In This Issue

The Present Moment

Council Updates

January Music

Schedule

January Calendar

Adult Learning

Schedule

Youth & Families

Events

Women’s Retreat

Information

Outreach News

Trumpet Newsletter of Zion Lutheran Church, Iowa City January 2018

Guest Preachers At Zion in January Free Indeed Prison Ministry

January 13 & 14 We welcome Rev. Jerry Collell, the pastor of the new congregation at Anamosa State Penitentiary. He will be preaching at both our Saturday evening and Sunday services as well as sharing during the Sunday School hour about life and ministry within the walls of the prison.

Mission Fest – ELCA Fund for Leaders

January 21 We welcome Rev. Gabi Aelabouni, Director of the ELCA Fund for Leaders, as he preaches and shares about this effort to empower future leaders of the church. Our synod’s Forward Together Campaign, as part of the ELCA’s Fund for Leaders, offers scholarships for students at ELCA seminaries who are pursuing rostered ministry. Come here about this wonderful campaign and how it already is supporting over 250 ELCA seminary students as they prepare to share the gospel in the world.

Annual Meeting of Zion Lutheran

Sunday, February 4 | Between Services

The Annual Meeting of Zion Lutheran Church is between services in the Parish Hall. Refreshments will be served during the meeting. Annual Reports will be available January 21 at Zion. Included are reports from many of the Ministry Teams of Zion telling what has been done during 2017 and what will be happening for our witness in 2018. Included on the agenda are: Council elections, approval of the 2018 Spending Plan, reports from Ministry Teams, Mission Planning teams and staff. Other business of interest to the voting members in attendance can also be considered. Please submit items for the agenda to: Randy Willman, Council President, or Pastor Jennifer Lutz. Ministry teams desiring to be included in the 2017 Annual Report should email reports to Shannon (shannon@zionlutheran-ic.org) by Friday, January 5, 2018.

“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” In 12th chapter of John, Some Greeks have come to Jerusalem for the Festival of Passover and learned that Je-sus also has come to the city. They approach Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples, with the words cited above. They want to meet Jesus, the one who raised Lazarus from the dead and who performed many other signs that signi-fied the coming reign of God. When I was awaiting my first call, the North Carolina Synod arranged for me to preach at a congregation in Winston-Salem for a call committee to come and hear me. As I stepped into the pulpit that Sunday morning, I noticed a small piece of paper taped to the surface with these six words printed on it from John 12. I doubt that the people in the pews realized it was there. Presumably, the pastor had placed this note as a permanent reminder to himself. As a preacher, his chief task was to help the congregation see Jesus. This visual prompt made quite an impression on me. In many ways, I think it encapsulates not just what preaching should be about, but our entire ministry as the people of God. We are here for one purpose, to help people see Jesus. People have this deep desire to know that they are loved, that they have inherent value, and that there is pur-pose to their life. Often, they seek to fulfill this need in ways that leave them wanting. But, as Christians, we know the one for whom they are truly longing, Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of love. He claims us through Baptism as God’s beloved children. And with our lives so intimately tied to his, he makes us “little Christs” bringing his grace and compassion to others so that they may also be embraced by his love. Whether the world realizes it or not, they are asking to see Jesus. The good news is this is the one thing, and perhaps the only thing, that we, as the church, have to give. Therefore, as we go about all the “church-like” things that we do, there should be one question driving and directing our actions: Can people see Jesus? Can people see Jesus….

in our worship and praise of God? in our Sunday School classes and other learning opportunities? in us as we tutor at Horace Mann and serve at Free Lunch and other places in our community? in the welcome they receive when they enter Zion? in the care we offer to friend and stranger? every time that we gather as a community?

The answer to this question is the true litmus test of how we are doing as the body of Christ. My prayer is that through all of Zion’s ministry people catch a glimpse of our Lord and then are drawn into a deeper encounter with him. If they cannot see Jesus, then we need to take a closer look at what we are doing. The theologian, Frederick Buechner, wrote that, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” As disciples of Jesus, people are coming to us and saying in their own way, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” May we meet their deep hunger with the joy and presence of Jesus the Christ. -Pastor Lutz

This Present Moment: Firelight Talk

Congregational Happenings

Membership Updates

January Birthdays

James Hassman (06), Joan Wuest (09), Nadine Johnson (10), Carl Beyerhelm (16),

Dorothy Wooldrik (24)

Message from the

Treasurer

Ed Scheetz, Treasurer

As the year nears to close, we are looking good on

income but a little over on expenses. We had lots

of large projects this year, and some unexpected

expenses. The 2018 budget is in the final stages of

review. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to

all.

Message from Council Randy Willman, Council President During this Advent season and as we approach the end of 2017, it is important that I update you with council highlights and transition developments.

First, the name of an interim candidate, as suggested by Synod, was given to council and staff at the December council meeting. At council’s request, a curriculum vi-tae/resume was supplied by the candidate and that has been circulated to council. Council will interview the candidate at the January 9 council meeting and will then vote to accept (likely) or reject the candidate. The name of the candidate can then be published to the congrega-tion as council works on the Letter of Agreement for Interim Ministry to be signed by the Bishop, Interim Pas-tor and Council President. If all proceeds as anticipated, the interim should be in place by early February.

Second, the Nominations Group (Martin, Little, Chang, Gosse, Seberger, Willman- “the group”) continues to work toward selection of a Call Committee and council slate (3 positions: president and two at large). Thank you to congregation members who provided the group with 20+ names for call and for council slates. As con-cerns the Call Committee, it was determined that diver-sity was essential and that 2 youth serve as well. The group shall be 8 in number. It is incumbent upon council to approve the Call Committee and select the chairper-son. This will be done on or before the January council meeting. The congregation will then formally install the Call Committee at a worship service.

Third, in behalf of the Steering Committee, Jim Lane called a meeting of Zion’s Ministry Initiative for Decem-ber 14. This writer has referred to this initiative as the “Kairos Initiative” too many times. Through prayer and discernment from the Holy Spirit, Zion owns this en-deavor and Kairos simply provided guidance. The pur-pose of the meeting was to hear progress to date and clear goals from the Worship, Equip, Welcome and Em-brace teams. Highlights from each group were:

Worship: involve/welcome children in worship; enliven our space; use more artistic forms; focus on early child-hood/youth and family ideas.

Equip: one group is focusing on staffing configuration; staff job descriptions; performance reviews and council selection and approval of a standing Personnel Com-mittee. The other group has worked extensively on Zi-on’s ministry teams; program ministries such as VBS; and standing committees. Organizational charts for the ministry teams should be available on Zion’s social me-dia soon.

Nov-17 YTD 2017 % BUDGET

Income 95,370 1,015,255 97%

Expense 112,844 1,062,594 102%

Nov-16 YTD 2016 % BUDGET

Income 109,255 1,219,346 124%

Expense 101,161 1,195,972 120%

16' wo/LOC+SWA

Income 109,255 954,346 97%

Expense 101,161 930,972 93%

Welcome: physical changes spearheaded by this group are already apparent and have been well received. The focus continues to be: newcom-ers; collection of comments/data from newcom-ers and visitors; highlight opportunities at Zion to friends and neighbors.

Embrace: Initiatives: grow youth program; strengthen confirmation program; how can youth be involved in worship in meaningful ways; draw out the richness and talent of our youth at Zion; continue to emphasize intergen-erational opportunities.

The meeting was great. Importantly, the Holy Spirit continues to breathe energy and discern-ment in to Zion’s Ministry Initiative, which is critical as Zion transitions in to 2018 and selec-tion of a new Senior Pastor.

Peace to you this holiday season.

Worship Highlights for January 2018 Baptism of our Lord – January 7 · Saturday 5:15 p.m., Sunday 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

2nd Sunday after Epiphany – January 14 · Saturday 5:15 p.m., Sunday 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. · Guest Preacher – Pastor Jerry Collell of Free Indeed Prison Ministry

3rd Sunday after Epiphany – January 21 · Saturday 5:15 p.m., Sunday 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. · Mission Fest – Rev. Gabi Aelabouni (ELCA Fund for Leaders) · Milestone Ministry – 2nd Grade Bible Presentation (8:15 a.m.)

4th Sunday after Epiphany – January 28 · Saturday 5:15 p.m., Sunday 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Meet the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb Zion Lutheran and the Geneva Lectures are pleased to present Reverend Doc-tor Mitri Raheb on February 25. Dr. Raheb is Senior Pastor Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, Palestine. He has written 16 books and has received the German Media Prize, granted most often to heads of state, for his “tireless work in creating room for hope in his people, who are living under Israeli Occupation, by founding and building insti-tutions of excellence in education, culture and health.”

"The Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA is encouraging all its members to read and study Dr. Raheb's book, Faith in the Face of Empire." Zion’s adult education class will discuss the book between services on two Sundays before Dr. Raheb’s visit. Copies are available at Zion through the li-brary. The book is written from the perspective of faith of people who are struggling with life under oppres-sion and occupation. Not only does it relate to the Palestinian situation, but to any people living under oppres-sion. The book is a work in process as Dr. Raheb articulates his journey of faith and hope.

Dr. Raheb will present sermons at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. worship services at Zion on February 25, 2018. A presentation by Bright Stars of Bethlehem will be between services. Dr. Raheb will present the Geneva Lecture at the University of Iowa at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Iowa City on Sunday February 25, 2018. Offer-ings and donations will be accepted to support "Bright Stars of Bethlehem," a 501c3 charitable organization of outreach ministries that help children and youth, college students, young families and seniors.

Worship Happenings

Music Schedule for January Sunday, January 7: Special Music

Sunday, January 14 Zion Flute Choir

Sunday, January 21: Zion Youth Choir

Sunday, January 28: Senior Choir; Zion Brass

Choir Rehearsals Resume Zion Youth Choir begins rehearsals Sunday, January 7, at 10:15.

Zion Flute Choir will rehearse on Tuesday, January 9 at 7:00.

Cherub Choir will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, January 10, at 5:30.

Junior Choir will practice Wednesday, January 10, at 6:00.

Senior Choir will rehearse on Thursday, January 11 at 6:30.

The Zion Bell Choir will have its first practice on Tuesday, January 16 at 6:30.

The Zion Brass will start rehearsals on Thursday, January 18, at 8:00 p.m.

You are welcome to join any of these musical groups!

Worship Happenings

JANUARY 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Office Closed/Happy New Year!

2

6:30a Men’s Bible Study

7:00p Global Misisons

3 8:30a Shalom 9:00a Quilt-tiers

4 6:30p Jr. High Fun Night

5 8:00a Ski Trip

6 5:15p Worship

7 8:15a Worship 9:30a Fellowship/Learning 10:15a Youth Choir 10:45a Worship 4:00p Free Lunch Prep

8 9:30a Moms Meet-Up 11:00a Free Lunch 7:00p Stephen Ministry Supervision

9 6:30a Men’s Bible Study 10:00a Prayer Shawl 6:00p Mental Health Team 6:30p Council Meeting 7:00p Flute Choir

10 8:30a Shalom 9:00a Quilt-tiers 9:45a Staff Meeting 5:30p Cherub Choir 6:00p Junior Choir 6:45p Parent Night @ Confirmation

11 6:30p Senior Choir

12

5:30p HiS Youth

Group

13 8:00a Men’s Ministry Breakfast 5:15p Worship

14 8:15a Worship 9:30a Fellowship/Learning 10:15a Youth Choir 10:45a Worship Noon Confirmation Outing

15 Office Closed/

MLK Day

11:30a Senior Singles

6:45p Women’s

Reading Group

7:00p Prayer Group

16 6:30a Men’s Bible Study 9:30a Gather Bible Study 5:00p Property Team 5:30p Men’s Ministry Team 6:30p Stewardship 6:30p Bell Choir 7:00p Flute Choir

17 8:30a Shalom 9:00a Quilt-tiers 9:45a Staff Meeting 1:30p Afternoon Book Club 2:00p Health & Caring Team 5:30p Cherub Choir 6:00p Junior Choir 6:00p Journeymen Bible Study 6:45p Confirmation

18 6:00p Diversity Team 6:30p Senior Choir 8:00p Brass

19 11:30a Prime Timers

20

4:00p Caregivers Group

5:15p Worship

21 8:15a Worship 9:30a Fellowship/Learning 10:15a Youth Choir 10:45a Worship 6:30p Houston Huddle

22 9:30p Mom’s Meet-up 6:30p Youth & Family Team

23 6:30a Men’s Bible Study 6:30p Bell Choir 7:00p Flute Choir

24 8:30a Shalom 9:00a Quilt-tiers 9:45a Staff Meeting 5:30p Cherub Choir 6:00p Junior Choir 6:45p Mentor Night @Confirmation

25 6:30p Senior Choir 8:00p Brass

26 27

5:15p Worship

28 2nd Gr. Bibles 8:15a Worship 9:30a Fellowship/Learning 10:15a Youth Choir 10:45a Worship

29 30 6:30a Men’s Bible Study 6:30p Bell Choir 7:00p Flute Choir

31 8:30a Shalom 9:00a Quilt-tiers 9:45a Staff Meeting 5:30p Cherub Choir 6:00p Junior Choir 6:00p Journeymen Bible Study 6:45p Confirmation

Gulf Mission Trip

Gulf Mission Trip

Learning Happenings

Children’s Christmas Program Congratulations and a huge round of applause to all who participated in the Children’s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 10. From the littlest children in their animal costumes to the 5th and 6th graders in their “Sunday best,” they all did a wonderful job!

Grateful thanks to our volunteers: the cookie bakers and bringers, treat bag assemblers, costume wranglers, and stage crew who helped make this year’s program a success. And, a sincere thank you to all the families and visitors who supported and encouraged the children, and came to watch the program. It was a truly heartwarming way to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.

Sunday School in Recess for Christmas We will resume our regular Sunday School schedule on January 7, 2018. Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Milestone Ministry:

2nd Grade Bible Presentation and Workshops Bibles will be presented to children in second grade on Sunday, January 21 at the 8:15 a.m. worship service. In addition, second graders and their parents are invited to attend two Bible workshops that will teach the kids how to navigate their way around the Bible while learning some fun and fascinating facts. Bible work-shops will be held during the Sunday School hour on January 21 and January 28. Questions? Please contact Pam Cantrell, pam@zionlutheran-ic.org.

Adult Learning: January 2018

Images of God

Sunday, January 7 | 9:30 a.m. | Gathering Room

Discussion will be led by Diane Baumbach. This session was re-scheduled from December in order to accom-modate the presentation by Paul Ostrem, the bishop’s assistant, who will be guiding Zion through the call process for the Senior Pastor.

Free at Last: Prison Ministry in Anamosa

Sunday, January 14 | 9:30 a.m. | Gathering Room

Pastor Collell, the new pastor for the Anamosa Prison Ministry, will lead a discussion on “Free at Last: Prison Ministry in Anamosa.”

ELCA Development of Leaders

Sunday, January 21 | 9:30 a.m. | Gathering Room

Gabi Aelabouni from the ELCA Fund for Leaders will preach for worship and present a forum between services.

Luther in Civic Life

Sunday, January 28 | 9:30 a.m. | Gathering Room Rockne Cole will lead a discussion that will focus on a book titled, “Rebel in the Ranks” by Brad Gregory.

Watch for further news about discussion related to the book, Faith and Empire, by Mitri Raheb, who will be at Zion on February 25. The book has been identified as an All ELCA Reads selection, and we will be fortunate to meet with the author following our discussions.

Learning Happenings

Zion Library News

I know a number of Zion members are familiar with The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr, since it was one of the books read by our women’s reading group in 2013. And I highly recommend this book - which may be found in the adult non-fiction section of the Zion library - to anyone who has not read it. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1573-1610) was an Italian artist who created many paintings with Biblical themes that are considered masterpieces and are worth millions of dollars today. One of these paintings titled The Taking of Christ – which depicts Jesus being seized by Roman soldiers as Judas is betraying him with an embrace – is the “main character” in this riveting account of a search for its whereabouts. In the late 20th century, art experts knew of many copies of the painting, but the original had been “missing” for hundreds of years. Then, in 1989, two young Italian art history graduate students, Francesca Cappelletti and Laura Testa, while searching the archives of the aristocratic Mattei family for information about another Caravaggio painting, find an entry in a 1603 account book that indicates The Taking of Christ had been by purchased from Caravaggio by his patron Ciriaco Mattei. They trace the owner-ship of the painting up until its sale in 1921 by a Scottish auction company. There the trail goes dead as only scant records have been left by the now defunct company. But in 1990, art restorer Sergio Benedetti of the National Gallery of Ireland makes a startling discovery when he is asked to clean a group of paintings from Dublin’s St Ignatius Jesuit Residence. Author Harr’s crisp writing keeps the story moving through many twists and turns to a satisfying conclusion. I not only enjoyed the story but was drawn to the image of the painting on the back cover of the book as it strikingly portrays the emotion and chaos of Jesus’s arrest. Perhaps you have a favorite Zion library book you’d like to review in a future Trumpet article? The library team would welcome any such contribution. - Rick Brenner

Zion’s Wednesday Afternoon Book Group The Wednesday Afternoon Book Group will not meet in December, but will resume in January. All are welcome. January 17, 2018 | 1:30 p.m.– Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

February 21, 2018 | 1:30 p.m. – Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston

March 21, 2018 | 1:30 p.m. – TBA

April 18, 2018 | 1:30 p.m – TBA

May 16, 2018 | 1:30 p.m. - TBA

Evening Reading Group The Evening Reading Group meets the third Monday of each month in the Parish Hall at 6:45 p.m. We welcome all women of Zion. Below are the books that we will be reading the rest of the year.

January 15, 2018 | American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant by Ronald C. White, Jr.

February 19, 2018 | Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

March 19, 2018 | The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

April 16, 2018 | My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

Zion’s Youth Ministry News Maggie Atkinson is your Go-To-Gal, if you’d like more info about youth events, OR to let her know that you’re able to attend! Text/call 563.349.2313, email maggie@zionlutheran-ic.org or send a carrier pigeon! ===============================

Sunday School is Back! Sunday mornings, January 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. Confirmation Class Wednesday nights, January 10, 17, 24, and 31 | 6:45 p.m. Jr. High THURSDAY Fun Night! Thursday January 4th | 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join us for a night of FUN with friends, snacks, and games! *Note the new time frame and date, just for this month. All Zion Ski Trip Friday January 5th | All Day Everyone from the church, plus friends, are invited! 8:00 a.m. the charter bus will depart to Sundown in Dubuque, IA. We will return to Zion around 6:00.p.m. Registration forms can be found at the Welcome Center. Parent Night @ Confirmation! Wednesday January 10th | 6:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PARENTS of our Confirmation students are invited to be together. Confirmation Outing: ConFEST Sunday January 14th | Noon-7:00 p.m. We’re headed to Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine for the annual winter “ConFEST”! This afternoon will be full of games, food, talking about how we live out our faith daily, Worship, and meeting other Lutheran Confir-mation students from southeastern Iowa! IT’S FREE, and All Zion Confirmation students are encouraged to par-ticipate. We’ll depart Iowa City by 12:00pm, and be back no later than 7:00pm. High School Youth Group Friday, January 12 | 5:30 p.m. Join us for a pizza-supper and then we’ll be baking treats AND watching a movie! All High School students and Friends are welcome!! Students: please RSVP to Maggie Houston Huddle Sunday January 21st | 6:30-8:00 p.m. The ELCA Youth Gathering go’ers will gather so we can continue to prepare our group, and ourselves, for a glimpse of what’s to come in Houston! Mentor Meet-Up Night @ Confirmation Wednesday January 24th | 6:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Our Mentors are invited to join our Confirmation students for class tonight, as we talk about The Lord’s Prayer and “daily bread” in small & large groups.

Youth and Family Happenings

Blue Zones @ Zion – Actions for Life Volunteering gives people a chance to build their church and home communities and lead more meaningful lives by donating their time, expertise and effort to help a worthy cause. Zion has various volunteer opportunities and guidance to help people get involved. Plus there are many volunteer positions in our commu-nity and even some directly with Blue Zones Project! Through your work in your various roles and relationships, you are claiming your call to speak and live the

faith as a baptized child of God.

Zion Women's Retreat:

February 16-18, 2018 | Shalom Center in Dubuque Have you had an experience when you felt that God was near? Would you like to learn new ways of becoming aware of God’s presence? Join us for this year’s women’s retreat as we explore the many ways in which God is present and active in our public and private lives. Our guide will be Sister Ginny Heldorfer, OSF, a Franciscan Sister, former pastoral min-ister, and certified spiritual director who values contemplative listening as a way to become aware of God’s presence in everyday experiences.

Our theme will also be reflected in service projects, crafts, worship, meals, and the peaceful surroundings of the lovely Shalom Spirituality Center.

Cost for the retreat is $140. Scholarships to cover all or part of the cost are available.

More information and online registration can be found at www.zionlutheran-ic.org under the GATHER tab. Registration forms are also available at the Welcome Center at Zion.

For more information, contact Amy Little at 319-530-7463 or amy.sue.little@gmail.com.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree @ Zion

The Zion Arts Team is looking for 4 fresh Christmas trees to reuse for future décor needs. If you have a fresh

Christmas tree that is 6 ft. or higher in height, please drop it off at Zion after Christmas. Call Sue Schmidt (319-

330-4754) or Rose Fisher (319-626-2066) if you plan to donate your tree to Zion.

Health and Caring Happenings

Zion Solar Project Update At Zion’s Congregational Meeting December 17th the congregation approved proceeding with Zion’s rooftop solar energy project up to a maximum of $225,000. This amount would pay for a system covering 70% of Zions electricity needs. At the time of the meeting $112,000 had been pledged toward the project which would cov-er approximately 30% of Zions electricity. A final contract will be signed with Eagle Point Solar in early January with system size based on total pledges received at that time. Any additional pledges before January 16th will be very welcome as they would allow us to increase the capacity of the system, further reducing Zion’s long term electricity costs and decreasing the church’s contribution to climate change. There will be no considera-tion of any loans or resources taken from Zions general budget for this project. Please contact Shannon Es-mann at shannon@zionlutheran-ic.org with any additional pledges.

Moms Meet-Up January 8 & 22 | 9:30 a.m. Meet-up at 9:30am. We’ll meet in the Gathering Room at Zion. All stay at home parents/caregivers welcomed. Bring your kiddo if they are still home with you. If they’ve gone off to school on Mondays, come on your own. Friends always welcome! Snacks for kiddos & coffee for grownups provided. Questions? Mary Merulla mary@zionlutheran-ic.org.

Men's Ministry Breakfast Saturday, January 13 | 8:00 a.m.

Bring a friend and meet for conversation and fellowship at Zion in the lower level, Gathering Room.

EWALU Family Retreat 2018

The Zion Family Retreat will be on July 13-15, 2018. Block off this weekend now to enjoy some family time at Camp EWALU in Strawberry Point, Iowa. More details to come in the new year!

Cubs Trip 2018! Save-the Date for the Zion Annual Cubs Trip to Chicago. The Cubs play the Diamondbacks on July 25, 2018. Zion friends and family will take a charter bus to Chicago to see the game. More details to come!

What’s Happening @ Zion

Outreach

Sharing The Peace

It is often a ritualized greeting:

We leave the comfort of our seat,

turn to our pewmates or someone near us,

grasp their hands, and

speak the words, “The peace of the Lord be with you” or “Peace be with you”, and receive the words in turn.

More recently, and intentionally, we are being asked to greet someone that we’ve not yet met...to share the peace with them and introduce yourself. People will never forget how we made them feel when they come to Zion. They may forget the scripture of the day, they may not remember the central theme of the sermon, or which hymns were sung, but they will remember how they felt and how they were greeted. So be encouraged, friends…. make new connections and look for people you don’t know.

Hospitality noun hos·pi·tal·i·ty \ h̩äs-pə-ˈta-lə-tē\

· generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment

Embodying Jesus’ radical hospitality, we are called to be welcoming and inclusive. Zion’s Mission Strategy Welcome Team is calling you to be part of the revitalized Greeter Ministry Team @ Zion. Give a warm greeting to welcome guests and members before worship. Offer a friendly smile and a handshake. Open the door. There is no formula for how this looks…come as you are and be your genuine self. All ages and all fami-ly configurations are welcome for the Greeter Team. Let us know if you can help. Contact Mary Merulla @ mary@zionlutheran-ic.org or any member of the Welcome Team: Joan Wuest, Karen Rietz, Adam Wood, Dan Teninty, Michelle Norman, Katie Martin.

2017 Alternative Christmas Market Huge Success

The Alternative Christmas Team is pleased to report that the ACM celebration held between services on No-vember 19 raised nearly $17,000 that will benefit organizations serving others. Your generous support will provide food, shelter, education, and child care here in Iowa City and globally. The ACM Team thanks you for your continued enthusiasm for this annual event. The ACM Team is in the process of expanding the leadership and organization of this popular event, and we will be convening in January to begin sharing information and gathering new ideas for 2018. Watch for the meeting announcements in the Piccolo and join us as we begin to plan for another exciting celebration of sharing.

Outreach

All Zion Project of Hope and Caring |

Lutheran World Relief (LWR) During the month of January, we’re collecting items for Baby Care Kits. These kits help provide a mother with the things she needs to care for her baby the way she hopes – soft blankets to give warmth and comfort, soap to keep germs away, clothes to welcome both mother and baby into the world. You are welcome to contribute a complete kit or give items towards a kit. Return your gift to the Zion office, Welcome Center or to Mary Merulla. Each Baby Care Kit should include:

Two lightweight cotton T-shirts (no Onesies ©)

Two long- or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers (without feet)

Two receiving blankets, medium-weight cotton or flannel, or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yarn, up to 52" square

Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred

One jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap

Two pairs of socks

One hand towel, dark color recommended

Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of gentle soap, in original wrapping

Two diaper pins or large safety pins Do not add other items. Gently used, clean items (no stains or tears) can be substituted for new ones.

Letter from Lambo Dear Charlie,

Please receive our warm and brotherly greetings from your friends in Lambo. How is Heide and the condition of her mother? Is Heide still in Germany? Please bring them all our greetings and well wishes.

Back to the captioned matter above, we kindly inform you that the money sent from Zion Luth. Church in Iowa to Lambo Lutheran Parish is already received in the Lambo Parish account. On behalf of the Parish leaders and members, once again, thank you so much for sharing with us your kind gifts. May our Almighty God continue to pour His everlasting blessings in you, servants of His vineyard. When you are blessed,we too, get blessed through your blessings.

Tomorrow morning, Lambo Parish will hold a big mass to celebrate the confirmation of our children. This is a yearly event in the Parish and is usually celebrated all over the village, inviting even non-christians, to witness the love of God to His people.

Christmas is within the next couple of days. As it has usually been, this is a special time of the year in the vil-lage. We expect many diaspora Lambo Parish members to come home to join relatives and parish members to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our children and grand children will be here, and our house will thus be full during the one week rendezvous.

We pray and hope you too have a great Christmas time in the Church and in your families.

In God's love

Mark

Contact Us

Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Friday:

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Tel: 319-338-0944

Email: office@zionlutheran-ic.org

Website: www.zionlutheran-ic.org

Zion Lutheran Church

310 N. Johnson Street

Iowa City, Iowa 52245

http://www.facebook.com/zioniowacity

http://www.instagram.com/zioniowacity

Ministers

All Members

Council

Randy Willman, President

Diane Baumbach, Vice President

Katie Martin, Secretary

Ed Scheetz, Treasurer

Phyllis Chang

Ken Fate

David Gosse

Amy Little

Matt Seberger

Pastor

Jennifer Lutz, Associate Pastor

Zion is a Reconciling in Christ Congregation