January 2017
The Pastor’s Ponderings Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com Like most kids, I loved snow. I loved going out to play in the snow, getting into snowball fights, trying to make snowmen, and sledding. I would imagine entire worlds for myself in our snowy backyard. I remember listening to the news on the radio on a snowy morning, longing to hear the magic words, “Central Elkader – no school”. And of course, Christmastime snow was the best. When I became an adult (especially after I moved to Chicago), snow lost its charm. I had to drive on it. I had to shovel it. There were no more sledding or snowmen. Snow was an obstacle to be overcome, not something to be enjoyed. Since I live right across the street from the church, I can enjoy the snow a little more. But that childlike sense of awe and wonder is difficult
to recover. It’s a little like that with faith. During childhood, everything is suffused with wonder and mystery. And, at least for me, church was no exception. I loved the rituals, the hymns, the people that all pointed to a God who, though invisible, was still very real. As I got older, my old images of God would fail. God as the “big daddy in the sky” who would look out for me, no matter what, didn’t fit my experiences anymore. My faith had to adapt to survive. We understand God the best we can at the time, but God tends to shatter our images of God. It’s painful, but it leads us to a better, greater understanding of God and God’s role in our lives. When Jesus
Zion’s 2017 Council Members Elder & President .......................................................................... Larry Hile Elder & Vice-President ............................................................. Fred Walker Secretary ............................................................................. Cathy Willmann Deacons .................................................................................... Drew Walker Allen Stallsmith Mike Clamme Trustees ................................................................................Tom Armstrong Mark Prout Neil Stroble Treasurer ............................................................................... Dennis Walker Financial Secretaries ............................................................ Sandy Langdon Anita Reid
says that we must “become as little children”, I don’t think he means, “become innocent” or “become naïve”. I think it means be open, with a fearlessness of our own vulnerability. When we are open to God, God can do God’s best work within us. And as we know God more and more, the sense of mystery can deepen. We may not be able to recover our childhood type of faith. But by God’s work, our faith can deepen and mature into a new appreciation of God’s mystery. It’s like finding a new way to appreciate and love the snow after the childhood love of snow has worn off. In these dark days of winter, may God continue to mature and deepen your faith, and bring you a greater sense of awe in knowing him. Love to you all, Pr. David
Epiphany Service January 6th is the Epiphany of Our Lord. There will be an Epiphany service with Holy Communion held in the fellowship hall at 7:00 p.m.