March 2013 Newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN MARCH 2013

O f f i c e@ Zi on Bu f f a l o . o r g ( 7 63 ) 6 82 - 12 45 w ww. Z i on Bu f f a l o . o r g

Births

December 11

Dylan Benjamin Harms, son of Michael

& Jamie Harms

Baptisms

January 13

Emmett Kelly Hanson

January 27

Jameson Eldon Hirsch

Hailey Marie Vilmo

Alyssa Rhea Young

Weddings

January 5

Yvonne Cooney & Robert Burling at

Zion

Funerals

January 4

Jerry Moe

Active Military

Alex Euerle

Stationed in California

Kevin Osfar

Stationed in Japan

Ben Pecarina

Stationed in Georgia

Will Dobbins

Deployed on the USS Peleliu

Christopher Brophy

Stationed at Ft Riley, KS

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at Ft Bliss, TX

Deanna Strommen

Stationed in Washington, DC

Christopher Schmidt

Deployed to the Persian Gulf

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Bragg, NC

Trey Wilson

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar, CA

Doug Pecarina

Army National Guard

Social Suppers Return

Social suppers are an opportunity to get to know some new folks at Zion in a one-time small-group setting. Participants will be randomly placed in groups of 8-10 adults to get together in homes for a potluck supper. This round of social suppers will have both ‘Adults Only’ and ‘Families’ groups, and options to host or be a guest in someone else’s home.

Groups will meet on Saturday, April 13, at 7pm. The host plans the main dish and suggests what the others should bring to complete the meal. Each participant will receive a letter with group and host assignments the week of April 1. Please sign up at the Information Desk or ZionBuffalo.org/signup by Palm Sunday, March 24.

In a church as large as Zion, this is a good way to get to know a handful of people a little better. If you have any questions, please contact Angela in the church office.

Internet Safety Follow Up

By Angela Bengtson

A good crowd turned out for the presentation on ‘Internet Safety: The Anti-social Side of Social Media’ in February. Speaker Kevin Randolph of the U of M Police Department focused on the ways the internet can misused by the ‘bad guys’.

My takeaways from the presentation can perhaps be summed up by

Know who your friends are (‘cull’ or ‘weed’ your list if needed),

Set your privacy so only your friends can see information about you,

and (perhaps my favorite) ‘teenage boys are stupid’ … in other words, if you send something provocative, it WILL be shared with people with whom you don’t want it shared. Once you post (or private message) something it is out of your control.

What the speaker did not cover so much was the how-to of managing your privacy, and I know that is something parents are looking for … so I’ve covered some of those details in an online post at bit.ly/mnplatypus-internet-safety. The article includes information about understanding privacy icons, what friends-of-friends really means, how to use privacy settings, clarification of the tagging question that was brought up at the presentation, and 3 things teens need to know about Twitter.

Connecting With Care

Creating a community where people are connected 2

Wednesday Suppers

There’s a tasty meal waiting for you

every Wednesday from 5-6:15 in the

Fellowship Hall for a suggested

donation of $4 per plate/$15/family.

The best deal in town!

Meals will be served each week until the

end of the school year, excluding school

breaks.

March 6: Tacos

March 13: Sloppy Joes

March 20: Hamburgers

(youth fundraiser)

February 27: No Supper

(Spring Break)

[email protected]

Anniversary of Baptism

If your child was baptized during the

last year, please plan to attend a special

event celebrating their baptism

anniversary on Saturday, April 13,

from 9-10:30am.

Parents and children will attend

together (care for older siblings can

be arranged upon request) and have

some learning time together and a

remembrance of their baptism.

Then parents will have some adult

time to talk about how to continue

to bring faith traditions into their

home while their children play with

our nursery staff.

Don’t miss this fun, family event! To

sign up, please go to ZionBuffalo.org/

signup.

in relationships and supported in need. 3

New Things

By Pastor Luke

If I have to be honest, which is a good quality in a pastor I guess, I will admit that I like the allure of “new” things. I like the new features, the new abilities, the new looks, the new sights and sounds. When new things are announced or somebody tells me about them, I’m intrigued. For me, starting my ministry at Zion nearly two years ago, I walked into a place ready to look at some new things, some new ministries, some new adventures. Zion was ready to move forward and take some next steps in discerning God’s path. The Vision Task Force was up and running and they brought the desires of the congregation to life in the initiatives they put before us. We are a good year into that process now of implementing the vision and new things continue to roll out.

In April, we have a Gifts Discovery course beginning that is a result of the visioning process and people having a desire to know how they can best serve their neighbors and live out their call (see page 4).

The Branding Task Force is meeting to work on establishing a process and identifying industry experts to lead us into a new understanding of who we are, how we are unique in our ministry setting, and how we communicate that effectively with the greater Buffalo area and beyond.

We are exploring a few new avenues to enhance our Sunday morning experience. We talk about Inviting, Welcoming, Engaging, three pieces of a process to connect people at Zion with a church to call their home for years to come.

The Fellowship Committee is stronger than ever and taking on new opportunities to get people connected at church and in the community.

These are just a few of the new things you’ll see as we move forward into 2013 and beyond. We’ve got great leadership on board, a wonderful staff that collaborates well, and a vision for where God is leading us. So while some of these things are new to us, they’ve been part of God’s plan for us all along. It’s a wonderful feeling to be walking in step with God as we continue to be faithful to our mission of sharing Christ’s word, strengthening faith, and serving those in need.

Save the Date Father Daughter Dance

Saturday April 6

What Are My Spiritual Gifts?

By Pastor Luke

This Lent our focus will be on spiritual gifts, specifically the gifts as laid out in Ephesians 4 by the apostle Paul. If you join us with any regularity during this series, I’ll go out on a limb and guess that at some point in the middle of a Wednesday night, a specific question will pop into your mind. That question will be, “What are my spiritual gifts?”

That is a great question, and a question we look forward to answering for you when we kick off our Spiritual Gifts Discovery course in April.

On Thursday nights all during April and for the first Thursday night in May, Pastor Sara Vanderpan will be leading us through a comprehensive gifts discovery process to find out just how God wired us to work in this world. The course will culminate with a celebration event and a chance to connect your gifts to an area of ministry here at Zion, or get pointed to a local group where you can let God use you in great and perhaps new ways.

Sign up at ZionBuffalo.org/signup or at the Information Desk. Childcare can be arranged if needed. The signups are limited to 35 people so we can effectively work in small groups and get the most out of the course. If this class fills up (as I assume it will), another course will be offered in the fall.

I’m looking forward to a great opportunity to see what God has in store for all of us!

Christianity and the Bible

Rick Johnson will offer a Bible Study on “Christianity and the Bible,” on Monday nights beginning March 18. The study will look at how the Bible came in to being from the creation of the Hebrew Bible to the King James version. Videos will be shown on the history of Christianity, books banned from the Bible, and Martin Luther.

The study will be divided into 2 parts.

The spring class will cover Christian history and Bible development up to 400 AD. The spring course outline is available online.

The fall class will cover from 400 AD up to the writing of the King James version.

Spring classes will be held on 8 consecutive Monday nights, March 18 to May 6, from 6:30-8pm in the Library. Sign up at ZionBuffalo.org/signup or at the Information Desk.

Council Member Mike Davis

Mike and Jill Davis live in Rockford. They

have two daughters, Ellie (10) and Tia

(soon to be 8). Both of them enjoy piano,

horseback riding, Girl Scouts and other

interests which keep the family very busy.

They were visiting churches shortly after

they were married in the summer of 2000

when they first came to Zion. “I believe

we were at the early service that day, and

we were ‘highly encouraged’ to come back

later that afternoon for the new member

class. We were inducted as members the

following Sunday.”

Mike Davis has served on the church

council since 2011 and is currently in the

final year of his term. “The opportunity

presented itself, and I believed that it was

my time to get more involved and do my

part.” Mike has found that serving on

council has forced him out of his comfort

zone and helped him get to know a lot

more people at Zion.

“I think the most surprising and

humbling thing I’ve seen on council

these last few years is the huge amount

of activity going on at Zion that we

hear reports of monthly. All the hours

and devotion put in by so many

volunteers is very inspiring.”

His council responsibilities include serving

as congregational Treasurer, representing

the council on the Finance Committee and

Zion Foundation Investment Committee.

(Mike Davis continued on page 11)

Living God’s Call

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 4

Easter Baskets

Zion will again this year be collecting,

assembling the product and distributing

Food Shelf Easter Baskets for about 275

families here in Buffalo which include a

ham, all the fixings for an Easter meal,

plus paper products. The Social Ministry

Team will be collecting items for these

baskets each week of Lent as follows:

Week of February 17—Can of fruit and

box of Jell-O

Week of February 24—Box of potatoes

Week of March 3—Cans of green beans,

mushroom soup, and FF onions

Week of March 10—Paper towels and

toilet paper

Week of March 17—Box of dessert mix

and bag of jelly beans

You may choose to contribute cash

towards purchasing items at reduced

prices ($25 will buy one complete basket).

Distribution of the baskets, which will

feed 1000 individuals, will be at Zion on

Thursday, March 21. Watch for more

details in the weekly bulletins or March

newsletter.

Silent Service Auction

The Social Ministry and Fellowship

Committees will host a meal and silent

service auction at Zion on Saturday, April

20, to benefit partner organizations in the

community.

Finding Fulfillment in Volunteering

Roger and Sandy Brenny are both retired from many years working at General Mills. Roger worked for 42 years as a Logistics Manager in the Gold Medal Flour Division, and Sandy worked for 31 years in the Foodservice Division. Sharing a commute, they got used to spending two hours a day together in a small car, sharing the days events.

“You get pretty close with no interruptions except WCCO radio.”

Roger and Sandy have three grown children and one granddaughter that all live in Minnesota.

As they approached retirement they moved to Buffalo, and started looking for a church where they could be comfortable and get closer to God.

“After doing a search of the many wonderful churches in Buffalo, we settled on Zion as our worship home. The main overriding reason was that we wanted a ‘modern’ church with a large congregation but still wanted to feel connected! We have always been taught that if you did not become active in a church you would not feel part of that church so we decided to become involved.”

Sandy retired in 2005 and Roger retired in 2007, and they certainly did get involved at Zion.

“When we were working at General Mills, it was our total life! Retirement forced us into another stage of our life and we recognized that we needed to meet new friends and have new activities to keep us busy and fulfilled. As a result, we had few relationships outside of work. By getting involved at Zion, we have met and formed lasting friendships with many Zion members. We thank Deb and Rick Johnson for being the people that got us involved with Zion with leading by example and also having trust in us to become leaders within Zion and the community.”

Roger and Sandy try to live by Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed,” and their main passion has become their work with Zion’s Social Ministry Committee and some of our partner organizations.

The mission of the Zion’s Social Ministry Committee is to extend Christian compassion locally, and for Roger and Sandy that means getting involved in many organizations and activities where they have a mutual passion and they can “be the hands and feet of Jesus” and serve the Lord to help people in need. “This is what fills our heart and gives us rewards.”

Roger and Sandy use their different gifts to work together as a team, with Sandy as more of the ‘idea person’, and Roger as the ‘grunt’ to make things happen.

(Roger & Sandy Brenny continued on page 14)

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 5

Wednesdays in Lent

12:00 noon

Lenten worship will be in the Chapel

5:00-6:15pm

Lenten Supper—Fellowship Hall

6:30 pm

Worship in the Sanctuary follows the

Holden Evening Prayer service

with meditations, scripture & song

7:15 pm

Senior Choir & Joyful Ringers

7:30–9:00 pm

Graceland—Youth Room

All Senior High students are

invited

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday – March 28 Worship at noon and 6:60pm in the

Sanctuary

Good Friday – March 29 Family Worship at 10am in Trinity

Hall

Ecumenical Good Friday service at

noon at the Buffalo Assembly of

God Church

Tenebrae Service at 7pm in the

Sanctuary

Easter Sunday – March 31 7:00am, 9:45am, and 10:45am in

Trinity Hall

8:30am and 10:30am in the

Sanctuary

All Easter Sunday services include

Pastor Ted’s sermon, Communion,

children’s message, and nursery care

The Easter Garden will be in the

Sanctuary, and all services in Trinity

Hall are allergy free with no blooming

plants

The youth will be serving Easter

Breakfast in Fellowship Hall from

8-10:30am as a fundraiser.

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, 6

More Important Than Worship

Perhaps the single most important thing that happens at Zion on Sunday mornings doesn’t happen during worship but in the lobby, before people actually get into the sanctuary … People develop a first impression in approximately 7 minutes.

A “Welcoming Church” is the key to a great Sunday morning – for visitors and long time attenders at Zion. Why was our lobby such a warm, welcoming place last week? How can each member help make sure it is that way next week?

If you want to help make that first impression of Zion a good one, plan to attend the Welcoming Church Event after Lenten Worship the evening of Wednesday, March 6.

A Welcoming Church Event

Everyone likes to think that their church is welcoming and friendly, but what can you do to help make Zion a welcoming and friendly place to those who are new to Zion? On Wednesday, March 6, join Pastor Ted and the Outreach and Evangelism committee for dessert after Lenten worship, while they share their vision for nurturing a welcoming culture at Zion.

Meet at 7:15pm in the library. Sign up at ZionBuffalo.org/signup or at the Information Desk is appreciated to help the committee plan for food.

Spring New Member Orientation

The next New Member Orientation will be held after worship on Sunday, April 14. This orientation to membership provides an introduction to Zion ministries and staff, an opportunity to meet others at Zion, and a little about what it means to be Lutheran. Those that decide to become members will be formally received into our congregation on Sunday, April 28.

Register at ZionBuffalo.org/signup or at the information desk.

Intergenerational Dinner

Zion Senior High youth will be hosting Zion’s senior adults (55+) at an Intergenerational Dinner on Sunday, March 3, starting at Noon in Fellowship Hall.

This will be an opportunity for those gathered to share their faith and their personality through hymns, stories, games and more. The free meal will include Chicken Kiev, rice pilaf, corn, salad, dinner rolls and drinks.

Senior adults, please sign up at the information desk, in the front office, or at ZionBuffalo.org/signup by Wednesday, February 27.

Celebrating on Sundays

Mission Jamaica

Since 2011, Zion has become familiar with J’Abode, medical missions, and “a vacation with a purpose” through Mission Jamaica. The current team is serving from February 23-March 2.

While they are gone you can follow their progress at ZionBuffalo.org/MJ or Facebook.com/ZionMJ.

On Sunday, March 10 they will report on their trip in the Library following the 8:30 and 10:30 worship services. They will also serve fresh Jamaican coffee, and announce 2014 trip dates, information, and fundraising opportunities.

Worship Volunteers

It takes all of us to make things run smoothly for the extra worship services during Lent and Holy Week.

Volunteers should plan to be here 15 minutes (acolytes, nursery, communion servers) to 30 minutes (greeters, ushers, parking lot) before the service.

Lenten Wednesday Worship Services

Sign up on the Table or contact Sherilyn at 763.682.1245 or [email protected].

Holy Week

Please contact Sherilyn at 763.682.1245 or [email protected] to fill any of these positions:

Maundy Thursday, March 28, noon and 6:30pm: Ushers, Acolytes, Greeters, & Communion Assistants (grades 7-8)

Thursday, March 28: Bulletin stuffers (Easter bulletins)

Good Friday, March 29, 7:00pm: Ushers, Acolytes, Nursery Assistants

Saturday, March 30, 10:30am: Easter garden flower set up

Easter Sunday, March 31, 7:00, 8:30, 9:45, 10:30, 10:45 am: Ushers, Communion Servers, Altar Guild, Greeters, Acolytes, Parking lot attendants, & Nursery workers.

Try Family Ring

Musical friends, family members...people who say “I’ve always wanted to try playing bells…” are all invited to join the Family Ring bell choir and play for Zion’s 10am Good Friday Family Worship.

Come to at least two of these rehearsals: Wednesday, March 20, 4:30-5pm; Sunday, March 24, 9:30-10:15 and Friday, March 29, 9-10am. Sign up is necessary to assign parts! Contact Sherilyn at 682.1245 or [email protected].

Worship Schedule

Sunday, March 3

Third Sunday in Lent

Luke 13:1-9

Pastor Ted Preaching

Wednesday, March 6

Evangelist

Mark 1:16-18

Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday, March 10

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32


Wednesday, March 13

Pastor

1 Peter 5:2-4


Sunday, March 17

Fifth Sunday in Lent

John 12:1-8


Wednesday, March 13

Teacher

Acts 18:24-28


Sunday, March 24

Palm Sunday with Palm Processional at

8:30 and 10:30

Luke 22:14-23 / Luke 23:1-49


Thursday, March 28

Maundy Thursday


Friday, March 29

Good Friday

Pastor Ted & Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday, March 31

Easter Sunday


welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ. 7

January 2013 Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Jan 2013 YTD 2013 Jan 2012 YTD 2012 General Offering $48,972 $48,972 $56,474 $56,474

Rent and Sunday School 2,610 2,610 1,746 1,746

WedNite Supper Income 883 883 734 734

Missions and Hunger 819 819 920 920

Other Designations 290 290 505 505

Total Income $53,573 $53,573 $60,379 $60,379

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Other General Services 84,323 84,323 59,805 59,805

Total Expenses $85,323 $85,323 $60,805 $60,805

Checkbook balance as of 1-31-2013: $468

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Jan 2013 YTD 2013 Jan 2012 YTD 2012 Offerings and Interest $14,137 $14,137 $18,436 $18,436

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $14,137 $14,137 $18,436 $18,436

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $15,869 $15,869 $15,869

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 0 0 0 0

Kairos Consulting 0 0 3,000 3,000

3% Tithe obligation from 2010 0 0 0 0

Bank Service Charge 0 0 0 0

Total Expenses $15,869 $15,869 $18,869 $18,869

Checkbook balance as of 1-31-2013: $17,306

Thank you for your continued support of God’s work at Zion Lutheran Church.

Memorial Gifts Received

Gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Elsie Ostlund Mitchell from Barbara

Burch.


of John Edwards from Joyce Edwards.

Gift to Global Missions in memory of

Janie Brandjord from Julie Swaggert.


of Jane Brandjord from Robert &

Denise Johnson.


of Frank Pfeiffer from Betty Pfeiffer.

Gift to the Zion Foundation in memory

of Jim Nelson from Mark & Louise

Minkler.

Gift to the Zion Foundation from Judy

Sandeen.


of Sam Corhouse from Marlys

Corhouse.


of Mary Jane Brandjord from Robert

Brandjord & Pamela Rober.

Let Us Know

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

If you have had any changes to your

address, phone number, marital status,

etc. please contact the office with your

name, phone number and the changes

that need to be made in our database.

If You Are Ill

Hospitals no longer notify churches

when their members are admitted for

care. Let us know so we can support

you with prayer and presence.

Prayer Requests

Please use a yellow pew card, post on

the Prayer Wall of our online

community, or contact the office with

your prayer requests.

763.682.1245

TableProject.ZionBuffalo.org

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 8

Finance & Stewardship

Giving for Life

Adapted from the Fall 2012 issue of the

Thrivent magazine by Karen Worner

Good intentions are put into action

because of “purposeful planning” which is

a way to map out charitable giving as

part of your family’s budget. Even if your

budget is tight, here are a few ideas to

help you support your favorite charities.

Create a Strategy What are your goals? Do you want to

make sure you have charitable dollars in

your budget to give? Or do you simply

want to give more than you already do?

Create a Budget If giving is a priority, you need to

consider it in your monthly budget. At the

beginning of the month, look at the money

that is available, not what is left over at

the end of the month. As Scripture

describes, the “first fruits”.

Think about what is most important to you “Giving is personal. It should reflect your

values and priorities” says Chris

Anderson, executive director of the

Lutheran Community Foundation (LCF).

Don’t forget spur-of-the-moment giving Requests for help come from all areas, so

it’s good to expect the unexpected.

For more ideas on planning with a

purpose go to Thrivent.com/magazine. For

more information on Thrivent Financial

and its products, please contact Mark

Worner at 763.682.6011.

9

Sacrificial Giving

By Jud Goerss

Since the beginning of time, our Creator continues to bless our life and offer absolute love. God’s gift of his only son, Jesus, who offered his own life for us on the cross is the ultimate example of sacrifice. We walk in the footsteps of Christ when we give sacrificially. The starting point for Sacrificial Giving is the basic principle of Christian stewardship - everything we have is a gift from God. In gratitude for God’s generosity, we offer our time, talents and money to further God’s kingdom.

The Lenten season is a good time to reflect on why and how we make sacrifices. As there are a variety of gifts, there are multiple ways in which to give. Some choose to give something up or make a change in their personal lives. Others choose to give their time and talents to a specific ministry. When deciding how to use your gifts the sky is the limit. In response to God’s unconditional love, I invite you to ponder your choices. Lent is a time to strengthen and renew your relationship with God. Giving will make a difference in your life, as well as those around you.

The Bible tells us that “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)

Sacrificial Giving is an opportunity to return to God a portion of the gifts He has given you and to strengthen the ministries at Zion. Your decision about your giving will be one which mirrors your gratefulness to God for the gifts you have received. Ponder, Reflect, Answer Yes to the talents God has placed within you.

Sending Out Love

On Sunday, February 10, in the midst of a snowstorm, Zion sent out about 100 meal packages to both members of the congregation and members of the community, to show Zion’s care and remind recipients of God’s love for them. Sunday school, Club 456, senior high, and adult volunteers all helped with this project.

These are just a few of the notes we received from recipients:

Yesterday we received a food package. Not sure why, but would like to thank you. There was one cookie that was something like a sugar cookie,

our daughter & myself loved them.

Karen

Thanks very much for the gift of food and sweets. They were so good that I couldn’t stop eating

until they were all gone. Arnold

Thank you so much for your gift of food & love, it came at a time I was feeling I needed something to get me thru the day.

Honey Thanks to everyone for your kindness,

prayers and support this winter.

Thanks to those that provided the meal

that was delivered here today. Laurie &

Joel Mackereth also delivered a

fantastic home-made meal earlier this

winter.

Mel & Marlys

Saturday March 9

9:00am Premarital Workshop Part 2

Sunday March 10

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

8:30am Sunday School

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service



Monday March 11

8:00am Men's Bible Study

9:00am Women's Ministry Planning

7:00pm Zion Book Club

8:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

Tuesday March 12

9:30am Staff Meeting

6:30pm Outreach & Evangelism

Committee

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday March 13

9:30am Women's Bible Study

12:00pm Lenten Worship

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm SONshine Choir

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir

5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper

5:15pm Youth Choir


7:15pm Joyful Ringers

7:30pm Property Committee Meeting

7:30pm Branding Task Force Meeting

7:30pm Graceland Senior High Youth

Group

Thursday March 14

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study

Friday March 15

7:00pm Friday Night Fun Night

Saturday March 16

9:30am Worship and Music Committee

Meeting

Sunday March 17

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

St. Patrick's Day

7:00am Cinnamon Rolls








11:30am TIM Team

11:45am Host Training

2:00pm Parkview Devotions/Communion

Monday March 18


6:30pm Bible Study


Tuesday March 19


9:30am Naomi Circle

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting


7:00pm Vision Team Meeting

Wednesday March 20

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

9:15am Sunrise Devotions



2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth


3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir




Group

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday March 21


Study

3:00pm Easter Basket Distribution

6:30pm Youth Board Meeting

7:00pm Rebecca Circle

Friday March 22

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Friday March 1

6:00am Friday Breakfast Crew

Saturday March 2

9:00am First Communion Class

Sunday March 3

Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, & 10:30

Recognition of First Communion

7:00am Cinnamon Rolls








12:00pm Intergenerational Dinner

Monday March 4



Tuesday March 5


6:30pm Social Ministry Committee


Wednesday March 6

Nametag Wednesday

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study



2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth


3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir



7:15pm A Welcoming Church Event

7:30pm Family Matters Parenting Group


Group

Thursday March 7


Study

Friday March 8

March 2013

11

Change for Children

This year’s Sunday school Change for

Children mission project will benefit

children around the world through Kids

Against Hunger.

The project kicked off in Sunday school on

Sunday, February 17 . Each child

received a collection tube, and students

were asked to bring their change in each

week February 24-March 24 to help our

friends around the world. Quarters fit

perfectly in the tube, but paper currency

will be accepted too.

To encourage the kids to remember their

change, the weekly incentives are:

March 3 – Hat day (wear your

favorite hat to church)

March 10 – Pajama Day (Daylight

Savings Time)

March 17 – Wear Green (for St.

Patrick’s Day)

March 24 – Dress Your Best (Palm

Sunday, Kids sing in worship)

The congregation will be asked to

contribute their spare change through the

popular ‘noisy offering’ in worship on

Sunday, March 24.

During Spring Break, on Thursday, March

28 from 10 am – Noon, students and

parents will have the opportunity to join

together to package meals for Kids

Against Hunger at YWAM (Youth With a

Mission) near Rockford. Save the date,

and watch your email for online

registration information in March.

Friday March 29

10:00am Good Friday Family Worship

12:00pm Ecumenical Good Friday

Service at Buffalo Assembly of God

Church

7:00pm Good Friday Worship

Saturday March 30

10:30am Easter Garden set up

Sunday March 31

5:30am Easter Breakfast Setup

7:00am Easter Sunrise Worship

7:30am Easter Breakfast

8:30am Festival Worship

9:45am Easter Family Express Worship

10:30am Festival Worship

10:45am Easter Celebration Worship


In the past he has served on the Memorial

Committee, sung with the Senior Choir

and served as a confirmation guide. He

and Jill also serve on Sundays as greeters

or coffee fellowship hosts.

Mike has worked at Hutchinson

Technology for 15 years as an advanced

product development engineer. He is also

a member of the Winsted Karate Club and

enjoys volunteering at the Rockford

Riverworks Thrift Store. He is currently

setting up a home based business to

produce school fundraising products.

(Mike Davis continued from page 4)

Saturday March 23

4:00pm Redeemer Music Arts Academy

Benefit Concert at Bethlehem

Lutheran

Sunday March 24

Palm Sunday/Noisy Offering








Monday March 25


6:30pm Bible Study


Tuesday March 26



7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Wednesday March 27

9:00am Newsletter Assembly

9:30am Devotions at Lake Ridge


10:30am Devotions at Park View


7:00pm Senior Choir

Thursday March 28


Study

12:00pm Maundy Thursday Worship

6:30pm Maundy Thursday Tenebrae

Worship

30-Hour Famine

The Buffalo area 30-Hour Famine is about 8th-12th Grade students loving God and fighting hunger while learning the truth about hunger, poverty, and injustice - then overcoming it all with love.

Worldwide, 925 million people are hungry. Every day, as many as 11,000 children under age 5 die due to hunger-related causes. That’s one kid every 8 seconds. The Famine gives you a chance to do something about it - to rise up and serve the hungry. Going hungry so others don’t have to.

The 30-Hour Famine will officially kick off at 6pm on Thursday, March 7, when the fast begins. Students who have registered by March 3 and contributed at least $10 will be given a t-shirt to wear to school on Friday, March 8. Students are asked to be united as one force on that Friday and make an impact in your school by wearing your shirt.

Participants and friends are invited to come to St John's Church in Buffalo at 4:30pm on Friday to assist with service projects, play games, worship, pray and build community all for a great cause. At midnight, the group will break the fast with a pancake breakfast.

Friday Night Fun Night Service Night

Calling all 6th-8th Graders! You can make a difference at the next Friday Night Fun Night on Friday, March 15, from 7-9pm!

Come and be a part of a team that will make over 500 sandwiches to help fight hunger in the Twin Cities with the help of a great group, MRD Inc, led by Mr. Allen Law, who will be here to share about his experiences.

Every night from 9 pm to 10 am the next day, Mr. Law drives throughout the Twin Cities serving the homeless, poor, and disadvantaged children and families with love and compassion. Mr. Law works overnight because that’s when shelters are closed, and homeless people living on the street are most vulnerable. Several times each night he provides bus tokens, sandwiches, and bottled water to homeless people living outside so they can ride the bus safely off the streets, and warm in winter.

You will not want to miss this amazing opportunity!

Bible Camp

Current 2nd-12th Graders are invited to attend Bible Camp at Camp Wapo the week of July 6-12, 2013.

SEEDS is for 2nd-3rd grade, Friday, July 12 - Sunday, July 14. Cost is $100.

Youth Camp for 4th - 8th Grade, Sunday, July 7 - Friday, July 12. Cost is $295.

TIM Team for 9th - 12th Grade, Saturday, July 6 - Friday, July 12. Cost is $295.

A $100 deposit per student is due by Sunday, March 3, to secure their spot.

Director of Youth Ministries

Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

[email protected]

Engage. Grow. Proclaim.

Zion Youth Ministries exists to

engage youth, help them grow

and proclaim faith in Christ.

Friday Breakfast Crew

Senior High Students - Come out to

Perkins on Friday, March 1 at 6am for

a chance to check-in with everyone.

Make sure to bring money for food and

a tip for our great servers!

Youth Board

There is a Youth Board meeting on

Thursday, March 21, at 6:30pm.

TIM Team

TIM Team (Teens in Mission) will meet

on Sunday, March 17, at 11:30 in the

Café Corner.

Confirmation

There will be NO Confirmation during

Lent. Classes will resume on

Wednesday, April 3.

Graceland

Graceland Senior High will meet

Wednesdays March 6, 13, and 20.

There will be no Graceland during Holy

Week (March 27).

ZionBuffalo.org/youth

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on

you because you are young, but set

an example for the believers in speech,

in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Youth Ministry

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth 12

Kingdom Rock VBS

This year, our VBS theme is Kingdom Rock – Where Kids Stand Strong for God!

Kids age 3 to grade 6 are invited to join us June 10-14 from 9am–noon for worship, Bible stories, games, fun crafts and time to grow in faith!

Sign up early so that we can plan for this great adventure!

Online registration will begin March 18 and close May 27.

The registration fee is $15 and pays for your t-shirt, a CD, snacks and supplies. Bible Memory Buddies on a chain are optional for an additional $5.

Scholarships are available – we want everyone to be able to join the fun!

Older youth and adults, please talk to Kirsten to volunteer. Plan for VBS Leader Training on May 23 (6-8 pm) or May 25 (9-11 am).

You won’t want to miss this life-changing week as we learn how to stand strong for God!

Ministering to Our Youngest

Do you have children or grandchildren and love kids? Are you interested in making sure the youngest among us know God’s love, are welcome in worship and grow up to be faithful adults? Then you’d be perfect for a new team of people that is coming together to talk about ministry to the youngest of our congregation.

This team will work on updating and enhancing the Rainbow Activity Bags for worship, help plan the Baptism Anniversary event on April 13 (9-10:30), and talk about other ideas for sharing God’s love with these kiddos and their families. Share your ideas, start a discussion or express your interest for this team at http://bit.ly/zion-youngest. Talk to Kirsten for more details.

Family Focused Ministry Continues

As Zion looks to welcome a new staff member who will be working with children birth – 6th grade, the title of related staff positions will be changing from Co-Directors of Christian Education to Co-Directors of Children & Family Ministry.

The Council and Personnel Committees have given their approval and this change truly does reflect what is already happening at Zion. Holly & Roxie have left a legacy of wonderful ministry that has reached out to not only children but also their families for years. With the addition of Family Matters (speakers, parenting group, marriage enrichment, etc), this tradition will be strengthened.

Equipping parents on this journey, so that they have the tools to practice faith in their home, is important … because research shows that the little time that kids have at church doesn’t make near the impact that mom and/or dad do at home. Mom and/or dad are the #1 faith factors in their kids’ lives!

So, while the names change, Zion will continue the strong tradition of family focused ministries for children birth to 6th grade, and partnership with parents.

Sunday School Calendar

March 3

First Communion Sunday

Camp forms due

Change for Children: Hat Day

Pre-K/K: Lent (The Light of the

World)

1st-3rd: Lent (Jesus is our Lord)

4th: The 10 Commandments (1-3)

5th-6th: Lent (Traditional)

March 10

Daylight Savings Time

Change for Children: Pajama Day

Pre-K/K: Lent (Serve and Follow)



5th-6th: Lent (Grapple)

March 17:

St. Patrick’s Day

Change for Children: Wear Green

Pre-K/K: Lent (Palm Sunday)



5th-6th: Lent (Traditional)

March 24

Palm Sunday

All kids sing in worship

Change for Children: Dress Your Best

Noisy Offering in worship!

Pre-K/K: Lent (Jesus is Risen!)



5th-6th: Lent (Grapple)

March 31

Easter Sunday – He is risen!

Worship at 7, 8:30, 9:45, 10:30 &

10:45

Sanctuary Sunday

Children & Family Ministry Directors

Kirsten Kelly

763-682-1245 x331

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 13

Children’s Ministry

The Baptism Class

Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is

asked to attend a class prior to the date of

the baptism. Expectant parents, as well as

those who already are parents, may

attend the class. Scheduling of baptisms

will take place at the class.

The next classes are Sunday, April 14,

and Sunday, June 9 at noon. Register at

ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or by calling the

office.

Farewell to Holly

Holly Husom resigned her staff position

as Co-Director of Children And Family

Ministries at Zion in February.

Holly will be going back to school to get

her education certification up to date and

will be seeking full-time employment.

Holly has been on staff at Zion since

2007. On Sunday, February 17, we

celebrated Holly's fruitful ministry among

us.

14

“Without a wonderful accepting, loving, helping partner, there is no way we could accomplish any of the above. Being retired and both of us ‘home’ 24 hours a day, we NEED to have similar goals, passions and activities to fulfill our life!”

Roger and Sandy have both been involved with food all of their lives—Roger grew up in a family that owned a grocery store, Sandy grew up in a family that owned a restaurant, both worked at a food company, and both like to eat! That led them to try to stop hunger at the local level, beginning with the Buffalo Food Shelf.

Love INC—Big Woods was formed after they were involved with the Buffalo Food Shelf and the Brennys saw a logical Christian relationship between Love INC’s mission of helping people in need and their own passion to serve.

“We were surprised with the amount of poverty even in our ‘small town’! You never think of poverty or homelessness in rural communities and how it affects the children. Almost 10% of the Buffalo population receives some help from Love INC and the Food Shelf.”

Roger is currently the Executive Director of the Buffalo Food Shelf and Sandy is the Board Chair for Love INC— Big Woods. Together they have participated with both organizations, being involved in Adopt a Family, Community Meals, School Supply distribution, Holiday Baskets, gas card distribution, Coats for Kids, and others. This has allowed them to share their passion and keep an active retirement life.

In addition to their involvement with the Food Shelf and Love INC, Roger and Sandy have both been event planners for the Zionaires seniors group: “One of our most cherished connections is with the Zionaires! They have been an inspiration and joy to work with, interact, share, laugh with, and enjoy each other’s company!

They have also been Wednesday Supper servers, Sunday Hosts, and helped with the Lutefisk supper, newsletter mailing crew, and Meals on Wheels. Roger has served on the church council and as treasurer of the congregation, and on the Finance Committee. Sandy has served on the Zion Foundation.

They encourage everyone to find some way to give something back:

“Many people chose to volunteer because of the personal benefits that volunteering has on them as an individual. Volunteers often say that the experience has made them a better and happier person. In most cases, volunteers also become more concerned and aware of the

problems facing the world and community. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering is a two-way street, and it can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.”

If you are interested in joining the Brennys in finding a way to serve people in your community, they encourage you to contact them (their number is available from the church office), and they’ll help you find your place.

(Roger & Sandy Brenny continued from page 5)

You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the

Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. For there will never cease to be

poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and

to the poor, in your land.’

Deuteronomy 15:10-11

Our Mission... Zion seeks to

Share Christ’s Word,

Strengthen faith, and

Serve those in need.

Our Vision… Helping people experience the joy of

life in Christ by:

1. Celebrating on Sundays:

Creating Sunday morning experiences that invite, welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ.

2. Living God’s Call:

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them to

trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world.

3. Connecting with Care:

Creating a community where people are connected in relationships and

supported in need.

15

Redeemer Afterschool Program

by Angela Bonfiglio, program coordinator

This past year we have completed our first year of our Wednesday after-school program, and are half way through our second year. The program has continued to expand with the support of volunteers and community members from Westwood, Augsburg College, Luther Seminary, the congregation, high school students, the neighborhood, parents, and additional staff support. Additional support from the Redeemer Music Academy, Westwood, Read to Feed the Mind, and Kinship also helps the program continue to flourish. Each week there are between 20 to 25 kids and around 15 adults at the program.

The afterschool program focuses on building healthy relationships with adults and peers where small group work allows for kids to understand Respecting Others, Respecting Self, and Respecting the Building. We ask students to be leaders in creating safety and belonging. We also focus on allowing kids to explore their gifts and sharing them in the community. We have been able to offer a wide variety of classes, and kids have been able to share their gifts in church, at AMP,Redeemer Open Mics and at After-school Program Events. Our goal for the program is to be a starting place for kids and the community to have a relationship with the church, and we hope to continue to grow and connect these wonderful and talented kids into the life of the congregation.

The program is essentially about building community with a multi generational group of people from an number of different backgrounds, experiences, and gifts, that are brought together and shared with the community. As the year continues, we are able to see the growth in many of the students who have been at the program this year.

Easter Garden

Every year Zion has a beautiful display of all kinds of different plants and blooming flowers for our Sunday morning Easter Services. The plants/flowers are usually given in memory of or in honor of someone special to you and/or your family. It is a nice way to recognize your loved ones and to show gratitude for God’s many blessings.

For those with allergies, the Sunrise service at 7am and the Family Express Easter Sunday service at 9:45am in Trinity Hall will be flower-free.

A list of plant donors will be published in the bulletin on Easter Sunday.

The Property Committee is planning an Easter Plant Fundraiser again this year. Options include several varieties of lilies, as well as mums, azaleas, hydrangeas, and Easter palms. Orders are due by March 21 and forms are available at the Information Desk or online at ZionBuffalo.org/Lent. Proceeds will be used toward improvements in Fellowship Hall (carpet, tile, and painting).

If you would like to order directly from a florist or purchase from a grocery

(Easter Garden continued on page 17)

Baby Animal Fair

Celebrate our community, learn about

Heifer International’s work to end poverty

and hunger throughout the world, fill our

local food shelf, and learn about the work

of local charities and volunteer

organizations.

Harvest of Hands will again be

participating in the 2013 Baby Animal

Fair on Sunday, April 21 from noon-4pm

at the Buffalo Civic Center. The event will

include animals, food and drink booths,

and activities for all ages.

Admission is a non-perishable food item

for the Buffalo Food Shelf.

Learn more at www.babyanimalfair.org.

A Red-Letter Day

Women, on Saturday, May 5 you are

invited to Trinity Hall at Zion to celebrate

the special days of your life at the annual

Zion Women’s Brunch.

You may have heard "That was a

red-letter day!" after a big event. Red-

letter days began as the festival days the

church year that were marked in red to

set them apart from the everyday black

numbers on the calendar. Red-letter days

quickly turned into the term used for

memorable, special days.

We'll celebrate those red-letter days in

our lives with great food, music, and time

with friends and family. Special guest

speaker will be Marilyn Sharpe who will

bring great excitement and wisdom about

creating and keeping red-letter moments

in life. You might be surprised: sometimes

the red-letter days start out as ordinary

days!

Mark your own calendar for May 5 to

make that day a red-letter day for you and

your friends!

Registration begins in early April.

If you'd like to be a part of the Red-Letter

Day planning team, contact Judy Weis

(682.7014) or Sherilyn Burgdorf

([email protected])

16

Harvest of Hands

Harvest of Hands was able to double their $5,000 donation to the Buffalo Food shelf by working in cooperation with the Nelson Masonic Lodge No 135. and timing the donation for February when gifts were being matched.

Throughout the year, craft groups meet on the second and fourth Tuesday morning at 9am, and on the second and fourth Wednesday evening at 7pm (or

right after worship at about 7:15 during Lent) in the Wilderness Room at Zion to prepare for the event.

The Tuesday morning group has a variety of projects planned for March, including fabric signs for use at the event, jewelry, and

cards.

The Wednesday evening craft group will work on mosaic projects in March. Some of the projects include decorating terracotta pots and creating sun catchers from frames.

Crafters are invited to visit the group for fun, friendship, and a sense of accomplishment on a job well done.

The Lacuna

The Zion Book Club selection for Monday, March 11, is The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver.

Merriam Webster defines Lacuna as: “……a blank space or a missing part : gap also deficiency, a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure.”

Kingsolver uses this word in her new novel as she describes a cavity on the tropical island as one “that goes down to the middle of the earth, down as far as the devil himself.”

Her novel also features a search for a gap, such as a missing part of a manuscript. On the book jacket, with a hole smack in the middle of it, Kingsolver writes of the lacuna as “between truth and public presumption.”

The jacket of The Lacuna tells us:

“In her most accomplished novel, Barbara Kingsolver takes us on an epic journey from the Mexico City of Artist’s Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo to the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR and J. Edgar Hoover. The Lucuna is a poignant story of a man pulled between two nations as they invent their modern identities.”

From dailykos.com

The Zion Book Club is a low pressure book club. Simply come for discussion with no preparation; participants are not obligated to agree on (or even finish) the books. Come when you have interest and time, so that the book club will enrich your life and not become another stress or obligation.

Upcoming Book Club selections include The Cellist of Sarajevo on April 8.

17

Sea

By LeeAnn Goerss

Mosaic Panel #4 represents the sea. I love to go to the ocean. The waves are mesmerizing, and the depth is mind boggling. It holds many mysteries.

I can sit for hours and watch and listen, eternally hopeful I might glimpse a whale, or even its tail. The last time I sat on a rocky beach, I came home with hundreds of photos on my digital camera. But the greatest draw for me is the powerful connection I feel with God. This communion with my creator nourishes my soul for a long time. I am reminded of the song I enjoyed when I was younger and still do:

God’s love is warmer than the warmest sunshine

Softer than a sigh

God’s love is deeper than the deepest ocean

Wider than the sky

God’s love is brighter than the brightest star

That shines every night above

And there is nothing in this world

That can ever change God’s love

This mosaic tile artwork is one of eight 2×4-foot pieces created by 2012 Vacation Bible School students, grades one through six. LeeAnn Goerss planned and supervised the project, Mike Otten grouted them, and the Memorials & Placement Committee helped fund them. Panels will be posted on Pinterest throughout the 2012-2013 school year, and all of the panels will eventually be on permanent display at Zion.

store or discount store, flowers should have your name put on them and be delivered to Zion by 10am on Saturday, March 30. Fill in the form on this page and return it to the church office by Monday, March 25.

The garden will be arranged on Saturday, March 30, at 11am. If you can help, please feel free to stop in and lend a hand.

All plants can be picked up after the 10:30 Easter Service or on Tuesday, April 2 (the office is closed on Monday, April 1).

(Easter Garden continued from page 15)

Easter Garden 2013

Due Monday 3/25

Circle In Memory / Honor of

______________________________________

Donated by

________________________________________

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

March 11 at 8am for April Issue

April 15 at 8am for May Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Wes Mahlberg, welcoming worshipers during

the February 10 storm.

Contact Us

[email protected]

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-

4:30pm (closes at noon summer Fridays)

Ph 763.682.1245 / Fax 763.684.1967

1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across

from 13th St S.)

PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

18

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life


Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director


Kirsten Kelly: Co-Director of Children & Family


Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Dawn Bestick: Office Administrator / Receptionist

ext. 301/302 | [email protected]

Ann Lyons: Office Administrator / Receptionist

Ext. 301/302 | [email protected]

Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Ryan Bjokne: Facilities & Grounds Manager

[email protected]

Louis Nagel: Part-time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Laurel Lundeen: Nursery Staff

Denise Burke & Aimee Bogren: Kids’ Place Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator

Congregational Council

Bill Deneen

Mike Davis

Kelly Hanson

Alisa Ireland

Deana Jeske

Beverly Koopman

Tom Moline

Mike Newman

Harley Pommier

Ryan Rud

Wanda Weber

Kristin Wilson

Inside

Zion Lutheran Church

1200 Highway 25 S.

PO Box 88

Buffalo, MN 55313

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Address Service Requested

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Social Suppers Return 2

New Things 3

Gifts Discovery Course 4

Christianity and the Bible 4

Roger & Sandy Brenny 5

More Important than Worship 6

Sacrificial Giving 9

Change for Children 11

30-Hour Famine 12

Kingdom Rock VBS 13

Easter Garden 15

March 2

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ZionBuffalo.org

March 2013 Newsletter

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Transcript of March 2013 Newsletter