November 2008

0n This Issue

Ø  Youth Events & News

Ø  New Zion Members

Ø  Bible Presentation

Ø  Fall Fundraiser Results

Ø  Christmas Bethlehem Gulch

Ø  Christmas Poinsettia's

Ø  Upcoming December Events & Services

Ø  Thankoffering Box

Ø  Time & Talent Sheets

Zion Lutheran Church

1800 FM 2679

Brenham, Texas  77833

David L. Hall, Pastor

Phone 979.836.7909

Fax 979-830-1326

Email: zionl@texasbb.com

Website: www.zionsvilleluth.org

A NOTE FROM PR. HALL

   Jesus asked, "Weren't ten men healed?  Where are the other nine?  Why was this foreigner the only one who came back to thank God?"  Luke 17:17-18

   Choice is one of the watch words for the month of November.  We are lucky to live in a country where we have choices.  This year we get to vote for president (as well as other leaders).  Choice is a right and a privilege.  We can even choose not to choose.  I hope that you will choose to get involved this year and exercise your privilege to vote.
   Another watch word for the month of November is thanksgiving.  Early on in the history of our country people recognized the need to give thanks, George Washington called the country to give thanks, Abraham Lincoln reminded people of the need to give thanks and then finally Congress passed a resolution to set a day for a Thanksgiving day.  Everyone gets the opportunity to give thanks.  
    We, in the church, recognize that we need to be thankful all the time because God has given us all that we have.  One of the ways we can show our thankfulness is through our choices.    We can choose to show our thankfulness to God for all our blessings through our worship, prayers, giving and acts of service.  These are concrete ways to show thankfulness. 
    Everyday we make choices.  We choose on Sundays whether or not we will worship.  It is no small choice.  Pastor Rick Warren reminds us in his book "The Purpose-Driven Life" that worship is the first purpose for which we have been created.  The Westminister catechism tells us that our ?chief aim and purpose' is to worship.  Worshipping with others is part of fellowship which is the second purpose for which we have been created.  This November is a good time to recommit ourselves to being present in worship and to give thanks to the One who has given us so much.   
   Offering our lives up in prayer to God is another choice we can make by dedicating our days to living as God's representatives in this world.  Praying, conversing with God, is a good way to grow in our relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.  Offering our days to God is what discipleship is all about.  Offering our lives each day helps us become more like Jesus.
   We have all been blessed by God and the giving of our time, talent and treasure is a way to show our thankfulness.  God has been generous to us and we can in turn be generous to others through our giving.  Giving is an aspect of being a disciple and that is the third purpose for which we have been created?becoming like Jesus who gave his life for us.    Acts of service are also ways to show that we are thankful for a God who serves us through his Son.  Jesus was concerned not about being served, but about serving.  The final two purposes for which we were created involve serving at church and in the world. 
    I would like to take this time to say "Thank-You".  Thank you for your cards & offerings of sympathy on the loss of my mother.  Thank you for surprising me in worship by showing your appreciation during "Pastor Appreciation" month.  Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your pastor & to be a part of your lives.  Also thank you to God for his generosity in my life & his blessings.   
 You will find a picture of an apple in the newsletter.  I hope you will take time to think about God's generosity in your life and then bring that apple to church with your family's name on it to hang on the Giving Tree to show your thankfulness.
 
 
 
  
 A Note from Sister Anne?.
 
     Then Jesus asked, ?Were not ten made clean?  But the other nine, where are they?  Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner.' Then he said the him, "Get up and go on your way, your faith has made you well".  Luke 17:17-19
   In the familiar story of Ten Lepers, Jesus questions the absence of the other nine that were healed.  One comes back to thank him but the other nine disappeared.  All were physically healed but Jesus tells the one that his faith has made him well.
   Soon the holiday season will be in full swing and we will be encouraged by commercials to find that "perfect gift" in their stores.  All ten were given the gift of health but only one person understood what a gift it was.    He was given a gift of ?wholeness'.  We have also been given a gift of new life in Christ - a gift so precious that it can't be returned or worn out.  And yet have we returned to Jesus to thank him for this precious gift?  The "perfect gift" is not found in stores but in your baptism and in the breaking of bread and the pouring of wine at the altar.  It is a gift that will last us to eternal life.  Come.  Jesus is waiting and the table is ready.
  
SPECIAL THANKS?
   Dear Members of Zion,
Thanks you so very much for all your prayers, care and concern following the loss of our home.  The Target Gift Cards and Monetary donations will come in very handy in our rebuilding and getting things for our home.  Your kindness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. 
God Bless You,
Curtis & Kathy Buck.
 
Youth News & Events by: Cindy Lyles
 
2009 TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod LYO Events:
 
    Sr. High Gathering - Feb. 27th - March 1st 2009 at Camp For All in Burton, TX (THEME: Love in Action)
   ELCA Youth Gathering 2009 - July 22nd-26th, 2009 in New Orleans, LA (THEME: Jesus & Justice & Jazz).
 
   Registration is now open for these events!  If you have a child interested in going, PLEASE see  Cindy ASAP!
 
Global Mission Festival - Katy, Texas
 
This pretty well sums up an afternoon spent at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy.  Attending was Pr. Hall, Sr. Anne and Christine, Cindy Lyles, Beverly Roehling, Jonathon Hardan and James Keienburg.  It started with a worship service out of this world.  Our opening hymn was sung to a South African Traditional song, with our first reading read in Mandarin.  The message was delivered by Dr. Tony Campole, a professor of sociology at Eastern University.  He had authored 35 books and is the founder and president of Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education.  WHAT a message he served.  We are all missionaries in some sort of way.  Every day and everywhere we should be representing Jesus and doing his work.  Not just on Sundays, but every day.  Even though he is Baptist his presentation to us Lutherans was just awesome.  We then sang more songs in Peruvian style, Tanzanian and Puerto Rico Style.  We were led out into the mission festival by the Bayou City Pipes & Drums to the tune of "Scotland on the Brave".  On the grounds were many styles of foods from around the world, music and dance from many countries and a room full of missions.  Take your pick.  It was a wonderful afternoon learning & seeing what God had presented to us.
 
Jonathan Rundman Concert
 
   Who can come?  All people are welcome to this concert - especially youth and young adults.  The concert is Sunday, November 9th, 2008 at 6:00pm located at in the Brenham High School Auditorium and the cost is FREE.
 
THRU JESUS' EYES
 
Too many things separate us from each other as human beings - skin color, clothes we wear, money gender - but Jesus brings us together as one body.  In the book of Acts, we see Jesus' disciples are pushed into some uncomfortable situations that surprisingly bring about the imagination of a new church - a church of people no longer separated but where all are loved by God!  At the LYO Jr. High Gathering this month (November 22nd-23rd), we will participate in some large service projects on Saturday afternoon, jam to the awesome music of Glenn Green, and grow in our faith through Bible Study and speaker time led by Sunitha Mortha from ELCA Global Missions.  We will then spend the night at a local Houston church & worship with them on Sunday morning before heading back to Brenham. Please pray for our youth and their leaders as they attend the gathering.  Those attending are Sarah Emshoff, Michala Emshoff, Caitlyn Blakey, Emily Machart, Ryan Blum, Cindy Lyles and Pr. David Hall.
 
 
Coming to your church soon?Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch!
 
   December 21st, 2008 at 5:30pm the youth of Zion Lutheran will be presenting a wonderful Christmas story with a country twang.  If your child has not yet signed up - please let Cindy Lyles know as soon as possible.  The music will be one that you will want to stomp your feet and clap your hands to.  So mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 21st at 5:30pm with a Christmas meal to be served afterwards.  Tickets for the meal will be $8.00 per person benefiting the youth on summer mission & event trips.  See ya'll then!
 
Zion's New Members
 
  On Sunday, October 26th was Presentation of New Members during worship.  Zion WELCOMES M/M Veryl & Kelley Neumann and son Nick.  Also Stanley Calvin, Chadd Neumann, LyNae Neumann and son Brodie.  We are so happy to have them as members of our church family!
 
Third Grade Bible Presentation
 
   Congratulations to Shane Hahn and Kathryn Wittner, both of these third graders received their bibles on Sunday, October 26th during worship.  Nick Neumann (a 5th grader) who just joined as a new member also received his Bible as well.  May the gift of God's word Bless their lives daily!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time & Talent Forms
 
   Well it's time again to fill out your Time & Talent sheets!  Zion needs volunteers for every aspect of worship: Communion Assistants; Readers; Greeters; Altar Guild; Coffee; Deliver Shut-In CD's; Ushers and Communion Bread bakers.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE VOLUNTEER!!!  The church cannot run smoothly without our congregational participation! Remember GOD will bless you for serving HIM!!  I want to thank EVERYONE who has volunteered over the years in any way - you are true blessing to Zion Lutheran Church!
 
Thankoffering Box
 
   November is Thankoffering month at Zion.  The Women of the ELCA encourage all to be thankful for daily blessings and to reflect that thankfulness by giving a special thankoffering gift.  Thankofferings support ministries of the ELCA and Women of the ELCA.  Please place your thankoffering in the special box in the foyer.
 
Bluebonnet Club Thanksgiving Worship Service & Meal
 
The Bluebonnet Club invites all to join them on November 18th for Worship & Holy Communion at 10am with a Turkey & Dressing Meal following the service.  For reservations, please call Viola Weiss if you are not a member of Bluebonnet Club and would like to attend.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Poinsettia's
 
Christmas Poinsettia order forms will become available on November 16th.  Cost for each Poinsettia is $8.00.  Deadline to order is Sunday, December 14th.
 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
 
Christmas Caroling:  leave the church at 4:00pm on Dec. 7th
 
Congregational Meeting:  following worship on Dec. 14th
 
Christmas Program & Dinner: Sunday, Dec. 21st at 5:30pm.  Zion Youth to host dinner following Christmas Program.  Chicken Breast, Ham, Vegetables, Potatoes and Desserts is the menu for the evening. 
 
Bluebonnet Club Christmas Service with Communion:
Dec. 16th at 10am.
 
Christmas Eve Services:
Thursday, Dec. 24th at 5:30pm with Holy Communion AND 7:00pm Candlelight Service with Holy Communion.
 
Crop Walk
 
Special thanks to those who participated in the 2008 Brenham Ministerial Alliances CROPWALK.  For more than 37 years CROPWALKERS have been walking in hopes of making a better place.  Be assured, that your support of this event makes a difference not only in our community but in the world as well.  On October 5th, there were 71 walkers from 10 churches raising over $2900.00.  Thanks again and hope to see you walk again next year?Cindy Lyles
 
 
 
 
 
OUR PRAYER LIST
 
Members:   James Ganske,   Marie Blum
 
Friends:  Gladys Hedstrom, David Peters, Brenda Galle, Connie Hetzel,  Riley Mika, Harold Luhn, Tracy Draehn, David Bockhorn, Daniel Goerlitz, Lebon Parker, Al Groham, Bob Donnell, Gene Fontaine,  Charles Lanford, Betty Goerlitz, Brenda Morgan, Milton Eckermann, Jr.,  Malet Weatherby, Bonnie Schlottmann, Donna Ratliff, Judy Tiemann, Mabel Fuelberg,  Lauren Davis, Walter Hall
 
Our Leaders- Bishop Mike Rinehart; Pastor David Hall, Sr. Anne and our congregational leaders.
 
Council Minutes
Unapproved Meeting Minutes from October 15th, 2008
New Business: Motion made by Curtis Orts and seconded by Bruce Muske to have Council Meetings at 6:30pm instead of 7pm, motion was approved.
   Council will get committee together to get ideas & construction bids going on Cemetery Pavilion.
   All closets and rooms will be cleaned out during December.
   Will remove gravel from playground in order for the new donated playground equipment to be ordered and put in place.
  
   Pr. David's Report: Pr. David selling BBQ meal tickets for Habitat for Humanity fundraiser to be held on Sunday, Nov. 9th.
 
Memorial Gifts
 
    Elroy Schroeder
Joyce Boeker
 
   Birdie Borchardt
M/M Marvin Spreen
 
   Jerry Maass
M/M Bob Donnell & Patty
 
   Pr. Rudy Kelling
M/M Bob Donnell & Patty
 
   Goldie Parker
Joyce Boeker
 
   Sandra Bentke
Berlin, Millcreek, Zionsville Fire Dept. Ladies Auxillary  
 
   Bernice Pape
M/M Bob Donnell & Patty
 
   Gregory Buck
M/M Bob Donnell & Patty
 
   Sophie Brauner
M/M L.W. Miller
 
   Kim Wheeler
M/M Rod Vincent
 
   Margie Hall
M/M Earl Blum
M/M Kweyn Emshoff
M/M Dennis Roehling
Clarence Gerke
Memorial Oaks Chapel Employees
M/M Rodney Wittner
   Margie Hall
M/M Wayne Fuchs
Joyce Boeker
M/M Gary Wagner
M/M Milton Drews
M/M Wilfred Hohlt
M/M Don Lyles
Zion Worship Team
Florence Borchardt
M/M Rod Vincent
M/M Charles Hahn
M/M Richard McCord
M/M Marvin Blum
M/M Milroy Weinert
M/M Harold Eikenhorst
M/M Ewald Ising
Gracy Lange
 
   Herman Gaskamp
M/M Harold Eikenhorst
 
    Joan Dannhaus
M/M Raymond Blum
M/M Calvin Lehde
M/M Milton Drews
M/M David Buck
M/M Gary Wagner
Zion Women of ELCA
Florence Borchardt
M/M Wilfred Hohlt
M/M Ewald Ising
M/M A.G. Holtkamp
M/M Walter Rodenbeck
M/M Otto Wehring, Jr.
M/M Earl Blum
M/M Jack Schramme
LeeRoy Drews
Ruth Wehmeyer
M/M Jerry Jacob
Billie Schomberg & Family
M/M Howard Kruse
Walter Richter
Joyce Boeker
M/M Dr. Henry Boehm
M/M Don Lyles
M/M Don Meier & Family
M/M Harold Eikenhorst
M/M Marvin Blum
Waldo Dannhaus
Mike Stegent
Edward Schaeffer
Jason Jones
Glen Lampe
Mary Dell Hueske
M/M Tony Buban
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HONORARIUM
 
   In Honor of M/M Milton Drews 50th Wedding Anniversary by:
   Jan, Will and Meredith  
   Klingsporn