REFLECTIONS ... by Joanne Rupp

In the last three months I have had the opportunity to attend three other ELCA worship services (Denver, New Jersey and Neenah, WI).  These are three entirely different congregations.  One is a BIG church, one is a smaller church with a pastoral vacancy, and one is bigger than Zion, but not BIG. 

When worshiping with other congregations, I am always looking for something we can do better (like having the baptismal families sit up front).  I have to say, I come away thinking we do worship the best.  We have the best “preacher”, we have the best choir (OK, maybe the BIG church choir is kind of nice), we have the best bell choir, and we have the best congregational singing.  I wouldn’t trade our worship experience for any of the others. 

But…there is one thing that we seem to be missing.  It’s seeing children in worship.  In churches where the organ is too loud, where the preaching isn’t memorable, where there is a weak choir, or where the congregation doesn’t sing, there are children in worship.  In the first seven weeks of this year, there have only been a total of 69 children at worship at Zion (19 at 8:30 and 50 at 11:00).  I miss seeing the kids.  I like a little noise during worship.  I like seeing kids at communion.  I like hearing a baby cry.  I like watching a child follow the liturgy and sing a hymn.  I like to see kids in church.

Spring Clean-Up and Work Day -- April 8

The Property Committee is hosting a Spring Clean-Up and Work Day at the CEB on April 8 at 9 a.m.  We will be spreading mulch and doing miscellaneous outdoor and indoor clean-up and maintenance.  Please bring shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows.  Contact John McAleer at 908-735-9618 with any questions.

Social Ministry update

Coffee Drive

Our winter coffee drive has raised nearly 200 pounds of coffee, 187 lbs to be exact, going to Faith Kitchen!  The coffee that we raise each year is a much appreciated supplement to the daily meals prepared and served to nearly 100 men and women.   Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project possible.

Family Promise

Our guests from Family Promise will  be staying with us from March 5^th – March 19^th.  Please check the online volunteer sign up to help us fill the remaining spots during the second week.  Thank you!

Feed My Starving Children

Incredibly, within 3 days of being opened up to the public, nearly 400 volunteer spots were filled to pack food during our event.  At last check, there are still openings on Friday, March 31, at 1:00, and all slots on Saturday, April 1, are taken.  If anyone from Zion has missed out on making a reservation, please call Rebecca Melick at (908)229-3744 and we will find a slot for you. 

Tag Sale

The 3^rd annual Oldwick Town-Wide Tag Sale is scheduled for Saturday April 29^th with a rain date of the following Saturday.  This year all proceeds will go towards Kay Beagle’s last Social Ministry wish, a scholarship fund for children in the Family Promise program to attend Crossroads summer camp.  Stay tuned for more information to donate items.

Adult Forum -- Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at the CEB

The Sunday adult conversation continues at the CEB during Sunday School.  Our focus this year will be Luther and the Reformation.  This is appropriate, as we celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation.  Our discussion remains rich and meaningful.  Join us!  We even have bagels and coffee to tempt you. 

From the Parish Life committee

Restaurant Rovers is back!  Join us on March 25th at 6 p. m. at King Tut (BYOB), Rt. 22, Lebanon.  Dinner will be followed by dessert at the home of John & Jann McAleer.  The cost is $30 pp (cash please).  Prix fixe includes soup, salad, choice of pasta, fish, lamb or chicken, tax & tip.  Please sign up in the narthex by 3/19 — this event is limited to the first 30 people who sign up.  Please contact John or Jann at 908-735-9618 with any questions.

Many other exciting Parish Life happenings are on the slate for 2017!  Stay tuned for these future events:

An evening at a microbrewery

“Kay Day” – service project day to honor Kay Beagle

Wine Tasting in the Spring         

Tailgating in the Fall

Road Rally in September – followed by cider and donuts

Outside sing-along by fire pit

Christmas Trip to Bethlehem … PA!

Christmas Concert night at Princeton University

Restaurant Rovers throughout the year

… and of course, a Zion Oktoberfest in honor of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation

More details to follow on the activities planned.   If you have a new idea for a Parish Life event, please see Bob Durham or Wendy Minerowicz.  The possibilities are endless …!

Shepherding Update

In the large storage closet in the CEB Great Room, there are meals in the freezer waiting for distribution.  You are invited to take a meal to someone you know who may need one.  Please fill out the sheet next to the freezer so we can track how much food is going out.  Thank you.

Vespers -- March 2nd and 16th

Vespers has moved to the first and third Thursdays of the month.  This month, we gather on March 2nd and 16th.  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!

Book of Faith -- Wednesdays at noon the CEB

The Book of Faith is continuing to explore the Gospel of Matthew.  For those who have been following, we are through chapter and still have a ways to go.  We are discovering how Matthew tells the story of Jesus.  How Matthew is the same as the other gospel writers?  How he is different?  We are learning to appreciate Matthew’s witness?  Come join the conversation.  You won’t be disappointed.  The adventure continues! 

Lunch Bunch -- March 9

The Lunch Bunch will be meeting on March 9 at noon.  We will be going to the Fox and Hound Tavern, 69 Main St., Lebanon, NJ.  The phone number is 437-1300.  Join the fun.  We’re looking for you!

Discipleship -- March 23

Discipleship will be meeting again on March 23 at the CEB.  We will begin with a potluck supper at 6:30 and discussion at 7:30.  The sign-up sheet is in the church and CEB.  You can also call the office.  This year, we will be focusing on the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation.   We will be discussing Luther’s Table Talk.  This is a collection of Luther at his best as he sat at table with students and friends.  All are invited.  We would love to see you there!