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 OCTOBER 2009

Photos from Homecoming Sunday, September 13, by Anita Bazan and Holly Husom.

2 fyi

Prayer Requests

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

Newsletter: Monday 10/19 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 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 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

For thus says the Lord, “When seventy years are completed for

Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring

you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope…”

Jeremiah 29:10-11

I write before the congregation meeting to call Zion‘s next senior pastor. I do not presume the congregation‘s decision or God‘s will. However, my time as your interim senior pastor is coming to a close this month.

Zion has come a long way in the last couple of years. You have been through a lot, have experienced disappointments, have struggled, have made difficult changes. Yet, see what the Lord has brought about here! See how the Lord has provided and led and nurtured this church!

The prophet Jeremiah wrote of the people‘s exile known as ―the Babylonian Captivity.‖ They had endured an ―interim period‖ of seventy years. Jeremiah reminds them, and us, that the Lord will fulfill his plans, plans that offer a future, hope and prosperity.

Zion‘s recent struggles did not last seventy years, but it might have felt like exile. It might have felt like distance from God. But through it all, God has been guiding Zion. God has been working within us and through us. God has been using us to build a better future.

Look where Zion has come! Council meetings are actually fun! People laugh in hallways. New ministries have begun. Connections with Shelleng Church in Nigeria are beginning, and connections with Redeemer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis are developing. Participation and service in current ministries are growing. There is a new spirit at Zion and a new willingness to engage in God‘s work. Be sure to thank our Lord!

I am deeply grateful for our ministry together this past year. The accomplishments of this congregation and your expressions of grace are testimony to the Holy Spirit active and moving through this church. I am honored to have been part of God‘s ministry among you.

May all glory be to God.

Thank you so much.

Worship

Lectionary & Preachers

Sunday, October 4 Creation Sunday Luke 12:13-21 Pastor Judy Preaching Sunday, October 11 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 10:17-31 Pastor Chris Preaching Sunday, October 18 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 10:35-45 Pastor Chris Preaching Sunday, October 25 Reformation Sunday John 8:31-36 Pastor Judy Preaching

Council Update

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 The treasurer reported that giving continues to run slightly ahead of last year‘s figures, even in the normally lean summer months. Expenses continue to run a little higher too.

Call Committee members gave an overview of the candidate they would like to call. All of the committee members have heard him preach and have found the sermons, delivery and style to be compelling. Each call committee member shared the insights they gained in the extensive interview process. The compensation package and timeline were also discussed.

The Zion Foundation reported on funds distributed to the Pastor‘s Emergency Fund, Amy Chalupnik for studies, Angela Bengtson for a workshop, Kelsey Mackereth for her mission year, and for work on the steps at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

(Council continued on page 4)

Family News

Baptisms

August 2 Tanner Phillip Koren Son of Michelle & Kyle

August 9 Seaver Craig Moseley Son of Heather & Craig

Ava Antolina Garcia Daughter of Kristina & Eduardo Garcia

Adam Joseph Miller Son of Pam & Dan Miller

Calista Kurt Weiche Daughter of Marci & Aaron Weiche

August 16 Benjamin Harold Boorse Son of Kellee Moen & Brandon Boorse

Weddings

August 1 at Zion Brigitta Rettmann & Pete Bergquist

August 8 at Marysville Ann Bullert & Jerry Hanson

August 22 at Zion Amanda Elsenpeter & Justin Warnke

Funerals

August 21 Donald Brettingen

Photo from the baptism of Seaver Moseley.

September births & pastoral acts will be reported in the November Newsletter.

4 news and views

Golf Outing Zion‘s annual golf outing on Homecoming Sunday, September 13, at Buffalo Heights Golf Course was attended by 28 golfers.

The team from the Huston & Morin families triumphed with a score of 31. Other winners were Larry Huston & Joell Morin with the longest drives, Scott Morin with the closest to the pin in 1 and in 2, and Rick Johnson with the longest putt.

The golf outing will be held on Homecoming Sunday again next September.

Pictured above, golfers Bob Strommen, Denny Gleason, Jud Goerss & Dave Wright

Thank You To all of our wonderful friends here at Zion....

Words can't even begin to express our thankfulness to everyone that offered up prayers, sent caring cards and hand delivered yummy meals to our home during my time of re-covery after my accident. We are so blessed to belong to a church with such caring pas-tors and members...It was such a help to not have to worry about how to feed my family when everyone just started doing it for me, we really can't thank you enough, and "Thank you" doesn't seem adequate enough but it is our offering to you. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for sharing all of your gifts with us....

Dannell Hartung & Family

The Property Committee reported that we may have to wait until next spring to do parking lot repair, since the City of Buffalo is postponing some of its work. The price is locked in at this year‘s quote which is 50% less than estimated last year.

Assessment of committees has been handed over to one of the Bridgebuilder task forces.

A subcommittee was formed to review the current bylaws and update them with respect to the newly revised constitution.

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

(Council continued from page 3)

5

A Volunteer’s Prayer

I thank Thee, Lord as a volunteer

For the chance to serve another year.

And to give of myself in some small way,

To those not blessed as I each day.

My thanks for health and mind and soul,

To aid me ever toward my goal.

For eyes to see the good in all,

A hand to extend before a fall.

For legs to go where the need is great,

Learning to love—forgetting to hate.

For ears to hear and heart to care,

When someone's cross is hard to bear.

A smile to show my affection true,

With energy aplenty—the task to do.

And all I ask, dear Lord, if I may,

Is to serve you better day by day.

Author Unknown

Harvest of Hands Sign up sheets to help to volunteer time or to donate food items for Harvest of Hands will be in the Narthex every Sunday in October. Someone from the Harvest of Hands committee will be available between services to answer any questions.

Would you consider contributing to World Hunger by donating an item to the Harvest of Hands Silent Auction? The most popular silent auction items are one-of-a-kind handmade items valued at $25 or more. If you have an item to donate to the Silent Auction please contact Joy Arens.

During the week of November 3rd through November 6th, work will begin on setting up at Zion for the Harvest of Hands. Some good strong labor will be needed to help move tables and furniture and to set up the rooms for this big event. We also need help with clean up after the event. Any helpers available on November 8th from noon till 3:00 p.m. to take down tables and displays and clean up would be greatly appreciated.

All proceeds from the Harvest of Hands goes to the World Hunger Appeal. With the money raised, the Lutheran World Federation provides food, water, emergency shelter, quilts and health kits to people in need around the world.

Meals on Wheels November is Zion‘s month to deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in Buffalo. Zion is asked to provide 3 drivers per day at 11:45am. This is a most rewarding activity and makes a good family service project.

Consider which days you can help and sign up at the information desk or by emailing sburgdorf@zionbuffalo.org. You can also check the calendar at ZionBuffalo.org/MOW.

Thanks you for participating in this special community outreach. If you've driven before and prefer a specific route please request it when you sign up. If you'd like to try it but you're unfamiliar with Buffalo let us know. We'll find a partner for your first drive.

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.

Bring your family, your friends and your neighbors – Come for brunch and do some Christmas shopping. All are

welcome! See you there!

volunteers

6

Driver Improvement Program This class will be held at Zion by the MN Highway Safety & Research Center and is open to the public. Pre-registration is requested.

Topics include the latest visual scanning and steering techniques, anti-lock braking (ABS) skills, airbag information, driver distraction, road rage and new vehicle technology. There are no written or behind the wheel tests.

The cost is $24 and the class will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 13 and 14 from 9am-1pm each day. Minnesota law provides a 10% discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years for those age 55+ who complete this course .

A four hour refresher course will be available on November 10 from 9am-1pm, which will cost $20.

To register call the Minnesota Highway Safety Center at 1-888-234-1294. If you have questions you could also call Roger Brenny at 682-2979.

Confederates in the Attic

Zion Book Club

The Zion Book Club will meet on Monday, October 12 at 7pm in the Library to discuss Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tony Horwitz returned from years of traipsing through war zones as a foreign correspondent only to find that his childhood obsession with the Civil War had caught up with him. Horwitz spent two years reporting on why Americans are still so obsessed with the war, and the ways in which it resonates today. In the course of his work, he made a sobering side trip to cover a murder that was provoked by the display of the Confederate flag, and he spoke to a number of people seeking to honor their ancestors who fought for the Confederacy. Horwitz has a flair for odd details that spark insights, and Confederates in the Attic is a thoughtful and entertaining book that does much to explain America's continuing obsession with the Civil War. (Amazon.com)

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 the book club will enrich your life, and not become another stress or obligation.

Upcoming book club selections are Runner by Robert Newton on November 9, Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay on December 14, and Astrid & Veronika by Diane Olsson on January 11.

Other suggested reads are Losing Moses on the Highway by Chris Hedges and Oh My Stars by Lorna Landvik.

fellowship & study

Wednesday Menu

October 7: Baked Potatoes

October 14: No Meal (Fall Break)

October 21: Pasta

October 28: Sub Sandwiches

Wednesday Suppers are served at Zion each Wednesday from 5:00-6:15pm for a suggested donation of $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.

If you are willing 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.

7

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.

Baptism Class

Wednesday, November 4

The next class for new or prospective parents wishing to schedule a baptism at Zion will be at 6pm on November 4.

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.

Zionaires 55+ Fellowship

Upcoming Events October: Field trip to the Science Museum in St Paul to see the Titanic Exhibit, probably on October 20, with an estimated cost of $25-30.

November: Featured guest speaker!

December: Christmas Luncheon with the Staff

Check the website or weekly bulletin for details.

It’s Lute Time at Zion!

Ticket Information

On Friday, October 30th Zion will hold its annual Lutefisk / Meatball dinner. The dinner will be from 4:30-7:00pm. Tickets are available on the website, in the church office, or watch for the ticket seller in the narthex between services on Sunday mornings - October 11, 18 or 25. Tickets are $12 in advance and $13 at the door. Second helpings will be available for a $1 donation to help local families through the Buffalo Food Shelf and other projects.

Volunteer Needs

Many hands are needed to provide this delicious dinner. All new helpers are needed and welcome!

Be here on Monday, October 26 at 6:30pm to make meatballs, or on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 to peel potatoes and set up the dining room . Helpers will be needed the night of the dinner to serve and clean up.

A Viking Delicacy

The Scandinavian delicacy known as lutefisk - which means, literally, "cod soaked in plutonium"- dates to the Viking era.

Journals from that era tell us that Vikings often came ashore and shuffled along with their hands in their pockets. Their funny appearance (huge, musk ox trousers) and vocabulary (―Whooaa! Like Svenjornssen, dude! Whooaaa!‖) frightened the villagers.

So one day, women from the Jvoorssen, Bjaastivik and Njorkssen families prepared a special meal for the Vikings.

First, they gathered cod in the traditional Scandinavian way. That's right, they wrapped their sturdy arms around the middle sections of seals and squeezed real hard. (This would later become known as the Heimlich maneuver, which today is used to save the lives of people who have an entire codfish lodged in their throats.)

After gathering the cod - despite what I may have implied earlier - they did not soak the fish in plutonium. No, the women really wanted the Vikings to suffer.

So they soaked the cod - here I am not kidding - in lye. The same lye, as you know, that is an industrial chemical and is used today as a drain cleaner.

With that lutefisk information in my head I went to our village's annual Lutefisk Dinner recently, a marvelous night of traditional Scandinavian dining put on by the local Sons of Norway club. The main course, not surprisingly, was the very same delicacy served to the Vikings.

Anyway, the Vikings ate heartily of this marvelous new food, despite having to chew so hard and long on the rubbery fish that in many cases, horns actually grew out of their

(Lutefisk continued on page 16)

Thursday October 1 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Study Friday October 2 9:00am LSS Counseling Sunday October 4 Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:30 8:30am Traditional Service & Sunday

School 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service & Sunday School 11:30am New Member Meeting Monday October 5 7:00pm Lutefisk Committee Meeting 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday October 6 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pmLSS Counseling 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday October 7 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm Kids' Club 4:45pm Joy Choir 5:15pm Youth Choir 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland Thursday October 8 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Study 7:00pm Finance Meeting Friday October 9 9:00am LSS Counseling Sunday October 11 8:30am Traditional Service & Sunday

School 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service & Sunday School

Monday October 12 Columbus Day 7:00pm Book Club 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday October 13 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 October 14 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm Kids' Club 4:45pm Joy Choir 5:15pm Youth Choir 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts Thursday October 15 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Study 7:30pm Rebecca Circle Friday October 16 9:00am LSS Counseling 6:00pm Harvest of Hands Egg Rolls Saturday October 17 9:00am Harvest of Hands Egg Rolls Sunday October 18 Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30 8:30am Traditional Service & Sunday

School 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service & Sunday School Monday October 19 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesday October 20 9:30am Staff Meeting 9:30am Naomi Circle 12:00pm LSS Counseling 6:00pm Stephen Ministries 7:00pm Property Committee Meeting 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday October 21 9:15am Devotions at Sunrise 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm Kids' Club 4:45pm Joy Choir 5:15pm Youth Choir 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Curriculum Team Meets 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland 7:30pm Church Council Meeting Thursday October 22 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Study Friday October 23 9:00am LSS Counseling 5:00pm Wedding Rehearsal Saturday October 24 1:00pm Bridal Party 4:00pm Wedding Sunday October 25 Sanctuary Sunday 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service Monday October 26 4:00pm Christmas Program

Auditions 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous

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

8 October calendar

Zion Lutheran Church 1200 South Highway 25 • P.O. Box 88

Buffalo, MN 55313

763-682-1245

Zion seeks to share Christ’s word, strengthen faith and serve those in need.

In a special congregational meeting on Sunday, September 20, the congregation voted unanimously to call the Rev. Ted. Vanderpan as Zion‘s next Senior Pastor. Pastor Ted is tentatively planning to begin his ministry at Zion on November 9.

Pastor Ted Vanderpan is currently serving Resurrection Lutheran Church, Woodbury MN. Pastor Ted started the congregation in 1996 by making over 3000 door to door calls in Woodbury and the surrounding suburbs. Today the

congregation draws from most of the southeast suburbs, has almost 900 members and nearly 350 in worship, owns 24 acres of land in Woodbury and has built a 1.8 million dollar facility. Pastor Ted is interested in the new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth a larger church setting provides.

Pastor Ted was born in Sioux Rapids, Iowa into a Lutheran pastor‘s family and raised in Brookings, South Dakota. He began his studies at South Dakota State University and is a 1984 graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. He then attended The Lutheran Bible Institute, Seattle,

Washington and is a 1989 graduate of LutherNorthwestern Theological Seminary, Saint Paul (now Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN).

He served Trinity Lutheran in Platte, SD and as an associate pastor at First Lutheran in Fargo, ND before beginning a new congregation in the Twin Cities. He has served on a variety of committees in each of the

synods he has served in. He has been elected to be a voting member of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly three times. Most recently, he served three years on the St. Paul Area Synod Council and Synod Executive Committee.

Pastor Ted has been a girls softball coach, chaired the local clergy group and serves on the planning committee for an annual Mayor‘s Prayer Breakfast in Woodbury. He is active in the lives of his two high school aged daughters (Marie, a senior and Heidi, a junior), participating in the boosters clubs for speech, theatre and

band in their school. He enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, especially creating wildlife habitat and restoring native prairie plants on his family‘s land in South Dakota. In June, he and his wife, Sara, celebrated 24 years of marriage.

clockwise – Pr Ted, Sara, Heidi, Marie

Watch for further updates at ZionBuffalo.org/NewPastor

The following are excerpts from his ELCA Mobility Forms

From a question about core convictions:

I believe that every Christian is called by God. We are called and empowered by God to trust in Jesus as savior, live the call of God‘s word and serve the world God loves. Every aspect of our lives is under and for God‘s call. We are all called to live as Jesus lived when he walked this earth.

Some of us are called and set apart to do ministry full time through various forms of the Christian church such as congregations, colleges, para-church organizations, church related institutions and others. Others are called by God to do ministry full time with and for this world using their gifts, pas-sions, interests and skills in the various fields of commerce, government, education, medicine, and ser-vice organizations. I believe that God is present and active in this world through our ministry.

I have been called by God to use my life in full time ministry as a pastor. I continue to enjoy the rich relationships created with people as we live and share the gospel in a congregational setting.

From a question about other important information:

I enjoy the large church atmosphere and have envisioned myself serving a large ELCA congregation since beginning my seminary preparation. I grew up in a large church, First Lutheran in Brookings, SD.

My seminary internship was at First in White Bear Lake with over 4,000 members. While serving my first call, in a small town with a slightly decreasing population, attendance increased almost 20%. With my leadership the congregation decided to relocate from the building it had been in for 80 years and to construct a new building. Our capital campaign raised 70 percent of the total project cost in three years and the congregation was debt free approximately one year after moving into the new building. While I enjoyed that call, I found that I wanted to get back to a larger church. I accepted a call as an associate pastor to First Lutheran in Fargo. At that time the membership was over 4,000 with 20 full or part time staff. I left Fargo so that my wife could attend seminary. I took a call to begin a new congregation.

I am interested in returning to a large church setting. I am excited to apply myself to a new ministry setting with fresh challenges and new opportunities for personal growth. I am excited about providing

strong pastoral leadership for an established congregation. I look forward to discerning, along with the leadership of a new congregation, what God might call us to do together.

From a question about preaching:

I use a lot of personal stories in my preaching. Some are funny and some are serious. Today, I told about a time when I was about 9 and my dad and I went fishing. My dad was pretty serious and fo-cused on his fishing. I was more interested in the ripples his lure made when it hit the calm, flat water. Not knowing better, I took the biggest rock I could carry and threw it off the bridge right into the pond – to see the ripples. Needless to say, it ruined his fishing, but ripples are a great analogy for how God uses our small actions to do far reaching ministry.

Tuesday October 27 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 4:00pm Christmas Program Auditions 6:00pm Kaleo Band 6:30pm Women United in Faith 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal Wednesday October 28 9:00am Newsletter Crew 9:30am Devotions at Lakeridge 10:30am Devotions at Park View 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm Kids' Club 4:45pm Joy Choir 5:15pm Youth Choir 6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Graceland 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts Thursday October 29 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Study 4:00pm Christmas Program Auditions Friday October 30 9:00am LSS Counseling 4:30pm Lutefisk Dinner Saturday October 31 Halloween 9:00am Harvest of Hands Candy/

Cookies

Active Military

Please Pray For

Korey Stiltman, deployed to Basrah, Iraq; Greg Bremseth, stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX; Christopher Brophy,

stationed at Fort Benning, GA ; DeAnna Strommen, stationed at Fort Hood, TX; 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.

Steve Svoboda has returned from Iraq.

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

Service, Advocacy & Ministry

This Month: Veterans ―Say Hi and Thanks‖ is our Social Ministry project for October. During the month of October, members of Zion are encouraged to send a note of thanks, encouragement and prayer to men and women who are serving in the military on our behalf. We will make available current addresses and pre-addressed post cards for members of our Zion family. (Families of our members serving right now, please make sure we have the right address for your sons and daughters.)

We also want to extend beyond ―our‖ immediate family to other members and friends. For example, I would love to have members of Zion write to Ben G. I‘ve known Ben since he was three, his mother is my ―best girl friend,‖ and his sister is my daughter‘s best friend. Ben is serving in Afghanistan. He has also served in Iraq. At this point in his life, Ben does not have a family of faith. Zion would provide a wonderful ministry to him by letting him know his service is important and that he is being prayed for. I am sure many of us have someone who could be added to our list. To do this, we will be looking for current addressees of your best friend‘s son or your cousin‘s daughter.

Leave any current address in the office or send them on to Pastor Judy (jwinzig@zionbuffalo.org) and we will have a weekly list update. Also watch for pre-addressed cards in the Fellowship Hall, at meetings, at places where we gather, that are all ready for your signature! And remember to lift up these servants in prayer!

Next Month: Bloodmobile

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile is coming on November 10th. We will need donors and workers. Please call Bev Smith at 763.675.3182 or 763.742.7493 (cell).

9

Zion‘s annual ―Service of

Remembrance‖ will be held on

Sunday afternoon, November 1,

―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.

10

Memorials

Gifts to Zion

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Frank Pfeifer and Grandpa Frank from his grandchildren .

A Zion hymnal was purchased in memory of Jessica LaFave from Al and Dorothy Valentine.

To the Zion Foundation in memory of Dorothy Johnson were received from Charlotte and Donald Nelson, Howard Burgdorf, Adeline Erickson, Melvin and Marlys Gillund, Karen Holdhusen.

To the Zion Sunday School in memory of Judy Hauer from Gerald Hauer.

To the American Cancer Society in memorial of Dorothy Johnson from Warren and Carol Krause.

To the Senior Choir in memory of Dorothy Johnson from Susan Cesar, Gordon and Ruth Jans, Cathy Kasel.

To the Zion Library from Idella Ziegler.

To the Zion Library from Clifton and Donna Stedje.

Help Feed Families

Be a Supper Sponsor This Year

A sponsor program is being created to help underwrite the cost of Wednesday night supper meals.

Financial realities make coming to a dinner like these helpful in weekly family nutrition for many families, and we don‘t want to limit the number of people that can be served each week.

Sponsors can help ensure that youth and families who are not able to fully or consistently pay the $3 suggested donation for their meals are welcome.

Individual sponsors are asked to consider donating $100 to help defray the Wednesday meal costs.

Corporate sponsors are asked to donate $100-200 or donate a specific part of a meal, such as dessert.

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).

finance & stewardship

Financial Report August 2009 General Services Fund Income August 2009 YTD 2009 General Offering $55,190.55 $428,091.86 Rent and Sunday School 1,303.70 17,957.50 Missions and Hunger 913.00 8,095.10 Other Designations 850.00 10,247.44 Total $58,257.25 $464,391.90 Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,500.00 $12,000.00 Other General Services 52,574.79 465,626.33 Total $54,074.79 $477,626.33 Account Balance as of 8-31-09: $2,728.90 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. We have been making interest only payments on this line.

Forward in Faith Fund Income August 2009 YTD 2009 Offerings and Interest $14,416.63 $119,552.94 Other Receipts 0.00 1,500.00 Total Income $14,416.63 $121,052.94 Expenses Building Mortgage $17,087.30 $136,698.40 Roof/Parking Lot Loan 539.63 4,256.23 Major Building Repairs $0.00 4,225.00 3% Tithe Expense $0.00 2,561.90 Total Expenses $17,626.93 $147,741.53 Account Balance as of 8-31-09: $42,964.28

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“My” Two Cents

Take a close look at a penny. If you are like me you‘ll need to get reading glasses or a magnifying glass. On the left is the word ―liberty.‖ The word rallied the patriots when our people strove for independence. Most prominent is the profile of Abraham Lincoln, the man who signed the emancipation proclamation, ending slavery in the United States. On the right is a date and often underneath the date is a one letter code. The penny I hold has a ―D‖ for the Denver mint. Arcing over Lincoln‘s head is the words ―IN GOD WE TRUST.‖ In the story below, the widow did not have a US penny but her story illustrates trust in capital letters.

Sitting across from the offering box, he (Jesus) was observing how the crowd tossed money in

for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow

came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put

together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't

afford—she gave her all."

Mark 12:41 (The Message)

Did the woman trust God? Yes, it‘s obvious that she did not trust in herself but trusts completely on God‘s mercy.

Is she worthy of God‘s trust? Yes, she follows God‘s leading when she gives her all. And it certainly was no coincidence that Jesus and the disciples were there to witness it. This verse is often quoted as an example of selfless giving. She understood and reminds me that the money I hold in my hand is not truly mine but that all on this earth is really God‘s.

Kelsey’s Arrival in Malaysia Kelsey Mackereth is a member of Zion who has just begun a year-long stay in Malaysia with the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program.

Music is a powerful tool in today‘s world to project messages, give hope, connect to others, and so much more. Within the church we use music in a variety of ways which all tend to boil down to the connection of the people to one another and to the Lord. I have always enjoyed listening and participating in music from classical, rock, pop, r & b, gospel, jazz, and much more. The word ‗Music‘ is used to describe many different types styles and traditions. ‗Music‘ is a word with power and a uniqueness we can make our own to connect to one another and to describe ourselves and our faith.

Malaysia is very much like the word music. It is a place rich with culture, tradition, and language. In Malaysia there are three major ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, and Indian. However, within these three groups there are many subgroups with their own types of music. I am currently located in Sabah, Malaysia where there are more than 30 different ethnic indigenous groups. With all these different groups there are close to 100 different dialects. It has been fascinating getting to hear all of these different languages and seeing how these cultures intermix and communicate with one another.

These languages are a type of music all in their own. They each have an individuality to them through their tones. My ear is yet to be trained in deciphering the difference between Mandarin, Hakka Chinese, and Malay. Right now it all sounds fairly similar but it is interesting to listen to and try and figure out what the conversation might be about. By the end of the year I hope to be able to hold a conversation in Mandarin Chinese and also Malay (most common language used in Malaysia). Throughout orientation the other five volunteers and myself have been trying to pick-up on some of the key phrases used in Malay.

Since we boarded our plane in Chicago we have attended an orientation week here in Kota Kinabalu (KK). This was a busy time learning more about the culture, history, and where things are in KK. It was exciting to see the sights, visit with new people, and get to know the area we will be living in for the year. I will be located in an apartment with two of the other volunteers. It is right down the street from a Chinese market and close to Sabah Theological Seminary. We have all been very blessed in the hospitality shown to us here in KK. All the people we

have met have been welcoming, interested in what we are doing, where we are from, and invite us to be with them. I have felt very welcomed here and am looking forward to what this year may bring.

Currently my job here consists of working with the Girls Brigade on Sunday afternoons. I have attended one so far and am looking forward to the next. This is a program for the girls in the area to come together for activities, Bible study, and marching. It is very similar to the USA Girl Scouts program. From Monday to Friday I am working at Penampang Kindergarten by helping the children and teachers with their

(Kelsey continued on page 16)

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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

Middle School Mission Trip

To encourage students to live out their faith life, Zion will not be going to Confirmation Camp this year.

Instead, 7th & 8th Graders are invited to take part in a Middle School Mission Trip to Duluth, MN, June 20-25, 2010.

There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 7 @ 7:30pm for parents and those students who are interested.

Space is limited! There are only 24 spots open for students! Parents are needed to chaperone/drive.

The cost is only $300/student! This includes housing, food, lesson materials, staffing and a whole lot more!

Confirmation Schedule

Weekly Topics:

Oct 7 - Father and Mother

Oct 14 - NO CLASS - FALL BREAK

Oct 21 - Safeguard Life

Oct 28 - Remain Faithful

Be sure to bring your Bibles, Lutheran Handbooks and a pen each week.

Confirmation Homework

Statement of Faith - Due November 18

7th Grade - Who is God?

8th Grade - What is the Church?

Worksheet #1 & Memory Work #1

All - Due Nov 18

Senior High

Senior High Leadership

The Senior High Leadership Team will meet Sunday, October 4 @ 9:30am in the Youth Room.

This will be an opportunity to discuss Confirmation, LUV 2 SRV, Graceland, Friday Night Fun Night and more.

Please make every effort to attend this meeting.

Mission Trip News The Senior High Mission Trip, for current 9th-12th Graders, will be July 24-31, 2010 to Chicago, IL. This is open to all students who will be in 9th-12th grade this fall!

Must have registration form and $100 deposit turned in by Wednesday, October 14 to reserve your spot. There are limited spots available, so register ASAP!

Adults Needed

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

Requirements are as follows:

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.

Graceland Schedule

Graceland, which meets on Wednesday nights from 7:15-9pm, is open to all Senior High students!

Weekly Topics:

Oct 7 - Backpack - Part 4

Oct 21, 28 & Nov 4 - Belief

Senior High

LUV 2 SRV Weekend Retreat

Fri October 23 - Sun 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 Kaleo Band

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

Sunday School Sunday School is in full swing. Sunday School Volunteer opportunities are still available! Shepherd and teacher positions are just a few of the possibilities. Be sure to check it out, if you are interested in being involved.

October schedule:

4th -Moses for 3yr through 4th and Grapple for 5th and 6th

11th - David and Goliath with Grapple for 5th and 6th

18th - David and Goliath with Traditional Sunday School for 5th and 6th

25th - Sanctuary Sunday with Kindergarten and 3rd grade Bible Distribution

Watch the Sunday bulletin and hallway maps for 1st through 4th grade pick-up locations.

Homecoming Homecoming Sunday was held on September 13th. There was food, fun, fellowship, sugar, information, volunteering, colored hair, bouncing, dunking, huge family pictures, beautiful weather and so much more excitement! What an amazing day! Thank you to all of the busy volunteers who made our first annual Homecoming Sunday such a success! Check out the photos on the front cover and also online.

Kids’ Club Kids‘ Club has several opportunities for you to be involved!

If you are in first, second or third grade, we would love for you to come to Zion after school on Wednesdays for snacks, games, songs, and stories.

Positive role models are also needed... If you are an older high school student or an adult and you would like to share in the fun and fellowship, we would love for you to come to Zion from 3:30 until 5:30 on Wednesdays. Snack helpers, game leaders, and craft leaders are needed, as well as older kids to 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!

Wednesday After-School Bus We have made new arrangements for our after school programs at Zion this fall due to changes in bus schedules. A bus will be rented by Zion for elementary students every week. It will transport all students from the Discovery/Parkside school directly to Zion (Tatanka and Northwinds students can shuttle to Discovery/Parkside). This bus will transport all students attending Kids‘ Club, SONshine choir, Joy Choir, and Ring Forth. See ZionBuffalo.org/Transportation for more details and sign up.

Co-Directors of Christian Education Roxie Otten

rotten@zionbuffalo.org

Holly Husom hhusom@zionbuffalo.org

763-682-1245 ext. 331

13

ZionBuffalo.org/Children

children’s ministries

October

Open Your Bible Challenge:

Stop in the office with your answer and to choose your prize!

Kindergarten through second grade question: Who found baby Moses in the basket?

Third-grade through sixth grade question: In what Testament is Exodus?

Bibles Kindergarten and Third-grade Bibles will be distributed during 8:30 and 10:30 worship services on Sunday, October 25, which is a Sanctuary Sunday.

Sanctuary Sunday? On the 4th Sunday of each month the Sunday School classrooms will be empty and the church pews will be full! Zion‘s Sunday School program includes regular Sanctuary Sundays, a time for families to come to church together.

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English. There are three of us working in different kindergarten schools and we each have just finished our first weeks of this. The program here is very different from the states and I am excited to learn more about their teaching methods here and how they would like me to play a role in educating the children.

It has been interesting hearing the many different types of music so far and I look forward to hearing more and understanding them more as the year continues. Thank you all for your support and I will write again soon!

Peace, Kelsey

You can also follow Kelsey‘s mission work at facebook.com/Kelsey.Malaysia or http://kelsey-malaysia.blogspot.com.

(Kelsey continued from page 13)

heads (see encyclopedia drawings).

Textbooks tell us that within a few years the Viking era had ended. Most historians think the advent of more powerful weapons doomed the proud, sea-faring warriors. But some historians cling to another theory: It's pretty hard to wander the globe plundering and pillaging when you cannot wander more than 50 feet from the toilet.

From http://netnet.net/~pineaire/Lutefisk.html

(Lutefisk continued from page 7)

Inside

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

www.zionbuffalo.org Address Service Requested

Oct

ober

200

9 Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Council Update 3

Harvest of Hands 5

Meals on Wheels 5

Driver Improvement Program 6

Lutefisk Supper 7

Say Hi & Thanks 9

My Two Cents 11

Kelsey in Malaysia 11

Youth Ministries 12

Children‘s Ministries 13

After-School Bus 13

Out of Town? You can hear sermons, read the

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

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Some of the ministry leaders at the Homecoming Sunday Ministry Fair: (L-R) Sam Monson, Scott Morin, Lois Monson, Carol Moore, Diane Huston, Cindy Bonde, Lisa Mills, Roger Brenny, Phyllis Bengtson, Joel Mackereth, Cheryl Mager, Sandy Brenny, Judy Sandeen, Diane Johnson, Mike Walsh, Laurie Mackereth, Sandra Burke, Idella Ziegler, Julie Kabe, Doris Henson, Pete Weiss, Joy Arens, Linda Nerothin.