august newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN AUGUST 2014

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

Golf Outing and Social

The 2014 Zion Memorial Golf Outing

will be held at Wild Marsh Golf Course

on Monday, August 11, to

benefit Zion’s Memorial Fund.

This event will be an 18-hole 4-

person scramble.

The cost is $75 per golfer for golf,

cart, and one drink ticket.

Course games and events include

Magic Ball, Mulligans, Closest to

the Pin, and Bean Bag Toss.

18 Hole sponsorships are available:

$350 for golf (4) and memorial

sign or $50 for a memorial sign

Cart sponsorships are available:

$25 for a memorial sign

Tavern at Wild Marsh will be open

for dinner after golf

Please sign up by

August 1 at

ZionBuffalo.org/golf

Contact Harley

Pommier at

763.229.6918 with

questions.

Summer Senior Outings

All 55+ adults and retirees are

welcome at these summer events:

Tuesday, August 5: Fishing and

picnic on Lake Pulaski, 9:30-noon

on the Let's Go Fishing boat. No

cost and no fishing license needed.

If you don't want to fish, come at

11am for lunch at Lake Pulaski

Pavillion (bring a salad or dessert).

Tuesday, August 12: Sons of the

Pioneers at St Cloud Paramount

Theater, show at 1:30. This group

was started in the 1930s (Roy

Rogers was an original member)

and performs classics from the

American west such as Tumbling

Tumbleweeds. Cost is $30 for

tickets and transportation. Meet at

Zion at noon. Sign up by August 6.

Sign up online, at the Information

Desk, or by calling the church office at

763.682.1245.

Women's Bible Study Series

Of Many Generations: Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia

Jill Davis will lead the final of three summer Bible study sessions for Zion women on Tuesday, August 19, at 7pm. Our final story takes us to Acts 16:11-15, where we meet both Lydia and the group of women with whom she gathers down by the river as well as Paul and his companion who encounter them there.

The study for these three sessions is written by Dr. Diane Jacobson, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. She writes, “We are women of many generations, many ages, many places, and many experiences. We have a calling to come, learn, and serve together, as well as to rebuild, repair, and restore not only our own relationships, but also the world around us. To do this we look to Scripture for stories that take us into this calling. We look for stories of women who come together, women who understand themselves to be part of a multi-generational community, and who have known both challenge and joy.”

The Bible study will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Each is a stand-alone study, so it doesn’t matter if you haven’t attended the June or July sessions. Bring a Bible. Study guides and treats are provided. No charge for the study, but sign-up online or at the Information Desk is helpful to plan for materials.

Warm and Welcoming Circles

Joan Halderson joined Zion when she moved to Buffalo in 1976, after having been married by a friend of Pastor Ed Blair's a couple of years earlier at the Maple Plain Lutheran Church.

Joan was born in South Dakota and raised on a farm outside of Doland, South Dakota, as the youngest of four children, including a twin brother. As a child, she attended the Doland United Methodist Church. Joan is now single, with two grown sons, Jason and Jonathan, and seven grandchildren between their two blended families.

After 35 years of working in steel erection construction offices as secretary, bookkeeper, and owner, she is retired.

At Zion, Joan has been involved with serving at St. Lucia suppers, decorating for Christmas, making egg rolls for Harvest of Hands, and leading preschool crafts at VBS. This year she organized Zion's group for Lutheran Night at the Twins along with her 15-year-old grandson, Tanner.

Joan is part of Zion's Rebecca Circle and is participating in the Summer Bible Study for women. She values the opportunity to share opinions and the encouragement to think about Bible stories in a new way.

(Joan Halderson continued on page 9)

Connecting With Care

Creating a community where people are connected 2

Summer Hit List

by Pastor Luke Schmidt

We all know that a newsletter is intended to keep people in the loop, dispensing details about congregational life and sharing stories about the people you call your church. I’m going to do my best to do the newsletter format justice today with this 5 point hit list of happenings at church! Here we go…

1. The end of summer approaches! I always hate to type/say that, but it is true. Our hiatus from many of our programs will end as well, and we’ve got a whole slate of ministries rolling out this fall. Confirmation pulls in the 6th graders to make it a 3 year program, we’ll welcome children into the first 15 minutes of worship with us every week, and Sunday Welcome Crews will kick off (see point 5).

2. Our sermon series to kickoff the ministry year is called, “Looking Back to Our Future.” Zion has a rich history of being church together. How do we find our future identity in the best of what we’ve been in the last nearly 150 years? We’ll dig in on September 7. As usual, we’ll also have a theme for the day – the 50’s! We’ll have great games and food and make sure to break out any poodle skirts and leather jackets you have sitting around. And what would the 50’s be without some classic cars? If you have a fun car to show off, drive it out to church that day!

3. General Fund giving is spot on this year; your faithful stewardship is helping us plan for a successful year of ministry. Our Building Fund (the monies dedicated to paying the mortgage on this great facility each month), however, is consistently a bit below monthly needs. Also, check out point #4 to see how you can help us get back on track in the Building Fund.

4. The Summer step up continues! I’ve heard from a number of folks that have joined in by signing up for automatic giving, increased their giving, or given gifts to the Memorial Fund. Another option to participate is to make a special commitment to the Building Fund for the remainder of the year or to allocate an increase in giving to the Building Fund. Any way that you choose to participate keeps us moving ahead in a great ministry year in 2014!

5. Sunday Welcome Crews are coming soon. These are teams of ushers, greeters, hosts and coffee fellowship hosts that serve one Sunday a month as part of a group. Many of you will have the opportunity to get in on the action. See my article from last month’s newsletter for more information (ZionBuffalo.org/sunday-morning-experience). The team leads are excited to get going and you may be getting a call from one of them asking if you’d like to make Zion the most hospitable place in town on Sunday mornings!

I’d need two more pages of newsletter to keep you up to speed on everything else going on, but Zion is a hopping place, even all summer. Can’t wait to see you all in church!

A private network

aimed at

strengthening faith-

sustaining

relationships among

people at Zion.

Active Military

Fred Pierce

Stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ

Joe Schmidt

Stationed in San Diego

Trey Wilson

Deployed to Bahrain

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Knox, KY

Vinnie Pecarina

Stationed in Japan

Bradley Johnson

Stationed at Ft Drum, NY

Cory Nyholm

Stationed in Monterey, CA

Christopher Paulsen

Stationed in Norfolk, VA

Ben Pecarina

Stationed overseas

Doug Pecarina

Serving in the Army National Guard

Kevin Osfar

Stationed in Japan

Will Dobbins

Deployed on the USS Peleliu

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at Ft Bliss, TX

Deanna Strommen

Stationed in Washington, DC

ZionBuffalo.Tableproject.org

in relationships and supported in need. 3

School Supplies Collection

Believe it or not, school is starting soon

and supplies are already available in all

major stores. Back-to-School time can be

a burden on many low income families,

especially those who have to purchase

supplies and clothing for more than one

child.

A child in a low income family may show

up on the first day of school feeling

different than the kids who arrive with all

their school supplies in a new backpack.

They might have none of the basics the

others have – no pencils, notebooks or

rulers, and certainly not a backpack...

What if we could interrupt this scene, and

rewrite it to give that child a backpack

full of school supplies? That is what Love

INC-Big Woods, along with other

agencies, is planning to do this summer –

with your help.

Would you be willing to pick up a few

extra items when you are school shopping

with your own children or grandchildren?

Last year, the Love INC-Big Woods

affiliate churches donated items for over

475 filled backpacks for kids in the

Buffalo/Hanover/Maple Lake areas!

This is a great project for families to do

together because it gives children a vision

of what selfless love looks and feels like.

Bring your items to the donation bin near

the information desk August 4-17, so the

supplies can be distributed before school

starts. Thank you for uniting with Love

INC-Big Woods in this ministry!

Distribution will take place at Zion

Monday, 8/25, 5-7pm, and Wednesday,

8/27, 10am-noon. Please bring proof of

birth of the child (birth certificate, school

card, medical card), showing that you live

in Buffalo, Maple Lake, or Hanover.

Please call Love INC at 763.682.6820

with any questions.

Old Testament Bible Study

Rick Johnson will present a Bible Class on

the Old Testament books of Samuel I and

II. The class will be on 6 Monday nights

in the library from 6:30-8:30 beginning

September 8 and ending October 13. Be

sure to bring your Bibles. Please sign up

online or at the Information Desk.

Living God’s Call

Coffee at the Co-op

Lutheran World Relief fair trade coffee, cocoa, and tea, is now available through Zion’s Global Missions Committee at the Local Roots Food Co-op Online Marketplace each week, in addition the second Sunday of each month at Zion.

The LWR Coffee Project enables coffee farmers in Africa, Central and South America to earn a fair price for their crops, empowering them in turn to invest in their communities, in education, health care and sustainable agriculture, thus building a better future for their families.

Local Roots Food Co-op Online Marketplace opened earlier this year, and is a place where local consumers can connect with local producers, because they believe the best food for our community is the food produced by our community. Of course, tea and coffee aren’t produced in our community, but the co-op has looked to Zion for a source that benefits the local community though mission involvement.

Each pound of coffee purchased through the LWR Coffee Project, either at Zion or through Local Roots, generates 20c for the Lutheran World Relief Small Farmer Project to support small-scale coffee farmers, provide technical assistance, and improve access to credit, marketing and training. An additional $1 per package supports Zion Global Mission projects such as Mission Jamaica, Villages of Hope, and Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Orders can be placed online each week at localfoodmarketplace.com/localroots from Saturday at 4pm until Wednesday at 4pm, and picked up on Thursdays from 4:30-7:30pm at the Buffalo Community Center (across from the Post Office). Several Zion members volunteer with Local Roots as board members, distribution hosts, and support staff.

Pictured: Marna Hanson picks up her mom’s order of Chai Tea from Zion volunteer Marian Hille at a Local Roots distribution night.

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 4

Community Clothing Drive

We all have clothing items that are in

good shape that we will never wear again

just taking up room in our closets.

Zion’s Social Ministry Committee asks

that you clean out your closet and pass

them on to someone in need in the Buffalo

community by donating them to a

community clothing drive sponsored by

Buffalo Covenant Church in partnership

with Love INC.

Any size new or gently used clothing

and shoes are welcome

Plastic bags and hangers are also

needed.

No other items will be accepted.

Bring donations to the Buffalo Covenant

Church (1601 Highway 25 N) on Sunday

August 10, (8am-noon) or Monday,

August 11 to Wednesday, August 13

(8am-4pm).

Ordinary Grace

Former youth director Chad Brucklacher

(pictured below with current youth

director Myron Crawford) stopped by the

church office for a visit earlier this

summer while in town to see Pastor John.

Chad now serves as campus pastor at the

University of North Dakota and was on

sabbatical this summer. He caught up

with mentors and asked each one for a

book suggestion that they could discuss.

Pastor John's selection was Ordinary

Grace by William Kent Krueger.

A Place of Peace

After years of feeling somewhat tested, as a family, by health concerns, long unemployment and the kind of personal struggles that people often deal with but no one wants to admit, Zion council member, Heather Moseley, and her family, has found a place of peace in Buffalo and at Zion.

Heather and Craig Moseley have been married for almost 11 years and have two active boys, Braden (9 years old) and Seaver (5 years old), both students at Northwinds. The Moseley family moved to the Montrose area from St. Louis Park when Braden was a toddler.

We wanted him to have a yard to run in the way Craig and I each had growing up. Once Seaver was born and the kid activities started, we knew being closer to or in Buffalo was a must, and were blessed to move last summer to a home that fits our family, a yard that fits our activity and a neighborhood that fits our values. Buffalo is such a great community…there are so many opportunities for families and for young people. There is always something to do or be a part of.

The Moseleys have become a lacrosse family. Braden plays for the Buffalo Youth Lacrosse club U9 team and has become an aspiring goalie. Craig coaches and is the Vice President of the Club, and Heather has helped with the marketing for the club.

I didn't know a thing about the sport until last summer and am now fully entrenched. I love getting out in the backyard with our sticks and a ball and playing with the boys (who don’t take it easy on mom) or firing the ball at Braden while he practices in net. Cheering on the sidelines of the games is awesome though I tend to be the mom that should probably just bite my tongue (not a strength of mine).

For years, Heather worked to climb the corporate ladder in marketing.

I have fallen off the rungs a time or two and get back on and continue to climb. The climb can be filled with pride of accomplishment and the experiences, good and bad, along the way are what have helped to mold me as the person I am today. I have always had a nagging in my heart to go after what is more fulfilling to me but tend to ignore the nagging due to fear of being outside the corporate walls. My corporate life has been driven by products and companies that the bring delight to the lives of others. Though is very fulfilling, I am personally driven by “filling the buckets of others” through a simple smile, a great conversation, showing true compassion and being able to do or give in order to better the life of others.

In the past year, Heather has put the wheels in motion to leave the corporate world, and now works with people to achieve their goals through Rodan + Fields® Dermatologists.

(Heather Moseley continued on page 14)

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

Zion's Choirs Begin Soon

Music for Senior High and Adults

Senior Choir and Joyful Ringers kick off the new year on Wednesday, September 3. Both groups are open to senior high and adults. Directors Michael Walsh (vocal) and Sherilyn Burgdorf (handbells) welcome returning and new musicians who would like to be a part of the Zion choirs. Child care is available on Wednesday evenings during rehearsals. If you're interested in wind ensemble/band, see the Zion Wind Ensemble article in the sidebar.

Another option for senior high youth is Youth Choir, which begins rehearsal on Wednesday, September 10, at 5:15-6pm in the Bell Room. Directed by Dawn Agre, this group includes students in grades 6-12.

Children and Youth Music Groups Begin September 10

Wednesdays are music days at Zion, with a rental bus provided for Ring Forth, SONshine Choir, and Joy Choir after school for elementary students from Parkside, Discovery, Tatanka, Northwinds, and St. Francis elementary schools. Class Ring (middle school handbell ringers) come by carpool from BCMS after school, and Youth Choir meets right before Wednesday night confirmation classes.

Remember that Wednesday night suppers are available weekly for all families. A freewill donation is encouraged to cover meal costs. Suppers will begin this fall on Wednesday, September 10.

Vocal Choirs

SONshine Choir (K-2), Carol Moore, director

Joy Choir (Gr 3-5), Kristi Wagner, director

Youth Choir (Gr. 6-12), Dawn Agre, director

Handbell Choirs

Ring Forth (Gr 4-5) handbells, Jason Chalupnik & Sherilyn Burgdorf, directors

Class Ring (Gr 6-8) handbells Jason Chalupnik & Sherilyn Burgdorf, directors

Childcare

Kids’ Place (childcare) will be offered again this year for children in grades K-6, from 3:45 until 5:30 for children before and/or after choirs. For the safety of our kids, childcare will also be provided after supper, beginning at 6pm. This option is for parents taking part in evening activities at Zion. Children should be registered for Wednesday activities in advance, especially if using either (or both) of these childcare options.

Registration for all choirs, Kids’ Place, transportation and childcare is available online at ZionBuffalo.org after August 1.

Wind Ensemble Returns

The Zion Wind Ensemble of high school

and adult musicians will return on

Homecoming Sunday, September 7,

under the direction of Lee Kjesbo. The

ensemble will accompany hymns and

contribute special music along with

Zion’s Senior Choir for the 8:30

worship. They will also play during

Family Express worship and before

10:30 worship.

The invitation is open to senior high and

adult musicians to join the group. Zion

members and friends are welcomed to

attend. Rehearsals are Wednesday,

September 3, at 5:30pm, and Saturday,

September 6, at 9am. One rehearsal is

fine; better yet, do both!

Bring your instrument and a music

stand. Music will be provided at the

first rehearsal or it can be picked up

from Sherilyn in advance.

Please contact Sherilyn

([email protected] or

763.682.1245 ext. 307) if you're

interested in playing.

Baptisms

June 22

Jase Henre

Sadie Jurek

Braelee Pearson

Audrey Schaaf

Evan Schumacher

Celebrating on Sundays

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, 6

Funerals

July 1

Lydia Heins

July 8

Tanner Dickson

July 13

Warren Nelson

Worship Services

8:30am traditional worship in the

sanctuary with nursery available,

Sunday school during the school year.

9:45am Family Express in Trinity Hall.

10:30am contemporary worship in the

sanctuary with nursery available,

Sunday school during the school year.

Lessons

Sunday, August 3 / Monday, Aug 4 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 14:13-21

Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday, August 10 / Monday, Aug 11 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 14:22-33

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday, August 17 / Monday, Aug 18 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28


Sunday, August 24 / Monday, Aug 25 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 16:13-20


Sunday, August 31 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 16:21-28


The 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, August

10, and Sunday, October 12, at noon.

Register at ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or

by calling the office.

welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ. 7

Marysville Worship

Each summer (June-August) Zion offers members and friends the opportunity to worship at our historic Marysville church. This beautiful historic country church is located among farmland on County Road 9 between Buffalo and Waverly. The worship service begins at 7pm each Monday evening through the end of August.

Just remember … this is a little country church with no modern amenities :)

Services will be cancelled when severe weather (tornado or severe thunderstorm) threatens the immediate Marysville area. On evenings when heat indices and high humidity are a concern, scheduled services will be held and worshippers will be encouraged to make their own decision about attendance. Cancellations will be posted on the church website and on KRWC radio by 6pm.

Worship Musicians

Zion's musicians are active, even during the summer. Three worship services each Sunday plus Marysville on summer Mondays are filled with many types of music from traditional to contemporary.

If you'd like to do a solo or small ensemble, either vocal or instrumental music, for Sunday's traditional 8:30 worship or at the Monday worship at the historic Marysville country church, contact the church office or Mike Walsh.

9:45 Family Express and 10:30 worship on Sundays will continue to be led with contemporary music, leadership provided by First Sunday and the Zion Worship Team.

Mark your calendar, pull out your leather jacket, and polish up your classic car! For Zion’s Homecoming Sunday on September 7 will be looking back to our future.

The theme for the day is the 50’s, and will include great games and food after worship. Poodle skirts and leather jackets are welcome, and if you have a fun car to show off, you are encouraged to drive it out to church that day!

June 2014 Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income June 2014 YTD 2014 June 2013 YTD 2013 General Offering $60,893 $372,984 $61,327 $354,205

Rent and Sunday School 1,260 7,748 731 12,696

WedNite Supper Income 0 3,359 0 4,179

Missions and Hunger 987 8,224 896 8,703

Other Designations 1,035 10,501 565 74,186

Total Income $64,174 $402,816 $63,518 $453,969

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $6,000 $1,000 $6,000

Other General Services 54,821 380,211 58,536 381,143

Total Expenses $55,821 $386,211 $59,536 $387,143

Checkbook balance as of 6-30-2014: $46,561

Building Fund

Income June 2014 YTD 2014 June 2013 YTD 2013 Offerings and Interest $13,726 $85,957 $16,223 $93,668

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $13,726 $85,957 $16,223 $93,668

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $95,214 $15,869 $95,214

Bank Service Charge 15 15 0 0

Total Expenses $15,884 $95,229 $15,869 $95,214

Checkbook balance as of 6-30-2014: $11,872

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store

up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where

your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6: 19-21

Memorial Gifts Received

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Frank Pfeifer from Betty Pfeifer.

Gifts to the Kitchen Fund in memory of

Howard Hohensee from David Sandell

and an anonymous donor.

Gifts to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Connie Krause and Lydia Heins from

Deanna Preston and Allan Hummell.

Gifts to the Zion Foundation in memory

of Lydia Heins from Eugene and Sheila

Blandford and Lavonne Berglund.

Summer Step Up

Join Pastor Luke in the Summer Step

Up! Find the opportunity that will

allow you to grow in your faith journey

as you take on something new. Here are

4 ideas:

1. Consistent giving – Sign up for

automatic giving at church

at ZionBuffalo.org/electronic.

2. Increased giving – Step up for the

summer and give it a shot.

3. Intentional giving – Study up for

the summer, get to know your

budget, and make giving a portion

to God a regular part of your

finances. Start at daveramsey.com/

tools/guide-to-budgeting/.

4. Memorial giving – Lift up the

memory of someone by giving a

special gift to the memorial fund at

ZionBuffalo.org/memorial-fund.

Sunday Announcements

The relationships of our members with

one another bring a richness to our lives

and we want to foster these

relationships. If you would like your

church family to be aware of any

special celebrations in your life or the

lives of your loved ones, please let the

church office know by Thursday at

10am and we will include them in the

written announcement insert in the

bulletin.

Finance & Stewardship

Please support the advertisers who make this newsletter possible:

seekandfind.com/find/zion-lutheran-church/supporters

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 8

Book Donation

Math and reading textbooks, donated

from Maple Lake Elementary School,

were shipped to a container in Delaware,

bound for the Villages of Hope in Zambia.

Zion’s Steve Peterson boxed them up and

sent them on their way. The School of

Hope is looking forward to receiving them

and using them for their 330 students.

Thanks from Zambia

Dear Zion,

Please accept our sincere and heartfelt

gratitude for your gift of $1,075.25 to All

Kids Can Learn International Villages of

Hope.

Support from you makes it possible to

continue to care for the current children

in the village as well as plan for the

rescue of more orphaned children in

Zambia.

Thank you for your partnership. Together

we are manifesting the love and

compassion of Jesus Christ in Zambia as

we serve the most vulnerable.

Blessings,

Benedict Schwartz, CEO of AKCLI

Villages of Hope

Delta Frequent Flyer Miles

The Zambia Mission Team is making

progress towards a plan to visit the

Village of Hope later this year, leaving at

the end of December and staying just over

two weeks. Your prayers are requested as

they proceed with planning for this trip,

building relationships within the team and

with our African friends, and discern how

best to use God-given talents and skills in

this mission.

Due to significant flight costs, they are

seeking Delta Frequent Flyer

Mile donations. 40,000 frequent flyer

miles covers a round trip ticket for a

missionary, or smaller mileage gifts

decrease the flight cost per ticket. Only

one donor per missionary ticket is

allowed. If you have miles to share, please

call Kim at 763-682-6745 as soon as

possible. The team hopes to secure tickets

by the end of July.

9

Redeemer Interns

This summer, our partner congregation in North Minneapolis, Redeemer Lutheran Church, is working with eleven gifted high school students as they gain job skills, learn about community organizing, and explore their vocation.

Urban farm interns Joe, Kayla, Blia, and Meek are working Monday through Friday with Winnie in the community garden in a program funded by Fairview’s Community Health program. They are weeding, watering, harvesting delicious produce, and making food for Redeemer’s weekly Backyard Cookouts in July. They are also manning a produce stand outside Roger’s Market on Glenwood Avenue from noon to 3pm on Fridays through August 15.

Camp counselors Rob, Tonshionna, Bushra, Ka’rin, and Kyra are working four days a week with Angela and Kendrick to staff Redeemer’s summer camps for kids through the City of Minneapolis’ Step-Up Discover program.

Intern Baristas Hugh and Clara are gaining professional-level job experience working with Chelsea and Denetrick four days a week at Venture North’s coffee bar in a program funded by Step-up Achieve.

My Rebecca Circle membership is due to Ione Olson's gentle persuading, her friendly smile, and her encouragement to become part of that group. I admire all the ladies in this group because they all were warm and welcoming. I respect them all and have found new church friends. Doing summer studies gives me a new insight into women of the Bible, and I like learning the history.

Joan has been square dancing for seven years and serves as club historian for the County Line Square Dance Club, based in Monticello. In the past she has served as queen (ambassador), and written up club news for the Round Up magazine. This year, the club visited Zion and led dancing at the Social Ministry Committee's Fiesta fundraiser.

She enjoys travel, and is planning a trip to Michigan and Mackinac Island, Michigan, this fall. She also enjoys genealogy, antiques, attending her grandkids' sports and volunteering at Montrose Elementary School, where some of them are students.

(Joan Halderson continued from page 2)

Sunday August 10

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service


12:00pm Baptism Class

5:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

Monday August 11

6:30am Zion Day Camp

8:30am Men's Bible Study

9:00am Quilters

9:00am Women's Ministry Planning

Committee Meeting

9:30am Women's Bible Study

1:00pm Zion Memorial Golf Outing

7:00pm Marysville Worship Service

Tuesday August 12

9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts

9:30am Staff Meeting

1:30pm Zionaires Trip to Paramount

Theater

6:00pm Outreach Committee

7:00pm Finance Committee Meeting

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday August 13


5:45pm Worship & Music Committee

Meeting

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting

Harvest of Hands Crafts

7:30pm Worship Team Rehearsal

Branding Task Force Meeting

Thursday August 14


Friday August 15


6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal

Saturday August 16

12:00pm Wedding

Sunday August 17

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30







Monday August 18



9:00am Quilters

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning



Tuesday August 19



5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

7:00pm Summer Women's Bible Study

Wednesday August 20


7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

7:00pm Church Council Meeting


Thursday August 21


6:30pm Youth Board Meeting

Friday August 22

6:00am Last Day of Zion Day Camp

Saturday August 23

Sunday August 24







ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Friday August 1

Senior High Mission Trip


6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal

7:00pm Softball Team 2

Saturday August 2

Senior High Mission Trip

2:00pm Wedding

Sunday August 3

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







Monday August 4



9:00am Quilters



7:00pm MJ Board Meeting

Tuesday August 5



9:30am Zionaires Fishing

11:00am Zionaires Potluck at Lake

Pulaski

Wednesday August 6


7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study


Thursday August 7


Friday August 8


Saturday August 9

August 2014

Monday August 25


9:00am Quilters


10:00am SMC Distribution of School

Supplies


7:000pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Tuesday August 26

9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts


Wednesday August 27

9:00am Newsletter Assembly

9:30am Devotions at Lake Ridge

10:00am SMC Distribution of School

Supplies

10:30am Devotions at Park View

7:00pm Children & Family Ministry

Team Meeting

7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts


Thursday August 28

Friday August 29

Saturday August 30

Sunday August 31







11

What is the Social Ministry Committee

Have you ever heard of Zion’s Social Ministry Committee or wondered the committee does?

The role of the Social Ministry Committee is to reach out beyond the walls of Zion to get congregation members involved in helping people in need in our local community.

Mission activities and social ministry partner organizations include:

Easter Holiday Baskets

Park Lane Christmas

Timber Bay

Coats for Kids

Red Cross Bloodmobile

Collection of School Supplies

Community Meals

Adopt a Family

Meals on Wheels

Blue Star Mothers

Love INC-Big Woods

Buffalo Food Shelf

The committee has been blessed with many wonderful members over the years who have faithfully led these missions and made Zion known as a ‘pillar’ in our community when it comes to helping people! The Social Ministry Committee is seeking congregation members interested in sharing in the joy and fulfillment of being the hands and feet of Jesus in the Buffalo community and sharing new ideas on how we can serve. The committee meets about 6 times during the year and you can focus on getting involved with the specific activities for which you have a passion.

If this sparks an interest, Roger and Sandy Brenny would be glad to talk to you more about getting involved with the Social Ministry Committee . Call the Church Office or Sandy and Roger Brenny directly at 682.2979.

Director of Youth Ministries

Myron Crawford

763-682-1245 ext. 308

[email protected]

Engage. Grow. Proclaim.

Zion Youth Ministries exists to

engage youth, help them grow

and proclaim faith in Christ.

2015 Youth Gathering

In 2015, high school youth will engage

with peers from across the United

States and the world who share a

common commitment and faith in

Christ at the ELCA Youth Gathering.

This will be an amazing opportunity to

come together with 35,000 other youth

and adults to see how we can all “Rise

Up Together.”

The Youth Gathering will be held July

15-19, 2015, in Detroit, MI at Ford

Field.

Come learn how your Senior High youth

and you can be a part of this

triennial event at an informational

meeting on Wednesday, September 3,

at 7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Rite of Confirmation

The Rite of Confirmation Service for

9th grade students who have completed

their requirements for both years will be

on Saturday, September 20, at 1pm,

with photos at 10:30am.

Students should also attend the

Confirmation Retreat on Saturday,

September 6, from 9am-11am. The

retreat includes a final lesson, stole

making, games, food and more. At

11am, parents are expected to join the

students for a walkthrough of the

confirmation service in the Sanctuary.

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

Graceland Youth Group

Graceland senior high youth group will get together on Wednesday, August 13, from 6-8pm for a meet and greet and catch up time!

This will be a great way for all students entering grades 9-12 to come out and see what Graceland is all about, and to send our recent graduates off to college!

UpGrade

Parents introduce their children to things in hopes they find an interest. They drive them to dance, attend games, carpool to practices and sit through those “wonderful” recitals and concerts. They do these things in hope that a spark ignites, and the child will find confidence and identity, gain life skills and find something they can be passionate about. Parents spend countless hours investing in their children’s worldly future. Imagine a world in which parents spent equally as many hours investing in each child’s faith.

Zion is kicking off UpGrade, a new middle school ministry, this fall.

Volunteer leaders Holly Husom and Tammy Zumbusch know middle schoolers and are excited to take this journey with you and your student:

We have never been more excited! Our goal is to meet each individual student where they are in their journey with Christ, and help them to Upgrade it!

We are all born with a Christ ignited light hidden within us, a passion to have a relationship with our Creator. The goal of this ministry is to UpGrade that candle flame light within your children. We want to stir up a blazing inferno, bright enough to light up the pathways God has set before them. We want to expose the evils that dwell in the darkness, and the confusion that too many middle schoolers struggle with.

At UpGrade, students will be able to talk openly about life and ask questions that are real and relevant, while being engaged with others over food, fun and fellowship. Students will also have the opportunity to understand Christ’s love and how to share it with others, and leaders will encourage a no-clique zone.

UpGrade will meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, (beginning September 11), from 6:30-8pm. No sign up is necessary, just show up at 6:30pm ready to UpGrade your life!

Please contact Holly and Tammy any time with your questions at [email protected].

Re:Form Confirmation

Have you heard? Zion is changing Confirmation to a three year format this fall. This will include students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.

Register at ZionBuffalo.org/confirmation.

Classes are held on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm.

There will be a parent and student meeting on Wednesday, September 3, at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Youth & Children’s Ministry

12

Director of Children & Family Ministry

Kirsten Kelly

763-682-1245 x331

[email protected]

Children & Family Ministry Assistants

Marsha Watkins

Kristin Lotthammer

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

[email protected]

Homecoming Sunday

September 7 is Homecoming Sunday and

this year, our theme will include a 50's

Car Hop... we hope you will dress up,

bring your vintage cars and join us for the

celebration! We are looking for

volunteers to help with the games and

food - email Emily (Zion's Summer

Intern) at [email protected], to help

out!

Key September Dates

Wednesday 9/10 - Kids' Place, music

groups and Wed. night suppers begin

Thursday 9/11 - Teacher Training 6-8

pm

Saturday 9/13 - Sunday School

Parent Meeting & Open House 10-11

am

Saturday 9/13 - Teacher Training 1-3

pm

Sunday 9/14 - First Day

of Sunday School, Ministry Fair

Zion Day Camp

If you are still in need for summer

childcare options, ZDC runs

through August 22. More information

can be found online at ZionBuffalo.org/

ZDC. Contact Zion Day Camp at

[email protected] with any questions.

Handbell Mini-Camp in August

All ringers or "soon-to-be" ringers are invited to the Zion bell room for a morning of ringing and music fun on Thursday, August 14 from 9am-1:30pm. A mini-concert for family and friends will begin at 1pm.

If you're entering grade 4-8 this is for you. If you're new to bells, this will be a great way to learn the basics. If you're already a ringer, this is a good summer refresher. As a bonus, you'll each tie dye a pair of gloves for your own use this year.

There's no cost; just contact Sherilyn Burgdorf ([email protected]) or Jason Chalupnik ([email protected]) to sign up.

Sunday School Registration

Zion is preparing for Sunday school to resume in the fall, and there are two ways you can help us:

1. Register early … registration is available August 1-20

2. Sign up to Volunteer

Registration (for kids age 3 (by 9/1/14) to 5th grade) will be online through InFellowship. If you registered online for VBS, this will take just a few minutes to complete, and if you haven't created an InFellowship account yet, it's still a very quick and easy process. See the tips on page 17. The online registration link will be available at ZionBuffalo.org beginning August 1. This link will include registration for Sunday School as well as Wednesday music groups, Kids' Place, and volunteers.

Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities include teaching (or co-teaching) Sunday School, helping as shepherds and subs, and getting involved with special events or as Sunday Morning Hosts. We couldn't do this ministry without you... thanks in advance for being a part of our team and sharing God's love with Zion's children!!

Wednesday After School Activities

A wide range of music groups and Kids’ Place will be offered on Wednesday after school during the school year, beginning on September 10, including choirs for Kindergarten and up, and handbells for grade 4 and up. Details are on page 6.

Bible Camp

Eighty-six youth from Zion had a fabulous time at Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp in Amery, WI in July! 75 youth (completed grades 4-12) went for the whole week and 11 youth (completed grades 2-3) went for the SEEDS weekend. It was a fun, faith-filled time and was life changing for many youth... we hope you might join us next year!

Check out the photos at ZionBuffalo.org/camp-photos-2014.

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 13

14

Office Hours

Summer Office hours are:

Monday through Thursday from

8:30am-4:30pm

Friday from 8:30am-noon

92 Days and Counting

The 2014 Harvest of Hands Festival will

be held on Saturday, November 1.

Craft groups work on a variety of projects

throughout the year in preparation for the

annual sale. Projects planned for August

include creating notepads, decorating

pencil boxes and metal boxes with alcohol

ink, and creating birdbaths.

The Tuesday morning group will meet

on August 12 and 26 at 9am.

The Wednesday evening group will

meet on August 13 and 27 at 7pm.

All are welcome at the craft groups, either

to work on the planned projects or to

bring your own projects and enjoy the time

with friends. Join us for fun, fellowship,

and a sense of accomplishment. Both

groups meet in the Wilderness Room.

Crafters can also work on projects at

home. Supplies are available for home

projects. Contact Joy Arens for more

information.

Harvest of Hands is an annual event held

at Zion to feed the hungry in our own

community and around the world.

Proceeds of the 2014 sale will benefit the

Buffalo Food Shelf and a global hunger

project.

This business venture took me far out of my comfort zone but in the process has changed me in a positive way and allowed me to be there for people I may otherwise not been able to be there for. I am also turning my love for being active and fit and setting that example for others into a “career”.

Heather was raised Missouri Synod Lutheran but struggled with that denomination's beliefs regarding communion. Craig was raised in an ELCA Lutheran congregation in Western North Dakota.

Early in our dating, I was on a mission of finding a church home. We both lived in the metro area and Craig helped to guide me in my research of churches via elca.org.

After years of searching, they settled on a church that soon became their home church, and the place where Braden was baptized. When they moved out to the Buffalo area, finding a church to call home was very important and they visited several in the area.

The first time we attended worship at Zion, we instantly knew this would be our home church. We were so impressed by the energy of the congregation and how welcoming everyone was. I remember being in awe of the youth involvement and, having been raised in a church that I found to be less than engaging as a youth, this was very important to me as a mom. The pride it brings to me to say “I am a member of Zion” is huge!

Serving on Zion's council is not something that Heather ever considered prior to getting the call from the nomination committee.

Once I got the call, though, I couldn't shake the idea. It seemed daunting at first but I quickly realized that it is not daunting at all. We have an amazing group of people on our council who are dedicated to the needs of our church, congregation and community.

Heather loves being part of strategic plans for growth and bettering Zion, as well as the opportunities as a council member to get to know others in the congregation.

There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to keep our church going smoothly that people don’t always know. Counting the offerings on Sunday mornings is a serious job!

Because youth involvement is so important to Heather, she loves anything that has to do with child and youth ministries.

The work that goes into planning and executing the programs that we provide at Zion for our young people is incredible and the people who step up and volunteer and support are equally incredible. When I tell people that we had 360 children attend VBS this year, they always think I am exaggerating. All you have to do is look into the eyes of our excited children as they attend Sunday School, VBS or any of the other amazing offerings and you can see God’s immeasurable love looking right back at you.

This past school year, Heather co-taught a Sunday school class of seven 5-year-old boys with Jana Jordan.

(Heather Moseley continued from page 5)

(Heather Moseley continued on page 15)

The first time we

attended worship

at Zion, we

instantly knew

this would be our

home church

Biweekly Email Updates

In addition to this monthly newsletter and

ministry specific emails, a bi-weekly

update is now available which includes

information on a variety of events and

opportunities within the next two weeks.

Subscribe at ZionBuffalo.org/subscribe.

Keeping in Contact

Zion is a big place, and sometimes things

happen in life that keep us from being as

connected to the community as we would

like. We would like to make sure that all

Zion members feel like part of the church,

whether they are able to worship regularly

or not. If you or someone you know is

unable to worship regularly, or would

consider themselves homebound, or are

living in a senior care facility, please let

us know so we can make sure you are

receiving communion and pastoral care.

We want to make sure all the people of

Zion are able to stay connected. Please

call or email Ann or Dawn in the office

with information as to how we can reach

you or someone you know that you’d like

us to include in our visitation schedule.

Thank you!

Pastor Luke and Pastor Ted

Let Us Know

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

If you have had any changes to your

address, phone number, marital status,

etc. please contact the office 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. Let

us know so we can support you with

prayer and presence.

Prayer Requests

Please use a yellow pew card, post on the

Prayer Wall of our online community, or

contact the office with your prayer

requests.

15

.

Teaching a room of very active, very loud 4 and 5 year old boys is not an easy task! They don’t want to sit for an hour, they don’t want to listen to you and sometimes they don’t want

to do the activities … they want to run around and be loud! I decided early on in the year that when we were in the room the door would be shut and I would encourage them to be loud. I needed them the listen but I asked them to SHOUT the answers. We would act out the story and sometimes we would skip around the table while I read the bible lesson. I hoped and prayed each week that at least one small part of the lesson would sink in.

I realized how precious our moments with these young kids are and that a smile, a side hug, a high five and telling them that they are so important to me and to Jesus goes a very long way. We can see horrible things when we flip on the news or read a newspaper but then you walk through the doors of Zion and see God’s miracles all around us and wanting to learn more…it puts it all

into perspective as to the impact we can have on our world right here in our own church.

The last day of Sunday School, I realized how much they really did process and remember. We were playing Jeopardy with all of the other Sunday School classes, and my young and very energetic boys were nailing the questions! I was literally in tears, I was so proud of them! At that moment, I felt like I was the mom of each of these guys and that I was doing an “OK” job of teaching!

Heather hopes to keep children's and family ministries and youth involvement growing at Zion.

Zion’s future is so bright. We have young people who are proud of their involvement at Zion and their love for Christ and they are out in our community showing it. We have an older generation that also sees and embraces our young people’s desire to be the hand and feet of God and encourage this through their involvement to help support and teach. When you see generations working side by side in our church and community, how can you not see how great God is and the power of his love?

With God’s help and through much prayer, the Moseleys have endured, and are thankful for their blessings each day.

(Heather Moseley continued from page 14)

I hoped and

prayed each week

that at least one

small part of the

lesson would sink

in.

Our Mission... Zion seeks to

Share Christ’s Word,

Strengthen 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.

16

Friends Become Co-workers

Who would have guessed, when two middle school friends posed together for a photo at Praisefest in 2006 (left), that eight years later they would be working together at Zion and we’d pull that photo out of the archives!

Caley Paripovich and Frannie Pearson are working at Zion this summer as ZDC assistant directors.

Caley has attended Zion for as long as she can remember, along with her mom, Jenny, and identical twin sister Sam. Her grandparents Terry and Susan Marsh are also active members at Zion.

Frannie started attending Zion in third grade, when her family moved

to Buffalo. Her parents are Tom and Karen Pearson, and she has two younger sisters, Emma and Megan.

Caley and Frannie are both entering their junior year, and attend Gustavus Adolphus College and College of Saint Benedict, respectively. Both are education majors, Caley with a Math endorsement, and Frannie with an English minor. Caley hopes to teach elementary school, and Frannie hopes to teach grade 5-12 English.

When asked separately about their earliest childhood memories of Zion, they both recalled a certain Christmas Pageant where Frannie played Mary, and Caley and her sister both played cows. Frannie says that pageant was where she met three of her best friends to this day, Sam and Caley, as well as Michael Burgdorf who played Joseph.

Over the years, they have also been part of Sunday school, vacation Bible school as both a participant and a volunteer, confirmation, assorted choirs, handbell groups,

(Continued on page 17)

Online Event Registration

The first place members will see the

effects of the transition to new software is

in event registrations. The very first

registration you complete in the

Fellowship One system will take just a

couple of extra steps … but will make

things so much easier for future

registrations and for the staff behind the

scenes. All future registrations will be

done through Fellowship One, so it is

important for every member with internet

access to create an account.

When you click any sign up link on the

website, you will be taken to a log-in

screen.

The very first time you will need to

click on [Create an account] on the

right hand side with the email

address and password you choose.

When you create your account, the

system will send you a verification

email with a link to activate your

Fellowship One account, and when

you click on the link in the email, you

will be able to finish creating your

account.

When your account is fully created

you will be brought to the registration

page (in future you will log in to skip

directly to this step).

Click on [Select] next to the name of

the person you want to register or [+

Add Person] to add someone new to

your household.

Now fill out the registration form.

If you have additional family

members to register, click [Register

Another Person].

Find more detailed instructions at

ZionBuffalo.org/vbs-registration-

instructions.

If you have any problems with the new

online registration system, don’t hesitate

to contact Angela in the office.

17

other music ministries, youth group, and attended Bible camp and Senior High mission trips … mostly together. Frannie says Graceland and mission trips were the foundation of her faith and what really rooted her to Zion.

As ZDC assistant directors, their work time is divided between working with the kids, and planning. Caley says it is great experience for when they become teachers.

Photo: Caley and Frannie with some of this year’s

ZDC campers.

(Continued from page 16)

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

August 18 at 8am for September Issue

September 11 at 8am for October Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Zion’s courtyard in bloom

Contact Us

[email protected]

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-

4:30pm (closes at 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


Kirsten Kelly: Director of Children & Family


Marsha Watkins: CFM Coordinator


Kristin Lotthammer: CFM Coordinator


Emily Bengtson: Summer Intern

Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Dawn Bestick: Office Administrator / Receptionist


Ann Lyons: Office Administrator / Receptionist


Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Joel Mackereth: Building & Grounds Manager


Lynn Botts: Facilities Manager


Cory Sherman: Part Time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Angie Smith: Nursery Staff

Pam Freer: Zion Day Camp Director

Frannie Pearson & Caley Paripovich: ZDC

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator

Jay Comstock: Video Technician

Congregational Council

Kelly Hanson

Alisa Ireland

Deana Jeske

Sarah Klett

Tom Moline

Heather Moseley

Mike Newman

Nancy Olson

Harley Pommier

Thomas Stanforth

Dave Tauscher

Kristin Wilson

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

Joan Halderson 2

Summer Hit List 3

Coffee at the Co-op 4

Heather Moseley 5

Choirs for All Ages 6

Redeemer Interns 9

Social Ministry Committee 11

UpGrade Middle School 12

Handbell Mini Camp 13

Sunday School Registration 13

Frannie and Caley 16

Au

gu

st 2

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ZionBuffalo.org

Seeds Campers at Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp in July

august newsletter

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bu f f

zion memorial golf outing

summer bible study sessions

memorial sign tavern

standalone study

study guides

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