January Council Highlights

The Church Council met on January 18th.  Highlights include:

· The balance of $8,916 that was carried over from the 2017 General Fund will be applied to our 2018 Capital Reserve budget line so it is accessible for needed work on the church properties.

· The proposed budget for 2018 was reviewed and accepted, to be passed along for the congregation’s vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting on February 11.

· The 3-part Synod-sponsored seminar, Cultivating Congregational Cultures of Generosity, has concluded.  One of the biggest conclusions was the importance of being completely transparent with the congregation in telling the full story of all that we are doing.  The President’s Report, as part of the upcoming 2017 Annual Report, goes into that detail.

· Four new families were approved to be accepted as members.

· A new Sexton is being sought for the church and CEB.

· There was a great response of people interested in learning to make Chrismons.

· Council approved the Boy Scouts request to use the back lawn of the CEB for a game area with a portable Gaga Pit.

· During the congregational meeting, children will be invited to make Valentine’s Day cards to send to our sick and shut-ins.

· After reaching out to the ELCA Disaster Relief Director, we were instructed that Puerto Rico no longer needs supplies like batteries and flashlights, but needs cash and workers to rebuild.  The Caribbean Synod is fixing up a camp they have to house mission workers.

· On February 23^rd, there will be an Olympic Lock-In for grades 7-12.

Thank you to:

* Joanne Rupp for painting all of the Sunday School rooms and hallways in preparation for the new Sunday School Workshop Rotational Model (WoRM) program.

* Peter Melick for removing the Christmas tree (and thanks to all who helped decorate and undecorated the church for the holidays).

* John McAleer for fixing the heating elements at the CEB.

* Harold Wrede for oversight of the CEB septic repair needed over the holidays.

* All of the crafters who made Alternative Giving gifts.  (This year, they raised the most money ever--$1,760!)

The next meeting of the Church Council will be on Thursday, February 15th.  Meetings are open for all to attend.

Church Council Retreat

It doesn’t seem possible that January is over already! However, our Church Council took this month to review all of the accomplishments of Zion last year. We did a lot and we were excited about the resurgence of energy that grew last year. Looking towards 2018, we came up with another set of even higher goals. You will hear more about this in the months to come, but here are a few things you will be hearing about:

· Live streaming of the church service

· Better explanations in the bulletin of our church practices

· Mission trips to Puerto Rico

· New and improved website

· More options for giving besides just in the offering plate

· More activities for youth, and the start of a group for younger aged kids

· More outreach with email and Facebook newsletters describing all calendar events

· Renewed maintenance of membership reaching out to all

· The creation of a Job/Talent Directory

· More fellowship for all, while also adding targeted events such as things for moms or men

· The creation of a long-term spending plan

It was good to dream and think about all that Zion can do to impact our members, friends, community and the world. Feel free to reach out to any council member with your ideas or suggestions!

Committee assignments for 2018 were also made. We welcome your participation and involvement in any of these committees.

Christian Education- Meghan Stanski

Evangelism- Zaida Durham (liaison is Judy Formalarie)

Finance- Rick Schroeder (liaison is Todd Rothermel)

Parish Life- Bob Durham

Property- John McAleer

Shepherding- Rich Schumann

Social Ministry- Rebecca Melick

Stewardship- Todd Rothermel

Worship and Music- Joanne Rupp (liaison is Janet Hornich)

Sunday School News

There is a buzz going on at Sunday School.  We are seeing more families week after week engaging in our Workshop Rotational Model (WoRM) at Sunday School.  All of our student are engaged in their new classes!

I am so excited that this model has taken off.  It takes a lot of effort to start a new program and a lot of trust in its value.  I want to thank you all for taking part in this journey with us.  So far, our students have experienced the Bible Skills and Games room, the Science room, the Art room, and the Cooking room!  All of the kids are eager to learn their room assignments during our large group opening.  We are also rocking out to some new songs during the Opening, thanks to Rod Briscoe and Mike Jennison.  The kids are wrapping up their lesson on the Twelve Disciples this Sunday.  We are ready for Unit 2 and the addition of the Movie Room!

Blessings,

Courtney Rzeplinski

Special thanks to our teachers and volunteers for Unit 1.

Teachers

Melanie Hodges

Brooke Schumann

Mike Jennison

Tiffany Shin

Bonnie Stanski

Meghan Stanski

Jeff Livingston

Shepherds

Linda Smith

Jennifer Hodges

Kristen Hodges

Brian Hodges

Rebecca Melick

Cindy Rupprecht

Substitutes

Courtney Ronaldo

Rachel Wieder

Cheryl Rodrick

Laura Bredeson

Meet Our Members

Ken Holman

I am currently retired and take up most of my time now going through our items stored in the basement and garage, donating items that we have built up during the 25 years we’ve been living in Pottersville.  I am also very involved with my 5 grandchildren helping watching them or driving them places when my son and daughter are busy.  It is hard to believe now, but they are currently a junior in Rutgers, a sophomore at Syracuse, a freshman at Rowan, a senior at South Brunswick High school and a freshman at Phillipsburg High school. I have also helped help my son and son-in-law install wood floors in their houses which always is a fun time as it becomes a family affair.  My time seems so busy that the time passes very quickly.

I have been a very eclectic church-goer as I grew up in Newark and was christened and baptized at Newark Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Livingston Baptist Church (where I was baptized again), got married at Barrington, RI, Lutheran Church,  joined the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Old Bridge where my daughter was baptized (and later married), South Plainfield Lutheran Church where my son was baptized, Lutheran Church of The Holy Trinity in Burlington, NJ, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, IL, back to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where both kids were confirmed, then finally Zion Lutheran Church, Oldwick.

All the moves above were trying to find Engineering jobs, as a lot of the small firms were closing or consolidated.  My stay in Pottersville is the longest I have lived in any one place.

John & Audrey Ruland

John and Audrey (Ehmann) Ruland live in Hackettstown.  They have been married for 26 years, although they were high school sweethearts.

Audrey has been a member at Zion for 49 years, has served on various church committees and has taught Sunday school.  She worked as a nurse for 45 years and is now retired.  She had 2 daughters; Andrea who died in an auto accident and is at the Zion Memorial Garden, and Amy who lives in Sparta with her husband and two boys, ages 11 and 13.

John has been a member for almost 20 years.  He has his own business as a computer consultant and is still working if the phone rings.  (It’s been ringing less and less.)  He has two children; Todd lives in Maine with his wife and two daughters, ages 16 and 17, and Meredith lives in Montana with her husband and two sons, ages 2 and 4.

John and Audrey are very busy with their grandkids and love to travel.  They have driven across the country 4 times, have been in all 50 states, and have been through all the lower provinces of Canada.  They’ve touched 40 countries and now are trying to see as many National Parks as possible.

John & Emily Wilson

John and Emily were married at Zion and their daughter Sophia, who will turn one year old on February 22nd, was baptized here as well.  When they're not doting on their little girl, John is working hard renovating their house and enjoys going for rides on his motorcycle. Emily is usually spending her free time doing bridal hair and loves getting to be a part of so many couples’ special day.  They're excited for the years to come and to see what God has in store for their growing family!

Concert CDs and DVDs

The CDs and DVDs from Pastor Summer and Rod Briscoe’s concert have arrived!  They are available at the church and the CEB.  There is a freewill offering.  The money will help to defray the cost of the concert and help to fund the “Side B” concert that will take place in the future. 

News from the Social Ministry Committee

Coffee Drive Continues Through February

So far during January we have collected just over 100 pounds of coffee for Faith Kitchen in Dover!  We have a month left to get closer to our stretch goal of 200 pounds.  Hot coffee is in great demand during the cold winter months.  Please help us if you can.

Family Promise

Once again our guests from Family Promise will be with us for two weeks beginning Sunday March 4th.  Many volunteers are needed to prepare meals, stay overnight, and visit with guests during the evenings and weekend days.  Zion is required to have one or more volunteers on site at all times when guests are with us.  Family Promise is the only organization in Hunterdon to house homeless families with children.  This is a great way to volunteer with children or grandchildren.  For our guest families, these impromptu play days are an appreciated distraction.  Watch your email for signups.  If you have never helped with Family Promise team up with an experienced volunteer.  Please call Rebecca Melick at (908)229-3744.       

Book of Faith -- Noon on Wednesdays

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

Vespers -- February 1 and 15

This month, Vespers will meet on February 1st and 15th.  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 -- February 8

The Lunch Bunch will be going to Bensi, King’s Plaza, in Whitehouse Station on February 8.  The phone number is 534-8899.  We’ll be looking for you!

Discipleship -- February 22

Discipleship will be meeting on February 22.  It will begin with a potluck supper at 6:30 p.m. and move to discussion at 7:30.  The theme will be interpreting scripture.  All are invited.  We would love to see you there!