Dear Zion Community,

This week's news is coming to you a day earlier than usual because of special opportunities for prayer and reflection tomorrow with the whole Church, as well as opportunities to engage with the Florida-Bahamas Synod and the Churchwide Organization. We are Church together!

Blessings,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
As part of the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, voting members  adopted a resolution  designating June 17 as a commemoration of the martyrdom of the Emanuel 9—the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

In addition to the ELCA's close relationship with the AME Church, the ELCA was connected to both the shooter (as he was a member of an ELCA congregation) and two of those slain (as they were graduates of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary).

Tomorrow, on the fifth anniversary of this day, the ELCA will be hosting a Prayer Service available for viewing at Noon (ET). The service will include leaders from around the ELCA and ecumenical partners, including episcopal leadership from the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will preach the sermon.

As part of our Wednesday Night Prayer on Facebook Live, Cantor Kurt Schmidt will lead us in a litany of prayer and remembrance, as well as a special hymn chosen for the day.

We invite your participation, prayer, and reflection on this important day.
In an effort to keep our congregations and communities strong, the Florida-Bahamas Synod has launched the United As One: COVID-19 Special Appeal . The fundraising goal is $400,000, with $100,000 from the Synod Disaster Relief Fund committed by the Synod Council.

The funds will be earmarked to:
  • Provide funding to support our congregations as their communities face food and shelter insecurities due to the coronavirus crisis and the increased economic uncertainty.
  • Support Synod staff and ministry needs as they provide worship experiences, resources and recommendations for congregations and supporting church leadership as we walk together.
  • Allocate $100K for congregations facing financial hardship. Also, an additional $100K for technological needs of congregations to meet the online presence demanded by this new reality.

Zion has been the recipient of funding from the Florida-Bahamas Synod for various reasons over the years, including our commitment to redevelopment. This is one opportunity to repay their generosity to us by helping their work with our sister congregations.

If you would like to donate to the United As One Appeal, you may give through our online form or visit the Synod Website here .
Online Conversation: Racial Justice
Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m.

You are invited to join Bishop Pedro Suárez and Judith Roberts, ELCA Program Director for Racial Justice, from the Office of the Presiding Bishop for a conversation on Racial Justice.

Participants will be invited to engage in honest conversation and helpful exercises designed to strengthen their understanding of Racial Justice in America. This meeting is open to everyone, lay and rostered.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The Bishop's Address to the Synod

On Friday, June 12, Bishop Pedro Suárez addressed pastors, deacons, and lay leaders in lieu of his usual address at Synod Assembly (which was cancelled this year). If you'd like to view his remarks, please click below.
Congregation & Community News
Looking for Our Social Media Platforms?

If you're ever looking for a quick link to Zion's Facebook Page (or Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter), look for these icons. They can be found at the bottom of this newsletter, and at the top and bottom of every page of our website. Each one will take you directly to Zion's page on the respective platform.
"Whatever you do to the least of these,
you do to me."
(Matthew 25)

Our Youth Empowerment Project invites you to participate in a clothing drive to benefit the ministry of the Holy Grill , a weekly food and clothing distribution at St. Stephen's Lutheran and St. Nicholas Episcopal Churches in Pompano Beach. YEP is making plans to serve the meal and distribute clothes in the near future.

According to Pastor Robert Schaefer, they are in specific need of: new men's socks, new men's underwear, men's and women's shorts, and long summer pants.

If you have any of these gently used clothes to donate, please drop them off at the Preschool Office during the week or contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt to arrange pick-up at your home by one of our YEP ambassadors. You are also welcome to donate financially toward the purchase of new socks and underwear. Thank you for your continued support!
Weekly Reminders and Quick Links
Important Contact Information
Pastor David E. Potter
Cell: 954-297-3665

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
Cell: 954-913-2125