Friends,

I have been your “Pastor” since September 8…vice pastor, vacancy pastor, interim pastor, transition pastor, pastoral leader … by whatever title is presently being used, I have pastoral oversight responsibilities for Zion and St. Matthew’s.  if find Sunday worship leaders, participate in Church Council meetings, am available for other needs – weddings, funerals, baptisms, hospital visits.  I have also agreed to lead the Thursday morning Bible study (10:30am) at Zion.  We are looking at the New Testament book of James.  Join us if you can.

Any transition between pastors is challenging, moving from what was, to what will be.  And this period of tiem at Zion and St. Matthew’s is no different.  People.  Personalities.  Issues.  Emotions.  These concerns, and more, exist within the congregations.

My role is to help keep the ministry of Zion and St. Matthew’s going.  To listen and learn.   To question, and affirm.  To be the pastoral presence within the congregations.  For how long?  Good question.  Honest answer, I don’t know.  My understanding is that an Intentional Interim Pastor will be coming here.  Who?  When?  I have no inside knowledge.

I suggest that we keep each other in our prayers…. Pastor Jennifer Boyd, for her faithful service to Zion and St. Matthew’s and her future, Pastor Dave Presinger and the Upstate New York Synod as they seek to find an IIP for the congregations, and the ELCA, as pastors, congregations, and members deal with issues from the recent churchwide assembly, all the congregation members of Zion and St. Matthew’s and me, as I seek to faithfully serve you at this time.

May God’s blessings, guidance, and support be with all of us.

Pastor Stef Zehrfuhs

  

PASTORAL LETTERS SEXUALITY STATEMENT 2009

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
The journey to this Churchwide Assembly has been a long one.  The deliberations here in Minneapolis have been deep and difficult, but spirit-led, prayerful and respectful, and sometimes heart-rending as well as compassionate.  We listened carefully and at length to opposing points of view on the floor of the assembly and in smaller groups. We prayed a lot!  Some are hurting following the decisions.  Some are rejoicing.  In many cases, people are doing both at the same time.  There remains disagreement in our church, but we remain one body in Christ honoring and respecting one another as children of God.  In the eucharist on this last morning, we were reminded that it is often in our shared pain and brokenness that Christ’s presence and transforming power is made known. 
 
I hope that you have read Bishop Hanson’s comments following the decisions made on Friday that was sent along with an e-letter to all the rostered leaders.  A link is on our website.  The greeting brought by the Rev. Ishmael Noko of the Lutheran World Federation and a Pastor of the ELCZ, our companion synod in Zimbabwe, is available as well. 
 
After maintaining an exhausting schedule I intend to take a deep breath and invite you to join me. Then we will continue to engage each other in scripture study, conversation and prayer about what it means to walk together into the future.  Voting members from our synod are in conversation about how best to share what we learned here about speaking in love, bearing one another’s burdens and listening deeply.  Bishop Mark Hanson will be present at our rostered leaders gathering in September. Other gatherings will be planned as needed. No changes will be implemented in haste and as encouraged in the resolutions, I will continue to encourage us all to make room for and listen to those who cannot support the decisions that were made.
 
Those of us present here, could feel your prayers upholding us as we engaged in this difficult work.  Thank you!  We are grateful to have had the privilege to serve in this way.  I can assure you that those from Upstate New York worked prayerfully and attentively throughout this assembly.  We were engaged in conversations with others across this church and in the debate at the microphones.  Although we were not of one mind – we met and prayed together often, laughed and cried together and modeled what it means to be the body of Christ in our life together.
 
The assembly accomplished much while we were here in which we can all rejoice.  We attend to the needs of those around the world through the Lutheran Malarial Initiative, the HIV and AIDS Strategy and the affirmation of our Strategy on the Middle East and Palestine. We strengthened ecumenical partnerships as we entered into a full communion agreement with our brothers and sisters in the United Methodist Church.  You will find  stories about these initiatives on the ELCA website.
 
Please continue to pray for our church and for its leaders.  I was part of the prayer team for this assembly.  One of the prayers I used is a familiar one from the ELW.
 
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading and your love supporting us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Marie Jerge, Bishop
Upstate New York Synod, ELCA

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you  wwere called in the one body. And be thankful.  – Colossians 3:14-15

I write to you from the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis with official information about the actions of this assembly related to human sexuality. I am grateful for the manner in which this church has engaged in this conversation. The way this assembly has discussed these questions is a continuation of the way this church has deliberated: with deep and heartfelt respect for each other, engaging with Scripture, listening to the faith stories and experiences of one another, and through worship and prayer seeking the discernment of the Spirit.

In my response to the voting members on Friday, August 21, I made this request: we need one another. We need time. We need the voices of those who lament and those who rejoice over these actions, for together we have been called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and engage in God’s mission for the life of the world.

The assembly adopted 676-338 — precisely two-thirds of those voting — “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” the ELCA’s 10th social statement, with minor editorial amendments. It also adopted a series of implementing resolutions with amendments. This theological and teaching document builds on the key Lutheran principles of justification by grace and Christian freedom to serve the neighbor. It emphasizes that central to our vocation, in relation to human sexuality, is the building and protection of trust in relationships. It therefore affirms that we are called to be trustworthy in our human sexuality and to build social institutions and practices where trust and trustworthy relationships can thrive. The social statement addresses marriage, same-gender relationships, families, protecting children, friendships, commitment, social responsibility and moral discernment. Regarding same-gender committed relationships, the social statement says that this church is not in agreement and recognizes the different perspectives which are present among us.

Our assembly also adopted resolutions proposed by the Church Council based on those contained in a “Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies.” The actions direct that changes be made to churchwide policy documents to make it possible for those in committed same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders in the ELCA. There were amendments to two of the proposals. The assembly adopted the resolutions in the following order, beginning with a strong statement about how we will live together in the face of our disagreements:

Resolution 3: “RESOLVED, that in the implementation of any resolutions on ministry policies, the ELCA commit itself to bear one another’s burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all.” (Adopted 771-230 as amended)

Resolution 1: “RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” (Adopted 619-402)

Resolution 2: “RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.” (Adopted 559-451)

Resolution 4: This resolution called upon members to respect the bound consciences of those with whom they disagree; declared intent to allow structured flexibility in decision-making about candidacy and the call process; eliminated the prohibition of rostered service by members in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships; recognized and committed to respect the conviction of members who believe that the ELCA should not call or roster people in committed same-gender relationships; called for development of accountability guidelines; directed that amendments to ministry policy documents be drafted and approved; and stated that this church continue to trust congregations, bishops, synods and others responsible for determining who should be called into public ministry.

(Adopted 667-307 as amended)

I invite you into important, thoughtful, prayerful conversation about what all of this means for our life in mission together. What is absolutely important for me is that we have this conversation together.

We meet one another finally — not in our agreements or our disagreements — but at the foot of the cross, where God is faithful, where Christ is present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one in Christ.

In Christ,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson

ELCA Presiding Bishop

Comments of Bishop Hanson to the assembly at the conclusion of the decisions on human sexuality are at Link to Bishop Hanson’s Comments

 

ELCA Assembly Takes First Steps on Ministry Policies Document

      MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) — Voting members of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are in the middle of taking steps to make it possible for the Lutherans in same-gender relationships to serve as professional leaders in the denomination.

     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is “God’s work. Our hands.”

     Voting members have begun considering four distinct resolutions Aug. 21, which are designed to change current ELCA policy that requires the denomination’s professional leaders to abstain from “homosexual sexual relationships.”

     The resolutions are contained in a report and recommendation on ministry policies developed by the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality.

     A majority vote is required to pass each of the four resolutions.

     With a 771-230 vote, the assembly amended and approved a resolution that states “that in the implementation of any resolutions on ministry policies, the ELCA commit itself to bear one another’s burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all.”

     With a 619-402 vote, the assembly approved a second resolution that commits the ELCA “to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountably life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships.”

     Prior to considering the two resolutions, voting members defeated a “substitute” motion with a 344-670 vote to strike out all four resolutions and replace it with the following: “rostered leadership of this church who are homosexual in their self understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relations and practicing homosexual persons are precluded from rostered leadership in this church.”  Albert Quie, voting member from the ELCA Minneapolis Synod, made the substitute motion.

     As voting members were considering resolution two, Edward A. Kirst, voting member from the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod, made a motion to require a two-thirds vote — instead of a majority — for approving the remaining resolutions.  That motion was defeated with a 407-576 vote.

     During the afternoon plenary, voting members will consider the two remaining resolutions– that the denomination find a way for Lutherans in same-sex relationships to serve as ordained ministers and other professional leadership roles in the church, and that the denomination consider a proposal for how it will exercise flexibility within existing structures and practices to allow for Lutherans in same-sex relations to be approved for professional service in the church.

- – - ELCA NEWS SERVICE – August 21, 2009

 Information about the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be found at http://www.elca.org/assembly on the Web. 
 

ELCA Assembly Opens Ministry to Partnered Gay and Lesbian Lutherans

     MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted today to open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships.

     The action came by a vote of 559-451 at the highest legislative body of the 4.6 million member denomination. Earlier the assembly also approved a resolution committing the church to find ways for congregations that choose to do so to “recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same gender relationships,” though the resolution did not use the word “marriage.”

     The actions here change the church’s policy, which previously allowed people who are gay and lesbian into the ordained ministry only if they remained celibate.

     Throughout the assembly, which opened Aug. 17, the more than 1,000 voting members have debated issues of human sexuality. On Wednesday they adopted a social statement on the subject as a teaching tool and policy guide for the denomination.

     The churchwide assembly of the ELCA is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is “God’s work. Our hands.”

     Before discussing the thornier issues of same-gender unions in the ordained ministry, the assembly approved, by a vote of 771-230, a resolution committing the church to respect the differences of opinions on the matter and honor the “bound consciences” of those who disagree.

     During the hours of discussion, led by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, voting members paused several times each hour for prayer, sometimes as a whole assembly, sometimes in small groups around the tables where the voting members of the assembly sat, debated and cast their votes.

     Discussion here proved that matters of sexuality will be contentious throughout the church. A resolution that would have reasserted the church’s current policy drew 344 votes, but failed because it was rejected by 670 of the voting members.

     Pastor Richard Mahan of the ELCA West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod was among several speakers contending that the proposed changes are contrary to biblical teaching. “I cannot see how the church that I have known for 40 years can condone what God has condemned,” Mahan said, “Nowhere does it say in scripture that homosexuality and same sex marriage is acceptable of God.”

     But others said a greater acceptance of people who are gay and lesbian in the church was consistent with the Bible. Bishop Gary Wollersheim of the ELCA Northern Illinois Synod said, “It’s a matter of justice, a matter of hospitality, it’s what Jesus would have us do.” Wollersheim said he had been strongly influenced by meetings with youth at youth leadership events in his synod, a regional unit of the ELCA.

     Some speakers contend that the actions taken here will alienate ELCA members and cause a drop in membership. But Allison Guttu of the ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod said, “I have seen congregations flourish while engaging these issues; I have seen congregations grow recognizing the gifts of gay and lesbian pastors.”

     During discussion of resolutions on implementation of the proposals, Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the ELCA Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod asked that the church make clear provision in its policies to recognize the conviction of members who believe that this church cannot call or roster people in a publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationship. A resolution that the denomination consider a proposal for how it will exercise flexibility within its existing structure and practices to allow Lutherans in same gender relationships to be approved for professional service in the church was adopted 667-307. 

ELCA Assembly Actions Draw Criticism, Praise from Advocacy Groups

     MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) – Leaders of organizations favoring and opposing further involvement of people who are gay and lesbian in the church praised and denounced actions taken at the churchwide assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Both expressed a desire to have the church remain united and for those with disagreements on sexuality to respect one another’s views.

     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is “God’s work. Our hands.”

     Lutheran CORE, a reform group opposing the new policies, has called for a meeting in Indianapolis next month of people who will not support the decision to allow non-celibate gays and lesbians to become clergy and other rostered leaders.

     “Lutheran CORE is continuing in the Christian faith as it has been passed down to us by generations of Christians,” said the Rev. Paull Spring of State College, Pa., chair of the organization. Today, CORE ended its relationship as an organization “officially recognized” by the ELCA. A statement issued here said CORE will begin to encourage ELCA members and congregations to withdraw financial support from the denomination.

     The actions of the assembly mean that many of those sharing CORE’s concern “will participate in and support faithful ELCA ministries, but cannot support ELCA ministries that reject the authority of God’s word,” said the Rev. Erma S. Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of CORE’s executive committee.

     While CORE’s disagreements with the ELCA run deep, Spring said he was not encouraging congregations to leave the ELCA, although he admitted that some pastors and congregations are already planning to do so.

     Ryan Schwarz of Washington, D.C. a member of CORE’s steering committee, said of the assembly actions, “the church should not be voting on whether or not to follow the teaching of the Bible.”  Schwarz is one of three remaining nominees for ELCA vice president.

     Emily Eastwood, director of Lutherans Concerned/North America said, “Today, I am proud to be a Lutheran.” Lutherans Concerned/North America has long been working to encourage the ELCA to accept people who are gay and lesbian, but not celibate, into the ministry.

     “The ELCA has always had gay ministers,” she said, “Now those and all ministers are free to claim who they are and to have the love and support of a lifelong partner.” Eastwood also said the actions of the Assembly focused on the “centrality of family life” for both heterosexual and homosexual couples.

At the same time, Eastwood said, the ELCA recognizes the “bound consciences” of those who disagree with this week’s actions. “Congregations that wish to call a qualified minister in a committed, long-term, same gender relationship can do so without hindrance,” she said. “And congregations that do not wish to do so cannot be required to ever do so.”

     “We pledge to work with the church, including with those who would oppose us, for reconciliation to fulfill our collective mission to spread the love of Christ for the sake of the world,” Eastwood said.

ELCA Assembly Adopts ‘Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust’

     MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) — The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” with a vote of 676 (66.67 percent) to 338 (33.33 percent) on Aug. 19. The passing of the social statement on human sexuality required a two-thirds vote.

     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is “God’s work. Our hands.”

     Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust is the denomination’s 10th social statement. It addresses a spectrum of topics relevant to human sexuality from a Lutheran perspective.

     Social statements “guide us as we step forward as a public church because they form the basis for both this church’s public policy and my public speech as presiding bishop,” the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, told the assembly.

     An ad hoc committee addressed 13 proposals to amend the social statement from voting members and 42 “memorials” or resolutions from the 65 synods of the ELCA. They ranged from editorial amendments to changing the intent and coherence of the existing text.

     With a 303 to 667 vote, voting members defeated an amendment to replace a section of the social statement about “lifelong monogamous same-gender relationships” — a section that identifies the issues within the denomination about homosexuality, describing a range of widely articulated views. The proposed replacement language reflected the position of some in the church that believe the “practice of homosexual erotic behavior as contrary to God’s intent.”

     The ad hoc committee recommended that the amendment not be adopted, since the position articulated implies “a consensus that no longer exists.”

     After considering 6 of the 13 amendments, voting members moved to accept the recommendations of the ad hoc committee on all other amendments and moved to consider the adoption of the social statement.

     Speaking in favor of adoption of the statement, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod, said she hopes the assembly does not become “so narrowly focused on the issue of homosexual sexual behavior that we missed the point that we’re speaking a clear word that needs to be heard by our culture,” particularly on topics about co-habitation outside of marriage, sex as a commodity, child pornography and more. She said the church has high expectations for all Lutherans, especially for ELCA professional leaders.

     Speaking in opposition, voting member Curtis Sorbo, ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod, said the social statement “should be a teaching tool. I don’t think that it is. Instead we have descriptions of different sexual relationships that we are asked to accept by bound conscience,” he said. “We are asked to affirm a description of sexuality in today’s culture because of a new reality. Our church needs to address this issue based on the authority of the word of God, not a description of public opinion and personal desires.”

     “We took some risks in the writing of this in ways that we thought were appropriate for these times,” the Rev. Peter Strommen said in a news conference following the plenary.

     The statement was structured from a standpoint of “love of the neighbor and trust,” he said.

     Strommen served as chair of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, which developed the social statement under the directive of the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

     In response to the vote on the statement’s adoption Strommen said, “I doubt very much that I’ve ever been present at an election with that many votes cast coming out exactly two-thirds. Quite stunning,” he said. “We’re naturally very glad that it passed.”

     ”I am very proud of this church,” the Rev. Rebecca S. Larson, executive director, ELCA Church in Society, said at the news conference. “It is a time of diminished joy,” she said. “We know there is suffering all around on this issue.”

     Information about the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be found at http://www.elca.org/assembly on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org

During the Open Forum on August 9, 2009 at Zion …

…on the Sexuality Statements, a question was asked, “What are the Bible verses that describe the sexual practices discussed in the statements and that are currently subject to new interpretation?”

Here is the list that was identified during the meeting:

Genesis 19: 1-8                                      Judges 19: 16-30

Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13                    Romans 1:26-27

1 Corinthians 6:9-10                             1 Timothy 1:10

2 Peter 2:6-7                                           Jude 7

Check them out!

Submitted by,

Richard Quirion

HIGHLIGHTS OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

 Members Present: Don Alkinburg, Dan Bates, Tom Collins, Nancy De Sando, Gordon Emerson, Jeanne Mau, Chris Thaxter, Frieda Thorington, Sandy Thorington, Ron Trask, Judy Warner, Karen Wilson with Pr. Steffen Zehrfuhs, Transitional Pastor

Excused: John Jarvis, Andre Nadeau

Meeting called to order by Pres. Don Alkinburg who led us in devotions.  The reason the meeting was held on the 2^nd Wednesday is because Rich & Colleen Quirion wanted to talk with council and explain the reason for their letter to the congregation and make us aware of other information they have found.

They presented to council their reasons for writing a letter in August 2009.  They explained that they had been aware of the Human Sexuality statement over a number of years.  They became acutely aware of it when Colleen’s sisters church took a very active stance about the statement in support of it, which upset her sister and led to her leaving her church.  They did a lot of prayerful research, including a number of books as well as the Bible.  They were concerned that there had been no discussion of the topic and upcoming vote at our church.  They discussed the topic with Pr. Jen, learning that she had voted in support of the memorial in June.

Then, since Zion and St. Matthew’s were in discussion about a potential change in service times due to the resignation of Pr. Gary Edmister, they felt they needed to discuss directly with the church the potential of them leaving Zion if the ELCA voted to support the statement at the August 2009 vote.

They clarified that their concerns were not focused on homosexuality specifically, but about the authority of the scripture.  They felt that the Human Sexuality statement and the various interpretations of this using scripture, were leading down a path they were not comfortable with.  They were upset to learn that our Assembly Representatives can vote their conscience and not the will of the congregation and concerned with the way seminaries are teaching a different translation of the Bible.

They have decided that they will leave Zion by the end of this year unless they see signs that Zion will be pulling out of the ELCA.  They stressed that this issue is not about “the Quirions” and urged people to only look at the issue itself, and not them leaving the church.  They have made council aware of different web sites for information and hope that is shared with the congregation, so it may be discerned whether to leave the ELCA or not.  They said they were happy with what they see being done at this point.

Nancy D, Judy W. and Karen W. will attend the Foothills Fall Assembly at St. Luke’s in Amsterdam on the 26^th of September and make a report to council and the congregation. It includes a report by Pr. Messner what took place at the CWA in Minneapolis this past August.

Motion was made to accept minutes of August 19 and September 2, 2009 council meetings. 

Pr. Zehrfuhs explained what his role is and how he will do it.  He will keep things afloat and is willing to listen, ask any questions, feel free to call him at Bethany or at home.  He will focus on healing after the issues with Pr. Jen & Michael and will answer any questions about the human sexuality issues. He feels we are in a time of “loss” or “grief” and he suggests that this no time to make serious decisions, such as leaving the affiliation of the ELCA.  He will be doing the necessary functions of the church such as funerals and weddings.  He can be contacted at 868-2868 at Bethany and 355-2223 his home.  He reported that Pr. Lynn Ash and Pr. William Clasen would be supply pastors for the month of September at both churches.

Council was informed that the Sunday School Superintendent and some teachers gave a tentative date of January 1, 2010 for the last day that they would serve at these positions.  St. Matthew’s Sunday School Superintendent has resigned her  position. 

CURRENT MISSION PROJECTS:

Richard Townsend has been appointed Financial Secretary until the Congregational Meeting in January 2010, pending a background check.  This is a requirement of our insurance company, as we have coverage for fraud.  A motion was made and sec. to have Pr. Paul Messner come on September 19 to talk with the congregation and any other members of a Lutheran Church in Schoharie County to hear his report of the ELCA Assembly held the end of August .  He will give a report of the resolutions and memorials that were voted on, and passed, that are causing a lot of turmoil in Lutheran Churches in America.

A motion was made, and seconded to continue to pay our benevolence of $377.50 a month to the ELCA until the end of 2009.  Motion carried with one opposed.

Pr. Zehrfuhs will be conducting Thursday morning Bible Study at 10:30am at Zion.  Motion was made and seconded to invite Life Line Screening to use the Assembly Hall on December 18, motion carried.  Letter to congregation from council was approved to send to congregation members.  Accepted with regret the letters from Paulette Danforth and Thelma (Teddy) & Adelbert (Leon) Beaver, to remove their names from membership.  Motion carried.  Need some volunteers to meet with supply pastors on Sunday to show them around.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

It was reported that we will be $1,300 in the red this month do to the $4,200 bill from doing the stonework on foundation at Zion.  Jeanne reported that she inquired about the Lewis Family, missionaries, that they were paid through the Samaritan Fund with donations from members.  They are back in the USA, so we no longer will support them. The trip to the Lutheran CORE conference by the Quirions will be paid for from the Zionite Fund, except the air flight, which they will use their frequent fliers miles for.  We will pay for the hotel for one night and rental car.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

It was decided not to have the Samaritan Fund during the absence of a pastor, they will be encouraged to go to S.C.C.A.P. or Catholic Charities.  St. Matthew’s will be holding a going away covered dish supper for Pr. Boyd on September 26.  Discussion on water problem in assembly hall at Zion.  It was reported that part of the problem is that the downspouts should be larger.  It was decided that a trench needs to be dug near wall and lay a drainage pipe and elevate the ground level by the windows to take the water away from the building.  They will also look into deterring the water from running down the front steps into the Assembly Hall. They will draw up an estimate of the whole job with cost and present to council.  After discussion a motion was made and seconded that permission was given to complete the job, so that it can be done before frost sets in the ground.  Motion carried.  Suggested estimate is $5,000.  Members will do the work . This has to be done as the water coming in is ruining the new carpet.

Council will meet unofficially on September 24 to discuss issues unfinished at the September 2 meeting.  Meeting adjourned until October 8 at 7:00 p.m.  All said Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted

Karen Wilson, Council Secretary

W.E.L.C.A. Circle News

 At our September meeting we tied a quilt off for St. Paul’s Center for Women and Children.  Our Bible study on Romans 1:1-18 encouraged us to be strong in our faith, keeping Christ at the center.

We will not meet in October because of the Fall Assembly for the Foothills Women of the ELCA.  Our next regular meeting will be November 14, 2009 in Zion’s assembly hall, 10am to noon.  Read Romans chapters 2 and 3 for our Bible study.  We will make plans, for the Advent Tea in December.

Submitted by, Sandy Deems

Prayer Shawls

Our box of prayer shawls needs to be replenished.  Three shawls were sent to C. J. Becker and her family in September.  Now that cooler weather is here, get out your hooks and needles and make a shawl to share God’s love with others.

Submitted by, Sandy Deems

Foothills Women of the ELCA Fall Assembly

October 24, 2009 – 9am-2pm

at Trinity Lutheran Church

Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY

$5 Registration/Lunch

 

Metro Ministries Christmas Stocking Project

Most inner-city children do not know what it is like to receive something handmade with love and care.  Metro Ministries, Brooklyn, NY gives out stockings to children containing small toys, candy, gum, tooth-paste & toothbrushes, crayons, pencils, small puzzle books and other small items.  Stacey Craig (a member at Zion) called our attention to this project.  Last year over 40,000 stockings were given out.

On October 3, 2009 there will be a workshop in Zion’s assembly hall from 9am to noon.  We will cut-out, sew, and decorate stockings.  Patterns will be provided.  Bring your scissors, portable sewing machine (if you can), red felt, green felt, thread, decorative trims and fabric glue.

 The Sunday school classes will collect items to stuff the stockings at another workshop later.  We must ship the stockings by the first week in November so they arrive by November 15.

 Stocking stuffer ideas for boys: games, matchbox cars, trucks, trading cards, handball, small army figures, socks, and watches.

 Stocking stuffer ideas for girls: butterfly clips, jewelry, watches, jump-rope, coin purse, stickers, jacks, and socks.

All kids: like candy, lifesavers, lollipops, tootsie pops, puzzles, small games, pencils with pizzazz, crayons, small books, puzzle books, and colored pens.

Submitted by, Sandy Deems

 Confirmation Class

Confirmation classes this year are being held on Sundays, during the same time as Sunday school.  Karl Schwarzenegger is teaching these classes.  If you would like more information contact Karl at 234-1858.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Sunday morning bible study has resumed at Zion and is being held in the assembly hall at 10am.

St. Matthew’s matters

The Ministry Board at St. Matthew’s Chapel met at 7:03 PM on Tuesday, September 1, for its monthly meeting.  Nine people attended.

The meeting began with prayer for our pastor, led by Deacon John Jarvis.

The first topic was that Pr. Steffan Zerhfuhs will be our vacancy pastor before a short-term or an intentional interim is appointed.

MB members worked on final plans for the September 12 free community picnic.  Tom Collins remided us that he will order food for the event. The other major topic was PR for the barbecue through fliers and invitations.

Pastor Jen’s resignation and church affiliation created some  serious discussion.

MB members would like to have a covered-dish supper for our pastor as soon as possible. John Jarvis was supposed to check with Pr. Jen to see if September 26 would work for her.

Members set dates for the annual pumpkin auction, for the thank-offering dinner and for the annual Sunday school Christmas program. The respective dates are October 24,  November 14 and December 19.

The meeting ended at 7:98 with the Lord’s Prayer. (No, there is no error here: John Jarvis’s watch read “7:98″ when the meeting ended. Dave Costello confirmed the time.)

There is much to be thankful for at St. Matthew’s Chapel, including free community picnics, pumpkin auctions and Pr. Jennifer Boyd’s seven years with us. Most of us at the meeting wish that Pr. Jen could have been here longer.

In Christ,

John Jarvis, MB secretary

 

Hello Beloved Zion Family,

It was so good to see many of you when I was home on vacation back in September.  Thanks again for allowing me to share with those at the 8:30 service (and in the last Zion Life) about Metro Ministries. It seems like many of you were touched by what we do here in NYC and I pray that those seeds will continue to grow, according to God’s plan and purpose.  I know things with the church are a little rough right now, and it’s hard to see the direction God is taking you – but I have so much hope for you as a body!  God built His Church on a rock – sometimes storms need to come to wash away the sand, but the rock is there and I see it at Zion.  Be encouraged and don’t lose hope in what God is able to do in you and through you.  Keep your focus on Christ and remain obedient to Him.  Remember Isaiah 66:2.

Love you all. Keep in touch!             

~Stacey

Email: stace.craig@gmail.com

Website: loveisfruit.blogspot.com

 

Dear Friends at Zion,

I know how much you all meant to my mother and her to you.  You’ve demonstrated your love and compassion especially in this latest time.  My mother chose well when she picked you.

Thank you so much for your caring and support.  The wonderful reception you provided after my mother’s service was truly a labor of love.  I can’t write as eloquently my mother but, please accept my sincere gratitude for all you’ve done.

Always, Sue Hathaway

 Prayer Partners

We give thanks for all those who participate in the phone tree for prayers.  If you would like to participate in this group, please contact Janice Ashford.

 Deadly driving

Last spring I found a report on the Internet by Claire Martin of MNS Autos called “Most Lethal Driving Mistakes.”  The information therein is worth sharing, especially with young drivers.

The report begins with an estimate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that 37,313 people were killed in  motor vehicle crashes in 2008. That number, by the way,  is about the same as the population of Schoharie County.

The first mistake covered in the article  is the “Number One fatal

mistake”— swerving. Running off the road or drifting into the next lane killed 15,574 people in 2007.

Another preventable cause of death behind the wheel is  driving while drowsy or fatigued, which killed 1404 people in 2007. The deadliest time of day for such “accidents” is  3:00 AM till 6:00 AM, a time when most of us are asleep.

Drinking before driving kills  one of us every forty minutes. A scary fact is that the 21-34 age group is responsible for over half of all alcohol-related crashes. The NHTSA also reports that in 2007  60% of all drivers who died after dark were legally drunk. Finally, alcohol is a factor in half of pedestrian fatalities, and the driver isn’t always to blame.

Overcorrecting is a problem that occurs when a vehicle traveling at a high speed begins to go off the road on to the shoulder. The scared driver then turns the wheel sharply in the opposite direction in the attempt to get the vehicle back on to the road. “Consider it a rollover waiting to happen,” writes Martin. Overcorrecting is thus responsible for just over 4% of all auto fatalities each year.

According to the NHTSA, speeding is the  second most frequently occurring cause of auto fatalities. We need to remember that  30% of all auto fatalities occur at speeds of  55 mph or higher. Not wearing a seat belt is a significant factor in those high-speed fatalities.

                                to be continued next month

 

A Note from the Church Office

When mailing your offerings to the office please make a note on the front of your envelope Attention Financial Secretary.

 

Blessing of the Animals at St. Christopher’s

Sunday, October 4 at 3pm

We will gather outdoors (weather permitting) in front of St. Christopher’s.  For your pet’s safety, please ensure that all animals are leashed, or in a carrier.  Doggie bones and kitty treats will be provided.  Toddlers are invited to bring their stuffed animals for a blessing!  Everyone in the community is welcome!

Calvary Assembly of God will be holding “Shine Forth 09’.  This event will be held on Halloween night to reach children with the love of Christ and give them a safe and friendly environment.  There will be carnival games, prizes, candy, entertainment and the gospel presentation.  We do need support with; obtaining volunteers to help with this event, prayer, donations (time, material and financial), and team leaders.  We will be placing a box at the box of the sanctuary to collect candy.  For more information on this event contact Sean Lawton, Family Life Pastor, Calvary Assembly of God at jsm25_4@yahoo.com

 

Worship service attendance

Date                        Zion-8:30  Zion-11  St. Matthew’s 9

September 6          38                52             28                      

September 13        57                21             30

September 20                            20