april 2012 newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN APRIL 2012

O f f i c e@ Zi on Bu f f a l o . o r g ( 7 63 ) 6 82 - 12 45 w ww. Z i on Bu f f a l o . o r g

A Day of Praise and Celebration

Sunday, April 22, will be a day filled with praise and celebration at Zion. The Zion Pipe Organ Task Force has completed its work of study, fundraising, and refurbishing of the sanctuary pipe organ and it is now time to celebrate!

A Morning of Praise

Sunday morning worship on April 22 will be filled with extra sounds of the pipe organ.

At the 8:30 worship, guest musicians Ralph Johansen and Gwen Degner will join Zion’s head organist Diane Johnson to provide music for the worship services. The Zion Senior Choir and Joyful Ringers will also assist in music leadership for the worship, filling worship with sounds of God’s praises for the Easter season.

Following the 8:30 worship, Gwen Degner, Zion member Gary Leff’s sister from Remer, Minnesota, will present a short concert of organ music in the sanctuary from 9:30-9:50.

The Pipe organ task force will host a reception in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-10:30.

The Senior Choir will join Jubilee at the 10:30 worship service for two pieces that also feature the pipe organ.

A Celebration of Music—Evening Concert

Come back to Zion at 7pm on Sunday, April 22, for a great musical celebration. Guest organist George Fergus, Wright County Chamber Chorus, and wRight Ringer Handbell Ensemble will combine for an evening of music to suit a variety of musical tastes.

Brahms, Fauré, Broadway tunes, spirituals, organ classics: there’s something for everyone!

George Fergus, guest organist, is a St. Olaf College student from Fort Worth, Texas majoring in church music.

The Wright County Chamber Chorus is a community choir based in Buffalo, drawing from throughout Wright County. The director and founder, Michael Walsh, is the choir director at Buffalo High School and the Senior Choir director at Zion.

The wRight Ringer Handbell Ensemble is a community ensemble with members from Wright County. Directors are Jill Starr, who works in the music department at Buffalo High School and directs the Buffalo United Methodist Church handbell choir, and Sherilyn Burgdorf, who directs Zion’s handbell choirs.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors at the door. Advance tickets are $1 off at Buffalo Books and Coffee. A reception follows the concert.

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 am Traditional Worship

In the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School during the school year

9:45 am Family Express

In Trinity Hall

10:30 am Contemporary Worship

In the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School during the school year

Births

February 1

Kennady Grace Roberts, daughter of Kristin

Stevens & Dustin Roberts

Baptisms

February 26

Kardun Kathleen Geislinger

Avree Noelle Waschek

Paige Renee Magandy

Baptism Class

Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is

asked to attend a class prior to the date of

the baptism. Expectant parents, as well as

those who already are parents, may attend

the class. Scheduling of baptisms will take

place at the class.

The next classes are Sunday, April 15, or

Sunday, June 10, at noon. Register at

ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or by calling the

office.

Annual Report

Zion’s 2011 Annual Report can

be downloaded at

ZionBuffalo.org/2012/03/2011-annual-report,

or picked up at the information desk.

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, 2

Celebrating on Sundays

Easter Sunday

A Real Celebration!

“He is not here, he has risen.”

Luke 24:5

Just think how important time is to us. Not just how we use it, but what time it is. Each one of us, throughout the day, frequently checks to see the time. Every one of us has a timepiece of some sort. Many of us wear them on our wrists, others find the time on an electronic device. For one it is a digital readout, for another hands and numbers.

In 1922, a small watchmaker in Switzerland designed the first automatic watch to display the day, month, and date. Only 7 of those magnificent timepieces were ever made. This original was almost lost to history. Today, these watches are so rare that watch historians are willing to bid $300,000 for an original in mint condition. For me, when it comes to watches, the cheaper the better. I prefer a gold color, a white face, and smaller numbers, but mostly I want a watch that keeps time and looks OK. A mere imitation of those Swiss originals would be fine.

But not when it comes to a Savior! There is only one. There is only one who can wash away your sins. There is only one who died on the cross for me. There is only one who can forgive us in heaven’s records. There is only one. With the Savior, there is no more striving on my own to find God’s favor. No more attempts to make myself good enough for God. No more games making other people think I am religious. No more trying to be religious. No more running. No more hiding. No more faking it. We don’t have to!

We have been forgiven in Christ. What Christ the Savior has done is enough. His death is our death. His descent into hell is ours. His resurrection is our resurrection. By the grace of God we are made righteous. Because of God’s love we are no longer enemies of God but friends. In baptism the promise of the Savior comes to us in the water; “You are Mine.” In communion the promise of the Savior comes in the bread and wine; “I am yours.”

Imitation will do for many things in life. But a Savior? There is only one. Nothing else will do.

Join us for worship on Easter Sunday as we gather to celebrate the Savior. Bring a friend or neighbor to one of our 5 worship services. Come, celebrate the Savior – yours and mine.

Worship Schedule

Sunday, April 1

Palm Sunday

Mark 14:1-15:47

Pastor Ted Preaching

Thursday, April 5

Maundy Thursday

Worship at noon and 6:30pm

Pastor Luke Preaching

Friday, April 5

Good Friday

Worship at 10am and 7pm

John 18:1-19:42

Sunday, April 15

Second Sunday of Easter

John 20:19-31


All services will be held in the Sanctuary

due to the Truckload Project

Sunday, April 22

Third Sunday of Easter

Organ Dedication

Redeemer Sunday

Luke 24:36b-48


Sunday, April 29

Fourth Sunday of Easter

John 10:11-18

Pastor Luke Preaching

welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ. 3

Sunday, April 8

Easter Sunday

John 20:1-18


7am Sunrise Worship

8:30 Traditional Worship

9:45 Celebration Worship

10:30 Contemporary Worship

10:45 Celebration Worship

… details on page 11

Puzzle Fundraiser Details

This Fundraiser will be held at Zion

on Sundays, April 22, 29, and May 6.

With a donation of $10 towards the

2012 Zambia Mission trip, receive a

piece of the puzzle in the form of a

magnet which will remind you of your

connection with the mission team.

Each of six 100-piece puzzles will

raise $1,000 for work to be done at

The Village of Hope, with a goal of

raising the $6,000 needed for the

Teacher Institute.

As the puzzle pieces are removed

from each puzzle, an image will

emerge, and when the last pieces are

removed, pictures of the Zambia

mission will be revealed. The

completed images will be posted on

Zion’s website and on the Global

Mission bulletin board near the

Coffee Café at Zion.

Make your check payable to Zion

church with “Zambia trip 2012” on

the memo line. Cash is also accepted,

and contributions may be mailed to

Zion.

Be a Part of the Zambia Puzzle

In the summer of 2012, a team of volunteers from Zion and the Buffalo community will be visiting the Villages of Hope, an orphan village in Zambia, Africa sponsored by All Kids Can Learn International, Zion’s Global Mission partner.

The team will give of their talents, time, and energy for the benefit of the orphans at the Villages of Hope, and help lead a Teacher Institute for the teachers in the Liteta region of Zambia. This trip is part of Zion’s Global Mission outreach, and will continue the relationship between Zion and the Villages of Hope that started with Aaron Squadroni, Maria Squadroni, Katie Mahlberg, Elizabeth Jacobson, and Dave and Sue Wright.

The team asks you to prayerfully consider being a partner in this trip through a Puzzle Fundraiser. The puzzle has already been made; with your help the picture that is hiding behind the puzzle will be revealed!

The team also requests your prayer support as they prepare, plan, and eventually participate in Zion’s mission at the Villages of Hope.

We are blessed by the vision and outreach of our congregation. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to strengthen and expand the Zion to Zambia global connection. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you on our blog and in person upon our return. While we are in Zambia, we encourage you to follow daily devotionals on our blog.

We pray that all of our lives will be enriched through this journey together.

Barry Johnson, Sandy Bodine, Jill Hanson, LeRoy Erickson, Minda Squadroni, Julie Swaggert, and Jacquelin Gordon

Ongoing updates from this team and about Zion’s partnership with Villages of Hope can be found at ZionBuffalo.org/AKCLI.

Living God’s Call

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 4

Pictured at right are Zion to Zambia

2012 Team members Sandy Bodine,

Jacquelin Gordon, Barry Johnson, Julie

Swaggert, and Minda Squadroni

(additional team members not pictured

are LeRoy Erickson and Jill Hanson).

Blood Drive at Zion

The Red Cross Blood Mobile will be at

Zion on May 17, 2012.

Please contact Beverly Smith at

763.675.3182 or 763.741.7493 to help

or sign up. Online donor registration will

be available sometime in April.

Supporting Children’s Ministry

Hi! We are the Stanforths – Tom, Trish, and Lizzie.

We have been members of Zion since moving to Buffalo from Long Island five years ago. When we started coming to Zion, we attended the 9:45 worship service and then Lizzie would attend Sunday School at 10:30. We became involved in Sunday school, Tom as a rotation leader, and Trish helping in the Sunday school office, as a way to become more connected with the church, as a way to give back for our daughter’s participation, and because we were asked to help. Now, Lizzie is serving as a shepherd for a preschool and Kindergarten Sunday School class on Sundays, in addition to attending confirmation classes on Wednesdays. Tom has added confirmation guide duties, and Trish is also helping with the new M&M Ministry for middle school girls.

As a family, we consider the Children’s Ministry programs to be an important part of Zion. In addition to providing a place for children to go while parents attend worship, it is a chance to help children learn about and understand our religion. Engaging the children with musical activities, playing games, and doing crafts, while exposing them to some of the important stories and themes from the Bible, makes each week a different experience for the children.

Volunteering with Zion's Children’s Ministry programs has helped us individually and as a family. It gives us a common activity that we can talk about and help each other with. It also prompts religious discussions that we probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. It has also connected us to Zion in a deeper way and truly makes us feel part of the church.

Good $ense Begins May 6

Do you…Dream of someday being debt-free? Use the resources you have according to God’s principles? Have a plan for getting out of debt and staying out? The Good $ense Budget Course, developed by Willow Creek Church, can help you do all these things and more.

Tom Moline will host this 6-week this course on Sundays, beginning May 6, at noon. A light lunch will be available. There will be a nominal fee for the required workbook.

Sign up will be available in late April.

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 5

Meet the Council: Deana

Jeske

Deana Jeske was elected to the Zion

council in December, and will be serving a

three-year term.

Please tell us about your family:

I am married to Mike Jeske and live in

Buffalo. I am the daughter of Ray and

Dianne Hermosillo who have both passed

away. I have an amazing Aunt Sue who is

like our second mom and 4 sisters who

are also members of Zion: Denise

Kuhlman, Devonne Kent, Dianna

Hermosillo, and Lori Harris.

Where do you work?

I am employed at Groebner in Monticello,

a Natural Gas Distribution, as an

Executive Assistant. I also bartend and

waitress part time at the Buffalo

American Legion.

(Deana Jeske continued on page 8)

Active Military

Please Pray For

Steve Svoboda

Deployed to Southwest Asia

Alex Euerle

Deployed to Afghanistan

Josh Nelson, nephew of Sue Hermosillo

Deployed to Afghanistan

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Brag, NC

Doug Pecarina

Deployed to Kuwait

Ben Pecarina

Stationed in Turkey

DeAnna Strommen, daughter-in-law of Bob

Stationed at Fort Hood, TX

Will Dobbins

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar, CA

Chris Paulsen-Schmidt

Stationed at Norfolk, VA

Christopher Brophy

Stationed at Fort Riley, KS

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX

Let Us Know

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

If you have had any changes to your

address, phone number, marital status,

etc. please contact Angela with your

name, phone number and the changes

that need to be made in our database.

If You Are Ill

Hospitals no longer notify churches

when their members are admitted for

care. Call 763.682.1245 and let us

know so we can support you with prayer

and with presence.

Prayer Requests

Please use a yellow pew card, call the

church office at 763.682.1245 or visit

Zion online at ZionBuffalo.org with

your prayer requests.

Spring New Member Introduction

The next New Member Introduction will be held after worship on Sunday, April 22. This orientation to membership provides an introduction to Zion ministries and staff, an opportunity to meet others at Zion, and a little about what it means to be Lutheran. Lunch is included and childcare is available.

Sign up at ZionBuffalo.org/Members or at the information desk.

Those that decide to become members will be formally received into our congregation on Sunday, April 29.

Get Involved with Food for Friends

Exciting things are happening in this ministry! Thank you to all of the cooks who helped cook, package and fill the freezer. Thank you also to a very generous anonymous donor and the Zion Foundation for providing funds for a new, efficient Food for Friends freezer which will be especially appreciated on cooking days!

Food for Friends provides warm and/or frozen meals to people, primarily in our congregation, who are going through especially challenging times in their lives. It is an attempt to help ease their extra burden.

If you know of someone who would benefit from receiving meals through this ministry, please contact the church, email [email protected], or get a frozen meal from the new Food for Friends freezer and deliver it yourself.

If you are interested in using your gifts to serve in this ministry, please join the Food for Friends Table group at ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org:

Click on ‘Browse: Groups’ in the grey bar at the top

Type ‘Food’ in the search box

Click on ‘Food for Friends’ when it shows up in the group list

Click ‘Join Group’

Joining this Table group doesn't commit you to helping, it simply helps you learn of FFF needs (families needing meals and freezer cooking dates). When you are interested in helping with a specific need, such as making and delivering a meal or helping cook and package freezer meals, you will have an opportunity to sign up at that time.

Thank you to everyone who helps make this ministry possible through volunteering time, as well as through financial gifts!

Creating a community where people are connected

Connecting With Care

6

A Time to Dance

Women, mark your calendars for a great get-together on Saturday, May 5, here at Zion. Bring family and friends. The event starts at 9:30am with a catered brunch in Trinity Hall, followed by a program filled with thoughts about our daily dance through our Christian life. This morning of fun and relaxation for all ages has become a popular annual tradition at Zion.

Marge Lundeen, formerly of Buffalo, will be this year’s guest speaker. Marge was puzzled by Ecclesiastes 3:4 with its statement that dancing is the opposite of mourning. Then she noticed that many hymns make reference to dancing. What’s a woman who lacks coordination, stamina, and natural rhythm to do? Marge’s stories about her attempts to dance will make you laugh, and she will challenge you to respond to the assurance that in God’s plan there is a time for everything.

Pastor Sara Vanderpan will emcee the morning. Women will be treated to special music provided by Lisa Ebnet and the Rainbow Singers, and entertainment will also include a performance by the Starlights, a local group of young dancers you won’t want to miss! A craft time will be available for elementary aged girls, and nursery is available for the little ones up to age 5.

RSVP by April 30 online, by calling the Zion office, or at the information desk on Sunday mornings.

Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 12 and under; pay at the door.

Try Family Ring

Musical friends, family members...people who say “I’ve always wanted to try playing bells…” are all invited to join the Family Ring bell choir who will play for Zion’s Good Friday family worship (10am on April 6 in Zion’s Trinity Hall). The music is manageable to any music reader (Grade 4-adult). If needed, your notes can be circled to make music reading easier. Parents and children are welcome to come together but having another family member in the group is not a necessity.

Rehearsals are:

Sunday, April 1, 9:30-10:30 (Bell Room) No April Fools joke… we’ll really rehearse!

Friday, April 6, 9am (Trinity Hall).

Contact Sherilyn at 682-1245 ext. 307 or [email protected] to sign up so that equipment can be planned.

Wednesday Supper Menu

Everyone is invited to gather each

Wednesday night during the Lenten

season for a wonderful evening of

fellowship and tasty meals.

There’s a delicious meal waiting for you

from 5-6:15pm in the Fellowship Hall

for a suggested donation of $3 per

plate. The best deal in town!

April 4: No Supper (Spring Break)

April 11: Soup / Chili & Hot Dog

April 18: Baked Potatoes

April 25: Sloppy Joes

Family suppers continue as a

Wednesday tradition at Zion following

a six week menu rotation until May 16.

Come for a great meal each week!

April Book Club

On Monday, April 9, the Zion Book

Club will meet at 7pm in the Zion

Library to discuss the four books

selected for winter reading:

Unbroken by Laura Hillibrand, The

Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom,

Faithful Place by Tana French, and

Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-

religious World by John Shelby Spong.

Men’s BWCA Trip

The sixth annual BWCA trip is

scheduled for June 18-22. Four Zion

men have already committed to

participate and four more spots are

available for those interested in the

adventure and fellowship. Previous

experience or camping equipment is not

required as a BWCA outfitter provides

everything. Contact Jud Goerss or the

church office for more info.

in relationships and supported in need. 7

February 2012 Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Feb 2012 YTD 2012 Feb 2011 YTD 2011 General Offering $58,708 $115,182 $48,063 $103,673

Rent and Sunday School 2,482 4,228 985 3,239

WedNite Supper Income 1,318 2,052 1,019 1,915

Missions and Hunger 1,481 2,401 1,067 1,934

Other Designations 4,220 4,725 2,296 2,577

Total Income $68,208 $128,588 $53,429 $113,339

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $2,000

Other General Services 65,473 126,278 58,548 112,905

Total Expenses $66,473 $127,278 $59,548 $114,905

Ledger Balance as of 2-29-2012: $5,771

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Feb 2012 YTD 2012 Feb 2011 YTD 2011 Offerings and Interest $14,223 $32,658 $14,072 $33,314

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $14,223 $32,658 $14,072 $33,314

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $31,738 $17,087 $34,175

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 0 0 913 1,827

Major Building Repairs 0 0 0 0

3% Tithe Commitment 0 0 0 0

Kairos Consulting 3,000 6,000 0 7,000

Interest Expense on LOC 0 0 0 0

Bank Service Charge 0 0 0 0

Total Expenses $18,869 $37,738 $18,001 $43,001

Ledger Balance as of 2-29-2012: $22,387

Thank you for your continued support of God’s work at Zion Lutheran Church.

Love INC-Big Woods

Lullaby Ministry

Love INC-Big Woods has a new

resource available for parents with

babies and young children offering some

baby items for free to families in need

in the Buffalo, Maple Lake, Hanover

area.

Items available to families in need

include baby blankets, back pack

carriers, bottles, bouncy chairs,

children’s books, crib sheets, diapers,

diaper bags, high chairs, Pack ‘n plays,

sling type carriers and baby wipes.

Call the Love INC-Big Woods

Clearinghouse at 763.682.6820 on

Mondays or Wednesdays from 10 –

2pm, to get connected with this

ministry.

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 8

Finance & Stewardship

What are some ways you have been

involved with Zion's ministries?

I have been a lifelong member of Zion,

where I have volunteered in the nursery

and taught Sunday School. Last year I

was also a member of the Call Committee

(a very personal honor). My Faith in God

has strengthened me, due in large part to

the loss of my parents and to the

fellowship of Zion members.

Why do you serve on the Church

Council?

Serving on the Call Committee was an

experience that made me want to

contribute more to our church and get

more involved with Zion's mission. With

God's help, I pray that I am able to do

just that.

What are your other interests in the

community?

I would like to be involved with the

Buffalo Food Shelf. In my free time I

enjoy being with my family and friends. I

love summer and boating! I also enjoy

volleyball, bowling, golfing, camping

(roasting s'mores!), and I enjoy playing

cards and board games.

(Deana Jeske continued from page 5)

Thoughts on Faith and Finances

Money seems to be a requirement in this earthly life.

As children we have little understanding and practically no concerns about money and what it means. We move into our teen years and realize that money can get us our wants and so Mom and Dad become an important financial hub. Sometimes we even get our own jobs and learn the value firsthand. When we begin life on our own, we have to make decisions between needs and wants. Life in a relationship meshes multiple perspectives, possible family and future obligations and the necessity to live within our means. When the kids leave, we can feel a little relief as they begin to make their own way, and we can slide into retirement and a whole new understanding with fixed incomes and the future ahead of us. Our relationship with money is just the next life change away from becoming something new all over again.

Some members of Zion’s Stewardship Committee share their own thoughts about money:

“When I think of money I think I have been very blessed… I think of the opportunities that I have to share because I was taught to share by my parents.”

“Engines, attached to something with wheels, to me that's the first thing that comes to mind when money gets mentioned. More speed, louder, more power, we boys like our toys. So then the three car garage is not big enough and the only logical choice is to build a pole barn. So the cycle continues until your entire paycheck is leveraged and the bank has all your money. That's the message that advertising sends: buy, buy, buy. And so money talks, it says "Good-bye." It's also a trap I could easily fall into if not for gentle wisdom my wife brings to our marriage. God's way is different from those marketing messages too.”

“Money… the first thing I think of is ‘three boys in college.’ Life has moved quickly, and it’s been good to us. We’ve had various jobs, traveled with the boys, and started thinking of retiring someday, too. Through it all, we have practiced grateful giving to our church. God has never failed us.”

“When I think of money, many thoughts come to mind: bills that need to be paid, rising costs (gas, groceries, health care), giving, freedom.”

Zion’s Stewardship Committee members know that money has so many different connections with our life. God has given us the blessing and gift of stewarding everything He gives us, managing it for Him for our time on earth. Enjoy the blessings He provides each and every day!

"Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are."

~ James W. Frick

Worship Volunteers for Lent

and Easter

It takes all of us to make things run

smoothly for the extra worship services at

this time of year. Please contact Sherilyn

([email protected] or

763.682.1245 ) to fill any of the

positions listed below.

Volunteers should plan to be here 15

minutes (acolytes, nursery, communion

servers) to 30 minutes (greeters, ushers,

parking lot) before the service.

Updates to needs will be listed at

ZionBuffalo.org.

Maundy Thursday, April 5, noon and

6:30pm

Ushers, Acolytes, Greeters, & Communion

Assistants (grades 7-8)

Thursday, April 5

Bulletin Stuffers (Easter bulletins)

Good Friday, April 6, 7:00pm

Ushers, Acolytes, Nursery Assistants

Saturday, April 7, 11:00am

Easter garden flower set up

Easter Sunday, April 8, 7:00, 8:30,

9:45, 10:30, 10:45 am

Ushers, Communion Servers, Altar Guild,

Greeters, Acolytes, Parking Lot

Attendants, & Nursery Workers

Lutheran Night at the Twins

The 2012 Thrivent Financial for

Lutherans Lutheran Night at the Twins

will be Monday, July 30, vs. Chicago

White Sox 7:10 pm or Tuesday, July 31,

vs. Chicago White Sox 7:10 pm

There are again several discounted

seating areas to choose from ranging from

$13 to $62.

To reserve your tickets, call Landon

Oldenburger at 612.659.3583.

No information regarding busing is

available at this time.

9

Monday April 9

Church Office Closed

6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

7:00pm Zion Book Club

Tuesday April 10

9:00am Harvest of Hands Craft Day

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning

9:30am Staff Meeting

6:30pm Outreach Evangelism Meeting

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday April 11

9:30am Women's Study - Life Principles

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm SONshine Choir

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir

5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper

5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation

6:30pm Joyful Ringers

7:00pm Senior Choir

7:15pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

Thursday April 12

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible

Study

9:00am Lutheran Social Services

6:00pm Finance Committee Meeting

6:30pm Bible Study - Suffering and Hope

Friday April 13

5:30pm Senior High Guys Night Out

Saturday April 14

4:00pm Wedding

Sunday April 15

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

Truckload of Life Project

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

8:30am Sunday School

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

(Sanctuary)

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service



Monday April 16


Tuesday April 17


9:30am Naomi Circle

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

6:30pm Christian Education Committee

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting


Wednesday April 18

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

9:15am Devotions at Sunrise


2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth


3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Worship and Music Committee

6:00pm Confirmation


7:00pm Senior Choir

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday April 19

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study


9:30am Wright at Home Board Meeting


7:00pm Foundation Meeting

7:00pm Rebecca Circle

Saturday April 21

Sunday April 22

Rededication of Pipe Organ

Redeemer Sunday

Sanctuary Sunday



9:30am Mini Recital: Gwen Degner,

Organist

9:30am Coffee Fellowship & Pipe Organ

Reception



10:30pm Sunday School


12:00pm New Member Introduction

7:00pm A Celebration of Music Concert

Monday April 23


ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Sunday April 1

Palm Sunday

Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, & 10:30

Change for Children Dress Your Best Day








Monday April 2


1:00pm Women’s Ministry Meeting

Tuesday April 3



Wednesday April 4

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study


7:00pm Senior Choir

Thursday April 5



12:00pm Maundy Thursday Worship

6:30pm Maundy Thursday Worship

Friday April 6

9:00am Family Ring Bell Rehearsal

10:00am Good Friday Family Service

12:00pm Ecumenical Good Friday

Worship at Buffalo United

Methodist Church

7:00pm Good Friday Worship Service

Saturday, April 7

11:00am Easter Garden Setup

Sunday April 8

Easter Sunday

5:30am Easter Breakfast Setup

7:00am Easter Sunrise Worship

7:30am Easter Breakfast

8:30am Traditional Worship

9:45am Celebration Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship

10:45am Celebration Worship

April 2012

Tuesday April 24

9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts


6:00pm Caring Ministry Meeting


7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Wednesday April 25

9:20am Devotions at Lakeridge


10:30am Devotions at Park View

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth


3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation


7:00pm Senior Choir

7:15pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

Thursday April 26




Friday April 27

9:00am Newsletter Assembly

Sunday April 29

Reception of New Members






Monday April 30


Worship at Zion on Easter Sunday

Five Celebrations of Worship at Zion

Five worship services will make plenty of room for all to attend worship as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on Sunday, April 8.

Easter Day Worship Schedule

7am Sunrise Worship in Trinity Hall with piano, bells, and brass

8:30am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary with organ, Senior choir, and brass

9:45am Easter Celebration Worship in Trinity Hall with Tangled Blue

10:30am Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary with Jubilee

10:45am Easter Celebration Worship in Trinity Hall with Tangled Blue

All worship services include a festive Easter sermon by Pastor Ted, a children's message and celebration of holy communion. Nursery care available during all worship services.

Remember that Easter breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8-10:30am by Zion Youth.

An Added Service

This year an additional worship service is offered at Zion. Worship services will be held in Trinity Hall at 10:45 as well as 9:45am. Those two services will be led by guest musicians Aimée and Joel Pakan, called Tangled Blue (pictured). The Trinity Hall space is an "allergy free" zone for those who can't be in the sanctuary with all of the flowers. If there are families who want to try something new, prefer a more open space with young children, or a later worship time after the Easter breakfast, the 10:45 Easter celebration will be a welcomed new addition to the morning.

Intergenerational Connections

About 20 Senior High youth hosted about 60 adults at the Intergenerational Dinner on Sunday, March 11. During the meal, there were discussions based on questions that were asked by the TIM (Teens in Mission) Team.

This was a great opportunity to Connect with Care. Many in attendance, both students and adults, said not only did they learn from each other, but they cannot wait until the next intergenerational dinner! Thank you to all who participated.

Guys Night Out

On Friday, April 13, all 9th - 12th grade young men are invited to come out for a movie and pizza and some guy talk.

The crew will meet at Zion at 5:30pm and then take off for Pizza Ranch in Monticello for dinner and then head over to Mueller Theatre to watch the future classic, “The Three Stooges.” The group will return to Zion by 10pm.

Plan to bring about $20-25 for the night. This will cover dinner and admission to the movie, plus a little extra for concessions. If you have a friend or a dad that wants to come with, they are also welcome. Sign up by April 8 to reserve your spot.

AGAPE* is Coming!

AGAPE* (aka Dave Sherer) is coming to Zion on Wednesday, May 16, to lead an inspiring night of worship during Confirmation.

AGAPE* has inspired youth from Brooklyn to Bosnia with his relational ministry "Hip Hop Outreach." Combining rapping, dancing, and storytelling, AGAPE* connects with his listeners in a way that they really "get it." His energy is contagious, and his stories of faith transcend differences. Even those who do not normally enjoy hip-hop find themselves dancing to his music and captivated by his unique presentation of the Gospel. AGAPE* brings an authentic approach into songs and stories that can be understood by every listener. His passion is to bring together people of all backgrounds and let them know about God's love for the whole world.

You will not want to miss out on this amazing night of music, testimonies, dance, prayer, worship and fellowship! All are welcome! CDs and t-shirts will be available for purchase.

Youth Ministry Director of Youth Ministries

Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

[email protected]

Zion Youth Ministries exists to

reach out to youth, to come

together and learn how to be for

God and others through worship,

study, fellowship and service.

Friday Breakfast Crew

Senior High Students - Come out to

Perkins on Friday, April 6 at 6am for a

chance to check-in with everyone.

Make sure to bring money for food and

a tip for our great servers!

If you need a ride to Perkins or school,

contact Myron or Jimmy.

Confirmation Update

All Confirmation Requirements for both

grades are due by August 1, 2012.

Please continue to check your student’s

status on-line to see the progress that

your student is making.

Graceland

8th Grade students are welcome to join

the Senior High youth at Graceland on

Wednesdays, April 28 & May 16, from

7:30-9pm.

Everything Else

Check the website for Graceland and

Confirmation schedules:

ZionBuffalo.org/youth

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on

you because you are young, but set

an example for the believers in speech,

in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth 12

Vacation Bible School

Travel back to Babylon and join Daniel--torn from his home and forced into the king's service. Imagine the pressure of learning a new language and culture…and the shock of discovering your best friends have been tossed into a fiery furnace. Explore exotic sights and smells in a Babylonian bazaar! Kids and adults will find that they're not much different from Daniel and his friends, who kept their faith in a faithless culture.

All kids from age 3 to 6th grade are invited to be part of another amazing VBS adventure, June 11-15 from 9-12.

Sign up online at ZionBuffalo.org/VBS.

Truck load of Life

The Sunday school kids will be participating in the Truckload of Life packaging event on Sunday, April 15. They will be packaging meals during their Sunday school hour with their classmates and leaders. Extra volunteers are needed for this event from 8:30-9:30 and 10:30-11:30; if you are willing please contact Holly to volunteer. More information about the Truckload of Life project can be found on page 15.

Zion Day Camp

If you are looking for a super-fun care option for your elementary age children this summer, Zion Day Camp (ZDC) is worth your consideration.

ZDC is school-aged summer child care which is available at Zion throughout the summer from 6:30am-6pm, Monday to Friday, for children who have just finished Kindergarten, through 12 years old.

Daily activities include free time and snacks, but Bible stories, structured games, and creative projects are also part of the schedule.

Contact Holly Husom (763.682.1245 or [email protected]) with any questions or to register.

Calendar Notes

April Memory verse: Matthew 25:50

Sunday School

April 1: Lent

Change for Children: Dress Your

Best

April 8: Easter Sunday, worship with your

family

April 15: Truckload of Life packaging

event

April 22: We please God when we serve

one another

April 29: We serve God with our Family

Club 4: April 22

Grapple: April 29

Wednesdays

Kid's Place, bells, choirs, supper

For a full calendar see the website at

ZionBuffalo.org /Children.

CoDirectors of Christian Education

Holly Husom

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

Roxie Otten

763-682-1245 ext. 311

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 13

Children’s Ministry

Check out our Change for Children photos on Facebook:

Facebook.com/ZionBuffalo

tel:763-682-1245

mailto:[email protected]

Directions to Redeemer

From Highway 55

Drive East towards Minneapolis and

turn right on Penn Avenue; go a few

blocks and then turn left on Glenwood

Avenue. Redeemer will be down about 3

blocks on your left.

From Highway 12

Drive East towards Minneapolis and get

off on Penn Avenue and turn left. Go to

Glenwood Avenue and turn right.

Redeemer will be down about 3 blocks

on your left.

Mission Sunday in May

Zion's Global connections will be

celebrated on Sunday, May 6, at

all worship services:

Redeemer members will be

assisting in worship

The Rainbow Singers will sing

Zion to Zambia team members will

be introduced

Information about Global Mission

partnerships will be shared

Fair Trade Coffee will be available

The Zion to Zambia puzzle

fundraiser contributions will be

accepted

Cycle Saturday

Zion is planning a Cycling Saturday for

June 2, the Saturday night before the

Buffalo Triathlon. Plans are underway

for a pasta supper provided by Zion

Youth and a “cycle in” worship for

spokes and folks of all ages.

If you plan to ride in the Sunday

morning triathlon, volunteer at Sturges

Park on Sunday, prefer to avoid the

traffic congestion on triathlon Sunday,

or just want a great chance to bike to

Zion, here’s your chance! Mark your

calendars. If you’d like to help with

planning of the Saturday events at Zion,

call the church office.

14

Redeemer Sunday

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zion’s partner congregation in North Minneapolis, has invited Zion to join them again on Sunday, April 22, for a morning worship service in celebration of our shared ministry. A Sunday morning at Redeemer begins with a time of prayer and praise at 10am, with worship beginning at 10:30 am. Youth from Zion will be providing special music as part of the worship service.

Over the years, the many members of Zion who have visited Redeemer have commented on how meaningful it was for them to attend and that “when Redeemer passes the peace, they really pass the peace!”

After the service, Zion members have been invited to tour the Venture North Bike and Coffee Shop in the same block as Redeemer.

Ann Svennungsen Elected Bishop

In February, several members represented Zion at the 2012 Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly in Prior Lake.

Amongst other business, the Rev. Ann M. Svennungsen was elected to a six-year term as bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Svennungsen was elected bishop on the fifth ballot with the majority of votes. Svennungsen is the first woman to serve as bishop in any of the ELCA's six synods in Minnesota.

A complete recap of the Synod Assembly can be found at mpls-synod.org/assembly.

‘Zion

South’

Gathering

Each February, several current and former members of the congregation get together in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Jim Hansen, host Craig Annis, Tom Finger, Jerry Melby and Ed Blair (retired Zion pastor) are pictured at this year’s gathering. A photo of the ladies was posted on Zion’s Facebook page in February.

On Sunday, April 15, Outreach International Kids Care, Zion’s Harvest of Hands and Sunday School children, the congregation, and the community will take on the challenge to package 100,000 meals for the hungry at Zion.

Donations are being accepted to cover the $25,000 cost of packaging the meals, and any surplus funds raised for this event will be donated to the Buffalo Food Shelf. ‘In Memory’ and ‘In Honor’ cards are available to those making a donation in someone’s name.

A one-hour shift begins at 9:30am, and two-hour shifts begin at noon (with childcare available), 1:30pm, and 3pm. Zion Sunday school students will also be packaging meals during their usual class time.

Volunteers are also needed to help set up on Saturday and pack the truck and clean up after the event on Sunday.

Limited spots are available at each volunteer shift, so please sign up as soon as possible at ZionBuffalo.org/Pack.

15 Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Buffalo Food Shelf

Harvest of Hands Crafts

The Harvest of Hands craft group will

meet in April to work on projects for the

annual sale in November:

April projects include mosaic work on

birdhouses made by Dick Danielson,

and garden dragon flies.

Large LP records are being collected

for a future craft where they will be

used to make garden flowers.

Contributions can be brought to the

church office.

The craft group meets in the

Wilderness Room on the

second and fourth Tuesday

morning and the second

and fourth Wednesday

evening of each month.

All are welcome to join

this group for fun,

fellowship, and a

rewarding feeling of

accomplishment in

all the projects

created.

From the Monticello Times

It's the time of year for last-second

heroics in state tournaments and March

Madness basketball games. But some

Monticello volunteers and the community

as a whole staged some late-stage heroics

of their own last week, amassing enough

funds and putting in enough work to pay

for and pack nearly 1,320 boxes of food

that will be shipped to needy people in the

Dominican Republic.

The Monticello United project, which was

spearheaded by a group of volunteers

from several area churches, was a rousing

success in its first year. Shifts of

volunteers poured into Monticello High

School throughout the day Saturday to fill

and stack plastic bags of dried food that

was then packed into large boxes and

loaded onto trucks.

For more of this story, go to

www.monticellotimes.com/

articles/2012/03/15/news/02-mtnews.txt

ZionBuffalo.org/Pack

http://truckloadoflife.eventbrite.com/

Winning Chili Recipe

The Blue Ribbon winners at the Springfest Chili Cook-Off were Jeff & Robin Edwards with their After Thanksgiving Turkey Chili.

Ingredients

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble turkey into the pot, stirring with a wooden spoon to break apart as much as possible. Season with taco seasoning mix, Dick’s Secret Seasoning, chili flakes, and tomato paste, and mix until meat is evenly coated with seasonings. Continue cooking, reducing heat if necessary, until turkey is well browned.

Pour in beef broth, and simmer to reduce liquid slightly, about 5 minutes. Add salsa, tomatoes, and green chilies, and continue cooking at a moderate simmer for ten minutes. Adjust the thickness at any time you feel necessary by adding water.

While chili is still cooking, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and green bell pepper, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent and bell pepper is lightly browned. Add onion and bell pepper to the chili, and continue cooking at a very low simmer.

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the zucchini to the chili, reduce heat, and continue cooking 15 minutes more. Again, adjust the consistency with water as needed.

Ladle chili into serving bowls. Top with sour cream, green onion, and cheddar cheese, and serve.

Robin was given this recipe by Angela Loehr Chrysler.

Easter Garden

Every year Zion has a beautiful display of

all kinds of different plants and blooming

flowers for our Sunday morning Easter

services. The plants/flowers are usually

given in memory of or in honor of

someone special to you and/or your

family. It is a nice way to recognize your

loved ones and to show gratitude for

God’s many blessings.

For those with allergies, the Sunrise

service at 7am and the Easter Celebration

services at 9:45 and 10:45am in Trinity

Hall will be flower-free.

The Property Committee is planning an

Easter Plant Fundraiser again this year,

and information will be available in mid

March.

If you would like to order directly from a

florist or purchase from a grocery store or

discount store, flowers should have your

name put on them and be delivered to

Zion between 9-11am on Saturday,

April 7.

Fill in the form below by Monday, April

2, for all plants. A list of plant donors will

be published in the bulletin on Easter

Sunday.

The plants are arranged on Saturday,

April 7, at 11am. If you can help, please

feel free to stop in and lend a hand.

All plants can be picked up after the

10:30 Easter Service or on Tuesday, April

10. The office is closed on Monday,

April 9.

16

Easter Garden 2012

Due Monday 4/2

Circle In Memory / Honor of

______________________________________

Donated by

________________________________________

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (Jeff used shredded smoked turkey this time)

1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

1 teaspoon Dick’s Secret Seasoning (or substitute seasoned salt)

1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth

1 (7 ounce) can salsa

1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or coarsely chopped tomatoes packed in puree

1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chili peppers

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced

3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Photos from Springfest are posted on Zion’s Facebook page :)

Our Mission... Zion seeks to

Share Christ’s Word,

Strengthen our Faith, and

Serve those in need.

Our Vision… Helping people experience the joy

of life in Christ by:

1. Celebrating on Sundays:

Creating Sunday morning experiences that invite, welcome,

engage and inspire people to live for Christ.

2. Living God’s Call:

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them to

trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world.

3. Connecting with Care:

Creating a community where people are connected in relationships and

supported in need.

17

Redeemer’s Francesca

Mucciaccio

My name is Francesca Mucciaccio, and I am the Communications Associate & Liaison at Redeemer Center For Life and Redeemer Lutheran Church. I joined RCFL and RLC in August 2011 as a Lutheran Volunteer Corps volunteer to facilitate internal and external communications. I graduated from Reed College in 2009, where I studied linguistics and linguistic anthropology. After college, I worked as a translator, eventually transitioning into a position as

an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at the local community college and as a development intern at a Portland, OR-based venture philanthropy organization providing financial and capacity building support to local nonprofits serving children and their families.

I am passionate about racial justice and social equity issues, and working at RCFL and RLC has provided me with an opportunity to better understand these issues and to learn more about solution-oriented approaches toward resolving them. Living in the Harrison neighborhood has been invaluable in doing this work; it has given me an opportunity to get to know this community better and to understand not only the challenges it faces, but also the incredible strengths and assets that it possesses.

RCFL and RLC have been partnering together since RCFL’s inception, working toward positive, community-driven development that focuses on harnessing community assets to sustain a healthy, thriving community. As a strong believer in positive psychology and in capitalizing on strength rather than weaknesses, I am thrilled to be able to contribute to these organizations’ work; giving community members an opportunity to bring their gifts to the table is the only real way to implement effective solutions to large-scale problems, and I see this work as one approach toward greater equity and, therefore, a better world.

The Redeemer community is important for the Harrison neighborhood because it provides a space where people can share their dreams and then be empowered to achieve them despite living in a society that was systematically designed to benefit a small percentage of the population. The Redeemer community recognizes and celebrates the fact that every human being has something to contribute to society. RLC and RCFL collectively truly are a beacon of hope for this community: and where there’s hope, there’s health; there are healthy relationships; and there are empowered, effective residents finding and pursuing their life purposes, sharing their light with one another.

Thank you to Larry & Len Bengtson for designing and building the new computer desk in the lobby/narthex, which makes the computer much more user-friendly for adults needing to find information or register for events. Pastor Luke also donated a flat-panel monitor to complete the setup.

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

April 16 at 8am for May Issue

May 14 at 8am for June Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Congregation members praying over food

packed at last year’s Packing Project.

Contact Us

[email protected]

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-

4:30pm (noon summer Fridays)

Ph 763.682.1245 / Fax 763.684.1967

1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across

from 13th St S.)

PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

18

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life


Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director


Roxie Otten: Co-Director of Christian Education


Holly Husom: Co-Director of Christian Education


Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Diane Montplaisir: Administrative Secretary


Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Ryan Bjokne: Facilities & Grounds Manager

[email protected]

Louis Nagel: Part-time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Laurel Lundeen: Nursery Staff

Launi Stuhr: Kids’ Place Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator

Congregational Council

Roger Brenny

Bill Deneen

Mike Davis

Kelly Hanson

Deana Jeske

Devonne Kent

Beverly Koopman

Sue Lyrek

Tom Moline

Mike Newman

Steve Peterson

Wanda Weber

Inside

Zion Lutheran Church

1200 Highway 25 S.

PO Box 88

Buffalo, MN 55313

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Address Service Requested

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

Organ Dedication 2

Celebration of Music Concert 2

Zambia Puzzle Fundraiser 4

New Member Introduction 6

A Time to Dance 7

Family Ring 7

Faith and Finances 9

Holy Week Worship 11

Vacation Bible School 13

Truckload of Life 15

Winning Chili Recipe 16

Ap

ril 2

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ZionBuffalo.org 100 000 Meals ZionBuffalo.org/Pack

april 2012 newsletter

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