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May 8, 2008

In This Issue
Zion Vision

This Weekend At Worship

Love To and Prayers For:

RECEPTION TO HONOR PASTORS:

DOUBLE YOUR MONEY

HEALTH MINISTRIES NEWSLETTER

DAY CAMP '08

LOOKING FOR AN "OUTLOUD" LEADER

AN OPPORTUNITY THAT IS ALLRIGHT

WANTED: Day Camp Volunteers & Helpers

STUDENT IMPACT

YOUTH & MISSIONS SUMMER INTERN TEAM at ZION

YOUTH SUMMER MISSION TRIP

SUMMER WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

NEEDED

THANK YOU

FUN THINGS

SUPPORT GROUPS

Ministry Quicklinks
Worship Times
Current Sermon Series
Zion's Web Site
More About Us
Current Calendar

Pastor Dean's Blog
This time of year we like to sleep with our windows open. Murielle is a windows open person in general shunning air conditioning and wanting to be close to nature. I tease her that it is the result of being raised in Africa and not even having windows in her house (just shutters). Actually her windows were so open that Mongo Bats (the size of rats) would fly in the windows at night, collide with the mosquito netting on the beds and fall to the floor. Helpers had to come in the morning and remove them from the floor with scoop shovels before she could get up. But that's another story.

Through our open window this morning came the trilling of a bird at 4:45 am. Guess how I know the exact time! Now this was long before dawn, in fact it was long before any sign of dawn. It was a lone bird at first and for some time. Eventually more birds joined in, but still all this happened long before any glimmer of dawn. Why? Why did that bird start singing? Was it because he knew the dawn was coming and he couldn't wait? His anticipation was just so great he could not hold back? Or was it because he just could not take the darkness any longer, he had to rage against the darkness in song just to keep his sanity or keep up his courage?

We will never know about that bird, but I do know about Christians who are looking, longing, hoping for the coming of Christ. We sometimes cry out and proclaim the savior. I know some people are annoyed by our declarations because they see no sign of his coming or presence. And they want us to just shut up. But we cannot because we know as dark as it is right now the light is coming. It will eventually be here. And we need to cry out, sing out to keep our sanity and courage in this dark world. I know there are people who want to say calm down, chill out. But when the darkness persists and even seems to grow deeper some of us need to cry out for our own sake if for no one else's.

Zion Vision
We have been looking at what Jesus said about finances and stewardship. One of his classic teachings is found in Matthew, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . "(Matthew 6:19-20).

We can invest our resources in a purely worldly way. That is laying up treasures on earth. The problem with all earthly things is that they are perishable. There is nothing that you have that cannot be either destroyed or taken from you. When we invest in a spiritual way it resides in heaven beyond the possibility of earthly loss. The point here is not to stop saving or trying to invest your resources wisely. But to recognize that anything you do strictly from a personal or worldly point of view ends with your existence on this earth. You can't take it with you. But Jesus notes that what we invest in a spiritual way can be taken with you. It is not a credit in a heavenly bank, instead it becomes part of who you are both now and in eternity. Some of who we are and have remains here when we die. It is called your estate. But Jesus promises that some of who you are and have passes on with you. It is called your treasure in heaven.

Jesus is not being anti-materialistic in a simplistic way, but he is reminding us of the limits of the material world and its benefits. If we think that material things are the end all and be all of life we will be sadly disappointed. Material things are a part of this life, but are not intended to be its end. Material things come and they can and will pass away. We need to keep that in perspective and not place our trust in what is perishable.

All things ultimately come from God. Both the material and the spiritual things of life. That makes God the beginning and the end of life. As Jesus said the alpha and the omega. This is why He must be our ultimate focus and the end toward which we strive. Investment in what is permanent and ultimate is the wisest investment. It is also the safest because God himself watches over it.
This Weekend At Worship
  • Pastor Derik Yarian will continue the series titled: "Peter, James and John"
  • This weekend's message is titled: "Victory Through Faith"
    How can you tell if you really love God?
  • Text: 1 John 5:1-21
  • Holy Communion will be offered at the 9:30/11:00 services.

MUSIC:

  • Saturday, 5:30: Opening by Paul Langholz
  • Sunday, 8:00: Karen Harthan, Organist
    Special Music: Family Choir
  • Sunday, 9:30 & 11:00: PRAYZ Worship Team

Love To and Prayers For:
....Family and friends of Edna Engebretson on her death
....Elise and Jerry Meieron the death of her brother
....Ralph Schroeder and family on the death of his wife
KNOWN TO BE HOSPITALIZED:
  • Mercy:
  • Released: Linda Nuehring, Eunice Ashland, Jackie Hoversten and McKenzie Hanna- Marken
    • RECEPTION TO HONOR PASTORS:
    A reception to honor present and past pastors will be held on Sunday, May 11, from 8:45-9:45 a.m. in the Friendship Room.  Special recognition will be given to Pastor Kermit Roisen and Pastor Murley Severtson who have reached significant anniversaries of their ordinations.  Pastor Roisen is celebrating the 55th anniversary of his ordination, and Pastor Severtson is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his ordination.  Certificates of recognition will be presented to them during the 8:00 service.  Please stop in during the reception to thank these men for their years of service and commitment to ministry.
    DOUBLE YOUR MONEY
    Hopefully you have heard about the wonderful opportunity to complete the Youth facilities in the Intersection thanks to a generous Zion partner. If you can make a gift to the Not Alone Youth Campaign above and beyond your current pledge or if you can make a new pledge payable by July 1 this partner will match your gift dollar for dollar. Let's not miss out on this wonderful opportunity. Please prayerfully consider an extra gift to the Not Alone Youth Campaign. In order to process and record this special offering, it would be helpful if Zion Partners would write on the envelope and/or check "Matching Fund" so that proper credit can be given and we will know that this is an additional gift above and beyond the " Not Alone" pledges.
    HEALTH MINISTRIES NEWSLETTER
    The Spring edition of the Health Ministries newsletter is now available through Zion's web-site.  Go to zionclearlake.org., click on "Specialized Ministries" on the right, then click on "Health & Caring Ministries."  You will find the link to the Health Newsletter about ¾ of the way down the page
    DAY CAMP '08
    Don't forget to mark your calendars for June 23-26 for Day Camp '08. All students who will be entering 1st- 6th grade in the fall of 2008 are encouraged to be a part of Day Camp. Day Camp will run from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.
    LOOKING FOR AN "OUTLOUD" LEADER
    We have been blessed to have Ashley Pitkin leading Outloud for the past 2 years. Ashley will be leaving for college next year and we are in need of a new leader for this ministry. Outloud provides opening music for the Kindergarten - 3rd grade students in PrimeTime. If you are interested, or would like additional information, please contact Hugh at the church (357-5261 or hughw@zionclearlake.org)
    AN OPPORTUNITY THAT IS ALLRIGHT
    We are looking for an individual who enjoys working with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students in Zion's after- school program, Allright. With the reduction in Hugh Webb's hours to ¾ time, we are in need of someone to lead Allright. The position will be for approximately 10 hours per week and will include developing creative lessons, serving as lesson leader, coordinating fundraising events with the Director of Youth Ministries, overseeing the Lenten meal(s) served by the Allright students, and promoting summer camp opportunities. Please contact Pastor Dean for additional information and/or to submit your name for consideration.
    WANTED: Day Camp Volunteers & Helpers
    Day Camp '08 will be held from June 23-26 at Zion. We will have counselors from Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp here to lead our Day Camp. We are in need of volunteers to help in a variety of ways-----
    • Host homes to provide lodging for the counselors for 5 nights
    • Junior counselors to help in the classrooms
    • Kitchen helpers
    • Treat provider for the Day Camp students (store - bought is OK)
    Please choose any of the areas (listed above) that you can help with and e-mail your response to hughw@zionclearlake.org.
    STUDENT IMPACT
    IMPACT - @ the HUB
    6:00   -  Hang Time [FOOD< available to satisfy....FRIENDS < Bring 'Em!] Dinner: $1.00/serving.
    6:45   -  Faith 1-Oh-oNe [FUN/GAMES < to enjoy.... FAITHBUILDERS < to engage]
    7:30ish  "Talk It Over" [Chat Rooms or D-I-S Groups]
    8:30   -   SEE-U!  [Hub is OPEN till 8:30]
       IMPACT DATES TO NOTE:
    May 21- Last Impact @ the HUB
    June 10- KICKBACK begins -- @ Clear Lake State Park 8-10 pm
    YOUTH & MISSIONS SUMMER INTERN TEAM at ZION
    Interested in hands on service & ministry experience in Youth & Missions? Consider a Part-Time Paid Internship - "Youth & Missions Intern". Serve this summer --- June 1st to August 10th. Individuals would serve 5 - 20 Hours/Week based on availability & interest; Must have completed sophomore year of college/university studies or age equivalent. Intern(s) will participate in: administration & programming of weekly high school ministry, various preparations for youth mission trip, serve on leadership team during 2 week summer mission trip, & possibly other local mission opportunities. To request additional information and/or apply, contact Kristen Seehusen, Director of Youth Ministries at kristenm@zionclearlake.org.
    YOUTH SUMMER MISSION TRIP
    "Live In ~ Live Out - CHRIST!" July 20-August 2, 2008 we are going.... the "WHERE" announcement was made at IMAPCT! All High School youth will receive a Mission Trip informational brochure in the mail this next week; trip details, total cost, & trip itinerary is provided in the informational brochure.  Required documents & informational brochure are also available at www.zionclearlake.org. Contact Kristen or stop by the Youth Information Center if you do not have internet access. 
    REGISTRATION DEADLINE- May 21st
    $100.00 non-refundable deposit & ALL THREE required documents - due May 21st .
    SUMMER WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
    Summer women's bible study on Wednesday mornings starting on June 18. Beth Moore's study entitled "When Godly People do Ungodly Things."  Please order your own study book at the Christian book store or www.lifeway.com.
    NEEDED
    Linda Nuehring is seeking a kidney transplant. If you feel you can help, please call the Nuehrings at 357- 2858.
    THANK YOU
  • We want to express our thanks to Zion, the Love Circle, and the warm and comforting expressions of sympathy shown by everyone during our bereavement time.
    The family of Terry Kofoed (Dave, Donna, and Denny)

  • Zion is grateful for memorial money received in memory of Reinhardt Andersen and also Terry Kofoed.
    • FUN THINGS
    CLEAR LAKE BACCALAUREATE
    Sunday, May 11th at 7:00 p.m. You are invited to surround the Class of 2008, as a community of faith & celebrate this milestone in their life's journey. Baccalaureate Service is at E.B. Stillman Auditorium. SENIORS REMINDER: Meet at 6:30 p.m. - Middle School Commons. Wear your gowns (Girls: wear your collars, too).

    ZION BUS TRIP
    "Church Basement Ladies-A Second Helping", Plymouth Playhouse, Plymouth, MN. Sunday, August 3rd - Leaving at 10:00 a.m. (worship at 5:30 or 8:00 without fail!!!) Cost:  $60.00 (includes dinner at Green Mill Restaurant, bus, play tickets This trip is not restricted to Zion seniors!  It is open to the first 50 people who pay their fee!  Deadline for payment/cancellations is June 15th.  See Gaye.

    UPPER IOWA RIVER CANOE FLOAT
    Cattle Creek Christian Camp is a three year old non- profit organization. The mission of the organization is: "Growing in faith while glorifying God in nature!" Single group canoeing is facilitated by the organization to enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in Iowa. In June we hope to canoe part of the river upstream of Bluffton which contains several large bluffs, artesian springs, and wildlife. A sign up sheet for the June 29th float will be in the narthex for those interested. If you have questions contact Randy Brenton 357- 3742.

    The Zion Women are in need of small stuffed toys for Good Shepherd bingo prizes.
    SUPPORT GROUPS
    Zion Support Groups are open to anyone at any time! Contact Zion with questions: 641-357-5261.

  • Alzheimer's Support is for anyone affected by the disease - including caregivers. Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Cancer Support is for anyone - family, friends, etc. - affected by cancer. Mondays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Celebrate Recovery is for recovery from "hurts, habits & hang-up" or addictions of any kind. Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. This includes a dinner, large group and small group gatherings.
  • Divorce Care is for those recovering from divorce or separation. Every other Sunday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in Room #312. Next session is May 4. Questions, or for more info, call Gayle Jaben at 357-6193.


    • Upcoming Events
    Partnership Renewal On-Line Form
    Last day of PrimeTime May 11
    Clear Lake High School Graduation Day May 18
    Vacation Bible School Day Camp June 23-26
    Contact Info
    Zion Lutheran Church
    112 N. 4th St. - Clear Lake, IA - 50428
    641.357.5261
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