Pastor’s Page
During the first part of August of 2019, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America met for the triennial Churchwide As-
sembly. This particular assembly took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lots of important work was accomplished while
this body was gathered. Some highlights include:
Adopting a constitutional change for deacons (Rostered Ministers of Word and Service) to be ordained, rather than
the previous practice of consecration.
Adopting “Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Lutheran Call to Action” condemning patriarchy and sexism and calling for
action on a range of issues, including gender-based violence and workplace discrimination.
A presentation of the ELCA Church Council’s “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent,” which apologiz-
es for the historical role of Lutherans in slavery and racism.
Adopting the policy statement, “A Declaration of Our Inter-Religious Commitment,” which will serve as church policy
for inter-religious relations.
Re-electing the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton as ELCA Presiding Bishop and electing Deacon Sue Rothmeyer as ELCA Secretary, both for six-year terms. “These are all significant accomplishments; however, the action that generated the most attention – and controversy –
was the Churchwide Assembly’s declaring the ELCA a “sanctuary church” body. A bold declaration, it is intended to af-
firm and deepen our church’s longstanding commitment to legally assisting immigrants and refugees in their transi-
tion to the United States of America.” (Bishop James Dunlop, Lower Susquehanna Synod)
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in her letter explained: “In its simplest form, becoming a sanctuary denomina-
tion means that the ELCA is publicly declaring that walking alongside immigrants and refugees is a matter of faith.
In baptism, we are brought into a covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ that commits us to strive for justice and
peace in all the earth. Following the example of Martin Luther, we believe that advocacy is a crucial expression of bap-
tismal identity. As a church, we have advocated for stopping the detention of children and families for decades. We have
spoken out against family separation, sought a pathway to citizenship for community members who have lived in the
U.S. for many years, and have taken steps to address the root causes of migration in a way that honors the humanity in
people who must flee.
Being a sanctuary denomination will look different in different contexts. It may mean providing space for people to
live; providing financial and legal support to those working through the immigration system; or supporting other con-
gregations and service providers. We cannot mandate or direct our congregations and ministries to respond in specific
ways. Each must work out what this means for them in their context.
It is important to note that being a sanctuary denomination does not call for any person, congregation or synod to
engage in any illegal action. Being a sanctuary denomination means that we, as church together, want to be public and
vocal about this work. It will look different for everyone, but welcoming people is not a political issue for us – it is a
matter of faith.” (Cont. pg 2)
Fall Hours Begin 9/8/19
Adult & Children Sunday School 9am
Worship 10:15am
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH ALLEGHENY & SWATARA STS. PO BOX 5 DAUPHIN, PA 17018
The church office is located at 318 Erie Street (directly behind the church) Pastor Nicole’s hours: Tuesday through Sunday
(717) 921-8111
Council Members
Bonnie Bechtel, President
Skip Wachter, VP
Doug Bonsall, Secretary
Floyd Bechtel, Treasurer
Sonia Evans, Asst. Treasurer
Yvonne Schock
Dee Wesner, Financial
Secretary
Cheryl Kauffman
Judy King
Warren Kerstetter
Judy Harner
Monica Wesner
September 2019
For some of us, these letters provide the clarification that we need to alleviate those initial reactions of confusion, anger and fear.
For others of us, these letters only offer up further confusion, more anger, and more fear.
I wanted to share in this pastor’s report some of this information to make sure that you are seeing it. While I was away, several
emails went out with these letters and mailings were sent to those without email. We do our best to disseminate the information
that we have been given in the best ways we have, but sometimes things get lost, put aside, or people are left out for whatever rea-
son or another. I wanted to be sure that you saw these highlights and these messages from our own church leaders. Leaders who
were present at this assembly and for these discussions. Leaders who are working through this with us.
The question has come to me about whether or not I was aware of this beforehand. The answer is NO. This discussion was not a
part of our Lower Susquehanna Synod’s assembly this past June. I had no idea that it would be coming to the floor of the church-
wide assembly. And from what I’m learning, most people didn’t. Which is why the answers to our questions, the information and
resources we’re looking for from our larger church body, seem to be taking longer than we’d like. This Memorial was not on the
agenda for the week, but was brought to the assembly floor by a group out of the New York Metropolitan Synod. From what I hear,
it garnered MUCH discussion and some of the very issues, questions and concerns that you and I are raising, were brought to the
attention of all in attendance at that assembly. What I know is that following these discussions, this Memorial passed by majority
vote.
What will this mean for us at Zion in Dauphin? Well, like Bishop Eaton’s letter indicates, that’s up to us to figure out. In all hones-
ty, unless this propels us into brand new ministry ventures, we’re already doing much of this work. Through our noisy offering col-
lections, through our collected donation items that we distribute to various agencies, through our work with Isaiah 61, Bethesda
Mission and St. Barnabas Center, we’re already carrying out this ministry. I don’t expect much of anything will change for us here
in Dauphin.
I share in some of your worries and concerns. I feel the heaviness of this declaration and I am acutely aware of the struggle and
conflicts that it is stirring among the Church and even in my own heart. I must also say, that even in those worries and concerns, I
am also convicted by Scripture, by the words and teachings of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that is working in me to walk faithfully
alongside brothers and sisters in Christ, welcoming the stranger, reaching out to those on the margins, and loving my neighbor.
It’s hard, sometimes, to hold these things all at once and find some kind of balance. I am eager to hear more, to learn more, and to
sit with others and have conversations that help to open this up even further, bringing clarity and understanding, and a peaceful
heart and mind. I pray that you will be willing to sit with me in this as well. I will continue to share new information with you as I
hear it and I would welcome you being a part of this “holy conversation.”
God’s peace~
Pastor Nicole
Worship Time Change
Be sure to mark your calendars for September 8th when we will resume our usual Sunday schedule. Sunday School will begin at 9am, announcements will start at 10:10am with worship at 10:15am.
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Zion Choir Notes
Choir Resumes – After enjoying its summer break, Zion’s choir is back to weekly rehearsals every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. and will sing anthems each Sunday starting on September 8
th. As Zion celebrates “God’s Work; Our Hands”
Sunday that day, we will have a special hymn and anthem for the occasion.
Anthems/Special Music for September, 2019:
Additional special music for the month has not yet been confirmed.
Concert Coming to Zion, October 6th
Men in Harmony, an all-volunteer male chorus of twenty-plus voices based in Millersburg, will present a concert at Zion on Sunday evening, October 6, beginning at 7:00 pm. The group has been active in musical ministry since June of 2000 and has presented innumerable concerts in a variety of venues over the nineteen years of its existence. It has been directed for the last ten years by the Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Minnich. Two of Zion’s own choir members – Art Sonnenberg and Joe Canamu-cio – also sing in this men’s chorus.
The Men in Harmony’s program of sacred music is focused this year around the theme Our God Is… The selections that the choir sings will help those in the congregation add a variety of answers to that theme, all underscoring how great and wondrous is our God.
There is no charge for the concert and we urge the congregation to invite family, friends and other churches to join us that evening. A free will offering will be received to help Men in Harmony to continue praising God through its singing. Following the concert all are invited to partake of light refreshments in Zion’s social hall.
Date Anthem/Special Music
9/1/2019 Vocal solo: My Jesus, I Love Thee - Tom Scott
9/8/2019 Anthem – We’ll Be There!
9/15/2019 Anthem – Psalm 23: A Psalm of Hope
9/22/2019 Anthem – In My Heart There Rings a Melody
9/29/2019 Anthem – God Gives Us Love
September Collection Items
Clean & Gently Used WARM Clothing Marlene Hoover 9/7
Amber Smith 9/8 Mary Jacobs 9/10 Robert Hunter 9/11 Eric Hunter 9/15 Jack Hoover 9/15 Jane Scott 9/16 Lisa Campbell 9/19 Noreen Hunter 9/19 Joan Anderson 9/24 Samuel Wesner 9/25 Wyatt Musselman 9/25 Ronda Smith 9/28 Debbie Thompson 9/29
Steven & Cathy Mertz 9/6
Thomas & Jane Scott 9/7
Tony & Sheila Shaw 9/15
Dana & Ronda Smith 9/23
Thank You
For you generous gift, given through the Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA, to Luther-
an World Relief’s Quilt and Kit Shipping Fund. Your donation ensures that LWR Quilts
& Kits get into the hands of a person who needs it.
With your help, we have delivered Quilts & Kits to families in Mozambique whose com-
munities were utterly ravaged by Cyclone Idai. For refugee families, your gift means so
much. A School Kit can make a difference between an education or missing out. A Per-
sonal Care Kit helps families provide for basic hygiene needs, freeing up precious re-
sources. Quilts help families through cold winter nights.
Thank you for your generosity and partnership. If you have any questions, please do
not hesitate to contace me or the LWR staff at 800.597.5972 or [email protected].
On behalf of LWR, our partners and those we serve together please accept my heartfelt
thanks once more for your gift and all that it will do.
Warm Regards
Daniel Speckhard (ret) President & CEO
God’s Work…Our Hands
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Join thousands of fellow Lutherans on Sunday, September 8th for a day of service and fellowship. At Zion, lunch will be provided immediately following the 10:15 a.m. worship service and then a variety of projects for all
ages and all skills will take place. There is no cost for lunch and you don’t need to bring anything, just sign up on the Special Stuff table in the lower narthex. The lunch is funded by a Thrivent grant and will be prepared by
our dinner committee.
Our final kids camp for the 2019 summer was held on Wednesday, August 21st from 10am-12pm. “The Bug Man” join us that morning. Check out the pictures below
HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY
11 DAYS: APRIL 20 – 30, 2020
Hosted By:
Pastor Nicole Wachter
ONLY $3599 PER PERSON FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
(Air/land tour price is $3149 plus $450 government taxes/airline surcharges)
TOUR INCLUDES: Roundtrip air from Washington, D.C., most meals, first class/select ho-
tels, comprehensive sightseeing with the finest English-speaking guides & more!
V i s i t V e n i c e , F l o r e n c e , S o r r e n t o , P o m p e i i a n d R o m e
GLEANER’S
Gleaners are gearing up for a busy time starting with our meeting on September 4 at 7:00 at Zion.
We will be making plans to create quilts for LWR and making plans to make apple dumplings for the fall bizarre.
Our meetings usually last about an hour followed by refreshments and fellowship. All ladies are welcome to join us.
PARKING LOT UPDATE
Zion’s parking lot project is moving forward. In late July, Warren Kerstetter met with Bill Burch, the engineer hired by Zion. Bill said he will
complete our plan soon. We will advise the congregation when the next step is ready.
Thank you for your patience.
SCENES FROM AUGUST KID’S CAMP
HOMELESS FEED
CHURCH PICNIC
Two Fund-raising Craft Classes Offered at Zion Lutheran Church, Dauphin
Two Craft Classes will be offered at Zion Lutheran Church, Dauphin to help raise money to cover medical expenses for Johnny Bricker, age 4. Classes will be conducted in Gleaner's Hall on Wednesday, September 11 & Saturday, Sep-tember 14, both at 10 a.m. We will be creating adorable Gnome Homes! This is a project you will not want to miss! So sweet and neat to do, made out of home-grown gourds and other natural earthy textures. These creative pieces are just perfect for that additive touch to that special place in your garden or home wherever your Gnome or even your Fairy may roam. All materials are provided for you, but please bring along a pair of wire cutters.
Pre-registration is required by calling 717-921-2191. Both classes are the same.
Fee is $25 – cash only. Fee is payable at the door before the start of class.
Classes are held at Zion Lutheran Church in Dauphin located at 400 Swatara Street. Parking is at the back of the church.
For more information and to view the project, please visit www.facebook.com/ArtCraft-Fund-Raiser-Classes-for-Baby-Johnny.
Adult Bible Study Continues Reading and Analysis of Luke’s Gospel The Adult Bible Study, which begins again September 8 after a summer break, will continue its reading and analysis of the gospel lessons designated for the day. Through the end of November, we will study the Gos-pel of Luke and then begin the Gospel of Matthew on the First Sunday in Advent. For September 8, our study looks at Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus talks with his disciples about the personal sacrifice that results when we follow his preaching. In addition, we’ll explore the second lesson where Paul, in his letter to Philemon, suggests the real-world application of Christian faith, forgiveness and reconcilia-tion. We look forward to your joining us! Contact Craig Staller at 717-439-9273 with any questions about the Adult Bible Study.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
For Cindy Bartholomew
Ron & Dee Wesner, Anthony & Faith Rose, Erin Collins
For Marian Conrad
Tom & Marcia Brown, Shirley Conrad, Sunrise Seniors, Charles & Eileen Zoll, Luc Crum,
William & Anne Conrad, Lynne Bolig, Fred & Susan Dill, Ray & Bertie Dively, Doug Bonsall, Craig Staller,
Carol Thompson, Ruth Getz, Ron & Dee Wesner, Bogar & Hipp Law Offices, Scott & Debbie Thompson,
Jerry Carden, William & Eliane Livingston, John & Margaret Reichard, Dave & Judy Szostek,
Frank & Ruth Bertovich
Update from Church Council
This monthly update from Council is shared to keep the congregation informed of things happening around Zion Church.
Special Order of Business at the August 12, 2019 meeting:
Learned that Zion will receive a 2-part bequest from the late Marian Conrad - the first part is a portion of an IRA of approximately $58,000 that will become available to the church in 1-2 months; the second be-quest is a 5% share of the residue of the estate, the amount of which and the date of receipt is unknown at this time
Actions taken at this meeting:
Agreed to proceed with the idea of a capital campaign to retire the remaining mortgage on the church build-ing, finance the parking lot project and undertake some major painting projects when all facts are known and the time is deemed appropriate; the Conrad bequest and promised donations from the Gleaners and the Men’s Group will be considered as advance gifts toward the final goal to be raised
Decided that memorial contributions will be reported as obligated fund balances in the monthly financial statements, carrying unexpended memorials form one year to the next
Approved to secure cost estimates for sandblasting and powder coating of the exterior metal fire escapes
Determined that council votes will be recorded in the minutes as unanimous when all members agree with a decision and to record the number of “ayes” and “nays” without individual names when the vote is split
Authorized Floyd Bechtel to purchase and install necessary components to improve the function of the nave sound system at a cost not to exceed $1,000
Informational items reported at this meeting:
Christian Education– Yvonne Schock will continue to coordinate teachers for the children’s class and Craig Staller will continue to lead the adult class; the second year confirmation class will be confirmed on Pentecost Sunday 2020
Outreach/Social Ministry – Zion will participate in the ELCA “God’s Work, Our Hands” on Sunday, Sep-tember 8
th; lunch will provided after worship followed by a variety of service opportunities
Worship & Music – five choir members attended the choral reading worship in Lititz sponsored by Lower’s Music; a farewell reception was hosted for Alyssa Davis as she returns to college in Washington state this fall
Visioning/Long Range Planning – the pastor has discussed questions/dream about future ministry at Zion with the Outreach and Education Committees and plans to do the same in the near future with the Wor-ship & Music Committee, Gleaners and Men’s Group
Cont. next page
Gleaners – the group paid for the cost of a professional cleaning of the floors and upholstered chairs
Men’s Group – new barbeque rack frills have been purchased; plans made to power wash the church building and complete repairs on the church office house
Parking Lot – receipt of the completed parking lot site plan has been delayed and could not be presented to Dauphin Borough Council for review/approval in July as expected
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Nicole arranged for Pastor Faye Snyder to be pulpit supply for two Sundays and for Pastor Pat-rick Wirick to be on call for emergencies during her vacation August 13-27.
The ELCA’s recent Becoming a Sanctuary Church decision at the Church-Wide Assembly was dis-cussed. This action is a reaffirmation and continuation of the church’s current work to welcome the stranger in our midst and does not advocate breaking any laws or undertaking illegal activities as was reported by some news media. Printed information provided by the ELCA and the Lower Sus-quehanna Synod on this topic was shared with the congregation and an educational opportunity will be planned. The pastor urged everyone to remain calm and open minded until all facts are known and thoroughly studied.
Financial
The treasurer noted that receipts were higher than normal during June with the receipt of $13,000 from the Saturday dinner committee
The next Council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 7:15 p.m. in the first floor meeting room.
Doug Bonsall, Council Secretary
Includes all budgeted & non-budgeted June 2019 July 2019 Year-to-Date
(Jan.-July)
Receipts $ 28,577.99 $ 12,864.30 $118,041.56
Expenditures $ 19,820.71 $ 15,476.22 $116,599.11
Excess or (Deficit) - Receipts Over Expenses $ 8,757.28 $ (2,611.92) $ 1,442.45
Outreach Committee Meeting – 06/20/2019
Members Present: Bonnie Bechtel, Annette Sheesley, Cheryl Hornung, Deb Borelli, Pastor Nicole, Donna Damgaard,
Judy King, Cheryl Kaufman
It was discussed that with Zion having received a Community Aid grant that a noisy offering and collection was no
longer needed for the Isaiah 61 feed. Money was earmarked in the grant for this program. This freed up the Sep-
tember Noisy Offering and Collection. We are now doing a noisy offering collection for the “Do Over” Ministry. The
Musselman’s are very involved with ministry and it works to help transition the homeless and/or low income people
into housing and jobs. For the collection, we will be seeking clean and gently used warm clothing for people in need.
Then we’ll have the items for whichever charity needs them most heading into the colder season.
The October collection is for items for one of the local addiction charities. Cheryl H. and Donna are working with one
of their friends who is on a board of an addiction agency. She’ll write us an article for the newsletter and will let us
know what collection items are needed. (Just a FYI - Flo now works for this agency)
We talked briefly about the summer children’s camp. Pastor reported that 5 children attended. Ruth Getz’s great
grandchildren, Mary Jacobs and 2 other children (friends of Tracy Sudia). Post cards were handed out by Dee Wesner
to the FMS families. We do not have signs out nor posters to promote the program. Pastor will be taking care of this
as well as FB postings. A private donation was secured by Luc Crum to pay for $300 for having the “Bug Man” pre-
sent at program at the last camp session.
“God’s Work. Our Hand”s Day for September 8th. This is the kick off for Sunday School and back to our regular
church schedule. Pastor was going to talk to Craig about trying to get a grant to cover lunch.
The service projects discussed were: LWR quilts, LWR school kits, Furry Friends – catnip toys and braided fleece dog
toys, FMS children’s goody bags for Halloween and Christmas, a Caitlin’s Smiles craft kits, hygiene kits (for Isaiah 61,
Bethesda Mission, YWCA or whoever can use them). We would still welcome a project for the military ….. if some-
one comes across a project before September 8.
The meeting was turned over to the Pastor to ask her Vision questions about the future of the church.
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SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SERVANTS
Bulletin Sponsors Emmy Sanford & Judy Leonard
Altar Guild Bonnie Bechtel & Debbie Thompson
Coffee Hour Sponsor
Activities and Whom to Contact
Acolyte Pastor Nicole 921-8111 Gift Card Program Sonia Evans 579-0591
Altar Flowers Tracey Sudia 921-8111
Altar Guild Linda Beard 921-8313 Gleaners’ Linda Beard 921-8313
Adult Education Craig Staller 429-9273 Annette Sheesley 921-2166 Greeters Ruth Getz 921-8341
Caitlin’s Smiles Cheryl Hornung 921-9092 Lector Tracey Sudia 921-8111
Choir Doug Bonsall 921-1957 Meals on Wheels Linda Geary 599-5346
Church Office Tracey Sudia 921-8111 Nursery Pastor Nicole 921-8111
Church Calendar Sonia Evans 579-0591 Prayer List Bev Seiders 574-0378
Coffee Refreshments Elsie Stroup 599-5444 Sexton Janet Smith 512-3917
Collection Counters Jim Fisher 514-3080 Sunday School Yvonne Schock 645-0255
Communion Assts. Judy Harner 921-8811 Cradle Role, Preschool, Elementary
Feed My Sheep Kate Grenoble 877-0964 Ushers Men’s Group
Worship
Assistants
Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29
Head Usher
Mike Sudia Mike Sudia Mike Sudia Mike Sudia Mike Sudia
Acolyte Skylar Latsha Amber Smith Mike Lowe Declan Mussel-man
Brittany Smith
Greeter Linda Beard Ruth Getz Catherine Smith
Patty Wachter Barb Waxman
Lector
Judy Harner Alan Mende Marc Neville Mike Rinehard Brenda Rockwell
Nursery
SUMMER BREAK
Emmy San-ford
Linda Beard Linda Geary Marcia Brown
Communion
Assistants
Alan Mende
Catherine Smith
Tom Scott
Tammy Cal-houn
Tony Shaw
Donna Strawser
Kathy Dunn
Ann Gerhard
Judy Harner
Nancy Clemm
Offering
Processors
NEEDED NEEDED NEEDED Marlin Sheesley Marlin Sheesley
Flowers
Choir
In Loving
Memory of
Choir Member,
Cindy
Bartholomew
Jim & Val
Kopenhaver
To the
Glory
Of God
Alan & Cathy Mende
In Celebra-tion
Of Aidan’s
Birthday
Sam & Dee Wes-ner
In Celebration
Of
Sam’s Birthday
Luc Crum
In Loving
Memory
Of her
Father