Zeal for Zion January 2020 Volume 1

Zion United Church of Christ, 415 South Main Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720

2020 By Rev. Eli O. Klingensmith

We are embarking on the headwaters of a brand new year – 2020. Can you believe it! As we look down the road at

the twelve months that will comprise 2020, none of us knows what lies ahead. Oh, we may make plans; but as an ancient

proverb puts it, “The plans are man’s, but the odds are God’s.”

My friend, for us the future is a blank page, but for God it has already been written. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read, “‘I

know the plans I have for you says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope’”, (TLB).

You and I can trust that whatever we may face in the future that God has our best in mind. Remember Romans 8:28?

We read, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His

purpose,” (TLB).

Think about some of the things we can do and need to do in 2020. We can enter this new year with a godly

awareness. The key to becoming spiritually effective on a personal level is essentially the same for effectively stemming the

influence of secularism. Allow the following steps to dominate your thoughts and become your way of life.

Number 1: Be faithful in reading God’s word every day. We need to give scripture a top priority. Psalm 119:99 says, “I

have more insight than all my teachers.” If there is ever a time when we need more insight for all the decisions that involve our

daily lives, it’s now in 2020.

As we read the scripture and live by it, God will strengthen us and prevent us from being dismayed and confused: “So

do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with

my righteous right hand”, Isaiah 44:10.

Number 2: Be diligent in prayer. Friend, one of our greatest resources and most powerful weapons is prayer. Jesus,

the Son of God, prayed to His father. This was immensely important to Jesus … and it should be to us.

Prayer has the powerful potential to “remove mountains.” The Bible affirms that “the prayer of a righteous man is

powerful and effective”, James 5:16. We should be in continual communion with the Lord as we walk and talk with God, and

seek God’s guidance in all that we do. God tells us to “pray continually”, I Thessalonians 5:17.

Number 3: Appropriate God’s personal peace. The Bible clearly teaches that in the last days perilous and dangerous

times will come. This year, 2020, may usher in some devastating events – events that will be very distressing unless we call

on the Prince of Peace to fill our hearts and minds with His peace. “You will keep in perfect peace Him whose mind is

steadfast, because he trusts in you,” Isaiah 23:2.

Though the world should crumble about us, or we hear bad news from a doctor, or we lose our job or a loved one, we

can rest assured that God cares for us. God will be there to help us and give us what we need.

Number 4: Seek God’s guidance and counsel. As we step into this new year of 2020 and walk each day with Jesus, it

is exciting to know that our omniscient God is eager to give us direction: “All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,

wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom,” Isaiah 28:29.

What will happen in 2020? No one really knows for certain. But, I can personally say that no matter what transpires I

am resolved to walk with the Lord and follow these steps every day. How about you?

Eli

CONTACT US:

Phone: 330.499.8191

Website: OurZionUCC.org

Email: ZionUCC@gmail.com

Facebook: Our Zion UCC

CHURCH BUILDING & OFFICE HOURS:

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:

Joey Cronin ZionUCC@gmail.com

Pat Hoffman ext. 313 ZionUCCFinance@gmail.com

Rev. Eli Klingensmith ext. 303 RevEliK@gmail.com

Michael Lucas ext. 312 michaeljeffreylucas@ygmail.com

Ralph Morrison ext. 311 ralphmorrison888@yahoo.com

Sherry Sampson ext. 301 ZionUCC@gmail.com

CUSTODIANS ext. 308

Sunday - Luke Hawkins

Monday/Thursday - Denny Adams

Tuesday & Friday - Jeffrey Blankenship

Wednesday/Thursday - Mike Karam

Zeal for Zion January 2020 Page 2

Consistory Meeting Highlights

December 9, 2019

The Pipe Organ renovation project is moving forward.

The 2019 Stewardship Campaign has concluded. Rev. Eli

expects to report to Consistory in January with the results.

The Blessing Box continues to be a successful outreach

project. All non-perishable foods are needed, with an

emphasis on dry products such as soups, mac & cheese,

etc. that can withstand the sub-freezing environment. Of

course, paper products and personal hygiene products

are always appreciated.

The 2020 Financial Budget was proposed and will be

voted upon in our January 2020 meeting.

The "Blueprint Through Faith into our Future" Ad Hoc

Committee submitted its report. A discussion followed and

Consistory unanimously voted to forward the report to the

congregation in the December 15, 2019 Congregational

Meeting.

Rick Fisher, Consistory President

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We reach out in love to our Church family

and friends who have lost loved ones.

May God’s blessing, comfort and peace

surround you and your family.

The family and friends of Audra Frank who passed on

November 22.

Marvin & Melissa Trickett and Jean Blackstone on the

November 23 passing of their aunt, Donna Myers.

Jean Class and Pam, Dean, Alycia, and Erica Kakos on

the November 17 passing of their husband, father and

grandfather, and our loving, dedicated member of Zion,

Marlyn Class.

The Brandau family on the December 4 passing of, Barb

Tucker, a dear family friend.

Shirley Lundstrom and family as her husband and our

dear church family member, Don, went to his heavenly

reward December 6.

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To my Church Family and Friends of Zion United

Church of Christ: I want to thank you - each and

every one - so very much for all your prayers, kind

words and thoughts and for your help to me on the

loss of my beautiful, precious daughter, Susan Lynn Turner. A

very special thank you to Rev. Eli for the plane trip to Chicago

and return so I could be with my Suzie one more time.

She was my only child and I miss her so very much. Blue was

her favorite color and she was buried in her blue jeans and

blue shirt. Susan was cremated and her ashes will be taken to

Wyoming near the Crazy Horse Monument - as a last request.

She loved the open land and blue sky. Susan’s very special

friend, Sue Picman, promised Susie that she would do that for

her in springtime.

It was October 28 at 12:30 am when our Lord called her home

to be with him. Susan was also a member of the United

Church of Christ in Hillside, Illinois with her minister, Rev.

Sally Scheib, who officiated at Susan’s funeral.

Thank you everyone and May God bless each of you,

Helen Shelton

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Zion Church Family and Staff,

We would like to thank Rev. Eli for his visit to the hospital and

prayers with our family.

Also to Sherry and the office staff for the preparations and

support during the service.

To Jeff and Dave for the preparations before and after the

service.

To the Funeral Luncheon Team for a wonderful lunch after the

service with all of Dad’s favorites.

To all of Zion Church Family……Thank you for the prayers,

phone calls and cards. He loved his church and church family

very much. Each of you holds a very special place in Dad’s

heart. We will all miss him dearly but always remember Dad

is looking down on us with his smile, and sending a “Hug” to

each of you.

Blessings to you all,

Dean, Pam, Alycia, and Erica Kakos

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The Missions Team would like to thank all of those who

helped to make Christmas a little brighter for two local families

by providing gifts and gift certificates. May God continue to

bless you!

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Winter Weather Cancellation

In the event of a winter weather cancella-

tion, Zion will notify the following: WKYC -

TV3, WEWS - TV5, Fox 8, WHBC 1480,

and Mix 94.1. You may also call the Church

Office weekdays between 9-4 to see if your

evening activity has been cancelled. Safety

is our utmost concern. Please keep this

information handy!

Zeal for Zion January 2020 Page 3

The Church building will be closed on

Wednesday, January 1.

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The Ultimate New Year’s Resolution List With a new year comes a fresh start, use it to expand

your relationship with God!

1. Take time every day and dive into the Word!

2. Do devotionals every day!

3. Improve prayer life! Talk to God in depth and often! It could

be about anything at all, just talk to Him!

4. Make an effort to attend more pre-service classes on

Sundays!

5. Become more involved with the church and the many

activities!

6. Make an effort to be intentional in small group preparations!

7. Learn more about everyone in the Bible! Specifically,

Jesus' family tree!

8. While reading the Bible, try writing about what you read to

ensure a deeper understanding that will be difficult to

forget.

9. Don't study just for show! Study for the sake of growing

closer to God, not for the sake of getting more Face

book or Instagram likes!

10. Be honest and intentional in faith. Tests are coming so be

prepared!

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Pipe Organ Hymns+ is January 9

Our organist, Ralph Morrison, shares his great

talent playing hymn-based selections and

other pieces on January 9 at 1215 in the

Sanctuary. Join us for some musical

inspiration at the Pipe Organ Hymns +.

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Memorial Education Fund Fundraiser

The Memorial Education Fund provides grants

to our outstanding Zion college students. The

Committee is inviting all Zion members and

friends and family to grab their favorite team spirit wear and

gather around for a warm, simple soup and sandwich supper

on Friday, January 3 from 430-7 pm in Beck Hall. There will

be a sign-up sheet in the Cloister for anyone willing to bring

their favorite tailgate dessert! A freewill offering will be taken

to benefit the Zion Memorial Education Fund. Please come

out and support this fundraiser for our college students.

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Come and Share in the

New Year Communion

on January 5.

Zion Lunch Away at Red Lobster

Join your Church family as we head out for

some great seafood on January 5 after

worship. At Red Lobster you will find amazing

seafood, the best cheddar biscuits and even

chicken and burgers. Come for the fellowship!

Please sign up in the Cloister or call the Church Office to help

with the planning.

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ACME Community Cash Back

Now that the holidays are over, please turn in

your cash register slips dated from August

through December 28 for the Missions Team.

There is a box located in the Cloister for all of

your tapes.

Zion will get 5% of the Community Cash Back printed on the

bottom of your receipt on the store brands that you

purchased. Please have all slips turned into the Community

Cash Back box by Sunday, January 12. The Missions Team

thanks you for your support of this fundraiser. This money will

be used for Community Outreach.

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Movie Night - January 12 at 5 pm

Join us in the Church Parlor for the

movie A Question of Faith on Sunday,

January 12. In the movie, Pastor David

Newman is a loving husband and father,

set to take over his dad's church while

neglecting the promises he's made to

his 12-year-old son, Eric. Kate

Hernandez is a spiritually driven single-

parent and owner of a local restaurant. Her daughter Maria is

a free-spirited teenager aspiring to be the first in her family to

go to college. John Danielson is the owner of a failing

construction company who sees his daughter Michelle’s

fledgling singing career as a way out of financial trouble. The

lives of these strangers collide when two twists of fate strike

back to back. The first: while texting and driving in her car,

Maria accidentally hits Eric, which

lands Maria in jail and leaves Eric's

family with an unthinkable dilemma.

The second: while auditioning for a

major record label, Michelle

collapses, leading to a discovery

about her health which rocks the very

foundation of her father's dream. Join

us at 5 pm for this inspiring movie.

Pizza, snacks and beverages and

great fellowship will be provided.

Zeal for Zion January 2020 Page 4

Epiphany

1. Epiphany is defined as a sudden and profound understanding of

something.

2. The definition of Epiphany is a Christian celebration on January

6th that remembers when the Wise Men first saw Jesus.

3. Epiphany means when a God appears to someone.

The Epiphany Story - January 6

On this day, according to the liturgical calendar, the Christian

Church commemorates the visit of the wise men to the Christ

Child. Some, like Lutherans, call the day Epiphany; others, like the

Orthodox Church, celebrate Christmas. Whichever label you use,

the fact is that the account of this call on Jesus’ household by the

Magi is recorded only once in Scripture, in the Gospel of Matthew:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of

Herod the king, the Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,

saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we

saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When

Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with

him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the

people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been

written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judea, are by

no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall

come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called the Magi and determined from them

the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem

and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you

have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship

Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star,

which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came

and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the

star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the

house they saw the Child, with Mary His mother, and they fell to

the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they

presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And hav-

ing been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the

Magi left for their own country by another way. Matthew 2:1-12

(NASB)

1st: Pat Cole, Nick Stock

2nd: Morgan Kahler

3rd: John Cross

4th: Julie Cross, Lucy Essner, Sandra

Hawkins, Peggy McClusky, Carol Schiltz

8th: Chris Dahler, Kenneth Melin, Jeff Palmerton

10th: Jennifer Kintz

11th: Kathy Tobin

13th: Tony Okray

14th: Joe Cronin

15th: Amanda Boeshart, Erin Luke

16th: Caitlin Cronin

18th: Julie Stahl

19th: Keith Hart

20th: Carla Carper, Harry McClelland, Jim Sanford

22nd: Karen Stock

23rd: Dennis Close, Mark Morris

24th: Ruth Gross

26th: Pam Kakos, Lily Ramey

27th: Nancy Fogle, Megan McMaster

29th: Tim Bailey

30th: Dick Carper

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January 2, 1993 Jean & Charles Mears

January 8, 2005 Paul & Joann Roush

January 17, 1986 Marvin & Melissa Trickett

January 20, 1973 Rev. Eli & Ruth

Klingensmith

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Everyone is welcome at Zion,

especially a Service Dog!

2019 Zion United Church of Christ Calendar

Phone: 330.499.8191 Email: ZionUCC@gmail.com Facebook: Zion UCC North Canton Website: OurZionUCC.org

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Events and

meetings are

subject to change.

Please refer to the

weekly bulletins.

ROOM CODES

B - Beck Hall

C - Chapel

CSR - Cub Scout Rm

L - Library

O - Office

P - Parlor

MP - Multi-Purpose

S - Sanctuary

SR - Scout Room

1

Church Building

is Closed

2

7 Troop 111 - MP

730 Choir - Chapel

3

430-7 Soup &

Sandwich Dinner

Fundraiser - B

8 AA - MP

4

10 Sponsored

Group - MP/104/109

5 New Year

Communion

9 Adult SS - 111/C

1015 Youth Attend

Worship

1015 Worship

12 Zion Lunch Away

- Red Lobster

630 AA-MP/104/109

6

630 Missions - L

630 Cub Committee

- CSR

7 Executive - O

7 Property - 103

7

8-330 CC Challenge

9 Quilters - 223

915 TOPS - C

10 Staff - P

630 Pack Meeting - B

7 AA - 104

7 Troop 1 - SR/MP

8

9

1215 Pipe Organ

Hymns + - S

615 Bells - S

7 Troop 111 - MP

730 Choir - Chapel

10

12 February Zeal

Due

8 AA - MP

11

10 Sponsored

Group - MP/104/109

12 9 Adult SS - 111/C

1015 Youth SS -208

1015 Worship

5 Movie Night - P

630 AA-MP/104/109

13

630 Consistory - 103

14

8-330 CC Challenge 9

Quilters - 223

915 TOPS - C

10 Staff - P

7 Christian Ed - L

7 AA - 104

7 Troop 1 - SR/MP

15

16

6 MOPS - P/104/109

615 Bells - S

7 Troop 111 - MP

730 Choir - Chapel

17

8 AA - MP

18

10 Sponsored

Group - MP/104/109

19

9 Adult SS - 111/C

1015 Youth SS -208

1015 Worship

630 AA-MP/104/109

20

21

8-330 CC

9 Quilters - 223

915 TOPS - C

10 Staff - P

7 New Women’s

Group - P

7 Memorial Ed - L

7 AA - 104

7 Troop 1 - SR/MP

22

23

615 Bells - S

7 Troop 111 - MP

730 Choir - Chapel

24

8 AA - MP

25

10 Sponsored

Group - MP/104/109

26 630 Oatmeal

Breakfast - Canton

9 Adult SS - 111/C

1015 Youth SS -208

1015 Worship

630 AA-MP/104/109

27 28

8-330 CC

9 Quilters - 223

915 TOPS - C

10 Staff - P

7 AA - 104

7 Troop 1 - SR/MP

29

30

615 Bells - S

7 Troop 111 - MP

730 Choir - Chapel

31

8 AA - MP