Our 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

JUNE 2020

THE ZUMBROCurrent

6 BURRITOS AND BOOKSOpen Table, in partnership with our high school youth, will be sharing books with their guests for a summer reading initiative.

3 SERMON SERIESDIDN'T SEE IT COMING With COVID-19 keeping us closer to home, we’re going to spend some time looking inward.

6 SUMMER CARD MINISTRYYou can bring joy and hope to a Zumbro homebound member by writing a card or letter each week through the summer.

4-5 CONGRATULATING 23HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

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Pastor's NoteWhen my kids

were little and I

was a stressed-out

single parent, let’s just say yard

maintenance was pretty far down

on my priority list.

One day in late May, it was

clear I had to do something

about the giant weed jungle

that surrounded my house. It

looked like a dandelion factory

had exploded. They were

everywhere.

I hauled out my old push

mower and laced up my tennis

shoes. But just as I was about

to take my first pass, I heard

5-year-old Megan call from the

front steps: “Mom! Isn’t this the

most beautiful yard you have

ever seen! People must think a

princess lives here!”

Perspective is everything,

isn’t it? Through my eyes, the

yard was an embarrassment.

Through Megan’s, it was a

carpet of gold and white

puffballs fit for royal castle

grounds.

As I stared out into my yard that

spring day, the wonderment of

my child shifted my view ever

so slightly. Instead of signs of

neglect and yet another chore

that I would have to do myself, I

saw a tiny corner of creation that

God had entrusted to my care.

I took a moment to give thanks

that I had a yard to mow. I

thought of the insects that

had used these plants for food

and refuge. I imagined God’s

spirit blowing through my

neighborhood, carrying with it

dandelion seeds and scattering

them liberally. And I realized my

daughter had given me a blessing.

Pastor and poet Jan Richardson

describes a blessing as “a channel

of the Divine, a profound means

of grace that has the capacity to

open our eyes so that we might

recognize and receive the One

who created us in love and whose

deepest desire for us is that we

be whole.” A blessing does not

magically change a lousy situation

into a beautiful one. It does not

undo pain or suffering. But it does

by Pastor Shelley Cunningham

invite in another perspective, a

Jesus perspective, that sits with

us however we are and then

sends us onward with whatever

we need.

The words of blessing we find in

scripture remind us that our call

is to be both blessing-givers and

blessing-receivers. How might

you approach each day with

that perspective?

First, look around. Who

or what do you see that is

a blessing? That question

invites us to see with the

eyes of Jesus. To shift our

perspective, ever so slightly.

To name those ordinary

things that remind us that

God is present. And then

to speak a word of grace

– a thanks, a welcome, an

affirmation.

Then, listen. Who or what is

sharing a word of blessing

with you? That question sets

the expectation that God will

show up even in the midst

of isolation, anxiety, weariness.

It makes space in our buzzing

brains for a holy word that can lift

our spirits.

Friends, in these days you may

need a blessing more than ever.

May God provide one for you

– even if you find it amidst the

weeds.

My backyard last week: weedy nightmare, or playground for bumblebees?

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Saints Gone Before UsThomas J. Moon

Marilyn L. Anderson

SERMON SERIES | DIDN'T SEE IT COMINGOur sermon series for June and July is entitled, “Didn’t See it Coming.” The title comes from a book by Carey Nieuwhof with the same name. No need to buy the book, but we invite you to come along with us on the journey.

With COVID-19 keeping us closer to home, we’re going to spend some time looking inward. The more interior topics will include things like cynicism, pride, burnout, and emptiness. According to Nieuwhof, many of these realities can sneak up on us when we’re not looking. After a time, we find that we’re not the same persons that we were 5, 10, and 20 years ago.

We’ll be unpacking these topics over the next two months, and hopefully providing some guidance along the way. There is hope for us. With help from God, and some effort on our part, we can change course. The goal is to live the thoughtful, purposeful lives that God intends for us..

HOW CYNICISM SNUFFS OUT HOPESUNDAY, JUNE 7 | Isaiah Nordine, trumpet

WHY CHARACTER DETERMINES YOUR TRUE CAPACITY

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 | Kelsey O’Leary, vocalist

WHY SO MANY OF US FEEL SO ALONESUNDAY, JUNE 21 | Now the Feast; Ruth Monson, flute

HOW REGULAR CHANGE KEEPS YOU IN THE GAME

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 | Sam Simataa, vocalist.

WHEN OUR FREEDOMS AS AMERICANS KEEP BUMPING UP AGAINST EACH OTHER

SUNDAY, JULY 5 | Ralph Schornack, pianist and vocalist

HOW PRIDE GETS THE BEST OF USSUNDAY, JULY 12 | Amy Adamson, cello

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU’RE BURNING OUTSUNDAY, JULY 19 | Now the Feast

WHY MONEY, POWER, AND SUCCESS CAN LEAVE US FEELING EMPTY

SUNDAY, JULY 26 | Jenny Kruse, vocalist

During the past months of

isolation and social distancing,

we have all experienced loss.

Many of the things that we love

to do have been halted and work

and health worries have been

perpetual.

For some, the loss may be more

serious. For many, this stressful

time has given rise to an even

greater appreciation for what we

have in our church family. The

Zumbro Lutheran Columbarium is

available for members who would

like to remain physically close to

our church family in perpetuity.

Reserving a niche is very easy and

the costs are very competitive

with other Rochester options.

Contact Tracy Schar at the church

office (507) 288-2649, or via

email at tracyschar@zumbrolutheran.org

Worship

Columbarium

Sundays at 8:30am

Wednesdays at 6:15pm

Livestream

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Ashleigh Lueder

John Marshall High School

Ashley Stortz

John Marshall High School

Carter O'Reilly

Pine Island High School

Gustavus Adolphus Scholarship Recipient

Isaiah Nordine

Mayo High School

Luther College Scholarship Recipient

Jasper Padrnos

John Marshall High School

Jessup Klingsporn

John Marshall High School

Joshua DomnickMayo High School

Dylan MoravecDover-Eyota High School

Ella Schornack

Century High School

Gracie Grimsrud

Mayo High School

Hannah Perrotti

Byron High School

“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. God will never leave you. God will never desert you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Congrats High School Class of 2020! We AreProud of You!

Dario Blum

Mayo High School

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Marcus Cramer

Lourdes High School

Luther College Scholarship Recipient

Mary Walls

Byron High School

Matthew Brandt

John Marshall High School

Meg LeBaugh

Rosa Parks High School

Sophie MosingJohn Marshall High School

Sydney Lichty

Mayo High School

Tor Hendrickson

John Marshall High School

Megan Leland

Pine Island High School

Mia Suzuki

Mayo High School

Luther College Scholarship Recipient

Nick Sanders

Century High School

“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. God will never leave you. God will never desert you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Congrats High School Class of 2020!

Rena HilleshiemRena Hilleshiem

John Marshall High SchoolJohn Marshall High School

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During the summer months, you can bring joy and hope to a Zumbro

homebound member by writing a card or letter each week, and

praying regularly for your homebound friend. Packets of 12 blank cards

will be available for pick up at the church office or you can provide or

make your own cards.

Please register on Realm or call the church office. After you register,

you will receive a name (or names) of your homebound friend, and you

can begin writing! Unlike the Pen Pal program, the card recipients will

not be asked to write back in return.

Spread some joy this summer, and make a new friend!

Questions? Call the church and leave a message for Ruth Monson, or

email her at ruthmonson@zumbrolutheran.org

Burritos and Books!

In July, Open Table, in

partnership with our high school

youth, will be sharing new or

gently used children's and young

adult books with their guests for

a special summer reading

initiative. Donations of books can

be dropped off at the west doors

(door #8) in the marked bin

during normal business hours.

Questions? Contact Jen at jennifergruendler@zumbrolutheran.org

ZUMBRO GRADS GO TO LUTHERAN COLLEGES

Thanks to those who generously

provided special gifts to the

church, we are able to recognize

graduating members attending

Lutheran Colleges.

In recognition of high school

graduates attending Lutheran

Colleges, the Gifts & Memorials

Fund has traditionally provided a

Scholarship, now $1,000, as they

enter their freshman year.

This year we are honored to

present scholarships, on behalf of

Zumbro Lutheran Church,

to Carter O’Reilly attending

Gustavus Adolphus College and

to Marcus Cramer, Isaiah Nordine

and Mia Suzuki attending Luther

College.

ZUMBRO IS GROWING

Science suggests that gardening

is good for your health. Microbes

in the soil contain bacteria that boosts immune system response and

supports positive mental health. Oregano, Lavender, corn and more

have been planted at Zumbro's garden in Zumbro South Park. You are

invited to tend the garden for a week during the summer. See schedule

and sign up on the website.

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The WELCA Triennial Convention scheduled for July in Phoenix, Arizona, has been postponed until the summer of 2021.

For the past few months, we

have been preparing to launch a

member communications tool.

Watch your email the week of

June 1 for an email invitation to

activate your personal profile.

Step 1: Check Your E-Mail and

Activate your Profile

Before logging into Realm,

you must be invited to join our

church network. After receiving

the e-mail, open it, and follow

the instructions to create your

password. Then watch for a

verification e-mail, and follow

the instructions to activate your

profile.

Step 2: Log in to Realm

After you have activated your

profile, you can log in by visiting

the Zumbro website. Click the

Realm login button at the top

right and enter your e-mail

address and password that you

created.

Step 3: Check Your Contact

Information and Privacy Settings

After you have logged in, click

on the arrow next to your name

in the upper right corner of your

screen. Select “My Profile” to

check that we have your personal

information correct. If anything

is incorrect, you can change it.

Simply click on “Edit Profile” to

change your contact information.

To see your privacy settings, click

on “Manage Privacy.” We highly

suggest that anyone over the

age of 18 choose “Everyone in

our church.” This makes it so that

other Zumbro users can see your

basic contact information (just as

they have through printed church

directories in the past!)

Parents: As part of our policy,

privacy settings for profiles of

children under 18 are set to “Only

the Church Staff,” and we suggest

that this not be changed.

Step 4: Change Your E-Mail

Settings

Click on the arrow next to your

name in the upper right corner of

your profile screen. Select “E-Mail

Settings.” Select either “New

posts only” or “All posts and

replies.”

Step 5: Upload a Photo of Yourself

As our church continues to

grow, connecting a name with

a face helps everyone to get to

know each other. Please add a

headshot that shows your face

clearly. To upload a photo from

your computer, click on the circle

containing your initials.

Step 6: Explore Realm!

Click on the selections in the left

column of the screen to see news,

your personal giving history,

ministry and small groups that

you belong to or may want to join,

the church directory, and more!

As we grow on Realm, more

information and events will be

added for you to explore.

Read more about Realm at zumbrolutheran.org/joining-realm/

Construction Continues

Connecting Online

We are grateful for Chris Holtz and his team from Knutson Construction.

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Permit No. 344Rochester, MN 55901

www.zumbrolutheran.org (507) 288-2649

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Vern ChristophersonDirecting Pastorpastorvern@zumbrolutheran.org

Jason Bryan-WegnerPastorpastorjason@zumbrolutheran.org

Shelley CunninghamPastorpastorshelley@zumbrolutheran.org

Kristy GiereMusic Ministerkristygiere@zumbrolutheran.org

Janette ReevesFamily Ministerjanettereeves@zumbrolutheran.org

Jen GruendlerYouth and Young Adult Minister jennifergruendler@zumbrolutheran.org

Connie SaundersAdministrative Assistantconniesaunders@zumbrolutheran.org

Ruth MonsonCongregational Life Minister ruthmonson@zumbrolutheran.org

Tracy ScharBusiness Managertracyschar@zumbrolutheran.org

Sarah LichtyDirector of Missionsarahlichty@zumbrolutheran.org

Margaret DillardCommunications Directormargaretdillard@zumbrolutheran.org

Bob GiereDirector of Zumbro Lutheran ChoirDirector of Wednesday Worship Band bobgiere@zumbrolutheran.org

Ralph SchornackMusic Assistant

Robert Schneider Building Manager robertschneider@zumbrolutheran.org

Karla DexterOffice Assistantkarladexter@zumbrolutheran.org

William DengDinka Lay Evangelist

Zumbro Staff

Newsletter DeadlinePlease submit items for the July issue of The Zumbro Current by June 10, tomargaretdillard@zumbrolutheran.org