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Zeal for Zion May 2017 Volume 5
Zion United Church of Christ, 415 South Main Street, North Canton, Ohio 44720
“Remember What God Has Done”
by Rev. Eli O. Klingensmith
My friend, I love the story in the Old Testament Book of Joshua where the nation of Israel miraculously crosses
the Jordan River and sets up camp at Gilgal. They also set up two piles of rocks. What? Why?
Setting up camp at Gilgal, because of its location, made perfect sense. It would split the land of Canaan right in
half. Taking time to set up rock piles, at first, doesn’t make sense. Why do it? Why would it be so important?
Joshua 4:2,3 “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve
stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put
them down at the place where you stay tonight.”
The Bible deals with the awesome power of memory in the same way it does many other concepts, with very
little description or theoretical discussion. In a complete concordance of the Scriptures, you will find the noun “memory”
listed less than 6 times. When a memory becomes something more concrete, like a memorial, it jumps up to 25
references. When it becomes a verb as “to remember” or “call to mind a remembrance,” then there are over 250 such
references. About 75 of them are requests for God to remember something such as God’s covenants, God’s promises,
or God’s people. Some of them are requests for God not to remember something such as our sins and our failures. The
remaining 175 times refer to the forgetfulness of people. Friend, you and I are persons with forgetful minds that need to
be stimulated by way of remembrance. I know I need it.
A person or a people who do not and/or cannot remember are sooner or later going to lose their perspective.
You’ve heard it said that those who do not take history seriously are bound to repeat the mistakes of the past. It is the
same for the people of God. It is important for us to remember. We are so apt to forget all that God has said and done
for us.
Those stones, in Joshua 4, were to be arranged as a memorial, an ongoing testimonial of how God led His
people across the Jordan River at flood-time, on dry ground - a miraculous act never to be forgotten. Those stones were
to be an enduring sermon, directed not for the ears, but for the eyes.
Do you recall the Easter cross as it hung over the Chancel area? More importantly, do you recall the signifi-
cance of all that we celebrate on Easter Sunday? We worship and serve a risen Savior. “You ask me how I know He
lives? He lives within my heart!” Remind yourself of that truth daily.
Other significant reminders? How about Mother’s Day is May 14th? How about our Annual Meeting on May
21st? How about Pentecost Sunday on June 4th where confirmands will be added to Zion UCC? Speaking of Zion, our
church will be 203 years old on June 14th. God continues to do great things in our lives and in the life of this congrega-
tion. It’s okay to say we are proud to be a part of both the Universal Church and this local church called Zion.
I know I am. I celebrate the fact that I have been on staff here at Zion for 20 years. Consistory hired me as a
part-time visitation minister in May 1997. By August I became the full-time Designated Associate Pastor, and in April
1999 I was called to be the Senior Pastor. What a privilege it has been and is to walk together in faith, serving and
worshiping our living eternal Creator who has revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ.
I encourage all of us to remember what God has done for us?
Eli
CONTACT US:
Phone: 330.499.8191
Website: OurZionUCC.org
Email: [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
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:
General Messages ext. 302
Jeffrey Blankenship ext. 308
Bonnie Collmar ext. 313 [email protected]
Nathaniel Green [email protected]
Luke Hawkins [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]
Zeal for Zion May 2017 Volume 5.2
Highlights from Zion’s Consistory Meeting
on Monday, April 10, 2017
We reviewed the various “Ministries of Help" which were
created and have steadily grown during the past year. Such
ministries include Meal Ministries, GriefShare, Transporta-
tion, and Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS). Another one,
Advocacy, will be bringing numerous speakers on topics
such as wills, trusts, financial planning, and others as part of
an educational series. To kick off this series, on Wednesday,
May 24th, Mr. Mark Mahoney from Ameriprise will be
discussing wills, trusts and retirement in BFH at 7 pm. There
is no charge and no obligation for those wishing to attend.
This series is for educational purposes.
We also discussed and continue working toward our May
21st Annual Meeting. May I remind everyone of the
importance of this meeting. It occurs only once each year,
and this is when we vote on new Deacons and Elders to
serve on Consistory. The Annual Report (or Business
Report) will be available May 7th. Finally, it can also be the
time when other important business issues can be voted
upon, as is the case this year. We strive to keep this meeting
brief, and encourage all members to attend because there
has never been a more critical time in Zion's 200-year history
where the many programs we are working so hard on are
going to impact our well-being in the very near future. We
need everyone's support!
The Nominating Committee has been working hard to
prepare the names of those members who will be running as
Deacons or Elders for Consistory. Those candidates' names
were presented to Consistory, and will be presented to the
congregation two consecutive weeks prior to the Annual
Meeting, May 21. Nominations can also be presented from
the floor during those times.
A search committee continues to advertise and review
resumes for the position of Financial Secretary as Bonnie
Collmar will be retiring in July of this year.
A committee has been working diligently to investigate and
gather quotes to improve our church sign on the front lawn.
The brick structure will remain, but a new logo and electronic
signs will greatly enhance our messages and present a more
modern image. Information about this project will soon
be presented to the congregation for their support and
approval.
An ad. hoc. committee continues studying our church's
various funds to clearly define their intent and proper usage
for everyone to better understand. At the same time, we are
investigating more effective investment opportunities to
ensure that we are maximizing the earnings potential on all
funds.
“With God’s Support, We Can Do Anything.”
Celebrating Christ’s
Resurrection Every
Week
Recently, Rabbi Jon Adland
from Temple Israel in Canton
came to Zion to serve as our
guest instructor for Confirmation. He was giving a Judaism
101 lesson, but he posed an interesting and difficult question
to our young Christian students. Rabbi asked, “Do any of you
know why as Christians, you worship on Sundays?” He
received a few different good-hearted answers (the Sabbath,
etc.) before teaching them the actual reason. The reason that
Christians worship on Sunday morning, is because we
believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was raised from
the tomb of his crucifixion on a Sunday morning. Each
Sunday morning for Christians is intended to be a real
celebration of Christ’s triumph over death through his
resurrection, and the freedom from death and sin’s darkness
that this represents for each one of us.
We sing praises and offer our prayers in thanksgiving for this
event that changed the world forever, and hopefully Sunday
morning inspires us to carry the light of Christ into the world
with us during the week. Whenever we gather as Christians,
we do so as the resurrected Body of Christ. We should rejoice
in this fellowship into which we are called and share, and I
pray that we’ll invite others to join us. So whether it is on a
Sunday morning, or a Wednesday night, or together at the
bowling alley or ball park, or wherever...Please come and be
the Body with us at Zion, and leave carrying the Light of
Christ into your daily world for others to see. All are always
welcome here, in Jesus name.
In Christ,
Rev. Eric M. Stricklin
Pastor to Youth & Young Families
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sluggers and Putters Sunday Funday May 28th
Join us for an afternoon of fun after worship on May 28th.
Those riding the church bus will meet at Zion at 1:00. If you
choose, you may meet us there. The cost is $10 per person.
To register, please sign up in the Cloister or call Rev. Eric so
we have a good count for the bus. Remember to invite your
friends!! This will be a blast.
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 May 2017 Volume 5.3
Zion Annual Meeting - May 21st
The Annual Meeting for Zion UCC will be held on Sunday,
May 21st following a shortened worship service. During this
time, members will vote for their representatives for Deacon
and Elder, and hear information about Zion Church. Please
make an extra effort to be part of your church’s meeting.
At the April Consistory meeting the following slate of
candidates was approved.
Candidates for Deacon: David Jones, Tammy Morris,
Rob Ramey.
Candidates for Elder: Joe DiLauro, Alexa McCleaster,
Nancy Dively, Homer Richards.
Additional individuals may be added by nominating from the
floor or completing a form available in the Cloister.
In preparation for the meeting, the Annual Report will be available in the Cloister on May 7th.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DO YOU JUST BELONG?
Are you an active member, the kind that would be missed?
Or are you just contented that your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the flock?
Or do you just drive home then criticize and knock?
Do you take an active part to help the work along,
Or are you satisfied to only just belong?
Do you work on a committee and get right in and mix,
Or leave the work to just a few and talk about the “cliques?”
Think this over, member, you know what’s right from wrong:
Are you an active member, or do you just belong.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
New Members’ Class
If you’ve been worshiping with us for some time now and you
would like to officially join Zion Church, a New Members’
Class will begin soon. If you are interested in attending,
please see Rev. Eli or call the Church Office.
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.
Denise and Sophia Llamas on the March 27th passing of
Sophia’s grandmother, Maria Llamas.
The family and friends of Madonna Kutcher who passed
away on April 12th.
Marcy Klee, Julia Mammoser, Laruen Meenan, Glenn
McClintock and family and friends on the sudden passing
of their loved one, Kevin Klee, on April 15th.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is next
month, June 5-9 from 9:00-12
Noon. We are still in need of
volunteers to assist with VBS.
If you are interested in being a
VBS volunteer, please contact
Alycia Kakos soon. There are
registration forms in the Cloister
for you to pre-register your children. If you have friends that
are interested in coming to VBS this year, please feel free to
take them registration forms.
VBS Online Registration: Registration can also be
completed online by going to the website:
https://vbspro.events/p/events/821c9e
Vacation Bible School Staff Meeting: We are having a
VBS Staff meeting on Wednesday, May 31 at 6 pm in Beck
Fellowship. All volunteers need to attend.
Youth Sunday: Sunday, June 11th is Youth Sunday during
the 10:15 service. All youth, 6th grade - college, may contact
Alycia Kakos or Rev. Eric to get involved in the service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Day is a federal holiday where we honor those
who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces.
On this day, May 29th, the Church Building will be closed.
Would you like to ride in the
church bus in the parade? Would
you like to walk the parade route
and distribute VBS flyers and
candy? Contact Nancy Dively at
330.284.6013 for this time of
fellowship and fun. Meet at the
church at 8:15 am.
Zeal for Zion May 2017 Volume 5.4
Baptism and Reaffirming Vows
Beginning April 26th, and continuing
May 3rd and 10th , Rev. Eli will share
the topic of baptism and reaffirming
vows during Wednesday Family Night.
Come for a light dinner at 6:00 pm followed by this time of
learning. A time for rededication is in the planning process.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zion Lunch Away
Join your church family at La Pizzaria
after church on May 7th. To make a
reservation, sign up in the Cloister or
call the Church Office.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2017 Graduate Information
We would like to recognize all of our
high school and college graduates in
the June Zeal for Zion. Please submit
in writing or via email: names of
graduates, schools, honors, clubs,
extra- curricular activities, degrees,
and future course of study or your
employment to the Church Office by May 12th.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mothers Day is May 14th
“Successful mothers are not the ones who
have never struggled. They are the ones
that never give up despite the struggles.”
Sharon Jaynes
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Community Free Luncheon
The next Community Free Luncheon is on
May 20th from 11:30 to 1:30. We will serve
Sloppy Joe sandwiches with sides, dessert,
and drink. 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.
Thank you, Connie Hausenfleck, for or-
ganizing the beautiful display of crosses and
eggs in the display case in the Narthex during
Lent. This Easter display was enjoyed by all.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
T hanks to all of you.
H ave received many cards & phone calls.
A lways can count on the wonderful Zion family.
N ever without all your prayers.
K nowing God watches over us.
S urgery went well - hope to be back to church soon.
God’s Blessings, Norma Ramsey
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you Zion UCC members for your generous donations
of non-perishable food items for the Stark County Hunger
Task Force. A member of Zion Lutheran North Canton came
on April 12th and picked up 153 lbs. for their food bank.
The Missions Committee
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday School Celebration
May 21st All of the Sunday School classes will share a
time of celebration in Beck Fellowship Hall at
9:00 am on May 21st. A continental breakfast
will be served. If you have been part of a
Sunday School class this year, come and
enjoy this time of fellowship.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Totenfest - May 28th During the regular worship service at 10:15, Zion will
recognize the members of Zion who have gone on to their
heavenly reward since May 2016. A beautiful arrangement of
carnations is placed on the Communion Table. Each white
carnation represents a member who has gone to their eternal
home. The one red carnation in the middle represents all of
our other loved ones who no longer have life on this earth. It
is a very solemn part of our Memorial Day Service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Confirmation Sunday is
Pentecost Sunday, June 4th
Four confirmands have been spending the
year learning about the Christian faith and Zion
Church. They started off the year with Rev. Eli
and conclude the year with Rev. Eric. Come
and support our youth as they are confirmed.
Zeal for Zion May 2017 Volume 5.5
1st: Marilyn Stehler, Roxanne Teis
2nd: Marlene Loutzenheiser
3rd: Ruth Hodapp
4th: Tristin Haynam
5th: Cheryl Mitchell, Jay Oatley
6th: Marilyn Boettler, Nancy Boudreau
7th: Bruce Calvin, Carol Young
8th: Faye Henley, Lukas Pemberton, Kile Sanford, Dick Stahl
9th: Richard Werstler
10th: Lyn Mariner, Jim Van Vranken
11th: Joan Hauser, Bonnie Zimmer
14th: Amy Downard, Sherry Johanning
15th: Jan Kirby, Conrad Piero, Lori Sacks
16th: Ron Miller, Kylie Shambaugh
17th: Jason Kuhns
18th: Carl Goodin, Molly Kneen
19th: Zachary Henley
20th: Judy Cawthorne, Lisa McCleaster, Tim Shipley,
Holly Tobin
22nd: Jacquie Ferrel, Skip Marquardt
23rd: Betty Lou Lehman, Abigail Nicholson, Zachary Warstler
24th: Bobbie Baker
25th: Carolyn Howes, Dottie Pritt
26th: Alan Dawson, Stephanie Stephens, Lucas Todd, Bryan
Witmer
27th: Elinor Steiner
28th: Amy Cox
29th: David Brandau
30th: Isabella Carter, Chase Merten
31st: Robert Marquardt III
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steven & Shirley Dobry May 2, 1981
Mark & Tammy Morris May 5, 2007
Jeffrey & Rebecca Renicker May 12, 1984
Mike & Tami McMinn May 13, 1989
John & Lorraine Summer May 20, 1967
Doug & Joyce Close May 25, 1968
Dennis & Pam Close May 28, 1983
Chris & Francesca Indorf May 28, 1999
Dan & Teresa Haren May 29, 1971
Gary & Lynn Smith May 29, 1969
Dale & Laurel Seeds May 31, 1980
Bryan & Lisa Sweitzer May 31, 1986
Welcome Little One
Congratulations to Aaron and Laura Smith
on the March 28th birth of their daughter,
Alivia Grace Smith. She was 8# 13 oz.
and 19 1/2 “ long. The proud grandparents
are Pastor Gary and Lynn Smith.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wow! She did it again!!
If you want to rub elbows with someone with
great luck, Judy McCune is the one. She was
the lucky winner of the Youth Fundraiser Quilt.
Her winning ticket was drawn on Palm
Sunday. Judy also won the Fall Festival Quilt.
That is some amazing luck. The proceeds from the quilt
totaled $500 with all of the money going to the Youth Mission
Trip in July. Thanks to all who supported this fundraiser for
Rev. Eric and our wonderful Zion Youth. God bless each and
every one of you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ecuador Mission
We may not be sending a mission team to
Ecuador this year, but our hearts are still
there. There is a box in the Cloister for
children’s shoes/boots and socks. The
deadline for collecting new shoes/boots
(child size 4 - adult size 7), socks, and
monetary donations for the children of Ecuador is June 4th
.
Thank you for supporting this world mission.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Taco Saturday!
You’ve heard of Taco Tuesday, but how about
Taco Saturday? Boy Scout Troop 1 is having
a Taco Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, May
6th from 4:30-7:30 pm in Beck Fellowship
Hall. Come out for some great food and
support Boy Scout Troop 1!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cub Scout Spring Clean-up Service Project
On Saturday, May 20th at 2:00 pm the Cub Scouts, Boy
Scouts, their family members, and Church members will join
together for a clean-up of the Church property. This Service
Project will involve weeding, cleaning up
trash, sweeping walkways, trimming
shrubs and trees, and spreading mulch.
Bring your wheelbarrow, rake, shovel,
pruners, and gloves and come out to
support and work with our scouts on this
Spring Clean-up Service Project for our
church. The Rain Date is May 21st.
Zeal for Zion May 2017 Volume 5.6
MISSION OPPORTUNITY
Habitat for Humanity is a global, nonprofit housing organiza-
tion working in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and
in approximately 70 countries around the world. Volunteering
in their new Re-Store store and/or helping with the construc-
tion of a new house are two ways Zion members can help.
The Re-Store is their store where gently-used furniture and
household goods are available. The store is located on Raff
Road in Canton and is open Tuesday-Saturday 9-7.
Volunteers must be at least 14 yrs. old and may price, arrange
or clean.
Another way we can serve is by helping them construct
houses. The home currently under construction is in Canton
Twp. On June 10th, siding and insulation will be installed. No
experience is necessary, but workers
must be at least 16 yrs. old.
To find out more information and to
register to help, call Trisha (X-135) or
David (X-131) @ 330-915-5888 or visit
habitat.org.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank You!
We can always count
on Zion to be generous.
A special thank you to
all who brought in your
cash register slips for
Zion Church. The Missions Committee received a check for
$423.23 from the ACME Community Cash Back program.
The funds will be used to support local mission work.
Keep a look out for the next cash back program. Those little
slips of paper can make a big difference. Thank you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are so proud of you Holly!
Holly Tobin, daughter of Kevin and Kathy Tobin, is a senior at
Lake High School. She is a member of National Honor Society
and recently completed her community service project called
"Back the Blue." She and her partner, Abigail, organized this
event to honor the police forces of Hartville and Uniontown.
“Back the Blue” offered a spaghetti
dinner, inflatables, face painting,
and corn hole to all community
members. With the help of nearly
15 sponsors and many generous
student volunteers, they were able
to raise over 2200 dollars for the
police departments.
God's Accuracy
When God solves our problems, we
have faith in His abilities. When God
doesn't solve our problems, He has
faith in our abilities.
One may observe God's accuracy in
the hatching of eggs: those of the
canary in 14 days; those of the barnyard hen in 21 days; eggs
of ducks and geese in 28 days; those of the mallard in 35
days; the eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42
days. Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of
days in a week.
See God's wisdom in the making of an elephant. The four legs
of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction.
No other quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal
would have a huge body - too large to live on two legs.
For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise
from the ground easily. The horse rises from the ground on its
two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two
hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of
creations!
Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the
rind. Each orange has an even number of segments Each ear
of corn has an even number of rows. Each stalk of wheat has
an even number of grains. Every bunch of bananas has on its
lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row
decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and
the next row an odd number. Amazing!
There’s more - The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-
six to the minute in all kinds of weather. All grains are found in
even numbers on the stalks. God has caused the flowers to
blossom at certain specified times during the day.
Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a
conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture, and
temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the
flowers that were open and those that were closed.
The lives of each of us may be ordered by the Lord in a
beautiful way for His glory, if we will only entrust Him with our
lives. If we try to regulate our own lives, we will have only
mess and failure. Only God, who made our brains and hearts,
can successfully guide them to a profitable end.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“For the LORD Most High is
awesome, the great King over
all the earth.” Psalm 47:2
