A Personal Story and Our Corporate Commitment

Picture it. 1996 on the campus of Zion Lutheran Christian School. A young 6th grade student returns to campus after a mysterious back injury kept him home for over a month, immobile and unable to attend school in person. Upon returning, he does so in a wheelchair — for the first time in his life. When presented with needing to attend classes on the second floor of a two-story building without an elevator or lift, he is met with regret. "We're sorry, but the money just isn't there right now."

Almost 30 years later, that building is still inaccessible, and I'm still in a wheelchair, though not confined to it. As I shared last week, most of us don't see the need for things to be different until we are on the outside. But, there is light at the end of our tunnel here at Zion and Evergreen Academy.

When we can finally sell our former school property, we will be left with more than adequate funding to bring the property we keep not only to ADA-standard accessibility, but exceed it. To that end, I have asked our Congregation Council to adopt an official policy on accessibility that will hold all of us accountable to ensure that our campus is welcoming and inclusive, so that all may belong.

Accessibility and Inclusion Policy
[Proposed Draft]

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong to our community. We also believe that people with disabilities positively affect and enhance human diversity and community life. Therefore, in keeping with biblical teachings, with our
theological beliefs, and with decisions of our denomination regarding people with disabilities, we, the governing body of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, adopt the following policy.

  1. In this congregation, we value people with disabilities as created in the image of God, as partners to the covenant, and as co-laborers in the kingdom of God.
  2. We consider all people—with disabilities and without—to have gifts from the Holy Spirit, and we encourage everyone to enrich congregational life by practicing their faith and using their gifts in ministries of discipleship, leadership, and mission.
  3. We will endeavor to welcome people with disabilities into all ministries and activities of the church. This includes worship, education, small groups, outreach, activities, etc.
  4. We will seek to name, understand, and attend to the special spiritual, physical, and psychological needs of those of us affected by disabilities, including caregivers, and will offer training to respond appropriately to disability issues and to raise awareness in our congregation.
  5. We will modify any policy, practice, procedure, or architecture that excludes those of us with disabilities from any aspect of congregational life, and we will accomplish this through ample discussion with all parties involved.

I cannot even begin to tell you what a major step forward I feel this will be, not only for our congregation and community, but in seeing God's vision come to fruition in Deerfield Beach. To say something like this is long overdue is clearly an understatement; but, to be here to champion the cause after so many years is an unexpected honor. I hope you will join me in the joy of seeing this vision become a reality: a place where everyone belongs.

In Christ,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
"God's Work, Our Hands" T-Shirts

It's time to re-order our yellow "God's Work, Our Hands" t-shirts that we wear at volunteer events and opportunities. We encourage all of our members and friends to have one on hand! The shirts will be personalized with Zion's name. They are only $10 each. To sign-up to purchase a shirt, contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt or sign-up at worship on Sunday mornings.

Orders must be placed by Sunday, July 31st. Payment will be due when the shirts arrive, but shirts can be paid for in advance.
Opportunities to "Just Show Up"
Faith & Film
"Groundhog Day"
TONIGHT Wednesday, July 27th
6:00 p.m. in Katie Luther Chapel

1993, Rated PG
A self-centered Pittsburgh weatherman finds himself inexplicably trapped in a small town as he lives the same day over and over again until he gets it right. What does that mean, to "get it right"? How is Phil transformed out of his self-centeredness?

Come and enjoy fellowship and discussion! You are invited to bring anything to eat or drink – whatever you'd like to enjoy with each movie.
Volunteer for the Back to School Block Party
Saturday, August 6th
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Oveta McKeithen Rec Complex

Zion will be there with our tent to give away the glue sticks we've collected, as well as other treats.

If you are willing to volunteer for just 3 hours on a Saturday (very short for a city event!), please speak with Cantor Kurt Schmidt.
Looking Ahead to Sundays in August

August 7th: New & Renewed Member Sunday – Join us as we welcome new and renewed members at Zion. If anyone you know is looking for a church to call home, invite them to "come and see."

August 14th: Evergreen Academy Installation and Blessing of Students & Teachers – Join us as we welcome and install our senior administrators at Evergreen Academy. We will also be blessing all students, teachers, and school staff for the upcoming year with a special gift.

August 21st: Baptism of Kevin Joseph Gladden – Join us as we welcome a new member of God's family, Kevin Joseph Gladden. Kevin's mother, Kayla, is a former Zion student and her family was a core Zion family for many years. Celebrate with this precious family as we pass the faith "from generation to generation."
Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly
WOW! Thank You!

Thanks to the generosity of those who attended worship on Sunday (both in person and virtually), we were able to buy our cow, a pig, two roosters, and ten fruit trees for the farm; all the remaining glue sticks we needed (1250+) for the Deerfield Beach Block Party; and $80 worth of school supplies to take to our Conference Sing on July 31st. The spontaneous giving was just overwhelming!

A sincere thank you to everyone who donated toward ELCA World Hunger's Global Farm Project and brought in glue sticks for the DFB Block Party.

The preschool is still welcoming donations for the variety of animals who live on the farm! Stay tuned for more stories about the impact our generosity will have for our neighbors and people all around the world.
SAVE THE DATE for our Community Fair: Saturday, September 10th

Don't forget to save the date for our 2nd Annual Deerfield Beach Community Fair, co-hosted by Zion and Deerfield Beach Community Cares. We will need as many Zion volunteers as we can muster and will have a variety of opportunities to serve (indoors/outdoors, physically active/physically minimal, etc.).

We will also be setting up on Friday, September 9th in the afternoon and evening. Those who can move tables and other heavy items, please save the date/time!
Notes & Reminders
  • Two AA Groups meet weekly in Katie Luther Chapel: Women's AA (Mondays at 7:00 p.m.) and Old Timers AA (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.).
  • 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.
Quick Links & Contact Information
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
954-421-3146, option 2 (Church)
954-913-2125 (Cell)