Monthly Newsletter:  July/August 2009

Conversational and Invitational About Our Faith

 

It might just be that we have a good reason for being uncomfortable with evangelism.   Recently Leta brought to my attention a 2006 article from the newsletter of the Evangelical and Reformed (E & R) Historical Society.  Your first question might well be, “what in the world is an E & R Historical Society?”   Headquartered at Lancaster Seminary, the Society is the guardian of the historical documents and traditions related to our antecedent denomination, the Evangelical and Reformed Church. (The actual documents for the German Reformed Church are at Lancaster, and the documents for the Evangelical Synod are at Eden Seminary in St. Louis.)

 

Yes, at Zion we began as a German Reformed congregation.  But in the late 1930s the Evangelical Synod and the German Reformed Church of the United States merged to create the E & R Church.  In 1957, the E & R Church merged with the Congregational and Christian churches to form the United Church of Christ.   Our theological heritage in the UCC is very much a “big tent” in which a variety of traditions, theology, and ways of worshiping are in evidence. 

 

The author of this particular article, “How the Evangelical Tradition is Speaking Still Through the Still-Speaking Initiative of the United Church of Christ” (by David Schoen) makes a point that is quite arresting.  Even though he is speaking of our Evangelical cousins, and not necessarily the German Reformed side of the family, what he says is equally applicable to both.   Those of us who grew in the E&R Church, and then later in the UCC have a very personal and individual sense of faith…what is often called piety.  We don’t make a big deal about our faith; we just know we have it.  But….

“The ethos of the {Evangelical Synod} and the United Church of Christ has stressed works over words and created congregations with members who have lost the ability to be conversational about faith…The witness of good works and good words are needed for each other, especially in an unchurched world where the majority of culture does not know the message of faith as the reason we do what we do.  Surprisingly, spiritual seekers in today’s world want to talk about faith and spirituality. We in the church are the ones who are not talking.”

 

In short, the quiet piety and stress on personal devotion has turned to silence in matters of faith.  We need to open up our faith life to others, and let them in on the Good News we have found.  An alienated and unchurched world needs to know that there is a church where they can find both reason and religious experience.   We can boldly proclaim that the UCC has always been a church for all people!

 

Church Growth experts agree on one thing.   Whether liberal or conservative, churches that aggressively seek new members tend to grow.  And the one word that differentiates growing churches from non-growing churches is “invite.”  When a church isn’t growing, it is because its members are not inviting others.  It is just that simple.  Here is a sample script for you to try with a co-worker or new acquaintance.  “I was wondering, do you attend a church regularly?” If the answer is no, follow up with “I would like to invite you to attend worship at Zion. We worship at 9:00.  Shall I pick you up?”  If we can’t get conversational about our faith, let’s at least get invitational!  See you in church…

 

 

           

Worship In July, August, And September

 

Sunday, July 5                              Sunday, August 2                          Sunday, September 6

Mark 6: 1-13                                Holy Communion                          Mark 7: 24-37

                                                   Special drama during worship        

                                                                                                      

Sunday, July 12                             Sunday, august 9                           Sunday, September 13

Mark 6: 14-29                               John 6: 35, 41-51                           Sunday School Begins

                                                                                                       Parents invited to attend Sunday School with their                                                                                                                children

                                                                                                      

Sunday, July 19                             Sunday, August 16                        Sunday, September 20

Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56                     John 6: 51-58                                Mark 9: 30-37

                                                                                                      

Sunday, July 26                             Sunday, August 23                        Sunday, September 27

John 6: 1-21                                  John 6: 56-59                                Mark 9: 38-50

                                                                                                      

                                                   Sunday, August 30                       

                                                   James 1: 17-27                             

                                                   Kristin shares her experiences of the summer Leadership Academy

                                                  

Worship:  9 a.m.

Sunday School begins September 13

Monday Night Light begins October 5

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

Our Main Sunday School room is undergoing a major facelift!  Lauren is creating an interactive art project in which the children will all be represented.  This is just one of the many great things happening in Sunday School.  Encourage the children of your family to attend and grow with God!  Don’t forget to ask neighbor children to join our family.  Sunday School begins on September 13.

 

 

The New Fire Drill

 

A Workshop on Preventing Child Sexual Abuse:  all are welcome and encouraged to attend

 

Suddenly, the alarm starts to blare.  A light in the hallway flashes.  The teacher quickly stops her lesson and commands her students to line up at the door.  Trained for this moment, the scholars quickly form their line and are ready.  She orders them to walk down the hall to the exit without running or talking.  She tells them that this is serious business.

 

Finally, they are outside, looking back at the school building.  There is no sign of fire or smoke.  This has just been a fire drill.  Everyone feels relief.  There is a festival atmosphere now that the students have had a break from their routine.

 

Fire drills are an interesting exercise.  Almost all students and teachers will never be in a burning school building, but no one complains.  The test works.  Everyone knows what to do and flawlessly performs his/her part in keeping everyone safe.  It provides a sense of feeling safe and prepares for the unexpected disaster.

 

What if there could be a plan to keep our children safe from child abuse and our youth leaders free from false accusations?  The clergy of the Gettysburg Association is working together to promote these policies for our congregations.  There are ways of keeping a child as safe as humanly possible, protect youth leaders from false accusations, and have a happy and constructive church youth and church school programs.  We thank God that we have not heard of any problems with child abuse or false accusations in any of our youth programs.

 

We are grateful for the youth leaders, who have worked with integrity in our churches for years.  We also thank God for their commitment, dedication, and the inspired guidance that they give to our youth.  At the same time, a Safe Church Policy will help to keep our future safe.  As a fire drill prepares us for the unexpected disaster, experience has taught many wise folks who research these issues that a safe church policy also keeps young people and teachers safe.

 

One of the steps of such a safe church policy trains our youth leaders in how to recognize the signs of child abuse and how to respond in a constructive and helpful manner.

 

A representative from the Gettysburg Children’s Advocacy Center will lead a workshop on Wednesday evening, August 19, 2009, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  We will gather at St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Chester, north of New Oxford.  The program is open to anyone from any church, whether in the Gettysburg Association, the Penn Central Conference, or your neighbor’s church down the road.  We hope that all church school teachers, youth group leader, nursery care providers, parents, and grandparents will join us for this special program.

 

Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to attend.

 

 

Vacation Bible School

July 6 – 10, 6:15 – 8 p.m.                         

Trinity Lutheran

 

Theme:  Studio Go:  Go Win With Jesus.  This theme will introduce the children to key figures and ideas of the Bible.  All children of the community are invited to come!  The program is free!  We will have songs, skits, games, snacks, and fun!  Kids from pre-school age to grade 6 are welcome . . . bring a neighbor!

 

 

Upper Adams Prayer Breakfast

 

          The Rev. Kuhn, Manager of Pastoral Care and Education at Gettysburg Hospital, will be the guest speaker at the Upper Adams Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, July 7, at the Apple Bin Restaurant in Biglerville.  Pastor Kuhn, a native of Germany, was educated at the University of Heidelberg where he received his master of divinity degree. He is an ordained minister in the Protestant Church of the Rhineland, which is in communion with the United Church of Christ.  Chaplain Kuhn is expected to discuss his efforts training future pastors in Clinical Pastoral Education, as well as his experiences in the parish in Germany and in the chaplaincy here in the states.  Join the group Tuesday and enjoy the comments and fellowship of this first time visitor at breakfast.

 

            Meeting Schedule.  The Upper Adams Prayer Group meets for breakfast on the first Tuesday of each month at the Apple Bin Restaurant on Rt. 234 between Biglerville and Arendtsville.  It commences at 7:45 a.m. with coffee and breakfast orders and continues at 8 when Harold leads singing accompanied by Barbara at the keyboard.  The visiting pastor then leads the gathering with his presentation and special prayer for many named by the group.  Breakfast and fellowship conclude the meeting by about 9 a.m.

 

            August 4 will provide a new experience for the Upper Adams Prayer Breakfast when Terry and her friend Lester join the group.  A nurse, lay evangelist, and social worker, Terry has shared her gift of ventriloquism since the 1970s.  All are invited to attend and meet this interesting pair at this always multi-denominational opportunity for food and fellowship. 

 

 

Living History Project.  If you are interested in purchasing one or more bricks for the Zion House Brick Project, obtain an order form from the Church office and return the form to the church office or John. 

                       

Consistory News From. . .

 

 

Consistory President (Tony)                        Hope you are having a “good” summer!  Remember, our sanctuary is “air-                                                                 conditioned,” so don’t let the heat keep you from coming Sunday morning.

Consistory Vice President, Christian Ed, and Worship (Minda)    

                                                                        Sunday School begins on September 13.  Parents are invited to attend                                                                                                                      Sunday School with their children.

                                                                            The main Sunday School room is receiving a new look this summer.

Consistory Secretary and Finance (Jeffrey)         Discussions on the preparation of the budget for the 2010 Zion budget have                            begun.

Fellowship (Donna)                                           June 7—Brunch followed worship; served approximately 30.

                                                                        June 28—Casual Sunday was provided by the Fellowship Committee.

Membership (Dave)                                   We are in the planning stages to create a new picture membership directory this                                                                         fall or winter.  Stay tuned!

Mission (Wayne)                                   1) Co-sponsored with Trinity Lutheran Church the new kitchen at the Homeless                                                                                                                   Shelter.  Also, Zion alone sponsored a new bedroom.

                                                                     2)  Contributed $540 to the Capital Fund at Hartman Center for a new Recreation                                                                         Center.

Personnel and Website (John)                     Being considered is a possible realignment of consistory committees.

Property (Eddie)                                        In the planning stage is the conversion of the bathroom on the main floor to                                                                              handicapped accessible

Stewardship (Fred)                                     The Strengthen the Church offering was $615.  Thanks for your support.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Pool  Party

The 7^th and 8^th graders are invited to a Pool Party at Mandy and Phil’s residence at 3:00 p.m. on July 26.

Matthew 25 Update

 

Our Matthew 25 fund is set up to provide assistance to families in need, whether members or non-members.  It is not designated for general mission or relief work; for that we use the Samaritan Fund.  Each month we will report in the newsletter on the ways that the monies are being used.  Typically, what happens is that a social service agency will call and report a need, and a small committee decides on whether the funds should be given.  It really functions as a “front line” measure when families are experiencing a crisis.  The Matthew 25 Fund receives its money from the Christmas Eve offering and the interest from the Edward Jones account.  Remember, we no longer give to non-members directly when they phone the church office for assistance; we only work through county agencies who refer needs to us.  The current balance in the Matthew 25 account is $6,058.90. 

 

Date            Assistance Given                Amount and Referral source

June 2          Embarq                                  $265.84 referral by Pressley Ridge

June 11         Shipley Oil                             $200.00 referral by SCCAP – Emergency Services

June 16         Met Ed                                  $441.01 referral by Pressley Ridge

June 17         Rent Assistance                     $335.00 referral by Re-Entry Services

June 18         Rent Assistance                     $200.00 referral by Re-Entry Services

June 18         Rent Assistance                     $100.00 referral by SCCAP – Emergency Services

 

 

     Seminary Fund    

Remember that we have a Seminary Scholarship Fund to encourage one of our young people to go into the ministry.  A contribution would be a great way to honor a loved one.  The current balance of the Seminary Fund is $490.63.

 

 

 

 

 

Food Pantry

 

One of Zion’s Ministries is supporting our local food pantry.  The congregation is asked to donate a food item every month to the pantry located at Centenary United Methodist Church in Biglerville.  At the end of each month, Gina Bushey delivers the items to the food pantry.  The Food Pantry item for July is canned vegetables; August, applesauce.

July                    Canned vegetables                                         October                Canned soup

August               Applesauce                                                   November            Baby food, cereal, juice

September          Boxed potatoes                                              December            Coffee, tea, hot chocolate

 

 

Zion’s Budget

 

 

 

                                               

                   To Meet the Budget                                    2009

                   Annual Budget = $182,016.19 (Yearly)         Annual Budget =$15,168.02 (Monthly)

                   Actual Income for Budget Purposes             Cumulative Deficit or Surplus To Date

January                                          $11,091.25                             ($4,076.77)

February                                          15,030.19                             ($4,214.60)

March                                             15,419.00                             ($3,963.61)

April                                                15,247.41                             ($3,884.21)

May                                                16,021.73                              ($3,030.50)

June                                                13,349.68                              ($4,848.83)

 

 

Five For Five

Zion received a certificate of appreciation from Penn Central Conference for their giving this past year.  “Five For Five” means that Zion contributed to all four special mission offerings (The Christmas Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, and Strengthen the Church ) and to Our Church’s Wider Mission. 

 

The May 31 Strengthen the Church Special Mission Offering total was $615.

 

                                                           

Expense Reimbursement

We are developing new procedures for paying invoices and reimbursing people for personal expenditures for church-related items.  Our treasurer will be running checks twice per month.  More details are forthcoming.  The pastor or committee chair people will need to authorize any expenditures. 

 

 

2009 Signups For Greeters, Scripture Settings and Nursery Attendants

For Your Convenience, You May E-Mail the Church

 

Zion Greeters Needed!!  Please consider volunteering to help with this worthwhile ministry in greeting those attending our services.  The sign-up sheet is on the clipboard at the rear of the sanctuary.

            Available Dates:    Aug. 9, 16; Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25.

 

Scripture Settings Available Dates.  To sponsor the scripture settings, complete the information on the clipboard at the back of the church.

                        Available Dates:      Aug. 9, 16, 30; Oct. 11, 18, 25.

                                                    

Prayer Chain

If you have a need for prayer, please remember that we have a prayer chain available.  Please call Liz, and she will activate the chain for you.  You may also submit a prayer request to the Prayer Center on our Web site.  It is located under “Connect.”

 

Long-Range Plan

Who We Are – Based on the Core Values Outlined On Our Long-Range Plan

 

Each month we will feature a different core value, and highlight the way in which the long-range plan is shaping our ministry.

 

Our Vision Statement:

Through the transforming power of Jesus Christ, we strive to be disciples, and to make disciples, as we:

            Worship God with all our heart, mind, and soul;

            Serve our neighbors through civic engagement and by being a moral presence in the community;

            Grow in faith through study of scripture, prayer, and spiritual discipline;

            Seek closer fellowship within the Body of Christ by being a church where our members find nurture and                challenge;

            Witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ by bringing the light of Christ into the lives of     others.

 

Our Mission Statement:

Called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we covenant to embody the love of God in word and action.

 

Core Value Statements:

1.         Worship:  Zion values worship that is Spirit-led and Spirit-filled.  In our worship program we honor our past and are open to God moving us into the future.  We value preaching that is biblically based and applicable to daily life.

2.         Prayer:   Zion values a culture of prayer that provides the foundation for our relationships with God and others.

3.         Mobilized Laity Leadership:  We seek to foster and develop servant leadership among the laity.

4.         Evangelism:  Zion strives to reach seekers and those without a church home in the Upper Adams community as taught by Matthew 28 and the Great Commission.

5.         Community:  Zion provides a spiritual foundation from which our members go forth to serve in the community.  Our moral presence, civic engagement, and outreach in the community are based on our love of Christ and one another.

 

6.         Family:  Families are the cornerstone of our church.  We strive to strengthen and empower families within our church and community.

 

            Zion is participating in a Gettysburg Association sponsored seminar that will educate us on the dangers of child abuse – and how to prevent it.

 

7.         Stewardship:  Zion believes that God calls us as stewards and caretakers of the earth, our church property and other Zion assets, through our time, talents, and personal finances.

8.         Christian Education:  Zion encourages life-long learning that equips us for discipleship and enables us to teach others about the life of faith.  We promote biblical literacy among children and adults.

 

9.         Music:  Zion strives to honor and worship God through the art of vocal and instrumental music, while growing an appreciation and understanding of the ways in which music informs and enhances worship.

10.        Fellowship:  Zion’s fellowship is a Christ-like companionship in times of recreation, learning, joy and sorrow.

 

Use this long-range plan outline in your committees and small groups.  Make this a living document!