JUNE 2015

From the Interim Pastor

Dear People of Zion, We've reached the 'close' of the Program Year... the year between Labor Day and Me-morial Day... an academic cycle which the church has borrowed from both old schooling and farming tradi-tions. In the first two centuries of our nationhood, school was out for the summer so children could work on the family farm. How much does this tradition make sense today? Its a good question! Many go away from home for several weeks in the summer, or the whole summer. We are more able to travel than our grandpar-ents and great-grandparents were. Yet, we are also living in a more fast-paced world – many now attend sum-mer school, and we work more hours than we used to before we retire. Maybe the truth is that the old tradi-tion of 'summer off' still holds, but we've really modified both the way, and the degree to which we do it. Zion's program year is certainly ending on high notes! On May 17 we thanked our marvelous choirsters and their director for an excellent season. How they've grown in every way. That same Sunday we congratu-lated our Sunday School children, and thanked our Teachers. And again, on the same day it was a huge satis-faction for me the preside at the Commissioning Service for our Missional Goal Group leaders and members. On the Feast of Pentecost, we heard the gospel in three languages, then in English. Next Sunday, June 7, we will have a end of season Picnic, in addition to our Rally Day kick-off one. Before we sit down to eat, I'll lead everybody who wants to come and see how to make ashes from the dry palms we've saved from April's Palm Sunday, to be saved and used for Ash Wednesday in 2016. The past few Sundays' Learning and Discussion with the Interim (after the 10:30am service) - in which we've begun to learn new ways for 'telling our story' and for listening to others' - has been quite positive. It will now be morphed into another after-the-Sunday-service event for the whole summer: Brunch in Luther Hall ... for absolutely anybody who wants to stay. This begins Sunday, May 31st; our first Sunday of the single 9:00am Service. On May 31, and then each Sunday after the June 7th Palm Burning and Picnic, I will ask some-one to make something as a main dish, and the several of the rest of us can just bring something to share. To go back to what I began with..., summer is different from the rest of the church program year, but it is still not a time to go into suspended animation! Its also a time for visitors, and visitors need to be able to sit down with and get to know those of us who are regular members. In addition to the social time, I will ei-ther offer or arrange for a very brief message. I'm excited to try this out and see what Zion will gain from it. Finally, by the time you read this I will be preparing to go the the Delaware-Maryland Synod Assembly in Ocean City. It will begin Thursday May 28 and end Saturday, with worship beginning on both days at 11:00am. I'll be joining Matt & Joan Lygate, who are our Assembly Delegates this year, for what will be yet an-other 'first' for me as a member of Zion. Please pray for this annual meeting and for the three of us. Peace and Blessings, EEG+

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Interim Pastor’s Message 1

Treasurer’s Corner 2

President’s Message 3

Calendar 4

Worship & Music 5

Fall Festival Info 5

Missional Goal Group 6

Altar Guild 7

Social Ministry 7

Message from Kay 7

LVC Bowl-a-thon 8

Zion Bible Camp 8

Evangelism / Greeters Program 9

ZEEC 9

“Seeds for the Parish” 10-11

LCS 12

FROM THE TREASURER’S CORNER:

As of the end of May, Operating Fund income is about $11,000 less than expenses. Receipts dur-ing the summer months are typically lower than other months in the year, which could lead to a cash-flow problem. Please review your Contribution Statement for the first quarter of this year and be generous in your giving during the coming months. Returning the "Initial" envelope with $5 helps, too.

The Money Market account for the Building Fund (mortgage) is being managed to have a bal-ance to cover several months' payments ant to apply any excess as a prepayment on the princi-pal. At the beginning of 2015 it appeared to be possible to pay off the mortgage with cash on hand and pledges for 2015. As of the end of May the mortgage balance is $12,780 with about $6,300 on hand; this is good progress. With continued receipt of pledges the mortgage could re-ally be "burned" by the end of 2015.

Russell Craig

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Message From Your Church Council President

Fellow Members of Zion,

The Summer season is upon us, if I knew Spring was going to be so short I would have appreciated it more!

The painting of the exterior continues with positive results, progress is being made with volunteer effort but more can always be of help. The group has set aside Mondays and Thursdays as paint and prep days, check the sign up sheets for more info.

Our Missional Goal Groups are up and running. Please watch and support their efforts and activities. There will be a Palm Burning and Picnic June 7th after the 9:00 Service, please plan to attend and watch my grilling finesse ( Fire Engines Optional!). Keep in mind The Outreach to Community group is planning a Block Party in August with a collection of School Backpack Supplies.

There will be a Potluck Brunch after the 9:00 Service during the Summer, bring something to share if possible. Please come and enjoy some food and fellowship with your Zion Family.

Please remember the financial obligations of Zion and it’s work. Our giving is falling behind our expenses and concerns are arising over the continuation of this trend. Summer is historically a slow time for income at Zion but our budgeted expenses continue. Please help Zion meet it’s financial obligations and continue the Lord’s work.

Yours In Christ,

Rick Fuller

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IMPORTANT UPCOMING

DATES:

A Picnic

FOR PALM

BURNING

Come to a potluck pic-nic, Sunday, June 7th af-ter church, to learn how to make Palm ashes which are needed for Ash Wednesday next year. We will now have

our own ashes and won’t have to borrow any. Feel free to bring any old palms that you may have.

Bible Camp:

June 22—26

July 6—10

Church Service Schedule:

Summer Worship:

9:00 a.m. Holy Communion

10:00 am Fellowship

10:15 AM Nursery & SS School

SUMMER OFFICE

HOURS:

Tues-Wed-Thurs

8:00—3:00

ON-GOING CALENDAR EVENTS:

Food Pantry: Tues-Wed-Thursday

9:30—11:00 a.m. ONLY

AA Meetings: Tuesday— 7:00 p.m.

Wed.— 8:00 p.m.

Thursday - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday—10:00 a.m.

Any questions about the Messenger

or if you wish to include any arti-

cles, please email Kay McMahon at

zionluther@comcast.net or call the

church office at 302-658-5288.

You may also leave a note in my

mailbox located in the Volunteer’s

Office.

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WORSHIP & MUSIC

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN….!!!

We hope that, as you are spring house cleaning the attic, basement, etc., you will remember to donate those unwanted items to Zion’s Fall Festival. We will come to pick up and store your donations until the Festival. Things we need: kitchen gadgets and small appliances, furniture, jewelry, toys, books, Christmas decora-tions, etc. The Festival will begin on Friday evening, October 16 with a dinner, fol-lowed by an inspiring concert presented by the very talented Cathedral Choir School of Delaware. The next day, Saturday, October 17, the Festival will continue outside with a large pre-owned items section, baked goods and numerous chil-dren’s activities. All proceeds of the Festival go back into the community and oth-er outreach programs. If you have any questions, would like to volunteer your time or need to schedule a pick-up, please call Joan Lygate @ (302) 239-8320 or Luci Nardo @ (302) 777-0113. Thank you and God’s Blessings.

So Remember to SAVE THE DATE:

Fall Festival will be Friday & Saturday

October 16 and 17, 2015

The summer worship schedule will begin on May 31st with a 9:00 am communion

service followed by a new initiative for Zion – BRUNCH – with Sharing and Remarks or a Brief Presentation with Discussion.

One or two members may make a ‘main dish’, and others will be free to bring some-thing to share. No one need bring food to be included – there is always plenty to

share!

We hope you will attend in Luther Hall

for this more convivial opportunity for fellowship!

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Missional Goal Groups

The first three Missional Goal Groups were commissioned on Sunday, May 17, 2015.

The goal of the first group is “outreach to young families by strengthening

youth and children’s programs.” This group is led by Susan Jackson-Walker, and

the members are Debbie Fuller, Betty Hartert, Josh Lafferty, Kathy Markham, Liz

Piazza, Jacki Piner, Anna Shovestul, and Rob Snowden. This group is planning is a

“Back-to-School Summer Block Party” on Sunday, August 23rd. They plan on run-

ning a school supply drive before the picnic in order to provide neighborhood chil-

dren with supplies. They are also surveying the youth of the congregation to deter-

mine what types of programs are of interest to them.

The goal of the second group is “provide spiritual growth opportunities for the

community.” This group is led by John Spoehr, and the members are Rob Bair, Kim

Bradley, Trudy Gilganest, and Lucy Nardo with Erich Dodds as MTT contact. Their

goals include revitalizing 9:00 am adult education and starting “Monthly Commu-

nity Luncheons” after church. They are also planning special events, such as the

Easter egg hunt and Christmas Live nativity.

The goal of the third group is “strengthen the faith, missional calling and unity

of the congregation.” This group is led by Beverly Pfrogner, and the members are

Betty Bacher, Betty Beyer, Janet Harkins, Carol Hessler, Joan Lygate, Eleanor Out-

ten, and Anne Zafis. They have scheduled a Palm Burning and picnic after the 9:00

am service on June 7th. The congregational will learn how to make ashes for Ash

Wednesday. Another event will be held Friday night, September 18th, and more in-

formation will be available later.

If you feel called to the work any of these groups or would just like more infor-

mation, please contact the group leader or one of the group members.

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Zion Needs You

Please consider becoming a member of the Altar Guild. Members (men and women) can devote a little time (you choose when) to prepare the chancel for wor-ship. You would have your choice of three duties: communion and flowers, para-ments and candles, and vestments. You will experience a satisfaction of partici-pating in the worship life of your church and gain a deeper appreciation of its ele-ments. (i.e. the difference between the chalice and the ciborium – or the signifi-cance of the colors of the paraments)

Interested??? Talk to Ruth Emhardt or to Pastor Godden.

SOCIAL MINISTRY

FOOD PANTRY—During June we served 695 clients. Most were extended life clients.

Minnie lost some of her long time volunteers and LCS has been sending volunteers

over to help.

GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS—I have not been successful in getting anyone to lead

this project nor suggestions for a project, nor volunteers. I will try again, but time is

getting short—Sept. 7.

LIFE WALK RUN—The Walk/Run is being held on September 20th at Rockford Park.

I will be distributing literature and looking for participants.

I will continue with my efforts to obtain people to work on the Social Committee. To

expand our programs, I will need some help.

Eleanor Outten, Chairperson

REMEMBER….

This is the last issue until Fall!

Enjoy your summer, God’s wonderful gift after

long winters!

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Zion Bible Camp

June 22 – June 26 and July 6 – July 10th

If you'd like to receive information, please contact the Church Office or Mrs. Hultberg at ZEEC (302) 655-7874

GREAT CLASS SIZE – 13 children per class / 1/2 day or full day

GREAT EXTRAS FOR A REAL CAMP EXPERIENCE

Killens Pond, Games, Crafts, Music, Instructions in First Aid and Cooking, Special

Visitors – Friendly Firefighter and K-9 Dogs, Religious Education through

Biblical Stories

Please call church office for a registration form and simply return it with a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee to Zion.

Spaces still available!

Thank you to all of the churches who were able to support the 2015 LVC BOWLATHON. There were twelve teams of bowlers with four of them youth teams. Over $11,500 was raised to support the work of Lutheran Vol-unteer Corps. Team pledges were over $4,000; LSC pledges were over $6,000; and the Thrivent match was $560.00.

The following churches participated:

St. Phillip's Grace

Zion St. Mark's

St. Stephen's Good Shepherd

We look forward to the next BOWLATHON in April 2016. Please put this date on your church cal-endar.

Your continued interest in LVC is appreciated. LSC (local support committee)

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The Evangelism Committee will be renewing back the Greeters Program.

Dottie Dodds will be acting as Greeter Coordinator and is currently soliciting volun-teers to act as Greeters at the 10:30 service only. Dottie will schedule the volunteers and is looking forward to talking to you about this vital aspect of helping us to wel-come all to our worship services.

Please call Dottie at (302) 777-5509 or, if you prefer, there is a sign -up sheet in the Narthex for your use.

We would like to thank you for taking this opportunity to serve our Lord.

Zion Early Education Center

It’s hard to believe that another school year has come and gone. We ended the year in high gear though. May may be the last week of regular school but we jammed packed it with fun.

In May, all our classes prepared for Spring Arts Night. This was a night for all our families to visit our school and see some of the things we worked on. Our theme for this year was Candyland. Each class had a special land from the Candyland board game. They decorat-ed their classrooms to look just like the Peppermint Forest and Lord Licorice’s palace! It was a very sweet affair! After the classroom visits, everyone was invited to Luther Hall for some treats. It’s a great night to socialize with our families.

Another family tradition at ZEEC is our Spring Picnic. It’s just like your family picnic where everyone brings a special dish. The school provides the hot dogs, games and prizes! It was a fun night for everyone.

We had fun visiting the DuPont Theatre to see a special play in May. Spot the Dog was the perfect show for our preschoolers. And the bus trip was fun too.

Many of our students will be moving on to next year; either to the next class or even another school. We held our closing ceremony on May 22nd and there were some tears shed that morning. Sometimes it hard to leave ZEEC but we told everyone that they will always be a member of our family.

But school isn’t over. We will still offer our Summer Camp for the three weeks after our Closing Program. So it won’t be quiet in the hallways just yet.

Mrs. Saralee Hawk

Director/Teacher of Four Year Olds

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A REPRINT FROM “Seeds for the Parish,” a response paper for leaders of

ELCA congregations

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Continued

PALM BURNING AND PICNIC

June 7th after the morning service

Only your presence is requested

Come and enjoy the fellowship

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News You Can Use For Your Church Newsletter

From Lutheran Community Services

We’ve Moved!

At the end of April, LCS moved its headquarters from Rodney Street where it has been for over 30 years to its new home at 2809 Baynard Boulevard in Wilmington. The capital campaign organized to help facilitate funding for the purchase and renovation of the new building has raised almost $1.5 mil-lion, but there is still some work to be done to reach our $2.2 million goal. We have a number of fund-raising strategies at work, and we are following up on all of them. The list of great things about our new building is a long one and includes more space, upgraded computer systems, a 25-car parking lot, community pantry garden, an elevator, a volunteer center and lots more. If you miss the June 4 Dedi-cation, contact us and we will schedule you a tour.

New Community Pantry Garden

The new community pantry garden at our new headquarters is designed to provide fresh produce to supplement what we provide in our pantries and those of our partner, Hanover Presbyterian Church. Funding was provided by the Speer Trust of the New Castle Presbytery. We’ve had all kinds of volun-teers helping with the garden including a group from Bank of America who helped clear the garden spot. Chuck Landry, from St. Stephen’s has been a mainstay helping to supervise volunteers and de-sign the garden. Six Lutheran Campus Ministry students from the University of Delaware provided the much needed energy and muscle to build and fill the first four raised garden boxes with a luscious mix of topsoil and compost. Each garden box is 4 foot by 8 foot so can accommodate many delicious vegetables. The boxes are raised a foot above the soil and have a liner of geotextile fabric so that any potential pollutants in the ground will not be able to have contact with the roots of the vegetables that will be grown in them. The Delaware Center for Horticulture has been instrumental in providing guidance regarding the design of these garden boxes.

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Zion Lutheran Church

2101 Lancaster Avenue

Wilmington, DE 19805

(302) 658-5288

FAX (302) 658--2335

www.zionluther.org

COUNCIL MEMBERS Non-Council Committee Chairman

President—Rick Fuller Sun. School Supt…...Debbie Fuller

Vice President-Harvey Fisher Social Ministry ……...Eleanor Outten

Property—Harvey Fisher, liaison Financial Secretary—Betty Beyer

Worship & Music...Dottie Dodds, liaison

Worship & Music…..Jean Krapf

Evangelism—Jane Snyder, liaison

Treasurer……………….Russell Craig

Social Ministry……...Julie Wheatley, liaison

Personnel………….....Trudy Gilgenast, liaison

Secretary……………….Sean Nagel

Stewardship…………..Trudy Gilgenast, Chair

Zion Early Ed. Ctr. Board—Anne Zafis, liaison

Christian Education—Betty Hartert, Chair

EMAIL: zionluther@comcast.net

WEBSITE: www.zionluther.org

Kathy Markham (Webmaster at)

Zion_web@comcast.net