ZION TYMES The Newsletter of Zion Lutheran Church

120 Cooper St.

Manchester, CT 06040

Facebook - ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN

CHURCH MANCHESTER

Web page - zionchurchct.org Church Office Phone:(860) 649-4243 Pastor Dana Hallenbeck Church Basement Phone:(860) 533-1391 E-Mail: Zion120@att.net

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

As 2014 comes to a close, many of us are very willing to commit our past year to

God's mercy. For any number of reasons this past year has been challenging. Challenging

personally, professionally, at local, national and even international levels. Some may even begin to

doubt their faith in a God who allows bad things to happen. But for me, tribulation is what draws me

nearer to God. As a Christian, I know I will suffer because a servant is not above his master. This

Christmas we celebrated the birth of our Savior who humbled himself by taking on our flesh. In all the

joy of celebrating the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14) we might lose sight of the fact that He

became "God with us" to save us. This he did by willingly choosing to suffer and die for our sins. He

was then raised from the dead for our justification. What love! But, then again, God is love.

(1 John 4:10)

Since we now have that promise of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life we can face each day with

confidence. Each day becomes the first day of our journey in faith. Each day is the day "The Lord

has made" and we may "rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Jesus admonishes us to "seek first

the kingdom of God and his righteousness" and to "not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will

be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:33-34)

As we live each day in joyful service to our Lord by serving others in and through our vocations, God

promises to be with us. "For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the LORD

will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 52:12) So not only does God

promise to go before us through His providence, He also promises to watch our backs as well. He

does this by reminding us that all our sins are forgiven, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall

be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

Since our sins are forgiven we don't have to feel guilty. Guilt is a tool of Satan that leads us away

from our loving Father and into despair. In those times all we need do is remember our baptism and

since “we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was

raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

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As Christians, we have nothing to fear in our past or our future. "What then shall we say to these

things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) Let us then face the new year with

joy and thanksgiving for the mercies God so richly bestows on us each and every day. For the

steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every

morning; great is (His) faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) We are blessed because our salvation

does not depend on our faithfulness, but God's.

As always, I remain yours in His service and love,

Pastor ******************************************************************************************************************************

A Thank You to all that donated flowers in November and December - Barbara Taylor

and Jim Taylor, the Hallenbeck Family, Irene and all that donated Poinsettias as

memorials. Anyone wishing to donate flowers for January or February, please sign up

on flower chart in our new addition in pencil or call me at 860-643-5386. Thank you.

Suzanne Sanden **************************************************************************************************************

ALTAR GUILD

JANUARY FEBRUARY

Harold Sanden Christy Custer

Suzanne Sanden

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ZION’S QUARTERLY VOTERS MEETING –February 9, 2014 directly after

church. Coffee, tea, punch and treats provided. Please attend. This is your church

and we depend on your input to run it properly. If you have comments or ideas on

how to improve our church or activities at church please voice them. We want your

help and imput. This church belongs to all of us.

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. PRAYER GROUP - We meet on the first Sunday of the month after service in

front of the church for fifteen minutes or so. Prayers are said for those in need

and thanks given to God for the answered prayers. Anyone wishing to join us in

prayer may.

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SWEETHEART DINNER- We need men to help with this event if we want it. Harold needs help

and does not want to do all the work himself. Please see Harold if interested.

Possible dates are February 9thth or 15th. LWML is willing to sell tickets and do the

dinner set up. ******************************************************************************************************************************************

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

Lay Readers schedules are in your mail boxes. All readers have 3 Sundays. If you

cannot read please call someone and swap with them. Thanks.

Suzanne Lieber-Sanden page 2

.

MEMORIALS

In memory of Martha McKenna by Almeda Stechholz, Carol Hansen, Richard Ott Family,

Ruth Herbele, Anneliese & Bob Howarth, Margaret

Tluck, David McKenna, Carol Gregory, Anne Lukas,

Thomas McKenna, Laurie Costello.

In memory of the Colon Family by J.C. Colon.

In memory of Hans Bertram by Ruth Herbele, Margaret Tluck, Almeda Stechholz, Antonia

Salcius, Elli Weiss.

In memory of Robert Field, William and Kimberly Scholtz by Gisela Field.

In memory of Bunny Hallenbeck by Jean Richert, Rich Liebert, Elli Weiss, A Richard

Benaski, David McKenna, Ken & Kurt Zeitz, Margaret Tluck, Ruth Herbele, Susanne

Bonn, Maria Kaczynski, Biff and Dona Mellon, Freda & Carl Ruebin, Wes & Helen

Tervo, Jobeth & Richard Mount, Almeda Stechholz, Don & Ann Perrault, Howard &

Sandra Holmes, Ron & Maureen VanWinkle, Holmes-Watkins Funeral Homes, Clayton

& Julie Robinson, Dorothea Howard, Dr. David Weil, Toni, John & Debbie Mayo,

Valerie & Heather Klein, Linda & Jeff Howey, William Gilson, St. Francis Radiology

Department, Colleen Kissane, Howard & Patti Weiner, Maier Advertising, Bill &

Adelaide Barry, Julie Gustafson & John Sampson, Joyce & Don Wilson, Bob & Sue

Bauer, Lucy Milbrandt & Brenda Smith, David & Patrice Peterson, Lois Selnau,

LCMS-NED, Joan Scholtz, Henry Nelson, Bethany Lutheran – Dorcas Society, Suzanne

Gates, Kurt & Marth Bilo, Carolyn Constantine, Harry Schuh, Violet & Erwin Krause,

Leandra Knes, Richard & Linda Ott, Nancy Martel & Laurie Dunlop, Carlo & Helena

Augusto, Carla Augusto, Ed & Alvina Roux, Rev. Rhilip & Karna Secker, Rev. Louis &

Gloria Neuchterlein, Robert & Bonne Lavoie, Susie & Dan McGee, Frank & Suzi

D’Annolfo, Margaret Murray, Lynn Kidd, Pauline Darby, Moises Sandoval, MACC

Charities, James & Nancy Kelly, Paines Inc., Jim Diamond, Walter & Ilse Scholtz, Bob

& Anneliese Howarth, Tim & Andrea Vest, Les & Karlyn Daenzer, Phyllis McGeown ,

Teresa Wilson, Judy Joyner, Gilbette Anderson, Rev. Carl & Joan Anton, Peter & Cindy

Gabrielle, Eugene Mazzo, Patricia Zazzaro, Don & Peggy Brutnell, Thomas & Carol

Bohan, Rick Berry, Jacob Turek, Laurinda & James Satrys, John & Rosemary Boccaccio,

Normandy & Nancy Fournier, Irene Cyr, Susan & Sandy Hussey, Dave & Sandy Betsch,

Youmatz & Shuskus families, Deborah Huston, Elaine & Jack Lyons, Mark & Lori

Littmann, Donna & Richard Rattell, Matthew Robinson, Carl & by Colleen Schuh. page 3

MEMORIALS – CONTINUED

In memory of Bunny Hallenbeck by John & Terry Ryan, Leo & Elizabeth Foxwell, Robert &

Carol Moylan, John & Janice Messier, Gay Mahder, Rev. Bob & Mari Mikulastik, Jodith

Osuna, The Massey Family, Bethany Lutheran Nursery School, Local 1142 – West

Hartford Dept. of Public Works, Charlotte Wemmell, Ken & Kathleen Longo, James &

Hope Francis, Moffo Family, Mary & James Gustafson, Tim & Judy Pachnieski, Pam &

Mike Noe, Rod & Elena Steier, The Heinze Family.

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If you know someone who could use our prayers, please tell me or leave a note in

my mailbox and I will include them in the list of people to pray for. Please pray for

the following people in your prayers. Thank you. Suzanne Sanden

Evelyn Amo

Helena Augusto

Gail Berube

James Calver

Lynn Carey

Jack Casey Jr.

Bob Crooks

Christy Custer

J. C.

Marcia Fale

Family of Bunny Hallenbeck

Elaine Hicks

Marie Kaczynski

Milena Lecours

Eloise Lord

Phyllis & Audrey McGeown

Nancy Moore

Paula Moore

Paul Moore

Cathy Olko

Debbie Perlinsky

Joseph Sheridan

Trudi Schick

Maria Scholtz

Peter Slezak

Sandra Small

Betsy Smith

Lois Snider

Gloria Stence

Hannah Stevenson

Elli Weiss

Kyle Wemmell

Jeane Wickwire

Scott Wilson

Teresa Wilson

Kurt Zeitz

Loved ones currently serving in our country in the Armed Forces: Adam Pachnieski, Matthew

Lorenzen, Jeffrey Castiglione, David Keppler, Brent Hallenbeck, Eric Jarvis, and David Erickson,

Matthew Bolivar, Kyle and Josiah Phelps.

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Went to be with our Lord –

Bunny Hallenbeck 11 - 15 - 2013

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FLOWER GARDENS AND MEMORIAL GARDEN

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO WHOEVER TENDED THE GARDENS WHILE I WAS IN

CA. They look great. You did a wonderful job. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

Suzanne Lieber-Sanden page 4

JANUARY FEBRUARY

Shirley Hampton 1 – 5 Jerold Casida 2 - 5

Callie Kai Augusto 1 – 8 Colt Casida 2 – 6

Donald Krause 1 – 8 Elizabeth Schmidt 2 - 8

Barbara Taylor 1 – 14 Florence Stariak 2 – 9

Alicia Schmidt 1 – 26 Debbie Perlinsky 2 -18

Charles Jellema 1 - 31 Heather Pagano 2 – 19

Roberta Hatch 2 – 22

Maria Scholtz 2 - 28

ANNIVERSARIES

Carl and Colleen Schuh 1 – 1

George and Nancy Gally 2 – 24

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REPORT

We have received the curriculum for next summer's Vacation Bible School - It is entitled "Weird Animals - Where Jesus' Love is One of A Kind". Anyone who is interested being a part of this please contact me - or you can attend an informational meeting on Saturday February 1 from 9am -10am in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Family Fun Nights will resume again on Friday January 24th. The meeting times have changed to 6:30am-7:30pm. Some new things have been planned to make the experience more interactive for the children and their families if they attend also. Respectfully Submitted,

Lee H West

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No Trustees report this newsletter per Head Trustee.

******************************************************************************************************************* “Beware of covetousness”. Luke 12:15 See the ninth and tenth Commandments. Thou shalt not

covet thy neighbor’s house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his

maidservant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s. page 5

ZION KNITTERS AND CROCHET GROUP Regrettably, I am suspending our Knitting and Crochet Group meetings. Bruce and I

are leaving the area to care for a sick family member. If anyone would like to keep Knitting

and Crochet Group going, you are welcome to do so. There are between 9 and 11

members on any given evening. We met the first and third Fridays of the month and then just the first

Friday as we had so many shawls made. We had a wonderful time and made many beautiful pray

shawls. Many gift bags containing a shawl and a holding cross were distributed to homebound and/or

ill church members and friends of Zion. Bruce and I will continue to make holding crosses and give

them to Pastor as way to continue with our blessing upon this ministry.

Love you all, God Bless you.

Debbie and Bruce.

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LWML/LADIES AIDE

Our next 3 meetings will be on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00am. For both January and

February please bring your lunch. Desserts and beverages will be supplied.

Our January 4th meeting was cancelled due to the cold and snow. We will meet on Saturday Jan.

18th instead and decide where our Holiday Fair proceeds are going. We will also hand out the lists for

items for the MACC homeless shelter. Please check out LWML’s web site at www.LMWL-NED.org

or the nation LWML site at www.LWML.org. You can learn a lot more about our wonderful LWML this

way.

At our February 1st meeting, we will pack our kits for the homeless shelter. Make sure to bring your

items. Remember your lunch. See you there.

Think about attending our LWML NED Convention entitled “Living Epiphany Stars” on April 25-26

at the Doubletree Hilton in Bedford, MA. This should be a fun and interesting convention. If you

have never attended a convention, consider this one. The more of us that attend the more fun it is.

It is wonderful to be with other LWML members in fellowship and friendship. We split the cost of the

room and that reduces the cost a lot.

Look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings.

Suzanne Lieber – Sanden

REFRESHMENTS

January

Anneliese Howarth

Carol Hansen

February

Carol Hansen

Charlotte Wemmell

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“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of men are never satisfied.” Proverbs 16:8. page 6

LOOKING AHEAD Jan 1, Wednesday – Happy New Year. No church service

Jan. 5, Sunday, 9:30am - Worship w/communion.

10:45am –Prayer Group meets

11:00am – Bible Study.

11:00am – Take down Christmas Tree.

Jan. 7, Tuesday, 7:00pm – Grange uses church basement.

Jan. 8, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship w/Communion.

Jan. 9, Thursday, 7:00pm – Council Meeting.

Jan. 12, Sunday, 9:30am – Worship.

10:30am – LWML Coffee Hour.

10:45am – Bible Study.

Jan. 15, Wednesday, 7:00pm - Worship

Jan. 18, Saturday, 11:00am – LWML/Ladies Aide meeting. Bring your lunch.

Jan. 19, Sunday, 9:30am - Worship w/communion.

10:45am – Bible Study.

Jan 21, Tuesday, 7:00pm - Grange uses church basement.

Jan. 22, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship.

Jan 24, Friday, 6:30pm – 7:30pm – “Family Fun Night”.

Jan 26, Sunday, 9:30am – Worship.

10:30am – Bible Study.

12:00pm – 5:00pm – Estonians use church.

Jan. 29, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship.

Feb. 1, Saturday, 11:00am – LWML Meeting. Bring your lunch.

Feb. 2, Sunday, 9:30am - Worship w/communion.

10:45am – Prayer Group meets.

11:00am – Bible Study.

Feb. 4, Tuesday, 7:00pm – Grange uses church basement.

Feb. 5, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship w/Communion.

Feb. 6, Thursday, 7:00pm – Council Meeting.

Feb 8, Saturday, 5:00pm – Tentative “Sweetheart” dinner.

Feb. 9, Sunday, 9:30am – Worship.

10:30am – LMWL Coffee Hour.

10:45am – VOTERS MEETING.

Feb. 12, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship.

Feb. 15, Saturday, 5:00pm – Tentative “Sweetheart” dinner.

Feb. 16, Sunday, 9:30am - Worship w/communion.

10:45am – Bible Study.

Feb. 18, Tuesday, 7:00pm - Grange uses church basement.

Feb. 19, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship

Feb. 21, Friday, 6:30 – 7:30 – “Family Fun Night”.

Feb. 23, Sunday, 9:30am – Worship.

10:30am – Bible Study.

Feb. 26, Wednesday, 7:00pm – Worship.

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LOOKING AHEAD CONTINUED

March 1, Saturday, 11:00am – LWML Meeting. Pizza Party and Bingo. All church women

welcome. Bring a small gift for a bingo prize.

March 2, Sunday, 9:30am – Worship w/Communion.

10:45am – Prayer Group meets.

11:00am – Bible Study.

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BIBLE STUDY

Pastor will be leading a Bible Study entitled Lutheranism 101 after church every

Sunday except for Voter meeting Sunday’s. Please join him directly after service

for an informative and lively study of our Bible and Lutheran viewpoints.

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Help take our Christmas tree and decorations down after service this Sunday Jan. 5

after service and Prayer Group. Hopefully, some of our young men and women will

help with this project.

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A RIDDLE FOR SMART PEOPLE . . . Figure it out! Only 5% of Stanford University graduates figured it out.

Can you answer all seven of the following questions with the same word?

1. The word has seven letters….

2. Preceded God…

3. Greater than God…

4. More Evil than the devil…

5. All poor people have it…

6. Wealthy people need it….

7. If you eat it, you will die.

Did you figure it out?

Try hard before looking at the answers-in the April–May newsletter.

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