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).

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

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.

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.

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)

Marysville Restoration

Brickwork at the Marysville church had been in need of attention for some time, and part of the veneer on the back of the building collapsed in May.

Thank you to Doug and Dave Schmidt of F.H. Schmidt Inc. and Ward Carlson for their generous donations of time and materials to prepare the back wall for the brick work and repair that was needed.

Repair expenses were covered by designated gifts to the Marysville Preservation Fund.

More / Enlarged Photos

Sympathy to the Family of Joe Casey

Joseph Casey passed away on Monday, June 16. His funeral will be at Zion at 11am on Friday, June 20 with visitation one hour before the service, and lunch to follow.

Zion Men’s Softball Gets 2nd Win

The Zion men’s softball team played a solid game on Friday June 13th, and came away with a 25-13 win over St. John’s. Aggressive baserunning, smart pitch selection, a rare show of homerun power were catalysts for the victory.

Zion takes on Salem Lutheran this Friday June 20th at 9PM under the lights. The team appreciates the fan support we’ve had recently, and would like even more! Come on out to Bentfield Mills!

Goodbye from Pastor Steve

On Sunday, June 8, Pastor Steve Svoboda submitted his letter of resignation as Associate Pastor to Idella Ziegler, council chair, in order to accept a call to Grace Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN. In the letter that follows, Pastor Steve reflects on his ministry at Zion and his hopes for the future.

Jake Swanson

Jake Swanson has returned to Fort Bragg, NC.

Zion Falls in Men’s Softball

On Friday June 6th, Zion fell to Latter Day Saints Church by a final of 20-11. It was a back and forth game until the final inning, and LDS pulled away at the end.

Zion next faces St. John’s Lutheran at 7:00 on Friday June 13th. Come on out to the park!

Zion Men’s Softball Rallies, Comes up Short

On Friday May 30th, the Zion men’s softball team took on St. Paul’s. After getting down early, they rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the last inning, but fell 2 runs short for a 15-13 final. The loss puts Zion’s record at 1 win and 3 losses for this young season.

Next for Zion is the Latter Day Saints church on Friday June 6th, at 9 PM. Come spend your Friday nite watching some softball under the lights at Bentfield Mills!

Zion Men’s Softball Falls to Spirit of Joy

On Friday May 23rd, Zion jumped out to an early 3-0 lead v. Spirit of Joy, but unfortunately those were the only runs they would get. Spirit of Joy uncorked their bats and cruised to a 13-3 win. Zion next takes on St. Paul’s this Friday May 30th, at Bentfield Mills Field #1. Gametime is 7PM.

More Photo Appointment Times Open

The first week of fall time slots (Sept 30- Oct 4) are now open for appointments in addition to the first week of summer times (July 21-25). Additional days will be added as these times begin to fill up.

Those who have not yet made an appointment will receive a call from a Lifetouch representative (area code 419) in June 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.

Doug Pecarina

Doug Pecarina will be leaving on Saturday for his two week drill at Camp Ripley.