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Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

This summer I took some time to watch the Summer

Olympics and I heard these words a number of times, “Take

your mark, set, (BANG!) I was talking to a few people, I

found that many of us, including me, remember those

words a little differently from when we were younger. Some

of us remember, “On your mark, get ready, (BANG!)” or “To

you mark, get set, (BANG!) There is of course something

very noticeable in all these versions…(BANG!) We all

remember the bang the same, BANG! Maybe that is

because, even though we knew it was coming, we were

never quite ready for it because we were not sure how

much time each starter gave us between each command.

Or maybe, just maybe, it was because any loud bang will

catch us off guard even when we know it is coming.

If we look at our Christian faith, we can certainly see the

importance of the “expected” but “not certain exactly

when” BANG in our life will happen, can’t we? We don’t

know when our earthly life will end, but we do know that we

should always be ready, right? Jesus tells us, “But no one

knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in

heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father

knows. Keep watch! Stay awake! You do not know when

that time will come” (Mark 13:32-33). We know our “BANG”

is coming, but we do not know exactly when.

When we are young, we don’t really think about it. As we

get older, we try not to think about it, but there is always

someone to remind us of the unpredictability of the ending

“BANG.” Our life insurance agent may be one of those

reminders and certainly the Bible has many reminders. Paul

writes, “Brothers and sisters, we don’t have to write to you

about times and dates. You know very well how the day of

the Lord will come. It will come like a thief in the night” (1

Thessalonians 5:1-2).

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“We need to encourage new believers to feed on

God’s Word, it is nourishment for the soul.”

Billy Graham

So what does this mean Sisters and Brothers? It means

that we are to live the Christian Life each and every day. It

means that as we wake in the morning and take our waking

breath, we should give thanks to God for that breath as we

exhale. It means that we consciously “Take your mark”—

find our place in God’s creation, find our purpose in Christ’s

ministry and fulfill that purpose. Then we are to “get set” for

the true joy of living a life in Christ. That’s right, if we find our

purpose and fulfill it, we will be rewarded here and now with

God’s love and joy in our hearts. Then when the “BANG”

comes, we will have not only lived a life filled with the love

and joy of God, we will also be equipped by our faith to

enter into the greatest life that is yet to come. We will not

be afraid. We will not falter. We will be “Ready” and “Set”

for all eternity.

Now the question is, “How do I know where I am to be?

What is my part in Christ’s ministry? The answers are waiting

for us. We ask God. We read the Bible. We ask our church.

And when we feel our place and purpose, we begin to

serve God in new ways by bringing the Word of God to life

just as Jesus did when he became one of us. We read the

Bible; we live the Bible and by doing so we make it come to

life with the power of the Holy Spirit. When we do this we

begin to explore our purpose in this life, and you know

what? God will let us know when we have found our place

in God’s kingdom on earth. And when that happens, we

will be “on our marks” and we will be “set” for the BANG of

new life in God’s eternal kingdom! Praise be to God!!!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Steve

Sept. 4, 2016 Church Council

Sept. 11, 2016 Duane & Terry Lasack

Sept. 18, 2016 Judy Proesch & Jared Bentrott

Sept.25, 2016 Senior High Fellowship

Oct. 2, 2016 Church Council

Oct. 9, 2016 Jessica Coppess & Annette Behrens

Oct. 16, 2016 Lou & Janis Krafock

Oct. 23, 2016 Barry & Julie Hoffmeier

Oct. 30, 2016 Senior High Fellowship ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIDEOGRAPHERS for September

September 4, 2016 Aaron Horman

September 11, 2016 Jean Stepp

September 18, 2016 Cheryl Boedeker

September 25, 2016 Donna Luepker

Sept. 4 Nathan Nabb & Koby Stewart

Sept. 11 Abby Balke & Milo Easterly

Sept. 18 Leighton Tjaden & Nathan Nabb

Sept. 25 Koby Stewart & Taylor Lohman

October 2 Jacob Gottschalk & Abby Balke

October 9 Milo Easterly & Leighton Tjaden

October 16 Nathan Nabb & Koby Stewart

October 23 Taylor Lohman & Jacob Gottschalk

October 30 Abby Balke & Milo Easterly

2

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

September 2 Shelley Jacobs

September 4 Ray Wiese, Linda Freese,

Marcine Miller, Jacob Gottschalk

September 5 Jess Axline

September 7 Brett Esbaum, Avery Luepker

September 8 Emily Hayton

Septmber 12 Henry Boedeker, Gail Hamdorf

Caitlyn Neill

September 17 Vicki Mohr

September 19 Helen Gottschalk

September 21 Chris Drewelow

September 22 Alice Rowold

September 23 Joy Combs, Randy Horman

September 25 Taylor Lohman

September 26 *David Holst, Jared Bentrott

September 27 Bob Rowold, *Pam Jensen

Royce Gottschalk

September 28 Rhonda Poppe

September 29 Steve Poppe, Kelli Proesch,

Jennifer Horman

Card… …shower Henry Boedeker 100 Roosevelt Ave., Lowden,

Iowa 52255

Helen Gottschalk 404 1st Street, PO Box 252

Lowden, Iowa 52255

Alice Rowold 307 Main Street,

Lowden, Iowa 52255

September 2 Allen & Sandra Koch (1960)

Darrell, Jr. & Jody Yutesler (1990)

September 8 Brad & Liz Norton (1979)

September 9 Kent & Janice Strackbein (1961)

September 11 Pete & Sharon Johnson (1965)

September 15 Gary & Kim Klahn (1984)

September 18 Jill & Mike Jacobs (2010)

Zion United Church of Christ

Church Council meeting

July 19, 2016

Zion United Church of Christ met at 7:00 p.m. on July 19, 2016. The

meeting was called to order by President David Niermeyer. Pastor

Steve opened with a reading and a prayer. Those in attendance

were Pastor Steve, Pete Johnson, David Niermeyer, Merlin

Conrad, Bonnie Kintzel, and Jamie Nabb. Linda Behrens was

present thru the treasurer’s report. Tanya Stewart was absent.

Joy and concerns were shared. News and happening were

announced.

Secretary’s minutes from the Church Council meeting on June 21,

2016 were read and approved on a motion by Pete and second

by Merlin. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s reports were reviewed and passed with a motion from

Merlin, Pete second.

Motion carried.

Calendar review:

3

July 30 2:00 p.m. Pastor has Clarence Nursing Home for

church service

August 28 Worship at Lowden Park- “Park Day

September 11 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Classes begin

September 11 2:00 a.m. Pastor to Clarence Nursing Home

or church service

PASTOR REPORT:

Pastor’s Report was read and approved on a motion by Bonnie,

second by Pete. Motion Passed.

Discussion Topic: When do we grow as a person and a

Community in our faith?

Pastor Mils always does a great job leading us in worship while

Pastor Steve was on vacation.

It was decided to have a Congregational meeting on September

11th after church in regard to the Iowa Conference merger with

Jean leading us in discussion. Bible study what works for you?

Day or Night? Which day of the week?

OLD BUSINESS:

No bids for the Pew.

Lawn Care Estimate from AllStart of Tipton $50.00 for fall,

$75.00 for Spring. Motion

Made by Merlin, second by Jamie. Motion accept.

Thank you to all who have done Landscaping, weeding

and tree and brush trimming.

NEW BUSINESS:

Outdoor service July 31 at 10:00 a.m.

Dehumidifier in fellowship no good, looking to replace.

Gas cards for the needy- Jamie will talk to Ryan

VaderHeiden to be used at pumps at RJP on Highway 30.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Jamie and building and grounds committee met and did a walk

around. It was decided shingles on garage and west windows in

Education building are some projects that need our attention.

Next meeting: Tuesday August 16, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Steve closed with a prayer. Meeting adjourned with a

motion made by Merlin, second by Jamie. Motion Carried.

Respectfully submitted

Bonnie Kintzel, Secretary Pro-temp

Zion United Church of Christ

Church Council Meeting

August 16, 2016

Zion United Church of Christ Council met at 7:00 pm on August 16,

2016. The meeting was called to order by President David

Niermeyer. Pastor Steve Stepp opened with a reading and a

prayer. Those in attendance were Pasto Steve, Jamie Nabb,

Tanya Stewart, Bonnie Kintzel, David

Niermeyr, and Pete Johnson. Linda Behrens was presented thru

the treasurers reports. Merlin Conrad was absent.

Joys and concerns were shared. News and happening were

announced.

Secretary’s minutes from Church Council Meeting, July 19, 2016

were read, corrected and approved, on a motion made by

Jamie, second by Bonnie. Motion Carried.

The treasurer’s reports were reviewed and passed. Pete motion,

Tanya second. Motion carried.

CALENDAR REVIEW:

August 28th Park Community Worship Service at 10:30 am.

Sept. 4th 10:15 am Worship Service returns

Sept. 11th Sunday School resumes. Congregational meeting

following church, Ice Cream Social

Sept. 18th Music & Worship meeting following worship

Sept. 21st Confirmation Class 2018 begins at 6:30

Pastor’report was read and approved on a motion made by

Bonnie, second by Tanya. Motion Passed. Discussiong topic:

“What is the church council willing to do and willing promote

to help our church find new members and bring our current

members back to our worship services?”

Iowa Conference merger discussiong.

Bible Studies every other Tuesdays at 7 pm.

A motion was made by Bonnie, second by Pete to hire a

ZYC youth choir music leader, funded by Faith Strackbein

memorial gifts. Motion approved.

Be a church advocate invite someone to church and

volunteer to pick them up.

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OLD BUSINESS:

Pete motioned, Bonnie second to replace the

dehumidifier, funded by Fern Schluter memorial gifts.

Motion carried.

Jamie reserching gas cards.

Discussed Fellowship Hall flooring options verses cleaning.

NEW BUSINESS:

Memorial gift received from the families of Patricia B. Witte

Soft library chairs to be placed in the sanctuary, as

designated.

Bring your kitchen improvement to the council 3

Next meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Pastor Steve closed with a prayer.

Meeting was adjourned with a motion by Bonnie, second by

Pete. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted

Tanya Stewart, Secreary

Brandon & Jessica Horman are proud

parents of a baby boy, Paxton

Christopher Horman. He was born on

June 29th and weighed 9 lb. and was

20” long. He is welcome home by big

brother. His proud grandparents are

Randy and Sandra Horman, Great

grandmother, Deloris Kahl.

ZION EVENING CIRCLE

They had no meeting in August, will be back in action in

September.

The Missions Committee met Sunday, July 24, 2016 following

church services. Members in attendance were Linda Behrens,

Beth Kahl, Carmen Fields, Mary Huffman and Rev. Steve Stepp.

Linda called the meeting to order.

Minutes were presented and it was moved by Beth and

seconded by Carmen to approve the minutes with corrections.

Linda presented the Financial report and noted that $500 was

paid to Pilgrim Heights as per our agreement and that $500 was

paid from the Mission account to the Church Camp Fund. The

Mission Breakfast raised $300 and $200 was donated to the Camp

Fund after expenses. Mary moved and Beth seconded to

approve the finances.

The Ice Cream Social will be held September 11 to kick off the first

day of Sunday School. It will be outside, weather permitting. The

I hope everyone

will consider

joining our Bible

Study group that

meets alternating

Tuesdays at 7 pm.

It is through us,

with the power of

the Holy Spirit, that

the Living Word of

God comes alive.

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menu will include walking tacos, maid-rites, chips, potato salad,

ice cream, brownies and Root Beer float.

RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: Mary: Chips (4 Large), Doritos (2), Lemonade and

one 5 lb. bag of cheese

Beth: Potato Salad

Linda: Potato Salad

Marlene: Two pans of brownies

Jessica: Two pans of brownies

Carmen: Two pans of brownies

Tanya: Ice Cream

Condiments/other needs: Salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream,

ketchup, mustard

Mary will follow up on paper products (plates, napkins,), plastic

wear and long straws and spoons.

We will need nine picnic tables and will have to line up help and

pickups. Linda will work with Joey to see how he might be able to

help. Pastor Steve will ask Makayla for music.

Linda will make ups a sign-up sheet to see if we can get others to

donate. We will readjust what members of the committee will

bring after we see how the list goes. Setup will be at 9:00 on

Saturday, September 10.

Linda announced that the Mission Committee has received

$380.00 from offerings since we included it on the envelopes.

The next meeting date will be August 21, 2016.

Pastor Steve closed with a prayer.

Vacation Bible School

This year our Vacation Bible School

theme was Cave Quest – Following

Jesus; the Light of the World! We had

48 youth from our surrounding

communities attend from Sunday July

24 through Thursday July 28 with a grand finale. Throughout the

week the youth enjoyed Outdoor Games; Bible Stories; Crafts and

Science; Energetic Music and dinner was provided. The youth

collected an offering for Operation: KID to KID to help and assist

families in need of home improvement in the United States. A big

thank you goes out to ALL of our many volunteers who were

essential to making the week a true success!

Sunday School Kickoff We are excited to kick-off our 2015-2016 Christian Education Year!

There will be an OPEN HOUSE on Wednesday, September 7th from

4PM to 6PM for anyone who is planning to attend Sunday School

Classes and/or those who may be interested for the first time! It

would be a great time to reach out to friends and/or neighbors

and let them know about our program.

Our classes begin on Sunday, September 11 at 9AM. All youth

are welcome if they are 3 years old or older. Please be sure to fill

out an enrollment form and permission slip for your youth! Thank

you!

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September 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4

Blood Pressure check

before church

10:15 p.m.

Worship Service

5

Labor

Day

OFFICE

Closed.

6

7 9:00 am North

Cedar Clergy

4-6 pm

Christian Education

Open House

8 9 10

11 9:00 a.m. C. E.

Classes begins

10:15 a.m. Worship

Service

Congregational Mtg.

Ice Cream Social

12 13

7:00 p.m. Bible

Study

14

15

8:30 a.m.

ECI

Meeting

16 17

18

9:00 a.m. C. E.

10:15 a.m. Worship

Service

Music & Worship

Meeting

19

Evening

Circle @

7:00

20 10:00 am

E I COM

2:00pm

Advisory Board

7:00 pm

Church Council

21

6:30-8:00 pm.

Confirmation

22

10:00 a.m.

Wheatland

Manor

Worship

23

Herald

Articles

Due

24

25

9:00 a.m.

Christian Education

10:15 a.m.

Worship Service

26

Printing

Herald

27 11:30 am

EI Clergy

Gathering at

Zion

7:00 p.m.

Bible

Study

28

8:30 a.m.

Assemble the

Herald

6:30-8:00 pm.

Confirmation

29 30

Zion United Church of Christ

Ice Cream Social

September 11, 2016

Walking Tacos/Maid Rites Potato Salad/Chips

EVERYONE IS

WELCOME

BRING A FRIEND

Sponsored by the Zion Mission Committee

Starting after the congregational meeting.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjN8cPapM3OAhVBPiYKHb3MDKMQjRwIBw&url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/root-beer-floats-many-restaurants-are-doing-it-wrong-7406728&psig=AFQjCNHTaG3Gk242cJf7Vv5ssSmOunIVsQ&ust=1471689414600088http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiTmaqLpc3OAhUNySYKHfgMCmcQjRwIBw&url=http://www.recipeshubs.com/walking-tacos/5210&bvm=bv.129759880,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNH6DSrl0uePcMbsLibdWDgf13cMyw&ust=1471689534730637https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwimgeiAps3OAhUBzSYKHeV_DIUQjRwIBw&url=https://www.pinterest.com/explore/maid-rite/&bvm=bv.129759880,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNE0sk-id7c_nrcCU-k1qf6AFFT6Pw&ust=1471689749466703

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