zion lutheran church, middletown, md edition beacon...service opportunities a beacon in the...
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Service Opportunities
A Beacon in the Middletown Valley www.zionmiddletown.org
Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown, MD
Share Christ’s Love, Grow in Faith and Serve Others
Worship Opportunities
Healing Opportunities
Youth and Family Opportunities
Member News and Thank You’s pages 5-6 and 15
More Opportunities on page 3 More info & Opportunities on page 4
More Opportunities on pages 7 - 12 More information on page 13
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PASTORAL REFLECTION
Dear Zion Folk:
So, I was reading this article about diminishing church at-tendance in the summer and realized that in my 46 years as a pastor, I once dared to ask the question: “Does God ever take a vacation in the summertime?” It seemed like a silly question, of course, but I had a little fun with it:
The only known vacation God ever took was after he created the world in six days. He called that seventh day ‘sabbath.’ It was a day off!
Then there’s the 121st Psalm, where the psalmist sings that God never slumbers nor
sleeps.
In Psalm 73 God speaks “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.”
Jesus also said: “And remember, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
The way I figure it, God is a workaholic, insomniac and over-achiever all in one. God loves the whole world, is flush with never-ending mercy and holds us with very tired arms. It’s a big world to embrace!
And even if God doesn’t judge folks for not being at worship, God must be puzzled that the very gathering where his words and songs and promises and, not the least, at Jesus’s ‘Real Meal’ … are all often missed. It’s ponderable.
The other sobering reality of my years of ministry was in the summertime reminding church folks that ‘The Church never takes a vacation.’ My congregational treasurer loved it when I would mention that! The rest of the congregation, not so much. In one church we bought nifty little envelopes with a picture of folks tootling off on vacation in their car. I forget whether it worked or not, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. I mean, in the summer time the utilities needed to be paid, the staff needed to be paid and all the other budgeted items needed to be paid. Many of my treasurers also reminded me: The Church budget never takes a vacation either. That always went over big!
So, at the risk of rehashing my former years, I’ll just remind us: Zion is open for business this summer. And a lot of neat things are happening (check this newsletter or bulletin and you’ll see). We hope you have a chance to rest, regroup, and enjoy some ‘sabbath’ time. And we hope to see you along these weeks. We miss you when you’re away! And be comforted that
God never takes a vacation.
With you in God’s work,
Pastor Ron
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Worship Opportunities
Sunday Worship Times
June 16th thru September 1st Sunday Contemporary Worship 9 a.m.
Sunday Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m.
Saturday Informal Worship 6 p.m.
Meet the Muhlbachs
Hello Zion, in case you don't know me, I am Karl Muhlbach (you can call me "Vicar Karl") and I will be starting a year long internship this summer at
Zion. I am so excited to serve the Middletown and Zion Community in this role. I can't wait to meet you if we haven't already met. Otherwise, I can’t wait to get to know you better! A few things about me: I grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland and enjoyed playing in the woods. I still like exploring woods through hiking. Another hobby of mine is playing board games. I also, love competitive but friendly team sports. You also might see my wife Caitlin, and our one month old son Patrick around from time to time. We also have a six-year old yellow lab named Sam.
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Service Opportunities
Clothes Closet - In Need of Spring Clothes The Clothes Closet is in need of spring
clothing for all ages/sizes. Donations can be dropped off on Monday and Saturday mornings, 9-11
Middletown Food Bank All canned items are needed, especially pork & beans, peas, fruits and
vegetables and SpagettiOs. We are also in need of toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, soap,
ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and gravy. Please give whatever you can; place items in cart lo-
cated in hall. Thank you!
Join fellow Zion Members in Serving the Needs of our Community
For more information and to get involved contact
Lee Ropp at [email protected]
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Church Gathering & Fellowship Opportunities
Christian Fellowship Committee Save the Date
Family Fun Day - Church Picnic, June 9th, 6 p.m.
Where: Middletown Memorial
Park
When: Family activities begin at
5:00 pm, meal starts at 6:00 pm Please bring a dish to share and a lawn
chair for the Closing Vespers Service
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Community Opportunities
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Youth and Family Opportunities
Zion is offering two week-long day programs during the summer. This program will offer
structured games/activities based on themes for the day (subject to change), cooking, crafts,
offsite outings and lots of fun!
Who: Elementary School aged (those who completed kindergarten-4th grade)
Middle School aged (those who completed 5th-8th grade)
When: July 29 - August 2 ~ Scavenger Hunt Week
Join us for a week of scavenger hunts and exploring
our community!
August 26 - 30 ~ Survivor Challenge Week
Join us for a week of “Survivor” Challenges!
Time: 9:00 a.m.— 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 per week (Checks payable to Zion Lutheran Church)
Lunch: Bring a bag lunch (lunch is not provided).
RSVP: Advance registration (one week prior to each session) is required ahead of time
for planning purposes and to assure there will be enough supplies.
Registration forms are available on the Youth and Family Bulletin Board and on the website
www.zionmiddletown.org
Questions? Contact Wendi or Deb:
301-371-6500, ext. 203 or [email protected]
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Youth and Family Opportunities
Calling All Artists!
Would you like to help paint a wall mural? We will be
transforming a wall in our Social Room in preparation for
2019 “Roar” Vacation Bible School
No painting experience needed! All help is appreciated! We will be painting on Friday, June 7th,
from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
We will paint and cook dinner at our fire pit! Please let us know if you will be there:
[email protected] or 301-371-6500, ext. 203
Upcoming Noisy Offering Schedule
June 16th - VBS Charity
July 21st - MVPHP - School Supply Drive
August 18th - Lutheran World Relief
Offered During the 9 a.m. Worship
Service on Sunday June 9th
We will have an activity and craft about Father’s and all
who provide fatherly love
After the activity kids will join their
parents in worship; in time for communion.
If you have any questions please contact Deb or Wendi at
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Youth and Family Opportunities
May 31st September 13th October 25th
Mary Poppins Returns A Dogs Way Home How To Train Your Dragon
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., the movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Popcorn, pizza and other snacks will be provided for a free will offering.
Invite your friends and neighbors!
Future 2019 Dates - November 22nd - December 20th
Safe House, Zion’s after-school program for Middle School youth, has
the last session of the 2018-2019 school year on May 30.
We wish to give thanks and kudos to our adult volunteers who have been so helpful each week. The much-appreciated adult volunteers are Chris Perry, Deb Reichelt, Jackie & Vince Bello, Joe McIntosh, Nancy & John Gruner, Karen Hollis, Kim Marcantonio, Lee Ropp, Meghan Gunsalles, with assistance from staff Amy Sowers and Karl Muhlback. Our high school mentors who helped this year were Daphne Baird, Gabi Page, Hannah Rosner, Jared Green, John Routzahn, Aidan McGrath, Leyda Cadena, Robert Fulton, Grace Reichard, and John Bleving. Thank you! Watch for information about start-up dates in September.
Submitted by Marv & Trish Tollefson
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Youth and Family News
High School Graduates
On Sunday, June 16th at the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services we will take time to
recognize our high school graduates. We will celebrate their graduation and wish them
well as they move on to the next step in their lives! Not only do we hope that all
graduating seniors and their families will attend, but we hope to see as many people in worship as possible
to show them our love and support!
Caroline Grace Kishimoto is graduating from Middletown High School. In the fall she will be
attending the University of Kentucky majoring in Equine Science.
Payton Lowery is the Treasurer of the MHS National Honor Society, a member of the Science Honor So-ciety and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, played soccer and unified & indoor track. Payton is an FMH Junior Volunteer and participated in S2M2-Science, Service, Medicine & Mentoring. She was also a member of SGA, Key Club & WISE-Women in Science and Engineering. Payton is attending Auburn Uni-versity's College of Science and Mathematics next fall. She is excited to begin her next journey and ap-preciates the guidance and support of Zion.
Robert Fulton will attend Frederick Community College then transfer to the University of Maryland at College Park. He will be pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
Savannah Trautman is graduating from Middletown High School. She will attend Frederick Community College to receive her Veterinary Technician Certificate. After, she will transfer to a Technical College to get a degree specializing in emergency surgery.
Maddie Selin will graduate from Boonsboro High School on June 6th. I will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall. I am majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences in order to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Congratulations also to:
Audrey Harrison - Michael Decker
Joey Weiland - Jacob Fogle
Jessica Kunz - Michele Newkirk
May God's blessings guide them to accomplish their goals throughout the coming years.
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COMMUNITY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2019
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
July 8TH - 12TH Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
(Drop off between 8:50-9:00 a.m. and pickup promptly at noon. Supervision will
not be available outside those times.)
Who: Children ages 4 through completed 5th grade
Where: Meet and dismiss in the Social room each day.
Cost: $10/child
Registration Forms and Volunteer Forms are available on the Youth and
Family Bulletin Board and at www.zionmiddletown.org.
Interested in Volunteering? Contact Wendi Kishimoto at
or 301-371-6500, ext. 203
Youth and Family Opportunities
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Celebrate Recovery at Zion Lutheran
Change Is Possible: Through The Eight Principles of Celebrate Recovery
Since the beginning of time, men and women have searched for healing and meaning in their lives. There is a place where we can find tested-and-proven, absolutely-going-work principles that will lead to healing and happiness. These principles come in the form of eight statements from the truest of all books — the Bible — and from the most revered Teacher of all time — Jesus Christ. Jesus laid out these principles for healing in the Sermon on the Mount in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 5. Today we call them “the Beatitudes.”
Change, Jesus says, can be ours, but the pathway to change and healing may not be ex-actly what we’re expecting. But when you fully understand what Jesus is saying, you’ll re-alize these eight statements are God’s pathway to wholeness, growth, and spiritual matur-ity.
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.” “Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” “Happy are the meek.” “Happy are the pure in heart.” “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.” “Happy are those who are merciful.” “Happy are those who work for peace.” “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.”
The power to change comes from God’s grace. In Celebrate Recovery we start working and living the eight principles of the program in earnest. When we admit we’re powerless, we go on to recognize that we need a power greater than ourselves to restore us. That power is the one and only true Higher Power, Jesus Christ.
We extend an invitation to all who are looking for ways to manage their hurts, hang -ups, and habits. We meet Tuesday evenings, 7 p.m. at Zion.
Pastor Marv Tollefson
Healing Opportunity
Cancer care ministry is a hope ministry.
Journey of Hope support groups meet the second Saturday of every month.
These support groups are open and new people are always welcome. There are two support groups avail-able: one group is for those living with cancer or in cancer treatment. The second group is for loved ones and caregivers who have someone undergoing cancer treatment. The support groups involve prayer, coun-sel, discovering resources and a safe place to share. Our Journey of Hope is centered on bringing God's hope to patients and their caregivers, family and friends. This requires an understanding of the impact of cancer, how people react to it and how God has called His people to respond. Above all, it requires us to have within ourselves an unfeigned hope that we can share with one another.
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Births April 21st:
Patrick Muhlbach
Parents: Karl and Caitlin Muhlbach
May 12th: Denali James Horne Parents: Matthew and Jana Horne Grandparents: Ike and Lois Ahalt
With our deepest sympathy we keep in our thoughts and prayers the
family and friends of: Charles Albright, Jr. Evelyn Biser Beverly Campbell Steve Coppola Pastor Phil Fogarty Betty Hampshire Jim Harker Elden Kinna Pastor Robert Moore Grace Myers Marvin Nelson Fred Rudy
Weddings Kaitlin Stasiewicz and Hugh Gibson on May 4th
Baptisms James Michael Gallagher Parents: Amy and Kyle Gallagher Gabriel Michael Shatzer Parents: Joe Shatzer and Rachel Trim-ble Great Grandparents: Blaine and Mary Shatzer
Dads and Grads Celebration Sunday June 16th!
Join us for fellowship and celebration in the Social Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on
June 16th for cake and a Card Making Station to make a card for your Dad or Grad!
All Committee/All Ministry Team Meeting - June 10th at 7:00 p.m. There will be an all committee/all ministry team meeting on Monday, June 10th at 7:00 p.m. It is an
important meeting as we meet to discuss our purpose and our future as a congregation. Your in-
volvement in the conversation is so important. We will leave time at the end of the meeting for each
committee/team to meet for a half an hour.
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To our Homebound:
Please remember to keep your
cell phone or Emergency alert
device on you at all times.
Should you fall or find yourself
in need of help it is
important to have this
available should you
have need of it!
A Thank You from Frederick Community Action Agency
On behalf of the Frederick Community Action Agency I would like to thank you for your donation of $400 to help support the Frederick Soup Kitchen and our Agency. Your tremendous support is deeply appreci-ated by our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and by the clients that we serve. Thank You once again for your continued support of the Frederick Community Action Agency,
Mike Spurrier Director
126,015 This is how many aluminum cans we
have recycled. I crushed most of them, and counted all of them. All
Proceeds go to our Youth Activities. Drop Cans on the deck at the Clothes Closet . Thank You for your continued
efforts, and Keep them Coming!
M. Lee Ropp
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank You! We truly appreciate your recent gift of $916.67 in congregational benevolence . On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation for your continuing gifts in support of our outdoor Ministry. Sarah Lefler Executive Director
Thank You
Please join us in welcoming our newest members
and visitors at each service!
Dear Frieinds at Zion Lutheran Church,
The Backpack Team wants to thank you again
for your support of this
Ministry in our Valley.
With your donation we are
able to provide weekend
food items.
Thank you again!
For the backpack team, Judy Garnett
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www.zionmiddletown.org
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID
Frederick, MD Permit No. 2205
Evangelical Lutheran Church Zion 107 W Main Street Middletown MD 21769
Beacon Mailing Update This will be the last Beacon Bulk Mailing!
Future Beacons will be available for pick-up at the
Welcome Center, and on the Window sills in the
Sanctuary.
Beacons will be mailed out to the Homebound and those
who request a copy to be mailed. The electronic version
will continue to be mailed to those on the current beacon
e list. To be added contact the Church Office!