July 2021 - Zion Lutheran Church

Camp Wapo 2021

07/23/2021

Zion had 54 campers, 1st-12th grade, attend Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp this July. Although church staff couldn’t be onsite for the whole week this year at Wapo, Angela Bengtson and I were excited to go for a day visit. Here’s what our day was like… We spent the morning at Camp Wapo. For COVID safety, Wapo’s daily chapel service was held outdoors this year, but students were just as enthusiastic about dancing and singing! After chapel, campers split into their

Fall 2021 Youth Group

07/23/2021

Thankful that Covid restrictions have lightened up, we can meet again safely outdoors! We had our first-ever outdoor movie – we saw the movie Grown Ups. We had many new faces and enjoyed hearing the laughter and seeing the smiles! We look forward to doing it again soon! We are getting together a few times a month – any incoming 9-12 graders and 2021 grads are welcome. We meet (weather permitting) in the back by the fire pit at 6:30

Sunday School Joy

07/23/2021

Hello Zion Kids and Families! I hope you are all enjoying your summer! Guess what? We have really missed seeing all of you! I am happy to share with you the excitement and energy are beginning to build over here at Zion! I am bursting at the seams with JOY, to welcome back our children and families to Zion Sunday school this fall! As you plan your child’s fall activities, we hope Sunday school will be a part of your

It’s Never Too Early to Consider Having a Will

07/23/2021

The saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” However, you certainly do have the ability to decide where it goes. That is one of the benefits of planning and having a will. God has entrusted you with your assets, and this can be your way of passing them on according to your wishes and faith. For those with younger children, the single most important aspect of a will is appointing a guardian for your children. A will provides comfort

Financial Report 2021.06

07/23/2021

The following summarizes the financial activity of Zion as of the end of June. Giving in June to the General Fund was about 8.6% lower compared to June 2020. For the year to date, the General Fund income is about $9000 less than what was received at this point in 2020. Expenses, with the exception of Operating Expense, continue to be down significantly. Part of the payment for the cemetery land purchase came from the Operating Expense line item which

Appreciating the Dawn

07/23/2021

I will make a confession. I’m not really a morning person. But, I’m married to a morning person and almost every job I’ve had in my adult life has required an earlier than preferred wake-up call. To be clear, this isn’t really a complaint. I really like those early hours of the morning as the sun is coming up and life starts to stir. Whether it is sipping a cup of coffee on the deck before getting ready for work

Pastor Dave’s Move

07/23/2021

In March of 2019, I came to Zion as part-time Interim Pastor for Visitation and Pastoral Care. At that time, it was thought that the interim would likely be brief until a settled full-time Pastor for Congregational Life was called. None of us expected two and a half years to go by. Part of the “interim” label is the understanding that either the congregation could call a new settled pastor, or the interim could find a settled call elsewhere. On

Annual Membership Review

07/23/2021

The Zion constitution states: The Congregation Council shall provide for an annual review of the membership roster. Well…. To tell you the truth, we haven’t been very good at doing this in the past, but we are working on changing that. Most churches aren’t very good at keeping their membership rosters updated, but a small group of Zion council members, along with Angela our Membership Coordinator, have been meeting regularly to create a process that fulfills this requirement. So far,

Found a Way through Music

07/09/2021

John grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa, where his family attended Lakeside Presbyterian Church. Not going to church was never an option. My parents were very committed to their faith. When I was nine my dad died. My mom carried on their encouragement of my church involvement. Her dedication to missions – especially Native Americans in the west – always had her sewing clothes to be sent away. Her example of living will always remain with me. His fondest memories

What Is a Member

07/09/2021

What does it mean to be a member of Zion? Simple question, right? But in fact, the question is very complex. Are there different types of members? What activities help define membership? If I go to church periodically, then I’m a member of Zion, right? All very good questions. The answers may surprise you! The constitution defines four different members: Baptized – whether you’ve been baptized at Zion or baptized at another church before joining Zion. Confirmed – whether you