Post on 05-Jul-2020
January 2018
The Pastor’s Ponderings
Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com
Zion’s 2018 Council Members
Elder & President ........................................ Fred Walker
Elder & Vice-President ............................... Jody Stanley
Secretary ................................................. Barb Hardwick
Deacons ................................................. Allen Stallsmith
Mike Clamme
Tim Stanley
Trustees ......................................................... Mark Prout
Neil Stroble
Max Langdon
Treasurer ................................................. Dennis Walker
Financial Secretaries .................................Claretta Dutro
Nyla Hile
As I write this, I sit in a hotel
room on our way to Minnesota to
see Sarah’s family. It’s always a
long drive, especially in the dead
of winter, but it is always worth it
to reconnect with family again. It may be cliché, but it’s
true – family’s family, no matter how far away you live.
And yet families are far more than biologically-
based relationships. Sarah and I have found you all at
Zion to be a wonderful extended family for us since I
began my call with you over seven years ago. Families, I
think, are marked by a connection that transcend most of
our other relationships. We all tend to be more invested
in family relationships, which is why there can be so
much joy and pain, love and hate in them. Joys in a fami-
ly can be great – the birth of a child, a graduation, a mar-
riage. The pain can also be great, or greater sometimes.
Wounds can be opened that don’t heal easily, if ever.
Which is why I find the story of Jesus’ family so
fascinating. Jesus’ own family is a hodgepodge of char-
acters. You might remember that on the First Sunday of
Advent, December 3, we heard about a number of people
in Jesus’ family. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had their
foibles. Tamar and Judah, Rahab, King David and Bath-
sheba – Jesus’ family line is marked by people with great
virtues and great faults. Even in Jesus’ own immediate
family, we hear that Mary and Joseph are people of great
faith, and yet later in the gospels his mother and brothers
are a bit put out by Jesus’ career choice (see Mark 3:32-
35 and John 7:5).
This just shows me that Jesus’ family is just as lia-
ble to unbelief and sin as the rest of us. This should give
us hope and comfort. If God could use such flawed peo-
ple to bring about the salvation of the world, surely God
can use flawed people like us. We may not be Jesus’ bio-
logical family, but because of our connection to him
through baptism, we are his adopted brothers and sisters.
We are members of God’s family – and therefore
God has a purpose for us. God keep that purpose in our
hearts and minds as we begin a new year.
Love to you all,
Pr. David
Epiphany Service
Saturday, January 6th, is the Day
of the Epiphany. We will have an
Epiphany service with Holy Commun-
ion in the fellowship hall at 7:00 p.m.
Join Pr. David for a Bible study on
the Psalms, beginning on Wednesday,
January 10th at 5:00 p.m.
Zion’s Annual Meeting
The 2018 Annual Meeting of
Zion Lutheran Church will be
held on Sunday, January 28th.
Please join us for a Carry-in Din-
ner following the worship service.
The meeting will be held after the dinner.
Bible Study on the Psalms
January 2018
November 2017 Council Minutes
Congregation Council met on November
9, 2017.
Fred Walker, vice president, called
the congregation council meeting to or-
der on October 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Devotions on being thankful were
presented by Cathy Willmann.
Present: Dennis Walker, Anita Reid, Tom Arm-
strong, Neil Stroble, Mark Prout, Cathy Willmann, Fred
Walker, and Pastor David Fleener
Absent: Larry Hile, Drew Walker, Mike Clamme,
Sandy Langdon, and Allen Stallsmith
Secretary’s Report was approved as written by a
motion made by Tom Armstrong and seconded by Mark
Prout. Motion carried.
Items added to agenda: Senior Citizens’ Center do-
nation under new business.
Pastor’s Report: Pastoral Care in October—Pastor’s
totals: 7 shut-ins, 1 sick/hospital, 7 home/hospital com-
munions
Deacons’ Fund use in October—Check 1039 - $100
to Ryllo LLC (rent payment). Helped individual with
$30 in gas on 10/29. Replenished $50 in cash in office
for gas assistance with check 1040.
Christian Education—The storms last Sunday
caused our Confirmation class to be cancelled. The next
class will be on November 12th. We are finishing up the
Old Testament unit. Whenever we meet again, we will
watch the PBS documentary Martin Luther: The Idea
That Changed the World as an introduction to Luther’s
life and Lutheran theology.
We began a study of 1st Thessalonians on Wednes-
day.
Reformation Dinner and future possibilities: The
Reformation Dinner was very well attended. About 100
people came that evening to hear Fr. Al Naseman’s
presentation. Thanks to all who helped pick up sand-
wiches, set up, and clean up.
Fr. Dave Newton and I had lunch on Tuesday to
discuss possible future cooperation. At some point, I will
give a presentation at the Catholic church on Lutherans
and Lutheranism. We have also discussed having Sr. Ri-
ta give a presentation, community-wide, to us on various
kinds of prayer.
Other events in October:
1 – Worship at Crown Pointe
9, 16, 23, 30 – “Joe and Jesus” lectionary study at Com-
mon Grounds
10 – ECIC Ministerium at Holy Trinity, Muncie
10, 17, 24, 31 – Blackford County Community Choir
rehearsal
11 – Mission and Ministry meeting
12 – Mentoring orientation at Northside School
12 – Lunch at the Pickle with Blackford County pastors
14 – Helping Hands Benefit Dinner at Lake Placid
16 – Budget meeting
20-21 – Spiritual Companionship Program session at
Mahseh Center, Kewanna
25 – Installation of Pr. Matt Masko at Holy Trinity, New
Castle
26 – Trunk-or-Treat prep
27 – Trunk-or-Treat downtown
Upcoming events—At Michelle Walker’s invita-
tion, I will attend the Truth at Work Conference at North
-view Church in Carmel this Friday, November 10th.
This conference is intended to help both religious and
secular leaders connect their faith to the contemporary
marketplace.
I will attend the Reformation Panel and Discussion
on Saturday, November 11th at Holy Trinity, Lafayette.
Zion hosts the Community Thanksgiving Service on
Sunday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. The Community
Choir will sing and Pr. Ron Branson from Grace UMC
will preach.
At the request of the synod office, I have agreed to
serve as vacancy pastor at Church of the Cross, Muncie.
I am responsible for attending a council meeting once
per month (the next will be Monday, Nov. 20th at 6 p.m.)
and for providing emergency pastoral care (hospitaliza-
tions, funerals).
As I was unable to offer a worship service at Crown
Pointe this past Sunday, I will offer one on Sunday, No-
vember 26th at 4 p.m.
Committee reports—Parish Ed: Cancelled confir-
mation classes last week because of storm.
Worship/Music/Memorial: Dennis Walker
Meeting next week.
Land Use: Waiting until spring to bless the bell tow-
er and land.
Constitution Committee: Mark Prout and Fred Walker
Motion to accept revision but wait until more council
members are present by Neil Stroble. Seconded by Mark
Prout.
Mission and Ministry: Cathy Willmann
Jody and Tim Stanley delivered the Wernle dona-
tions. Cathy Willmann delivered the Senior Citizen do-
nations. Wet night for Trunk or Treat but successful.
(continued on following page)
Mark Prout made a motion to accept all committee
reports. Tom Armstrong seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
Council reports—Treasurer’s Report: Dennis Walk-
er - as printed - October 2017 report
Motion to accept all council reports by Neil Stroble.
Mark Prout seconded the motion. Motion carried.
New Business:
Motion was made by Mark Prout and seconded by
Neil Stroble to designate the Thanksgiving and loose of-
ferings to Helping Hands and the Food Pantry (50%
each) and the Advent and Christmas and loose offerings
50% to the Food Pantry, 25 % Wernle, and 25% Grace
Village. Motion carried.
Senior Citizens’ Center donations were discussed.
Generous donations were received and donated. Mem-
bers always have the option to not donate.
1.2018 Budget was discussed. Neil Stroble made a mo-
tion to accept the budget. Mark Prout seconded it. Mo-
tion carried.
Church security was discussed. Will discuss again
next month and also seek guidelines from the Synod.
Soup Suppers: December 6, 13, 20
Donations from Council members on the 13th. Will
email everyone about donating 2 soups, 30 sandwiches,
and 2 desserts.
Closing: The meeting was adjourned with everyone
praying The Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting: December 14, 2017 with Tom Arm-
strong giving devotions.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Willmann, Recording Secretary
January 2018
Council Minutes continued 2018 Council Members Newly elected congregational officers for the year
2018 include:
Elder and Vice-President - Jody Stanley
Recording Secretary - Barb Hardwick
Deacon - Tim Stanley
Trustee - Max Langdon
Financial Secretary - Claretta Dutro
Financial Secretary - Nyla Hile
Cemetery Trustee - Isola Banter
Thanks to all who agreed to be on the ballot for
Council.
Other council members and cemetery trustees remain-
ing in 2018 include:
Elder and President - Fred Walker
Deacon - Allen Stallsmith
Deacon - Mike Clamme
Trustee - Mark Prout
Trustee - Neil Stroble
Treasurer - Dennis Walker
Cemetery Trustee - Tim Stanley
Cemetery Trustee - Eldon Willmann
Thanks to all outgoing members for their faithful ser-
vice.
Larry Hile
Cathy Willmann
Drew Walker
Tom Armstrong
Anita Reid
Sandy Langdon
Bill Hiday
January Lectionary Readings
Epiphany of Our Lord - January 6th
1st Reading - Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
2nd Reading - Ephesians 3:1-12
Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12
Baptism of Our Lord - January 7th
1st Reading - Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
2nd Reading - Acts 19:1-7
Gospel - Mark 1:4-11
Epiphany 2 - January 14th
1st Reading - 1 Samuel 3:1-20
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Gospel - John 1:43-51
Epiphany 3 - January 21st
1st Reading - Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel - Mark 1:14-20
Epiphany 4 - January 28th
1st Reading - Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
2nd Reading - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Gospel - Mark 1:21-28
January 2018
Are you feeling the squeeze between managing your ca-reer, helping your children get started in life—and trying to assist your aging parents? Adding another “to do” to your list may not be easy, but making time to have a heart-to-heart talk with your parents can be well worth the effort. Talking about your parents’ future now, including the care they may need and end-of-life deci-sions, can help take some of the stress out of your life—and theirs. Often, it’s difficult to know how to begin the discussion. Here’s a tip: Start small. For example, rather than discussing the content of legal documents, such as a will, begin by find-ing out where your parents keep the following documents and items. In other words, take a financial inventory and update it annually. Legal documents: proper ty deeds, wills, trusts, living wills, health care and financial directives, and birth, marriage and military discharge certificates. Contact information: attorneys, accountants, finan-cial planners, physicians and anyone else who provides finan-cial, legal, or medical advice and care. Current account information: type, number and insti-tution for all financial accounts, including checking, savings, retirement, investment, loans and insurance contracts. Valuables and collectibles: location and descr iption of any valuables, such as jewelry, silver or gold, and collectibles, such as stamps and coins.
Piecemakers will meet in the
fellowship hall on January 9th and
23rd at 9:00 a.m. to make quilts.
Piecemakers
A Message from Thrivent Financial
Talk to Your Aging Parents Before It’s Too Late
Instructions: funeral, bur ial and obituary information. Keep in mind that the process of finding out your par-ents' future needs and intentions won't happen in a day. By breaking the information-gathering process into small, man-ageable conversations, you can help ensure your parents’ wishes will be carried out. This way, everyone can feel reas-sured knowing you’re prepared for the future. Get financial guidance to help you prepare for the future. Contact Michelle Walker, CFP®, FIC, CLTC® at (765) 212-2307 or michelle.walker@thrivent.com, or visit Thrivent.com. There, you’ll find helpful information and resources, including a checklist to help start “the talk” with your aging parents. For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial has been helping members be wise with money and live generously.
Thrivent Financial and its representatives and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Finan-cial representative and, as appropriate, your attorney and tax professional for additional information. Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also li-censed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. 25880 R8-14
The Zion Herald January 2018
“Happy are those whose strength is in God, in
whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5)
Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. with Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church
308 S. Monroe Street
Hartford City, IN 47348
David Fleener, Pastor
Church Office: 348-3157
zionluth.hc@gmail.com
fleeneda@gmail.com
www.zionhc.org
Serving the Lord in Gladness
January 2018 Lay Ministry Servers
Greeters
Ushers Lectors
Assisting Ministers
Jan. 7 Chris and Michelle Monce—Chris and Tiann Coy
Jan. 14 Pat Gillis—Dorothy Hale
Jan. 21 Eldon and Ann Willmann—Claretta Dutro
Jan. 28 Steve and Viola Willmann—Eldon and Ann Willmann
Jan. 7 Allen Stallsmith, Mike Clamme, Tim Stanley and Cindy Knote
Jan. 14 Allen Stallsmith, Larry Gibson, Eldon Willmann and Cindy Knote
Jan. 21 Mike Clamme, Larry Gibson, Eldon Willmann and Cindy Knote
Jan. 28 Tim Stanley, Larry Gibson, Eldon Willmann and Cindy Knote
Jan. 7 Chris Coy
Jan. 14 Sandy Langdon
Jan. 21 Carolyn Goetz
Jan. 28 Cindy Knote
Jan. 7 Mark Prout
Jan. 14 Jody Stanley
Jan. 21 Sarah Fleener
Jan. 28 Mark Prout
Acolytes
Jan. 7 Keaton Walker and Bryce Stroble
Jan. 14 Kaylin Clamme and Ryne Clamme
Jan. 21 Keaton Walker and Kaylin Clamme
Jan. 28 Bryce Stroble and Sydney Stroble
January Birthdays
Carolyn Chandler 1-12
Pat Gillis 1-12
Val Hiatt 1-12
Mike Clamme 1-14
Elonda Pethtel 1-19
Virginia Langdon 1-23
Larry Hile 1-28