Independence Day Thoughts

First a Bible Quiz:

Both the Old and New Testaments speak of God’s people as seeking and achieving freedom. The freedom we Americans have to worship without government restriction has deep roots in our Judeo-Christian heritage.

Which Bible verse about freedom is inscribed on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia?

A. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10, KJV).

B. “And ye … had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour” (Jeremiah 34:15, KJV).

C. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Galatians 5:1, KJV).

D. “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16, KJV).

July 6 Announcements

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Ed Blair Classic IV Golf Day Details

Sunday, Sept. 7 at Albion Ridges.
Come at 1:30 to sign in and get set for the shotgun start at 2:00.

You may sign up as singles, twosomes, threesomes, or foursomes. . . remember that this is a fellowship event and consider taking this opportunity to golf with someone new by not signing up as a complete foursome.

Sign Up Now

Zion’s former pastor, Ed Blair is planning to be visiting from Arizona for the weekend and participating in the golf day. Rally Day will also be held at Zion on September 7, so plan to have lunch at church before you head to Annandale.

Charles Manderly

Charles is scheduled to return home on July 11

Meals on Wheels Thanks

Thanks again to those who have taken the time to help deliver Meals on Wheels to local seniors during June. Zion will be delivering again in November, so watch for the next sign up in the fall.

Congratulations to Jerry Specht

Zion member Jerry Specth has been named one of Wright County’s 2008 Outstanding Senior Citizens.

From the Wright County Journal Press:

The purpose of the program is to recognize that the senior citizen population is a very valuable resource to our communities, acknowledging their experience, skills, wisdom and how they continue to give their time and talents to our communities.

Jerome “Jerry” Specht, 85, a former county agent, remains involved with his community. His activities follow:

Congregational Special Meeting

There will be a special meeting of the voting members of Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 13, following the 8:30 service.

This meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m., and will be for the sole purpose of considering a proposal from the Church Council that a contract, not to exceed $130,000.00, be entered into to install a new roof on the Zion building. No other business will be considered at this meeting.

The 9:45 a.m., Family Express worship will be held as usual for those wishing to attend.

Zion Men’s Softball Falls to Salem

Friday June 20th was a tough night for the Zion men’s softball team. Salem scored early and often to route Zion 21-8. Zion’s record now stands at 2 wins and 5 losses, with 3 games remaining.

This Friday, June 27th, Zion takes on Buffalo Covenant 2 at 9PM at Bentfield Mills.

June 29 Announcements

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July Newsletter

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Inside This Month’s Issue:

• Children’s Worship Station now open
• History: July 2003
• Transition Team Report
• Buffalo Royalty
• Summer Youth Choir
• Summer Musicians Needed
• Marysville Restoration
• Picture Directory Appointments
• Pastor Steve’s Farewell
• Daily Discipleship Online Bible Study
• July Book Club: Odd Thomas
• Zionaires’ Lake Tour
• Women’s Joint Bible Study Preliminary Info
• Men’s Softball final games for the season
• Ed Blair Golf Classic IV Preliminary Info
• Lutheran Night at the Twins Ticket Info
• Lottery Dreams
• Update from Dennis Murnyak
• Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Cheryl Chatman
• VBS Photos

Old Sweaters?

Do you have any old wool sweaters that you would like to donate to Harvest of Hands? The group is planning to make wool pincushions and bowls from the old sweaters. Bring your old sweaters to the front office or to the Harvest of Hands craft nights.

From the Council

It is with much regret and sadness that the Zion Church Council accepts the resignation of Pastor Steve Svoboda from Zion. Pastor Steve has been an outstanding pastor, servant and advocate for Zion the past 3 1/2 years. He has fulfilled his duties as Associate Pastor with enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and will be deeply missed. Pastor Steve decided to pursue a new opportunity for professional development and growth as he will assume the lead pastor role at a small church in the Cities.

Potluck Picnic Celebration

You’re invited to a pot luck picnic to celebrate Dennis and Kari Murnyak’s return to Minnesota.  Kari’s brother, Kristopher Hartwig, will also be with us.  Zion has supported his hospice project in Tanzania and he will give us a short report on the progress of this ministry.

Monday, July 7, 2008

6:15 p.m. at

Dave and Sue Wright’s Garden

near Zion on 12th St. S.

Bring a dish to share.  We’ll provide beverages, paper plates, and picnic utensils.  Please RSVP so they know how many to plan for.  Invite anyone else you know who know the Murnyaks or who are interested in Zion’s mission activities.   Hope to see you there for this mission celebration.

Dave and Sue Wright

Dennis Murnyak Update

Missionary Dennis Murnyak is moving back to USA from Tanzania on July 2 and is in the midst of sorting, packing, moving and saying farewells.

His family will spend the summer in Minnesota as they search for jobs and places to live.

Dennis has a new email address, so please delete old addresses and contact the church office for his new address.

Ed Blair Golf Classic IV

Planning is underway for this year‟s golf event, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, with a tentative tee time of 1:30 pm. Check the website or August newsletter for complete details and registration information.

I suppose a fellow can worship on the golf course - but it’s almost as unhandy as playing golf in church.
~Author Unknown

Women’s Joint Bible Study

The annual Women of Zion Joint Bible Study will be held in August this year, tentatively on August 7 at 7pm. If you would like to help coordinate this event, please attend the planning meeting on July 8 at 6:30 pm. Details for the Joint Bible Study will be available in the August newsletter.

Make Your Picture Directory Appointment Now

Have you heard that Zion is doing a new picture directory?

All summer dates (July 21-25 and July 28-August 1) as well as initial fall dates (September 30-October 4) are open for church picture directory photography appointments. Additional fall days will be added as these times begin to fill up.

Click here to make your own appointment now

Those who have not yet made an appointment will receive a call from a Lifetouch representative (area code 419) on behalf of Zion. They are assisting us in contacting you to schedule your portrait appointment and to answer any questions you may have regarding your portrait session.

Congratulations to Natalie & Jolene

On June 15, Zion members Natalie Svoboda and Jolene Tokkesdal were named as Buffalo royalty for 2008-2009. Natalie is the daughter of Pastor Steve and Beth Svoboda, and Jolene is the daughter of Wayne & Sharon Tokkesdal. Both are 2008 Buffalo High School graduates.

May 2008 Council Meeting

May 20, 2008

• Pastor Hahn reported on a special meeting where Synod representatives explained the process of Chapter 15, he reiterated the invitation for the Pastors and Mr. Jopp to participate in a mediation process with an outside counselor, and he read Chapter 15 and the related sections from the ELCA Model Constitution for congregations. Mr. Jopp and Mrs. Jopp spoke to the council.
• John Peterson, Dick Mattson and others approached the council regarding providing funding for preservation and restoration at the Marysville church. They were given permission to make immediate emergency repairs to the back wall as approved by the Property Committee. A special offering envelope was approved for placement in the pews at the Marysville church to help fund projects there.
• Jud Goerss reported that the General Fund has a $27,000 deficit and the FIF2 Building Fund has a $18,000 deficit.
• Pastor Steve reported on staff‟s work towards a small group / large group program to commence this fall.
• Pastor Becky reported on the end of School year programs, plans for VBS and ZDC, and a staff visit to Redeemer.
• Adult Ed reported on “Opening the Book of Faith” study and plans for other upcoming study opportunities.
• Four possible names were raised to fill the 2008-2010 position on the Personnel Committee, and closed ballots were cast.

Full minutes (pdf)

June 22 Announcements

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