Zion Echoes November 2017 Zion Lutheran Church “To be together growing in Christ, to be His message to others”

557 Perry Highway www.zioninharmony.com

Harmony, PA 16037 zion557@zoominternet.net

724-452-8886

The other day I saw an aisle of Halloween decorations, an aisle of Thanksgiving decorations,

and an aisle of Christmas decorations: which tells me that the holiday season is looming ahead of

us. In general, I am a fan of the holiday spirit and by “holiday spirit” I mean that fascinating

dynamic of incredible generosity, family gatherings, and beautiful decorations mixed with

overspending, angry outbursts, and stress. It is the best and worst of humanity and I personally

enjoy observing it. I am reminded of the apostle Paul as he writes in Romans 7, “I do not

understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” It seems

to me that the holiday season proves Paul & Luther right about our broken, flawed human nature

that tends to take what is supposed to be good and distorts it by sin. Paul goes on to write “For I

know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot

do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”

For the sake of teaching and honesty,

perhaps this season I’ll start greeting people

using that famous line from the movie Home

Alone, “Merry Christmas you filthy animal!”

This would serve both as a reminder of the joy

that we should have in this season and the reality

of our human brokenness. I believe joy and

brokenness come hand in hand – isn’t that what

the holiday season demonstrates? And, isn’t that

what confession and forgiveness is for? And,

isn’t that why God sent Jesus? So I won’t waste

your time or mine by telling you to be a better

person this year. Rather, when you find

yourselves weighed down by sin, acknowledge

your brokenness, receive God’s forgiveness and

head right back out into the fray. Repeat as

necessary…. God’s forgiveness is unlimited and God’s grace knows no bounds.

--Pastor Nathaneil

Zion Echoes

Serving Zion this month Ushers

November 5: Linda Armstrong

November 12: Trudy Levere

November 19: Edie Brain

November 26: Tom Meyer

Greeters

November 5: Bill & Jessica Gasior

November 12: Debbie Muders & Melissa Painter

November 19: Shawn & Shane Domhoff

November 26: Oscar Domhoff & Cindy Benoit

Money Counters

November 5: Chris Trimble & Pam Ferrainolo

November 12: Tom Bickert & Al Stephens

November 19: Evelyn Stephens & Shirley Fichter

November 26: Linda Armstrong & Marsha Davis

Bulletin Sponsors

November 5: Painter

November 12: Trimble

November 19: Hall

November 26: AVAILABLE

If you are unable to serve on your Sunday, please trade with someone.

Bulletins may be sponsored with a donation of $15 per week, to offset the cost of the bulletins, and can be

given to the glory of God, in memory of someone, or in honor of someone. Note “Bulletins” in the memo

section of your check, and please call Melissa in the office if you’d like to sponsor the bulletins.

Flowers may be given on the altar any Sunday. There are forms on the bulletin board in the entryway.

Ask Melissa if you have questions.

Zion Echoes

Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated on November 5th

during our Fellowship Hour.

Veterans’ Appreciation Lunch will be on November 12th. Join us for a light lunch to honor those who have served our country!

Everything Gingerbread will be the theme for the November 26th Fellowship Hour. All manner of gingerbread goodies will be available!

The Congregational Meeting will be held on

Sunday, November 19th, following our worship service.

Please be here for this important meeting!

The Chime Choir will play during our December 17th service.

Rehearsals will be held following worship on November 5, 12, 26, December

3, and December 10, for about 20 minutes. ALL teens and adults are

welcome to join! You do not need to know how to read music to play the

handchimes, and it’s a lot of fun! Please see Rosemarie if you’d like to play.

Operation Christmas Child is now underway! Please consider packing a box for a

deserving child. We now have boxes available in the Fellowship Hall, and you’ll find

suggestions for packing the boxes in the bulletins and also on the box itself. Collection

week is November 13-20, so please have your boxes returned to the church by Sunday,

November 19th

.

The Sunday School children will sing during the December

17th worship service. Please watch the Sunday bulletins for

more information!

Zion Echoes

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

All members of Zion are invited to draw a picture or write a

poem depicting any aspect of the Christmas story as recorded in

Luke 2:8-30 and Matthew 2:7-11. Your picture or poem must be

in pencil or ink and have your name at the bottom. The choir will choose which

picture and poem best represent the Biblical account of the Christmas story and they will be

printed in the Christmas Eve bulletins, in the December newsletter and hung on the bulletin board

until Epiphany. Please give your entry to Rosemarie no later than Sunday, December 3.

Please thank everyone who had a part in the events for the 175th

Anniversary. The

Pig Roast was a huge success and delicious in every way and the dinner after

church was super. How wonderful to see the church nearly full again and so many

children participating. It gives me hope that our little country church will continue

into the future with so many hard working people behind the scenes. My

grandparents came here in the early 1900’s and brought my father, who in turn

brought all of his children. It is very sentimental to me after being gone so many

years.

Good job, people of Zion. I’m so proud of you and our church family.

Warmly, Barbara Burgh

Here it is soon to be Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and then it’s time to reveal

who your Secret Sister is. This year we will meet on December 4th

at 6:30 at the

church. We ask that you bring your favorite ornament to the party and tell us

about it. For those of you not already part of this special group of women, we

invite you to join us. Each year we pick a name for the next year. During the

year we pray for that person and let them know that we are thinking about them with a card or a small gift. If

you think you might like to join us, come on December 4th

with a wrapped $10.00 gift and be ready to enjoy

good food and good company.

We are looking for college addresses of our students currently in higher education. If

you know of anyone who is in college, and can provide their address (snail mail as well

as email!) please let Melissa know. We’d like to keep them up on what’s happening in

their church.

Zion Echoes

BOB AND JAN’S CHURCH BLOG

On Sunday, October 15th

, we were blessed with two visitors during our worship service—Bob and Jan Chess, who

visit area churches and highlight each church on their blog (http://ourchurchblog.blogspot.com/). Here are their

impressions of our church and church family:

Bob’s thoughts: We were welcomed by a number of people and it made me wonder what prompts folks to say hello. In a

church of 50 or so worshipers, visitors often stand out. I frequently seek someone who looks busy to ask how to get my

shut-in prayer information letter to the right person. Today a woman took the time to engage us in conversation, and in the

course of it I learned she has a ministry to their shut-in members. If God orchestrates something as simple as that for us, I

wonder what else He is doing in our lives every day.

She also stopped by during the Passing of Christ’s Peace to let us know we would be welcome to partake of Communion.

I noted a cross on the chancel and an interesting pattern of the painted wood paneled ceiling.

There was a prayer of dedication for the new cross on the steeple.

The congregation is searching for a new pastor and Pastor Susie was filling in. Her message today was from the Parable of

the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22. The sermon developed easily and included application. To God’s glory, believers’

names are now on the guest list.

She interjected a story of a woman’s troubles with her VW Beetle and I was reminded of a prank when I was young. VWs

were still new to Pittsburgh when two women in my church both bought one. There were few options then so they were

the same color but parked on opposite sides of the street. The challenge was too much for some teenaged boys: we

switched them and waited for the service to end. The concept that a couple of teens could move their car was beyond

comprehension. Wish I could remember how it ended.

The pastor told the congregation how she prays her way through the church directory. What a powerful thing, to have the

pastor praying for the individuals of the church.

We were addressed by name when we went up for Communion, a most friendly gesture.

We had a great few minutes with the pastor and others after the service. I wish we could have stayed for the social time

after.

Jan’s thoughts: This is one of the Lutheran churches that has been on our list for some time. It’s a lovely building, but the

treasure is its people. We were warmly greeted from the moment we entered the building, and a couple of gentlemen

struck up a conversation with Bob about military service. By the time we entered the sanctuary, eight or 10 people had

introduced themselves and welcomed us. During the Passing of the Peace more folks greeted us, and this continued even

after worship ended.

Occasionally when we visit a church we encounter someone who is especially welcoming, someone with whom we just

seem to click. Today we met a friend we had not met before who was warm and gracious. She stopped prior to worship to

introduce herself and chat, and then again before Communion to let us know that theirs is an open table and we were

welcome to partake. This sort of hospitality can make all the difference for first-time visitors, and we deeply appreciated

her kindness.

The church is between pastors at the moment, but as this is a Communion Sunday here, Pastor Susie, who lives nearby

and serves part-time, preached and administered Communion. Physically Pastor Susie has several challenges, but her

voice and faith are strong, along with her sense of gratitude.

Pastor Susie’s untitled message was a strong warning not to make excuses or put off accepting the invitation of the King

of Kings. I appreciated her reminder that “because Jesus was snubbed, our names are on the guest list.”

We were delighted to take part in Communion and I was touched when Pastor Susie handed me the Bread, spoke to me

and called me by name.

We appreciated the time taken by these new friends to chat after worship and we were overjoyed for the opportunity to lay

hands on and pray for Pastor Susie.

Our prayer for this church: Lord, we pray for this church as well as the spiritual leader You are preparing for them. We

trust Your care in this time of preparation and Your timing in bringing them together. Amen.

Zion Echoes

The following devotion was read at October’s Council Meeting.

Dear Congregation Council Members:

What can I say to you? I am a retired pastor who spent more than 30 years as the leader of a congregation, and several

more years as a part time interim of several congregations. You are leaders of a congregation, which may be large or

small, thriving or struggling, or may be somewhere in the middle. Probably you are not a full time worker in a

congregation, (although some of you may feel that way, sometimes). So, I repeat, what can I say to you?

Here is what I can say: that you are valuable and necessary; that you are not just a nameless, faceless, replaceable

component; that you are fulfilling a need, and not just a constitutional need, but a real need as a leader in a part of the

‘body of Christ’; that you have gifts and experiences and valuable qualities that can be shared; and that you are an

important asset to the congregation and to the pastor where you are a leader.

You may be thoughtful and insightful. You may be bold and outspoken. You may be willing to speak up and step

forward when everyone else is quiet and doesn’t want to be singled out and called on. You may have questions and need

to understand the ‘why’ of something. You may be all of these qualities or none of these. Still, in all of this, you are an

important and necessary part of this group that has the responsibility of leading your congregation.

This is a difficult time to be a leader of a congregation. Is it more so than other times? Perhaps. Nevertheless, it is a

difficult time. Many people are reluctant to step forward to assume a leadership position. They say that they are too busy,

or don’t want to get in the middle of some controversy, or already have too many responsibilities, or don’t feel capable.

You have said, “Yes, I will do this, “and you have.

You may find the task sometimes tedious or without reward. You may be glad when your term is over. Or you may be

surprised at the satisfaction you receive and the new relationships you have created. This may be your first term as a

member of council or you may be a ‘lifer’, someone who has served many, many terms.

In all of this, you are doing a job that is important and significant. One of the important tasks that you can do as a

member of this leadership group is to listen to what others are saying and to try and hear what they mean in what they are

saying. As others do, we bring a lot of ourselves with us to any gathering and that includes this congregation council of

which you are a part. Listen to what others have to say. Be open to those words. Risk sharing your own thoughts and

ideas. And join with these others to become, together, the leader that God has given you the opportunity to be.

--Rev. James A. Higgins, retired pastor

Formerly pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicora and Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Zelienople

These are powerful thoughts, and something to think about if you are asked to serve on our church’s

council. If asked, prayerfully consider stepping out of your comfort zone and serving the Church.

Zion Echoes

Minutes of Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Attendees: Chris Trimble, Shirley Fichter, Tom Bickert, Marsha Davis, Evelyn

Stephens, Al Stephens, Linda Armstrong, Pam Ferrainolo and local interim Pastor

Nathaneil Christman.

Devotions: Marsha opened the meeting with devotions.

Holy Cow program: Michelle Snyder of Crows Feet Consulting made a presentation on the “Holy Cow” assessment

program, designed to survey congregation members on their thoughts about where we are and how to move forward. The

program involves completing a questionnaire, either online or paper, which has no more than 100 questions and takes

about 20 minutes to complete. Once the information is gathered, the consulting firm compiles an assessment and analysis

for review by council and the congregation.

It takes about a month of “marketing” to let the congregation know about the program and encourage participation, and

about a three-week window for members to complete the survey. The assessment is usually complete within 48 hours. We

would have input on what questions are asked, although there are about 85 questions that are standard. Marsha, Pam and

Evelyn volunteered to be on a committee to determine specific questions for Zion.

The cost to us is $1,165. Council approved going forward and participating in the program on a motion by Marsha and

second by Pam.

Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the Sept. 12 meeting were reviewed. There was one correction. Council agreed last

month to purchase a carpet scrubber at a cost of not more than $250.

The minutes and correction were approved a motion by Marsha and second by Evelyn.

Treasurer’s Report: SEPTEMBER 2017:

As of 9/30/17 As of 8/31/17

Checking 62,451.42$ 62,149.24$

Petty Cash 25.00 25.00

Cash Balance 62,476.42$ 62,174.24$

Less: Capital Improvements 14,800.57 17,275.57

Less: Designated Funds 24,340.34 23,010.18

Less: Payroll Tax Withholding (3.23) 487.78

Current Budgeted Funds Available 23,338.74$ 21,400.71$

Contributions by envelope and plate for September (4 Sundays) were $9,709.00. Compared to our budgeted amount of

$7,867.52 giving was $1,841.48 more than was needed to meet monthly budget. Receipts exceeded our budgeted amount

on two Sundays last month. Envelope giving to date in 2017 totals $88,919.00 (39 Sundays), and we are $12,210.68 over

budget.

It is important to understand that although our checking account shows $62,451.42 most of that money is in

designated accounts and can only be used for that specific account. The amount that we actually have to pay our

bills is $23,338.74. Our average weekly attendance for September was 52.

Rex Energy – Miscellaneous (Account #980)

Opening Balance was $2,907.99. September receipts were $228.65. September disbursements were $76.22 (Cemetery

Association). Ending balance for September was $3,060.42.

The September report was reviewed. Council agreed to eliminate Account 120 (Pulpit Supply) and move that money to

Account 150 (Altar Care). Motion was made by Tom and a second came from Evelyn.

Council approved the treasurer’s report on a motion by Marsha and second by Pam.

Zion Echoes

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Christman presented his report for September, which showed 248.3 miles driven for visitations

and Zion matters, and 28.5 hours committed to Zion. He also noted a reminder to call or text him if pastoral care is

needed.

Also, council presented Pastor Christman with a card and token of appreciation for his work since this is Pastor

Appreciation Month.

OLD BUSINESS

Call Committee: The committee has met and will meet again Oct. 29.

Meeting with St. Paul’s members: There is nothing new to report at this time since the bishop has scheduled a meeting

with members of St. Paul’s council.

Car Payment: Pastor Susie thanked the congregation on Sunday for the decision (unknown to her) to make four

payments on her new vehicle in appreciation for all she has done for Zion.

Membership List: Linda has prepared a list of active and inactive members. We will use the list of contributors from last

year to determine who on the active list is considered a voting member (someone who has communed at least once the

previous year and made a contribution of record).

500th

Anniversary: Pastor Susie will be here for worship and communion on Oct. 29, Reformation Sunday. We will have

cake after worship as we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation.

NEW BUSINESS

Confirmation: An outline of confirmation requirements used for the joint confirmation class for youth from English, St.

Paul’s and Zion Lutheran churches was distributed.

There was much discussion on how to handle requests from youth (and their parents) that confirmation education be

handled at Zion, rather than in a joint class.

It was decided that the Education Committee will work on establishing some guidelines for confirmation and we will

consider ways to offer instruction in-house.

Lutheran Extension Society: Council agreed to renew our membership, at a cost of $50, on a motion by Shirley and

second by Marsha.

Envelopes: With the cost of mailing contribution envelopes to members increasing, council agreed to go back to having a

box of envelopes for the entire year printed for members who use them. The approval, to spend $217.75 on the envelopes,

came on a motion by Tom and second by Pam.

New Member: Council formally approved Bill Gasior as a new member of Zion on a motion by Linda and second by

Pam.

Budget: Council reviewed a proposed budget presented by Chris. There were some minor changes made, but ultimately

council approved a preliminary budget for 2018 of $85,211.58, which requires a weekly collection of $1,638.68. The

approval came on a motion by Pam and second by Evelyn.

Chris also prepared a budget that would have included a pastor’s salary at the Synod-established minimum. In such a

scenario, our budget would be $140,486.54 and require a weekly collection of $2,701.66. Council agreed it was important

to make the congregation aware of that significant difference as we look to the future.

Blog Review: The couple who worshipped with us on Sunday compiles a blog of their visits to churches in the area,

something they have been doing for several years. They were very complimentary of Zion’s members and the welcoming

attitude displayed to them. The address to read their review is: ourchurchblog.blogspot.com

TEAM REPORTS

Property: The new cross was placed on top of the steeple on Monday, October 2, by Alex Restoration. A few of our

members—Al & Evelyn Stephens, Jim & Debbie Muders, and Tom Davis managed to get to the church for this glorious

occasion. It took about 1.5 hours for the placement of the cross and after it was placed the sun shined upon it and it was

one of the most beautiful sights we had ever seen. The cross was dedicated to the Glory of God on Sunday October 15th

by Pastor Susie Esseck and we wish to thank Jima and Debbie Muders for their generous contribution.

At the parsonage the dirt has been spread and the grass seed planted and the extra parking pad completed, thanks to Don

Grubbs, Denny Bintrim and Doug Trimble.

Through the fall and winter months the property team plans on painting the offices, both restrooms, and removing the old

wallpaper and repainting the Fellowship Hall.

DONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: during all the preparations for the start of our 175th anniversary, the carpet in the

Fellowship Hall was badly stained, so the Food Cupboard agreed to have it cleaned for our special day. It was cleaned by

Porter’s Carpet Car and generously paid for by the Food Cupboard as they also use the Fellowship Hall. So a special

thank you goes out to them.

--Submitted by Al Stephens

Zion Echoes

Fellowship: The following events are planned for November:

November 5: Birthday & Anniversary celebration

November 12: Light lunch to honor our veterans

November 26: Everything Gingerbread fellowship hour

--Submitted by Evelyn Stephens

Meeting Human Needs: The Turkey Trot is underway. Lydia Wright has chosen to use one of the turkeys to create her

own mission, that is, to collect money to help the hurricane victims. We are happy to see a young person step up to help.

Thank you, Lydia. We are collecting items for the Christmas Child Boxes, and the deadline is Sunday, November 19. We

will be scheduling the Salvation Army bell ringing at BiLo as soon as they get the schedule out.

--Submitted by Marsha Davis

Worship: The Worship Team met with Pastor Nathaneil in attendance. Worship assistants were assigned. Preparations

for the Advent season began. The church will be decorated for the holiday season on December 3rd

, and we are waiting to

hear from the Synod about pastors for all of the season’s services. Rosemarie is planning a Hand Chime Choir

performance for Advent as well as having the children sing. Christian Education: On September 10

th we celebrated returning to Sunday School with Rally Day. Invitations were

sent out to children through grade 7 as a reminder. We had 17 people in attendance. After worship there was a light

lunch of meatball hoagies and side dishes from Saturday’s pig roast. Sunday School is open to anyone ages 3 to 103.

Sunday School begins at 9:15 with worship at 10:30. As Christians we need to continue learning of God and his love for

us so that we can continue to grow in our faith! Hope to see you there.

We also dispersed last year’s Sunday School offering. We gave $250.00 to each of the following: Glade Run (Back to

School Supplies), Lutherlyn, Meals on Wheels, The Lighthouse Foundation and Stella. We also gave $150.00 to

Building/Maintenance and $100.00 towards our 175th Anniversary. During the 2017-2018 Sunday School year we would

welcome suggestions on where you would like to see the offering go.

Stewardship: No other business other than the proposed budget.

Every Member Involvement: Linda will be teaching a CPR class after service on Oct. 22.

Executive Team: No report.

CONSTITUTION REVIEW

Give the lateness of the hour, it was agreed to postpone the second half of the constitution review until next month.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. The meeting was moved because of several conflicts for council

members.

Money Counters: Money counters for November are as follows:

Nov. 5: Chris and Pam

Nov. 12: Tom and Al

Nov. 19: Evelyn and Shirley

Nov. 26: Linda and Marsha

Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m. on a motion by Shirley and second by Marsha. Council

closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Submitted,

Tom Bickert

Council Secretary

FUNNY, ISN’T IT……

Funny how a $10 bill looks so big when you take it to church, but so small when you take it to the market.

Funny how long it takes to serve God for an hour, but how quickly a team plays 60 minutes of football.

Funny how hard it is to read a chapter in the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a best-selling novel.

Funny how we can’t think of anything to say when we pray, but don’t have difficulty thinking of things to talk

about to a friend.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

FUNNY, ISN’T IT??