ZIONEWS SEPTEMBER, 2009

In this issue:

1. Table of Contents - E.votions

2. Knowledge and Wisdom

Congratulations

3. What should we expect when we

read the bible?

Across the Pastor’s Desk

4. Memorials / The Nurses’ Nook

5. Zion Lutheran Church Women

Food Bank / Change 4 Hunger

6. Cherish Our Children

Adult Sunday Class

7. Thank you

Zion’s Fair Booth

8. Lefse Speaks

Sunday School Matters

ZIONEWSis published monthly by Zion Lutheran Church401 Riverview Avenue, Glendive, Montana 59330

Maggie Thompson, Editorsubmit your news to kmtbzmt@midrivers.com

phone: 406-377-3369fax: 406-377-3360e-mail: zion@midrivers.comweb site: www.zionglendive.com

Avis Anderson, Pastor377-2617 aabgsky@midrivers.com

Worshiping in Makoshika

E.votions

Getting a devotional thought on your e.mail? That’s an interesting thought. How aboutjoining the over 30 people who receivedevotions on their e.mail throughout the week? It’s short, thought-provoking and gives us“bread for the journey” of the day. Send youre.mail address to zion@midrivers.com and wewill put you on our list. This format has alsobecome a good way to update you on peoplewho are ill within the congregation so prayerscan be said on their behalf much more quickly. Join us! Page 1

KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good

understanding. His praise endures forever. Psalm 111.10:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9.10:

If you could choose, would you rather be full of knowledge or wisdom? As we move intothe beginning of another school year, thoughts turn to books and study and all the knowledgethere is to cram into our heads in a lifetime. Each time I returned to school, I felt I came out withless than what I entered, because I learned how much more there was to know and I could neverhope to absorb it all. Scholars tell us there was a time when one person could know all theknowledge there was in the world, but that was centuries ago. Today we can only know a littleabout one thing.

That is when “wisdom” becomes important. Wisdom does not wear a cap and gown norhave a diploma framed on the wall. Wisdom comes from living, observing, being a part of God’screation. In ancient writings, Wisdom is always portrayed as a woman. The name “Sophia”means wisdom. Many cultures have recognized the importance of “wise men and women” intheir society, one who sees beyond the everyday, who provides a sense of the future and how toget there. Often these people are the elders in a culture.

Psalms and Proverbs teach us about “true wisdom”. All the world’s knowledge wouldnot fill a teaspoon when compared to faith in the Creator. In the Book of Job, God lays out hiswisdom and power to a cowering Job and Job is wise enough to say, “I didn’t know what I wastalking about when I thought I could explain God’s plan.” That is the true beginning of wisdom.As we start school, college, Sunday School, Bible Studies, confirmation, fall worship schedules,may we recognize our need for the wisdom of God in all we do and say.

Congratulations:The Big Sky State Games were held in Billings in July. Winning awards were: Aspen Gibbs, Air Rifle, 3position- Gold, Air Rifle (team)-Silver, BB Gun 13 yr old girls- Gold; Samantha Hubbard, BB Gun 12 yrold girls- Gold;

Tai Hubbard, BB Gun 9 yr old girls-Gold; Alexa Hubbard, BB Gun Match Winner- Gold;

Dale & Sheryl Stansbury at the birth of their grandson, Isaac Dale Stansbury. Parent are Mark &April. They live in Pendleton, Oregon.

Stephanie Ohs, who received the August & Mary Sobotka Scholarship. Stephanie will begin her 3 yearrd

of pharmacy school at the University of Montana in Missoula this fall.

Ashlea Duke, for being chosen to join 150 high school students around the country to attend“Adventures of the Mind”, a 4 day mentoring summit at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton,New Jersey.

Hazel & Harvey Rogers, who recently celebrated their 70 wedding anniversary.th

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~ Across the

Pastor’s desk ~

“What should we expect when we read the Bible?”

I hope those of you who have purchased copies ofthe LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE have had time tolook through the Bible and note some of its specialfeatures. One I recently found and thought worthpassing on is entitled, “What should weexpect whenwe read the Bible?” The Lutheran understanding ofScripture is that we need to find ways for Scriptureto break through our expectations and to challengeus.

1. We should expect to encounter God. The Bible islike a window.

2. We should expect to discover what can be called“the first language of faith.” The Bible supplies uswith a vocabulary to talk about God.

3. We should expect a language rich in metaphor.

4. We should expect to be challenged.

5. We should expect to find meaningful answers forlife, but we should not expect find in the Bible ananswer for every ethical decision we face.

6. We should also not expect to have every questionabout God answered. For Luther, God remains hiddeneven as God’s will for us is revealed.

7. We should expect fo find out about God’s here andnow relationships with us.

8. We should expect to be left with tensions. TheBible reveals life’s beauty and life’s messiness. Thepurpose of the Bible is to invite us into a livingrelationship that is more than can be captured in asingle proposition.

9. We should expect that each book of the Bible waswritten for a particular purpose and has a particularmessage.

10. We should expect the Bible to say something to usnow.

“These are written so that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and thatthrough believing you may have life in his name.”John 20.31[pp. 1544-1546 / Lutheran Study Bible]

Remember Bugs Bunny chompin’ on his carrot andsaying, “Ah-h-h! What’s up doc?” Right about nowI’m sure those of you with children are thinkingschool supplies, blue jeans for the kids who grownseveral inches over the summer; sports physicals;those with seniors are already looking ahead topictures, announcements, caps and gowns and thenwhat. Some of you have toddlers heading for schoolfor the first time. For many of you it isgrandchildren and even great-children who passingthrough these portals of challenge and growth.

We do the same for our faith life which is notseparate from who we are in the world in which welive. Education committee members have beenchecking in new Sunday School material, signing upteachers, re-checking schedules. I am getting theconfirmation program lined up in my mind.

We shift gears and begin choir and welcome backour Makoshika Park worshipers. More than likelythere may be some new faces if people have movedto town and are trying to get acquainted. We need toremind ourselves to be welcoming, help out peoplewith directions to the rest rooms, the coffee pot andthe sanctuary or Sunday School office.

Deacons, acolytes and I will don our robes onceagain as we move into the last half of the Sundaysafter Pentecost. Unfortunately Pastor John Allenwill not be able to be here on the 20 , but we willth

have a welcome back potluck anyway and hope youall can come. Reformation Sunday we will welcomeanyone who would like to join the church. InNovember we have All Saints, Mission Sunday,Thanksgiving worship and the First Sunday inAdvent and the beginning of a new church year.And in between there is lots more.

As we cover the flowers, rake the leaves, get readyfor hunting season and football and whatever elsefall means to you, remember, the Lord of theHarvest is always near –– loving, blessing andgiving hope and encouragement to God’s people.

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Memorials

In Memory of George Laughlin for SanctuaryWindows from Georgia Norderud

In Memory of George Laughlin for OrganSpeaker Covers from Freda Haidle

In Memory of George Laughlin for Sanctuary Windows from Charles & Helen Mason

In Memory of Bill Hansen for Organ SpeakerCovers from Freda Haidle

In Memory of George Laughlin for DiningRoom Decoration From Alida Ames

In Memory of Bob Larsen for Dining RoomDecoration from Alida Ames

In Memory of George Laughlin for Loaves andFishes from Dorothy Paulson

In Memory of George Laughlin for Loaves andFishes from Anonymous

In Memory of Bob Larsen for Loaves & Fishesfrom Blaine & Joanne Burlison

In Memory of Bob Larsen for Loaves & Fishesfrom Don & Joyce Anderson

In Memory of Bob Larsen for Loaves & Fishesfrom Steve & Sylvia Hammer

In Memory of Bob Larsen for Loaves & Fishesfrom Dorothy Mathison

In Memory of George Laughlin for LutheranWorld Relief from Thelma Berntson

In Memory of George Laughlin for Loaves &Fishes from Anonymous

For the August 16 Radio Broadcast in Memoryth

of Le Roy Ames from Alida Ames & Family

In Memory of George Laughlin for WorldMissions from Martha Hilger

For Outside New Church Cross in Memory ofHomer Pulse, Donna Nesset, Bob Larsen,John Clapp, Bill Hansen, George Laughlin,Norman Lunde, Jim Leaf from Cammy SueOakland

In Memory of Jake Steiner for Dining RoomRe-decoration Fund from Karl & MadelineOverlie

In Memory of Rev Burnis Rogness for theAugust 23 Radio Broadcast from Ken &rd

Maggie Thompson

THE NURSES' NOOK

The weather will be cooler in September & peoplewill feel more like exercising if you aren't already. TheAmerican Heart Assoc recommends at least 30minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 daysa week or at least 20 min of vigorous-intensityaerobic activity 3 days per week. Strength-trainingexercise completed twice a week. Any physicalactivity would be done for 10 min or more at a time.Low-level daily activities, such as taking out the trashdoesn't count.

Moderate Physical Activity: Basketball, Dancing,

Golf, Stationary bicycling, tennis (doubles), walking

briskly, water aerobics, yoga

Vigorous Physical Activity: Aerobic dance, basketball

(game), bicycling (10 min or more), in-line skating,

jogging, running, jumping rope, swimming laps,

tennis (singles). Page 4

ZLCW Business MeetingMonday, Sept 14 @ 7:00pmth

Chancel GuildWednesday, Sept 16 @ 2:00pmth

Don’t forget the Women’s Circle Bible Studygroups will be starting in September. If youhaven’t attended one before we invite you to finda time that works for you and go. Besides studythere is good fellowship in a small group setting.Circles meet in the homes or at the church,whichever is most convenient. There are twodaytime circles and two evening circles. Iencourage you to find one that works for you andmake it a monthly practice. Call the church forinformation.

If you missed the August introduction to the

LUTHERAN WOMAN TODAY Bible Study on

Romans, I would be glad to e.mail the information

to you or leave it in your loyalty box if you just let

me know. I have the sheets and maps I handed

out to those who were able to attend. The study

of Romans will be a challenging one, but worth

the time you spend on it. I encourage you all to

“jump in with both feet” and make this year one of

good discussion and growth in faith. Anything I

can do to help along the way, just let me know.

Bible Study Circles:Deborah: Monday, Sept 21st @ 7:00 pm

Hostess: Arlene Wanner, 513 Hemlock, FP

Dorcas: Thursday, Sept 17 @ 1:30 pmth

Hostess: Maggie Thompson @ ZionHannah: Tuesday, Sept 8 @ 1:30 pmth

Hostess: Susan Nelson @ ZionSarah: Thursday, Sept 17 @ 7:00 pmth

Hostess: Verna Carpenter, 301 Lyndale

Zion Lutheran

Church Women Book Study

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

We’ll do a discussion group on Tuesday,October 6 from 6:30 –– 8:30 p.m.th

Pastoral Acts Private Communions in August: 24

Wedding: 8/8/09 Alan James Merrill & Kaydie Elizabeth Muscha

8/15/09 Joshua Ryan & Hannah Nielson

What difference

does my

CHANGE make?

1 quarter = ½ lb of seed to grow food4 quarters = chick to help families start an eggbusiness8 quarters = water jug to help carry clean water40 quarters = week of meals for a child orphaned byAIDS100 quarters = materials or fees for a child to go toschool600 quarters = hand water pump1,000 quarters = community fish farm stocked withfish2,000 quarters = loan to help a woman start abusiness

FOOD BANK NEEDS FOR SEPTEMBER

Food Bank Sunday is the second Sunday of

each month. Staples are always needed.

CHANGE FOR HUNGER

The August Change For Hunger, $42.95 was

sent to World Hunger.

In September, Change 4 Hunger will go

toward Zion’s Missionary Covenant Fund.

Page 5

Meet Kailee Ann Trangmoe

Kailee was in this

year’s First

Communion Class and

will be an accolyte at

the 8:30 service in

September. She is the

daughter of Blake &

Tamra Trangmoe. She

likes to play

basketball, play

outside & hang out

with friends. Her

favorite subject in school is reading. What

she likes best about church is that she gets

to learn about God.

Meet Samantha Marie Hubbard

Samatha was in this

year’s First Communion

Class and will be an

accolyte during the

8:30 service in

September. She is the

daughter of Sam &

Kristeen Hubbard.

She has 3 sisters,

Kendra, Alexa & Tai.

She has dogs named

Bear, Boomer & Koda and likes play

basketball, shoot BB guns & hang out with

friends. Her favorite subject is Math. What

she likes best about church is that she gets

to learn about God.

CHERISH OUR CHILDREN Adult Sunday SchoolJesus in the Gospels

In The Outline of History (vol. 1, pp. 425, 426),H. G. Wells summarizes the life of Jesus as hesaw it depicted in the Gospels:

Jesus was too great for His disciples. And in viewof what he said, is it any wonder that all who wererich and prosperous felt a horror of strangethings, a swimming of their world at Histeaching? Perhaps the priests and rulers and richmen understood Him better than His followers.He was dragging out all the little privatereservations they had made from social serviceinto the light of a universal religious life. He waslike a terrible moral huntsman, digging mankindout of the snug burrows in which they had livedhitherto. In the white blaze of his kingdom therewas to be no property, no privilege, no pride, andno precedence, no motive and reward but love. Isit any wonder that men were dazzled and blinded,and cried out against Him? Even His disciplescried out when He would not spare them thatlight. Is it any wonder that the priests realizedthat between this Man and themselves there wasno choice but that He or their priestcraft shouldperish? Is it any wonder that the Roman soldiers,confronted and amazed by something soaring overtheir comprehension and threatening all theirdisciplines, should take refuge in wild laughter,and crown Him with thorns, and robe Him inpurple, and make a mock Caesar of Him? For totake Him seriously was to enter into a strange andalarming life, to abandon habits, to controlinstincts and impulses, to essay an incrediblehappiness. . .Is it any wonder that to this day thisGalilean is too much for our small hearts?

Wells’ statement describes vividly the challengethat Jesus poses still today for those who claimallegiance to Him.

The above is taken from the students’manual The Parables of Jesus by HarryWendt. The adult Sunday School classwill use this study beginning Sunday,September 13 , 2009, at 9:45 a.m. Ifth

you have not already signed up for thecourse, please let Pastor Avis knowASAP so we can have enough material.

The cost is $8.00. Page 6

A number of ladies have brought inknitted and crocheted prayer shawls.Thank you! If you know of someone towhom you would like to give a shawl ––someone ill, in the hospital, orstruggling with a problem, please stopby the pastor’s office and pick one up.If you are making prayer shawls,remember to include your prayers forwhomever receives the shawl, so theshawl is not just a gift, but a blessing.

The Boys & Girls Club would like to extendour sincere thanks & gratitude to you for theopportunity you provided to use your faithbooth! We hope you will consider us nextyear & our youth have benefitted in so manyways thanks to you!

I would like to thank my Zionfamily for all the prayers andsupport I received this summer asI underwent surgery for thyroidcancer. The surgery was verysuccessful. They removed twonodes, only one turned out to becancerous. I will be goingthrough RAI treatment to ensurethat there is nothing remaining.It is a six week process and moreof a precaution than anything andI am confident that everythingwill be clear. I am always amazedand blessed by the generosity andcaring of our congregation. Whenthere is so much going on ineveryone’s personal lives, it’shumbling to know that in times ofneed, you step up time after timeand are there. Thank you so much.

God’s Peace - MaryAnn Vester

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Fair Booth meeting called in Augustnetted a group of four people. After yearsof discussion, the Fair Booth seems tohave died a natural death. There will beno booth this year and we will have todiscuss selling it or (?) at the annualmeeting in January. In my mind the Boothserved three distinct purposes –– First, itwas our contribution to the community inwhich we live –– it was well attended andpeople appreciated our service; Second,it provided a added source of income forthe congregation for special projects. Nowthose projects will not be done or we willhave to have special offerings; Third, theFair Booth provided a place for people towork together on a common project, visit,laugh and enjoy. It was an opportunity forme, as your pastor, to see people I didn’thave the opportunity to visit with in churchand to see all of you in a relaxed,unhurried setting.

I know there are a zillion people who needto be thanked. It is hard to let things go,but on the other hand there is a time andseason for everything. God is constantlycalling us to new ventures. This doesn’tmean we have one less thing to do; it justmeans we are changing direction.

Thank you for serving as chair people, forfrying hamburgers, for making bar-b-quesand potato salad, for washing tables anddishes, for baking pies, for serving pies,for running the till, for pouring cokes andcoffee and lemonade; for boiling corn andmaking “lude-boats” and roast beef andbaked beans and for serving it all withgracious words and a smile.

It was a good run –– God bless you all

–– Pastor Avis

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LEFSE SPEAKSSummer is almost over and fall is upon us. Where

did it go? Seems like just yesterday that the kids got out ofschool and vacations started. Vacations are over, the fair isover and the kids are back in school.

Now it is time to start thinking of other importantthings. Olga Lefse says, “It is time to start to think about LEFSEand to remind you that Lefse making is just around the corner inNovember”.

Too soon! “Oh, No, No, says Olga Lefse. Now is just the right time for you to mark yourcalendars for the Lefse baking, before your calendars are too full and you have no room left for us”.

Sunday, November 1 thru Wednesday, November 3 are the dates set for making Lefse. st rd

We must get it made and frozen before the annual Lutefisk / Meatball Dinner on December 1 andst

2 .nd

If you are new in the church, or haven’t participated in the past, and would like to learnhow or help in some other way now is the time to start thinking about it.

Watch for the October Newsletter. The schedules for November will be in it. We wouldespecially like to see some of the younger members, single or married, to think about learning thesecret of making lefse in order to carry this on in the future.

Men, retired or otherwise, if able, we aren’t leaving you out. We need your help too. Youcan also learn.

If you have any questions now, call Dorothy Mathison at 365-3528. She will be chairingthe Lefse making again this year and can give you the answers. If not home leave a message on heranswering machine.

“LOVE THAT LEFSE”Olga Lefse

Sunday School Makes a Difference

Sunday School is coming very quickly! It is just around the corner. Rally Day isSeptember 13 . We will have an Open House format, again, this year. All studentsth

and parents are invited to join our Music Leaders, Debbi Kaul and Cindy Gabbert inthe basement Dining Hall at 9:45 am for a Welcome and Music!

You will be able to pick up a copy of our Sunday School Pamphlet which includes the Sunday School Calendar,a list of our staff, and the upcoming units of study for the year. We will focus on Old Testament Heroes duringthe First Semester and the New Testament Heroes during the Second Semester.

After our Welcome and Music, parents and students are invited to tour the Sunday School classrooms. You willnotice some things have changed in our classrooms and some things have stayed the same! You are also invitedto visit with our staff and enjoy some refreshments. If your child has never attended Sunday School at Zion, youwill also be able to register them on Rally Day. Please make plans to join us on September 13 .th

Nancy Gerike, Superintendent

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