The members of the Transition Team and Council have been digesting all you told us through the CAT Survey. We are grateful for the great participation in the survey—thank you! There is a great deal of information to integrate and put to good use. We have heard from the CAT Survey consultant and are eager to share with you what we are learning from your responses to the survey. We are inviting all to join us for “Looking at the
As I write this, it is the 3rd day of Vacation Bible School. I am not exaggerating when I say that I wish every one of you were able to witness what happens during a week of VBS. There is transformation all over the place. The transformation is beautiful to witness because it isn’t just a transformation of the physical space it is a transformation of hearts. It is a transformation into hope. First, the physical transformation. There was no
I think almost everyone has heard the phrase “patience is a virtue.” We are counseled to be patient and good things come to those who wait. Of course, it can be easier said than done. Ask any seven-year-old during Christmas time. The members of Zion have had many opportunities over the past two years to work on this virtue. We have managed through adversity and change far beyond anything our church has ever seen. Throughout, we have asked questions like
The Council has appointed the 7-member Call Committee, along with alternates. A Call Committee is tasked with discerning the will of God for our future. It is a tall order! Let us surround them and the work they do with our prayers. Phyllis Bengston, Taryn Bullert, Dominic DesMarais, Jennifer Gustafson, Andy Kohls, Josie LaFave, and Eric Mattson. 1st Alternate: Joan Halderson, 2nd: Paula Herda, 3rd: Tyler & Hannah Peterson [one vote]. The Call Committee is given the responsibility and privilege
Teen Talk To err is human Alexander Pope The stress of life has been heavy for me these last couple of weeks. Nothing noteworthy, just a lot of un-noteworthy things. Have you ever noticed bad things come in threes? I have no scientific proof of this, just life experience. Last Tuesday was a perfect example of this; I went to the wrong place for my long-awaited appointment and therefore was just late enough that we had to re-schedule. I found
In May, Zion’s church council approved the creation of a Ukrainian Refugee Working Group to investigate the opportunities and possibilities of sponsoring a Ukrainian refugee family in Buffalo. The group is researching and learning about the different opportunities offered by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Arrive Ministries, and investigating sponsorship with other area churches, and will make a recommendation to the council on the best path forward. In the midst of that work, several in the group learned of
The finance report for the month of May looks much like those of recent months. Our income last month was a little over $58,500 which is about 5.5% more than was given in May of 2021. Income for the year to date still lags behind last year’s by about $16,000 or 4.8%. With the resumption of our programming, expenses for the month were about $10,000 more than we incurred in May of 2021. For the year to date our expenses
Deacon Jill Davis has made the decision to resign her part-time position as Director of Congregational Care. We give thanks to God for her ministry with us. We are grateful that this is a change in her role and not goodbye! Deacon Davis is employed as a Hospice Chaplain and says that role takes time and energy which makes it difficult to focus on Congregational Care in the way she’d like to. You will still see Deacon Jill Davis leading
“But even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30 Even the hairs of your head are all counted! And if you are losing those hairs….God still knows! It is almost too remarkable to imagine a love that knows you that deeply. And even more remarkable to know a love that cares enough to know you that deeply. And yet, that is what Jesus tells us about God. June is the month we celebrate Dads. Someone once
The scenes coming out of Ukraine since the start of the war in late February have deeply moved countless people from around the world. Images of Ukrainians fleeing by foot, car, or train, children and belongings in tow. Videos of Ukrainians sheltering in underground Metro stations, community theaters, and steel plants to escape shelling from heavy artillery, rockets, and airstrikes. Lutheran World Relief is providing food, shelter, critical health needs, emergency supplies, and emergency funds for Ukrainian refugee families in
