o f f i c e @ z i o n b u f f a l o . o r g ( 7 6 3 ) 6 8 2 - 1 2 4 5 w w w . z i o n b u f f a l o . o r g

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN AUGUST 2009

Youth and chaperones ready to leave on the mission trip to Wind River Reservation in Wyoming in July

2 fyi

Prayer Requests

Call the church office at 763.682.1245 or visit Zion online at ZionBuffalo.org with your prayer requests. If you want a pastoral visit or would like to be included in pastoral prayers during worship, please use a yellow pew card or call the church office.

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

Zion maintains a database of all its members. If you have had any changes to your address, phone number, marital status, etc. please contact Angela with your name, phone number and the changes that need to be made.

If You Are Ill Hospitals no longer notify churches when their members are admitted for care. Call 763.682.1245, and let us know so we can support you with prayer and with presence.

Publishing Deadlines

Weekly Bulletin: Thursday Noon

Newsletter: Monday 8/17 Noon

If you would like to contribute to the church newsletter please send your submissions to Angela in the church office or abengtson@zionbuffalo.org.

Zion seeks to share

Christ’s word,

strengthen faith and

serve those in need.

Sunday Worship Times

8:30 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary & nursery 9:45 am Family Express in Trinity Hall 10:30 am Jubilee Worship in the Sanctuary & nursery

Contact Us

Email office@zionbuffalo.org Online www.zionbuffalo.org Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Church Office (763) 682-1245 Fax (763) 684-1967 Street Address 1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across from 13th St S.) Mailing Address PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

Zion Staff

Chris Hagen Interim Senior Pastor / x304 / chagen@zionbuffalo.org Judy Burgett Winzig Interim Associate Pastor / x305 / jwinzig@zionbuffalo.org Rebecca Sogge Associate Pastor (on sabbatical) Sherilyn Burgdorf Shared Ministry Director / x 307 / sburgdorf@zionbuffalo.org Roxie Otten Co-Director of Christian Education / x 331 / rotten@zionbuffalo.org Holly Husom Co-Director of Christian Education / x331 / hhusom@zionbuffalo.org Myron Crawford Director of Youth Ministries / x308 / mcrawford@zionbuffalo.org Jim Onstad Youth Staff Diane Montplaisir Administrative Secretary/ x302 / dmontplaisir@zionbuffalo.org Angela Bengtson Communications & Membership / x325 / abengtson@zionbuffalo.org Sue Stensrud Financial Secretary / x303 / sstensrud@zionbuffalo.org Jill Pryor Building & Grounds Manager / jpryor@zionbuffalo.org Tom & Melissa Janzen Evening / Weekend Custodians Jennifer Weese Nursery Staff Tina Eich Nursery Staff Michael Walsh Coordinator of Music

Zion Council

Kevin Bergquist 2009-2011 Vice President /Zion Foundation /Acting President Carol Clark 2008-2010 Secretary /Finance Dirk Foster 2008-2010 President /Personnel Jud Goerss 2008-2009 Treasurer /Memorials & Placement Kelly Hanson 2009-2011 Evangelism & Outreach Debbie Johnson 2007-2009 Social Ministry Charles Krause 2008-2010 Youth Kevin Lincicum 2007-2009 Worship & Music, Adult Education Colleen Manninen 2009-2011 Fellowship Scott Morin 2009-2011 Christian Education Steve Peterson 2009-2011 Stewardship Dave Schmidt 2008-2010 New Member Doug Schmidt 2008-2010 Property Marci Wold 2007-2009 Global Missions Idella Ziegler 2007-2009 Stewardship

And

Pete & Judy Weis Stephen Ministry Leaders Julie Kabe Food For Friends Coordinator

3 from the pastor

I do not presume to identify with Moses, although I do aspire to live to be a hundred and twenty years old with “his sight unimpaired and his vigor not abated.” However, there are similarities between this passage in Israel‟s history and Zion‟s history.

A chapter ends and a new one begins. Israel was in an interim time between exodus from Egypt and entrance to the holy land, but their interim lasted 40 years! During that interim time God forged a nation out of slaves and the oppressed. God gave a nameless mob an identity and purpose, to be Chosen People set as testimony to God‟s rule on earth. God organized a muddled mass into government and commerce and society. Through their interim wanderings, God prepared Israel for their calling as a blessing to the world.

Zion has been shaped and formed by God in new ways these last years. Unlike Israel, Zion‟s exodus was from years of wonderful ministry with good pastors. Yet it was still exodus from one era into another. Now you are about to enter a new adventure with another pastor. The book of Deuteronomy concludes with the verses noted above. The book of Joshua and Israel claiming her destiny is next.

The past few years have been a time of reforming and reorienting. God has acted in this congregation to prepare Zion for a new future. It was not easy and at times not pleasant; reshaping never is. But God knew what God was doing.

Zion has come far. The goals the council set out in my contract have been fulfilled in abundance because of God. I note:

The council has pulled together, recommitted to orderly, productive meetings which are now actually enjoyable! Communication is improved by regular posting of council minutes, and other means. Council meetings conclude with reflection on “How did our conduct reflect Christ? Which decisions or discussions seem to be God‟s will? How did we contribute to building a community of faith at Zion?”

Much of the recent divisiveness has diminished. People had their say and were heard. Discussing difficult subjects is still something to improve, but Zion is coming to a place where it is safe to disagree. The council initiated a Bridgebuilder process that gave us a framework for addressing conflict. Action task forces are presently working to further the work of Bridgebuilder.

The church‟s financial situation is stable. The budget shortfall, while a challenge, is not out of proportion to other years, and it even appears that giving at Zion is higher than last year.

There have been changes in some staff. Pastor Judy has come as interim associate pastor. The sound technician position has changed to that of several volunteers. Personnel files and policies have been improved.

As the next senior pastor begins, a time of discerning Zion‟s future ought to take place. The four Bridgebuilder task forces will report on their findings, which will inform what God has been doing in and has planned for Zion. Clarifying that future in God‟s mission was begun, but more shall follow this interim.

We read in Deuteronomy, “then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses was ended.” The chapter ends. A new book begins. The days of this interim is coming to an end. The struggles and disappointments and weeping are ending. There is much ahead to do. Israel had a land and destiny to claim. Zion, too, has a destiny to claim.

Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day.

Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days; then the days of weeping

and mourning for Moses was ended.

Deuteronomy 34:5-8

4 news & views

Pictured: Some of the crowd enjoying the music of Lyn Fantauzza, Dave Robinson, and Tom Polzine (appearing as Kat’s Pajamas) at the July Summer 2nd Wednesday.

Zion’s Hopes and Dreams A Mission/Vision Task Force has convened as part of the Bridgebuilder process. Its purpose is to collect your thoughts on what we as a congregation represent and what we imagine for our future.

What are your hopes and dreams for Zion?

There are three ways to share your thoughts:

Pick up a „Hopes and Dreams‟ card at the information desk, complete it, and return it to a Hopes and Dreams can (you can‟t miss it).

Send an e-mail to office@ZionBuffalo.org with the subject „Hopes and Dreams‟.

Or contact one of the task force members; Melissa Bertsch, Laurie Mackereth, Carol Puent, or Joyce Rolstad.

Please respond by Wednesday, August 12.

Worship

Lectionary & Preachers

Sunday August 2 / Monday August 3 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost John 6:24-35 Senior High Youth Preaching Sunday August 9 /Monday August 10 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost John 6:35, 41-51 Pastor Judy preaching Sunday August 16 / Monday August 17 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost John 6:51-58 Pastor Judy preaching Sunday August 23 / Monday August 24 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost John 6:56-69 Pastor Chris preaching Sunday August 30 / Monday August 31 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Pastor Chris preaching

Call Committee

Update

The Call Committee continues to meet once to twice a week interviewing and discussing the top candidates. We as-sure the congregation that we are all working as hard and fast as we can. As a committee, we all feel the need to have a general consensus on our calling of a new Senior Pastor.

We have identified a couple of excel-lent candidates and are narrowing our choice. Keep in mind that the decision is not only ours; the candidates also have a say in whether to pursue a call to Zion. Please keep both the Call Committee and the candidates in your prayers.

Family News

Births

June 23 Mira Lynn Prell

Baptisms

June 7 Aubrey Michelle Rademacher

June 14 Tyler Jeffery Westerlund Lauren Micah Westerlund Max Aaron Torgrimson Walker Elden Swanson Aiden Patrick Hoyne

June 21 Lucas Wayne Daniel Samuelson

June 28 Peyton Ryan Pattson Carter Stephen Ertel

Weddings

June 13 Jeraldine Leatherdale & Jeffrey Schmidt

June 19 Karla Jacobson & Don Nold

June 27 Jessica Peterson & Michael Rinderknecht Erin Ockerstrom & Brandon Thompson Carrie Bengtson & Michael Weaver

Funerals

June 25 Eleanor Blomberg

June 26 Dorothy Vergin

July births & pastoral acts will be reported in the September Newsletter.

5

Council Update

Wednesday June 17, 2009

The May Treasurer‟s Report reflects the voluntary reduction in salaries for Pastor Chris and another staff person. The Finance Committee has approved the use of the KleinBank credit line of up to $20,000 as long as appropriate notifications are issued.

An interim committee to work with the Gladys Gilbert estate gift was appointed, consisting of Diane Paulu, Bob Freidrichson, Doug Schmidt and Rollie Dehmer.

The Call Committee reported that 3 candidates will be asked back for second interviews, and they hope to have a candidate selected by the end of July. A modified compensation proposal of $113,245 was approved, and the Executive Committee was authorized to negotiate compensation up to $125,000 total.

A revised business model with the Business Administrator reporting to the Senior Pastor was approved.

Doug Schmidt noted recent comments about the length of church services, which have gone more than 75 minutes in some cases.

Deb Johnson, Idella Ziegler, and Kevin Bergquist are assessing current committee structure.

Complete minutes are available on the church website at www.zionbuffalo.org/council.

Active Military

Please Pray For

Greg Bremseth, stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX; Jake Swanson, returning from Fort Bragg, NC; Christopher Brophy, stationed at Fort Benning, GA ; DeAnna Strommen, stationed at Fort Hood, TX; Steve Svoboda, deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq; Fred Pierce, stationed at Pensacola, FL; Chris Paulsen-Schmidt, stationed at Great Lakes, IL; Dirk Foster, stationed at Naval Surface Warfare Center in Port Hueneme, CA; Cody Bauman, stationed at Fort Bragg, NC; Destiny Johnson, deployed to Basrah, Iraq ; Jay Iversen, deployed to Camp Liberty, Iraq; Aaron Hatling, stationed at Heidelberg, Germany; Ben Pecarina, stationed at Nellis AFB, NV.

Please let the church office know of any additions or corrections to this list.

Jake Swanson

On, August 5th, Jake Swanson‟s military service to his country officially ends. He is moving back to Minnesota and will attend Ridgewater Community College in Hutchinson this fall. I would like to thank my Zion family for their prayers and support, especially during his deployment to Afghanistan. When asked by a former teacher what she could send him, he replied “You don‟t have to send me anything but your prayers. I know the only reason I am getting through this (the deployment) is because God has lifted me up and is carrying me.” Your prayers do make a difference in the lives of these soldiers. Please continue to pray for all of our military.

Kathy Swanson (Jake‟s Mom)

Summer 2nd Wednesdays

6

5-6pm:

Supper Hamburgers,

Coleslaw, Chips & Fruit

6:15-6:45pm:

Worship Family Worship

7-8pm:

Family Activity Kids‟ Mini Carnival

Adult Education Holy Humor

Senior High Program What Are You Worth?

Enjoy a picnic dinner from 5-6pm followed by worship and activities, classes or just time to get together to enjoy the summer and each other. All are invited to come.

Meals will be picnic style. Free-will donations to cover the cost accepted.

Volunteer grill masters are needed: contact Pastor Judy or Myron to volunteer.

Cookies & bars are needed for dessert: no need to sign up, just bring something if you are able.

For adults attending the education program, nursery will be available for children 3 years and under from 7-8pm.

Mark your calendars now!

Holy Humor

Adult Education

Come and share a laugh or two, as we view a few tweaks at our Christian faith, such as “What if Starbucks Marketed like a Church?”

Mini Carnival

Family Activity Fun for the whole family with a Pop Walk, Jumper, Duck Pond and more.

Ice Cream Sundae Buffet

And Something for Everyone At 7:45 everybody is invited to come together and end the evening with a sweet treat.

Come for the Burgers & Stay for the Fun!

7

Thank You To all those who are helping maintain the

gardens at Zion this summer.

To those who have already volunteered in the Sunday School and Confirmation programs for the coming school year.

To those that help prepare the bulletins each week and newsletters each month.

To those that have helped with food and other needs for Summer 2nd Wednesdays this summer.

Harvest of Hands

Harvest of Hands (also known as HOH) meets in the Wilderness Room on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday morning of each month from 9-11am and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evening of each month from 7-9pm, to work on crafts for the bazaar in November.

Projects for August include stained glass art (crosses), jewelry, ornaments, and cutting out sewing kits for home projects.

Many may wonder where the money goes… Harvest of Hands was able to help out the following projects last year.

$500 to the Thanksgiving Food Shelf project

$2,500 to Buffalo Food Shelf (plus Thrivent matched $1,500)

$7,000 to the World Hunger & Disaster Appeal - ELCA

$500 to Wellspring - Baby Animal Fair

That is a total of $12,000 donated to world hunger in 2008!

In July, the Harvest of Hands group entered a video in a national ELCA contest. Voting concluded on July 22, but you can still see the video at www.godsworkourhands.org/v/338.

volunteers

August 1994

From Bulletin Announcements

Dairy Queen provided summer attendance rewards for Sunday school students. Students could receive a cone for attending worship three times in a month, or a blizzard for attending nine times over the summer.

The Women of Zion Bible Study was “Everyday Spaces & Holy Places,” with Minda Squadroni & Sherilyn Burgdorf leading a tour of the holy places at Zion and discussion of the holy places we create in our own everyday spaces.

Thursday evening Summer worship was held on the patio… there was a patio outside Fellowship Hall where the narthex is now.

Grades 5-8 had a two-day “Reach for the Sky” VBS bike tour to Lake Rebecca. Chaperones were Chris Swaggert, Tammy Schmidt, Amy Fingalson, Paul Mager, Pete Jacobson, Joel Mackereth, Bill Greenwood, Milan Zumach, & Mark Olson.

Ushers for August were Ancil Walden, Harley Pommier, Dennis Kjorlien, Ken Ross, Sam Ackmann, Rich Krause, Doug Schmidt, Dave Schmidt, Gary McFadden, Ed Peterson, Russ Peterson, Tim Klingelhoets, Dick Mattson, and the Darrell Bjur family.

The youth department was preparing for the arrival of a new youth director, Sherri Larson, in September.

The 31st annual

Harvest of Hands Celebration will be held

at Zion on

Saturday, November 7th 2009

Doors will open at 9:00 a.m.

8

Zion Book Club

The Cradle

On Monday, August 10, the Zion Book Club will discuss The Cradle by Patrick Somerville. It is the unsettling saga of Matt‟s quest to find a family heirloom cradle for Melissa, his pregnant wife.

The book club meets at 7pm on the second Monday of each month in the library at Zion.

Golf Outing

Ed Blair Classic

This year‟s golf outing is being planned for Rally Day, September 13. Further details will be available later this month… watch the website or bulletin.

Be a Part of Zion’s Music Program

There’s a Place for You in Choir This Year!

Make this a great year by adding your tunes to a choir. Vocal and handbell choirs are available for all ages and will be starting up again in September:

Parents, did you notice there‟s room for you, too? All are welcome! Child care is available on Wednesday evenings during rehearsals.

Most adult choirs will begin in early September, and most youth choirs will begin the week of September 14. Registration will be available online later in August and on Rally Day, September 13.

fellowship & study

Zionaires Zionaires offers a variety of activities for fellowship, fun, and education for the more mature members and friends of Zion. Upcoming events include:

Fishing/lake tour of Lake Pulaski and picnic lunch on September 1.

An educational presentation on organic living at Zion later in September.

A trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the TITANIC exhibit and IMAX show in October.

Younger „seniors‟ are especially encouraged to try one of these Zionaires events.

Contact Sandy or Roger at 763.682.2979 with questions, or suggestions of future activities.

Bible Study

Women

There will be a Joint Women‟s Bible Study on Tuesday, August 18th at 7:00PM, sponsored by the Naomi and Rebecca Circles. All women are invited for study and refreshments. Pastor Judy will be leading a study on “Jesus Breaks the System: Jesus and the Widow of Nain” from Luke 7:1-11. Regular circles also meet monthly throughout the year. For more info contact Phyllis Bengtson.

Men

The „Men Seeking Wisdom‟ Bible Study will not be meeting during July and August, but will resume September 3, 2009. If you would like to join this group that meets at 8am on Thursdays at Zion, please call Sam Monson at 763.553.0326.

Vocal Choir Handbell Choir

Early Elementary (K-2) Sonshine Choir

Older Elementary Joy Choir (Gr 3-5) Ring Forth (Gr 4-5)

Middle School Youth Choir Class Ring

High School Youth Choir or Senior Choir

Joyful Ringers

Adults Senior Choir Joyful Ringers

9

Global Health Ministries Partnering with the Minneapolis Area Synod and The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria is Global Health Ministries, officed in Fridley. Together a “vision for Health care in the Adamawa Sate has been developed between the partners. This project information is from the GHM website:

“The vision for the health programs of the LCCN is to develop a strong community-based primary health care system through its network of 15 dispensaries, 29 health posts, and 2000 congregations of the one million member church served by 350 pastors, with the Demsa Health Center as its hub.

The key elements of the church‟s plan are to:

1. Renovate & upgrade the Demsa Health Center and Dispensaries. The Demsa Health Center will serve as the center for training and support of the staff and volunteers who carry out the community-based primary health care program, as well as provide secondary-level curative and treatment services including minor surgery. The dispensaries will serve as a regional base of outreach in implementing health education and disease prevention initiatives, including clean water projects, malaria bed net education and distribution, HIV/AIDS prevention education, and healthy practices in child care. The dispensaries will also provide the first level of service for pre-natal care and diagnosis and treatment or referral for a higher level care.

(GHM continued on page 14)

Meet Myron

Zion Staff

Myron Crawford is the Director of Youth Ministries at Zion. He is also a weekend DJ, and considers him-self to be “a pretty good dancer.”

Learn more about Myron at ZionBuffalo.org/Staff/Myron.

Jesus is our living hope. Read 1 Peter 1:3-4 below. Then find the bold words in the crossword search.

Saturday, August 1 5:00pm Wedding Sunday, August 2 Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, and

10:30 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service Monday, August 3 6:30am Zion Day Camp 6:30pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Marysville Service 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, August 4 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00pm Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday, August 5 6:30am Zion Day Camp 6:00pm Christian Ed. Meeting Thursday, August 6 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus

Christ 6:30am Zion Day Camp Friday, August 7 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am LSS Counseling Saturday, August 8 7:00pm Wedding at Marysville Sunday, August 9 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service

Monday, August 10 6:30am Zion Day Camp 6:30pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Marysville Service 7:00pm Book Club 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, August 11 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 6:30pm Women United in Faith 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00pm Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday, August 12 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am Bell Camp 5:00pm Second Wednesday Supper 6:15pm Family Worship 7:00pm Holy Humor (Adult Ed) 7:00pm Mini Carnival 7:00pm Graceland: What Are You

Worth? 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts 7:45pm Ice Cream Sundaes for All Thursday, August 13 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am Mission Vision Task Force

Meeting 9:00am Bell Camp 7:00pm Change Management Skills

Task Force Meeting Friday, August 14 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am Bell Camp 9:00am LSS Counseling Saturday, August 15 2:00pm Bridal Shower Sunday, August 16 Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service

Monday, August 17 6:30am Zion Day Camp 6:30pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Marysville Service 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, August 18 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:30am Staff Meeting 9:30am Naomi Circle 12:00pm LSS Counseling 6pm Stephen Ministries 7:00pm Property Committee Meeting 7:00pm Joint Bible Study 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00pm Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday, August 19 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:15am Devotions at Sunrise 6:00pm Curriculum Team Meets 6:00pm Redeemer Block Party 7:30pm Church Council Meeting Thursday, August 20 6:30am Zion Day Camp 7:30pm Rebecca Circle Friday, August 21 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am LSS Counseling 5:00pm Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, August 22 11:00am Bridal Party 3:00pm Wedding Sunday, August 23 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service

look for updates & links at: www.zionbuffalo.org

10 August calendar Our brothers and sisters in the Lutheran Church of

Christ in Nigeria are experiencing drought

conditions and are asking for our prayers.

look for updates & links at: www.zionbuffalo.org

Monday, August 24 6:30am Zion Day Camp 5:00pm SS Teacher Training 6:30pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Marysville Service 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday, August 25 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:30am Staff Meeting 12:00pm LSS Counseling 5:00pm SS Teacher Training 6:30pm Women United in Faith 7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal 7:00pm Overeaters Anonymous Wednesday, August 26 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am Newsletter Crew 9:30am Devotions at Lakeridge 10:30am Devotions at Park View 5:00pm SS Teacher Training 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts 7:10pm Lutheran Night at the Twins

(Bus time TBA) Thursday, August 27 6:30am Zion Day Camp 5:00pm SS Teacher Training Friday, August 28 6:30am Zion Day Camp 9:00am LSS Counseling Saturday, August 29 5:00pm SS Teacher Training Sunday, August 30 8:30am Traditional Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship

Service Monday, August 31 6:30pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Marysville Service 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous

Sermon In a Pot Once upon a time a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn't know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot. He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter.

The daughter moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup.

Turning to her he asked. "Daughter, what do you see?" "Potatoes, eggs, and coffee," she hastily replied. "Look closer," he said, "and touch the potatoes." She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face. "Father, what does this mean?" she asked.

He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity, the boiling water. However, each one reacted differently. The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak. The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard. However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new. "Which are you?" he asked his daughter.

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean?" In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.

Which one are you?

11

12

Marysville Windows Restored The Marysville Preservation Fund Committee would like to thank all those who have donated money specifically for the replacement and repair of windows at Marysville.

A huge thank you to:

Thanks also to Cottrell Builders for doing such a wonderful job on the windows. The committee appreciates all the help to preserve the history of our congregation and families.

Contributions Are Up

Over 8% Increase Since May

In May, Pastor Chris challenged our congregation to review our stewardship commitments and follow his lead to give sacrificially. He voluntarily reduced his salary by 10% while continuing to tithe to his home congregation. Zion‟s

(Contributions continued on page 13)

finance & stewardship

Financial Report

June 2009

General Services Fund

Income June 2009 YTD 2009 General Offering $49,197.72 $323,654.95 Rent and Sunday School $737.96 $16,088.76 Missions and Hunger $869.00 $6,113.00 Other Designations $460.00 $6,894.50 Total $51,264.68 $352,751.21

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,500.00 $9,000.00 Other General Services $62,298.95 $359,749.32 Total $63,798.95 $368,749.32

Account Balance as of 6-30-09: $17,761.34

General Fund Note There were surplus funds available in the General Fund account on 1-1-09. Because of the month-end deficits so far in 2009, this surplus has been exhausted. It was previously communicated that in April 2009 the church was approved for a line of credit to use when our expenses exceed our offerings/revenue. $20,000 was drawn from our line of credit on June 12, 2009 in order to meet current expenses. Nothing has been repaid yet on this line of credit.

Forward in Faith Fund

Income June 2009 YTD 2009 Offerings and Interest $12,712.51 $87,861.97 Other Receipts 0.00 1,500.00 Total Income $12,712.51 $89,361.97

Expenses Building Mortgage $17,087.30 $102,523.80 Roof/Parking Lot Loan $539.63 $3,194.38 Major Building Repairs $4,225.00 $4,225.00 3% Tithe Expense 0.00 0.00 Total Expenses $21,851.93 $109,943.18

Account Balance as of 6-30-09: $49,071.66

Clyde and Gwen Adicks

Gary and Betty Anderson

Willie and Joan Baurenschmitt

Eileen Bodin

Kevin and Tami Chilson

Beverly Derrick

Rodney and Carrie Davidson

Tom and Jan Fitzpatrick

Jacob Fitzpatrick

Warren and Carol Krause

Gert Lenz Family

Terry and Sue Marsh

Richard Mattson family

Ron and Cheryl Philippi

Wallace Peterson family

Lloyd and Barb Rassat

Habits for a Healthy Heart From the Spring 2009 issue of Thrivent Magazine

Heart disease takes nearly 700,000 lives each year and afflicts more than 80 million people in the U.S. It's also highly preventable.

Studies show that better lifestyle habits can help prevent a whopping 80% of the coronary heart disease in this country. Here's how:

Don’t Smoke

Smoking more than doubles the risk for a heart attack in adults under 50. It also exacerbates other risk factors by raising blood pressure, increasing the tendency for blood to clot, lowering HDL (good) cholesterol and decreasing tolerance for exercise.

Move More

Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise if your body weight is normal, and 45 to 90 minutes if you're over weight or obese.

Stress Less

Stress reduction is essential to decrease coronary heart disease. Whether it‟s regular work outs, meditation, going to church, talking with a therapist or counselor can help.

Eat Like a Mediterranean

A Mediterranean diet consists of whole grains, fish, and is high in plant-based foods.

Get Screened

Begin having your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight checked. Monitor your numbers according to the American Heart Association's recommended schedule for screenings.

To learn more about Healthy Heart Habits, check out the full article in your Spring Thrivent Magazine or at Thrivent.com/magazine/spring09/livingwell.html.

To learn more about Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its products, please contact Mark Worner of the Buffalo Thrivent office at 763.682.6011.

13

leadership has committed to follow his example and has encouraged the congregation to do the same. As of July 12, contributions to the general fund are up $12,079 or 8.15% over the corresponding Sundays since his challenge was issued. Although the congregation has still had to borrow $20,000 on its line of credit to manage ongoing expenses, the giving trends are encouraging. Thanks to all who demonstrate their faith through sacrificial giving.

Jon Huston

Representing the USA at Korean Conference

You may remember that Jon Huston, one of our 10:30 head ushers, was featured on Good Morning America last winter after he located and reunited with his Korean birth mother.

In July, Jon was one of 23 Americans at a conference in Korea for 100 Korean adopteees from around the world. This conference was an opportunity for adoptees to experience Korean culture, and was funded by the Korean government. Jon also had an opportunity to spend some more time with his birth mom on the days he was not at the conference.

Green Bean Open Wild Marsh Golf Club will be hosting the 5th Annual Green Bean Open golf tournament on Monday, August 10, with the “Shotgun Scramble” beginning at 1pm and registration starting at 12pm.

This tournament benefits the Buffalo Food Shelf, one of Zion‟s local partners. The Buffalo Food Shelf is a Christian, non-profit, community-based organization serving individuals and families that receive limited financial assistance or are going through a crisis and need help feeding their family. Contact Joe Malone at j.malone@wildmarsh.com or 763.682.4476.

(Contributions continued from page 12)

14

missions & social ministry

Kelsey’s Mission to Malaysia Kelsey Mackereth, daughter of Laurie and Joel Mackereth, has been working at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI for five years, and has now been accepted into the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program. She will be leaving this month for a mission year in Malaysia.

Although an exact job description is not known yet, Kelsey's focus will be to devote herself to service work for people in Malaysia. Through her service, she will develop relationships with the people of Malaysia; develop as a servant-leader for the Lutheran church; become globally formed and informed; reflect, study, pray, and promote community; and participate in congregational programs. She will have the opportunity to learn about theological aspects within the Lutheran church, share her gifts with others through serving others, and connect our two cultures by sharing the gifts and stories of the global church and community of Malaysia with us.

Kelsey grew up in our congregation and will be taking a piece of all of us with her in her heart and sense of purpose. In Sherilyn Burgdorf‟s words, “Kelsey was a great help with so many things here at Zion while she was a „youngster‟ here in Buffalo. She did lots of things through her high school years and this is a great way to help her as she grows in her vocation of God‟s mission and care for people around the world.”

Support for Kelsey and for the Global Mission program comes in many forms, including prayer, encouragement, and finances. Kelsey will need and appreciate all three. The ELCA sponsors these missions but also asks each person or their home congregation to also help with the financial needs. That means Kelsey needs about $4000 of sponsorship from Zion‟s Global Mission committee, family, friends, etc.

To support Kelsey, Zion‟s Global Missions Committee sponsored a cookie fundraiser on July 19. Continued financial support can be accepted throughout August. Checks should be written out to “Zion Lutheran Church,” with Kelsey‟s name and your offering envelope number in the memo, and delivered to church in care of Pastor Judy.

Kelsey is grateful for your prayers, financial help, and the blessings and encouragement of Zion's family. Kelsey would especially like to thank everyone who helped with the cookie bake, everyone who enjoyed their chocolate chip and turtle cookies, and Thrivent for matching funds. Thank you for joining this journey!

Kelsey will be keeping a blog while overseas (the address is not available at print time, but will be posted on the church website), as well as a facebook page devoted to this mission at facebook.com/Kelsey.Malaysia.

Pictured: Kelsey (center-right) with her parents and sister, Kailan (center –left), at the cookie fundraiser on

July 19.

2. Provide clean water through reconditioning of old wells where possible and establishing new sources of clean water where needed by priority in the 5 dioceses and mission fields.

3. Recruit and strengthen leadership for management of a community-based primary health care program. Train staff and volunteers in implementing a community-based primary health care program, including clean water and malaria prevention initiatives.

4. Provide regular shipments of needed medical supplies and equipment to sustain operations.”

The hygiene kits which were put together as a part of Zion‟s Vacation Bible School in June are going to the Demsa hospital, so we are already partners in this venture!

For more information, check out ghm.org/countries/Nigeria.html.

(Nigeria continued from page 9)

15

Redeemer Lutheran Church

Block Party

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zion‟s partner congregation, will be having their 7th Annual Redeemer Block party from 6-8pm on Wednesday, August 19.

You‟re invited to join our friends for this once-a-year party in the Harrison neighborhood featuring (free!) legendary food, live music + dance, kid-focused fun, and over 550 friends - old and new. It will be held in the Redeemer backyard (just behind Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, North Minneapolis).

Brotherly Love

By Pastor Kelly Chatman of Redeemer Lutheran Church

There is an old rabbinic parable about a farmer who had two sons. As soon as they were old enough to walk, he took them to the fields and he taught them everything that he knew about growing crops and raising animals. When he got too old to work, the two boys took over the chores of the farm and when the father died, they had found their working together so meaningful that they decided to keep their partnership. So each brother contributed what he could and during every harvest season, they would divide equally what they had corporately produced. Across the years the elder brother never married, stayed an old bachelor. The younger brother did marry and had eight wonderful children. Some years later when they were having a successful harvest, the old bachelor brother thought to himself one night, “My

(Brotherly Love continued on page 18)

Service, Advocacy & Ministry

This Month: Love INC

At the end of July, Pastor Terry Harris from Love INC updated us on the mission and projects of Love INC.

During Lent of the past 2 years, Zion‟s mission project for Love INC has been to supply diapers. This month, Zion will collect school supplies to be distributed through Love INC to those with predetermined legitimate needs. Please look at the list below and consider bringing any number of items to Zion during the month of August and placing them in the cart in the narthex.

Requested school supply items are new:

Pencil boxes

Notebooks

Notebook paper

Pens

Pencils

Crayons

Colored pencils

Glue/glue sticks

Scissors

Erasers

Markers

Book bags/backpacks

Next Month: Timber Bay

Timber Bay is an outreach that serves suburban, urban and rural areas in Minnesota and Iowa. They serve youth with a program that emphasizes a sense of purpose and community, and fosters their faith. The Buffalo program has two staff members and 10 volunteers working with about 100 middle school and high school students each year.

Learn more about Timber Bay by attending a brief presentation by Paul Miller, the head of the Buffalo program, in Fellowship Hall after the first service on Sunday, August 23.

In September, we will be preparing meals for these local youth. Look for details in the September newsletter.

Learn more about Timber Bay at TimberBay.org.

And Every Month

Each month the Social Ministry Committee will be promoting our church‟s outreach into our community through prayer and actions by highlighting the efforts and needs of one of our local partner organizations in the newsletter and on the website. On the 4th Sunday of the month there will be a short program at 9:45am in the Fellowship Hall to explain services and promote action with the featured partner.

16

1 Timothy 4:12 Don‟t let anyone look down on you

because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Director of Youth Ministries Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

mcrawford@zionbuffalo.org

Zion Youth Ministries We exist to reach out to youth, to come

together and learn how to be for God and others through worship, study, fellowship and

service.

youth ministries

Confirmation

Registration

Attention all students who will be in 7th & 8th Grade in Fall of „09:

Registration is now open on-line!

This is for all new students and returning students.

Registration for classes this year closes on Friday, August 21!

We will not be able to accept any late registrations this year.

Parents - Confirmation small group guides are needed as well. Take time to prayerfully consider making a two year commitment to foster the spiritual relationships of students.

Current Students

A reminder to 2008-2009 7th & 8th graders, the completion deadline has been extended to August 14!

Make sure that your work is in. We are unable to accept late work!

Affirmation of Baptism

8th Graders: The Affirmation of Baptism Service will be on Saturday September 26 @ 1pm. Pictures will be taken at 10:30am.

There will be a retreat for all of the confirmands on Saturday, September 19 @ 9am.

All requirements must be fulfilled to be confirmed! These requirements must be completed by Aug 14! We are unable to accept late work!

Senior High

Mission Trip News

In July, 26 students and 4 adults from Zion attended a mission trip to Wind River Indian Reservation in WY.

Throughout the week, participants had the opportunities to clean, paint, play with children, pray for, build relationships and learn about the culture of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes.

The Senior High would like to thank the entire congregation for not only the financial support, but the prayer support as well. It was greatly needed and appreciated.

They would like to remind everyone who purchased a stock certificate that the Welcome Home Brunch will be on Aug 2 @ 11:30am in the library.

Summer Schedule

Graceland, the Senior High youth group, will meet at Zion From 5-8pm on August 12 to discuss “What are You Worth?”

Rock N U Schedule

Rehearsal Aug 4, 11 & 25

Senior High Leadership

Juniors and Seniors are needed to help form a Senior High Leadership Team to organize fun nights, worship, service, studies and more. If you are interested, contact Myron by August 7.

JJJ Tour - September 13

Come see Agape, Rachel Kurtz and Lost and Found at Augsburg College for only $10! Depart from Zion @ 1pm. Return to Zion @ 8pm. You must register by, August 26.

All Youth

Rock the River Tour

Harriet Island - St. Paul, MN

Sunday, August 16

Leave Zion @ 11:30am

Back @ Zion by 11pm

Open to all MS & Sr High Students!

Come for a great day to get to know who God is and what your purpose is while seeing great bands and speakers!

Featuring Flyleaf, Kirk Franklin, Superchic(k), Flame, Decemberadio, LeCrae & Franklin Graham.

Cost is only $20 for a ticket!

Friends are encouraged to attend!

Bring money for concessions/souvenirs!

Must be registered by August 9 to reserve seat!

Adults are needed to drive/lead.

If you can drive/lead, please contact Myron by Aug 9!

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth

Co-Directors of Christian Education Roxie Otten

rotten@zionbuffalo.org

Holly Husom hhusom@zionbuffalo.org

763-682-1245 ext. 331

17 children’s ministries

August

Open Your Bible Challenge:

Kindergarten, first and second grade question:

In the story, “A Basket Boat”, who was the baby in the basket?

Third-grade through sixth-grade question: What

does Joshua 1:9 say?

Email your answer to: rotten@zionbuffalo.org

Volunteer Opportunities Did you know that you don‟t have to be a parent to volunteer in Zion‟s Sunday School program? Some opportunities are still available for the coming school year!

Those with the heart of a teacher may be interested in leading science, art, media, games, snack or storytelling.

If you have a gift for organization you might find fulfillment as a superintendant.

And those who just want to hang out with the kids can find a spot as a shepherd, which requires no preparation.

Sign up soon while your favorite position is still open!

Sunday School Registration It‟s that time again! All new and returning students should register for Sunday school online by August 23.

Continue to watch the children‟s ministry web page for updates, and please share your ideas about how you‟d like to help the Sunday School program.

Do you feel that we could help your child enjoy Sunday School more? We would love to hear from you! We want Sunday School to be a welcome and successful environment for all of our children and volunteers. Contact Roxie at rotten@zionbuffalo.org or 763.682.1245.

The Rally Day Difference! This year, all Sunday school parents are asked to attend a parent orientation meeting outlining important information for the 2009-2010 Sunday school year.

Sunday, September 13, in Trinity Hall, from 9:40am-10:20am.

Distribution of Sunday School information packets to parents. (More information about the contents of the packets will be sent with your on-line Sunday school registration confirmation.)

Sunday School children will gather in the Sanctuary for a welcome program and special entertainment… ssshhh, don‟t tell, it‟s a secret!

Everyone is invited to the Rally Day celebration following the 10:30 service on September 13 which will include food and fun!

Sunday School classes will start on September 20.

Contact Holly or Roxie at 763.682.1245 with any other questions.

Kids’ Club

First, Second and Third Graders:

Plan to come to Zion after school on Wednesdays for snacks, games, songs, and stories. Online registration for Kids‟ Club will be available in early September.

High School Students and Adults:

This is a great opportunity to be a positive role model and impact the life of a child. If you would like to share in the fun and fellowship, come to Zion on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30pm. If every Wednesday doesn‟t work, a flexible schedule is also an option. Positions include snack helpers, game leaders, craft leaders, and student mentors. Contact Roxie if you are interested in spending quality time with Kids‟ Club!

ZionBuffalo.org/Children

18

brother has ten mouths to feed. I only have one. He really needs more of his harvest than I do, but I know he is much too fair to renegotiate. I know what I‟ll do. In the dead of the night when he is already asleep, I‟ll take some of what I have put in my barn and I‟ll slip it over into his barn to help him feed his children.

At the very same time he was thinking down that line, the younger brother was thinking to himself, “God has given me these wonderful children. My brother hasn‟t been so fortunate. He really needs more of this harvest for his old age than I do, but I know him. He‟s much too fair. He‟ll never renegotiate. I know what I‟ll do. In the dead of the night when he‟s asleep, I‟ll take some of what I‟ve put in my barn and slip it over into his barn.”

And so one night when the moon was full, as you may have already anticipated, those two brothers came face to face, each on a mission of generosity. The old rabbi said that although there wasn‟t a cloud in the sky, a gentle rain began to fall. You know what it was? God weeping for joy because two of his children had gotten the point. Two of his children had come to realize that generosity is the deepest

characteristic of the holy and because we are made in God‟s image, our being generous is the secret to our joy.

Thank you to everyone for your generous contributions to the capital campaign and the vision to imagine how God continues to call Redeemer to share God‟s generosity in a neighborhood where so many people have been forgotten.

We had a wonderful 100 Year Anniversary celebration on June 7th, thanks to Caleb Sancken, Ylanda Williams, and the Celebration Committee. Thanks also for a great start to the capital appeal; our pledge commitments have already passed the $120,000 level. Our goal is to reach $300,000. The point of our giving is not just measured in the dollars we raise but how we together share the reality of God‟s generosity in our lives and in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your wonderful witness to the reality of God‟s love!

(Brotherly Love continued from page 15)

Business Owners: Thanks to all those listed on these advertising pages; it is

the support of advertisers that makes this newsletter possible. Now is the time to update your ad or place a new

ad. Andy, a representative from the publisher, will be here in the church office for the week of August 24 to assist you.

Inside

Zion Lutheran Church 1200 Highway 25 S. PO Box 88 Buffalo, MN 55313

www.zionbuffalo.org Address Service Requested

Aug

ust 2

009

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Zion‟s Hopes & Dreams 4

Holy Humor & Ice Cream 6

August 1994 7

Global Health Ministries 9

Sermon in a Pot 11

Kelsey‟s Mission to Malaysia 14

Redeemer Block Party 15

Timber Bay 15

Rock the River 16

JJJ Music Tour 16

Sunday School Registration 17

Out of Town? You can hear sermons, read the

weekly program, newsletter, and get other information on our website:

www.ZionBuffalo.org See You at Summer 2nd Wednesday