October 22 was a day of celebration for Zion handbells and the congregation. The small set of 37 bells/3 octaves that was purchased in 1983 has grown into a 5-octave set, chimes, and lots of wonderful music over the past 40 years. On October 22 Jane Hruby, the first director and initiator of funding the first handbells, worshipped at Zion along with her husband Jim and daughter Pam. We are thankful for Jane and for all of the ringers who
Did you know: There are eight weekly music groups rehearsing every Wednesday during the school year. There are groups for vocal musicians from preschool to adults and handbell ringers from Grade 3 to adults. There’s a carpool from elementary schools to Zion every Wednesday for early afternoon Ring Forth and Elevate. Zion Kids’ Place gives a supervised place between 2:30-5:30 for snacks, fun and playtime before and after elementary choir/bells. Sign Up Here 3:00-3:45pm Ring Forth handbells (grades 3-5) beginning
Plan for the Fall! One year ago we were doing re-entry into rehearsals and music ministry. This year, there will be a few schedule changes but all of Zion’s music directors are preparing for a great year of music, shared in worship and in the community. We’re ready to be singing and ringing! New Start Times Note that the elementary and youth choirs have new start times. Since the Elevate singers begin at 5:15, Zion planners are guessing that parents
When talking to educators in the last months of summer, there’s a feeling that “we’re already there!” These hard working planners have already plotted out what’s needed for the new learning year to begin in the fall. During August, the music ministries at Zion are doing the same thing. Choir & handbell directors are meeting to plan out the Sunday morning and Wednesday schedules; there are lots of new music pieces on our playlists, and we all start wondering who
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
Mike grew up in north central Iowa and attended a small Baptist church. The Old Rugged Cross is a special hymn for me. Growing up, this was a hymn that my great aunt sang at many funerals and church services. Each time I hear it, it takes me back. It wasn’t until I turned 20 that I was baptized, and I remember the happy look on my Grandfather Hoff’s face that day. Mike has lived in Rockford, with his wife
Sue and I met while attending college at Concordia in Moorhead, MN, back in 1968. We must have had the right amount of similarities and differences to get married and this year we celebrated our 48th wedding anniversary. We are blessed with two daughters, six granddaughters, one grandson, and rumors of an arrival of a “great” next spring. A shared similarity for Sue and me was our upbringing in the Lutheran faith along with its strong choral traditions. With missionary
Jim and I have been married for 33 years. His sister was a high school friend, and Jim was in my sister’s class, so we have known each other for a long time. I have been an English teacher since 1982, so technically yes, I am licensed to correct your grammar. Jim is currently a contractor and handyman. We have 3 adult (more or less) children. I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith. There was a time when everyone
