Our journey of faith leads us to build bridges...
Transcript of Our journey of faith leads us to build bridges...
THE ZUMBROCurrentOur journey of faith leads us to build bridges
of understanding and peace, to reach out with compassion, and to share the hope of Jesus.
Zumbro Lutheran Church | A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
SEPTEMBER 2019
3 OUR CHURCH. OUR FUTURE.Get a preview of what’s to come
as part of our capital campaign.
4ART OF NEIGHBORINGLove God. Love your neighbor.
Learn more about this engaging
sermon series.
6-7GET INVOLVED Live out your faith by
volunteering through Zumbro.
8-11 Thanks to your generosity, Zumbro youth of all ages were busy playing, growing in faith,and serving their neighbors this summer. Read about their many adventures.
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2019 Initiatives UpdateDear People of Zumbro,
Last fall you were asked to increase offerings by $2,000/week as part of our Finding God in the Midst of the City annual stewardship appeal. Because of your incredible generosity, we have been making great strides in carrying out our 2019 initiatives. As we move into the fall, we’re on the homestretch of putting the remaining initiatives into motion. Here is some of what you can look forward to:
• We’re on our way to becoming an official studentorganization at UMR and we’ll be reaching out intangible ways to the Luther College students inour building. (see p. 6)
• The Family Ministry Team is launching a fullprogram year of faith milestones. Read all about
April Barrett | Building CustodianEver since she was a kid, April has loved
to clean and be organized. Her passion
shows as she keeps our building clean
and tended to throughout the week …
and always with a smile.
Jimmy Coker | Building CustodianJimmy is a full-time chef for Mayo
Historic Properties during the week, but
on Saturdays and Sundays serves as our
weekend custodian. Jimmy enjoys
getting to make a quiet difference behind
the scenes.
Margaret Dillard | Director of CommunicationsMargaret is the newest member of our
Zumbro team. She will guide us in all
areas of communication, including this
newsletter, the weekly bulletin, and our
social media and web presence. Margaret
is looking forward to finding community
among the people of Zumbro.
this and other family ministry events in the 2019-2020 Children, Youth and Family Ministry Booklet (mailed to families and available at the Ushers’ Stand).
• We will be decluttering and sprucing up somespaces on the lowest level to help support ourministries and make our building more welcoming.
In addition, we’ve been able to shape our staff team to lead us in our ministry. Over the past six months, due to a combination of some staff members leaving and new positions being added, six new members have been added to our team. Each of them plays an important role in carrying out our mission. Allow me to introduce you to them:
Jen Gruendler | Youth & Young Adult MinisterJen was on the go this summer as she
traveled with Zumbro youth from the
Northwoods of Wisconsin to the halls of
Congress. Jen will lead all areas of youth
and young adult ministry. Her favorite part
about her work is relationships and getting
to know the kids (cliché but true!).
Subban Hassan | Open Table InternSubban is studying health sciences and
nuclear medicine at UMR and will be
the lead for our Wednesday evening
meal. In addition, her ability to speak
Somali is helping us to build important
bridges with many of our Thursday
evening guests. Subban enjoys having
the opportunity to have an impact on
someone’s life.
Sarah Lichty | Director of MissionSarah is leading the way in fostering
and overseeing our community
partnerships, in addition to creating
opportunities for meaningful
engagement and service (see pages
6-7!). Sarah enjoys finding meaningful
ways to help people put their faith
into action.
If you see these new staff members around the building, please introduce yourself and welcome them. And, dear people
of Zumbro, thank you for making the ministry that we do possible.
Pastor Lisa
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ourchurch. ourfuture.Coming in October: Our Church, Our Future capital and annual appeal campaigns!
On May 19, Zumbro Lutheran Church voted 213-31 to approve a comprehensive building
project. In follow-up to that decision, the Our Church, Our Future capital campaign will
launch on Sunday, Oct. 6 and Wednesday, Oct. 9.
The building project was formulated with broad input from the congregation and emphasis on those who will engage
with the people of Zumbro Lutheran Church and its physical space today and in the future. The project was formulated
with these goals in mind:
• Welcoming and accessible for all
• Be good stewards of God’s gifts – ensuring that our building remains a vibrant and viable asset
• Enhancing mission and ministry opportunities in our neighborhood and community
• Building on our strengths of worship and purposeful relationships
Here are some highlights of the campaign to look forward to in October.
• 40-day devotional starting in late September that will feature members of the congregation and coincide with a
sermon series rooted in the campaign’s Bible verse – Colossians 2:7.
• Special worship throughout October, culminating on Sunday, Oct. 27 and Wednesday, Oct. 30.
• Special music and food as part of the launch on October 6 and 9.
• ZED Talks on Sunday, Oct. 6 and 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 9 and 23.
• Information about both the capital campaign and the annual appeal will be broadly shared throughout October
– including via a mailing to all members; in videos; on social media; via email; in The Current; and on the Zumbro
Lutheran web site.
• Creative ways for children and youth to participate in the campaign.
Throughout October, we will highlight both the capital campaign and the annual appeal. Money raised as part of the
annual appeal covers the congregation’s yearly operating budget to support and fund our staff and carrying out
God’s work through worship, education, and mission in our community and world. The Our Church, Our Future capital
campaign is above and beyond the annual appeal. When you pledge to the capital campaign, you’re making a decision
about a gift that can be spread out over the next three years. A commitment to the capital campaign will help secure
Zumbro’s future – the facilities and our mission for generations to come.
Capital Campaign Goal – $3M
In late March, Tom Jolivette of Kairos & Associates, held a series of confidential interviews with members of the
congregation to test the proposal for building renovations and determine the amount of money that could potentially
be raised through a three-year fundraising campaign. Throughout his 35 years in church ministry, Tom has specialized in
donor cultivation, major gift fundraising and solicitation. Tom estimated we could raise $2.5M, with potential to surpass
that goal. The capital campaign goal of $2.5M and stretch goal of $3M was presented, discussed and endorsed by the
church council at a meeting in mid-April. After construction is over, the congregation’s mortgage will be refinanced and
paid through our regular budget.
The Zumbro Lutheran Church Capital Campaign Appeal team members include: Co-chairs Ann Beatty and Bob
Giere; Pastor Jason Bryan-Wegner, Pastor Vern Christopherson, Pastor Shelley Cunningham, Chris Gade, Jolene Hansen,
Kari Jadin, Tom Jolivette (Kairos & Associates), Pastor Lisa Kipp, Rob Nesse and Philip Quanbeck.
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The Art of Neighboring Christian faith can be summed up in
two simple sentences: Love God. Love
your neighbor. It’s so simple that it’s
easy to miss how profound Jesus’
commands really are. With the rising
fear of others and acts of violence,
there’s no better time to respond to
Jesus’ call to be a neighbor. During
this sermon series, we’ll explore ways
we’re called to be a neighbor, we’ll name some of the obstacles that get in the
way, and we’ll look at God’s vision of living in community.
Worship DetailsWORSHIPNursery HoursSUNDAYS | 8:15-11:45am
WEDNESDAYS | 6-8:15pm
Planning a BaptismContact the church office to
schedule a baptism.
SUGGESTED DATES & TIMES
SUNDAY | 8:30 & 10:30am
September 8, 22, 29 /
October 13, 27 / November 10, 24
WEDNESDAY | 6:15pm
September 11, 25 / October 2, 16, 30
/ November 13, 27
Summer Pastoral ActsBAPTISMSLeah Belle Post
Rajon Kyle Fletcher
Aurelia Jean Vig
Bodin Nicholas Jenson
Bennett Gordon Erie
WEDDINGSMakayla Wichmann and
Brady Kunkel
Mikaela Hagen and
Kyle Lewis
SAINTS GONE BEFORE USDonald C. Olsen
Elizabeth “Betty” V. Williams
Bonnie J. Mickelson
Andrus M. Jensen
Nancy G. Olson
John M. Whited
Betty L. Moon
Sunday, Sept. 1Motives MatterMatthew 5:13-16Holy Communion with Prayers for HealingPreaching: Pastor Shelley CunninghamMusic: Andy Johnsrud, vocalist
Sunday, Sept. 8Opening DoorsLuke 10:1-11Preaching: Pastor Vern Christopherson Music by 29:11
Sunday, Sept. 15Better TogetherRomans 12:9-21Preaching: Pastor Jason Bryan-Wegner Holy Communion with Prayers for HealingMusic: Zumbro Lutheran Choir (8:30am); Jenny Kruse and Janette Reeves (10:30am)
ourchurch. ourfuture.For more than 150 years, Zumbro Lutheran Church has been a source of
hope for people during the most challenging times in their lives, and a place
of celebration during the most joyful. As we prepare to launch our capital
campaign next month, we’re going to take a look back during the first two
weeks of this sermon series. How did we end up in the heart of downtown
Rochester? How has God been at work through the people of Zumbro here in
this place?
Sunday, Sept. 22God Builds a Church in the Heart of the CityJeremiah 29:4-14Preaching: Pastor Lisa KippMusic: Bruce Bonnicksen (trumpet), Zumbro Lutheran Choir (8:30am); Zumbro Choristers (10:30am)
Sunday, Sept. 29God Removes Barriers and Welcomes AllActs 3:1-10Preaching: Pastor Vern ChristophersonMusic: Mia Suzuki, soloist (8:30am), Zumbro Lutheran Choir (10:30am); Bel Canto Handbell Choir (8:30am and 10:30am)
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ZED Talks September 2019SUNDAYS, 9:35amSUNDAY, SEPT. 829:11On Sunday, Sept. 8,
Zumbro welcomes 29:11
as musical guests during
the 8:30am and 10:30am
services. The group will also be the ZED Talk, beginning at 9:35am in the
sanctuary. This will be a time to get to know the group members personally as
they share their stories and engage in dialogue.
Under the umbrella of the organization New Hope International Exchange
(NHIE), 29:11 is a group of talented young vocalists and musicians touring the
Midwest from South Africa. In addition to sharing their musicianship, cultural
exchanges are a way for them to interact with their audiences and American
culture. The group name "29:11" derives from the text in the book of Jeremiah,
that states "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to
prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." With
this spiritual guidance, 29:11 group members share personal testimonies of
their own trials and tribulations and hope to engage in cross-cultural dialogue
on differences and similarities between living in the US and South Africa.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 & WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18VOLUNTEER EXPO
Serving inside and outside of our church is a part
of who we are at Zumbro. Volunteering at Zumbro
not only makes a difference in our church and in the
world, but it is a great way to make some new friends!
Find out more at our Volunteer Expo on Sunday,
Sept. 15, following both worship services, or on
Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 5:30-6:15pm before our
evening worship.
SUNDAYS, SEPT. 22 & 29ZED Talk details to be announced in the weekly Life of Zumbro and e-news.
Music Opportunities Contact Music Minister Kristy Giere if
you are interested in any of the music
opportunities detailed to the right.
Please see the fall Children, Youth and
Family Ministry Booklet for special music
opportunities for children and youth.
ZUMBRO LUTHERAN CHOIRHigh School through Adult
Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm (child care
available)
First rehearsal: Wednesday, Sept. 4,
Choir Room
Bob Giere, director
Fall highlights include the Family
Promise Concert, November 16; Rutter
Requiem, November 17; and Lessons
and Carols at St. Marys Chapel,
December 15.
BEL CANTO HANDBELL CHOIR Adults (experienced ringers)
MONDAYS, 6:45-7:45PM
First rehearsal:
MONDAY, SEPT. 9, SANCTUARY
Kristy Giere, director
ZUMBRO BRASS ENSEMBLEPerforms in worship throughout the
year and participates in the annual
Festival of Lessons and Carols at
St. Marys Hospital Chapel.
Alan Hansen, director;
Ron Elcombe, rehearsal coordinator
ZUMBRO WOODWINDENSEMBLES Ensembles for combination of horn,
bassoon, oboe, clarinet and flute,
also includes the Zumbro Woodwind
Quintet
ZUMBRO INTERGENERATIONAL BAND AND STRINGSInstrumentalists of all ages. Parents
and kids can play side-by-side!
Rehearsals are scheduled one to two
weeks prior to Sundays the ensemble
plays in worship. Planned dates are
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 and
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Kristy Giere, director
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COLLEGE MINISTRY | Staff Contact: Jen GruendlerAre you looking for ways to connect to our local Luther College and UMR Students? Contact Jen Gruendler
if you are interested in serving in one of these ways:
• Provide a simple meal for a small group of students on a 2nd Sunday of the month after our 10:30
worship service.
• Host a monthly Coffee and Snack Hour for our Luther College Students.
• Be a “host family” to a college-age student from UMR or Luther College. Commit to connecting
with them at least once monthly from September-May, regularly pray for them, and help them feel
welcome in Rochester and our faith family.
• Bake some cookies, donate wrapped snacks or treats, provide $5 gift cards for coffee, etc., for our
UMR (September 5) and Luther College students (week of September 8) fall kick-off welcome bags;
or for finals care packages (early December) for our UMR, Luther, and Zumbro college students.
ROCHESTER PRIDE | Staff Contact: Sarah LichtyRochester Pride will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12-
4pm at Mayo Park. Zumbro members are invited to represent our
congregation at a Zumbro info table, welcome friends, and reach
out with compassion to gender-identity and sexual-orientation
minority communities. To learn more about the event visit
www.RochMNPride.org. Contact Sarah Lichty if you’d like to be a
Zumbro representative.
Ways to VolunteerWe are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work! Whether you have been a volunteer your whole life, have always wished you could be more involved in giving to your community, or fall somewhere in between – there is a place for you to serve through Zumbro. Be a part of one of the many ways we will build bridges of understanding and peace this year as we continue to live into our identity as a downtown church.
OPEN TABLE | Staff Contact: Sarah LichtyAfter months of planning,
we are excited that the Open
Table expansion to downtown
Rochester on Wednesday nights is
happening! Thanks to the addition
of our first Open Table intern,
Subban Hassan, and a partnership
with the Salvation Army, Open
Table will serve on the last two
Wednesdays of each month from
the parking lot of the Salvation
Army Adult Day Center parking
lot.
We are always in need of
volunteers to help prep
food, serve from the truck,
and assist with clean-up.
Visit our online sign-up
(link available on Zumbro’s
website) or contact Sarah
Lichty to participate in this
important ministry.
WEDNESDAYS3:30-4:30pm prep food
5-6 serve meal
6-6:30pm clean-up
THURSDAYS2-4pm bake cookies
3:30-4:30pm prep food
4:30-5:30 serve meal at
Zumbro & clean-up
5-6:45pm serve meal
6:45-7:30 clean-up
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LSS’ YOUTH SERVICES | Staff Contact: Sarah LichtyZumbro’s Mission & Outreach Team is leading the way as
Zumbro seeks to deepen our relationship with Lutheran
Social Service (LSS) youth services in Rochester. As we
begin conversations to host a youth drop-in center in our
building, there are ways you can get involved right now as
a part of this ministry. Contact Sarah if you are interested.
• Join Zumbro’s newly forming LSS Youth Services Team
to help develop our partnership and the youth drop-in
center
• Help with LSS’ youth services Christmas party
• Help plan a movie night (with babysitting services)
for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness
ZUMBRO ADVOCACY TEAM | Staff Contact: Pastor LisaThe Mission & Outreach Team invites you to use your
voice to love God and love your neighbor by joining a
new team dedicated to advocacy work. Guided by the
ELCA advocacy office and ELCA social statements, team
members will work together to stand up for policies that
create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace
and dignity, and defend God’s creation. This team will
build an online network for coordinated support, gather on
a quarterly basis, and organize to attend local and regional
rallies that seek to bring about God’s kingdom. Sign up to
join the team through the Life of Zumbro or by contacting
Pastor Lisa. The first team gathering will be on Tuesday,
Sept. 24, at 7pm.
TANZANIA TRIP 2020 | Staff Contact: Pastor LisaBe a part of the next team to visit Iambi Lutheran
Hospital in rural Tanzania Feb. 6-20, 2020. You will
experience compassionate hospitality, an immersion
into the Tanzanian healthcare system, an unbelievable
African safari, and a glimpse of the heart of Jesus as you
meet our friends at Iambi. Highlights of the 2020 trip
will involve follow-up on the new x-ray machine and lab
equipment Zumbro has provided, exploration of the land
we are helping the hospital farm, and more intentional
time accompanying our partners and deepening trust.
The entire trip cost will be approximately $4,000. Contact
Pastor Lisa ASAP if you are interested in traveling.
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Summer Family MinistryAs we made our way through our Mountain Top sermon series this summer, many of our young people
ventured into mountain top like experiences to near and far away places where day-to-day life was
different. Whether our kids found themselves in Washington DC, in the Serengeti (during VBS), serving
in the Twin Cities, or surrounded by the beauty of northern Wisconsin, God showed up and reminded our
youth that they are loved. We hope the following pages of stories and photos will give you a brief glimpse
of the holy wonder of the 2019 family ministry mountain top experiences.
HIGH SCHOOL TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC
Fourteen high school students and leaders found themselves exploring and serving in our nation's capital in July.
The trip, led by the Steinbruck Center at Luther Place Memorial Church, integrated both service and learning. Youth
explored the differences between charity and advocacy by trying both types of mission work out. They assembled
and passed out care packages for those experiencing homelessness, while also hearing the stories of those who have
endured a season of life on the streets of DC. They spent a day on Capitol Hill with the ELCA office of advocacy and
met with Senator Tina Smith and the office of Representative Hagedorn. The group spent other days serving in feeding
ministries like Martha’s Market, which provides fresh and healthy food for kids in places in the district with little access
to affordable groceries. The trip was full of laughter and joy and challenging conversations as we sifted through hard
realities of life and faith. The trip was also about relationship building and exploring the sites and sounds of a big city
during a heatwave and seeing first-hand how God is at work in the city every day through people doing good and holy
work in shelters, in the capitol building, on park benches, in churches, as Uber drivers, and in countless other spaces.
Washington DC, politics, and many of the systemic challenges facing our nation (such as housing insecurity), will never
be looked at in the same way for the fourteen people who traveled on this service trip.
“I learned how much you can do
before you turn 18 in the political
system. I learned that you have a
chance to talk to your representative
(or someone who works with them)
to let them know how you feel about
what they are doing. I was shocked
when we did this, that you could do
this. This experience taught me a lot
and that we can do more in mission
that just serving.”
Marcus Cramer, high school student
“I learned that our nation’s capital is
similar, but also very different than
our hometown of Rochester. Both
have a homeless population, and even
though it is our capital, it doesn’t
mean everything is good and well
there.”
Jeremy Stortz, high school student
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MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIP TO CROSSWOODS ADVENTURE CAMP
Eighteen middle schoolers and leaders spent a week in the north woods of Wisconsin at Crosswoods Adventure Camp.
They found themselves kayaking down a river, in the tree tops tackling a high ropes course, treasure hunting in the
woods, building a shelter to protect their group from the elements on a survivor hike, and singing and dancing every
morning and afternoon in worship. There is nothing like encountering God in the cathedral of pine trees, stars, lakes,
campfires, and late-night talks in the cabin with friends. The campers were stretched physically as canoes were run up
hills in the relay race, emotionally as they convinced themselves over and over that the ropes attached to them were
in fact safe and secure, and spiritually as they wrestled with how we live and witness our faith in the everyday realities
of life. The group overcame fears of many types (heights, being away from home, mice and bugs and snakes…), grew
closer together as a community, and had five beautiful days of being disconnected from technology and instead
connected with each other and God. At every meal a camper was challenged to pray aloud to bless the meal. Every one
of our Zumbro kids rose to the challenge and prayed aloud – some for the very first time. The last night every camper
was prayed over by name, reminded of their belovedness, and encouraged to “keep the faith.” Middle school can be a
really crazy season of life. Camp was the perfect place for them to play, laugh, sing, and be stretched in a safe and brave
space all while being reminded that nothing in the world can separate them from the love of God.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRIP TO THE TWIN CITIESThis was Zumbro’s first ever 5th-6th grade mission
trip. A small but mighty group of kids and moms
drove over 400 miles as they served and grew in
faith together. The group packed meals at Feed
My Starving Children, sang karaoke and played
Farkel at an adult daycare program, served a
free community meal through Loaves and Fishes,
created re-usable shopping bags for a food shelf,
and did yard work for home-bound senior citizens.
The youth and moms also had plenty of time to
play and get to know each other so much better.
They went to the coolest mini-golf place EVER,
swam at a lovely beach on a hot afternoon, and
had an Italian feast at Buca.
This was a great adventure to help younger youth “get their feet wet” on a mission trip. At the end of the trip, they all
wished they had more time to serve and play together! One of the more moving and significant parts of the trip was
helping a woman nicknamed Beanie with yard work. She was thrilled to have the kids there and invited us inside (away
from the bugs and the heat) to visit for a bit. Beanie suffers from a genetic disease that is robbing her of her health,
speech, and independence. Rather than being angry about her situation, Beanie wanted the kids to know that she still (Continued on next page)
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRIP (CONTINUED)
loves her life and is grateful for her wonderful family and friends and volunteers like them that help her every day. The
group will ever forget her smile and positive attitude.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
We had a lot to ROAR about at Vacation Bible School this year because … When life is wild – God is good! Kids and
volunteers enjoyed creative Bible stories, games, crafts, fun food, and, of course, lots of music. The weather was perfect
and the energy and joy in the building were wonderfully wild!
VBS +PLUS+
Our afternoon VBS program is wonderful way to show kids from Kindergarten
to high school how important and fun it is to serve others. We served by doing
various projects, including making cookie dough for Open Table; singing, playing
bingo and visiting with seniors at three different local care facilities; and picking
up trash in city parks and along Zumbro’s stretch of Hwy 63. The highlight of the
week is always our big bus trip to Feed My Starving Children in Eagan where we
helped pack 33,264 meals, feeding 91 children in Haiti for a year!
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ART CAMPArt Camp is a wonderful week of
exploration and creativity and this
year was no exception. Young artists
used some familiar art media such as
watercolor painting, metal tooling and
print-making. Students also tried a
new media called acrylic pour or flow
painting. The kids were delighted with
the results and are excited to share
their creations with the congregation
this fall. Special thanks goes out to art
teacher and Zumbro member Tiffany
Erie for her passion for kids and art.
She is an incredible teacher and
we are blessed every year with her
leadership!
FAMILY CAMP TO IRONWOOD SPRINGS CHRISTIAN RANCH
What do crazy gourmet s’mores, zip lining, swimming, Bible study, camp fires, birthday boxes for LSS, and a petting zoo
all have in common? Family Camp! Six families spent two somewhat rainy but lovely days at Ironwood Springs building
relationships while playing, praying, eating, and camping together in tents and cabins. Families also explored the parable
of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ call to love God and love neighbor.
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Vern ChristophersonDirecting [email protected]
Jason [email protected]
Lisa [email protected]
Shelley [email protected]
Kristy GiereMusic [email protected]
Janette ReevesFamily [email protected]
Jen GruendlerYouth and Young Adult Minister [email protected]
Connie SaundersAdministrative [email protected]
Ruth MonsonCongregational Life Minister [email protected]
Tracy ScharBusiness [email protected]
Sarah LichtyDirector of [email protected]
Margaret DillardCommunications [email protected]
Bob GiereDirector of Zumbro Lutheran ChoirDirector of Wednesday Worship Band [email protected]
Ralph SchornackMusic Assistant
Robert Schneider Building Manager [email protected]
Karla DexterOffice [email protected]
Kamen MakuerDinka Lay [email protected]
Barb DesensNursery Coordinator
Zumbro Staff
Newsletter DeadlinePlease submit items for the October issue of the Zumbro Current by September 10, to [email protected]