A Message from Pastor Summer -- December 2018
This Sunday, we enter into Advent, that wonderful season of expectation before the coming of Christmas. However, the season of Advent has evolved through the years. Our expectations have grown and often revolve around our family traditions. We feel the excitement of these expectations, but also the weight of them. There are the decorations to hang, the cards to send, the gifts to buy, the family to invite, and the cookies to make. The coming month is filled with these expectations that we have created.
We feel the same excitement and weight about the expectations in the life of the church. There is worship to plan, the church to decorate, Christmas Eve anthems to learn, Advent Parish Night to celebrate, Advent books to send, candles to buy, and children’s programs to hold. This month is filled expectations.
Yes, we’ve entered into Advent, but the concern is that amidst all the expectations we’ve created for the season, we miss the significance of Advent. Our lists of expectations weigh heavily on us in terms of all the things we need to do, plan, and arrange to celebrate the coming of Christmas. The concern is that the true expectation is missed. It’s not surprising that we become tired rather than renewed. We grow hectic rather than hopeful. We long for the season to be done rather than for it to begin. And so what is the central expectation of Advent?
Long ago, the people of Israel lived in expectation. They longed for the coming of the Messiah, for God to act in this broken world and their broken lives. Christmas is the fulfillment of that expectation, that longing. God acted and in love, sent a Son, the Messiah, to be born in Bethlehem. In our day, we have the same longing for God to act in our broken world and our broken lives. We too live in expectation. Christmas is the promise that our expectation has been met. It is the promise that in love, God has acted for our sake by sending Jesus, that in love, God continues to care for us and the living of our lives, and that in love, Jesus will come again. The central expectation of Advent has taken place. We have already known the promise and we await it’s fulfillment in the coming Kingdom. This is the heart of Advent. This is why we celebrate the season. Amidst all the other expectations of this time of year, let us hold onto the center. Jesus has come and Jesus is coming again. That is the Good News. That is Advent.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
Special Meeting of the Congregation -- December 16
There will be a Special Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, December 16, at 9:45 a.m. at the church. The agenda for the meeting is to hear a preliminary presentation (with discussion) of the 2019 budget, and to elect 2019 Council members. No other business may properly come before the congregation at this meeting. The 2019 Annual Meeting of the Congregation will take place in January, where the budget will be approved and the Annual Report received. This will be an open meeting where additional items of business may be brought forward.
Youth and Family Ministries
Dear Members and Friends,
Why do we invest in small numbers?
I want to paint a picture for you. Come with me back to one year ago, November of 2017, where I have been at Zion as your Director of Youth and Family Ministries for three short months. Coming up is the NJ Synod’s Among the Wolves middle school retreat. Zion has not participated in this retreat in a very long time. I have been told, repeatedly, that I do not have to go to the weekend retreat, since I am still new and only part-time. I send out the information and gather some advisors and surprisingly, we have 4 students sign up. Then, a week or so out, (due to very unfortunate circumstances) both of the advisors have to pull out. Less than a week away from the retreat, a student backs out. So, I find myself doing what God has always called me to do… GO! So I pack my bags, secure a few babysitters for the weekend, and am on my way up to Zion for the retreat. On my way, an hour before we are due to leave, another student calls out sick. I arrive at the CEB and get ready to go with only two students and myself. As we get ready to depart, one mom pulls me aside and says “You know Courtney, we wouldn’t have blamed you if you wanted to cancel. This is a lot of time and work for only two students.”
The thought hits me… yes, it has been a lot of work, and yes, I could have canceled, but I have two young girls who are packed and ready to go. So after a few long few sleepless nights, I am back at home hoping and praying that the weekend made an impact on the girls.
Fast forward to November 2018 at Among the Wolves. We have 12 students going and 4 advisors. Yes, I said TWELVE and FOUR! Talk about a return on investment! If last year’s retreat were to have been cancelled due to low attendance, this amazing weekend in 2018 wouldn’t have happened. I can say with confidence that because Zion invested in these two young ladies, they in return brought in a whole new group of students willing and able to be transformed at a youth retreat. The event went well, and we were able to introduce a whole new group of kids to God’s grace.
The question at hand was, why do we invest in small numbers? Any banker will tell you that even a small amount will grow larger and larger after years of investment. The trick is to have patience and not be discouraged when you are only able to invest a small amount. I urge you to continue to invest in Zion and our youth. You might be thinking that since our numbers are small, our programs must not be ‘working’. I urge you to remember the story I just told you. Those girls in 2017 are real members of our congregation, and this year, those 12 students are real kids in our church with real spiritual needs. We must continue to invest in our children and teach them in the ways in which we have been taught.
Peace,
Courtney Rzeplinski
Sunday School Christmas program -- December 9
The season of Advent is a time to prepare—and wait. A time to count the days until Christmas, counting on the promise of a Savior.
The Sunday School Christmas program will be presented during the 10 am worship service at the church on Sunday, December 9.
Christmas Church Decorating
It’s that time again…time to decorate the church for Christmas. Needless to say, many hands make for a quick hour or two to get the tree set up, decorated, and wreaths hung.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, December 15th at 9:00 am. In the event of a potential weather event we will put out a call for any strong volunteers who can get the tree inside early. Thanks for your help.
And while you are marking your calendars, you can also mark Sunday, January 6, 2019, following the 11:00 am service for the un-decorating of the church.
Meet Our Members
Tim & Donna Hunter
Tim and Donna Hunter joined Zion in 2008 after Tim was transferred with Bayer Consumer Health to their headquarters in Whippany, NJ. After searching for a church home for several months, they finally found Zion and felt an immediate connection.
Tim and Donna have enjoyed serving on Zion’s Church Council. Tim served on the Finance Committee and was chair from 2012-2015. Donna chaired the Evangelism Committee from 2014-2015 and served several years on the Social Ministry Committee.
Tim began his career with Bayer in 1982 as an accountant with a degree from Bloomsburg University. After receiving a Masters degree from Lehigh University, he held various positions at the Bayer Myerstown, PA, site before being transferred to the NJ corporate offices as a Senior Supply Chain Manager. Tim retired in 2016 after 35 years of service. Donna was working for Tyco Electronics in Harrisburg at the time of Tim’s transfer and was able to retain service years by transferring to Tyco International as an Operations Coordinator at their Simplex Grinnell division in Secaucus, NJ.
Daughters Michelle and Kristen both live in NJ. Michelle, husband Alan and children Bridget, Timothy and Daniel live in Scotch Plains, NJ. Kristen and husband, Dave and their two rescue dogs live in Phillipsburg, NJ. After both being born and raised in PA (Tim in Williamsport and Donna in the Reading area), they decided to return to their Pennsylvania roots and moved to Easton, PA upon retirement. Easton fit their needs of living in PA but not too far from the kids and grandkids. They had also purchased a condo in Naples, FL in 2011 with an eye on retirement. This winter will be their first in Florida and they are looking forward to it as they both enjoy tennis, golf, biking, hiking and travelling.
Debra Kaufman
Debra, Rachael, and Allison joined Zion in 2006 upon moving to New Jersey from Virginia. They still remember their first worship service when Kay and Glenn Beagle were the first to greet them. Little did they know that they were neighbors. They chatted many a time on Big Spring Road while walking their dogs. Debra misses them both, Artie too, and will always be thankful for them and that first day at Zion and that last cup of tea with Kay.
Rachael is a graduate from the College of William and Mary and also earned her Master’s in Social Work at VCU in Richmond. She now works at SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now, Circle preschool for children impacted by trauma. She is pursuing her LSW and is being the big hearted young lady she's always been.
Allison graduated with a double major in Computer Science and Philosophy from Boston University. She lives and works in Boston [figured she would love that town]. She has two pet rats, Wally and Barry; she says they are the best roommates ever.
Debra enjoyed a 32-year career at Verizon and is now travelling up and down the east coast to visit family and friends. She was on Church Council and assisted Pastor Summer with Confirmation Class for many a year. Shout out to Tom, Ginny, and Sue for supporting the young people throughout the years. Debra still loves seeing those Confirmands as young adults. She enjoys WOZ events thanks to Anita Zarate, and Social Ministry opportunities to serve, thanks to Rebecca Melick and Linda Held.
The Kaufmans’ favorite place to vacation is on Toddy Pond in Maine. A deck of cards and a few kayaks is all they need.
Oh lest we forget, they adopted Kasey, their quirky beagle hound, two years ago. The Kaufman girls wish everyone a blessed Christmas.
Military Recognition -- THANK YOU!
The Military Recognition project began as a "thought" by an extremely dedicated and always smiling Rebecca Melick - chairperson of the Social Ministry committee at Zion. Since her project list is much longer than the hours in any day, the project was given to another committee member, Shellie Evers – a “newbie” and a military mom, so it was a perfect match.
The project that began with brainstorming ideas in the summer, all set to culminate on November 11, Veteran’s Day, involved meetings for fleshing out ideas, approval of a budget from the Council, a Thrivent grant application (and subsequent shopping trip to Walmart once the grant was received), several emails to the congregation to gather names, addresses, and requests for the care package contents for those currently serving, and names and details for those who had previously served -- as well as a request for donations. Next steps included "Trick or Treating for the Troops" and packing of the boxes by the Sunday School classes, and addressing and finishing of the boxes by other “recruits” before taking them to the church for the big day.
On Sunday, November 11, the bulletin insert named each service member, those currently serving and those who had previously served, in detail. The worship service was full of poignant references and recognitions with the highlight being the blessing of the boxes by the children, introduced by Courtney Rzeplinski and by led by Pastor Mark Summer.
The individually and uniquely packaged boxes were sent to service members in the following places:
Alabama (1), Hawaii (1), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), North Carolina (2), Tennessee (1), Virginia (1), Korea (2)
The boxes consisted of some or all of the following items paid for through the $250 Thrivent Grant:
· Riesen candy (you’re the “Reisen” our country is free)
· Lifesavers (thank you for being our heroes and “lifesavers”)
· Dog toys
· Protein bars
· $25 Walmart gift cards (7)
The Thrivent grant was supplemented by the following donations for the care packages:
· $25 iTunes gift cards (4) donated by Bill & Eleanor Kover
· Photos, notes, and Halloween candy donated by the Sunday School classes
· God’s Eyes crafts donated by Courtney Rzeplinski
· Fresh produce donated by Rebecca Melick
· Ear buds (4) and other miscellaneous items donated by the Evers family
Due to the success of the project, and requests by several congregants, we hope to make this an ongoing annual project. Our sincere thanks to all involved!
SPECIAL THANKS:
Pastor Summer – For the beautiful way you always make the worship services feel special – but especially for the November 11 service. It was perfect!
Courtney Rzeplinski – For your creativity, your work on this project personally, your leadership of the kids, and for your participation in the worship service – it was wonderful!
The Sunday School classes – For your sweet notes, your creativity, your time in putting the boxes together, and for your kind generosity in donating your “hard earned” Halloween candy!
Rebecca Melick – For the idea to formally recognize our active duty and veteran military members, for taking the budget request to the Council, for all your support throughout …and for helping finish assembling the boxes!
Todd & Stacey Rothermel – For applying for and helping us get the Thrivent grant to help fund the project.
Eric and Joshua Evers – For helping shop at Walmart, for your help in finishing the boxes, and for being the “muscle” needed to carry them to the various places they needed to go.
Jenny Gelson – For proofing and sending emails, collecting and formatting information for the November newsletter, printing pictures for the boxes, and for the November 11 insert. You are so great, and your attention to detail is so very appreciated!
Cookie Exchange -- December 12
The Women of Zion Cookie Exchange will be on Wednesday, December 12th, at 7:00 p.m. at the CEB. Please bring three dozen cookies and a gift for your prayer pal. As usual, we’ll socialize as we eat cookies, and package the rest to give to those who are housebound or ill. Then we’ll recognize those we’ve prayed for all year with a token gift, and draw a new prayer pal for 2019. Guests are welcome! Please sign up in the narthex.
Lunch Bunch -- December 13
The Lunch Bunch will be going to Spain 92, 1116 US-202 in Raritan on December 13, for our annual Christmas Lunch. The phone number is 704-9292. Join the fun. We’ll be looking for you!
Book of Faith
The Book of Faith will continue to explore the Acts of the Apostles. We still need to pick a day of the week and time. Come join the conversation in January. You won’t be disappointed. The adventure continues!
Vespers -- January 3 and 17
Vespers will meet on January 3 and 17. 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!
Discipleship -- January 24
Discipleship will be meeting next on January 24. It includes a potluck supper at 6:30 and discussion at 7:30. All are invited. We would love to see you there!
A Message from Pastor Summer -- November 2018
Several Sundays ago, I preached a sermon based on a passage from the book of James. In that passage, James told the early church community to share their stories with each other. In particular, they were to share their struggles and sorrows. In turn, the community was to listen with compassion and grace. In many ways, Jesus lifted up that same image for the church. He said that the world would know that we are his disciples by our love for each other.
This past Sunday, at the Adult Conversation during Sunday School, we had such an occasion of sharing and listening. Our time together was deep and meaningful. There were stories told, truths revealed, tears shed, and comfort given. We were a community of grace for each other. God was surely present. We ended with prayer and embraces. I was deeply impacted by the experience and I promised the group that I would take action. What had taken place needed to continue. And so, with that in mind, I want to offer the following proposal.
I would like propose that we offer a time of sharing and listening every Sunday during Sunday School. This would take the place of what we have called Adult Conversation. Our conversation would have a different focus. Opportunity would be given for people to tell their stories to the community and, as a community, we would listen in grace. We would intentionally practice what we are called to do for each other. Sometimes, those stories would be our struggles and sorrows. Sometimes, those stories would be our joys and blessings. We would be inviting real conversation where “how are you?” would not be a throwaway line. The time would be limited, but the door would be opened. If last Sunday was any indication, that time would be well spent and God would put that time to good use.
Council Highlights -- October 2018
The Church Council met on October 18. Highlights include:
· Pastor Summer reported that the Assistant to the Bishop will attend the November Council meeting to outline the process for transitioning after a pastor retires.
· Courtney Rzeplinski presented the Council with a proposal to create a Child Safety policy and training for all volunteers who work with children at Zion.
· The Sunday School classes are learning about Moses and attendance has been very good. The Little Luthers nursery room has been in use every Sunday morning during Sunday School, staffed by Jennifer & Kristen Hodges.
· New interior signs have been installed at the CEB.
· Military recognition will take place during 10 a.m. worship on November 11.
The next meeting of the Church Council will be on Thursday, November 15. Meetings are open for all to attend.
News from the Endowment Committee
Our final Endowment Sunday for 2018 will be All Saints Sunday, November 4th.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to Zion’s Endowment Fund throughout the year.
The year started with $20,317 from the Endowment Fund earnings available for new ministry opportunities in 2018. $5,000 was committed to support Youth and Family Ministry programs from the approved 2018 budget. Council has since voted to commit to the following ministries with the remaining funds:
· $3,000 — Flemington Area Food Pantry
· $5,000 — New Web Site Development and Management
· $5,000 — Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center — cabin refurbishment
So, there is a balance of approximately $2,317 from Endowment Funds available in 2018 for additional ministry opportunities.
Always keep in mind that the Endowment Fund only grows with contributions from members and friends of Zion. Those who share the vision of not only a living memorial for loved ones, but also recognize that upon maturity, the fund will provide significant monetary grants for many new mission-oriented programs, forever.
Envelopes marked “Endowment Fund” are in the back of the church each Sunday for anyone wishing to contribute.
Please contact any member of the Endowment Committee (Geof Close, Ted Jermansen and Rick Schroeder) if you have any questions!
Hospitality PLUS! by Judy Formalarie
When I was visiting my daughter in Memphis, I noticed large signs above all the doors in her church directing you to the classrooms, offices and restrooms. As a visitor, I thought that was very helpful. Coming back to the CEB, I thought we should do the same thing to provide that higher level of hospitality to our guests and visitors. In talking with Council, we approved signs to be made and put above the doors of the great room, the hallway leading to the offices and classrooms, and above the elevator. Harold Wrede agreed to take on the task of getting this done. It was no small job. He worked with a sign maker for the design, and he also did a lot of the work himself. The new signs are now installed and they look beautiful as well as being helpful. Take note of them when you are at the CEB and I’m sure you will agree with me that he did a spectacular job! Thank you, Harold!!
Advent Parish Night -- SAVE THE DATE
Advent Parish Night has been schedule for Sunday, December 2. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this fun-filled meaningful evening with your Zion friends and family.
Youth & Family Ministries
Dear Members and Friends,
At this month’s meeting, our Church Council took a tremendous step forward regarding the safety of Zion and its youth. The Council agreed to team up with Plan to Protect, a company that is dedicated entirely to organizations adopting and maintaining the most up to date safety training, policies, and procedures.
I think we can all agree that we value the safety of our students and our volunteers. That part seems like a no-brainer. We want everyone to be safe at church, right? The tougher part is implementing and following the new standards of safety. In the near future, Zion will start training on safety policies and procedures. Every volunteer who works directly with our students (teachers, shepherds, adult leaders, etc.) will be required to participate in the training and will need to agree to abide by the new policies for student safety. There is a great possibility that our volunteers will also be required to submit to a background check as well.
Now I know what you may be thinking … “background checks? Mandatory training? I ’m not doing all of that! It doesn’t seem worth the effort! Sorry Miss Courtney, but I’m out!” Wait! Before you jump to those thoughts let me explain a few things.
If we think of the new child safety measures being put in place as a ministry to our families, and not a bunch of barriers, we can start to see the big picture. As a volunteer, you may be thinking that all of this seems unnecessary – after all, Zion is fortunate that nothing bad has happened in the past. However, in the case of child endangerment, it is much smarter for us to be proactive than reactive. We want to take measures to prevent the possibility of abuse from ever occurring under our watch.
A policy and training will help keep not only our students safer, but also our volunteers. Volunteers will know how to handle certain situations and be able to identify when a student is being hurt, harming themselves, or hurting others. With training and safety standards, parents can rely on the fact that their children are in the care of trained caregivers. Parents will also be able to take part in the training, to better help their children and our volunteers.
Our partnership with Plan to Protect is not intended to make our volunteers jump through a bunch of hoops. We are so appreciative of the men and women who step forward to help teach our students. Instead, Plan to Protect is being introduced to the congregation as a commitment to our families that we care about our children and value the service our volunteers provide.
I encourage everyone in the congregation to attend a training class when they are made available. The information shared during these events is absolutely life-changing to a child who is vulnerable to being hurt. Parents, grandparents, volunteers, and even our older students (high school) are invited to participate in this ministry. I encourage you to open your hearts and your minds. Please think not of the new ‘obstacles’ a volunteer must ‘pass’, but of the new opportunity to prevent harm to the most vulnerable members of our congregation. I applaud Zion and our ability to adapt and change in the face of our every changing world. Together, we are working to better ourselves and our community.
With great appreciation,
Miss Courtney
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