Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Service Opportunities
Christmas in the Valley - Dec. 7th - Volunteers Needed
The Annual Christmas in the Valley celebration, Saturday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. We need approximately 15 adult volunteers to help at the church.
If you can help please contact the church office, 301-371-6500.
A Beacon in the Middletown Valley www.zionmiddletown.org
Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown, MD
Share Christ’s Love, Grow in Faith and Serve Others
Worship Opportunities
Join us for Mid-Week
Services on December 4th,
11th and 18th
Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. Following Dinner
there will be a Worship and learning
opportunity with our Intern Pastor
Karl Muhlbach. at 7p.m.
See pages 3-4 for more information
Faith Formation Opportunities
Bible Study with Pastor Kathy
coming in the New Year!
Making Sense of the Bible:
Rediscovering the Power of
Scripture Today See page 6
Youth and Family Opportunities
On Friday, December
13th, Zion will be hosting
an Advent Event! We
will begin with dinner and fellowship at
6:00 pm. After we eat, we will have sta-
tions to make Christmas ornaments and
crafts! see page 13
Member News and Thank You’s See pages 18
More Opportunities on page 6
More Opportunities on pages 3 - 4 More Opportunities on pages 7-10
More Opportunities on pages 12-14
2
Pastor’s Letter
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among
those whom he favors!”
Dear Church,
Last year, the season of Advent was very special because my spouse, Caitlin and I were expecting our first child. We caught a glimpse into what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph – waiting for the gift of life! The birth of our child has brought much joy into our lives, but in caring for this child there has also been a greater demand upon our lives. The birth of Jesus - God made flesh is such a glorious gift because we know Christ is the
source of our hope, grace, love, and salvation. We are comforted in knowing that God’s
grace is a free gift to us! But by knowing what Christ does for us, there is a greater demand
upon our lives, isn’t there? Indeed, we are called to serve God by loving our neighbors and
our enemies.
It’s also important to recognize that Advent and Christmas can be a painful time for many;
there is so much in our lives that cause us to feel lonely, ashamed, or disappointed. But,
despite the increasingly bitter cold and shorter days, I believe it’s more important now than
ever for us to be the church. When we center ourselves in prayer, share the good news,
reach out to those in pain, and give our time and money to those who need it most, we
don’t just go to church we become the church.
I want to close with a prayer based on a devotional I have: Lord, with your coming, our lives
have a greater demand placed upon them. Help us to be the church in service to others all
while maintaining enough silent spaces to hear you call to us. I pray that the peace of Christ
may be with you all in these seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. I thank God for
each and every one of you. Amen.
God’s Peace,
Karl Muhlbach, Intern Pastor
3
Worship Opportunities
Join us for Mid-Week Services on December 4th, 11th and 18th
Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Following Dinner there will be a Worship and learning opportunity with our
Intern Pastor, Karl Muhlbach. at 7p.m.
December 4th— The Sacrament of Baptism
December 11th—The Sacrament of Holy Communion
December 18th—The celebration of Baptism and First Communion
4
Worship Opportunities
Adults & Youth of all Ages!
Join us for Mid-Week Services on December 4th,
11th and 18th
Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. Following the meal the Adults and
children will gather separately for a learning experience:
December 4th— The Sacrament of Baptism
December 11th—The Sacrament of Holy Communion
December 18th—The celebration of Baptism and First Communion
5
Music and Worship Opportunities
Zion Lutheran Music & Liturgical Dance Calendar
Winter 2019
Rehearsal & Program Schedule
WORSHIP CHOIR The Worship Choir is open to anyone from grade 9 through adult. Rehearsals are every
Thursday, 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. in the music room. Ministry is most Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
(See Director, Bobby Staples)
HANDBELL CHOIR The Handbell Choir is open to musicians from grade 8 to adult. Ringers must be able to read music (either treble or bass clef). Rehearsals are typically every other Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Handbells play at worship monthly from October through June. (See Director, Jim Moler)[email protected]
ORCHESTRA The orchestra consists of members from grades 6 thru adult, on any orchestral instrument,
who can read 3 sharps/flats. Performances and rehearsals to be announced.
(See Directors, Kurt Witt or Jim Moler)
[email protected] - [email protected]
WORSHIP TEAM Rehearses every Wednesday, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Sanctuary Contemporary Worship Music
ministry on Sundays, 9:00a.m.
(See Director, Matt Puziss)
LIGHTHOUSE BAND The Lighthouse band consists of youth from grade 6 through 12th grades, with special
emphasis on contemporary singing and playing techniques. Rehearses every Sunday, 10:50
a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the music room. Programs: Select Sunday mornings through the year
(See Directors, Kurt Witt, or Jim Moler )
6
SUNDAY MORNING FAITH FORMATION CONTINUES
Faith Formation for Children: From Birth Through 5th Grade
Attention Parents! Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes continue on Sunday Mornings
at 10:00 a.m.
Attention Middle School Youth and Parents!
Confirmation classes continue Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. with all 6th 7th and 8th graders meeting
in the upstairs Confirmation Classroom. There are also Sunday Evening Youth Gatherings monthly at 5
p.m. Join us December 8th and January 12th for the next gatherings. For more information please
contact Intern Pastor Karl Muhlbach at [email protected] or 301-371-6500
Attention High School Students!
Come to your Sunday morning class in the lower level classroom across from the pre-school room.
Your teacher is Cheryl Miller with Vicar Karl Muhlbach filling in at times.
Zion Daughters
The Zion Daughter’s class will continue its study of Philippians followed by Hebrews, 1 John, James and
Revelations. The class is led by Bruce McIntosh and meets in the Chapel.
Adult Faith Formation
The Adult Faith Formation Discussion Group will discuss members’ experience with Rick Warren’s
“Why On Earth Am I Here?” The group is led by Ike Ahalt and will meet in the Garden’s Edge.
Faith Formation Opportunities
Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today
An Adult Bible Study with Pastor Kathy begins in January.
How about starting off the new year with a recommitment to growing in faith as a way of life? We have a means to this growth, and it is the Bible. Let’s be honest, however. The bible is difficult to understand as it relates to us now. This class will be a place to explore how the Bible makes sense, in what ways it is the source of life, how it speaks to current concerns and what it means for our lives as Christians. Using Adam Hamilton’s book, Making Sense of the Bible, as a resource, Pastor Kathy will teach this six-week class beginning Wednesday, January 8th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 12th at 10:00 a.m.
7
Safety and Security Update
On Sunday November 10th, the Safety and Security Committee met with the
ushers and greeters, where there was a procedure review and a discussion to
ensure that all monitored doors, if locked during services are monitored by
friendly individuals to allow entry into our church in a welcoming way. We will now have an extra
usher at each service to monitor the doors at the top of the ramp once they are locked during
Worship Services or Public Events. We want to thank the ushers and greeters for their assistance
with our efforts. We have developed a Mission Statement that can be found on page 10
Adopt a Family Program 2019
If you would like to sponsor a family or a child, please call 301-371-3119 or email to [email protected] with: Your name or Group name , contact person including your preferred contact information (email, phone), Size of family (# of children) you might be interested in adopting (is $75.00 per child and a minimum of $25.00 grocery card for family) OR if you would like to donate toys, gift cards for MVPHP to share with families.
This year we will be collecting donations on Wednesday, December 11th, between 3 and 6 PM. Distribution to parents on Thursday, December 12th, between 2 and 6 PM. All at Middletown UMC Fern Lane. We would like to thank you for always supporting us. May God continue to bless each of you and your family in this joyous Christmas Season. Thanks again, Donna Jean Brandenburg
Service Opportunities
Meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
8
Middletown Food Bank
All canned items are needed— especially pork & beans, peas, canned fruits and
vegetables. We are also in need of toilet paper, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ
sauce, stuffing mix and gravy. Please give whatever you can; place items in cart
located in hall. Thank you!
Service Opportunities
Clothes Closet News! The Clothes Closet is in need of back to school clothes for children of all ages and
for pre-schoolers through middle-schoolers. Also needed are plaid flannel work shirts. Donations can be dropped off on Monday and Saturday mornings from 9-11 a.m.
Weekend Back Pack Ministry The beginning of the new school year brings with it a renewed need for your help with the
Weekend Backpack Ministry. Your donations of specific food items ensures these students
receive proper nutrition. Remember, weekends are long when you are hungry. The critical need
food items for November - Canned Tuna and Chicken. For December - Chicken Noodle and Tomato Soup.
Thank you for your continued support of this much needed ministry
The following Zion Committees and Ministries
are in need of Volunteers:
Garden Committee, Zion’s Daughters, Property Committee,
Safety and Security, Altar Guild, Christian Fellowship, Valley Seniors and Friends,
Social Concerns Committee and the Welcome and Engagement Committee
Contact the church office for more information
Sunday, December 1st - Family Advent Event Mar-Lu-Ridge 1-4 p.m.
Join Karl Mulbach and family and bring your family and friends and start a new tradition! Enjoy the warmth of our woodstoves and campfires, create some holiday
crafts for your home, make a beautiful wreath with greens from the property, and enjoy fellowship over a delicious meal in Agape Hall.
$7/adult – $3/youth ages 3-11 – children under 3 are free Please RSVP by November 30: [email protected] 800.238.9974
9
Valley Seniors and Friends The next Valley Seniors and Friends Luncheons will
take place on Nov. 21st.& Dec. 5th. Please contact
Gene Appleby by the Monday before the meal to
reserve your meal 301-371-6166
Service Opportunities
Christmas In The Valley - Saturday, December 7th
Zion will be hosting the program for the annual Christmas in the Valley Event on Saturday, December 7th. Be sure to
bring your whole family to Main Street for activities beginning at 4 p.m. and the tree lighting at 6 p.m. followed
by the program at Zion at 7 p.m.
Christmas in the Valley - Saturday, December 7th - Volunteers Needed
Join us in celebrating the beginning of the holiday season at Middletown’s annual Christmas in the Valley celebration, Saturday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. We need approximately 15
adult volunteers to help at the church. If you can help please contact Wendi Kishimoto at 301-371-6500. ext.203 or
Super Bowl Sub Sale Super bowl is just around the corner – Go team!! The Zion Quilters will hold a
Super Bowl Sub Sale, on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Pickup will be before or after the Annual Meeting in the Social Room. Sub varieties will be ham & cheese, cold cut and turkey. All subs are 8” and will include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mayo. Sub cost is $6.00. All subs MUST be preordered
by Monday 1/27/2019. Call 301-514-4479 or 301-371-6500 or email [email protected].
Funds raised will go to Zion’s building Fund.
10
Service Opportunities Our Journey of Hope - Cancer Care Support Ministry
November 23rd & December 14th
Our Journey of Hope Ministry is offering additional ministry support to those in
cancer treatment, living with cancer and their family caregivers. We are
expanding the program with these new offerings:
The support groups will now be offering meetings on the 2nd and 4th Satur-
days of every month.
* Text messaging, telephone support and home visits are now available. Please contact the church office
@ 301-371-6500 and a volunteer will contact you.
We Honor our 50 year Members!
Ed Eaves - Dwight Koogle
Donald O'Brien - Paul Pearl
Cathy Smith - Terri Talbot
Bill Poffenberger - Dave Gouker
Donald Palmer - Jerry Rhoderick
Hope in Faith
If you have experienced a loss recently or at any time in your life, please know that you are welcome
to attend. Contact Dixie, 301-667-7586 for more information. We will meet on November 25th at
1:30 p.m. in the rear parking lot to enjoy food and fellowship at a local Restaurant .
(Decembers date To Be Determined)
11
I was Wondering?
Seems to be a lot going on with Youth and Family
Things with the youth and family program are flourishing! I am so fortunate to be the Director of Youth and Family Ministry and have such amazing support from the congregation for this vital ministry. An update on some of the exciting programs we are offering our youth and families:
“Roar” Vacation Bible School had 71 registered participants, 19 adult volunteers and 24 youth volunteers. The volunteers donated more than 756 hours in that one week. Those hours do not include the countless hours not recorded by the volunteers who did prep work at home and extra setup hours at Zion. We tried something new this year and had a donation waterfall setup outside of the Chapel for two weekends. We collected: $444.95 in donations! Thank you to everyone who donated!
A recap of the Summer Program ~ both weeks of summer program week had 24 registered youth. The first week was July 29 – August 2. We had 5 adult leaders and 2 youth volunteers that helped throughout the week. We traveled many miles having summer fun. The theme for that week was “Summer Explorer Camp”. Our adventures included: Catoctin Zoo, Adventure Park, Antietam Battlefield, a water day at Zion complete with an inflatable water slide and a snow cone machine. Week two of summer program was August 26 – 30 and the theme was “Survivor Challenge Week”. We spent the days at Zion constructing shelters, participating in challenges to win supplies and rewards. Each day included some type of reward ice cream, an inflatable moon bounce, Rita’s for Italian ice and outside games. We had 5 adult leaders and 2 youth volunteers that helped throughout the week.
Footprints Sunday is on the second Sunday of the month at the 9 a.m. service. On September 8th we had 9 youth attend, the focus was Luke 9:51-62 and we had a lesson following in Jesus’ footsteps. On October 13th we had 19 youth at-tend, the focus was Luke 17:11-19 and we had a lesson about being thankful. Upcoming dates: November 9th with the focus on Luke 19:1-10 and December 8th with the focus on Matthew 3:17.
On Sunday, September 15th we presented bibles to our kindergarten and first graders and any youth who had not previously received a bible.
Family Movie Night continued in September on Friday, September 13th, the movie was “A Dog’s Way Home”. We had 15 in attendance. On Friday, October 25th the movie was “How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World”. We had 41 in attendance.
Our first day off program for the 2019-2020 school year will be on Friday, September 20th. We traveled to Larriland Farms to pick apples and then returned to Zion to bake pies. We had 14 youth attend. Our October 9th program was a trip to Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch and then a return to Zion to bake pumpkin pies and make crafts. We had 31 youth attend! It was a beautiful day at Jumbo’s and a fun time back at Zion baking and making crafts. These two programs would not have been so fun and successful without the help of many adult leaders.
Our first monthly confirmation gathering was held on September 22nd at 5 p.m. We began the evening with dinner, a short worship service and then had the youth participate in a lesson while the parents met to review the program and plans for the year. Our second gathering was held on October 13th with dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a lesson for the middle school youth. These monthly gatherings are open to all middle school aged youth and their friends. It is a great time to share a meal, worship together and have a lesson. Our future monthly gatherings will include our high school youth for the fellowship and worship and they will have their own lesson.
The weekend of October18-20 we traveled to North Bay, MD to attend FreeRide, our Synod middle school event. Wendi and Karl were the adult leaders for the weekend and we had 5 middle school youth attend. It was a wonderful experience for the adults and youth, we were able to share meals, worship, games, small group gatherings and lots of fun activities with youth from all over the Synod.
Upcoming Youth and Family Events include: confirmation camp for our middle school youth at Mar-Lu-Ridge; No-vember 15-17. Christmas in the Valley: December 7th at 7p.m. December 8th: Footprints Sunday at the 9 a.m. service. Family Advent Event: December 13th at 5 p.m. – dinner will be provided followed by ornament making, crafts and cookie decorating. Family Movie Night: December 20th; featured film “The Grinch”.
Wendi Kishimoto, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
12
Youth and Family Opportunities
Way Off Broadway Christmas Show!
Stage Door Christmas Stage Door Christmas
takes the audience behind
the scenes as the small
town Port Whitney Players
rehearse then put on the
town’s annual Christmas
Spectacular. It’s a peak behind the theatrical curtain
that will leave audiences roaring with laughter while
at the same time still celebrating all the joys of the
season. We have secured group tickets for
Thursday, December 19th at Way Off Broadway
Theatre in Frederick. The cost per ticket is
$43. Doors open: 6:00 p.m. The show starts at 8:00
p.m. If you are interested in going with Zion’s group
please contact Wendi Kishimoto at 301-371-6500,
ext. 203 or [email protected]
January 24-26, 2020
Clarion Resort Fontainebleau
Hotel Ocean City, MD Our high school youth will have the opportunity to travel to
Ocean City, Maryland to participate in a weekend of service projects, faith-filled discussions, and relation-
ship-building in small groups. We will also worship with brothers and sisters in Christ from throughout our
Synod. Come make new friends and renew friendships with attendees from throughout our synod! You’re
invited to learn how God is speaking to and through you – to the world. The cost of the trip is $125 per
student. Registration forms can be found on the Youth and Family bulletin board.
For details contact Wendi:
[email protected] or 301-371-6500, ext. 203
Deadline to register is December 8, 2019
13
Youth and Family Opportunities
Advent Family Night!
Friday, December 13th
Zion is hosting an Advent Event!
Dinner & Fellowship will begin at 6:00 p.m.
After dinner: stations to make Christmas ornaments and crafts.
A cookie decorating station will be set up for dessert! This event is open to EVERYONE!
Feel free to invite your Friends!
Attention Middle School Youth!
Our Monthly Youth Group Gathering for December will be held
on December 8th from 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Dinner will be
served, followed by a short worship service,
activities and learning together. Questions? Contact Intern Pastor Karl Muhlbach:
[email protected] or Wendi Kishimoto: [email protected]
Open to all middle school students and their friends!
Christmas Program - December 22nd 6:30 p.m.
We are hosting our program on Sunday, December 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Rehearsal's will
be held on Sunday evenings from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. dinner will be provided!
Rehearsal Dates:
November 17th ~ December 1st ~ December 8th ~ December 15th
On December 22nd - program begins at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served 5:00 p.m. and then a dress
rehearsal. Interested in joining in the fun? Email [email protected]
14
Youth and Family Opportunities
November 22nd December 20th
Toy Story 4 The Grinch
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., the movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Popcorn, pizza and other snacks will be provided for a free will offering.
Invite your friends and neighbors!
December 8th
After the activity kids will join their parents in worship; in time for
communion. If you have any questions please contact Wendi at
Upcoming Noisy Offering Schedule
Dates for the 2019 - 2020 School Year:
Monday, January 20, 2020, Monday, February 17, 2020, Tuesday, April 28, 2020
November17th—Middletown Valley People Helping
People’s “Adopt a Family”
December 15th— Frederick Rescue Mission
15
Poinsettias and LWR Gifts You may use the order forms for poinsettias and LWR gifts in the Beacon or you can pick one up outside
the church office. You may mail in your order or place it in the Altar Guild mailbox. Altar Guild members will also be selling poinsettias and taking donations for LWR gifts after church services.
Orders for poinsettias and LWR gifts must be in by December 1. Order Forms on Pages 16 and 17
Altar Guild News: November 9th and 10th to Sunday, December 1: Altar Guild members will be selling poinsettias and taking Lutheran World Relief contributions after the Saturday and Sunday worship services.
Sunday, December 1: The deadline to place Poinsettias and Lutheran World Relief orders.
Tuesday, December 3, 9:00 am: We will be trimming the church with the trees, wreaths, and placing the candles in the windows and on walls.
Saturday, December 14 (tentative): Poinsettias to be delivered and placed in the church; and pew candles will be put up.
Tuesday, December 24: Anytime after the 10:30 pm Christmas Eve service poinsettias may be picked up for delivery to the homebound and nursing home individuals.
Thursday, January 2, 2020, 9:00 am: We will un-trim the church.
Altar Guild Meeting--Saturday, January 11, 2020 , 10:00 am (Snow date: Sat., Jan. 18): We will meet in the Conference Room to work on candles and receive the 2020 Altar Guild schedule. Following the meeting, at 11:30 am we will have our annual Altar Guild Luncheon at Schroyer’s Tavern. New members are welcome to join us!
For more information about the Altar Guild or poinsettia and Lutheran World Relief orders please contact Shirley Ferguson at [email protected], 301-662-7775, or Ruth Warnock at [email protected], 301-662-6719.
Hope for the Holidays 2019
Please check out our display at the table outside of the Chapel it will offer information on Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. LIRS has helped reset-tle refugees for 80 tears as a part of the Lutheran Church. On the table you will see a tree with God's Eye ornaments, please take one to remember the needs of children around the world. A
donation box will also be on the table, you can donate money for the purchase of gift books for children ($5 will purchase a book). We will also have card making opportunities to send Christmas cards with a
message of love and care to children.
A Partnership Zion has Initiated with the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
For more information visit lIRS.ORG or contact any member of Zion’s Social Concerns Ministry Team
16
17
18
With our deepest sympathy we keep in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of:
Edna Shafer
Betty Stiegler
(Christy Tressler’s Mom)
Peggy Alexander
Paul Williams
(Lindsey William’s husband)
Gary Nelson
Pastor Tom Miller
Ruth Miller
R. Eloise Grove
(Joyce Hale and Barry Poffinberger's sister)
Weddings:
Daniel Reeder to
Daniele Poffenberger
Layne Masser to
Chelsea McDermott
Daniel Mambu to Amy Sowers
Ben Standford to Jordan DuMars
Baptisms:
George Edward Luther
son of
George and Kaylyn Luther
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank You! We truly appreciate your gift of $916.67 in Congregational benevolence . On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation for this gift in support of our outdoor Ministry.
God’s Peace, Sarah Lefler
Thank You
CONGRATULATIONS CONFIRMANDS Jeremy Joseph Bergman
Peyton Landon Hollis
Elizabeth Miki Lent
Ryan Christopher Tressler
Adoption:
Hayley Bergman
Daughter of
Nick and Jennifer Bergman
19
20
www.zionmiddletown.org
Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion 107 W Main Street Middletown MD 21769
Annual Congregational and Town Hall Meeting Dates Set
Town Hall Meetings will take place on Sun. Jan. 26th at 10a.m. and
Tue. Jan. 28nd at 7p.m.
The Annual Meeting will take place on Sun. February 2nd
following the 10:00 a.m. combined Worship Service
Crafting Retreat
Don’t want to be STUCK by the television watching John Wayne now that Super Bowl
Weekend is over….Join us at the Crafting Retreat on Feb 21 & 22, 2020. Any craft is
WELCOME. Knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, scrapbooking, quilting…you name it. The
fun starts in the Church Social Room. Come and set up your craft on a table and keep
your table set up both Friday & Saturday. Retreat will start at 8:00 am on Friday and close down Friday evening at
11:00 pm. We will begin again at 8:00 on Saturday and close down at 4:00pm. Crafters are encouraged to come and
go as needed. Plenty of food, snacks and games will be available. Free will offering will be encouraged with funds
raised going to the Building Fund. For more information call Alexa at 301-514-4479 or [email protected].
