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:

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.

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.

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!

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.

A Win for Zion Men’s Softball

Zion’s men’s softball team found the bats they were missing from the last game and defeated Buffalo Covenant #1 on Friday May 16th. Zion got some big hits along the way and built a nice lead, then hung on for a 23-18 win.

Come out to Bentfield Mills this Friday, May 23rd, to see Zion take on Spirit of Joy under the lights at 9PM.

Wireless Internet Access at Zion

Zion now offers free wireless high-speed internet access for your laptop in many parts of the building including Fellowship Hall, the narthex, and the coffee café . . . so bring in your laptop, grab a comfy chair or a spot in the café area and your beverage of choice from the coffee/hot chocolate or pop machine.

Eagle Scout Troop Support Project

Matt Fautsch, a member of Troop 312 in Montrose and a member of Zion, is working on his Eagle Scout project.

His Eagle Scout project is to build a care packet for a US Marines unit that is stationed in Iraq. Lance Corporal Danny Allen a former member of Troop 312 and a graduate of Buffalo High School, was stationed in Iraq. Although Danny recently left Iraq, he helped initiate this project to help his former unit.

He is seeking wet wipes donations from business and individuals in the Buffalo and Montrose Area. He would like to include the donations in the VFW Memorial Day Ceremony in Montrose, MN on May 26^th.

Zion Men’s Softball Done in by St. Francis

Zion was upended 15-5 by St. Francis on Friday May 9th. St. Francis started out scoring runs in each inning, but Zion couldn’t get the bats rolling until the 5th inning and it was too little too late.

Next up for Zion is Buffalo Covenant Team 1 at 8:00 PM on Friday May 16, at Bentfield Mills Field #2.

Zion Men’s Softball Rained Out 5/2

A cold, steady rain and a wintry wind washed out the first night of games in the Churches For Christ Softball League on Friday May 2nd. Zion’s opener v. St Peter and Paul was canceled.

Come on out to Bentfield Mills Field 2 this Friday, May 9th at 7PM to cheer us on v. St. Francis. And keep an eye out here for weekly game recaps!

Phoenix Boys Choir and Land of Lakes Choirboys Concert

The Phoenix Boys Choir (from Arizona) and the Land of Lakes Choirboys (of Minnesota) will be in concert at Zion on Sunday, June 8 at 3pm.

The concert will be free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken to help in defraying costs, particularly for the Phoenix Boys’ Choir’s travel expense.

(updated 5/14)

Free Ex-offender Mentor Training

Lord when did we see you…. in prison and visit you? He will answer them, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least ones, you did for me!” Matt 25:39

Four Hours of your time a month can change a life forever! There will be a free in-depth Mentor Training to help ex-offenders returning to the community on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from8:45 a.m. -2:00p.m. at Hennepin Co. Adult Corrections Facility - Men’s Building, 1145 Shenandoah Lane, Plymouth.

Gustavus Choir Home Concert

We have been asked to announce that the Gustavus Choir Home Concert will be Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter.

Adoption Information Meeting

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Adoption is holding an information meeting for its Special Needs Adoption program on Tuesday, May 13, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. It will be held at the LSS offices in Minneapolis (710 East 24^th Street, Room 3C).

The Special Needs program helps families who feel called to adopt children through the Minnesota’s Waiting Children program. These children are under state guardianship, typically at least six years old, and can have emotional, behavioral, social, mental, or physical challenges. Families pay no fees for this program. Call Lynne Haggar at (612) 879-5230 to register. For more information, or to register online, visit www.minnesotaadoption.org.

May Softball Schedule

Come out to the Bentfield Mills Park (behind Target) on Friday nights to support Zion’s team in the local Churches for Christ Softball League.

May Games are:

• 5/2, 8pm vs St Peter & Pauls
• 5/9 7pm vs St Francis
• 5/16 8pm vs Buffalo Covenant 1
• 5/23 9pm vs Spirit of Joy
• 5/30 7pm vs St Pauls

The full schedule is available here

Newsletter Advertisers

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Ads can be found on pages 18 & 19 of the printed or PDF newsletter.  New advertisers should contact Bud Bien of LPI (the publisher) at 952-852-4031 or bbien@4lpi.com.

2008 Relay for Life

This year’s Wright County Relay will be July 18^th-19^th, 2008. Mark your calendars!

There will be a 2008 Relay Kickoff open house, next Thursday, April 17^th at 7 pm at the Buffalo Community Middle School in the media center. New volunteers to the Relay committee should come at 6pm.

Anyone registered online by the kickoff will receive a Relay For Life gift - so don’t wait, sign up today! Visit www.events.cancer.org/rflwrightcountymn and sign up!

Community Concert at Zion

All are invited to a musical evening with the Wright County Chamber Choir and the wRight Ringers on Sunday, April 13 at 7:30pm at Zion Lutheran.

Refreshments will be served following the concert. Tickets are available at Gartner’s Hallmark in downtown Buffalo.