| Embodying the Love of God in Word and Action
George Heberling, Interim Pastor Wayne B., Consistory President March/April 2020 |
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| Contents | What makes a person a plumber? If I unclog my pipe under the kitchen sink, do I qualify as a certified plumber? If I plant six tomato stalks in my flower bed next to the house, does that qualify me to consider myself a farmer? If I sew a loose button back on my shirt, am I a seamstress? If I check the oil of the engine of my Jeep, does that mean I am a mechanic? No, being able to do any of these tasks does not mean that I am qualified as a competent or capable plumber, farmer, seamstress or mechanic. It’s more of a hobby or tinkering, just “playing” at being any of these.
What makes a person a Christian? It’s difficult to take seriously another person’s claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ if that person only occasionally acts like a Christian in the world. Many outside the life of the Church point to the contradiction between the claims of those who say they are Christian and their actions. It doesn’t take much to call oneself a Christian, but it takes a real commitment to walk the way of Christ in faith. It would be far better for us to say that we strive to follow the way of Jesus than to assert that we do follow the way of Jesus. We all fall short of the mark, the goal, the ideal of the way. We receive as much as we give. We cannot expect God to seriously consider our claim to be followers of Christ if our normal response to God is rather casual and shallow, taking second place to whatever else is happening in our lives at the moment. It seems a good number of people have great expectations of how God should act on their behalf but are reluctant to rise up to the challenge of meeting the obligations and expectations that God may have of their lives. One of our human weaknesses is that we want God to be present with us, intimately and immediately, without too much effort on our part. When it doesn’t happen, we think that God is distant and uncaring. And the more distant God seems, the more easily we fall out of the pattern of faithfulness in Christian living, in following the way of Christ and being part of the life of Christ’s Body, the Church. But perhaps the problem is not with God but with us. Perhaps God remains faithful in commitment to us, but we have put up walls and barriers to keep God at a distance. Look around you: why are there some people who have many more troubles than you and yet they seem to bear them with dignity and grace? Could it be they know something you have forgotten? Perhaps, just perhaps, if you are feeling God far removed from your life it is time to re-evaluate where you are, not where God is. Maybe if you give a little more of yourself to God, you will find yourself receiving far more than you ever thought possible. Lent is a time in the Church Year when we all need to take time to re-evaluate our relationship with God and Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to explore the meaning of faith, to be renewed in spirit, to be healed to wholeness – so that we can follow the way of Christ more boldly and effectively. This requires a deliberate, intentional and honest commitment. We need to desire to follow God more fully in life. There is no better time than Lent of the year 2020. Your interim pastor, George
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| Attendance Stats 3
Consistory Summary 6 Congratulations! 8 Discernment Process 2 Financial Stats 3 Hoss’s Update 9 John’s Meals 5 Sunday School 7 Thank You! 8 Upcoming Events 4 Worship 2-3
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In the Interim Continuing the Search Process
Survey Says. . .
We thank all who participated in our search process by completing the Congregational Assessment Tool! The CAT came home February 16th, and we now await the compilation of survey results by HolyCow! Consulting. They will be making a presentation to the congregation after they have run their analytics, hopefully in March. The report will first focus on Zion’s current church life. Another dimension of the report will concern the skill set needed by our future pastor as well as the type of ministry Zion can afford. This information will assist the Profile Committee as they prayerfully craft a church profile designed to attract a pastor to this lovely area and to lead Zion in its future ministries.
| Tentative Timeline – New Pastor 2020 | |
| February | CAT completed |
| March | HolyCow! compiles results and presents findings |
| April – May | Complete Zion’s Profile and form Search Committee |
| June | Submit profile |
| July – December | Review profiles (resumes) of prospective pastors |
| By year end | Hire new pastor |
Worship in March & April
| Sunday, March 1, 2020
1st Sunday in Lent Abundant Grace Matthew 4: 1-11 |
Sunday, April 5, 2020
6th Sunday in Lent Palm Sunday Matthew 21: 1-11 Passion of Christ Mark 14: 1 to 15: 47
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Our Worship
9:00 a.m. |
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| Sunday, March 8, 2020
2nd Sunday in Lent Bold Blessing John 3: 1-7 |
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Easter Sunday He is Risen, Alleluia John 20: 1-18
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Sunday School 10:15 a.m. |
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Sunday, March 15, 2020 3rd Sunday in Lent Thirsty Voices John 4: 5-42 |
Sunday, April 19, 2020 2nd Sunday of Easater Holy Language John 20: 19-31 |
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Sunday, March 22, 2020 4th Sunday in Lent Restored John 9: 1-41
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Sunday, April 26, 2020 3rd Sunday of Easter Breaking Bread Luke 24: 13-35 |
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| Sunday, March 29, 2020
5th Sunday in Lent Breath of Hope John 11: 1-45 |
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| The Greeter Sign-Up, Flower Calendar, and Bulletin Sponsor Sheets are all in the vestibule. You are invited to participate in the life of the church by greeting your fellow members on a convenient Sunday, brightening the altar with flowers, and sponsoring bulletin covers in honor or memory of loved ones.
Worship CDs will be available as soon as the Audio/Visual upgrade is completed. We appreciate your patience. |
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| Worship Attendance | To Meet the Budget
Annual Budget $193,679.00 Weekly Offering Needed $3,720.27 |
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| Month | Offering Rec’d | Needed to Date | Received to Date | ||||
| Jan. 5 86 | January | $13,055.99 | $14,718.08 | $13,055.99 | |||
| Jan. 12 81 | February | $29,436.16 | |||||
| Jan. 19 57 | March | $47,833.76 | |||||
| Jan. 26 84 | April | $62,551.84 | |||||
| Feb. 2 77 | May | $80,949.44 | |||||
| Feb. 9 104 | June | $95,667.52 | |||||
| Feb. 16 73 | July | $110,385.60 | |||||
| Feb. 23 118 | August | $128,783.20 | |||||
| September | $143,501.28 | ||||||
| October | $158,219.36 | ||||||
| November | $176,616.96 | ||||||
| December | $191,335.04 | ||||||
Journey Through Lent:
Bread for the Journey: March 4th & 18th, April 1st and 15th at 6:30 p.m. You are invited to attend these UACT Lenten gatherings for adults, centered in small group discussions, and focused on the quest for healthy emotional and spiritual living in today’s world. Childcare will be provided, along with light refreshments. The gatherings will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arendtsville.
Movie Night: Inside Out – March 11th & 25th at 6:30 p.m. All ages are invited to Trinity Lutheran Church for these Lenten UACT gatherings which will center around the Pixar movie “Inside Out”, as we explore how each of our feelings have important roles to play in our lives of faith. A simple meal will be provided.
Holy Week Services: You are invited to join us during Holy Week at any and all of our services. On Maundy Thursday April 9th, we will hold a symbolic Seder Meal in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m., followed by stripping the altar. Look for details and a sign-up sheet for this meal on the credenza in the back of church. Our Good Friday service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 10th in solemn remembrance of Christ’s passion. We join with Trinity Lutheran early on Easter Sunday, April 12th, at Fairview Cemetery for the Easter Sunrise service at 6:15 a.m. And our traditional Easter worship service will be held at 9:00 a.m. that same day in church. Make Lent and Easter 2020 a special time of introspection, meditation, and celebration by joining us!
Scam alert! Please be aware that neither the pastor nor any of the church leadership of Zion will ever contact you via email and ask you to purchase a gift card for a third party. It has been reported that a member of a church received a bogus email from their pastor asking that member to purchase a gift card (this did not happen at Zion). Also, if it happens that someone approaches you on a Sunday morning asking for financial assistance, please direct them to either the pastor or Consistory President Wayne B. We have had several occasions recently for financial help and have decided on how best to handle these types of situations. No reason to be alarmed, but awareness is important!
| Happy 51st Anniversary to Richard and Carol S. on March 1st.
Happy 51st anniversary to Tom and Carolyn D. on March 8th.
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Upcoming Events
The Ramblers are planning a 4-mile hike on the Battlefield near the Eisenhower farm on Saturday, March 14th. What a great way to get a little fresh air! Why not join us? Look for details in the bulletin.
Ladies Breakfast Group – Looking forward to seeing you all at breakfast on the second Monday of the month! Bring a friend or neighbor and enjoy our group of terrific ladies. We are going to plan a trip to The Old Farmhouse for high tea in the Spring. More information to come in the bulletin, and carpooling will be available.
Mens Breakfast Group: Men, you are invited to join us for breakfast at the Apple Bin on Rt. 234 on the third Monday of the month at 8:00 a.m. Bring a neighbor or friend along – just let Eddie D. know how many are planning to start their day with food and fellowship!
Book Club Meeting – On March 12th at 7:00 p.m., Zion’s Book Club will meet in the Mustard Seed room to discuss Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Here is a synopsis:
Set in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Little Fires Everywhere tells the story of Elena Richardson (a woman who thrives on structure and rules) and her family. When Mia Warren, an artist who has been living a nomadic lifestyle as a single mother with her daughter, Pearl, arrives in town, it threatens everything that Mrs. Richardson has known. Slowly, Mia becomes the enemy of Mrs. Richardson. Meanwhile, in another part of town, close friends of the Richardsons have adopted a Chinese-American baby, which results in a custody battle. When a fire breaks out in the Richardson home, the town is buzzing with their ideas about who the suspect could be.
In April, our readers will meet on April 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Mustard Seed Room to discuss Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. A synopsis:
Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle.
This is the compelling, inspiring, and comically sublime story of one man’s coming-of-age, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed.
Trivia Nite. Mark your calendars, our next Trivia Nite will be Sunday, March 29, 2020. Find some friends who like to test their knowledge of all things and come enjoy the thrill of competition and a delicious light meal.
Matthew 25 Update – Our Matthew 25 fund is set up to provide assistance to families in need, whether members of non-members. It is not designated for general mission or relief work. As of February 18th, the balance in the account is $4,309.23.
UACT News –
John’s Meals has grown and is now delivering 197 bags/week of weekend supplemental food bags (5 meals and snacks) to students and siblings of the UASD Elementary Schools for families in food-insufficient homes. Thank you to Zion UCC for continued financial support and donations of Mac/Cheese individual cups/packs which are served on the rotating bi-weekly menu. Thank you for the “Souper Bowl” donation of 395 cans of soup received following the Souper Bowl collection. Thank you to our Zion UCC members and friends who volunteer to keep John’s Meals running smoothly and successfully. John’s Meals is always looking for volunteers including helpers to pick up our food items at stores or accept Amazon deliveries at your home and deliver to Zion for inventory storage. Please contact Angie V. if you are able to volunteer even for just a few hours to help fill hungry tummies.
“Souper Bowl” Sunday Update – We thought the table would break! 395 cans of soup graced the front of Zion’s sanctuary as our members voted for their favorite football team. However, the winners were the kiddos who will enjoy that delicious soup in their John’s Meals bags this spring. Thanks to all for supporting this worthwhile event and exceeding last year’s total number of cans!
Community Aid: Thank you for your donations to the Community Aid Bin located in the Zion UCC parking lot. In 2019 we received $1901.31 which is used in the Mission Budget. Requested donation items include clothing, shoes, purses, belts, draperies, linens, and curtains. Please bag your items and be sure to place in the bin. If the bin is full, please DO NOT let items by the side of the bin. There is also a Community Aid Bin located in the parking lot of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, off Franklin St. in Biglerville. This bin is sponsored by UACT/John’s Meals, so your donations will still remain local. Please contact Angie V. with questions.
REACH News: Anyone wishing to attend this year’s REACH mission trip to Columbia County, New York (Albany area) needs to talk to Chris P. soon! The applications for volunteer chaperones are due in early March. The trip is planned for July 11-19, 2020. Registrations are being accepted now and $100.00 will hold your place (and Zion will underwrite this registration fee). Look for details of REACH fundraisers such as breakfast sandwiches and subs in the weekly bulletin – your support is appreciated.
Consistory News Summary
New Consistory members were installed in January, and election of officers was held. Zion’s 2020 Consistory consists of Wayne B., President, Debra S., Vice-President, Minda H., Secretary, Bob V.,Jay J., Craig L., and Tom D. Committee Chairpersons will be contacting church members to serve on committees for 2020. Congregational Chats were held to introduce the CAT (Congregational Assessment Tool) that has just been completed by members either by paper or electronically. HolyCow! Consulting will compile the results and address the congregation about them sometime in March. Results from this tool will help the Profile Committee as they seek to attract a new pastor to lead Zion.
Committee news:
The Personnel Committee will be holding a reorganizational meeting soon.
Stewardship reports that the One Great Hour of Sharing Collection is coming up in March.
The Fellowship Committee is planning events for 2020 including the Totem Pole Playhouse trip in June to see “Always . . . Patsy Cline”.
Membership is pleased to announce the formation of a men’s breakfast group meeting at the Apple Bin the 3rd Monday of every month at 8am. Men, bring a friend! The website for the Church Directory will be posted in the next several weeks, and we ask members to review their pictures and information and submit updates to the church office. The directory has been very helpful to George and we would like it completely updated for the new incoming pastor.
The Finance Committee is working with the Treasurer to develop a new money counting form.
With the steeple repair completed, the Property Committee is now moving forward with the sanctuary lighting project. Ketterman Electric was awarded the contract to replace the spotlight for the cross, add rope lighting around the tapestry on the altar, and replace sanctuary bulbs with brighter LEDs. The committee hopes to address the Sunday School roof later this year and encourages members to replenish the capital improvement fund to that end.
From Christian Ed: Hartman Center has sent information for anyone interested in a summer camping program. There are sessions for all ages; information is available in the Sunday School area. The Christian Ed steering committee meets during Sunday School when Creative Cooking is in session. Please consider being a volunteer for our eager, young children and help grow their education.
Per the Worship Committee, the Choir is practicing for Lent and Easter.
The Audio/Visual Committee reports that the platform and console have been installed and installation of the A/V sound equipment is ongoing.
HELPING HANDS
Spring cleaning time is approaching. If you need to clean up those leaves and branches the pesky wind has blown in hard to reach places or have areas on your house where a little paint might be needed, Zion’s Helping Hands folks are ready and willing. Applications are available in a folder on the credenza. Fill out the details of your project and return the form to the Zion House office either by dropping it off or mailing it. Your project will be evaluated, and project volunteers coordinated. Give us the gift of being able to help you spruce up your home.
ZION UCC SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES
MARCH/APRIL 2020
EASTER: MARY MAGDALENE’S STORY
(March 2020)
| UNIT 52 | Kindergarten-
1ST GRADE |
2ND-3RD
Grade |
4TH -6th
Grade |
| SUNDAY,
3/1/20 |
ART/SCIENCE | GAMES | STORY /MOVIE |
| SUNDAY,
3/8/20 |
STORY/
MOVIE |
ART/
SCIENCE |
GAMES |
| SUNDAY,
3/15/20 |
CREATIVE COOKERY | CREATIVE COOKERY | CREATIVE COOKERY |
| SUNDAY,
3/22/20 |
GAMES | STORY/
MOVIE |
ART/
SCIENCE |
| SUNDAY,
3/29/20 |
MISSION PROJECT | MISSION PROJECT | MISSION PROJECT |
LIVING GOD’S WORD: SELF CONTROL
(April 2020)
| UNIT
53 |
Kindergarten-
1ST GRADE |
2ND-3RD
Grade |
4TH -6th
Grade |
| SUNDAY,
4/5/20 |
ART/SCIENCE
EGG HUNT |
GAMES
EGG HUNT |
STORY /MOVIE
EGG HUNT |
| SUNDAY,
4/12/20 |
HAPPY EASTER-
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL |
HAPPY EASTER-
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL |
HAPPY EASTER-
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL |
| SUNDAY,
4/19/20 |
STORY/MOVIE | ART/SCIENCE | GAMES |
| SUNDAY,
4/26/20 |
GAMES | STORY/
MOVIE |
ART/
SCIENCE |
WHAT’S NEW/UPCOMING EVENTS
- There were some slight changes made to the March rotational model. Please check the schedule above. We are still in search of some teaching positions for March and all positions for April. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for our wonderful program.
- Keep the clearances coming in! Thank you to the people that have provided their new clearances so they are able to keep serving our program!
- Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 5th. Details to be provided in an invitation and a sign-up sheet to help the bunny prepare will be in the Main Sunday School room. There will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday!
- SAVE THE DATE! The Annual Bowling Party is scheduled for May 17th.
It seems so far away, but Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it!! It will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arendtsville July 6-10 from 6:15-8:00 p.m.
NEXT SUNDAY THAT CHILDREN WILL SING IN CHURCH IS MAY 3RD!!
| Thank you from . . .
Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S for the generous gift of $500.00. Every donation helps us provide services to our homeless neighbors. ~ James R. Lohuis, Board of Directors
Thanks for all the cards and support extended to me following my knee replacement surgery. It was appreciated. Special thanks to Pastor George for his visits and to the Altar Guild for the beautiful flowers. ~ Roger B. Our sympathy. . . To Jane T. on the death of her sister, Bernice B. To Carol P.on the death of her husband, Doug P. To Carolyn Lower on the death of her brother. Thank you . . . To Roger B. for building the new Audio/Visual console in the back of church.
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Thank you . . .
To Dan W. and Bill S. for the ongoing installation and wiring of A/V equipment in church.
To Dan W. for his internet and network expertise that has resulted in a working phone in the church nursery and Fellowship Hall kitchen.
Congratulations to . . . Wayne and Rachael H. on the baptism of their son, Wesley , on March 8, 2020. Scott and Tara J. on the birth of Asher . on February 21st. He joins brother Tyler. Congratulations also to grandparents Jay and Kim J. and great-grandparents Don and Lois H. Tom and Sue L. – Biglerville Fire Company recently recognized over 25 years of volunteer service preparing and catering meals by naming the dining hall in honor of Tom and Sue. A well-deserved honor for their years of faithful and hard work!
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Hoss’s Fundraiser – Zion received $106.77 from our last fundraiser at Hoss’s. Our next fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020, from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a good meal and raise money for the church at the same time! Please present the attached flyer to your wait staff when ordering. Thanks for your support.
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Dear Friend of Zion UCC:
We are excited to team up with Hoss’s Steak and Sea House to raise money for a very worthy cause. Please consider visiting the Hoss’s location(s) listed below on Monday, March 16 to aid us in raising money to benefit Zion UCC.
Present this flyer on Monday, March 16
at Hoss’s in Gettysburg. Hoss’s will then donate 20%* or 25%** of your total check paid to Zion UCC.
*To qualify for the 20% payout, our group must have a minimum of $300.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales.
**To qualify for the 25% payout, our group must have a minimum of $1,200.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales.
This applies to a one-day, single location, pre-scheduled event. The purchase of gift cards is not included as part of your organization’s community fundraising totals.
DISTRIBUTING INVITATIONS ON HOSS’S PROPERTY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL DISQUALIFY OUR ORGANIZATION!
Thank you for your cooperation!
Group # 123328