1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

The Contact
Faith. Family. Community.
February 2015
In This Edition:
Pg. 2 Prayers, Birthdays &
Anniversaries,
Group Gatherings
Office Hours
Pg. 3 Secretary Notes:
(Thrivent Choice
Dollars and Lutheran
Day on the Hill)
Thank You
Address Changes
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
Each year, tens of thousands of
our nation’s youth put God’s love
into action through the “Souper”
Bowl of Caring. You can help
them feel the significance of
caring for others by dropping a
dollar (or more) in a soup pot as you leave worship on
February 1, Super Bowl Sunday. Donations will be
divided between the Muscatine Food Pantry and ELCA
World Hunger.
Nordic Choir
ConFest
Tubing @ SnowStar
Did You Know?
Pg. 4 Meetings, Choirs,
Congratulations, &
Readers
Youth Yard Sale
Adult Ed.
MY Group Help
Pg. 5 Greeters
Global Barnyard
Financial Report
Pg. 6 Acolytes, Ushers,
Hospitality, & Altar
Ash Wednesday
Lenten Menu
Pg. 7 Lenten Schedule
Pg. 8 From Stewardship
Pg. 9 Calendar
FAITH STEPPING STONES
First Communion Instruction:
Classes will be February 1 and
February 8. A parent or adult
sponsor is required to attend each
session with the parent. Students
will make communion bread on
February 14 at 9 AM with their parents at Zion and will
receive their first communion and faith stepping stone on
February 15. Students who will be receiving this feast
will be: Matthew Richardson, Hailey Boldt, Emily King,
Ella Schroeder, and Nathan Taylor.
THANKS FOR SERVING
Thank you to the following Council
member who have completed their
terms: Dave Hanson, Jan Drumm,
Mike Batenhorst, and Anna
Mandsager. Congratulations to the
following people who were elected at
the annual meeting: Mark Perisho for
Finance/Treasurer and Stacey Ramos for Parish Ed.
PRAYERS AROUND ZION
SOWERS
“Let us pray for the whole
people of God in Christ
Jesus and for all people
according to their needs.”
FOR THOSE THAT ARE ILL:
Justine Freeborn
Connie Giles
Kalen Maine
Ron Subbert
Chuck Hoffman
Bob Martz
Richard Peoble
Jade Ballenger
Elaine Van Grevenhof
Jean Orr
Karen Goodell
Dixie Ulch
Janice Nickell
Rev. Don Sondrol
Pat Tober
Calling all sowers: We will meet on
February 16 at 6:30 PM at Rose
Marie Paul’s.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST
A LOVED ONE:
OUT - TO - LUNCH BUNCH
Out-to-Lunch Bunch will be on February 12
at 11:30 AM at The Brickhouse. Sign up is
available on the nursery bulletin board.
SUPPER CLUB
Supper Club will meet on February 21 at
6:00 PM at Mad Marv’s in Fruitland. Sign up
is available on the nursery bulletin board.
GROUP MEETINGS
Group 5 will meet on February 17 at
9:30 AM at Zion with Wilma Fosholt
hosting. Group 6 will meet on
February 26 at 7:30 PM at Jan Pohl’s.
5
&
6
Z - BOOK CLUB
Bill Dyar on the loss of his
great-grandson, Corbin.
The next meeting will be on Monday,
March 2 at 5 PM at GeoJohnz. The
book for the month is Unbroken. As a
Donna Williams and family
boy, Louis Zamperini was incorrigible.
on the loss of Art Williams.
As a teen, he channeled his defiance into running
which led him to the Berlin Olympics. When WWII
BIRTHDAYS &
began, he became an airman embarking on a journey
ANNIVERSARIES
that led to a doomed flight which he shouldn’t have
*Denotes 90+ years, **denotes
survived. See what happens to Zamperini and join
100+ years, anniversaries listed Z-Book Club. (Contact Vivien Halloran if you’d like to
are 50+ years.
join Z-Book Club.)
Richard Buster
2/4
Grace Askam
Clarence Hammann
There are no February
Anniversaries.
2/7
2/24
OFFICE HOURS
The church is open Monday 9 - 3 PM,
Tuesday through Thursday 9 - 4:30 PM,
and Friday 9 - 4 PM. The office is
closed during the lunch hour and the
building will be locked when empty.
2
SECRETARY NOTES:
NORDIC CHOIR PERFORMANCE
Just a reminder that
anyone who has Thrivent
Choice needs to direct their
Choice Dollars by March
31. If you need help doing
so, please speak to Terri
Hanson or Kathleen
Schippers.
Please mark your
calendars for Lutheran Day
on the Hill on Monday,
March 9. Look for more info
in the church weekly
bulletins and the Weekly
Contact.
Lutheran College is pleased to
announce that the Nordic Choir
will be performing on Tuesday,
February 3, 2015, at 7 PM at
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,
2136 Brady Street, Davenport.
Conducted by Dr. Allen Hightower,
the choir will perform sacred choral
works, hymn arrangements, spirituals, and the
traditional Nordic Choir closing piece “O Lord God” by
Pavel Chesnokov. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and
$10 for students. To purchase tickets call
563-387-1357 or go to www.tickets.luther.edu.
THANK YOU:
Thanks for those who sent
greetings for my birthday
and for thinking of me.
~ Elaine Peterson
I would like to thank
everyone that sent cards or
phoned during my illness. A
special thank you for the
beautiful flowers and the
visit from Ruth.
~ Doris Watson
Thanks for the cards, well
wishes, prayers, and calls
after my surgery.
~ Cheryl Hollich
ADDRESS CHANGES:
Tina Moore
315 W. 1st Street
Bennett, IA 52721
Jacob & Jessica Wagg
2113 Ridgewood Avenue
Muscatine, IA 52761
CONFEST 2015
This year the middle school students and adult
sponsors attending ConFest will be discovering their
place in God’s Story. This event will take place at
Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch on
Saturday, February 7 from 9 AM to 4 PM.
TUBING AT SNOWSTAR
There is a sign up sheet on the
office bulletin board for anyone
interested in joining the fun and
tubing at SnowStar on Sunday,
February 15 from 4-8 PM. Cost
is $10/person and deadline for sign up is February 8.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that there are 7 people
who will celebrate their 80th birthdays in
2015? There are also 7 people who will
celebrate their 90th birthdays in 2015.
Can you name them? One member of
Zion will be celebrating their 100th birthday in 2015.
Can you guess who it is? Answers will be given in the
bulletin on February 15 and in the March Contact.
3
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
INDOOR YARD SALE
Gateway Committee @
3:30 PM - 2/4
On Saturday, February 21 from 9-2 PM,
YARD
Zion Youth will be having a yard sale in
SALE
fellowship hall. This event will be
advertised and open to the public.
Donations are needed and this is a perfect
way to get a jump start on your spring cleaning. All
types of items are needed, from clothes to cookware,
big and small. Please, no junk. Items can be put in
the youth room off of the multipurpose room. All items
need to be at the church by 3 PM on Friday,
February 20. The funds raised will be used to offset
the cost for the 11 youth/adults attending the ELCA
National Youth Gathering in Detroit. Please speak
with Tyler Baars for more information.
All Committee Night - 2/5
Executive Committee @
6:15 PM - 2/12
Church Council @
7:00 PM - 2/12
CHOIRS PRACTICES:
Bell Choir @ 6:15 PM - 2/4
- 2/11
- 2/18
- 2/25
Senior Choir @ 7 PM - 2/4
- 2/11
- 2/18
- 2/25
CONGRATULATIONS:
Whitney Baars for
signing with the Mt. Mercy
Mustangs to play softball.
READERS:
8:00 AM
2/1 - Charles Potter
2/8 - Susan Burzlaff
2/15 - Richard Jacobsen
2/22 - Richard Stange, Jr.
10:30 AM
2/1 - Stan Johnson
2/8 - Tyler Baars
2/15 - Kathy Othmer
2/22 - Christy Williams
ADULT EDUCATION
Our Adult Education series for Lent will coincide with
our mid-week Lenten series on developing faith
practices to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. We will
use the "Animate" DVD curriculum from Sparkhouse.
The study will begin on Sunday, February 22. The
topics to be included are:
 Prayer - featuring Brian McLaren (Feb. 22)
 Food; eating with Jesus - feat. Sara Miles (Mar. 1)
 Worship - featuring Mike Slaugher (Mar. 8)
 Sacraments -featuring Phyllis Tickle (Mar. 15)
 Money - featuring Shane Claiborne (Mar. 22)
 Service - featuring Enuma Okoro (Mar. 29)
 Community - featuring Doug Pagitt ( April 12)
MY GROUP
MY Group (Muscatine Youth Group) meets on
Sunday evenings 5-7 PM at MCSA with program and
meal. Simple meal providers are needed (generally
about 6:30 PM) on the following dates: Feb.15 and
22, March 1, 22, and 29, and April 12. Contact Jodi
Hinrichs or Cathi Bencken if you can help and/or for
details. Pastor Jodi's number at Shepherd of the
Cross is 264-0784. Rev. Bencken’s number at Trinity
Episcopal is 263-2177.
4
GREETERS UP:
GLOBAL BARNYARD
8:00 AM
2/1 - Jim & Julie Haage
2/8 - Keith & Mary Butcher
2/15 - Tom & Susan Burzlaff
2/22 - Sarah, Jackson, &
Briar Evans
Barnyard Banks will be
sent home for Sunday
School children to use
during the Lenten
Season along with some Global Barnyard stickers.
This helps them learn that putting money in their
banks allows them to purchase animals for families
10:30 AM
2/1 - Riley Padgett & Doris around the world. Adults are encouraged to participate
also. Prices for animals as listed:
Watson
2/8 - Kent & Mary Heckman $10 - Chicks lay eggs and are meat which offers
nutritious meals for families who are hungry.
2/15 - Margaret Marolf
2/22 - Andy & Janice Smith $20 - Ducks eat bugs and weeds that harm crops and
their large eggs make healthy meals.
ASH WEDNESDAY:
$30 - Pigs, after a few months, weigh a few hundred
2/18 (12 PM) - Dick O’Brien
pounds and bring a big income from the market.
(5:30 PM) - Doreen
$50 - Goats, give fresh milk to drink or used for dairy
Borde
products like cheese and yogurt to eat and sell.
$125 - Sheep have wool to be made into clothing
LENTEN WORSHIP:
and sold to provide a steady source of income.
2/25 (5:30 PM) - Don &
$175 - Alpaca have soft fleece that can be made into
Jeannette White
blankets and rugs, bringing in family income.
$250 - A fish farm can provide an entire community
with a long-lasting supply of fish to eat.
GREETERS DOWN:
$500 - Cows provide milk, meat, fertilizer, and calves
8:00 AM
to strengthen a family’s financial security.
2/1 - Jeff & Denise Baird
2/8 - Jurgen & Jan Boche
2/15 - Trent & Wendy
FINANCIAL REPORT
Brendel
2/22 - Toby Sander & Karla Income 2014
12 /14
11/12ths Yr
Yr-to-Date
Actual
Budget
Difference
Bickle
10:30 AM
2/1 - Ralph & Barb Buster
2/8 - Mike Carter
2/15 - Lanny & Rachel
Creamer
2/22 - Bill & Patty Chrisman
Budgeted Income
Budgeted Expenses
Net Ordinary Income
$330,209
292,479
37,730
Unbudgeted Income
Unbudgeted Expenses
Net Income
26,451
24,685
$39,496
Fund Balances
Unified Fund
Building Fund
Fellowship Hall
Memorial Fund
Gateway Apts Fund
$95,865
11,610
4,099
102,408
21,824
5
300,816
300,816
-
29,393
(8,337)
37,730
26,451
24,685
39,496
ACOLYTES:
ASH WEDNESDAY
8:00 AM
2/1 - Katie Harris
2/8 - Phoebe Lawrence
& Lizzy Richardson
2/15 -Maddie Kokemuller
2/22 - Katie Harris &
Phoebe Lawrence
There will be a Service with
Imposition of Ashes and Holy
Communion on February 18 at
12 PM and 5:30 PM. “Lent is
often experienced as a season
of reflection, looking inward,
soul-searching. It’s a season for
looking intently toward Jesus, the author of our faith,
and longing to know him better. It’s a season of
community, because we come together to worship and
share a meal.” (Sundays and Seasons, Lent) During
the forty days of Lent, we join to share God’s Word
through worship and to share fellowship with one
another. During this Lenten season, we encourage all
members of Zion to be faithful in worship both
Wednesday evening and Sunday morning.
10:30 AM
2/1 - Phillip Smith
2/8 - Karson Cantrell
& Carson Borde
2/15 - Phillip Smith &
Destiny Williams
2/22 - Emma Freyermuth
& Karson Cantrell
ASH WEDNESDAY:
2/18 (5:30 PM) - Lizzy
Richardson
LENTEN WORSHIP:
2/25 (5:30 PM) - Destiny
Williams
ZION LUTHERAN 2015 LENTEN MENU
February 25
March 4
USHERS:
8:00 AM
Richard Jacobsen, Mark
Evans, Jacob Evans.
Scott Richardson
10:30 AM Mike Carter,
Bill Toyne, Larry Meyer,
Tyler Toyne, Julie Frye
HOSPITALITY:
2/1 - Church Council
2/15 - Worship
Church Council Chicken Noodle/Chili
Soup, Celery, Crackers, and Desserts
Youth Committee Walking Tacos/Salad,
Celery, Carrots, and Desserts
March 11
Bell/Senior Choir Ham Sandwiches,
Baked Beans, Potato Chips, Celery,
Carrots, and Desserts
March 18
Group 6 Baked Potato Bar, Applesauce,
Carrots, Celery, and Desserts
March 25
Group 5
Sloppy Joes, Potato Chips,
Jello Salad, and Desserts
ALTAR GUILD:
LoAnne Worth &
Wendy Brendel
6
LENTEN WORSHIP AT ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
This Year’s Worship Theme: “Learning from Each Other: Faith Practices of the
members of Zion Lutheran Church”
This Lent as we prepare for the joy of the resurrection, we will take up the study of
Christian faith practices. Practicing our faith in Jesus Christ is a journey in which we
mature in faith as we seek deeper meaning in our communal life in Christ. Each
week, at Wednesday worship, we will hear from a member of Zion Lutheran Church
who has a good sense of the faith practice. The season of Lent is a time for us to
enrich our faith in the promises that Christ will redeem us and the world. Christ
enters the brokenness of the world and restores us through the cross. During this
season of Lent we will gather each Wednesday evening for a brief worship service
and meal. The worship service begins at 5:30 PM each Wednesday evening. Invite
your friends and neighbors to join us for worship!
February 18
Ash Wednesday Services at 12 PM & 5:30 PM, Imposition of
Ashes & Holy Communion
Midweek services: February 25 through March 25 at 5:30 PM, followed by a meal.
February 25
“Prayer - Orientation to God,” a conversation with Nancy Keel
March 4
“Worship - Seeking God’s Presence,” a conversation with Gary
Sebbert
March 11
“Study - Engaging God’s Word,” a conversation with Bill Dyar
March 18
“Give - The Joy of Sharing,” a conversation with Jan Pohl
March 22
Service of Healing
March 25
“Invite/Encourage - Sharing Strength in Faith,” a conversation with
Dyann Roby
following the 8 AM & 10:30 AM services
Holy Week Schedule
March 29
Palm/Passion Sunday
8 & 10:30 AM
Procession w/Palms
April 2
Maundy Thursday
2 & 5:30 PM Worship w/Holy Communion
“Spiritual Practice of Serving,” a conversation with Karen Landahl
April 3
Good Friday
Good Friday
Noon
Ecumenical Worship at 1st Presbyterian
7:30 PM
Procession of the Holy Cross at Zion
April 5
Easter Sunday
8 &10:30 AM
Resurrection Festival Worship
w/Holy Communion
Youth Fundraiser Breakfast following the 8 AM worship service on Easter Sunday.
7
In his January 11th Sunday sermon, Pastor Steve talked about the Magi following
the star to the birthplace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He spoke about the
hurdles placed before us a God continues to dangle stars in front of us in our life’s
journey. We find comfort in the normal dirge of daily life once we settle into our
normal routines. And we will do almost anything not to have that change because
we’ve found a way to deal with life in our own comfort zones. We all are creatures of
habit!
Coming to worship with our families on Sunday’s is important, but we don’t have
any more time to devote to strengthening our relationship with our Creator, Savior,
or Holy Spirit within us. We’re just too short of time, too busy with the drain of daily
tasks that takes most of our time and energies, and somehow, we must get some
kind of rest to do something we enjoy! No, there is simply not enough time for me to
do anything other than what I’m doing.
Remember what happened during our Consecration Sunday programs? Remember
when we asked you to respond to the many gifts that God has blessed you with and
grow in your spiritual bond with our Creator? Remember when we asked you to
consider a financial growth of 1% more than your previous giving as a living
sacrifice to Him who continues to shower us with His grace and mercy for our
everyday sinful nature? Many responded in a positive way by saying YES, we want
to be closer to our God in spirit. We have elected to begin the process of putting
God first in our financial lives, working toward the Biblical Tithe, and to not placing
Him at the end of the list. We presented your pledged promise of financial support
before the Lord on our altar as a sign of our outward sacrifice to God. In doing so,
we’ve made a promise to God that we will honor our financial pledge to Him. You’ve
signed your name to that pledge, taking another significant step toward fortifying
that promise.
But our Lord dangles another star in front of you to consider following. The Body of
Christ we call Zion Lutheran calls for your committed participation in the giving of
your talent and time. And there are a host of ways you can serve without it being
hugely time intensive. It’s the next step in the growth of your faith and in serving the
Body. Each member of the Body has been blessed with certain gifts, and they can
fill a need when examined against our Opportunities to Serve brochure in the pews
and downstairs bulletin board. We need your help in serving our Body; we need
your purposeful action in meeting the needs of our congregation, and I promise that
in doing so, YOU will get more in Spirit from serving than the people who benefit
from your gifts. Young or aged, new member or old members, please make that
effort to share your time and talent with your fellow church members. Follow the
Light of the new star that He has put before you! Continue to make Him a first resort
in your lives, and not a last resort.
May the Holy Spirit within you answer our prayer!
Your 2015 Stewardship Committee
8
F e b r u a r y 2015
Thursday
5
Wednesday
6:30 PM All Committee Night
Tuesday
4
Monday
3
Sunday
7:00 PM Boy Scouts
2
6:30 AM Men's Bible Study
9:00 AM Quilting Ladies
3:30 PM Gateway Meeting
6:15 PM Bell Choir
6:30 PM Cfm. @ SOTC
7:00 PM Senior Choir
12
1 Souper Bowl of Caring
Installation of Council
Officers (Both Services)
8:00/10:30 AM Worship
9:15 AM 1st Communion
Instruction/Sunday School/
Adult Ed.
11
9
10
8
26
7:00 PM Boy Scouts
9:00 AM Contact Assembly
7:30 PM Group 6 - Jan Pohl's
11:30 AM Lunch Bunch Brickhouse
6:15 PM Exec. Comm.
7:00 PM Church Council
25
5
6:30 AM Men's Bible Study
9:00 AM Quilting Ladies
6:15 PM Bell Choir
6:30 PM Cfm. @ SOTC
7:00 PM Senior Choir
24
6:30 AM Men's Bible Study
9:00 AM Quilting Ladies
5:30 PM Lent Worship/meal
7:00 PM Senior Choir
6:30 PM All Committee Night
8:00/10:30 AM Worship
9:15 AM 1st Communion
Instruction/Sunday School/
Adult Ed.
7:00 PM Boy Scouts
4
19
3
18 Ash Wednesday
6:30 AM Men's Bible Study
9:00 AM Quilting Ladies
12:00/5:30 PM Worship
7:00 PM Senior Choir
23 Contact Articles Due!
2
7:00 PM Boy Scouts
15 Faith Stepping Stones - 16 Presidents’ Day
17
1st Communion
OFFICE CLOSED!
9:30 AM Group 5 - Zion
8:00/10:30 AM Worship
6:30 PM Sowers - Rose Marie 7:00 PM Boy Scouts
9:15 AM Sunday School/Adult Paul's
Ed.
4:00 PM Tubing @ SnowStar
22
8:00/10:30 AM Worship
9:15 AM Sunday School/Adult
Ed.
1
8:00/10:30 AM Worship
9:15 AM Sunday School/Adult
Ed.
6:30 AM Men's Bible Study
9:00 AM Quilting Ladies
3:15 PM Gateway Meeting
5:30 PM Lent Worship/meal
7:00 PM Senior Choir
Friday
7
Saturday
14 Happy Valentine’s Day
9:00 AM Bread Making - 1st
Communion Students
9:00 AM ConFest 2015
13
21
6
20
27
7
28
9:00 AM Youth Yard Sale
6:00 PM Supper Club - Mad
Marv's
6
9
February 2015 | KEEPING ZION CONNECTED
THE CONTACT
Zion Lutheran Church
513 Sycamore Street
Muscatine, IA 52761
563.263.5074
Visit us online at ZIONMUSCATINE.ORG
Follow us at TWITTER@ZIONMUSCATINE