Zion Herald: December 2015 by Zion Lutheran Church

December 2015

The Pastor’s Ponderings Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity The story of Christmas is perhaps the most subversive story ever told. Think about it for a second. Christians believe the unbelievable – that the Son of God and Lord of creation was born as a helpless baby. Not only that, he was born out of wed-

lock to a woman of low status from a little nowhere town. His family was persecuted, driven from Palestine by the wrathful King Herod intent on eliminating any challengers to his authority. Christmas is truly the story of God’s Word entering the world under cover of darkness to save humanity from the darkness itself. That God would choose to enter the world in such an unlikely way tells us a lot about God. God does not reign like our rulers. God reigns by becoming one with humanity; by going to the

Zion’s 2015 Council Members Elder & President .......................................................................... Chris Coy Elder & Vice-President ............................................................. Jody Stanley Secretary ...................................................................................... Anita Reid Deacons ..................................................................................... Cindy Knote Scott Clamme Drew Walker Trustees ................................................................................ John Hendricks Chris Stroble Tom Armstrong Treasurer ................................................................................. Max Langdon Financial Secretaries ............................................................ Sandy Langdon Madeline Lennon

most vulnerable places. He goes to a manger as a helpless child; to men and women suffering from diseases and demons; and finally to a cross. By going to these places of vulnerability and failure – our vulnerabilities and failures – Jesus redeems them and brings them into God’s orbit. Even (and especially) your failures are redeemed by Jesus, who came to be one with us. I pray that good news stays in your heart in these Advent and Christmas seasons. Love to you, Pr. David

Advent Cantata You are invited to attend the Blackford Community Choir Advent Cantata at Zion on December13th with performances at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The choir will be conducted by Pastor David Fleener and accompanied by Mrs. Margaret Hammond.

Hanging of the Greens Hanging of the Greens will take place at Zion on Saturday, December 12th, at 2:00 PM. Everyone is invited to help decorate the church for the Christmas season. Pastor David will provide refreshments.

December 2015

Members on Zion’s

December

Visitation List

Lectionary

The following is list of the names and addresses of members on Zion’s visitation list. They would be happy to receive a Christmas card, a letter, or a visit during the Christmas season. Mrs. Carolyn Chandler 1601 N. Richmond, Apt. #204 Hartford City, IN 47348

Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Schmidt 4571 E—200 S Hartford City, IN 47348

Mrs. Esther Cortright 104 W. Ritter Hartford City, IN 47348

Mrs. Marilyn Scott 801 Huntington Ave. Warren, IN 46792

Mrs. Margaret Hunnicutt 301 E. Commercial St. Hartford City, IN 47348

Mrs. Barbara Thomas 801 Huntington Ave. Warren, IN 46792

Mrs. Wilma Martz P.O. Box 175 Hartford City, IN 47348

Mr. Bill Thomas 508 S. Poplar Hartford City, IN 47348

Mrs. June Miller Dementia Care at Elmcroft Senior Living 1601 N. Morrison Rd. Muncie, IN 47304

Mrs. Mable Marie Uhrick Room 311 c/o Waters of Yorktown 2000 S. Andrews Rd. Yorktown, IN 47396

Mrs. Sue Rinker 1587 E - 075 S Hartford City, IN 47348

Mrs. Miriam Wise 1591 W - 100 N Hartford City, IN 47348

Christmas Eve Service Zion’s Christmas Eve service will begin at 7 p.m. with music provided by members of our congregation. Pastor Fleener will lead our service of Lessons and Carols with a celebration of Holy Communion. The service will

close with candle-lighting and the hymns “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World”. Offering received at the Advent services and on Christmas Eve will be divided between the Food Pantry and the Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center.

Readings Advent 2 - December 6th 1st Reading - Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm - Luke 1:68-79 2nd Reading - Philippians 1:3-11 Gospel - Luke 3:1-6 Advent 3 - December 13th 1st Reading - Zephaniah 3:14-20 Psalm - Isaiah 12:2-6 2nd Reading - Philippians 4:4-7 Gospel - Luke 3:7-18 Advent 4 - December 20th 1st Reading - Micah 5:2-5a Psalm - Luke 1:46b-55 2nd Reading - Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel - Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

Christmas Eve - December 24th 1st Reading - Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 2nd Reading - Titus 2:11-14 Gospel - Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Christmas 1 - December 27th 1st Reading - 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 2nd Reading - Colossians 3:12-17 Gospel - Luke 2:41-52

Advent Dinner Zion’s Advent Dinner will be held following the worship service on December 6th. Bring a dish to share and come enjoy the music, skits, and fellowship.

December 2015

Grile Baptisms Holy Baptism was celebrated on November 1st for Mark Alan Grile and Trenton Edward Lee Grile. Trenton is the infant son of Mark Grile and Ashley Armstong. Mark’s sponsor was Chris Monce and Trenton’s baptismal sponsors were Tom and Vikki Armstrong and Eldon and Ann Willmann, his grandparents and great-grandparents. God’s blessings to Mark and Trenton and their family. “Cradling children in His arms, Jesus gave his blessing. Take them, Lord, give life anew and keep them always near to you.” (LBW)

Mark Grile, Trenton Grile and Ashley Armstrong

2016 Council Members Newly elected congregational officers for the year 2016 include: Elder and Vice-President—Larry Hile Recording Secretary—Barb Hardwick Deacon—Allen Stallsmith Trustee—Mark Prout Financial Secretary—Tiann Coy Financial Secretary—Kathy Sharp Cemetery Trustee—Tim Stanley Thanks to all who agreed to be on the ballot for Council. Newly elected officers are invited to attend the next council meeting on

Thursday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. Installation of our 2016 Congregation Council will take place during the worship service on Sunday, Jan. 10th. Other council members and cemetery trustees remaining in 2016 include: Elder and President—Jody Stanley Treasurer—Max Langdon Deacon—Scott Clamme Deacon— Drew Walker

Trustee—Chris Stroble Trustee—Tom Armstrong Cemetery Trustee—Eldon Willmann Cemetery Trustee—Bill Hiday Thanks to all outgoing members for their faithful service. Chris Coy Anita Reid Cindy Knote John Hendricks Sandy Langdon Madeline Lennon Steve Willmann

December 2015

October Council Minutes Congregation Council met on October 8, 2015. Present: Pastor, Cindy Knote, Jody Stanley, Sandy Langdon, Max Langdon, Scott Clamme, Madeline Lennon, Tom Armstrong, Drew Walker, Chris Coy and Anita Reid Absent: John Hendricks and Chris Stroble The meeting was called to order by Chris Coy. Devotions were given by Scott Clamme. Tom Armstrong made a motion to approve the September Council minutes. Max Langdon seconded the motion. Added agenda items: Discussion about blinds in Fellowship Hall and some painting needed behind pulpit. Pastor’s report: Pastoral Care/ Soul Care Team – Pastor visited 5 shut-ins, 5 sick/hospital visits, 14 home communions and 1 funeral (Joan Strine). Christian Education: Sunday School for the kids has started. Thanks to Linda Walker and Judy Clamme for all the work they’ve done upstairs. Projector and screen now being used for large group time. Pastor’s class of “Lutherans in America” is going well with many positive things being said. Main class starts Monday, October 12th at 7 PM in the church library.

September events: Sept. 1 – volunteered at Food Pantry Sept. 8 – ECIC ministerium hosted at Zion Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 – Evening Prayer in Fellowship Hall Sept. 10 – BCMA meeting Sept. 14, 21 – Joe and Jesus at Common Grounds Sept. 15 – Lectionary study at Grace Village with Lutheran colleagues Sept. 17, 21, 23 – met with fellow pastors regarding BCMA Sept. 19 – at ZLC to support Grace Village’s Ride Against Hunger Sept. 24 – lunch with Pastor at The Pickle Sept. 27-29 – IK Synod Professional Leaders Conference in Madison, IN Sept. 30 – Worship/Music/ Memorials Committee meeting Committee reports—Worship/ Music/Memorial: Met Sept. 30 to go over new wedding guidelines. Land Use Committee: Chris Coy has the list of tree donors ready for final approval before being put on memorial marker. Council reports—Deacons: Sept. 6 – 88 attended, 78 communed, Sept. 13 – 81 attended, Sept. 20 – 78 attended, 65 communed, Sept. 27 – 76 attended One check was issued for utility

assistance from the Deacon’s Fund Trustees: John Hendricks submitted a list of various AED’s and their prices. Jody Stanley made a motion to buy the Physio Control CR Plus for $1390 plus infant/child pads for $115.50. Scott Clamme seconded the motion. The hot water heater has been fixed and the paint has been purchased for the wall behind the pulpit. Treasurer: Max Langdon reported that new insurance for the church and parsonage has been purchased through Mennonite Mutual effective October 1, 2015. Drew Walker made a motion to approve the reports. Scott Clamme seconded. New business: The new budget committee will consist of Max Langdon, Chris Coy, Jody Stanley, Drew Walker and Pastor. Tiann Coy will look at blinds in Fellowship Hall and give estimate to Council for replacement. Sandy Langdon made a motion to adjourn. Jody Stanley seconded. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. The next meeting will be November 12, 2015 at 7 PM. John Hendricks will have devotions. Respectfully submitted, Anita Reid Recording Secretary

Sun

Advent 2 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 Holy Communion after worship Advent Dinner 13 Advent 3 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 Holy Communion 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM Advent Cantata 20 Advent 4 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 Holy Communion

27 Christmas 1 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 Holy Communion

Mon 1

Tue 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Community Choir Rehearsal

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Stewardship 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Community Choir Rehearsal

Wed 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pastor’s Office Hours 6 PM Soup Supper 7 PM Advent Evening Prayer and Choir Pr.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pastor’s Office Hours 6 PM Soup Supper 7 PM Advent Evening Prayer

9 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pastor’s Office Hours 6 PM Soup Supper 7 PM Advent Evening Prayer followed by a W/M/M meeting 16

Thu 8:00 AM YAH Breakfast at Richard’s Restaurant

7:00 PM Council Meeting

6:00 PM Choir Party at Nyla’s house

Christmas Eve 7:00 PM Worship

12 10:00 AM Community Choir Rehearsal 2:00 PM Hanging of the Greens

Sat

Fri

Merry Christmas

December 2015

9:00 AM Joe & Jesus at Common Grounds

9:00 AM Joe & Jesus at Common Grounds 6:30 PM Caroling at Common Grounds 29

The Zion Herald December 2015 “Happy are those whose strength is in God, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5)

Zion Lutheran Church 308 S. Monroe Street Hartford City, IN 47348

 Serving the Lord in Gladness  David Fleener, Pastor Church Office: 348-3157 Zionluth.hc@gmail.com www.zionhc.org

Sept. 6 - Sunday School at 9:00 AM followed by Worship at 10:00 AM Sept. 13, 20, 27 - Sunday School at 9:15 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM

December 2015

December

Lay Ministry Servers

Birthdays

Greeters Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27

Tom and Peggy Willmann—Jim and Betty Rinker Owen and Mary Ehlers—Pat Gillis Max Hile and Claretta Dutro—Bill and Joretta Hiday Vicki Willman—Louie and Joyce Willmann Ushers

Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Dec. 27

Cindy Knote, Scott Clamme, Drew Walker and Neil Stroble Scott Clamme, Neil Stroble, Larry Hile and Gene Gardner Drew Walker, Neil Stroble, Larry Hile and Gene Gardner Cindy Knote, Scott Clamme, Drew Walker and Gene Gardner Cindy Knote, Neil Stroble, Larry Hile and Gene Gardner Lectors

Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27

Megan Stroble Carolyn Goetz Max Hile Neil Stroble

Assisting Ministers Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Dec. 27

Jody Stanley Mark Prout Denise Hile Sarah Fleener Mark Prout

Betty Hendricks Mark Love Owen Ehlers Cynthia Knote Ryan Bergdoll Peggy Willmann Ashley Armstrong Becky Saylor John Hendricks, Sr. Vikki Armstrong Carl Forsberg Shelly McCammon Mary Ehlers

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