zion lutheran church, middletown, md 2017 beacon.pdf · going back to thiel was quite a surreal...
TRANSCRIPT
In the next few weeks we move toward the end of the Old Testament in The Story. The Old Testament comes to an end with three building projects un-derway. First, there is the re-building of the temple under the leadership of Zerubabbel. God has a place to stay among His people. Second, there is the re-building of the wall around Jeru-salem under Nehemiah's leader-ship. The people once again have protection from those who would harm them. And third, and most important is the re-building of the lives of God's people.
Share. Grow. Serve.
Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown, MD
Message from Pastors, p.2
Mid Week Lenten Series
p. 3-4
Easter Lily/LWR info p.5
Shrove Tuesday p.6
I was Wondering p.7
Youth Events, p.9-13
Day Off Program, p.12
Free home repair info p.14
Martin Luther Screenings
p.15
Golf tournament info p.16-17
Nation Christian Choir
p.20
CareNet p.22
SERRV, p.24
Tuesday, February 28th 6:00 p.m.—in the Social
Room See page 7 for
complete details
Lenten Mid week at Zion
Join us for our midweek meal and learning series starting February
8th See page 3 for
complete Details
Holy Week Events Palm Sunday, April 9th
services at 9 & 11 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 13th
services at 12:30 & 7 p.m.
Good Friday, April 14th
services at 7 p.m.
Holy Saturday, April 15th
services at 6 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 16th
services at 6:30 a.m., 9 & 11 a.m .
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Pastor’s Letter
Just recently I was reminiscing with my best friend about a trip we took to-gether a couple of years ago. We went back to our college alma mater, Thiel College, for a sorority alumni event. Our conversation has caused me to think a lot about that trip these last few days and what I took away from it.
Going back to Thiel was quite a surreal experience. It had been about 5 years since I had last been on campus. While much of the campus still looked the same, there were some major changes. There was a brand new Communications Center built, the largest classroom on campus had been given a huge facelift, (new seats, new technology, new paint: the works!). There were new student lounges throughout the main academic building, and the café area of the student center was new and improved.
It was fun to see all the freshmen walking around campus with their lanyards around their necks laughing together as they went to check their mailboxes in the mail room. I was sent right back to when I was that freshman, walking around campus with my friends not thinking about the day when I would be an alumni who would only get to visit Thiel once every few years.
I considered Thiel my home for 4 years, and to go back and visit it truly felt as though I was coming home. Even though there were some changes and the people were new, it was still the same place where I gained independence, had a community that I consider a family, and learned more than I could have ever imagined (both in and out of class).
As I have been reminiscing, I’ve realized that church is the same way. Even though I have only been a part of Zion for a relatively short time so far, I have seen just how much of a family this congregation is. Zion is a place where kids are growing up, learning, making friends, and dis-covering who they are. Parents find kindred spirits who they can relate to and realize they aren’t the only ones whose kids are hilarious and totally unpredictable. Young adults find a place where they can plug into the community. Empty nesters find friends who they can pass the time with as they navigate life with grown children who have dispersed throughout the country and world.
The church building may be different than how it started some 275 years ago, rooms may be altered with new paint or carpet, but this building remains a place that we can call home. Zion is a place that we can always come back to. Whether we are gone for just a weekend vacation or move away for a period of time, we always have a place and a family to come back to. I can’t imagine anything more wonderful than that.
Peace,
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Lent 2017 – Observing The 500th Anniversary of the
Reformation in our Midweek Lenten Services
The year 2017 marks the international
observance of the 500th anniversary of the
Reformation. When Martin Luther posted his
“Ninety-five Theses” on the church door in
Wittenberg in 1517, no one expected the
breadth of evangelical reforms in Christian
teaching and practice that followed. In every
dimension of Christian faith a renewed trust
in God’s forgiving mercy replaced a reliance
on teachings and practices that, like the sale
of indulgences, were vulnerable to abuse and
corruption.
In honor of that anniversary, our midweek Lenten series this year is built around
Luther’s Small Catechism. The Small Catechism was designed as a teaching tool
of the faith, not just within the church but in the home. Luther intended for the
home to be the place where faith was first shared and taught. To that end he
created the Small Catechism: a simple explanation of the Ten Commandments,
the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism and Communion. He included basic prayers
for morning and evening, and suggested ways to worship, praise, and revere God
during each part of our day.
We will launch our Lenten series on Ash Wednesday with special guests Pastor
Johan and Sonja Hinderlie portraying the roles of 16th century reformer Martin
Luther and his wife Katarina. They present the testimony of these amazing people
in full costume with the flavor of the Reformation time in Germany. Their stories
reveal the theological focus of Luther’s teaching: sola scriptura, sola gratia, and
sola fide. (word alone, grace alone, and faith alone) Katy also tells of her escape
from the Nimbschen convent, life with Martin and coping with suffering and
death in her family.
The Hinderlies proclaim the gospel of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ
through these presentations while presenting interesting anecdotes on the life and
times of this unusual couple. Continued on P. 4
4
Continued from P.3
During the five weeks of Lent we will journey through the Small Catechism
exploring the Reformation emphasis on grace. We
invite you to join us for an evening meal, worship,
and a time for sharing.
March 1 - Ash Wednesday 7 p.m. Worship with a
presentation on “Martin & Katarina”
March 8 – 6 p.m. Meal followed by teaching on
Small Catechism - “Ten Commandments
March 15 – 6 p.m. Meal followed by teaching on
Small Catechism - “Creed”
March 22 – 6 p.m. Meal followed by teaching on
Small Catechism – “Lord’s Prayer
March 29 – 6 p.m. Meal followed by teaching on Small Catechism -
“Baptism”
April 5 – 6 p.m. Meal followed by teaching on Small
Catechism – “Holy Communion”
Join us for our Midweek Lenten Services!
Clothes Closet News:
10 - this is the number of NEW clients who have visited the
Clothes Closet for the first time since the beginning of 2017. This large number is representative of the impact we are making in the community by providing this ministry. All of those who bene-fit from our doors being open are very appreciative of the service we are offer-ing. We continue to thank you for the donations. We are happy to receive warm, gently used coats, jackets, and fleece. Shoes are always in short supply - so check your closet for that extra pair you are not using. Our volunteer sort-ers are waiting for your donations. Thank you!
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Stewardship in Action
What do YOU think of what Stewardship means at Zion? If you get two Lutherans in a room to discuss its meaning, you may get three different opinions! It is difficult to get a handle on what being a good steward is if we think of it in abstract terms. The Stewardship Committee is continuing its focus of bringing a new look to what being a good steward means as we contribute our time, talents and treasures. As part of this new look, you will soon begin to see actual concrete examples of Stewardship in Action at Zion Lutheran Church and our Middletown community.
We plan to show Stewardship in Action in a series of presentations providing infor-mation about how Stewardship dollars, time and talent impact our church and com-munity life as people volunteer in the many ministries and outreach venues at Zion, the “Beacon in the Valley.” Watch the bulletin boards in the church building, the screen at the introduction for worship, the church website and other social media for a series of examples that illustrate how Zion members and members of the Middle-town Community participate in Stewardship in Action!
Easter Flowers and
Lutheran World Relief ( LWR)
LWR is being offered this Easter and will be $10.00 for each gift. Members of the Altar Guild will be available to take orders for Easter flowers and LWR after the Saturday evening and Sunday services February 11-12, February 25-26, March 4-5, March 11-12, and March 18-19. The cost is $10.00 for lilies and $9.00 for tulips. Please indicate on your order form whether you are picking up the flower(s) or taking the flower(s) to a homebound member of Zion. Flowers may be picked up after the 11:00 am worship service on Easter Sunday, April 16. All orders must be re-ceived by Sunday, March 19. No orders after that date as our supplier needs to know our total number in order to meet our request. LWR donations must also be in by March 19. Forms are found on P. 18 and 19
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Shrove Tuesday Meal Join us Tuesday, February 28th, at 6:00pm in
the Social Room for our Shrove Tuesday meal.
Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the
door; children under 12 are free. The Christian
Fellowship Committee will be selling tickets af-
ter services on Feb.4/5, Feb. 11/12, Feb. 18/19, and Feb. 25/26.
Come out for the fellowship as we prepare for the Lenten
season, along with enjoying some pancakes, sausage,
sausage gravy, applesauce, biscuits, kinklings,
coffee, milk, and iced tea!
Weekend Back Pack Ministry Since its inception in the fall of 2011, the Weekend Backpack Min-
istry has provided a weekly bag of food for children who are food
insecure in seven local schools. Currently almost 100 volunteers
from eight churches, including Zion, and two community organiza-
tions in the Middletown Valley purchase, pack and deliver the food
each week to 90 children. That number fluctuates each year.
The mission is to provide weekend food to children living with food insecurity in the
six Middletown feeder schools, plus Valley Elementary school for the school year.
Participating churches, community organizations and corporations collaborate to of-
fer supplemental weekend meals for qualifying students throughout the school year
by offering donations of money, food and time. In addition, numerous individuals
have sponsored a child for a year to help fund this mission. The schools connect the
families of students in need with the mission team to offer these children food on
the weekends when they do not have access to meals provided at school. Boxes to
place donations into are available at the church along with cards indicating food that
can be donated.
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.
I was wondering:
What is the Biblical perspective on sabbaticals?
The idea of a sabbatical has biblical origins. The Hebrew word for Sabbath means to “close or rest” and is connected with the last day of Creation when God rested. The biblical example of Jesus’ own frequent withdrawal to a quiet place to meditate, pray and be renewed is a model (Matthew 14:23 and Mark 1:35).
Do other careers and professions have sabbaticals?
Historically, sabbaticals were commonplace in medieval European academic institutions where the Church had connections to a university. That tradition still stands today in academia and with Pastors in ministry settings. Even secular companies like Nike and Google offer sabbati-cals for their long-term employees.
Will Pastor Kathy’s sabbatical be like a vacation?
No. Unlike a vacation that brings rest for a week at a time (like going to the beach or traveling with family and friends to a destination), a ministry sabbatical is a time for a Pastor to distance oneself from the demands of leadership, to gain fresh vision and energy – a time to focus on comprehensive renewing and re-equipping for long-term ministry. It is encouraged and sug-gested that a sabbatical include leaving the locale of the congregation’s location for a portion of the sabbatical.
Why is a sabbatical important?
Research from The Alban Institute suggests that due to the rapid change and complexity of congregational life and ministry, the need for Pastors to request sabbaticals is due to the following motivations:
Continual spiritual growth facilitated by periods of rest and renewal is vital toward being an effective minister
Pastoral responsibilities are not contained within normal office hours and almost always involve weekends
Rapid changes in parish ministry can increase the likelihood of burnout without periods of rest and renewal
Continued on P.8
8
I was wondering: continued from p.7
Recommended by the wider church. Both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer-ica (ELCA) and the Delaware/Maryland Synod have sabbatical policies. The Dela-ware/Maryland Synod expects congregations to have a sabbatical policy for ros-tered leaders, and to grant a sabbatical leave to a rostered leader every seven years of service
Who will function as our Senior Pastor while Pastor Kathy is on sabbatical?
It is common practice for a Church of our size to appoint an Acting Senior Pastor while a Senior Pastor is on sabbatical. The Council has appointed Pastor Marv as Acting Senior Pastor from February 7 to April 3. This provides clarity for the functioning of the Staff and for the congregation. Upon Pastor Kathy’s return, Pastor Kathy will resume her responsi-bilities, as Senior Pastor and Pastor Marv will return to his duties as part-time Pastor.
Is there a plan in place for Zion while Pastor Kathy is gone?
Yes. Pastoral care will continue with Pastor Beth, Pastor Marv, and Pastor Ron and they will rotate with sermon responsibilities just as they do now. The Church Office will still continue operations as usual. Committee meetings, ministry teams, and Council will con-tinue to meet as they do now. In other words, all church functions and aspects of minis-try will continue as they do now.
What can the congregation do as we prepare for Pastor Kathy’s sabbatical?
Continue to worship and participate in your ministry activities as usual. Pray for Pastor Kathy and our congregation’s leadership teams as they continue in their planning for her time away for study and spiritual renewal. Just as we come to weekly worship for spiri-tual renewal, reflection in the Word, and the nurturing of our relationship with God, we have a responsibility to nurture the leadership and ministry effectiveness of our Pastors.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Sources Cited: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Delaware/Maryland Synod Soul Shepherding Wheat Ridge Ministries Alban Institute
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Family Movie Night!
Zion will be hosting a Family Movie the last Friday of every month until June 2017. We will post and announce the feature
film, so stay tuned.
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Noisy Offering: Our next noisy offering will be collected on Feb. 18 & 19. The offering
collected in February will go to Zion’s Clothes Closet, which serves the community of Middletown in great ways!
Looking ahead: March: CareNet Pregnancy Center
April: Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center
Friday February 24th at 7p.m. - Zion will be showing a movie downstairs in the Social Room. This is open to the community and all families are welcome. Please invite your friends. Admission is free. We will be pro-viding pizza, popcorn and drinks. A freewill offering will be taken to help offset the cost of the snacks. Doors open at 6:30p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt Saturday April 15th is Holy Saturday – 10a.m. is the Annual
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt for children. We will be holding
the Easter Egg hunt outside weather permitting, in the case
of inclimate weather we will hold it in the Social Room.
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Mar-Lu-Ridge—2017 Summer Camps Available for the Whole Family
Registrations are being received for Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camps 2017. Full information
is online at www.Mar-Lu-Ridge.org or in the brochures with all informa-
tion available on the bookcase by the church office. Scholarships are
available (1/2 the cost of camp up to $200.00) If you are interested
please send forms to Wendi Kishimoto (for completion of scholarship
information.) If you have questions please contact Wendi at 301-371-
6500 or email
Middleschool Youth Group:
Attention Middle School Students! Every 2nd Friday of the month, the middle school students gather at 6:00pm for dinner and fun! Our next gathering is February 10th! We will meet for dinner and then go bowling! Mark your calendars for our future dates: March 10th & April 21st. April’s date is moved to a week later because the 2nd Friday of April is Good Friday of Holy Week.
Calling all Middle School and High School Students! Mark your calendars for this year’s 30 Hour Famine: April 28-29. This year, we will be teaming up with Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Westminster, MD! This will be an amazing weekend of learning about the world around us and serving our neighbors! More details will be available closer to the event. Contact Pastor Beth for complete details
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Work Camp:
Work Camp this summer will be July 23-28, 2017. We are going to Pittsburgh, PA for a week of service in the city! This is a chance for high school students to step outside of their comfort zones for a week, while serving God and the people of
Pittsburgh. They will have the opportunity to see how other people live and experience a new culture, while meeting other high school students from around the country. Not only is this a life-changing experience, but it also looks great on college applications! The trip is open to all rising 9th graders- graduat-ing seniors. There are still spots available! A sign-up sheet can be found on the Youth & Family Bulletin Board. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Beth: [email protected].
Zion Vacation Bible School 2017
July 10th thru
July 14th
Grab Your Passport for an
Unforgettable VBS Trek!
Hike cloud-shrouded ruins of Machu Picchu. Savor exotic flavors of the
Amazon. Hear what daily life is like from kids in Peru. Immerse kids in
this vibrant culture where they discover God’s good gifts for us all!
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ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
DAY OFF PROGRAM
Zion is offering day programs for Elementary and Middle school aged children (K-8) on cer-tain days FCPS schools are closed. Join us for structured games, crafts and other activities.
Who: Elementary Middle School aged (K-8th)
Who else: YOUR FRIENDS!
When: Friday March 31st, 2017
Time: 9:00a.m.—3:00p.m.
What: We will be going to Catoctin Creek Nature Center for some Geo Cacheing
Kids might get a little messy. Be sure to send them in appropriate play clothes.
RSVP: Advanced sign-ups are required for this event
Forms can be found on the Youth Bulletin Board or on Zion’s website: www.zionmiddletown.org.
For more information please contact the church office at 301-371-6500, [email protected].
Please return forms and money to: Zion Lutheran Church
Attn: Day Off Program Director 107 West Main Street
Middletown, MD 21769
Please make your checks payable to Zion Lutheran Church.
Cost: $20/Child
Lunch not included. Children need to bring a lunch.
Kids at one of our Programs last year
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Safe House—Thursdays after school
Join us and bring a friend or come to meet others.
Van transportation from school is available.
After school snacks and drinks are provided
at no charge. Caring adult volunteers and
high school helpers at Safe House welcome
the students and supervise. Tutoring/
homework help is available.
A Parental Contact Form must be completed
and on file for each middle school participant.
Forms are available from the middle school
guidance office or may be requested from the
Zion Church office (301.371.6500 ) or register
online at zionmiddletown.org
For more information, please contact [email protected] or 301.371.6500
Safe House Kids
enjoying some
warm January
weather using the
new basketball
equipment!
Thursday, February 2nd 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, February 9th 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, February 16th 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, February 23rd 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, March 2nd 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, March 9th 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, March 16th 3:00 – 5:30 Social
time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, March 23rd 3:00 – 5:30 Social
time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, March 30th 3:00 – 5:30 Social
time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, April 6th 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, April 13th 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
Thursday, April 20th SCHOOL
CLOSED – no Safe House
Thursday, April 27th 3:00 – 5:30
Social time, games, HW room & tutoring
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Elderly, Handicapped, and Lower Income Residents of
Frederick County to get free home repairs!
Are you or another church member in need of some help with
repairs, handicap ramps, painting etc. around the house?
Did you know that you or another member in need that you know can benefit from the
projected 400 adult and teenage volunteers at the Frederick Workcamp coming to
Frederick County July 23 thru July 29, 2017? Workcamp will provide free home
repairs thru this program, sponsored by Rebuilding Together Frederick County.
Group Cares is a non-profit interdenominational Christian volunteer home-repair
organization headquartered in Loveland, Colorado. The Workcamp will be housed
at Tuscarora High School, with Workcampers sleeping on classroom floors, eating in
the cafeteria, and enjoying evening programs in the auditorium. This service to the
Frederick County communities would not be possible without the wonderful
cooperation of the Frederick County Board of Education and Tuscarora High School.
Group Cares will reimburse all costs to the lodging facility.
These Remarkable Young People actually pay for the privilege of working in our
community and their Workcamp fees are used to cover our costs for food,
insurance, and building materials.
Rebuilding Together Frederick County serves our county by indentifying and
rehabilitating homes of seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, and families
with children all living in low cost housing through the efforts of volunteers and
community organizations . Local Volunteers perform hands on repairs during the
National Rebuilding Day at the end of April each year. This project day helps to
ensure the homes remain safe and livable.
Repairs offered through the Workcamp include interior and exterior painting,
weatherization, porch and wheelchair ramp construction and other work.
Residents interested in applying to receive assistance may contact
Rebuilding Frederick County at (240) 415-8728
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Zion will be hosting two Rick Steves’ “Luther and The Reformation” screenings on
Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. This year we will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Ref-ormation by working through the themes of Luther's Small Catechism. On Wednesday, February 15 we will be offering two opportu-nities to watch a high quality video reviewing Luther and the Reformation. This historical refresher will enhance our Lenten study and worship. We will have the first viewing at 12 noon with lunch and in the evening at 7 p.m. with a light meal. Please notify the office if you plan to attend.
In 1517, the German monk, Martin Luther collected 95 points to stoke discussion about the corruption of the medieval Church. He then nailed his famous “95 Theses” to the door of his hometown church in Wittenberg. With that small, symbolic act, Luther unleashed a storm of change, kicking off the most important religious event of the last millennium—the Protestant Reformation.
To help those interested in understanding the whats, hows, and whys of it all, Rick Steves produced a public television special, called Rick Steves’ Luther and the Refor-mation.
Before we watch the documentary, here’s a little background on this produc-tion. There have been good movies about Martin Luther, but Rick Steves planned a broader coverage— explaining the historic, economic, and social context of the Ref-ormation, and how this tumultuous age helped Europe leave the Middle Ages and enter our Modern Age.
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Lose the Stress. Lose the Weight! How to Thrive Without Dieting!
Course Description: Stress is a beautiful thing! It gives us energy, strength and forethought to pro-
tect ourselves from an attacker, run from a burning building, endure extreme temperatures, and a
host of dangerous situations. But when we’re constantly “attacked” by the stress of daily life
(overwhelming schedules, relationships, finances, trying to raise great kids!), stress can turn us into a
big, fat mess!
Cravings. Trouble sleeping. Poor memory/focus. Exhaustion. Weight Gain. Hypertension. The list
goes on! But it doesn't have to be that way! This course will teach you simple, practical tips to make
stress work for you so you can live a joyful, energized life in a body that looks great and functions
optimally!
Instructor: Cheryle McKee
Location: Zion Lutheran – Social Room 107 West Main Street, Middletown, MD 21769
Dates: 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15 (1st & 3rd Monday of each month) Time: 7-8pm Cost:: $80/series (Drop In Rate: $15/Class) * Register by 2/17 for a chance to win a free Cookbook Syllabus & Registration: www.NourishingAbundance.com/LoseStressLoseWeight
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IHonor of: Given by:
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Total Amount enclosed $________
In Memory of: Given by:
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In Honor of: Given by:
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The National Christian Choir to visit Zion on March 12th!
The National Christian Choir was
founded in 1984 by Dr. C. Harry Cau-
sey, who continued to lead the Choir
for 27 years. In the summer of 2011,
Kathy C. Bowman was selected to be-
come the new Director of Music and
Ministry for the Choir as well as Host
of Psalm 95, the Choir’s weekly radio
outreach. That same year, the choir
added the NCC Children’s Choir and a
smaller vocal ensemble named 2nd
Edition.
With a commitment to glorifying God and drawing people closer to Him, our first concert in 1984 was in Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, accompanied by full orchestra. With a strong desire to continue, a Board of Directors was established and our concert ministry grew to encompass all parts of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. We eventually increased our outreach through recordings, tours, a weekly radio program, and a ministry to military personnel (Music for Our Military – or MOM for short).
The Lord has opened doors for us to sing in many places in America as well as
several international tours.
We are putting together a task force to make this a wonderful event.
With over 175 Voices and support personnel, this will be no small
undertaking. If you would like to join Jim Hoover, Jim Dent, and Joy
Howard on the team, please contact Jim Hoover at
[email protected], or call the church office at 301-371-6500
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Dear Friends, On behalf of Middletown Valley People Help-ing People, I would like to thank you for your generous donation. Your donations of $200 made a difference this Christmas for the fami-lies that might not have had gifts and a holiday meal to share with their children. We continue to serve senior citizens in our area with exer-cise classes, luncheons and transportation. Families in need are provided food, clothing, school supplies and financial aid in emergen-cies. We count on the generosity from friends like you to lend a helping hand to those in need in our community. Your kindness and continued support is appreciated by all of us. Dianne Zepp
Dear Zion,
I officially have one semester under my belt,
and I survived two classes under Rev. Mark
Vitalis-Hoffman! I want thank you for wel-
coming me as a member of this church and
community, and also for your support while
at seminary. Your witness to the gospel is
incredible! God’s peace, Karl Muhlbach
Dear Friends and Zion,
Many thanks for your recent gifts for the Back Pack Ministry. Your donation will help us pur-chase the items that are pro-vided weekly for this program. The Backpack Ministry Team
Thank you so much for the prayer shawl
and little cross from the Zion Knitters. Also
thank you for the flowers, Pastor visits,
cards, and all your thoughts and prayers for
me during my transition from the hospital
to the nursing home. I really miss the
Saturday evening church service, and all
the people.
Thank You,
Edna Shafer
Dear Members of Zion,
Thank you so much for all you did on my Birth-
day. During the morning service I received so
many warm well-wishes from all the ministers
and all the congregation. I was especially
touched by the individual greetings from mem-
bers.
The Luncheon provided by the women of the
church was a wonderful chance for me to see
both members of the church community as
well as family and friends who gathered for the
celebration.
As you know Zion has been a very important
part of my life. I am very blessed to have had a
long life and to have had your friendship to
make it a life worth living .
Thank You
The Palmer Family
Dear Friends from Zion, I wish to thank my
church family for all of your thoughts and
prayers and wonderful cards during this dif-
ficult healing process. It all helps
Many Thanks, God Bless,
Mrs. Kathy Shankle
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Caring Ministries
CareNet Annual Dinner If anyone is interested in attending CareNet’s annual Dinner on March 25th,
2017 at the FSK Holiday Inn contact CareNet at 301-662-5300.The speaker will
be Mellisa Ohden (A survivor of a failed Saline Abortion) Doors open at 5p.m.
and seating for Dinner at 6p.m.
CareNet Pregnancy Center Campaign for Lent
Zion again participates in the CareNet Pregnancy Center
"Change for Life" during Lent (March 1st to April 16th,
2017) Empty baby bottles will be available to pick up in the
side windows of the sanctuary or outside the church office.
Please take your bottles home or to work with you and toss
your spare change in the bottles each day. Remember to
bring your filled baby bottle/bottles back to church with you
anytime on or before Easter Sunday. Drop off bottles in the boxes lo-
cated outside of the church office or in the front window sills of the
sanctuary.
Hope in Faith
If you have experienced a loss recently or at any time in your life, please know that you are welcome to attend. Contact Dixie Eichelberger at 301-371-4232, for more information. We meet on the last Monday of the month at 2:45p.m. in the rear parking Lot. The next meet-ing will be held on Monday, February 27th.
Are you interested in joining
this Ministry?
An opportunity to Serve
Others . Do you have some
time available to visit
someone who is
homebound? Contact Rosella Wilson at
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Middletown Food Bank
All canned items are needed,
toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant,
toothbrushes, disposable razors,
soap, toilet paper, and detergent. Please give
whatever you can. Just place the items in cart
located in the hall.
With our deepest sympathy we keep
in our thoughts and prayers the
family and friends of:
Clarence Thomas Joyce Leggett Dennis Reese
Esther Poffinberger Scott Kishimoto Camille Acevedo
Doris Bidle John Chen
We welcome the newly baptized:
Penelope Mae Bybel, daughter of Matthew and Branan Bybel
Congratulations on the birth of:
Cole Michael Welty, son of Megan and Brenton Welty and grandson of Cathy and Chuck Boyer
William Benjamin, son of Emily McKee
and Harvey Harris, Grandson of Cheryle
and Jim McKee
Valley Seniors and Friends Lunches & Fellowship
1st & 3rd Thursdays: March 2nd & 16th April 6th & 20th
11:30a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Cost: $6 per person.
Reserve your meal!
Please call Terry Shafer, 301-371-8837, by the Monday before the luncheon to reserve your meal.
Confirmation:
Lynnsey Tressler
John Routzahn IV
Weddings: Rebecca Ahalt and
Alejandro Aguilar Cuenca Michelle Haggart and Randy Leatherman
24
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Frederick, MD Permit No.
2205
Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion
107 W Main Street Middletown MD 21769
ZION BEACON Phone: 301-371-6500; FAX 301-371-8100
Are you or a family member celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary? Let us know
and we will include it in the newsletter.
SERRV Volunteers: Thank you for your support! Here is an opportunity to volunteer for “Material Resources” in the New Year.
Friday, March 15. 15 volunteers are needed at Materials Resources. Youth are welcome (14 to 17 years old with a Parental Permission slip.)
Saturday, March 22. Help at SERRV, 20 volunteers are needed. Youth 12 to 17 years old (with a Parental Permission slip) are welcome.
For more information please contact Roger Burtner at 301-432-5772 or [email protected]. 35 Mt. Hebron Rd, Keedysville, MD 21756. He will provide the Parental Permission Forms.