Weekly News from Zion and our Ministries Under the Cross: Evergreen Academy & Nina's Place

February 8, 2023

Where is God calling us?

Let's explore an idea together!

As mentioned on Sunday, both congregation councils of Zion and Good Shepherd (Boca Raton) met recently to discuss exploring a shared ministry model that will likely include a pastor shared between both congregations.

Those who may feel called to contribute to this exploration are invited to put their name forward for consideration to serve on a task force, the first step of this exploration process to determine the feasibility of a shared ministry model. If you are inspired to serve, the commitment will likely include weekly meetings over the next couple of months. The goal of the task force is to present, possibly, what the shared ministry model agreement would look like. Both congregations will need to vote on such an arrangement at a special called congregational meeting before the process would continue.

If you are interested in serving our congregation in this capacity, please call or email Robin Larson (954-445-7993, email) or Gail Schmidt (954-254-7430, email) by tomorrow (Thursday) evening to let them know.

THIS SUNDAY Following Worship in Katie Luther Chapel

Two Zion traditions converge this Sunday, February 12th: an ice cream social and arts & crafts! Did you know Alleluia means "Praise the Lord" and we do not use that word in worship during Lent? Join us for a delicious fellowship hour as we celebrate praising our Lord in creative ways!

Free Exercise Classes Continue 2x/Week

Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to Noon in Katie Luther Chapel

Those who wish to participate should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring a bottle of water. Come when you can for gentle stretching and chair yoga for all levels of ability and comfort!

Whether you call it Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, it's a day to celebrate all things delicious! Join us for free pancakes for lunch or dinner in KLC before we enter into the discipline of the season of Lent. Our preschool families and Nina's Place friends are also warmly invited for food and fellowship.

On Ash Wednesday, you are welcome to worship, to receive ashes as a remembrance of your humanity, and to come to the Lord's Table to receive his gifts of grace for all people. Join us as we begin a 40 day journey of prayer toward the cross.

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Nina's Place: Making a Difference

Nina's Place continues to be an oasis of hope for our neighbors, a place where God's children gather and are fed by each other's presence, and young people are given the opportunity to lead and take ownership.

Of the 420 households that have registered, we are serving nearly 2,000 individuals through Nina's Place. Some numbers for consideration:

• 46% of those served are children; 54% are adults.
• 45% of households we serve have annual incomes less than $25,000 (the federal poverty level).
• Nina's Place serves people in 40+ zip codes, with 80% coming from the Deerfield Beach/Pompano Beach/Coconut Creek areas.

We continue to take steps to make Nina's Place sustainable, and so appreciate everyone's generous support of food, time, and treasure!

This Sunday: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

In today’s reading from Deuteronomy we are called to choose life by loving and obeying God. Much of today’s gospel reading echoes portions of the Ten Commandments. Jesus’ instructions to the crowd reveal a pattern of behavior that honors both God and the neighbor, resulting in life and health for the whole community. We too are invited to embrace these commandments, not out of fear of retribution, but because God has promised that to do so means life for us.

• Two AA Groups meet weekly at Zion: Women's AA (Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the Boardroom) and Old Timers AA (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. 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.

Zion is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community, and extends God's radical welcome to all people, because we're all created in God's image.