o f f i c e @ z i o n b u f f a l o . o r g ( 7 6 3 ) 6 8 2 - 1 2 4 5 w w w . z i o n b u f f a l o . o r g

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN NOVEMBER 2008

Students making bread at the October First Communion Class.

Prayer Requests

Call the church office at 763.682.1245 or visit Zion’s Zion community at www.zionbuffalo.org with your prayer requests. If you want a pastoral visit or would like to be included in pastoral prayers during worship, please use a yellow pew card or call the church office.

Address, Phone &

Email Corrections

Zion maintains a database of all its members. If you have had any changes to your address, phone number, marital status, etc. please contact the Membership Secretary with your name, phone number and the changes that need to be made.

If You Are Ill Hospitals no longer notify churches when their members are admitted for care. Call 763.682.1245, and let us know so we can support you with prayer and with presence.

Publishing Deadlines

Weekly Bulletin: Thursday Noon

Newsletter: Monday 11/17 Noon

If you would like to contribute to the church newsletter please send your submissions to Angela in the church office or abengtson@zionbuffalo.org.

Sunday Worship Times 8:30 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary, Sunday school, & nursery 9:45 am Family Express in Trinity Hall 10:30 am Jubilee Worship in the Sanctuary, Sunday school, & nursery

Contact Us Email office@zionbuffalo.org Online www.zionbuffalo.org Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Church Office (763) 682-1245 Chapel Line (763) 682-1312 Fax (763) 684-1967 Street Address 1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across from 13th St S.) Mailing Address PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

Zion Staff Chris Hagen Interim Pastor / x304 / chagen@zionbuffalo.org Rebecca Sogge Pastor / x305 / bsogge@zionbuffalo.org Sherilyn Burgdorf Shared Ministry Director / x 307 / sburgdorf@zionbuffalo.org Roxie Otten Co-Director of Christian Education / x 331 / rotten@zionbuffalo.org Holly Husom Co-Director of Christian Education / x331 / hhusom@zionbuffalo.org Myron Crawford Director of Youth Ministries / x308 / mcrawford@zionbuffalo.org Jim Onstad Youth Staff Diane Montplaisir Administrative Secretary/ x302 / dmontplaisir@zionbuffalo.org Angela Bengtson Communications & Membership / x325 / abengtson@zionbuffalo.org Sue Stensrud Financial Secretary / x303 / sstensrud@zionbuffalo.org Jill Pryor Building & Grounds Manager Michael Walsh Coordinator of Music

Zion Council Kirk Bengtson 2006-2008 President/Personnel/ Global Missions Carol Clark 2008-2010 Secretary /Adult Education Dirk Foster 2008-2010 Stewardship/Vice President /Foundation Jud Goerss 2008-2009 Treasurer /Finance Nicky Haskins 2006-2008 New Member Debbie Johnson 2007-2009 Social Ministry Charles Krause 2008-2010 Youth James Larson 2006-2008 Memorials & Placement Kevin Lincicum 2007-2009 Worship & Music Arnold Rude 2008 Dave Schmidt 2008-2010 Christian Education Doug Schmidt 2008-2010 Property Beth Solberg 2006-2008 Fellowship Marci Wold 2007-2009 Evangelism Idella Ziegler 2007-2009 Stewardship

And Pete & Judy Weis Stephen Ministry Leaders Julie Kabe Food For Friends Coordinator Kathy Martinson Food For Friends Coordinator

Zion seeks to share

Christ’s word,

strengthen faith and

serve those in need.

2 fyi

3 from the pastor

A hundred years ago Frederick Nietzsche said that God was dead. He was not suggesting that the Almighty had ceased to exist, just that God did not matter anymore. It is difficult to see God’s grace in an angry world. It is hard to believe in a benevolent God when there is so much violence and wrong. Even if God exists, it seems God does not have much to do with our daily struggles.

And so a common attitude in our modern world is that life is what we make it. The only thing we can really affect is our own behaviors and views of the way things are. God becomes a nice fairy tale we tell our children, but has no bearing on real life.

The problem is not that God is absent. The problem is that people are so preoccupied that we do not notice God. Yet the hand of God can be seen all around us with eyes of faith. That the sun rises each day is a holy marvel. Every tree turning color is beauty from a divine hand. The sweetness of fall apples is God’s pure joy given the taster. Evidence of God surrounds us who would see.

The scriptures testify and the church witnesses to God’s immediate, active, present power in our experiences. Life is not so much what we make it as it is the extravagance of

God. Thanking God for every new day, for every blooming flower, every migrating bird, every meal eaten, every act of kindness, thanking God for mail delivered and good roads and clean water piped into one’s home, thanking God for every seemingly little thing will quickly bring one to awareness of God’s extravagant generosity.

We exist only in community. We exist only as we belong to one another and to the extent we live for another’s well-being. That is what the Bible means by love. Church is not about what we get, but about what we give for others. Thus church is not so much where we receive, but wherever we serve. No fairy tale, but the essence and power and compassion that forges relationships of care is the very presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, “God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you…” (Col. 1:27), and to the Corinthians, “Do you not know … that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16). In both passages “you” is plural. God’s Spirit dwells in us when we are in community, in relationships of caring for one another.

May you be so blessed by acute awareness of God within and around. May you be a blessing for those you meet this day, for thereby they too experience God.

Pastor Chris

Introducing Pastor Chris Hagen Pastor Chris Hagen is the Interim Senior Pastor for Zion until the next senior pastor is called. Pastor Chris grew up in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, attended St. Olaf College and Luther Seminary. He also received a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University and a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary. He has served congregations in Minnesota, Chicago, Baltimore, Delaware and Pennsylvania. He was a lay missionary in Senegal, Africa and went on two mission trips to Haiti. He also volunteered at two state prisons in Pennsylvania.

Pastor Chris’ wife, Ann Brearley, is a biostatistician for the Office of Clinical Research at the University of Minnesota. Their children are Rachel (13 yrs. old) and Hannah (10 yrs. old) They have a dog, two rabbits, two guinea pigs, two gerbils, a finch and several goldfish. They live in Plymouth.

Please welcome Pastor Chris and let him know your thoughts or concerns. His email is chagen@zionbuffalo.org or you may call him at the church office, 763-682-1245.

25 Years Ago A Look Back at the November 1983 Newsletter

Head Ushers were Sam Ackmann, Richard Krause, Del Haag, Milan Zumach, and John & Linda Sherman.

The Long Range Facility Planning Committee met with Rev. Fred Marks from the LCA Division for Mission in North America.

The Youth put on a Variety Show.

Z.I.P Adult Education began a four-week series on wholistic health.

The fall stewardship emphasis, “Proclaim Through Giving”, included every member visits.

Martin Luther’s 500th birthday was celebrated with a potluck and programs for all ages.

The 8th grade confirmation retreat was held at Camp Koinania near Annandale, and the theme was drug awareness.

Co-Chairs of Harvest of Hands were Gerrie Huston and Judy Jacobson. Demonstrations included lefse making, krumkaka making, calligraphy, and hardanger.

(November 1983 continued on page 8)

New Voices on Chapel Line Next time you dial in to Zion’s Chapel Line you might hear an unexpected voice. In addition to the pastors, several other staff members are now assisting with recording devotions. Chapel Line is a short daily devotional message that can be reached by calling 763.682.1312.

Election Site This year, Zion is the polling site for Precinct 3, City of Buffalo for the General Election on November 4.

Precinct 3 is the southern most part of the city bounded by 2nd Street S on the north side, south along Hwy 25 S on the east side and Montrose Blvd on the west side along Buffalo Lake.

Service of Remembrance Honoring Loved Ones who have Died Zion’s annual “Service of Remembrance” will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 2, “All Saints’ Sunday”, at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to take this time to honor our loved ones who have died in the past year or previous years.

During the service the names of our loved ones will be read, and you will also have the opportunity to light a candle in honor of them. The service will also include hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a brief meditation.

Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. A table of related and helpful resources will be available in the narthex.

This special service will be about one hour and is sponsored by Zion’s Stephen Ministry. Zion Caregivers will be available to spend time with anyone who needs a listening ear.

4 news & views

The Annual Congregational Meeting of Zion Lutheran Church

will be held on

Sunday, December 7, 2008 following the 10:30 service

(at approximately 11:30 am)

All voting members are requested to attend (A voting member is defined as confirmed, communing, & contributing)

Accepting Nominations Positions to Fill

5 Church Council Members

2 Nominating Committee Members

2 Zion Foundation Trustees

6 Synod Delegate

Please contact Pastor Chris Hagen with your suggestions ASAP.

chagen@zionbuffalo.org or 682.1245

Active Military Please Pray For

Cody Bauman, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC; Chris Paulsen-Schmidt, at Navy Great Lakes Boot Camp; Ben Pecarina, stationed at Nellis AFB, NV; Jake Swanson, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC; Aaron Hatling, deployed to Baghdad, Iraq; Greg Bremseth, deployed to Iraq; Jon Strommen, deployed to Camp Liberty, Iraq; DeAnna Strommen, deployed to Kuwait.

Families of Active Military Zion would like to include your loved one in prayer here at Zion. Please contact the office to let us know where your military person is stationed.

Family News Baptisms Parker Richard Youngquist September 14 Adriana Marie Waschek September 14 Jayda Deon Sorenson September 21 Thomas Harding Lahr September 21 Aiden Lucas Mytling September 21 Mason Anthony Payne September 28 Grant Joseph Benson September 28 Abrie Elle Guida September 28

Weddings Kristine Patnode & Shane Modrow September 6

Funerals Flora Mohring September 9 Esther Gilbertson September 13 Mary Olson September 17 Marie “Jo” Elsenpeter September 22 Cory Daniels September 24

October births & pastoral acts will be reported in the December Newsletter.

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Council Update October 1, 2008

Pastor Chris Hagen was introduced as the Personnel committee’s recommendation and accepted as interim Sr. Pastor.

Brandi Breuer expressed frustration with lack of direction and upheaval at Zion.

Marv Jopp spoke again of his interaction with Pastor Becky .

Duane Olson shared statistics in support of Zion’s health and recommended that council communicate such positive news with greater frequency.

Pastor Howie Skulstad, Listening Team member, and Glenndy Ose from the Minneapolis Area Synod participated in discussion of the Listening Team’s Report which had been first presented to the Council on September 17.

A contract to participate in the Bridge Builders Process will be initiated as soon as possible.

Examination and rebuild of the leadership structures of the congregation will be completed after the Bridge Builders process had been initiated.

Discussion regarding appointment of a Parliamentarian to attend all council meetings and congregational meetings was tabled until after the Bridge Builders process has been completed.

A proposal will be drafted to offer an 8-mopnth sabbatical to Pastor Becky Sogge without the requirement to return at the end. This recommendation was made by the listening team as time to heal, and no fault was found with Pr Sogge’s leadership.

Zion’s annual meeting was set for December 7, immediately after the conclusion of the 3rd service.

Idella Ziegler was removed from her position as Zion’s Church Council President.

Full minutes will be available online after they are approved at the 11/12 meeting.

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Meals on Wheels Thank you to all of those who have been quick to sign up for Meals on Wheels. Many slots have already been filled.

Check the google calendar online at www.zionbuffalo.org/mow, in the narthex at Zion, or contact the church office to sign up as a driver during the month.

Three drivers are needed each day at 11:45am for approximately an hour of meal delivery to households in the city of Buffalo.

Let's try to fill the entire month by November 8th!

Could You Be a Worship Leader? The First Sunday Worship Team is looking for more members. We lead worship at the 10:30 service on the first Sunday of each month. We rehearse Monday nights in the sanctuary here at Zion from 7 - 8 PM. We are worship leaders whose main goal is to encourage the congregation to join in our songs, to sing our praise and worship songs along with us. All skill levels and all ages are welcome.

These are songs that you hear on KTIS 98.5. We try to choose songs that are singable and repeat them often so the congregation can learn them. If you like to sing or can play an instrument give our fun group a try. All we ask is that you try your best to attend rehearsals and try your best to be a team player. Contact Sherilyn Burgdorf 682.1245 or Pam Freer 682.1320 for more information.

Thanks, Servers Wednesday Night Volunteers

Please thank the many volunteers who make Wednesday Night Suppers possible at Zion:

Baked Potatoes: Jane Crawford (Team Lead), Jenny Paripovich, Terri Miller, Betty Carlen, Jonay and Sandy Swanson, & the Lowell and Julia Lund family.

Pasta: Tom and Karen Pearson (Team Lead), Chris Campbell, Steve and Deanna Folkerds, & Tom Polzine and Chris Polzine.

Sub Sandwiches: Dorothy Valentine (Team Lead), Cindy & Jeff Bonde, Kim Schmidt and Brooke, Julie Swaggert, & Mary Mahlberg

Chicken Kiev: Linda Nerothin (Team Lead), LeAnn and Harley Pommier, Lora, Becca and Alexis Nichols, Deb Johnson, Dianna Skeen, & Sue Lyrek and Philip.

Tacos: Kelly and Beth Hanson (Team Lead), Denny Gleason, Crystal Stelton , Tammy and Chris Johnson, Kaye and Steve Johnson, & Vicki Schenk.

Soup and Chili: Kevin and Linda Olson (co-lead), Nicole Bjerke, Patti Stevens, Jodi Gilyard, Sandy and Roger Brenny (co-lead), Gerry and Paul Altringer, Jodi Gilyard, Deb Peterson, & Amy Youngquist.

volunteers

Thanks HOH Volunteers

Zion’s Harvest of Hands to benefit World Hunger is such a success each

year because of the commitment of many, many dedicated volunteers who make crafts, prepare foods, help with

publicity, organize sale areas and more.

Thanks to all of you!

7

Thanksgiving Eve Service Invite your neighbors and friends to attend this service of thanks that brings our community together: On Wednesday, November 26 at 8:00pm, the annual Ecumenical Festival of Thanksgiving and Praise will take place. This is truly a faith-filled experience for all families. Each year entire families have been blessed in a special way by coming together for this worship.

Pastors from the Buffalo area churches join to give leadership to this community-wide time of worship. Choirs from many of the churches in Buffalo will combine to present anthems of thanks and praise. The handbell choirs from Zion, Buffalo Covenant, St. Johns Lutheran, and Buffalo United Methodist churches are preparing pieces to be rung in a massed choir. There will be over 130 musicians from different churches. Nursery is provided.

Bloodmobile Remember that the Blood Mobile is coming Nov 11th. Volunteers and donors are needed. Sign up at the information desk or call Beverly Smith at 763.675.3182.

Remember to Fall Back

Daylight Savings ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 2.

8

Large Group & Small Group Sign Up The Social Ministry Committee is continuing to work on encouraging all members of our church community to get involved in one or more of the many opportunities offered at Zion, including groups that will focus on spirituality, social fellowship, and mission outreach.

Sign ups for these small/large groups are currently underway. If you have not signed up, it’s not too late. Sign up forms are available at the church or on-line.

The path of spiritual growth comes slowly, piece by piece and it is a path of lifelong learning; join other members on this journey.

fellowship & study

Advent Resources The season of Advent begins on November 30. During this advent time of preparing for Christ's coming at Christmas please pick up some of the resources provided by the Zion Worship and Music Committee. Devotional books for individuals and for families with children are available, as well as key fob advent tags. Advent resources are available at the information desk in the narthex.

Wednesday Menu November 5: Tacos

November 12: Soup & Chili

November 19: Baked Potatoes

November 26: No Meal (Thanksgiving Eve)

December 3: Pasta

Elvera Peterson spoke at LCW, and the theme was “Reformation Celebration”. Special music was provided by Jackie Kuhns and Monica Weekes.

Edith Waldal and Esther Peterson hosted Golden Age Fellowship, and the theme was Thanksgiving.

A three-evening series of town meetings at the Senior High focused on chemical abuse by youth, and included a national broadcast with Nancy Reagan.

(November 1983 continued from page 4)

Internet Safety Seminar Wednesday, November 12 @ 6pm

See page 16 for details

9

Digging to America by Anne Tyler Zion Book Club

The book club meets on November 10 at 7pm in the Zion library to discuss Digging to America by Anne Tyler.

This is a low pressure book club. Readers are encouraged to simply come for discussion with no preparation, they are not obligated to agree on (or even finish) the books. Come when you have interest and time, so that book club will enrich your life, and not become another stress or obligation.

Upcoming books include Cold Mountain by Charles Frasier on January 12, and So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger on February 9. Book Club will not to meet in December.

Prayer Sister Sign Up What is a Prayer Sister? It is someone you are partnered with for the year, whom you remember in daily prayer. Secondly, you send cards and or gifts for special occasions, or whenever God moves you to do so, He knows when she needs a day brightener. In December, the identity of your Prayer Sister is revealed to you at the annual Christmas Tea.

Congratulations Confirmands! October 2008

Secret Prayer Sister 2009

Name________________________________________________ Birth date _____________

Address_______________________________________________ Anniversary__________

Family________________________________________________________________________

(Husband) (Children)

Favorites_____________________________________________________________________

(hobbies, collections, colors, authors, etc.)

Least favorite times of year:__________________________________________________

House colors:_________________________________________________________________

Would you be willing to serve on the committee to plan next year’s tea?

Yes / No

Caitlin Abbott

Haley Adams

Whitney Anderson

Tracy Baumann

Emily Bengtson

Ryan Bonde

Annika Bordak

Kevin Brainerd

Michael Burgdorf

Audrianna Campbell

Steven Campbell

Matthew Clark

Jonathan Danielson

Clint Dille

Ashley Ditty

Erika Folkerds

Andrew Gregg

Wyat Grondah

Andrew Gutknecht

Paige Habisch

Kaitlyn Halvorson

Chantel Harnois

Josh Hogan

Rebecca Jacobs

Ashley Johnson

Samuel Klein

Kayla Koivisto

Riley Larson

Grace Lund

Zachary Marrandino

Paul McAlpine

Brett Michaels

Hannah Miller

Taylor Moline

Mikayla Mujwid

Rebecca Nichols

Kirsten Olson

Ryan Olson

Kevin Osfar

Caley Paripovich

Samantha Paripovich

Kenneth Parks

Quinn Parks-Crawford

Frances Pearson

Vincent Pecarina

Laurel Prodahl

Alexandra Sandberg

Taylor Schmidt

Taylor Schweisthal

Sam Siemers

Jessa Sigurdson

Blair Solberg

Hanna Svoboda

Cameron Weber

Michael Wiese

Clint Williams

Saturday 1 9:00 am, Harvest of Hands Event 9:30 am, Baptism Class Sunday 2 8:30 am, Traditional Service 8:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, Family Express 10:30 am, Jubilee Service 10:30am, Sunday School 1:00 pm, Wright County Chapter

Thrivent Meeting 4:00 pm, Service of Remembrance Monday 3 9:30 am, Lakeridge Bible Study 3:45 pm, Sonshine Choir 7:00 pm, First Sunday Rehearsal 7:30 pm, Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday 4 General Election (Precinct 3 @ Zion) 12:00 pm, LSS Counseling 6:15 pm, Rock N U 7:00 pm, Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00 pm, Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday 5 6:30 am, Men of Zion Bible Study 2:45 pm, Class Ring 3:45 pm, Kids' Club 3:45 pm, Ring Forth 4:45 pm, Joy Choir 5:00pm, Family Supper 5:15 pm, Youth Choir 6:00 pm, Confirmation 7:00 pm, Joyful Ringers 7:00 pm, Senior Choir 7:30 pm, Graceland Thursday 6 8:00 am, Men of Wisdom Bible Study Friday 7 9:00 am, LSS Counseling Senior High to Revamp Saturday 8

Sunday 9 Senior High Return from Revamp 8:30 am, Sunday School 8:30 am, Traditional Service 9:45 am, Family Express 10:30 am, Jubilee Service 10:30 am, Sunday School Monday 10 9:30 am, Lakeridge Bible Study 3:45 pm, Sonshine Choir 7:00 pm, Book Club 7:00 pm, First Sunday Rehearsal 7:30 pm, Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday 11 9:00 am, Kitchen Cleaning 12:00 pm, LSS Counseling 1:00 pm, Blood Mobile 6:15 pm, Rock N U 6:30 pm, Women of Zion Planning 6:30 pm, Women United in Faith 7:00 pm, Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00 pm, Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday 12 10:00 am, Parkview Devotions 2:45 pm, Class Ring 3:45 pm, Kids' Club 3:45 pm, Ring Forth 4:30 pm, Sr. High Leadership Team 4:45 pm, Joy Choir 5:00 pm, Family Night Supper 5:15 pm, Youth Choir 6:00 pm, Confirmation 6:00 pm, Internet Safety Seminar 6:30 pm, Christian Education Meeting 7:00 pm, Joyful Ringers 7:00 pm, Senior Choir 7:30 pm, Council Meeting 7:30 pm, Graceland Thursday 13 8:00 am, Men of Wisdom Bible Study Friday 14 9:00 am, LSS Counseling 5:30 pm, Friday Night Fun Night

Saturday 15 Sunday 16 8:30 am, Sunday School 8:30 am, Traditional Service 9:45 am, Family Express 10:30 am, Jubilee Service 10:30 am, Sunday School 7:00 pm, Esther Circle Monday 17 9:30 am, Lakeridge Bible Study 3:45 pm, Sonshine Choir 7:00 pm, First Sunday Rehearsal 7:30 pm, Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday 18 9:30 am, Naomi Circle 12:00 pm, LSS Counseling 6:00 pm, Stephen Ministries Meeting 6:15 pm, Rock N U 7:00 pm, Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00 pm, Overeaters Anonymous 7:00 pm, Property Meeting Wednesday 19 6:30 am, Men of Zion Bible Study 2:45 pm, Class Ring 3:45 pm, Kids' Club 3:45 pm, Ring Forth 4:45 pm, Joy Choir 5:00 pm, Family Supper 5:15 pm, Youth Choir 6:00 pm, Confirmation 7:00 pm, Joyful Ringers 7:00 pm, Senior Choir 7:00pm, Harvest of Hands Wrap-up

Meeting 7:30 pm, Graceland Thursday 20 8:00 am, Men of Wisdom Bible Study 9:30 am, Faith in Action Meeting 7:30 pm, Rebecca Circle Friday 21 6:00 pm, Scrapbooking 6:00pm, Family Night

look for updates & links at: www.zionbuffalo.org

10 November calendar

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Saturday22 12:00 pm, Wedding Sunday 23 8:30 am, Traditional Service 9:45 am, Family Express 10:30 am, Jubilee Service No SS - Sanctuary Sunday Monday 24 9:30 am, Lakeridge Bible Study 3:45 pm, Sonshine Choir 7:00 pm, First Sunday Rehearsal 7:30 pm, Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday 25 12:00 pm, LSS Counseling 6:00 pm, Christian Ed. Meeting 6:15 pm, Rock N U 6:30 pm, Women United in Faith 7:00 pm, Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00 pm, Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday 26 9:30 am, Lakeridge Care Center 10:30 am, Parkview Care Center 8:00 pm, Buffalo Ecumenical

Thanksgiving Eve Service Thursday 27 Thanksgiving Day—Office Closed Friday 28 Church Office Closed Saturday 29 Sunday 30 8:30 am, Traditional Service 9:45 am, Family Express 10:30 am, Jubilee Service

News Your Way Blog

Receive news as soon as it is posted: General News at http://news.zionbuffalo.org Youth News at http://youth.zionbuffalo.org Children's Ministry News at http://kids.zionbuffalo.org

Newsletter Online options for Zion's monthly newsletter include subscribing by email, reading individual articles online on the blog, and downloading the whole newsletter in PDF format.

Calendar Online calendars include separate calendars for Adult / Family Events, Youth Events, and Children's Events, plus a combined calendar at www.zionbuffalo.org/calendar

eNews

Weekly bulletin inserts are available online as a PDF, usually updated on Thursday or Friday. Staff are considering adding a weekly E-news. Sign up online to indicate your interest.

Facebook

Join the Zion's Facebook Group to find and connect with Zion staff and other members or visit Zion’s Facebook Page.

Twitter

Get updates by text message by following ZionBuffalo on Twitter. Text "follow zionbuffalo" to 40404 or read them online at http://twitter.com/ZionBuffalo.

Podcast

Listen to the sermon online or on your mp3 player each week

Photo Albums

Browse Zion’s photo album or subscribe to new photos.

You Tube Zion posts occasional videos on YouTube.

Zion Foundation Updating Zion’s Computers

A gift from the Zion Foundation and a donation from 1st Audit have made possible the upgrade of many of the office staff’s computers. The staff appreciate being brought into the current century and hope to spend less time waiting for their computers to catch up to them! Thanks to the Zion Foundation and 1st Audit, as well as Scott Morin, and John Kreitlow who have been working to put the new hardware into service.

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Memorials Memorials in memory of Flora Mohring from Judith Sandeen, Carol & John Berg, Janet & Roger Ose, Amy Wittmann, Gerald & Ann Boucher, Marlys Corhouse, Mark & Karen Olson, Robert & Thea Adams, Paul & Laurie Meyer, Antoni & Sharon Lewandowski, Dorothy Kiffmeyer, Idella Ziegler, William Hickman, Clara Hickman, Ancil Walden, Annette Bryant, Michael & Sharon Hickman, Dennis & Mary Butcher, Janie & Richard Prestidge, Debra Lang, Barbara Lambert, Joann Wegner, and Vivian Gray.

Memorials to the Zion Foundation in memory of Flora Mohring from Adeline Erickson, Melvin & Marlys Gillund, Howard Burgdorf, Merle & Verna Walters

Memorials to the Zion Quilters in memory of Flora Mohring from Warren & Arlyn Nelson

In Memory of AJ Valentine a hymnal donation in remembrance of his 3rd Birthday with Christ. (10/11/08)

In Memory of Francis Schmidt from Betty Pfeifer and family.

Good For The Giver The Stewardship Committee is currently highlighting missions and ministries that are doing God’s work to show how God’s money is being used at Zion.

Sunday, November 23 will be Celebration Sunday and will conclude the campaign with a sermon by Pastor Paul Nelson, Senior pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie and the turning in of Estimate of Giving commitments for 2009.

Stewardship is a spiritual ministry which seeks to strength our relationship and commitment to God though our offerings.

finance & stewardship

Financial Report September 2008

General Services Fund Income Sept 2008 YTD 2008 General Offering $52,316.30 $474,675.78 Rent and Sunday School $1,498.70 $20,190.84 Missions and Hunger $1,101.35 $9,674.05 Other Designations $100.00 $2,953.75 Total $55,016.35 $507,494.42 Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,250.00 $11,250.00 Other General Services $54,283.30 $511,302.38 Total $55,533.30 $522,552.38 Bank Balance as of 9-30-08 $16,577.39

Forward in Faith Fund Income Sept 2008 YTD 2008 Offerings and Interest $14,738.32 $134,727.63 Other Receipts 0.00 $1,000.00 Total $14,738.32 $135,727.63 Expenses Mortgage $17,087.30 $151,554.21 Other Expense $0.00 $5,924.75 Total $17,087.30 $157,478.96 Bank Balance as of 9-30-08$78,365.05

Other Benevolence Sept 2008 YTD 2008 World Hunger $691.35 $6,038.05 Tanzania Missionary Support $417.00 $3,753.00

In September, a large group of seniors from Zion visited the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. Watch

the Sunday bulletin announcement insert for details of the November Zionaires activity. In December, there will be a dinner, served by the office staff, on December 18.

Zionaires at Mill City Museum

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Redeemer Lutheran Church Dear friends at Zion,

My name is Bill Dexheimer Pharris. I've been asked to say a little about myself and my involvement at your partner congregation, Redeemer Lutheran Church, so I'll give it a try...

I grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, a small town near Madison. After majoring in Spanish at UW-Madison and spending my junior year abroad in Spain, I came to the Twin Cities in 1979 to study at Luther Seminary. After graduating in 1983 I made my first trip to Latin America, living in Mexico for half a year. For the rest of the 80s I was involved in work with churches south of our border, my longest stay being in El Salvador from 1986-89.

I returned to Minneapolis in 1990, met my future spouse Maggie Pharris, and settled into this place I have called home ever since. An ordained ELCA pastor, I have worked the last 13 years as a staff chaplain at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. Maggie is a professor of nursing at the College of St. Catherine. We live with our daughter Maya in the Homewood neighborhood about 10 blocks away, a 15 minute walk from the church going northwest. Our other 2 children, Nick and Anastasia, live a bit farther away with their families, in Seattle, Washington, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Music has been a real passion of mine since I was a child. I played trumpet through college (concert and marching band) and seminary, and have sung in various choirs around town including the Minnesota Chorale and the National Lutheran Choir. I first learned to play guitar in Mexico, and ever since that time have had a special interest in Latin American folk music, particularly hymns that are centered in themes of social justice and peace. In 1989-90 I helped lead music at the ELCA Global Mission Events with my friend Guillermo Cuéllar of El Salvador. Today I'm proud to be an active member of our choir at Redeemer; it's a privilege to be able to sing under our wonderfully gifted director, Yolanda Williams.

Maggie and I joined Redeemer not too long after Pastor Kelly Chatman came. We had been gently but persistently invited to come by our neighbors Ruth and Luther Peterson. Ruth kept telling us "you just have to come and hear Pastor Kelly preach, and the people are so friendly!" So we started to attend Redeemer and loved it. Not a lot of time had passed before we joined; I distinctly remember that this happened with no previous thought given to it. One Sunday Pastor Kelly spontaneously invited anyone who was so moved by the spirit, to come forward to be accepted into church membership. It wasn't quite the "normal" way of joining a congregation of the ELCA, at least not in my experience. But then, a lot of things at Redeemer don't happen in a normal way!

Maggie and I have found Redeemer to be a congregation that cares for its people, but it defines "people" as being not just those who come through the church doors on Sunday, but rather the whole surrounding community. Through the many programs of Redeemer Center for Life, and involvement with community organizing through both ISAIAH at the city-wide level and the Harrison Neighborhood Organization, members of Redeemer and our mission partner

congregations are intimately involved in creating what Martin Luther King called the "beloved community".

Continued online at http://tinyurl.com/pharris

Holiday Season Member Perks The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

Follow Peter, Susan,Lucy and Edmund on an epic adventure through the wardrobe onto the wondrous world of Narnia.

November 21-23

Thrivent Financial Members receive a 10% discount.

Children’s Theater Company / 612-874-0400 / www.childrenstheatre.org

Black Nativity—Hear Again the Christmas Story

This holiday gospel musical celebrates the bond of family, the power of faith and the strength of tradition,showcasing the best jazz and gospel singers of the Twin Cities.

Thrivent Members receive $25.00 (reg.$38.00) discounted ticket for all performances.

$5.00 from every ticket sold will benefit Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.

Penumbra Theatre / 612-224-3180 / www.penumbratheatre.org

Scandinavian Holiday Celebration

The Scandia festival has emerged as one of Landmark Center's premier

(Thrivent Member Perks continued on page 15)

missions & social ministry

15

Raising the Roof Roof Replacement Nears Completion

Replacement of the roof on the older part of the Zion building that was approved by the congregation in July. Work began in late September, was well underway at publication time, and could possibly be complete by the time you are reading this.

More photos of the work underway can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/zionroof.

programs. Visitors sample authentic Scandinavian cuisne, take in performances, browse the Skandia Marketplace and adventures in Storytelling.

Sunday, Decenber 14th

12:00-4:00pm

$5.00 adults and $3.00 for seniors and children

SKANDIA / 651-292-3276 Landmark Center / www.landmarkcenter.org

If you would like any information about Thrivent Financial and it's products, please contact Mark Worner at 763.682.6011

(Thrivent Member Perks from page 14)

A special Thank you, to all of you gracious gardeners who helped with the grounds around Zion Lutheran look their best.

Another group of gardeners shared their abundance at the gardeners exchange with the proceeds toward World Hunger.

All the hard work is noticed in so many ways,

Thanks for all your time and dedication

Marj Stewig

Command them to

do good, to be rich

in good deeds, and

to be generous and

willing to share.

1 Timothy

6:18 (NIV)

16

zionyouth.wordpress.com

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.

Director of Youth Ministries Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

mcrawford@zionbuffalo.org

Zion Youth Ministries We exist to reach out to youth, to come together and learn how to be for God and others through

worship, study, fellowship and service.

youth ministries

Don’t forget your Bible, Lutheran Handbook

and pen/pencil.

Please be on time!

“My Space...Who’s Space?” Wed Nov 12 6pm-7:30pm

What every parent should know about on-line social networking

Parents - Have you ever asked the following:

What are Facebook and MySpace all about anyway?

Is it dangerous for my student to be on-line?

What is social networking?

Cyber-bullying - What is it and how could it affect me?

If so, then come to this information filled seminar led by Officer Mike Passig.

Open to all adults who care about the safety of children.

This seminar is put together by Blue Line Safety Solutions (BLSS)

BLSS is made up of professional from the law enforcement and internet technology communities.

BLSS was created when it was realized that these two professions could come together in order to educate, inform and assist groups and individuals regarding the challenges that the internet offers. This includes online social networking, online fraud and general online safety techniques.

Bring experiences law enforcement officers and internet technology specialists together makes a strong team that benefits the community and helps calm the nerves of the inexperienced internet user.

Confirmation Schedule (Grade 7-8)

Weekly Topics:

Nov 5 - Sam/Saul

Nov 12 - David

Nov 19 - Israel & Judah

Nov 26 - NO CLASS - Thanksgiving Break

Middle School Dates Nov 2 - Youth Sunday Nov 6 - MS Leadership Team Mtg Nov 12 - Internet Safety Seminar Nov 14 - Friday Night Fun Night Dec 5 & 6 - Planet Wisdom Retreat Jan 14 - Snowtubing

Senior High Dates Nov 2 - Youth Sunday Nov 7-9 - Revamp Sr High Event Nov 12 - Internet Safety Seminar Nov 23 - Upper Room Worship Jan 14 - Snowtubing

Middle School

Rock N U Schedule Practices are Tues from 6:15pm-8pm in the Youth Room Nov 4 & 11.

Middle School Leadership Team

This is open to any 7th or 8th Grader. Nov 6 @ 6:30pm Youth Room.

Confirmation Service Tip

Confirmation students - if you are doing service with a family member (which is recommended), and have a conversation about your service, that can count as a family devotion!

Senior High

2009 Mission Trip - July 18-26 Wind River Reservation, WY Open to all current Sr High students! Cost is $250 to secure spot. Must be registered by Sun Nov 16!

Upper Room Worship Experience a community loving God and others in the rhythm of Jesus!

Sun Nov 23 Depart Zion@ 3:30pm Back @ 9pm Bring money for offering and a meal Register online by Nov 16!

Graceland Graceland is open to all Sr High Youth to come and explore their faith through games, media, studies and discussion. Kaleo worship is @ 7-7:30pm on Weds Graceland is f@ 7:30-9pm on Weds

Nov 5 - Graceland - 7:30pm

Nov 12- Graceland - 7:30pm

Nov 19- Graceland - 7:30pm

Nov 26 –No Graceland - Thanksgiving

Bring Bibles, notebooks and pencils!

Co-Directors of Christian Education Roxie Otten

rotten@zionbuffalo.org

Holly Husom hhusom@zionbuffalo.org

763-682-1245 ext. 331

17

zionkids.wordpress.com

children’s ministries

November Open your Bible challenge:

Please come to the Sunday school office and tell one of the office staff, to receive a treat or prize.

Kindergarten, first and second grade question: The story called, “A Tall Tower”, begins on page 36. What is the name of the tower in the story?

Third-grade through sixth-grade question: Is the story of the tower of Babel in your Bible? If it is, in what book is it?

Kids’ Club First, second and third-grade children are welcome to attend Kids’ club on Wednesdays from 3:45 until 5:30. Participants need not be Zion members. We share a snack, some games and music along with a Bible lesson.

There will be NO KIDS’ CLUB on Wednesday, November, 26th, due to Thanksgiving break.

Adult volunteers are always welcome to join Kids’ Club.

CLUB 45 The first CLUB 45 event was held inside at Zion, due to the cold, wet weather and a chilly breeze; ice cream sundaes were served instead of s’mores. The event was well attended, and several great volunteers helped to make the evening run smoothly. The evening included food, games, a devotion, and more games (hopefully, you still have your puzzle piece). Thank you to all who attended and all who helped to implement the activities!

Watch for details about the next CLUB 45 event!

Sunday School Sunday school students have been learning about Creation and Noah’s Ark. It doesn’t seem possible, but the next lessons will begin Advent, already!

If you’d like to be involved with the Sunday school program, there are always volunteer opportunities available. Come join the fun!

There will be no Sunday school classes on November 23rd, due to Sanctuary Sunday, and no Sunday school classes on November 30th, due to Thanksgiving weekend. Let’s Worship Together!

Sanctuary Sunday Sunday, November, 23rd, will be our next Sanctuary Sunday. Sunday school children will be singing during the 8:30 and 10:30 services. Children will come to worship with their families, then they will be called up to sing during the service. After they sing, children will return to their families.

First Communion These students celebrated First Communion on October 12: Shelby Ogle, Anika Fredrick, Tyler Graham, Molly Kwakenat, Julia Adams, Emily Mickles, Hunter Schmidt, Brooke Ankerfelt, Madison Klein, Jordan Thompson, Jasmine Johnson, Mika Bordak, Daniel Daugherty, Kayla Clifton, Sydney Rudy, Trevor Bengtson, Matthew Montplaisir, Adam Bryan, Max Mason, James Bruzek, Erick Olson, Shelby Hermanson, Lief Herzfeld, Sabrina Kumlin, Carl Warner.

18

Zion’s Top 10 Thanks to Duane Olson, Zion Foundation Chair for this list . . .

10. Thirty new members joined Zion on September 21.

9. September offerings were lower than September 2007; but so were expenses.

8. Zion started the year with a large balance in the general fund checking account (in excess of $50,000) thanks to an estate gift.

7. Zion did not have to “borrow” from itself this summer as has been the case in the past.

6. At the end of August the YTD “arrears” amount had been reduced almost in half from its high earlier in the summer - from $49,892 down to $25,655.

5. With students and volunteer guides, 180 are involved in the Confirmation program each Wednesday.

4. Both the general fund and the Forward in Faith fund are currently carrying positive balances.

3. Twenty-four of the top 25 giving units in 2007 are giving at or above their 2007 level.

2. Worship Attendance has averaged more than 700 (714) since Rally Day.

1. An additional 452 students and 80 volunteer staff are involved in the rotational Sunday School program each week.

Do you have others?

http://tinyurl.com/4nh2bc

Homemade Crafts Baked Goods White Elephant Sale Brunch

Zion’s 30th Annual Harvest of Hands

Bazaar Saturday, November 1 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

All proceeds go to World Hunger

Zion Lutheran Church 1200 Highway 25 S. PO Box 88 Buffalo, MN 55313

www.zionbuffalo.org Return service requested

Nov

embe

r 20

08

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Inside

Address Label Here

Pastor Chris Hagen 3

Service of Remembrance 4

St Olaf Handbell Choir 7

Internet Safety Seminar 8

News Your Way 11

Office Computer Upgrade 12

Mill City Museum Photos 13

Thrivent Member Perks 14

Youth Ministries 16

Children’s Ministries 17

Zion’s Top 10 18

Out of Town? You can hear sermons, read the

weekly program, newsletter, and get other information on our website:

www.ZionBuffalo.org