December 2018 The Pastor s Ponderings...good health. Thanksgiving offering will be given to the Food...
Transcript of December 2018 The Pastor s Ponderings...good health. Thanksgiving offering will be given to the Food...
December 2018
The Pastor’s Ponderings
Pastor David’s cell phone—765-330-4170 and email address—[email protected]
Zion’s 2018 Council Members
Elder & President ........................................ Fred Walker
Elder & Vice-President ............................... Jody Stanley
Secretary ................................................. Barb Hardwick
Deacons ................................................. Allen Stallsmith
Mike Clamme
Tim Stanley
Trustees ......................................................... Mark Prout
Neil Stroble
Max Langdon
Treasurer ................................................. Dennis Walker
Financial Secretaries .................................Claretta Dutro
Nyla Hile
Do you remember what it was
like to be a kid on Christmas Eve,
scarcely able to sleep in anticipation
of what the next day would bring?
Or do you remember what it
was like to prepare for your wedding day, knowing that
you were committing your love and loyalty to another
person for the rest of your life?
Or maybe you remember what it’s like to await a
newborn child with anxiety and excitement, with great
uncertainty and hope.
And then the event happens. Christmas Day comes.
The wedding is solemnized. The baby is born. Happiness
and awe abound. We long for the moment to last forever.
But then everyday reality sets in. The toys received
with so much excitement break. The honeymoon ends.
The baby poops! (And pees, and spits up, and cries, and
screams, etc.)
Often, our anticipation of the event outweighs the re-
alization. We often have overly-idealistic expectations
for our relationships or the events of our lives. And when
those expectations aren’t fulfilled, we can get frustrated,
anxious, or despondent. Sometimes, to soothe ourselves,
we sink into a more-or-less gray apathy.
Can you imagine what the anticipation must have
been like for Mary and Joseph? In Luke’s Gospel, Gabri-
el told Mary straight out that her child “will be great
and…will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord
God will give him the throne of David his father. He will
rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end
to his kingdom (Luke 1:32-33, all CEB).” Imagine the
expectations Mary had! Mary was going to give birth to
a king!
But then strange things began to happen. When Jo-
seph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple for their rit-
ual purification, a man named Simeon warns them, “This
boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising
of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposi-
tion so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.
And a sword will pierce your innermost being too (Luke
2:34-35).” Hearing that must have caused quite a shock.
Twelve years later, Jesus creates quite a stir by remain-
ing behind at the Temple after Passover, speaking with
the teachers. When confronted by his frightened (and
probably infuriated!) parents, he nonchalantly responds,
“Didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s house?”, a
statement that flies over their heads (Luke 2:49-50).
It gets worse. Jesus infuriates the people of his
hometown when he gives his first sermon (Luke 4:14-
30) and disregards his family when they come to see him
in the middle of his preaching tour, declaring “My moth-
er and brothers are those who listen to God’s word and
do it (Luke 8:21).” When a woman tries to compliment
his mother, Jesus shrugs it off (Luke 11:28). Jesus also
says, outrageously, that he has come not to unite families
but to divide them (Luke 12:49-53, 14:26-27, 18:29-30).
Jesus also continues to anger the religious leaders—the
very people he would want on his side if he was to be
king in the normal, earthly way.
Despite all this, Gabriel’s words came true. Jesus is a
king and came into his kingdom, but not in the way that
anyone expected. Gabriel left the means out! Jesus came
into his kingdom on the cross, dying the death of an ene-
my of the state, with a penitent thief beside him (Luke
23:40-43).
The expectations of Jesus as king certainly did not
match the anticipation. All his family’s hopes must have
been dashed at the cross. But notice what happens after
the resurrection. Mary does not sink into apathy, but be-
comes one of the earliest members of the church (Acts
1:14). Likewise, Jesus’ brother James becomes one of
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December 2018
Advent 1 - December 2nd
1st Reading - Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
2nd Reading - 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Gospel - Luke 21:25-36
Advent 2 - December 9th
1st Reading - Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm - Luke 1:68-79
2nd Reading - Philippians 1:3-11
Gospel - Luke 3:1-6
Advent 3 - December 16th
1st Reading - Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalm - Isaiah 12:2-6
2nd Reading - Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel - Luke 3:7-18
Advent 4 - December 23rd
1st Reading - Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm 80:1-7
2nd Reading - Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel - Luke 1:39-55
Christmas Eve - December 24th
1st Reading - Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
2nd Reading - Titus 2:11-14
Gospel - Luke 2:1-20
Christmas 1 - December 30th
1st Reading - 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Psalm 148
2nd Reading - Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel - Luke 2:41-52
December Lectionary Readings
The Pastor’s Ponderings continued
the great leaders of the Jerusalem church (Acts 21:18-25,
Galatians 2:9). Jesus’ family, so disappointed in him in
the Gospels, found that disappointment transformed into
joy and new life that surpassed their wildest dreams.
When we set our disappointments aside, we may find
more fulfillment, more life, more joy, and more hope in
Christ than we ever thought possible. We may see signs
of him in our present day that we haven’t seen before.
That joy may be a different kind of joy than we ex-
December Birthdays
Betty Hendricks 12-2
Owen Ehlers 12-3
Cindy Knote 12-3
Peggy Willmann 12-5
Ashley Armstrong 12-11
Brady Monce 12-14
John Hendricks, Sr. 12-15
Vikki Armstrong 12-22
Shelly McCammon 12-22
Mark Grile 12-23
Mary Ehlers 12-27
Soup Suppers and Evening Prayer
Advent Soup Suppers and
Evening Prayer begin on Wednes-
day, December 5th. Supper is at 6
p.m., followed by worship at 7:00.
The Council members will
serve the supper on Dec. 5th, Choir members on Dec.
12th, and the Piecemakers along with Nolan’s Sunday
School Class on Dec. 19th. This year we will commemo-
rate three prominent, yet often overlooked, women of
faith: Julian of Norwich (c. 1342-c. 1416), Argula von
Grumbach (c. 1492-1554), and Sojourner Truth (c. 1797
-1883).
Advent Dinner
Please join us on December 9th.
Bring food to share and get ready for
music, playlets, and lots of great con-
versation!—Nyla and Jody
pected. But it is one that lasts. We may feel let down by
God sometimes. Jesus’ family must have felt that way,
especially at the cross. Many of the great heroes of faith
certainly felt that way (including our denomination’s
namesake). But God never leaves us out. God is always,
continually, fulfilling his promises to us, in ways we can
scarcely imagine.
Love to you all,
Pastor David
December 2018
Zion’s Christmas Eve service will
begin with music provided by members of
our congregation from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. A
worship service of Lessons and Carols will
follow including a celebration of Holy
Communion. The service will close with candle-lighting
and the hymn “Silent Night”.
Offering received at the Advent services and at our
Christmas Eve service will be given to Grace Village at
Ball State.
Christmas Cantata
The Blackford County Commu-
nity Choir, conducted by Pastor Da-
vid, will present their Christmas can-
tata, Christmas Presence by Pepper Choplin, on Sunday,
December 16th, at Zion. There will be two performances
at 3 and 6 p.m. Pastor David will also be a soloist, and
Jean Hughes will conduct the Southern Wells Elemen-
tary Choir. There is no charge for admission, but a
freewill offering will be taken to support the choir's min-
istry. Come hear some wonderful music as we celebrate
the Advent and Christmas seasons!
Christmas Eve Worship
Members on Zion’s Visitation List
The following is list of the names and addresses of members on Zion’s visitation list. They would be happy to
receive a Christmas card, a letter, or a visit during the Christmas season.
Betty Bell, c/o Troy Bell, 3709 Langhorst Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45236
Carolyn Chandler, 1601 N. Richmond, Apt. #204, Hartford City, IN 47348
Margaret Hunnicutt, Crown Pointe, 100 Independence Pkwy., Rm. 23, Hartford City, IN 47348
Sue Rinker, 1587 E - 075 S, Hartford City, IN 47348
Imogene Schmidt, 4571 E - 200 S, Hartford City, IN 47348
Russell & Joan Stanley, 1925 Memorial Blvd., Apt. #313, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Helen Stroble, 801 Huntington Ave., Warren, IN 46792
Barbara Thomas, 801 Huntington Ave., Warren, IN 46792
Bill Thomas, 3400 W. Community Dr., Bethel Pointe, Rm. 55, Muncie, IN 47304
Miriam Wise, 1591 W - 100 N, Hartford City, IN 47348
Zion is adopting four families
from Southside Elementary for
Christmas. There are two ways you
can help.
1. Donate. There will be a basket at the back of the wor-
ship space for those donations.
2. Come to a wrapping party during the Sunday School
hour on December 16th at 9:15 a.m. Coffee and dough-
nuts will be provided!
Thank you for being an active part of Zion's ministry in
Blackford County.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this
is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the re-
sult of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what
he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. -
Ephesians 2:8-10
Southside Families
December 2018
October Council Minutes
The October 18th Congregation Council Meeting
was called to order by President, Fred Walker.
Present: Pastor David Fleener, Fred Walker, Jody
Stanley, Barb Hardwick, Dennis Walker, Allen
Stallsmith, Tim Stanley, Claretta Dutro and Nyla Hile
Absent: Mike Clamme, Mark Prout, Neil Stroble
and Max Langdon
Devotions were given by Allen Stallsmith.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary’s report was read and
approved with a motion to accept by Jody Stanley and
seconded by Allen Stallsmith.
Correspondence: Received a request from
LifeStream for their Angel Wish program to benefit iso-
lated senior citizens. $50.00 will be taken from the Dea-
con’s Fund. A motion to do this was made by Jody Stan-
ley and seconded by Allen Stallsmith.
Pastor’s Report was read and Pastor will be going
to Iowa, Friday, October 19th, and Saturday, October
20th, to see his only living grandfather who is not in
good health.
Pastor’s Report: As written
Pastoral Care in September: Pastor's totals for Sep-
tember: 4 shut-in visits, 1 sick/hospital visit, 1 pastoral
visit, 4 home/hospital communions. Soul Care Team for
September: 1 shut-in visit, 1 home/hospital communion.
Deacons’ Fund use in September: No requests dur-
ing September.
Christian Education: In Confirmation, we are still
learning about the sacraments and what Luther says
about them in the Small Catechism. We are having class
on Sunday mornings.
When I have the Confirmation class, Linda Walker
is introducing the younger ones to the life and work of
Martin Luther. They will also receive their own copy of
the Small Catechism.
Other Events in September:
4, 11, 18, 25 – The Story at Grace UMC (taught class on
the 25th)
5 – Mentoring meeting at Southside Elementary
10, 17, 24 – Joe and Jesus at Common Grounds
11 – ECIC ministerial meeting at St. John’s, Anderson
11, 18 – Listening Post at CFS Food Pantry
13, 20, 27 – Mentoring at Southside Elementary
13 – Lunch at The Pickle with Blackford Co. ministers
15 – Organ concert and 175th anniversary celebration at
1st Presbyterian
22 – Faith Builders Block Party
Committee reports—Worship/Music/Memorial:
Dennis - Will meet in the next two weeks.
Mission and Ministry: Zion is participating in
“Warm Up With Us” at First Presbyterian on Friday, Oc-
tober 26th. There is a sign-up sheet for item donation
and volunteers in the narthex.
Council reports—Trustees: Cleaned out gutters and
cut down trees at parsonage.
Treasurer’s Report: General Fund Balance
$4,107.47 as of October 18th.
Motion to accept committee reports was made by
Jody Stanley and seconded by Claretta Dutro. Motion
approved.
New Business: Budget to be comprised by Pastor, 1
Trustee, 1 Elder, 2 Financial Secretaries, and Treasurer.
They will meet on November 5th.
Thanksgiving offering will be given to the Food
Pantry and the Advent and Christmas offering will be
given to Grace Village.
Suggestions were made for a fee schedule by the
Kitchen Committee to the Council for usage of Fellow-
ship Hall and kitchen. Suggestions as follows:
For non-members and outside groups: $50 for use
of Fellowship Hall only. $150 for use of Fellow-
ship Hall plus provision of meal by Kitchen Committee.
Recommended that the church treasurer reconcile Kitch-
en Fund books and Joyce Willmann will be writing
checks.
A motion to accept these considered recommenda-
tions was made by Dennis Walker and seconded by Jody
Stanley. Motion approved.
Jody Stanley made a motion to enter Executive Ses-
sion. Fred Walker seconded. Motion approved. The
Council was in Executive Session for fifteen minutes.
Fred Walker made a motion to exit Executive Session.
Jody Stanley seconded. Motion approved.
Meeting closed with all praying The Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting will be November 8th with Barb Hardwick
giving devotions.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Hardwick, Recording Secretary
The Zion Herald December 2018
“Happy are those whose strength is in God, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5)
Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. with Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church
308 S. Monroe Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
David Fleener, Pastor
Church Office: 765-348-3157
www.zionhc.org
Serving the Lord in Gladness
December 2018 Lay Ministry Servers
Greeters
Ushers
Acolytes
Assisting Ministers
Dec. 2 Edi Tarter—Ray and Linda Stanley
Dec. 9 Tim Stanley—Dennis and Debbie Walker
Dec. 16 Bryce Stroble and Sydney Stroble—-Roger and Judy Willmann
Dec. 23 Neil and Libby Stroble— Pat Gillis
Dec. 24 Roger and Judy Willmann—Barb Hardwick
Dec. 30 Chris and Megan Stroble—Roger and Judy Willmann
Dec. 2 Allen Stallsmith, Tim Stanley, Mike Clamme and Neil Stroble
Dec. 9 Allen Stallsmith, Neil Stroble, Chris Stroble and Kelly Ford
Dec. 16 Mike Clamme, Neil Stroble, Chris Stroble and Kelly Ford
Dec. 23 Tim Stanley, Neil Stroble, Chris Stroble and Kelly Ford
Dec. 24 Allen Stallsmith and Tim Stanley
Dec. 30 Tim Stanley, Neil Stroble, Chris Stroble and Kelly Ford
Dec. 2 Keaton Walker
Dec. 9 Sydney Stroble and
Bryce Stroble
Dec. 16 Deacons
Dec. 23 Keaton Walker
Dec. 24 Kaylin Clamme and
Ryne Clamme
Dec. 30 Bryce Stroble and
Sydney Stroble
Dec. 2 Sarah Fleener
Dec. 9 Jody Stanley
Dec. 16 Denise Hile
Dec. 23 Chris Coy
Dec. 24 Sarah Fleener
Dec. 30 Mark Prout
Lectors
Dec. 2 Linda Baker
Dec. 9 Jody Stanley
Dec. 16 Sydney Stroble
Dec. 23 Neil Stroble
Dec. 24 Neil Stroble, Nolan Willman and Linda Walker
Dec. 30 Megan Stroble