SUNDAY MORNING FAITH FORMATION

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 9TH

Faith Formation for Children: From Birth Through

5th Grade

Attention all Middle School Youth and Parents:

Important Confirmation News

Attention 9th Grade Confirmands and Parents!!

Adult Classes Continue on Sunday Mornings at

10:00 a.m.

New Adult Classes Forming for October

For complete details see page 3

A Beacon in the Middletown Valley www.zionmiddletown.org

Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown, MD

Pastor Kathy’s Message, p. 2

Faith Formation News p.3

Operation Christmas Child, p.4

Applebutter info. p. 6

Media news p. 6

I was wondering P.7

Music and Dance P.8

Clothes Closet News P. 9

New ministry info P.10

Youth Ministry News, p. 10-11

& 14-15

Property P.16t

Share Christ’s Love, Grow in Faith and Serve Others

Heritage Days at Zion

From the Zion Float to Apple Butter to Zion Daughters’ Luncheon to The Historic Outreach Tours and more, there is a lot happening at Zion Lutheran in Middletown MD Heritage Days on September 29, 2018. We are look-ing for volunteers in all areas including the preparation of the Apple Butter on Saturday September 22nd. Join in on the fun and help the various ministries of Zion raise funds for their many projects! Just call the church office for complete details.

Community

Day of Service

September 8th.

Volunteers

needed! Details

on Page 6

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Living into our Mission Dear Friends in Christ,

As a people of God, our mission is to share Christ’s love, grow in faith and

serve others. I believe that it is a good description of what we think is impor-

tant. Most other congregations would say the same thing. The message of

Christ’s love needs to be shared with one another and others. The gift of faith is

nurtured by Christian Education. Serving the needs of others is a central priority for the church. I

think our mission statement covers all the bases when it comes to our overall identity.

It is one thing to know our mission. It’s a bigger challenge for us to live into the mission as it relates

to setting priorities with our financial resources and time. How is it that Zion Lutheran Church lives

into its particular mission in our particular location at this particular time?

These are the questions that are asked all through the scriptures. The bible is a book of books that

relate to specific places and times in history. For example, in the book of Romans, Paul is writing

this letter (which is long enough to be called a book!) to a specific church at a specific time. He

describes for this congregation how they actively live the faith. (By the way, Bruce McIntosh is

teaching Romans for the Adult Sunday Class that meets in the chapel. I encourage you to join

them.) Martin Luther has helped the church understand that in the bible we discover a living Word

that not only guides us but also changes us to be renewed in Christ. (See Romans 12:1-2.)

Recently I read the book called, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted

Territory. The author, Tod Bolsinger, describes the present challenges of the church to be like the

challenges Lewis and Clark faced when they discovered that there was no water route that would

connect to the Pacific Ocean. The found themselves in uncharted territory that forced them to ditch

the canoes in order to navigate the mountains. I find this comparison to be helpful as I think about

the ways the churches need to navigate differently in the uncharted territory of our present realities.

What worked before in our congregations is not working in the same ways.

Our congregation has many challenges that are having us ask the important questions regarding our

future. In fact, the church council is taking time each month to learn from this book by watching a

series of videos. If you are interested in also following along, please let me know. I would love to

get you connected to these leadership resources.

As I write this letter, I am entering into my 12th year with you as your pastor. I believe that we are at

a critical point in the life of our congregation to be intentionally listening to God through the scrip-

tures, one another and our neighbors to whom we are called to love. I am excited to put down my

oars and get my hiking boots on. We have a great adventure ahead. For surely I know the plans I

have for you, says the Lord…..to give you a future with hope. From Jeremiah 29:11.

With you in Christ,

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SUNDAY MORNING FAITH FORMATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 9TH

Faith Formation for Children: From Birth Through 5th Grade Attention Parents! Sunday Morning Faith Formation Classes begin on Sunday September 9th. On

the first Sunday we ask that all parents and children come to the lower level Social Room at

10:00 a.m.

At this gathering, refreshments including donuts will be served! Come to learn about this year’s

Bible focus, the return of the Christmas Pageant, the addition of music, drama and arts into the

morning activities and other ways our children and families will grow in faith.

Attention Middle School Youth and Parents: Important Confirmation News Confirmation begins Sunday September 9th at 10:00 a.m. with all 6th, 7th and 8th graders meeting in the upstairs Confirmation Classroom. On Sunday, September 16th, all parents and students will meet in the lower level Social Room for an IMPORTANT MEETING regarding Confirmation and other opportunities for our youth to grow in their faith. For more information please contact Pastor Kathy at khoffman@zionmiddletown.org or 301-371-6500.

Attention 9th Grade Confirmands and Parents!! Yes! Our 9th graders are two months away from being confirmed on Reformation Sunday, Octo-ber 28th. We will have a meeting for parents and 9th grade confirmands on Sunday September 9th at 10:00. We will meet in the Lower Level Garden’s Edge. At this meeting we will discuss the meaning of becoming a confirmed member of our congregation and the whole Christian church. Watch for more information regarding the schedule and expectations prior to Confirmation Sunday.

Adult Classes Continue on Sunday Mornings at 10:00 Beginning September 9th, two different adult classes meet at 10:00. All are welcome. The book of Romans is being presented. Bruce McIntosh, Teacher. Location: The Chapel A video series called Believe is being discussed. Location: The Lower Level Classroom across from the Pre-School room.

New Adult Classes Forming for October A variety of small groups will be offered to follow the theme Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. The four week video study explores the ways that our money, used wisely, “is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life pur-poses.” Reading the book is encouraged but not necessary for the learning experience. Beginning September 16, books will be available for purchase at a reduced price. See Page 7 for more information from the Stewardship Ministry Team.

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 2018

Main Drive Oct 14 – Nov 11

Once again it is time to think about our annual drive for Samaritan’s

Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry. Over the past 8

years the generous folks of Zion have contributed 1,639 boxes.

Children in over 140 countries received shoebox gifts that were

packed during the 2017 collection season.

Each shoebox is a Gospel opportunity to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to some of the most

remote areas of the world. These shoeboxes open doors for Jesus to come to these children,

families and communities. Through these gifts, children get a chance to know Jesus and learn to

share the Gospel with others through the 12 week discipleship program, “The Greatest Journey.”

The fun that goes into the box is only the beginning; the hope and love of Jesus that comes out of

the box is eternal.

The 2017 collection week is November 12-19. Brochures detailing packing information will be

available, as well as empty boxes for you to take home, fill and return. The requested donation for

each shoebox has increased to $9 a box. This donation amount covers rising shipping expenses and

the printing costs for The Greatest Gift booklet that each child receives with his/her shoebox. Mone-

tary gifts are also welcome. Donation boxes will be available at several locations in the church.

Let’s be the hands of Jesus as we pack one or more shoeboxes for needy boys and girls, knowing we

will be bringing joy to the hearts of God’s children. Any questions, please contact Linda Huckleberry

(301) 371-6677, email huckhuff@gmail.com or Linda Sanders, (301) 676-3272, or

lfnelson76@gmail.com Below is a list of things you can pack in your shoebox. Candy and

toothpaste will no longer be accepted due to customs regulations.

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A Big Thank You from MVPHP School Supply Drive! Many thanks for your generous and continued

support for the School Supply Drive. Many

children will start off the new school year with

supplies needed for a great year. Thanks again.

May God continue to bless each of you,

Donna Jean Brandenburg Middletown Valley People Helping People.

Meets Tuesday nights at 7 p.m.

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Community Day of Service September 8, 2018.

The Middletown Valley Churches are working together to have a positive impact in our neighborhoods. Join in as broth-ers and sisters in Christ to make a difference in our commu-nity. There are many different ways to serve to account for different abilities and ways of serving. Make a new friend as we serve side by side. There are 12 projects that will need volunteers. There is an established Sign up Genius where you can view the projects and talents needed. All you have to do is go to this link in order to sign up. Please consider signing up by September 4th.

Sign-Up Genius is up and running for this! Please go online to sign-up!

https://tinyurl.com/ya85p2cd

Date of Events:

Washing Jars - September 17th at 8 a.m.

Apple Butter Boiling—September 22nd @ 5 am

To Order Apple Butter Call Doris Taylor (301-293-2962) or Ruth Ann Derr (301-371-9439)

Pints - $3.00 Quarts - $5.50

Pint Jars are needed. Please drop them off in the kitchen.

Apple Butter 2018

Adopt a Family Program 2018 This year we are collecting for the Adopt a Family for Christmas December 5, 2018 between 3-6PM at Middletown UMC (MUMC). Christmas gifts will be passed out to the families on December 6, 2017 between 3-6PM at MUMC. If you are in need of assistance or you know someone in our valley who is in need, please call Middletown Valley People Helping People (MVPHP) at 301-371-3119 and leave a clear message with name and phone number by November 15, 2017. Any family who wants to adopt a child for Christmas, please call or email Donna Jean Brandenburg at 301-371-5139 and email address is djb6025139@gmail.com. Monetary donations are very welcomed. Make your check payable to MVPHP and note for Christmas. Since our Sunday School Classes are smaller now, maybe the younger classes could bring in Hats, Gloves, aToy etc that MVPHP can use to add to a fa-milie’s Christmas gifts. The larger classes can still adopt a family. Again please contact me for more information. Many thanks for your continuous support and your generous dona-tions. God is good and has truly blessed us all. Donna Jean Brandenburg

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Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity A special Invitation from the Stewardship Ministry Team:

One of Jesus’ great teaching parables involves a sower who cast seed along the ground. The sower hoped the seeds would sprout, grow, and bear good fruit. Some seeds did just that, producing a great harvest. But others, Jesus said, fell among thorns and, though they began to grow, these good plants were quickly choked out. Jesus said the thorns were “the cares of the world and the lure of wealth” (Matthew 13:22). In a culture where having “enough” seems to have become a never-ending pursuit, Jesus’ parable remains incredibly relevant. Many of us are chasing the American dream in ways that lead to stress, anxiety, and fear—thorns that can rob us of the ability to enjoy the abundant lives of purpose that God intended for us. All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, during the month of October, we will be having a church-wide study and worship emphasis called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Gen-erosity. During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial manage-ment and the joy of generosity and simplicity through our worship services and small group study. In a couple of weeks, details regarding the small group opportunities will be posted on our website. www.zionmiddletown.org.

At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity to make personal commit-ments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in the worship service on Sunday, November 11th. (See the schedule that follows.) We hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can truly experi-ence simplicity, generosity, and joy. Schedule of Events October 6/7 When Dreams Become Nightmares October 13/14 Wisdom and Finance October 20/21 Cultivating Contentment October 27/28 Defined by Generosity

Through the month of October small groups will be held on Sunday mornings and at vari-ous times through the week.

November 3/4 All Saints Sunday: Grief and Gratitude November 10/11 Consecration Sunday with return of estimate of giving/ commitment cards

During this week members of the Stewardship Ministry Team will be calling all members who have not returned a card

November 18 Celebrating Our Generosity with One combined Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. and meal to follow.

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Zion Lutheran Music & Liturgical Dance Calendar Fall-Winter 2018

Rehearsal & Program Schedule

WORSHIP CHOIR The Worship Choir is open to anyone from grade 9 through adult. Rehearsals are every

Thursday, 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. in the music room. Ministry is most Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

(See Director, Bobby Staples)

HANDBELL CHOIR

The Handbell Choir is available to ages from grade 8 to adult. Ringers must be able to read

music (either treble or bass clef). The Handbell choir will play at the 11:00 worship on

October 21, November 25, and December 24 at the 10:30 Christmas Eve service. The choir

typically rehearses every other Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00. The rehearsals for the rest

of 2018 are: Sep 18, Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 18. Please contact

Jim Moler at 301-471-3736 or jim.moler@gmail.com if you are interested in playing regularly in

the Handbell Choir or serving as a substitute ringer. There are currently openings for both.

CHILDRENS MUSIC AND ARTS

Children are invited to participate in a music and arts experience on Sunday morning from 10:40

to 11:00. They will be meeting in the upper level double classroom. In addition to singing and

playing instruments occasionally at worship on Sundays, they will be preparing for the Christmas

Pageant. (See Director, Dana Lichtenberger.)

LITURGICAL DANCE

Rehearsal times/locations/programs to be announced (See Director, Anna Beth Fowler)

ORCHESTRA The orchestra consists of members from grades 6 thru adult, on any orchestral instrument,

who can read 3 sharps/flats. Performances and rehearsals to be announced.

(See Directors, Kurt Witt or Jim Moler)

RAINBOW CHOIR The Rainbow Choir is an adult choir who sings at Advent and Lent worship services.

Performances and Rehearsals to be announced.

(See Director, Bobby Staples)

WORSHIP TEAM Rehearses every Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. sanctuary Contemporary Worship Music

ministry on Sundays, 9:00 a.m.

(See Director, Matt Puziss)

YOUTH ENSEMBLE The youth ensemble consists of youth from grade 6 through college, with special emphasis

on contemporary singing and playing techniques. Rehearses every Sunday, 10:50 a.m. - 11:30

a.m. in the music room

Programs: Select Sunday mornings through the year

(See Directors, Kurt Witt or Jim Moler)

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Middletown Community Clothes Closet News

The Clothes Closet is open EVERY Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (excluding Holiday

weekends)! We continue to provide a much needed service in our community

and our new hours will make it even easier for our clients and our donors to know

when we are open. We appreciate your continued donations of gently used

casual clothes and shoes. You can drop off items at 123 West Main Street on Monday

or Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thank you for your support of this

ministry!

Valley Seniors and Friends

The next Valley

Seniors and

Friends

Luncheons will take place on

September 6 and 20 and

October 4 and 18 . Please

contact Terri Shafer by the

Monday before the luncheon

to reserve your spot at

301-371-8837

Middletown Food Bank

All canned items are needed—

especially pork & beans, Peas,

canned fruits and vegetables. We

are also in need of toilet paper,

Ketchup, mustard, Mayonnaise,

BBQ sauce, Stuffing mix and

gravy. Please give whatever you

can; place items in cart located

in hall. Thank you!

Save the Date... Sept 9 Footprints Sunday Sept. 10 Day off program Sept. 16: Deadline to register for

FreeRide September 19 Day off program Sept. 29: Heritage Days October 7 - Blessing of the Pets October 19-21: FreeRide for Middle

Schoolers October 28: Reformation Sunday November 4: All Saints Sunday November 5 & 6: Day off Program

for Elementary Youth December 1: Christmas in the Valley

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The Zion Quilters - Kline Hospice House The Zion Quilters will be collecting items for

Kline Hospice House from September 9th -

30th. Donated items can be placed in the box

outside of the Chapel marked “Kline Hospice

House”. Thank you for your continued support!

Items requested for Donations:

Baby wipes (unscented) - Body Soap for bathing (liquid) - Coffee

Dishwasher detergent/dish liquid - Gift cards: Amazon, Food Lion, WalMart

K-cups - Laundry detergent (HE) - Sodas (regular, ginger ale)

Tissues - Trash bags (gallon size) - Trash bags (tall, 13 gal)

Fruit Snacks - Journals - Spearmint Mints

Upcoming Noisy Offerings September – Weekend Backpack

October – Operation Christmas Child

November – Middletown Valley People Helping People

Past offerings:

June’s noisy offering on June 17th bene-

fited SHIP (Student Homelessness Initia-

tive Partnership) of Frederick County.

The total donated was $311.24.

July’s noisy offering on July 22nd bene-

fited Middletown Valley People Helping People-School Supply Drive.

The total donated was $490.17

August’s noisy offering on August 19th benefited Federated Charities of

Frederick. The total donated was $302.71

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September 14th October 26th

The Nut Job The Nut Job 2

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., the movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Popcorn, pizza and other snacks will be provided for a free will of-

fering.

Invite your friends and neighbors!

Future 2018 Dates -

November 30th & December 21st

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Cancer Support Groups Cancer care ministry is a hope ministry. While it involves prayer, counsel, visits and assistance, it is centered on bringing God's hope to patients and their caregivers, family and friends.

Flo Harrison and Linda Kinna-Engel are looking for others interested in working with this new support ministry. For more information contact Pastor Marv Tollefson: pastor.marv@gmail.com or 301.371.6500

October 19-21, 2018

NorthBay Retreat Center

North East, MD

Attention All Middle School Youth!

Join us for a weekend of service projects, faith-filled discussions, and

relationship-building in small group. FreeRide includes

workshops and networking for adult chaperones, as well as opportunities

to worship together. Come make new friends and new relationships with

attendees from throughout our SYNOD!

FreeRide is $120/person, all inclusive for all of the programming, meals,

housing, outdoor activities, and a t-shirt! Make checks payable to

Zion Lutheran Church.

Please see Wendi Kishimoto or Deb Reichelt for Details and forms!

Return payment with Registration Form to The Office no later than

Sunday, September 16th!

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With our deepest sym-pathy we keep in our thoughts and prayers the family and friends of:

Nancy Reeder

Tracy Murray

Ted Fowler

Pastor Don Haas

Ron Stevens

James Horne, infant son of Jana (Minchoff) and Math Horne

Esther Harwood

Congratulations on

the births of:

Chance Mark Willingham, son of Haley and Steve Willingham and grandson of Cathy and Donald Smith.

Kasen Michael Peck, son of Heather Ad-ams and Michael Peck, grandson of Mark and Darlah Adams.

Justin Wayne Thrift on July 9th, son of Justin and Rae Ann Thrift. Grandson of Mary and Paul Rhoderick

Weddings: Brittany Deborah Reichelt and Daniel Philip Mashuda on August 18th

Baptisms: Tate Ryder Knox on July 1st

William Efrain Fulton on August 12th

An Opportunity to Serve Zion!

Zion is looking for someone who would like to do the SIGH (Servants in God’s House)

Scheduling. It is not that time consuming and Rosella would be

willing to train anyone who would like to take this job over as a

volunteer. Knowing excel would be a plus.

Possibly several people could share this position.

If interested please contact Rosella at: rosella738@gmail.com. or call

301-471-4893

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Weekend Back Pack Ministry The beginning of the new school year brings with it a renewed need for your help with the Weekend Backpack Ministry. Your donations of specific food items ensures these stu-dents receive proper nutri-tion. Remember, weekends are long when you are hungry. The critical need food item for the fall is individual juice boxes. Thank you for your continued support of this much needed ministry

Dear Pastor Kathy and Jim, Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget to say thank you to people and organizations that readily help us when asked! I am sorry for just taking your caring and community giving for granted! /when I reflect on all Zion has done - last year during the 250th , hosting events donating food, to all Zion has done this year - hosting the Car Show, opening your doors for folks to use the clean bathrooms, letting the vendors use your electricity, and much more. I have to step back and say WOW! It is truly a blessing to have a loving, generous, and car-ing community partner. Thank you so much for helping Main Street grow into a positive community. I will certainly strive to keep your loving and generous example in my mind and heart as I move through my work in town and (beyond!)

With Gratitude and God’s Peace

Becky Axilbund - Main Street Middletown

Dear Friends in Christ, Thank You! We truly appreciate your gift of $2,166.66 for the months of May and June. On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation for this gift in support of our outdoor Ministry.

God’s Peace, Sarah Lefler

Christa Grunwald and her family extend

sincere thanks to the Zion Lutheran Com-

munity for it’s well wishes and friendship

Thank You

I would like to offer my most sincere thanks

to all those at Zion Church for their

thoughts and prayers during my illness.

In particular, I would like to extend my

appreciation to pastors Kathy and Marv for

taking time to visit me during my hospital

stay - David M. Lent

I wish to thank Pastor Kathy for all her visits

and the meaningful funeral service, and

also thank my church family for the flow-

ers, cards, and calls during this most diffi-

cult time. God surely was watching over me

and guiding me.

Thanks again - Kate Stevens

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Future Dates for the

2018 - 2019 School Year:

Monday, November 5, 2018

Building & Robotics Activities

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Baltimore Aquarium

Monday, January 21, 2019

Monday, January 28, 2019

Monday, February 18, 2019

Friday, April 5, 2019

Thank You!

Dan and I would like to thank each and every person who had a hand in the making of the apple butters that were used as favors for my wedding on 8.18.18. We could not have done it without the talents and love that you provided! Our wedding was abso-lutely amazing and we had such a great time celebrating with family and friends. We hope that we can continue to visit Zion Lutheran Church and share in God’s love with everyone.

Brittany & Dan

Zion Morning of service set for

October 20th 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

The property committee has set

Saturday October 20th as the day we

will complete a few items needing

attention. Join us as we install a sign

and plant grass on the 101 Green St.

property to prepare for expanded

Youth and Family activities in the

spring! There is some cleaning and

painting to be done to spruce the

church up for the upcoming Holidays!

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www.zionmiddletown.org

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PAID

Frederick, MD Permit No.

2205

Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion

107 W Main Street Middletown MD 21769

Heritage Day Luncheon The Annual Heritage Day Luncheon at Zion will be held Saturday, September, 29th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Soup, sandwiches, desserts and drinks will be available. There will NOT be a bake table this year, but we will be selling specific desserts at the luncheon. We are limiting the dessert items at the luncheon because of the many restrictions placed on us from the Health Department. Based on this, we are asking for help from you to make certain desserts for us to go along with our lunch. The desserts we are asking for are: Pies: Apple, Peach, Blueberry, Cherry, Pumpkin, and Custard Cakes: White, Yellow, Chocolate, and Angel Food ( no nuts in any cakes) Icings: Peanut Butter, Coconut, Chocolate, and Vanilla or White Frosting. We know there are nuts in the peanut butter icing, but have made arrangements for that provision. Cookies: Chocolate Chip only Brownies: Plain Brownies, No brownies with nuts or other ingredients. Food donations may be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 29th, in the Social Room. Thanks so much for your help!