November 2014 Newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN NOVEMBER 2014

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

Thanksgiving Festival

The 38th Annual Community Festival of Praise and Thanksgiving will take place at Zion on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:30pm. Invite your neighbors and friends to attend this service of thanks that brings our community together. This is truly a faith-filled experience for all families.

Singers interested in joining the large vocal choir made up of singers from area churches are invited to these rehearsals.

Pastors from the Buffalo area churches join to give leadership to this community-wide time of worship. Musicians from many churches are expected to participate. Choirs will combine to present anthems of thanks and praise with organ and brass and handbell choirs are preparing pieces to be rung in a massed choir.

KRWC Radio / AM 1360 will once again broadcast the Festival of Praise and Thanksgiving live at 7:30pm on Wednesday, November 26, and will re-broadcast the service on Thanksgiving Day at 11am.

Nursery is provided. Offerings are used to help those in need through the Buffalo Ministerial Association.

Making a Joyful Noise

Hank Mattson is a native to the Buffalo area. He lives 2 miles west of Buffalo and is married to Karen. Hank and Karen have three grown children, Eric (married to Ashley), Catherine (married to Hans Johnson this past summer), and Emily. Eric and Ashley also attend Zion, along with their son Freddy.

Hank retired last year after 32 years working in the Buffalo school district. He started out as a physical education specialist at Buffalo Primary School (now Tatanka), and later taught third grade at Parkside Elementary.

Hank was baptized and confirmed at Zion. He remembers attending worship at Marysville, Zion in town, and now at the current location. His great grandfather, Erick Mattson, helped with the brickwork on the Marysville building, and his father, Fred Mattson, laid the cornerstone in our current building.

As you can see, I have roots here at Zion that go back for many years.

Pastor Andrew Cornell and Pastor Ed Blair were particularly influential role models in Hank's faith journey.

(Hank Mattson continued on page 16)

Thanksgiving Choir

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a

large choir? All singers are welcome to

join the vocal choirs from several

Buffalo churches and sing in the

Thanksgiving choir on Wednesday,

November 26 at the Community

Festival of Praise and Thanksgiving

held at Zion.

Rehearse with the Zion Choir at 8pm on

Wednesday, November 12 and/or 19 or

at massed rehearsals on Sunday,

November 23, at 7pm and Wednesday,

November 26, at 6:15pm. All

rehearsals are in the Zion Sanctuary.

Barbary Coast Dixieland

Band Returns

The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band will

be our guest musicians on Sunday,

November 16, at 8:30 and 10:30

worship.

Their mission is to Make a Joyful Noise

unto the Lord and their music provides

an uplifting experience for both the

musicians and the congregation. All

ages enjoy their Dixieland swing of

hymn favorites from their 40 years of

performing. If you are interested in

helping to sponsor their visit to Zion,

please contact Sherilyn Burgdorf.

December Bake Sale

Are you already looking through your

special recipes? Making choices of

holiday favorites to bake?

Zion’s Women’s Ministry is hosting a

bake sale on Sunday morning,

December 14.

If you are interested in providing

Christmas treats and sweets for the

bake sale, contact Judy Weis

(763.497.0052), Marian Hille

(952.913.6684), Sherilyn Burgdorf

([email protected]) or sign up

at the Zion information desk.

Proceeds from the bake sale will

supplement funds for the January 2015

women’s retreat.

Celebrating on Sundays

2 Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite,

Worship Services

8:30am traditional worship in the

sanctuary with nursery available,

Sunday school during the school year.

9:45am Family Express in Trinity Hall.

10:30am contemporary worship in the

sanctuary with nursery available,

Sunday school during the school year.

Lessons

Sunday, November 2 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

2 Corinthians 8:1-11

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday, November 9 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

John 6:1-14

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday, November 16 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday, November 23 Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 25:31-46


Sunday, November 30 First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 64:1-9


The 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

14, and Sunday, February 8, at noon.

Register at ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or

by calling the office.

welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ. 3

From the Heart

by Pastor Ted

From The Heart, this year’s annual Fall Financial Stewardship Emphasis, begins in late October. Jesus spoke quite often about the role that money and possessions play in our lives. He regularly spoke of the relationship between our faith and our finances. Jesus talked about that which is of ultimate importance in our lives when he said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In and of itself money is neutral, a tool to help us live. What God wants us to give is our heart. God wants our whole life given back to Him out of love. Money given back to God only reflects the giving of our hearts.

Our mission at Zion Lutheran Church is: To share Christ’s Word, strengthen faith and serve those in need. So, in the name of Christ, we are:

Diligently striving to help people understand God loves them and that God can help them

Helping infants, children, youth and adults experience God’s loving presence

Striving to help thousands of our neighbors understand that God cares about their life

Healing hurting hearts, mending broken lives, offering God’s guidance and direction, and bringing meaning and hope to our neighbors.

For generations, Zion has continued to do what Jesus began, to help people in our day understand that God loves them and cares about their lives. That is why we develop programs and ministries, teach children Bible stories, help youth understand what it means to live life with Christ, preach, make music, and maintain a beautiful building.

It takes financial resources to do the ministry Zion is known for: great programs, welcoming new members, great music. It takes financial resources to make it all

(From the Heart continued on page 9)

Births

September 10

Zane Leo Broecker, son of Paige &

Mike Broecker

Tristan Gustafson, son of Jennifer &

Ryan Gustafson

September 13

Tyler Gohl, son of Kate & Brent Gohl

September 16

Caitlin Grace Allen, daughter of Nicole

& Thomas Allen

September 20

Evan Ryan Hermes, son of Brianna

Diaz

September 30

Walter Randal Modrow, son of Kristine

& Shane Modrow

October 7

Alexis Faith Vilmo, daughter of Nicole

& Ryan Vilmo

Baptisms

September 21

William Thor Hitz

September 28

Piper Lorraine Johanson

Weddings

September 12

Nicole Duerre & Jake Blake at

Marysville

Joy for the Journey

Dawn Fischer and Beverly Koopman (pictured with Sherilyn Burgdorf) join to present a forum on maintaining the joy of the holiday season, even in times when stresses, worries, and the “not-so-good” days get us down. This will be held in the Zion library from 9:30-10:30am on Sunday, November 23, and is part of the Strength for the Journey forums series, held every fourth Sunday, each month with a different topic.

These monthly forums will be held in the Library. Single event speakers will highlight some topics that are crucial to families and individuals in areas of

wellness and health: physical, emotional, and spiritual. No cost, no preparation, but a great take-away of ideas and a way to connect with other Zion friends with similar interests.

Service of Remembrance

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 4pm for all those who have lost someone close to them in the last year or in years past. The service will include scripture readings, hymns, prayers and an opportunity for you to light a candle in memory of your loved one.

Let there be this difference between the servants of Christ and the

worshipers of idols, that the latter weep for their friends, whom they

suppose to have perished forever …. But from us, for whom death is the end not of our nature but of this life

only, since our nature itself is restored to a better state, let the

advent of death wipe away all tears.

—St. Ambrose (A.D. 340-397)

Creating a community where people are connected 4

Connecting With Care

Photo: Jerry Specht & Bob

Friederichsen

Supporting the Military

Zion’s Social Ministry Committee will

team with the Blue Star Mothers to

honor our Armed Force Members

during November.

On Sundays, November 9 and 16,

representatives of the Blue Star

Mothers from Zion will have displays

and will be asking for donations of

cookies and other items to be sent to

service personnel for Christmas.

The Social Ministry Committee will be

providing an opportunity for you to fill

out a Thank You and Prayer Card to be

sent to Zion Military members.

in relationships and supported in need.

From the Philippines to Buffalo

On October 21, 1944, a young marine from Barnesville, Minnesota, stood on the shore of Leyte Island in the Philippines, witnessing the return of General Douglas MacArthur to the island. Two years earlier, 90,000 Filipino troops and civilians had been abandoned and trapped without food or supplies when the Japanese took possession of the Philippines. Jerry Specht, future member of Zion, was the young marine from Barnesville, standing on the shore.

A few months later, the Friederichsen family, missionaries to the Philippines. were being released from a prisoner of war camp in Manila. The family included two sons, Bobbie, age 8, and Doug, 11. Interment camp was the only life Bobbie remembered. When MacArthur entered the prison camp in February of 1945, Bobbie and Doug were within a few feet, watching him. They were released from the camp and a new life began for little Bobbie Friederichsen.

Marine Jerry Specht and little Bobbie Friederichsen were part of the same war, and the same liberation, in the same country. Little did they know that years later, their lives would cross half way around the world at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minnesota.

------------------------------------

Jerry Specht was born in Barnesville, Minnesota, and like most young Americans, had the choice of being drafted or enlisting in the service. Jerry chose to enlist in the US Marines. From 1942 until 1946 he was stationed in the South Pacific.

Jerry was discharged from the Marines in 1946. Jerry was part of the first generation who were able to go to college with the help of the new GI Bill. He attended North Dakota State University, married Bea Holt, also a Barnesville native, and graduated with a wife, a son, and a degree. Jerry was connected with agriculture and public service throughout his working life, teaching agriculture in Hitterdal, Minnesota, as a county agent with the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Wright County for 15 years, and as customer service director for Wright Hennepin Electric for 18 years.

Jerry and Bea became members of Zion in 1952. Jerry has served on the Board of Deacons (as the church council was called at that time) and Foundation Board, served as head usher, taught Sunday school, and served as a trained Stephen Minister. Jerry remembers when adult Sunday school was taught in the narthex, and portable dividers separated children's classes in the basement of the building in town (now occupied by the Assembly of God congregation). Before pew cushions, young children were given the job of dusting the pews. Jerry also taught about 5,000 students in the "55 Alive" driver training program over 23 years.

Bea Specht was always busy volunteering behind the scenes and was known for her skill in all sorts of Norwegian needlework, and also for her prowess at golf.

(Jerry Specht & Bob Friederichsen continued on page 14)

5

Where Does the Money Go?

The money raised by Harvest of Hands

helps both the local community and a

variety of global hunger projects.

Zion’s Harvest of Hands is one of the

major contributors to the Buffalo Food

Shelf, which helps feed families and

individuals in our community of Buffalo

who need some assistance. Because of

Harvest of Hands donations, the food

shelf can buy product from Second

Harvest at tremendously reduced prices

The donations are also timed to take

advantage of matching funds from other

organizations! According to Roger

Brenny, Executive Director of the Buffalo

Food Shelf (and a member of Zion),

Harvest of Hands donations and

associated matching funds alone have

allowed the Buffalo Food Shelf to

purchase about 40,000 lbs of food to

distribute to their clients in the past year.

“Their continuous support has been a true

blessing to the Buffalo Food Shelf and our

Community.”

Last April, Zion volunteers worked with

Outreach Inc, Kid’s Care to package

57,036 meals through the Truckload of

Life food-packing project, a project

funded by the 2013 Harvest of Hands

Festival ($14,259). The package meals

were sent to Africa.

This year the primary global project will

be the Baby Animal Fair, an every-other-

year event supporting Heifer

International. Zion purchased a Gift Ark

in 2013, and plans to purchase another

Gift Ark in 2015. The Gift Ark includes a

donation of two water buffalo, two cows,

two sheep, and two goats along with bees,

chicks, rabbits, and more. The cost of a

Gift Ark is $5,000.

If enough is raised, a

second global project is

sometimes supported,

with that decision

being made after

final accounting.

Living God’s Call

36th Annual Harvest of Hands

Harvest of Hands celebrates 36 years of working to end hunger, with this year’s festival on Saturday, November 1.

You can make a difference!

Doors open at 9am and highlights of the sale include:

Garden items like dried flowers and plants

Pickles, salsa, jellies, jams, etc.

Embroidered dishtowels

Christmas ornaments

Brunch in Fellowship Hall featuring create-your-own omelets and crepes

White Elephant sale

Previously-loved sweaters

Baked goods and candy

Silent Auction (closes 11:45am on Sunday, November 9)

The Harvest of Hands Festival is an annual event held at Zion to feed the hungry in our own community and around the world. Proceeds of the 2014 sale will benefit the Buffalo Food Shelf and a global hunger project.

Volunteer opportunities are available leading up to, during, and after the sale. Check the information desk or church office for the latest details.

Supplies for Zambia Trip

The Zion to Zambia Mission team continues to prepare for their upcoming trip to Villages of Hope near Lusaka, Zambia. Four Zion members (Julie

Swaggert, Denny, Kim and Neil Gleason) will be traveling over the Christmas and New Year holidays to work with All Kids Can Learn International (AKCLI) missionaries, Kathleen and Benedict Schwartz, who have been serving in Zambia for over 20 years.

In addition to working in varied areas over two weeks, the four Zion members will be bringing needed supplies in their suitcases. Please consider helping out Zambia orphans by donating items from the list on page 16, or by contributing dollars for the team to purchase supplies. A donation container will be located by the information desk in the narthex. Checks can be made out to Zion Lutheran Church, and placed in a pew envelope marked “Zambia.”

The mission of AKCLI is "To rescue and care for orphaned and vulnerable children, seeking economic sustainability, to the Glory of God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The team appreciates your prayers as they continue to seek out ways to support this mission and help Zambian orphans. May the light of Christ shine in each of you!

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 6

Meals on Wheels

Zion is asked to provide three drivers at

11:45am each day in November for

approximately an hour of meal delivery to

households in the City of Buffalo. This is a

most rewarding activity and makes a good

family service project.

Consider which days you can help and

sign up at the information desk or by

emailing Sherilyn at

[email protected]. You can also

check the calendar at ZionBuffalo.org/

MOW.

If you’ve driven before and prefer a

specific route please request it when you

sign up. If you’d like to try it, but you’re

unfamiliar with Buffalo, let us know.

We’ll find a partner for your first drive.

Thanksgiving Gifts

If you’re ready to bring gift bags to a few

of our Zion members and share a short

visit with them, check your calendar for

availability between November 17-26.

Visitors arrange a time of their choice to

visit Zion members at their home,

apartment, or care center. A big thank

you to members of the Rebecca and

Naomi Circle for doing many of these

visits. The gifts will be packaged by Zion’s

Women’s Ministry and will be available to

pick up in the Zion office by Sunday,

November 16. Call Sherilyn if you’re

interested in being a visitor.

Food Shelf Baskets

The Buffalo Food Shelf will again be

distributing Thanksgiving Holiday Baskets

at Zion Church on Thursday, November

20. This provides the clients of the Food

Shelf and others in our community who

may need help an opportunity to get a

turkey and all the fixings for a wonderful

Thanksgiving meal. This year the major

contributors of the meal will be Discovery

School, St Francis Church, Wright

County United Way and Love INC—Big

Woods. To volunteer some time to help

with this distribution, please contact

Roger Brenny, Food Shelf Coordinator, at

763.682.2979.

Full of Life

Chong Jones moved to the United States from Korea in 1983, and started attending Zion around 1988.

I truly believe in the name Immanuel, as I feel that throughout my life, especially in my journey to the United States, God is with me. I was going through some difficult times in my life, and I began praying to God, and my journey started there, and brought me to Zion.

She loves Psalm 119:71, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees,” because it directly related to what she was going through in her life.

Being at Zion is so comfortable for me. It feels like home. Zion is not like stagnant water, it is like water that is full of life, always moving forward in growing the faith of the congregation, especially the youth.

Chong has been involved with Harvest of Hands for 18 years. Her daughter was crowned Miss Montrose for 1996-97, and in searching for a way to give back, in thankfulness to God, she made a Korean dinner to serve at church to raise funds.

People liked this, and asked if I would keep making more egg rolls. The rest is history!

Chong’s Korean Egg Rolls soon became an important part of each year’s Harvest of Hands Festival.

Harvest of Hands is a wonderful opportunity for people to share their God-given talents with our communities, which serves as a way to raise the much-needed money to aid in world hunger. It is a beautiful way to share the love that God has given us to share with the world.

What Chong loves most about Harvest of Hands is the fellowship involved when they gather to prepare the egg rolls

We have so much fun. There is so much laughter. Thank you to whoever aides me in my egg roll making!

Chong has also served coffee fellowship, been part of the Rebecca women’s circle, and participated in the Duluth All-Ages Mission Trip both with her granddaughter, Trinity, and by herself.

That was a wonderful and special spiritual and emotional experience for a grandma and grandchild to share.

Her daily prayer is from 1 Chronicles 4:10: “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel,

(Chong Jones continued on page 16)

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 7

September 2014 Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Sept 2014 YTD 2014 Sept 2013 YTD 2013 General Offering $62,728 $551,053 $57,846 $510,740

Rent and Sunday School 1,462 12,149 1,627 15,944

WedNite Supper Income 1,094 4,453 964 5,143

Missions and Hunger 921 11,222 950 14,710

Other Designations 110 11,326 645 77,458

Total Income $66,315 $590,203 $62,032 $623,994

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $9,000 $1,000 $9,000

Other General Services 59,353 561,653 59,462 560,962

Total Expenses $60,353 $570,653 $60,462 $569,962

Checkbook balance as of 9-30-2014: $43,957

Building Fund

Income Sept 2014 YTD 2014 Sept 2013 YTD 2013 Offerings and Interest $14,791 $132,608 $15,395 $136,146

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $14,791 $132,608 $15,395 $136,146

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $142,821 $15,869 $142,821

Bank Service Charge 0 30 0 15

Total Expenses $15,869 $142,851 $15,869 $142,836

Checkbook balance as of 9-30-2014: $14,901

When we donate to charity, when we give faithfully, we reap the joy of sharing … and God pours out His blessing !!

Memorial Gifts Received

A gift to Food for Friends in memory of

Marge Vassar from Charles and Joanne

Hatcher.

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Marge Vassar from Darlene

Erickson.

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Frank Pfeifer from Kent & Lynn

Pfeifer.

A gift to the Zion Foundation in

memory of Lucille Ellinger, mother of

Patty Miller, from Mark & Louise

Minkler.


memory of Barb McDonald, sister of

Mary Mattson, from Mark & Louise

Minkler.


memory of Gloria, sister of Renae Sele,

from Mark & Louise Minkler.

Wednesday Supper

Sponsors

Just as the family grocery bill continues

to grow, the cost for Wednesday supper

ingredients also grows. Consider being a

Wednesday Supper Sponsor by donating

$100 that will be used to subsidize the

meals in order to keep the suggested

donation amount at a low cost for any

and all Wednesday supper diners.

Sunday Announcements

The relationships of our members with

one another bring a richness to our lives

and we want to foster these

relationships. If you would like your

church family to be aware of any

special celebrations in your life or the

lives of your loved ones, please let the

church office know by Thursday at

10am and we will include them in the

written announcement insert in the

bulletin.

Evening Childcare

Evening childcare is available for

parents taking part in evening activities

on Wednesdays.

Finance & Stewardship

Please support the advertisers who make this newsletter possible:

seekandfind.com/find/zion-lutheran-church/supporters

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 8

Our Mission... Zion seeks to

Share Christ’s Word,

Strengthen faith, and

Serve those in need.

Our Vision… Helping people experience the joy of

life in Christ by:

1. Celebrating on Sundays:

Creating Sunday morning experiences that invite, welcome, engage, and inspire people to live for Christ.

2. Living God’s Call:

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them to

trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world.

3. Connecting with Care:

Creating a community where people are connected in relationships and

supported in need.

9

happen. At Zion, our giving is directed to either the General Fund or the Building Fund.

The General Fund is for the ongoing day-to-day expenses of the congregation and is approximately 79% of our annual expenses.

The Building fund is almost entirely for mortgage payments and is approximately 21% of our annual expenses.

So during our From The Heart emphasis, we will focus on this connection between our faith and our finances. Our emphasis will include the following Sunday themes:

October 26 From A Heart of Love For God

November 2 From A Heart of Compassion

November 9 From A Heart of Faith

November 16 From A Heart of Generosity

Our From The Heart Emphasis

During this time, all of us will be invited to designate a portion of our financial wealth to be given during 2015 to support God’s mission through Zion. You will be invited to return an Estimate of Giving Card on Sunday, November 16, to indicate your intention of financial support for the mission and ministry of Zion in 2015.

I want to thank you for your participation in God’s mission through Zion. It is great to have you at Zion! This fall, I hope that you will consider the financial role you play in making our congregation more effective at helping people understand that God is a God of love.

Electronic Giving Survey

The E-Giving Task Force is formulating a questionnaire to find out some information from the congregation about their preferences when it comes to electronic giving through Zion. Please check bulletin or ZionBuffalo.org for the survey link which will be available November 1.

(From the Heart continued from page 3)

21%

79% General Fund

Building Fund

Saturday November 8

Senior High Service Weekend

Sunday November 9


Military Recognition

8:00am Harvest of Hands After Sale

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

8:30am Sunday School

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service



11:45am Close of Harvest of Hands

Silent Auction

Monday November 10

8:30am Men's Bible Study

9:00am Quilters

9:00am Women's Ministry Planning

Committee Meeting

6:15pm First Sunday Rehearsal

Tuesday November 11

Veterans Day

9:30am Staff Meeting

1:00pm Children & Family Staff

Meeting

6:00pm Outreach Committee

7:00pm Finance Committee Meeting

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday November 12

9:30am Women's Bible Study

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm SONshine Choir

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir

5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper

5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation

6:30pm Joyful Ringers

6:30pm Harvest of Hands Pack up &

Meeting

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting

7:00pm Senior Choir

7:30pm Graceland Senior High Youth

Group

Thursday November 13

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study

6:30pm UpGrade Middle School Youth

Group

Friday November 14

Saturday November 15

10:00am Worship Team Rehearsal

Sunday November 16

Barbary Coast Dixieland Band

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

Military Recognition








11:30am TIM Team

2:00pm Parkview Devotions/Communion

Monday November 17


9:00am Quilters

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning


Tuesday November 18


9:30am Naomi Circle


Meeting

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

7:00pm Vision Team Meeting

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Saturday November 1

9:00am Harvest of Hands Festival

Sunday November 2

Daylight Savings Time Ends

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

8:00am Harvest of Hands After Sale








4:00pm Service of Remembrance

Monday November 3


9:00am Quilters


7:00pm Mission Jamaica Meeting

Tuesday November 4



Meeting


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 Prayer Shawl Meeting

7:00pm Senior Choir


Group

Thursday November 6


Study

7:30pm Worship Team Rehearsal

Friday November 7


6:00am Friday Breakfast Crew

November 2014


7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

9:00am Newsletter Assembly

9:15am Sunrise Devotions


2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth


3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir

5:45pm Worship & Music Committee

Meeting

6:00pm Confirmation

6:00pm Family Matters: Discipline that

Connects with Your Child’s Heart


7:00pm Small Groups

7:00pm Prayer Shawl Meeting

7:00pm Senior Choir

7:00pm Church Council Meeting


Group



Study

6:30pm Youth Board Meeting

7:00pm Rebecca Circle

7:30pm Worship Team Rehearsal

Friday November 21


Sunday November 23




9:30am Strength for the Journey: Joy

for the Journey





5:30pm Thanksgiving Handbells

Rehearsal

7:00pm Thanksgiving Choir Rehearsal

7:30pm Children & Family Ministry

Team Meeting

11

Monday November 24


9:00am Quilters


7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Tuesday November 25



Meeting


9:30am Devotions at Lake Ridge


5:30pm Thanksgiving Handbells

Rehearsal

6:15pm Thanksgiving Choir Rehearsal

6:15pm Thanksgiving Handbells Pizza

Dinner

7:30pm Ecumenical Thanksgiving

Service


Thanksgiving

Zion Office Closed

Friday November 28

Zion Office Closed


10:00am Worship Team Rehearsal

Sunday November 30

Sanctuary Sunday






Wednesday Suppers

On Wednesday nights, families,

confirmation students, musicians,

committee members, and people of all

ages get together for a Zion family meal

in Fellowship Hall. Seven supper teams

rotate, giving variety to the menu each

week. Serving runs from 5:00-6:15pm,

with a suggested donation of $4 per

person or $15 per family.

If you have time to give as a supper team

member, contact Cindy Bonde at

[email protected]. Teams serve only 4

times a year; an easy serving option with

great groups of people.

Supper Menus November 5: Pasta

November 12: Breakfast for Supper

November 19: Tacos

November 26: No Supper

(Thanksgiving Break)

Zion Celebrates 148 Years this Month

Zion was born as a congregation on November 7, 1866, as a group of Swedish immigrants gathered together at the home of Sven Erickson, led by Pastor John

S. Nelson of Watertown for the first meeting of Carlslund Evangelical Lutheran Church (now Zion). That first congregation included 58 members,

27 adults and 31 children.

The Swedesburg (also known as Marysville) Church was also organized by Pastor Nelson, in 1873. Each pastor served both churches until 1950 when the

Marysville Church joined in with Zion.

Director of Youth Ministries

Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

[email protected]

Engage. Grow. Proclaim.

Zion Youth Ministries exists to

engage youth, help them grow

and proclaim faith in Christ.

Friday Breakfast Crew

Are you a 9th-12th grader and want a

great way to start your Friday right?

Then come to Perkins for breakfast on

the first Friday of each month at 6am.

This is a great time to check in with

your friends and have some great food.

This month’s Friday Breakfast Crew is

Friday, November 7, at 6am. If you

need a ride to school, contact Myron.

Make sure to bring money for food and

a tip for our great servers!

Middle School Youth Group

Students in grades 6-8 … are invited to

come and UpGrade your life with real

talk, games, food and more on the 2nd

& 4th Thursday of the month from

6:30pm-8pm. All are welcome!

UpGrade will meet on November 13 in

the Youth Room (and will not meet on

Thanksgiving)!

‘Like’ ZionMiddleSchool on Facebook

for all Middle School news.

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t 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

Confirmation Class Schedule

Confirmation at Zion is open to all 6th - 8th graders and meets each Wednesday evening from 6pm-7:30pm. Students should remember to always bring their Bibles and a pen/pencil.

November 5 - Abraham and Sarah - The Ordinary Patriarchs

November 12 - Rahab - The Faithful Opportunist & 8th Grade Service Night

November 19 - Family Matters Event - All parents are encouraged to attend!

November 26 - NO CLASS - Thanksgiving Break

ELCA Youth Gathering Meeting

Current Senior High students are encouraged to come check out the 2015 ELCA Senior High Youth Gathering, July 15-19, 2015, in Detroit, MI at Ford Field.

This will be a time to learn with over 35,000 other high school youth and adults on how to engage and share a common commitment and faith in Christ with peers from across the United States and the world and see how we can all “Rise Up Together.”

A $100 deposit/student and a 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering Youth Agreement & Emergency and Medical Form are needed to register your Senior High student are due .

Graceland Senior High Youth Group

Graceland, which is open to all 9th-12th graders, meets Wednesdays from 7:30pm-9pm in the Youth Room.

November 5 - Echo - Exodus

November 12 - Senior High Service Project Night

November 19 - Echo - Commands

November 26 - NO CLASS - Thanksgiving Break

Teens in Mission (TIM) Team

Are you currently in Senior High? Do you have gifts and talents? Are you not sure if you do? Are you willing to serve others? TIM Team could be a great fit for you!

TIM Team (Teens in Mission) is open to all Senior High youth and is an opportunity to learn, develop and use your skills, talents and gifts to serve Zion and the community!

Contact Myron if you are interested or come to a TIM Team meeting on Sunday, November 23 @ 9am in the Youth Room to discuss all of the possibilities!

Youth & Children’s Ministry

12

Director of Children & Family Ministry

Kirsten Kelly

763-682-1245 x331

[email protected]

Children & Family Ministry Assistants

Marsha Watkins

Kristin Lotthammer

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

[email protected]

Sunday School Calendar

November 2: Abraham & Sarah's

Visitors (2)

November 9: Isaac's Blessing (1)

November 16: Isaac's Blessing (2)

Wednesday, November 19: Family

Matters (see separate details)

November 23: Queen Esther (1)

November 30: Sanctuary Sunday

(worship with your family... wherever

you are)

Stay & Play

Join other parents on Friday, November

20, from 1-2:30pm in Trinity Hall, for

our first Stay & Play event for parents

and preschoolers! The goal of these events

is to provide a fun place for kids to run off

steam while parents connect.

The first event will be hosted by Karl

Ortquist and Mike Honsey. Pre-

registration is requested, but not required.

Trunk or Treat Thanks

Thanks to everyone who made a donation,

hosted a trunk and volunteered at our

Trunk or Treat event on October 25! It

was a wonderful event and we are so

grateful for everyone's participation to

make it such a success!

Check Zion’s Facebook page for photos

from the event.

Family Matters

Speaker

Discipline that Connects with

Your Child's Heart

Parents of all aged children are invited to join us for a special night with an important topic on Wednesday night, November 19 from 6-7:30pm.

Every parent struggles at times with the best way to discipline their child/ren. Jim and Lynne Jackson from Connected Families will provide practical information that will be immediately useful. When parents are thoughtful about discipline, their kids grow up knowing that they are valued people built for God’s purposes. Join us as we learn from Jim and Lynne and hear practical ideas for parents of any age child.

Childcare will be provided. Don't miss it!

Teaching Law and Gospel

Emily Splittstozer grew up as a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Greenfield, and attended Salem Lutheran School up until eighth grade. Emily participated in many church functions as a parochial school student. She was assigned Psalm 27:1 as her confirmation verse, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

I can reference this verse at any time during the day and know that whatever lies on my plate or troubles that are in the world, God reassures us that he has a plan and we shall not fear.

The family knew that finding a home church nearby was important to them. They had previously lived in Monticello, where they had visited several Lutheran churches in hopes of finding a church home, but kept returning to Salem.

The first time that we attended Zion we were welcomed, obtained an informational packet, spoke with Pastors Ted & Luke and knew that we could call Zion our home.

Emily loves that Zion has three distinctly different worship services to meet the needs of everyone.

I do not pretend to know everything in the Bible but what I do know is that Zion Lutheran preaches the law and the gospel in accordance with the Bible and that is the number one reason we attend Zion Lutheran. I feel that Zion wants us all to grow in Christ and their passion for youth ministries and development shines.

(Emily Splittstozer continued on page 17)

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 13

I feel that Zion wants

us all to grow in

Christ and their

passion for youth

ministries and

development shines

Active Military

Dirk Foster

Deployed to Afghanistan

Fred Pierce

Stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ

Joe Schmidt

Stationed in San Diego

Trey Wilson

Stationed in Virginia

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Knox, KY

Vinnie Pecarina

Stationed in Japan

Bradley Johnson

Stationed at Ft Drum, NY

Cory Nyholm

Stationed in Monterey, CA

Ben Pecarina

Stationed overseas

Doug Pecarina

Serving in the Army National Guard

Kevin Osfar

Stationed in Japan

Will Dobbins

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at Ft Bliss, TX

Deanna Strommen

Stationed in Washington, DC

Keeping in Contact

Zion is a big place, and sometimes things

happen in life that keep us from being as

connected to the community as we would

like. We would like to make sure that all

Zion members feel like part of the church,

whether they are able to worship regularly

or not. If you or someone you know is

unable to worship regularly, or would

consider themselves homebound, or are

living in a senior care facility, please let

us know so we can make sure you are

receiving communion and pastoral care.

We want to make sure all the people of

Zion are able to stay connected. Please

call or email Ann or Dawn in the office

with information as to how we can reach

you or someone you know that you’d like

us to include in our visitation schedule.

Thanks, Pastor Luke and Pastor Ted

14

They have three children, all confirmed at Zion. Daughter LeAnn is married to Harley Pommier (Harley is currently serving on the church council), daughter Sharon lives in Golden Valley, and son Jeff is retired and living in Mesa, Arizona.

Bea passed away earlier this year, and Jerry says that one of the blessings of Zion membership has been the support members have given him at the time of her death.

---------------------------------------

The Reverend Paul Friederichsen and his wife Kay had been serving as missionaries in the Philippines when the war broke out. Bob Friederichsen was five years old when the war began. The family spent six months in hiding before being interred in the city of Illilio, and later Santo Tomas Internment camp in Manila

Bob's mother, Kay, kept a diary, a courageous story of God, faith, and prayer, from the first night when they fled through the jungle with little Bobbie on his father's shoulders, Doug holding his mother's hand, with only the possessions they could carry.

This was the beginning of a dreadful three years in war camps with fleas, bedbugs, and a starvation diet. One camp averaged ten deaths per day. Bob came down with tuberculosis, and was desperately sick for more than a year.

The war began to go badly for the Japanese. The prison guards had planned to douse the camp with gasoline, mow down any prisoners who tried to escape, and then take their own lives on February 4, 1945. Instead, God saw to it that American tanks broke through the fence of the compound on the evening of February 3. The internees were saved.

A military doctor, on examining young Bob, saw the scars of tuberculosis and wondered how he had survived it in such a place, on a starvation diet. Bob's mother would say that it was an answer to prayer.

After the war, the family returned to the States and the boys began their schooling. Bob attended schools in Florida and Wheaton, Illinois, Oakland High School and San Francisco State in California, and Bethel College in St. Paul. He became an artist for Sacred Design and the Evangelical Free Church Press. He taught art at Penn State for five years, and then moved back to the Twin Cities and taught at Augsburg College for 25 years.

Bob is married to Cleo (Munson) who grew up in Howard Lake, and they have three children and three grandchildren. Bob and Cleo became members of Zion in 1975. Bob has contributed to the architecture of Zion as the designer of the large wooden panels on the west wall of the Sanctuary, as well as the star suspended over the altar. Bob is recovering from cancer and firmly believes that "God is in charge" whether it be in a prison camp or in Buffalo.

Thanks to Howard Burgdorf for help with this story.

(Jerry Specht & Bob Friederichsen continued from page 5)

same war

same liberation

same country

Annual Meeting

The Annual Congregational Meeting of

Zion Lutheran Church will be held in

Trinity Hall on Sunday, December 7, at

11:45am. All voting members are

requested to attend. A voting member is

defined as confirmed, communing, and

contributing.

The nominating committee is accepting

nominations for the following positions:

4 Church Council Members to serve

for 3 years

6 Nominating Committee Members to

serve 1-year terms.

2 Zion Foundation Trustees to serve

for 3 years.

2 adult Minneapolis Area Synod

Voting Members to serve for 2

years. It is preferred to have at least

three male and three female members

representing our congregation, so at

least one of the two adults should be

female. The 2015 synod assembly is

May 15-16.

1 youth Minneapolis Area Synod

Voting Member to serve for 1 year.

Those interested in serving the

congregation in elected positions, please

contact the church office

([email protected] or 682.1245) or

a member of the nominating committee

(Bill Deneen, Bev Koopman, Mike Davis,

or Linda Lear) by November 4.

The Write Stuff

Adapted by Karen Worner from the

Summer 2014 issue of Thrivent Magazine

Improving your health and overall

happiness can be as simple as keeping a

journal.

Are you looking for an easy way to reduce

stress, improve your health and work

through life’s challenges? The answer

could be as easy as putting pen to paper.

Keeping a regular record of your

thoughts, hopes, dreams prayers and

experiences in a journal is a low-cost,

easy and rewarding way to find answers to

(Write Stuff continued on page 17)

15

Redeemer Intern Lamar Bailey

Adapted from the October newsletter of our mission partner, Redeemer Lutheran Church, in North Minneapolis

It is difficult to describe the excitement I feel at the start of my internship year at Redeemer Lutheran Church. It is truly an honor and a blessing to be a part of this community. This is reinforced daily as we settle in to our new church, home, and neighborhood.

As soon as my family and I learned we were coming to Redeemer for internship, we feverishly began following the Redeemer website and reading all we could about Redeemer, Minneapolis, and the Harrison neighborhood—childishly trying to absorb as much information as we could. Now that we are here, we are experiencing what we could not learn from any of the materials we read—the Redeemer community is a community that is special and innovative and open to God working through it. Sometimes, it is surreal to realize that I am actually living in the Harrison neighborhood, worshiping in the Redeemer sanctuary, and getting to know community members at Venture North or just walking down the street.

When you move into the Redeemer community, a crowd of people shows up and helps you unload your moving truck, and unpacks and organizes your house.

Redeemer shows up and offers a helping hand and sincerely welcomes you.

Redeemer is a community that hugs; the stoic/cold handshake of the northeast that I’m accustomed to just will not do. Further, Redeemer does not only hug behind the walls of the church on Sunday mornings but also hugs outside in the community.

Learn to be a hugger at Redeemer, embracing each other and the community.

We arrived in Minneapolis in time to experience the Redeemer Block Party. It was not a party for a select few, but rather, a party for all. At the block party I observed that community at Redeemer does not exist only for the sake of the Redeemer community. Instead, the Redeemer community looks beyond itself, beyond the four walls of the church and into the neighborhood.

God is working through Redeemer today!

For me, it is obvious that the God of Peace is present and shining in this community and in the world. Just walking down Glenwood Avenue, having a cup of coffee at Venture North, or playing at the park at the Harrison Education Center with my children, it is easy to recognize that this faith community is a beacon of hope. It is a community that is creating a safe, healthy and welcoming place for the Harrison neighborhood, just as we are called to do in the Gospel of Matthew: “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (5:16).

Supply List for Zambia

These items can be dropped off in the collection bin near the Information Desk starting November 12.

Skeins of yarn

White socks for girls (knee socks preferred/dressy socks preferred) (all sizes)

Navy blue or dark socks for boys (all sizes)

Christian/worship music CDs

School supplies: pencils, black and red pens, lined paper, scissors, erasers, pencil sharpeners

Coloring books for younger children

Teaching aides (books, teacher help items)

Soccer balls (especially), volleyballs and basketballs (deflated)

Pumps with needles for blowing up the balls

Ink cartridges for HP 85A printer

Xyron ezLaminator Refill Cartridge (60ft. two-sided laminate)

The team is also looking for cash contributions to be used to purchase items that need to be bought in Zambia because the electric voltage is different:

CD players for each of the houses and classrooms and

HP85A Printer

Read more about the Zambia mission trip on page 6.

"In you the Orphan finds mercy" ~ Hosea 14: 3b (The Message)

16

My confirmation years were really fulfilling with these two men answering the questions of adolescent boys.

Hank has been a member of Zion's Senior Choir for about ten years.

I love all the different types of music and music groups Zion has to offer.

The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and always welcomes new members.

So if you look good in blue please consider joining us. You will enjoy the time we spend practicing. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Hank also enjoys the outdoors. He likes to fish and hunt, as well as spending time gardening and reading. He raises exhibition poultry, waterfowl, and New Zealand rabbits. He volunteers with 4H, and spent time this summer chaperoning Wright County 4H kids at the State Fair.

(Hank Mattson continued from page 2)

Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory. Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request.”

Chong tells about a time she was surprised by God:

One Sunday, many years ago, when both my daughters were still in school and living at home, I laid down to take a nap. During this time in my life I was working overtime in addition to taking my children to their various after-school activities and friends’ houses. I was very tired. While I slept, I thought that one of my daughters had put a blanket over me. I

woke up after three hours of a very deep sleep, but there was no blanket. I asked the girls if either of them had put a blanket on me, and neither had. I came to realize later, that it was God’s way of blessing me with the rest and comfort that I needed at the time.

Chong worked as a hearing aid inspector for Miracle Ear for a little over 25 years before retiring in 2010. She has two daughters, Kathy & Lynda. Chong loves to travel, grow flowers and vegetables, play ping pong, bowl, watch other sports, and is learning to play the piano. She goes camping with the family every year, and loves to play with grandchildren, Trinity (12) and Grant (2).

Beyond Zion, Chong likes to exercise at the health club, where she has made many wonderful friends that now get together outside of their exercise classes. She also enjoys going to local musical and theater events, and attends a monthly Korean Bible study.

Thanks to Chong’s daughter, Kathy, for help with this story.

(Chong Jones continued from page 7)

I came to realize

later, that it was

God’s way of

blessing me with the

rest and comfort

that I needed at the

time

I love all the

different types of

music and music

groups Zion has to

offer.

17

life’s everyday questions.

Health Helper According to research published in

“Advances in Psychiatric Treatment”,

people who write about their emotional

experiences have stronger immune

systems, lower blood pressure and

improved lung and liver function. They

also feel less depressed. The research

showed that people who journal are less

likely to miss days at work, get hired

more quickly after losing a job and

perform better at sports. Some people use

a journal to track diet or exercise. That’s

a health benefit, too. A study in the

“American Journal of Preventive

Medicine” found that people who kept a

food diary six days a week over six

months lost about twice as much weight

as those who recorded their diet one day a

week or less.

Prayer Guide Journaling also can help you focus on

your faith. Rev. Pete Mueller of ACTS

Church Lakeway in Austin, Texas, teaches

his congregation that writing things down

can help them pray. “I never considered

myself to be very good at prayer”, he

says. “For me, prayer was on the fly, and

I’d be praying in my car or at night as I

fell asleep. But with journaling, and

actually writing out my prayers… I really

started to pray intentionally. The most

important things about the day rise to the

top, either insights, or relationships, or

struggles.”

Outlet for Kids Journaling offers a safe way for people of

any age to express feelings, appropriate

or not, without being judged or criticized.

“It helps our youth achieve greater

understanding of their feelings and can

foster additional ideas on how they want

to handle these feelings,” says Amanda

Martin, clinical director of Krause

Children’s Center.

Whether tracking your exercise regimen,

writing down a daily blessing, or working

through a tough time, journaling can help

us be healthier and happier.

For more information about Thrivent

Financial and its products, please call

Mark Worner at 763.682.6011.

(Write Stuff continued from page 15)

Emily began teaching Sunday school in high school, and started co-teaching again at Zion last year when daughter, Adeline, began Sunday school.

I was an active member of the young people’s association at Salem so teaching Sunday school was an easy fit as I knew the lessons quite well. I have always loved children, I have 2 younger siblings, several younger cousins, and have babysat and worked as a nanny growing up.

I applaud the effort that Kirsten has taken so that we are able to have the same students for the second year. I feel that previously having a connection with the children has made us more in tune with their knowledge in Christ and we have been more able to fit the needs of the children.

Emily's children would say what they most like about Sunday school is the treat of having a donut and juice if they are good, but Emily teaches because spreading God’s word accurately is important to her.

Last year her son was not old enough to enroll in Sunday school, but participated almost every Sunday in Emily's class.

He was welcomed by the students even though they were 2 years older than he is, and they assisted in his growth in Christ. Micah even participated in the Palm Sunday service.

Emily's other interests include spending time with family, fishing, hunting, anything that has to do with the outdoors, gardening, and canning fruits and vegetables.

(Emily Splittstozer continued from page 13)

Santa Lucia Supper

You are invited to the Santa Lucia Supper on Tuesday, December 9, from 6-7:30pm, sponsored by Women of Zion for women and their families and friends.

Special guest speakers will be Zion’s own Mary Lynn Leff and Arden Solheim. Mary Lynn and Arden are both creators of Scandinavian carvings and figures. They will tell the stories of the nisse and tomte, little impish characters in Scandinavian Christmas folklore, and display some of their creative arts.

Holiday music will be presented by the wRight Ringer Community Handbell Ensemble. Also featured will be the Santa Lucia legend, and a visit from Santa Lucia herself bringing delicious rolls especially for the day!

Cost is $4/person or $15/family for the meal of soups, breads, cheeses, and many Scandinavian specialties and desserts. Child care will be provided if requested, but supper is not available in the nursery. Sign up by December 7 at the info desk, online, or by calling the Zion office (763.682.1245).

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

November 10 at 8am for December Issue

December 3 at 8am for January Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Handbells set up for Thanksgiving Worship

Contact Us

[email protected]

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-

4:30pm

Ph 763.682.1245 / Fax 763.684.1967

1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo

(across from 13th St S.)

PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

18

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life


Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director


Kirsten Kelly: Director of Children & Family


Marsha Watkins: CFM Coordinator


Kristin Lotthammer: CFM Coordinator


Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Dawn Bestick: Office Administrator / Receptionist


Ann Lyons: Office Administrator / Receptionist


Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Joel Mackereth: Building & Grounds Manager


Lynn Botts: Facilities Manager


Cory Sherman: Part Time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Angie Smith: Nursery Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator

Mike Rome: Video Technician

Congregational Council

Kelly Hanson

Alisa Ireland

Deana Jeske

Sarah Klett

Tom Moline

Heather Moseley

Mike Newman

Nancy Olson

Harley Pommier

Thomas Stanforth

Dave Tauscher

Kristin Wilson

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

Thanksgiving Festival 2

Hank Mattson 2

From the Heart 3

Joy for the Journey 4

Philippines to Buffalo 5

Supplies for Zambia Trip 6

Harvest of Hands 6

Chong Jones 7

Discipline that Connects 13

Emily Splittstozer 13

Redeemer Intern 15

Novem

ber 2

01

4

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ZionBuffalo.org

Harvest of Hands Festival Saturday, November 1 at 9am

Crafts ~ Brunch ~ Baked Goods ~ White Elephants

After sales and silent auction through November 9

November 2014 Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of November 2014 Newsletter