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To Seek and To Save: Countdown to our 125th Anniversary

Jesus said… “Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10

If there is a brief mission statement in scripture about the essential work of Christ’s love, it would be that Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost. Jesus declares these words when an infamous thief is turned around in the joy of Jesus’ truth and grace. Jesus had invited himself into the home of the tax collector Zacchaeus. Salvation came to Zacchaeus that day as he received Jesus, spent time with Him, and was transformed. His new heart was on display as he resolved to stop stealing from those from whom he collected taxes. He resolved to give back four times what he had defrauded and to start giving to the poor. May Jesus’ mission be fulfilled in us and in all the world still today. Jesus remains the most essen- tial of workers. He works salvation. He gives the Holy Spirit and works in us new hearts of love. He gives us joyful purpose as He leads us in new paths of praise to God, new depths of awareness of His goodness, and new opportunities and abilities to love our neighbors.

Countdown to 125

Established in 1898, our Zion congregation has been filled with nearly 125 years of men, women, and children rejoicing to receive Jesus, be transformed by Jesus, and reach out in love to others. As we approach the milestone 125th anniversary in 2023, (100th anniversary of worship in our building), let us take to heart the mission of our Savior that gives us unending purpose and joy. Let’s dust off old pictures and sleuth out historical details about the people and events that reveal a heritage of Christ’s grace and Holy Spirit power in this mission field. Above all let us learn anew to love one another as Christ has loved us (1 John 4) and love the “Zacchaeuses” in our world with Christ’s love in us. Jesus is on a mission still today to save and transform, and He has chosen to give us the joy of being His hands, feet and voice.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Stephen

Video Bible Study This Week – January 24-30, 2022

“Lessons for Liturgy, Lessons for Life”

Scripture Study leading to Sunday, January 30, 2022

Pastor Emeritus Howard Patten and Pastor Stephen Heimer examine the upcoming scripture lessons for January 30, 2022, the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany.

Scripture:

Jeremiah 1:4–10
1 Corinthians 12:31b–13:13
Luke 4:31–44

Fellowship

Consider getting involved in ways that help us know each other better, spend time together, and care for one another.

Rides – provide transportation for elderly members so they can participate in worship, Bible studies, groups, and other activities
Meals – coordinate food and other details for funeral meals, Lent and Advent suppers, and potlucks; prepare food for these meals or deliver to homes in times of need
Hospitality – assist guests during meals, funerals, weddings, non-Sunday baptisms, Quinceañeras, and other events
Event Set-Up and Clean Up – come early and/or stay late to complete the particular tasks related to special events and meals

Additional areas related to Fellowship: groups, 125th anniversary committee, worship preparation

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Music and Art

Consider getting involved in one of our music groups or as a soloist.

Music Classes – On Wednesdays at 5pm, learn guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón at the beginning levels and Intermediate Guitar. RSVP with the form below for the new sessions beginning in January of 2024.
Handbell Choir – rehearses on Saturdays at 9am and rings during worship services at least once a month. Join any time of the year.
Vocal Choir – rehearses on Saturdays at 11am, this ensemble sings choral pieces in worship services and supports congregational singing of hymns Join any time of the year.
Mariachi – a new beginner level instrumental and vocal ensemble; rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6pm; occasionally accompanies singing during worship services; performs concerts and serenades for evangelism alongside Mariachi San Pablo of YLM Human Care. Join any time of the year.
Banners – create new banners and display banners for worship services to match worship and seasonal themes

Additional areas related to Music and Art: children and youth ministry, groups, 125th anniversary committee

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Children and Youth Ministry

Consider getting involved in ways that help children and youth grow in faith and Christian friendship.

Family Story Time – prepare and/or help lead lessons for children at church on Sunday mornings
At-Home Lessons – connect with parents and send them materials for at-home lessons and family devotions
Vacation Bible School – prepare and lead a special summer-time program for children that often includes Bible lessons, crafts, songs, drama, snacks, theme-based decorations, and games
Youth Group – assist youth participation in Sunday worship, Bible study, service projects, fellowship activities, fundraising, camps and youth gatherings
Confirmation Classes – assist youth participation in confirmation classes as a teacher or mentor; provide transportation, snacks, encouragement, help with banners, etc.

Additional areas related to Children and Youth Ministry: music and art, fellowship, groups, 125th anniversary committee

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Tasks

Consider helping with a variety of tasks that help in our life together as a church.

Office Volunteers – assist with tasks in the church office
Fold Bulletins – assist in the weekly preparation of worship materials
Newsletters – fold newsletters and apply labels
Marquee Sign – update the outdoor sign, letter by letter, with Bible Verses or announcements
Flags – put up and take down the flags on Sundays and national holidays
Post Office – take mail to the post office
Shopping – order or shop for supplies needed in the office and other ministries

Additional areas related to Tasks: worship preparation, building maintenance

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Building Maintenance

Consider getting involved in ways that keep our buildings and grounds ready for worship, learning, and fellowship. Never done it before? We’ll teach you how.

Board of Trustees – a wide variety of day to day fixes and improvements to the building
Grounds Upkeep – watering plants, weed and leaf removal, etc.

Additional areas related to Building Maintenance: worship preparation, other tasks

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Technology and Media

Consider getting involved in ways that involve technology. Never done it before? We’ll teach you how.

Worship Service Sound Operators – adjust volumes of microphones in the church building and for the worship livestream; setup microphones for guest musicians, outdoor worship services, Bible studies, etc.
Livestream Camera Operators – start and operate the worship service livestreams
Photographers – capture happy moments in our lives together for newsletters and social media posts
Graphic Design – create graphics for website posts, posters, and worship service livestreams
Website – post news and perform maintenance and updates
Translate to Spanish – review website Spanish translations, create Spanish versions of social media posts and other materials
Social Media – administrate and/or create posts on Zion’s social media accounts (existing and new)
Video Creation and Editing – capture and edit video for Zion teaching and outreach
Zoom Meeting Advanced Operations – operate the computer and audio/video equipment used for Bible studies and meetings with in-person/online participation

Additional areas related to Technology: building maintenance, music, other tasks

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Worship Preparation and Assistance

Consider getting involved in ways that facilitate and lead us in worship. Never done it before? We’ll teach you how.

Altar Care – prepare the bread and wine for communion Sundays, match altar-area paraments to the seasonal color
Readers – read the Old Testament and Epistle Scripture readings during worship services.
Ushers – assist worshippers in finding seating and receiving bulletins
“Cross Bearers” – welcome worshippers and show hospitality to new visitors
Preparing Altar Candles – re-fill altar candles with oil and replace wicks as needed
Youth Acolytes – light candles, carry processional cross, and assist in baptisms

Additional areas related to Worship Preparation: technology, building maintenance, music and art, other tasks

Sign Up to Serve

Fill out this form and the church office will help you get connected with a ministry leader.

Video Bible Study This Week – January 17-23, 2022

“Lessons for Liturgy, Lessons for Life”

Scripture Study leading to Sunday, January 23, 2022

Pastor Emeritus Howard Patten and Pastor Stephen Heimer examine the upcoming scripture lessons for January 23, 2022, the Third Sunday after the Epiphany.

Scripture:

Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:16-30