As we enter the fall, it’s easy to recall the excitement we felt as children when we began a new school year. There were notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, bags and clothes to buy. For some of us, there was the joy of a new box of crayons. As summer ended, we found ourselves both excited and scared. We could hardly wait to see old friends and wondered what future assignments awaited us. The slow days of summer began to pick up speed. There was something in the air. The first day of school was just around the corner. We could hardly wait.
As we enter the fall at Zion, there is that same sense of excitement as we begin a number of new ventures in ministry. It’s both exciting and scary, and it’s filled with God’s possibilities. Here are some of those new ventures:
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
Courtney Rzeplinski has joined us as the new Director of Youth and Family Ministry. She has already made an impact as she brings her energy and vision to this position. She brings a rich background of experience and education. She’s excited about the challenge, has begun to get to know our congregation, and has already shared many of her ideas, including the possibility of a rotational Sunday School.
Second Sunday Single Service
This marks a real change in our worship life. On the second Sunday of every month, we will gather as the whole family of Zion at the church at 10:00 for worship. Each month, one of the Sunday School classes will assist. We will be looking for ways to make the service both engaging and meaningful for all ages. In addition, I will be providing a Bible study called Second Sunday Sermon Secrets, prior to worship at 9:00, at the General Store.
New Design for Confirmation
We are making changes to the confirmation program. We will be adapting Luther’s Small Catechism. We will be including retreat events starting with Among the Wolves through the Synod. We will be using social media to report out every week what we are doing in class. We will be working more closely with Social Ministry.
National Youth Gathering
Once again, we will be attending the National Youth Gathering which will be held in Houston this year. Preparations will begin in September as we hope to register on the 15th. This event has been life changing for many of our young people in the past.
This is a partial list. The descriptions of these four adventures only scratches the surface of their possibilities. As I said, it’s an exciting time for us at Zion. I can hardly wait to see where God takes us.
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