Sharing the Good News

Zion Lutheran Church

August Newsletter 

In This Issue

·         Sunday, Aug 1^st - Theme "Come Worship With Us", with the Greer Family providing the music

·         Aug 8-13 Pastor at Camp Lutherhill

·         Sunday, Aug 15^th - Theme "Revival Songs"

·         Wed., Aug 18^th - Council Meeting @ 6:30 pm

·         Sunday, Aug 22 - Summer Sunday School "High Seas Adventure" closing

·         Sunday, Aug 29^th - Theme "Rally Day"

·         Sunday, Aug 29^th - Confirmation Orientation @ St. John, Prairie Hill 3:00-4:30 pm

·         Sept. 12^th - Theme "Back To Church Sunday"

Zion Lutheran Church

1800 FM 2679

Brenham, Texas  77833

David L. Hall, Pastor

Phone (979)836-7909

Email: zionl@texasbb.com

Web: www.zionsvilleluth.org

The Discipleship Journey

You may have heard the saying before, "Getting caught in the dust of the rabbi."  In the days when Jesus was walking around, it was considered a privilege to have the dust of a rabbi fall on you. This meant that you were a pupil, a student, a disciple. You see, back then sandals were the shoe of choice and the disciple would follow the rabbi around learning from him, questioning him and discussing the laws of Moses and the prophets.

These disciples were young boys, around the age of 13, who were learning about God and how to become a rabbi, teacher a leader. These young people were on a journey, a discipleship journey that laid a strong foundation for their faith formation. Today, we follow a Rabbi, Jesus, and we are covered in the dust of the Spirit that flings from his sandals. We too are on a journey, a discipleship journey.

Some of us have been on this journey a long time. Some of us are just beginning. There is no finish line, no real completion, because it is a faith journey that only ends when we meet Jesus.

This year our confirmation students will embark on this journey. It is a journey where they will discover what it means to be baptized, what it means to be a Lutheran, what it means to be a child of God. They will discover that they have the ability to become a present day rabbi, teacher and leader in the church. They will learn that this is a journey and not a destination or graduation. It is a journey, a discipleship journey.

Zion youth will continue to meet with other churches in Washington County for confirmation instruction and faith formation. It will be called "The Discipleship Journey". We will meet once a month at different churches with other young disciples and be covered in God's Word like dust from sandals. These youth will be taught from different perspectives and formats as each Pastor brings their own unique dirt with them. We are challenging them to get dirty. That's right?get dirty!

This journey continues on Sunday mornings during Sunday school, it continues in worship where they "get dirty" with the rest of their community of faith. It continues at home where their families live out those baptismal promises made so long ago. Please prayerfully support these young disciples. Encourage them, inspire them and get dirty with them because like us, they are on a journey, a discipleship journey.

Let's Get Dirty

Pastor David

Do not be afraid little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your hear will be also. Luke 12: 32-48

In this passage Jesus is reminding us that life is short. This sentiment is lost on children and teenagers who think they have all the time in the world. For adults who are faced with planning retirement or caring for elderly parents this statement really hits home.

Jesus' disciples haven't figured that out. They act like they have forever. They're worried about the wrong things, chasing what's unimportant and don't accomplish anything.

Jesus knows time is short because He is on his way to Jerusalem to die. He reassures his disciples not to be frightened but be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that doesn't need a bailout, a bank in heaven safe from the greed of brokers. Where is this bank? It is found by putting our faith in God whose good pleasure is to see that we have all that we need.

We need to wake up and understand that when we look to God every moment is filled with possibilities. Our job is to stay awake to everything that life brings and look for God in it. Life is too short to be spreading rumors about our neighbors and only thinking of ourselves. We need to pray hard, believe in Christ with everything we have and celebrate the love of God. Get a life because life is short and God has many blessings in store for you.

GUEST COLUMNIST

Kenneth L. Williams

God uses money or the lack of it to confirm His direction for our lives. When God burdens our hearts concerning a specific action, and we confirm His leading by His Word, we can obey Him, being confident He will provide what is needed, even when circumstances appear contrary.

This is nowhere more truly evident than in the area of giving. Frequently, people will realize that God does want them to give to Him, but they somehow cannot bring themselves to do so. After all, they reason, they just do not have any available funds to give to the Lord or His ministries, including their local church.

According to 1 Corinthians 14: 33, God is not a God of disorder. He desires things to be done decently and in an orderly fashion. He will not burden our hearts to give if there is no possible way for us to obey His leading. Too often though, God's money has been left at the department store or some other place. It was in our possession all along, readily available to be used in response to His leading, but our own sense of selfish ambition caused it to be used in a way other than what He intended.

When God burdens our hearts to give, and we confirm His direction based upon His Word, we can obey and trust Him to provide, even if we don't understand exactly how He will do so.

Solomon put it this way: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way" Proverbs 3: 5-6

By the way, is God leading you to give to His work here at Zion Lutheran Church today? Have you confirmed His leading by His Word? Are you uncertain as to the source of the funds?  Great --- that's exactly the situation where God can show Himself strong in your life and confirm His direction as you step out in faith and obey Him.

As you think about your offering to the Lord today, please think about this convicting poem by an unknown author;

Give as you would if an angel

Awaited your gift at the door;

Give as you would if tomorrow

Found you where giving was o'er

Give as you would to the Master

If you met His loving look;

Give as you would of your substance

If His hand the offering took.

 CINDY LYLES

Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!

Many thanks go out to those of you who support the Zion's youth.  We could not have done what we have done without it.  Whether you gave money, supported the Valentine Dinner or the Hee haw show (Which by the way - we have been asked to do this annually), bought goods from us or even the donation of shoes - Thank you! We are so blessed to have this support. We hope to have a blessed and enriched time as we travel on our trips.  Thanks you once again. We love you!  We also hope to share with you our amazing trips to Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.

Mark these Dates??

Confirmation Students and Parents - Please mark these dates for confirmation class.

August 29 - St. John - Prairie Hill - Orientation 3:00 - 4:30

September 12 - Immanuel - Wiedeville  3:00 - 5:30

October 10 - Eben-Ezer - Berlin 3:00 - 5:30

Nov.. 19-21 - Lutherhill - Synod Jr. High Youth Retreat

December 12 - Zion, Zionsville 3:00 - 4:30

January 9 - St. Paul - Rehburg - 3:00 - 4:30

January 28-29 - Lock-in TBA

February 13 - St. John - Prairie Hill 3:00 - 5:30

March - No Meeting

April 10 - Immanuel - Wiedeville 3:00 - 5:30

May 1 - St. Paul - Rehburg - Celebration

Youth attend Lutherhill?.

Please keep these youth in your prayers as they attend a week of God's love and his amazing creations at Lutherhill.  They are Christine Hall, Shane Hahn, Matthew Conner and Sean Rosenbaum along with Pastor Hall and Cindy Lyles (On Tuesday & Thursday).

Raffle coming back ?..

The Zion youth will be holding a raffle on the day of our Congregation Fundraiser.  If you would like to donate to this raffle - please let Cindy Lyles know by August 15^th so that they can be put on the raffle tickets.  Thank you!

Hi-Lights from the July Congregational Meeting

Raymond Blum gave a report on the status of the cemetery pavilion project.   It was noted again that all of the labor to build the pavilion is donated labor.    Raymond mentioned that he had hoped that it would be completed by now.   Due to several circumstances, completion has not happened to date.  The volunteers that are doing the work have to work around the rain showers and the extreme heat temperatures.   Currently the project is estimated to be 2/3 completed.   Exact expected timeline for completion was not given.

Lori Wittner gave a report on the current status of the financial position of Zion.   The report included a summary of the Zion Average Weekly Offering of Each Giving Unit (weekly offering envelope) from January thru June 2010.   It was noted that of the possible Total Available Giving Units of 311 through June only 198 Giving Units has supported Zion financially.   Through June 113 Giving Units had not supported Zion financially.  It was also noted that 73% of the 198 Giving Units which equates to 145 Giving Units have given less than $20.00 per week.

Lori also presented the Zion actual 2010 expenses as of June 30, 2010 as a comparison to 2010 approved budget.   The total 2010 expenses as of June 30^th is $105,058.61 against a total 2010 budget of $220,082.20.   Lori reported if the offerings/revenue remained at the same percentages for the 2^nd half of 2010, at year end 2010 the financial shortfall will be approximately $39,000.00.

Michael Bentke suggested that the congregation give Lori Wittner their applause in appreciation for all the hard work that she has been doing these 3 years as treasurer of the council/congregation.

Hi-Lights from the July  Council Meeting

Rev. Kerry Nelson of the Synod office met with the council during their July meeting. Rev. Nelson works with the Evangelism and Stewardship portion of the Synod office.  As many of you remember, he was the guest Pastor on Pentecost Sunday for our 140^th anniversary celebration.

Rev. Nelson pointed out to the council a couple of times that the Synod actually worked for Zion and other Lutheran churches of the synod.   Since Zion is currently having some financial issues, he thought perhaps we should get some assistance and advice from the Synod as to how we can improve this situation.  He asked us to remember that the world has really changed and that life is no longer the way it was 20 years ago. He suggested that since life has changed, conceivably Zion also needs to make some adjustments as well.  He also stated that Zion should do some fun things within the church.  Another suggestion was to do some follow up with visitors to make them feel more welcome because people need to have a sense of caring from the church.

THANK YOU!!!

The Church Council and members of Zion realize that the Cemetery Pavilion Projects is currently not 100% completed, but all the many people that have donated time, talents, materials, and labor to date are owed a BIG THANK YOU.   The ones currently known that are due a personal THANK YOU are the Cemetery Committee, Raymond Blum for drawing the plans and overseeing the project, the Ricky Bosse Family for donating all the iron and iron work for the project, Woodson Lumber Company (Craig Blum) for donating the materials such as lumber for the project, and whomever has braved the weather and has come out to donate the manual labor for the project.  This is a great exhibition of people joining together to give their material blessings, time, talents and labor to the church.   Many of the donated hours of labor by the members of Zion were not in the best weather conditions so, thanks again to all for the hard work that has been completed.  It has not gone unnoticed.  God's Blessing to each of you.

Theme Sundays will continue during the month of August: August 1^st - "Come Worship with Us" and the Greer Family performing for Zion;

Aug 8^th - "Camp Songs";

Aug 15^th - "Revival Songs"; and Aug 29^th - "Rally Day" - Sunday School will be hosted by the Lutherhill staff.

Prayer's List for Family and Friends of Zion 

The family of Evelyn Lorenz, Bernice Bean, Charlie Bentke, Selma Franke, Cindy Hart, LeViola Maass, Virginia Reynolds, Melvin Schaefer, Virginia Reynolds and Deanna Tanner

Our Leaders- Bishop Mike Rinehart; Pastor David Hall, Sr. Anne and our congregational leaders.

Attendance

Date	Worship	SundaySchool
06-27-10	191	47
07-04-10	94	0
07-11-10	179	38
07-18-10	212	44
07-25-10	125	40

Offerings

Date	Regular	Memorials
06-27-10	4005.50	20
07-04-10	2094.50	20
07-11-10	4385.00	10
07-18-10	3681.50	50
07-25-10	2841.00	0

*The amount needed each Sunday to cover expenses is $4,232.25*

God uses money to confirm direction. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way" Proverbs 3: 5-6

Richard Bosse

M/M Jerry Vaughn

Anita Lehrmann Hanz:

M/M David Buck

Gladyola Jeske:

M/M Richard McCord

Edna Roehling

M/M Marvin Spreen

Johanna Kelso:

Ronnie Luhn family

Elsie Meyer

Viola Koehn

Richard Morales:

Gertrude Krinke

Raymond Neumann:

M/M Marvin Blum

NEW MEMBER - CHURCH  TRANSFER:

 John Engeling a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine requested that his membership be transferred to Zion Lutheran Church. Welcome to our family John!

August Birthdays

Scot Dannhaus 1-Aug Franklin Macik 1-Aug Shannon Winkelmann 2-Aug Tammy Lunbeck 4-Aug Jay Neumann 4-Aug Colby Orts 4-Aug Alvin Free 5-Aug Ruth Free 6-Aug Earl Blum 7-Aug Brandon Muske 7-Aug Allen Neumann 7-Aug Jordan Kelm 8-Aug Gunther Niemeyer 8-Aug Carol Ann Spreen 8-Aug Rickey Gaskamp 9-Aug Rachel Parker 9-Aug Erna Seilheimer 11-Aug Alvin Studhalter 11-Aug Ashley Gaskamp 12-Aug Trey Hardy 12-Aug Billy Lehde 12-Aug Bobby Lehde 12-Aug Audrey Blum 13-Aug Madalyn Pieper 13-Aug Jannet Rosenbaum 13-Aug Elverna Borchardt 14-Aug Theresa Rodenbeck 14-Aug Mildred Ubernosky 16-Aug Stanley Calvin II 17-Aug Andrew Cmajdalka 17-Aug Christine Lehde 17-Aug Karley Lorenz 17-Aug Herbert, Jr. Glaesmann 18-Aug Gertrude Krinke 18-Aug Craig Conner 19-Aug Anna Louise Voelkel 19-Aug Pamela Boehnemann 21-Aug Marina Seilheimer 22-Aug Peggy S. Miller 23-Aug Warren Miller 23-Aug Gladys Ordner 23-Aug Virgine Rosenbaum 23-Aug Alldyn Schroeder 23-Aug Betty Pelkemeyer 24-Aug Ryan Raley 24-Aug Dayna Schroeder 24-Aug Stephen Fleming 25-Aug Chelsie Rodriguez 25-Aug Ricky Buro 26-Aug Katelyn Wittner 26-Aug Shirley McCord 28-Aug Earl Rosenbaum 28-Aug Karina Engeling 29-Aug Lisa Draehn 30-Aug Ricky Seilheimer 30-Aug Alice Studhalter 30-Aug Brian Lorenz 31-Aug

August Wedding Anniversaries

Rickey & Carol Gaskamp	1-Aug
Billy & Gloria Lehde	8-Aug
Scot & Jennifer Mertz	13-Aug
Rod & Belinda Vincent	13-Aug
Ben J. & Delores Meyer	14-Aug
Dean & Sandra Winkelmann	15-Aug
Kweyn & Randi Emshoff	17-Aug
Burney & Edna Schramme	17-Aug
Mark & Cindy Buck	18-Aug
Milton & Elvera Drews	23-Aug
George & Walline Lorenz	23-Aug
Don & Alice Studhalter	23-Aug
Algene & Ramona Weidner	23-Aug
David & Evelyn Buck	26-Aug

August Baptisms

Wilfred Hohlt	3-Aug
Tammy Rosenbaum	3-Aug
Elvera Drews	4-Aug
LaVerne Blum	5-Aug
Seth Diggs	5-Aug
Reuben Kelm	5-Aug
Phyllis Vaughn	5-Aug
Justin Blum	8-Aug
Marissa Diggs	8-Aug
Jason Riggins	8-Aug
Marvin Blum	9-Aug
Dean Winkelmann	10-Aug
Viola Koehn	13-Aug
L.W. Miller Jr.	13-Aug
David Reynolds	13-Aug
Allison Marburger	14-Aug
Adrie Niemeyer	14-Aug
May Dell Steinfeld	14-Aug
Belinda Vincent	14-Aug
Alton Seilheimer	16-Aug
Melanie Lehde	17-Aug
LyNae Neumann	17-Aug
Dennis Roehling	17-Aug
Paige Niemeyer	18-Aug
Joshua Gaskamp	21-Aug
Gary Lehde	21-Aug
Mike Davis	22-Aug
Ronnie Hohlt	22-Aug
Jeff Maitland	22-Aug
Joy Fuchs	23-Aug
Charlene Hahn	24-Aug
Jerry Joe Vaughn	25-Aug
David Hall	26-Aug
Sheri Hohlt	27-Aug
Calvin Lehde	30-Aug
Angela Knapp	31-Aug
Brianna Maitland	31-Aug

HAPPENINGS:

Baptism

Nate Brandon Rau received the rite of Holy Baptism on July 18, 2010 .  Nate was born on April 5, 2010, to Dane & Melonie Rau.  Grandparents are Fred & Janice Rau and Wilbert Loewe.  Great-grandparent is Bernice Loewe.  God-Parents for Nate are Steven & Adrienne Siemsglusz and Mark & Jamie Odom.  May God Bless Nate and keep him in His care today and always!

Summer Sunday School Closing:

Closing for High Seas Adventure will be during the Sunday school hour on Aug 22^nd. Everyone is invited to join in our closing program.

The Charity Kitchen!

The confirmation class service project "the charity kitchen" is off to a good start - donations for July were:

July 11^th - $40.00 to Louisiana fishermen

July 18^th - $74.05 to CASA for kids

The charities for the month of August will be:

Aug 1^st - Water to Thrive

Aug 8^th - Washington County Animal Shelter

Aug 15^th - Lutherhill

Aug 22^nd - Church Organ fund

Aug 29^th - Habitat for Humanity

Please continue to support this project for our confirmation class. Thank You

Volunteers Needed

Sunday School is looking for volunteers for the fall session: teachers, substitute teachers, co-secretary and helpers.

Fair Time Again!

Washington County Fair dates are Sept. 11-18, 2010.  Tickets will be available for sale beginning August 1^st and may be purchased after church services. If you would like to purchase advance season tickets please see either Robyn Bentke or Cindy Lyles. Preseason advance tickets this year are $20.00. The last day to purchase advance tickets will be Sept. 10^th.

Zion's annual fundraiser will be held Oct 1st , We will again be serving a meal of chicken fried steak with all the trimmings.

Please consider how you can help to make this event a success. Could you possibly donate an item for the silent auction? Perhaps you can help prepare the meal or clean up afterwards? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

The silent auction items will be set up on Sept 11^th. Please contact Sandy Winkelmann if you have an item to donate or if you have any additional questions.

A   SPECIAL THANK  YOU!!!

Dear Zion Family,

Thank you for your prayers, cards, calls and visits while Reid was in the hospital. Cindy and Pastor Hall's visits as well as those of Peggy, Seth, Pam and Laura made the hospital stay much easier. The cards and calls made Reid feel special and showed that you cared. All of these things have helped Reid to a speedy recovery and he is doing so well.

Thanks so much for your love and care,

Michael, Allison, Shane & Reid Bentke

"I don't think we're devoted to the Lord. I think we're devoted to dessert."

Something to Think About

You have probably seen the NO EXCUSE SUNDAY that has been around for many years it goes like this: 

To make it possible for everyone to attend church next Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday."

Cots will be placed in the narthex for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep."

We will have hard hats for those who say, "The roof will cave in if I ever come to church."

Blankets will be provided for those who say it is too cold in church and fans for those who think it is too hot.

We will have hearing aids for those who think the pastor speaks too soft and cotton for those who think he gets too loud. 

Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. 

There will be sack lunches for those who say they cannot go to church and cook dinner also.

One area of the church will be decorated with trees and flowers for those who like to see God in nature.

And finally, the sanctuary will be decorated with both Pointsettas and Easter lilies for those who have never seen the church without them.

This is a clever way of encouraging people to come to church. So also our sign out front reads: CH _ _ CH. What's missing? U R !  Also a clever way to encourage people to come to church, but the best way to get people to come to church is to invite them!  Personal invitation is the single most effective way to get people to come (or come back) to church.

On Sunday, September 12^th  we will  join with other congregations across the country in having a "Back to Church Sunday". 

How many people do you know that "used to go" to church but just don't anymore? If you are like most Americans, you know quite a few. According to the book American Church in Crisis by David T. Olson, "Most Americans have been to church, and yet only 20 percent are regular attendees." Dr. Gary L. McIntosh from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University estimates "more than 76 million people have attended church at least once in their lifetime." Clearly, most people who do not attend church regularly attended at one time in their lives. Many of these people, current research shows, are willing to try again, given the right opportunity.

The National Back to Church Sunday is designed to be that opportunity---a Sunday service dedicated to the people who do not attend church in our community. People who at one time attended a church (even this church) are encouraged to come back.  You, as members of Zion, are encouraged to invite, invite, invite. Invite friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors to come with you or meet you at church. Watch for printed invitations to become available to use, but verbal invitations are also encouraged.

Remember:

 Sunday, September 12^th  is national "Back to Church Sunday"- please invite someone to come join us in worship.

Articles for the September Zion Newsletter must be placed in the mail slot in the church office work room entitled "Articles for the Newsletter" or sent to the church email address before Monday, August 23^rd, 2010. Thank You!

zionl@texasbb.com