Horizon

Z I O N L U T H E R A N C H U R C H January 2015

In this issue…

● Staff Message

● Faith at Home Ministries

● Bible Studies

● Events & Happenings

● Thank Yous & Letters

● Council Meeting Minutes

● Birthdays

☃ Mon Jan 5 Mission Quilting Weekly gatherings begin, 9:30am ☃ Wed Jan 7 Infinity Wed. Evening Weekly Worship Service begins, 6:30pm ☃ Sat Jan 10 Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, 7am ☃ Sun Jan 11 Shopping Cart Sunday; Epiphany Speaker Series begins ☃ Sun-Wed January 11-14 Epiphany Speaker Series ☃ Fri Jan 16 Middle School Nerf Event, 5pm ☃ Jan 23-24 Sr High C.R.A.Z.Y. Event ☃ Sun Jan 25 Dessert Potluck/Annual Congregational Meeting, 6:30/7pm

OFFICE CLOSED: Wednesday, December 31, Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2

H H II GG HH LL II GG HH TT SS

Zion Lutheran Church 25105 132nd Avenue SE Kent, WA 98042-5601 253.631.0100

Zion Lutheran Church Presents . . .

2015 Epiphany Speaker Series

Dr. Jonathan Sorum

Dr. Jonathan Sorum is the Dean of Academic Affairs of the Institute of Lutheran Theology, where he teaches Systematic Theology. He has served pastorates in North Dakota, Minnesota and Washington. He holds the Th D from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and taught Systematic Theology from 2000-2006 at the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Bratislava, Slovakia. He and his wife Ann reside in Brookings, SD.

January 11th - 14th, 2015

Morning sessions are from 10am - noon; Evening sessions are from 7pm - 9pm

† Sunday Morning, January 11th :: Preach - 8:30am and 11:00am

:: Sunday School, 9:45am

† Class session # 1: Sunday evening, January 11th and is repeated Monday morning, January 12th

† Class session # 2: Monday evening, January 12th and is repeated Tuesday morning, January 13th

† Class session # 3: Tuesday evening, January 13th and is repeated Wednesday morning, January 14th

NURSERY CARE IS PROVIDED UPON REQUEST

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) has been one of the most influential Christians of recent times. A German Lutheran pastor and theologian, his witness continues to attract both Christians and non-Christians around the world. He spent his life exploring and teaching the reality of the Christian life. Too often Christianity comes across as abstractions –God is love, we are saved by grace alone, and so on. Such statements are true enough, but they can’t take the place of the real, incarnate Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for us. Only he can give us a real, earthly life in his Body. Being real and being Christian are one and the same.

These presentations are an introduction to Bonhoeffer and to his teaching. We will explore together how he opens up the Bible to us to meet the real Jesus and thereby gain the real life Jesus alone gives.

Being Real, Being Christian: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Witness to Jesus Christ

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Adult Small Group Options Small groups are a great way for people to connect with one another in Zion’s church family. Call the church office if you would like to learn more about any of the following small groups.

Hardanger Stitchers—every Monday, 12pm Come learn to do this beautiful embroidery or bring your own project and join us for fellowship & fun.

Next Hardanger: January 5th, 12th, 19 & 26th, 2015 !

Stitcher’s Group — every Wednesday evening, 6:30pm Come, bring a project to work on and join in on great fellowship in Zion’s Library. Contact Sonya or the church office.

Next Stitcher’s: Jan 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th - Zion’s Library

Zion Book Club — 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 8:30 In January we will discuss “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. Contact Laurie Harrington or the church office 253-631-0100.

Next Book Club: January 20th, 7pm - Zion’s Library

Pinochle and Potluck — 3rd Saturday, every other month, 6:00 pm Good conversation, Christian fellowship, food and cards! Contact Bob & Barbara or the church office.

Next Pinochle: January 17th, 6pm

Mid-week Bunko — Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm Christian fellowship, a fun dice game, and a light appetizer-type dinner. We are always looking for substitutes. Contact Jenise or the church office .

Next Bunko: January 27th, 6:30pm

Ruth Rachel Circle — 2nd Monday of each month (Sept - May), 7pm to 9 Join us for an evening of women gathering for Christian fellowship, Bible Study (Book of

John) and Service (LWR Health Kits). Contact Pat or the church office 253-631-0100.

Next Ruth Rachel Circle: January 12th, 7pm

Naomi Circle — 2nd Tuesday of each month (Sept - May), 11:30am Looking for a great group of ladies to share friendship & the Bible with? Give us a try & see if we fit! Please come join us for a light lunch and fellowship in Zion’s Fellowship Hall. Contact Elaine or the church office 253-631-0100.

Next Naomi Circle: January 13th, 11:30am

FAITH AT HOME MINISTRIES

Sunday School for Faith

Christmas Break continues thru January 4th - Classes resume January 11th

ADULT EDUCATION: contact Devin Wolters

Jan 11th: Dr. Jonathan Sorum - Epiphany Speaker

Faith for Today ~ these theological classes will study Luther’s Small Catechism in the Fellowship Hall. Jan 18th: "Ten Words" with Rev. Reich Jan 25th: “God the Father” with Rev. Reich Feb 1st: “Who is Jesus” with Rev. Reich

Families Teaching Faith ~ meet in the Conference Room Jan 18th: "Disciples of a Transforming Vision” with Katie Jan 25th: “Embracing the Tension” with Rob Feb 1st: “The Knowledge of Love: with Devin Wolters

COLLEGE: contact Devin Wolters

G.P.S - HIGH SCHOOL: contact Devin Wolters

Families’ Teaching Faith will be meeting in Faith Café Jan 11th: Dr. Jonathan Sorum - Epiphany Speaker Jan 18th: “Called and Recalled” with Ruth Jan 25th: “Moving Forward” with Maddy Feb 1st: “With Authority” with Preston & Lauren

LIVING WORD (MIDDLE SCHOOL): contact Kelly Mullin

Zion’s middle school program, Living Word, encompasses all of our 6th-8th graders and their families. The focus of Living Word is to make Jesus the center of your child’s life with these desired outcomes: * inWord: Digging deeper into God’s Word. * upWord: Living life in daily worship an prayer. * outWord: Serving others in Christ’s name. * forWord: Sharing Jesus Christ with other people.

GODLY PLAY (PRESCHOOL-5TH GRADE): contact Danielle Acay

In Godly Play, we tell stories with multisensory materials to appeal to a broad range of earning styles: auditory, visual, kinesthetic. We then have a response time where children can work alone or in groups to create a response to the story they have just learned.

JANUARY OFFERING FOCUS is individually wrapped toothbrushes. These will be donated to Lutheran

World Relief. Baskets can be found in the Education Building hallway to place your donations.

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New Year Master Flower Chart for 2015 is up on the bulletin board and ready for sign-ups. Please remember to complete a card in the flower box in the office after you sign-up to provide flowers for the Altar.

Mission Quilting Weekly Gatherings begin January 5th, 9:30am You are invited to come join in on the fun and service to others!

Infinity is Here! 7 - 8pm, starting January 7th the first Wednesday evening weekly worship service, run by a great group of

teenagers. All are welcome to worship, communion, hear the gospel proclaimed & discuss the sermon as a faith community.

Shopping Cart Sundays are on the Second Sunday of every month, please bring, when you come to worship, a food donation to add to the shopping cart. The food collected goes to the Kent Food Bank and is greatly. This month Shopping Cart Sunday will be on January 11th.

Epiphany Speaker Series Dr. Jonathan Sorum January 11th - 14th, 2015 “Being Real, Being Christian: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Witness to Jesus Christ” (see front page for additional details on sessions and times)

January 15 deadline to sign up : Dare 2 Share Youth Conference January 23rd-24th Redmond, WA Cost - $55 "Through deep worship along with thousands of other teenagers, powerful training from the book of Ephesians, and life changing dramas, teens will hear about God’s radical love for them and then have the chance to share that love with others in a practical outreach experience." Sign up with Devin. See http://www.dare2share.org/fearless/tour-schedule/seattle/ for more information.

Interested in helping start up or attending a BIBLE STUDY? Please

contact the church office.

Two Weekday Morning Bible Studies: Please consider joining the Wednesday or Thursday group as we look for Jesus in the Bible. The study groups are composed of men & women and meet in Zion’s Library. This is a great opportunity to study God’s Word and to make new friends. Please feel welcome to join. We have a wonderful time digging into the Word.

WEDNESDAY: 1st and 3rd - in Zion’s Library at 9:30am. We continue our study in the book of I Samuel. Bring a friend. For information call Joanne or Karen or the church office 253-631-0100.

Next meetings: January 7th and 21st, 2015

THURSDAY: 1st and 3rd - Zion at 9:30am. Welcome to all who love to search the scriptures! For information call Carol or the church office 253-631-0100.

Next meetings: January 8th and 22nd, 2015

Wednesday Lectionary Studies Join in this weekly study examining the Lectionary texts for the next Sunday. The morning study meets at IHOP in Covington, 7:30am. All are welcome to drop in. There

is an equal balance of fellowship and study as we seek to understand what God’s word has for the community of Zion. For more info contact Bob, or Pastor Dennis or Devin 253-631-0100.

Next meetings: January 7th, 14th, 21st & 18th, 2015

“A Few Good Men” Breakfast & Bible Study 2nd Saturday of the month

Our breakfast at Zion starts at 7am. It’s great and no one goes away hungry! You can join our group at any time, so mark your calendar!

Next meeting: January 10th, 7am - 9am

+ RENEW THROUGH GOD’S WORD . . . EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

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Middle School Nerf Night Friday, January 16th 5 - 7PM Come for dinner and a devotion and then we will grab our Nerf Guns and ammo for our “Nerf

War” ! If you have nerf guns and ammo we could borrow, please mark it well with your name and bring it to Kelly Mullin’s office.

JAZZ At Kent Lutheran Church Saturday January 24th, 7 - 10pm Join us for music by the Centerpiece Jazz Band from Music Center NW in Seattle. There will be Jazz for listening and dancing in the Fellowship Hall from 8 - 10m, with doors opening at 7pm. Additional

evening performances are scheduled for February 21st & March 21st. Admission will be $12.50 for adults; $5 for senior citizens in groups of 10. Refreshments and drinks available.

Mark your Calendars: Annual Meeting Sunday January 25th, 2015 Dessert Potluck, 6:30pm. Meeting begins at 7pm

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS (CONTINUED)

****Kids theses days . . . and technology! Does this cause you some concern? Check out our

Parenting Christian Kids Newsletter for thoughts on

bridging the digital divide and keeping God at the center of kids’

lives. Who knows, these may even help you survive this quickly-

changing digital world while making choices for our never-

changing God, too!

Remember . . . Faith At Home is for everyone !

Save These Dates:

>>Family Game Night February 8 3:30 - 5pm

>>Beyond the Sea: Compass Housing Alliance Auction 2015 March 14 - in Seattle at Bell Harbor Conference Center Come for food, fun and a fabulous

auction to benefit Compass Housing Alliance. We’re planning a night of enchantment in a fantastic new venue on the Seattle waterfront. It’s never too early to reserve your spot - visit our website at www.compasshousingalliance.org/auction to RSVP today!

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS: Make sure to check out the Parent Newsletter and sign up for our weekly emails by going to www.zionkent.org-faith-in-high-school.html for parenting tips and resources. Keep checking back because new things are being added weekly.

If you have a family member that could be recognized for something special, please submit a ready to publish brief article to: jkildow@zionkent.org by the Horizon deadline, which is the 15th of each month. As space permits, these articles will be published in the Horizon’s “Congratulations” Section!

CONGRATULATIONS to:

Zion Lutheran’s Congregation - Wow! you helped over 108 children, families, men and women be blessed with a Christmas gift or two this year because of you! Thank you for your generosity!

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Conference Reports on the Institute of Lutheran Theology’s

(ILT) Going Viral with the Gospel and the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) 14th Annual Gathering were presented at the Adult School for Faith Class on December 14th. Pastor Dennis and Bruce attended these events in October. Both events were excellent, proclaiming Christ to build up local congregations in their mission to Reach Out to the unchurched in their communities. The content of these reports has been put on Zion’s web page. From the home page select More/Resources and then look for the reports under ILT and LCMC. The ILT report points to links on a DVD that

is in the church library for checkout. The LCMC report has links that go directly to their website. You are encouraged to dig into this material on your own – it will feed your faith!!! We are also planning to use this material in classes at Zion during the coming year.

+ REACH OUT TO SERVE OTHERS . . .

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP AND SERVE

Clothing Drive: During the month of January we will be collecting gently used clothing (infants-adults) for the Kent School District Clothing Bank. The clothing bank serves more than 270 children in

our school who are in need of warm clothes, shoes, and jackets. Please bring your donations to the church fellowship hall.

SUNSHINE MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN PRE-SCHOOL REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR FALL 2015

(ALL REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE IN ZION’S CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL)

Jan. 22nd 9:00 am Pre-school registration for all Zion Members (listed in the current Zion directory) (for new and returning students) 9:15 am Pre-school re-registration (3’s moving to 4’s) for current students WHO HAVE HAD SIBLINGS in our school in the past or who are children of Sunshine Mountain alumni

9:45 am Pre-school re-registration (3’s moving to 4’s) for all other current students

10:30 am Pre-school registration for siblings of Sunshine Mountain current and past students ; children of Sunshine Mountain alumni (3’s and 4’s)

PLEASE BE ON TIME---WE START PROMPTLY AT SCHEDULED TIMES!

Feb. 5th 8:30 am Open pre-school registration to the community (for the 4 year old classes) 9:00 am Open pre-school registration to the community (for the 3 year old classes)

3-4 yr. olds Mon. & Wed. 9-11 am 3’s Tuition 3-4 yr. olds Mon. & Wed. 12-2 pm $115 a month 3-4 yr. olds Tues. & Thurs. 9-11 am 3-4 yr. olds Tues. & Thurs. 12-2 pm

4-5 yr. olds Mon. & Wed. 9-11:30 am 4’s Tuition 4-5 yr. olds Mon. & Wed. 12:30-3 pm $120 a month 4-5 yr. olds Tues. & Thurs. 9-11:30 am OR $170 a month 4-5 yr. olds Tues. & Thurs. 12:30-3 pm (when adding a Friday am or pm class option)

*Children MUST be 3 or 4 years of age by August 31st of the school year. A registration fee of $75 (non-refundable) must accompany all pre-school registrations.

**For further information please call Karen Waugh (Director) at (253)630-6072.

(Kindergarten Registration Information on the reverse side.) ->>>

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Clip Here to Save SS Mt Registration Information ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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WITH JOY AND THANKSGIVING WE OFFER OUR TIME AND OUR TREASURES . . .

SUNSHINE MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Feb. 5th 10:30 am Kindergarten registration for all Zion member

(listed in the current Zion church directory)

10:45 am Kindergarten registration for current students who have had siblings in our kindergarten program in the past; or for those children enrolled this year who have a sibling registered for a pre-school class in the fall

11:00 am Kindergarten registration for those children who have completed the 3-year-old program and are currently enrolled in our 4 year-old programs at Sunshine Mountain; Children of Sunshine Mountain alumni

11:15 am Kindergarten registration for all other current students

11:30 am Kindergarten registration for non-enrolled siblings of Sunshine Mountain current and past students

12:00 pm Open Kindergarten registration to the community

Kindergarten Mon.- Fri. 8:45 - 11:45 am Kindergarten Tuition Kindergarten Mon.- Fri. 12:30 - 3:30 pm $250 a month

*Children MUST be 5 years of age by August 31st of the school year. A registration fee of $75 plus the first month’s tuition (non-refundable) must accompany all kindergarten registrations.

**PLEASE read all registration information carefully. Only one registration form is allowed from each person waiting in line (unless you have two children). YOU (the parent or your representative) must be present for all lottery drawings. Please note that YOU MUST BE ON TIME!

***For further information please call Karen Waugh (Director) at (253) 630-6072.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ SS Mt Registration Information ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2014 30-Nov 7-Dec 14-Dec 21-Dec 24-Dec 28-Dec Year to Date

Worship Income $ 7,590.85 $

13,346.76 $10,980.20 $8,237.89 $8,956.50 $ 554,794.11

Required for Budget

$11,222.35

$11,222.35

$11,222.35 $11,222.35

$11,222.35 $ 583,562.00

Excess/(Shortfall) ($3,631.50) $ 2,124.41 ($242.15) ($2,984.46) ($2,265.85)

($28,767.89)

Other Income (Designated) Reimbursements $ 185.00 $ 801.00 $ 1,225.00 $ 12,415.67 Misc Designated Gifts $ 13.00 $ 468.00 $ 213.00 $ 173.00 $ 1,263.00 $ 17,787.26 Rent $ 250.00 $ 600.00 $ 12,250.00 Special Offerings $ 195.88 Building Fund $ 203.00 $ 743.00 $ 223.00 $ 863.00 $ 58.00 $ 23,454.00 Thanksgiving Offering $ 565.00 $ 565.00

Christmas Offering $ 100.00

$3,843.00 $ 45.00 $ 3,988.00 Total Other Income $ 1,216.00 $ 2,112.00 $ 1,661.00 $ 1,636.00 $3,843.00 $ 1,366.00 $ 70,655.81

Total General Fund $ 8,806.85 $15,458.76 $12,641.20 $ 9,873.89 $3,843.00 $10,322.50 $ 625,449.92

Trust Fund Income

Memorials $ 2,120.00 Endowment Loan interest $ 8,046.30 Good Samaritan Fund $ 438.97 Other Trust $ 7,094.87

Total Trust Income: $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 17,700.14

Total Funds $ 8,806.85 $15,458.76

$12,641.20 $ 9,873.89

$3,843.00

$10,322.50 $ 643,150.06

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Thank you Zion Lutheran Church for your donations & gifts:

From: Lutheran Community Services........... $ 735.84 From: St. Paul Lutheran Seminary .............. $ 753.84 From: Care Net Pregnancy & Family Services $ 551.75

Zion Lutheran Church Women, Your gift will help us fight against hunger & homelessness in our community. We would be unable to accomplish the task without your generous support. Thankfully yours, ~Lila Henderson, Exec. Director Maple Valley Food Band & Emergency Services >>> (See note on bulletin board for more details about MVFB&ES)

Thank you to all of the children who led the worship during the Christmas program and thank you to all of the volunteers who made this worship service possible.

A SSS PPP EEE CCC III AAA LLL TTT HHH AAA NNN KKK YYY OOO UUU to the Altar Care committee and the Christmas Elf’s, Pat and Peter, Becky, Tim, Steve, Brett, Alex, Otto, Curtis and Bob for your help decorating our church for Christmas. Your help was much appreciated in making our church so beautiful for this blessed season. Serving Christ with you, ~Evelyn

Annual Congregational Meeting

of Zion Lutheran Church will be held the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2015 in the Fellowship Hall. Please come at 6:30pm for a dessert potluck. The Annual Meeting will begin at 7pm.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL our fabulous musicians who led us in worship to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ during the advent and Christmas season at Zion. Choir’s Lessons and Carols, the Youth Christmas Worship Service, Bell Choir for both adults and children, Special Music, and Christmas Eve services truly brought ‘Glory to God in the Highest’ ! May you be blessed for and in your service to God.

Dear Stewardship Committee, Thanks for giving the gift of hope to families this Christmas! Celebrating His birth! ~Colleen Starr Executive Director – Vine Maple Place

Dear Zion, Thanks so much to all the elves who brought Christmas gifts of various sweets and goodies to Zion’s Staff. And a special

‘thanks’ to the Boy Scouts for the gift of Popcorn! Your gifts are appreciated! ~Zion’s Staff

Thank you, December Horizon Helpers !

Evelyn, Nancy, Debora& Karen

+ REJOICE IN GOD’S GRACE . . .

Connect the dots and color the page to find what led the Wise Men to Jesus:

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw

his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:2

Copyright © Sermons4Kids, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Sermons4Kids.com

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY:

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Action Items MSP Council has approved (via email vote 11/29/2014) that Joann take the following half days off: December 5, 12, 19, 26 (all Fridays) and Wednesday December 31, totally 20 hours of vacation time.

MSP Council approves (by 2/3 majority) a continuing resolution to delegate to the pastor the authority to approve time off (vacation, sick leave, etc.) for office staff. The Exec committee and Council must be informed of those dates by email or at the next council meeting.

MSP Council accepts the proposed 2015 Zion Lutheran Church budget.

MSP Council approves (by 2/3 majority) a continuing resolution for the next 12 months to extend Tania’s & Evelyn’s term on the Personnel Committee for one additional year past the expiration of their term limit, in order to provide a continuity of experience for committee.

MSP Council approves up to $3000 from Major Expense Contingency (Savings Line Item 100) to paint the front interior wall of the sanctuary.

MSP Council approved the 4th quarter undesignated benevolences proposed by the Stewardship Committee: • Vine Maple Place-$1500.00 • Corner of Love-$1500.00 • YWCA Grocery Gift Certificates-$1000.00 • South Mountain Community Church building fund- $1000.00 • Zion Good Sam fund-balance MSP Council approved that the loose offering accepted at the Christmas Eve service be divided equally among the Maple Valley Food Bank and the Kent Food Bank.

MSP Approval of Baptism of Emma Marie daughter of Kyle & Kristyn on November 29, 2014.

MSP Approval of Baptism of Asher Christian son of Jonathan and Kathleen on December 7, 2014.

MSP Council approved that 32 hours of vacation time to be transferred from 2014 to 2015 for Devin Wolters.

Staff Report: Pastor Services/Funerals/Weddings 11/1/1 Classes/Bible Studies—Teaching 4 Communion 7 Home/NurHm Visitation 4 Hospital Visitation 1 Meetings 11 Baptisms 1 • One Memorial service, Non-member, 11/17/2014, Walter • Christmas Eve Worship: 5:00 – 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. Preaching: 5:00 p.m. – Devin Wolters; 7:30pm – Pastor Dennis; 10:00 p.m. – Pastor Dennis • Pastor John Strand will be presiding at a graveside service, Friday, December 12, 2014, for Irene. The service will be at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery @ 1pm • There will be a memorial service at Zion Friday, December 12, 2014, @ 1pm for Michael (Darcie Father- in-law). A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. I will preside & Pastor Hilary {Lutheran} (part of Michael’s family) will preach.

Council Members for 2014 Sharon President Eric Audit Steven Sec./Fellowship Katie Evangelism Leo Treasurer/Property Mark Property Roger V.P/Personnel Don Stewardship Mary Jo Worship & Music Sally Fellowship Laurie Faith at Home Mark Fellowship Patti Worship & Music

Meeting called to order, 7 PM by President Sharon

Devotions from Dietrich Bonhoeffer were provided by Pastor Dennis Reich

Present: Sharon, Roger, Steven, Leo, Pastor Dennis Reich, Danielle Acay, Devin Wolters, Mark, Mark, Don, Laurie, Mary Jo, Eric, Patti, Sally, Katie, (Guests: George, Craig, Bill, Rob)

November Minutes: Motion to accept last month’s meeting minutes MSP

Treasurer’s report for November

For the month of Nov 2014 Year-to-date Operating Income $ 53,343.59 $ 526,873.20 Operating Expenses $ 53,419.08 $ 509,124.20 Excess (shortfall) $ (75.49) $ 17,749.00 Old Business: Technology issues at Zion: Buffalo, the hard drive, crashed recently. As a result, it seems to make sense to investigate having an outside person or group that is designated and hired to manage our IT needs. Council is encouraging the Technology Committee to seek professional network help to take on the setup and upkeep of the IT system at Zion.

Council discussed its need for Pastor Dennis to be able make timely decisions about the scheduling of vacation, sick leave, & continuing education leave for the office staff. The office staff must currently wait for the next Council meeting to request any time off, or the Council has to have a special email vote to grant such leave. This is cumbersome & does not work well in practice. As a result, the Exec committee proposed a continuing resolution to Council that allows Pastor Dennis the latitude to approve vacation time, sick leave, and CE as necessary. That continuing resolution appears in the ‘New Business’ section below.

New Business & Action Items: Presentation-2015 Budget – Bill presented 2015 proposed budget from Budget Cm. Council discussed various line items, increases/decreases from 2014, etc.

Katie presented a request from Bruce to add a line item to the Evangelism budget to pay for an upcoming conference. Council asked that before a decision can be made on that request that Bruce present more information on the conference to Council.

February 7th (or possibly the 14th as an alternate date) was set for the Council Retreat at Lake Wilderness. This would also be the monthly meeting for February.

Personnel Committee - building future capacity and continuity. Sharon presented the need to provide for more continuity on the committee itself. The Exec Committee proposed a continuing resolution to relax the term limits for Evelyn and Tania to allow them to serve an extra year beyond the end of their current term. That continuing resolution appears below.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - DECEMBER 9, 2014

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• Zion’s School for Faith: The “Faith for Today” education classes studying Luther’s Small Catechism will resume on January 18, 2015 Pastor’s Vacation Data: • As of December 1, 2014 balance remaining = 36 hours (4.5 days) • 11/1/2014 = 92 hrs – 8 hrs vacation = 84 hours, less 48 hours carry-over to 2015 approved at November Council Meeting = 36 hrs. • As of today, I have four vacation days scheduled and approved at 11/11/14 Council meeting (December 12/18, 12/29, 30, 31) which would leave ½ day of 2014 vacation time unused.

Pastor’s Continuing Education Data: • As of December 1, 2014, balance remaining = 8 hours (1 day) • One-week carry-over approved at November Council Meeting, leaving 8 CE hours remaining for 2014.

Faith At Home Ministries: Staff Report (Danielle Acay, Kelly Mullin, Devin Wolters) Danielle: Meetings Attended: 5 Classes Taught: 5 Hours Worked: 120* (includes 24 vacation, 16 sick leave )

Kelly: Meetings Attended: 5 Classes Taught: 8 Hours Worked: 88 (includes 15 vacation and 5 holiday)

Devin: Meetings Attended: 17 Education/Bible study: 15 Hours Worked: 193 + 8 sick + 8 holiday

Faith At Home Ministries: Ministry Items/Events/Activities of Interest • 11/2: High school served at H.O.M.E. • 11/9: Middle school served at H.O.M.E • 11/13: Youth Pastors of Kent met • 11/15: High school Winter Jam concert • 11/16: Elementary Thanksgiving all- in-one event 11/16: Middle School Guide Huddle • 11/16: High school served at H.O.M.E. • 11/23: Mix & Mingle • 11/23: Rites of Passage Parent Training at 6:00pm • 11/26: Thanksgiving Eve worship & Pie social

Faith At Home Ministries: Upcoming Events • 11/30: Elementary Advent Readings begin at both worship services • 12/7: Middle School Christmas Party • 12/7: High School Caroling at Radcliff • 12/11: High School Mission Trip Training & Prayer mtg • 12/14: Christmas Program at 11:00am worship service • 12/19-21st: High School Lights of Christmas • 12/21, 12/28, 1/4 : No School for Faith • 12/24: Christmas Eve worship Committee Reports:

Property Committee: (Leo*, Mark) New Keyless Door Locks Update: Requests for access is just under 50 people. Will be entering information into the program this week & tentative schedule to install locks by the week of the 15th & a training session on Sun. the 21st.

Waiting on proposal for painting front wall of the sanctuary. Expect to bring to council for approval in December.

Worship & Music Cm: (Mary Jo*, Patti) Worship and Music did not meet this month

Faith At Home Ministries Cm: (Laurie*) Faith at Home did not meet this month

Evangelism Committee: (Katie*) Bread visits continue. Greeter scheduling continues. The sign-up sheet is

located under the glass on the Welcome table. We would love to have greeters for Christmas Eve services.

Postcards were sent/delivered announcing Christmas events & services to visitors, new members & SSMt families

Discipleship meetings continue on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm in the conference room.

Stewardship Committee: (Don*) Discussed difference between “Zion Good Sam Fund” and “Pastors discretionary fund” Want to get clarification from Trustees about funding and use, explain to congregation in church news letter

Received 78 Pledge cards back & 60 Time & talent sheets.

Decided to forgo Prayer Ministries articles in the newsletter and request Committees chairs to write up articles on their Committee activities and opportunities to serve. Trying to get better response on Time and Talent sheets.

Instituted rewards pgm for eScript & Fred Meyer Rewards

ACTION ITEM: Approve 4th quarter undesignated benevolences:

Vine Maple Place- $1500.00 Corner of Love- $1500.00 YWCA Grocery Gift Certificates- $1000.00 South Mountain Community

Church building fund- $1000.00 Zion Good Sam fund-balance

Fellowship Cm: (Steven*, Sally, Mark) Fellowship Cm did not meet in December

Personnel Cm: (Roger*) No report submitted

Technology Team: (Don, Brad*) No report submitted

Office Management (Joann Kildow*) Annual Report Committee Reports due Fri, Dec 19, 2014.

Funeral for Walter (non-member)

Looking Ahead to Next Month/Quarter December 24 – Christmas Eve – Office Closed (Worship 5:00, 7:30 and 10:00pm) December 25 – Christmas Day – Office Closed December 31 – New Year’s Eve – Office Closed January 1 – New Year’s Day – Office Closed January 6 – Epiphany of Our Lord (Tuesday) January 11 – Baptism of Our Lord - Epiphany Speaker January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. – Office Closed January 12-14 – Epiphany Speaker Series January 25 – Congregational Annual Meeting February ???? – Council Retreat (?) February 8 – Boy Scout Sunday February 10 – Council Meeting (?) February 15 – Transfiguration of Our Lord Sunday February 16 – President’s Day – Office Closed February 18 – Ash Wednesday The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Steven, Council Secretary

*person reporting for committee

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Non Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

P A I D

PERMIT No. 96

Kent WA

KENT, WASHINGTON

Sunday Worship Services Evening Worship Service

8:30 am Worship Infinity - youth led worship

9:45 am School for Faith Wednesday evenings

11:00 am Worship 7pm - 8pm

Pastor Dennis Reich dreich@zionkent.org (ext 112)

Associate in Ministry, Devin Wolters dwolters@zionkent.org (ext 114)

Faith at Home Ministries Coordinators:

Adult & High School: Devin Wolters

Middle School: Kelly Mullin (Tues, Wed, Thurs) kmullin@zionkent.org (ext 116) Elementary: Danielle Acay (Tues, Wed, Thurs) dacay@zionkent.org (ext 115)

Office Manager: Joann Kildow jkildow@zionkent.org (ext 110)

Office phone: 253-631-0100

Office fax: 253-630-8006

Office hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Web site: www.zionkent.org

To submit articles for the Horizon:

jkildow@zionkent.org or drop off at the church office.

Zion Lutheran Church

www.zionkent.org

25105—132nd Ave SE

Kent, WA 98042

Return Service Requested

February Horizon Deadline:

Thursday, January 15th

In Jesus Christ we…

REJOICE in God's Grace,

RENEW through God's Word

and REACH OUT to serve others,

….all to the Glory of God!