June 2011 Newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN JUNE 2011

O f f i c e@ Zi on Bu f f a l o . o r g ( 7 63 ) 6 82 - 12 45 w ww. Z i on Bu f f a l o . o r g

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary with nursery available 9:45 am Family Express in Trinity Hall 10:30 am Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School

Available for children ages 3 to grade 6 at 8:30 and 10:30 during the school year.

Wednesday Nights

Programs for elementary students, choirs, handbells, confirmation and supper during the school year.

Contact Us

Email [email protected] Online www.ZionBuffalo.org Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (noon summer Fridays) Church Office 763.682.1245 Fax 763.684.1967 Street Address 1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across from 13th St S.) Mailing Address PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

Prayer Requests

Call the church office at 763.682.1245 or visit Zion online at ZionBuffalo.org with your prayer requests. If you want a pastoral visit or would like to be included in pastoral prayers during worship, please use a yellow pew card or call the church office.

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

Zion maintains a database of all members. If you have had any changes to your address, phone number, marital status, etc. please contact Angela with your name, phone number and the changes that need to be made.

If You Are Ill

Hospitals no longer notify churches when their members are admitted for care. Call 763.682.1245 and let us know so we can support you with prayer and with presence.

Weekly Bulletin Insert

The weekly bulletin announcement insert is also available to download as a PDF at ZionBuffalo.org/Weekly. Contact Diane Montplaisir with submissions as early in the week as possible, but no later than Thursdays at Noon.

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

June 13 at 8am for July Issue

July 18 at 8am for August Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Kathy Martinson and Gail Nielsen working on

pillowcase dresses that will be sent to Jamaica

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life


Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director


Roxie Otten: Co-Director of Christian Education


Holly Husom: Co-Director of Christian Education


Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Diane Montplaisir: Administrative Secretary


Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Louis Nagel: Part Time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Stephanie McClanahan:

Nursery Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Congregational Council

Kevin Bergquist

Roger Brenny

Bill Deneen

Mike Davis

Tracy Gurneau

Kelly Hanson

Devonne Kent

Beverly Koopman

Sue Lyrek

Colleen Manninen

Scott Morin

Steve Peterson

Wanda Weber

Zion seeks to share Christ’s word, strengthen faith and serve those in need. 2

Information

Try It, You’ll Like It!

I was making dinner the other night and had some great battered halibut in the oven for the family. I was excited because I love fish and was just finishing up my secret recipe tartar sauce (a dash of horseradish, if you must know). Dinner ready, we put the food out on the table, said prayers, and dug in. At least most of us dug in. Kate (age 4) didn‘t seem too interested in her fish. I tried coaxing her a little bit. It went like this – Me: Kate, try your fish, you‘ll like it! Kate: I don‘t like it. Me: Have you ever tasted it? Kate: No.

This is a classic scenario in so many ways, it seems as though we have these conversations all the time. Try this food, read this book, take this route home, listen to this campaign speech. All sorts of things we know we just don‘t like or don‘t want to do even though we may never have tried them. Maybe we avoid the new things out of fear, fear our dislike may be confirmed, fear that we may like the new thing better, fear that we might have to admit we were wrong. But what if we try it and find out it is good for us? What if it suits us, improves us, makes us more of who we are intended to be? Maybe we should be open to new things?

I have a great opportunity for you to try something new this summer. The Summer Step Up is our chance as a church community to take a step in faith and where God meets us. Here are the details:

For the months of June, July, and August, those people wanting to participate will increase their financial giving. It can be a dollar amount, a percentage, whatever you feel stretches you a little in your support of God‘s mission. Just communicate to Pastor Luke that you are participating.

All of us that participate will receive some communication throughout the summer containing some Biblical encouragement and financial insights for living as good stewards of God‘s gifts.

At the end of the summer, I (Pastor Luke) will host a celebration for the group and you‘ll get to meet some new people, share stories about the experience, and reflect on how you‘ve grown as a disciple.

You really can‘t say you don‘t like something until you try it, right? I‘m looking forward to taking this journey together with you this summer!

God‘s blessings,

Pastor Luke

Worship Schedule

Sunday June 5

Monday June 6

Seventh Sunday of Easter

John 17:1-11

Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday June 12

Monday June 13

Pentecost

John 20:19-23 / John 7:37-39


Sunday June 19

Monday June 20

Holy Trinity

First Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 28:16-20

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday June 26

Monday June 27

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 10:40-42


During June, July & August services are

held each Monday evening at 7pm at

the Historic Marysville Church, on

County Road 9 between Buffalo and

Waverly.

See page 11 for details

3

From the Pastor

Minnesota All-State

Lutheran Choir at Zion

The Minnesota All-State Lutheran Choir is including a concert at Zion in their tour itinerary. The concert will be on Thursday, June 23, at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. A free-will offering will be collected during intermission.

Each year high school students from all over the state audition for the 40-65 voice choir. In June, the choir assembles to participate in eight days of rehearsal, Bible study and discussion concerning the meaning of the texts they will be singing on the tour.

Zion needs to provide supper for the choir before the concert. Zion also needs to provide housing for the choir, including some with pet/smoke allergies. Hosts need to house at least two students. Students will depart the following morning around 9am.

The up-front cost of this concert is not a budgeted item, but could be covered by five individuals or families that would provide sponsorship of $50 (smaller sponsorship amounts are also welcome).

If you can help provide supper, host students, or would like to help sponsor this concert, please contact Sherilyn in the church office ([email protected] or 763.682.1245).

30,240 Meals Packed at Zion

Thank you so much to the Sunday School children and all who helped make our Change For Children Campaign so successful! Together, we raised funds and packaged meals to feed 30,240 children! The Sunday school partnered with Harvest of Hands to organize this project, and the Lutefisk committee also provided some funding.

More photos are posted on Zion‘s Facebook page (find a link at ZionBuffalo.org/Pack).

Watch for another food packaging event to be scheduled in the spring of 2012.

Births

April 6

Gabriel Wayne Diaz, son of Brianna Diaz

Baptisms

April 3

Wesley Allen Beneke

April 10

Jayden Marie Mielke

April 27

Lilly Mae Daniels

Weddings

April 16

Laura Bakken & Mike Sweet at Zion

April 30

Jenny Peterson & Benjy VerSteeg at Zion

Funerals

April 15

Robb Mattson

May births & pastoral acts will be

reported in the July Newsletter.

Active Military

Please Pray For

Doug Pecarina

Deployed to Kuwait

Ben Pecarina

Stationed in Turkey

DeAnna Strommen

Deployed to Iraq

Will Dobbins

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar,

CA

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort

Bragg, NC

Charles Mandery

Army National Guard

Chris Paulsen-

Schmidt

Stationed at

Norfolk, VA

Christopher Brophy

Stationed at Fort

Reiley, KS

Greg Bremseth

News and Views

4

2011 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly

What‘s a synod assembly? Who attends the assembly and why?

The Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) Assembly of the ELCA is an annual gathering of clergy, other professional staff and lay members of the 159 area ELCA congregations. It ―serves a vital function in the governance structure of the MAS of the ELCA as well as providing the only opportunity of the year for our entire synod to gather as a community gathered by Christ.‖ Zion‘s lay delegates are elected to two-year terms at our annual meeting.

The 2011 MAS Assembly was held Saturday, May 7, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie with the theme of ―A Community Gathered by Christ: From Stranger to Neighbor.‖

Resolutions this year dealt with preventing bullying, increasing youth representation on the Synod Council and calling for a review of FBI raids on peace activists in Minneapolis and Chicago. Another resolution calling for educating youth regarding military service was sent back to committee for revision.

The keynote speaker was Vivian Jenkins Nelson, director of Inter-Race, an organization which encourages diversity education. She focused much of her thought-provoking and inspirational talk on hospitality and becoming a community of neighbors.

Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop Craig Johnson spoke of God calling the MAS to be rooted in the Gospel, filled with grace, intentional in discipleship, inclusive, authentic in worship, courageous in outreach and working to build a just world.

National ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson addressed several issues. Speaking about social issues, he said that they can be divisive or bring us to community and communication. On service, Bishop Hanson said that ―we are a people freed in Christ to serve.‖ On unity in the body of Christ, we should define ourselves by relatedness, not by what sets us apart. The ELCA is a recognized world leader in disaster relief as we seek to bring ―restoration, because we are a people of the resurrection.‖

2011 MAS Assembly Zion delegates were Jason Chalupnik, Sue Foster, Tracy Gurneau, Vernon Lear, Mary Mahlberg, Karen Mattson, Taylor Moynagh, Harley Pommier, and Pastor Luke Schmidt.

For more information about the Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, including specifics of the resolutions, go to http://www.mpls-synod.org/events/assembly.

New Triathlon Route

Because of road construction, this

year’s Buffalo Triathlon on June 5 will

be taking an alternate route that brings

the bike leg north by Zion instead of

south as in previous years. The busiest

time will be between 10-11am.

Please allow for extra time getting to

church that morning. Come early to

cheer on the bicyclists or even bring a

lawn chair to enjoy the event as they

pass Zion. You may also want to take

an alternate route to avoid traffic

congestion close to Sturges Park.

Good luck to any Zion members who

may be participating in the triathlon

that morning.

Freezer Cooking Thanks

We are grateful to the Lord who

provided us with 18 cooks on April

30—many thanks to those who gave of

their time to help stock the freezer!

The Freezer Is Full!

If you know of someone who could

benefit from a meal, pick up a meal

from the FFF freezer and deliver it to

them or contact us to arrange delivery.

We can also arrange warm meals, too!

Like to cook? We are always excited

when someone volunteers to cook.

There is no pressure—if you can cook

when there is a need, great; if it doesn’t

always fit into your schedule, no

worries.

Do you have a good freezer recipe to

share? We’d love to try it!

Contact Julie Kabe or the church office

at [email protected], 682-2889

(Julie) or 682-1245 (church

office).

5

http://www.mpls-synod.org/events/assembly

http://www.mpls-synod.org/events/assembly

mailto:[email protected]

Baptism Class

Zion offers a class for new or

prospective parents wishing to schedule

a baptism at Zion.

Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is

asked to attend a class prior to the date

of the baptism. Expectant parents, as

well as those who already are parents,

may attend the class.

Scheduling of baptisms will take place

at the class.

The next classes are Sunday, June 12,

at noon or Wednesday, July 6, at 6pm.

Register at ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or

by calling the office.

Summer Break for Taize

The monthly Taize Prayer Services held

at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church will

meet for the final time this school year

on Monday, June 6, at 7pm. The

ecumenical prayer services will resume

on Monday, October 3. Spirit of Joy is

located on County Road 34, 2 miles

east of Hwy 55 by Target.

130 at Women’s Brunch

On Saturday, May 7, Zion women and

friends gathered for the second annual

Women’s Brunch at BryanJohn’s

Grillworks. They were treated to a

wonderful brunch, a styleshow, and

inspiration from Pastor Sara

Vanderpan.

Photo: Ella, Erika, Kaylee & Megan

with their craft projects at the brunch.

Staying in Love

Falling in love is easy, but staying in love takes a lifetime of work. This is the premise behind the upcoming summer marriage series that Pastor Luke will be facilitating called, ―Staying in Love.‖

Beginning on June 29, from 6:30-8pm, come with your significant other, spouse, fiancé/fiancée, main squeeze, etc. The series will run for four weeks on Wednesday nights using a video series with presenter, speaker, and pastor Andy Stanley from North Point church in Georgia. Andy is very engaging and entertaining and your marriage/relationship will grow in new ways.

Childcare and children‘s activities will be available. There is no cost and you can sign up at ZionBuffalo.org. For more information, contact Pastor Luke in the church office at [email protected] or 763.682.1245.

Gospel Choir forming

for Second Annual

Summer Gospel

Festival

A collaborative effort between Zion Lutheran in Buffalo and Redeemer Lutheran in Minneapolis will bring together multiple congregations to form a gospel choir which will

perform at the Sturges Park bandshell on Sunday, July 17, at 7pm. Inclement weather location is the Zion sanctuary.

Since the concert is in Sturges Park, you‘re invited to bring a picnic, your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a night of great music at the bandshell. Put the date on your calendar and invite your neighbors and friends for a spirit-filled event.

Gospel music is the core unifying thread and will be presented by a mass choir, various small groups, and accomplished band members. You can be part of the mass gospel choir that‘s being formed especially in preparation for this event. Scored music with parts will be provided, but songs will be taught so that non-readers of all ages can still fully participate.

Spirited rehearsals will be held at Zion, led by Lisa Olson, on Wednesdays, June 15, 22, 29, and July 6 from 7-8:45pm.

Rehearsals will also be held in Minneapolis, location to be determined, including a ―dress rehearsal‖ with the band on Saturday, July 16. Choir members do not need to attend rehearsals at both Zion and Minneapolis locations. Contact Lisa Olson [email protected] with questions.

Fellowship & Study

6

mailto:[email protected]

Full Dark House

Zion Book Club

The Zion Book Club selection for July is Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler. The group will meet on Monday, July 11, at 7pm in the Library.

It’s no surprise to find plenty of gothic touches in British author Fowler’s debut mystery, the first in a series, given the renown of his horror fiction (Rune, etc.). When 80-year-old police detective Arthur Bryant gets blown up in an explosion at the North London Peculiar Crimes Unit headquarters, his longtime partner, John May, investigates his death. After some long, lecturing dialogue and an early chapter told from the viewpoint of a character who turns out to be of no consequence, the author reaches the core of his story—a flashback to the duo’s first case during the London Blitz. In late 1940, the Palace Theatre is staging a production of Orpheus in the Underworld when the body of a dancer is found, sans feet. From this point forward, the intrigues of the theater murders, which decimate the cast, create considerable drama. The potency of Greek myth, conjured up by the opera being staged, is skillfully played out in the detectives’ theories about the killer. The dynamic between May and Bryant makes for compelling reading, while the hubris of a police underling, Sidney Biddle, provides additional tension. Both past and present plots reach satisfying resolutions. Now that Fowler has set the stage, no doubt his second Bryant and May mystery will get off to a better start.

from Amazon.com

This is a low pressure book club. Readers are encouraged to simply come for discussion with no preparation; they are not obligated to agree on (or even finish) the books. Come when you have interest and time, so that book club will enrich your life and not become another stress or obligation.

The selection for Monday, August 8, will be Blank Confession by Pete Hautman, a crime story involving a police detective, a bullied eleventh-grader, his sister‘s drug-dealing boyfriend, and a mysterious new kid.

The selection for Monday, September 12, will be Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, a novel about a devout young nun who leaves the south of India in 1947 for a missionary post in Yemen, and her twin sons who grow up with adoptive parents in Addis Ababa.

Your Trash is VBS Treasure

The Christian Education department is

in need of a few things for VBS crafts.

If you can help provide any of these

items, please leave them in the collection

bin near the information desk.

Newspaper

Old Magazines

Toilet paper rolls (empty)

Paper towel rolls (empty)

Cardboard boxes

Harvest of Hands

By Joy Arens

Harvest of Hands has had

a very busy couple of

months.

Harvest of Hands

participated in the

Sunday School Food

Packaging Event on

April 17 and donated $5,000 from

proceeds of the 2010 November event

to this amazing cause. It was fun to see

all ages participate in this event. We

give our "thanks" to Holly Husom for all

her organization on this fabulous and

rewarding project.

Jill Ask, of Buffalo Food Shelf, visited

with the Harvest of Hands group on

April 27. Those in attendance learned

many details about the Buffalo Food

Shelf. It was very interesting and very

enlightening to learn how the Buffalo

Food Shelf operates. Harvest of Hands

presented Jill with a $5,000 check for

the Food Shelf from proceeds of the

2010 November event.

For the first time this year, Harvest of

Hands had a booth at the Baby Animal

Fair held at the Civic Center in May. It

was fun participating in this event,

especially seeing the children fascinated

with the animals. Harvest of Hands

donated $500 from proceeds of the

2010 November event to Baby Animal

Fair to purchase a heifer for a

qualifying family. We raised about

$450 that day for Harvest of Hands.

(Harvest of Hands continued on page 9)

7

http://www.amazon.com/Full-Dark-House-Bryant-Mysteries/dp/0553587145

Global Mission Ministry

Common Hope

Service Learning in Guatemala

By Karen Mattson

A longtime desire to participate in a service trip and an opportunity to share the experience with my daughter, Emily, prompted me to embark on a service learning trip to Guatemala in March. We were part of a Vision Team with Common Hope and our group of 14 was made up of University of Minnesota students and family members.

Common Hope (www.commonhope.org), U.S. based in St. Paul, is a ―multidisciplinary non-profit organization dedicated to helping Guatemalan families achieve a better life through programs in education, health care and housing.‖ Guatemala experienced a 36 year civil war which ended in 1996, but most social, economic and political conditions have not improved much since then. Most Guatemalans still live in extreme poverty with ―limited opportunities for education and lacking an adequate diet, decent shelter and basic health care.‖

The highlights of our week included:

building a house for a single mother who had worked many hours to earn her new home

participating in activities with school children from basketball and soccer to craft projects and pre-school snack and play time

visiting families in their homes, which often consisted of cornstalk walls, partial roofs and dirt floors

visiting and supporting fair trade artisans

experiencing a new culture

new friendships (Guatemalan and American)

team-building and a cooperative and caring spirit

We were all struck by the extreme contrast between the poverty and ―survival-mode‖ existence of so many and our great abundance in America. Common Hope‘s executive director, Shari Blindt, expresses our thoughts well: ―At first I was overwhelmed with the privilege that comes with being born in a rich country. Now I understand it as a blessing because I can use my privilege to help children who happened to be born into a poor country. And the truth is by giving back I keep receiving more in return: new friendships, greater purpose, a renewed sense of gratitude.‖

We look forward to future opportunities to serve others in our own communities and around the world.

Howdy from Redeemer

by Caleb Crainer, Pastoral Intern at

Redeemer Lutheran Church

Sometimes I say ―howdy‖ and ―ya’ll‖

and ―fixin.‖ Three years of seminary in

Texas will do that to you. My biography

will probably need to include a map

because the Lone Star State is only the

most recent addition to places I’ve

called home. Hutchinson, Kansas is The

Wheat State city where I entered this

world, learned to walk, pray, and drive.

After High School I hit the road for

college fourteen hours away in

Valparaiso, Indiana. College in The

Hoosier State was a formative time for

me spiritually and intellectually (I

studied abroad in Be’er Sheva, Israel!).

Next, my passionate curiosities led me

to pursue graduate studies in Biblical

Languages at the Graduate Theological

Union in Berkeley, California. After two

years in The Golden State, I was led to

the Lutheran Seminary Program in the

Southwest, a tiny program in Austin,

Texas. So, spending my final seminary

year in The North Star State has been a

challenging blessing.

On one hand it’s nice to be back in the

Midwest, on the other, I know that my

journey has shaped me in profound ways

that sometimes put me at odds with

Minnesotan culture. I am currently

serving as the Vicar (Pastoral Intern) at

Redeemer Lutheran Church in North

Minneapolis. In some ways being at

Redeemer is familiar: we are proud of

our Lutheran heritage, sing A Mighty

Fortress from time to time, and enjoy

―hot dish.‖ Other characteristics of

Redeemer are new and exciting:

Redeemer works very closely with our

surrounding neighborhood, spices things

up in worship, and isn’t afraid of frank,

honest, controversial discussions. God’s

work in the Harrison Neighborhood

through the hands at Redeemer is vast.

The church participates in anti-racism

initiatives, provides a nourishing place

for young people to find hope and life,

and advocates for our neighbors’ needs

politically. Redeemer is a vibrant

community full of promise and

initiative; these are gifts of the spirit in

our community.

(Howdy continued on page 15)

ZionBuffalo.org/Global 8

Emily and Karen Mattson in front of a mural outside the Santiago Zambora

Weaving Co-op in Guatemala.

“Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken

together, and running over, it will spill into your lap.

The way you give to others is the way God will give to

you.”

Luke 6:38 (New Century Version)

Community Mission Ministry

Love INC-Big Woods is Now Open

Up until May 1st, Love INC had only been working directly with the Churches in the area, and making preparations to open a clearinghouse in Buffalo. They have finished their preparations and are now open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am – 2pm. Their phone number is 763-682-6820 and website is loveincbigwoods.org.

The clearinghouse is meant to help those in need connect with the people that can best help them. They work with Christian churches of all denominations in the area and also government agencies to change people‘s lives. They are not a crisis center but do their best to provide help as quickly as possible, even if that just means connecting the person with an organization that can provide immediate assistance. If you or someone you know needs help, please give them a call during working hours.

Love INC-Big Woods Fundraisers support the Clearinghouse

On Saturday, June 25, the Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Pancake Brunch at Applebee‘s from 8–10:30am. The cost will be $7 for adults and $5 for children 10 & under. The menu includes pancakes, sausage or bacon, and beverage. Proceeds will benefit Love INC.

On Sunday, July 24, there will be a Bowling Event at Huikko‘s.

On Thursday, August 18, Love INC will be selling pork chops at Buffalo‘s Concerts in the Park (partnering with Jaycees selling corn).

On Saturday, August 20, Love INC will be selling hot dogs at Coburns during Buffalo‘s Arts & Crafts Festival.

In September, Love INC will be bagging groceries at Cub Foods

On Sunday, October 2, the Second Annual Love INC Gala will be held at Kings House.

Meals on Wheels

Zion is asked to provide three drivers at 11:45am each day in June for approximately an hour of meal delivery to households in the City of Buffalo. This is a most rewarding activity and makes a good family service project.

Consider which days you can help and sign up at the information desk or by emailing Sherilyn. You can also check the calendar at ZionBuffalo.org/MOW.

If you‘ve driven before and prefer a specific route please request it when you sign up. If you‘d like to try it but you‘re unfamiliar with Buffalo, let us know. We‘ll find a partner for your first drive.

Thank you for participating in this special community outreach.

ZionBuffalo.org/Local 9

I hope to see you at an upcoming Harvest

of Hands work session. All are welcome

… come to one session or come to many

sessions. Join in as you have time. Some

of the projects we will be working on in

June include Wind Chimes, Jewelry, and

Cards.

Harvest of Hands is just starting to

organize another food-packaging event for

next spring. This project will be a venture

that will need many hands to accomplish.

We will be contacting the many groups

and committees of Zion to join us in this

project. We also would like to invite the

community to join us in this project. We

hope you will join us in the excitement of

this project.

Angela Bengtson

I first got involved with

Harvest of Hands when

Emily was a toddler

(she’s 16 now). I went

with my husband’s

grandmother, and enjoyed

the company of many

other wonderful ladies I think of as the

great matriarchs of Zion. The focus of

Tuesday morning work days at that time

was quilting and cutting strips from old

jeans to be woven into rugs.

For a few years I volunteered on the

omelet line, and then coordinating the

Silent Auction. A couple of craft projects

are memorable. One year we had dozens

of upholstery fabric sample books donated

and I coordinated swatches from various

books to make up quilts that others sewed

(I still have the prototype on my own

couch). One year it was Barbie doll

clothes. I designed cross-stitch patterns of

Marysville and of the mural in Zion’s

Sanctuary, and for Zion Christmas

ornaments. Somewhere along the line I

became co-coordinator of the event along

with Karyl Blair and Lesley Walz.

I gave up coordinating when I started

working, and in recent years I haven't

been involved in work days or

volunteering at the November event. Most

years I try to do some sort of craft project

at home. Last year it was scarves made

from fabric strips and recycled T-shirts.

This year I’m toying with the idea of cell

phone cases made from socks.

(Harvest of Hands continued from page 7)

http://loveincbigwoods.org/

http://www.zionbuffalo.org/staff/sherilyn

http://www.zionbuffalo.org/MOW

Sunday June 12

The Day of Pentecost

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service

12:00pm Baptism Class

6:00pm 7th/8th Grade Mission Trip Mtg

Monday June 13

8:00am Newsletter Deadline

8:00am VBS Early Care

8:00am Men's Bible Study Group

9:00am Vacation Bible School

12:05pm VBS After Care

6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

7:00pm Marysville Service

7:00pm Zion Book Club

Tuesday June 14




6:30pm Outreach Evangelism Meeting

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

7:30pm Visioning Task Force Meeting

Wednesday June 15

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study


9:00am Lutheran Social Service



6:00pm Worship and Music Committee

7:00pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal

6:00pm Graceland

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday June 16

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study




7:30pm Rebecca Circle

Friday June 17



10:00am Lutheran Social Services


6:30pm Middle School Mission Trip

Packing Party

8:00pm Zion Men's Softball Game

Saturday June 18

Sunday June 19

Trinity Sunday

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

Father's Day

Middle School MissionTrip





Monday June 20

Middle School Mission Trip

6:00am ZDC




Tuesday June 21


6:00am ZDC

9:30am Staff Meeting

9:30am Naomi Circle

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

6:30pm Christian Ed. Meeting

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting


7:30pm Visioning Task Force Meeting

Wednesday June 22


6:00am ZDC

9:00am Newsletter Assembly


9:30am Devotions at Lakeridge

10:30am Devotions at Park View


7:00pm Harvest of Hands crafts

Thursday June 23


6:00am ZDC


7:30pm Minnesota All-State Lutheran

Choir Concert

Friday June 24

Middle School Mission

6:00am ZDC



ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Wednesday June 1

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

9:30am Walking By Faith Bible Study

6:00pm Graceland

Thursday June 2

Ascension Day


6:00pm VBS Training

Friday June 3

6:00am Friday Breakfast Crew



Saturday June 4

9:00am VBS Training

Sunday June 5

Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, & 10:30

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Buffalo Triathlon





11:30am Senior High Mission Trip Mtg

11:45am Executive Committee Meeting

Monday June 6




Tuesday June 7


11:30am Ministerial Meeting

6:30pm Social Ministry Committee


Wednesday June 8


9:30am Walking By Faith Bible Study

7:00pm Harvest of Hands crafts

Thursday June 9


Friday June 10



Saturday June 11

June Calendar

Saturday June 25


3:00pm Wedding at Zion

Sunday June 26

Ordinary Time, Proper 8





12:00pm Club 456 Water Park Trip

Monday June 27

6:00am ZDC


5:30pm Read to Feed the Mind Meeting



Tuesday June 28

6:00am ZDC

7:00am Zion Staff Retreat



7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Wednesday June 29

6:00am ZDC

6:30pm Staying in Love


6:00pm Graceland

Thursday June 30

6:00am ZDC


11

Worship at Marysville This Summer

During June, July & August services are held each Monday evening at 7pm at the Historic Marysville Church, on County Road 9 between Buffalo and Waverly.

The Swedesburg (AKA Marysville) Church was organized by Pastor Nelson in February 1873. The same pastors served the Swedesburg and Carlslund (later know as Zion) congregations until Swedesburg disbanded in 1950 and the members joined Zion. In 1973 the building was restored to celebrate the centennial of Swedesburg, and Monday evening summer services commenced at that time.

Marysville is just a short 10-15 minute drive from downtown Buffalo. From the stoplights by the courthouse/library, head west on Lake Blvd N/CR 35. After 3 miles turn left and follow CR 35/CR 9. After 1.8 miles turn left and continue on CR 9. Marysville is a further 2.5 miles on the right. Remember that this is a little country church with no modern amenities.

Use your talents this summer to provide special music for one of our summer worship services

on Sunday mornings. Instrumentalists, pianists,

vocalists, groups or solos… you are invited!

There‘s a special music spot on Monday nights at

Marysville too!

Contact Sherilyn Burgdorf or Mike Walsh to volunteer.

Financial Report

April 2011

General Services Fund

Income Apr 2011 YTD 2011 Apr 2010 YTD 2010 General Offering $69,873.96 $231,340.64 $67,035.95 $231,538.15

Rent and Sunday School 2,236.42 8,497.16 3,242.36 9,273.09

WedNite Supper Income 820.66 4,136.42 0.00 0.00

Missions and Hunger 1,288.00 4,291.00 1,559.00 4,494.00

Other Designations 1,690.50 6,102.50 1,350.00 5,696.25

Total Income $75,909.54 $254,367.72 $73,187.31 $251,001.49

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000.00 $4,000.00 $1,500.00 $6,000.00

Other General Services 57,743.95 239,371.38 67,369.48 243,176.76

Total Expenses $58,743.95 $243,371.38 $68,869.48 $249,176.76

Account Balance as of 4-30-2011: $16,120.65

The new loan from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans was closed on May 6, 2011. This loan consolidated all of Zion‘s debt into one loan — the general mortgage, the second mortgage and the outstanding line of credit. Feel free to contact any member of the Finance Committee for further information.

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Apr 2011 YTD 2011 Apr 2010 YTD 2010 Offerings and Interest $15,258.85 $66,162.32 $28,878.33 $68,679.04

Other Receipts 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Income $15,258.85 $66,162.32 $28,878.33 $68,679.04

Expenses Building Mortgage $17,087.30 $68,349.20 $17,087.30 $68,349.20

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 913.37 3,653.48 1,305.03 5,220.12

Major Building Repairs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

3% Tithe Commitment 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Kairos Consulting 1,000.00 10,000.00 7,000.00 10,000.00

2011 Thrivent Loan Fees 0.00 3,262.50 0.00 0.00

Bank Service Charge 15.00 30.00 15.00 15.00

Total Expenses $19,015.67 $85,295.18 $25,407.33 $83,584.32

Account Balance as of 4-30-2011: $15,190.70

Thank you for your continued support of God‘s work at Zion Lutheran Church.

Memorial Gifts

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of David Senstad from Ardyce Cibuzar.

A gift to the Confirmation Fund in

memory of great grandfather Victor

Swanson from Madison Jewell.


of my husband Earl Vigren from Gloria

Vigren and family.

A gift to the Zion Foundation in

memory of Rob Mattson from Sue &

Richard Toso and Jim & Audrey

Onstad.


of Rob Mattson from Jerome and Joan

Rongitsch.

A gift to Lutheran World Relief in

memory of Rob Mattson from Lloyd

and Diane Morin.

A gift to the Marysville Preservation

Fund from the estate of Gertrude Lenz.

Mortgage Closing Update

The closing for the new mortgage with

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans took

place on Friday May 6, 2011. Over the

past many months our Finance

Committee has diligently worked many

hours to secure this competitive loan

agreement with Thrivent Financial.

We thank God for the energy provided

to the Finance Committee, for giving

them the strength and guidance to bring

us to this solution, and we thank the

congregation for its prayers and support.

Combined our current mortgage

with our roof and parking lot

repairs.

The final consolidated loan amount

is $2,584,000 with a twenty-five

year term at a per annum interest

rate of 5.5% (a rate adjustment is

possible at the end of the fifteenth

year).

Monthly payment reduced by

$2339 – Our monthly payment will

be $15,869.

Payment is due on the 15th of the

month beginning June 15, 2011.

12

Finance & Stewardship

Zion’s Memorial Fund

Zion‘s Memorial Fund provides items needed for ministry that is not available through regular Sunday offering.

The Memorial Fund is a way for people to make specific gifts to the church, usually in memory or honor of someone. Such generosity preserves the memory of past loved ones and honors those among us still.

Gifts to the Memorial Fund are used in total for the cause to which they were donated, and typically are a physical item.

Suggested designations are

Pipe Organ repair and renovation (currently, the greatest need)

Piano

Large print devotional books

Paraments (altar cloths)

Personal hearing assistance devices for worship

Library

Sanctuary audio/visual equipment

A complete list of designated opportunities will be available online in coming months.

Undesignated gifts are also welcome. They may be made in memory or honor of someone, allowing the Memorial Fund Committee to decide how the gifts will be best used.

Escape Debt Like a Gazelle

By Tom Moline

On the video screen we see a college student being approached by a bank representative, he is offering a free T-shirt in exchange for a credit card

application. Dave Ramsey narrated the encounter like it was a nature program: ―When the gazelles see the

cheetah, they run. The cheetah separates the younger of the two, and the little gazelle bounds in lilting arcs over the high

yellow grass. The cheetah, as everyone knows, is the fastest animal on land. The gazelle, it seems, will never reach

adulthood—yet it persists, until at last the cheetah grows weary and gives up the chase.‖ The crowd at Perimeter Church

north of Atlanta is roaring with laughter. Ramsey drives the point home: To escape the jaws of debt you must be, he says, ―gazelle intense‖ based on the teaching from Proverbs

above. This is a humorous segment of Ramsey‘s 13-week program, Financial Peace University.

(Escape Debt continued on page 18)

13

Why I Never Wash

For those who tire of excuses why people

don't go to church, these are the reasons

why I never wash:

1. I was forced to wash as a child.

2. People who wash are hypocrites -

they think they're cleaner than others.

3. There are so many kinds of soap I

could never decide which was right.

4. I used to wash, but it got boring.

5. I only wash on Christmas and Easter.

6. None of my friends wash.

7. I'll start washing when I'm older.

8. I really don't have the time.

9. The bathroom isn't warm enough.

10. People who make soap are only after

your money.

Council Update

At the April 20 Council Meeting

Council members introduced

themselves to Pastor Luke.

The Finance Committee reported that

the promising tomorrow fund is 20%

ahead of last year. We still owe

$12,000 to Kairos.

The Global Mission Committee are

giving a $1,000 a quarter to

Redeemer Lutheran Church. They

hope to repeat Mission Sunday

annually. They will try and give

$1,000 quarterly to All Kids Can

Learn International.

The Worship & Music Committee

reported that the Jubilee music team

will have an open rehearsal. Special

music will be needed for worship

services in the summer months. There

will be a second gospel festival on

July 17.

Complete minutes are available at

ZionBuffalo.org/Council.

14

Reaching for Tomorrow

Response

Because your thoughts matter, please

answer the following questions and help

The Vision Task Force shape our

collective understanding of God’s call.

Submit your responses to the Vision Task

Force by June 30. Use a Reaching For

Tomorrow Worksheet available at the

information desk, complete on-line at

ZionBuffalo.org, or e-mail

[email protected].

1. Do the six areas of ministry (and the

desired qualities of each) express

YOUR sense of God’s call to Zion?

Please explain.

2. Which three of the ministry areas

most interest/excite YOU? Why?

3. Choose three Ministry Areas and

describe them in your own words.

4. Do you feel God is calling YOU to use

your gifts and express your passions

in these areas of ministry? Which

ones?

5. Do you have specific suggestions for

programs, services, and activities that

might help bring these areas of

ministry to new life?

6. What’s missing? Is there a Ministry

Area that should be represented and

is not? Do you envision qualities that

are not listed?

Please know that the Visioning Task

Force members value and appreciate your

feedback. In the next step of the process,

we will be crafting a set of specific

initiatives to guide us in our response to

God’s call. These initiatives will be

broadly discussed beginning in September

as we continue to prepare for presenting

our report to the congregation in

December 2011.

God’s Call. Our Gifts.

“For Luther, vocation, as with everything else in his theology, is not so much a matter of what we do, rather, it is a matter of what God does in and through us.”

-Gustaf Wingren’s Luther on Vocation

The Vision Task Force continues to review information collected from the congregation over the past three months. Data gathered so far suggests that God is working in and through us by drawing our attention to six areas of ministry. This is a summary of what we have learned about the desirable qualities and characteristics of each of these Ministry Areas:

Healing and Caring Ministries

A safe environment where people can feel vulnerable and trust one another

Opportunities to create authentic relationships with one another and God and be ―made whole‖

Training to help one another deal with life‘s issues, adversities, and crises

Outreach and Hospitality Ministries

An inviting community that welcomes all people to participate in God‘s mission together

Energetic, family oriented ministries that offer opportunities to connect people to God and each other

An intentional process by which we welcome people and help them plug into community by serving, growing spiritually, and walking as disciples

Education Ministries

High quality faith formation for all ages and phases of life that are not threatening or intimidating but are approachable and inclusive and strengthen our spiritual foundations

Inspirational and challenge us to live our faith, increasing action in ministry

Build relationships, connect with others, build community, develop mentors

Train and mentor teachers / leaders to equip them with necessary tools for effective leadership

(Ministry Areas continued on page 15)

Ministries to Equip the Saints

How to recognize God‘s call to use our spiritual gifts in today‘s world

Identify the spiritual gifts of members and connect people with lay ministries that are meaningful to them

Need for training and mentoring

Stewardship education

Increase the spiritual growth and involvement of members and financial support will follow

Worship and Music Ministries

A place to grow in Christian love, fellowship, and commitment

Relevant, meaningful, and applicable to everyday living

Music that is chosen from a variety of genres to connect with a variety of listeners

Ministries to Develop Meaningful Relationships

Walking into the church people would feel like they're among close family and friends

Members know that in times of crisis and celebration, the faith community would be a ready source of support

People from different generations, stages of life, interests can be brought together

Eventually, the Vision Task Force will be recommending a series of initiatives to be based on these areas. From now until the end of June, you are invited to help us sharpen our understanding of God‘s Call and the ways we can employ Our Gifts in response.

Check out the questions on page 14, the online response form, or pick up a printed copy of the worksheet at the information desk.

(Ministry Areas continued from page 14) Wear Red For Pentecost

Pentecost Sunday is June 12.

Congregation members are encouraged

to wear red on to worship to symbolize

the Holy Spirit’s power.

Help Zion Sound Better

Are you interested in helping Zion

deliver smooth, distraction-free worship

services each week? Bob Strommen

is recruiting additional volunteer sound

technicians. Please contact Bob or the

church office or any sound tech on duty

on a Sunday morning if this sounds like

you:

Have some kind of musical

background, i.e. playing an

instrument or singing in a choir or

small group.

Previous experience with sound

equipment is a plus but not

required.

Willing to commit some time in

learning to operate Zion’s

equipment.

Available at least two Sundays a

month and some Jubilee

rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

Able to work with others on special

projects.

15

We are

here

Having lived in many places and now

landing at Redeemer for the year has

opened my eyes to the importance of

―context.‖ Context means the setting or

surroundings within which something

operates. Redeemer’s context is an

ethnically diverse, economically

depressed, urban landscape. It is a context

of disparity and fear…in which our

―Beacon of Hope‖ shines. Redeemer itself

is a adventuresome context for me as I

learn to navigate its challenging terrain.

The relationships I’ve forged during my

time here have been surprisingly life-

giving and provide a powerful witness that

God is ever-present with us along this

journey. Who knows where God is fixin’ to

lead me next? What I do know is God will

be there with a warm ―howdy.‖

Peace be with ya’ll,

Caleb Crainer

(Howdy continued from page 8)

Confirmation Registration

Registration for Confirmation for all new students and returning students who will be in 7th or 8th Grade in Fall of ‗11 begins on June 6.

Registrations close on Friday, August 19, and late registrations cannot be accepted.

Parents: Confirmation small group guides are needed as well. Take time to prayerfully consider making a two year commitment to foster the spiritual relationships of students.

7th/8th Grade Mission Trip

For all of the 7th/8th Grade students and leaders who will be participating in the Minneapolis Mission Trip, the following are dates and times that people will come together, learn, serve and build community around different themes.

Please bring your Bibles to each event.

Sunday, June 12: 6pm-8pm - Youth Room - Theme: Action

Friday, June 17: 6:30pm-7pm - Youth Room - Packing Party

Sunday, June 19: 10:30am - Sanctuary - Blessing/Sending of Participants

Senior High Mission Trip

For all of the Senior High students attending the Buffeapolis Mission Trip, here is an update of upcoming dates:

Sunday, June 5: 9am-1:30pm - The youth from Salem Evangelical will be visiting Zion for worship, team building, a meal and more. All mission trip participants are expected to be in attendance.

Wednesday, June 29: 6-8pm - This is a time to build community with each other through a meal, worship, service and study together.

Middle School Canoe Trip

Students in grades 6-8 are invited to canoe the Namekogan and St. Croix Rivers from Thursday, August 4, to Saturday, August 6.

Sign up by June 15 with a non-refundable deposit of $25. The total cost is only $70, which covers canoe rental and food.

Graceland schedule

Graceland, the Senior High youth group, will meet from 6pm-8pm on June 1, 15 & 29.

Each night, there will be a meal, worship, games, and study. These nights are open to all students who will be in grades 9-12 in Fall 2011. Each night will have a different theme, so come prepared with a Bible and notebook.

Youth Ministry Director of Youth Ministries

Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

[email protected]

Zion Youth Ministries exists to

reach out to youth, to come

together and learn how to be for

God and others through worship,

study, fellowship and service.

Confirmation

Requirements

Just a reminder to all Confirmation Students: All requirements must be fulfilled by August 1.

This means that the following must be completed for each year :

30 Sermon Notes (including at least 10 from Sunday mornings at Zion and 3 from Lenten Services)

30 Service Hours (10 Church, 10 Community, 10 Family)

4 Worksheets

4 Memory Sheets

9 Family Devotions

3 Mentor Lessons

3 Statements of Faith

If you need any resources, please go to ZionBuffalo.org/Confirmation.

Still Need Service Hours?

Contact the Zion office for ideas!

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth 16

Vacation Bible School

This summer on Main Street, kids and adults alike will be drawn into stories Jesus told about everyday people in everyday situations. His stories were anything but ordinary! Jesus turned lives upside down and hearts inside out through parables that challenged people to look at themselves and others in new and unexpected ways.

So come join us on Main Street for an inside-out, upside-down experience like no other…and let Jesus make a difference in YOU!

Zion will be transformed into downtown Buffalo. Craft rooms created to resemble local businesses…can you guess which ones? The shop names are a ‖little‖ different … Right Way Lumber, Something Snazzy, On Target, Wiser Penny, and No Waste Management.

Craft projects this year include birdhouse construction, T-shirt design, dresses for Jamaica, and recycling crafts.

Dresses for Jamaica:

This year‘s VBS mission project is focused on creating and embellishing dresses for little girls at West Haven orphanage, and tie dying t-shirts for boys at the Clifton Boys‘ Home. Our goal is to create 100 dresses and 100 tie dye shirts to donate, and be delivered by our next mission Jamaica team. Many volunteers are working hard to help us reach our goal, by sewing and prepackaging dress kits for others to sew. If you are willing, or know anyone who might be interested in helping sew, there are take home kits ready to go at the info desk. We ask that you please return the dresses completed no later than June 6. Please contact Holly Husom with questions, and thank you so much to all the volunteers who are currently helping with this project!

We need YOU!

If you are an adult, or teen, and would like to volunteer your time on Mainstreet, please contact Holly. We would love for you to be a part of this exciting week!

Can you help sew dresses?

Can you help drill holes for the birdhouses?

Can you help decorate the week before VBS?

Can you volunteer during the week of VBS?

Can you help clean up after VBS?

Registration

Zion‘s Main Street VBS is for children ages 3-12 and will run from 9am-noon June 13 through 17. Online registration is open now at ZionBuffalo.org/VBS, and is open until May 31. If you miss out on online registration, plan to come early on the first morning to get registered.

Children’s Ministry

Club 456 Waterpark Trip

Just in time for summer! The Club 456

waterpark event will be held on Sunday,

June 26th, from 12pm until 4pm. Cost

for this event is $25 which includes bus,

swim pass, and pizza. Register online at

ZionBuffalo.org/Club456, and please

remember to invite all your friends!

Summer Day Camp at Zion

ZDC (Zion Day Camp) is a summer

program at Zion for children ages 5-

12, and is open weekdays

throughout the summer

from 6:30am until

6pm. Daily activities

include free time

and snacks, Bible

stories, structured

games, and creative

projects, and field

trips. This is

separate from the

one-week

Vacation

Bible

School

program that

runs the first

week of summer.

Registration has

been extended,

see our website at

ZionBuffalo.org/

ZDC for a

registration packet or

contact Holly Husom for

details.

CoDirectors of Christian Education

Holly Husom

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

Roxie Otten

763-682-1245 ext. 311

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 17

18

Breakfast on The Farm.

You are invited to the 3rd annual Wright

County Breakfast on the Farm on

Saturday, June 18, from 7am-1pm at

Goldview Farms in Howard Lake. Park at

the Howard Lake High School and ride

the free shuttle over to the farm. A

breakfast of pancakes, sausage, milk and

more will be served until noon. Several

informative displays and hands-on

attractions demonstrate what a real dairy

farm in Wright county is like. Victor the

Minnesota Vikings mascot will be there as

well as Princess Kay of the Milky

Way. The cost is $2 for adults and

children under 5 years of age are free.

Learn more at breakfastonthefarm.org or

call Charles Krause at 763.639.3604.

Dave Ramsey is part of the fast-growing financial stewardship movement. Nearly 20,000 organizations—churches, companies, community centers, and military bases—presented the Financial Peace University program in 2010. Another 4,400 began the program this January. Kingdom Advisors and Crown Financial Ministries also fight what was once the separation of church and financial planning. Now churches teach everything from the basics of family budgeting to the importance of disability insurance to the qualities of a good money market fund.

I personally am not yet familiar with Kingdom Advisors (https://www.kingdomadvisors.org). Please let me know your opinion if you are familiar with them. I have, however, listened to hours of free radio shows from both Ramsey (http://www.daveramsey.com) and Crown Financial Ministries (http://www.crown.org). Crown Financial Ministries takes the time to teach the biblical concepts behind their advice. Ramsey spends less time detailing the biblical underpinning of his program in order to reach a broader audience. They each give great advice that I would highly recommend, no matter what your financial situation.

(Escape Debt continued from page 13)

http://breakfastonthefarm.org/

https://www.kingdomadvisors.org/

https://www.kingdomadvisors.org/

http://www.daveramsey.com/

http://www.crown.org/

http://www.crown.org/

Inside

Zion Lutheran Church

1200 Highway 25 S.

PO Box 88

Buffalo, MN 55313

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Address Service Requested

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Summer Step Up 3

MASLC Concert at Zion 4

Staying in Love Series 6

Gospel Choir Forming 6

Guatemala Service Learning 8

Meals on Wheels 9

Worship at Marysville 11

Mortgage Closing Update 12

God‘s Call Our Gifts 14

Youth Ministry 16

Vacation Bible School 17

Ju

ne 2

011

*

* *

ZionBuffalo.org

VBS

Sign up by May 31 at ZionBuffalo.org/VBS

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June 2011 Newsletter

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