A Message from Pastor Summer

We have entered our anniversary year. We have been waiting for what seems like a long time, and now the time has finally arrived. One of the ways we will be celebrating is by including an article every month telling another chapter in the story of Zion. This month we begin with the forward from 225 Years: A History of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oldwick, New Jersey by the Rev. Charles O. Thompson. Pastor Thompson’s forward captures the sense of history surrounding Zion. 300 years is only a number until you set that number in context. Enjoy when and where Zion began. “While our forefathers were founding a little church for worship in their new frontier home, great events were in the making in Europe and in the American colonies. In Europe, a new era was opening in which the power of kings fell; and the middle classes, having gained in wealth and knowledge, reached out for political control. Great names were connected with this change in civilization. In 1714, Voltaire, who was to shake the domination of the clergy, was a youth of twenty; and Rousseau, the liberator of the disfranchised masses, was an infant aged two. Adam Smith, emancipator of the business man and apostle of individual liberties, was born in the year Zion’s first pastor died; and Lavoisier, founder of modern chemistry, was still a boy when the present church was built at Oldwick. James Watt, inventor of the first engine capable of driving a machine, and thus the father of the Industrial Revolution, was born at about the time Zion was host to the first synod held in America. The Romantic Movement in art and literature was then flinging out its banners to demand freedom and justice for the humble and submerged. Thus the life of Zion Church began even before the time of modern freedom, democracy, science, and mechanized industry. Her pastor ministered to her people, while they were not only conquering a wilderness, but while they were also adapting themselves to a bewildering maze of new ideas flowing in from Europe. In America, 1714 saw seven year old Benjamin Franklin starting to school in Boston. Augustine Washington was cultivating his Virginia plantation, unaware of the destiny of his son to be named George upon his birth eighteen years later. It was twenty-nine years before Thomas was to be born to the Jeffersons in Virginia. Zion Church was born exactly three quarters of a century before the birth of the United States. Our church and country have grown up together. So we see that this was a time when not only our church was founded, but when in Europe and America a new age and a new civilization was emerging.” And so, the story begins. Peace, Pastor Summer

Church Council Meeting Highlights, August 1

At its August meeting, the Church Council met with members of the CELEBRATE 300 Committee to discuss plans for the year-long celebration of Zion’s 300th anniversary. During the year, there are a number of programs and events that have been scheduled. These activities are open to all current and past members of Zion. As always, Zion’s doors are open to the community and we invite their participation. Please mark your calendars with the dates listed below. CELEBRATE 300 Schedule of Events and Programs · Sunday, August 4, 2013: 299th Anniversary Service · September 1-10, 2013: Germany Tour Lead persons - Louise Brokaw & Ron Rupp · Sunday, October 20, 2013: Palatines Sunday - Colonial Worship Lead person - George Apgar · Sunday, October 27, 2013: Wagner College Choir Concert at 5:00 pm. Church concert followed by a CEB reception for choir and those attending, then dinner for the choir before they return to Wagner Lead person - Deborah Kaufmann · Sunday, December 15, 2013: Church and Community Christmas Carols in the Sanctuary Lead person - Worship & Music Committee · Sunday, May 4, 2014: NJ Synod Bishop, Reverend Tracie L. Bartholomew visits Zion Celebrate Zion’s ministries and partners in those ministries. CEB Luncheon for the congregation Lead person for lunch - Anita Zarate · Sunday, August 3, 2014: Founders Day—300th Anniversary Service. Brunch for congregation after the service. The Pickel and Aray families who were founding members of Zion will be worshipping with us as part of their family reunion Service Lead Person - Pastor Summer CEB Brunch lead person- Anita Zarate · Sunday, October 26, 2014: Celebration Banquet at the Grand Colonial Restaurant. The ELCA Bishop has been invited to preach during the services that morning and to attend the banquet. Lead persons for the banquet- Joann Donnelly and Joanne Rupp This is an exciting year in the almost 300 year history of Zion Lutheran Church. Much has been planned and I encourage you to take advantage of the many activities. We will keep you updated as more events are added to the calendar. Join us as we CELEBRATE 300.

Evangelism

If you are interested in joining Zion OR just learning more about our congregation and ministries, join us for Fall New Member Classes. Sunday, September 29 “Everything You Wanted To Know About Being Lutheran” Sunday, October 6 “Expectations: Yours and Ours” Both classes will be held between services at 9:45 am in the Christian Education Building. New members will be welcomed into the church during worship on Sunday, October 20. There will also be a “meet the council” session that day at 9:45 in the CEB.

Shepherding…Connecting….

Visitation Ministry – The Shepherding Committee is organizing a Visitation Group that will be responsible for meeting with those members who are unable to come to Zion. This could involve delivering the Sunday flowers, a prayer shawl, or providing Holy Communion, writing a caring note or, simply chatting/visiting. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Visitation Group there will be one initial meeting to review the basics of a visit. There will not be any regular meetings. Please join us for “Visitation 101” on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 pm immediately following Vespers. If you have any questions, please speak to Pastor Summer or Rosi Delia or you can email Rosi. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend on 9/25. Thank you.

Youth of Zion - Cool and Connected at Cross Roads

On July 21-24, our young people participated in Cool and Connected at Cross Roads. They joined young people from Living Waters, Trinity, and Zion in Long Valley for four days of work and fellowship. Staying overnight at Cross Roads, we had the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity, NORWESCAP, Family Promise, Good News Home, and Cross Roads. We also had the chance to lead a music program at the Matheny School. All in all, the week was one to remember. We had the chance to make a real difference.

On The Road To Discipleship - Learn

Once again we are moving on our Road to Discipleship from Prayer to Learn for the month of September. Be sure to catch all the action! We will be "learning" from our fellow disciples as they travel to Germany and walk in the steps of Martin Luther. Adult Forum topics will focus on "learning" the Three Things Every Lutheran Needs to Know. We'll also hear remembrances or "learnings" from some of our current and past Sunday School teachers. BUT, don't wait on us! You can get started on your own "learning" adventure by using the many resources and tools we have available at Zion. Check out the list below. Resources and Tools Available for Learning Sunday School (Sundays in between services – starts in September) Book of Faith (Bible Study, Wednesdays at noon) Confirmation (check in with the church office for the next class) Sunday Bulletin Insert (each Sunday) Zion Website (www.zionoldwick.com ) Weekly Sermon (live Sunday mornings during service and/or recorded on the website) Devotionals (available in the back of the church) Prayer Books (available from the church office) Zion Library Books (top floor of CEB) Discipleship (one evening a month) Adult Forum (Sundays in between services) Faith Talk (High School – Sunday mornings in between services) "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me." - Matthew 11:29 Let's Learn!!! Your Discipleship Team - Sandy Matsen, Mike Jennison, Dottie Caplan and Pastor Summer

Join the Choir!

The Parish Choir meets in the church for rehearsal every Wednesday evening at 7:30. Join them to “make a joyful sound” and laugh a lot!

Social Ministry Fall Food Drive

Over 1.2 million people in New Jersey struggle to put food on table and 45% of those do not qualify for any government assistance. Food pantries report that nearly half of their clients are people who sought help because after paying the rent or mortgage and utility bills there was no money left for groceries. Many of these households have children. Research shows that children who don’t have enough to eat are likely to miss more school days due to illness. They are less likely to graduate from high school, which will have a negative impact on their economic future. During the months of September and October Zion will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Flemington Food Pantry and Open Cupboard Food Pantry in Clinton. Some items that are needed: Canned Pastas (Beef Ravioli, etc.) Black Beans Canned Fruits and Vegetables Soups – Vegetable and Beef Canned Meats and Tuna Fish Peanut Butter Jelly Pastas/Canned Sauce 100% Fruit Juices Flavored Oatmeal Cereal Some non-food items that are needed: Bar soap Laundry Detergent Liquid hand soap Coffee Please leave donations in the narthex or the lobby of the CEB. Thank You!

Parish Life

Summer Coffee Hour A big thank you goes out to all who volunteered this summer for Summer Coffee hour. Your delicious treats and beverages helped to make our fellowship time after the summer services a special one! Herkemer Diamond Dig Due to scheduling difficulties, the diamond dig was moved from the summer to September 20--22 If you weren't able to join the dig this summer, hopefully these dates will work for you. Please make your own accommodations for your stay. The choices range from camping (tent or cabin) on site to local hotels. Contact Wendy Minerowicz or Frank Stanski for details.

Discipleship Class

Discipleship resumes on the evening of September 26 in the CEB. Check the Sunday bulletins for further details as to time and topic.