Z i o n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h

Zion’s News & Notes MARCH 2017

Lent begins this coming Wednesday. This liturgical season calls us to rediscover our spirituality. It calls us to be, more than to do. It calls for us back off on our busyness and our all too often frantic running around, and to pay more attention to, and remind ourselves, who we are and whose we are in our baptism, namely, God's precious children,

loved, forgiven, and held securely. And from this identity, we are called, gifted, and sent to do God's work in the world.

As we frequently get caught up in daily demands of life, and pushed off our

foundation stone, it is vitally important that we periodically reground ourselves and reconnect with the source of life, the Rock that gave us birth (Deut. 32.18) and the living water that refreshes and renews us (John 4.10-14). In the Gospel reading for the last Sunday before Lent, God’s voice commands Peter, John, and James to “listen to him” referring to Jesus. Lent is a season during which we are called to be even more intentional about setting aside time to “listen to him”, to listen to Jesus. Lent is a season that emphasizes being and receiving more than doing and giving, and provides us an opportunity to reconnect with, reground ourselves in, and behold the mystery and awe of the Divine, the Source of all life, and the Ground of our being.

The trick, as in most things, is balance. Knowing when to do and when and

how just to be. Learning to take our calling and our work seriously, but not too seriously. To let go of seeing our identity and our value tied up in what we do, to let go of our need to be in control, and to listen to him, Jesus, so that our actions aren't merely running around helter-skelter, but are thoughtful, faithful acts of discipleship that flow from a being that emerges from the awe and wonder of God's gracious love for us and this world.

During this Lenten season, may we have the desire, courage, and strength, to

set aside time to “listen to him”, to be, to reground ourselves, and to drink from the well of living water, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Your brother in Christ and companion on the journey,

Pastor David

Zion’s News & Notes

A Few Words from Pastor David FP

Announcements & Upcoming Events 2

March Madness Movie Night 2

Vignettes from Zion’s History 3–5

Thank you’s 6

Photos of Zion 7

Fair Trade News 7

Treasurer’s Report 8

Announcements & Upcoming Events 8

Your Neighbors Annual Garage Sale 9

March Calendar 11

Bible Study on Ruth 12

Zion Lutheran Church

Zion News & Notes

Zion News & Notes is published each month by the church office. It includes news of upcoming events, thank you notes, a calendar, archives, photos and many other items of interest. Our news-letters are also available on our website: www.zionluth.com. Volume - 3

Circulation - 220

Editor: Debra A. Yacovella

Contributors: Members of the congregation

E-mail: office@zionluth.com

Website: www.zionluth.com

Remember to “Spring Ahead”!

Daylight Savings Time begins on

Sunday, March 12th.

A Few Words From Pastor David

Page 1

IF YOU WISH TO GET ZION’S MONTHLY E - NEWSLETTERS,

please go to our website, www.zionluth.com and scroll down to

“Newsletters”. Click on “Newsletters” and you will find our newsletter files

that you can open and download as you wish. For those who no longer

need a physical copy mailed to them, please let Debbie know, so she can remove your

address from the physical mailing list. This is a huge help and is greatly appreciated.

Contact Debbie at 315-732-4110 or e-mail her at office@zionluth.com. THANK

YOU!!!

Upcoming Events & Announcements

ZION’S MEN'S BREAKFAST MEETING at Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been

changed to 9:00 AM for March, April and May. Next meeting date is Satur-

day, March 4th. All men are welcome.

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MARCH MOVIE MADNESS! The movie "Miracles from

Heaven" will be shown in the Fireside Room (with our new comfy

furniture and big screen TV) on Friday night, March 17th at 6

PM. Join us at 5 PM to enjoy some hearty snacks before the

movie. Crackers, cheese, popcorn and soda will be provided. Additional

snacks/drinks are appreciated!! If you need a ride, call Linda Lambe at 315-

601-6011 and we will make arrangements for transportation.

Zion’s News & Notes

PLEASE NOTE: The Newsletter Deadline is

the 17th of each month, unless otherwise noted.

Thank you!

CENTRAL CROSSROADS CONFERENCE SPRING ASSEMBLY: Spiritual Fruit - Join us for brunch, fellowship, and a study of Native American spirituality based on the book,

The Sacred Tree: Reflections on Native American Spirituality. We will explore the spiritual gifts of the four directions described by Native Americans and com-pare with and reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23a). WHEN: Saturday, April 22, 2017, WHERE: St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 873 Dewitt St., Syracuse, NY 13203, TIME: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., COST: $6 to cover the cost of brunch, Please let us know you are coming by April 15 so we can prepare enough brunch. All are welcome. Contacts: Emily Zieres, conference secretary, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Camillus, (315) 422-7873 or emilyz-ieres@gmail.com, Judy Holmes, conference co-coordinator, Atonement Lutheran Church, Syracuse, (315)673-9393 or Judyholmes76@gmail.com, Missy Wilbur, conference co-coordinator, Atonement Lutheran Church, (315)243-9407 or clean-missy@yahoo.com.

FAMILIES OF PRE-SCHOOLERS DINNER: On Thursday, March 2 at 6:00 PM in the Fireside Room, there will be a family dinner and "worshipful play" for families with pre-K children. We’ll provide dinner, read a story, and do a craft. Families who couldn’t attend the previous gatherings continue to be invited to come and join in the fun.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: To go to Johnson Park Center on Sunday,

March 5th from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Please sign the sign-up sheet in Narthex if

you can go and bring a dish to pass. Thank you!

EASTER FLOWERS - A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex by March 19 - Please consider donating towards flowers to help Zion celebrate Easter. You can take the plant(s) home after the 10 AM Easter service on April 16th.

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Vignettes From Zion's History: Pastor John Philip Lichtenberg - Triumph, Tumult, and Tragedy, Part II - Tumult

Nine years have passed since first I preached to you from this pulpit. My soul is moved by different feelings. First, a feeling of gratitude when I

think of the many instances where you have shown your love to me during these years, for the many prayers which you have sent to heaven for me,

and for the love with which you have borne my faults and shortcomings. - John Philip Lichtenberg - Sermon at Zion: December 11, 1887

The early 1880s witnessed tumultuous events at Zion Church.

When our congregation erected its School Hall at 613 Columbia Street in 1880, the Council directed Pastor Lichtenberg to solicit

contributions from Utica's German business owners, reasoning that Deutschtum's commercial interests would support a school that

perpetuated their heritage and language. The pastor's efforts, combined with church fundraisers, covered about half of the build-

ing's costs. Lichtenberg approached the task with his customary zeal and met with considerable success. The campaign brought him

into every German-owned business in Utica, including over forty ratskellars (taverns) and organizations like the Maennerchor and

Turnverein, places that served Deutsch brau (German beer). To his detriment, John Philip was a "Lager Lutheran" who enjoyed his

homeland's most popular beverage. This pleasure set the stage for an ecclesiastical explosion.

Good historical writing should be candid. In his 1922 history of our congregation, Pastor William C. Nolte stated that Lichten-

berg's problems stemmed from "excessive drinking." Nolte talked with knowledgeable members who experienced the Lichtenberg

era. The following article attempts to match Nolte's objectivity as it presents the salient details about the controversies that plagued

this pastorate.

Several Zion members formally complained in 1880 about Pastor Lichtenberg's public behavior. The Council heard the charges,

debated the issues, and dismissed the matter. The critics then contacted the New York Ministerium (synod), which directed Zion to

appoint an investigatory committee. The Council balked and, on March 3, 1881, the synod sent its president and two board mem-

bers to Utica to meet with church leaders, the aggrieved parties, and Lichtenberg. Newspapers reported a candid, but productive

meeting and stated, "Peace and harmony again reign between the pastor, people, and Council." The original story ran on the front

page of the New York (City) Evening Express under the headline "A Pastor in Hot Water."

The peace did not last. The Utica Morning Herald reported on March 9 that seven of the fifteen members of Zion's Council had

resigned. Five of the seven left the church. These vacancies were quickly filled. Also, on the evening of March 12, an Oneida Coun-

ty sheriff arrested Pastor Lichtenberg "for slander and defamation of character" of Ludwig Fehrmann, one of the cleric's council

opponents. Lichtenberg and Fehrmann had exchanged heated accusations at congregational and Council meetings. Zion members

Henry Seifert, John Schroebel, and Jacob Schwab posted $1,000 bail to free their pastor. Council minutes show that the case fes-

tered for two years before Fehrmann dropped the charges.

Lichtenberg's opponents reopened their grievances at the New York Ministerium's meeting at Poughkeepsie in early August. After

hearing emotional testimony from both sides, that body ruled: "The conference has proved Pastor Lichtenberg, of Zion's Church,

Utica, guilty of habitual lying, drunkenness, disrespect for synodical authority, demoralization of Zion's church, and other conduct

unbecoming a minister. Therefore, the conference unanimously recommends the president of the synod to suspend Lichtenberg

from the ministry immediately." The Rev. John H. Baden, Ministerium President, mailed the decision to Zion's Council. The

"habitual lying" charge referred to the pastor's alleged falsification of attendance records, while "demoralization" alluded to dissatis-

fied members. Under the suspension, Lichtenberg could continue at Zion for a year, pending proper conduct.

The Council convened a congregational meeting to discuss the case. The pastor and his backers (which included the Council presi-

dent and other officers) argued that the Poughkeepsie hearing was unfair because Lichtenberg's supporters within the Ministerium

had withdrawn from the conference in protest. The pastor asked for the congregation's pardon for any errors he may have commit-

ted. Lichtenberg's critics were noticeably absent and, after hearing the minister's side, the meeting resolved: "Whereas the charges

against Rev. J. Philip Lichtenberg having been thoroughly examined, this congregation unanimously declares him not guilty of the

charges and no further reference will be made to the same." The Utica Morning Herald reported that "universal handshaking" oc-

curred after Lichtenberg closed the meeting with prayer.

The meeting's decision, however, did not engender universal brotherhood within Utica's Lutheran community. A score of dissatis-

fied members withdrew from our church after the Poughkeepsie hearing, joining those who resigned in March. While some of

these men and their families united with Redeemer Church, the majority helped start Trinity Lutheran. They held their first ser-

vice in a home on September 4, 1881 and called a minister in November. Trinity's sanctuary, on Hamilton Street, was dedicated in

June 1882. The congregation did not join the Missouri Synod until 1883.

Zion’s News & Notes

Page 4

Vignettes From Zion's History - Continued

The Utica Morning Herald's coverage of Trinity's dedication offered a window into the intense feelings that surrounded the

Lichtenberg controversies. The Rev. Johann Heinrich Sieker, pastor of St. Matthew's Church in New York City and a co-founder

of Concordia College, preached at the event and referred to Zion in extremely negative terms. In a similar vein, Zion's Council's

officers labeled Trinity's founders "malcontents." This was a very tumultuous time in Utica's Lutheran history, an era when bitter-

ness often overruled Christian principles.

In an attempt to clear his name, Lichtenberg appealed his suspension to the Ministerium in Rochester in June 1882. Utica's

Deutsch Zeitung (German Press) sent a correspondent to the proceedings and published this summary: "On the advice of a number

of pastors and the representatives of Zion's church, Pastor Lichtenberg acknowledged himself partially guilty of some of the charg-

es against him. He was assured that, after such confession, he would be forgiven and the affair would be ended. But this hope was

put to naught by one of his sworn opponents, and the synod resolved to exclude him and to require Zion's to depose him from

office. It is very doubtful that the congregation will comply." The Zeitung accurately predicted our church's action. A heavily at-

tended meeting on July 3 witnessed a unanimous vote to sever Zion's synod ties and retain John Philip Lichtenberg.

Utica's papers retried the case in their columns during the next two weeks. On July 9, the Utica Sunday Tribune published a letter

written by "A. Delegate," assumedly to the Rochester hearing. Under the title "The Other Side of It" the author stated that

Lichtenberg confessed to "habitual lying and drunkenness" and that the synod unanimously expelled him from the ministry. The

letter disputed the pastor's claim that a pardon would accompany confession. Zion's Council responded a week later and labeled

the Delegate's words "lies and scandalous writing that comes from a source which may be called malice, envy, rage, and disap-

pointment." The Council letter, signed "A Friend of the Truth," went on to say that Lichtenberg "has lived with us nearly four

years and is known inside and outside the church as a Christian and good citizen." Another letter, written by "Exact Justice" and

published on July 26 in the Utica Daily Press, took issue with the Friend's statements. Citing examples from the Demokratische

Waechter (Democratic Watcher), a German paper in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (where Lichtenberg served in the 1870s), Justice

provided details that, he said, proved the minister "unfit." In conclusion, the writer advised Zion "to disinfect, deodorize, and fu-

migate" by firing the controversial cleric.

A natural question arises - was John Philip Lichtenberg guilty of the charges? Let's examine the facts. Nolte's statement about

"excessive drinking" originated with primary sources and can be trusted. In the 1870s, the Wilkes-Barre German paper published

articles that cited the pastor's vice. Red flags arose when I read a news account of how Lichtenberg told the Rochester conference

that he never entered a tavern by the front door because "he knew where the back doors were located." The "demoralization"

charge can be supported by the pastor's alienation of Trinity Lutheran's founding families. The "habitual lying" accusation, based

on the pastor's alleged falsification of attendance records, is difficult to verify because no direct evidence exists. Pastor Lichten-

berg, however, appears to have had trouble with numbers. In his farewell sermon in 1889, the minister summarized his Zion ten-

ure by stating that he baptized 1,680, officiated at 512 marriages and 584 funerals, and confirmed 750. Pastor Nolte's 1922 histo-

ry gave Lichtenberg credit for 772 baptisms, 194 weddings, 289 funerals, and 382 confirmations. I checked Nolte's statistics with

our archives and vouch for his accuracy.

Sadly, public controversies involving John Philip Lichtenberg did not end in July 1882. He was arrested in June 1883 and charged

with sending inappropriate material through the mail, a federal offense. A United States commissioner in Utica heard the case to

determine if enough evidence existed to warrant a trial. Lichtenberg was accused of sending a rude postcard to the German Lu-

theran Church in Norwich, Connecticut, and an insulting letter to a West Utica resident. The pastor's temper got the best of him

on occasion and he admitted to mailing the missives. The commissioner discarded these charges, however, because the writings,

although mean spirited, were not inappropriate.

The crux of the case against Zion's pastor centered on an accusation that he mailed an inappropriate drawing, accompanied with

equally improper wording, to a member of Redeemer Church's Council. In court, a handwriting "expert" testified that the writing

was Lichtenberg's. Other witnesses backed this point. I used quotation marks because New York did not allow handwriting to be

used as evidence until 1880; this forensic science was relatively new. In sworn testimony, Lichtenberg denied having sent the ob-

jectionable material. Edward D. Mathews, the pastor's attorney (and developer of Mathews Avenue in Utica's Highlands), at-

tacked the prosecution's case based on interpretation of the law. The drawing was mailed in a sealed envelope and, Mathews con-

tended, this made it a private communication, not covered by the law. The prosecution countered with legal precedents that

showed otherwise. On July 12, 1883, the commissioner accepted the prosecution's arguments and ordered Lichtenberg jailed

(Council mainstays Jacob Agne and Carl Herrer paid $500 to bail out their pastor). The case was sent to the United States Feder-

al Court in Buffalo.

Zion’s News & Notes

Vignettes From Zion's History - Continued Pastor Lichtenberg denied the charges in an emotional sermon on August 15. Newspapers wrote that Zion's members believed

him. Considering our congregation's reaction to the pastor's suspension/expulsion from the synod, this was not surprising.

Two years ago, law librarians at the Federal Law Library, Western District of New York looked for the transcript of John P. Lichten-

berg v. United States, as this case would have been labeled. Their exhaustive searches yielded nothing. They concluded that the case

never went to trial at a level beyond the federal commissioner's hearing in Utica. Additional evidence supports this conclusion.

After August 15, the case disappeared from local papers. Council minutes contain no references to it. News accounts and Coun-

cil minutes placed Lichtenberg in Zion's pulpit from July 1883 until the end of his pastorate in 1889.

Why might the case have collapsed? Several points should be considered. One of the witnesses against the pastor was arrested for

mail fraud in Philadelphia in August 1883. This must have damaged the prosecution. The novelty of using handwriting as evi-

dence, indeed the primary evidence against Lichtenberg, subjected any argument based on that point to intense scrutiny. Higher

courts might easily nullify this evidence. Even though the federal commissioner accepted the sealed envelope argument, prece-

dents existed where these envelopes were rejected. A higher court might place greater weight on these decisions, thus weakening

the prosecution's hopes for conviction. Also, the aggrieved member of Redeemer's Council may have withdrawn the charges,

though no record of this has surfaced.

Earlier in this article, I wrote about the problems between Pastor Lichtenberg and several of Trinity Lutheran's fathers. Redeem-

er's and Zion's congregations also clashed after the former church was founded. Lichtenberg's pastorate began when the "English

movement" was gaining momentum in 1878. John Philip and a large majority of Zion's congregation firmly believed in German

worship. Sharp words were exchanged between the parties and bad feelings arose. The language issue festered in Utica's Lutheran

community, fueled in part by Deutsch Zeitung editorials that condemned English services.

One newspaper reported that the Lichtenberg mail case "grew out of church troubles." This statement needs to be considered.

Events that occurred after the case documented those troubles. For example, Utica's Lutherans celebrated the 400th anniversary

of Martin Luther's birthday in November 1883. In view of the importance of the occasion, one would assume that a unity celebra-

tion commemorated this festive event. Far from it. Redeemer and Trinity held a joint service at First Presbyterian Church. Zion

and St. Paul's rented the Utica Opera House for their rite. Congregational hostilities can produce bitter feelings. Did the charges

against Lichtenberg emanate from these sentiments? Did his temper precipitate events? We will probably never know the answer.

Upheavals marred the early years of John Philip Lichtenberg's pastorate. Why, then, did Zion's Council retain him? The histori-

cal record provides several possible answers. Despite secessions, Zion grew and prospered under his leadership. Church societies

flourished. The sanctuary received a needed facelift, the School Hall was built, and projects' debts were paid. Lichtenberg was an

outgoing, friendly pastor, an excellent preacher who loved his flock and conscientiously ministered to their needs. His social hab-

its certainly endeared him to the Young Men's Society, who used their rooms in the School Hall for celebratory occasions. Anna

Lichtenberg was popular among Zion's ladies because she immersed herself in their societies' activities. The Lichtenbergs' four

children grew up in Zion and enjoyed many friends. This was a family deeply woven into the fabric of congregational life. Any

separation would be painful, perhaps more so than the agonies brought on by negative publicity.

One final thought merits consideration. A very Christian reason existed for retaining Pastor Lichtenberg. Zion's congregation

certainly knew the hymn, "Jesus Calls Us, O'er the Tumult." The first verse of this familiar tune reads:

Jesus calls us, o'er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea,

Day by day his clear voice sounding, saying "Christian, follow me."

And Jesus' followers believe in forgiveness.

The Vignettes articles and researched and written by Jack Henke.

Next month: Pastor John Philip Lichtenberg, Part Three: Tragedy

Additional Notes: Katherine Muto, Local History Librarian, Osterhout Library, Wilkes-Barre and the reference librarians at the

Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, facilitated my research. The staff of the Federal Law Library, Western District of New York,

was extremely patient and helpful. Paul and Peggy Joslyn, and former Zion member John Heitz, of Troy, read my initial draft and

offered valuable suggestions. Gerda Beckerman translated difficult passages from our German archives. My sincerest thanks go to

all.

Zion’s News & Notes Page 5

Page 6 MARCH 2017

From the Pen of Mae Parker

Thank you’s

Dear Friends at Zion Lutheran Church: As a new year begins, we want to thank you for the many ways that you have supported us this past year. Your cooking groups have provided 114 meals and 63 soups in addition to the 103 meals created jointly with Our Saviour on “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday. Individuals in your congregation have contributed another 107 meals and 10 soups. It is generous of you to continue to serve as a storage location for the Your Neighbors meals and to allow us to use the barbecue pit for our summer fundraiser. This generosity extends to financial support that you give us each year through the Endowment Fund. It’s hard to express our appreciation for all that you have done to help us “love our neighbors as ourselves” in the Greater Utica area. On behalf of the Board and everyone at Your Neighbors, thank you! Carole Grove Food Program Coordinator

Dear Zion Family, Thank you so much for your prayers, cards and concerns on my recent surgeries. Thanks also to Pastor David for his visits. It is truly a blessing to be part of the Zion Family. May God bless all of you and thank you again. Carl Schmitt

I took my eyes off Jesus Just for a moment of time

But in that moment came the darkness That unbelievers often find

It was so lonely in the darkness No light shone upon my soul

For I had not remembered That Jesus, only Jesus made me whole

I put my eyes upon my Jesus Remembering where they had been

I pray that I will never Lose sight of him again Thank you all for the cards, prayers and well

wishes during my surgery and my recupera-tion. It was greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Shirley Carlson, without whom I couldn’t have managed.

Love, Mae Parker

To Zion Lutheran Church: We thank you for your contribution of healthy animals and training in their care to help struggling families over-come a life of hunger and poverty. Heifer International

To My Zion Family, Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of those for their hospital visits, numerous cards, notes, gifts, flowers, phone calls & prayers. I would also like to thank Jim and Kim Marscher for serving me communion in the hospital and to Pastor David for his hospital and home visits, prayers and phone calls. The outpouring of God’s love which shone through all of you brought me strength, comfort and healing. Lastly, my deepest gratitude to Pastor David and Carol Blackburn who heard my call for help. God bless you all, Gloria Cifonelli

Zion’s News & Notes

Page 7

At Right: Caryn Carlson presents a hand-crafted gift to Pr. David that she made for him.

Photos of Zion

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK!

The Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Coffee Project ministry at Zion has a new home. In the Fireside Room, you will find a new Baker’s Rack (see above, left) with shelves for displaying fair trade coffee, tea, choc-olate and fair foods (almonds, cashews, olive oil and fruit & nut bars) and drawers to store extra inventory. For your shopping convenience, each item is marked with its price and bags are stored in the top left drawer. We accept both cash and checks (made out to Zion Lutheran Church with “Fair Trade” on the memo line) that should be placed in the cashbox on the smaller desk in the office. Please stop, take a look at what is available and try something new. Lutheran World Relief’s VISION is: Empowered by God’s unconditional love in Jesus Christ, we envi-sion a world in which each person, every community, and all generations live in justice, dignity and peace. Every Fair Trade item purchased supports an alternative trade system that empowers farmers, strengthens com-munities and benefits the environment. Together, our small actions can make a big difference!

Below: This handsome baker’s hutch was given as a gift to Zion from Laurel McCurdy, a member of Zion's social ministry commit-tee. Many thanks to Laurel and to Michael Stevens, Jr. for put-ting it together. Please see article below ...

Above: Souper Bowl of Caring 2017. Thank you to all who generous-ly donated toward this annual canned-soup drive. John Blackburn and Matt Aceto enjoy watching Super Bowl LI in our new lounge chairs, and the Bonvicino family enjoys the fellow-ship and fun of Zion’s Youth Group Super Bowl party. The big-screen TV was a huge hit!

Zion’s News & Notes Page 8

Treasurer’s Report

Zion’s Choir Schedule

March 5 - the choir meeting planned for 9 AM will be postponed until later this month, since the Men's Quartet will sing for worship this day. March 12 - choir will rehearse at 9 AM to sing for the 10 AM service. The Brass Quartet will rehearse after worship in the sanctuary. March 19 - the choir will rehearse at 9 AM to sing for the 10 AM service. Possible meeting after worship in the choir room after worship. March 26 - the Brass Quartet will play for the anthem at the 10 AM service.

Please come and help the choir worship and praise our God!

NCAA FINAL FOUR on April 1st: We are planning to have a NCAA Final Four watching party here at Zion on Saturday, April 1st. Stay tuned for more details ...

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A NEW MEMBER OF ZION, please contact Pr. David at 315-732-4110, or pastor@zionluth.com. We would like to have a “New Member” Sun-day on Easter Sunday.

Announcements - Continued

SAVE THE DATE: March 31 - April 1. Ladies’ Conference at Poland Baptist Church with author and speaker Susan Heck at 7 PM Friday night - Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The cost is $25.00. A lovely lunch is included. polandchurchconference@gmail.com for reservations. Susan speaks around the world and has written several Bible studies. In fact, our group at church is currently doing her Bible study "In Fullness of Joy". She is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and has been involved in women ministries for 27 years. Come, bring your daughters, friends and brighten up your winter with an enlightening weekend!

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

ZION IS HAVING AN ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE on Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 PM.

Zion’s News & Notes Page 9

SAVE the DATE: Sunday, April 30, 2017

LCM/STEP Center Spring Festival: Support your vital mission outreach on campus at Syracuse U and SUNY- ESF. Call for Themed Baskets, Collectibles, and Skills to Share

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

2017 YOUR NEIGHBORS ANNUAL GARAGE SALE: YOUR NEIGHBORS ANNUAL GARAGE SALE on May 5th & 6th at Our Saviour Lutheran Church. You may begin dropping off items on May 1st. As you sort through your items and clean house, think of Your Neighbors and set aside anything that would be beneficial to the sale. Also keep in mind that when the time comes up, Your Neighbors will pick up your items if they are too large for you to transport or if you are unable to deliver them yourself. Some of the items they are looking for are furniture, small household appliances in working order, jewelry, knickknacks, etc. As always, they do not accept clothing, sporting goods, books, or luggage. Any questions, please contact Cindy Shepherd at 315-235-7149. Thanks for your support!

Announcements - Continued

MARCH 2017 Page 10

Lenten Programs at Zion

MARK YOUR CALENDARS … On Wednesday, March 22, please gather at Zion at 6:30 PM.

We will watch a DVD on Luther and the Reformation at 7:00 PM in the Fireside Room. ALSO: On

Wednesday, April 5, we will have another program featuring Luther and the Reformation. Again, we will gather at 6:30 PM and watch the DVD at 7:00 PM. Refreshments will be provided.

Contemplative/Meditative Prayer If anyone is interested in doing Contemplative/Meditative prayer during Lent and perhaps beyond, please contact Pastor David. He’d be delighted to have others to do this with, but doesn’t know if there is any interest and what days and times would work for people. Thank you!

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX: Please help yourself to our wonderful Lenten

devotionals in the Narthex, on the small table, closest to the Fireside Room. May they enrich your Lenten journey.

ZION IS HOSTING A “CARD PLAYING AFTERNOON”: Zion is hosting a "card playing afternoon"

for people age 12 and up on Saturday, March 25th, from 1 - 4 pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Come

and enjoy playing (and learning, if you are a novice) games such as hearts and pitch. Plus, Jed Jecen, our

host, will provide instruction on the game of bridge. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

Bible Study on the Book of Ruth

On Wednesday, March 15th from 9:30 - 11:00 AM, all are invited to attend a new Bible study on the Book of Ruth. Pastor David will lead us when he is available. Men, women and guests of Zion are encouraged to attend. Please call Zion’s office if you are planning to attend @ 315

-732-4110. Books are $6.00 each. Join us as part of your Lenten journey.

Page 11 Zion’s News & Notes

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“RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED”

Phone: 315-732-4110 Fax: 315-732-0067

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The mission of Zion Lutheran Church is to prayerfully

discern God’s call to help people to become

more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Bible Study on the Book of Ruth

On Wednesday, March 15th from 9:30 - 11:00 AM, all are invited to attend a new Bible study on the Book of Ruth. Pastor David will lead us when he is available. Men, women and guests of Zion are encouraged to attend. Please call Zion’s office if you are planning to attend @ 315-732-4110. Books are

$6.00 each. Join us as part of your Lenten journey.