Newsletter:  February 2010

A Lenten Prayer:

 

Servant Christ,

Help us to follow you into the desert

With you to pray, denying false luxury,

Refusing the ways of self-indulgence,

The way of success at all costs,

The way of coercive persuasion.

Servant Christ, help us to follow you. 

(from “Litany of the Disciples of Christ the Servant,” reprinted in Resources for Preaching and Worship:Year C)

 

We begin our Lenten Journey on February 17, with our Ash Wednesday service observed jointly with Trinity UCC, Biglerville. We will worship with our friends at Trinity at 7 p.m., for a traditional observance with ashes and Holy Communion.  The ashes remind us of the frailty of our existence here on earth, and our utter dependence upon God.  When the sign of the cross is made on our forehead the words typically said by the minister are, “remember you are dust, and to dust you will return.” 

 

Those words are humbling, yes…but hopeless, no!  How useful to be reminded that that for each day we spend here on earth, one day is subtracted from the total allotted to us.   Christians are blessed by the gift of abundant life, life in the Spirit, which means that each day can be lived to the fullest.  Lent is not about giving something up in hopes of pleasing God. Lent is about clearing away the brush and debris from the mouth of the spring, so that the water can run clear.  Spend some time reflecting on any impediments or barriers in your relationship with Jesus Christ.    As one of my seminary professors used to say, make some space for grace!  Don’t think in terms of giving something up, think in terms of letting something in. 

 

On Monday nights during Lent, we will worship in the Taize style.    More information about this kind of worship is on the next page of this newsletter.  We gather on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 for Bible study in Zion House.   This year, during Lent this will be a “study supper” with a light meal being served.  During Holy Week on Maundy Thursday, we will gather at the church at 6:30 p.m. for a seder-style meal, then go into the sanctuary for a simple service of Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar.  Good Friday we worship at 7:30 p.m. with a Tenebrae service.  Tenebrae means “shadows” and this is a candlelight service at which we gradually extinguish the lights during the reading of the Passion story.

 

May God’s blessings be with you during this Lenten season as we walk with our Holy Savior.  See you in church.

 

Pastor Kim

 

                                                                                                                                                             

Monday Night Light:  7:00 p.m.                             

Monday Night Light during Lent, we will be worshiping in the Taize tradition.  Taize is a monastery in France to which pilgrims come from around the world to experience its peace and powerful spiritual presence.  Taize worship is simple – a few words sung in a meditative manner, scripture and silent prayer.  We will worship by candlelight – join us as we grow in the light of the Lord

 

Inclement Weather Policy

If snow or ice force cancellation of Sunday services, here’s how to get the word on whether or not worship services will be held:

1.     Call the church at 677-8319 and listen to the answering machine message.  The message will be updated to tell you if services have been cancelled due to inclement weather.

2.    Tune in to WGET.

3.     Check the church web site:  www.zionuccarendtsville.org

4.     Contact a Consistory member.

 

 

Good News!

Once again, Zion is in receipt of a grant from the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust.  We received $1,000 towards conversion of our upstairs restroom to handicapped accessibility.  We are sincerely appreciative of the many ways in which the Hoffman Trust seeks to improve our community.

 

Wanted:  Your Old Paperback Books!!! 

These books will be donated to the “Paperbacks for the Troops” program.  If you have any books you are willing to give away, please place them in the box located in the Coat Vestibule.  We will be transporting the books quarterly to Sally Brooks, owner of Alibis in Carlisle.  Ms. Brooks is a former employee of the Army War college who has started this program because she saw a need for our troops.  She prefers paperbacks over hardback books due to the cost of shipping.  I will be taking the first collection to Carlisle the end of March.  If you have any questions, please contact Annette.

 

New Member Classes

Zion will be holding New Member Classes February 14 and February 21 following Sunday School in Fellowship Hall.   We will recognize new members on February 28 during worship.  Please speak to Pastor Kim if you know of potential new members, or are interested in joining our fellowship.

 

Fellowship Hall Adult Class

In February the Fellowship Hall Adult class will begin a series called “Guidance for the Journey.”

 

As people who go to church and call ourselves Christians, it is often assumed that we hold certain beliefs and practices in common.  When we go to worship on Sunday morning, we say certain prayers in unison, we might even recite a creed together.  We may or may not share similar politics and attitudes toward the world, but we get along well enough and are comfortable enough that we keep coming back to a particular congregation.

 

So, does being a Christian mean getting together with like-minded folk?  Is that the nature of the Christian journey, getting together with people we like?  Upon closer examination what we mean when we call ourselves Christians may be less certain than it may seem initially.  While we may be willing to call ourselves Christians, what exactly do we mean by that?  In what way are we Christians together?  Is being a Christian just an individual thing or do we even have a sense of a shared journey together?  This short series is meant to help us explore what our shared calling is as Christians and perhaps find some guidance for the journey.

 

Here is the outline of the series:

           

What’s in a Name?                                                    Colossians 3: 15-17

Just Because!                                                            Romans 12

Tradition and the Fiddler:                                            Psalm 19; 1 Peter 1: 19-21; 3: 15-16

What’s It Got to Do with me?                                     1 Thessalonians 5: 12-22

What’s Next?                                                            Mark 4: 1-32

The Proof of the Pudding:                                           Deut 6: 1-2; Isa 40: 27-31; Luke 10: 25-37

Join us as we journey together!

 

Zion House Adult Class

The Zion House Adult Sunday School Class is working on an interesting study entitled:  “The Tabernacle – Shadows of the Messiah.”  It examines scriptural themes of sacrifice and priesthood. Dan Huettner is leading the program.  All are welcome.

 

 

Upper Adams Food Pantry

 

 

One Of Zion’s Ministries is supporting our local food pantries.  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 delivers the items to the food pantry.  The Food Pantry item for February is canned meat.

           

                                                                       

Food Pantry - 2010

January              Juice boxes                                                   July                      Canned vegetables

February             Canned meat                                                 August                 Pancake mix and syrup

March                Peanut butter and jelly                                    September            Toilet tissue and soap

April                   Cereal                                                           October                Canned soup

May                   Boxed macaroni and cheese                           November            Pasta and pasta sauce

June                   Canned fruit                                                  December            Coffee, tea, hot chocolate

 

                                                                                                                                               

Follow-up From Upper Adams Food Pantry

 

It has been a very busy place since October.  There has been an average of 100 people a month.  Almost all of them have been here on a Monday evening.  We get very few on Saturday mornings.

 

We packed 60 Thinking of You boxes in 2009.  We did not pack any for July 4.

 

We certainly do appreciate all of your donations.  Without the community’s help, we could not continue to stay open.

 

Thanks so very much for your support.

 

God’s Blessings and Love, Esther, Treasurer

 

Soup Kitchen

All Soup Kitchen donations for January 30 were greatly appreciated by the Soup Kitchen recipients.  The next Soup Kitchen date is Tuesday, March 30.

 

Consistory News From. . .

 

                                                                           Term Length

Robert.      Outside Property                               2013

Anthony     President                                           2011

Wayne       Mission                                             2011

Annette      Admin./Mission                                 2013

Minda        Congregational Needs                       2011

Jay             Inside Property                                 2013

Fred          Congregational Needs                       2012

Donna        Secretary, Congregational Needs      2012

Jeffrey        Vice-Pres., Admin.                           2012

 

 

 

Consistory President (Tony).   Join Zion for this year’s Lenten season  beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 17.

 

Administration               Zion’s 2009 financial results:

Income for budget purposes:  $175,338.65

 

Total expenditures:  $171.403.67; however, comparing actual income versus expenses, we ended the year with a surplus of $7,137.98

 

Approved 2010 budget:  $182,016.20

 

Mission             Zion members served at the January 31 Soup Kitchen.

The next Habitat for Humanity work day is Saturday, February 6.

 

Congregational Needs    The consistory/staff dinner was held on January 9.

A funeral reception for George Weaver was held on January 21.

Casual Sunday was held on January 31.

A photo church directory is in progress.

Bowling and family roller skating outings are being planned for the Sunday School

 

Property           A leak in the kitchen has been found.

Ed volunteered to haul and dispose of the handicapped bathroom wall debris.

 

 

Zion’s Budget

 

 

                                               

                   To Meet the Budget                                    2010

                   Annual Budget = $183,194 (Yearly)              Annual Budget =$15,266.17 (Monthly)

                   Actual Income for Budget Purposes             Cumulative (Deficit) or Surplus To Date

January             $17,475.97                                                  $2,209.80

 

 

The 2010 Flower Calendar is now posted in the vestibule.  Please be sure to sign up.

Dates available for the first half of the calendar year are Feb. 28; April 11, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 30; and June 27.

 

  

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 donations 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 $4,723.50.  

 

 Date            Referrals                   Amount and Type of Assistance

1-4-2010       Pastor                       $183.50   AT&T bill

1-10-2010     Re-Entry Services     $300.00   Rent assistance

 

 

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.

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.

            We are examining possible uses for the second floor of Zion House and establishing priorities for other capital improvement projects.

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!

Zion was chosen as a first-place winner of the Arendtsville Lions Club’s Christmas decoration awards in the best religious category.  The $50 award was used toward the Walter Reed gift cards.

Nursing Scholarship.  The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Hanover and Spring Grove, Inc., is now accepting applications for the Florence deHaven Stick Memorial Scholarship.  Any person living in the areas surrounding Hanover or Spring Grove or in any part of Adams County is eligible.  Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program or accepted for classes beginning in the fall for a career as an R.N. or L.P.N.

 

Several scholarships (between $1,000 and $2,000 each) will be awarded.  Applications are due by March 15, 2010, and may be obtained by calling 717-637-1227 or 1-800-422-3197.

 

 

2010 Signups For Greeters, Scripture Settings, Bulletin Sponsors, 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:    April 2, 4, 11, 18; May 2, 9, 16.

  

 

 

Beginning On March 1, our bulletin covers will convey each Sunday’s topic with vibrant artwork.  This will enhance our worship service through imagery and God’s own words.  Bulletin sign up sheets are located on the credenza.  Beginning on March 1, scripture settings will not be included with your bulletin but may be picked up in the sanctuary if you desire one.  Sponsorships of the scripture settings will then cease.  Bulletin sponsors are requested beginning on March 1; cost is $10.  (The bulletin covers will appear like the 2009 Christmas Eve bulletin).

            Bulletin Cover Sponsor Dates Available:  (All Sundays remaining in 2010.)

 

Nursery Attendant Available Dates.    2010:  (All Sundays)

 

 

 

 

                                    Greeter                                     Acolyte                              Nursery                                                                                                                                          

Date                   Volunteer                               Volunteer                     Volunteer

February 7              Charlie and Jean Swope                  Kelly Cutshall                      (volunteer/s needed)

February 14            Jerry and Dawn Cutshall                 Jonathan Hartzel                  (volunteer/s needed)

February 21            Eddie and Peggy Diveley                Esther White                       (volunteer/s needed)

February 28            Confirmands                                  Karah Fissel                        Chris and Jessica Parker

 

 

Altar Guild Representative        Head Usher         Hospital Visitation

Jessica                                    Jay                      Ken and Barb