November 2020 Zion Newsletter, Vol. 11 Issue 11 Zi N Newsletter Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS) Serving the Lord Faithfully in Downtown Columbus since 1882. 766 S. High St. (German Village area) Columbus OH 43206 Voting as Christians There is an unwritten rule in churches that Pastors are not supposed to talk about politics. That is, quite frankly, absurd. Jesus warns in Mark 8:15, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” That is to say, “Beware of the false teachings of both Church and State!” Remaining silent about anything is a breeding ground for Satan to tempt us to sin. Where the Word of God is not rightly preached and taught, the sinful flesh will always default to sinful ways unless it is taught otherwise, because Satan never ceases to preach and teach his lies of anti-gospel! This month’s newsletter article, therefore, is a “theology of voting.” When you go to the polls this month, you have a great responsibility. As a Christian, you have a wonderful freedom in Christ to cast your vote for those who will do what is best for your country and your neighbor. Notice nowhere in that sentence did I say anything about voting for what is best for you. (It should be said, however, that voting for what is best for the country and your neighbor is what is best for you.) Sadly, we Americans have been treated much like spoiled children. Each polit- ical party has tried to spoil the “kids” instead of doing what is best for them, which would be adhering to the Constitution and Law of the land as our forefathers arranged. The 10 Commandments summarize the natural laws observable in creation as God ordained them in the beginning. Since they form a simple guide for instructing Christians how to live, they also in- struct us how to vote. Here is a simple guide to how Christians should vote every time they go to the polls. Making a simple check list of candidates for each commandment will give a clear and concise path on how the Christian should vote. 1 st Commandment: Which candidate will most support a country that puts its fear, love, and trust in the One true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? 2 nd Commandment: Which candidate will most support Christians who want to honor God’s name with their prayers, praises, and thanksgivings in Church, home, and the workplace? 3 rd Commandment: Which candidate will most support the Christian Church and the freedom of religion guaranteed in our Bill of Rights? 4 th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Law of the land, which is the authority that governs them? 5 th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to support human life, from natural conception to natural death? 6 th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to support the biblical, and therefore, natural definition of marriage between one man and one woman? 7 th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to help their constituents improve and protect their possessions and income? That is to say, which candidate is least likely to steal what their constituents earned and distribute it to someone else, and at the same time is most likely to de- fend their property? 8 th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to explain everything that pertains to your neigh- bor in the kindest way? 9 th & 10 th Commandments: Which candidates is most likely to encourage Americans to be content with the things they have and not entice them to want more? The voting booth is no place for feelings, emotions, or personal opinions about individuals running for Office. That’s for the dinner table. Instead, it is a place of sincere responsibility where we must objectively ask, “Who will best serve to protect our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic, uphold and respect the Law of the land, and maintain our freedom to love and serve our neighbor?” May God be with you as you cast your votes, leaning on Him and His Word to guide your life! In Christ, Pastor Hromowyk Serving Christ & Serving You: Pastor Rev. Wes Hromowyk 614/444-3456 (Church) Cell: (716)531-2700 Email: [email protected]Vicar Austin Meier Cell: (262)370-5083 Email: [email protected]Secretary Sherry Palmer 614/444-3456 (Church) Cell: (614) 329-5182 Organist Karen Pannell Custodian (Church) Jeff Gerken Supported Missions Rev. Joel Fritsche Dominican Republic Rev. Roger James Philippines Rev. Steven Mahlburg Sri Lanka Rev. David Preus Dominican Republic Office: (614) 444-3456 Secretary’s Office Hours are: Tuesday--Thursday 9:00AM-2:00PM (working at home, too) Email: [email protected]Website: www.zionlcms.org
Transcript
November 2020 Zion Newsletter, Vol. 11 Issue 11
Zi N Newsletter Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Serving the Lord Faithfully in Downtown Columbus
since 1882.
766 S. High St. (German Village area)
Columbus OH 43206
Voting as Christians
There is an unwritten rule in churches that Pastors are not supposed to talk about politics. That is, quite frankly, absurd. Jesus warns in Mark 8:15, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” That is to say, “Beware of the false teachings of both Church and State!” Remaining silent about anything is a breeding ground for Satan to tempt us to sin. Where the Word of God is not rightly preached and taught, the sinful flesh will always default to sinful ways unless it is taught otherwise, because Satan never ceases to preach and teach his lies of anti-gospel! This month’s newsletter article, therefore, is a “theology of voting.”
When you go to the polls this month, you have a great responsibility. As a Christian, you have a wonderful freedom in Christ to cast your vote for those who will do what is best for your country and your neighbor. Notice nowhere in that sentence did I say anything about voting for what is best for you. (It should be said, however, that voting for what is best for the country and your neighbor is what is best for you.) Sadly, we Americans have been treated much like spoiled children. Each polit-ical party has tried to spoil the “kids” instead of doing what is best for them, which would be adhering to the Constitution and Law of the land as our forefathers arranged.
The 10 Commandments summarize the natural laws observable in creation as God ordained them in the beginning. Since they form a simple guide for instructing Christians how to live, they also in-struct us how to vote. Here is a simple guide to how Christians should vote every time they go to the polls. Making a simple check list of candidates for each commandment will give a clear and concise path on how the Christian should vote.
1st Commandment: Which candidate will most support a country that puts its fear, love, and trust in the One true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
2nd Commandment: Which candidate will most support Christians who want to honor God’s name with their prayers, praises, and thanksgivings in Church, home, and the workplace?
3rd Commandment: Which candidate will most support the Christian Church and the freedom of religion guaranteed in our Bill of Rights?
4th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Law of the land, which is the authority that governs them?
5th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to support human life, from natural conception to natural death?
6th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to support the biblical, and therefore, natural definition of marriage between one man and one woman?
7th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to help their constituents improve and protect their possessions and income? That is to say, which candidate is least likely to steal what their constituents earned and distribute it to someone else, and at the same time is most likely to de-fend their property?
8th Commandment: Which candidate is most likely to explain everything that pertains to your neigh-bor in the kindest way?
9th & 10th Commandments: Which candidates is most likely to encourage Americans to be content with the things they have and not entice them to want more?
The voting booth is no place for feelings, emotions, or personal opinions about individuals running for Office. That’s for the dinner table. Instead, it is a place of sincere responsibility where we must objectively ask, “Who will best serve to protect our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic, uphold and respect the Law of the land, and maintain our freedom to love and serve our neighbor?”
May God be with you as you cast your votes, leaning on Him and His Word to guide your life!
For ALL services, we will continue to maintain physical distancing. Please sit in the pews clearly unmarked, which do not have “Please Leave Vacant” signs. The 8:00 AM Sunday services will remain “mask required”. Please have your face coverings on before entering the building. For adult Bible Study (9:30 – 10:15), face coverings are encouraged to be worn for those who are able to wear them. Please try to maintain physical distancing (6 feet) with those not of your household. The tables and chairs have been rearranged downstairs to accommodate.
For 10:30 AM Sunday service: masks remain optional. For those who choose not to wear masks, please espe-cially practice physical distancing for the sake of those who are wearing masks. For Holy Communion, parishioners may either come up to the Altar rails to receive the Sacrament or remain in their pews. If you do not want to come up to the rails, but still desire the Sacrament, after the last table is dismissed, please stand up signifying you want the Sacrament brought to you. You may sit down after receiving the Sacrament in both kinds. There will be one blessing for everyone at the end after singing the last verse of whatever Distribution hymn is being sung when the Distribution is over.
Please try to maintain physical distancing (6 feet) after all services in the Greeting Line. We encourage you to socialize with your neighbors outside!
Sunday, November 1, 2020, 8:00 (Recorded Service) & 10:30 AM; Setting 3 Holy Communion All Saints’ Day
Sermon: (Pastor) Gospel - Matthew 5:12 (Rejoice and Be Glad!)
Lessons: Genesis 1:1--2:3; Ephesians 6:10-17; John 4:46-54
Hymns: 677 - “For All the Saints” 676 - “Behold a Host, Arrayed in White” Distribution Hymns: 633 - “At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing” 507 - “Holy, Holy, Holy” 678 - “We Sing for All the Unsung Saints” 336 - “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
Zion Newsletter, Vol. 11, Issue 11 Page 3
Sunday, November 15, 2020, 8:00 (Recorded Service) & 10:30 AM; Setting 1 Holy Communion Trinity 23 Sermon: (Pastor) Gospel - Matthew 22:15-22 (Render to Caesar What Is Caesar’s!) Lessons: Proverbs 8:11-22; Phil. 3:17-21; Matthew 22:15-22 Hymns: 668 - “Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You” 714 - “Who Trusts in God a Strong Abode” Distribution Hymns: 621 - “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” 644 - “The Church’s One Foundation” 643 - ”Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” 645 - “Built on the Rock”
Sunday, November 8, 2020, 8:00 (Recorded Service) & 10:30 AM; Matins NO Holy Communion Trinity 22
Sermon: (Vicar Meier) Gospel - Matthew 18:21-35 (Forgiving by Faith) Lessons: Micah 6:6-8; Phil. 1:3-11; Matthew 18:21-35 Hymns: 913 - “O Holy Spirit, Enter In” 611 - “Chief of Sinners Though I Be” 821 - “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”
Sunday, November 22, 2020, 8:00 (Recorded Service) & 10:30 AM; Setting 3 Holy Communion Last Sunday of the Church Year
Sermon: (Guest Pastor Merlen Wegener)
Lessons: Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thess. 5:1-11; Matthew 25:1-13
Hymns: 662 - “Onward Christian Soldiers” 516 - “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” Distribution Hymns: 621 - “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” 878 - “Abide with Me, Fast Falls the Eventide” 898 - ”The Ancient Law Departs” 672 - “Jerusalem the Golden”
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Sunday, November 29, 2020, 8:00 (Recorded Service) & 10:30 AM; Setting 3 Holy Communion First Sunday in Advent
Sermon: (Pastor) Epistle - Romans 13:11-14 (Salvation Is Nearer Now)
Lessons: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 21:1-9
Hymns: 442 - “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” 332 - “Savior of the Nations, Come” Distribution Hymns: 622 - “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared” 335 - “O Bride of Christ, Rejoice” 337 - “The Night Will Soon be Ending” 334 - “O Lord, how Shall I Meet You?”
Thanksgiving Eve Services
Wednesday, November 25th, at 12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM
Sermon (Pastor)
Gospel - Luke 17:18 (Thanks be to God!)
Hymns:
895 - “Now Thank We All Our God”
785 - “We Praise You, O God”
789 - “Praise and Thanksgiving”
892 - “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
Wednesday Night Service/Bible Study
The First Wednesday (November 4th), the Service, beginning at 7:00 PM,
will be Divine Setting Three, with Holy Communion. On Wednesdays
(November 11th & 18th), the Service will be Compline, and will begin at 7:00
PM; there will be a Bible Study following the Services (7:45 PM), in the Fami-
ly Room. Private Confession and Absolution will be available (by appoint-
ment) Nov. 4th & 11th, from 6:15-7:00 PM, in Pastor Hromowyk’s Office.
Advent Services are:
December 2nd, 9th & 16th; at Noon and 7:00 PM
NO SOUP SUPPERS, THIS YEAR!!!
Zion Newsletter, Vol. 11, Issue 11 Page 5
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
Sunday, September 23
Worship - 151 (76 +75)
Holy Communion - 121
Sunday School - 58
Wednesday - September 30
Compline - 14
Sunday, October 4
Worship - 138 (67 +71)
Holy Communion - 107
Sunday School - 57
Wednesday - October 7
Divine Service with HC - 20
Sunday, October 11
Worship - 147 (62 +75)
Holy Communion - 101
Sunday School - 51
Wednesday - October 14
Compline - 15
Sunday, October 18
Worship - 117 (65 +52)
Holy Communion - 91
Sunday School - 56
Wednesday - October 21
Compline - 17
Sunday, October 25/Reformation
Worship - 157 (72 +85)
Holy Communion - 122
Sunday School - 65
Sunday School Classes; 9:30 AM, in assigned
classrooms for children ages three through high
school, every Sunday.
Adult Bible Class in the Fellowship Hall; 9:30 AM
Sundays, November 1st, 15th & 29th Pastor Wes Hromowyk
Sunday, November 8th Vicar Meier
Sunday, November 22nd Guest Pastor Merlen Wegener
For Adult Bible Study (9:30 – 10:15), face coverings are optional. Please try to maintain physical distancing (6 feet) with those not of your household. The tables and chairs have been rearranged down-stairs to accommodate.
Beverage and Pastry Note: There is now Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate
and Ice Water provided (by the Board of Parish Activities) during the
Adult Bible Class; please wear a mask while getting your beverages at
the kitchen counter. The Board of Parish Activities is also, now providing
individually wrapped pastries, and these are located on a table in front of
the kitchen counter.
The Next Voters’ Meeting is:
Sunday, December 13, 2020,
12:00 Noon; Fellowship Hall
A light “box” lunch will be provided
REMEMBER TO BRING CAN TABS FOR GOOD
Those little tabs on the tops of cans should be removed and brought to Zion. There
is a container on the table in front of the kitchen to deposit the tabs. The collected
tabs, are given to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus to help pay the elec-
tric bills of the house. Many families are provided with a place to stay while their
child or children are having treatments at Children's Hospital.PLEASE HELP. Thanks for your kindness.
LCMS-U at OSU
The weekly Vicar-led Bible Study, via Zoom is being held on Wednesday’s from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Hear “The Lutheran Hour” on Sundays at various stations and times.
Station City Freq Band Day Time
WHKW Cleveland 1220 AM Sun. 8:00 AM
WLW Cincinnati 700 AM Sun. 7:00 AM
WTAM Cleveland 1100 AM Sun. 6:30 AM
WFCO Lancaster 90.9 FM Sun. 8:30 PM
WHIZ Zanesville 102.5 FM Sun. 8:00 AM
WHIZ Zanesville 1240 AM Sun. 8:00 AM
Website at www.lhm.org. The broadcast is also podcast. For more information go to
http://www.lhm.org/podcasts
Sunday, November 01 - “Some People Never Change” (Daniel 4)
Sunday, November 08 - “Tied into the Same Lifeline” (Daniel 5)
Sunday, November 15 - “Bigger” (Daniel 6)
Sunday, November 22 - “Politics in Perspective” (Daniel 7:1-14)
Sunday, November 29 - “Magnum Opus” (Daniel 8:27)
Zion Newsletter, Vol. , Issue 11 Page 6
Together in God’s Word: Listed below are an Old Testament and a New Testament reading for each day of the week, for the month of No-vember. Join with your family of faith in this daily time with God.
