Life in the Faith Lane & Generosity

Pastor Kari Bahe

…God is able to bless you abundantly,
so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

What is the Faith Lane?

That’s where our hearts align with God’s mission in the world and we become the hands and feet of God here on earth.

What is Stewardship in the Faith Lane?

Stewardship is how we make the concerted effort to apply the best use of our time, talents [gifts/abilities], and treasures [finances] — our life — in support of God’s work in the world.

Zion’s chair for Stewardship, Tom Moline, wrote the above definitions. They are spot on. Stewardship is about taking time to make a concerted effort to live life in the Faith Lane. To live life first and foremost, focusing on the truth that we are children of a generous and abundant God.

Since we are made in the image of a generous God, we strive to be generous people. Learning to be generous is rooted in clarifying for ourselves who we perceive as the ultimate source of life—ourselves or God.

Since coming to Zion, I have seen and heard your clarifying answers to that question. You are a generous people. You are generous with your time, your talents, and your finances. Thanks be to God! Living generously is the ultimate joy for disciples of Christ. And, let me be clear—not every congregation can claim that joy. Zion! You have and do, and I have no doubt, will continue to be able to claim that joy.

Through a worldwide pandemic that has caused disruption in our work, schools, churches, and homes, you have remained generous to your church and the mission we are committed to together. Through multiple staff transitions and changes; you have remained generous to your church so that the mission God has called Zion to continues. Thank you.

Has that been easy? Not in the least. But you have and will continue to lean on God to guide you to a new and exciting future.

Thank you for your faithful contributions of money, time, and talent. Your contributions help make Zion reflect the love of an abundant God. That is doing something that truly matters in this life.

As we move forward in this in-between-time [interim], I encourage you to continue to pray for your leadership and staff. Pray for the future of Zion’s ministry. Pray for the person you will call as your next Senior Pastor. Zion is also in the process of hiring new staff in the Children, Youth, and Family ministries. Please pray for those involved in that process and for the people God is preparing to join you in your work with High School youth and their families.

Many of you have commented on how wonderful it is to see people back together in the building at Zion. And, while we continue to understand that for some, participating in the life of the congregation takes place from home, the connections and reconnections that are happening in person are joy-filled. If you are participating from home, please know that we will continue our efforts to make sure you are connected via the gift of technology.

Zion, you are a generous people. You have “merged together” [or re-e-merged together] on this Faith Lane. The destination is a God-sized dream for impacting peoples’ lives for the good of this God-so-loved-world. Thank you and Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow as you enjoy the joy that comes from being God’s generous people. It is clear that Thanks-giving lasts more than a day around here. For, as we read in scripture, our God is abounding in abundance and we have all we need, all we can ask for, and far more than we can imagine.

Teen Talk 2021.10

When we have toddlers we usually know why they’re upset. They want something they can’t have, they want to do something they can’t do. Maybe they fell and got an owie. Their reasons for being upset are usually pretty obvious. The reason behind a teen’s sour mood, however, is at times a little more elusive. Maybe they aren’t willing to talk about it yet. Maybe their “owie” is on the inside. When we push them for an explanation by saying something like “What is your problem?!” Or “Either tell me what’s wrong or change that attitude!”, It’s often met with a swift exit or a short curt response such as; “Nothing!”

The truth is, they themselves may not know what is creating the discourse within them. Between hormones and pressure to fit in, school, sports.. it could be something very small that breaks the seal. You could witness a fit of epic proportions because they dropped their fork and you’re so tired of their over reactions. Trust us, it’s not just the fork.

As parents and adults in their lives it’s important to remember we don’t need to know exactly why they are upset to show empathy. When we respond with grace and understanding we are more likely to de-armor them and be a safe place for them to explore all the reasons that could be making them upset.

Saying something like, “I can see you’re upset. I’m sorry you’re struggling. Life is tough especially at your age. Remember, I was a teen once too. Just know I’m here to help, or if you just want to talk. Most importantly, there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you.”

When we don’t know exactly how to respond as parents, Jesus’ example of unconditional love and grace is never the wrong answer.

Gods peace!

Fall 2021

Kristin

Hello and Happy October Zion KiDS and Families!

Goodness, gracious, my heart is bursting at the seams, full of JOY! The joy of the Lord is my strength- Nehemiah 8:10

The children’s ministry here at Zion has come alive! September was:

So full of God’s love and abundant grace – So exciting – So many smiles – So much energy – So much enthusiasm – So much laughter – So much discipleship – So much flexibility – So much hope – So much love – So much joy!

ZFest and the start-up of Sunday school were both huge successes – in large part because of YOU- Zion families, Zion KiDS, and Zion volunteers. We couldn’t do any of this without each and every one of you. I am grateful for your partnership in this ministry! Let’s keep the Holy Spirit alive and make this Sunday school year the best! Go Team Zion KiDS!!

Faithfulness During Transition

John

In 2020 COVID19 forced all of society into many changes – from the way companies hold meetings, to how our children go to school, to the way people buy groceries. At Zion, we changed the way we worshiped and how we gather in fellowship. So in 2021, a transition in pastors that lead our congregation is just another change to deal with.

Just as we appreciated the return to in-person worship after a couple of months of online and drive-in worship – we now anticipate the new pastoral leadership that is to come. As people of God, we decide how we will handle this time of transition. We don’t know how much time this transition will take. We don’t know exactly who will lead Zion. But we do know that God is faithful.

When Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt it was a huge transition, with many miracles in the process. Yet their lack of faith caused them to wander the wilderness for 40 years. It was up to Joshua to lead them into the promised land. When Joshua and his people were faithful and followed God’s instructions they were unstoppable. That same God has been at work through over 150 years of change at Zion. He will be faithful to us in this time of transition. We need to be faithful to Him. I suggest that it is our time to return to the basics of prayer, Bible reading, ministries, worship, giving, and service.

I want to focus on giving. In my September newsletter article, I explained how giving can add to your happiness. We can give in gratitude for the many gifts, financial and otherwise, that God gives us. In the time of Moses, the focus of giving was increasing faith through sacrifice. These things are true and there is another, practical benefit, to giving at this uncertain time. We can be financially faithful to God.

Finance Report 2021.08

John

The Finance Committee would like to share the following information concerning Zion’s financial condition as of the end of August.

Giving to the general fund for the month of August was just over $60,000 which was slightly above the amount given in August of 2020.  Giving to the Building Fund for the month was just short of $14,000 which also was just slightly above the amount given in August of last year.  This is very close to our monthly mortgage payment.

For the year to date General Fund giving is almost $485,000 which is a little over $11,000 less than was given by this time last year.  Year to date giving to the Building Fund is about $106,000  which is a little over $1,000 more than last year.

General Fund expenses for August were about $55,000 compared to $48,500 last year.  Building Fund expense each month is $13,800.  Year to date General Fund expenses are $456,500 compared to $500,000 last year.  Year to date Building Fund expenses are $110,700.

So far this year our giving has pretty much equaled our expenses.  As you know, we are in the process of filling staff positions and starting up old and new programs.  This means that our expenses will be rising.  It is the Finance Committee’s hope that our giving will continue to meet these new expenses.  Thank you for your continued financial support of our congregation.

No Water in the Village

Minda

The Zion Global Mission committee would like to let you know that our Global Mission partner, All Kids Can Learn International/Village of Hope, in Zambia, is in need of wells for their water supply. Below is an article written by Benedict and Kathleen Schwartz, CEO’s, concerning the need for these wells.

If you would like to prayerfully consider donating to them, you may do so directly at akclivillageofhope.com/donate or through Zion’s Global Mission ministry at ZionBuffalo.org/mission-giving.

Please keep the project in your prayers.

We woke up the other morning in shock – with no water in the Village of Hope.

It is only the beginning of September, and our wells are going dry. Over the last week, we became aware that three of our irrigation wells have gone dry. The last crisis we had like this was in August 2015 when the picture below was taken.

Now, one of our main wells in the Village is drying up, one for the domestic water caring for the kids – drinking water, bathing, washing clothes. Years of drought seem to be taking their toll.

It has been four months since we had any rain. We potentially have another four months before the rains come.

If we don’t respond quickly, this can be catastrophic for our care of the children and for growing our food.

We must drill larger, deeper wells. We had a hydro-engineering specialist come out from Lusaka, the capital. He is advising that we drill five new wells up to 100 meters deep, each with a diameter of 8 inches. Two for the Village, two for the agricultural irrigation, and one for the road-front and the restaurant. Our current wells average 60 meters deep, and average 6 inches in diameter.

We need to raise $60,000 to cover the cost of drilling the urgently needed wells and providing the pumps and electrical controls.

Please pray. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated.

Benedict & Kathleen for the Village of Hope Team

Golf Outing Fundraiser for Mission Partners

Thank–yous To Many

With the great support of our many sponsors and the 53 golfers that participated in this year’s golf outing, we were able to send $5007 to the Redeemer Center for Life (RCFL) Attainable Housing Program. Specifically, our gift will be used to help purchase a large water heater for a 16-unit facility that provides affordable housing for about 22 residents while they transition to financial stability.

Photos

Background on RLC and RCFL

Redeemer Lutheran Church (RLC) is in North Minneapolis and provides not only spiritual leadership but also actively supports the community in many other ways through its RCFL programs.  RCFL is a nonprofit committed to youth training, attainable housing, and workforce development in the Harrison neighborhood in North Minneapolis.  Their mission is to act as an agent of hope and transformation to preserve a vibrant community.

We had great sponsorship support from Kid’s Haven, Red Pine Realty, Tires Plus, Weber Law Firm, Forget Me Not, River Stone Financial Group & Thrivent.  Our local Golf Masters Driving Range, Integriprint, Ryan Motors along with various other businesses and individuals donated all the prizes that were distributed at our event.

When we first advertised for this year’s golf outing we were hoping to raise some funds for two of our Global Mission Partners, the Redeemer Water Heater Project, and the All Kids Call Learn International  Village of Hope Chicken Project.  Through some donations given before the golf outing, we were able to send $4300  to the Village of Hope  Chicken Project.  This enabled us to use all of the golf outing raised funds for the RCFL water heater project.

God continues to shine his blessings on the Zion community, allowing us to share his gifts with others through our mission programs and partnerships.

The Golf Outing Committee along with the Global Mission’s Committee thanks all for your wonderful support.

Introducing Kim Haggen

Hello!

I am the new part-time office administrator and shared ministry coordinator. I get to greet people, answer the phone, recruit and train volunteers, and try to learn whatever I can from Sherilyn. I am excited to have the opportunity to connect people and their gifts with ministries and service opportunities!

My previous position was with another ELCA church in Rockford, MN, where I had many of the same responsibilities that I will be performing here. In addition, I was very fortunate to be the coordinator for NourishingHOPE, a food ministry that serves about 2000 people each month. I have a passion for working with people and a passion for food ministry.

Part of the reason I love church work is because of my time as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom. I have five children, ranging in age from 23-33. As a mother, I felt the importance of my work and such a clear sense of purpose. When I was ready to get back out into the workforce I wanted work that would also have meaning and purpose. I have found serving God and my community fulfills that need and gives me wonderful opportunities for connection.

When I am not working I love to spend time with my family, playing in nature, or making music. I see God’s hand all around me when I am hiking or kayaking. Random fact about me? We had a family band while the kids were growing up and played many church groups, weddings, funerals, and a historical site. We played bluegrass/old-timey gospel music, like from the movie, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

I also enjoy spending time with my six grandchildren, reading, singing with the Wright County Chamber Chorus, and gardening.

I can’t wait to meet each of you and to learn the rhythms of the church here at Zion!

Kim Haggen

Shared Ministry

Sherilyn

One year ago I started thinking about how Zion volunteers would re-enter all of Zion’s ministries after the COVID year. I realized that my job at Zion could be easily split between a shared ministry coordinator and a worship coordinator. The church council approved the plan in October 2020 and I’m thrilled that Kim Haggen is working with us as Zion’s shared ministry coordinator. She brings a wealth of gifts to this job and has experience working with volunteers and office tasks that will be so valuable. We know that all of us enter these next months with a new vision of how we’d like to serve at Zion. Sometimes it’s because our children are at the next stage of life. Sometimes it’s because we’ve found new interests and developed new skills during the past year. Kim and I are working together to connect with you. We’d like to help you find a great spot to serve at Zion!

When Kim is ready to take the shared ministry tasks on her own, I will continue to “keep my desk” at Zion as worship coordinator, allowing me time to focus on the plans needed with staff & musicians for weekly worship, handbells, and also allow for my own music practice time. I’m still here!

 

Bristol’s Next Ministry

Well, now it is my turn to say thank you and farewell. I started at Zion in December 2020, in a transitional role intended to support the children, youth, and family ministry programs through the end of the spring. Then I ended up staying a few extra months to support worship leadership through this summer. It has been a busy season of change for Zion’s staff, but I have been fortunate to get to serve alongside you in ministry in all the various roles I’ve had during my ten months with you.

Although COVID has made this such an unusual and challenging time, I could tell as soon as I arrived that Zion is a vibrant congregation with a deep commitment to living out your faith. Some highlights during my time with you have been getting to know the wonderful group of middle and high school students, working collaboratively with Zion’s dedicated and talented staff, and worshipping with all of you on Sunday mornings. I have especially enjoyed getting to lead services outdoors and at Marysville, both such beautiful settings for worship!

I also want to say thank you for all your support, generosity, and kindness during my pregnancy. My husband Michael and I are looking forward to welcoming our baby sometime in the next few weeks and then getting to spend some time at home together as a family of three. I am also excited to share that I have been called as the pastor to St. Luke Lutheran Church in St. Paul, and will be starting my new role early next year. I know I will be a better pastor because of the learning and growing I have done during my time with you all. I hope you will continue to pray for me, my ministry, and my family, and please know that you all will be in my prayers as you continue to move through this time of transition.