December 2011 Newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH BUFFALO, MN DECEMBER 2011

O f f i c e@ Zi on Bu f f a l o . o r g ( 7 63 ) 6 82 - 12 45 w ww. Z i on Bu f f a l o . o r g

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary with nursery available 9:45 am Family Express in Trinity Hall 10:30 am Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School

Available for children age 3 to grade 6 at 8:30 and 10:30 during the school year.

Wednesday Nights

Programs for elementary students, choirs, handbells, confirmation and supper during the school year.

Contact Us

Email [email protected] Online www.ZionBuffalo.org Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (noon summer Fridays) Church Office 763.682.1245 Fax 763.684.1967 Street Address 1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across from 13th St S.) Mailing Address PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

Prayer Requests

Call the church office at 763.682.1245 or visit Zion online at ZionBuffalo.org with your prayer requests. If you want a pastoral visit or would like to be included in pastoral prayers during worship, please use a yellow pew card or call the church office.

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

Zion maintains a database of all members. If you have had any changes to your address, phone number, marital status, etc. please contact Angela with your name, phone number and the changes that need to be made.

If You Are Ill

Hospitals no longer notify churches when their members are admitted for care. Call 763.682.1245 and let us know so we can support you with prayer and with presence.

Weekly Bulletin Insert

The weekly bulletin announcement insert is also available to download as a PDF at ZionBuffalo.org/Weekly. Contact Diane Montplaisir with submissions as early in the week as possible, but no later than Thursdays at noon.

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

December 8 at 8am for January 2012 Issue

January 16 at 8am for February Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Months Cover Our worship theme this Advent and Christmas is

the Names of Jesus.

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life


Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director


Roxie Otten: Co-Director of Christian Education


Holly Husom: Co-Director of Christian Education


Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Diane Montplaisir: Administrative Secretary


Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Ryan Bjokne: Facilities & Grounds Manager

[email protected]

Louis Nagel: Part Time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Laurel Lundeen: Nursery Staff

Launi Stuhr & Jolene Halek: Kids Place Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator

Congregational Council

Kevin Bergquist

Roger Brenny

Bill Deneen

Mike Davis

Kelly Hanson

Devonne Kent

Beverly Koopman

Sue Lyrek

Colleen Manninen

Scott Morin

Steve Peterson

Wanda Weber

Zion seeks to share Christs word, strengthen faith and serve those in need. 2

Information

Back to What Matters

The stars hung from nearly invisible lines strung the length of the sanctuary. They filled the air over our heads and the glitter covering them would sparkle from the lights on the big trees up front. There was a sense of anticipation and excitement you could almost reach out and touch. It didnt have anything to do with gifts, it wasnt about Santa, it was about waiting for the world to be changed.

Every year as Christmas approaches, I try to recapture that feeling from my childhood. The sense of awe and mystery and waiting that lives in Advent. And almost every year I feel as though Christmas comes and goes and that feeling never quite arrives the way Id hoped. I could spend time trying to backtrack my experiences, maybe see if there is some special catalyst there, or I could just go all the way back to the source.

This year Im trying something new. Im going to get back to what matters, get back to the real meaning of Christmas, Christs presence with us. So if the first gift of Christmas was Jesus presence, Im going to follow suit and give presence of my own. Yes, Ill give presents as well, but they will have a more personal connection. They will be handmade (watch out) or consist of adventures or something that includes the whole family, or those great coupons you made for people when you were a kid that are good for a room cleaning or car wash, but the adult version would be a house cleaning, car wash, window washing, nice dinner out as a couple. I think a bit of the magic that surrounded Christmas was simply that we lived into it. We do things that families do during the Christmas season (yes, the whole family) - we go sledding, we bake cookies, we read the Christmas story from Lukes gospel together, we watch the Grinch. We need to be a community that understands the importance of giving presence this Christmas, just as Jesus first came to dwell among us.

Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 4

Second Sunday of Advent

Mark 1:1-8

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday, December 11

Third Sunday of Advent

8:30 and 10:30 worship services will

include students from preschool to

grade 6 in A Christmas Carol to Remember childrens Sunday School program.

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Sunday, December 18

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Carols Choirs and Celebration

Luke 1:26-38

Saturday, December 24

Christmas Eve

The 3pm and 5pm services will include

a special time for the children to

come forward to see Jesus birthday cake up close and hear a special

message. Nursery care provided at

both services.

The 11pm Candlelight service will

include the Zion Christmas Choir.

Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday, December 25

Christmas Day

One Worship service at 10am

Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20

John 1:1-14

Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday, January 1

First Sunday of Christmas

One Worship service at 10am

Luke 2:22-40

Pastor Luke Preaching

From the Pastor

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Did you know Pastor Luke has a blog? Log in to Zions Table at ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org to read his latest post!

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas from the Schmidts, Luke, Jess,

Kate and Will

Births

October 20

Milo Cole Zumach, son of Dean & Mysti

October 23

Elise Ann Torgrimson, daughter of Aaron &

Kristy

Baptisms

October 9

Mason Michael Frederick Busch

October 16

London Rose-Marie Hasher

October 30

Colton Keith Jacques

Charlie Marie Hackett

Jeremy Olson

Weddings

October 1

Ellorie Martinson & Chad Liljequist at Zion

October 8

Jordan Haglund & Riley Hitz at Zion

October 29

Christopher Skeen & Sara VanderVan at

Zion

Funerals

October 18

Dale Karels

Active Military

Please Pray For

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Brag, NC

Doug Pecarina

Deployed to Kuwait

Ben Pecarina

Stationed in Turkey

DeAnna Strommen

Will Dobbins

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar, CA

Charles Mandery

Army National Guard

Chris Paulsen-Schmidt

Stationed at Norfolk, VA

Christopher Brophy

Stationed at Fort Riley, KS

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX

Successful Lutefisk Dinner

Over 400 people were served at the 2011 Lutefisk Dinner on Friday, October 28. The Lutefisk committee thanks all the volunteers for their efforts, from meatball preparation on Monday to potatoes and rutabagas on Thursday, to the making of apple crisp on Thursday, to the dinner itself on Friday night. After all of the financial processing is complete, the committee will determine how the proceeds will support various Zion and community organizations.

Additional photos can be seen on Zions Facebook page: ZionBuffalo.facebook.com.

Please mark Friday, October 26, 2012 on your calendar for the next Zion Lutefisk Dinner.

Global Mission Dessert Event

The Global Missions Committee invites you to the First Annual Global Mission Dessert Event on Monday, December 5, at 7pm, to celebrate Zions mission in Africa. There is no cost to attend, but donations are welcome to support Matildas surgery (see Pen Pal Updates on page 8) and AKCLI projects.

Meet Kathleen Schwartz (Minda Squadronis sister from Villages of Hope) and hear her first-hand report on AKCLI

Hear about plans for a Zion mission trip to Zambia in July 2012 (see page 8)

Taste Pastor Lukes world famous bread pudding topped with sauce made from a secret recipe!

Enjoy Free Trade coffee and special music by The Rainbow Singers

Senior Appreciation Dinner

Thursday, December 15

Zion staff will host a Christmas Dinner for Zionaires and homebound members on Thursday, December 16. There will be a worship service with communion at 11am, followed by dinner and entertainment provided by the church staff. Please make your reservation by December 12 by calling the church office at 763.682.1245. Rides are available.

News & Views

4

Annual Meeting December 4

The Annual Congregational Meeting of Zion Lutheran Church will be held in Trinity Hall on Sunday, December 4, following the 10:30 service (at approximately 11:30 am). All voting members are requested to attend, and should have received further meeting information by mail. A voting member is defined as confirmed, communing, & contributing.

Vision Task Force

At the Annual meeting on Sunday, December 4, the Vision Task Force will briefly review the visioning work the congregation has been engaged in over the past year.

The meeting packet mailed to voting members includes the Vision Document which outlines:

Zions Mission & Vision

A brief history of the visioning process

The 3 initiatives and their accompanying strategic plans

The motion for acceptance of the Vision, Initiatives and Strategic Plans.

If you missed the sermons that explained each of these initiatives, you can hear them at: ZionBuffalo.org/podcast (sermon dates: Sep 11 Oct 2). If you have further questions please check out ZionBuffalo.org/reaching for answers to frequently asked questions, or ask a pastor or Vision Task Force member.

As the Vision Task Force winds down, we thank you for your input, support and prayers that have helped us in this visioning process. A new Vision Team will be formed soon to carry the vision forward as we Step Into Tomorrow.

Chrismon Tree at WCHS

The Zionaires invite you to go to the Wright County Historical Society in Buffalo to see the beautiful Chrismon tree they decorated as part of the 5th Annual Festival of Trees. The Rural Life Gallery is filled with many beautiful Christmas decorations which will be on display throughout December (Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm).

Chrismons are symbols of the Christian church. The word means Christ's Monogram-CHRISt's MONogram. All are made of a combination of gold and white. White is the liturgical color of Christmas referring to our Lord's Perfection and Purity. Gold refers to His Majesty and Glory. The tiny white lights point to Christ, "Light of the World." Pearls represent the work of the Lord. Chrismons are placed on the evergreen tree as symbols of eternal life which the Savior has won for us.

Get Your Krumkake

December 4 and 11

The Christmas season brings out the

Scandinavian in many Minnesotans!

We'll eat our share of lutefisk and

meatballs, lefse and the rest of the

Scandinavian treats including

krumkake.

This holiday season the Zion Pipe

Organ task force will help you with your

holiday baking by offering krumkake for

sale. Why krumkake? They look like

little organ pipes, of course!

Krumkake will be on sale Sundays,

December 4 and 11. The price will be

$10 for 10 pieces or 2 boxes for $18.

Thank you to all who have supported

the pipe organ repair. Work is

scheduled to begin on the project in

early January and be completed by

February 2012.

5

Wednesday Supper Menu

Theres a tasty meal waiting for you every Wednesday from 5-6:15pm in the

Fellowship Hall for a suggested donation

of $3 per plate. The best deal in town!

December 7: Sloppy Joes

December 14: Tacos

December 20: Sub Sandwiches

December 28: No Supper (Winter Break)

Meals will be served each week until the

end of the school year excluding school

breaks.

If you are interested in volunteering to

help serve Wednesday suppers, please

contact Cindy Bonde at [email protected]

or 763.684.1467.

Baptism Class

Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is

asked to attend a class prior to the date of

the baptism. Expectant parents, as well as

those who already are parents, may

attend the class. Scheduling of baptisms

will take place at the class.

The next classes are Sunday, December

11, at noon or Wednesday, January 4, at

6pm. Register at ZionBuffalo.org/

Baptism or by calling the office.

Membership Class

Those who are ready for a deeper

commitment to this ministry are invited to

the next Membership Class at 11:45am

on Sunday, January 29. This orientation

to membership provides a brief overview

of Lutheran Christian beliefs and

practices, the ministries of Zion, and

expectations of members. Those that

decide to become members will be

formally received into our congregation

on the following Sunday, February 5.

St. Lucia Supper: Something for Everyone

Sign up now to attend the annual St. Lucia supper at Zion, on Monday, December 12 at 6pm. This year's supper will feature some of the traditions of past suppers, a visit from St. Lucia, as well as guest Donna Erickson and musicians from the wRight Ringer Handbell Ensemble.

The St. Lucia celebration is a Swedish tradition that highlights Lucia, a saint who is known for her bravery in giving up her possessions to give food to those in need. Today, St. Lucia Day is often celebrated as the oldest daughter in the family brings breakfast to the family, wearing a crown of lights. The Zion supper is held on the eve of St. Lucia Day in hopes that families will be able to celebrate the next morning, even if only in a small way at home.

Guest speaker for the Zion supper this year is television personality Donna Erickson, who will share her memories of the St. Lucia traditions experienced with her family during the years they lived and taught in Sweden. She will also bring ideas about keeping family activities alive to bring generations together.

Donna Erickson is the host of the award-wining series Donnas Day which was seen on PBS Channel 2 and is a guest on Twin Cities Live, shown on KSTP channel 5. She is also the author of Prime Time Togetherwith Kids and More Prime Time Activities with Kids. Her syndicated column, Donnas Day, appears in newspapers nationwide.

In addition to Donna Erickson's visit for the evening, all will be treated to a light supper of soups, breads, cheeses, and Scandinavian specialties including homemade Lucia rolls, Scandinavian fruit soup. The wRight Ringer Handbell Ensemble will provide music for the advent/Christmas season.

All are invited to come for an informal evening, brimming with wonderful food, music and stories that will help lessen the stress of the season and hopefully provide some great ideas that can be taken home for use on St. Lucia Day and into the Christmas season. All ages are welcome to come for the supper. Suggested donation for the supper is $3/person or $10/family. Nursery is available, but food is not provided in the nursery. Please sign up by December 7 by calling the church office, signing up at the information desk, or online at ZionBuffalo.org/News/Events.

Fellowship & Study

ZionBuffalo.org/News/Events 6

Bible Study for Women

Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith is an inter-generational study for all women, either new to studying Gods Word or more experienced. This study will be led by Donna Magnan on Wednesdays at 9:30am, in the Zion Library, starting November 30.

Do you take God at His Word, believing what He has told us, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers? If your response is Of course I believe in God, Ive believed in God all my life, you need to look closer at what God is asking of us. God doesnt ask us to simply believe in Him He wants us to Believe Him.

Based on Isaiah 43:10, this study explores what it means to believe God. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses and others from Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believed God, Beth will encourage us to deepen our own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him.

All women are welcome to participate in this study. Please contact Donna Magnan at 972.6403 with any questions.

Flute Choir Forming for

December 18

Do you call yourself a flute player?

flutist? flautist? fluter? piper? What

ever you'd like to be called, you have

an invitation to be a part of the Zion

Flute Choir, a new short-term

ensemble for the Christmas season

this year.

If you have two years or more of

flute experience, you are welcome!

The Flute Choir will play at Family

Express worship on Sunday,

December 18. Kristi Wagner, flute

performer, music teacher at

Hanover Elementary school, and

director of Zion's Joy Choir will lead

the ensemble.

Do you have flute player friends?

Invite them! They do not need to be

Zion members to be a part of the

ensemble.

Rehearsals are scheduled. Bring

your flute and a music stand. Come

to as many rehearsals as possible.

Wed., 12/7 at 6pm (choir room)

Sun., 12/ 11 at 9:45am (bell room)

Wed., 12/ 14 at 6pm (choir room)

Remember that you have the easy option

of Wednesday night suppers at Zion

before or after rehearsal.

Sign up by calling the Zion office

(763.682.1245 ext. 307), talking with

Kristi Wagner, or emailing

[email protected]. If you'd like

the music to practice before the first

rehearsal, contact Kristi or Sherilyn.

Sign Up for Prayer Sisters

A Prayer Sister is someone you are

partnered with for the year, whom you

remember in daily prayer. You also send

cards and/or gifts for special occasions, or

whenever God moves you to do so; He

knows when she needs a day brightener.

The following December, the identity of your

Prayer Sister is revealed to you at the

annual Christmas Tea. Sign up by December

25 to participate in the 2012 program (also

available online).

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Secret Prayer Sister 2012

Name________________________________________________ Birth date _____________

Address_______________________________________________ Anniversary__________

Family________________________________________________________________________

(Husband) (Children)

Favorites_____________________________________________________________________

(hobbies, collections, colors, authors, etc.)

Least favorite times of year:__________________________________________________

House colors:_________________________________________________________________

Would you be willing to serve on the committee to plan next years tea?

Yes / No

Global Mission Ministry

Redeemer's Vicar

Salim Kaderbhai

Salim Kaderbhai is currently serving as a pastoral intern at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zion's mission partner in North Minneapolis.

I was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. People are always surprised when I tell them that, because they all think that I am from India. Well, I may be racially of Indian descent, but being a fourth-generation Tanzanian, I am deeply culturally Tanzania.

Salim was raised as a Muslim, attended high school in Nairobi, Kenya, and then came to Minnesota in 1998 to study computer science at Concordia College in Moorhead. In 2005, the Metro Lutheran published a story about Salim's conversion to Christianity and journey into ministry in the ELCA.

I graduated from Concordia in 2003 and started working in full-time youth ministry at a church in St. Cloud. After I got married (my wife, Katie, is from Blaine, MN), we moved to the Twin Cities. I was the youth ministry coordinator at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Moundsview, MN, for about six years before starting seminary. Now I am done with all my academic requirements at Luther Seminary and all I have left is my internship, which I am doing at Redeemer.

I have two sons, Ibrahim (3 years old) and Adam (18 months old). They are full of energy and keep my wife and I on our toes. I am a huge rugby fan - I have played rugby at international level when I represented Tanzania. The Springboks (South African National Rugby Team) are my favorite team. I am also a huge Manchester United fan in football (soccer) and feel like I have no choice but to be a Vikings fan. All I can say is that it has been painful; someone should have told me about that team from Green Bay before I committed my heart towards the Vikings.

2012 Zambia Mission Trip

A two-week mission trip to Zambia is

tentatively scheduled for departure the

last week of July, 2012. Minda

Squadroni is planning to go (her sister,

Kathleen, at Villages of Hope) and

offers this opportunity for others to

make the trip as well.

Kathleen wants to host a teacher

training workshop this year for teachers

in Zambia so they can improve their

skills. Two years ago training was

provided and it was a huge success, but

funding is needed to make it a reality

for next year.

Two areas of particular need are:

A team of people to help with the

institute

Financial support so that teachers

from Zambia can attend the

institute

Educators are especially needed, but

any other skills or interests can be put

to good use in Gods work on this trip. Kathleen and Benedict Schwartz are

committed to finding ways to use

whatever talents and abilities you have

to offer. Reading to children,

encouraging the mothers, medical skills,

animal husbandry, agriculturists,

carpenters, mechanics, concrete layers,

and electricians are just some of the

skills always needed.

To learn more about this opportunity,

please plan to attend the Dessert event

on Monday, December 5 (see page 4).

ZionBuffalo.org/Global 8

Pen Pal Updates

Several children were very ill with measles in

October: Selita, Shadrack, Sharpi, Isaac, Moses,

and Adam. Check the AKCLI blog entries for

October 2 and 5 at http://akcli.blogspot.com for

news about your pen pal. Please pray for these

and all the AKCLI children, especially those

featured on the prayer bulletin board in the main

hallway at Zion.

More Pen Pal letters should arrive with Kathleen

when she visits in December.

Matilda Figo (pictured) is one of the Pen Pals

writing to Zion kids from Zambia. The Wrights

met her and brought her a new walker when they

visited Villages of Hope. She is very personable,

(Continued on page 17)

Make Someones Holiday Bright! I remember when I was growing up and would go to midnight Christmas Eve worship

service with my family and when we got home Santa had arrived at our house and there were presents under the Christmas Tree. Our eyes would light up with excitement. We could see in our parents eyes they were delighted that they could put this joy into our hearts.

~Roger Brenny

Imagine the families right here in Buffalo this year that cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts. Think about the sadness in the eyes of the kids when they come home from Church or get up in the morning and there are no pretty wrapped gifts under the tree. Think about the sorrow in the parents eyes thinking they disappointed their family.

Now, imagine doing something to help, making Christmas more meaningful and brighter for both you and another family in our community by providing practical Christmas gifts for the same children who are eligible to receive toys from Toys for Tots.

Love INC-Big Woods is partnering with the Rotary Club to sponsor the Adopt A Family project. Adopting families (including church families) will receive the wish list from a family with the childs name, age and sizes of items to be purchased like clothing, pajamas, socks, boots and mittens, as well as wrapping paper so the parents can wrap the items. It is also encouraged to provide (and wrap) a gift for the parent(s) like a gift certificate to a local merchant.

Zions Social Ministry Committee has agreed for our congregation to take on 3 anonymous families in Buffalo and provide all the requested gifts for the family members.

There will be a wreath in the narthex with tags, each tag represents one child, their age, and a requested gift. Take one or many tags, buy the gifts, and bring unwrapped gifts back to Zion by December 10. Recipients will collect their gifts at Zion on December 15 and 16, giving parents time to wrap before Christmas.

If your family would rather adopt an entire family, contact the church office as soon as possible for a sign up form.

Look Up to the Stars

When you look up in Zions sanctuary, you see a huge star hanging above the altar. This is a specially designed star created by Bob Friederichsen of Zion. The unique design of this Advent star reminds us of the wise mens journey to Bethlehem as they sought the promised coming of a Savior. It also is a symbol of the second coming of Christ.

The Social Ministry Committee has teamed with Bob to produce a replica of the star which can be purchased and displayed in your own home. The Social Ministry Committee will be selling these stars during the Advent Season as a fund raiser for Love INCBig Woods.

Christmas Baskets

Zion Church will again be the

distribution point for the Buffalo Food

Shelf Christmas Baskets. These baskets

will feed about 1000 men, women and

children in the Buffalo community.

Volunteers can make the holidays a

little brighter for yourself and our

neighbors by getting involved on

Monday, December 19th from 4-7pm:

greeting people when they arrive,

serving them a treat and cup of

coffee,

handing out baskets,

helping carry baskets out to cars.

Please sign up at the Information Desk

or Church Office.

Thank You!

The Social Ministry Committee wishes

to thank you for participating in

reaching out in our community to help

our neighbors in the month of

November:

Thanks for delivering meals 7 days

a week, 3 routes a day to shut-ins

in Buffalo with the Meals on

Wheels program in November.

Thanks for writing thank you cards

for our people serving in the

military and for contributing

clothing for homeless Veterans.

Thanks for helping with the

assembly and distribution of the

Food Shelf Thanksgiving Baskets to

over 300 families in Buffalo.

Thanks to

all who

donated and

volunteered at

the American

Red Cross

Blood Drive

held at Zion in

November. The

next blood

drive will be in

May, 2012.

ZionBuffalo.org/Local 9

Community Mission Ministry

Friday December 9

3:45pm Christmas Program Practice

6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal

6:00pm Speed Blanket Movie Night

Saturday December 10

4:00pm Wedding

Sunday December 11

The Third Sunday of Advent

8:30am Traditional Worship Service &

Sunday School Christmas Program

8:30am Sunday School

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service

& Sunday School Christmas Program



12:00pm Baptism Class

Monday December 12

9:00am Saint Lucia Supper set-up

6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

6:00pm Saint Lucia Supper

6:30pm 2012 Mission Trip Meeting

7:00pm Zion Book Club

Tuesday December 13

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning

9:30am Staff Meeting

6:30pm Outreach Evangelism Meeting

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday December 14

9:30am Women's Study - Believing God

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm SONshine Choir

3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir

5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper

5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation

6:00pm Worship & Music Committee

6:30pm Joyful Ringers

7:00pm Senior Choir

Thursday December 15

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study

9:00am Lutheran Social Services

11:00am Worship Service

12:00pm Senior Appreciation Dinner

7:00pm Rebecca Circle

Friday December 16


Sunday December 18

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

8:30am Carols, Choirs and Celebration

Worship Service




10:30am Carols, Choirs & Celebration

Worship Service



Monday December 19


Tuesday December 20


9:30am Naomi Circle

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

6:30pm Christian Education Committee

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting



7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

9:00am Newsletter Assembly


2:45pm Class Ring


3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation


7:00pm Senior Choir

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Thursday December 1




Friday December 2

Saturday December 3

9:00am Prayer Sister Tea

Sunday December 4

The Second Sunday of Advent

Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, & 10:30

8:30am Traditional Worship Service




10:30am Contemporary Worship Service


11:30am Annual Meeting

Monday December 5

8:00am Men's Bible Study



6:00pm Global Mission Dessert Event

Tuesday December 6



6:30pm Social Ministry Committee



7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study


2:45pm Class Ring


3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm Kids' Place


4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation


7:00pm Senior Choir

Thursday December 8




Advent & Christmas

7:30pm Church Council Meeting




Friday December 23

Office Closes at Noon


Christmas Eve

3:00pm Christmas Eve Worship Service


10:30pm Christmas Eve Choir


Sunday December 25

Christmas Day

Sanctuary Sunday

10:00am Christmas Day Worship Service

Monday December 26

Office Closed


Tuesday December 27



7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting


Senior High Lock Out

9:20am Devotions at Lakeridge


10:30am Devotions at Park View

4:45pm Joy Choir




Friday December 30

Office Closes at Noon

10:00am Deadline for Year-End

Offerings to be recorded in the 2011

tax year


Sunday January 1, 2012

New Year's Day

Holy Communion

10:00am Worship Service


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Sunday, December 25

Worship at 10am on Christmas Day will bring worshipers together at one worship service. The 10am service will include a childrens message,

sermon by Pastor Luke, and special music from Zion musicians. This is a Sanctuary Sunday and there is no Sunday School.

Sunday, January 1

Come and worship on the first day of 2012. One worship service with Holy Communion will be held at Zion at 10am with coffee

fellowship following worship.

January 1 is celebrated not only as New Years Day but also as the eighth day of Christmas, the day a child in Jesus time would be given a name. We

celebrate the Sunday as Name of Jesus Sunday. The Christian New Year's resolution is to begin the year praising the name of Jesus Christ and receiving

God's blessing. The readings for the commemoration of the Name of Jesus invite us to begin the new year under the power of Christ's name. Come and

praise the newborn King in scripture, prayer, and songs. A childrens message will be included as well as music from young musicians.

Beginners, middle or high schoolers call Sherilyn Burgdorf in the Zion office at 682.1245 ext. 307 to let us know what youll be playing or singing. Your

playing or singing would be a wonderful Christmas gift to all!

Christmas Smorgasbord of Treats

Start the New Year with fellowship with friends. Share Christmas treats and coffee after worship on New Years Day. Bring a plate of cookies or Christmas specialties to share. Breads, cheeses, and fruit are also

suggestions even fruitcake!

One Worship Service Each Sunday

October Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Oct 2011 YTD 2011 Oct 2010 YTD 2010 General Offering $63,956 $560,668 $56,468 $534,489

Rent and Sunday School 4,462 20,083 1,840 20,109

WedNite Supper Income 1,220 6,917 0 0

Missions and Hunger 1,668 11,515 788 10,290

Other Designations 1,876 12,398 190 9,403

Total Income $73,182 $611,581 $59,287 $574,292

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $10,000 $1,500 $15,000

Other General Services 61,500 584,567 60,098 569,279

Total Expenses $62,500 $594,567 $61,598 $584,279

Ledger Balance as of 10-31-2011: - $9,249

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Oct 2011 YTD 2011 Oct 2010 YTD 2010 Offerings and Interest $16,910 $161,323 $14,831 $172,623

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $16,910 $161,323 $14,831 $172,623

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $151,247 $17,087 $170,873

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 0 3,653 1,305 13,050

Major Building Repairs 0 0 0 0

3% Tithe Commitment 0 0 0 0

Kairos Consulting 1,000 20,000 0 12,000

2011 Thrivent Loan Fees 0 0 0 0

Interest Expense on LOC 0 0 113 438

Bank Service Charge 0 30 15 75

Total Expenses $16,869 $174,931 $18,521 $196,437

Ledger Balance as of 10-31-2011: $18,577

Thank you for your continued support of Gods work at Zion Lutheran Church.

Christmas Worship

Volunteers

Contact Sherilyn at 682.1245x306 or

[email protected] if you would

be willing to fill any of the following

volunteer needs for Christmas Eve,

Christmas Day, or New Year worship.

Greeters, Ushers, Parking Lot

Attendants, and Nursery workers

for the 3pm, 5pm, and 11pm

Christmas Eve services.

Greeters, Ushers, Nursery workers,

and Communion Servers for the

10am Christmas Day service.

Greeters, Ushers, Nursery workers,

and Communion Servers for the

10am Sunday, January 1 service.

End of Year Financial Gifts

To be recorded for the 2011 tax year,

gifts must be received in the church

office by 10am on Friday, December

30.

Memorial Gifts

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

Ruby Soholt from nephew, John Soholt.

A gift to the Zion Cemetery Fund in

memory of LaVerne and Vernon

Bonstrom from son, Jerry Bonstrom.

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Francis Schmidt from the Pfeifer

family.

A gift to the Pipe Organ Fund in honor

of Pastor Ed Blair.

A gift to the Sunday School Fund in

memory of John V. Swanson from Jill

and Eldon Kathman.

A gift to Gods Gardeners in memory of Dale Karels from Cynthia Karels.

A gift to the Memorial Fund from Betty

Pfeifer.

A gift to the Pipe Organ Fund in

memory of Dale Karels from Cynthia

Karels.

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 12

Finance & Stewardship

Freely Given

By Kelly Hanson

As a red headed country kid, my parents had three rules: 1) complete your chores, 2) dinner is at 6pm, 3) dont set fire to the lake, again.1

My parents employed a hands-off approach to parenting. My older brother and I had the run of Irving Township. We cast a wide area of exploration traveling to all 36 Sections at one point or another. Moreover, the veneer of manners and civility layered on by the elementary school process began to crack and weaken each April. By May, the cracks widened. By June, Id reverted to a wilder side.

One chore, a treasured event for us really, was buying eggs from the Egg Lady. The Egg Lady lived in town some three miles away. She had a chicken coop in her back yard. In my youthful estimation, the Egg Lady was between 150 and 200 years old. She was small. Not much taller than me or my lake-fire-starting older brother. The Egg Lady was stooped in her back and shoulders and she always wore an apron. Inside her apron pocket she had an endless supply of round mint candy.2

At each visit, without fail, the Egg Lady took a round mint candy from her apron pocket and gave it to us. It was a gift. Her gift of candy was not the result of any effort, meritorious deed, or performance on my part. Youd be hard pressed to find a less deserving set of recipients. It was a gift. Freely given.

The Egg Lady is gone now. I pass by her house on occasion. The coop stands still and quiet in her back yard tilting to one side gray with age. My memory of her hasnt faded. Im amazed she looked past our unkempt appearances and gave to such nattiless kids. She had eyes that saw the good in all.

Another gift freely given is Gods free gift of salvation. Given out of love. There for the taking. A gift that cannot be earned through effort, deed, or performance. A gift. Freely given.

Accepting this free gift was the start of a real and meaningful relationship with Christ Jesus. This relationship with Christ Jesus has reoriented my relationship with others, altered how I spend time, use talents, and spend money. I live expectantly, expecting guidance in these things - and in all things.

There are times of uncertainty. The push and pull of lifes demands are brought to bear: the churchs estimate of giving cards are due, the estimates of living are overdue, Thanksgiving is near, Christmas soon to follow, holiday presents are needed, travel is imminent, the van needs an oil change, whats the price of gas, household bills increase in winter, needs of the Food Shelf, ringing Salvation Army kettles, tithing, what amount did I set last year, plus 1, 2, 3 percent more,

Even with uncertainty, there comes a time for making a decision. I rely on my relationship with Christ through prayer, reading Gods word, and lifes experiences as guides before making choices.

Prayer and reading Gods word remind me of my part in this relationship which is to Trust the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding. Trusting God completely is a good reminder for me as it helps me from being fearful or accepting ideas of self reliance. As for lifes experiences, I remember the example set by the Egg Lady. No gift rooted in love of time, talent, or treasure is too small not to have an impact in the life of another. All I ask Lord, if I may, is to serve you better day by day. Give freely.

1 In my defense, pouring gas into the

boats tank was trickier than anticipated. Spillage is foreseeable.

References to the Exxon Valdez spill

are clear exaggerations.

Understandably, as the iridescent

purple, yellow, and orange colors

floated on top of the water the

combustibility of the fuel was a

legitimate question. It was a burning

question that needed an answer. To

those riparian interests damaged by this

incident, may I remind you of the

settlement provision titled, Let Us

Never Speak of It Again.

2 The mint candy never varied. She

never had a horehound, lemon drop, or

hard candy. Round mint candy only. The

round mints came in two colors, white

and pink. This candy was a universal

confection in my youth. These round

mints were found in Depression Glass

dishes, with lids, in 98% of all homes of

anyone over 71 years of age. The lone

exception was the supply in the Egg

Ladys apron pocket. The mints were smaller in diameter than a Communion

Wafer but thicker. A lot thicker. Think

of a stack of 10 15 Communion Wafers. If you were alive between 1945

and 1978, of candy chewing age, and

had any exposure to the elderly, you

know the round mint candy in question.

The pink ones are reminiscent of Pepto-

Bismol in color, chalky texture, and

flavor. Im experienced in this similarity having lost a dare to my brother, which

is an entirely different story on the

subject of mercy.

13

Come to the Table

The Table is a new online Zion-specific social network application aimed at strengthening faith-sustaining relationships among people at Zion. It is more than you might expect from a social network though, it is also Zions member only portal to connect with the people, prayers, projects, and small groups of Zion.

The Table vs Facebook

We love Facebook . Were not going to stop using it, and were not trying to replace it. The Table is something different. Whether you love Facebook, or have no intention of ever trying Facebook, we hope you will give the Table a try.

The Table is more private, more focused on Zions mission, and has more potential for engagement. You wont find two-dozen Zion members uniting over a prayer request on Facebook. You will find exactly that on the Table.

Oh, and you also wont find Pastor Lukes blog on Facebook :)

Table How To:

1. Upload a Profile Photo

Howdy > Change Pic Choose a photo that shows your face clearly, and crop it tightly with the built-in cropping tool. This will help people learn who you are.

2. Fill out the About Me Section

Howdy > Edit Profile > About Me Fill out the About Me section of your profile with your interests, gifts and skills. This will help connect you with others at church.

Share Your Christmas Photo

Many of us send out Christmas cards to our friends and loved ones. Why not share them with each other at Zion?

You are invited to share your Christmas card or photo with the congregation on the Table.

1. Log in to the Table

2. Go to the Photo App

3. Go to the Christmas Card Photos Album

4. Add your photo to the album

Get Started Today at

ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org

ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org 14

The Table Project

Harvest of Hands Was a Success!

What a wonderful sight Fellowship Hall, full of people enjoying brunch and the company of friends. Trinity Hall, full of shoppers checking out all the crafts, plants, canned and baked goods, and much more. Tables, full of children face painting, beading, and painting ornaments. People mingling in the Narthex while checking out all the beautiful Silent Auction items. Treasures being discovered in the White Elephant area. Everyone having a great time.

Seeing so many people enjoying themselves makes all the planning and crafting all year long worth every minute and even more fun for the planning committee.

Sales on the day of the festival were over $11,000 (including a donation that came through Heifer Project). The sale and silent auction continued on the next two Sundays. At the time of this printing the final total is not available, but will be published when available.

The Harvest of Hands committee thanks everyone who donated, volunteered, and participated in the Harvest of Hand this year. Your support is appreciated and such a large fundraising event could not have come together without your support.

Proceeds from Harvest of Hands will be added to over $2,000 raised at the Hog Roast in October to support the Truckload of Life Project, a major food-packaging event to be held April 15, 2012. Harvest of Hands will lead the congregation and community in coming together to fill an entire semi-trailer of packed meals (100,000) for those in need around the world.

You can help by getting involved in raising additional funds for the packaging event, and by volunteering to help package the meals in April.

Harvest of Hands meets throughout the year in the Wilderness Room to plan events and create a variety of crafts. Please consider stopping by on the second and fourth Tuesday morning at 9am and/or the second and fourth Wednesday evening at 7pm. All are welcome to help plan our events and create crafts, and suggestions for new crafts are always helpful.

Merry Christmas to all. Blessings from the Harvest of Hands Committee.

Photos by Anita Bazan

ZionBuffalo.org/HOH 15

Musings from Myron

I want to spotlight a newer Senior High ministry at Zion this month for you.

It is known as the TIM Team. This stands for Teens In Mission Team.

This is an opportunity that Camp Wapogasset in Amery, WI has been offering for about 15-20 years now.

TIM Team is a leadership development opportunity for Senior High youth. TIM teamers commit to one year of service as leaders in their home congregations working primarily with younger youth.

TIM Teamers spend time at both Ox Lake and Wapo during their weeklong experience. TIM Teamers get to experience the Low / High Ropes Challenge Course, learn how to lead devotions, games, worship and a whole lot more.

This past year, Zion was blessed with being able to send six great young ladies to TIM Team for the first time, Tiah Marr, Sydney Haglund, Jaci Strelow, Ellen Schmidt, Jacque Hughes, and Annie Moore. Each of them was able to take the leadership abilities that they were taught and use them each day while at camp.

Throughout the week, the TIM Team spent much of each day at Wapo participating as leaders amongst the younger youth from Zion. So, during devotions, games, meal times, campfire, songs, etc. the TIM Teamers were there with other campers, not only leading, but mentoring, as well.

As part of the process at camp, the TIM Team is required to design a covenant and make a commitment to Zion for the coming year.

They came up with a theme verse for the year, 1 Timothy 4:12, Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for all believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

To be able to live out this verse, the TIM Team has committed to be in ministry to each other through check-ins, sharing struggles and celebrations and being

(Musings from Myron continued on page 18)

Youth Ministry Director of Youth Ministries

Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

[email protected]

Zion Youth Ministries exists to

reach out to youth, to come

together and learn how to be for

God and others through worship,

study, fellowship and service.

Friday Breakfast Crew

Senior High Students - Come out to

Perkins on Friday, December 2 at 6am

for a chance to check-in with everyone.

Make sure to bring money for food and

a tip for our great servers!

If you need a ride to Perkins or school,

contact Myron or Jimmy.

Bible Camp

Current 6th-12th Graders will be

returning to Camp Wapo in for Bible

Camp July 6-13, 2012.

6th - 8th graders will attend Youth

Camp at Camp Wapo Sunday, July 8 -

Friday, July 13. The cost is $280 for

the week.

9th - 12th Graders will attend TIM

Team at Camp Ox Lake Friday, July 6 -

Friday, July 13. The cost for TIM Team

is $280.

A $100 deposit per student is required

to secure a spot.

Everything Else

Check the website for Graceland and

Confirmation schedules:

ZionBuffalo.org/youth

1 Timothy 4:12

Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set

an example for the believers in speech,

in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth 16

Meaningful Lessons

Let me introduce myself: My name is Jessica Johnson. I have been a member of Zion since I was 8 years old. I remember visiting Zion with my mom, and we met Pastor Ed Blair after the service. I can still picture that day in my head. I was wearing one of my favorite dresses (one that my mom made for me) and Pastor Blair made me feel so very special. I dont know how he did it, but from that day on he never forgot my name. It was just a short time later that my family decided to become members of Zion. I was so excited. During my young years at Zion, I was involved in many activities including Sunday School, Sonshine Choir, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Confirmation, just to name a few.

As I grew older and I went off to college, I did not participate much in church, but knew I would some day be back. I attended and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. I was soon married to my wonderful husband, Adam, in June of 2001 here at Zion. A little over a year later, my husband and I were blessed with the birth of our first daughter, Nicolle Marie, and about two years after that we were blessed with a son, Lincoln Matthew. Both of our children were baptized at Zion.

As our children grew, we knew that we needed to get involved in church and decided to return to Zion. Every since my daughter was 3 years old, I have been volunteering in the Sunday School program here at Zion. I have been here to see the major overhaul of the program, and I have to say I am very happy with the wonderful things that have been done to make Sunday School a more enjoyable and meaningful program for ages Pre-K thru 3rd Grade. (I cannot comment on the upper grades, as I have not volunteered in the upper levels as of yet). I chose to get involved with our Childrens Ministry for a few reasons. One reason was to be a part of my childrens Christian education. Another reason was because I

(Meaningful Lessons continued on page 18)

Calendar Notes

December Memory verse: Isaiah 7:14

Sunday School

December 4: Advent / Birth Story

December 11: Advent / Birth Story

December 18: Advent / Jesus is the

Greatest Gift of All

December 25: Christmas Day Worship is

at 10am.

Club 4: Not scheduled in December

Grapple: December 4 & 16

Wednesdays

Kid's Place, bells, choirs, supper

No Activities Wednesday, December 28

due to Winter break.

For a full calendar see the website at

ZionBuffalo.org /Children.

CoDirectors of Christian Education

Holly Husom

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

Roxie Otten

763-682-1245 ext. 311

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 17

Childrens Ministry

Christmas Program

This years Christmas program will be A Christmas Carol to Remember, presented in worship on Sunday, December 11. Fifty-six children in kindergarten through 6th grade have been working very hard to learn their parts.

Sunday School students not in the program, please plan to attend your regular Sunday School hour on December 11, and come to worship at the opposite hour to see the program.

Cast members have rehearsals as scheduled in December. Contact Holly or Roxie if you need a new schedule. Plan to be available from 7:45am until approximately 11:45am on Sunday, December 11.

determined, and a great song leader. She

suffers from spinal tuberculosis and

surgery is necessary to improve mobility.

Doctors in Indiana have offered to do the

surgery free of charge, and funds are

being raised for Matildas travel to the U.S. in December, and her rehabilitation

stay.

Keep Matilda in your prayers, and if you

would like to support her personally,

designate AKCLI-Matilda Figo on your

donation to Zion Global Missions. You

can read more about Matildas story at http://matildaspath.wordpress.com.

(Continued from page 8)

18

enjoy working with kids (as I am a teacher) and helping them discover meaning in what they are learning is an awesome reward for all involved. And last, I am involved because I want to be a part of Zion again.

When asked about my favorite Sunday School memory or project, I think about Vacation Bible School. Two summers ago I was asked to teach the Games rotation for the Preschool through Kindergarten age level. One of our lessons was about sending prayers to God. The activity was blowing bubbles. The kids were asked to send prayers to God through their bubbles. The children took me aback during this activity. As I walked around and listened to the children, they were all sending such heart-felt prayers to God. This was such a good example of a meaningful lesson that was also very enjoyable for the children.

I have to say that I am very grateful to be a part of the volunteer team here at Zion. God has blessed me with a wonderful family, amazing friends and a wonderful church community. By volunteering in Childrens Ministries I feel I am able to give back to the church and God.

(Meaningful Lessons continued from page 17)

intentional about being welcoming and encouraging to others with a Christ-like attitude.

On top of this, they have committed to serve Zion and the community through many different ways: assisting with Confirmation, hosting a Senior/Senior High Dinner on March 4, sponsoring a child or many through fundraising efforts, and hosting a Speed Blanket Movie Night to benefit The Bridge for Youth on Friday, December 9.

I am already very proud of these young ladies for not only making a decision to do the uncommon and be a disciple of Christ, by showing His compassion and mercy through service to others, but by doing, while being an example in speech, life, love and purity.

Gods Peace - Myron

(Musings from Myron continued from page 16)

Inside

Zion Lutheran Church

1200 Highway 25 S.

PO Box 88

Buffalo, MN 55313

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Address Service Requested

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Back to What Matters 3

Global Mission Dessert 4

Annual Meeting 5

St Lucia Supper 6

Believing God Bible Study 7

Zambia Mission Trip 8

Christmas & New Year 11

Freely Given 13

The Table vs Facebook 14

Harvest of Hands Photos 15

Meaningful Lessons 17

Decem

ber 2

01

1

*

* *

ZionBuffalo.org

These students and more have been working hard to get ready to present A Christmas Carol to Remember

to the congregation on Sunday, December 11.

December 2011 Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of December 2011 Newsletter