Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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March 2
March 9
March 16
Soup Supper at 5:30 p.m.
Lenten Service at 7:00 p.m.
March 24
Maundy Thursday Worship @ 7 p.m.
(with Holy Communion)
March 25
Good Friday Tenebrae @ 7 p.m.
March 27
Easter Sunrise Service @ 6:30 a.m.
Easter Continental Breakfast: 7 to 8:45 a.m.
Easter Festival Service @ 9 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt @ 10:30 a.m.
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Tristina Rodriguez
We will be presenting a Sunday School Easter program again this year. Our program will be held on
March 13th, 2016 @ 6:00pm and will be presented entirely by our Sunday School students. They are busy
preparing for this special performance. Please join us to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. Invite your
family and friends.
Today’s Light Lani Sanders
Week 9 begins March 7 with Exodus 34
Week 10 begins March 14 with Leviticus 4
Week 11 begins March 21 with Leviticus 20
Week 12 begins March 28 with Numbers 9
(For more information about Today’s Light, or to purchase the Today’s Light Bible, call Lani Sanders, 760-246-6429.)
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Building Together… in support of the Great Commission
Deacon Larry Sanders
The mission of Lutheran Church Extension Fund is to support the Church in fulfilling its mission of
sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by ensuring that funds and services are available now and in the future.
As a Christ-centered servant partner of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), LCEF provides
ministry resources to congregations and schools.
If you want to be a part of this unique ministry speak with our Congregational Advocate, Deacon Larry
Sanders at 760-246-6429, [email protected], or visit with LCEF directly at www.lcef.org. or you
can call us at 1-800-843-5233.
Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Where Investments Build Ministry!
Community Sharing Linda Bowers
We will have a ‘potluck’ donation during the month of February/March/April. Canned tuna, chicken
or beef, bags of rice or beans, Vienna sausages, hot cocoa mix, as well as remember some of the things
we’ve collected over the past year, and add them to the blue tub in the church narthex canned tuna, chicken
or beef, bags of rice or beans, Vienna sausages, hot cocoa mix, as well as Ziplock® bags & paper towels,
toothpaste and tooth brushes, bar soap, shaving cream, etc.).
Samaritan’s Helping Hand will also accept fresh fruit, produce and bakery items on Mondays. If you
would like more information, please call Linda Bowers at 244-9205.
Thank you!
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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LifeLight Bible Study
Charlene Perry
God encourages us to get to know him better. Studying the Scripture helps us to get closer to our Lord, to
know him and his will for our lives. Regular Bible study provides a wonderful way for us to be in the Word.
On Wednesday, April 6, the LifeLight Bible Study will be continuing the study of the book of Matthew.
The study is held in the church nursery on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.. If you are looking
for a midweek Bible study, come and check us out. We would love to have you join us! For more
information please contact Charlene Perry (760-245-9725).
Pastor Busch
‘New Life’
We were buried with [Christ Jesus] through baptism into death in order that,
just as he was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,
we too may live a new life. – Romans 6:4
Springtime is a wonderful time. New life is seen all around as the trees blossom and flowers bloom.
Creation is reborn right before our eyes after the long, dark, cold winter. It is in the midst of this season of
rebirth that our Lord chose to play out the crucial acts of our redemption.
We are familiar with the story. In the “first act”, Jesus goes to Jerusalem and becomes the Passover
sacrifice for our sin laying down his life on the cross. Then, in the joyful “second act”, Jesus is raised from
the dead on Easter morning. But this is not the end of the story. In the “third act”, we are connected to Christ
Jesus and are made partakers in his victory. Rebirth! Newness of life! Springtime for the soul!
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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In our annual observance we go through this entire cycle: the long, dark, cold winter of Lent; the joyous
victory of Easter; and the season of new life beginning at Pentecost. We also “go through” this cycle in our
own lives as we grapple with the realities of life in light of the grace of God. We are sinners, redeemed and
made alive in Christ Jesus.
God tells us that we are “buried with [Christ Jesus] through baptism”. This means that God has declared
Jesus’ death to be our death. All of God’s righteous judgment, deserved by us all, was placed on Jesus’
shoulders as he died on that tree. Indeed, Jesus “took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, and though
we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. [He was in fact being] pierced for our
transgressions [and] was crushed for our iniquities, [in Christ Jesus] the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5) As a result of Jesus’ loving sacrifice, our
guilt is paid for and our sins washed away. Truly the “good” of “Good Friday”.
But we were not just “buried with [Christ Jesus]”, we are also “raised from the dead through the glory of
the Father”. As we read from the prophet Micah, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives
transgression? You do not stay angry forever but you delight in showing mercy.” (Micah 7:18). In the
resurrection, we see into the deepest reaches of God’s “soul”. He is holy, perfect and sinless, but his true
delight is seen in his being gracious, loving, merciful and life giving. This is his glory and in the resurrection
it is given to us!
Buried with Christ Jesus, raised with him, but why? Paul writes that it is so that, “we too may live a new
life”. This is more than a reference to our new and eternal life in God’s presence in heaven, it also refers to
our lives here and now. God has redeemed us in Christ Jesus to be changed. Stopping after the first two acts
of the story of God’s grace is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer describes as “cheap grace”. In his book “The Cost of
Discipleship”, Bonhoeffer writes that “cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church. . . . Cheap grace
means grace as a doctrine . . . Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the
sinner.” God thus becomes the enabler of our fallen-ness instead of our loving, gracious and holy God. In our
fallen-ness, this error is easy to make. It comes naturally to each of us, but thanks be to God, in the gift of
Pentecost, God sends us his Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that works change in us. It is the Holy Spirit
that applies God’s grace to our lives. It is the Holy Spirit that makes us “new”.
As we approach the great celebration of the resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord, may we rejoice in the
entire story of God’s love for us.
Pastor Busch
Gifts To The Memorial Fund
In memory of Pat Olson by:
Bill Olson
Gifts To The Stained Glass Fund
In memory of Luther Lynn by:
Bob & Linda Bowers
Dale & Cheryl Inskeep
Fred & Charlene Perry
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Income and Expense Report
(January 2016) Katherine Meyer
2015-16 Actual Year-To-Date Incomes/Expenses (through January 2016)
Incomes
Envelope $ 208,981.37 Plate $ 11,881.72
Sunday School $ 602.86 School Tuitions/Other School Income $ 209,805.84
Other Income (includes Designated) $ 27,866.83
Total Income (through Jan. 2016) $ 459,138.62
Expenses
Outreach/Public Relations $ 11,800.18 Church Growth $ 0
Church Properties $ 122,542.73
Community Services $ 170 Worship $ 10,252.61
School $ 215,051.05
Fellowship $ 399.28
Finance $ 7,926.80 Lay Ministers (Office of the Pastor) $ 82,045.31
Personal Commitment $ 685.54
Small Groups $ 1,139.69 Sunday School $ 916.01
Other Expenses (Designated) $ 10,552.14
Total Expenses (through Jan. 2016) $ 463,481.34
Income minus Expenses
(through Jan. 2016) ($4,342.72)
Random Acts of Kindness Marlene Henry
The Community Service Board would like to challenge Zion members to take part in Random Acts of
Kindness. We are part of the community that we live in and this is something all of us can do. It doesn't
have to be something major all the time. I will include several acts of kindness; you can come up with some
on your own. I will also include ideas in the bulletin. Please share with us some of the ways you come up
with so others can enjoy and spread this wonderful experience.
Some Random Acts of Kindness can be: Bring up your neighbors trash cans, bring donuts to work, be a
designated driver, pick up liter, adopt a family, smile, call someone you haven't talked to in a while. These
are just a few suggestions-spread Jesus love. Your Community Service Board thanks you in advance.
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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SERRV Faire Foods for Sale
Beckie Johnston
There are still a few SERRV food items left for sale! Unlike gift items we order for the Faire, the unsold
food cannot be returned. So, we have some delicious milk chocolate & caramel candy bars, a few 8.5 oz.
bottles of organic, extra virgin olive oil, and one 8.5 oz. bottle of Rooibos & Honey dressing still available
for you to purchase and enjoy! Please contact Beckie Johnston at 714.454.7663, or [email protected],
if interested. Thank you so much for your support of the SERRV Fair Trade Faire!
Thank you! Beckie Johnston
Zion Lutheran Youth Group would like to thank everyone who joined us for the 2016 Sweetheart Dinner.
We are honored that you chose to spend your evening with us, and we hope you enjoyed yourselves! Thank
you for your support of our youth!
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Bible Study Opportunities at Zion Bill Olson
Sunday School and Adult Bible Study
(Faith, Fun and Friends)
Sundays @ 9:30 a.m.
Lifelight Bible Study
Wednesdays @ 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
First Place 4 Health
Thursdays @ 6 p.m.
Adult and High School Info Class
Thursdays @ 6 p.m.
Men's Bible Study
Saturdays @ 9 a.m.
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Bill Olson
Midweek Lenten worship services will continue on the first three Wednesday evenings of March. Each
of these 7 p.m. services will be preceded by a soup supper at 5:30. Then comes Palm Sunday, March 20, to
begin Holy Week. Holy Week services will be held the evenings of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Our Risen Savior will be celebrated on Easter morning, March 27. The Lord is Risen!! He is Risen
Indeed!!
Greeters are needed to help welcome members and visitors as they arrive for the worship services. If
you are willing to serve in this way, pass the word to Vicky Shannon.
Remember to use scrip gift cards for your purchases. See Jennifer Garcia on Sunday mornings or stop
by the office through the week. A small percentage of each card sold comes back to Zion School. And small
percentages add up!!!
The ZLYF Sweetheart Dinner, which was held on February 13, was once again a huge success. A
tradition at Zion, these dinners have been held almost every year since 1990. We thank the youth plus
Beckie Johnston, Ineke Napier, Don Hays and Demetrio Marruffo.
A Blessed Easter to one and all!
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Gospel Eggs
The first egg holds a palm branch. Luke 19:28-38
The second egg holds silver coins. Matthew 26:14-15
The third egg holds bread. Luke 22: 19-20
The forth egg holds a small bowl and cloth. John 13: 1-17
The fifth egg holds praying hands. Matthew 26:36-44
The sixth egg holds a roster. Matthew 26: 30-35; 69-75
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Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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The seventh egg holds thorns. Matthew 27:26-31
The eighth egg holds a cross. John 19: 17-22
The ninth egg holds a spear. John 19: 31-37
The tenth egg holds spices and cloths. Luke 23:50 – 24:1
The eleventh egg holds a stone. Matthew 27:57- 28:2
The twelfth egg holds…NOTHING Luke 24: 1-8
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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National Lutheran Schools Week Observed LCMS Web Site/Bill Olson
National Lutheran Schools Week is a time our Zion School students look forward to each year, with fun
activities planned every day of the week to supplement the usual academic schedule. It's also a time we
consider the significant emphasis our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod places on education, and the
collective impact it all has. The following is from Synod:
National Lutheran Schools Week provides our network of nearly 2,300 LCMS preschools, elementary
schools and high schools, including the school at Zion, with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate
God’s work among us in Lutheran schools. We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic
preparation for the children we serve. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus’ amazing love
with children and their families. National Lutheran Schools Week gives us an opportunity to proclaim these
great blessings within the communities we serve. Our schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of
God’s love for us through Christ by teachers and students alike.
We celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week annually in the month of January….at the midpoint of the
school year. It was a fun week once again. This year's theme was Life Together in Christ.
School registration for next year at Zion, the 2016-17 school year, begins soon.
Michael Glowinski
Do you have a Preschooler moving up to Kindergarten next year? Is your little one old enough to go to
Kindergarten? Join us at the Kindergarten Roundup to learn about the Zion Lutheran Kindergarten, meet
Miss. McCormack, and have all your questions answered.
We will have snacks delivered by Good Fellas Restaurant, a drawing for a $50 Scrip Gift Card, and the
unveiling of the Preschool students' latest art project!
So join us in the Fellowship Hall at your choice of three Roundups: March 9 at Noon, March 10 at
Noon, or March 10 at 6pm
RSVP for this exciting event!
Phone: 760-243-3074
Email: [email protected]
Or sign-up in the Early Childhood Entryway
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Early Childhood News M’less Tripple
Our little Zion Eagles are busy soaring into March with lots of fun activities. We begin with our Pre-K
parent/teacher conferences. Then it’s off to our annual Dick and Jane Reading Party, where we decorate each
class room with a different author and theme, have door prizes, balloons, and the children prepare snacks to
share. Our elementary and middle age students help with the children, which makes it extra fun for all! Also
we have our delicious Maundy Thursday Breakfast on March 24, beginning at 7:00 a.m., in our fellowship
hall for everyone to enjoy. That means you, too! Stations of the Cross, where our school age children
reenact Jesus’ last days, begins at 9:00 a.m. in our beautiful sanctuary. We also have the opportunity to nail
our sins to His cross, which reminds us of His great love for each of us, and why we celebrate his
resurrection and our new life in him! Praise God!!!! Then finally it’s time for our wonderful egg hunt here
on our fun preschool playground. We pray everyone has a happy and wonderful Easter with Jesus.
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Zion's Easter Egg Hunt is during the Sunday School Hour
Join us for the Easter Continental Breakfast between the services
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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With the People
Bill Olson
Please include the following in your prayers as well as for others who are not listed here:
Dick Obney. Dick had surgery at Kaiser Hospital in January and he spent a few post hospital days in a
rehabilitation facility down below. He's now home and showing gradual improvement, with regular home
health care assistance for him and Lue. A reason for Dick's hospitalization was poor circulation which is
now improved. His mobility has improved as well.
Scott Hedstrom. Scott has been slowed down by cancer and the chemo therapy treatments he's
receiving. He's standing firm and with determination to put the illness behind him. It was great seeing Scott
in church a few Sundays ago, and to know he's making progress.
Ineke Napier. We are rejoicing with Ineke that the recent diagnosis indicting her cancer had returned
was incorrect, and she is cancer-free.
Larry Sanders. Larry, our deacon, is regaining his strength following chemo. He's been a regular at
worship in recent weeks, has resumed leading the weekly men's Bible class on Saturday mornings, and he
has been active in helping to lead our worship services. In short, Larry's stepping out with courage and
determination!
Leland Delgado. Leland, age 8, is Kevin and Marlene Henry's grandson and the son of Becky and
Anthony. He was born with heart problems, requiring medical attention over the years and imposing
limitations on his activities. The doctors believed his situation had stabilized for the near term, but a recent
check-up revealed a leaking valve and an enlarged left ventricle. The Delgados live in Virginia where
Anthony is in the Army stationed at Fort Eustis.
John and Cora Ragusa. John has recently become a member of the Board of Lay Ministry. We thank
him for his willingness to serve. Cora's niece, Danielle, age 35 and mother of a newborn, faced a double
mastectomy procedure last month after having given birth three weeks early because of the pending cancer
surgery.
Remember Rev. Joel and Iantha Scheiwe and their three children who serve the Lord in China. We take
a special offering each fifth Sunday to help with their support.
Bill Olson was scheduled for cataract surgery on February 29.
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Z-LYF
ZION LUTHERAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Sharing Life in Christ is Z-LYF!
MARCH ACTIVITIES:
March 5-6, 2016 - Jr. High District Youth Gathering
March 14 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting
March 28 at 6:30 PM - Regular Meeting
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July 16-20, 2016 – National Youth Gathering
Glad Tidings
Zion Lutheran Church – A Joyous Oasis Sharing Life Through Christ! March 2016
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Contributors:
Pastor Lewis Busch Glad Tidings is a monthly publication. Suitable articles are publication.
Linda Bowers Suitable articles are welcome, and will be printed as space permits.
Beckie Johnston Type in plain Times New Roman 12 pt. font, save as Word 2003, attach
Katherine Meyer to an email addressed to [email protected],, subject Glad Tidings.
Bill Olson Articles are subject to editing for clarity and length. The deadline is the
Charlene Perry 15th of each month.
Tristina Rodriguez
Lani Sanders
Larry Sanders
M'Less Tripple