Share. Grow. Serve.

Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown, MD

Advent, p.2,5,7

Christmas Eve

Worship

Services, p.3

Message from

Staff p.4

Council News,

p.6

Quilter News

p.7

Christmas In

the Valley,

p.11

Youth News,

p.10-14

I Was

Wondering,

p.16

Altar Guild

News p.17

Poinsettia &

LWR Orders,

p.22-23

Advent Video

Series p.23

Advent Special Events

November 30—Advent midweek meal 6 pm and service 7 p.m.

December 3—Christmas in the Valley 7:30 p.m.

December 7—Advent midweek meal 6pm and service 7 p.m.

December 9—Intergenerational Advent Event 5 p.m.

December 14—Advent midweek meal 6pm and service 7 p.m.

December 24 Christmas Eve ser-vices 4:30, 7:00, and 10:30 p.m.

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2016

Christmas in the Valley Saturday Dec 3 7:30p.m. Volunteers are needed to “Share Christ’s Love” with hos-pitality for the program here at the church. We need ap-proximately 25 adults to help with this event. Please contact Jim Hoover at 301-371-6500 or jhoover@zionmiddletown.org if you are interested in helping (volunteers need to arrive at

7:00 p.m.) Our Saturday night worship service on Dec. 3 will be take place at 5:00 p.m.

Intergenerational Advent Event Sunday, December 9

Christmas Eve

Worship Services

See page 3 for

details...

Join us this Advent. Our Mid-Week Meal

and Worship will be held on Wednesdays,

November 30, December 7,

14. Dinner will begin at

6:00 p.m, followed by

Worship at 7:00 p.m.

See pages 2 &5 for more information...

2

Intergenerational Advent Event If you’re looking for something to do after your Advent is underway, come by Zion’s Social Hall and share your Advent traditions and stories. Sunday December 9, is the Second Sunday of Advent. See page 7 for complete details.

Sundays in Advent

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love! On Sunday, November 27, we light the first candle on the Advent Wreath with our hearts and minds turned to

hope. We continue through the season with peace, joy and love. As we anticipate the cele-bration of Christmas with the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of these gifts that shine as beacons in a world of despair, war, sorrow and hate.

3

Christmas Eve Worship Services:

4:30 p.m.: Children’s Worship Service

Worship includes Christmas carols,

Children’s Choir and the lighting of candles.

7:00 p.m.: Candlelight, Lessons and Carols

Service of Holy Communion

Musical prelude begins at 6:30 p.m. Worship

includes traditional Christmas carols, youth

musicians, Rainbow Choir, soloists and the

Liturgical Dancers.

10:30 p.m.: Candlelight, Lessons and Carols

Service of Holy Communion

Come early as special Christmas music

begins at 10:15 p.m. Worship includes tradi-

tional Christmas carols, the Hand Bell Choir,

Orchestra including brass, Worship Choir and

the Liturgical Dancers.

The people who walked in darkness have seen

a great light……Isaiah 9:2

4

5

For God so loved the world that he gave his one

and only Son, that

whoever believes in him shall not perish but have

eternal life.

John 3:16 NIV

Wednesdays in Advent—Tidings of Comfort and Joy

The holiday season can stir deep emotions within each of us. Many children greet the advent of Christmas with joy and excitement. On the other hand, those who have lost loved ones may find sadness in the very same event. Thankfully, our God meets us wherever we are, both physically and emotionally. At our Mid-Week services we will pay attention to the Angels’ messages as they respond to the com-plexity of our experiences with Tidings of Comfort and Joy.

The worship service begins at 7 p.m. Come early for dinner. Food will begin to be served at 6 p.m. Children’s choir with activities begins at 7 p.m.

November 30, The Angel Speaks to Zechariah’s Fear

December 7, The Angel Speaks to Joseph’s Confusion

December 14, Hark the Herald Angels Sing Christmas Carol Hymn Sing

6

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

October – November 2016

September Income and Expense: September current ministry income of $38,275.82 was less expenses of $50,394.73 for a deficit of $12,118.91 for the month of September. (4 Sunday month) The September Total Church: The September year-to-date total church surplus is $18,479.59. YTD Budget income $470,118.00 vs YTD Actual Income $432,948.76. YTD Budget Expense $ 467,453.00 vs YTD Actual Expenses $436,243.94

Paul Dean reported that the Cemetery Board had a meeting to discuss the main-tenance of the new sidewalks that are being installed. Zion is responsible for snow removal of 2 1/2 blocks of snow removal. The Cemetery Board voted to purchase a snow blower that can be mounted on a tractor, the cost will be less than $3,000.

Pastor Marv updated the council on the Welcome Center. Work is almost com-plete with the help of John Minchoff, Mitch Boyer, George Harne, Eddie Pulzone and Junior Wiles. A committee has been formed to staff the welcome center.

In October council reviewed the nominating committee guidelines. Four mem-bers’ terms are ending, Paul Dean, Sonja Harsch, Karen Hollis and Alexa Masser. Karen Hollis agreed to be the chair of the nominating committee since her term limit is up. Names for the nominating committee were discussed and Karen agreed to contact them to see if they are willing to serve on the committee.

October Income and Expense: October current ministry income of 58,696.91 exceeded expenses of $ 50,723.61 for a surplus of $7,973.30 for the month of October. (5 Sunday month) October Total Church: The October year-to-date total church surplus is $7,049.52. YTD Budget income $521,853.30 vs YTD Ac-tual Income $491,645.67. YTD Budget Expense $ 517,676.44 vs YTD Actual Ex-penses $486,967.55.

In November Karen Hollis presented the report from the nominating commit-tee. Council voted to approve the committee report and the names that were submitted for nomination.

7

Intergenerational Advent Event If you’re looking for something to do after your Advent is underway, come by Zion’s Social Hall and share your Advent traditions and stories. Sunday December 9 is the Second Sunday of Advent, and we want the Advent season to be special for our families with an Intergenerational Gathering. We will have craft items to make Christmas Ornaments for families, and this will be a great time to share your traditions and stories with each other. Gathering will start 5 p.m.

Please invite your friends!

In order to make a variety of ornaments, we are asking for donations of the following supplies:

Popsicle Sticks – Regular and

Jumbo

Mini Pompoms

String Garland

Wiggle Eyes

Hershey Kisses

Glitter

Pipe Cleaners – All colors,

especially red & white

Christmas Scrap paper

Toilet Paper tubes

Puzzle pieces

Ribbon

Large White Bells

Ribbon

Foam Sheets

Contact Pastor Beth for more information

bclementson@zionmiddletown.org

8

Zion Quilter News

Zion quilters wanted to do a service project for the 9/11 event at church. We decided we wanted to help veterans, so we made 100+ pillowcases that were delivered to the Martins-burg VA home around 2 weeks ago. At the 9/11 event here at Zion we decided to use the assembly line method. Some of the ladies measured and cut, some ladies sewed and we were even able to corral Carla Palamone to iron them throughout the process. We stayed on 9/11 till after 4:00. The next couple Tuesdays we continued to make more pillowcases. The fabric was donated by the various quilters. Also taken to the VA home was a number of lap robes that were done in patriotic colors. The coordinator at VA was most appreciative. He said that there were a number of patients that never have anyone visit, and they receive nothing in the mail. Last year we made pillowcases for the children at the University of MD hospital cancer center. Both endeavors were found to be heartwarming and rewarding.

Quilters: Alexa Masser, Diane Shafer, Sharon Thomas, Pam Gleason, Jeanne Mauro, Roberta Harper, Liz Kurtz, Pat Hansen, Debbie Smith, Ruby Pyles, Evelyn Vollmer

Anyone interested in learning to quilt or to sew are welcome on Tue mornings 9 – 2 in the social room. All are welcome.

Zion’s Operation Christmas Child a Huge success!

The People of Zion have shown 220 children the generosity in their hearts and their love of God’s children

in donating Christmas Shoeboxes for children around the world.

This was another wonderful effort of collecting boxes as in previous years, and all are to be commended. A

special thanks goes out to Linda Huckleberry and Connie Ahalt who did a wonderful job of heading up

Zion’s efforts in Operation Christmas Child.

We also want to mention all those who helped load up the vehicles to transport the boxes for shipment. (It took many loads!)

Merry Christmas to all who participated!

9

WELCOME CENTER UPDATE

Just last week we were able to wire the new Welcome Center with a secure Wi-Fi connection. This means the Welcome Center hosts will be able to assist members and visitors with new services available at the Welcome Center.

We are adding a Square Register at the Welcome Center that will enable you to buy study books, donate to special causes that Zion supports, give your of-fering, or buy tickets to special Zion din-ners or social events. The Square Regis-ter guarantees safe, secure, and private transactions. Square protects its systems with industry-leading technology and security controls, in-cluding:

Square performs data encryption within the card reader at the moment

of swipe.

Square’s software is developed using industry-standard security best

practices.

Square’s servers are monitored around the clock by dedicated security

staff.

The Welcome Center hosts will also assist anyone who would like to have more information about Zion’s

church app. The app is free and available from the App store on your iPhone or Google play on your an-droid phone. The app is a great way to connect to the

church website, watch Zion videos, check out the church calendar, connect to Zion’s social media, or

use Push Pay to give your offering, or contribute to a Zion-sponsored social ministry.

10

Cost: $15/Child Checks payable to Zion Lutheran. **Due to dietary concerns children must bring their own bagged lunch as no lunch will be provided.**

RSVP: Advanced sign-ups are helpful for planning of supplies and transportation in case of a field trip.

Kids might get a little messy and we may be outside. Be sure to send them in weather appropriate clothes and warm boots.

Forms can be found on the youth bulletin board, on our webpage, or by calling the church office at 301-371-6500, or office@zionmiddletown.org.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

DAY OFF PROGRAM

Zion is offering day programs for elementary aged children (K-5) on certain days FCPS schools are closed. Join us for structured games, crafts and other activities.

Please return forms and money to: Zion Lutheran Church

Attn: Day Off Program Director 107 West Main Street

Middletown, MD 21769

Please make your checks payable to Zion Lutheran Church.

Who: Elementary School aged (K-5th Grades)

Who else: YOUR FRIENDS!

When: January 23, 2017

Time: 9:00 a.m. —3:00 p.m.

Join us for Snow Tubing at Ski Liberty!

Mark your calendar for this upcoming

Day off Program Date:

March 31, 2017

11

Christmas in the Valley

Join us in celebrating the be-ginning of the holiday season

at Middletown’s annual Christ-mas in the Valley celebration,

Saturday December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to “Share Christ’s Love” with hospitality for the

program here at the church.

We need approximately 25 adults to help with this event. Please contact Jim Hoover at

301-371-6500, or jhoover@zionmiddletown.org if you are interested in helping (volunteers need to arrive at

7:00 p.m.)

Venture Crew Wants

You!

Do you want to get out and experience high adventure activi-ties with kids your age? Venture Crew 121 is a co-ed scout unit that does just that. We’ve back-packed the Appalachian Trail and through mountains in New Mexico. We’ve paddled through the boundary waters in Canada. We’ve sailed the Florida Keys. We ski. We shoot. We eat ice cream, lots of ice cream.

The crew is open to boys and girls age 14 through 21. We meet in the Zion youth house on the first and third Sun-day of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We also meet for activities at other times during the month, gener-ally meeting at the youth house to de-part. The crew president is Alexis Ram-sey (alexisbobo@comcast.net, cell:(301)305-4492). The crew advisor is Mr. Phillip Ramsey (phillipramsey@comcast.net, cell:(858)213-4991).

We plan on doing several service Pro-jects for Zion Lutheran in the coming months, cleaning the chairs in the so-cial room and repairing the porch on

the youth house to name a few.

Come Join us!

12

December & January at Safe House

Thursday, December 1 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

Thursday, December 8 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

Thursday, December 15 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

Thursday, December 22 & Thursday, December 29 NO SAFE HOUSE

Thursday, January 5 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

Thursday, January 12 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

Thursday, January 19 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

Thursday, January 26 3:00 – 5:30p.m. Social time, games, HW room & tutoring

For more information, please contact office@zionmiddletown.org or 301.371.6500

Children’s Choir for the Holiday’s

Come join in the fun as we begin preparing for the Holiday Season. Practices

for Children's Choir and Children's hand-bell choir will be held

on Sunday's after Sunday School (11 a.m.) and on Wednesday

Evenings during Advent at 7 p.m. (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec.

14). Wednesday nights will include a craft and small devotion

for the season. Please call Dana 240-344-2999 if you have any

questions. All are welcome.

13

RoadTrip

January 20-22, 2017 Ocean City, Maryland

High schoolers January 20-22, 2017, Our high school youth will have the opportu-nity to travel to Ocean City, Maryland to participate in a weekend of service pro-jects, 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.

Registration forms are due by December 7. For more details, contact Pastor Beth: bclementson@zionmiddletown.org.

Next Middle School Friday: Our next middle school event will coincide with the Advent Event on December 9 at 5:00 p.m. The students will help our families make Christmas ornaments and play Christmas BINGO. Families are encouraged to join their middle school students for this event! You’re guar-anteed to have a great time! Please let Pastor Beth know if your student will be there to help!

Mark your calendars for the January middle school event on Friday, January 13. We will gather together for dinner at 6:00p.m. and then attend the Middletown Middle School Musical at 7:00p.m. More details will be available closer to the event.

14

Summer Mission Trip: Work Camp this summer will be July 23-28, 2017. We are going to Pittsburgh, PA for a week of ser-vice in the city! This is chance for high school students to step out-side of their comfort zones for a week, while serving God and the people of Pittsburgh. They will have the opportunity to see how other people live and experience a new culture, while meeting other high school students from around the country. This is a wonderful opportunity that every high school student is encouraged to take! The trip is open to all rising 9th graders- graduating seniors. Registration forms with a $50 deposit are due to Pastor Beth by December 11. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Beth: bclementson@zionmiddletown.org.

Creation Fest:

Do you like Christian music? Do you like live shows? Do you like camping? This summer is the Creation Music Festival! The event takes place at Agape Farm in Mt. Union, PA on June 28-July 1, 2017. We cur-rently have 15 tickets available. If you would like to reserve your spot or have any questions, contact Patricia Staples or Pastor Beth.

15

Elderly, Handicapped, and lower income residents of Frederick County to get free home repairs!

Are you or another church member in need of some help with repairs, Handicap Ramps, Painting etc. around the house?

Did you know that you or another member in need that you know can benefit from the projected 400 adult and teenage volunteers at the Frederick Workcamp coming to

Frederick County July 23 thru July 29, 2017? Workcamp will provide free home repairs thru this program, sponsored by Rebuilding Together Frederick County.

Group Cares is a non-profit interdenominational Christian volunteer home-repair organization headquartered in Loveland, Colorado. The Workcamp will be housed

at Tuscarora High School, with Workcampers sleeping on classroom floors, eating in the cafeteria, and enjoying evening programs in the auditorium. This service to the

Frederick County communities would not be possible without the wonderful cooperation of the Frederick County Board of Education and Tuscarora High School.

Group Cares will reimburse all costs to the lodging facility.

These Remarkable Young People actually pay for the privilege of working in our community and their Workcamp fees are used to cover our costs for food,

insurance, and building materials.

Rebuilding Together Frederick County serves our county by indentifying and rehabilitating homes of Seniors, Veterans, persons with disabilities, and families with children all living in low cost housing through the efforts of volunteers and

community organizations . Local Volunteers perform hands on repairs during the National Rebuilding Day at the end of April each year. This project day helps to

ensure the homes remain safe and livable.

Repairs offered through the Workcamp include interior and exterior painting, weatherization, porch and wheelchair ramp construction and other work.

Residents interested in applying to receive assistance may contact

Rebuilding Frederick County at (240) 415-8728

16

I was Wondering

What about those Pillars out front, and the peeling paint on the original build-ing?

The pillars are in good shape structurally, but the outside covering is deteriorating and needs to be redone within the next few years. We are investigating grants for the restoration, but will not subject the property to any perpetual easements that could curtail any decisions we will need to make in the future.

The first meeting of the Golf Tournament Committee met last week and set a goal of raising $10,000 towards the pillar restoration. The proceeds of the tournament will be placed in the Historic Preservation Building Fund created last year. The event will take place next spring or summer.

The Historic Preservation Building Fund is where all donations, gifts, and fund raising proceeds will be placed, and those funds can only be used for historic preservation of the origi-nal church building. This fund will not replace the Building fund that exists to cover repairs, expansions, and upgrades to our current properties.

Once we have established a reasonable amount in the Historic Preservation Building Fund to be used only towards the restora-tions, we plan to appeal to the general public in Middletown and throughout Frederick County to financially aide us in preserving our historic landmark—Zion Lutheran Church

Should you feel the spirit to donate to the pillars and original church building historically correct restoration, rest assured your gift will only be used for that purpose. The Historic Preser-vation Building Fund is set up as a designated fund only for that use, and no other. Even if the funds exceed the present preser-vation needs the fund will continue to exist to fund future

preservation needs.

Should you have any fund raising ideas for this fund, please contact Jim Hoover at jhoover@zionmiddletown.org

17

Altar Guild News The last day to turn in poinsettia orders is Sunday, November 27. No orders after that

day as we have to give our total number to our supplier on November 28. You may use the order forms in the Beacon or you can pick one up outside the church office. You may place your order in the Altar Guild mail box. Altar Guild members will also be selling poinsettias and taking donations for LWR gifts after church services.

Donations for LWR gifts will be accepted through December 11 (this allows time to pre-

pare the listing to be inserted in the Christmas Eve bulletins). Order forms are also outside the office and may be placed in the Altar Guild mail box.

The 2017 flower chart is now posted outside the Living Library. Please sign up if you would like to provide altar flowers next year. As always, we are thankful for all those individuals and families who donated flowers this year.

The Altar Guild will be trimming the church on Tuesday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. and arranging poinsettias in the church and putting up pew candles on Saturday, December 17 (time to be determined)

The Altar Guild will be untrimming the church on Tuesday, January 3, at 9:00 a.m.

Altar Guild members, as well as family members, may pick up poinsettias donated for homebound members after the 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Altar Guild members, please stop by the Altar Guild Room beginning December 10/11 to pick up names for poinsettia delivery.

Anyone who has ordered a poinsettia and plans to pick it up may do so any time after the 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

The next Altar Guild meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. Members are encouraged to attend. There will be a lunch after the meeting at Schroyer’s Tavern, 11:30 a.m.

Anyone who is interested in any of the above activities is invited to participate. The Altar Guild is in need of new members. Please stop by the Altar Guild Room after Sunday morning services to talk to an Altar Guild member regarding how you may be able to serve or contact Shirley Ferguson at 301-662-7775 or sfergu-son12@comcast.net.

18

Valley Seniors and Friends Lunches & Fellowship

Thursday: December 1

There will be no Luncheon on December 15

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Cost: $6 per person. Reserve your meal! Please call Terry Shafer, 301-371-

8837, by the Monday before the luncheon to reserve your meal.

Lunches will resume on March 2, 2017

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 Greta, 301-371-7706, or Dixie, 301-371-4232, for more in-formation. We meet on the last Monday of the month at 2:45 pm. in the rear parking lot. We will be dining at the Mountainview Diner. The next meeting will be held on November 28 We won’t be meeting in Dec.

Surprise and Honor Our Homebound This Christmas

Is your family able to set aside a short time to bring Christmas cheer to one of our homebound members?

Select an ornament and card from the basket in the Sanctuary windowsill…

Each card has a homebound member’s name and address on the back. Set a time to stop by for a brief visit to bring your Christmas cheer and ornament. Our homebound would enjoy your visit as you Share Christ’s Love - One Generation to Another! (If the person does not answer the door you can leave it at the door - be sure to write a personal greeting with your names!)

Ornaments will be available on Sunday, December 4. You can take more than one card/ornament and visit other homebound members.

HOME ALONE!

A lot of men & women live alone. Some

older and some not. The one thing they

all have in common is that when you live

alone and if you should fall, who will

know; how will you get help? Even if

your family lives close by that does not

necessarily mean they are going to

call or see you every day. I feel that

everyone that lives alone should

have a cell phone that they carry in

their pocket at all times or wear a

medical alert. I know you don't think it

will happen to you, but it could. It has

happened to people I know. Think about

this and put the cell phone in your pocket

at all times or look into getting a medical

alert.

~Rosella Wilson

Caring Ministries

19

We remember those

who died

this past year...

Mary Ahalt

Sandra Lee Allison

Jessie Bailey

Janet H. Basler

Herman Baker

Betty Blucher

Tony Bole

Margaret Bowlus

Jack Brining

George W. Bruchey, Jr.

Jane Cline

Paul Coblentz

Penny R. Davis

Ron Engle

Beatrice D. Evans

Ron Farley

James Fitzsimmons, Jr.

Ed Gallagher

Mary Catherine Gordon

Helena Graham

Donald Guyton

Anna Hoffman

John “Jack” Horn

John Howard

Queenie Kachadourian

Carolyn Kidd

The Rev. Gerard Knoche

Betty Magaha

Buddy Middleton

Bill Newkirk

John Nixon

Glenn Orrison

Bernard Palmer

Danielle Parker

Edgar Poffinberger

Margaret Reed

Patrick Shafer

Miriam Shafer

Edwin Storks

Ellis Stroup

Paul Stup

Louise Huffer Stup

Craig Swiney

Mary F. Temple

Jo Ann Thompson

Calvin Waters

Jennie Wiles

Kate Willard

Oliver Steven Willingham

Emily Zimmerman

20

Best Wishes on the Marriage of:

Eric Shereika and

Brittany Tritapoe

on October 21st

Clothes Closet News:

October and the first few weeks of No-vember have been a very busy time at the Closet. We have seen an increase in the number of cli-ents we are serving each week and our volunteers have been busy sorting and keeping the shelves full. We are very excited about our new signs; please come take a look when you get the chance. Needs: Winter coats, hats, gloves, fleece and sweaters. We are still in need of men's pants, kids clothes and always appreciate shoes of all sizes.

Open Saturdays from 9a.m.—11a.m.

Births Maddux Pearl and Dean Theodore Sanger on Octo-ber 24th, grandchildren of Nancy and Ted Bybel

Sophia Madeline Lal on October 31st, daughter of Rachel Gouker Lal and David Lal; granddaughter of Linda Gouker and Dave and Laurie Gouker.

Charles Palmer celebrated his 100th

birthday on October 24th.

Viola Blickenstaff

celebrated her 102th

birthday on

November 5.

Mar-Lu-Ridge—2017 Summer

Camp

Registration opens on

January 1, 2017. Email:

MLR@Mar-Lu-Ridge.org,

or call 301-874-5544 for

more information.

We welcome the newly baptized:

Madeline Marie Thrift, Daughter of Justin Daniel and Rae Anne Rhoderick Thrift

Eva Grace Gordon, Daughter of Darin and Lacey Gordon

21

Middletown Food Bank All canned items are needed, especially pork & beans, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables,

toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant, and other personal items. Please give whatever you can; place items in cart located in hall.

Dear Zion– Many, many thanks for your recent generous donations to-ward the Backpack Ministry Program. Your gifts go a long way towards pro-viding supplies for this program. Again, thank you! ~The Weekend Backpack Food Program

With our deepest sympathy we keep in our thoughts and prayers the

family and friends of:

Margaret Bowlus John Howard Carolyn Kidd

Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion, We are very thankful to your church for the $1600 and $500 donations. Your support will help the local community in so many ways which may be im-possible without your help. Just think of the of the smiles of many children’s faces on Christmas morning. You put them there!Sincerely Diane Zepp Corresponding Secretary

My Family and I wish to thank all our

friends at Zion for all their prayers, visits,

and flowers. A very special thanks to

Pastor Kathy and Pastor Ron for their

many visits, and bringing Communion

while I was in various hospitals and rehab

centers.

I shall never forget the power of prayer.

God is with us always.

Love Always,

Greta Huffer and family

Adopt A Family at Christmas

Middletown Valley People Help-ing People will be collecting and distributing Christmas presents for families in need.

Deliver your gifts UN-WRAPPED to Middletown United Methodist Church (MUMC) on Wednesday, December 7, 3:00 p.m. to

6:00 p.m. (Families will pick up gifts on December 10.)

For more information on adopt-ing a family please contact

Donna Jean Brandenburg at 301-371-5139.and leave a clear message. If you need Christmas help call 301-371-3119 and leave a clear message.

22

Poinsettia Orders

Members of the Altar Guild will be available to take orders for poinsettias after the Saturday 6:00

p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services on November 19-20, and

November 26-27. The cost is $8.50 per plant. We encourage you to pick up your poinsettia

(s), but those that are left will be delivered to the sick and homebound members of Zion.

Poinsettias will be placed in the Church the weekend of December 17. If you indicate on the

form that you will pick up your plant, you may do so after the 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Orders will also be accepted by mailing the completed form below with a check to Zion Lutheran

Church, 107 West Main Street, Middletown, MD 21769. Please mark your envelope “Poinsettia”.

Orders must be received by Nov. 27. No orders after that date please.

Poinsettia Plant Order Form

Each plant is $8.50 Amount Enclosed $__________

In Memory of: In Honor of:

______________________________ ____________________________

______________________________ ____________________________

______________________________ ____________________________

______________________________ ____________________________

______________________________ ____________________________

______________________________ ____________________________

Given by __________________________________________

_______ I will pick up.

_______ Please deliver to the sick or homebound.

_______ I will deliver to _________________________________________ (Please put in name if member of Zion.)

23

Advent Video Series Theme for 2016: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

Advent symbolizes the coming of Christ, and the hope, love, joy and peace that comes with celebrating his birth and presence in our life. Zion is introducing a video series of daily devotionals featuring some of our members providing reflections on our 2016 theme. These videos will be available daily on Zion's web page and on our Facebook page.

MONETARY GIFT IN MEMORY OR HONOR OF LOVED ONE (ALTERNATIVE TO POINSETTIA)

Zion is providing an opportunity to remember or honor a loved one with a monetary gift

to Lutheran World Relief (LWR)—an alternative to purchasing a poinsettia. All gifts will

be combined to make a purchase from the LWR gift catalog to help a family and/or a

community in need.

Members of the Altar Guild will be available to take donations the same days that the

poinsettia orders are taken, November 19-20, and November 26-27. Monetary gifts will

be accepted no later than December 11 by mailing the completed form below with a

check to Zion Lutheran Church, 107 West Main Street, Middletown, MD 21769. Please

mark your envelope “Monetary Gift for LWR”.

Monetary Gift for LWR (Alternative to Poinsettia)

Each gift is $8.50 Amount Enclosed $__________

In Memory of: In Honor of:

_________________________________*__________________________________

_________________________________*__________________________________

_________________________________*__________________________________

_________________________________*__________________________________

_________________________________*__________________________________

Given by ______________________________________________________________

24

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PAID

Frederick, MD Permit No.

2205

Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion

107 W Main Street Middletown MD 21769

ZION BEACON Phone: 301-371-6500; FAX 301-371-8100

jhoover@zionmiddletown.org or office@zionmiddletown.org.

Are you or a family member celebrating a

milestone birthday or anniversary? Let us know and we will include it in the newsletter.

End of Year Contributions All contributions to be credited for 2016 need to be in the church office by 10 a.m.,

Friday, December 30th. Statements will go out to all members who contributed in

2016 by the end of January. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Debbie

Stup at financialsectretary@zionmiddletown.org, or call 301-371-6500, x204.

End of Year Bills

Please turn in all bills for 2016 to the Treasurer's box by Sunday, December 27th. If

you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Deb Reichelt at

treasurer@zionmiddletown.org.