january 2012 newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN JANUARY 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

God is up to Something New in 2012!

I love each New Year. For me, it is a time to pause and look forward, as I stand at the beginning of something new. What will happen in this fresh set of 365 days? Can I change old patterns of living? Can I begin a new pattern for life? What would I like to happen in this year? Are there things I did last year that I do not want to repeat? What about New Year‘s resolutions – do I have any of those?

What about God? What is God up to in my life during this next year? Is everything with God the same old thing or is God doing something new in my life? God is up to something new in 2012!

Maybe the prophet Isaiah was at the beginning of a brand new year when he wrote these words,

“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do

you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:18, 19

In history, at the time this passage was written, the nation of Israel was controlled by a neighboring country. In verses 15-17, the prophet Isaiah reminded the people of how God had delivered them from Egypt, through the Red Sea, while the Egyptian army was in pursuit. Then Isaiah immediately tells them to forget it – God is going to deliver them in a new way. Before, God lead them through the river on dry land but this time God will deliver them with rivers in the desert. God is doing a new thing in their midst. In history, God set the Israelites free from the power of their neighbors.

Both in our church and in our individual lives, God is up to something new in 2012! Oh, I imagine God will use many of the old ways but with them God will do new things.

As a church … we will see God do new things through our three big initiatives:

Celebrating On Sundays

Living God‘s Call

Connecting With Care

As individuals … God is calling us to follow Jesus – just like last year, but, a New Year will bring new ways to follow Him.

God is up to something new in 2012!

Contact listing has moved to page 18

A New Year, A New Look

Throughout 2012 a focus of ministry at

Zion will be the three initiatives

adopted at the 2011 Annual

Congregational Meeting. For the next

several months the monthly newsletter

will highlight ministries that fit into

these initiatives.

Annual Congregational

Meeting Report

Church Council Kelly Hanson, Tom Moline, Mike

Newman, Deana Jeske (3 years), and

Steve Peterson (1 year) were elected.

Nominating Committee Kevin Bergquist, Lynn Pfeifer & Idella

Ziegler were elected. Doug Schmidt

(write-in) has accepted the remaining

position.

Zion Foundation Rick Dehmer, Wayne Fingalson (3

years), and Joyce Dehmer (2 years)

were elected.

Minneapolis Area Synod Voting Members Sharon Schmidt, Warren Myhre, Myron

Crawford, Quinn Crawford & Annie

More were elected. Russ Peterson

(write-in) has accepted the remaining

position.

Other Actions Three motions that were included in the

agenda regarding Vital Mission,

Visioning, and the 2012 budget all

passed. The full content of those

motions are available from the church

office and at ZionBuffalo.org/AM2011.

Read Me Online

Many members now receive this

newsletter by email each month.

Subscribe to the email edition at

ZionBuffalo.org/Subscribe.

2

“Vision is a compelling picture of what the community of faith would look like if it was truly effective in living out its beliefs and values through its mission”

~ Michael Foss in Power Surge

A Vision for Zion

Zion has been through a lot of change in the past few years. While many important ministries have continued, much energy has been focused internally on staffing and committee work. It‘s time to take a step back, and think about who and what God is calling us to be—individually, and as a community of faith—in the years to come.

Zion‘s Vision Task Force began meeting in the spring of 2010.

In the fall of 2010, small group meetings were conducted with congregation members to begin collecting input.

At December 2010 Annual Congregational Meeting the Task Force was charged with creating the process for the congregation to develop the vision, with the eventual goal of identifying several big initiatives to guide the congregation‘s work for the next several years.

A Church Assessment results indicated Zion‘s top priorities fell into 6 categories that were then discussed by staff, leaders, and the Vision Team at Zion:

Small Groups met to refine and provide input on the qualities and characteristics of each of the 6 categories, specifically answering the question: Is this ministry what you think God is Calling Zion to do?

Using the input from the staff, leaders, and the Vision Team, Qualities and Characteristics of each category were identified.

Pastor Ted & Pastor Luke turned to scripture and prayed about the summary of information.

The staff began defining and developing concepts and interpreting the information gathered.

The Vision Team processed again, forming 3 encompassing vision initiatives, a vision statement and a strategic plan for implementation of the initiatives.

At the December 2011 Annual Congregational Meeting, Zion adopted the Vision, Initiatives, and their accompanying Strategic Plans recommended by the Vision Task Force and endorsed creation of an ongoing Visioning Team to lead the congregation‘s ongoing visioning and strategic planning, implementation of the initiatives, and future re-visioning.

1. Healing and Caring

2. Outreach and Hospitality

3. Education

4. Equipping the Saints

5. Worship & Music

6. Developing Meaningful Relationships

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.

Helping people experience the joy of life in Christ 3

Celebrating on Sundays Vision

The goal of the Celebrating on Sundays Initiative is to develop a comprehensive process for attracting and assimilating people into community life at church. In order for people to feel they belong, they need to find a friend and a place to participate. The process will intentionally lead people through this meaningful experience and help them to become fully participating members in the life of the congregation.

Additionally, Zion seeks to create worship settings that help people connect with God in a variety of ways, intentionally putting effort in:

Coordinating and planning of worship

Developing ministries which support worship

Developing a new meaningful worship experience

Celebrating on Sundays Strategic Plans

The Outreach and Evangelism Committee has begun to develop a strategy to reach out to our communities and create a welcoming atmosphere at Zion. The strategy will include a developing a plan to Attract, Welcome, Connect, Involve and Assimilate.

By May 2012: Church staff involved in worship planning and leadership, in cooperation with the Worship Committee will be asked to implement a plan for the coordination and planning of worship, as well as the choreography or flow of the service.

By September 2013: The Worship Committee will be asked to develop (by September 2012) and implement a comprehensive vision and strategy for meaningful worship experiences at Zion.

By September 2012: The Worship Committee along with church staff, who have worship responsibilities, will be asked to develop and implement , a plan to coordinate, enrich, and develop the ministries (other than choirs) that support the Sunday morning experience.

By December 2012: A task force will be developed to develop a comprehensive branding strategy for Zion.

By January 2013: The Worship Committee will be asked to form a task force to study the response of the under 35 demographic concerning meaningful worship. The task force will be asked to consider our existing worship services and the possibility of a new service and to develop a plan for addressing this concern.

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

Worship Schedule

Sunday, January 1

First Sunday of Christmas

One Worship service at 10am

Luke 2:22-40

Pastor Luke Preaching

Sunday, January 8

Baptism of our Lord Sunday

Mark 1:4-11


Sunday, January 15

Second Sunday after Epiphany

John 1:43-51


Sunday, January 22

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Mark 1:14-20


Sunday, January 29

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Mark 1:21-28


Weekly Bulletin Insert

The weekly bulletin announcement insert is also available to download as a PDF at ZionBuffalo.org/Weekly. Contact Diane Montplaisir with submissions as early in the week as possible, but no later than Thursdays at noon.

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, 4

Celebrating on Sundays

One Worship Service

Sunday, January 1

Come and worship on the first day of 2012. One worship service with Holy Communion will be held at Zion at 10am with coffee fellowship following worship.

January 1 is celebrated not only as New Year‘s Day but also as the eighth day of Christmas, the day a child in Jesus‘ time would be given a name. We celebrate the Sunday as Name of Jesus Sunday. The Christian New Year's resolution is to begin the year praising the name of Jesus Christ and receiving God's blessing. The readings for the commemoration of the Name of Jesus invite us to begin the new year under the power of Christ's name. Come and praise the newborn King in scripture, prayer, and songs. A children‘s message will be included as well as music from young musicians.

Beginners, middle or high schoolers … call Sherilyn Burgdorf in the Zion office at 682.1245 ext. 307 to let us know what you’ll be playing or singing. Your playing or singing would be a wonderful Christmas gift to all!

Christmas Smorgasbord of Treats

Start the New Year with fellowship with friends. Share Christmas treats and coffee after worship on New Years Day. Bring a plate of cookies or Christmas specialties to share. Breads, cheeses, and fruit are also suggestions… even fruitcake!

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, December 11, at noon or Wednesday, January 4, at 6pm. Register at ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or by calling the office.

Births

November 9

Saria Bella Swenson, daughter of Wade &

Michelle

November 17

Avree Noelle Wascheck, daughter of Jeremy

& Julie

Baptisms

November 13

Trista Jean Hambrook

November 20

Evelyn Jean Epperson

November 27

Grant Jason Swanson

Membership Class

Those who are ready for a deeper

commitment to this ministry are invited

to the next Membership Class at

11:45am on Sunday, January 29. This

orientation to membership provides a

brief overview of Lutheran Christian

beliefs and practices, the ministries of

Zion, and expectations of members.

Those that decide to become members

will be formally received into our

congregation on the following Sunday,

February 5.

Christmas Tree

welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ. 5

Active Military

Please Pray For

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Brag, NC

Doug Pecarina

Deployed to Kuwait

Ben Pecarina

Stationed in Turkey

DeAnna Strommen

Will Dobbins

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar, CA

Charles Mandery

Army National Guard

Chris Paulsen-Schmidt

Stationed at Norfolk, VA

Christopher Brophy

Stationed at Fort Riley, KS

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX

Behind the Scenes

Ben Pecarina was

recently featured on

the 39ABW's YouTube

Channel with a brief

look into his military

job. Scan the code at

left or find a link to

the video on Zion’s Facebook page.

Connecting with Care Vision

In Acts Chapter 2 we see a model for sharing life together as Christians. The results of the various input received by the Vision Task Force show that developing meaningful relationships is very valued and desired at Zion.

The goal of the Connecting with Care Initiative is to create a culture of community life in which people both learn and have the opportunity to share times of crisis and celebration with friends at Zion. The central feature of this ministry area will be a variety of small group opportunities – from Bible Study Groups to affinity groups. A culture of compassion and care inside the congregation will result in the development of caring and healing minis-tries for the larger community as well.

Connecting with Care Strategic Plans

The Fellowship Committee has plans for several annual events including: Homecoming Sunday, Winter Fest, Small Group Lenten Experience, and the Ice Cream Social at Marysville.

By January 2013: The Congregational Care Team (that has recently been formed) will develop an overall strategy for providing pastoral care in the congregation The team has already begun implementing new ministries such as: homebound ministry, nursing home visits, creating a life season ministry, the prayer wall on The Table, and the All Saints Day service.

By May 2012: A Small Groups Ministry Leadership Team will be formed to develop a strategy to incorporate small group ministry into the life of Zion. This team will be encouraged to begin starting new small group opportunities right away, and to develop an overall vision for small groups, including a supporting structure and strategy for implementation by May 2013.

September 2013 to September 2014: A task force will meet for one year to evaluate our current caring and healing ministries and to identify current needs in the surrounding community and world. The task force will develop a vision detailing how Zion will engage in healing and caring ministries beyond our walls—in our community and the world, including new goals and ministry recommendations.

M&M Ministry for Girls

Zion recently introduced a new group for girls. One Wednesday night, the 7th and 8th grade confirmation girls left the boys in Trinity Hall, and took a little time just for themselves. They watched a video by Jason Gray, called "Remind Me Who I Am," asking God to remind us through all of the struggles and times we feel alone, that we are not, and that we are dearly loved.

It seems like Middle school is a time when the feelings of being unlovable, not fitting in, and being alone through struggles, are the most intense. Tanya Marr,

(M&M Ministry continued on page 16)

Creating a community where people are connected

Connecting With Care

6

Thank you to all who donated cookies,

candy, cash donations and other items to

help fill our Christmas stockings for our

troops. They will be able to enjoy a little

bit of home during the holidays withal

the homemade cookies.

Thank you also for all the notes written

to our troops - we need to let them know

we haven't forgotten. Your kindness is

greatly appreciated. A special thank you

to Roger and Sandy Brenny and the

Social Ministry Committee for all their

help and support.

Sincerely, Sandy Brophy

on behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of

Wright County.

MM

Cookie Factory

“A new command I give you: Love one another.. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

In December, the Sunday school students are studied John 13:34 and the command of Jesus to ―love one another,‖ and followed up by partnering with Food for Friends to ‗giving presence‘ to those in our church who could use some extra Christmas cheer.

Phase 1 of Operation John 13:34 was completed on December 4, when Sunday school classes baked cookies to be added to prepared meals that would be sent out into the community the following week.

Though many witnessed and even experienced the organized chaos, it was very successful. The Sunday School kids seemed to thoroughly enjoy making cookies and candies for people who could use some holiday love—thanks kids! Many, many thanks to all who helped with this event, are helping with the remaining events, have nominated recipients, and have donated funds to this project.

Food for Friends Table Group

Food For Friends has started using the Table to coordinate meal volunteers, and Julie has been impressed with the quick responses after posting a need! It is wonderfully heart warming to see people so willing to help those who are in need.

If you are interested in making and delivering an occasional meal for Food For Friends, please join the Food For Friends group on the Table, call the church or email [email protected].

Wednesday Supper Menu

There’s a tasty meal waiting for you

every Wednesday from 5-6:15pm in the

Fellowship Hall for a suggested

donation of $3 per plate. The best deal

in town!

January 4: Pasta

January 11: Soup / Chili / Hotdog

January 18: Baked Potatoes

January 25: Sloppy Joes

Meals will be served each week until the

end of the school year excluding school

breaks.

If you are interested in volunteering to

help serving with the Sloppy Joe team

on 1/25, 3/7 & 4/24, please contact

Cindy Bonde at [email protected] or

763.684.1467.

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.

in relationships and supported in need. 7

Adopt-A-Family Stories

Zion members adopted 3 families to

provide over 60 presents to 17 family

members from their wish lists. It is so

heartwarming to see stories like these:

Families adopting families, and the

kids finding a tag with a child about

their age and being so excited to go

shopping for that present!

And for the person who wanted so

bad to help but couldn’t afford to buy

a gift, but saying they had some left

over wrapping paper at home they

would like to donate ... and then

brought it in that same day!

Bible Study for Women

Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh

Explosion of Faith is an inter-

generational study for all women, either

new to studying God’s Word or more

experienced. God doesn’t

ask us to simply believe in

Him … He wants us to

Believe Him.

Based on Isaiah 43:10,

this study explores what it

means to believe God.

Through studying the lives

of Abraham, Moses and

others from Hebrews 11

as examples of persons

who believed God, Beth

will encourage us to

deepen our own trust in

God and receive a fresh

word from Him.

This study is led by

Donna Magnan on

Wednesdays at 9:30am,

in the Zion Library,

starting November 30. All women are

welcome to participate; please contact

Donna at 972.6403 with any questions.

Living God’s Call Vision

At the core of what it means to believe, is to be a disciple of Christ Jesus. Jesus named his followers disciples. The last thing he did on earth was to commission his disciples to go to the ends of the earth to make disciples. But what is a disciple? How do we as a congregation make disciples? The goal of the Living God‘s Call Initiative is to develop a comprehensive process of discipleship which will include three basic elements:

1. The Assurance of Faith: Zion will help people understand the essentials of Christian life and process it in a way that each one comes to the assurance of God‘s love for them that has been shown in Christ Jesus.

2. Living the Call of God's Word: Zion will encourage and equip people to incorporate the Six Habits For Spiritual Growth (daily prayer, weekly worship, regular reading of God‘s Word, selfless serving, nurturing relationships, and generous giving) into their lives.

3. Serving the World God Loves: Zion will develop a process for helping people discover their gifts and equipping them to use their gifts in meaningful ways both in the congregation and beyond.

Living God’s Call Strategic Plans

The staff is in the process of studying and developing a strategy for volunteerism.

Spring 2012: A congregation-wide Day of Serving will be held.

April 2012: Truckload of Life project—a Zion led community project to package a truckload of meals to send to the hungry around the world.

By May 2012: A task force will be formed to spend a year developing a comprehensive strategy for the Serving the World God Loves aspect of discipleship, including a vision or goal, a process for gifts discovery and a plan for involving people in service at Zion.

By May 2012: A Small Groups Ministry Leadership Team will be formed to develop a strategy to incorporate small group ministry into the life of Zion. This team will be encouraged to begin starting new small group opportunities

right away, and to develop an overall vision for small groups, including a supporting structure and strategy for implementation

By September 2012: An ALPHA Coordinating Team will be developed to lead ongoing ALPHA ministry.

By May 2013: Small Groups Ministry will be implemented.

Living God’s Call

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 8

Meet the Council

Beverly Logas Koopman has served on

Zion’s congregational council since the

beginning of 2011. Her term runs through

the end of 2013.

Please tell us about your family: Darrell Koopman is my most important

supporter, friend and husband. My grown

children are Brian (and Michelle), Linnea

(and Ross Stirratt), Alex, and Elizabeth; I

also have one granddaughter, Makayla

(2) and another granddaughter on the

way!

Where do you work? I am a grades 3-4-5 multiage teacher at

Discovery Elementary School in Buffalo

and am proud to say that I've been a part

of the wonderful Buffalo-Hanover-

Montrose schools for more than two

decades!

What are some of the ways that you have been involved with Zion’s ministries? Over the years I have been involved with

Social Ministries, Youth Ministries,

various fundraisers, and served as a

Communion Assistant, Coffee Fellowship

Helper, Youth Mission Trip Chaperone,

and Sunday School Teacher. Serving

others is a core value that I hold.

(Beverly Logas Koopman continued on page 12)

The Zion/Zambia Partnership

Zion‘s first annual Global Mission dessert event, on December 5, included good food, good coffee, good music, good fellowship, a good gathering place, and a good presentation by a good speaker.

Kathleen Schwartz, co-founder of All Kids Can Learn International in Zambia shared the joy of working with the orphans at the Village of Hope, and shared the need for Zion to bring a group to the Village in 2012. This would be Zion‘s first group mission trip to Africa, a very exciting prospect for the Zion church family.

As part of Zion‘s Global Mission partnership, Minda Squadroni, sister of Kathleen Schwartz, will lead a group of 5-10 people to serve at the Village. Co-founders Kathleen and Benedict Schwartz, are experts at finding ways each visitor can use their talents at the Village.

The 2012 trip is tentatively set for July 25 through August 10, and already five adults have committed to this team. Approximate total cost for the trip is $4000 per person which will include your passport, vaccinations and prescriptions, plane fare, daily room and board,

spending money, and a possible side trip to Victoria Falls. Fund-raising will help defray some of this cost. If you are interested, please contact Minda Squadroni at [email protected] or 682-4064 by January 31, 2012.

The trip will be an exciting way to share our faith in our global community.

If you can‘t take the trip yourself, please consider supporting the team with your prayers and financial gifts.

2012 is Zion‘s Year to make a difference in the lives of our Global family.

Mission Jamaica Team Preparing

This year marks Zion‘s second Mission trip to Jamaica. A group of 24 will leave Minnesota February 26, and returning on March 5.

Mission Jamaica is a short-term "vacation with a purpose" program, which began at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi in 1990. Mission Jamaica provides Christians a meaningful way to put their faith into action through short-term mission trips to Jamaica. The entire congregation can get involved in this trip by

Donating items listed on page 15 (especially those marked with *)

Contributing towards the purchase of supplies that must be purchased in Jamaica (the group covers all of their own expenses related to the trip)

(Mission Jamaica continued on page 15)

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 9

Tuesday January 10

7:00am Staff Retreat

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning

6:30pm Outreach Evangelism Meeting

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday January 11

9:30am Women's Study - Believing God

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm SONshine Choir

3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir

5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper

5:15pm Youth Choir

6:00pm Confirmation

6:00pm Worship and Music Committee

6:30pm Joyful Ringers

7:00pm Senior Choir

Thursday January 12

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study

9:00am Lutheran Social Services

Friday January 13

Saturday January 14

Sunday January 15

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

8:30am Sunday School

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service



Monday January 16

Martin Luther King's Birthday

6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

Tuesday January 17

9:30am Staff Meeting

9:30am Naomi Circle

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

6:30pm Christian Education Committee

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting



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 Confirmation


7:00pm Senior Choir

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday January 19



7:00pm Foundation Meeting

7:00pm Rebecca Circle

Friday January 20

Saturday January 21

Sunday January 22

Sanctuary Sunday






2:00pm Park View Devotions

2:30pm Winterfest

Monday January 23


6:30pm 2012 Mission Trip Meeting

Tuesday January 24



7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Sunday January 1, 2012

New Year's Day

Holy Communion

10:00am Worship Service


Monday January 2


Tuesday January 3


6:30pm Social Ministry Committee


Wednesday January 4

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study


2:45pm Class Ring



3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir


5:15pm Youth Choir


7:00pm Senior Choir

Thursday January 5



Friday January 6

Saturday January 7

Sunday January 8








Monday January 9


7:00pm Zion Book Club

January 2012


9:00am Newsletter Assembly

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

Thursday January 26



5:00pm Pre-Marriage Workshop Part I

Friday January 27

6:00pm Italian Dinner Preparations

Saturday January 28

12:00pm Italian Dinner Preparations

6:00pm Italian Dinner & Variety Show

Sunday January 29








12:00pm New Member Meeting

Monday January 30


Tuesday January 31



Save the Date

Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance Mark you calendar now for the 5th

Annual Sweetheart Dance at Zion on

Saturday, February 11, from 6-8pm.

Girls of all ages are invited to bring their

father, grandpa, uncle, neighbor, or other

family friend. There is no cost and no

RSVP needed.

11

“Why do I live in Minnesota!?”

We’ve all heard that question right about the time it snows first, or it hits 10 degrees and the wind is blowing.

Well, the answer isn‘t that far away ... Winterfest!

As January rolls around, the crazy energy of the Christmas season subsides and as the reality of a few more months of winter sets in, we all need a reason to celebrate this great season.

Winterfest 2012 will be the first annual winter celebration hosted by Zion. It is open to the whole Buffalo community and is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to a big winter party at church.

This year we‘ll be doing everything from playing in the snow, enjoying a winter concert and an outrageous white elephant gift exchange (bring something wrapped and fun, silly or useful, no junk please), and gathering around a bonfire.

The highlight of the event will be throwing down the culinary gauntlet with our first Chili Cook-off with a celebrity panel of judges and prizes in a variety of categories (such as ‗Most Swedish‘ … aka least spicy).

This event is for all ages and for all people! Alternate food available for younger kids without chili appetites!

Join us for a great afternoon of fun and

fellowship as we celebrate the great

frozen north!

November Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Nov 2011 YTD 2011 Nov 2010 YTD 2010 General Offering $56,587 $617,255 $47,228 $581,717

Rent and Sunday School 2,218 22,301 2,482 22,592

WedNite Supper Income 957 7,874 0 0

Missions and Hunger 813 12,328 917 11,207

Other Designations 2,882 15,280 120 9,523

Total Income $63,458 $675,039 $50,747 $625,039

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $11,000 $1,500 $16,500

Other General Services 57,699 642,266 53,377 622,656

Total Expenses $58,699 $653,266 $54,877 $639,156

Ledger Balance as of 11-30-2011: - $7,176

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Nov 2011 YTD 2011 Nov2010 YTD 2010 Offerings and Interest $17,092 $178,416 $14,759 $187,382

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $17,092 $178,416 $14,759 $187,382

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $167,116 $17,087 $187,960

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 0 3,653 913 13,964

Major Building Repairs 0 0 0 0

3% Tithe Commitment 0 0 0 0

Kairos Consulting 0 20,000 0 12,000

2011 Thrivent Loan Fees 0 0 0 0

Interest Expense on LOC 0 0 0 438

Bank Service Charge 0 30 15 90

Total Expenses $15,869 $190,800 $18,016 $214,452

Ledger Balance as of 11-30-2011: $19,800

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

Memorial Gifts

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory

of Ruth Moore from Melvin Gillund.

A gift to the Memorial Fund from Mary

Brandjord.


of Merle Walters from Ron and Judy

Jacobson.


of Merle Walters from Dale and Lois

Lund, Ken and Lynn Ogden

A gift to the Zion Organ Fund in

memory of Sara Mae Ingvalson from

Mel and Marlys Gillund.

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 12

Finance & Stewardship

Why do you serve on the Church Council? Church Council plays an important role in

helping to find ways to support others as

they work to fulfill the mission of Zion

and carry out the work of Christ. I enjoy

helping to facilitate action, empowering

others to make good things happen.

When we find ways to make more good

things happen in our church and in our

community, I feel fulfilled, as a member

of the church and as a council member.

What are your other interests in the community? Read to Feed the Mind is another ministry

that is important to me. I am the co-

founder and Executive Director of this

non-profit. Together, with Zion members

and others from our community, we work

to collect books and then distribute them

to children through the food shelf. Giving

children books to own one of the ways

that helps to inoculate children against

the risks that come with poverty.

The City of Buffalo is establishing a sister

city relationship with Bukoba Tanzania. I

am the chair of this committee that is

working to create business, religious,

educational, cultural and healthcare

related partnerships between Buffalo

residents and citizens in Tanzania. Both

of our communities will be enriched as a

result of these partnerships.18

(Beverly Logas Koopman continued from page 9)

Renewing Faith in the New Year

Although there is nothing in the Bible about New Year's resolutions, many Christians choose this time of year to become closer to the Lord. They may re-commit themselves to pray more, to read the Bible, or to attend church more regularly.

Here are some New Year's resolutions that will improve your spiritual health:

Practice Gratitude

Cultivating a grateful heart is the hallmark of a Christian steward. Every day, express thankfulness to the Lord and to others. Seeing the good in your life will allow you to keep your heart compassionate and loving.

Encounter the Lord Each Day

Find time to be with the Lord each day, whether it be for an hour or ten minutes. Have a conversation with the Lord. Give your joys and worries to Him as well. Allow God's love to transform them. Our encounters will keep our eyes and ears open to the presence of Christ in our midst.

Nurture Friendships

Our friends are those we choose to be with, those with whom we spend our evenings, with whom we vacation, to whom we go to for advice. Friends are gifts from God who give us a greater appreciation of God's love for us. Friends need our time and love.

Give Time

Zion can use your talents. Help us to Celebrate on Sundays, Live God's Call or Connect With Care. Offering your talents to your faith community is one of the most effective ways to feel useful and connected to others, and it is a potentially life-changing New Year's resolution.

Give Money

Good stewards realize that everything they have is entrusted to them as gift to be shared. There is no better place to begin than sharing with the community that gathers around the Lord's table.

Don't Give Up

People give up their New Year's resolutions because of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. So take it slow, be kind to yourself and keep trying. You succeed through small, manageable changes over time. Ask the Lord for guidance, strength and perseverance in achieving your resolutions. In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul writes: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil 4:13). If God is the center of our New Year's resolutions, they‘re meant to succeed.

How Much Was

Raised?

The 2011 annual

event was fun and

raised much

money for

our mission

to fight local

and world

hunger.

Here are the

totals we have

so far for

2011:

Café/Brunch $ 1,040.00

Crafts/Baked Goods/Candy $ 9,852.51

White Elephant $ 1,144.61

Silent Auction $ 3,814.00

Thrivent Matching $ 800.00

Cash Donations $ 181.17

Expenses $ -764.28

Total $16,068.01

Where Does It Go?

Funds raised at the 2011 event will

support the Truckload of Life food

packaging project on April 15. Any

surplus funds will support the Buffalo

Food Shelf.

Now What?

There is much to accomplish in 2012 to

fight local and global hunger.

Volunteers will meet on January 10 at

7pm in the Wilderness Room to gear up

for the Truckload of Life Project, a

community packaging event set for

April 15, and plan a fundraising event

for Valentine’s Day. Please consider

helping plan the events for the

Truckload of Life Project.

Many craft projects are already planned

for this year. Regular morning craft

sessions will begin on January 10 at

9am in the Wilderness Room and

(Harvest of Hands continued on page 14)

13

Table How To:

1. Set your Email Preferences

So you‘ve been using the Table for a while and want to fine-tune your email preferences …

You want to know if there is a service need in one of your small groups, but you don‘t need an email on every serve request.

You want to receive email notifications of new discussion board posts or prayer requests.

The Table gives users a lot of choice in what alerts are sent by email. The defaults are a starting point, but most users will want to change some of the settings.

Go to Howdy > Edit Profile > Email Alerts

Work through the different options for your Prayers, Discussions, Serve requests, Photos, your Profile, and your Groups to set which alerts are turned on or off.

2. Receive Quicknotes as Text Messages

Quicknotes are mini messages you can send through the Table to another Zion Table user, without the need to know their email address or phone number. They are limited to 140 characters, so you can opt to receive them by text message instead of email.

Go to Howdy > Edit Profile > Where do you want to receive your Quicknotes

Change the dropdown menu on the right to ―On my Cell Phone and on The Table‖.

Get Started Today at ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org

Come to the Table

The Table is a new online tool aimed at

strengthening faith-sustaining

relationships among people at Zion; it is

Zion’s member-only portal to connect

with the people, prayers, projects, and

small groups of Zion.

The Table is more private than other

social networks, and more focused on

Zion’s mission, and has more potential for

engagement. You won’t find two-dozen

Zion members uniting over a prayer

request on Facebook. You will find

exactly that on the Table.

continue the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each

month. Regular evening craft sessions

will begin on January 11 at 7pm in the

Wilderness Room and continue the 2nd

and 4th Wednesday of each month.

All are welcome for fellowship, fun, and

treats.

(Harvest of Hands continued from page 13)

14

Saturday, January 28

6pm Dinner ~ 7:15pm Show

Advance Tickets $12 Children 12 & Under $6 or $15/$7 at the door

Supporting Zion’s 2012 Sky Ranch Trip

Italian Dinner & Variety Show Menu

Garden Salad

Baked Ziti Chicken Alfredo

Garlic Toast

Desserts

Medical Supplies

Allergy Meds (claritin, loratadine,

pseudoephedrine, chlortrimeton)

Antibiotic Ointments (triple antibiotic,

neosporin, neomycin, bacitracin)

Antacid Meds (tums, prilosec, pepcid, zantac,

acifex)

Anti-constipation Meds (milk of magnesia,

senna, ducolax, mstamucil)

Antifungal Ointments (tinactin,mycolog,

kenolog, lotrimin, tolfanate,etc)

Tylenol / acetaminophen (adult, children,

infant elixir or drops)

Ibuprofen, (adult, children doses)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine tablets, elixir,

suspension, ointment)

Cough Syrup (guiafenesin cough syrup or

mucinex tablets)

Steroid Ointments (hydrocortisone)

Band-Aides

*Dandruff Shampoo

*Reading Glasses & Sunglasses (any

prescription glasses)

Non-sterile gloves

Ziplock bags (snack & quart)

Medications can not expire before 10/12

Construction Equipment

Hammers, Screw Drivers, Handsaws

Tape Measures, Levels & Squares

Nuts, bolts, nails and screws

Work gloves / Leather gloves

Wire cutting pliers

Pliers, utility knifes, Pry bars or Crowbars

Double & Queen flat sheets

Shower curtains & liners

Flatware

School Supplies

Notebooks (taped binding type only) &

coloring books

Pens and Pencils, Colored Pencils

Small Backpacks, Storage Containers

12-inch Rulers, Calculators

Scissors, Glue

Warm Your Heart: Warm Your Soul

During these crisp, cold days of January the Women of Zion ministries encourage you to try one of the ministries that might fit for you.

For starters, some options require getting your coat and mittens out to come and join friends for great conversation or Bible study over a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Others can be found online in the comfort of your own house, near your slippers and blanket.

Visit for the Women's Ministry table at Zion on Sunday, January 22, for a small gift and more information about events in early 2012.

Zion Book Club Winter Picks

The Zion Book Club is taking a break from monthly get-togethers during the winter and will resume Monday meeting times in April.

During this break they suggest these titles:

Unbroken by Laura Hillibrand: Nonfiction about, among other things, an Olympic runner and the experiences of a POW camp.

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom: Fiction about a white girl in the mid 1800s who's brought up within a family of black slaves.

Faithful Place by Tana French: A mystery set in Ireland, on the top ten list from 2010. Available in paperback.

Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-religious World by John Shelby Spong: Nonfiction, designed to take readers into the contemporary academic debate about the Bible. The author has been interviewed recently by MPR.

Links to more information about these titles can be found at ZionBuffalo.org/BookClub.

For those interested in online book discussion, a Book Lovers group is forming on Zion's Table.

15

Supporting the group in prayer before and during their trip.

More information about contributing supplies, prayer requests, and eventually updates from the group while they are in Jamaica will be available online at ZionBuffalo.org/MJ.

(Mission Jamaica continued from page 9)

Musings from Myron

Happy New Year! 2012 is here! Out with the old, in with the new. This can be a time to signify a new start. A time that can signify that the old can be wiped away and never mentioned again.

But, what about for those that have struggles? You know who I am talking about. You know. People like me. Those that struggle with insecurities, acceptance or even self-esteem. You never felt good enough. You never felt pretty enough.

But imagine God whispering in your ear and letting you know that everything that has ever happened to you is now … gone. All gone. Every sin. Every mistake. Every failure. All gone! Depression. Low self-esteem. Hating yourself. Feeling like a failure. Gone!

Forgetting those things. Putting them all behind you. Becoming a new creature. Washing it all away. It‘s gone!

What your mama did. What your daddy said. What your sibling did. What your family did. What your neighbor did. What the devil did. It‘s all gone!

It‘s 2012! 2011 is passed away. All the people that hurt you, all the people that let you down, that boss that gets on your last nerve, those kids that frustrate you, say this with me, to your problems, say, ―Bye, bye, bye, bye!‖

Now if you‘re not going to say it, then don‘t play with it, mean it! Tell 2011 or whatever is holding you back, just say, ―Bye, bye, bye, bye!‖

Now, tell all of your enemies, all of those things or people that stand in your way, I want you to get up and tell them, ―Bye, bye, bye, bye!‖

Now, if you‘re up to it, just take a moment to share with someone what you are struggling with. Tell a brother or a sister, a friend, a co-worker, a stranger. Celebrate with them by telling them what you are saying, ―Bye, bye, bye, bye!‖ to. Some of us are gonna have to take more than just a moment to share. That‘s ok!

Forget those stains that have been smearing your life and keeping you down. Put it all behind you! Make this the year that you walk away from being the victim and become the victor! Come on and don‘t be afraid to shout it out and rejoice when you say, ―Bye, bye, bye, bye!‖

Allow yourself to see you as the way that God sees you. Beautifully and wonderfully made. More precious that the finest gold and jewels.

Let God dance with you as you allow Him to love on you like crazy.

God‘s Peace - Myron

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, January 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.

Bible Camp

Current 6th-12th Graders will be

returning to Camp Wapo in for Bible

Camp July 6-13, 2012.

6th - 8th graders will attend Youth

Camp at Camp Wapo Sunday, July 8 -

Friday, July 13. The cost is $280 for

the week.

9th - 12th Graders will attend TIM

Team at Camp Ox Lake Friday, July 6 -

Friday, July 13. The cost for TIM Team

is $280.

A $100 deposit per student is required

to secure a spot.

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 16

LeeAnn Gorres, Trish Stanforth, and Roxie Otten have been meeting and planning for a group to come alongside Middle school girls as they navigate the challenges they face, and have some fun just for them.

M&M Ministry was named for Mary and Martha, recognizing that we all have unique gifts, and will explore "SELF" (Skill, Experience, Likes, and Foundation) in order to help girls recognize their worth, and to remember who they are in God's eyes.

Seventh and eighth grade girls, mark your calendar now for the first official M&M meeting for girls at Zion on Friday, February 4. Details of that meeting will be released in January.

(M&M Ministry continued from page 6)

A Wonderful and Cherished Opportunity

Hi everyone! My name is Randy Griffith, and I have had the wonderful opportunity to lead Sunday school and confirmation groups for years now, at Zion. It truly is an ‗opportunity‘ as well, for you get the chance to make a real positive impact on a child‘s life perspective- relating to how they view God and Jesus, as being an important part of their lives. Every single time you step into a classroom with these children, they never cease to amaze you with their energy, knowledge, and passion for learning about the many things we cover relating to the Bible. You also soon begin to feel yourself growing as a Christian- by simply listening to, and helping guide their many shared experiences they bring forth daily.

My daughter Michelle, is in eighth grade, and finishing her last year of confirmation classes. I have been with her all throughout the Sunday school & confirmation years- and I can assure you, I will very shortly be missing that. It truly helps though, to know that you have made a difference in your own child‘s church life- and all that it will be bringing them in the near future. You become filled with a sense that with God‘s guidance, they not only came to learn his word- but one day will pass it on to others as well. There sincerely is no greater assurance in life itself, than the blessed knowledge that in time- you and your family members, will indeed be with the Lord forever.

I help shape, mold, and educate young minds in the way that I know God would be proud. Many have stated that ‗life is a gift,‘ and it should be cherished always. I would like to add that having the opportunity at Zion to teach young minds about our Heavenly Father, is also a ‗gift,‘ and whole-heartedly should be valued in the same context. Where one believer in Jesus‘ name is good, how much more goodness is there indeed, with two or higher. There will be challenges to be sure, and things don‘t always go as planned- but just being around God‘s children truly helps these times pass. Thank you Zion for helping give me a gift also- the wonderful chance to have these students become a valued part of my life.

Calendar Notes

December Memory verse: 1 John 4:19

Sunday School

January 1: New Year’s Day worship at

10am (no Sunday School)

January 8: Ten Commandments

January 15: The Creed

January 22: Sanctuary Sunday, worship

with your family

January 29: The Lord’s Prayer

Club 4: January 8

Grapple: January 15

Wednesdays

Kid's Place, bells, choirs, supper

Christian Education Committee

Saturday, January 7

For a full calendar see the website at

ZionBuffalo.org /Children.

Christmas Program

Thank you to all of the kids who worked

so hard to make the Christmas Program

successful. Thank you to the parents who

were cab drivers, door keepers and snack

servers. Thank you to all who gave your

time and talent to the program. Check

ZionBuffalo.org or the Children’s

Ministries Facebook page for photos.

CoDirectors of Christian Education

Holly Husom

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

Roxie Otten

763-682-1245 ext. 311

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 17

Children’s Ministry

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

January 16 at 8am for February Issue

February 13 at 8am for March Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Our worship theme this Advent and Christmas

is the Names of Jesus.

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 & Jolene Halek: 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

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Buffalo MN 55313

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Janu

ary 2

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ZionBuffalo.org Kathleen Schwartz of Villages of Hope in Zambia, with members of the Rainbow Singers and the Global Missions Committee at the First Annual Global Mission Dessert Event in December.

Learn more about Zion’s partnership with Villages of Hope on page 9.

january 2012 newsletter

Documents

new things

new look

new ways

time god

new pattern

brand new year

individuals god

new years resolutions