“Gathering together, Growing in faith, and Going into the world in

Jesus’ name.”

THE MESSENGER A monthly publication of

Zion Lutheran Church www.zionsuperior.org

2022 E 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880

715-398-3663

Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 am—1:00 pm Pastor Victor will be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

JANUARY 2021

Please continue to check Zion’s Web Page for closures/announcements during these challenging times. Continue to pray. God is in Control of all!

www.zionsuperior.org

Sunday Morning Worship Go to the Zion Webpage at www.zionsuperior.org The Home Page will allow you to access

Live Stream Worship. Instructions are easy to follow. Join as a Body of Christ with technology at its best. Continue to watch for a time when we will again be

able to meet together inside. God Bless You and Stay Safe.

During this challenging time, we are mailing all of the Newsletters. This is taking extra time and money on paper and postage. If you would prefer to have the Newsletter emailed to you (and see it in color) please phone the church or

email us with your current email address we will make that change. Thank you. Pearl

Notice Of Annual Meeting January 27, 2021

To cover the Calendar year 2020 is on page 2 of this Newsletter

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Zion Lutheran Church Pastor Victor St. George

2022 East Second Street

Superior, Wisconsin 54880

Phone 715-398-3663 December 22, 2020 Re: Notice of 2021 Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday 1/31/2021 This meeting will report the year 2020. Dear people of Zion, At the annual congregational meeting we will be doing business as usual except for as noted below. This meeting, due to the current Covid-19 epidemic, will be a Zoom online meeting. Pastor Victor will send an email invite to those of you who have an email address registered with the church. People without computers can participate in this meeting by phone. Call the church office for the details and phone number. People who participate will be registered by the Zoom host. Households, please register all eligible voting members. It is expected that annual reports, envelopes, and annual giving reports will be available no later than Friday 12/22/21 at the church. The annual report will be available also on the church’s website (https://www.zionsuperior.org/newsletters-announcements/). The church’s secretary will be available to open the church Monday-Friday, 9am to 1pm. Items to be presented, with questions or discussion if needed, are listed below.

Approval of minutes from the Annual Meeting held January 27, 2019 Various reports 2021 Budget Elections Special agenda item, Approval of amended Zion Constitution and Bylaws Special agenda item, Approval to transfer money from endowment to the 2021 budget. This

money is to be used to pay Pastor’s pension contributions which were not done per his letter of call for several years.

Any other new business as might be brought to the meeting.

On behalf of the Church Council, Grace and Peace

Bob Warner Council President

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All Children ages 3 years through the 5th Grade are welcome at Zion Sunday School. Classes are Sunday mornings at 10:15 from September to May.

To register your children for Sunday School, you may contact the church office (715-398-3663) or go to zionsuperior.org for a registration form or simply come to Zion

on any Sunday to get your child started on his or her journey of faith! God loves our children and has wonderful things to teach them at Zion Sunday School.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! ZION SUNDAY SCHOOL

Watch for information and guidelines when we are able to again meet

Color Me

The mystery of life [Jesus] said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them”.

Luke 18:16 Loosen me up, Jesus, to play in the sandbox (or snow) of your grace. Amen.

(Borrowed from 1-20-21 The Word In Season)

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Be a friend on Facebook www.zionsuperior.org

Check the Photo Gallery www.zion superior.org

Continue saving pennies. They really do count!

Sharon

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all who have mailed or brought their tithes and offerings to the church during these pandemic days. Electric, water, phone...well the regular bills continue to arrive in the mail as you know.

When you place your envelope into the mail slot, please be sure to push it in all of the way. Thanks. You are helping to keep the physical church open.

Thank you for being the true church and for your prayer support.

For Your Information At a recent meeting we were discussing the Food Shelf. Our question was: “When you write a check to the food shelf, where does it go?” “World Hunger” goes to the synod and “Food Shelf” goes to Faith church Food Shelf. If you want your gift to go to our food shelf beside the church door, you must label your check and envelope to say: “Zion Church Food Pantry”. Operations Committee

Watch for announcements for time and place to meet as we determine safety regulations which apply. Thanks.

The Food Shelf beside the main door is being used! Thank you to those who fill the shelves so there is food for others in need.

During December we have had an abundance of donations...and a greater number of folk who come to use the food shelf.

Thanks to all who have stepped up to fill this increasing need. May God richly bless you.

THANKS —to those who maintain the church building —to those who plan and lead youth ministries —to the ones who plow lots and shovel near doors —to those who clean and organize —the ones who maintain finances and write checks —the those who faithfully send money to operate —to the ones who sew mittens and quilts.

WELCA

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Prayers of Protection: Nathan Anthony, Mathew Sherwood, Nick Luoma, Nathan Madsen, Keely Nelson, Andrew Hutton, Andrew Mattson, Joshua Seifert, and Michael Kuecher for all those who are in military service throughout the world. Mathew Sherwood has graduated from two-week training for Warrant & Officer Candidate. Congratulations to Matt!

Keeley is stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. She is working as an EMT in the Women’s Clinic. She is looking forward to visiting Superior when the Pandemic regulations allow. Please let me know of an update for our Military men and women. Prayers for them on Sundays is not enough. An address would be appreciated for Birthday and Christmas greetings. Several of our Military will be detained due to Corona Virus stipulations. Pray for them as they find terms extended and time will not allow them to visit family prior to next assignment. Thank you, Jan Arena

Tuesday Missions The Tuesday’s Spiritual Growth and Mission’s Group is still running but most people are cutting fleece or sewing from home due to covid-19. Questions please call Tanya Nelson at 218-391-4709. With the snow we

have a very high demand for mittens. We have made several sizes of mittens and find that people are thankful for those that were placed in the Zion Food Shelf. Thanks. Checks can be written out to Zion Lutheran Church and put Tuesday’s Missions Group in the memo. Thank you and God Bless! Tanya

Coronavirus. Guidelines and regulations change as quickly as the weather in the Northland. Pastor continues to add encouraging words and information to the Web page. Please check that often. The first concern is to keep all of us safe and healthy. Thanks to all who have used masks when in public places. And thanks to the many who have stepped up and made the masks for those who are in jobs that cannot be done from home. We watch the building and utility workers, maintenance and services, grocery and retail persons that we rely on to provide for our needs. Remember to thank them when they place items into the trunk of your car. Most of the outside work has been completed for the year. We continue to clean and organize the inside as we plan a time to reopen safely. Many hands are needed to help us all stay safe and still maintain an inch of normalcy. Thanks to all of those folk.

Sew ‘N Sews People need quilts.

We have donated 24 quilts to the Veterans, to the Ruth House and to CASDA.

January is the coldest month of Superior’s winters, perhaps we will be able to meet some

time in January...one or two at a time. If you need supplies,

call Janet Arena, 715-817-8567.

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January 4—Jeff & Michelle Garow-Ellis—24 years

January 4—Taylor & Amber Pedersen— 7 years

January 9—Melvin & Alice Mattson—67 Years

Stephanie Johnson Jan 2 Margaret Smith Jan 3 Donald Downs Jan 5 Alana Dunning Jan 5 Bob Evans Jan 5 Katrina Sautbine Jan 6 Colin Larson Jan 12

Craig Larson Jan 13 Gregory Pluntz Jan 15 William (Bill) Traynor Jan 17 Kelly Thimm Jan 20 Jack Boris Jan 24 Jeanette Betterman Jan 30 Paul Freer Jan 30

Church Council for year 2020 Term Ends January 2021 Term Ends January 2022 Term Ends 2023

Cheryl Kucharyski Deanna Traynor Donald Anderson Beth Arnson (one-year term) Bob Warner, President Tim Ingersoll, Vice President Anthony Anderson Christel Lewis, Secretary Donna Meltz Ken Mertz (filling one year vacancy) Aine Merrill, Treasurer (Vacancy to be filled) Pastor Victor St. George Margaret Sundet Nominating Committee— 1-year term Don Anderson Polly Lohman Vicky Holm Jan Arena

Conference Assembly Delegates Linda Brow Jan Arena

Audit Committee—1 year term Christel Lewis Karen St. George Donald Anderson

Annual Synod Assembly Representatives Karen St. George

Growing in Faith As of November 20, 2020, we owe $66,030.84. YTD Interest paid is 2,875.31. YTD Principal is 7,044.69. Monthly mortgage payment is

$781.00. Please consider a gift to Growing in Faith above and beyond your regular giving.

Thank you for your gifts.

Pastor Victor will be on vacation from December 25th through January 8th. May God Bless and refresh you during this time away from the office.

Care Basket Ministry Please take a Care Basket for those you know who have been ill, a death has occurred in the family, a person may need a smile to let them know we care about them. Baskets contain soup, a book, small presents in them and a card that states we care. Baskets are in the closet in the fellowship hall. Write on the clipboard the date, recipient of basket , and who will deliver the basket. Thank you for being the hands and feet to show others we care about them. Sunnie and Tanya

The Newsletter is snail mailed and sent on-line. I have noticed that a number of you receive snail mail and are listed on line. To save postage, please phone the

church office at 715-398-3663. We will make that change. Thanks, Pearl

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 NEW YEARS Day Office Closed

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3

On Line Services

4 6:00 AA Mtg

5 (recycling) 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

6 LOGOS 4-5 Zoom

7

8 9

10

On Line Services

11 6:00 AA Mtg

12 (recycling 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

13 LOGOS 4-5 Zoom

14

15

16

17

On Line Services

18 6:00 AA Mtg

19 5:00 Operations/Finance 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

20 LOGOS 4-5 Zoom

21

6:00 Church Council

22

23

24

On Line Services

25 6:00 AA Mtg

26 recycling) 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

27 LOGOS 4-5 Zoom

28

29

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31 ANNUAL MEETING (see page 2)

Hello all. I suspect that this won't come as a surprise to anyone, but due to circumstances surrounding Covid-19 we will be starting this Logos year using Zoom. Hopefully it won't be too long before we'll be able to gather together again. We miss being together for lessons, enjoying Greg's cooking and games and just hanging out. The schedule is as follows. We will be meeting using Zoom for an hour on Wednesdays, from 4-5. There will be time to share how things are going, watch a video, and have a lesson. You have a workbook so you can work along. We will continue to keep you posted on times and Zoom information. Let us know if you have any questions or know of someone who would like to join us but needs further information. Looking forward to "seeing" you soon! The Logos Team

Watch for closures/openings

according to Corona Mandates

Pastor—Vacation December 25th to January 8th

January 31 Church Annual Meeting via Zoom Pick up your Reports and envelopes from the church office

between the hours of 10-noon January 20-22.

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Church Council Meeting Minutes November 19th, 2020

Present: Anthony Anderson, Pastor Victor St. George, Deanna Traynor, Bob Warner, Christel Lewis, Aine Merrill, Don Anderson, Tim Ingersoll and Donna Meltz. Meeting was called to order by President Bob Warner at 6:03 pm. Devotions were read by Bob. Devotions for December meeting will be given by Aine. A motion was made by Tim and seconded by Donna to accept October’s Secretary’s report. Motion car-ried. Treasurers Report: We have taken in $102,875.52 through the Nov 9th deposit, which is about $5500 less than last year. That amount does not include the PPE loan or the meatball dinner donations. We have about $10,000 in the checking account. All our bills are paid, including the lawn mowing. Pastor Report: He posts daily on the church’s Facebook page. He attends continuing education that is offered by the synod. These are held online. He would like to take vacation from Dec 25th through Jan 8th. The bishop is coming (via Zoom) to our council meeting on Jan 21st and will give devotions. Worship and Music: Pastor and Linda Moe have talked about limiting the number of flowers at the Christmas Eve service because of space issues. A Blue Christmas is being put together for our conference. Operations and Finance: Painting is done on the highway side of the building. The meatball dinner was a success. Stained glass windows are leaking in high winds. Paul F. will get an estimate to get them fixed. Logos: 9 to 12 kids attend Logos, which is held via ZOOM. There is good participation from the kids as well. There are leaders from Pilgrim and Bethel as well as Zion so there are enough adults to have break-out sessions. A motion was made by Aine and seconded by Tim to accept these reports. Motion carried. Unfinished Business: Opening the church for in-person services was discussed. We are not able to set a date at this time. In the past, Zion has donated 10% of fundraisers to charity. Since the Holm family worked hard on the meatball dinner, Aine made a motion and Tim seconded it that they should decide where the 10% gets donated to. Motion carried. Tim talked to Liz Barch at the synod office about the constitution changes we would like to make. She said we can send them to her now. They will look at it and send back to us. We can ratify the changes at the annual meeting. Aine will talk to her daughter, Becky, about finishing the 2016-2018 audits. The 2019 audit should be completed in the next week. Pearl puts the year end reports together for the annual meeting, which will be January 31st. Don is working on getting nominations to be on the council for the next term. The council will go through the budget line by line at the next council meeting. The bank said there is no reason our PPE loan shouldn’t be forgiven. New Business: How to hold an annual meeting was discussed. If the meeting is held via ZOOM, you can do that with just a land line, you don’t need a computer, tablet or smart phone. We need to figure out a ballot system. We don’t really want to put off the annual meeting but it would not be safe for us to have the meeting indoors. Pastor will mention holding it via ZOOM at Sunday’s service and see what feedback he gets. Tim made a motion and Anthony seconded it at 6:56 pm to adjourn. Motion carried. Submitted by Christel Lewis

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PASTORS PAGE

So how are we all doing? It seems that for the past nine and a half months we have been scattered and aimless at times. Is reminding people to pull their masks up to cover their noses a good idea or not? Are we to wear the masks if we are physically distanced and outdoors? Our children and grandchildren are experiencing things we never had to deal with; things like distance learning, skipping graduation, missing out on school dances and things that we never even considered when we were their age. And make no mistake about it: the-se are difficult times for young people. So much of their ability to learn about themselves and who they are depends on social interaction that is missing from their lives right now. I have read that depression and suicidal ideation are on the rise for adolescents, so please pray for the youth of this nation as we wait for the blessing of the vaccine to allow us to get back to normal interaction. And some of us as adults aren’t faring much better. I know that I miss seeing you all on Sunday morning, and I look forward to being able to gather once again. I want to see the Sunday School bustling along, the choir back to singing praises to God and all of us gath-ered in worship. All in good time, I suppose. By most estimates, we can be back to gathering on a regular basis some time in May. Which means that we will have been absent from in-person worship for more than a year by that point. We will have missed two in-person Easter Sundays. We end up missing a lot. But we are still bound together by the Holy Spirit who unites us through time and space, so we need not lose hope. And we will have an annual meeting this year. We will vote on accepting an updated constitution, take care of some financial issues, and elect a new group for the church council – which might be smaller depending on whether we accept the recommendations from the constitution committee. And we will meet by Zoom. In these days, to try to gather together would be pretty fool-hardy. Even with masks and distancing, the risks are too high, especially for those of us with significant risk factors. But don’t fear too much, as there are a few ways to gather together even by Zoom. If you have a smart phone, you can download the Zoom app; likewise you can download Zoom onto a computer or a tablet such as an iPad or other device. If you are tech averse (and most of us are to some extent or another), you can also call in from either a cell phone or from a land line. There are no local numbers, but there is a Chicago-based number that you can call in from. So: If you have the Zoom program, all you have to do is open it up, and when it asks for the meeting ID or Personal Link Name, enter in the following number: 945 083 3040. You will be let into the meeting by the host (me). If you wish to join by telephone, simply dial the number (312)626-6799. Again, the host will admit you to the meeting. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me and ask. I may not know the answer to your question, but I would be happy to talk to you. Blessings,

Pastor Victor

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GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you deliv-ered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all. We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

WORD

FIRST READING: After the reading: The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

PSALM:

SECOND READING: After the reading: The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL: The Gospel is announced: The Holy Gospel according to ______, the ___ chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. Following the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY

CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

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the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remem-brance of me.

LORD’S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION The Body of Christ, given for you.

The Blood of Christ, shed for you.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.

SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

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THE MESSENGER MAY 2020

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH - ELCA “Gathering together, Growing in faith,

and Going into the world in Jesus’ name.”

715-398-3663 www.zionsuperior.org Victor St. George, Pastor 218-343-4089

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00 am and 10:50 am

Sunday School 10:15 am Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall 10:00am

Youth Ministries Grades 6-12 on Wednesdays LOGOS 4-7 pm

Service/Ministry Opportunities available throughout the week

Church Office Monday-Friday 9:00-1:00

(Summer Hours begin Memorial Day) Monday through Thursday

715.398.3663 churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Pastor Victor will be in office

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 2022 East Second Street

Superior, WI 54880

Contact Zion Pastor

Victor St. George, pastor@zionsuperior.org Office Secretary Pearl Swanstrom

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Choir Director, Music Ministries Director

Gretchen Johnston, OSB Organist

Gretchen Johnston, OSB Custodian

Darren Velin Newsletter

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Prayer Ministry and Requests

prayer@zionsuperior.org Sunday School (ages 0-5th grade) Michelle Conlan or Pam Monaghan

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Missions

Sunnie Lamppa/Tanya Nelson LOGOS

Greg Kvam, Lynn Rochon

THE MESSENGER is a monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

THE MESSENGER January 2021

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH - ELCA “Gathering together, Growing in faith,

and Going into the world in Jesus’ name.”

715-398-3663 www.zionsuperior.org Victor St. George, Pastor 218-343-4089

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00 am and 10:50 am

Sunday School 10:15 am Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall 10:00am

Youth Ministries Grades 6-12 on Wednesdays LOGOS 4-7 pm

Service/Ministry Opportunities available throughout the week

Church Office Monday– Friday 9:00-1:00

715-398-3663 churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Pastor Victor will be in office

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Contact Zion Pastor

Victor St. George, pastor@zionsuperior.org Office Secretary Pearl Swanstrom

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Choir Director, Music Ministries Director

Gretchen Johnston, OSB Organist

Gretchen Johnston, OSB Custodian

Darren Velin Newsletter

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Prayer Ministry and Requests

prayer@zionsuperior.org Sunday School (ages 3 years-5th grade)

Michelle Conlan or Pam Monaghan churchoffice@zionsuperior.org

Missions Sunnie Lamppa/Tanya Nelson

LOGOS Greg Kvam, Lynn Rochon

THE MESSENGER is a monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

All meetings are subject to Covid rules and regulations...please check web site. Thanks.