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.
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