us. The cross is the sign of God’s suffering love that will not let us go even though holding on to us costs Jesus his life.
In the living of my life, the image stands before me. No matter what I do that rejects and or turns away from God, the cross is a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness and love of me. God will not turn away from me no matter how I say “No," no matter what the cost. I am overwhelmed and humbled by such love. My life has been shaped and changed by that love and continues to be impacted. I have been marked with the cross of Christ forever.
We will be entering Holy Week at the end of this month. Once again, we will gather in worship to remember the events of that week. Once again, we will retell the story. Once again, the cross and all it means will stand before us. For all who bear the mark of the cross, this is a holy time indeed.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
“We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. That is what has to be believed. And theories we build up as to how Christ’s death did all this are, in my view, quite secondary: mere plans or diagrams to be left alone if they do not help us, and, even if they do help us, not to be confused with the thing itself. All the same, some of these theories are worth looking at.”
For myself, the cross overwhelms me. The image is so powerful that I do not preach on Good Friday, but simply retell the story. What can I add? The cross is the ultimate statement of our denial of God. We literally “cross” God out. We say “No” in the most brutal and direct means possible. We nail God’s son to a cross, raise him from the ground, and let him die amidst ridicule and threats. We say “No," but God in the most extraordinary and gracious way says “Yes” to us. Jesus offers words of forgiveness from the cross itself. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Easter and the Resurrection are God’s confirmation of that grace poured out upon us. The cross is the sign of God’s suffering love that will not let us go even though holding on to us costs Jesus his life.
In the living of my life, the image stands before me. No matter what I do that rejects and or turns away from God, the cross is a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness and love of me. God will not turn away from me no matter how I say “No," no matter what the cost. I am overwhelmed and humbled by such love. My life has been shaped and changed by that love and continues to be impacted. I have been marked with the cross of Christ forever.
We will be entering Holy Week at the end of this month. Once again, we will gather in worship to remember the events of that week. Once again, we will retell the story. Once again, the cross and all it means will stand before us. For all who bear the mark of the cross, this is a holy time indeed.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
Holy Week at Zion
Maundy Thursday – April 2
Communion Worship at 12 pm and 7:30 pm (Church)
Supper at 6 pm (CEB)
Good Friday – April 3
Children’s Service at 10 am (CEB)
Prayer Service at 12 noon (Church)
Tenebrae Service at 7:30 pm (Church)
Holy Saturday – April 4
Easter Egg Hunt at 10 am (CEB)
Easter Vigil at 7:30 pm (Church)
Easter Sunday – April 5
Sunrise Service at 6:30 am at Round Valley Youth Center
Worship at 8:30 am and 11:00 am (Church)
Communion Worship at 12 pm and 7:30 pm (Church)
Supper at 6 pm (CEB)
Good Friday – April 3
Children’s Service at 10 am (CEB)
Prayer Service at 12 noon (Church)
Tenebrae Service at 7:30 pm (Church)
Holy Saturday – April 4
Easter Egg Hunt at 10 am (CEB)
Easter Vigil at 7:30 pm (Church)
Easter Sunday – April 5
Sunrise Service at 6:30 am at Round Valley Youth Center
Worship at 8:30 am and 11:00 am (Church)
Women of Zion
Spring Surprise Event!
UN-COCKTAIL & HORS D’OEUVRES PARTY
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, AT 6:30pm AT THE CEB
For a change of pace and to welcome Spring, the Women of Zion are having a party, as noted above.
A non-alcoholic punch or sangria will be provided. We ask that each attendee bring her favorite hors d’oeuvre (and a copy of the recipe) for an interesting eating experience in good company!
Friends are always welcome.
Call or e-mail Anita Zarate with any questions.
Sign-up sheets will be available in the Narthex and the entry to the CEB effective March 15.
UN-COCKTAIL & HORS D’OEUVRES PARTY
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, AT 6:30pm AT THE CEB
For a change of pace and to welcome Spring, the Women of Zion are having a party, as noted above.
A non-alcoholic punch or sangria will be provided. We ask that each attendee bring her favorite hors d’oeuvre (and a copy of the recipe) for an interesting eating experience in good company!
Friends are always welcome.
Call or e-mail Anita Zarate with any questions.
Sign-up sheets will be available in the Narthex and the entry to the CEB effective March 15.
Shepherding
Working on Goals for a Genuinely Friendly Church
The shepherding committee would like to encourage all Zion members to connect in love and deepen our relationships with each other. Each month we will give you a way to do this and a Bible verse to prayerfully read.
Your assignment for March:
Before or after our church service be intentional about being friendly, greeting and speaking with a person you don't know very well or at all.
John 13:34 "Love one another as I have loved you."
The members of Shepherding are keeping all of you in our prayers in the goal of your caring for each other.
The shepherding committee would like to encourage all Zion members to connect in love and deepen our relationships with each other. Each month we will give you a way to do this and a Bible verse to prayerfully read.
Your assignment for March:
Before or after our church service be intentional about being friendly, greeting and speaking with a person you don't know very well or at all.
John 13:34 "Love one another as I have loved you."
The members of Shepherding are keeping all of you in our prayers in the goal of your caring for each other.
Book of Faith
This year, Book of Faith is studying Luther’s Large catechism as our Book of Faith. We are now discussing the Ten Commandments. We meet on Wednesday at noon at the CEB. Join us as the adventure continues!
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch will be on March 12 at noon. We will be going to Gladstone Tavern, 273 Main St. Gladstone 234-9055.
Discipleship
Discipleship will be meeting on March 26 at the CEB with dinner at 6:30 and discussion at 7:30. Our focus will be the catechism and the Lord’s Prayer
Financial Notes
Zion is in need of volunteers to occasionally help count the weekly offering.
· When? Tuesday mornings
· Where? CEB
· How often? About 6 to 8 times per year
· How much time is involved? About 1 hour
· What’s involved? Work with one other person to open envelopes and record giving by envelope number. Post amounts in excel spreadsheet.
· Do I need training? Yes. Orientation/training will be provided the first time task is undertaken.
If willing to volunteer, please contact Jenny Gelson at 908-439-2040 or email parishadministrator@zionoldwick.com
· When? Tuesday mornings
· Where? CEB
· How often? About 6 to 8 times per year
· How much time is involved? About 1 hour
· What’s involved? Work with one other person to open envelopes and record giving by envelope number. Post amounts in excel spreadsheet.
· Do I need training? Yes. Orientation/training will be provided the first time task is undertaken.
If willing to volunteer, please contact Jenny Gelson at 908-439-2040 or email parishadministrator@zionoldwick.com
Youth and Family Ministry by Kathryn Schaefer
Hard to believe it is already March. Time is flying by, it seems. Warm weather will be here before you know it! Until then I am still enjoying the snow.
On February 22, we had our Parent Forum. Thank you to those who were able to make it! We had a great conversation about the future, and brainstormed some fun ideas. If anyone still had some thoughts about the meeting, please feel free to contact me so we can continue in the conversation.
The YOZ Celebration on February 22 was a big success! We had a great turnout, and the kids played games, hung out, and ate cake. I’m enjoying getting to know all of them and looking forward to more opportunities for us to grow together.
We have some exciting and new things happening this month!
Family Ministry Update
Friday, March 27: We are having a Family Night at church. Come as a family and join us at 6:30 p.m. for Movie Night! (Movie will be rated G.) Bring some “movie snacks” to share. Popcorn will be provided. Don’t forget to wear some comfy clothes and bring pillows and blankets or sleeping bags for the floor!
Youth Ministry Update
The next YOZ meeting will be on March 8 from 6-8 at the CEB. Please bring $5 for pizza. Come hang out and play games, enjoy fellowship and dig into the Word. For all 7th-12th graders.
Sunday, March 22: We will be having a YOZ Ski/Snowboard day-trip to Camelback Mountain! More details will be coming soon, including price and time. Keep your eyes open!
Sunday, March 29: Come out for our annual Easter egg dyeing at the regular YOZ time. Bring $5 for pizza and your creativity.
Saturday, April 4: 10 am Easter Egg Hunt for Sunday School youth. Come early to help hide the Easter Eggs and join in on the festivities!
Have any thoughts or questions or simply want to chat? I am always available.
Call me or Email me.
Eric and Kurt extend their stays
There is good news in connection with both of our students, Eric Johnson and Kurt Houwen. They will be extending their stay through May. Eric, who has completed his seminary education, will be continuing as a Field Education Student in preparation for ordained ministry. We have appreciated his ministry with us in worship, adult forum, Discipleship, Vespers, etc. Kurt, who is exploring the possibility of entering seminary, will be continuing as a part of Project Connect. This program is designed for college graduates to shadow ordained pastors as they consider the call to ministry. Kurt has been a welcome addition in Book of Faith, the Lock-In, Sunday mornings, Faith Kitchen, and the ongoing work of the church. We are grateful that both Eric and Kurt will be with us through the spring.
Sunday School News by Sandy Matsen
During Lent, Sunday School children have a 40 day calendar, “How does God’s garden grow?” and a related devotional Let’s Grow into Lent. The younger children planted seeds March 1 and we will be watching our garden grow until Palm Sunday.
On Palm Sunday, March 29, there will be an All School event for kids and parents in the Great Room at the Christian Education Building. We will make resurrection buns, decorate Easter eggs for Faith Kitchen and hear the passion story. Easter Sunday, April 5 there are no Sunday School classes.
Look for My Easter Surprise a booklet of stories and activities for preschoolers through second graders. It will be distributed at the Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 4 and at Easter Sunday worship.
Help needed!
· Two adults to supervise the making and baking of resurrection buns at the Palm Sunday All School event. All supplies will be provided.
· Individuals to help plan the All School Pentecost event on May 24
On Palm Sunday, March 29, there will be an All School event for kids and parents in the Great Room at the Christian Education Building. We will make resurrection buns, decorate Easter eggs for Faith Kitchen and hear the passion story. Easter Sunday, April 5 there are no Sunday School classes.
Look for My Easter Surprise a booklet of stories and activities for preschoolers through second graders. It will be distributed at the Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 4 and at Easter Sunday worship.
Help needed!
· Two adults to supervise the making and baking of resurrection buns at the Palm Sunday All School event. All supplies will be provided.
· Individuals to help plan the All School Pentecost event on May 24
Evangelism News by Donna Hunter
Invite a Friend Sunday
The Evangelism committee would like to make March 29 (Palm Sunday) Invite-A-Friend Sunday. You’ll be given an invitation at church service in the two weeks prior to Palm Sunday. Please consider giving it to a friend, neighbor or co-worker. Since most visitors come to a new church because someone invited them, we hope you’ll take this opportunity to share Zion with your friends.
New Member Classes
If you’re interested in joining Zion OR just want to learn more about our congregation and ministries, join us for our upcoming Spring New Member class “Everything You Wanted to Know About Being Lutheran” on March 22 between services at 9:45 in the Christian Education Building. Please call the church office (908-439-2040) to register.
Calling All Knitters by Kay Beagle
Do you like to knit? Crochet? Have extra yarn? We need YOU!
A teenager in Morristown likes to knit, but how many scarves does she need? She took extra hats and scarves to local food pantries and shelters and “Hats for Emily” was born. She is now in college and still very involved. People around the world are making hats and scarves for her which are being distributed in many states and overseas. Would you like to be included in this knitting and crocheting group? One perk is that we can bring the items to Morristown for distribution. Call or e-mail me for more information.
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