ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN SEPTEMBER 2009

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

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Prayer Requests

Call the church office at 763.682.1245 or visit Zion online at 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 Angela 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: Thursdays Noon

Newsletter: Monday 9/14 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.

Zion seeks to share

Christ’s word,

strengthen faith and

serve those in need.

Sunday Worship Times

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

Contact Us

Email office@zionbuffalo.org Online www.zionbuffalo.org Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm Church Office (763) 682-1245 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 Senior Pastor / x304 / chagen@zionbuffalo.org Judy Burgett Winzig Interim Associate Pastor / x305 / jwinzig@zionbuffalo.org Rebecca Sogge Associate Pastor (on sabbatical) 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 / jpryor@zionbuffalo.org Tom & Melissa Janzen Evening / Weekend Custodians Jennifer Weese Nursery Staff Tina Eich Nursery Staff Michael Walsh Coordinator of Music

Zion Council

Kevin Bergquist 2009-2011 Vice President /Zion Foundation /Acting President Carol Clark 2008-2010 Secretary /Finance Dirk Foster 2008-2010 President /Personnel Jud Goerss 2008-2009 Treasurer /Memorials & Placement Kelly Hanson 2009-2011 Evangelism & Outreach Debbie Johnson 2007-2009 Social Ministry Charles Krause 2008-2010 Youth Kevin Lincicum 2007-2009 Worship & Music, Adult Education Colleen Manninen 2009-2011 Fellowship Scott Morin 2009-2011 Christian Education Steve Peterson 2009-2011 Stewardship Dave Schmidt 2008-2010 New Member Doug Schmidt 2008-2010 Property Marci Wold 2007-2009 Global Missions Idella Ziegler 2007-2009 Stewardship

And

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

3 from the pastor

Have You Heard? We are having a great Homecoming Sunday on Sunday, September 13! There will be three great worship opportunities, a meeting for the parents of Sunday School children, a Mission Fair, lunch for everyone, a carnival, “The Great Big Zion Photo Shoot”, a golf outing, and even more surprises. You will want to be there!

Why do we want to start out the fall season with a big bang? Because it is time to return home, to return to this church home, this community of faith. It is time to move back into the rhythms of worship, education, support, and service known as the Zion Lutheran Church community.

Deep within, our hearts yearn to know the presence of God, the peace of God that helps us build a faithful life. We can attempt to build such a life alone, however God never meant for us to be alone, but to be in community with one another. Jesus‟ life demonstrated a shoulder rubbing, walking together, encouraging each other kind of life. It‟s here at Zion. Come Home!

Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said: “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” Zion offers our children

and youth tools and opportunities to anchor their futures in God‟s loving through worship education, and service. It is time to bring your children and your youth home!

And it is time to rejoice and have fun with one another. The great German composer Richard Wagner once said “joy is not in things it is in us.” Come home and experience joy with your sisters and brothers.

It will be a great beginning for what God has open for Zion in the days to come. Come home!

Worship

Lectionary & Preachers

Sunday, September 6 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 7:24-37 Pastor Judy preaching Sunday, September 13 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 8:27-38 Pastor Judy preaching Sunday, September 20 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 9:30-37 Pastor Chris preaching Sunday, September 27 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 9:38-50 Pastor Chris preaching

“Homecoming means coming

home to what is in your heart.”

~unknown

A Congregational Meeting will be held on

Sunday, September 20, 2009

following the 10:30 service… at approximately 11:30 am

To Call a Senior Pastor (specific candidate information was not available at time of printing)

Prior to the congregational

meeting, there will be an

opportunity to meet the

pastoral candidate on

Saturday, September 19, at

an Open House, beginning at

5pm at Zion.

4

Family News

Births

June 30 Tanner Phillip Koren, son of Michelle & Kyle

July 1 Adam Joseph Miller, son of Pam & Dan Seaver Craig Moseley, son of Heather & Craig

Baptisms

July 5 Brandon Charles Reed

July 12 Phineas James Baskerville Hannah Elizabeth Erickson

July 13 Bridget McKenzie Erickson

July 26 Kyler Cruz Moffat Karston Ryder Moffat Landon James Jacobs Abbigail Rose Grant Sarah Mae Miller

Weddings

July 3 Vicki Olson & Dean Gustafson

Funerals

July 20 Gerald Robinson

July 23 Judy Hauer Correction: Baptized on June 28: Peyton Ryan Mattson.

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

news & views

Council Update

Wednesday July 15, 2009

Prior meeting minutes were amended to clarify proposed Senior pastor compensation.

The treasurer reported that though giving has increased, the increase is still not quite sufficient to cover the base ongoing expenses and the larger bills that come at this time of year.

The Call Committee reported that one candidate has had three interviews and the ball is in that person‟s court. There are two additional very strong candidates.

Representatives from Stewardship, Finance committee and the FIF 4 task force will start working together to decide the structure and timeline of the next Forward in Faith building fund campaign.

Bridgebuilder Action Task Forces had orientation, and have been told to have their findings prepared for report at the September council meeting. Assessment of committees has been handed over to one of the Bridgebuilder task forces.

Complete minutes are available on the church website at www.zionbuffalo.org/council.

Active Military

Please Pray For

Greg Bremseth, stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX; Christopher Brophy, stationed at Fort Benning, GA ;

DeAnna Strommen, stationed at Fort Hood, TX; Steve Svoboda, deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq; Fred Pierce,

stationed at Pensacola, FL; Chris Paulsen-Schmidt, stationed at Great Lakes, IL; Dirk Foster, stationed at Naval Surface Warfare Center in Port Hueneme,

CA; Cody Bauman, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC; Destiny Johnson, deployed to Basrah, Iraq ; Jay

Iversen, deployed to Camp Liberty, Iraq; Aaron Hatling, stationed at Heidelberg, Germany; Ben Pecarina, stationed at Nellis AFB, NV.

Please let the church office know of any additions or corrections to this list.

Connect Online

www.ZionBuffalo.org/News

5

Join Zion’s Music Program

There’s a Place for You in Choir This Year!

Make this a great year by adding your tunes to a choir. Please visit the web site (ZionBuffalo.org) or call the Zion church office (682.1245) to register for children/youth choirs, both vocal and handbells.

Parents, there‟s room for you, too. Find a place in the Senior Choir or in Joyful Ringers. All are welcome! Child care is available on Wednesdays during rehearsals.

Call any of the directors with questions about choirs. We‟ll see you soon!

Handbell Choirs

Ring Forth

Grades 4-5 Wednesdays 3:45-4:45pm *See Bus Info* Begins Sept. 16 Sherilyn Burgdorf 682.1245 or 682.1954

Class Ring

Grades 6-8 Wednesdays 2:45-3:45 *See Bus Info* Begins Sept. 16 Sherilyn Burgdorf 682.1245 or 682.1954 Contact Sherilyn if you have a sports or after school conflict.

Jubilance

Grades 9-12 (not all year) Watch for short term schedule info Sherilyn Burgdorf 682.1245 or 682.1954

Joyful Ringers

Adults & high school Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm Begins Sept. 9 Sherilyn Burgdorf 682.1245 or 682.1954

Vocal Choirs

SONshine Choir

Kindergarten-Grade 2 Tuesdays (note change) 3:45-4:30 *See Bus Info* Begins Sept. 15 Director Carol Moore 682.3571

Joy Choir

Grades 3-5 Wednesdays 4:45-5:30 *See Bus Info* Begins Sept. 16 Director Kristi Wagner 684.0049

Youth Choir

Grades 6-12 Wednesdays 5:15-6:00 Begins Sept. 16 Diane Johnson 320.286.2004

Senior Choir

Adults & high school Wednesdays 7:00-8:15pm Picnic & singing Sept. 2 Rehearsals begin Sept. 9 Nursery available during rehearsals Michael Walsh 682.0163

*After School Bus to Zion*

Students in Buffalo schools (DES, Northwinds, Tatanka, Parkside, BCMS, BHS) can designate Zion as their alternate destination for afternoons they have choirs or other regular activities at Zion.

An alternate destination form is required and can be downloaded from the school website or obtained from American Student.

6 fellowship & study

Wednesday Night Suppers at Zion Wednesday Suppers start up again on September 9 with the popular sub sandwich meal, including cold cut subs, meatball subs, with cheese and all the toppings. Serving time is 5:00-6:15pm and the suggested donation is $3 per plate.

You can offer a few hours of time and make a big impact on families here at Zion. Wednesday night supper teams are welcoming new team members. Can you help?

Families or individuals cook (it really is lightweight prep), serve, and clean up meals once every 6 weeks. Meals are served in a 6 week rotation giving each team the benefit of cooking the same meal each time they serve. You can choose which meal team you‟d like to join. Each team will be serving only 5 times during the entire year. Volunteer a few hours as a small commitment with a great reward for many people.

If you are willing to give time to help with this great outreach to Zion families and community members please contact Sherilyn Burgdorf in the church office (682.1245 ext. 307 / sburgdorf@zionbuffalo.org), Cindy Bonde (684.1467) or Dorothy Valentine (682.6695).

You‟ll benefit by meeting other Zion members that will become new friends and you‟ll also help many families and youth by providing a great “home-cooked” meal on busy Wednesday evenings.

Annual Golf Outing Zion‟s annual golf outing will be on Homecoming Sunday, September 13, at Buffalo Heights Golf Course with a “shotgun” start at 4:30.

Golfers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in the 4-person scramble, and may sign up as teams of 4, in groups of 3, in pairs, or as individuals. Sign up online or at the information desk. Deadline for registration is Sunday, September 6.

Cost will be $20 per golfer for 9 holes including a cart, payable to the golf course that day.

Family Night

Board Games & Crafts

Bring a snack to share, your favorite board games or crafts and your family or friends, and join other Zion friends for a Family Night in Fellowship Hall at 7pm on Friday, September 18.

It‟s a terrific way to spend a cold winter evening, meet friends, and make new friends at Zion. The movie room and /or gym could also be available for activities if there is a volunteer to supervise.

September Menu

9th: Sub Sandwiches 16th: Chicken Kiev

23rd: Tacos

30th: Soup & Chili

7

Ephesians Study for Women

Women United in Faith Starts September 29

Women United in Faith invites women to join them for their next study starting on September 29. They will be looking at the book of Ephesians, which “explores how Paul instructed the people of Ephesus to practice the skills of a God-fashioned life.” If you‟ve never been in a bible study before, don‟t let that keep you from trying this one; many participants are just beginners. Bring a friend and come when you can.

The Ephesians study will use the Life Changes bible study series and the study guide in the Serendipity Study Bible (this Bible is not a requirement; bring your own Bible, as different versions can give us different insight). The group meets at Zion from 6:30-8pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

The mission of Women United in Faith is to strengthen our faith and provide a safe, comfortable and confidential environment where women can share their hurts, struggles, joys, and heartfelt emotions, while maintaining respect for each other. Contact Cheryl Mager (682.3777) or Judy Weis (682.7014) for more details about Women United in Faith or their study on Ephesians.

The Leper

Zion Book Club

The Zion Book Club will meet on Monday, September 14 at 7pm in the Library to discuss The Leper by Steve Thayer

A veteran of World War I, John Severson becomes a school teacher in a tough, working-class St. Paul neighborhood where a high school diploma is a rarity. Severson has dreams, aspirations. But something had happened to him during the war, something awful. And it follows him home and changes every part of his life. John Severson becomes a leper. Instantly he is torn from his dreams, disconnected from his beautiful plan, ripped from the woman he loves. But Severson is determined to reclaim what he lost, to overcome the horror that is leprosy, to dream again. (griver.org)

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 book club selections are Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horowitz on October 12, Runner by Robert Newton on November 9, and Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay on December 14.

Baptism Class

Wednesday, September 2

The next class for new or prospective parents wishing to schedule a baptism at Zion will be at 6pm on September 2.

Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is asked to attend a class prior to the date of the baptism. Expectant parents as well as those who already are parents may attend the class. Scheduling of baptisms will take place at the class.

First Communion

Saturday, September 19

Fifth grade students and anyone older who has not had a communion class are invited to attend the next First Communion class on September 19 from 9-11am.

Membership Class

Sunday, October 4

Those who are ready for a deeper commitment to this ministry are invited to the next Membership Class at 11:30am on October 4. This orientation to membership provides a brief overview of Lutheran Christian beliefs and practices, the ministries of Zion, and expectations of members. Those that decide to become members will be formally received into our congregation on the following Sunday, October 11

Register

Online

at ZionBuffalo.org

Tuesday, September 1 9:30am Staff Meeting 11:00am Zionaires Fishing Trip 12:00pm LSS Counseling 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday, September 2 6:00pm Christian Ed. Meeting 6:00pm Confirmation Parent Meeting 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Baptism Class 6:30pm Senior Choir Picnic & Singing Thursday, September 3 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study Friday, September 4 9:00am LSS Counseling Saturday, September 5 Sunday, September 6 Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, and

10:30 services 8:30am Traditional Worship 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship Monday, September 7 Office Closed for Labor Day 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, September 8 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:00am Kitchen Cleanup 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 6:30pm Women United in Faith 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday, September 9 10:00am Devotions at Park View 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 7:00pm Joyful Ringers starts 7:00pm Senior Choir starts 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Kick-Off &

Planning Meeting 7:30pm Mission Trip Meeting

Thursday, September 10 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study Friday, September 11 9:00am LSS Counseling 6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, September 12 3:00pm Wedding 4:30pm Wedding Sunday, September 13 Homecoming Sunday 8:30am Traditional Worship 9:30am Ministry Fair 9:40am Sunday School Parent Meeting 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship 11:30am Great Big Zion Photo Shoot 12:00pm Homecoming Lunch 12:00pm Homecoming Carnival 1:00pm JJJ Tour at Augsburg College 4:30pm Golf Outing at Buffalo Heights Monday, September 14 7:00pm Book Club 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, September 15 9:30am Staff Meeting 9:30am Naomi Circle 12:00pm LSS Counseling 3:45pm SONshine Choir starts 6:00pm Stephen Ministries 7:00pm Property Committee Meeting 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday, September 16 9:15am Devotions at Sunrise 2:45pm Class Ring starts 3:45pm Ring Forth starts 4:45pm Joy Choir starts 5:15pm Youth Choir starts 6:00pm Facebook for Lutherans Class 6:00pm Curriculum Team Meets 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 7:00pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland starts 7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday, September 17 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study 7:30pm Rebecca Circle Friday, September 18 9:00am LSS Counseling 2:00pm Wedding Rehearsal 6:00pm Board Games & Crafts Saturday, September 19 9:00am First Communion Class 9:00am Confirmation Retreat 12:00pm Wedding 3:00pm Wedding 5:00pm Open House Sunday, September 20 Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30 8:30am Sunday School 8:30am Traditional Worship 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship 10:30am Sunday School 11:30am Congregational Meeting Monday, September 21 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, September 22 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 3:45pm SONshine Choir 6:30pm Women United in Faith 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday, September 23 9:00am Newsletter Crew 9:30am Devotions at Lakeridge 10:30am Devotions at Park View 2:45pm Class Ring 10:30am Ring Forth 10:30am Kids' Club 4:45pm Joy Choir 5:15pm Youth Choir 6:00pm Confirmation Class 6:00pm Confirmation Service walk thru 7:00pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland

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

8 September calendar

Thursday, September 24 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study Friday, September 25 9:00am LSS Counseling 6:00pm Club 45 Saturday, September 26 10:30am Confirmation Pictures 1:00pm Affirmation of Baptism Service Sunday, September 27 Sanctuary Sunday 8:30am Sunday School 8:30am Traditional Worship 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship 10:30am Sunday School Monday, September 28 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, September 29 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 3:45pm SONshine Choir 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday, September 30 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm Kids' Club 4:45pm Joy Choir 5:15pm Youth Choir 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 7:00pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

Change

Change keeps occurring throughout all of life. Sometimes it brings joy, and sometimes it

brings strife.

Change what you should; but you still have a voice - How you accept every change is your

choice.

-Peggy Ferrell, Prayers and Poems

The Smash Hit of the Summer Second Wednesdays were a smash hit, maybe the smash hit of the summer. All who came seemed to enjoy the meals, the conversation and connections as well as the worship, and the variety of activities for everyone. We want to give thanks to all who helped make to get Second Wednesday up as a new program and going strong!

Grillers: Pastor Chris, Bill Husom, Larry Scherber, Dave Schmidt, and Doug Schmidt

Kitchen : Sandy and Roger Brenny, Idella Ziegler, Jane Crawford, Quinn, Josiah and Kacey Crawford, Lana Scherber, Holly Husom, Sherilyn Burgdorf

Worship: Myron and Rock N U, Children‟s Bell Workshop,

Activities: Holly Husom, Roxie Otten, The Kats Pajamas, Jennifer Weese, Dawn

Johnson, Pastor Judy Burgett Winzig, Angela Bengtson and those who helped out in other ways!

And a great big thanks to everyone who came, had fun, praised God, brought bars and cookies and ate over 300 hamburgers, veggie burgers and hotdogs!

Curious about Facebook?

Facebook For Lutherans

Are your children or grandchildren using Facebook? Facebook is for adults of all ages too! Perhaps you already have your own account but haven‟t figured out how to add a profile photo? Do you know how to protect your privacy on Facebook?

Join Angela Bengtson at 6pm on Wednesday, September 16 for a hands on look at the basics of Facebook including

Setting up a profile

Privacy options

Finding and connecting with friends

News feed tips

Sharing photos and links

Fun and games

Lutherans on Facebook

Please register online as class size may be limited. If you have access to a laptop, plan to bring it with you and come a few minutes early to get set up.

9

Senior High students enjoying the August Second Wednesday.

Come Home to Zion…

For the 1000th Time or the First Time...

Worship

Sanctuary / 8:30

Traditional worship led by the Senior Choir.

Sanctuary / 9:30

Gathering music will start early, especially for children attending Family Express while their parents are at the Sunday School meeting.

Sanctuary / 9:45

A very special Family Express worship in the Sanctuary, starting a few minutes earlier than usual.

Sanctuary / 10:30

Contemporary worship led by Jubilee.

Parent Meeting

Fellowship Hall / 9:40

Sunday School orientation for parents and registration for those not pre-registered online in August. See page 17 for details.

The Great Big Photo Shoot

Front Lawn / 11:30

Everyone will meet on the front lawn after the 10:30 worship for a large group photo to be sent in the next package to our partners in Shelleng, Nigeria. Holly will be perched up high in the bucket of the Husom Electric boom truck. You won‟t want to miss being part of this historic photo.

Lunch

Fellowship Hall / Noonish

Hotdogs, chips & beans

Eat inside, or bring a blanket and eat outside

Ministry Fair

Trinity Hall / 9:30-12:30

The Ministry Fair is like a volunteer expo, an opportunity to see where you can enrich Zion‟s ministry. There will be information about ways to get involved with:

Music

Children & Youth

Community Outreach

Global Missions

Caring Ministries

Sunday Morning Ministries

Adult Education

Special Events

Food Ministries

Senior Fellowship

Office Support

Facility Support

Q: What Is Homecoming Anyway?

A: Homecoming is a celebration of this community of faith and a time to move back into the rhythms of worship, education, support, and service.

Carnival

Front Lawn / Noonish

Celebrate Homecoming with fun for the whole family at the annual carnival:

Inflatable Jumpies (of course)

Face Painting

Crazy Hair

Temporary Tattoos

Games

Cotton Candy

Popcorn

Art projects

Jesus Justice Jazz

Leaving for Augsburg at 1:00

Senior high and chaperones will be spending the afternoon and evening at the JJJ Tour. See page 16 for details and register ASAP.

Golf Outing

Buffalo Heights / 4:30 Play 9 holes across the street at Buffalo Heights. See page 6 for details and register ASAP.

How Can I Help? With so much going on, much help will be needed to pull it all off:

Assemble Ministry Fair Booths

Prepare parent information packets for Sunday School

Stuff Flyers in Bulletins

Supervise students at Family Express during the parent meeting

Prepare food

Serve food

Chaperone youth

Popcorn & Cotton Candy makers

Face painters

Hairstylists

Tattooists

Game attendants

Cleanup in all areas

Check online or call the office to volunteer!

12

In God We Trust “In God we Trust” began to appear on US coins in 1864, in 1956 it became the official motto of the US and began to be printed on paper money in 1957.

Yet it seems that the more $1 bills one has, the more one relies not on God but themselves. Those that worked to get that motto on our currency shared the desire of Matt H Rothert of Camden, Arkansas to change a dollar bill from an object of greed to a tool for witnessing to your faith. Today, look at your money and be reminded of 4 ways of how we are to trust in God:

Trust in His Name

Trust in His Word

Trust in His Promise

Trust in His Power

Plymouth Playhouse Discounts The Plymouth Playhouse is offering special tickets to area church members for their current show Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping and their upcoming 2010 production of How to Talk Minnesotan the Musical.

Tickets purchased through this program are $30 (eligible tickets are regularly priced $30-38), and $10 will be donated by the Plymouth Playhouse back to the congregation specified. Weekday matinees are excluded. To order these tickets, call the Plymouth Playhouse Box Office at 763.553.1600 x1. Mention the “Church Fundraising” promo when you make your reservation as well as specifying “Zion Lutheran Church, PO Box 88, Buffalo MN 55313″ .

Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping runs until November 1, and How to Talk Minnesotan the Musical opens on January 29, 2010.

finance & stewardship

Financial Report

July 2009

General Services Fund

Income July 2009 YTD 2009 General Offering $49,246.36 $372,901.31 Rent and Sunday School $565.04 $16,653.80 Missions and Hunger $1,069.10 $7,182.10 Other Designations $2,502.94 $9,397.44 Total $53,383.44 $406,134.65 Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,500.00 $10,500.00 Other General Services $53,302.22 $413,051.54 Total $54,802.22 $423,551.54

Account Balance as of 7-31-09: $335.98

General Fund Note There were surplus funds available in the General Fund account on 1-1-09. Because of the month-end deficits so far in 2009, this surplus has been exhausted. It was previously communicated that in April 2009 the church was approved for a line-of-credit to use when our expenses exceed our offerings/revenue. $20,000 was drawn from our line of credit on June 12, 2009 in order to meet current expenses. Nothing has been repaid yet on this line of credit.

Forward in Faith Fund

Income July 2009 YTD 2009

Offerings and Interest $17,274.34 $105,136.31 Other Receipts 0.00 1,500.00 Total Income $17,274.34 $106,636.31 Expenses Building Mortgage $17,087.30 $119,611.10 Roof/Parking Lot Loan $522.22 $3,716.60 Major Building Repairs $0.00 $4,225.00 3% Tithe Expense 2,561.90 2,561.90 Total Expenses $20,171.42 $130,114.60

Account Balance as of 7-31-09: $46,174.58

Help Feed Families

Be a Supper Sponsor This Year

The Wednesday night supper program at Zion has proven to be a great help for many people. Last year 4500 meals were served over a span of 30 Wednesdays throughout the year.

This year a sponsor program is being created to help underwrite the cost of the meals.

Why Sponsors?

Youth and families that are attending who are not able to pay fully or consistently for their meals.

A 33% jump in attendees from 2008 to 2009.

Financial realities that make coming to a dinner like these helpful in weekly family nutrition.

The quality of the meals needs to be maintained.

We don‟t want to limit the number of people served.

Individual Sponsors

Each sponsor would be asked to donate $100 to help defray the Wednesday meal costs. The suggested donation of $3 per meal would continue each Wednesday but families and individuals who come to the Wednesday night suppers are welcomed even if they are unable to pay a full amount.

Corporate Sponsors

Does your employer encourage corporate sponsorships? Corporate sponsors would be asked to donate $100-200 in order to support families and individuals who come to the Wednesday night suppers but are unable to pay a full amount. Corporate sponsor might choose instead to donate a specific part of a meal, such as desert.

Both corporate and individual sponsors will have the option to have their names publicized.

If interested in the sponsorship program please contact Pastor Judy or Sherilyn Burgdorf at the Zion office (682.1245 or via email), or Wednesday Night Supper coordinators Cindy Bonde (684.1467) or Dorothy Valentine (682.6695).

13

Over $900 for Marysville The Ice Cream Social at Marysville in June raised $924 toward restoration for the historic building. Thanks especially to all who donated pies, the confirmation students who volunteered, and the council members who took their turn in the dunk tank.

September 1979

From the Newsletter and Committee Minutes

Hi-League had a camping outing at Lake Maria State Park near Monticello. The registration cost was $2 for two days.

Young adults started a discussion group on Galations, which met at Meredith Olson's home, and went on a day trip to the Landscape Arboretum.

The Christian Education committee was responsible for planning both Sunday School and Adult Education programs.

Lee Ann Fadden led a grade 9-12 discussion group.

Children with last names A-K attended Sunday School at 8:45, and those with last names L-Z attended at 10:00.

The LCW (Lutheran Church Women) group meeting was focused on the International Year of the Child, and led by Ruth Casperson, Carol Krause, and Lois Sonstegard. Mary Lynn Leff led the singing.

Circles met at Zion, and at Bea Specht, Irene Benson, and Inez Throson's homes. Naomi Circle was in search of a babysitter.

(1979 continued on page 18)

14

Service, Advocacy & Ministry

This Month: Timber Bay

Timber Bay is an outreach that serves suburban, urban and rural areas in Minnesota and Iowa. They serve youth with a program that emphasizes a sense of purpose and community, and fosters their faith. The Buffalo program has two staff members and 10 volunteers working with about 100 middle school and high school students each year.

This month, five teams from Zion will be providing and serving Tuesday evening meals to Timber Bay participants. Each team has a coordinator in place, and volunteers are needed to help provide, prepare, and serve the meals.

September 1: Myron Crawford & Jim Onstad

September 8: Rick & Deb Johnson (Hot Dogs)

September 15: Cheryl Mager (Sloppy Joes)

September 22: Cindy & Jeff Bonde

September 29: Ron & Nancy Elam (Taco in a Bag)

Please call Nancy Elam @ 612.581.0377, email ronelam@msn.com, or contact any of the group leaders listed above to volunteer.

Learn more about Timber Bay at TimberBay.org.

Next Month: Veterans

On September 27 there will be a guest speaking about ways that we can support those who are serving or have served most recently in military service, followed up with a related service project in October.

And Every Month Each month the Social Ministry Committee will be promoting our church‟s outreach into our community through prayer and actions by highlighting the efforts and needs of one of our local partner organizations in the newsletter and on the website. On the 4th Sunday of the month there will be a short program at 9:45am in the Fellowship Hall to explain services and promote action with the featured partner.

Did you know? Our first mailing to Shelleng LCCN#1 has gone out in the mail. Included in this packet of information was: A letter of introduction, the photo sections of the current directory, and maps and information about Buffalo. A second mailing is planned for mid September. One of the items for the second mailing will be a larger group photo of the Zion congregation. It will be taken after the 10:30am worship on Homecoming Sunday, September. Don‟t miss being a part of the Great Big Zion Photo Shoot that day!

Over $2,800 was raised by Zion members and friends of Kelsey Mackereth to support her year long mission in Malaysia thorough Young Adult in Global Mission program of the ELCA. Thanks to you! We are still processing outside funding.

Please continue to pray for our partners in Shelleng Nigeria and for Kelsey!

Redeemer Lutheran Church

Summer Interns

Over the past couple of years, Zion has reprinted numerous articles about Redeemer Lutheran Church, our partner congregation in North Minneapolis. Many of the articles have been written by Pastor Kelly Chatman, and others have been written by long time members of Redeemer. This month, two young students who were working at Redeemer this summer shared some thoughts with the people of Redeemer. Their admiration for Redeemer and its members is amazing.

Mara Kumagai Fink, a St Olaf Intern has “attended church forever, but still hadn‟t ever felt a part of a real church community until [she came to Redeemer]. There‟s something about [Redeemer] that is so incredible that words truly can‟t describe. ” She was warmly welcomed at Redeemer, and learned “about what resilience truly is, about the love of God, and about what it means to be a Christian even when things aren‟t going perfectly.”

For Brianna Pettis, a high school student, being part of the summer program at Redeemer has been the highlight of her summer. She says it “is a great place to go and feel welcomed” and “a great place for children to come together and have fun, communicate with one another, and unite with each other.”

The full text of their letters is available on the Zion website.

missions & social ministry

Check the website for video clips from

“Refreshments with Redeemer” in August

ZionBuffalo.org/Redeemer

15

Nigerian Pastors International students studying at Luther Seminary include two pastors from the Lutheran Church in Nigeria. A third pastor, Pastor Adama should be ready to start her work at Luther this month.

Buntausa Amos Sunday is pursuing a Masters of Theology in New Testament. He speaks three languages: English, Hausa and Yngur, and is particularly gifted in teaching. Prior to coming to Luther Seminary, Buntausa was a lecturer at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary and coordinator of an inter-denominational evangelism team. Buntausa is particularly interested in talking with groups about village evangelism in Africa and youth ministry (evangelism). Upon returning home, Buntausa plans to continue his work at the seminary and in village evangelism. Buntausa is married and his wife currently lives in Nigeria.

Before coming to Luther, Sekenwa Moses Briska served as an ordained pastor in Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria. Sekenwa speaks five languages and is also gifted in counseling, listening, caring, preaching and teaching. In addition, he enjoys soccer, table tennis, reading, and traveling. After completing his PhD, Pastoral Care program at Luther, Sekenwa plans to go back to Nigeria to teach at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary, Yola. His family is here with him.

From www.luthersem.edu

Countdown to Harvest of Hands

Do you like jewelry?

Do you want to learn to make jewelry?

Do you want to help make jewelry for the Harvest of Hands?

You are in luck...the Harvest of Hands committee will again be making jewelry during September and can use your help. Time is running out; there are only two months left to finish lots of projects for the annual Harvest of Hands Festival. Volunteers make this event successful, and there are many projects to be completed and coordinator positions need to be filled this month.

Sign up for volunteer positions and upcoming events in preparation for HOH at the Ministry Fair on September (see page 10).

Your support of the Harvest of Hands is greatly appreciated! Harvest of Hands has had so much success over the years…Please say you will help make it a success again this year.

All funds raised at the Harvest of Hands will go to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.

Circle Saturday, November 7th, on your calendar and plan attend the Harvest of Hands Festival.

The 31st annual

Harvest of Hands Festival will be held

at Zion on

Saturday, November 7th 2009

Doors will open at 9:00 a.m.

HOH Calendar Kick Off/ Planning Session

Wednesday, September 9 7-9pm in the Wilderness Room

Egg Roll Prep Friday, October 16

6-8pm in the Kitchen

Egg Roll Assembly Saturday, October 17

9am-noon in the Kitchen

Event Set-up November 4-6

Various times and rooms

Harvest of Hands Saturday, November 7 Invite your family, your friends and your neighbors too. All are welcome.

Wrap Up Meeting Wednesday, November 1 7-9pm in the Wilderness Room

16

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 to-

gether and learn how to be for God and others through worship, study, fellowship and service.

youth ministries

Confirmation

Affirmation of Baptism

The Affirmation of Baptism Service is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of all students who have completed two years of study and fulfilled their requirements throughout this time.

Please take note of dates students need to attend:

Saturday September 19 - 9am-11:30am Confirmation Retreat Final lesson, make stoles and more.

Wednesday September 23 - 6pm Walkthrough Parents must attend! Go over details & get picture info

Saturday September 26 - 1pm Affirmation of Baptism Service Students must be at Zion by 10:30am for pictures.

Parents will be needed to assist with many jobs for the service: Photo assistants, lunch servers, flower pinners, robe assistants and more.

If you can help, please contact Myron.

Confirmation Parent Meeting

There will be a meeting for all parents of students that will be in the „09-‟10 Confirmation Program on Sep 2 @ 6pm.

This is a time to go over everything for the next year, including discipline, requirements, expectations, schedule and parent involvement.

Senior High

Senior High Leadership

Juniors and Seniors are needed to help form a Senior High Leadership Team to organize fun nights, worship, service, studies and more. The next meeting will be Wednesday September 6 @ 7:30pm.

Adults Needed

Adults are needed to help assist with Graceland and other events, such as small groups for Senior High, this year.

Requirements:

Must be 25 years old or older

Have relationship with Christ

Willing to be real and open.

We can offer any training / supplies that might be needed. Contact Jim Onstad or Myron if interested.

2010 Mission Trip Meeting

There will be an information meeting for the 2010 Mission Trip in the Youth Room on Wed Sep 9 @ 7:30pm. Open to all students who will be in 9th - 12th Grade this fall! Parents are requested to be in attendance at this meeting also!

Limited spots, so be in attendance!

Graceland begins Sept 16

The Senior High Youth Group, known as Graceland will begin meeting for the fall on Wednesday, September 16 @ 7pm.

This is open to all students who will be in 9th-12th grade this fall!

JJJ Tour - Sep 13 Come see Agape, Rachel Kurtz and Lost and Found at Augsburg College for only $15! Depart from Zion @ 1pm. Return to Zion @ 8pm. Register by September 9.

Senior High

LUV 2 SRV Weekend Retreat

Friday October 23 - Sunday October 25

Open to all Senior High students!

This weekend will explore real issues that people face throughout our area: Poverty, domestic abuse, homelessness, hunger and more.

Take time to serve at various locations in the Twin Cities:

Union Gospel Mission

St. Anne‟s Place

Ascension Place

People Serving People

Feed My Starving Children

Redeemer Lutheran Church

and more…

Plus, worship with Redeemer on Sunday led by Rock N U

Leave Zion @ 3:15pm on Friday

Return Zion @ 2pm on Sunday

Cost is only $40 for the weekend! Plus, money for dinner / offering.

Must register by October 14!

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth

Wednesday Suppers Resume September 9… Menus on page 8 This year consider sponsoring meals for those unable to contribute (see page 13)

Sunday School Parent Meeting… This year, all Sunday school parents are asked to attend a parent orientation meeting outlining important information for the 2009-2010 Sunday school year.

The Orientation meeting will be on Homecoming Sunday, September 13, in Trinity Hall, from 9:40am-10:20am. Sunday school information packets will be distributed to parents. During the parent orientation meeting, Sunday school children will gather in the Sanctuary for a special family express service. Families who have opted to make a donation toward Sunday School supplies will be asked to make that contribution at the time of the meeting. Those who have not registered online will be able to complete registration forms. Please contact Holly or Roxie at 763.682.1245 with any questions.

Homecoming Sunday… The Rally Day Difference Everyone is invited to the Homecoming Sunday celebration following the 10:30 service on September 13 which will include food, a carnival, and fun for the whole family. The difference is in the name, and that it is now the week before Sunday School begins. See pages 10-11 for details.

Regular Classes Start on September 20

Kids’ Club If you are in first, second or third grade, you are invited to Zion after school for snacks, games, songs, and stories from 3:30 until 5:30 on Wednesdays.

We are looking for positive role models too. If you are an older high school student or an adult and you would like to share in the fun and fellowship, you can also get involved with Kids‟ Club . Snack helpers, game leaders, and craft leaders are needed. Older kids can be mentors. This is a great opportunity to have fun while getting to know some of our kids a little bit better. Please contact Roxie if you are interested in helping with Kids‟ Club!

Register students online in September.

Bibles Students in Kindergarten and 3rd Grade will receive their new Bibles at the first Sanctuary Sunday of the year on October 25.

Co-Directors of Christian Education Roxie Otten

ROtten@ZionBuffalo.org

Holly Husom HHusom@ZionBuffalo.org

763.682.1245 ext. 331

17

ZionBuffalo.org/Children

children’s ministries

September

Open Your Bible Challenge:

Kindergarten, first and second grade question: In the story about the tall tower, what is the name of the tower?

Third-grade through sixth-grade question: What does John 3:16 say?

Club 45 Club 45 for 4th and 5th graders kicks off the new school year on Friday, September 25 with a movie (Facing the Giants) and pizza at Zion from 6-8:30pm. Sign up online.

Volunteer Opportunities Did you know that you don‟t have to be a parent to volunteer in Zion‟s Sunday School program? Some opportunities are still available for the coming school year!

Those with the heart of a teacher may be interested in leading science, art, media, games, snack or storytelling.

If you have a gift for organization you might find fulfillment as a superintendant.

And those who just want to hang out with the kids can find a spot as a shepherd, which requires no preparation.

Sign up soon while your favorite position is still open!

18

Forgive the Inexcusable

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life - to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son - how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it means to refuse God's mercy for ourselves. There is no hint of exceptions and God means what He says.

-C.S. Lewis

The speaker at Golden Age Fellowship was Doris Crusell, a Zion member who had been a parish worker at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. Effie Ilstrup was the lunch hostess.

The Library Committee book discussion group was reading A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken (available for $2.50 at the time).

The council discussed converting the church furnace from fuel oil to natural gas, and a proposal to use a new hymn for four consecutive Sundays each month.

The Memorials and Wills committee decided to disconnect the meter from the Marysville security light to save $9.19 per month.

Persian Office Products demonstrated a “plain paper copy machine” for $3200, including a generous discount.

A bike rack was added to the Memorials and Wills list.

Verna Walters was elected chairman of the newly formed Long Range Planning Committee.

Additional excerpts from the archives are available at ZionBuffalo.org/History.

(1979 continued from page 13)

Inside

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

www.zionbuffalo.org Address Service Requested

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embe

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Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Music Opportunities 5

Wednesday Menus 6

Golf Outing 6

Ephesians Study for Women 7

Facebook for Lutherans 9

Homecoming Sunday 10

In God We Trust 12

Theater Discounts 12

Nigerian Pastors 15

LUV2SRV Retreat 16

Club 45 & Kids‟ Club 17

Out of Town? You can hear sermons, read the

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

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Students Tie-dying at the Young Ringers’ Mini Camp in August. More photos and video online.