2010.06

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

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN JUNE 2010

Sunday Worship Services

8:30 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary with nursery available 9:45 am Family Express in Trinity Hall 10:30 am Jubilee Worship in the Sanctuary with nursery available

Sunday School

Available for children ages 3 to grade 6 at 8:30 and 10:30 during the school year

Monday Evening Worship

7:00 pm Worship at Historic Marysville in June, July & August

Wednesday Nights

Programs for elementary students, choirs, handbells, confirmation and supper during the school year.

Contact Us

Email [email protected] Online www.ZionBuffalo.org Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (12:00pm summer Fridays) Church Office (763) 682-1245 Fax (763) 684-1967 Street Address 1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across from 13th St S.) Mailing Address PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

Prayer Requests

Call the church office at 763.682.1245 or visit Zion online at ZionBuffalo.org with your prayer requests. If you want a pastoral visit or would like to be included in pastoral prayers during worship, please use a yellow pew card or call the church office.

Address, Phone & Email Corrections

Zion maintains a database of all its members. 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.

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.

Weekly Bulletin Insert

Deadline: Thursdays at Noon

The Voice

A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

Upcoming Deadlines

June 14 for July 2010 Issue

July 19 for August 2010 Issue

Editor: Angela Bengtson

[email protected]

This Month’s Cover

Attendees of the May Day Brunch, see page 5

Zion Staff

Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor

ext. 304 | [email protected]

Karri Anderson: Interim Associate Pastor


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


Tom Janzen: InterimBuilding & Grounds Manager

[email protected]

Holly Husom: Interim Part Time Custodians

Jennifer Weese & Tina Eich: Nursery Staff

Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music

Congregational Council

Kevin Bergquist

Roger Brenny

Carol Clark

Dirk Foster

Tracy Gurneau

Kelly Hanson

Devonne Kent

Charles Krause

Sue Lyrek

Colleen Manninen

Scott Morin

Steve Peterson

Dave Schmidt

Doug Schmidt

Zion seeks to share Christ’s word, strengthen faith and serve those in need. 2

Information

The topic of church size has come up in a number of conversations around Zion over the last month.

I recently attended a conference for Senior Pastors of larger ELCA churches. The reason the ELCA brings these Senior Pastors together is because the dynamics of leading a larger church are quite different than the dynamics in smaller churches. During the conference, I was able to sit and visit with other pastors working with the same dynamics that we deal with at Zion.

Congregations fall into distinctive size categories based primarily on their worship attendance, and each size has recognizable patterns of behavior. The dynamics of how a small congregation works are not the same as the dynamics of a medium size church. The dynamics of how a medium sized church works are not the same as the dynamics of a large church.

Zion has become a large church and this means that Zion functions quite differently today than it has in the past. Zion is in the top, approximately one half of one percent of the largest ELCA congregations.

The following is a description of a larger church taken from an article by Lyle Schaller, a church consultant who has been studying churches for decades.

This size congregation is known for excellence in worship and music and for the range and diversity of its programs. Ministries are created for narrowly defined groups of people such as by age, gender, stage of life or disabilities. Some of the programs begin to be known beyond the congregation for their excellence. Distinct sub-congregations form around multiple worship services and ministries. The congregation becomes a network of smaller groups and associations. Members do not know everyone and often do not recognize if someone is new. The senior pastor spends more time preparing to preach and lead worship, working on staff development, and discerning the vision and direction of the congregation. Staff and a few key members lead the ministry areas. Decision making is carried out on several layers of staff, elected leaders and teams/committees. Clergy continue bringing pastoral care, especially in crisis situations and members find their spiritual support in small groups, Bible studies and friendships.

In the above description you will notice several factors of this larger sized church - factors present at Zion.

An emphasis on excellence in music and programming

The congregation is made up of many ―small congregations‖

Members cannot know everyone – relationships form around common interests

The role of the Senior Pastor becomes more focused/less general

Staff become competent experts in their field, leading ministries with members

Decision making has several layers; elected leaders, staff, and committees

Pastoral care comes not just from the pastoral staff

Stay tuned over the next few months as Pastor Karri and I explain these and other dynamics that make larger churches unique. Understanding these dynamics can help us understand what to expect of life in a larger church, and appreciate the unique qualities and benefits of being part of a larger church.

3

From the Pastor

Sunday, June 6

Second Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 7:11-17

Pastor Ted Preaching

Sunday, June 13

What Is Your Legacy of Faith?

Matthew 5:14-16 & Ephesians 3:14-20

Pastor Karri Preaching

Worship Schedule

Sunday, June 20

What is Your Legacy of Community?

John 15:7-17 & Philemon 4-7


Sunday, June 27

What is Your Legacy of Service?

John 13:33-15 & James 2:14-18


Large Church Dynamics

More What is Your Legacy? Sermon series information on page 9

Music Ministry CD

On May 8 the Zion Senior Choir and Joyful Ringers worked with Doug Geston from Westmark Productions in Golden Valley to record tracks for a CD.

The challenge of making music that goes further than a three minute contribution to worship takes time and lots of concentration. Four hours of recording time will come together to produce a good variety of the favorites from Senior Choir and Joyful Ringers.

The CD will be available this summer. Cost is $15, checks payable to Zion Lutheran. Reserve a copy of the CD at the information desk on the Zion website.

Lee Kjesbo was a part of the brass section for the recording. (Photo by Nick Weeks)

Former Missionaries to Speak at Zion

Lew and Marian Hille served as ELCA missionaries to Cameroon (1966 – 1977) and Senegal (1984-1986). On Tuesday, June 22, they will speak at Zionaires Seniors Group about their work during those years and give an update on the work and ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon today. The program begins at 9:30am, and will be followed by a sing-along.

July 21: Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota August 11: Fishing and a picnic on Lake Pulaski September 15: Museum and Gardens in St. Cloud October 20: Lawyer/Financial Planner speaking at Zion November: Christmas Tree Decorating at the Wright County Museum December 16: Lunch with Zion Staff

Call Committee Update

As this newsletter went to print, the call committee was awaiting council approval of the job description for our new associate pastor at the May 19 council meeting. After approval, the description along with the profile and surveys will be sent to the synod. Zion will then be receiving candidates through the synod staff, rostered persons in the Minneapolis Area Synod and the congregation.

Watch for the completed description online and in the Sunday announcements. The Call Committee is looking forward to the next steps in the process and asks that you continue to keep the call committee and our candidates in your prayers.

ZionBuffalo.org/Call

News and Views

Baptisms

April 11

Alexander Leo DesMarais

Samuel Matthew Schuldt

April 25

Aubrey Julia Jane Moore

Autumn VanBeek

Funerals

April 1

Janet Reimann

April 8

Dolores Mulcare

May births & pastoral acts will be

reported in the July Newsletter.

Active Military

Please Pray For

Cody Bauman

Deployed to Afghanistan

Ben Pecarina

Deployed to Afghanistan

Chris Paulsen-Schmidt

Deployed on the USS Eisenhower

Christopher Brophy

Deployed to Iraq

Fred Pierce

Stationed at Little Rock AFB, AR

Will Dobbins

Stationed in Japan

Korey Siltman

Deployed to Basrah, Iraq

Greg Bremseth

Stationed at the MEPS in Houston, TX

DeAnna Strommen

Stationed at Fort Hood, TX

Please let the church office know of any

additions or corrections to this list.

July 7 Baptism Class

The next class for new or prospective

parents wishing to schedule a baptism

at Zion will be at 6pm on Wednesday,

July 7.

Expectant parents as well as those who

already are parents may attend the

class. Scheduling of baptisms will take

place at the class.

4

Fellowship & Study

The Help

Zion Book Club

The Zion Book Club will meet on Monday, June 14, at 7pm in the Library to discuss The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed. (KathrynStockett.com)

Upcoming titles include A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly on July 12.

Harvest of Hands

The Harvest of Hands group invites crafters to join them in preparing for the annual Harvest of Hands event in November.

The Tuesday morning craft group will meet in the Wilderness Room from 9-11am on June 8 & 22 to work on no-sew tree skirts.

The Wednesday evening craft group will meet in the Wilderness Room from 7-9pm on June 9 & 23 to work on jewelry and beading projects.

Gardeners, please remember Harvest of Hands when you are planting and working in your garden this summer.

Softball League

The Zion Softball Team plays in the

Churches for Christ softball league on

Friday nights at the fields on the corner

of 34 & 134. The full schedule can be

found online, and everyone is invited to

come on out and support our team.

June 4: 9pm Field 2 vs St. Johns 1



June 25: 7pm Field 1 vs Salem

Successful Brunch

Over 100 women and girls attended the

Women’s May Day Brunch. The

program included reflections from

Idella Ziegler, a message from Pastor

Sara Vanderpan, music from Tim

Lungstrom and Carol Moore, a fabulous

brunch and more. See cover photo.

Combined Circles

Naomi & Rebecca Circles will be

meeting together sometime in June.

Watch the bulletin for the date and

time. All women are welcome.

5

To Our Volunteers

by Lisa Ellinwood

V is for the Very special people that you are

O is for the Overwhelming support & compassion

you offer others during their time of need

L is for the Little things you do that make such a

difference in someone's life

U is for the Unspoken words that sometimes mean

just as much

N is for the Need you fill when others aren't able

T is for the Time you give of yourselves on top of

your own busy schedules

E is for the Emotional support you continually

give

E is also for the Endless energy you all seem to

possess

R is for the Responsibility you have taken on &

never once complained

S is for the Smiles you bring to everyone by just

being you

http://www.allprosoftware.net/CFCSL/ls2.htm

http://www.allprosoftware.net/CFCSL/ls2.htm

Remember Mkuranga?

Seven years ago at the start of our Forward in Faith capital fund appeal, Zion dedicated three percent of our contributions to mission outreach. Our first commitment went to the little village of Mkurankga in northern Tanzania to assist them in a church building project of their own. We have recently received several e-mail updates from them:

“We greet you in Jesus name. Thank you for your sms. I am very happy to here that you still remember the past project we had proposed later. Our membership increased from 40 up to 125. We are happy to thank God for many things that made to us, one thing is electricity connected to our church and we have started building a Pasters House which we are raise fund now to complete it and this goes concurrent with inaugurate the church on 23/05/2010. The office is not completed but we are using it while continuing finishing it, other thing we had add is a toilet but not completed. I will pass your greetings to our fellow prayers on Sunday. We expect you to join us during inaugurate our church on may this year. Please pass our hot greetings to all Zion Lutheran church and your family. God bless you.”

“I am very happy to send this sms to tell you that the fellow prayer thank your Zion Church for continuing praying to us. Mkuranga Lutheran Church Invites you all to join us to inaugurate the church and fund raising for Pastors house . The fellow prayers who expecting to participating with us are welcomed and we are ready to accommodating them. It will be on 23/05/2010. We invite all friends who put he/her hands to support our church building, and Zion church is one of them. We pray for you in order to get chance of participating. We hope to see you in Mkuranga enjoying together. God bless you all thanks. Remmy monyo “

The English is not perfect but the thoughts and prayers are easily understood. We have had to respectfully decline the invitation to their inauguration, but we have sent our greetings and continued prayerful support of their congregation.

Village Doctors in Malaysia

In May, Kelsey had the opportunity to join her supervisor at Cheshire Home for an excursion to a small remote village with a doctor and group of volunteers.

―There were tables set up, in what appeared to be the village‘s meeting house, to see patients and distribute medicine. We spent all day Saturday meeting the villagers and distributing medicine, food, toys, and clothes.

After a busy day a group of us gathered up our bags and followed the local kids down to the river for a bath. We thought the kids were just going to show us the river and turn around and head back up but that is not how it went. As soon as we reach the waters edge they stripped down and jumped in! The joys of being a kid in a village. No worries, no shame. Just the joy of swimming in the river with friends and in this case a few strangers (the rest of us were a little more modest and either wore a swimming suit or our clothes)‖.

Photo: Some of the children Kelsey met in the village.

Jessa, Hanna, Emma, & Frannie with

Pastor Kelly Chatman at Redeemer

Lutheran Church.

Second Annual Zion Day

at Redeemer

Over 40 Zion members made the drive

down to Redeemer Lutheran church on

Sunday, April 18, for the second annual

Zion day at Redeemer. Zion youth and

Myron Crawford provided special music

during the Prayer and Praise time as

well as during the service. Pastor Kelly

Chatman took time during the service to

formally thank Dave and Doug Schmidt

for their work on rebuilding the front

steps last year.

Afterwards, Russ Peterson commented

that he “felt so welcome to be part of

the service at Redeemer on Sunday, the

sharing of peace, holding hands during

the blessing at the end of the service.

Dave Schmidt added that “Redeemer

Lutheran Church is an exiting place to

worship. The service is full of high-

spirited worshiping fellow Christians

that adore their Lord and Savior,” and

Daveencourages all Zion members to

attend worship there if they get a

chance.

Global Mission Ministry

6

Meals on Wheels

Zion is asked to provide three drivers at 11:45am each day in June for approximately an hour of meal delivery to households in the City of Buffalo. This is a most rewarding activity and makes a good family service project.

Consider which days you can help and sign up at the information desk or by emailing Sherilyn. You can also check the calendar at ZionBuffalo.org/MOW.

If you‘ve driven before and prefer a specific route please request it when you sign up. If you‘d like to try it but you‘re unfamiliar with Buffalo, let us know. We‘ll find a partner for your first drive.

Thank you for participating in this special community outreach.

Brined Pork Lion Recipe

Julie Kabe, coordinator of Zion‘s Food For Friends ministry, has agreed to share some of the wonderful recipes that the group uses for freezer cooking. With grilling season upon us, Julie loves to have this Brined Pork Loin on hand in the freezer. Her kids (ages 5, 8, and 10) love them!

Combine all (but pork) in saucepan; bring to boil (Julie multiplies the brine recipe according to how many pounds of pork she has to marinate). Transfer to large glass container (Julie skips this); cool. When lukewarm, marinate pork.

Julie suggests buying whole pork loins when they are on sale and have butcher cut into ¾ - 1‖ steaks . She divides these steaks into Ziploc freezer bags proportioned for her family (i.e. 4 steaks in each quart sized Ziploc.) Then the marinade is divided between all the bags and freeze immediately (freezer tip: freeze flat on cookie sheets, then when they are frozen they are easier to store in your freezer.) When ready to use, remove from the freezer, thaw and let marinade for about 5+ hours before grilling.

Grill about 10 minutes per side.

Watch for another recipe from Julie and the Food for Friends crew in next month‘s newsletter.

Pat Peterson and Jessica Rinderknecht preparing meals for the FFF freezer.

Mission Partners

Over the last year, Zion’s Social

Ministry Committee which focuses on

community mission ministry

opportunities, has led the way in

highlighting the efforts and needs of

local partner organizations.

Over the next 12 months, the Social

Ministry Committee will feature three

primary mission partners: Love INC in

the fall, Faith in Action in the winter,

and the Buffalo Food Shelf next spring.

Each of these partnerships may involve

a fundraiser and/or congregation-wide

volunteer project. In addition, several

partnerships will be promoted to a

lesser extent, such as Meals on Wheels

this month.

Freezer Cooking Thanks

The Lord provided a wonderful crew of

cooks last month to stock the Food for

Friends freezer. One hundred pounds of

meat were turned into many meals!

Many have already been delivered, but

many also remain in the freezer. So, if

you know of someone who could benefit

from a meal, feel free to get a meal

from the FFF freezer and deliver it to

them (or call the church and we’ll

arrange it to be delivered.)

ZionBuffalo.org/Local 7

Community Mission Ministry

1 qt cold water ¼ c white sugar ¼ c light brown sugar 1/3 c kosher salt 1 ½ t whole black pepper corns 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 small onion quartered pinch fennel seed 1 bay leaf 2 garlic cloves, smashed 4-5 lbs pork loin

Beth Jansen & her mom, ready to deliver meals on Wheels last

November

http://news.zionbuffalo.org/tag/love-inc/

http://news.zionbuffalo.org/tag/faith-in-action/

http://en.wordpress.com/tag/buffalo-food-shelf/

http://news.zionbuffalo.org/tag/meals-on-wheels/

Friday June 11

9:00am LSS Counseling

7:00pm Softball

Saturday June 12

Sunday June 13

8:30am Traditional Worship Service

9:30am Coffee Fellowship

9:45am Family Express Worship

10:30am Contemporary Worship Service

Monday June 14

8:00am VBS Early Care

9:00am Vacation Bible School

6:00pm Capital Campaign Meeting

7:00pm Marysville Worship Service

7:00pm Zion Book Club

7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesday June 15



9:30am Staff Meeting

12:00pm LSS Counseling

5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

7:00pm Property Committee Meeting

7:00pm Jubilee Rehearsal

Wednesday June 16

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study



9:15am Devotions at Sunrise

6:00pm Curriculum Team Meeting

7:30pm Church Council Meeting

Thursday June 17


8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study


Friday June 18




6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal

9:00pm Softball

Saturday June 19

4:00pm Wedding

6:30pm Buffalo Days Parade starts

Participants meeting time &

location TBD

Sunday June 20

Father's Day

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30





Noon Duluth Mission Trip leaves

Monday June 21

6:30am Zion Day Camp



Tuesday June 22


9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts


90:30am Zionaires

Noon LSS Counseling


Wednesday June 23


9:00am Newsletter Assembly

9:30am Devotions at Lakeridge

10:30am Devotions at Park View

6:30pm Personnel Committee Meeting

Thursday June 24



Friday June 25


Abt 3pm Duluth Mission Trip returns


7:00pm Softball

Saturday June 26

Sunday June 27





Monday June 28




Tuesday June 1


12:00pm LSS Counseling

6:30pm Social Ministry Committee


Wednesday June 2

7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study

5:15pm Youth Choir

7:00pm Baccalaureate Service

Thursday June 3


4:30pm Finance Meeting

TBD Capital Campaign and Vision

Team joint Meeting

Friday June 4


9:00pm Softball

Saturday June 5

3:00pm Wedding

Sunday June 6

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





with Recognition of Graduating Seniors

11:45am Executive Committee Meeting

Monday June 7



Tuesday June 8

9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts

9:00am Kitchen Cleaning


Noon LSS Counseling


7:00pm Global Missions Committee

Wednesday June 9

7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

Thursday June 10


ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar

June Calendar

8

Tuesday June 29



Noon LSS Counseling


Wednesday June 30


7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts

Congratulations

Seniors!

See page 12 for Baccalaureate and Graduation Sunday details.

Please help the congregation to keep in touch with you as you move on to college or work by letting us know your plans at ZionBuffalo.org/grads.

What is Your

Legacy?

As you walk through the front doors at Zion, just past the information desk, you will see an old wooden sign that simply says ―1887‖.

The sign hung above the door of the second Carlslund Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church , the white frame church that stood on our Zion Cemetery, one mile south of our current building. That church was built in 1887 to replace the original log church, and worship was held there until 1920. At the 1945 annual meeting of the congregation, it was decided to change the name of the church to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

This sign is a reminder of the people who once gathered to worship and praise, learn and grow, and to love and serve the world in the name of the triune God. It is a reminder of the legacy they have left.

As we dream and plan for the future of Zion, what kind of legacy will we be leaving for future generations?

Please join us in June as Pastor Karri explores this question in a three-part sermon series, ―What Is Your Legacy?‖

June 13: What is Your Legacy of Faith?

June 20: What is Your Legacy of Community?

June 27: What is Your Legacy of Service?

Mondays at Marysville

During June, July & August services are held each Monday evening at 7pm at the Historic Marysville Church, on County Road 9 between Buffalo and Waverly.

The Swedesburg (AKA Marysville) Church was organized by Pastor Nelson in February 1873. The same pastors served the Swedesburg and Carlslund (later know as Zion) congregations until Swedesburg disbanded in 1950 and the members joined Zion. In 1973 the building was restored to celebrate the centennial of Swedesburg and Monday evening summer services commenced at that time.

Marysville is just a short 10-15 minute drive from downtown Buffalo. From the stoplights by the courthouse/library, head west on Lake Blvd N/CR 35. After 3 miles turn left and follow CR 35/CR 9. After 1.8 miles turn left and continue on CR 9. Marysville is a further 2.5 miles on the right. Remember that this is a little country church with no modern amenities.

9

Kira Abbott Tony Abramowski David Altmann Logan Anderson Brent Markwardt Tanner Bauman Trevor Baumann Morgan Berg Lauren Bidne Jackie Blauer Michael Bonde Hannah Brecht Jake Campbell Kaiti Clark Nicole Demeules Ashley Edberg Alison Geelan Neil Gleason Greta

Hagstrom-Dahl Kevin Halagan Zach Hartung Andrew Hatling Paige Heywood Nick Solorz Maren Jung

Amy Koepsell Alex Kumlin Sara Larson Garrett Lee Matt Marrandino Kevin McCain Ashley Michalko Tom Middagh Jonathon Moore Amber Nelson Anne Nerothin Cory Nyholm Ally Pecarina Leah Petersen Danny Piechowski Zachary Prim Tyler Robins Tyler Schenk Devon Siverhus Joshua Smith Kristin Jeske Alec Statema Ryan Strait Jessa Zwack

Carlslund Lutheran Church

http://www.zionbuffalo.org/grads

http://www.zionbuffalo.org/grads

Committees Decoded:

Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee is

responsible for motivating individuals

giving to God and helping people

manage the resources God has given

them. At Zion we believe our attitude

about giving of our time, talents and

possessions reflects our maturity in our

faith walk.

What we have

is not ours. It

all belongs to

God. We are

merely stewards

of His precious

resources.

Finance Committee

The Zion Finance Committee is

responsible for monitoring and

analyzing monthly and year to date

income/expenses to ensure funds are

available to meet all operating and debt

related commitments. It is also

responsible for coordinating Zion’s

annual budget process in the fall. The

Finance Committee provides

recommendations to the Church Council

related to the financial aspects of the

congregation.

Zion Foundation

The Zion Foundation was established as

a non-profit foundation in 1978 and is a

separate financial entity from Zion

Lutheran Church. It receives gifts

which are strategically invested by the

elected trustees, who use only the

earnings from these gifts to disperse

grants for religious, educational and

charitable purposes. The Foundation is

designed to support projects outside of

the normal church budget. Gifts in the

past have been given to provide

Lutheran college and seminary

scholarships, support community

partners such as the Buffalo Food

Shelf, and special ministries including

art, music, counseling and mission trips.

(Committees decoded continued on page 11)

10

Financial Report

April 2010

General Services Fund

Income Apr 2010 YTD 2010 Apr 2009 YTD 2009 General Offering $67,035.95 $231,538.15 $59,520.12 $209,929.30

Rent and Sunday School 3,242.36 9,273.09 5,877.52 13,970.19

Missions and Hunger 1,559.00 4,494.00 858.00 4,285.00

Other Designations 1,350.00 5,696.25 938.50 4,798.50

Total $73,187.31 $251,001.49 $67,194.14 $232,982.99

Expenses Synod Benevolence $1,500.00 $6,000.00 $1,500.00 $6,000.00

Other General Services 67,369.48 243,176.76 78,023.77 249,437.39

Total $68,869.48 $249,176.76 $79,523.77 $255,437.39

Account Balance as of 4-30-10: $3,542.59

General Fund Note: As of 4-30-10, Zion Lutheran Church continued to carry a balance owed of $20,000 on the line of credit with Klein Bank. We have been making Interest only payments on this line.

Forward in Faith Fund

Income Apr 2010 YTD 2010 Apr 2009 YTD 2009 Offerings and Interest $28,878.33 $68,679.04 $12,640.09 $54,051.59

Other Receipts 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,500.00

Total Income $28,878.33 $68,679.04 $12,640.09 $55,551.59

Expenses Building Mortgage $17,087.30 $68,349.20 $17,087.30 $69,349.20

Roof/Parking Lot Loan 1,305.03 5,220.12 539.63 $2,132.53

Major Building Repairs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

3% Tithe Expense 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Kairos Consulting 7,000.00 10,000.00 0.00 0.00

Bank Service Charge 15.00 15.00 0.00 0.00

Total Expenses $25,407.33 $83,584.32 $17,626.93 $70,481.73

Account Balance as of 4-30-2010: $17,548.97

Thank you for your continued support of Zion Lutheran Church with your prayers, your service and your offerings.

Finance & Stewardship

Where Are We Going?

The Capital Campaign Leadership Team continues to meet and work to discern the direction of the capital fund appeal. In early May, the leadership team met with representatives from the Finance, Stewardship, and Memorials & Placement committees, as well as the Zion Foundation, to clarify where Zion sits financially, and identify areas where the groups can work together.

Team members are also excited about opportunities to work closely with the Visioning Task Force. The two teams expect to come together by the fall with programs focused on bringing many groups together and engaging the entire congregation in laying the foundation for a 2011 visioning process.

Jim Pence, from Kairos Associates, has met with the Stewardship Committee and the Visioning Task Force, as well as meeting regularly with the leadership team. ‖I am impressed with the way things are coming together at Zion,‖ says Jim. ―When congregations deepen their understanding of who they are and where they are going, developing resources for mission and ministry becomes a lot more than fund-raising. It becomes an act of discipleship.‖

The Campaign team is looking at possibilities for an August congregational book study on what really matters in our Christian faith.

Pastor Ted is planning a sermon series for September, looking at where we are as a congregation and where we might be going in the next 5-7 years.

In October, the focus will be on several visioning events to provide all members the opportunity to learn more about each other and to share their dreams for the congregation.

Then in November, members will have the opportunity to commit to continuing support of the mission of Zion in a variety of ways.

Tammy Zumbusch, who will be leading the Events Team for the campaign, said that while ―raising capital is necessary, I think it comes second to getting Zion excited about what we could become, if given the opportunity.‖ After attending her first leadership team planning meeting, Tammy sees the direction of this campaign as ―something new and different than what people are used to.‖

Assorted offspring playing in the sand at

Gordon & Wanda Weber’s cabin on Lake

Pulaski while the Capital Campaign

Leadership Team meets in the background.

Memorials Committee

The Zion Memorials & Placement

Committee is responsible for the

oversight of Memorial gifts given to

Zion on behalf of family members and

friends after the passing of a loved one.

Memorial gifts can be given for specific

purposes and the committee assures

these wishes are followed. Recent

donor-directed gifts have helped provide

for hymnals, landscaping and the

projection system in Trinity Hall. When

donations are given without any specific

requirements, the committee determines

how these undesignated funds will be

used. Undesignated funds have been

used to help pay for items like Christian

Education supplies, large-print

devotions and paraments.

Gifts to Zion

A gift in memory of Gary Rolstad from

Al and Dorothy Valentine.

A gift in memory of Carol Valentine

from Al and Dorothy Valentine.

A gift in memory of Frank Pfeifer from

Betty Pfeifer.

A gift to the World Hunger Appeal in

memory of Robert Ziegler from Len

and Phyllis Bengtson

A gift to the Zion Foundation in

memory of Bob Ziegler from Mark and

Louise Minkler.

A gift in memory of Francis Schmidt

from the Dave Schmidt family.

Are You “Regular” in Your

Giving to God?

Last month the Stewardship Committee

touched on “Intentional” giving, the

first of six values of stewardship

described in the book “Ask, Thank,

Tell” by Charles R. Lane. The second

value described in the book

is “Regular” giving. Mr. Lane writes

“To be regular in your giving means to

establish a pattern in your giving, and

to follow that pattern.”

(Committees decoded continued from page 10)

(Regular Giving continued on page 14)

11

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Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate is an ecumenical worship service, featuring music, prayer, a speaker and more, that is put together by the graduating seniors.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate with the graduates on Wednesday, June 2, at 6:30pm in Zion‘s Trinity Hall.

Graduate Recognition

Zion will be honoring the graduating class of High School Seniors on Sunday, June 6, at the 10:30am Service. Graduates should wear their graduation gowns.

If you are a part of the Class of 2010 and would be willing to be a reader, musician, communion server or usher, please contact Sherilyn or Myron.

Confirmation Registration

Registration for Confirmation for all new students and returning students who will be in 7th or 8th Grade in Fall of ‗10 begins on June 14.

Registrations close on Friday, August 20 and late registrations cannot be accepted.

Parents: Confirmation small group guides are needed as well. Take time to prayerfully consider making a two year commitment to foster the spiritual relationships of students.

Mission Trip News

All students who are attending the Middle School or Senior High Mission Trips this summer, should have their final balance of $300 turned in. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Myron.

Remember these upcoming dates:

Jun 13: Cinnamon Rolls - Senior High

Jun 16: Mission Trip Training - Middle School & Senior High - 6pm-9pm

Jun 19: Packing Party - Middle School - 3:30pm

Jun 20: Blessing/Sending of Students - 10:30am

Graceland schedule

Graceland, the Senior High youth group, will meet throughout the summer Zion from 6pm-8pm on June 30, July 14, and August 11. Each night, there will be a meal, worship, games, and study. These nights are open to all students who will be in grades 9-12 in Fall 2010. Each night will have a different theme, so come prepared with a Bible and notebook. Quinn & Taylor at the 30 Hour Famine in April. More photos at ZionBuffalo.org/Famine

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth

Youth Ministry

12

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.

Current Confirmation

Students

Just a reminder to current 7th & 8th grade students, ALL work must be completed for the year by Aug 1st!

Make sure that your work is in.

Still Need service hours?

Contact Myron for some ideas!

Affirmation of Baptism

Attn 8th Graders: The Affirmation of Baptism Service will be Saturday, September 18, at 1pm. Pictures will be taken at 10:30am.

There will be a retreat for all of the confirmands on Saturday, September 11, at 9am.

All requirements must be completed by August 1 to be confirmed. Late work will not be accepted.

Summer Schedule

Sundays June 6, 13, 20, 27

Everybody worship

June 14-18

Vacation Bible School

ZionBuffalo.org/Children

Children’s Ministry

13

Vacation Bible School

At VBS this year, families will step back in time, exploring the life of Joseph in Egypt. During Vacation Bible School, we will explore how Joseph kept his focus on God, even in the midst of people, symbols, and images that were against God. Kids

and adults participate in a

memorable Bible-times

marketplace, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Egyptian eats, and visit Joseph in prison and then in his palace home. Everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around

them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes at Celebration—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.

Egypt at Zion is for children ages 3-12 and will run from 9am to noon June 14-18.

If your child has not pre-registered online, please print a registration form at ZionBuffalo.org/VBS and bring it with

you on June 14. Come early, about 8:30am, and use the doors closest to the office. (Children that are already registered will use the main doors).

Zion Day Camp

If you are looking for a place for your school-aged children this summer, consider Zion Day Camp. Daily activities include free time and snacks, as well as Bible stories, structured games, and creative projects. Monthly field trips are also a part of the summer fun in store for your children at Zion. There are still a few spots available, so be sure to register soon! Contact Roxie or Holly with questions.

Bible Camp

The week of June 27 through July 2, Zion will be sending a group 2nd to 5th graders to camp at the Shores of St. Andrew. Be sure to watch for the tent in the narthex, with an opportunity to write to and encourage some of our kids while they are at camp.

Karin & Kia enjoying camp at Shores of St Andrew last year.

CoDirectors of Christian Education

Roxie Otten

763-682-1245 ext. 311

[email protected]

Holly Husom

763-682-1245 x308

[email protected]

14

Do you have a pattern that you follow? If

you don’t, establishing one can be very

helpful. In today’s world most of us

receive our income on a regular basis. If

we have a predetermined plan then

whatever the regularity of your income

you can follow your plan. Following your

plan is “Regular” giving.

Determining our individual giving plan is

something each of us must prayerfully

consider. God has entrusted each of us

with earthly possessions and talents.

Talking with God regularly will grow our

understanding on how he wants us to give

back what he has given us.

(Regular Giving continued from page 11) When College Grads Come Home

Only 60% of the class of 2009 found full-time employment within six months of graduating compared with 75% in 2007. With unemployment for 20 to 24 year olds at a 27-year high, the prospects for 2010 grads may not be any better.

The spring issue of Thrivent Magazine features advice for parents wanting to prepare their grad for the financial realities of life after college.

It includes advice on establishing a healthy safety net, creating a budget, paying down debt, and saving from the future from Beth Kobliner, author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties, and Eric Brady, a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans representative.

You can find the complete article at https://www.thrivent.com/magazine/spring10/feature_2.html.

If you have any questions concerning Thrivent Financial and it's products, please call Mark Worner at 763.682.6011.

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

Large Church Dynamics 3

Missionaries to Speak 4

Remember Mkuranga? 6

Brined Pork Loin Recipe 7

What is Your Legacy? 9

Mondays at Marysville 9

Committees Decoded 10

Where are we Going? 11

Youth Ministries 12

Children‘s Ministries 13

College Grads Come Home 14

Ju

ne 2

010

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ZionBuffalo.org

Who Are Your Zion

Neighbors? Check the Map near Trinity Hall and add your

marker

2010.06

Documents

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pm worship

o f f i c e

jubilee worship

traditional worship

evening worship

worship services

nursery available