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Zeal for Zion March 2017 Volume 3
Zion United Church of Christ, 415 South Main Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720
“It Is Finished”
by Rev. Eli O. Klingensmith
My friend, as Easter draws near, April 16th, I invite you to rethink the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross.
John 19:30 states, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that he bowed his head and gave
up his spirit.” “It is finished” means what? One thing it does not mean is that God’s plan had been foiled. In fact, it means
the opposite. By his death and resurrection Jesus Christ fully and triumphantly completed the task for humankind’s
redemption.
Now I realize, to many people the mention of Christ’s death and shed blood is distasteful. After all this is 2017
AD not 17 AD. It grates upon their proud ego to think that such a price had to be paid for their sin. To the natural person,
Jesus’ suffering and death are foolish. It always has been. See what the Apostle Paul said about it in I Corinthians 1:18.
The Bible makes clear “… without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness,” Hebrews 9:22. God was
teaching us that our disobedience and rebellion are serious issues. God said that as a result of our disobedience and
rebellion blood must be shed. Jesus Christ gave His life as our substitute. Jesus suffered our death on the cross. Jesus
shed His blood for us. It is important that we understand what that means for us.
First, the blood of Christ justifies and saves us. Romans 5:9 states, “Since we have now been justified by his
blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him.” The word “justify” means “to account
righteous, to clear of guilt, to acquit.” Friend, you and I cannot justify a person who has wronged us. We can only forgive
that person. God alone can justify.
Second, the blood of Christ cleanses our consciences. I love Hebrews 9:14. “How much more, then, will the
blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts
that lead to death.” Yes, I love that. I love it because it is from a cleansed conscience emerges a changed life. No matter
what I have done, or what you have done, when we repent, seek God’s forgiveness, God wipes the slate clean. God
removes the defilement, the stain that my sinful behavior created. I am clean. What a wonderful, marvelous experience.
Third, we are redeemed by the blood of Christ. Listen to 1 Peter 1:18, 19. “For you know that it was not with
perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from
your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” The word “redeem” mean “to
buy back,” “to recover by paying a price.”
My friend, on the cross Jesus paid the price for our deliverance, a price unthinkably greater than our value.
Jesus did this because He loved us. We were redeemed, recovered, restored by the precious blood of Jesus.
The blood of Christ may seem to be a grim and repulsive subject to those who do not understand nor appreciate
its true significance; but to those of us who have accepted Christ’s redemption, and have had our conscience cleansed,
and have been set free from the power and slavery of sin, the blood of Christ is precious.
When I remind myself of Jesus’ words on the cross, “It is finished,” I am reminded of what His death has
accomplished and provided for me and for you. When I do, I shout and sing, “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” Do you?
Eli
CONTACT US:
Phone: 330.499.8191
Website: OurZionUCC.org
Email: [email protected]
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:
General Messages ext. 302
Jeffrey Blankenship ext. 308
Bonnie Collmar ext. 313 [email protected]
Mark Holland [email protected]
Eli Klingensmith ext. 303 [email protected]
Ralph Morrison ext. 311 [email protected]
Chris Robinson ext. 312 [email protected]
Sherry Sampson ext. 301 [email protected]
Rev. Eric Stricklin ext. 306 [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
CUSTODIAN HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zeal for Zion March 2017 Volume 3.2
Highlights from Zion’s Consistory Meeting
on Monday, February 13, 2017
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Everyone was reminded of the two fundraising dinners coming up later this month. First, on Saturday, Feb.25., we will have our Swiss Steak Dinner in BFH from 4:30 - 7:00 pm. Then, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, Rev. Eric and Zion's youth will host a " Breakfast for Dinner " pancake, biscuits and homemade sausage gravy dinner. Please come out and support both of these fundraiser dinners.
The Marketing Committee announced that Zion's new website is being tested and will soon be ready to be used. Also, they stated that they are continuing to look at various options and estimates to place an electronic sign in front of our church. Such a sign would allow for a significant increase in the quality, timeliness and amount of information we can display regarding our church activities.
It was announced that Bonnie Collmar, our Financial Secretary, has submitted a letter announcing her retirement at the end of July. Consistory immediately created a team to search for a replacement.
All committee members were reminded to complete their committee reports and get those to Sherry Sampson so that the Annual Report can be produced and ready to share with the congregation prior to the Annual Meeting on May, 21, 2017.
Rev. Eli is assembling a Nominating Committee to begin contacting members to serve as Deacons and Elders on Consistory. Elections will take place later this spring. Members are being asked to seriously consider serving on Consistory during this time when so many exciting things are taking place at Zion.
Rev. Eric also announced that he is planning a Youth Mission Trip July 11 - 16 to Louisville, Ky. The goal of the trip is to teach our youth the Gospel through a ministry model of serving others.
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It’s Sunday FUNDAY Time
Get ready for some family fun! Join us at Sky
Zone, 4381 Whipple Ave. on Sunday, March 5th
from 12:30-2:45. Please sign up in the Cloister or
call the Church Office to make a reservation.
Payment may be made to Rev. Eric. You are in for a jumpin’
good time!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
March 12th at 5 ~ “‘The Passion’ Live”
March 26th from 6:30-8 ~ Youth Group
Dear Zion Youth and
Young Families:
Things are getting busy at
Zion in the month of March
and moving forward! I hope
that you are as excited as I
am for all that we have
ahead of us together.
Sunday, March 5th
is our first Sunday Funday Outing! All
Zion youth (all ages) are invited to join us for a fun afternoon
after worship at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Canton. Our
jumping adventure is scheduled for 12:30 to 2:00 pm. with a
pizza party from 2:00 to 2:45 pm. All that we ask is $10 per
jumper to cover jumping, pizza, pop, and Sky Socks. Please
let the church know if the cost is prohibitive, and we will
ALWAYS make sure there is a spot for you. ALL are
welcome! We also encourage your kids to invite their friends
to our Sky Zone event, and every Zion Youth event!
This Sunday Funday outing is the first in what will become
something that you and your families can expect each month.
Some of our fun outings will include bowling, laser tag,
miniature golf, board game night, and many others! For each
event, we will have invitations made for our young people to
give to their friends at school. We hope that many will join us!
March is the month when we will officially begin our Sunday
evening middle school/high school youth group programming.
The Sunday Funday outing March 5th will take the place of
what would ordinarily be our first meeting, so our actual first
Youth Group night will be Sunday, March 12th
from 5:00 to
8:00 p.m. (Movie Night). Our normal meeting format will
include snack and games time, worship, and discussion of
current issues effecting students, from a Christ-centered
perspective. To start, Youth Group will occur on a bi-weekly
basis, so in March we will meet on the 12th
and 26th
.
Our Confirmation class has a special interfaith learning
opportunity coming up in March. On Sunday, March 19th
at
9:00 a.m. Rabbi Jon Adland, from Temple Israel in Canton
will be our guest teacher, as the students learn about
Judaism. Then, on Friday, March 24th
, our Confirmands will
travel together to Temple Israel for their 6:00 pm Shabbat
service. Parents are invited and encouraged to join us for this
unique opportunity!
We have lots going on, so keep your eyes and ears peeled
for the latest. And as always, if you have any questions or
concerns please feel free to call or email me. See you soon!
In Christ,
Rev. Eric M. Stricklin
Pastor to Youth, Families and Young Adults
Zion’s Vision Statement To bring people to Jesus Christ through our
preaching, teaching and living of the Gospel,
so that God becomes the focus of daily lives.
Zeal for Zion March 2017 Volume 3.3
Zion Lunch Away Join your church family at The Desert Inn in Canton after
church on March 5th for some great Mediterranean food and
fellowship. They open at noon, so drive leisurely. To make a
reservation, sign up in the Cloister or call the Church Office.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GriefShare Resumes If you have experienced loss, are grieving, and
would like to be part of this compassionate
GriefShare group, the next 13-week session will
begin on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:30 pm in the
Chapel. You will find this a warm, caring
environment which will become an “oasis” on
your journey through grief. The cost of this
renewing workshop is $20.00. This fee covers
the cost of the workbook and may be paid your
first night. For more information contact Connie Hausenfleck,
Barbara Steinbauer, or the Church Office.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark your calendars for Movie Night
on March 12th at 5:00 pm. We will
view “’The Passion’ Live”. The
Passion is an American music
television special narrated and hosted
by Tyler Perry which was broadcast
LIVE from New Orleans on Palm
Sunday, March 20, 2016. It is a contemporary retelling of
The Passion of Jesus Christ set to popular music with a
mixture of live and pre-recorded segments. Some reviews
stated that this live presentation was comparable to Super
Bowl halftime shows. Be sure to join us for pizza and snacks.
Make this a great addition to your Lenten season.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Free Community Lunch The next Free Community Lunch is on March 18
th from 11:30
to 1:30. We will serve pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad,
chips and dessert. The Missions Committee asks for help
from the Congregation to set up, prepare and serve food the
day of the luncheon, and for donations of either cookies or
brownies. In order to make this event a success, we also
need the support of our Zion family to attend and also invite
your family, friends and neighbors.
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Winter Weather Cancellation Information
In the event of a 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. Please keep this information handy!
We reach out in love to our Church
Family who has lost loved ones. May
God’s blessing, comfort and peace
surround you and your family.
Bob & Connee Kneen, Emily, Richard, and Bryan Witmer,
and Molly & Christopher Kneen on the passing of Bob’s
sister, Susan “Suzie” Dancy on January 24th.
Dr. Jody Mathie & John Hoffman, Julie & Robert Cross
and family and friends on the January 27th passing of
their mother, Marilyn June Mathie.
Ruth Kardos on the January 30th passing of her dear
friend Richard Hostetler.
The family and friends of Edna Schaub who passed away
on January 31st.
Pat Gerstenmaier and family on the February 2nd passing
of her husband, Charles.
Carolyn Howes and family as our beloved Mary Boehme
went to her heavenly reward on February 3rd. There will
be a Celebration of Life service on March 11th at Zion.
The family and friends of Margaret Diebel who passed
away on February 4th.
Dick and Karen Conde on the passing of Dick’s
step-mother, Barbara A. Conde, on February 4th.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It’s Dinner Time
The next Public Swiss Steak Dinner
will be March 25th from 4:30-7:00
pm. If you have never volunteered to
help, there are many things that need
done for this dinner. Please sign up in
the Cloister or you may call the
Church Office to help with this church
fundraiser. Be sure to invite your family, friends and neighbors
for a fantastic Swiss steak dinner.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our Ecuador Mission We may not be sending a mission team to
Ecuador this year, but our hearts are still
there. We will collect shoes and socks as
well as accept monetary donations which
will go to Ecuador. There is a box in the
Cloister for children’s shoes and socks.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Sharing makes you bigger than you are. The more you pour out the more you will be
able to pour in.” quotesgram.com
Zeal for Zion March 2017 Volume 3.4
Wednesday, March 1st
No Wednesday Family Night
7:00 pm - Ash Wednesday
Service
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
by Adam Hamilton
Travel to the Jordan River, where
Jesus was baptized, and the Judean wilderness where he
was tempted. Climb the mountain where Jesus may have
given his most famous sermon, and take a boat into the Sea
of Galilee. This journey into the heart of the land where Jesus
walked, will deepen your understanding of His life, while also
increasing your love and faith in Him.
Dinner is at 6:00. The video series begins at 6:30.
Wed., March 8 Baptism and Temptation: The Jordan River
and the Wilderness
Wed., March 15 The Healing Ministry: Capernaum
Wed., March 22 Proclaiming the Kingdom: The Mountains
Wed., March 29 Calming the Storm: The Sea of Galilee
Wed., April 5 Sinners, Outcasts, and the Poor: Samaria
Thur., April 13 The Final Week: Jerusalem
Encounter the life and ministry of Jesus in a fresh and exciting
way. In The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus, author
and pastor Adam Hamilton explores the three-year earthly
ministry of Jesus to help you hear His teaching and view His
actions anew by drawing upon insights from history,
archaeology, and the geography of the Holy Land.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Committee Chairpersons
It is time to compile the information for the Annual Report.
Committee Chairs, please take some time to review your
accomplishments, challenges, and goals and submit your
information for 2016 to the Church Office no later than March
5th. Your timeliness and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday,
May 21st following the worship service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Remember
to move your clocks
ahead on March 11th!
Vacation Bible School will be here before
we know it. The theme for this year's VBS
is “Maker Fun Factory.” The children will
learn about how we were all created by
God for a purpose. This year's VBS is
June 5th - 9th from 9:00 am-12:00 noon
with the VBS Celebration happening on Sunday, June 11th.
Attention volunteers - keep this week available! We are in
need of about 30 volunteers (both youth and adults). If you
are interested in being a VBS volunteer, please contact Alycia
Kakos or Rev. Eric.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Hope Chest Thank you, Zion, for collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, and
deodorant for the homeless children in Canton City School
District. Since this is their need, we will continue collecting
them through March. Thank you to Chris McMaster for being
our liaison and getting all of the donations down to Canton.
Thank you for caring about our local children!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Preparing for Good Friday
This season, Zion Chancel Choir will be
singing Part II (the Good Friday portion)
of Handel's Messiah for our annual
Tenebrae service on April 14th at 7:00
pm. As has become customary, we will
also be performing earlier that day for
those who can make it at Faith UCC - Judy Jones' church in
Brewster. We are looking for "Festival Choir" volunteers and
any additional interested voices to help us present this
monumental piece. From now through Good Friday, we will
devote from 7:30 to 8:30 pm of our Thursday rehearsals to
learning this challenging and rewarding work. This is a great
opportunity to sing this rarely performed segment of Handel's
masterpiece and expand our music ministry. If you can help
us, please attend as often as you can. Scores will be
provided. Thanks!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday,
March 26th
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special mission offering
of the United Church of Christ involves you in disaster,
refugee/immigration, and development ministries throughout
the world. When a disaster strikes or people are displaced or
made refugees by violence or extreme poverty, you are part
of the immediate response and of the long-term recovery.
Zeal for Zion March 2017 Volume 3.5
1st: Jeanette Hart
2nd: Gabriela Jocas, Jeff Sweitzer
4th: Sara Fry, Bryan McMaster
6th: Brad Teis, Richard Vaughn
7th: Beverly MacNealy
9th: John M. Cross
12th: Jan Snyder, Barbara Steinbauer
13th: Kaeden Green
14th: Charlotte Powell, Tom Redd, Tim Selinsky,
Thelma Uber
15th: Marianna Jocas, Ruth Kardos
16th: Jordan Fleischman, Alexa McCleaster
17th: Scott Krusemark
18th: Lorraine Summer, Lisa Sweitzer
19th: Nathaniel Green
21st: Garry Fisher
23rd: Doris Sahli, Brittany Teis
24th: Jane Putnam
26th: Shirley Daniluk, Kim Palmerton, Judy Takacs, David
Warren
27th: Francesca Indorf
28th: Ann Warren
31st: Kim Sanford
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
March 4, 1995 Steve & Carrie Anne Shoop
March 9, 1957 Larry & Joyce Teeple
March 16, 2013 Frank & Ashlie Haynam
March 17, 1962 Ron & Peg Kindy
March 17, 1979 David & Lyn Mariner
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We wish to thank the many people who
helped us by taking me to the grocery store
and to see Bob every day, and taking Bob
to the doctor’s, when needed. Also for the
many prayers and good wishes we
received. Thank you to Rev. Eli for the
visits I received while in the hospital and St.
Luke’s. The flowers that Sara brought to us from the altar
were very beautiful.
Many, many thanks to all,
God bless, Ruth and Bob Zimmerman
Happy Birthday,
Dr. Seuss - March 2nd 5 Lessons in Life from Dr. Seuss
1. Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
2. Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
3. You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
4. Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
5. Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Read Across America Day is held annually on a school
day closest to March 2nd each year. The day promotes
reading for children.
Schools and libraries take a lead role in making Read Across
America Day happen across the United States. Kids are
encouraged to read and set reading goals. The day may
include reading fairs and other activities that make reading fun
for young people.
The National Education Association in 1997 moved to create
a day to celebrate reading in the United States. The following
year in 1998 the day became an official observance in the
United States encouraging reading for our youth. March 2nd
was selected as the date for this observance because it is the
birth date of Dr. Seuss who wrote many famous kids books.
Read Across America Day is not an national holiday but
rather an observance.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Get Unplugged
March 3rd - 4th
The first Friday in March of
each year is National Day of
Unplugging. This holiday
consists of a 24-hour period
from sundown to sundown, to
unplug, unwind, relax and do
things other than using
today’s technology, electronics and social media.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Prayer is asking God to align you with His will rather than asking
Him to align with yours.
Zeal for Zion March 2017 Volume 3.6
ELDERS
Elders are members of the congregation elected
for a term of three years and ordained to this office to
assist and support the Pastor in the general government of
the church. Individuals must have served as a Deacon prior
to becoming a candidate for Elder. The Elders form, with
the Pastor, council-in-common for the spiritual supervision
of the congregation which is committed to their care.
Elders are to be the advisors and counselors to the
Pastor in the discharge of his holy office; they are to be
to him as hands and eyes, acting with him and for him, and
representing his presence throughout the congregation.
Elders are to attend monthly Spiritual Council and
Consistory meetings, which are both currently held the
second Monday of each month.
DEACONS
Deacons are members of the congregation elected
for a term of three years and ordained to his office to aid
in securing the funds necessary for the support of the
church in its various activities.
Deacons are elected to assist and support the
Pastor in those ministrations which pertain to the more
outward needs of the general household of faith. They are
to aid the general household of faith and secure funds
necessary for the support of the church in its various
activities. They are to labor among the people, making
known to them the needs of the church, fostering the
principle of stewardship, and cultivating the spirit of
liberal and cheerful giving.
Deacons make up the Deacons Council and are to
attend both the Deacons Council and Consistory meetings
which are both currently held the second Monday of each
month.
Please prayerfully consider those members of Zion
who you feel would take on the challenge and privilege of
serving as Elder or Deacon and submit their names or your
own.
ELDER AND DEACON NOMINATIONS
The Nominating Committee (Terri Haynam, Bob
Kneen, Paula Merten, John Royer) is looking for potential
candidates for the offices of Elder and Deacon,
commencing with the church year beginning in July 2017.
Elected members shall serve three years. Any member in
good standing is eligible to hold elective office, provided
he or she has been a member of the Zion congregation for
at least one year. To be nominated for Elder the potential
nominee must have served previously as Deacon. Retiring
Elders and Deacons are ineligible for re-election to
Consistory for one year.
Each person must give his or her personal approval
before that person’s name may be placed on the nominating
ballot. Please contact the Nominating Committee with your
potential nominees or call Garry Fisher, Consistory
President, at 330.330.309.0263. You may also use the
form below and place it in the offering plate or bring it to
the Church Office by May 1, 2017.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Elder Candidates
1.__________________________
2.__________________________
3.__________________________
Deacon Candidates
1.__________________________
2.__________________________
3.__________________________
________________________________________
Signature (optional)
