Zion Life Newsletter for March
Lent… What’s lent?
I’ll never forget that question. It was asked by a seminary student with whom I graduated. He was from an area in the south where they never observed the season of lent, so when we began discussing it in our class on The liturgy and the Lexicon he was totally confused. You must also understand that with his southern accent and understanding he was hearing something quite different from what we were saying. Then in his typical southern drawl, came his question: _Leeent? Leeent? Isn’t that somethin’ you pick out of your belly button?_
Lent means different things to different people. To some it will mark the end of revelry and wild parties. For others it is the beginning of a very somber, serious and somewhat gloomy time of the year when they actually wear clothes that signify repentance and remorse. For others it is a time to change something in their life style, sacrificing something for the Lord. Then there will be those who will pay no attention to it at all.
What is lent for you?
I am a homeowner, somewhat of a new experience for me, and I am learning quite a bit about the responsibility that carries. I have noticed that things tend to deteriorate and wear out and if you do not replace, repair, or tend to what needs your attention, the deterioration grows worse and may even become irreparable. But if I take the time to check up on the condition of the house, and dedicate some time, effort and resources to maintaining it, I save myself a lot of trouble and grief.
Jesus used the example of a house when he spoke about the human spirit. We need to take care of this spiritual house in which we live. Lent can be a time when we go around and check out the condition of our own soul. What needs repair? Which part needs a whole new make-over? Where are the places where there has been some decay and deterioration? What are the areas in your own soul to which you need to give special attention? What commitments do you need to make by taking time, giving the effort, and expending the resources to make sure your soul is in good order?
On one of my home-inspections, I found that I needed a new electric service. The old one was outdated and beginning to deteriorate into an unsafe condition. I got all the necessary work done and paid the bill. I thought that would be the end of it, but it was not. The _inspector_ had to come and give his OK to the project. It reminded me that one day, the Building Inspector will come to check out the soul in which I dwell. Lent should be a good time to get all things in order.
Pastor Paul
Area Interchurch Lenten Series
March 11 Sharon Springs Reformed Bob Collischonn ‘A Handful of Dough’
March 18 St. Paul’s Lutheran Stef Zerhfuhs ‘The Temptation to Hoard’
March 25 Cobleskill United Methodist Nina George Hacker ‘Blessed, Broken, Given’
All services are on 7pm on Thursdays
Community Breakfast at Zion is held the first Sunday of each month!
Join us after the 8:30am worship service or come early before the 11am worship service. This is a great way to get to know one another. If you would like to volunteer in assisting with the breakfast call the church office at 234-3381.
Haiti Earthquake Relief
Thank you for your generous financial support which now totals more than $2.5 million. Our community-based partners are already providing:
- Two water purification systems to bring clean water to 25, 000 people.
- Emergency food and medical supplies to thousands.
- Blankets and tent to shelter 10,000 people who are homeless.
Funding, distributed through three partners, will increase as giving continues.
- $300,000 has been sent to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), a key responder and member of Action Churches Together (ACT). The fund support LWF efforts to provide shelter to people left homeless by the quake.
- $150,000 has been sent to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, for material aid.
- $150,000 has been sent to Church World Service (CWS) for construction of temporary water systems and distribution of water purification materials.
In addition, $25,000 has been sent to Lutheran Services of Florida for initial support to refugees and Haitian Ame entering or returning to the United States.
We are pleased that Louis Dorvillier, director for International Development and Disaster Response in the ELCA Global Mission program unit, is part of a delegation to his country of origin with LWF and ACT.
Your generosity makes this life-saving work possible. As we celebrate this outpouring of gifts and prayers, we know that we have a long road to travel together. There is so much more to be done. This church is committed to walking together
I encourage you to visit the ELCA Diasater Response web site www.elca.org/disaster for more information and details on how to offer financial support. General mission dollars and gifts to ELCA Vision for Mission make it possible for 100% of your gifts designated to be used entirely for this response effort.
To give today go to www.elca.org/haitiearthquake or call 1-888-638-3522.
In God’s grace,
Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
HIGHTLIGHTS
COUNCIL MEETING OF JAN. 14, 2010
Meeting called to order by President Don Alkinburg, with 13 members present and Interim Pastor Paul Ferenczy.
Pr. Ferenczy said he will be attending the Foothills Conference Ministerium on Jan 20th and March 11.
Thank you from the France family. Received a request from Foothills Conference asking for our share to help with expenses of the conference, assessment is $3.50 per member of congregation and also $1.50 per member to help with cost of Deacon Program.
Pastor’s Report: he reported that he has talked with several members and learned that there are many hurt people in this congregation, and not just recently but go back many years. We have to find a way to help these people to feel better about the church. That we cannot expect to leave one affiliation and go to another and not take our problems with us. We have to deal with them and hopefully make amends. Read his Wish List, the first thing is that we make our meetings to end by 10:00 pm, a committee to review the membership rolls and clean them up. The Deacons help him with the 1st Communion Class, that Ministry Teams get their reports in to office on time so they can be in newsletter. That a credit or debit card begotten for office use. A light put on bulletin board in entry way of Education Wing. Better communications between teams and members. That all members contact Office Manager to put events on calendar. Adrianne Madison has agreed to help him with visitations.
Current Projects: Report from Change Committee, they have met 2 times and have reviewed lots of information. Checking web sites and some will be drafting a letter to go out to synod and membership of Zion. Nominating committee reported that John Jarvis, Gordon Emerson & Chris Thaxter terms are up on council. Endowment has one open seat. Office got a request from a family asking if they could purchase one of the wheelchairs we have, it was decided to loan them the chair as we another for our use. We asked that they return it when they no longer need it. A motion was made and seconded to pay Pr. Ferenczy $14,000 a year for housing allowance for 2010, carried. Had a request from St. Matthew’s if piano from parsonage can be returned, a motion was seconded and carried to have it come back to parsonage, and free to a new owner, if can be found. Received a contract for the organ and piano maintenance from Parsons, contract was given to Worship Committee. Received word from NYSEG that our gas supplier was being changed and a 20% increase in price. Foothills Conference donation for Deacon program, John Jarvis offered that he gives 10% of his Chaplain pay at hospital to our Samaratin Fund and since that program is not being done, that the funds go to the Foothills Conference for the Deacon assessment instead. John was thanked for his gift. We tabled the request from the Foothills Conference for the assessment for their general fund. A committee of Judy Warner, Sandy Thorington, Dave Hayner & Karen Wilson to review the membership rolls. Members will get their reports to office on time. A discussion on the credit card for the office use, it was decided to get a credit card or Pay Pal account. Finance chair will look into. Property Committee will work on getting light over bulletin board and also altar light. The following asked for removal of membership: The Drobnack family. Elaine Berg transferred to St Marks/St John’s Canajoharie and Delores Wenzel to a church in state of Florida.
Finance Committee: No changes, motion to accept report was carried.
Ministry Team Reports: St. Matthew’s will hold a Cabin Fever party on Feb. 27th. Frog youth had a sledding party on Jan 8th. Stewardship committee wants to meet with Financial Secretary to review packets that came back. Food Pantry had a very low number of callers. Mutual Ministry team will meet with staff. Health Cabinet CROP Walk is May 2nd. Property, took a walk through parsonage and found it be in great shape and clean. It is secured and temp set at 50 degrees. The whole house needs insulation badly. Andre will talk with Testa’s Plowing about salt usage. Endowment, there is a recommendation from committee to give $4,000 to Spirit of Hope homeless shelter to use for legal business that needs to be done. A discussion was held and felt that it was too much too soon in the year. That others may place a request for their needs or education later in the year, an amendment was recommended that Endowment Committee give $2,500 at present, as it is early in year, and later in year if no request they can give remaining amount. Motion was carried.
Karl Schwazenegger reported that the recorder with sound system no longer works and requested that a new one that can tape audio & visual DVD’s for further use. It was decided to table until next month.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Karen Wilson
Council Secretary
HIGHTLIGHTS
FEB 11, 2010 COUNCIL MEETING
Meeting called to order by President Thomas Collins with 15 council members and Interim Pr. Paul Ferenczy. Meeting started at 7:06 p.m. Pr. Ferenczy lit a candle and placed in center of table as the Christ candle to let us know that “He” is present in all that we do.
Correspondence; received newsletter from Foothills Conference. Received a letter from Bishop Marie Jerge confirming that she had received our letter, she scheduled a meeting on March 28th with the congregation at Zion & St. Matt’s.
Secretaries Report, minutes of Dec 10 2009 and Jan 14 2010 were approved.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Ferenczy was asked to repeat some of his report from Jan 14 meeting so new members could hear his requests. Feb. report is that he attended 7 different committee meetings along with the Thursday Bible Study class, with deacons concerning visitations and help with First Communion classes. Explained his schedule for the week and when he attends meetings etc. Wants to get the Visitation Team active again.
Current Projects: Piano at St. Matt’s is still there. Up to date note: “It has found a home.” Organ and piano contract is completed. Finance chairperson checked into credit card for office; have to set a higher limit on card. Tom C. will meet with Cheryl to inform her of what is wanted in Celebrates; Karl S. offered to pay for first quarter or order. A report was given on draft letter for congregation, there were some changes requested and made. Pastor asked if any of his Wish List projects were being worked on. The Caring Committee gave a report on draft of note to be sent Pr. Boyd. It was asked if we could hold an Open House at Zion for Pr. Ferenczy and invite all members, family & friends and community at large. Need to ask members to serve on Events Committee to help with this.
Finance Report: Review of the January report and it was accepted.
Ministry Team Reports: St. Matthew’s, Cabin Fever party Feb 27th, requested that their Lenten offerings go to LWR for Haiti, and celebrated 100 years on Boy Scout Sunday. Will be holding an Open House for Pr. Ferenczy on March 20th. Frog will hold 30 hour famine on March 19 & 20 at Zion. During their time attending they will do community service by shopping for the food pantry, worship and play games. Stewardship, Tom C. has completed the “Keep It Simple” survey and put report in this newsletter. Will be starting the “New Movers” card program soon. Need members to serve on Evangelism Team. WELCA, Frieda gave a report on what the women do for the church, always looking for new members, will hold Bold Women’s Day at Feb 28th service. Group meets the 3rd Saturday of month at 10:00 a.m. Worship, Discussed service’s leading up to Easter. Talked about the Bishop being at Zion on March 28th. Talked about the importance of keeping the organ blower room clean. Property, Andre made note of problem with Red Door, update note, Red Door has been fixed. Committee of Dave H, Andre N, Judy W, Bob H, Karen W will meet to come with suggestions on how and if we want to use the parsonage.
Need to add new members to Phone Tree list, suggested a Clean-Up Day be held to clean out closets and rooms and outside too of unused items. Dave H. reported that the Marshall family whose home burned in Sharon was very appreciative of Afghans & blankets given to them. Dan Bates was thanked for his leadership with the Change Committee.
Christ candle was extinguished and we closed meeting at 9:23 p.m. and recited the Lord’s Prayer.
Karen Wilson, Council Secretary
Legal Ramifications / Change Committee
Report for January – By Dan Bates – Chairperson
The Legal Ramifications / Change Committee have met for the third time since the December 10, 2009, Council meeting. On February 16, 2010, the Letter to the Congregation is being mailed to all members and friends of Zion / St Matthew’s, as promised. This letter was approved at the last Council meeting on 2/12/10.
This letter contains a lot of information relative to exploring the possibility of changing our relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and joining another Lutheran organization. Everyone needs to read and understand the letter. We hope it will answer some questions you might have and inform you of what has taken place since the Church-wide Assembly in August 2009.
Open forum meetings dates have been established so everyone can gather to discuss the issues and the reasons behind them. Anyone can attend any of the meetings.
Sunday, March 7 immediately following the 11am service
Congregational Open Forum at Zion
Sunday, March 21 immediately following the 9am service Congregational Open Forum at St. Matthew’s
Thursday, April 8 at 11:30am
Congregational Open Forum at Zion
In addition, Bishop Marie Jerge will visit our congregation on Sunday, March 28th (Palm Sunday) at 11:30 a.m. at Zion. Pastor Paul Ferenczy will lead a single service for all three congregations beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Zion. More information to follow.
The committee looks forward to providing you as many resources and information as possible, so you can educate yourselves and be fully up to date on the issues. We hope you become aware of the issues so you can make informed decisions. Please contact any committee member with questions or comments.
The members of the committee are: Don Alkinburg, Dan Bates, Tom Collins, Nancy DeSando, Pastor Ferenczy, Dave Hayner, Jim Kerr, Rich Quirion, Karl Schwarzenegger, Yvonne Steingraeber, Sandy Thorington and Ken vonThaden.
W.E.L.C.A. Circle News
Ladies! Mark March 13, 2010 on your calendar. we will tie off more quilts for Lutheran World Relief. It’s very important that we do our part to replace quilts that were sent to Haiti by Lutheran World Relief. These quilts provide warmth and comfort to those who have llost everything as well as show God’s love and care for them. We will begin layering fronts and backs at 9am in Zion’s assembly hall.
At our February meeting, we tied off three quilts; two for Lutheran World Relief and one for St. Paul’s Center for Women and Children. Our Bible study of Romans will continue in March using February and March issues of Lutheran Woman Today.
Did you know that donations from the Advent Tea (Held in December 2009) went to the World Hunger’s Global Barnyard? We were able to purchase a goat ($50) and a set of chicks ($10).
As a group of women empowered by the Holy Spirit we continue to reach out in Christian love to our church family, the local community and the world. Our 2010 ingathering project; helath kits, will occur during March and April (see Health list below). Bring items to the boxes in Zion’s assembly hall and at the back of the sanctuary.
W.E.L.C.A. Ingathering Project 2010
We will collect these items during March and April
Health/Hygiene Kits
1- Hand towel – dark color recommended
1-Washcloth – dark color recommended
1-Wide-tooth comb
1-Nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards)
1-Bar of bath soap (in wrapper)
1-Toothbrush (Adult size in its original package)
6-Bandaids (½” to ¾” secured with a rubberband)
NO TOOTHPASTE. It will be added at the LWR warehouse prior to overseas shipping.
Stay out of the booth!!
The January 19 edition of Schenectady’s Daily Gazette features a color picture of Katie Donnar, a beautiful 18-year-old. What isn’t beautiful about Katie, though, is that long, ugly scar on her left calf.
What caused that very noticeable scar on Katie’s leg?
That scar resulted from surgery that Katie needed to remove a growth on her leg, a growth that was diagnosed as an early-stage melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Katie started using tanning booths and beds when she was a sixth-grade cheerleader. She used artificial tanning throughout high school.
Katie says that she can’t prove that tanning booths are responsible for her skin cancer, but she says, “It seemed somewhat of a myth that I was putting myself at risk ” by using tanning booths. “The warning label was so small, nothing to make me stop and think….”
The information in this report came from the article “Tougher warnings on tanning beds focus of FDA debate” by AP writer Lauren Neergaard, who wrote, “The World Health Organization’s health division last summer listed tanning beds as definitive cancer causers….”
The United Sates Food and Drug Administration needs to catch up with the World Health Organization’s assessment of the dangers of tanning booths.
Till then, now that Spring 2010 is just around the corner, I strongly urge all my readers to avoid tanning booths and excessive exposure to the spring and summer sun. Your health may depend on it.
In His name and image,
John Jarvis,
Health Ministries
St. Matthew’s matters
The St. Matthew’s Ministry Board, hereafter referred to as the MB, met at 7:05 PM on Tuesday, February 2. Nine members attended the meeting. We used our usual round-table format to present information.
The meeting began with a prayer led by Pr. Paul.
Tom Collins, the newly elected Congregation Council president, spoke first. Among his topics were the 2009 and 2010 budgets, how the pledges for 2010 are way down when contrasted to last year’s pledges, the return of $3300 for benevolence, and an open house for Pastor Paul.
The MB selected Saturday, March 20, as a day to combine our traditional “Spring Fling” with an open house for our interim pastor, to which current and former members of the Chapel’s congregation will be invited to meet Pastor Paul.
Pam Kostbar-Jarvis, newly elected to the Congregation Council, commented on how members of the congregation should tell the Council where that $3300 in benevolence can be directed. She also suggested that a special offering collected at the Chapel during Lent can be designated for Haitian relief.
Pastor Paul had several topics to discuss. Among them were the installation of Council officers and members, the content and format of Sunday bulletins, illegal copying of Celebrate, and substitutes for the two creeds that we use throughout the year.
On behalf of several members of the congregation, John Jarvis expressed a desire to avoid the traditional passion play that we use on Palm Sunday. Pastor Paul thinks that Pastor Bill Siiss, our supply pastor for that Sunday, will not object to leading a traditional Lutheran worship service instead.
Dave Costello suggested that we have a Chinese auction someday, perhaps with our May chicken BBQ. Dave also shared some information about problems with outside lights at the Chapel.
Jackie Costello told the MB that the Scouts coming on Boy Scout Sunday will be bringing a cake for coffee hour.
John Jarvis added that he has asked for an extra ten bulletins for Scout Sunday at the Chapel.
Jean Bakkom had questions about First Communion classes, which will be taught by John Jarvis, who explained that the first class would be one week later at the home of the Keller family. Jean also described what information she wants on the invitations for the February 20 cabin fever party. [The next day John Jarvis contacted Cheryl Bennet about the invitations; on Thursday she showed the design to John. His response to Cheryl was "Wow!! How did you neatly get so much information and so many graphics on such a small piece of paper?? These invitations are terrific!!"]
People who worship at St. Matthew’s Chapel have much to be thankful for besides amazing invitations, cabin fever parties and Boy Scout Sunday. Thanks be to God for all the blessing in our lives.
In service to Christ and His church,
John Jarvis,
Ministry Board secretary
One of our members – Cathy Klupka is looking for a new apartment. If you know of one, please call her at 234-3986.
WHEN TO CALL THE PASTOR
Never quite sure about when you should call the pastor? Below is a list of occasions when the pastor might be helpful.
When there is a serious illness
Before hospitalization or surgery
When a new baby has arrived
When death has occurred
When you are anxious about someone else
When a young person is about to leave home
When there are domestic troubles
When you face a difficult decision
When you are bothered about your Christian faith
When you are thinking about getting married
When you want to make your life count for more
Other…..
In doubt as to whether or not to call?…..Please CALL_ If you do not call, we do not know. Church office 234-3381 Pastor 827-7884
To all Team Leaders,
How about letting your congregation know, what is going on with your ministry team each month?
You do not have to write a long article just let them know what you have done the previous month and what you will be doing next month.
Letting your congregation and community know ahead of time helps them plan ahead so that they can; help at your function, make it to a function or just contribute. By doing this you will be able to get more people involved with the church and each other.
Zion Life articles are due to the office by the 15th of each month. Thank you to all that already turn articles in monthly.
Cheryl Bennett, Office Mgr.