Happy First Day of School!

A special blessing for all students, teachers, and staff members returning to school today! We are praying for a wonderful year ahead filled with learning and growing, and for the continued safety of everyone involved in making school happen -- parents and families, too!
The Story Behind Our Community Health & Wellness Fair

In December 2019, a Deerfield Beach High School student named Bryce Gowdy took his own life by stepping in front of a moving train. Not even two months later, on February 24, 2020, one of his best friends and classmates, Alexis Marion, took her life in the exact same way. Alexis struggled with her mental health and could not rebound from the loss of her friend.

Alexis's parents tried to get help for her, and reached out to local providers and agencies, but were ultimately unsuccessful. They have made it their mission to insist that our local community do better for the good of everyone, but especially young people.

Michael Marion and Mari Middleton, Alexis's parents, have been conversation partners with Zion in the Deerfield Beach Community Cares initiative, and we are proud to honor Alexis's life by holding this year's Community Health & Wellness Fair in her memory. We stand with Michael and Mari to insist that we do better as a community, and it is our hope that this event will connect our community with the resources they need.
Looking for an opportunity to unleash your musical talents? We need more handbell and we need you! Ringing bells while wearing masks and gloves is as COVID-safe as we can hope and pray for.

We welcome everyone who is in 3rd grade and older to ring! If you’re interested, complete the Google survey by clicking below to help us determine the best day and time.
Make Connections: Invite, Equip, Serve
Back to School Blessing Rescheduled

Update: Out of an abundance of caution for our preschool teachers, staff, families, and our congregation, we are rescheduling our Back to School Blessing & Sundae Sunday for Sunday, August 29th.

It doesn't matter where you teach or what you teach. It doesn't matter where you go to school. We want to celebrate those people who have dedicated themselves to careers in education, as well as bless all of the students who are beginning another year on their journey of learning!

We will also be blessing and installing our Evergreen Academy teachers and administrators during worship. We celebrate the partnership that Zion shares with this extraordinary group of educators!

We will have a special gift for all students, school staff, and teachers who come to worship on that day, and everyone is invited to gather in Katie Luther Chapel following worship for a Zion-style "Sundae Sunday" (a.k.a. ice cream social). What's not to love?!
Sign-Ups for Fall 2021 Available

Thank you to those who have volunteered as readers and greeters over the past few months!

The link for readers for September, October, November, and part of December is below. Greeters will be scheduled by Gail Schmidt via phone calls. Thank you for serving!
Tech Classes continue on Thursday, September 2nd at 3:00 p.m. with Tips & Tricks for the iPad. Even if you don't (yet) have a tablet, this orientation will help all smartphone and tablet users.

Our sponsor for the entire series of technology classes is Medicare Dave and the Senior Healthcare Team, based right here in Deerfield Beach. We are grateful for their sponsorship and want to spread the word about the good work they do. Visit www.MedicareDave.com for more information.
Our monthly grief group is an important opportunity for mutual support that meets from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Pastor David Potter facilitates the group in a hybrid format; you are welcome to join in-person or via Zoom.

For the Zoom login information (direct link, smartphone, or dial-in), click here.
Daily Reading Continues; Bible Study Begins September 8th/9th

In preparation for our inaugural Bible study of the program year, we are continuing to read one chapter of the Book of Acts each day during the month of August. You are encouraged to follow up your reading by engaging with the daily Facebook posts.

Beginning on September 8th/9th, Pastor Potter will lead an 8-week Bible study using Dr. Matthew Skinner's book "Acts: Catching Up with the Spirit." The Bible study will be offered both in person and on Zoom.

Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Katie Luther Chapel and via Zoom

Matt Skinner's book can be purchased from all major booksellers. The Zoom login information and schedule of readings can be found here. Please plan to bring your Bible (print or digital) to the Bible study.
Connect Wider: Conference/Synod Opportunities
"One Year to Live" Men's Retreat

An Experience That Meets Men Where They Are
Sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission

September 3-5, 2021
Casa San Carlo Conference Center
Delray Beach, Florida

Let's say you have one year to live. What would you do? How would that change your priorities? Join us for the first annual South Florida "One Year to Live" Retreat! At the "One Year to Live" Retreat, you will learn about what is really important in your life and what is holding you back from living in Christ. You will be able to form a closer relationship with Christ, and build real friendships with men of all ages.

For an informational brochure, click here. To register, click here. For more information, contact Aaron Forde at (507) 402-8721 or alforde98@gmail.com.
Notes & Reminders
  • In light of the increase in COVID cases locally and the seriousness of the Delta variant and on the recommendation of Bishop Suarez, we are encouraging all who attend Sunday worship in person to resume wearing masks, regardless of your vaccination status. We will also be minimizing extended periods of congregational singing.
  • Two of our AA groups have resumed meeting in person recently: Women's AA (Mondays at 7:00 p.m.) and Old Timers AA (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.). AA Groups meet in Katie Luther Chapel.
  • To claim a special date for altar flowers on a Sunday morning, contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt. The cost of the arrangements is $40 and you may take the flowers home after Sunday morning worship.
Connect Virtually
Pastor David E. Potter
954-421-3146, option 1 (Church)
954-297-3665 (Cell)
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
954-421-3146, option 2 (Church)
954-913-2125 (Cell)