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1
THE ZION NEWS
PUBLICATION OF ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
TURBOTVILLE, PA
July 2016
2
Dear Friends in Christ,
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
These are beloved words. “Amazing Grace” is always listed among peo-
ple's favorite hymns. It goes back to the 18th century, written by John
Newton, who was on the sea from the time he was a little boy. When he
was a young man he became the captain of his own ship, a ship that
brought African slaves to the colonies to work the plantations.
Back in England, between voyages, he went to hear George Whitefield
preach and was converted. He realized the evil of his occupation, left it,
and became a priest in the Church of England and served the rest of his
life as the rector of a little church in a town called Olney. He wrote a
number of hymns which were printed in a collection called the “Olney
Hymns,” which is one of the classic collections of hymns in the Church,
and “Amazing Grace” was one of them.
It is amazing, the popularity of this hymn. Even people who are not mem-
bers of churches, and those who do not profess faith, find something
about this hymn that touches them. It probably has to do with the com-
mon human experience of feeling lost. We all have that feeling from time
to time, don't we? Especially when we are going through a difficult time
in life. We want direction, we want the assurance that we will be okay.
When John Newton expresses in simple words his experience of being
found. “I once was lost, but now am found,” it resonates with people.
What is so tremendous about these simple words is that they explain the
Christian understanding of our relationship with God. God has found us.
The distinctly Christian experience of God, is that sense of being found.
Most of what Jesus taught was taught before him by the prophets, espe-
cially the ethical teachings. And there is much of what we believe as
Christians that is shared by people all over the world. In all religions there
are ethical religious teachings that are universal. But there is this one af-
firmation that is unique to Christianity, and that is the proclamation that
God seeks us and finds us. Jesus says it plainly in the Gospel of Luke,
23
Persons with which to share
A Joyful Invitation
1.) Name:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
Phone Number :______________________________________
2.) Name:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
Phone Number :______________________________________
3.) Name:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
Phone Number :______________________________________
4.) Name:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
Phone Number :______________________________________
5.) Name:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
Phone Number :______________________________________
22
A Joyful Invitation
We are in the midst of a twelve-week program to promote Zion
Church this summer. We will be using a variety of ways to let
our community know of all the ministries our church has to of-
fer. We will use mailings, phone calls, personal visits, advertis-
ing, a new website, and Facebook. Especially, we want to tell
our community about our two Sunday worship services and
promote the beginning of our Saturday 6:00 pm worship ser-
vice on September 10th. A key part of this strategy is identify-
ing prospects we can encourage to attend. We need your help to
do this.
What is a “prospect?” Prospects are persons a church may cul-
tivate with a realistic hope of sharing the Gospel and involving
those persons in the life of the church. Prospects are people
who have not been to church in a long time or may have never
been to church. We want to share with them the love of God
through Jesus Christ and the fellowship we enjoy. We want to
help them discover God in their lives.
Where do we look for prospects? All around us. They are:
Newcomers to our community.
Persons who worship with us now and then.
Persons who participate in a church activity from time to
time.
Persons we have helped with a hurt or hope.
Acquaintances, coworkers, friends, family.
Persons in your neighborhood without a church home.
Our goal is to create a prospect list of 250 or more people. You
can help us by using the other side of this sheet to provide
names and information. We will then share with them a joyful
invitation to our church and the kingdom of God. 3
“For the Son of man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
(Luke 19:10)
Knowing that the mission of Jesus is to seek and save the lost, the
question becomes, “How does that happen today?” Paul is very
clear about how it happens in Romans 10:13-14:
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be
saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not be-
lieved? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have nev-
er heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim
him?
The truth is that it is our job, the baptized body of Christ, to pro-
claim Jesus Christ, When we proclaim the Word of God the Holy
Spirit will work in the hearts and minds of the hearers creating
faith. The lost are found when we tell them about the Good Shep-
herd who loves them and seeks them out. Who do you know that
needs Jesus Christ in their lives to love them, direct them, and let
them know that they will be okay? How can you reach out to them
with the good news that Jesus loves them? Sometimes a simple in-
vitation to worship or an activity of our congregation can open a
door for them to hear the Word. Add their names to our prospect
list that we are using as part of our outreach project this summer.
Be a part of helping another person experience that life changing
feeling of being found by our loving God.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Roux
4
PASTOR ROUX’S
VACATION DAYS
Pastor Roux’s will be on vacation
Monday, August 1, 2016—Sunday,
August 14, 2016
Supply Ministers:
August 7—Mark Giesen
August 14—Mindy Bartholomew
Please contact Pastor Viking Dietrich
with pastoral emergencies
on his cell phone at 717-810-7634 or
his home at 570-547-7063
21
Summer Music Schedule sign up
sheet is on the
bulletin board in the narthex.
Any questions talk with
Pastor Middernacht.
20
Electronic Giving Option
The Simply Giving Program
Endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union
Zion is pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic
option for making regular offerings. Contributions can now
be debited automatically from your checking or savings ac-
count. Our new electronic giving program offers
convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency
for our congregation.
If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no
longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 enve-
lopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances pre-
vent you from attending services, this program will allow
your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis.
An authorization form is available from the church office.
5
August Newsletter August deadline is August 10, 2016
Are you aware that we have … … large print Portals of Prayer?
...devotional booklets located on the table in the narthex and at
the back of the church?
Large print bulletins are available for all
worship services.
Children’s bulletins are also available
for worship services. Just ask an usher.
Church E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.zion-ev-lutheran.org
Facebook: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
(Turbotville, PA) Check out the pictures on Facebook
6
View the Zion News Online
Our monthly newsletter is available online as soon as it goes to press.
If you aren’t getting your copy through the mail in a timely manner,
we encourage you to go to www.zion-ev-lutheran.org
(news and events—view the current parish calendar) This can be
especially helpful to check the calendar and worship assistant
schedules.
Altar Flowers sponsors are needed
The price per set is $30.00 (includes the 2
Altar vases) maybe you would like to
share a set with someone, splitting the
cost. Dates available: October 30. Flower
chart is located in the hallway outside of
the office.
Please return the flower containers to the
church.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED IN THE
CHURCH OFFICE Office coverage is needed to cover Cathy’s personal time
between the hours of 9:00—12:00 Call Cathy in the of-
fice if you can help or have any questions. Duties include
answering the telephone, taking messages, fold and stuff
the bulletins for Sunday.
Coverage is needed in the church office for the following
days: Fridays - July 29; Fridays - August 5, 12, 26;
Fridays - September 2, 9, 23, 30; Fridays - October 7, 14;
Fridays - November 25; Monday—December 5; Thurs-
day—December 23. 19
8) When guests come in the door...
a) Are they made to feel welcome?
b) Is the church clean and neat?
c) Are there amenities in the restrooms? (changing stations, tissues, hand lotion,
etc.)
d) Sufficient stair railings for children and seniors?
9) Include children in the activities of the worship service... lectors, presenters of the
elements, ushers.
10) Guest follow-up:
a) No later than three days after a guest visit, follow up with a phone call or a thank
you note.
b) Invite the person to a specific event at least three times.
c) Offer a congregational 'mentor'.
d) Send a copy of the latest newsletter.
11) Community outreach and evangelism:
a) Become known as the 'welcoming church' to community groups.
b) Invite neighbors to events outside of the sanctuary.
c) VBS and pre-school follow-up.
d) Participate in community events.
Several years ago Terry and I were vacationing in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.
As we walked the neighborhood of our downtown hotel to take in some of the sights,
we discovered a Lutheran church several blocks away. We scoped out the building,
and its outside sign told us the time of their services. Using our laptop back at our
hotel, we found out more about the church through their website. When we attended
their worship service that Sunday, we were welcomed by just about everyone in the
congregation. During pre-worship announcements, the pastor even acknowledged
visitors from Pennsylvania and Michigan. After the service, we were invited to their
‘social hour’, which was more like a brunch. The meal-time conversation turned to
sausage, and of course, we felt right at home. Bottom line? That congregation made
us feel like family, not visitors; and we would definitely attend that church again.
Do you want guests to feel that way about Zion? It’s up to each of us to help convey
that feeling of welcome and family since we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. If
you have additional ideas or would like to help implement ideas, please consider
attending the ‘new service’ meetings or nave improvement committee meetings or
contact the church office.
18
WELCOMING THE STRANGER
By Ann Gardner
At Synod Assembly in June, I attended a workshop titled, "Congregational
Hospitality: How to Really Welcome the Stranger". I came away with some really
good information that might be helpful, especially since we are starting a new
service and planning nave improvement. The workshop was given by someone who
can attend her home church only about once a quarter since she travels for her job.
The remaining weeks of the year, she visits a church in the city of whatever
conference she's attending.
The points of the presentation I thought were really useful are:
1) She calls the church of her choice in the evening to listen to the outgoing
voicemail message. Does it list service hours, nursery availability, website (for
further information), etc.? Basically, how helpful is the message to a prospective
guest?
2) Signage. Is the main outside sign helpful... static or changeable? Does it include
the website? Does something point to a handicapped-accessible entrance? Is there
designated 'guest parking' (rather than 'visitor parking')? Is there inside directional
signage (to the office, to the sanctuary, to the restrooms)?
3) 85% of American adults use the internet. Your website is your 'welcome mat' to
the world! What does it say about you?
a) Who is the site for?
b) How will they find out about it?
c) What do you want them to do when they get here?
d) How will it integrate with your social media?
4) Un-churched or de-churched people come through the 'back door', i.e., through
"service" activities. An up-to-date activities calendar is a must on the website.
5) An up-to-date document of the church's ministries must be on the website.
6) Take advantage of social media. If you have time and resources for only one
form of social media, choose Facebook... it is by far the most used social media
form regardless of age, gender, ethnic group, or geography (urban, rural, etc.).
Make sure a Facebook link is on your website!
7) Get guests, friends to post favorable reviews of your church on Yelp and other
review sources.
7
Please remember in your prayers our members who are homebound,
in nursing homes and the military:
Birthdays are listed
At Home
Alice Durlin – 6/9
Emily Gottschall - 10/10
Joyce McCollum—12/2
Maxine Reimensnyder – 12/20
Donald and Jean Fry
Finley Stahl
Nancy DeHart
Watsontown Rehab—Watsontown
Lena Sechler—5/13
Eleanor Trefsger –9/21
Deborah Laidacker
Rockwell—Milton
Janice Metzger 4/15
Elmcroft—Montoursville
Phil Bower 12/30
Military -
R. Scott Keister-3/12 John Rump-3/26
Christopher Keister-4/2 Michael Frey-5/20
Wayne Meckley-8/16 Alisha Cox Welch - 12/16
8
JOLLY BUNCH
Jolly Bunch will meet August 10,2016. We will be going to Leonard
Tyson’s for a picnic. Members are reminded to bring lawn chairs.
Everything else will be provided. Members wishing to car pool are to
meet at the church between 10:00 and 10:15 am, we will
be leaving promptly at 10:30 am.
Everyone is welcomed to join our group for a time of
Christian fellowship.
We meet the second Wednesday of the month. Mark
your calendars!
Scholarship Fund Award
The Scholarship Fund Committee is pleased to
announce the approval of the fund application for Ryan
Kilgus and Connor Pelletier The 2016 amount awarded
will be $750.00; a check will be issued to their school.
Please congratulate Ryan Kilgus and Connor Pelletier.
ALL COMMITTEES ARE REMINDED
2017 Proposed Budgets are due in the church
office August 31, 2016. Watch your office
mailboxes for details
17
Preschool Applications are being accepted
for 2016/2017 school year. If you know of
children who wish to apply or have ques-
tions contact the church office.
The congregations of St. John, (Brick), Montgomery, St.
John’s, Delaware Run, Trinity, Hughesville, Messiah, Muncy
and Zion, Turbotville are invited to a joint picnic on Sunday,
July 31. This is a great way to get to know folks from other
churches in our area.
Sunday July 31 Kiess Park, between Weis Market (Muncy) and Clarkstown.
Potluck, There are standing grills there, but we are not or-
ganizing that. If individuals want to share in that manner,
fine.
Potluck to start at 6pm. Activities/games at 5 pm. Picnickers especially youth are
encouraged to come at 5pm or earlier for games.
16
No Exercise Class Until September
Watch for more information or
call Susie Watson at
649-5736.
ATTENTION THRIVENT PRODUCT HOLDERS
Thrivent members are eligible to direct funds to Action Team fund-
raisers, service activities, or educational events within our congre-
gation. This means that a member could receive $250 towards a
project simply by applying online. A Benefit member could do this
twice a year and an Associate member once a year. If you have
questions about how you can direct Action Team dollars this year,
please talk to Jeanette Calhoun or Pastor Roux. If you need help
applying online, please arrange for a time with Pastor Roux to help
you.
9
WARRIOR RUN NEIGHBORS
HELPING NEIGHBORS
It’s summertime! If we had any doubts, the hot and humid month
of June certainly convinced us. Sunshine seemed to be the norm
with a scarcity of rain. All very nice for beach-going, camping and
other outdoor activities but many of us found our gardens and
crops struggling. Perhaps July will bring a change – we shall see.
Summertime is a busy time but in the midst of all our summer
activities, let us take time to remember our neighbors and continue
to faithfully bring our contributions of food to meet their needs.
JULY – We’re “seeing red” this month and bringing canned
tomatoes. For the remainder of the month please continue to bring
cans of tomatoes and tomato products. The tomatoes may be
whole, shopped, or diced, tomato paste, sauce or juice. Tomatoes
are useful in many ways and in many dishes that we prepare.
Many cans are needed.
AUGUST
Summertime is picnic time. How many have you attended already
this summer?
Chances are, at each of those picnics, someone brought a
wonderful dish of baked beans. It’s still time for many more
picnics and what’s a picnic without baked beans? This month, let’s
help our neighbors prepare for their picnics by bringing cans of
baked beans. Check your grocer’s shelves -- notice the wide
variety of baked beans available. Choose one (or perhaps several)
and being them for all those happy picnic times in August. Let’s
help our neighbors prepare for their picnics this summer and bring
baked beans.
10
Rev. Erwin C. Roux, Pastor (570-437-9058)
Clissie Sheatler, Council President (570-437-2215)
Michael Yohn, Organist
Rev. Steven Middernacht, Minister of Music
Cathy J. Kelley, Secretary
Jennifer Woland, Preschool Teacher
Wendy Wood, Preschool Helper
Dennis Sheatler, Custodian
Telephone: 570-649-5195
Church e-mail: [email protected]
Church website: www.zion-ev-lutheran.org Facebook: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Turbotville, PA)
Prayer Chain Anchors: Call before 9:00 pm
Team 1 Barbara Zettlemoyer 649-5358
Team 2 Joe and Mary Lou Murray 437-2478
Team 3 Martha and Lauren Weidner 649-5438
Team 4 Ashley and Janet Reasner 649-5658
15
14
A BIG THANK YOU!
Thank you to all who helped with the Funeral
Luncheon following the service for Calvin Menges
on Saturday, June 18th. Food was donated by the
generous and good cooks of Zion. The luncheon was
served by assistants Glenda Yost, Rick Rovenolt
and Paul & Ruth Auten. Also thanks to Barb
Hartline for making all the calls for food donations
and to Dennis Sheatler for taking care of the tables &
chairs. Everyone’s help was greatly appreciated! Barb Zettlemoyer
Dear Zion,
Thank you for the cookies during finals week. They were much needed and
enjoyed. I was able to power through the week with a sweet taste of home.
Thanks, Catherine Dyer
Dear Amanda and Shelley,
Thank you for teaching Sunday school class this past year. Ladies, you are great to
work with. I really appreciate all of your time and energy that you put into making
Sunday school fun for the kids.
God Bless You, Brenda Reasner
Thank you , Rev. Roux, for your visits to Dad. Your support for him and our
family has been of great value.
We offer our gratitude to all members of Zion for your visits, cards and caring.
The meal after the funeral service gave us the opportunity to be with relatives and
friends.
Sincerely, The family of Calvin Menges
Dear Zion Church Family,
Joe and I want to thank you for the planter honoring our 50th wedding anniversary.
Time certainly passes quickly! We are grateful to be part of such a caring
congregation.
In God’s Love, Joe and Sarah Kowalski
A heartfelt “Thank You” to those who helped with the funeral luncheon for Zion’s
bellowed Eleanor Hemrick on Tuesday, July 12th.
Special appreciation to Barb Hartline for making the phone calls for all the food
donations and to Dennis Sheatler for taking care of the tables and chairs.
Those who gave their time by serving the luncheon were Marian Dietrick, Faith
Heiss, Beth Roux, Martha Weidner, Paul and Ruth Auten, and Rick and Valli
Rovenolt.
So many loving hands prepared the delicious food and were so generous with their
donations. It was certainly a show of appreciation for all that John and Eleanor
have done for so many years.
Barbara Zettlemoyer
11
COMMITTEES AT A GLANCE
MONDAY
Disaster Relief Team 1st Monday at 7:00 pm
Barbara Kilgus—Chairperson
Carla Mahaffey—Council Rep.
TUESDAY
Outreach 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 pm
Pastor Roux-Chairperson
John Myers—Council Rep
Stewardship 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 pm
Barry Durlin-Chairperson
Bob DeHart—Council Rep
Property 4th Tuesday at 7:00 pm
Lynn Watson and Lee Bieber– Co-Chairs
John Kauffman—Council Rep
Social Ministry 4th Tuesday at 6:30 pm
Valli Rovenolt-Chairperson
Garry Ritter—Council Rep
THURSDAY
Executive Committee 1st Thursday at 7:00 pm
Church Council 2nd Thursday at 7:00 pm
Worship and Music 3rd Thursday at 7:00 pm
John Craven -Chairperson
Carolyn Bieber—Council Rep
Staff Support 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm
Melissa Kilgus -Chairperson
Deb Webb—Council Rep
SUNDAY
Christian Education meets quarterly at 6:30 pm
12
Current Fund
Daily Expenses
Balance brought forward (5/31/16) 19,344.40 16,920.10
June YTD
Monthly Contributions 17,858.68 128,030.98
Monthly Disbursements 19,552.86 125,642.07
Balance (6/30/16) 17,359.22 17,359.22
Building Fund—$13,586.53
June Attendance
Total Congregational attendance at services:
8:00 am - 292
10:30 am - 213
Wednesday Prayer - 44
13
Wednesday Prayer Service Our Wednesday Prayer services continue at 9:00 am. For those looking
for an additional opportunity to receive Holy Communion, the Prayer
Group celebrates the sacrament at its service on the fourth Wednesday of
every month. Be with us for prayers and the Sacrament on Wednesdays.
Are you getting your mail from the church? If not, the church office
may not have your new or a correct address. If your address has changed
please notify the church office. Check the membership directory (three
ring binder) located on the table in the narthex and let the office know of
any changes. We must pay for all mail returned, every time it is returned,
because of an incorrect address Please take the time to check your
address Thank you Cathy.
Dear Zion,
Thank you so much for accepting me as a recipient for the
Church Scholarship. I apologize for the delayed letter as I
was away at training for a while. Once again, thank you.
Ryan Kilgus
