Pastor’s Page

During the first part of August of 2019, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America met for the triennial Churchwide As-

sembly. This particular assembly took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lots of important work was accomplished while

this body was gathered. Some highlights include:

Adopting a constitutional change for deacons (Rostered Ministers of Word and Service) to be ordained, rather than

the previous practice of consecration.

Adopting “Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Lutheran Call to Action” condemning patriarchy and sexism and calling for

action on a range of issues, including gender-based violence and workplace discrimination.

A presentation of the ELCA Church Council’s “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent,” which apologiz-

es for the historical role of Lutherans in slavery and racism.

Adopting the policy statement, “A Declaration of Our Inter-Religious Commitment,” which will serve as church policy

for inter-religious relations.

Re-electing the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton as ELCA Presiding Bishop and electing Deacon Sue Rothmeyer as ELCA Secretary, both for six-year terms. “These are all significant accomplishments; however, the action that generated the most attention – and controversy –

was the Churchwide Assembly’s declaring the ELCA a “sanctuary church” body. A bold declaration, it is intended to af-

firm and deepen our church’s longstanding commitment to legally assisting immigrants and refugees in their transi-

tion to the United States of America.” (Bishop James Dunlop, Lower Susquehanna Synod)

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in her letter explained: “In its simplest form, becoming a sanctuary denomina-

tion means that the ELCA is publicly declaring that walking alongside immigrants and refugees is a matter of faith.

In baptism, we are brought into a covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ that commits us to strive for justice and

peace in all the earth. Following the example of Martin Luther, we believe that advocacy is a crucial expression of bap-

tismal identity. As a church, we have advocated for stopping the detention of children and families for decades. We have

spoken out against family separation, sought a pathway to citizenship for community members who have lived in the

U.S. for many years, and have taken steps to address the root causes of migration in a way that honors the humanity in

people who must flee.

Being a sanctuary denomination will look different in different contexts. It may mean providing space for people to

live; providing financial and legal support to those working through the immigration system; or supporting other con-

gregations and service providers. We cannot mandate or direct our congregations and ministries to respond in specific

ways. Each must work out what this means for them in their context.

It is important to note that being a sanctuary denomination does not call for any person, congregation or synod to

engage in any illegal action. Being a sanctuary denomination means that we, as church together, want to be public and

vocal about this work. It will look different for everyone, but welcoming people is not a political issue for us – it is a

matter of faith.” (Cont. pg 2)

Fall Hours Begin 9/8/19

Adult & Children Sunday School 9am

Worship 10:15am

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH ALLEGHENY & SWATARA STS. PO BOX 5 DAUPHIN, PA 17018

The church office is located at 318 Erie Street (directly behind the church) Pastor Nicole’s hours: Tuesday through Sunday

(717) 921-8111

Council Members

Bonnie Bechtel, President

Skip Wachter, VP

Doug Bonsall, Secretary

Floyd Bechtel, Treasurer

Sonia Evans, Asst. Treasurer

Yvonne Schock

Dee Wesner, Financial

Secretary

Cheryl Kauffman

Judy King

Warren Kerstetter

Judy Harner

Monica Wesner

September 2019

For some of us, these letters provide the clarification that we need to alleviate those initial reactions of confusion, anger and fear.

For others of us, these letters only offer up further confusion, more anger, and more fear.

I wanted to share in this pastor’s report some of this information to make sure that you are seeing it. While I was away, several

emails went out with these letters and mailings were sent to those without email. We do our best to disseminate the information

that we have been given in the best ways we have, but sometimes things get lost, put aside, or people are left out for whatever rea-

son or another. I wanted to be sure that you saw these highlights and these messages from our own church leaders. Leaders who

were present at this assembly and for these discussions. Leaders who are working through this with us.

The question has come to me about whether or not I was aware of this beforehand. The answer is NO. This discussion was not a

part of our Lower Susquehanna Synod’s assembly this past June. I had no idea that it would be coming to the floor of the church-

wide assembly. And from what I’m learning, most people didn’t. Which is why the answers to our questions, the information and

resources we’re looking for from our larger church body, seem to be taking longer than we’d like. This Memorial was not on the

agenda for the week, but was brought to the assembly floor by a group out of the New York Metropolitan Synod. From what I hear,

it garnered MUCH discussion and some of the very issues, questions and concerns that you and I are raising, were brought to the

attention of all in attendance at that assembly. What I know is that following these discussions, this Memorial passed by majority

vote.

What will this mean for us at Zion in Dauphin? Well, like Bishop Eaton’s letter indicates, that’s up to us to figure out. In all hones-

ty, unless this propels us into brand new ministry ventures, we’re already doing much of this work. Through our noisy offering col-

lections, through our collected donation items that we distribute to various agencies, through our work with Isaiah 61, Bethesda

Mission and St. Barnabas Center, we’re already carrying out this ministry. I don’t expect much of anything will change for us here

in Dauphin.

I share in some of your worries and concerns. I feel the heaviness of this declaration and I am acutely aware of the struggle and

conflicts that it is stirring among the Church and even in my own heart. I must also say, that even in those worries and concerns, I

am also convicted by Scripture, by the words and teachings of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that is working in me to walk faithfully

alongside brothers and sisters in Christ, welcoming the stranger, reaching out to those on the margins, and loving my neighbor.

It’s hard, sometimes, to hold these things all at once and find some kind of balance. I am eager to hear more, to learn more, and to

sit with others and have conversations that help to open this up even further, bringing clarity and understanding, and a peaceful

heart and mind. I pray that you will be willing to sit with me in this as well. I will continue to share new information with you as I

hear it and I would welcome you being a part of this “holy conversation.”

God’s peace~

Pastor Nicole

Worship Time Change

Be sure to mark your calendars for September 8th when we will resume our usual Sunday schedule. Sunday School will begin at 9am, announcements will start at 10:10am with worship at 10:15am.

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Zion Choir Notes

Choir Resumes – After enjoying its summer break, Zion’s choir is back to weekly rehearsals every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. and will sing anthems each Sunday starting on September 8

th. As Zion celebrates “God’s Work; Our Hands”

Sunday that day, we will have a special hymn and anthem for the occasion.

Anthems/Special Music for September, 2019:

Additional special music for the month has not yet been confirmed.

Concert Coming to Zion, October 6th

Men in Harmony, an all-volunteer male chorus of twenty-plus voices based in Millersburg, will present a concert at Zion on Sunday evening, October 6, beginning at 7:00 pm. The group has been active in musical ministry since June of 2000 and has presented innumerable concerts in a variety of venues over the nineteen years of its existence. It has been directed for the last ten years by the Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Minnich. Two of Zion’s own choir members – Art Sonnenberg and Joe Canamu-cio – also sing in this men’s chorus.

The Men in Harmony’s program of sacred music is focused this year around the theme Our God Is… The selections that the choir sings will help those in the congregation add a variety of answers to that theme, all underscoring how great and wondrous is our God.

There is no charge for the concert and we urge the congregation to invite family, friends and other churches to join us that evening. A free will offering will be received to help Men in Harmony to continue praising God through its singing. Following the concert all are invited to partake of light refreshments in Zion’s social hall.

Date Anthem/Special Music

9/1/2019 Vocal solo: My Jesus, I Love Thee - Tom Scott

9/8/2019 Anthem – We’ll Be There!

9/15/2019 Anthem – Psalm 23: A Psalm of Hope

9/22/2019 Anthem – In My Heart There Rings a Melody

9/29/2019 Anthem – God Gives Us Love

September Collection Items

Clean & Gently Used WARM Clothing Marlene Hoover 9/7

Amber Smith 9/8 Mary Jacobs 9/10 Robert Hunter 9/11 Eric Hunter 9/15 Jack Hoover 9/15 Jane Scott 9/16 Lisa Campbell 9/19 Noreen Hunter 9/19 Joan Anderson 9/24 Samuel Wesner 9/25 Wyatt Musselman 9/25 Ronda Smith 9/28 Debbie Thompson 9/29

Steven & Cathy Mertz 9/6

Thomas & Jane Scott 9/7

Tony & Sheila Shaw 9/15

Dana & Ronda Smith 9/23

Thank You

For you generous gift, given through the Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA, to Luther-

an World Relief’s Quilt and Kit Shipping Fund. Your donation ensures that LWR Quilts

& Kits get into the hands of a person who needs it.

With your help, we have delivered Quilts & Kits to families in Mozambique whose com-

munities were utterly ravaged by Cyclone Idai. For refugee families, your gift means so

much. A School Kit can make a difference between an education or missing out. A Per-

sonal Care Kit helps families provide for basic hygiene needs, freeing up precious re-

sources. Quilts help families through cold winter nights.

Thank you for your generosity and partnership. If you have any questions, please do

not hesitate to contace me or the LWR staff at 800.597.5972 or lwr@lwr.org.

On behalf of LWR, our partners and those we serve together please accept my heartfelt

thanks once more for your gift and all that it will do.

Warm Regards

Daniel Speckhard (ret) President & CEO

God’s Work…Our Hands

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Join thousands of fellow Lutherans on Sunday, September 8th for a day of service and fellowship. At Zion, lunch will be provided immediately following the 10:15 a.m. worship service and then a variety of projects for all

ages and all skills will take place. There is no cost for lunch and you don’t need to bring anything, just sign up on the Special Stuff table in the lower narthex. The lunch is funded by a Thrivent grant and will be prepared by

our dinner committee.

Our final kids camp for the 2019 summer was held on Wednesday, August 21st from 10am-12pm. “The Bug Man” join us that morning. Check out the pictures below

HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY

11 DAYS: APRIL 20 – 30, 2020

Hosted By:

Pastor Nicole Wachter

ONLY $3599 PER PERSON FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.

(Air/land tour price is $3149 plus $450 government taxes/airline surcharges)

TOUR INCLUDES: Roundtrip air from Washington, D.C., most meals, first class/select ho-

tels, comprehensive sightseeing with the finest English-speaking guides & more!

V i s i t V e n i c e , F l o r e n c e , S o r r e n t o , P o m p e i i a n d R o m e

GLEANER’S

Gleaners are gearing up for a busy time starting with our meeting on September 4 at 7:00 at Zion.

We will be making plans to create quilts for LWR and making plans to make apple dumplings for the fall bizarre.

Our meetings usually last about an hour followed by refreshments and fellowship. All ladies are welcome to join us.

PARKING LOT UPDATE

Zion’s parking lot project is moving forward. In late July, Warren Kerstetter met with Bill Burch, the engineer hired by Zion. Bill said he will

complete our plan soon. We will advise the congregation when the next step is ready.

Thank you for your patience.

SCENES FROM AUGUST KID’S CAMP

HOMELESS FEED

CHURCH PICNIC

Two Fund-raising Craft Classes Offered at Zion Lutheran Church, Dauphin

Two Craft Classes will be offered at Zion Lutheran Church, Dauphin to help raise money to cover medical expenses for Johnny Bricker, age 4. Classes will be conducted in Gleaner's Hall on Wednesday, September 11 & Saturday, Sep-tember 14, both at 10 a.m. We will be creating adorable Gnome Homes! This is a project you will not want to miss! So sweet and neat to do, made out of home-grown gourds and other natural earthy textures. These creative pieces are just perfect for that additive touch to that special place in your garden or home wherever your Gnome or even your Fairy may roam. All materials are provided for you, but please bring along a pair of wire cutters.

Pre-registration is required by calling 717-921-2191. Both classes are the same.

Fee is $25 – cash only. Fee is payable at the door before the start of class.

Classes are held at Zion Lutheran Church in Dauphin located at 400 Swatara Street. Parking is at the back of the church.

For more information and to view the project, please visit www.facebook.com/ArtCraft-Fund-Raiser-Classes-for-Baby-Johnny.

Adult Bible Study Continues Reading and Analysis of Luke’s Gospel The Adult Bible Study, which begins again September 8 after a summer break, will continue its reading and analysis of the gospel lessons designated for the day. Through the end of November, we will study the Gos-pel of Luke and then begin the Gospel of Matthew on the First Sunday in Advent. For September 8, our study looks at Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus talks with his disciples about the personal sacrifice that results when we follow his preaching. In addition, we’ll explore the second lesson where Paul, in his letter to Philemon, suggests the real-world application of Christian faith, forgiveness and reconcilia-tion. We look forward to your joining us! Contact Craig Staller at 717-439-9273 with any questions about the Adult Bible Study.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

For Cindy Bartholomew

Ron & Dee Wesner, Anthony & Faith Rose, Erin Collins

For Marian Conrad

Tom & Marcia Brown, Shirley Conrad, Sunrise Seniors, Charles & Eileen Zoll, Luc Crum,

William & Anne Conrad, Lynne Bolig, Fred & Susan Dill, Ray & Bertie Dively, Doug Bonsall, Craig Staller,

Carol Thompson, Ruth Getz, Ron & Dee Wesner, Bogar & Hipp Law Offices, Scott & Debbie Thompson,

Jerry Carden, William & Eliane Livingston, John & Margaret Reichard, Dave & Judy Szostek,

Frank & Ruth Bertovich

Update from Church Council

This monthly update from Council is shared to keep the congregation informed of things happening around Zion Church.

Special Order of Business at the August 12, 2019 meeting:

Learned that Zion will receive a 2-part bequest from the late Marian Conrad - the first part is a portion of an IRA of approximately $58,000 that will become available to the church in 1-2 months; the second be-quest is a 5% share of the residue of the estate, the amount of which and the date of receipt is unknown at this time

Actions taken at this meeting:

Agreed to proceed with the idea of a capital campaign to retire the remaining mortgage on the church build-ing, finance the parking lot project and undertake some major painting projects when all facts are known and the time is deemed appropriate; the Conrad bequest and promised donations from the Gleaners and the Men’s Group will be considered as advance gifts toward the final goal to be raised

Decided that memorial contributions will be reported as obligated fund balances in the monthly financial statements, carrying unexpended memorials form one year to the next

Approved to secure cost estimates for sandblasting and powder coating of the exterior metal fire escapes

Determined that council votes will be recorded in the minutes as unanimous when all members agree with a decision and to record the number of “ayes” and “nays” without individual names when the vote is split

Authorized Floyd Bechtel to purchase and install necessary components to improve the function of the nave sound system at a cost not to exceed $1,000

Informational items reported at this meeting:

Christian Education– Yvonne Schock will continue to coordinate teachers for the children’s class and Craig Staller will continue to lead the adult class; the second year confirmation class will be confirmed on Pentecost Sunday 2020

Outreach/Social Ministry – Zion will participate in the ELCA “God’s Work, Our Hands” on Sunday, Sep-tember 8

th; lunch will provided after worship followed by a variety of service opportunities

Worship & Music – five choir members attended the choral reading worship in Lititz sponsored by Lower’s Music; a farewell reception was hosted for Alyssa Davis as she returns to college in Washington state this fall

Visioning/Long Range Planning – the pastor has discussed questions/dream about future ministry at Zion with the Outreach and Education Committees and plans to do the same in the near future with the Wor-ship & Music Committee, Gleaners and Men’s Group

Cont. next page

Gleaners – the group paid for the cost of a professional cleaning of the floors and upholstered chairs

Men’s Group – new barbeque rack frills have been purchased; plans made to power wash the church building and complete repairs on the church office house

Parking Lot – receipt of the completed parking lot site plan has been delayed and could not be presented to Dauphin Borough Council for review/approval in July as expected

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Nicole arranged for Pastor Faye Snyder to be pulpit supply for two Sundays and for Pastor Pat-rick Wirick to be on call for emergencies during her vacation August 13-27.

The ELCA’s recent Becoming a Sanctuary Church decision at the Church-Wide Assembly was dis-cussed. This action is a reaffirmation and continuation of the church’s current work to welcome the stranger in our midst and does not advocate breaking any laws or undertaking illegal activities as was reported by some news media. Printed information provided by the ELCA and the Lower Sus-quehanna Synod on this topic was shared with the congregation and an educational opportunity will be planned. The pastor urged everyone to remain calm and open minded until all facts are known and thoroughly studied.

Financial

The treasurer noted that receipts were higher than normal during June with the receipt of $13,000 from the Saturday dinner committee

The next Council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 7:15 p.m. in the first floor meeting room.

Doug Bonsall, Council Secretary

Includes all budgeted & non-budgeted June 2019 July 2019 Year-to-Date

(Jan.-July)

Receipts $ 28,577.99 $ 12,864.30 $118,041.56

Expenditures $ 19,820.71 $ 15,476.22 $116,599.11

Excess or (Deficit) - Receipts Over Expenses $ 8,757.28 $ (2,611.92) $ 1,442.45

Outreach Committee Meeting – 06/20/2019

Members Present: Bonnie Bechtel, Annette Sheesley, Cheryl Hornung, Deb Borelli, Pastor Nicole, Donna Damgaard,

Judy King, Cheryl Kaufman

It was discussed that with Zion having received a Community Aid grant that a noisy offering and collection was no

longer needed for the Isaiah 61 feed. Money was earmarked in the grant for this program. This freed up the Sep-

tember Noisy Offering and Collection. We are now doing a noisy offering collection for the “Do Over” Ministry. The

Musselman’s are very involved with ministry and it works to help transition the homeless and/or low income people

into housing and jobs. For the collection, we will be seeking clean and gently used warm clothing for people in need.

Then we’ll have the items for whichever charity needs them most heading into the colder season.

The October collection is for items for one of the local addiction charities. Cheryl H. and Donna are working with one

of their friends who is on a board of an addiction agency. She’ll write us an article for the newsletter and will let us

know what collection items are needed. (Just a FYI - Flo now works for this agency)

We talked briefly about the summer children’s camp. Pastor reported that 5 children attended. Ruth Getz’s great

grandchildren, Mary Jacobs and 2 other children (friends of Tracy Sudia). Post cards were handed out by Dee Wesner

to the FMS families. We do not have signs out nor posters to promote the program. Pastor will be taking care of this

as well as FB postings. A private donation was secured by Luc Crum to pay for $300 for having the “Bug Man” pre-

sent at program at the last camp session.

“God’s Work. Our Hand”s Day for September 8th. This is the kick off for Sunday School and back to our regular

church schedule. Pastor was going to talk to Craig about trying to get a grant to cover lunch.

The service projects discussed were: LWR quilts, LWR school kits, Furry Friends – catnip toys and braided fleece dog

toys, FMS children’s goody bags for Halloween and Christmas, a Caitlin’s Smiles craft kits, hygiene kits (for Isaiah 61,

Bethesda Mission, YWCA or whoever can use them). We would still welcome a project for the military ….. if some-

one comes across a project before September 8.

The meeting was turned over to the Pastor to ask her Vision questions about the future of the church.

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SEPTEMBER SUNDAY SERVANTS

Bulletin Sponsors Emmy Sanford & Judy Leonard

Altar Guild Bonnie Bechtel & Debbie Thompson

Coffee Hour Sponsor

Activities and Whom to Contact

Acolyte Pastor Nicole 921-8111 Gift Card Program Sonia Evans 579-0591

Altar Flowers Tracey Sudia 921-8111

Altar Guild Linda Beard 921-8313 Gleaners’ Linda Beard 921-8313

Adult Education Craig Staller 429-9273 Annette Sheesley 921-2166 Greeters Ruth Getz 921-8341

Caitlin’s Smiles Cheryl Hornung 921-9092 Lector Tracey Sudia 921-8111

Choir Doug Bonsall 921-1957 Meals on Wheels Linda Geary 599-5346

Church Office Tracey Sudia 921-8111 Nursery Pastor Nicole 921-8111

Church Calendar Sonia Evans 579-0591 Prayer List Bev Seiders 574-0378

Coffee Refreshments Elsie Stroup 599-5444 Sexton Janet Smith 512-3917

Collection Counters Jim Fisher 514-3080 Sunday School Yvonne Schock 645-0255

Communion Assts. Judy Harner 921-8811 Cradle Role, Preschool, Elementary

Feed My Sheep Kate Grenoble 877-0964 Ushers Men’s Group

Worship

Assistants

Sept 1 Sept 8 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29

Head Usher

Mike Sudia Mike Sudia Mike Sudia Mike Sudia Mike Sudia

Acolyte Skylar Latsha Amber Smith Mike Lowe Declan Mussel-man

Brittany Smith

Greeter Linda Beard Ruth Getz Catherine Smith

Patty Wachter Barb Waxman

Lector

Judy Harner Alan Mende Marc Neville Mike Rinehard Brenda Rockwell

Nursery

SUMMER BREAK

Emmy San-ford

Linda Beard Linda Geary Marcia Brown

Communion

Assistants

Alan Mende

Catherine Smith

Tom Scott

Tammy Cal-houn

Tony Shaw

Donna Strawser

Kathy Dunn

Ann Gerhard

Judy Harner

Nancy Clemm

Offering

Processors

NEEDED NEEDED NEEDED Marlin Sheesley Marlin Sheesley

Flowers

Choir

In Loving

Memory of

Choir Member,

Cindy

Bartholomew

Jim & Val

Kopenhaver

To the

Glory

Of God

Alan & Cathy Mende

In Celebra-tion

Of Aidan’s

Birthday

Sam & Dee Wes-ner

In Celebration

Of

Sam’s Birthday

Luc Crum

In Loving

Memory

Of her

Father