A Message from Pastor Summer -- November 2017

As we enter the season of Advent, the theme is waiting for the King who came at Christmas and who is coming again.  In this year of such sorrow with shootings, hurricanes, fires, violence, and deep political divides, I thought I would share this song.  I know I will be listening to the King.

The King

 1. The King came unexpected on a dark and holy night

With shepherds in the fields, they all were filled with fright

When the angels came in glory, proclaimed the newborn King

Peace to all the world, the angels they would sing

Refrain:

The world speaks of hatred

But the King tells us to love

In the world it’s signs of warfare

With the King, signs of the dove

In the world children suffer

In the kingdom children sing

So in this broken world

I’m listening to the King

2. The King he had no army yet people followed him

Healing bodies broken, forgiving people’s sin

He had no time for the rulers, with the poor he’d take his stand

To gather in the hurt and lost became his gracious plan

3. The King would be rejected by those who feared the truth

How could he be God’s son, they demanded proof

They brought him before Pilate, to sentence him to death

They thought his rule was over with his final breath

4. The King would wear a crown, though it was made of thorns

And on the cross he died amidst the cries of scorn

But the King would rise on Easter and he will come again

For his kingdom is eternal and his grace will never end

Advent and Christmas at Zion Lutheran Church

December 3 – First Sunday of Advent

8:30 and 11 a.m. Service of Holy Communion

9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Confirmation Class

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.   Advent Parish Night (at CEB)

December 10 – Second Sunday of Advent

10 a.m. Second Sunday Single Service with Sunday School Christmas Program

December 17 – Third Sunday of Advent

8:30 and 11 a.m. Service of Holy Communion

9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Confirmation Class

9:45 a.m. Congregational Meeting at the Church

December 24 – Fourth Sunday of Advent / Christmas Eve

8:30 and 11 a.m. Service of Holy Communion

4 p.m. Children’s Service (at CEB)

7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Candlelight Communion and Carols

December 25 – Christmas Day

11 a.m. Communion Worship

Council Highlights -- November 16

The Church Council met on November 16th.  Highlights include:

· Courtney Rzeplinski is looking for a new Sunday School Superintendent, as the current   Superintendent is stepping down at the end of this year.

· The Property Committee reported that the choir loft façade is being restored, thanks to the hard work of Harold Wrede.

· A draft of the 2018 budget was presented by Todd Rothermel and approved by the Council.  The budget will be presented to the congregation at a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, December 17th at 9:30 a.m.

· The Council voted to send the remainder of the 2017 Endowment Mission Outreach funds to the following:

* ELCA Caribbean Synod (hurricane relief)

* Tewksbury Family Assistance Fund

* Camp Johnsonburg’s scholarship fund for children of Foster and Adoptive Family Services

· The Halloween hospitality event was a big success.  The committee plans to host the event again next year.

· There is one position open on the Church Council for 2018.  Anyone interested in serving should speak to Todd Rothermel.

· Thank you to:

* The Maiwaldt family, for spearheading the sporting equipment drive.

* Angela Sztuk for leading the Halloween hospitality event.

The next meeting of the Church Council will be on December 14th.  Meetings are open for all to attend.

Youth & Family Ministries at Zion

Dear Members and Friends,

I cannot believe it is time for Advent! I have already tuned my radio to Christmas music, wrapped some gifts, and put up the Christmas tree.  I LOVE CHRISTMAS. The greatest gift I have ever received was my daughter, born at Christmastime on December 23^rd, 2015.  Lillian will be celebrating her 2^nd birthday this year.

With all of the excitement of the holiday comes lots of exciting events at Zion. This is my first Christmas season spent with you all, and I look forward to everything that is happening. Starting with Advent Parish Night on December 3^rd at 4pm – where families and friends can gather to create crafts, share a meal, and sing beloved Christmas carols. Oh, what fun it is to sing a sleighing song tonight!

Our Sunday school children will be performing a special pageant on December 10^th, as part of our Second Sunday Single Service (see below). I cannot wait to see our youngest worshippers perform! Finally, the day will come where we gather together on Christmas Eve, and welcome the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ the King!  I look forward to a month of celebration with all of you!

Peace,

Courtney Rzeplinski

Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Sunday School Christmas Program -- December 10

FROM HEAVEN ABOVE

Sunday School Christmas Program

10 am Worship Service

Sunday, December 10th

Join us in worship to hear the angels tell about the gift from heaven above.

REFLECTIONS ...

The Innkeeper

I had the opportunity to attend a Cultivating Congregational Cultures of Generosity workshop in November, sponsored by the NJ Synod.  One of the presenters had us focus on a minor character in one of Jesus’ parables.  In the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, the character studied was the innkeeper.  Not the priest, not the Levite, not even the Samaritan.  The wounded man was brought to the innkeeper and the only instructions given to him were “Take care of him.” (Luke 25:35).  Then the Samaritan went away.

We discussed the aspects of hospitality that define a good innkeeper.

· Give grace and exude graciousness

· Offer to meet the needs of the guests

· Provide a safe haven

· Invite guests to tell their stories

· Maintain open doors, welcoming those in need

In the month of December, we also remember the innkeeper in Bethlehem.  Another minor character in that wonderful Christmas story.  He did not have a room for the young travelers.  However, he did offer them a shelter, a safe haven, a roof over their heads, warmth and safety.

These are examples that explain what Jesus gave as the greatest commandment:  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-39).  Most of us will not find ourselves in the vocation of innkeeper.  However, the ministries of Zion can fulfill the innkeeper’s aspects of hospitality and grace to our members and the community.  For our part, we can support these ministries.  We can take care of our neighbor.

Respectfully submitted,

John Rustwick

Second Sunday Sermon Secrets -- December 10

Have you ever wanted to do Bible Study, but didn’t have the time?  Well, Second Sunday Sermon Secrets is for you.  In conjunction with Second Sunday Single Service, Pastor Summer is providing a Bible Study prior to the 10 a.m. worship service, starting at 9 a.m. at the General Store.  Grab a coffee or tea and pull up a chair.  He will be discussing the day’s lessons as they apply to life and the world.  Come join the conversation!

Women of Zion Cookie Exchange -- December 12

Tuesday, December 12th, at the CEB, at 7:00 p.m.

Bring yourself, daughters, friends and three dozen cookies to this wonderful year-end gathering.  We’ll socialize as we eat some cookies and package the rest to give to those who are housebound or ill. This is also the time to recognize the person you’ve prayed for all year with a token gift —- and to draw for a new ‘secret’ pal for 2018.  How can you afford to miss such a multifaceted event!  Please sign up in the narthex.

From the Worship & Music Committee

CHRISTMAS DECORATING

The church Christmas tree has been tagged and the church decorating day has been set for Saturday, December 16th at 9:00 am. We need some strong guys to get the tree into the church and into the stand. We need someone who is OK with climbing the tall ladder so we can decorate the top of the tree. We need people to decorate the bottom of the tree. We need people to hang the wreaths in the windows. We need people to set up the center aisle candle holders. We need people to vacuum after we make a mess.  Please mark your calendar and join us. The more the merrier.

CHRISTMAS UN-DECORATING

What goes up must come down. We will be taking down all the decorations after the 11:00am service on Sunday, December 31st. We need people to help (see above) in reverse. 

Book of Faith -- December 6

In December, the Book of Faith bible study will meet on Wednesday, December 6.  We will continue to explore the Acts of the Apostles.  Come join the conversation.  You won’t be disappointed.  We are on chapter 5.  The adventure continues! 

Vespers -- December 7 and 14

This month, Vespers will meet on Thursday, December 7th and 14th.  There is a Soup Supper at the CEB at 6:00 followed by Vespers at 7:00.  This  worship experience has been deeply meaningful to many people.  Please join us!

Lunch Bunch -- December 14

The Lunch Bunch will be meeting on December 14 and going to Spain 92, 1116 Rt. 202, South Raritan.  The phone number is 704-9292.  Join the fun.  We’ll be looking for you!

Discipleship -- January 25

Discipleship will be meeting on January 25.  It will begin with a potluck supper at 6:30 and discussion at 7:30.  The theme is yet to be decided.  All are invited.  We would love to see you there!

A Message from Pastor Summer -- November 2017

I’m getting ready for Reformation Sunday.  This year, we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary.  It all started with one man nailing his concerns, the 95 theses, on the chapel door in Wittenberg.  In my preparations, I’m taken by the impact one person can have on the world.  Or better, what impact one person can have when God works through them.  Martin Luther changed not only the direction of church history, but of world history.  The Reformation is an amazing story.  As we celebrate that story, the question, for me, is whether we are open to the same power of the Spirit?  How can God work through us?  How can we be a part of the reforming spirit within the life of the church?  The truth is that Martin Luther is not an isolated story to be simply remembered and celebrated.  There is a much greater truth. 

At the last Youth Gathering in Detroit, one of the speakers challenged everyone who was there.  She said that the human tendency is to sit back and wait for the next Martin Luther, Nelson Mandela, or Martin Luther King.  We wait for the next reformer, prophet, or truth teller.  We believe that God works through other people.  Her challenge was to allow God to work through us.  Her challenge was not to wait.  Be the next Martin Luther or Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King was her cry.  She was right.  It is easier to sit and wait for someone else when the truth is so much greater.  That greater truth is that, in the water of our baptism, the same Holy Spirit is poured into every one of us, not just a select few.  Through us, God can and will do amazing things.  The Reformation is not locked in the past.  The Reformation is a promise for today.  The reforming spirit of God is still blowing.  May that Spirit blow through our hearts and lives.  May this year’s Reformation celebration open us to God’s possibilities.  May we not only celebrate the Reformation, but live it.

Peace,

Pastor Summer

October Council Highlights ... by Judy Formalarie, Council President

The Church Council met on October 19th.  Highlights include:

· Twelve new members have joined Zion, along with the return of the Hodges and Kaufman families.

· An exciting day is planned for Reformation Sunday, with Pastor Summer preaching as    Martin Luther and a Reformation Fair being held during the Sunday School hour.

· Committees have been busy with activities:

* Evangelism – Halloween hospitality will take place on 10/31 as we hand out goody bags with information about Zion to all who park in the CEB or walk past the church; buildings will be open for refreshments and bathroom usage.

* Social Ministry – the Suicide Prevention event is scheduled for November 8^th.

* The Property Committee has had the CEB great room floor waxed, and a job description for the Sexton position has been updated. Once the weather cools down, the removal of bats/bat droppings will be done.

* Parish Life has a great night planned for Oktoberfest.

* Christian Education reports that the Sunday School students will be creating all the artwork for the Second Sunday Single Service bulletin covers; the Confirmation Class is helping younger students with the skills needed to participate in the Second Sunday Single Service.

· The Council approved a motion from Social Ministry to direct a member bequest to be used for building a new playroom/playground for the new Family Promise location.

· Judy Formalarie attended a program on “Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity” and has done some follow-up work.  There will be another session in November and one in January and she encouraged others to attend.

· The Council approved an additional day of work be added to the Parish Administrator’s schedule for nine weeks in the summer.

· The Council will be researching Sexton options while Rose Hoffman is out on leave.

· Judy Formalarie and Jeff Livingston will research ways that Zion can help with hurricane relief in the ELCA Caribbean Synod.

· Thank you to:

* Judy Formalarie for substituting as worship leader.

* Angela Sztuk for leading the Halloween hospitality event.

* All volunteers filling in for Rose Hoffman.

The next meeting of the Church Council will be on November 16th.  Meetings are open for all to attend.

Sunday School Volunteers Needed

IMMEDIATE NEEDS

Birthday Bulletin Board – We are looking for help to update our birthday bulletin board once a month. The volunteer would be in charge of changing the theme of the birthday bulletin board and updating the names of kids celebrating their birthday that month. Most of this prep work can be done at home. The volunteer can come in the last week of each month at his/her convenience to update the board. Time Commitment- approx. 2 hours a month.

Attendance Keeper – This position will require a weekly check-in on all of our classroom attendance sheets. The person filling this role will be in charge of keeping accurate attendance records, sending postcards to students who have missed 2 weeks in a row, and keeping track of students who have earned/received attendance prizes. It is preferred that these tasks be completed on Sundays after Sunday School classes have ended for the day. Time Commitment – Approx. 45 minutes once a week on Sundays.

2018 CALENDAR YEAR

Sunday School Superintendent – This position will require a larger time commitment. The position can be split among 2 people. The Sunday School Superintendent will oversee the entire Sunday School program for our Pre- Kindergarten thru 6^th grade students. In 2018, Sunday School will be starting to utilize a Workshop Rotation Model. The Superintendent will be directly in charge of making sure our classrooms and teachers are set up for success. This includes, but is not limited to, making sure classrooms have all needed supplies, assigning volunteers to classrooms, working directly with the Christian Education Committee, and other responsibilities as needed. Time commitment – Approx. 5-10 hours per week. (Please note that certain tasks may be delegated to other volunteers, as the Superintendent sees fit.)

Teachers – With the new Workshop Rotation Model coming to Sunday School in 2018, it is imperative that we have teachers for all of the classrooms. The teachers will have the flexibility to choose a 3-week block of Sundays to teach in the room that interests them the most. Each week will require the use of 3-4 rooms, with the opportunity to expand based on students and volunteers. Possible classrooms can include – Bible Skills, Arts and Crafts, Technology, Music, Cooking, Movies, Science, and Creative drama. Time commitment – 2 hours a week (1 hour at home prep and 1 hour in classroom on Sundays).

Shepherds – This position will serve as a ‘go-to’ classroom helper. Each Shepherd will be assigned to a class to help for a 3-week period. They will follow their assigned grade level to each of the different workshops each week. This position will allow students to have a steady person to help guide the class through each workshop. The Shepherd will also assist the classroom teacher for the day.

If you would like to volunteer for any of the roles outlined above, please contact Courtney Rzeplinski, Zion’s Director of Youth and Family Ministries, at 732-552-6737  or courtney@zionoldwick.com.  Thank you!

Youth & Family Ministries at Zion

It is an exciting time for our young children here at Zion!  Plans are in the works to revamp our Sunday School program in 2018.  We will be introducing our new Workshop Rotation Model (WoRM) for grades 1-6.  Each Sunday, the kids will travel to a different classroom to learn their bible story. One week they might be cooking and the next is arts and crafts or movie room!  We will have a blast in our new Sunday School classes.

 With the addition of the WoRM program, we need additional volunteers to lead our classes. Perhaps you have a passion for a certain area that you could share with our kids.  Or maybe you can volunteer to run the movie. Either way, we only need a 3-week commitment from our leaders.  You can, of course, sign up to volunteer again!  Also, please don’t feel you need to use the excuse ‘I don’t know the bible well enough to teach’ or ‘I don’t have time to prep every Sunday’.  The beauty of the WoRM is that the same lesson is being taught for a 3-week block.  You only need to tweak your lesson depending on the age group you have coming in.  On page 4, you will see ways in which you can volunteer, both RIGHT NOW and in 2018.  There is a lot of work to do, but many hands will make light work.  Please consider how you can volunteer your time and talents at Zion.  And please reach out to me by email or phone to let me know that you are interested in serving the Sunday School!

 Peace and Blessings,

Courtney RzeplinskiDirector of Youth and Family Ministries 

Social Ministry Update by Rebecca Melick

Alternative Giving

Alternative Gifts will be available beginning on November 12th on the front lawn of the church, immediately following Second Sunday Single Service.  Gifts will then be available on Sundays at the CEB between services, concluding on Advent Parish night, December 3rd.  Alternative Gifts make great presents for family, friends and teachers!

Gifts available this year include:

* Beaded Bracelet - with $20 donation to ELCA water purification tablet distribution 

* Dip Mix Ornament - with $15 donation to Meals on Wheels

* Book Mark - with $10 donation to Bridge of Books Foundation

* Doggy Biscuits - with $5 donation to K-9s for Warriors

The Giving Tree

Once again Zion will be offering the Giving Tree, beginning November 12th to provide gifts for the children of Family Promise.  Check out the tree at the rear of the church.  

Tag Sale

With proceeds from the 2017 Tag Sale, Zion was able to sponsor 5 weeks of summer camp for Family Promise children at Cross Roads.  The children loved the experience!  Thank you to all who made this possible.