June 2016
The Pastor’s Ponderings Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com Summer is nearly here, which usually means a whole new set of responsibilities for us. Instead of school, kids have camps or sports or other summer activities. Farmers are finishing the spring planting, taking advantage of whatever dry weather they can. Many of us, shaking off the long winter, plan family vacations or take time to work in our gardens. And I, with the blessing of the council, will be taking some time away from my usual responsibilities to rest, read, pray, and discern how I can best continue to serve Zion, the wider church, and God. On Monday, June 13th, I will be driving north to
St. Augustine’s House, a Lutheran monastery (yes, there is such a thing!) near Oxford, Michigan, for a two-week retreat. You can check them out on their website: www.staugustineshouse.org. I am looking forward to this time of rest and reflection. Following that time, Sarah and I will visit family in Minnesota and Iowa. I will return on Monday, July 11th. The congregation will be in capable hands during that time. Your elders, Jody Stanley and Larry Hile, will be available to handle needs that arise. Prs. Susan Finley and Dustin Jones will be on-call in case of an emergency. And worship will be led on June 19th and July 3rd by Chad Adamik, a Lutheran pastor on leave from call, whom I have great confidence in. On June 26th,
Zion’s 2016 Council Members Elder & President ...................................................................... Jody Stanley Elder & Vice-President ................................................................. Larry Hile Secretary ............................................................................... Barb Hardwick Deacons ................................................................................... Scott Clamme Drew Walker Allen Stallsmith Trustees .................................................................................... Chris Stroble Tom Armstrong Mark Prout Treasurer ................................................................................. Max Langdon Financial Secretaries .................................................................... Tiann Coy Kathy Sharp
you will have a hymn-sing worship service (always popular) and another lay-led service on July 3rd. Kathy Sharp and Louise Clamme will be making shut-in visits as well. Sometimes, pastor and people can benefit from taking time apart, just as spouses can benefit from the same. I pray that we will all use this time well to discern how we can be a better team together on behalf of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have questions or concerns about this time, you can always come talk to me, in person, on the phone, or by email. Love to you all, Pr. David