March 2012 Newsletter

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN MARCH 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

Adult Study: Suffering and

Hope

Rick Johnson will lead an adult study,

“How the Bible Speaks to Us About

Suffering and Hope,” at Zion on Thursday

evenings, beginning March 15.

There is evil and suffering in the world.

There is also hope. All of us face issues of

suffering throughout our lives and we

struggle to find answers to help us deal

with our suffering. In this class,

participants will look at how the Bible

provides answers as well as hope as we

deal with some of life‟s most difficult

questions.

Sign up online or at the information desk,

and be sure to bring your Bible (any

translation that you prefer).

Thursdays, 6:30-8pm

March 15: Introduction and overview

March 22: Basic Biblical view -

retribution

March 29: Biblical laments

April 5: No class (Maundy Thursday)

April 12: Suffering for others

April 19: The Story of Job

April 26: The role of hope

May 5: What is new in the New

Testament

May 12: Prayer, perspective, and

summary

My Heart - Christ’s Home

A few years ago while I was in college (Ok, it was 28), I read a little book that made quite an impression on me. The content of that book has come back to my mind many times over the years. The name of the book was My Heart – Christ‘s Home (download a copy at http://bit.ly/AaY6Lt or scan the QR code below with your smartphone). An excerpt from the book reveals the overarching theme:

“Without question one of the most remarkable Christian doctrines is that Jesus Christ himself through the Holy Spirit will actually enter a heart, settle down and be at home there. Christ will live in any human heart that welcomes him.”

The Lutheran way of speaking of this is ―the indwelling Holy Spirit.‖ Given to us at baptism, the Spirit comes to live in every person who believes in Christ. In this way, Christ comes into our hearts and lives with us. The theological word for the work of the Spirit in our lives is ―sanctification.‖

Every believer is to Live God‘s Call in their own daily life. At Zion we have begun talking about living God‘s Call as trusting in Christ, growing in faith and serving God in this world. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us to do that very thing. This little book references the different rooms in a typical home to think about the work the indwelling Holy Spirit is doing in our lives.

The Study – our minds. What kinds of things fill our minds? What is it that fosters our relationship with Christ?

The Dining Room – the place of our appetites and desires. What is the food that feeds our souls and satisfies our true hungers?

The Rec Room – our fun activities, hobbies and friends. How do these parts of our lives contribute to our growth as believers?

The Work Room – our talents, skills, passions and gifts. How are we using these to serve Him?

I hope this way of looking at our lives will offer you help and encouragement as you seek to follow Jesus faithfully. I have found it to be challenging and also refreshing. Here‘s a prayer I invite you to make your own during the month of March as we all seek to Live God‘s Call.

“Lord, I want this heart of mine to be yours. I want you to settle down here and be fully at home. Jesus, come into my heart and make it your home. Cleanse and purify this heart of mine. Fill my heart with all of your good things. Let my heart reflect your life. Amen

Living God’s Call

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them 2

Buffalo Food Shelf Easter

Baskets

Zion‟s Social Ministry Committee will

again be leading the Easter Basket food

drive during Lent to benefit clients of the

Buffalo Food Shelf. Bring listed food and

paper items or monetary donations to

Zion from March 4 to March 25.

box potatoes

gravy mix

cream of mushroom soup

green beans

French fried onions

canned fruit

Jell-O

toilet paper

paper towels

Kleenex

Baskets will be distributed to families in

our community by the Food Shelf at Zion.

Volunteers are invited to help assemble

and distribute the baskets on March 29.

9-11:30am—assemble baskets

2-4pm—set up and prepare meal

4-6:30pm—serve meal, distribute

baskets

6:30-7:30pm—cleanup

Mother and Daughter Volunteer

Together in Sunday School

Meet Christine

My name is Christine Hartke, and I have been a member of Zion for 12 years. I grew up in a town of just over 300 people and was a member of a very small congregation. Zion was definitely a change for me when you consider the membership numbers, but when it comes to the people, I have found my church family.

I think it is important to find that place in church that really speaks to your heart, and for me that is the children. I have three kids, ages 15, 13, and 8. I want them to know how important their Christian education is to me. For me, being involved in Sunday school has been one way I can

(Christine & Brianna continued on page 13)

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 3

Brianna & Christine Hartke

Zion to Zambia Mission Trip 2012

In late July, 2012, a group of seven adults will be traveling to the Village of Hope in Zambia, Africa to volunteer their talents at the orphan village and at the Village of Hope school. This trip is a continuation of the Zambia connection established by those who have already traveled and served from Zion. Since all of the team members are educators, they will primarily be sharing their talents at the Village of Hope school as it adjusts to a doubling in student enrollment this year. This could mean physical, curricular, and instructional needs of the school and the extension of the school from elementary to secondary school. It is hoped that the team will also be able to offer a two day Teacher Institute (a workshop for 150 teachers in the Liteta Zone of Zambia).

The members of the group are Minda Squadroni, Julie Swaggert, LeRoy Erickson, Barry Johnson, Jill Hanson, Jacquelin Gordon, and Sandy Bodine. The team will be asking Zion members to be prayer partners and financial partners through a Puzzle Project in April.

A Welcoming Church Event

Wednesday, March 28 at 7:15pm

Everyone likes to think that their church is welcoming and friendly, but what can you do to help make Zion a welcoming and friendly place to those who are new to Zion? Following Lenten worship on March 28, join the Outreach and Evangelism committee for dessert while they share their vision for nurturing a welcoming culture at Zion.

Please sign up online or at the information desk.

Pipe Organ Repair Completed

Mike Christian, our friendly neighborhood organ tuner from M.G. Christian Organ Company in Paynesville, Minnesota has finished the task that began Christmas Eve worship 2010. A rebuild of transmitters, digital connections, air blower systems, diodes, chimes, and other ―musical geek‖ technical and mechanical details was necessary. The pipe organ task force also decided to add a transposer as the rebuild was happening. All of the work began in early January 2012 and was completed by February 10, 2012. From the outside, the organ looks no different than it did. To the listener, the sound will be the same as before. But for the organists, the organ is functioning again with the ability to pre-set sounds to make their musical tasks possible as they‘re leading worship, playing for

funerals, weddings, and concerts. The extra benefit of being able to use the transposer to switch easily into a different key can be used to make singing easier for soloists and for the congregation or to accompany other instruments.

A festive Sunday to celebrate the Zion pipe organ‘s musical abilities is planned for April 22. We will ―pull out all the stops‖ for 8:30 worship and possibly offer some organ music during the morning. In the afternoon, a concert featuring the Wright County Chamber Chorus and the wRight Ringers will include pieces that both groups will perform with the pipe organ.

Praise God with strings and pipe!

~ Psalm 150:4

Photos of the inside of the organ, taken during the repair, can be seen on Zion’s Facebook page.

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 am Traditional Worship

In the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School during the school year

9:45 am Family Express

In Trinity Hall

10:30 am Contemporary Worship

In the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School during the school year

Births

January 10

Jacob Alan, son of Minda Simonson & Zach

Pecarina

Baptisms

January 8

Madigan Jo Gallagher

Rilyn Jo Gallagher

January 21

Saria Bella Swenson

January 22

Stella Sue Bjorklund

Blake Michael Piram

Elsie Ann Torgrimson

January 29

Sven David Olson

Funerals

January 3

Margaret Luckow

January 7

Samuel Lewandoski

Baptism Class

Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is

asked to attend a class prior to the date of

the baptism. Expectant parents, as well as

those who already are parents, may attend

the class. Scheduling of baptisms will take

place at the class.

The next classes are Sunday, April 15, or

Sunday, June 10, at noon. Register at

ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or by calling the

office.

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite, 4

Celebrating on Sundays

Lent is a time to reflect on the nature of Jesus and walk with him to the cross. This year everyone attending Zion has a unique opportunity during our six weeks of Wednesday evening services to create a new tradition at home.

Many people have nativity sets with sheep, cows, wise men, angels, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Each of those pieces tells part of the Christmas story. As the Lenten story unfolds this year, each household will piece together a Lenten set that tells the Lenten story.

The congregation begins our journey toward the cross with worship on Ash Wednesday. Each household will receive a card to fill out and trade in after worship for a handmade cross, the centerpiece of the set (pictured on the cover of this newsletter). Another piece of the set will be available after worship each week, to make up the complete set.

The theme of the ‗Character of Christ‘ will highlight the qualities of Jesus that each of us seeks to use in our own lives. Items in each Lenten set will tie in those qualities and draw us nearer to Jesus and each other.

Weekly devotion cards will help your household gather together at some point each day, light a candle, pray and read scripture together, and truly experience Lent as you likely haven‘t before.

I am looking forward to a great experience and a heartfelt expression of thanks and praise this Lenten season.

See you in worship!

Pastor Luke

Worship Schedule

Sunday, March 4

Second Sunday in Lent

Mark 8:31-38

Pastor Ted Preaching

Wednesday, March 7

Lenten Worship at noon and 6:30pm

Pastor Luke Preaching

Special Music by First Sunday at 6:30pm

Sunday, March 11

Third Sunday in Lent

John 2:13-22


Wednesday, March 14



Special Music by the Joy Choir at 6:30pm

Sunday, March 18

Fourth Sunday in Lent

John 3:14-21


Wednesday, March 21



Special Music by the Youth Choir at 6:30pm

Sunday, March 25

Fifth Sunday in Lent

John 12:20-33


Wednesday, March 28



Special Music by SONshine Choir at 6:30pm

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

Worship Volunteers

It takes all of us to make things run smoothly for the extra worship services at this time of year (especially Wednesday evening ushers). Can you help? Sign up on the Table or contact Sherilyn at

763.682.1245 or [email protected]

Active Military

Please Pray For

Steve Svoboda

Deployed to Qatar

Alex Euerle

Deployed to Afghanistan

Josh Nelson, nephew of Sue Hermosillo

Deployed to Afghanistan

Cody Bauman

Stationed at Fort Brag, NC

Doug Pecarina

Deployed to Kuwait

Ben Pecarina

Stationed in Turkey

DeAnna Strommen, daughter-in-law of Bob

Stationed at Fort Hood, TX

Will Dobbins

Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA

Fred Pierce

Stationed in Miramar, CA

Chris Paulsen-Schmidt

Stationed at Norfolk, VA

Christopher Brophy

Stationed at Fort Riley, KS

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX

Let Us Know

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

If you have had any changes to your

address, phone number, marital status,

etc. please contact Angela with your

name, phone number and the changes

that need to be made in our database.

If You Are Ill

Hospitals no longer notify churches

when their members are admitted for

care. Call 763.682.1245 and let us

know so we can support you with prayer

and with presence.

Prayer Requests

Please use a yellow pew card, call the

church office at 763.682.1245 or visit

Zion online at ZionBuffalo.org with

your prayer requests.

Prayer Ministries at Zion

We all need prayer, support and encouragement at times. Zion is committed to intercessory prayer—prayer on behalf of others and on behalf of the work of the church. Each week, staff pray for a segment of our members and worshiping friends. We encourage everyone who desires prayer on his or her behalf or on behalf of another, to use these resources:

Private Prayer Wall

Anyone actively involved at Zion can share prayer and praise requests with others in the congregation through Zion‘s online community at ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org. Those requesting prayer can choose to be notified when others are praying their requests, and prayers have the option of leaving a note or personal prayer in response. Many members have found this to be a great addition to their prayer life.

Prayer Chain

Zion‘s prayer chain is made up of Christians with hearts for prayer. Prayer chain members receive prayer requests by phone, or email, or through the Table from a fellow Zion member and pass it along to another prayer chain ‗link.‘

Prayer Room

Did you know that Zion has a room set aside for quiet meditation and prayer? Zion‘s Prayer Room is located at the North end of the building near the bell room.

Online Resources

ELCA Prayer Ventures is a guide to daily prayer for the ministries of the church, produced by ELCA Communication Services on behalf of the whole church: http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx.

God Pause Daily Devotions are short, meaningful reflections on the following Sunday‘s lessons and gospel delivered directly to your e-mail box: http://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/daily_view.aspx.

To request being included in staff prayers or worship prayers, please let the office know through a yellow pew card, the online request form at ZionBuffalo.org/Pray, or contact the church office at 763.682.1245 or [email protected].

Creating a community where people are connected

Connecting With Care

6

Intergenerational Dinner

Zion Senior High youth will be hosting Zion‘s senior adults (55+) at an Intergenerational Dinner on Sunday, March 11, starting at Noon in Fellowship Hall.

This will be an opportunity for those gathered to share their faith and their personality through hymns, stories, games and more.

The free meal will include Chicken Kiev, rice pilaf, corn, salad, dinner rolls and drinks.

Senior adults, please sign up at the Information Desk, in the front office, or online by Wednesday, March 7.

Staying Connected

One of the first steps in getting connected at Zion is to find out what is going on that is of interest to you.

An easy way for many to stay up-to-date with the many things happening at Zion is to subscribe to one or more email lists.

The email subscription form can be found at ZionBuffalo.org/Subscribe. Simply enter your email address and name, and then select the information that you are interested in.

Some of the options include this monthly newsletter, general announcements from the church office, updates especially for leaders of the congregation, and updates related to particular groups or ministries such as Women‘s Ministry, food providers, or Music Ministry. If you have children, you can select their grade levels to receive any important announcements or event information that may affect them.

You will receive a confirmation request to verify that your email address was entered correctly.

If you want to connect directly with other members, try Zion‘s own online community at ZionBuffalo.TableProject.org, where you will find prayer requests, discussions, news feeds, and more.

If you prefer social media, find Zion at Facebook.com/ZionBuffalo, Twitter.com/ZionBuffalo, or Pinterest.com/ZionBuffalo.

If you have any questions about subscribing to email updates, or using any of these other online options, please contact Angela in the church office at [email protected] or 682.1245 ext. 325.

Wednesday Supper Menu

Everyone is invited to gather each

Wednesday night during the Lenten

season for a wonderful evening of

fellowship and tasty meals.

There‟s a delicious meal waiting for you

from 5-6:15pm in the Fellowship Hall

for a suggested donation of $3 per

plate. The best deal in town!

March 7: Sloppy Joes

March 14: Tacos

March 21: Sub Sandwiches

March 28: Grilled Cheese & Soup

(Youth Fundraiser)

April 4: No Supper (Spring Break)

The Lenten worship service follows the

meal at 6:30pm.

After Lent … the family suppers will

continue after Lent as a Wednesday

tradition at Zion following a six week

menu rotation. Come for a great meal

each week!

Spring New Member

Introduction

The next New Member Introduction will

be held after worship on Sunday, April

22. This orientation to membership

provides an introduction to Zion

ministries and staff, an opportunity to

meet others at Zion, and a little about

what it means to be Lutheran. Those

that decide to become members will be

formally received into our congregation

on Sunday, April 29.

in relationships and supported in need. 7

January 2012 Financial Report

General Services Fund

Income Jan 2012 YTD 2012 Jan 2011 YTD 2011 General Offering $56,474 $689,748 $55,610 $667,937

Rent and Sunday School 1,746 23,587 2,254 24,136

WedNite Supper Income 734 8,672 897 0

Missions and Hunger 920 14,785 867 13,520

Other Designations 505 18,812 281 11,203

Total Income $60,379 $755,604 $59,909 $716,796

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,000 $12,000 $1,000 $18,000

Other General Services 59,805 707,070 54,356 697,023

Total Expenses $60,805 $719,070 $55,356 $715,023

Ledger Balance as of 1-31-2012: -$1,576

A Promising Tomorrow/Building Fund

Income Jan 2012 YTD 2012 Jan 2011 YTD 2011 Offerings and Interest $18,436 $203,950 $19,242 $206,390

Other Receipts 0 0 0 0

Total Income $18,436 $203,950 $19,242 $206,390

Expenses Building Mortgage $15,869 $182,985 $17,087 $205,048

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 0 3,653 913 14,877

Major Building Repairs 0 0 0 0

3% Tithe Commitment 0 0 0 0

Kairos Consulting 3,000 22,000 7,000 12,000

Interest Expense on LOC 0 0 0 438

Bank Service Charge 0 30 0 105

Total Expenses $18,869 $208,669 $25,001 $233,081

Ledger Balance as of 1-31-2012: $27,033

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

Memorial Gifts

A gift to the Zion Foundation from

Lorilyn Tenney, Maxine Decker &

Family, Mark & Louise

Minkler and Bea & Jerry Specht in

memory of Merle Walters.

A gift in memory of Merle Waters from

Lois Setterberg, Lorilyn Tenney, Idella

Ziegler, Marlys Corhouse, Dorothy

Nicholson, and Mel and Marlys Gillund.

A gift in memory of Margaret Luckow

from Harlan and Marlene Stoehr.

Women’s Ministry

Thank you to everyone who returned a

Women‟s Ministry interest survey in

January. Those that would still like to

provide input can do so at bit.ly/

AtZrXF or by scanning the code below

with a smart phone.

Lutheran Night at the

Twins

The 2012 Thrivent Financial for

Lutherans Lutheran Night at the Twins

will be

Monday, July 30, vs. Chicago White

Sox 7:10 pm

Tuesday, July 31, vs. Chicago White

Sox 7:10 pm

There are again several discounted

seating areas to choose from ranging

from $13 to $62.

To reserve your tickets, call Landon

Oldenburger at 612.659.3583.

No information regarding busing is

available at this time.

ZionBuffalo.org/Give 8

Finance & Stewardship

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.

The Basics of Biblical Finance

Adapted from Dave Ramsey, financial author, media personality and motivational speaker

1. Get Out of Debt

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

~Proverbs 22:7 (NRSV)

Now that's pretty basic stuff. But the truth is, debt equals risk. Have you ever felt like a slave to the lender? Slaves don't have any options. They have to do what they're told. They put bumper stickers on their car that say I owe, I owe so off to work I go. They're stuck. Slaves have to keep a job they hate because they have to pay the bills. Slaves aren't really generous people either. It's hard to give when you can hardly just pay the bills that you owe. You have a lot of masters in your life. It's hard to serve two masters, Jesus said.

2. Act Your Wage

A foolish man devours all he has.

~Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)

You need to learn to live on less than you make. You are not in congress. If you spend everything you make, according to scripture you're a fool. Now don‘t get mad at me, God said it. Learning to live on less than you make leads you to the scripture that says Godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment is probably the most powerful financial principal there is. Because if you're okay with your car, if you're okay with your clothes, if you're okay with your house, if you're okay suddenly, you can just kind of calm down and the debt starts going away and the savings can come and the giving will happen and life starts flowing the way it‘s supposed to.

3. Get on a Budget

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he

has enough to finish it?

~ Luke 14:20 (NKJV)

You wouldn't build a house without a blueprint. If you hired a contractor to build a four-million-dollar house and he laid out a paper bag on the front of his truck and said we're just going to do it like this and started sketching, you'd be going uhuh, no, no, no, no, no, next. That's exactly what God does. In your working lifetime, you're going to handle 4 or 5 million dollars, 6 million dollars, 10 million dollars. Act like it. Be responsible. Be an adult. On paper, on purpose, before the month begins.

(Basics of Biblical Finance continued on page 16)

9

Sunday March 11

Change for Children Pajama Day

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

8:30am Sunday School

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service



12:00pm Intergenerational Dinner

Monday March 12

6:00pm First Sunday Rehearsal

Tuesday March 13

9:00am Harvest of Hands Craft Day

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning

9:30am Staff Meeting

6:30pm Outreach Evangelism Meeting

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday March 14

9:30am Women's Study - Life Principles

10:00am Devotions at Park View

12:00pm Lent Worship Service

2:45pm Class Ring

3:45pm Ring Forth

3:45pm Kids' Place

4:45pm Joy Choir

5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper

5:15pm Youth Choir

6:30pm Lenten Worship Service

7:15pm Joyful Ringers

7:15pm HOH Craft Days

7:15pm Senior Choir

Thursday March 15

8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study

9:00am Lutheran Social Services

6:30pm Bible Study - Suffering & Hope

7:00pm Rebecca Circle

Friday March 16

Saturday March 17

St. Patrick's Day

Sunday March 18

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

Change for Children Wacky Hair Day






10:30pm Sunday School


2:00pm Devotions at Park View

2:30pm Winterfest

Monday March 19

VBS online registration begins


Tuesday March 20


9:30am Naomi Circle

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

6:30pm Christian Education Committee

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting


Wednesday March 21

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



7:15pm Senior Choir

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday March 22




Friday March 23

4:30pm 30 Hour Famine at St John‟s

Saturday March 24

8:30am Worship and Music Committee

Sunday March 25

Sanctuary Sunday

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar 10

Thursday March 1


5:00pm First Communion Class

Friday March 2

Saturday March 3

9:00am First Communion Class

Sunday March 4

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

First Communion Recognition

Change for Children Twin Day

Bible Camp Registrations Due








Monday March 5


Tuesday March 6


6:30pm Social Ministry Committee


Wednesday March 7

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



7:15pm Senior Choir

Thursday March 8



Friday March 9

Saturday March 10

March 2012

Change for Children Noisy Offering






Monday March 26


Tuesday March 27

9:00am Harvest of Hands Craft Day


6:00pm Caring Ministries Meeting


7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Wednesday March 28

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


7:15pm A Welcoming Church Event


7:15pm HOH Craft Days

7:15pm Senior Choir

Thursday March 29


9:00am Easter Basket Set-up/Assembly


4:00pm Easter Basket Distribution


Friday March 30

Saturday March 31

11

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 March rolls around, the crazy warmth of this winter might actually give way to some real snow and we‘ll try and reboot this event 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, to enjoying a winter concert 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: White Chili, Red Chili, and Vegetarian Chili.

Special prizes will be awarded for: Most Norwegian (least spicy), Meat Lover‘s, Three Alarm (spiciest), Most Creative, Least Imaginative (congrats!), Just like Momma used to make it, Healthiest, Unhealthiest, Blue Ribbon best.

This event is for all ages and for all people! Alternate food available for younger kids without chili appetites! Join us March 18th for a great afternoon of fun and fellowship as we celebrate the great frozen north!

Operation Outreach

Middle school students are encouraged to head over to Buffalo Covenant Church on Friday, March 9, from 6:30pm-9pm, to be part of a night full of amazing ways in which you can change the world.

There will be music, a speaker, games, food, a marketplace and a whole lot more.

Friends are encouraged to come with! You will not want to miss this!

30-Hour Famine

The 30-Hour Famine is about 8th-12th Grade students from the Buffalo area loving God and fighting hunger while learning the truth about hunger, poverty, and injustice - then overcoming it all with love.

Worldwide, 925 million people are hungry. Every day, as many as 11,000 children under age 5 die due to hunger-related causes. That‘s one kid every 8 seconds. The Famine gives you a chance to do something about it - to rise up and serve the hungry. Going hungry - so others don‘t have to.

It only take $1 a day to feed a child. If you choose to fundraise $30, you will feed a child for a month. If you choose not to fundraise, a $10 donation is requested. Friends are welcome!

The 30-Hour Famine will officially kick-off at 6pm on Thursday, March 22, when the fast begins. Students who register by March 4 and have contributed at least $10 will be given a t-shirt to wear to school on Friday, March 23, and a journal. Students are asked to be united as one force on that Friday and make an impact in your school by wearing your shirt.

Participants are invited to St John's Church in Buffalo at 4:30pm on Friday to be able to assist with service projects, play games, worship, pray and build community all for a great cause. At midnight, the group will break the fast with a pancake breakfast.

Snow Tubing

Confirmation and Senior High students who have registered for snow tubing at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove on Wednesday, March 7, please remember:

Be at Zion by 3:30pm with proper winter gear (hats, gloves, snow pants, etc). If students are not properly dressed, they will not be able to go.

The buses will leave Zion at 4pm and return to Zion by 8pm.

There is a waiver that needs to be filled out, signed and returned. This can be found on the Zion website.

It is recommended that you bring a sack dinner or money for concessions.

Registration and $20 payment was due Wednesday, February 22.

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, March 2 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 are invited to

attend Bible Camp at Camp Wapo the

week of July 6-13, 2012.

6th - 8th graders will attend Youth

Camp at Wapo Sunday, July 8 - Friday,

July 13. The cost is $290 for the week.

9th - 12th Graders will attend TIM

Team at Ox Lake Friday, July 6 -

Friday, July 13. The cost for TIM Team

is $290.

A $100 deposit per student is due by

Sunday, March 4 to secure their 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 12

It‟s that time of year again …

Change for Children is the annual Sunday school Lenten mission project. This year, we are blessed with an amazing opportunity to support Zion‘s Truckload of Life project (see page 14).

One way to get involved is through the Sunday school Change for Children collection and activities beginning Sunday, March 4. Each child will receive a collection tube filled with candy. They will be invited to eat the treat, and refill the tube with change to help our friends around the world … quarters fit perfectly, but paper currency will be accepted, too.

To encourage the kids to remember their change, a fun weekly incentive is offered, as listed in the side bar.

Thank you in advance for your support of this amazing opportunity!

Calendar Notes

March Memory verse: John 3:16

Sunday School

March 4: Lent

Change for Children: Twin for a Day

(dress like someone else, or friends

or family come dressed alike)

March 11: Lent

Change for Children: Pajama Day

March 18: Lent

Change for Children: Wacky Hair

and Crazy Clothes Day

March 25: Sanctuary Sunday, worship

with your family

Change for Children: Noisy offering

in worship / no dress up theme

Club 4: March 4

Grapple: March 11

Wednesdays

Kid's Place, bells, choirs, supper

For a full calendar see the website at

ZionBuffalo.org /Children.

First Communion Class

The First Communion Festival will be held

on Thursday, March 1, or Saturday,

March 3, with First Communion Sunday

on March 4.

CoDirectors of Christian Education

Holly Husom

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

Roxie Otten

763-682-1245 ext. 311

[email protected]

ZionBuffalo.org/Children 13

Children’s Ministry

show I care. I have taught Sunday school on and off for the last ten years. I have been able to teach with friends, and one year my husband taught with me. I have also served on the Christian Education Committee. This year I am the Storyteller for the preschoolers and kindergartners. What a great age to teach! They are so excited to be there every Sunday learning about God and how much he loves each and every one of us. I feel very blessed that I have a part in sharing God‘s word.

Next year I am proud to say my 13-year-old son wants to be involved in teaching Sunday school. My 15-year-old daughter has already volunteered in the children‘s programs for a couple of years. I will let her tell you a little about her involvement and why it is important to her.

Meet Brianna

Hi! My name is Brianna Hartke and this is my second year teaching Sunday school. I teach the preschoolers and I absolutely love it! They are all such great kids, and I always love how eager they are to learn about God. It makes waking up early every Sunday morning worth it! I look forward to going to see these kids every Sunday because I know they also enjoy being there. I have also been a Vacation Bible School leader for the last three years – which is always a fun-filled week of learning!

If you have ever thought about becoming involved in any of the children‘s programs, we would both encourage you to just give it a try – your heart will thank you for it!

Christine & Brianna Hartke

(Christine & Brianna continued from page 3)

Valentine’s Sale Raises

$1300 for Truckload Project

The Harvest of Hands Valentine‟s Sale

on February 12 raised over $1,300 in

support of the upcoming Truckload of

Life packaging event. Many different

baked goods items, jewelry, paper

flowers, and assorted cards were sold.

Over $350 was donated in honor or in

memory of loved ones. „In Honor‟ or „In

Memory‟ donation cards are still

available, and can be made out in any

amount to help fund meals through the

packaging event.

The mission of Harvest of Hands is to

support local and global hunger relief.

You can support this mission by helping

to fund or volunteering your time for

the Truckload of Life project and other

Harvest of Hands projects, and by

spreading the word about these

projects.

Harvest of Hands Crafts

In March, the Harvest of Hands craft

group will work on decorating vases

with beads and wire.

Craft groups meet on the second and

fourth Tuesday mornings at 9am, and

the second and fourth Wednesday

evenings at 7pm in the Wilderness

Room (behind the kitchen). All are

welcome to join this group for fun,

fellowship, and a rewarding experience.

Thank you for your continued support of

Harvest of Hands. It is greatly

appreciated.

Blessings to all!

Joy Arens

14

Truckload of Life Meal Packaging Event

Feeding the world … One meal at a time

Harvest of Hands raises funds to help fight world hunger locally and globally. On Sunday, April 15 2012, they will host a ―Truckload of Life‖ community packaging event at Zion. At least 100,000 meals will be packaged for those in need in underdeveloped countries, and awareness of the hunger need in the local community and around the world will be promoted.

Packaging will take place on Sunday, April 15, 2012, starting at 8:30am.

At least 100,000 meals will be packaged. Each meal includes rice, soy, vegetables and vitamins, and they are packaged as bags of six meals.

$28,000 is needed to fund the packaging (25c per meal, shipping included).

Surplus funds will help local families through the Buffalo Food Shelf.

More than 500 volunteers of all ages will be needed on April 15.

Participants include the entire congregation of Zion Lutheran (particularly the Harvest of Hands group, Sunday School students, and youth), other Buffalo area churches, and others from the Buffalo community.

Zion is partnering with OutReach International—Kids Care, based in Union, Iowa, a non-profit, development organization providing sustainable programs for food, water, education, medical, and commerce that produce measurable change. Kids Care packages meals for the most vulnerable around the world. Learn more at OutreachInt.org.

Non-perishable food items will be collected for the Buffalo Food Shelf the day of the packaging event. In addition, any funds over the packaging event cost will be donated to the Buffalo Food Shelf.

The complete schedule and volunteer registration will be available online in March.

Complete information is updated regularly at ZionBuffalo.org/Pack.

Matilda’s Adventure Continues

By now, you have hopefully heard about Matilda, one of the children living at the Villages of Hope, Zion‘s mission partner in Zambia. Complications from spinal tuberculosis affected Matilda‘s mobility in her lower extremities. In late 2011, Matilda traveled to the United States for treatment.

The following update is adapted from the Matilda‘s Path blog, which can be found at matildaspath.wordpress.com.

In early February, the doctor released Matilda from the hospital following her spinal surgery and she returned to her temporary Kentucky home. Praise the Lord! All symptoms of the spinal fluid leak are gone and she has little to no pain. She has been sleeping well at night and the only thing that she is complaining of is that she is tired of wearing the neck brace that is helping support her spinal cord.

The children’s hospital has agreed to allow Matilda’s next surgery, hip surgery, to be done free of charge at their hospital. Matilda will have an 8-12 week recovery from the spinal surgery and will then have the hip surgery. Matilda was born without a left hip socket so her hip has been dislocated since birth. This obviously limits her mobility but the procedure will recreate a hip socket which will help her get around the village more comfortably.

The Lord is good! Matilda will be going through extensive physical therapy three times a week that will be re-teaching her legs to do as her brain tells them to. Please continue to pray that the results of a successful surgery continue to be seen by her progress, and that the Lord will give her determination to work hard with the therapist.

If you would like to make a donation to support her recovery and therapy, please use a yellow pew envelope and note ―for Matilda.‖

15

Meet the Council: Steve

Peterson

Please tell us about your family:

I am married to Kathy, who is a member

of St Francis Catholic Church. We have

two adult children, Eric and Tina, who are

both married with two children each. Our

grandchildren are 15, 13, 12, and 8 years

old and all live in the north metro area.

Where do you work?

I work for Archway Marketing Services

located in Rogers. I am the Senior

Manager of Facilities (I believe the

Senior portion of the title means I‟m old).

I have worked in warehouse operations all

of my career.

What are some of the ways that you

have been involved with Zion's

ministries?

I am currently on the Global Mission and

Stewardship committees, In the past I

have served on the Building Committee,

capital fundraising committees, and

various special task forces. I have

enjoyed all the different committees and

the interactions with others.

Why do you serve on the Church

Council?

I believe I am relatively organized and

have leadership skills. I would say I am a

doer and enjoy being involved. The

council provides a great avenue for

understanding how Zion functions.

Welcomed by Wes

If you have entered the front door of Zion on a Sunday morning in the last six months, you have probably shaken the hand of Wes Mahlberg. Wes has been a member of Zion since 1976, is an identical twin, and has a passion for making Zion a welcoming place that has driven him to be there, almost every Sunday, waiting to welcome you.

Tell a little about your family:

I've been married for 36 years to my high school sweetheart, Mary, and we have three children. All three children and two daughters-in-law were confirmed at Zion. Nick is married to Anna Quady (daughter of Bob & Cathy Quady) and lives in Maple Grove. Patrick is married to Jess Johanneck and lives in Hanover. Our daughter Katie is a CPA in Los Angeles.

(Welcomed by Wes continued on page 17)

Venture North Bike Walk and Coffee

opened its doors in December, providing

ground-up, comprehensive retail and bike

mechanic training for youth in North

Minneapolis. By teaching relationship

skills, a full bike mechanics curriculum,

customer service, and general retail

operations, Venture North Bike Walk &

Coffee prepares youth for future

employment in the bike and retail industry

and empowers them to be financially self-

sufficient. Youth interns refurbish used

bikes, keeping them out of the landfill and

create affordable exercise and

transportation options in their

community. Here is what some youth

interns have to say about Venture North:

What’s the best thing you’ve learned at

Venture North?

I‟m working in retail, but I also get to

learn about bikes, so in the future, I‟ll

have more skills and be able to find a job.

I‟ve also learned a lot about how to help

people find the best product to fit their

needs, including price concerns; we learn

to make people feel welcome, to have a

conversation with them and to get to

know them.

~ Dijon Pin

What do you like most about what you’ve

been learning?

People at Venture North are not just

employees—they‟re friends and family. A

lot of people are from the neighborhood,

so we know and trust each other. I‟ve

learned to smile more—when you smile,

it‟s an invitation to be yourself. The

Northside has stereotypes of violence, but

my smiling proves a lot of people wrong,

and when I smile, they smile.

~ Jemartae Taylor

From the Redeemer Center for Life 2011

Annual Summary.

16

4. Save and Invest

In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil.

~Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)

If you don't save money you'll be broke your whole life. Invest for your future. Invest for your kids‘ college. Invest. But you won't have any money to invest if you don't have money for emergencies and if you stay in debt and you're not on a plan.

5. Tithe

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house.

~ Malachi 3:10(NKJV)

God's not concerned about your money. He doesn't care about your money. He cares about you. He's crazy about you. He's got a plan for you and He's saying to you, My children, this is how you live and if you live your life this way, you'll win. What He's trying to do is to change the person in your mirror.

(Basics of Biblical Finance continued from page 9)

Easter Garden

Every year Zion has a beautiful display of

all kinds of different plants and blooming

flowers for our Sunday morning Easter

Services. The plants/flowers are usually

given in memory of or in honor of

someone special to you and/or your

family. It is a nice way to recognize your

loved ones and to show gratitude for

God‟s many blessings.

For those with allergies, the Sunrise

service at 7am and the Family Express

Easter Sunday service at 9:45am in

Trinity Hall will be flower-free.

The Property Committee is planning an

Easter Plant Fundraiser again this year,

and information will be available in mid

March.

If you would like to order directly from a

florist or purchase from a grocery store or

discount store, flowers should have your

name put on them and be delivered to

Zion between 9-11am on Saturday,

April 7.

Fill in the form below by Monday, April

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

be published in the bulletin on Easter

Sunday.

The plants are arranged on Saturday,

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

feel free to stop in and lend a hand.

All plants can be picked up after the

10:30 Easter Service or on Tuesday, April

10. The office is closed on Monday,

April 9.

17

Why open doors?

As a member of the Outreach and Evangelism Committee, I read about what makes a church welcoming. One of the suggestions was to have someone open the doors on a consistent basis. I tried it. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was hooked.

I am really excited to see the range of ages of people coming through the doors on a Sunday morning, from the babies to the seniors. It is rewarding to welcome members and guests alike to our worship services. I have been known to study the church directory and it is fun to put names with faces. I feel I get more out of this than I give.

Every Sunday morning we have opportunities to help brighten someone's day or lighten their load. Something as simple as a smile and a friendly "good morning" can make a difference. Of course, you don't have to be standing by the door with a name tag to do it. Either way, I believe this helps to set the tone for a joyful worship experience - as God intended it to be.

How did you come to call Zion your church home?

I was raised in an LCA congregation in Worthington, MN; Mary was Presbyterian. Upon moving to Buffalo we visited several local churches including Zion. Interestingly Pastor Blair was from my home congregation and Mary's dad used to sell cars to his dad - so that made for a natural connection. When making a recruiting visit to our home, Pastor Blair requested that we serve him no food as he was watching his weight but he would love a grape soda. We felt very welcome at Zion and joined in the fall of 1976.

What ministries have you been involved with at Zion?

I have served on the Church Council, Building, Pastoral Call, and Social Ministry committees, and the Zion Foundation. I've served as a Confirmation guide, served home-bound communion, and was a founding member of the Lutefisk Dinner. My main interests at the moment are the Outreach and Evangelism Committee, and serving on the Wednesday night sub sandwich supper team.

What do you do when you're not at Zion?

I have been commuting to downtown Minneapolis the past 27 years working first for Pillsbury, followed by the past 19 years at Commodity Specialists Inc as a risk manager. I go to Worthington frequently to help with the family farm. I keep in close contact with my mother, and enjoy hunting.

Wes Mahlberg

(Welcomed by Wes continued from page 16)

Easter Garden 2012

Due Monday 4/2

Circle In Memory / Honor of

______________________________________

Donated by

________________________________________

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

February 13 at 8am for March Issue

March 19 at 8am for April Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Ash Wednesday worshippers will receive this

wooden cross as a start to their Lenten set.

Contact Us

[email protected]

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-

4:30pm (noon summer Fridays)

Ph 763.682.1245 / Fax 763.684.1967

1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across

from 13th St S.)

PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

18

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life


Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director


Roxie Otten: Co-Director of Christian Education


Holly Husom: Co-Director of Christian Education


Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries


Jim Onstad: Youth Staff

Diane Montplaisir: Administrative Secretary


Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership


Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary


Ryan Bjokne: Facilities & Grounds Manager

[email protected]

Louis Nagel: Part-time Custodian

Missy Peterson & Laurel Lundeen: Nursery Staff

Launi Stuhr: Kids’ Place Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator

Congregational Council

Roger Brenny

Bill Deneen

Mike Davis

Kelly Hanson

Deana Jeske

Devonne Kent

Beverly Koopman

Sue Lyrek

Tom Moline

Mike Newman

Steve Peterson

Wanda Weber

Inside

Zion Lutheran Church

1200 Highway 25 S.

PO Box 88

Buffalo, MN 55313

www.ZionBuffalo.org

Address Service Requested

Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 11

Buffalo MN 55313

Address Label Here

My Heart Christ‘s Home 2

Study: Suffering & Hope 2

Christine & Brianna 3

A Welcoming Church Event 4

The Character of Christ 5

Basics of Biblical Finance 9

Winterfest 11

Change for Children 13

Truckload of Life 14

Easter Garden 17

Wes Mahlberg 16

March 2

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ZionBuffalo.org

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Documents

March 2012 Newsletter