Zion's June Newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN JUNE 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

Sp

ok

es &

Folk

s

Meals on Wheels

Zion is asked to provide three drivers at

11:45am each day in June for

approximately an hour of meal delivery to

households in the City of Buffalo. This is a

most rewarding activity and makes a good

family service project.

Consider which days you can help and

sign up at the information desk or

by emailing Sherilyn. You can also check

the calendar at ZionBuffalo.org/MOW.

If you’ve driven before and prefer a

specific route please request it when you

sign up. If you’d like to try it but you’re

unfamiliar with Buffalo, let us know.

We’ll find a partner for your first drive.

Thank you for participating in this special

community outreach.

Zambia Connection

Kathleen Schwartz, of All Kids Can Learn International and the Village of Hope, was in Minnesota for one week at the beginning of May. She was able to connect with Zion in many ways during her visit.

She reconnected with the 2012 Zion to Zambia team, talked with Pastor Ted about plans for the next mission trip, met with Kirsten and Rachel to set up a Village of Hope project with VBS, spoke at all three services on Global Mission Sunday, and shared the latest developments at the Village of Hope.

She brought along items to sell on Global Mission Sunday from the Village of Hope. These included purses and necklaces made by the Chimwemwe ladies, pictures drawn by Felix, and a CD of the children of the Village singing. Zion members purchased over $600 of merchandise. Thank you to all who bought items in support of AKCLI.

Kathleen is excited about having another group from Zion at the Village in 2014 or early 2015. The Global Mission Committee and the pastors have started planning for that trip and will keep the congregation informed about this exciting opportunity to serve in missions.

Kathleen and Benedict send their thanks to Zion for our continued support and the opportunity Kathleen had to share and connect with the congregation on Global Mission Sunday.

Getting More Than They Give

Ron & Heather Dick have been married for 30 years and have lived in Wright County all their lives. Ron works as a welder, and Heather is working in the deli at Coborn’s in Buffalo while studying for her A.A.S. degree in the Medical Administrative Assistant program at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park.

They had two young children when they first visited Zion over twenty years ago. Services were being held in the Buffalo Junior High (now Discovery) auditorium while construction of Zion’s current facility was in progress.

On that first visit they met Pastor Ed Blair, who remembered their names the next time they attended services, and then continued to greet them each week and remember their names. The sense of welcome and belonging they felt helped them decide to make Zion their church home.

They first volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program because they felt a duty to volunteer together as a family and set a good example for their children.

We didn't have a lot of time to commit, but we wanted to show them that you could still do something, even if it’s small.

That first Meals on Wheels experience was a bit of an adventure …

(Ron & Heather Dick continued on page 17)

Living God’s Call

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 2

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.

Glory Be to God

“Soli deo Gloria,” words I first remember hearing at my alma mater, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. It is a Latin phrase, which means, “To God alone be the glory.”

The theme of every Christian, Soli deo gloria, should be the words we silently recite every time we perform an act of kindness, when we perform any act of charity, when we teach Sunday School, lead worship, share a message or donate a dollar, focusing the reason for our actions on the one whom we seek to honor, Jesus Christ. As individual Christians, it is the reason we rise each morning and live out our day.

Soli deo gloria is also the reason for everything we do at Zion. Soli deo gloria means understanding that the reason we exist as a church is first and foremost to bring glory to God. In our church’s mission statement we identify some specific things we want to do together as a congregation:

Zion seeks to share Christ’s word, strengthen faith, and serve those in need.

Through a visioning process, the work of the Vision Task Force, and, now, the Vision Team, we have put together a specific vision for how we will live out our mission statement over the next several years as well as a strategy to accomplish that 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.

You know the old saying, “There is method to the madness.” Well, there is in our case. There are a lot of things going on here at Zion. We have great music and worship opportunities, great opportunities for children, youth and their families to join in and to grow in their faith. We have wonderful and compassionate outreach to our surrounding area to help people in their need. From right here in Buffalo, we are touching lives around the world. There really is a lot going on at Zion and to some it may seem like a crazy whirl of activity. But there really is method to our madness. The reason behind all the activity is Soli deo gloria.

So – Glory Be To God for the great things going on in our church!

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 3

Active Military

Cory Nyholm

Stationed in San Antonio, TX

Ben Pecarina

Stationed overseas

Bradley Johnson

Stationed at Ft Huachuca, AZ

Doug Pecarina

Serving in the Army National Guard

Vinnie Pecarina

US Air Force

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Knox, KY

Alex Euerle

Stationed in California

Kevin Osfar

Stationed in Japan

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

Trey Wilson

Stationed in Virginia

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar, CA

What Are We Pinning?

Bible Verses

People at Zion

Lutheran “Stuff”

Craft Ideas

Pinterest.com/ZionBuffalo

Creating a community where people are connected 4

July / August 2013

S M T W T F S

22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23

October 2013

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

A New Picture Directory

Plans are underway for the publication of a new church picture directory this year, and we would like to include every member and regular attendee. Lifetouch has been doing church pictorial directories for over 40 years and their product is very professional. We have worked with Lifetouch several times and have received a great product.

Volunteers

Many volunteers will be needed to make this directory a success. Please contact Dawn Bestick or Ann Lyons in the church office if you are able to help. Volunteer opportunities include:

Activity Photographers: take pictures of Zion’s ministries in action for the introductory pages.

Photography Sign Up: be available 30 minutes before or after the worship service you attend to help people schedule their photography session online.

Photography Host: check in families for appointments, put provided address labels on paperwork and check spelling of names.

Proof Readers: check names and spelling when proof book arrives.

Photography Appointments

Take time to consider which of the following photography sessions will work best for your family. Keep in mind vacations, work schedules, students returning to college, etc.

Summer Photo Session: Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2 and Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9. All weekdays run 2-9pm.

Fall Photo Session: Tuesday, October 1 through Friday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 8 through Friday, October 11. All weekdays run 2-9pm. Saturday, October 9 and Saturday, October 12; weekends run 10am-4pm.

You will be able to sign up for your photo session online, in the church office or at the Information Desk. More details on this exciting adventure will be available soon; watch the Sunday bulletin insert, future newsletters, and ZionBuffalo.org/directory.

Connecting With Care

Softball Schedule

Zion has two teams in the local 2013

Churches for Christ softball league.

Games are Friday nights at Bentfield

Mills (on the corner of 34 & 134,

between Target and the Buffalo Civic

Center). Everyone is invited to come on

out and support our teams:

Friday June 7

Both teams BYE

Friday June 14

9pm Zion 2 vs Grace 3 on field 2

Zion 1 BYE

Friday June 21

7pm Zion 1 vs St Paul’s on field 3

7pm Zion 2 vs St John’s on field 2

9pm Zion 1 vs Buffalo Covenant 2 on

field 1

Friday June 28

7pm Zion 2 vs Salem on field 3

8pm Zion 1 vs Delano Community on

field 1

in relationships and supported in need. 5

Congregational Survey Complete

Thank you to the 298 people who completed the Congregational survey in April and May. The Branding Task Force are starting to look at the responses and build a picture of what Zion means to the congregation.

The word cloud above shows the most-used words in the open-text answers to “Describe one thing about Zion that you value more than anything else.”

Family Fun and Outdoor Worship

Over 500 participants in the Buffalo Triathlon will come to Zion on Saturday, June 1, for the second annual Spokes & Folks day.

Zion hosts the early packet pick-up for hundreds of triathlon participants, and provides a location for a fun day of activity for the participants, their families, and anyone in the congregation and community.

Spokes & Folks activities include a pasta supper provided by Zion Youth as a fundraiser to benefit the Zion Youth senior high mission trip, a safe bike area for kids, family activities, maintenance demonstrations, triathlon sponsors with information booths, and packet pick-up for triathlon participants.

At 7pm, the community is welcome to join for a “cycle in” outdoor worship for spokes and folks of all ages led by Nate Bergengren and friends. This service is a great alternative for triathlon participants and volunteers. It’s also a great way to avoid the heavy traffic through downtown Buffalo on Sunday, June 2.

Potential volunteers can contact Myron or Sherilyn in the office.

Sunday Worship Services

8:30am traditional worship in the

sanctuary with nursery available,

Sunday school during the school year.

9:45am Family Express in Trinity Hall.

10:30am contemporary worship in the

sanctuary with nursery available,

Sunday school during the school year.

Worship Schedule

Sunday, June 2 / Monday, June 3

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 7:1-10

Pastor Luke Preaching


Third Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 7:11-17

Pastor Ted Preaching


Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 7:36-8:3

Pastor Ted Preaching


Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 8:26-39


Sunday, June 30 / Monday, Aug 1

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 9:51-62


Lectionary

Complete lectionary listings can be

found online at ELCA.org/Growing-In-

Faith/Worship.aspx.

Sunday Lectionary includes four

readings, Prayer of the Day, and

Gospel Acclamation for Sundays

and festival days.

Daily Lectionary includes three

readings for other days of the week.

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, 6

Projection System Update

Work began on the sanctuary projection project on May 6. Panels were all moved to the left by a crew from Acoustics Associates, making room for a projection screen to the right. More photos from this process can be seen on Zion’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ZionBuffalo/photos_albums.

An additional screen will be placed above the choir area.

We expect to begin using the projection system in worship this summer.

Philosophy of Elections Discussion

At the December 2, 2012 annual meeting, the congregation approved a motion to discuss and pray for God’s guidance concerning the practice of filling leadership positions in the church.

Open forums to discuss and seek God’s guidance concerning changing the method of filling vacant positions from an open election process to a ballot with only one name per elected position have been scheduled as follows in the library:

June 9, 2013 at 9:30am

August 11, 2013 at 9:30am

September 15, 2013 at 9:30am

October 6, 2013 at 9:30am

Celebrating on Sundays

Special Summer Music

Use your talents this summer to provide special music for one of our summer worship services on Sunday mornings. Instrumentalists, pianists, vocalists, groups or solos… you are invited!

There‘s also a special music spot on Monday nights at Marysville in June, July, and August.

Contact Sherilyn Burgdorf or Mike Walsh to volunteer.

Top Handbell Ensemble in Concert

Think of a handbell ensemble as a living piano, with each of eleven ringers responsible for up to nine notes. Audience members will see musical lines moving as chords move up from the bass or the highest bells join in on the melody. Treble ringers may hold as many as six bells in their hands at one time, while bass ringers use their whole bodies to move 13-pound bronze bells with grace and finesse.

Strikepoint, one of the world’s top handbell ensembles, will perform here at Zion on Sunday, June 16, at 4pm. This is a concert you won’t want to miss!

Strikepoint (pictured) rings on six octaves of bells (nearly the entire range of a piano keyboard) and frequently adds other instruments, from chimes to a penny whistle to Latin percussion. Concert selections and audience favorites range from “Skaters Waltz” to Disney Studios’ “Under the Sea” to Lady Gaga!

Admission is free but a $10 donation is suggested.

Bill Alexander, a nationally known handbell clinician and conductor, leads the eleven-member directorless ensemble, which is based at Duluth's First United Methodist Church. The group has been touring annually since 1985, with an international tour every 2-3 years.

Strikepoint is noted for capturing the enthusiasm of audiences with its dynamic style and accessible music. Concerts are designed to delight and stir listeners whether they know all or nothing about handbells. Among the comments frequently heard after programs, a favorite is, “If we’d known it was going to be like this, we would have made all our friends come.”

Sunday Announcements

The relationships of our members with

one another bring a richness to our lives

and we want to foster these

relationships. If you would like your

church family to be aware of any

special celebrations in your life or the

lives of your loved ones, please let the

church office know by Thursday at

10am and we will include them in the

written announcement insert in the

bulletin.

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, June 9,

and Sunday, August 11 at noon.

Register at ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or

by calling the office.

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

“If we’d known it

was going to be

like this, we

would have made

all our friends

come.”

mailto:[email protected]

April 2013 Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Apr 2013 YTD 2013 Apr 2012 YTD 2012 General Offering $52,968 $241,577 $70,276 $244,502

Rent and Sunday School 2,237 9,724 2,733 9,283

WedNite Supper Income 949 3,735 561 3,549

Missions and Hunger 1,483 5,997 1,701 5,336

Other Designations 32,820 71,861 1,395 9,105

Total Income $90,457 $332,894 $76,666 $271,774

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $4,000 $1,000 $4,000

Other General Services 62,803 264,246 59,417 255,004

Total Expenses $63,803 $268,246 $60,417 $259,004

Checkbook balance as of 4-30-2013: $19,702

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Apr 2013 YTD 2013 Apr 2012 YTD 2012 Offerings and Interest $13,267 $63,987 $16,708 $64,111

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $13,267 $63,987 $16,708 $64,111

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $63,476 $15,869 $63,476

Kairos Consulting 0 0 0 6,000

Bank Service Charge 0 0 0 0

Total Expenses $15,869 $63,476 $15,869 $69,476

Checkbook balance as of 4-30-2013: $19,549

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 Ingolf Ingvalson from Melvin &

Marlys Gillund.

Gifts to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Jay Loberg from Timothy & Laurie

Risbrudt, Mina Loberg, Melvin &

Marlys Gillund.

Gift to the Zion Foundation in memory

of Jay Loberg from Mark & Louise

Minkler.

Gift to All Kids Can Learn International

in memory of Rod Bjorlin from his

siblings Lois Swanson, Donna Robinson,

& Wes Bjorlin.

Gift to the Zion Foundation from Louis

& Joyce Oberdeck.

Gifts to the Zion Foundation in memory

of Al Frost from John Halvorson, Del

Haag, Doug & Nancy Schroeppel.

Gifts to the Zion Foundation in memory

of Al & Mardell Frost from Mark &

Louise Minkler.

Gifts to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Al Frost from Joyce Edwards, Ardell

C. Gilb, Miles & Ruth Johnson, S.M.

and E.P. Dierks, Ardis Kyker, and

friends of Al Frost.

Gift to the Senior Choir in memory of

Al Frost from Warren & Carol Krause.

Gift towards hymnals in memory of Al

Frost from Lydia Heins.

Gift to the Youth program in memory of

Al Frost from Howard & Marcell

Wergeland.

Finance Committee

Update

Zion’s financials are on track and as

expected, when normalized for the

number of Sundays celebrated through

April. Expenses are in line with planned

budgets and will continue to be

monitored for the remainder of the

year. Our outlook for the year of both

income and expenses appears to be

consistent with our plans.

Thank you for your generous giving to

support the ministries of our church.

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 8

Finance & Stewardship

Births

April 29

Rett Rueben Bergquist, son of Pete &

Brig Bergquist

Baptisms

April 21

Grayson Walter Coss

April 28

Mason Matthew Twardy Fautsch

Funerals

April 12

Rodney Bjorlin

April 12

Marian Snare

April 15

Jay Loberg

April 20

Al Frost

9

The Summer Giving Slump

by Tom Moline

Historically, Zion Lutheran has experienced a summer slump in giving. However, Zion pursues the following strategies to help minimize its effects:

1. We pray for abundance, recognizing that God is our provider!

2. We cultivate a culture in which everybody pitches in.

3. We maintain a healthy financial reserve to cover our needs in tough times.

4. We remain faithful in our ministries (in fact we expand in many ministries) knowing that winning hearts to Christ is the most compelling reason to donate.

5. We try to make it easy for people to give: online, bank drafts, in worship, etc. We are researching to find more convenient ways to give.

Generally Zion’s summer slump is manageable, but nationally there are some very scary figures. 53% of Christians have not given to their church in the last month. 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, leaving no margin for any charitable giving. (daveramsey.com)

However, our own congregation is generally faithful, generous and consistent in giving. People who vacation out of town make it a point to mail in their offering. Some use monthly automatic bank drafts to conveniently give, much like paying monthly utilities. Some will simply increase their offering on the Sunday they attend covering the Sunday(s) they missed. Zion has taught the importance of consistent giving throughout the year and our congregation is listening.

I once heard that 75 years ago, 95% of church offerings were received in cash and only 5% of the offerings were received by check. Today, we are going through another financial transition as more and more people handle their finances electronically. How do you pay your bills? Some estimates indicate the 60% of people in the U.S. (and the percentage has been growing every year) handle at least part of their financial lives through electronic transactions (i.e. paychecks deposited electronically into their bank account or paying utility, mortgage, car, insurance or monthly bills on-line through electronic fund transfer).

Over 4 years ago my own family made the change to automatic withdrawal for our giving to Zion and it’s been a positive experience in every way. I feel good about my giving, it’s more convenient and eliminates stress.

God has been blessing us during this time – was it because we gave?

Or is it just that God is good?

Contact Sue in the church office at 763.682.1245 to set up automatic withdrawal.

53% of Christians

have not given

to their church

in the last month

The easiest way to give to

Zion online is through

GiveMN.

Scan the QR code with your

smartphone or use the link

at ZionBuffalo.org/Give.

Tuesday June 11

8:00am VBS Early Care

9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts

9:00am Vacation Bible School

12:05pm VBS After Care

6:30pm Outreach Committee

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday June 12




7:00pm Property Committee Meeting

7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

7:30pm Branding Task Force Meeting

Thursday June 13




Friday June 14



12:00pm VBS Volunteer Appreciation

Dinner

5:00pm Wedding rehearsal

Saturday June 15

Zionaires gathering at Breakfast on the

Farm in Howard Lake

3:00pm Wedding

Sunday June 16

Father's Day

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

VBS Kids sing in Worship

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service


4:00pm Strikepoint Concert

Monday June 17

6:00am Zion Day Camp

8:30am Quilters

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning

7:00pm Marysville Worship Service

Tuesday June 18


9:30am Staff Meeting

9:30am Women's Summer Bible Study

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting


7:00pm Vision Team Meeting

Wednesday June 19


7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

6:00pm Worship and Music Committee

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday June 20


6:30pm Youth Board Meeting

Friday June 21


Saturday June 22

2:00pm Wedding

Sunday June 23






Monday June 24


8:30am Quilters


Tuesday June 25


9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts

9:15am Zionaires Arboretum Trip

9:00am Staff Retreat


7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Wednesday June 26


9:00am Newsletter Assembly

9:30am Devotions at Lake Ridge

10:30am Devotions at Park View

6:00pm Youth Mission Trip Meeting

7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

Saturday June 1

4:00pm Spokes and Folks Saturday

7:00pm Outdoor Worship with Blessing

of the Bikes

Sunday June 2

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






Monday June 3

8:30am Quilters


Tuesday June 4

9:30am Staff Meeting


Wednesday June 5

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

6:00pm Youth Mission Trip Meeting

7:00pm Family Matters Parenting

Group

Thursday June 6

Friday June 7

Saturday June 8

Sunday June 9


9:30am Philosophy of Elections Open

Forum Discussion





12:00pm Baptism Class

12:00pm VBS Teacher Training

Monday June 10





7:00pm Zion Book Club

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

June 2013

11

Thursday June 27


Friday June 28


Saturday June 29

Sunday June 30





10:30am Sending Service for TIM Team


A private network

aimed at

strengthening faith-

sustaining

relationships among

people at Zion.

Worship at Marysville This Summer

During June, July & August services are held each Monday evening at 7pm at the Historic Marysville Church, on County Road 9 between Buffalo and Waverly.

The Swedesburg (AKA Marysville) Church was organized by Pastor Nelson in February 1873. The same pastors served the Swedesburg and Carlslund (later know as Zion) congregations until Swedesburg disbanded in 1950 and the members joined Zion. In 1973 the building was restored to celebrate the centennial of Swedesburg, and Monday evening summer services commenced.

Marysville is just a short 10-15 minute drive from downtown Buffalo. From the stoplights by the courthouse/library, head west on Lake Blvd N/CR 35. After 3 miles turn left and follow CR 35/CR 9. After 1.8 miles turn left and continue on CR 9. Marysville is a further 2.5 miles on the right. Remember that this is a little country church with no modern amenities. Check Zion’s home page or KRWC radio in case of severe weather warnings.

What is Zion’s Table for?

Browse a people directory to bring

together names and faces of Zion

members and friends

Find people who live near you or have

common interests

Share your prayer requests and pray

for others

Find small groups that interest you

Serve others at Zion with your skills

and time

Loan or give away items you don’t

use much or don’t need at all

Who can join Zion’s Table?

Active members of Zion and regular

attenders in 8th grade and above are

invited to join Zion’s Table.

ZionBuffalo.TableProject.com

Bittersweet Sending

Graduation is here again. And again, I am reminded how this time of year is always bittersweet to me.

I am blessed to be a part of some amazing students’ lives. Some, every Wednesday and/or Sunday. Others, only once in a while at a school concert, sporting event or meeting. I might run into them at a store, restaurant or other random spot. I usually give them all the same dorky response, “What are you doing here?” Even if I am obviously at their concert, their job or elsewhere.

This is the time of year I am reminded how honored I am to see these young adults grow and mature. Some have literally grown past me, which doesn’t take much, since I’m not that tall. To watch them go from being that not-so-sure middle schooler to young men and ladies that are ready to capture their next dream. This is the time we are able to see all of that determination and perspiration turn into inspiration and exhilaration.

This is when we realize how fast the time goes. We look at pictures, old homework and art projects. We gaze at participation ribbons and remember fond memories of the adorable moments and life lessons. We tend to overlook those times when maybe we didn’t see eye-to-eye as they were trying to figure out who they are and what their boundaries were.

As these students move on to that next adventure in life, whether it be college, military, career or even uncertainty, we need to remind them (and often ourselves) that they will always have a place in God’s family.

Romans 8:38-39 states: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Families, as much as we will miss them, their smiles and tears, their victories and defeats, we need to continue to pray for them and support them with love. Tony Snow reminds us, “Never underestimate the power of other people's love and prayer. When you put someone else at the center of your frame, the entire world changes for you.”

Graduates, take time to enjoy this moment. Breathe it in. Reflect.

Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “And God says to all of us, you are no chicken; you are an eagle. Fly, eagle, fly. And God wants us to shake ourselves, spread our pinions, and then lift off and soar and rise, and rise toward the confident and the good and the beautiful. Rise toward the compassionate and the gentle and the caring. Rise to become what God intends us to be-eagles, not chickens.”

Graduates, continue to inspire. Soar as eagles, as Philippians 4:13 states: “For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”

We are proud of you!

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, May 31 (Yes, MAY

31, because there will be not Breakfast

Crew in June) at 6am for a chance to

check-in with everyone.

Make sure to bring money for food and

a tip for our great servers!

Confirmation Registration

Registration for Confirmation for all

new and returning students who will be

in 7th or 8th grade in Fall of 2013, will

be available June 1.

Parents: Confirmation small group

guides are needed as well. Take time to

prayerfully consider making a two-year

commitment to foster the spiritual

relationships of students.

Confirmation Work

Remember that all Confirmation

requirements must be finished by

August 1.

Everything Else

Check the website for Graceland and

Confirmation schedules:

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

Vacation Bible School

There's still time to join the Royal

Adventure!

Kingdom Rock VBS will be here soon (June 10-14, 9-Noon) and we'd love to have you join us!

Online registration will remain open through Tuesday, June 4, at $15 per child, but after Memorial Day the registration fee goes up to $20 per child. Scholarships are available – we want everyone to be able to join the fun!

Please sign up as soon as possible so that we can form the crews! We do welcome walk-ins the week of VBS but advance sign ups help us make it the BEST experience for each child!

Here are some of the exciting things that will be happening that your child won't want to miss out on:

Fun and exciting music/worship

Time with friends

Awesome elementary crafts including a handmade, wooden step stool (Stand Strong for God!)

Meaningful preschool crafts including a wooden prayer cube, T-shirt, and crown

Engaging Bible Adventures led by a Royal Staff

Test your skills during an energetic round of tournament games

Great snacks that help us to learn the Bible point each day

Each child will also get a t-shirt and a CD with the music

So, sign up today and don't miss out on this awesome adventure where we'll learn how to Stand Strong for God!

VBS Volunteers

Volunteers are still welcome to join this fun week! Adult Crew Leaders or Station Assistants are most needed. Please talk to Rachel Smith or Kirsten Kelly if you are able to join the Royal Crew for the whole week or just a few days. All volunteers will receive a "Kingdom Crew" t-shirt and will have an unforgettable week.

Kingdom Rock Crew Leader Trainings

Two options to choose from: Thursday, May 30th from 6-8 pm or Sunday, June 9th from 11:45-1:45. All Crew Leaders are required to attend one of these sessions.

Family Matters Parenting

Group

Our last meeting of the summer will be

Wednesday, June 5, at 7:30pm. Come

for a short discussion and then stay for

some service time to help set up for

VBS! We hope your kids are signed

up... then you'll get to see all of the fun

in advance! We hope you can join us.

Thank you Teachers and

Shepherds!

It was another wonderful year of

Sunday school and we couldn't have

done it without all of our amazing

teachers and shepherds! Thank you for

a year of learning and fun... we grew in

our faith, learned a lot of awesome

stories, met new friends and made some

great crafts! We hope you will be a

part of our team again next year!

Wednesday Night Thanks

It was a great year of Wednesday night

fun and we wanted to thank all of the

people that were involved in some way.

A BIG thank you goes out to Denise

Burke and Aimee Bogren, our

incredible Kid's Place staff. They spent

time with our kids every Wednesday

afternoon/evening this school year and

we are so thankful for them! We are

grateful for all of the love, care and

guidance they provided. Their smiling

faces and warm welcome was a blessing

to every child who participated on

Wednesday nights! Thanks also to the

leaders of our children's music groups.

We invite everyone to join us again next

fall to participate in these great

programs!

Children & Family Ministry Directors

Kirsten Kelly

763-682-1245 x331

[email protected]

Rachel Smith

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 13

Children’s Ministry

14

Meet the Council

Kristin Wilson

Kristin Wilson is currently serving the first of her three-year term on Zion’s congregational council.

Kristin grew up at Zion, and considered it her home away from home. Daughter of Byron & Irene Oistad, she was confirmed at Zion (her big hair can be seen in the 1986 class photo in the choir room hallway) and was involved with Zion’s youth group, church choirs and a variety of activities. She was married at Zion, moved out of state for several years, and then returned to Buffalo in 2005 with her two children.

It was a no-brainer that we would be back at Zion.

Son Xavier was confirmed at Zion this past fall and is now in 9th grade at Buffalo High School. He enjoys playing soccer and recently got his driver’s permit. Daughter Sophia is in 4th grade at Northwinds Elementary School. Sophia plays handbells with Ring Forth, and had her First Communion at Zion in March.

Kristin works in the project management/engineering department at GE Water & Power in Minnetonka. The company manufactures large water purification equipment for bottling companies (Coca Cola, Pepsi etc.), municipalities, and pharmaceutical companies.

She was asked to serve on the council and has found it to be a rewarding experience so far!

I am surprised at how much behind-the-scene decision, discussions and planning goes into making the Church run so smoothly.

As one of her council duties, Kristin meets with the Worship and Music committee, and she hopes to expand her involvement in other areas. Kristin also delivers Meals on Wheels, volunteers for the Crisis Nursery, and is an active golfer at Wild Marsh.

On any given Sunday, the pews at

Redeemer are filled with visitors, mission

partners, and people seeking to see what

life is like on the inside of a congregation

where we strive to be diverse, responsive

and relevant in our neighborhood. Easter

is more than a story about the Good

People who have been saved and are on

the inside. Easter is the story of a great

God who loves us so much that we cannot

keep this a secret to ourselves. †

(Life on the Inside continued from page 15)

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Zion Book Club selection for Monday,

June 10, is To Kill a Mockingbird by

Harper Lee.

“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you

can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to

kill a mockingbird.”

A lawyer’s advice to his children as he

defends the real mockingbird of Harper

Lee’s classic novel—a black man

charged with the rape of a white girl.

Through the young eyes of Scout and

Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with

rich humor and unswerving honesty the

irrationality of adult attitudes toward

race and class in the Deep South of the

1930s. The conscience of a town

steeped in prejudice, violence, and

hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina and

quiet heroism of one man’s struggle for

justice—but the weight of history will

only tolerate so much.

From amazon.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 Selections include

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott

Fitzgerald on July 8 (with

encouragement to read

Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth

as a companion book), and The

Round House by Louise Erdrich on

August 12.

It was a no-brainer

that we would be back

at Zion.

Life on the Inside

by Pastor Kelly Chatman in the April

Issue of Faith Matters

Good People is a popular, humor-filled

play by Pulitzer Prize winner David

Lindsay-Abaire. Good People explores

complex social questions about class,

luck, and escaping our roots. In a recent

interview Lindsay-Abaire shared that

what inspired him to write Good

People was his experience growing up

working for his father. As a child, he

helped his father sell fruit out of their

neighborhood fruit stand. Lindsay-Abaire

talked about how he observed people as

they entered into the theatre across the

street from his father’s fruit stand. He

often wondered what life was like for

those people inside the theatre building.

Lindsay-Abaire’s words of wonder caused

me to think about the church. I think

about the many children, youth and adults

who walk and drive by Redeemer who

might be wondering what life is like inside

the walls of our community. Lindsay-

Abaire’s words remind us that outside the

walls of the church are many people who

wonder what life is like on the inside.

This is the message of Easter: God

entered into the world so that we might

know what life is like on the inside. Life

on the inside, is to be a member of the

kingdom of God, where everyone belongs

and everyone is celebrated as a child of

God. This Easter message is counter-

cultural and difficult for many people to

believe. This means that everyone is equal

in the kingdom of God, everyone is invited

and has a place waiting for them,

regardless of their past participation in

the church. That’s why I think it is so

important that people see and experience

the church. That’s why at Redeemer it’s

important that there are tambourines,

hymnals, organ, and piano in our worship.

That’s why we take the “extra” time

during worship for passing the peace.

(Life on the Inside continued on page 14)

15

Knit, Purl, Pray

A prayer shawl ministry group is clicking into action again. If you're a knitter, this could be a great ministry for you.

What makes a prayer shawl special? It's created while the knitter prays and knits. It's given by Zion to someone who needs the warmth of God's love and community support through prayer.

An information meeting will be held at Zion on Wednesday, June 5 at 7pm.

If you enjoy knitting with others, there's an option to begin morning or evening knitting groups Schedule for meetings would be determined by the group.

Take the information, pattern, needles and yarn and head to your favorite knitting place if you knit "on the go" or at home.

Need more information? Can't make the meeting? Call Barb Hinz (763.682.1693) or Lila West (320.274.3836).

Zionaires Outings in June

Wright County Breakfast on the Farm

Saturday, June 15, 7am-1pm

Pancake breakfast served 7am-noon ($3)

Free shuttle from Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School (County Road 6 south of Howard Lake)

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Thursday, June 27

Leaving from Zion at 9:15am, returning around 3:30pm

$25 includes admission, parking, tram ride, and lunch.

Zion Day Camp

Zion Day Camp (ZDC) is a Christian childcare opportunity for school aged children during the summer that is open from 6:30am–6pm throughout most of the summer (June 17 – August 23).

ZDC is in the process of hiring staff but encourages parents to inquire about available space if you are still in need of summer childcare. ZDC is very flexible and can be full or part time and is only $25 per day!

Registration packets can be found online at ZionBuffalo.org/ZDC or in the office.

Talk to Kirsten Kelly for more information.

http://www.redeemermpls.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/April-2013-Newsletter.pdf

http://www.redeemermpls.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/April-2013-Newsletter.pdf

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Harvest of Hands

Final reports from the Baby Animal Fair

in April are in … the event was a success

with $13,850 raised for Heifer

International and 3,211 pounds of food

plus $651 in donations for the Buffalo

Food Shelf. Zion’s Harvest of Hands

group raised $715 at the Baby Animal

Fair.

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 in the

Wilderness Room at Zion to prepare for

the event.

In May the craft groups worked on clay

items (jewelry, frames, and wall hangings)

and beading projects.

Crafts being planned for June include:

Alcohol Ink Projects

Beading Projects

Wind Chimes

Telephone Insulator Projects

Crafters are invited to visit the group for

fun, friendship, and a sense of

accomplishment on a job well done.

Crafters can also consider

making items at home.

Products and projects for

home completion are

available. Contact Joy

Arens for more

information.

16

All Who Hunger Gather Gladly

Summer Bible Study for Women

Women are invited to the first in a series of three monthly Bible studies on hunger written by Audrey Novak Riley in June. Audrey was formerly on staff at Gather magazine and is now associate program director for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. The June group will meet on Tuesday, June 18 at 9:30am at Zion.

We all know the story: A crowd of people follows Jesus out to the countryside, and by the time evening rolls around they’re all hungry. The disciples tell Jesus to send the people away so they can go get supper in town, and he answers, “You give them something to eat.”

All four gospels give us this story. Three of them give us the command from Jesus in exactly the same words: “You give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13). Is Jesus talking to us?

June’s study will focus on Matthew 14:13-16. Yes, those five loaves and two fish fed thousands of hungry mouths, but what about the people’s hungry hearts? How does Jesus feed them?

The second session will be at 9:30am on Tuesday, July 16, and the third session will be at 7pm on Thursday, August 15.

All Ages Duluth Mission Trip

by Pastor Luke

I think of Grandma’s marathon, of the lift bridge, of Lake Superior, and of a sailing adventure I once took with some friends. Duluth has some great memories for me and I’m excited to get back there this summer with a mission in mind.

Zion’s All Ages mission trip is all set and nearly fully stocked for the 25th-28th of July this year. In just a few short months, we will be headed up to Duluth/Superior and getting to work caring for the people of that area. Most of us see the usual face of the popular destination, with the shops and restaurants along the lake, but there is more to the region, and some people can use our help.

I’m excited about the group of people already committed to going, and as of the writing of this message, we have 3 spots open, ready to be filled on a first come, first serve basis. From grandparents and grandkids to dad and daughter combos to whole families, this is an exciting opportunity for Zion to take people of all ages out into God’s world, ready to see how He will use us.

If you have questions or want to claim one of those last 3 spots, get in touch with me. Be praying for the group and the people we will meet!

Biweekly Email Option

In addition to the monthly newsletter, and

ministry specific emails (Sunday school,

confirmation, etc.), a bi-weekly update is

now available which includes information

on a variety of events and opportunities

within the next two weeks. Many

households started receiving these

biweekly updates in May, and others can

sign up at ZionBuffalo.org/subscribe.

Summer Office Hours

With summer almost here, so comes the

changes in the church office hours.

Beginning the week of June 17, the office

hours will be:

Monday through Thursday from

8:30am-4:30pm

Friday from 8:30am-noon

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

17

I remember the first time we delivered meals; we were completely lost. We had lived in Buffalo for many years, but who really looks at street signs? When I think back, I have to laugh because I think it took us an hour and a half to deliver a couple of meals. The people were so grateful and endearing; they weren't upset at all that it took us so long. Once you do a route the first time, it is so easy; you don’t even need directions so you can just enjoy the delivering.

But, they were surprised at how much they really did enjoy it.

Getting involved with Meals on Wheels changed our mindset about volunteering. We now understand what they mean when they say that, “You will get more out of volunteering than you give.”

Of course, things have changed in the last twenty or so years. Not only do new drivers now have the benefit of GPS and smart phones, but new drivers now have the option of being paired with an experienced driver the first time they serve.

Ron and Heather’s children are grown now (Jennifer, 28, Katelyn, 24, and Jacob, 22), but Ron and Heather continue their involvement with Meals on Wheels and hope to be delivering meals for years to come.

Although they have delivered meals to many different people over the years and may not know them personally, they still feel a sense of being involved with those they deliver to. They also feel a connection to others who deliver meals.

I will see a face in church that I have seen deliver meals and we will smile at each other because of what we have done together. If you are looking for something to do as a family without a lot of time commitment, Meals on Wheels is perfect. It is a great way to set an example for your children to give of themselves, and a lot of the elderly love to see the kids delivering. Spend an hour of your time riding around doing a good thing by dropping off a meal and saying ‘Hi.’ I guarantee you will get more out of it than you give.

While Meals on Wheels is their favorite ministry at Zion, they also enjoy volunteering in a variety of ways with the Harvest of Hands event to raise money

for world hunger. They have also helped in food drives, taught Sunday school, and helped with the Lutefisk Supper. This July they will be taking part in the Duluth mission trip with Pastor Luke.

When they aren't busy at Zion, they enjoy watching their oldest daughter, Jennifer, compete with the Buffalo Dojo Karate school, going to summer farm markets, antique shops, and the annual Arts & Crafts Festival in downtown Buffalo.

(Ron & Heather Dick continued from page 2)

“Getting involved

with Meals On

Wheels changed our

mindset about

volunteering.”

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

May 13 at 8am for June Issue

June 17 at 8am for July Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Cross Crafts on Good Friday

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


Rachel Smith: 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

Zambia Connection 2

Ron & Heather Dick 2

Glory Be to God 3

New Picture Directory 4

Spokes & Folks 5

Projection System Update 6

Strikepoint Concert 7

Bittersweet Sending 12

Kristin Wilson 14

Knit, Purl, Pray 15

Summer Bible Study 16

Ju

ne 2

013

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ZionBuffalo.org

Some of the Zion Kids’ Place Kids celebrating the end of the program year with a bowling party.

Zion's June Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of Zion's June Newsletter