A Message from Pastor Summer -- January 2018

There is something wonderful about a “do over”. My guess is that everyone is familiar with the concept. The “do over” is a part of every childhood. Growing up, whenever there was a disagreement, division, or controversy over a game or activity, someone would call a “do over”. The idea was universally accepted. You wiped the slate clean and started again. You were not bound by the past. You could move beyond the division. The “do over” provided a way to something new, reconciling, and better.  The “do over” felt right.

As a culture, the “do over” has been incorporated in our celebration of New Year.  With the New Year, we give ourselves permission to wipe the slate clean. We say goodbye to the old and open ourselves to something new.  Saying goodbye to 2017 will not be difficult. The past year was not an easy one and was filled with disagreements, division, and controversy.  We hope the New Year will be a better one.  As people of faith, we do more than simply hope.  Our hope is bound to a promise, the promise of God. 

           With God, we are very familiar with the concept of a “do over”.  The concept is at the heart of the Gospel. We are not bound by our past.  We can move beyond our failures, struggles, and disappointments. God’s grace forgives us and sets us free to live a new life in Christ. That gift is not limited to once a year, but is given each and every day.  Each day, by God’s grace, is a “do over”.  God’s grace opens us to something new, reconciling, and better.  And with that grace, we can make hope happen. We can work in the world to make something new, reconciling, and better for others.  As people, graced by God, may we live out our “do over” is Christ and bring hope in the New Year.

Peace,

Pastor Summer

December Council Highlights

The Church Council met on December 14th.  Highlights include:

· The proposed 2018 budget was finalized for presentation to the congregation on December 17.

· The Property Committee reported that there are issues with the bell at the church that will be addressed in the new year.

· Advent Parish Night was a big success.  The Parish Life committee is planning fun-filled events for 2018.

· The Sunday School Workshop Rotational Model begins in January.  Please see "Sunday School News" article for more information.

· The Tewksbury Historical Society’s request to use the CEB Great Room in October 2018 was approved.

· The Council Retreat will take place on January 19-20.

· The Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held on Sunday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Potluck Luncheon.

· Thank you to:

* Sandy Matsen for her service as Sunday School Superintendent.

* Melanie Hodges for filling the position of Sunday School Superintendent.

* Jeff Livingston for his two years of service on the Church Council.

* Jen Dalgauer for creating the crafts for Advent Parish Night.

* The Sunday School students and Children’s Choir for the “From Heaven Above” Christmas Program.

The next meeting of the Church Council will be on January 18th.  Meetings are open for all to attend.

REFLECTIONS ... by Joanne Rupp

I can’t wipe the smile off my face. I just got home from Second Sunday Single Service and the Sunday School Christmas        Program, “From Heaven Above”. There wasn’t an empty pew, the kids were adorable and we all got the forbidden taste of Christmas during Advent. Yes, we sang some of our favorite Christmas carols on December 10th.

The Children’s Choir sang and I was beyond impressed. Volume, clarity, and to my ears, perfect pitch. And listening to Pre K - Kindergarten sing “Away in the Manger” brought me back to 1986 (Pastor Summer’s first Christmas at Zion) when our four year old son, John, and James (then Jamie) Rustwick sang “Away in the Manger” together.

My favorite part of the program was the shepherds. Imagine four and five year olds holding a LONG shepherd’s crook and standing in the front of the congregation. They clearly have some maturing to do before they will be angels, but watching them find ways to amuse themselves with said crook was delightful. The late arrival of baby Jesus to the manger also drew a lot of smiles from the congregation.

I loved seeing all the kids involved. I loved seeing parents and grandparents delighting in watching the kids. I loved seeing all the smiles. I love tradition and I, for one, hope that this becomes a yearly tradition at Zion.

Kudos to all the adults who made this happen. I don’t dare try to list the names, but you know who you are (Sandy Matsen). I’m sure at this moment you are all taking a deep breath and saying “We did it”.  And you did.

Giving Thanks for Sandy Matsen

As most of you know, Sandy Matsen has dedicated herself to Zion’s Sunday School program for many years. She has done it all – served on the Christian Education committee, taught Sunday School, and overseen the Sunday School program as the Superintendent.  At the end of 2017, Sandy stepped down as the Superintendent and is looking forward to continuing to serve on the Christian Education committee.  Her amazing talent as Superintendent will be missed!  Thank you, Sandy, for all of your work at Zion Lutheran Church.

Sunday School News

Dear Members and Friends,

               For 2018, the Christian Education Committee at Zion Lutheran Church has decided to dive into a new year with a new Sunday School model. The times of lectionary-based Sunday School classrooms are over, as we look to embrace the WoRM!

               WoRM stands for Workshop Rotational Model. What is WoRM, you ask? A Workshop Rotational Model is a creative way to allow our students to hear the Word of God, study the bible, discover the foundational stories, all while learning in a way that is best for them. We all know that individual students learn in a variety of ways. Some students can retain information by hearing it, others need to see it, and some need to do it. WoRM allows all of these different learning techniques to be used. For example, one week, your student might be in the Cooking workshop, where they will read the story then do a hands-on cooking project. The next week, they might be in the Movie room – where they can sit back, eat popcorn, and soak in the visual aids of the SAME lesson they learned the previous week. Over the course of 3-4 weeks, your student will have been able to hear the same lesson presented in a multitude of ways. The benefits of this technique are numerous! Not only are students kept engaged by the weekly rotating workshops, but each teacher has the ability to perfect their teachings week after week! The move to the WoRM is a win-win for parents, teachers, and most importantly, our children!

               There is always room for more helpers and teachers. If you feel the call to teach our students, your commitment needs only to be for 3 to 4 weeks. Gone are the days of teaching months after months! The great news is that you can choose a room to teach in that best represents your interests.  We have a spot for you. And if by chance we don’t offer what interests you, we have the freedom to create new rooms with every rotation!  If you are considering teaching or assisting in a classroom in 2018, please let me know.

Blessings,

Miss Courtney

Director of Youth and Family Ministries

732-552-6737

courtney@zionoldwick.com

Sunday School Celebrates!

In the fall of 2017, we had three students who had perfect classroom attendance in Sunday School!  We ask that you join us in celebrating Caleb Schuman (Pre-K), Jade DiCriscio (1st grade), and Gregory Smith (5th grade) on their achievement and dedication.  An honorable mention goes out to Reina Schumann, who only missed one week.  Great job, kids and parents!

The Sunday School would like to lift up all those who have given their time and talent to teach our students in the fall of 2017.  Special thanks to ...

Sandy Matsen - Superintendent

Melanie Hodges - Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher

Brian Hodges - Pre-K/Kindergarten teacher’s assistant

Linda Smith - 1st/2nd grade teacher

Brooke Schumann - 3rd/4th grade teacher

Jennifer Hodges - 3rd/4th grade teacher's assistant

Kristen Hodges - 3rd/4th grade teacher's assistant

Rich Schumann - 3rd/4th grade teacher's assistant

Laura Bredeson - 5th/6th grade teacher

Laura Spann - 5th/6th grade teacher

Meet Our Members

Bill & Eleanor Kover

Eleanor became a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Brunswick a few years after her family moved to New Jersey from Quebec in the mid 1940’s.  Bill joined her as a member at Emanuel in the late 1960’s, where they were married in 1970.

Eleanor became a naturalized citizen as a teenager so she could pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.  She went on to earn a BA degree at Glassboro State College (now Rowan) followed by her Masters and almost enough credits for a PHD.  Her dream came true as an educator in Edison Township for 29 years before taking early retirement due to health problems stemming from her bout with Polio at the age of 5 years.

Bill is a graduate of Rutgers University, and served in the United States Air Force before being granted a Hardship Discharge so that he could support his widowed mother.  His career as a Senior Insurance Underwriter lasted 27 years before he took early retirement.

Both Eleanor and Bill have been members of SWIM, Inc. for 22 years, Eleanor as a Chapter Coordinator and Bill as a Volunteer. SWIM, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides free aquatic exercise for adults with impaired mobility as well as a social gathering of caring and respect.  As a matter of fact, Bill and Eleanor learned about Zion Lutheran Church from a SWIM, Inc. Flemington Chapter member who had lived in Tewksbury.  They happily joined Zion after a few early morning services.  Pastor Summer’s enjoyable and enlightening sermons along with a welcoming congregation convinced them that they had found a church they could call home.  

Travel has been a big part of their married life with trips all over the United States, as well as six extended visits to Europe.  Eleanor loves to read, and is proficient with computers.  Bill’s favorite hobbies are photography and woodworking.  

Rebecca Melick & Josh Bryan

Rebecca Melick and Josh Bryan were married at Zion and have two children, Catherine (13) and Robert (10).  Rebecca is a lifelong member of Zion and is currently serving on Council as well as the Social Ministry and Christian Education committees. The Melick-Bryan family live in Lebanon Township and are neighbors with the Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center. Rebecca and Catherine enjoy caring for their many pets including: 2 Holstein steers, 2 donkeys, a draft riding mule, 5 turkeys, 2 pot belly pigs, 2 Flemish Giant rabbits, 1 chicken, 6 cats, a dog and 2 Beta fish.  Robert has a passion for sports and Josh enjoys antique John Deere tractors and growing hay to feed the family pets. Rebecca has been vegan for nearly 20 years while Robert and Catherine have been vegan since birth and Josh is vegan when at home.

Megan Stanski

Meghan is a lifelong member of Zion having been baptized by Pastor Summer nearly 30 years ago!  She grew up in Readington and has returned to the area, working as a baker at The Dessert Plate in Somerville. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys hiking with a local club and is planning an overnight backpacking trip through the Adirondacks this summer. When she's not spending time outside, she enjoys various crafts, usually knitting or crocheting. Meghan is looking forward to serving on Council beginning in 2018 as well as teaching Sunday school and continuing as a member of the hand bell choir.

Social Ministry Update

Coffee Drive for Faith Kitchen

Once again there is a collection of coffee for Faith Kitchen during January and February.   We hope to exceed our goal of 200 pounds. Fortunately coffee is often on sale during these winter months.  Cans can be dropped off in the CEB lobby or the church vestibule.

Update from the Worship & Music Committee

Christmas at Zion has been put away for another year. The only signs that remain are some poinsettias (their days are numbered) and the wreaths on the doors. The 15 foot Christmas tree had its branches cut off and was pushed out the window. Everything else was packed away for another year.

Many thanks go to the people who helped set up and take down. It truly is an example of many hands make for light work. The clean up took less than an hour. Many, many thanks go to Peter Melick who picked up the 15’ tree in Bethlehem Township.

The great mystery of the season was “What happened to the plastic candle holders that we use during the Christmas Eve Candlelight service?” When we discovered an empty space in the narthex closet and no candle holders a few days before Christmas panic set in. We searched and searched. Nothing. We needed to order new holders FAST. And we found Out of Stock until December 26th. Finally success with expedited shipping. The question remains “what happened to the candle holders?”.

The Worship and Music Committee spent many hours re-working the Christmas Eve service. We moved to a service that more reflects our traditional worship service using Christmas carols as part of the liturgy. A discerning eye will notice we changed fonts that will continue to be used throughout the year. We would love to hear your comments.

Attendance:

Christmas Eve

4:30 Children’s Service - 104

7:00 Candlelight - 206 (we ran out of candles)

9:00 Candlelight - 120

Christmas Day

11:00 - 47

Ink Cartridge Recycling

We have been collecting your used printer ink cartridges for a few years. We are able to recycle them at Staples for credit of $2 per cartridge. Staples will now allow us to recycle 20 cartridges per month. That equates to $480 of Staples credit per year, but only if we have 20 cartridges to recycle every month.

Our cartridge reserves are down to TWO. We need your cartridges, your neighbors cartridges, your co-workers cartridges. You can drop them at the church narthex (shelf), the CEB (entry table or pew, Parish Office or workroom). We will find them. Thanks for your help.

Second Sunday Sermon Secrets

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!

Book of Faith -- Noon on Wednesdays

The Book of Faith will continue to explore the Acts of the Apostles.  Come join the conversation.  You won’t be disappointed.  We are on chapter 8.  The adventure continues! 

Vespers -- January 4 and 18

This month, Vespers will meet on January 4th and 18th.  There is a Soup Supper at the CEB at 6 p.m. followed by Vespers at 7 p.m.  This worship experience has been deeply meaningful to many people.  Please join us!

Lunch Bunch -- January 11

The Lunch Bunch will be going to Kirsten’s Italian Grill, 1386 Rt. 22, Lebanon on January 11 at 12 p.m.  The phone number is 236-6022.  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 will be Bishop Eaton’s State of the Church.  All are invited.  We would love to see you there!