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Zeal for Zion December 2017 Volume 12
Zion United Church of Christ, 415 South Main Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720
“Jesus”
by Rev. Eli O. Klingensmith
In Matthew Chapter One, we are told how an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. This is
what the angel said: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins,” 1:20, 21.
My friend, as we enter the Advent Season on our way to Christmas, may I invite you to join me in a new,
fresh and deeper discovery of the real significance of Christmas: Jesus Christ.
Over 2000 years ago, on a night the world has been pleased to call “Christmas,” a Jewish maiden did as
the angel revealed to Joseph. Mary gave birth to a Child. This Child was given the name “Jesus.”
From one perspective, there was nothing unusual about the name Jesus. It was a common designation in
the biblical world, and many parents called their boys Jesus, up until the second century. In some cultures, it’s still
popular. The Bible records four other men named Jesus. This name therefore speaks of His humanity, His
ordinariness.
Billy Graham wrote this about Jesus. “He lived in a small country and never went beyond its borders. He
was so poor that he said of himself that he had nowhere to lay his head. His only pocketbook was the mouth of a
fish. He rode another man’s beast. He cruised the lake in another man’s boat. He was buried in another man’s
grave. Yet he had laid aside a royal robe to do it.
He never wrote a book. His recorded words would hardly make a pocket edition. Yet if all the words that
have been written about him were brought together, they would fill a thousand Congressional Libraries.
He never studied medicine. Yet He healed those who came to him. The world would not have Him. Yet
when he died, the sun veiled its face and all the heavens put on mourning.”
Jesus had an ordinariness about Him. Yet Jesus had an extraordinariness about Him …”You are to give
him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” “Savior” is the meaning of the name “Jesus,”
but it has a fuller sense hidden within, for its Hebrew form means “the salvation of the Lord,” or “The Lord of
salvation,” or “the Savior.”
According to scholars, the divine name, the incommunicable title of the Most High is contained in “Joshua,”
the Hebrew form of Jesus, so that in full the word means “Jehovah Savior.”
It is given to our Lord because “he will save” - not from any temporary and common salvation, from
enemies and troubles, but He will save us from spiritual enemies, and especially from our sins.
Allow your heart to draw near to Him. Peace.
Eli
CONTACT US:
Phone: 330.499.8191
Website: OurZionUCC.org
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Our Zion UCC
CHURCH BUILDING HOURS:
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:
General Messages ext. 302
Jeffrey Blankenship ext. 308
Edna Trussell ext. 313 [email protected]
Nathaniel Green [email protected]
Luke Hawkins [email protected]
Eli Klingensmith ext. 303 [email protected]
Ralph Morrison ext. 311 [email protected]
Director of Music ext. 312
Sherry Sampson ext. 301 [email protected]
Rev. Eric Stricklin ext. 306 [email protected]
Zeal for Zion December 2017 Volume 12.2
Highlights
from Zion’s Consistory Meeting
Monday, November 13th
The Consistory meeting began in Beck Fellowship Hall
with a presentation by the Property Committee to display
the proposed materials for the Beck Fellowship Hall
Renovation Project. The projected improvements to
safety and appearance include replacement flooring for
Beck Hall, the stairway from the Narthex and the hallway
from the elevator; painting of the entire area and updating
of the sound system. The project details and funding
proposal will be presented for congregational approval at
the Congregational Meeting, called for December 10th,
following the morning worship service.
Also at the Congregational Meeting, the election of Sara
Fry as an Elder Emeritus of Zion United Church of Christ
will be voted upon.
Four Consistory members reported on the UCC/EOA
Workshop, “Vitality Days/ Transformational Worship”. The
workshop focused on finances and stressed creating a
culture of generosity.
Consistory acknowledged the need for an Emergency
Preparedness Plan for Zion and agreed to begin this
process. Anyone interested in joining this effort, please
contact Donna Brandau or Reverend Eli.
Consistory agreed to consider providing free meeting
space to non-profit organizations and will draft
appropriate policy and procedures.
David Jones updated the Main Street sign project status.
Negotiations continue with the city of North Canton and
Archer Sign Co.
Rev. Eli will hold a training session December 6th on
serving communion to members unable to attend regular
services.
The Deacons’ Council elected Rob Ramey as Vice-
chairman.
All Zion staff members received very favorable personnel
evaluations reflecting excellent performance of their du-
ties. Consistory approved Christmas gifts and individual-
ized pay increases for each staff member for 2018.
Consistory approved creation of a part time staff position
responsible for Zion’s electronic communications includ-
ing the website, social media, and the sign display. A job
description and compensation package will be drafted.
Consistory approved payment of tuition and expenses for
Rev Eric to enroll in a Princeton University online course
for youth ministry.
The 2018 Budget was outlined by Deacon Chair, John
Royer. It will include the Beck Hall Project (pending
Congregational approval) and provisions for replacement
of the failing sanctuary boiler. Consistory members are
studying the proposed budget in preparation for voting on
it at their December 11th meeting.
Respectfully,
Donna Brandau, Consistory President
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Congregational Meeting December 10th A meeting of the congregation of Zion United Church of Christ will be held on Sunday, December 10th immediately following the conclusion of the 10:15 Worship Service. Two proposals will be brought for a vote: 1. The election of Sara Fry to the position of Elder Emeritus. 2. A proposal, prepared by the Property Committee and
approved by the Consistory, for painting the walls and replacing the dangerously worn flooring in Beck Fellow-ship Hall.
In addition, the Congregation will be updated on the status of the Main Street electronic sign project which was approved at the Annual Meeting held in May. Please plan to stay the few extra minutes after the service to be part of these important decisions. God Bless Zion, Donna Brandau, Consistory President
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We reach out in love to our
Church family and friends who
have lost loved ones. May God’s
blessing, comfort and peace
surround you and your family.
The family and friends of James “Jim” McDowell who
passed away on October 15th.
Helen Willaman and family on the November 4th
passing of her daughter and our dear member, Judy
Cawthorne.
Edna and Max Trussell on the passing of Edna, Zion’s
Financial Secretary’s stepfather, Gayle Cline’s passing.
Zeal for Zion December 2017 Volume 12.3
“Light Your Candles”
“Light your candles quietly, such candles as you
possess, wherever you are.”
-Alfred Delp, German Jesuit Priest-
The word Advent, derived from Latin “adventus,”
literally means “arrival.” What, exactly, is arriving during the
season of Advent? Well as Christians, each year, we antici-
pate once again the arrival of our true light of the World,
Christ Jesus. During Advent we remember that Jesus, called
Immanuel, “God with us,” was first in the manger. Jesus, a
great, big light to the world was first small, and had to be
cared for by others.
Today, in 2017 we must still care for Jesus Christ,
who is still the light of the world. Not because Jesus is a help-
less newborn as he was upon is first arrival (Advent) in the
world, but because there remains darkness in the world, badly
in need of just such a light. I believe that young people carry
this light, the light of Christ, within them. As the Church, we
are called to help young Christians see this light within them-
selves, but also to recognize the Light of Christ that they carry
in the first place, and how it brightens the Church and the
world.
Children and youth of the world possess a unique
optimism, and willingness to welcome others as the Inn-
keeper at that first Advent welcomed the Holy Family. We
need that. We can and should learn from that. The Light of
Christ has arrived, and is always still arriving. It is present
within and arriving by way of the example that our youngest
Christians set for us, and that we set for them. We will light
candles to celebrate and remember the Light of Christ
throughout this Advent season. As we do so, let us remember
the Light that burns and beams within each of us wherever we
go. Let us, with the help of God, recognize this light, light our
candles, and shine it into the darkness wherever it is present.
Light your candles, this Advent season, and anticipate once
more, the arrival of the Light of Christ.
Amen.
In Christ,
Rev. Eric M. Stricklin
Pastor to Youth and Young Families
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark.”
Katrina Mayer
Saturday, December 2nd
“Breakfast with Santa” 8:30
am in Beck Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, December 3rd
9 am Jr. Worship time will be
used as a rehearsal for our youth Christmas Eve Pageant,
“The Christmas Story: Jesus Christ is the Same-Yesterday,
Today, and Forever.” Additional rehearsals at 9 am on
December 10th
, 17th
, and 9 am Christmas Eve morning.
Sunday, December 3rd 5:30-8 pm Merge Collaborative
Youth Ministry at Trinity UCC, “Not So Silent Night.” Join us
for a Christmas-themed night of games, a service project and
a candlelit closing circle. Meet at Zion at 5:30 pm to take the
bus to Trinity UCC. We will return by 8:15 at the latest. Pizza,
pop, and snacks provided. Invite a friend, all are welcome.
Friday, December 8th 6-8 pm “Polar Express” Movie
Night & Santa Giving Shop. Fun for the whole family! Come in
comfy clothes for pizza and a classic Christmas movie. All are
welcome!
Sunday, December 17th 6:30-8 pm Middle School/High
School Youth Group at Zion, we will have activities and
discussion around the theme “Why Christmas Still Matters.”
Food and drinks provided, friends and guests are always wel-
come!
Friday, December 22nd 2:00-3:30 pm Decorating Christmas
Cookies for First Responders. We seek donated, baked,
Christmas-themed sugar cookies that can be decorated to-
gether by families, and delivered on Christmas morning to
Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMTs who are on duty and
away from their families that day. Come for fun, and help
brighten Christmas Day for those who serve our community!
Christmas Morning, December 25th 8:30 am Deliver
Christmas cookies to First Responders. We will divide up all
of the cookies that we have decorated, and deliver them to
police stations and fire houses throughout our community.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Blue Christmas Service Sunday, December 10
th at 6:30 pm
Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues. Not everyone is up and
cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death
of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, and a
number of other situations make parties
and joviality painful for many people.
There is a growing attentiveness to the
needs of people who are blue at
Christmas. Rev. Eric will hold Zion’s first
Blue Christmas Service on Sunday,
December 10th
at 6:30 pm in the
Sanctuary.
Zeal for Zion December 2017 Volume 12.4
Join us on Saturday,
December 2nd at 830 am
for pancakes, sausage, a
carol sing-a-long with Bells
of Zion, and visit with San-
ta. This is a free event, but
registration is required. Call
the Church Office no later
than November 26th.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zion Lunch Away Join your Church family after worship for lunch at Mulligan’s
Pub on December 3rd at noon. You may make a reservation
by signing up in the Cloister or calling the Church Office.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Senior Christmas Dinner
The Zion Senior Council is
sponsoring a Christmas Dinner
on Thursday, December 7th.
We will begin in the Sanctuary with the entertainment at 11:15
am. Ralph Morrison, Jr. will share “The Nativity of Jesus”
during Pipe Organ Hymns +. This program of music for
Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany has a special emphasis on
the subject of Zion's Nativity stained-glass window: Mary,
Joseph and the Baby Jesus in a manger, with the Star of
Bethlehem shining overhead.
This beautiful window is near the far right exit door as you
leave the sanctuary. Look for the star and the 'visitors'.
Dinner will follow at noon in Beck Fellowship Hall. Dinner will
include ham loaf, scalloped potatoes, green beans, jello,
dessert and beverage for $10. Payment is due at time of
registration.
Pipe Organ Hymns+
Thursday, December 7th
All are invited to come just for this
wonderful program. Ralph Morrison, Jr.
will share “The Nativity of Jesus” in the
Sanctuary at 11:15 am.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Christmas Boxes
Our Women’s Guild will put together
Christmas Boxes for Zion shut-ins
and those in nursing homes on Fri-
day, December 8th. Delivery driv-
ers are needed for December 9th.
Sign up in the Cloister to help
brighten someone’s day.
This very popular movie is the first
Movie Night of the winter. We will
gather in Beck Hall on Friday,
December 8th at 6 pm for pizza,
popcorn, hot cocoa and the very
special Christmas movie, “The Polar
Express.” Sign up in the Cloister.
Come in comfy clothes or your
pajamas for a fun-filled night and be sure to share the joy and
bring a friend. This event is hosted by the Christian Education
Committee.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Christmas Poinsettia and White Gift Form
The 2017 White Gift and Poinsettia
Form is enclosed in this Zeal for Zion.
Please take a moment to remember a
loved one or a special celebration. To
allow enough time to get everything
typed, the deadline to order poinsetti-
as or make White Gift offerings is
Sunday, December 10th.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
December 3rd: 1st Sunday in Advent
Special Service at 10:15 am. We will share
Holy Communion by Intinction.
December 10th: Special Advent Service at
10:15 am.
December 10th: Blue Christmas Service at 6:30 pm.
December 17th: Special Advent Service at 10:15 am.
December 24th:
10:15 am Family Christmas Eve Service:
Our youth will share “The Christmas Story:
Jesus Christ is the Same-Yesterday, Today,
and Forever.” during this Worship
Service.
11:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve
Service. Special music will begin at 10:30 pm.
The service will include the Bells of Zion,
Chancel Choir, and our traditional candle lighting.
December 25th: Merry Christmas!
The Church Office and building will be closed. If you do not
pick up your poinsettias after the Candlelight Service, the
building will be open at 9:00 am on Tuesday, December 26th
for you to get your poinsettias.
The Zion Staff wish each of you many
blessing in the New Year!
Zeal for Zion December 2017 Volume 12.5
Zion’s Mission Committee is
sponsoring three local families in
need this Christmas through the
Community Christmas program. We
have 15 people Zion will bless this
Christmas. Tags for gifts and
grocery store gift cards are on the
tree in the Cloister. When you pull a tag please make sure
you sign your name on the sheet for the person / number you
have selected. Please consider pulling a name or two and
helping a couple of local less fortunate families’ Christmas be
a little brighter. Gifts will be due back to the Church no later
than December 3rd. If you would like to participate / contrib-
ute but are unable to shop please contact Brenda Shelkofsky.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hats, Mittens & More Tree
Zion’s Mitten Tree is ready for you to
decorate with gloves, mittens,
scarves, hats, young children’s
underclothing, sweatshirts, and
sweatpants. Collected items will be
shared locally with children attending
Canton City Schools. Please bring
your items by December 10th. All
items will be delivered to the children
that week.
Thank you! God bless you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ACME Community Cash Back
As the holidays are upon us, please keep in
mind to turn in your cash register slips
dated through December 31st for the
Missions Committee. What could go into
the paper recycling can provide money for
our Missions Committee to share with local
groups. Thank you for your support of this
project and the Missions Committee.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Baby Blessings
Congratulations to Sara & Ian Lemin on
the birth of their son, Caelan Lemin, on
November 10th. Caelan arrived early, but
is doing well. Please keep him and the
entire family in your prayers. The proud grandparents
are Dr. David and Donna Brandau and the great-
grandparents are Dr. James and Catherine Brandau.
Where’s Scout Troop 1
Going Now?
December 8-10 Feast at Camp
Tuscazoar
December 29-30 Lock-In at Zion
UCC
Regular Weekly Scout Meetings are Tuesdays at 7 pm.
For information regarding these events or joining the scout
troop, contact Mr. Jim Strauch, Scoutmaster. There is also a
Boy Scout mailbox outside the Church Office.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please inform the Church Office when
you leave for the warmer weather so that
we can check the computer to make sure
we have your correct mailing address.
The post office will not forward the Zeal
for Zion. Also, when you are headed
back home, give the Church Office a reminder call so we
can change the address in our database back to your home
address. We pray God’s blessing on you. Have a safe, fun,
healthy winter!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sock Ministry Thank You We would like to thank the Zion’ UCC
congregation for its generosity to the
Sock Ministry. To date, you have donated
over 200 pairs of men’s and women’s
socks. Those in need are now putting
them to good use. We currently have a
supply that should last for a month or
two, so we are suspending the sock collection. Blankets,
throws, etc. are the mission’s next concern; we will have a
box in the Cloister soon for these important cold weather
items. Thank you, again for your continued show of Christian
love in the ministry.
Wishing you grace and peace, Donna and Joe DiLauro.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Winter Weather
Cancellation
Information
In the event of a winter
weather cancellation, Zion
will notify the following:
WKYC - TV3, WEWS - TV5,
Fox 8, WHBC 1480, and Mix
94.1. You may also call the
church office weekdays between 9-4 to see if your evening
activity has been cancelled. Safety is our utmost concern.
Please keep this information handy!
Zeal for Zion December 2017 Volume 12.6
1st: David Jones
3rd: Arnold Frank
4th: Jean Mears, Al Sampson
6th: Glenn McClintock
9th: Sophia Redd, Alice Shoop, Roy Wagner
12th: Jim Shoop, Jaime Tobin
13th: Brady Tobin
15th: Lynn Smith, Emily Van Vranken, Carma Ziegelhofer
17th: Nancy Dively, Laverne Hines, Denise Llamas,
Don Lundstrom
18th: Terry Chellinsky, Tom Pritt
19th: Savanah Okray
20th: Marlyn Class
21st: Terry Green
22nd: Lucille Humphrey
23rd: Pat Gerstenmaier, Doris Willaman
26th: Dorothy Smith
27th: Carol Barbaro
28th: Steve Shoop, Bryan Sweitzer
30th: Sandy Rovnak, Mike Teis
31st: Nancy Danner, Chriss Mockridge, Wendy Tobin
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mike & Margaret Cole December 1, 1972
Kris & Rob Ramey December 1, 2001
Gary & Beatrice Bickel December 7, 1996
Michael & Yanping Green December 9, 2007
Martino & Sarah Popa December 10, 2016
Dick & Karen Conde December 17, 1966
Jim & Darlene Cross December 22, 1984
Jess & Marion Ball December 23, 1950
Bob & Lisa McCleaster December 23, 1972
Darryl & Meredith Flinn December 30, 1988
Jeff & Kim Palmerton December 31, 2009
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Zion family,
I want to again thank you all for
celebrating my 20 years of ministry here at
Zion. I have always counted it a great privilege to be called
your Pastor.
Thank you for the love, words of appreciation and
support that you have always offered to me, and especially
on November 12th. The memory of that Sunday will always
remain in my heart.
In Christ’s Love, Eli
Dear Friends of Zion UCC,
I thank all of you for your prayers and concerns.
I appreciate the lovely cards you all have
signed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I am sending hugs for each of you until I can
come back and give all of you big hugs in per-
son.
My love and prayers to all, Helen Shelton
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for helping with our service
project and sharing your Christmas love this
year with 70 children all over the world. It
will be exciting to see the final destination of
some of the boxes. Thank you also for
supporting the MOPS Ministry. We treasure
our time together each month.
Merry Christmas from MOPS!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Friends,
Thank you to all who signed cards which were sent to me
during David’s illness and death. Also, to those who came
for calling hours. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Rev. Eric for
praying with David and me. It was such a blessing and
helped me through a very difficult time. Another special
thank you to our Prayer & Praise group. Many prayers were
being offered for David and me.
God bless you!
Love, Lucille Humphrey
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for the flowers, prayers, visits and work the
Ladies of the church have shown to us.
John & Lorraine Summer
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you to the Property
Committee and all of those who
gave of their time on Saturday,
November 25th to prepare our
church for Christmas! May God
bless each of you!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Community Food Drive
THANK YOU Zion members, Scouts, and neighbors!! Our
goal was to beat last year’s collection of 1,066 lbs. On
Saturday, Oct. 21, Zion Lutheran picked up 955
pounds of food for their food pantry. But, the
Scouts didn’t make their donation until they
came for their spaghetti dinner that evening and
between their donation and a couple of bags
donated Monday morning, when added,
amounted to 1,081 pounds! A special thank you
to our faithful, strong scouts David, Christian,
Jack, Nick, and Mitchell! God is good!
