Focus
Monthly Newsletter of Zion Lutheran Church, Shawano, WI
November 2014
Salad Supper Success!
Thank you to all the callers, decorators, cooks,
bakers, kitchen helpers, servers, KOZ/Youth, and
friends who sent donations to help complete a
successful Salad Supper!
The great weather brought out many visitors who
enjoyed the fellowship and good food provided
by the Zion Women. It is a blessing to see many
hands helping to make this a successful event.
And due to a
Thrivent
Action Team
Plan our
profit was
$2,263.
Thank You
for a
Successful
Health Fair!
Aug/Sept 2014 Financial Update
Giving to the General Fund in August and September was $21,300 and $28,300, respectively. The
September amount was helped by Rally Sunday
and 5 Sundays in the month. Expenses exceeded
giving in August by $3,200 with an end of month
General Fund balance of ($1,973). With the strong
giving in September, giving exceeded expenses by
$1,629 leaving the ending General Fund balance at
almost break even ($343) as of September 30. We
typically see a drop off in giving during the summer months and a rebound in the fall heading into
the holiday season. Given we are at a break even
General Fund balance as of the end of September,
things should be set up well for a positive end of
year financial position barring any significant unforeseen events.
Thank you, Zion members. We continue to
appreciate your loyal support.
Your Finance Committee:
Steve Rhode, Treasurer
Woody Davis, Vice President
Jim Lowey
Jim Ash
Tim Jones
Turkey
feathers
time!
The famous
“turkey feathers”
are ready to be plucked
from the wall in the
Commons area.
If you would like to donate food for the
community Thanksgiving Dinner
please pluck a feather and sign your name.
Help is also needed to prepare food, set tables, etc.
on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. On
Thanksgiving Day helpers are needed to cook and
serve the dinner and clean up.
Sign up sheets will be posted
near the Turkey.
Questions? Call ...
Mikki Moesch 715-853-9193 or
Karen Childs 715-526-2445.
Kid’s Of Zion (K.O.Z.)
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
Electronic Giving
Contributions can be debited automatically from your checking or savings
account! Offering you convenience
and much-needed consistency for our
congregation.
An authorization form and a “Frequently Asked Questions” flyer are available at the Church Office or
www.shawanozion.org.
2:30-5:00 pm
in the Fellowship Hall
For kids in 3rd, 4th, & 5th,
6th, 7th, & 8th grades.
Come—and bring your friends!
Confirmation Classes
All Grades Meet
Wednesdays, Nov. 5 & 12
The following positions
are up for election in
January 2015.
Prayerfully consider
serving Zion in one of
these positions.
♦ President
♦ Secretary
♦ Treasurer
♦ Church in Society
♦ Health Ministry
♦ Property
♦ Worship & Music
♦ Endowment Fund
3 positions open
♦ Personnel
1 position open
♦ Homme Home
Representative
The Synod Youth Gathering (SYG)
November 7—8—9 in Manitowoc
Six of our high school youth will be attending the
gathering hosted by the East Central Synod of WI
Youth Board.
Please keep these young people in your prayers to
have fun, be safe, and grow in their faith!
Youth Game Night
Sunday, November 16
5-8 pm for 5th—12th graders!
in the Fellowship Hall
Faith Formation
aka: Christian Education, including Sunday School,
Confirmation, and KOZ
September and October have been busy months for Christian Education at Zion. We have fantastic young people in this congregation and they energize us,
bring joy to many and help us focus on what is important: "Welcoming all,
Growing and Sharing God's Love".
On Reformation Sunday, 10 young people affirmed their baptismal faith and it was a spirited celebration as
we gathered around them in worship. Some of our youngest members started us off with a foot stomping
rendition of If You're Saved and You Know It. They even helped us loosen up and did a fist pump while
shouting "Amen". We are blessed to have teachers using their time and talents to share the faith with our
children, teaching them to sing and pray and to love Jesus and know they are loved and valued.
The seventh graders began the confirmation program filled with questions and observations that show their
faith is something they think about, wonder about and want to talk through with others in order to truly
understand and believe. They also are blessed with parents who encourage their questions and bring them
to worship and class and are committed to helping with their faith formation. Currently, I am teaching the
eighth graders and it is delightful to hear comments such as "oh, now I understand" or "this is making sense
now" as we discuss the Apostle's Creed and describe this God and what it is we believe.
I am not the only one who has the joy of teaching our younger ones. Joel Yeakey says: "I enjoy teaching,
because I want to share the hope and love of God with the youth. It is my wish to demonstrate to the
youth, that God is with us at all times, especially when we are facing adversity. " "It is the Lord who goes
before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
(Deuteronomy 31:8)
Brian Kowalkowski says: "Our youth are the future of the church and our society and I want to make sure
they move into the future knowing that God is with them."
Peter Moesch says: "I'm involved in our Sunday school program because I feel I can connect with children
easily. I love the energy and happiness children give me. I truly believe God uses the gifts He's given me
to foster relationships with the youngest of his flock. This is my 14th year of teaching Sunday school. A
couple of times in those years I considered "retiring" from it. However, God draws me back to it and I'm
happy to be a part of it."
From Lorin Preston: "I'm a 7th-8th grade teacher because I want to help students apply God's word to their
everyday lives."
Zion is blessed with energetic, spirited kids who shine in wonderful and unique
ways with Jesus' love. We are also blessed with dedicated teachers who willingly
share their gifts and time as they live their faith with our children and youth. Zion
is blessed with members who have identified Youth ministry as a key area of
focus as the congregation moves into the future. Please make plans to go downstairs on Sunday to see the joy and love in our classrooms, to listen to the music
and laughter, to see the creatively decorated hallways, classrooms and coffee
shop; you too may be inspired to find ways to get involved with this life giving
gift of ministry as together we share Jesus’ love.
~ God’s Peace,
Pastor Gisele
E-mail Addresses for…..
Pastor Gisele….... [email protected]
Debbie / Office ….. [email protected]
Bob Burdick…… [email protected]
Jennifer Greiert….. [email protected]
From Your Parish Nurse...
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with
all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with
joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7
I attended a meeting in October and the quest speaker
was Harriet Redman the Founder of Fox Valley Sibling Support Network. Its mission is to create
the opportunity for individuals who have brothers
and sisters with special needs to understand, accept, and thrive in their unique family and in the
community. It has become a recognized organization providing programs and resources that
support children and adults who have siblings
with special needs. The organization serves
young siblings, adult siblings, parents and professionals. On November 22,at 10am-2pm a Sibshop will be held at 218 County Road B in
Shawano. Sibshops are celebrations of the many
contributions made by brothers and sisters of
kids with special health or developmental
needs. These workshops for "typical" siblings
combine recreation, information and discussion.
Kids age 6-12 attending Sibshops enjoy a lively, relaxed event that emphasizes a kids-eye view of sibling
issues. If you or someone you know would be interested in knowing more about Sibshops call 920-9681742 or email [email protected].
November is a busy month filled with many interesting topics. It is National Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Month. So, please come on November
9th, after the 8:00am service to hear our adult forum
on Alzheimer's disease given by Beverly Bartlett who
is an outreach specialist for the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin. We are very blessed to
have her share a wealth of information on this very
important subject, which will be held in rooms
B25/27. So, mark this date on your calender.
A reminder to get those flu vaccinations. The season
in upon us and the air is filled with viruses. If you did
not get yours at the Health Fair, consider going to the
clinic of your choice and make that a priority to get
vaccinated.
Now for a little history. Each year Thanksgiving is on
the fourth Thursday in November. Americans gather
for a day of feasting, football and family. While
today's Thanksgiving celebrations would likely
be unrecognizable to the attendees of the original
1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for
Americans to come together around the table and
celebrate the day. Thanksgiving became an official Federal holiday in 1863, when, during the
Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and
Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in
the Heavens". Americans commonly trace the
Thanksgiving holiday to a 1621 celebration at
the Plymouth Plantation, where the Plymouth
settlers held a harvest feast after a successful
growing season.
Since, 1947, the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one live
turkey and two dressed turkeys, in a ceremony known
as the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. John F. Kennedy was the first president reported
to spare the turkey given to him (he announced he didn't plan to eat the bird). These fun filled facts were
from the site http://en.wikipedia.org/wik/
Thanksgiving_ (United_ States).
As Christians and children of God lets us remember
those who are less fortunate and use this time to provide and give to the communities food drives, nonperishable packaged and canned foods and if able to
help in sponsored charitable distributions of staple
foods and Thanksgiving dinners.
~ Jennifer Greiert, Parish Nurse
Health Ministry Dates At A Glance...
Mon., Nov. 3: Health Ministry Committee 1:00 pm, Rm 101
Wed., Nov. 5 Friendly Visitors Meeting Rm 101
Sun., Nov. 9: Adult Forum: Alzheimer’s Disease Rm B25/27
Tuesdays & Thursdays – Evening Exercise Class
4:00-5:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall. No need to pre-register.
Newcomers Welcome! Nancy Schultz, Exercise Leader.
Blood Pressure Checks: Saturday, Nov. 15 after service and
Sunday, Nov. 16 after each service.
Free screening! Everyone welcome! Nurses and BP desk
staff—if you are able to help, please contact Jennifer at
[email protected] or 715-526-2017. Thank you.
Just A Reminder – If you would
like a Pastor/Parish Nurse visit when
you are ill or hospitalized please contact the office to make sure your visitation request is received! Hospitals
do not automatically contact the Pastor
regarding hospitalization.
Please talk with your family members
now about your
wishes to inform the
pastor in case your
illness leaves you
unable to do so.
Memorial Gifts
Sept. 28—Oct. 26, 2014
Special gifts “in honor of”
or “in memory of” to:
Building Fund
By: Tom & Sandra Rhode
In memory of Rita Lemke’s brother
and Sharie Maas’ sister
Music Fund
By: Marilyn Dahl
In memory of Chester Dahl
Missionary Fund
By: Lois Kruse
In memory of Glenn Hartman
By: Helen Kaurala
In honor of Lois Kruse’s birthday
In Memory of Charlene Helms:
• Endowment Fund by
John & Dejon Polzin
Sharon Erickson
• Health Ministry Fund by
Kathie Schutt
Anita Hartman
• Music Fund by
Bernadine Wendt, Lois Kruse
Tom & Sandra Rhode
Bruce & Carol Schmidt
Zion Choir, Marilyn Dahl
Ken & Bonnie Wolf
Al & Marge Wichmann
Dave & Margie Sumnicht
New in Zion’s Library
Lost December by Richard Paul Evans is the modern-day
holiday version of the biblical story of the prodigal son,
a tale of redemption, hope, and the true meaning of love.
Second Chances by Max Lucado includes more Stories of
Grace. This collection of stories reminds you that there’s
forgiveness or past mistakes and hope for your future.
Grace by Max Lucado. Grace is simply another word for
God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but
constantly and aggressively. It’s more than we deserve
and greater than we imagine.
A Simple Song by Melody Carlson tells the story of Katrina Yoder, who loves to sing. Her strict Amish parents
view her singing as vain. When her family faces a crisis,
the competition on the TV show might be the way for her
family to get the money needed. How will Katrina handle
herself as an Amish teenager out in the world? Is she
good enough to win? Will her parents forgive her? Will
she be accepted back into her community when it’s over?
The Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan
Smith is the third book in The Apprentice series trilogy.
Smith helps us know how to live in relationship with
others as apprentices of Jesus. He shows us how to
bring spiritual formation and community engagement
together, and offers spiritual practices that root new,
true narratives about God and the world in our souls.
His insight and humility as a fellow learner with us will
lead us to live in authentic ways as a good and beautiful
community of Christ-followers, shining the light of the
Spirit into every relationship.
The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis is set in Hickory Hollow, PA. Jennifer Burns shocks everyone when she bids
farewell to her modern life in favor of the Old Order
Amish world, settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp.
New DVDs in the library…
Our monthly calendar
is available on our
website. You can
always stay up-to-date!
www.shawanozion.org
Fill the Cart Weekend
- November 15 Church in Society is asking the
congregation to support SAFPARC
and “fill the cart.”
The shopping cart will be at the
door to the sanctuary.
Pork & beans, kidney beans, tuna,
cereal, tomato sauce, mac ’n cheese,
hearty soups, and peanut butter.
Please bring a non-perishable food item
to help Zion fill the cart!
Joy to the World The Christmas Story The bugs need to
relocate their town of Bugglesville due to a fire. They ride
along with Mary and Joseph to search for a new place
but find the stable already occupied. They
continue their search and eventually wind
up back at the stable where they discover
the significance of the new baby.
The Gift is the Christmas episode from the
Storyteller Café.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
90 on Nov. 4
Leroy Gerondale
W5010 Highland Dr
Shawano 54166
715-745-2488
96 on Nov. 15
Iris Eggert
W8983 Oak Ave
Shawano WI 54166
715-526-5160
Happy Birthday
92 on Nov. 26 Arlene Grunewald
617 W. Green Bay St, Bonduel 54107 ~ 715-758-2145
Thank you! Dear Zion,
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and cards
during my recent surgery. I am starting rehab and feeling great! Again, thank you!
~ Steve Boehmke
Dear Friends at Zion,
I sincerely thank all of you for keeping me in your
prayers during my recent surgery for double knee replacement. Your cards, calls, and visits were appreciated. Like Jerry has said, I had an angel looking over me
as I am doing so well. Thank you for the lovely prayer
shawl and the FROG (fully rely on God) received from
Mary Ann Rudie.
~ Donna Milbauer
Dear Zion,
Thank you so much for honoring me with an Endowment Fund scholarship. This semester had a fantastic start, but has been hectic! My classes are going well
and studies are strong. Thank you again for this great
gift.
~ Elizabeth Zimmerman
Pastor Gisele, Zion Congregation, and the Prayer
Shawl Ministry,
Thank you for helping to make my confirmation day
so special. The prayer shawl is beautiful. I am thankful
to be a confirmed member of the Zion community. God
bless you all.
~ Lauren Bohm
Fall Clean-up Day
Saturday, Nov. 1
starting at 9:00 a.m.
Pizza lunch will be provided! Lend a hand
to help take care of our church property.
Set your clocks back before you go to
bed Saturday night, November 1st!
The Parish Records
Deaths:
† Charlene Rae Helms October 3, 2014
Memorial service held at Zion Oct. 8.
† Gladys Mae Mooney, October 17, 2014
Funeral service held at Zion Oct. 21.
Marriage:
† Kelsey Lea Hille & Timothy Scott Nordin
married at Zion, September 22, 2014.
Thank You
from the
Zion Quilters!
Thank You to all who helped in
any way on our Lutheran Relief
projects this year! Special thanks
to Pauline (Foxy) for being my
partner. (Foxy puts our quilt tops and bottoms together
so everything is ready for the quilters Tuesdays at
9am. She also sews when necessary!) We have 17
great ladies who come every Tuesday, and everyone
takes a turn as hostess for our coffee break! There is
always room for you, if you’d like to join us!
This year we took our 80 boxes to St. James parking
lot where we were met by a semi-truck. Our shipment
consisted of: 296 quilts, 30 baby care kits, 22 school
bag kits, and 70 bars of soap.
Our thanks to Pam Bruecker for the use of her truck,
and to Mike & Dorothy Eidahl and Christy Hay for the
use of their vans. And thank you to everyone who contributed to making the kits and tying
quilts!
~ Yvonne Wolf
We would like to
thank…
… Vicky Heling for all the time and work she put
into getting everyone who needed to be trained in the
Child Protection Policy.
… Tom Laude for his time and carpentry talents installing the windows into the staff office doors.
Zion's Prayer Chain
If you have a request for the
Prayer Chain, please call
Ginny Vraney (715-799-3507)
or Kathy Bruhn (715-745-6603).
Confirmed on October 26th:
† Lauren Michelle Bohm
† Megan Josephine Fischer
† Emily Rose Jones
† Grace Marie Jones
† Matthew Evan Jones
† Tyler John Konkel
† Kasey Hunter Kristof
† Isaiah Kyle Moesch
† Andrew Daniel David Retzlaff
† Ryan Lee Steffen
Watch for the Good Gifts Christmas Tree
coming in the commons in December!
Sponsored by Church in Society
The Festival of All Saints
We remember with thanksgiving those who have loved
and served Christ in the Church on earth
and who now rest from their labors…
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
Arnold R. Greenhill
Kurt D. Buettner
Marion H. Ellis
Lucille M. Schwietzer
Jolene R. Bowan
Diane I. Arneson
Bernice T. Schoedel
Katheryn V. Schroeder
Ethel R. Dorn
Arlene J. Burke
Trumen R. Thorson
Golda V. Wunrow
Eugene L. Peterson
Violet O. Kreklow
Patricia A. Giese
Charlene R. Helms
Gladys M. Mooney
HOLY COMMUNION
Saturday, November 1, 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 2, 8:00 and 10:30 AM
FOCUS is published monthly by
Zion Lutheran Church.
1254 S. Union St., Shawano, WI 54166
Rev. Gisele Berninghaus, Interim Pastor
Debbie Bernard, Administrative Assistant
Jill Sousek, Organist and Music Director
Jennifer Greiert, Parish Nurse
Rev. James Sack, Missionary to Japan
Phone: 715-526-2017
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.shawanozion.org
Alzheimer’s
Disease
Sunday, Nov. 9
The Health Ministry Committee is hosting this
Adult Forum presentation at 9:15 a.m. in room B25/27.
Beverly Bartlett, the presenter, is an Outreach Specialist
for the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Wisconsin.
Please come and join us for this special informational forum.
Join Us Representing Zion in
the Shawano Christmas Parade!
Friday evening, Dec. 5
The
theme
is
Stockings
Filled
with Joy!
We will be walking
(no parade float).
Walkers Wanted!
Carolers Wanted!
All Ages Welcome!
Call Susan Draper with questions or
to sign-up… 715-940-0095.
Office Closed
Thursday & Friday
Nov. 27 & 28
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Please plan to join the people of Zion
as we gather for our Thanksgiving worship
Wednesday, November 26, at 6:30 p.m.
As has been our custom the Thanksgiving
offering will be directed to the World
Hunger Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America. You may use the
Thanksgiving envelope provided
in your envelope packets.