MT. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH A congregation of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC)

4065 Mt. Zion Rd. Lucas, Ohio 44843 419-892-2023

Pastor Eric Steward 757-876-6572 (cell) 567-483-8001 (home) pastormtzion@embarqmail.com

Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. ~ Fellowship Time at 10:30 ~ Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m.

The ECHO Volume 2017 Issue 12

Mt. Zion Lutheran

Church

December 2017

Advent is Here….so what?

Well it is that time of year again isn’t it. The hustle and bustle of the holidays beginning with

Thanksgiving and ending with New Years. The excitement and anticipation of children all over the world

for what they will find under the tree on Christmas day. However, we in the church have a little different

take on the weeks leading up to Christmas. We have entered into the season known as Advent.

What is this season of Advent, I mean what is it really all about? Some people may know that the

Advent season focuses on expectation and think that it serves as an

anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. While

this is part of the story, there is much more to Advent. According to

Christianity.com in an article by Justin Holcomb, What is Advent, the word

“Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which

is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Throughout the centuries the

meaning and celebration of advent has changed. Originally, it was a

preparation season for the baptism of new Christians. Then, in the 6th century

it was linked to the coming of Christ. However, the “coming” they had in

mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming in the clouds as the

judge of the world. It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s

first coming at Christmas.

Today, the season of Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent symbolizes the

present situation of the church in these “last days”, as God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to

consummate his eternal kingdom. Similar to Israel at the end of the Old Testament, the Christian church is

waiting and preparing for Christ’s return. In doing this, we look back in celebration upon Christ’s coming

as a baby in the manger in Bethlehem while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the

coming of Christ’s kingdom when he returns for his people. To balance the two elements of remembrance

and anticipation, the first two Sundays in Advent look forward to Christ’s second coming, and the last two

Sundays look backward to remember Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem. Over the course of the four

weeks, Scripture readings move us through this journey of preparation. Martin Luther encouraged families

to observe Advent as a time for them to teach their children about the coming of Christ. The church

liturgical year begins with Advent.

Advent is a season of quiet anticipation and expectation. The

One who once came in humility by way of Bethlehem’s manger,

David’s donkey, and Calvary’s cross, who now comes to us hid-

denly in His holy Word and the blessed Sacrament of His body

and blood, will soon come visibly in blazing glory to raise the

dead and give eternal life to all who call on His Name. The tone

of Advent is joyful anticipation, a mixture of holy fear and ex-

pectant joy, like that of a mother-to-be awaiting the arrival of her

first baby.

During this time the liturgical paraments and vestments will change to violet to recognize Advent as a

time of preparation and repentance as well as a symbol of the royalty of the coming King. The color blue can

also be used as a symbol of anticipation and hope. Additionally, you will see an advent wreath and the light-

ing of the candles each Sunday of Advent. Most Advent wreaths use three colors of candles – purple, pink,

and white. The first candle lit is a purple one and is the candle of hope (Romans 15:12-13), our hope found in

Christ. The second week of advent is also purple and is the Bethlehem candle or the candle of preparation

(Luke 3:4-6). The third week has us lighting the pink candle, it is the Shepherds candle or the candle of joy

(Luke 2:7-15), the joy of the incarnate savior. The last purple candle on the outside of the wreath is the angel

candle or the candle of love (Luke 2:10b-11), God’s love shown in the person of Jesus Christ. On Christmas

eve (or day) we light the center white candle which is the Christ candle, which reminds us that Jesus is the

spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins. His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth!

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away

the sin of the world!‘” ~ John 1:29

At a time when much of the world is frantically gift shopping, putting up Christmas lawn decorations

and anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus, my prayer is that we all take some time each day to prepare our

hearts with hope, love and joy. Reflection on the violence and evil in the world cause us to cry out to God to

make things right—to put death’s dark shadows to flight. Our exile in the present makes us look forward to

our future Exodus. And our own sinfulness and need for grace leads us to pray for the Holy Spirit to renew

his work in conforming us into the image of Christ. Let us be prepared, not just for holiday parties and deco-

rations, but for the coming of the king.

We have available several different devotionals for Advent. We have devotionals for families with

younger children, devotionals for adults, devotionals for teens and an advent calendar for the children. Please

take advantage of these resources to help truly prepare for the coming Messianic feast that we may enter into

Joy!

We have adopted a local family to bless this Christmas season.

The youth will shop for the kids in the family. If the adults

would also like to help, we are in need of household items

such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toiletries and gas

cards. Please see Pastor Eric for more information.

ADVENT PARTY

Sunday December 3rd we begin the Advent season with a special Sunday School event.

The children will be making a unique Christmas craft in celebration of Advent. This is a

family event, so plan to join us in the John Fox room at 9:15 Sunday December 3rd for fun

making a craft together with your child and learning about God’s special gift to us. What a

wonderful way to begin the Advent season!

Christmas Eve candlelight church service will be at 7 pm on December 24th.

Memory Tree

As part of our 2018 Bicentennial celebration, a “memory tree” will be placed in the “Historical Display

Room” (Sunday School room in the back of the sanctuary). Almost anything can be submitted for the

memory tree: a note of some special Mt. Zion moment, a photograph, an artifact, a craft item, cloth, etc. –

anything that can hang on the tree. Relate the significance of your item, how is has touched your heart in

some significant way. Your memory item can be about yourself, another person, a Pastor, the church, an

event, anything that has impacted your life at Mt. Zion.

Anyone can submit an item for the “memory tree”, so invite your family, former members, former Pastors,

your neighbors to send in their memories. Deadline for submission is March 31st, 2018. Make sure your

name is on the item, so it can be retuned. Items will be displayed throughout 2018, so items will not be

returned until early 2019. Coordinate your submission with Dee Dee Culler, who is assisting the

Bicentennial committee with the memory tree. You can contact Dee Dee with any questions at (419) 892-

3577. Let’s fill our tree with Spirit-filled, uplifting memories of Life at Mt. Zion over the years - how

Christ’s love has changed our lives.

During the month of December, you are encouraged to greet and pray for these members and

friends of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.

**If there is anyone you would like to add to our Birthday/Anniversary list either in honor of, or in memory of, please contact the

Church Office with your request! Thank you!

During the month of December, we THANK these members who are offering

their service to the church in various ways:

Lector Acolyte Fellowship Time

3 Mike Dourson Shelby Grover No Fellowship Time

10 Amity Arnold Ryan Culler during the month

17 Kim Smollen Emily Smollen of December due to

24 Lee Cook Paige Arnold the busy season

Christmas Eve Grant Barrett

31 Kathy Grover Jessica Grover

Ushers David and DeeDee Culler

Communion Ralph Hall

Offering Counters Audrey Cook and Mary Fowler

Altar Guild Amity Arnold and Kathy Grover

3 Tammy Cooper

7 Sheri Culler

13 Joyce Boggs

14 Zach Stallard

20 Alex Hunt, Mylah

McKenna

21 Erica Westfield

27 Zach Winters

5 Kevin & Sarah Smith

8 Dean & Janeith Cook

10 Jon & Vanessa Barrett

20 Harold & Cynthia Anschutz

27 Nate & Amity Arnold

Please include these brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers: Mark Alt (Uncle of Kathy Grover), Patricia Dourson (Mother of Member), Al Fowler

(Husband of Mary Fowler), Janet Grover (Member), Grace Kintz (Member), Tom Lyons,

Lucille Maglott (Member), Rev. Sanford Mitchell (Retired Pastor, Trinity – Ashland),

Jameson Taylor (Son-in-Law of Bill and Jan Grubaugh), Krista Thompson (LAFP

Volunteer), Ethel Oaklief (Member), Richard Orewiler, Sara Schwendeman, Kay Zgela,

Darell Harless, and Becky Kahl.

A very big “Thank You” to everyone that

contributed to this year’s Samaritan’s Purse

campaign. The Sunday School children

filled boxes with gifts that go to children all

over the world. And a very special thanks to

all that filled boxes, provided items, and

helped in any way. Great job, Mt. Zion!

Please invite all your friends and

neighbors to join us some snowy

Sunday morning.

I have received a grant from Thrivent financial

to purchase “Soapy” products for distribution at the

December pantry. I will purchase as much as I can

with the seed money and I am asking the LAMA

churches to donate what they can.

Non-food items are expensive to purchase

through the Cleveland Food Bank, if they are even

available. Our main focus is on healthy food for the

clients, but these things are also needed. We would

like to give these “soapy” products for the Christmas

distribution, which will be December 16. We would

like bar soap, liquid hand soap, dish soap, or shampoo.

We will be at the pantry on Friday mornings

December 8th & 15th for dropping off, or you can

contact me to make arrangements.

We thank you so much for all of your help.

Every pantry there are several people that say, “Thank

you so much. It really helps us out.”

Another thing that we will accept is used

books for preschool through 4th grade. We have A

BIG RED BOOKSHELF that is available for the kids

to take books home. They can either keep them or

return them. It is important for kids to have reading

material.

Janet McGugin

gmcgugin@aol.com

419-892-2825

A Journey to Bethlehem

Calling all Mt Zion Families: We are taking

a Journey through Bethlehem on December 2.

Experience the sights and sounds that Joseph and

Mary may have experienced as they journeyed to

Bethlehem. Some of the activities of the journey

include registering for taxation, just as Mary and

Joseph did, and experiencing the Bethlehem

marketplace. Participants will also meet biblical

characters and share a fireside with shepherds

and their flocks. The journey ends with a live

Nativity scene and refreshments.

We will caravan from the church to Walnut

Creek, meeting at 3 pm. The journey takes about

2 hours with some walking and riding on horse

drawn wagons. It is fun for the entire family. A

great way to kick off Advent!

For more information visit: http://

cometowalnutcreekohio.com/event/journey-to-

bethlehem/

The Junior Sunday School will

present its annual Christmas program “The

Birth of Jesus” on Sunday, December 24th

during the Worship Hour. Please come to

worship and share this special program on

Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of

our Savior.

In 1948 the Mt Zion congregation was in the midst of a major remodeling project. Then one night the church building burned down completely. Details of that devastating fire appeared in last month’s ECHO. Here is a letter from a former Mt. Zion pastor to the pastor of the church at the time of the fire. What better encouragement could have been given to the Mt Zion people than the words written here? A transcript of the letter, as written: From Rev. F. B. Heibert, D.D., Retired, United Lutheran Church in America, Lancaster, Ohio To Rev. C.B.A. Stacy, Lucas, Ohio February 12, 1948 Dear Friend Stacy, Our local paper carried a news item a day or two ago, which was a real shock to me, as I have been expecting any time to read of the reopening of the improved old Mt. Zion church, when the news reached me of the total destruction by fire. It is sad and hard to believe. For more than four years that old building was a part of my life, in the days of long ago, before many of the present membership lived, moved and had their being. You all see the building in its more modern dress. I see it as it was in the horse and buggy days, well filled, Sunday after Sunday, with the sturdy fathers, mothers and children, who came in buggies, surrys, springwagons and not a few walking. Very few of those fathers and mothers are still with you. They have been spared this grief. As the oldest living pastor of the church, let me say to you and the congregation, that I am sorely grieved over the sudden and unexpected loss of the majestic old Mt. Zion church building, which has stood the test of time for many, many years. Something has gone out of my life. Sixty nine years ago, as a boy of sixteen --a lay delegate to Conference-- I had my first contact with this building now in ashes. But I have faith to believe another will rise to take its place, in which the worship of God will be continued as in the days gone by, and old Mt. Zion will live to bless the lives of many more. I shall watch, with great interest, every move you good people are able to make, in your effort to change this misfortune into a crowning glory. May God help you and guide you in the great task. Am in the best of health, and if it continues, as I hope it may, I promise you now I will be with you on the day of the dedication of the new Mt. Zion church building, for the generations yet unborn, in which to sing their praise and glorify God our Father. With kindest regards, and best wishes to you and all Mt. Zion, I remain, Very cordially, [signed] Dr. F. B. Heibert True to the words in Pastor Heibert’s letter, the following appeared in the Mansfield News Journal, 24 Feb 1948, page 11: Mt Zion Church Starts Its Rebuilding This Week Lucas—Mt Zion Lutheran church will rise again. Work starts this week to clear debris from the site of the picturesque frame structure that was destroyed by fire Feb 10. Church members will donate their labor and much equipment. R.O. Darling, Mansfield contractor, has offered use of his heavy equipment in the salvage opera-tions. Members of the congregation, meeting in special session Sunday, voted unanimously to build the new church on the site of the old. Tentative plans call for rebuilding the basement section first. Services will be held there while the additional building program continues, Rev. C.B.A. Stacy, pastor, said. Meanwhile, regular Sunday church services are being held in the Lucas school. The Easter service, which will include confirmation and some other Lenten observances, may be held in other churches of the locality, the pastor said. Most churches of the community have offered to share their facilities with Mt Zion.

Lucas Area Food Pantry Volunteer Appreciation Party.

Now what we mean by volunteer is spouses and anyone involved in any way with the pantry, whether at a delivery

or distribution or by donations or thoughts and prayers and in any other way.

This includes all of the 6 churches sponsoring the pantry and their pastors and congregation members. All

of Lucas school and students, Leo Lions, Lion's Club members, LCC board, FFA members, people who were involved

in getting the pantry originally started and all community members. We are all a part of the LAFP!!!

We wanted to get away from our work environment and thought we should ask one of the 6 sponsoring Churches

of the LAFP, soooo,

The party will be held in the Fellowship Room of Grace Bible Church on Main

St. in Lucas..

The date is Friday December 8th.

We discussed times and it was decided to have it from 4-6pm.

Some have trouble driving at night and we were told there is a game that night, so the timing will allow you to

come to the party and still attend the game.

For food for the evening we are asking you to bring an appetizer or your favorite Christmas

Cookies to share.

There will be drinks provided.

We are not having a sit down meal since we have no idea if we will have 150 or 25 people attend.

We are hoping to sing carols and have some fun during the festivities.

Maybe some will share a short happy thought they have by being involved

with the LAFP.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us.

We hope you all come for a Joyous Celebration of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ and to thank Him for allowing us to help Him feed His people in need.

November 9, 2017

Attendance: Audrey Cook, Sheri Culler, Martha Dourson, Mary Fowler, Bill Grubaugh, Ralph Hall, Jim

Tomlinson, Pastor Eric Steward

Nate Arnold and Vanessa Barrett were excused.

Pastor Eric opened the meeting with devotions on the Fifth Commandment and a prayer.

Minutes were handed out and read. Ralph Hall motioned for minutes to be approves, Sheri Culler

seconded, motion passed.

TREASURER'S REPORT June: Income: $8,106.95 Expenses:$6,739.32.

We are in the black for October +$1,367.63 for the year we are in the red -$5,373.61.

Martha Dourson moved to accept the treasurer's report and Ralph Hall seconded. Motion carried.

Nancy Arnold and Jack Barrett have agreed to do an audit. David Culler, Karen Frayer, Nancy and Jack met

on Tuesday, Nov. 7th, to discuss how the audit will be done.

David will write up audit procedures for future audits.

Counting procedures for the council members to count the Sunday offering will be updated and put in the

office.

The Capital Campaign so far has received 14 pledges with a total pledge amount of $55,340.

PASTOR'S REPORT Pastor Eric gave his report.

Home Communions – 1 Worship - 5 (3 Sundays and 2 at St. Michael's Children Sermons: 5 Special Services: 2 (Council installation & Reformation) Home Visits: 1 Hospital Visits: 8 Administrative – 20 hours Wed. Bible Study – 3 Adult Sunday School – 5 Church Council – 1 Catechism: 2 Activities: 2 (food pantry) Council: 1 Food Pantry: 2 Committee Meetings: 1 Young Life: 1

Also, the Youth Harvest Party hosted by Pastor Eric and Freda in their home, pumpkin carving and chili cook off and the Reformation dinner NALC Candidacy Committee Meeting in Pittsburgh

The Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mt. Zion on November 21st at 7:00 with snacks being

served at 6:00.

Pastor Eric sent letters out to members of the congregation regarding the special Congregational meeting to

be held Nov. 26th, along with a copy of the Constitutional by-laws.

There will be 3 advent services held on Wednesdays during Advent. These will be with the congregation of

St. Michael's and will alternate churches.

Ayesha, our organist has told Pastor Eric that she would like to come on as our full time organist. We are

very pleased about this development and will do some research with other churches regarding pay for or-

ganists, and make an offer to Ayesha accordingly.

COMMITTEE REPORTS The Youth Group has a family to adopt for Christmas. OLD BUSINESS

Church sign - There was some more discussion about signage. The State will not make signs for churches. Ralph Hall has someone who can make the signs. Martha made a motion to approve $50 for a prototype sign to be made. Mary Fowler seconded. Motion carried The baskets of snacks, for the teachers, were delivered by Pastor Eric to Lucas School on Thursday, Nov. 9th. 200 year progress- A color for the pavers was chosen. Pavers will be offered for sale and can be en-graved with names. 4 or 5 granite ones will be included with historical events from the church being displayed on these. Also, new ceiling fans have been priced. A stainless railing will be installed up the middle of the steps at the entrance to the educational wing.

NEW BUSINESS

There was discussion regarding the recent shooting at the church in Texas. Pastor Eric and Jim Tom-linson will talk to some people who will be designated to keep watch for suspicious activity. The church council already approved anyone with Concealed Carry Permits may carry to church activities. Nov. 19th there will be a Baby Sprinkle held for Ashlee and Adam Hall and the upcoming arrival of their baby boy. It will be directly after church and all are invited.

Motion to adjourn by Ralph Hall. Second Bill Grubaugh.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Audrey Cook, Council Secretary

THE PERFECT GIFT

Do you stress about finding just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list? Does it make the

season more a hassle than a joy? Pastor Mike Slaughter reminds us that Christmas isn’t about perfect presents

for people, as if it were their birthday – or ours. Christmas is about the perfect presence of Immanuel, God

with us, through the birth of Jesus; it’s his birthday, after all!

In Christmas Is Not your Birthday (Abingdon), Slaughter writes, “How funny that it can be so hard to

find gifts that will please certain family members or friends – the people who seem to have everything – and

yet it is so clear what the Lord of lords and King of kings wants for his birthday. God wants you – your time,

your talent and your treasure – used in service to others.”

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

Communion

4

Karen in office

9-12

5

Pastor in office

11-5

Karen in office

9-11

6

Elaine in office

10-3

Advent Services

at Mt. Zion @ 7

7

Pastor in office

11-5

8

LAFP Delivery

9

10

Quarter Collec-

tion

Confirmation

11

Karen in office

9-12

12

Pastor in office

11-5

Karen in office

9-11

13

Elaine in office

10-3

Advent Services

at St. Michael @

7

14

Pastor in office

11-5

15

LAFP Delivery

16

LAFP Distribu-

tion

17

Communion

18

Karen in office

9-12

ECHO info due

19

Pastor in office

11-5

Karen in office

9-11

20

Elaine in office

10-3

Advent Services

at Mt. Zion @ 7

21

Pastor in office

11-5

22 23

24

Children’s

Program.

Christmas Eve

Service

25

Happy

Birthday

Jesus

26

Karen in office

9-11

27

Elaine in office

10-3

28

Pastor in office

11-5

29 30

31

December 2017

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church

4065 Mt. Zion Road

Lucas, OH 44843