Zion Life Newsletter – May 2009
Pastoral Reflections
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16)
The Word of the Lord is central to who and whose we are as a people of God. The Word guides us, offers us consolation and hope; it calls us to repentance and gives us grace and mercy. It is God’s voice speaking to us directly in where we are as a people of God.
We are called as Christians to be actively engaged in the study of scripture. It is the vital and central aspect of our time of transformation as individuals and as a congregation.
But then, that is what a pastor is supposed to say, right? Yet, it is not just what I’m supposed to or do say, but it has been proclaimed and lifted up-from St. Paul’s to the Colossians (above) to people of today. Below are reflections from various people in the congregation about the importance of reading and studying scripture for their own lives. Reflect on their words; ask them for more details; come and explore scripture together so that we may be transformed by God’s love and grace.
(Thelma Serrie) Do you think the world is going to pot. Well it’s not. Join a Bible study/ you can learn a lot. The folks at Bible study are just like you. They love the Jesus story and know its true. What can I do for Jesus today? Join Pastor’s Bible study and pray, man, pray. You go to Church-you’re a pretty good guy. Could you join a Bible study-Give it a try! Is this world a miserable mess? Join a Bible study and you’ll no longer guess. Why would you want to learn more about God? Has he answered your prayers lately or didn’t you pray. Are you too busy to know the Lord? Has He been too busy to love and care for you? “I don’t know enough about the Bible to go to Bible study” you say. We are all in the same boat. So join us and float. Do you own a Bible? Have you dusted it lately? Well-polish it up and bring it to Zion. You’ll enjoy. We’re not lyin’.
(Karl Schwarzenegger) As for why I LOVE studying scripture, it’s like returning home after a long absence. The sensation of being immersed in the Word is fulfilling, rejuvenating, and comforting. It helps me return my thoughts to what is truly important, God’s Love and Forgiveness.
(Karen Wilson) Blessings of Bible Study: I started attending Bible Study back in the 1970’s and over the years I have learned from so many different ministers and their different methods of teaching, they all were the same in helping me to grow in my faith. I have grown in my faith with all the study of the books in the Bible that I’ve read through the years. I’ve become comfortable in my ability to talk about what we are studying. The friendships we form with fellow classmates is most important to me. We come to be like a family and miss someone when they are ill or if they had to move on to another place. Some went to a new town and some went to be with the Lord. We shared the fun times along with the sad. That is what being apart of a church family is all about. Sharing our love for the Lord. As we age, we mature, and over the years Bible Study helps us to grow in our faith. I thank the Lord for making it possible to attend a class.
These are but a few of those who have shared their reflections with us so far-there are many others. Talk to someone about why they study the Bible. It is about so much more than just gaining knowledge; it is about growing in our relationship with God and with one another.
Pastor Jen
Congregation Council Highlights
April 2, 2009
Present: Don Alkinburg, Dan Bates, Tom Collins, Nancy DeSando, Gordon Emerson, David Hayner, John Jarvis, Jeanne Mau, Andre Nadeau, Chris Thaxter, Frieda Thorington, Sandy Thorington, Ron Trask, Judy Warner, Karen Wilson and Pr. Boyd.
Meeting called to order by Pres. Alkinburg, Frieda Thorington led the devotions this evening.
Study Period: Viewed the video “Discovering Hope” that partially was filmed here at Zion. We talked about how much taping a service and putting it on television helped to raise their attendance. Also talked about, the importance of members attending Bible Classes.
Ken Von Thaden and Champ visited us this evening. Ken informed us of the best ways the congregation can help him. First, Ken and Champ are capable of doing for themselves and that most people with handicaps will ask for help if it is needed. He will ask for assistance if needed or if you see something that will hinder him, please let him know. We welcome them to our congregation.
Correspondence: Received the two $500 rebates from NYSEG for the new furnaces we had put in last year. We received gift cards worth $200 from S.C.C.A.P. for the food pantry. We received a thank you from the American Red Cross when they held a blood drive here on March 9 because there was a conflict at their regular site. They collected 55 pints that will help 165 people in the hospitals. We received the report from Life Line Screening on their visit in January. We received our dividend from Bank of Richmondville for $2,500. Marathon Oil and U S Steel sent proxies that need to be returned. A letter was received from, Lutheran Care in Clinton, NY that they need people to serve on their new board of directors for at annual meeting in Oct. Received word from the County Treasurer that the land across Rte. 20 is up for auction in May.
Current Mission Projects: Had further discussion on proposal that Michael Boyd brought before council in March. Feel we need further word on tax laws, and insurance, as we had conflicting reports. There are records that have to be kept to keep things separate from the church’s expenses. It was tabled until May meeting. It was brought up that we should talk about the future of the parsonage. A letter from the council president will be put in Zion Life newsletter.
It was requested by committee on video equipment that we table further discussion until it can be found in minutes when the approval was given by council to purchase the equipment.
A report was given on the Homeless Shelter that is being proposed for the county. They are also talking about having a program where a lunch can be provided for children during the summer months when they are out of school. The minutes from these meetings will be put in Zion Life.
A report was given on the liability coverage of the three buildings we own, the policy does not need to be renewed until September.
There was a break-in at St. Matthew’s Chapel last month; the only thing missing was a boom box the youth used.
Received word from Parsons Organ Co. that tuning the organ and piano once a year would not hurt them; it was decided to have it done just before Christmas.
Ministry Team Reports
St. Matthew’s will be holding their annual barbecue on May 2nd the profits will go to the care of Cody Van Buren.
FROG: held their 30 hr. famine and raised almost $2,000 plus they collected soda bottles that day and raised $190 for the food pantry.
Transformation Team: will be studying Acts during the Easter Season.
Social Ministry: served 16 families at the food pantry.
Health Cabinet: Crop Walk May 3rd
Events: served refreshments at Mid Week Lenten Service at Zion. Have heard from the people from LYRA, that they need assistance from us to help them get a visa to enter the United States to do their singing tour. They need some papers to show that they’ve been here in the past.
W.E.L.C.A.: is making plans to hold the Mother/Daughter dinner on May 8th.
Property: Received a proposal from Testa for spring cleaning, but there is not enough left in budget to hire them this year, members are going to be asked to help with clean up and mowing. Andre has serviced the mower and it runs fine. Water was found on the floor at St. Matthew’s, it was because the hot water heater had rotted out. Will get prices on new Instant Heater.
Meeting closed with the Lords Prayer at 10:38 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Karen Wilson, Council Secretary
Love Builds Up
Mother-Daughter Dinner
Friday, May 8, 2009
6pm in Zion’s Assembly Hall
Adults – $8 Children 5yrs.-12yrs. $4
Children under 5yrs. – Free
Wanted!!!
Men and boys are needed to serve and help in the kitchen at the Mother-Daughter Dinner, on May 8, from 5pm-8pm
Community Breakfast at Zion
May 3, 2009
9:30am to 11am
First Communion Project
What Communion Means to Me.
By Brittany Dymes
Connecting with Jesus.
Opening your heart.
My faith in God.
My loyalty to the Church.
Union of hope and prayer.
Not backing down from Jesus.
I take the bread and wine to keep a healthy relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Offering my life choices to God.
Never forgetting that the Holy Spirit is with me.
CROP Walk
Sunday, May 3, 2009 – 1:15pm
Sponsor a walker and help fight Hunger!
25% of the proceeds stay in the county.
Family Sabbath Day
“Keep the Sabbath Holy/Wholly”
“So God blessed the seventh day an hallowed it, because God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” (Genesis 1:3)
“the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God…the Lord blessed the Sabbath and consecrated it. (Exodus 20:10,11c)
In the midst of our busy lives, we don’t often observe the Sabbath wholly. Even here at church, we fill the hours with activity.
On Sunday, May 10th, we will gather to worship and then we are sent off to observe the Sabbath wholly with family and friends. To fully observe this day with worship, rest and re-creation.
We encourage you to NOT schedule anything, to not clean house or do chores-to take this opportunity to keep holy the blessings of the day-the blessings of your relationships, creation and the world around you.
Ideas and guides will be available to help you to “be still and know that God is God” and to celebrate the blessing of the Sabbath day.
Sponsored by the Transformation Team
Marks of Discipleship
Called to follow Jesus, we will strive to…
Pray Daily
Worship weekly
Read the Bible regularly
Serve at and beyond our congregation
Be in a relationship to encourage spiritual growth in others
Give of my time, talents and resources
Zion’s W.E.L.C.A. Circle News
If you did not make a reservation for the Spring Assembly of Women of the ELCA, you may still join us on May 2, 2009 from 9am-2pm at St. John’s/St. Mark’s in Canajoharie. Our carpool will be leaving Zion’s parking lot at 8am, Saturday morning.
Tickets for the Mother-Daughter Dinner on Friday, May 8, 2009 may be purchased after each worship service, at Zion contact Sandy Thorington after the 8:30 service, Sandy Deems after 11am service, and John Jarvis at St. Matthew’s. Plan to join us as we honor mothers and daughters.
Our next regular meeting will be June 13, 2009 from 10am to noon. We will finish our Bible study of Esther. Also bring your scissors and large-eyed needles, we will tie off a quilt for Lutheran World Relief.
Sandy Deems, W.E.L.C.A. Team leader
Spirit of Hope Shelter committee update
Assessment of the need for a shelter continues-not just whether we need one of not, but who would be best served by one.
Plans are also underway for a possible Soup kitchen, offering meals in addition to the food pantry so that people would have a place to share a meal
The next meeting(s) will be May 5th & May 7th (both at 7pm) – you don’t need to attend both; they will cover the same information at both.
Season of Transformation
Acts of the Holy Spirit
During the season of Easter, we will be highlighting the appointed scripture readings from the Book of Acts. We will be looking at the ways in which the Holy Spirit transformed the early church and how we are invited to be open to the same Spirit moving amongst us now.
Join one of the Bible studies that are offered:
Sundays (10am @ Zion, led by Mike Smida)
Tuesday (7pm @ St. Matthew’s led by John Jarvis)
Wednesday (7pm @ Zion led by Pastor Jen)
Thursdays (10:30am @ Zion led by Pastor Jen)
And On-line via email (contact Pastor Jen to add your name to the list)
Vacation Bible School 2009
It is not too late to plan. Vacation Bible school will be July 20-24, 2009. This year we are going “Down Under.” No, not there…We are going to Australia!
Are you an artist? We need a sign for Vacation Bible School. Kangaroos, koalas, and boomerangs abound. Please consider this ministry. Any questions, see Lanny Barsale.
Foothills Women of the ELCA Spring Assembly
May 2, 2009 from 9am-1pm
St. Johns/St. Marks Lutheran Church
Church Street, Canajoharie, NY
Registration/Lunch is $5.00
Worship will be led by Pastor Elaine Berg
Program is about Missions
Reservations to Sandy Deems by April 24, 2009
Dear Friends at Zion,
Thank you very much for inviting us to speak to your congregation and adult Sunday school class. We enjoyed meeting and visiting with so may of you and appreciated the opportunity to share with you about the work we are doing with Lutheran Bible Translators.
Reaching the illiterate and semi-literate indigenous people in the impoverished rural communities of the world has become a high priority for us. We want them to learn about God’s plan for salvation even if they are unable to read.
We are very excited about our ministry. Since many third-world societies do not value written material in their oral culture, the new trend is toward producing Scripture portions, Bible stories, and Bible studies on audio and video cassettes. Our training has prepared us to help the Bible translators and Scripture Use specialists produce audio-visual materials in the languages of the indigenous people of the world.
Thanks again for allowing us time in your already busy schedule. We ask you to pray for us as we strive to make a difference in the lives of people throughout the world.
God Bless! Dan and Kay Tinley
Family News
Thanks be to God for the successful completion of Marine boot camp for Christopher Becker
Thanks be to God for the recognition of the talents of Mary Jane Bianchine recently in the news
THANKS BE TO GOD
Would you like to share good news with the congregation? You are invited to let us know about those important events or happenings in your life so that we may share in your joy and offer our…
Stories of Faith in Action
Why We Give
The Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell
In my own study of the scripture and in my own life with God I have discovered that giving can be both a “duty” and a “delight.” First, I feel a certain obligation to give to this church since I am a part of that particular community and benefit from its ministry. The Bible says that we should each give according to our means and doour “fair share” to support the congregation (2 Corinthians 8:3, 11-13). But that is the “duty” part. The “delight” comes in giving as a grateful response to God’s grace. So, I give to this church as a way of expressing my love for God, of touching God’s heart with my own. This brings me incredible joy.
Together, duty and delight represent the conscious motivations for my giving, but if we go deeper I think the real reason I give has little to do with me. It is the work of the Holy Spirit and a result of the transformation that God has worked within me. Left to my own devices, I would be too selfish to ever give anything to anyone. But I have become a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). He lives in me (Galatians 2:20) and the Holy Spirit produces virtuous fruit that changes me from the inside out (Galatians 5:22-23). Simply put, I think that we give because the goodness of God takes hold of us and makes us into more generous and loving people than we would ever be otherwise.
Adapted from Giving to God: The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life by Mark Allan Powell (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmanns, 2006) . Used by permission.
Lutheran Care
We received a report from the Lutheran Care in Clinton NY. They will be holding their Annual Meeting it is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 3pm. They are putting out an urgent request for volunteers from the member congregations to serve on their board of directors. If anyone is interested in serving in this capacity, call Patricia Pitcher, CEO at 315 853 5515.
Because of recent changes in the New York State Department of Health, it is now necessary to establish a new parent board of directors with board members who have had NO previous history of serving on these boards. They are looking for individuals who have experience in healthcare or finance, but anyone with an interest in welcomed to call and be a possible candidate. They are in desperate need of pastoral people to serve.
A Note from your Altar Guild
At this time we do not need anymore one-pound coffee cans in the sacristy (as we rarely have live flowers on the altar).
Worship Town Meeting Notes
March 15, 2009
Approximately 25 people gathered following worship on this day to talk about the future of our worship services when the time comes for Pastor Gary to retire (there is no set day at this point; we are trying to be proactive in addressing the future needs).
We broke into small groups of 5 people to share our thoughts to the following questions:
- 1) What is the most important aspect of worship?
- 2) What is the most important aspect of worship for me?
- 3) What am I willing to compromise for worship?
The groups shared the following information:
Most important Willing to compromise
Sacraments; Communion Time
Prayers Number of services
Worship God together Weekly communion
Sermon Building(s)
Children Liturgy – use variety
Sunday morning Pastor-centered
Bible based/readings
Learn new things
Singing together
Liturgy
Serving others
Testimonies
Lay participation
Peace & comfort
We then brainstormed a variety of ideas:
- Helicopter to transport Pastor from place to place quickly
- Another part-time pastor or Associate in Ministry
- Contract with other local church with their (new) pastor
- o St. Paul’s, Richmondville
- o Zion/St. John, Seward
- Zion – combined service
- St. Matthew’s – later time
- Deacon or lay led (other resources like videos)
- Sunday Evening or Afternoon or Midweek services
- Possible worship schedules
- o 8:30am (Zion SCS); 9am (St. Matthew’s); 10 am (Zion)
- o 9 or 9:30 am (Zion), followed by SCS; 11am (St. Matthew’s)
- o 8:30am (Zion); 11am (St. Matthew’s)
American Red Cross held a Blood Drive
at Zion on March 9th
Blood Donation Goal: 50 Donors Scheduled: 35
Donations Collected: 55 Patients Helped: 165
I want to thank Winnie Kunz and Everett Merrill for volunteering to help make this drive such a success. Karen Wilson is our Volunteer co-coordinator
Life Line Screening Report of January 14, 2009
On behalf of the staff at Life Line Screening, we would like to thank you for allowing us to come into your community.
The results from the day’s screening are as follows:
Total Screened for Carotid Artery Disease: 31
Normal: 1 Moderate: 30
Possible significance: 0 Critical: 0
Total Screened for Peripheral Arterial Disease: 32
Normal: 29 Abnormal: 3
Total Screened for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: 31
No Aneurysm: 30 Aneurysm: 1 Critical: 0
Total Screened for Osteoporosis: 19
Low Risk: 18 Moderate Risk: 1 High Risk: 0
On Memory Loss
The April 3 issue of THE WEEK has a very thought-provoking report on a health scare, a weekly feature of the news magazine. Let me quote parts of it for you.
“‘If you’re older than 26, you are already starting to lose your marbles,’ says BBCnews.com. By 27, says a new study of brain function, your brain begins a slow decline toward the fog of dementia.
“Study author Timothy Salthouse of the University of Virginia performed cognitive tests on 2000 healthy people between the ages of 18 and 60, studying their ability to solve puzzles, recall words and story details and spot patterns in an assortment of symbols.
“He found that the age of peak mental performance is 22. By age 27 there was a marked decline in brain speed and puzzle solving skills.
“Memory skills, he says, can keep pace for a longer time, remaining strong till around age 37, when they start going downhill.
“Fortunately, Salthouse finds, we do gain wisdom as we age, with both our vcocabulary and general storehouse of knowledge growing till at least age 60.”
editorial note: This is one scary study. Is there anything we can do to fight this decline in mental sharpness?
Fortunately, there is.
The April 2009 edition of the Nutrition Action Healthletter has a revealing report called “You Must Remember This” by Bonnie Liebman. One section of her article is on caffeine.
She writes about various studies on dementia. Several of them ”have reported less dementia in coffee drinkers. In the most recent, researchers in Finland followed roughly 1400 people for 21 years. Those who drank three to five cups of coffee a day in middle age had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s or other dementia 21 years later than those who drank less…or more.
“Other studies in Europe found that coffee drinkers showed less of a drop in scores of memory and other tests as they aged.”
Gary Arendash of the University of South Florida at Tampa believes that “most people probably don’t drink enough coffee. The average American intake is one or one and a half cups a day.” He adds that according to various studies, “…four or five cups, which is 400-500 miligrams of caffeine, seems to be about the level needed to protect against Alzheimer’s.”
Liebman observes, “[P]eople who drink regular coffee also have a lower risk of Parkinson’s, and a regular or decaf may help prevent diabetes.”
Says Arendash, “[Caffeine] is safe and inexpensive. And at least in our Alzheimer’s [study] mice, it’s as effective as anything that pharmaceutical companies have devised.”
However, Arendash warns, “Unless you have high blood pressure and aren’t taking drugs to lower it, or [unless] you are pregnant, I would absolutely recommend caffeine. For the vast majority [of people], it’s entirely safe and a no-brainer to protect against diseases of aging like diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”
Leibman, by the way, is concerned about the sizes of those cups of coffee. If you brew at home, a 16-ounce cup of Folger’s or Maxwell Houes will have 160-200 miligrams of caffeine.
editorial comment: We should thus think of 100 milligrams of caffeine in an eight-ounce cup of coffee. Therefore, two big sixteen-ounce mugs of coffee will give us just about the right amount of caffeine for the day if we also have an additional eight-ounce cup as well. Then we will get the numbers of milligrams just about right.
During our busy days, we should all take several coffee breaks. That coffee and its caffeine may be refreshing but also may protect our brains at the same time.
Remember: Coffee and decaf are not the same. The decaf won’t give you the protection that coffee may offer. Think high test!
John Jarvis, Health Ministries
St. Matthew’s matters
The Ministry Board of St. Matthew’s Chapel met at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, for its monthly meeting. The only absent member was the very ill Pastor Jen.
Deacon Marcy Wright opened the meeting with prayer.
The first topic of the evening was hot water, which we don’t have at this time because of a leaky hot water heater. Dave Hayner told us about the two small hot water tanks that will soon be installed under each sink.
John Jarvis talked about the Easter egg hunt, Easter coffee hour and the Sunday school calendar.
He also shared a gift to give people attending Chapel worship for the first time, an unpopped bag of microwave popcorn with a greeting on it: “Thank you for worshiping with us today at St. Matthew’s Chapel. Please ‘pop’ in again soon.”
Margaret Kettler originally brought in the bag of unpopped popcorn as a souvenir of her recent vacation. She wondered if we would like to use popcorn as a way to thank visitors for joining us. The Ministry Board clearly would.
Sexton Dave Costello asked us if we want a new back door to replace the one damaged in the recent break-in or repairs to the existing door. The members also discussed pros and cons of having motion lights in the driveway and parking lot.
The rest of the meeting focused on numerous last-minute details about the May 2 barbecue.
The meeting ended about 8:00 PM with a prayer led by Deacon John Jarvis.
At St. Matthew’s Chapel we have much to be thankful for besides Easter egg hunts, Sunday school students and chicken barbecues with halves grilled by Claude Ray and company. Thanks be to God!!
John Jarvis, Ministry Board secretary
Samaritan Fund
We have a special fund, called the Samaritan Fund, that assists people in need? We often have people who are going through difficult times and need a little help. If you would like to make a donation to this fund to help people in our community-please just mark on your gift that this is your intention.
Pastoral Care
In Pastor Jen’s absence, please contact Pastor Gary Edmister, the church office, one of the deacons and/or the church Council. We all want to make sure that you have the spiritual care that you need in the midst of personal crises and emergencies.
Please also make sure that Pastor Jen knows of this pastoral care need by the time of her return.
Weekly Worship Service attendance 2009
Date 8:30am 9am 11am
3/22 55 22 30
3/29 57 29 31
4/5 Palm Sun. 60 50 39
4/9 Maundy Thursday at Zion -32
4/10 Good Friday – 3pm at St. Matthew’s – 15 7pm at Zion -51
4/12 Easter 6:30am-67 9am-51 11am-49
4/19 28 24 28