A Message from Pastor Summer -- March 2019

We are approaching the season of Lent.  Traditionally, Lent has been a time of penance.  For many, this has meant that we are focused on our sinfulness and our need to repent.  Our liturgical practice reinforces that idea.  Lent’s beginning is marked with the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday and concludes liturgically with the absolution on Maundy Thursday and emotionally on Easter with the good news of the resurrection.

Lent, however, is more than a time of self-examination of our sin.  Lent is also meant to be a time of renewal.  During Lent, the central focus is our baptism which means sin to forgiveness, death to life.  Through our baptism, we are able to look at ourselves the way we truly are, both the good and the bad.  Through are baptism, we are than able to confront our sinfulness, not out of our own strength and courage, but out of the promise of the gospel.  Through our baptism, we are able to recognize and own our sin in the knowledge that we are loved by God, forgiven by Christ, and claimed by God’s grace. We can acknowledge our sinful life in order to be led into newness of life. We can become the people God would have us be.

When we mark our foreheads with ashes this Ash Wednesday, let us remember that ashes are not only the ancient symbol of sin, judgement and frailty.  Ashes are so much more.  They are also the ancient symbol of cleansing and renewal.  In Lent, we recognize both of those elements.  We are sinful, but we are also forgiven through God’s grace in Christ.  We hold these two, sin and grace, in tension as we make the journey through Lent to the good news of Easter.  Join us again this year as we make the journey together.

Peace,

Pastor Summer

February Council Highlights

The Church Council met on February 21, 2019.  Below are the highlights of that meeting.

· A membership report was given by Joanne Rupp.  The Council approved 14 new members who will be joining Zion on March 10.

· Pastor Scott Schantzenbach, Assistant to the Bishop of the New Jersey Synod, will be coming to Zion on March 17 to assist in worship and meet with the congregation regarding Pastor Summer’s retirement.

· Courtney Rzeplinski provided an update on the status of the new Child Safety Policy.  She also shared that the Sunday School is in need of a new Superintendent.

· The Christian Education committee reported that the last day of Sunday School will be May 19.

· The Shepherding committee reported that new Pocket Prayer Shawls are available the church and CEB for anyone who would like one.

· The Property committee reported that the restoration project in the sanctuary has been approved and the work will start after Easter.  Also, the repair work in third floor bathroom at the CEB has been completed.

· Council members reviewed the work that was done at the January retreat.

· Thank you to:

* Brooke Schumann for filling in as interim Sunday School Superintendent.

* Jeff Livingston for his work on the church organ.

The next meeting of the Church Council will be on Thursday, March 21.  Meetings are open for all to attend.

Youth & Family Ministries Update

Dear Members and Friends,

As a Director of Youth and Family Ministries, I have a responsibility that God has placed on my heart. Besides the everyday program-running, administration-doing, gospel-teaching stuff I do, I get to invite the congregation into the life of the youth. This task, inviting you into the lives of the children at Zion, is my greatest joy.

The bible states repeatedly just how special children are in the eyes of our Lord. My favorite verse about passing on the faith comes from Psalm 78:4-6.

 

“We will not hide them from their children but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children.”

In the coming months, and coming years, I will be calling on you to join me in ministering to our youth. I am telling you this now, so you may open your hearts and your minds to the possibility of doing something new. It is a widely popular belief that a youth ministry volunteer must be young, fun, and energetic. This image of the “perfect youth ministry volunteer” is a wrongful vision in our minds. The best volunteers have a few key qualities – a heart for the Lord, a passion for passing on their faith, and a loving heart towards our students.

I can already hear your thinking as you read this. You’re thinking, “Oh, Miss Courtney, I used to volunteer, but I’m too old now – too busy now – too retired now – too (insert any other objection here). I am reminding you today that you are not “too” anything to help in the lives of our students. God calls us to pass on our faith, tell the biblical stories, and reassure the children that we care for them. Your presence in this process is both a duty and a privilege.

Please take some time to pray. Pray for the youth who are currently in our congregation. Then pray for the students who have not yet experienced the love of Zion. Finally, pray that God finds a way to use you – your heart, mind, and soul – to further the youth ministry work being done here at Zion. I promise you that opportunities are coming for you to serve.

Peace,

Miss Courtney

Meet Our Members

Paige Livingston

Paige Livingston moved to New Jersey in 2007 from New York with her four kids; Carl, Erik, Dane and Mara.  Paige grew up in Iowa before moving east after college.  A lifelong member of the ELCA and a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa; the church has always been a part of her life.  Paige currently works in the pharmaceutical industry in Corporate Training and Development.

Carl is 20, works two jobs and will be heading back to school online through a program with University of Florida.  Erik is 18, he attends Roanoke College in VA and is majoring in History with an Education certification.   He plans on teaching high school Social Studies and wants to coach.  Dane is 17, he is a junior at Delaware Valley Regional High School.  He is not sure what his plan is after he graduates, but he knows he wants to move to the North West.  Mara is 13 and in 7th grade.  She is a talented dancer and spends much of her free time at the dance studio, hanging with friends or participating in girl scout activities.

Paige enjoys reading, knitting, live theater and traveling.  She is looking forward to her trip with Mara to Italy in 2020.

Paul & Kristina Maiwaldt

Meet the Maiwaldts. Kristina, Paul, Kirsten & Erik. The Maiwaldts have lived in Clinton Township for the last 17 years, but Kristina has lived in the area most of her life and has been at Zion since she was 3 years old. Kristina and Paul were married by Pastor Summer in 1993 and both kids baptized here. "Come Home to Zion," rings very true for our family, we appreciate the familiar comfort and warmth Zion brings us. Paul is the owner of RR Irrigation in Middlesex which is a lawn sprinkler company. Kristina is the Marketing Director at Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater. Kirsten is studying Design at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University (she loves it) and Erik is currently a Junior at North Hunterdon who loves playing lead guitar in his band, "Twisted Times." They have a a cockapoo named Winston, who is just called "baby." Our family enjoys traveling and the outdoors, along with the company of our extended family that all live close by.

Passover Worship -- April 18

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019

6:30 p.m. at the Christian Education Building

Join your Zion family around the table and share in a Passover meal similar to the meal Christ ate with His disciples before going out into the Garden of Gethsemane.

As at that supper, we too will share the Lord’s Supper.

“While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his  disciples.  ‘Take and eat it’ he said; ‘this is my body.’  Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God and gave it to them.  ‘Drink it all of you,’ he said; ‘this is my blood, which seals God’s covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ ”

(Matthew 26:26-27)

Look for the sign-up list in the narthex or in your email.

From the Shepherding Committee

Pocket Prayer Shawls Are Back!

There is now a full supply of Pocket Prayer Shawls in baskets in the church and CEB for anyone who would like one for themselves or to give away. Pocket Prayer Shawls are smaller versions of the full prayer shawl and can be put in a pocket or purse.  They are made with love and prayers for the goodwill of the person who will receive it. They can provide comfort, assurance and love. Please help yourself! 

Social Ministry update

Good News Home for Women

The women from the Good News Home will be joining us for Vespers on the first and third Thursdays this month.  Please join us in fellowship and make our guests feel welcome when we all share a Soup Supper before Vespers at 6:00 p.m. in the CEB great room.

Food Drive update

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to the Community Food Bank of NJ. In February, Shellie Evers delivered a trunk full of groceries and baby supplies along with a check for $390 from our Zion family. 

Family Promise — March 3 - 17

Zion is hosting Family Promise for two weeks from March 3 - 17.  Family Promise is the only organization in Hunterdon County that houses homeless families with children.  During our hosting period we can have up to 4 families staying at the CEB from 5pm - 7am during the week and around the clock on weekends.  Many volunteers are needed to staff this program.  Check the online sign up for volunteering opportunities.  If you are a veteran Family Promise volunteer, bring a friend.  Our support of Family Promise is a wonderful way to share what we are all about at Zion.  Never volunteered?  Please contact Rebecca Melick at rrmelick@gmail.com to be matched with someone more experienced for your first shift.

Feed My Starving Children — March 29-30

Once again, volunteer packing spots have filled up quickly for our upcoming FMSC Mobile Packing event.  At publication, only the Friday, March 29th at 1:00 session has open spots.  However, no Zion member will be left out.  If you would still like to volunteer and can't make the early Friday time slot, please contact Rebecca Melick.  Volunteers will also be needed to staff the check-in and to provide meals for our FMSC staff.  Watch your email for an online sign-up.

Tag Sale — May 4

Yes, we will be holding the Oldwick Town-Wide Tag Sale again this year to benefit the children of Family Promise, providing scholarships for summer camp at Cross Roads.  As you undertake your spring cleaning, please hold on to saleable items.  A drop-off schedule will be published for dates in April to bring your unwanted treasures to the CEB.

Upcoming events

May 26 — Military Recognition Collection

June/July — Food Pantry Collection (emphasis on children’s breakfast/ lunch items)

Upcoming Parish Life events

March 9 – Restaurant Rovers at King Tut at 5:30 p.m.  $30/person, with dessert to follow at the home of John & Jann McAleer.

April 20 - Pancake Breakfast after the 10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt.  Open to all who attend.

May 18 – Inside/Outside Scavenger Hunt followed by Pizza/Sub dinner at the CEB.  All are welcome!

June 1 – Sing-along around the firepit.

June 9 – Celebration Picnic to honor the retirement of Pastor Summer

June 30 – Pastor Summer’s last Sunday at Zion.  A special worship service followed by a reception on the church lawn.

July 12 – Somerset Patriots Game with Fireworks.  Stay tuned for more details.

Our Heart Goes Out to Zion

Last month was the American Heart Association’s Heart Awareness month (www.heart.org).  The number one cause of loss of life is heart disease and there is a good chance it could happen to someone we care about.  The most recent specifications for CPR are very simple and can save lives.  Another life-saving device, that Zion is blessed to have, is an AED (automated external defibrillator).  It is located in the narthex, on a shelf next to the main door entrance. Although being in an actual health emergency situation can be extremely scary and stressful, this piece of equipment could be the difference in saving someone’s life.  It is simple to use and has automated step by step instructions.  We have sadly seen two lives lost (both under the age of 50, basically healthy men) and had there been an AED available, they might be here with us today.  Because we have been directly affected by heart disease we wanted to highlight the importance of awareness.

Please take the time check out the latest on CPR techniques and take note of where the AED is in the narthex.  

❤

Stacey and Todd Rothermel

Women of Zion Bollywood Class -- March 27

Join us for another Bollywood Dance Fitness Class!

Wednesday, March 27th, at 7:00 p.m. at the CEB.

By popular demand, Shalini is returning to lead another Bollywood Dance Fitness Class as noted above.  All you need to do is sign up in the Narthex by March 24th, and then be there promptly at 7:00 p.m. on March 27th,  wearing loose, comfortable clothes and sneakers. The fee is $5.00/person, payable that evening.  Water will be provided.  Please contact Anita Zarate with any questions.

Vespers -- March 7 and 21

Vespers will be on March 7 and 21 this month.  Soup Supper will be at the CEB at 6:00 with Vespers to follow at 7:00.  Guests from The Good News Home for Women will be joining us.  This worship experience has been deeply meaningful to many people.  Make it a part of your Lenten journey!

Lunch Bunch -- March 14

The Lunch Bunch will be going to King Tut, 1271 US-22, Lebanon, on March 14.   The phone number is 840-4668.  Join the fun.  We’ll be looking for you!

Discipleship -- March 28

Discipleship will be meeting next on March 28.  It begins with a potluck supper at 6:30 and is followed by discussion at 7:30.  All are invited.  We would love to see you there!