The Sixth Mark of Discipleship: Give Selflessly

It's hard to believe that we are already almost half way through the calendar year, approaching the end of our fiscal year, and the end of another school year.

We have grown together in important ways – in worship, fellowship, and learning. We have (and will have) many opportunities to serve, to let your passions and interests meet the needs of our community. And so, here we are: the sixth, and final, mark of discipleship: Giving Selflessly.

According to Pastor Mike Foss, our discipleship teacher, "Giving is an essential aspect of the life of discipleship. When the followers of Jesus become miserly, we turn from the best of ourselves. We have not been created simply to watch out for our own needs. When we claim God's gifts and hoard them for ourselves, we deny the destiny God has planted within us. Things that clutter our lives and our hearts keep us from discovering the joy of giving."

Giving is not about us and our needs. God sees to the needs of those who put their trust in Him. Giving is about turning us outward to the needs of others, and turning our blessings into things that make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.

As members of a church community, it's never easy to talk about giving, because we have a responsibility as stakeholders of Zion – as we do in our own households – to ensure that the bills are paid each month. More about that soon enough. Giving refers to this, and so much more.

Consider this week: Are you hoarding God's gifts only for yourself, or are you giving more than your share forward? Is this an area in which you can grow? Let's grow together.

In Christ,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
Opportunities to Invite, Equip, and Serve
Cantor Kurt Out of the Office

Just a reminder that Cantor Kurt and Gail Schmidt will be representing Zion at the Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly from June 2-5. They will be in Orlando through Wednesday, June 8. In case of pastoral emergency, please reach out to our president, Dr. Robin Larson, at (954) 445-7993.
First Friday in June
Let's gather for food and fellowship!

Friday, June 3, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. 
Tijuana Flats
278 S. Federal Highway
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(The restaurant is located in the Publix plaza at the intersection of Hillsboro Blvd. and Federal Highway, next to Office Depot.)
NEW Fellowship Opportunity
(In the spirit of First Friday, but especially those who are not night owls, don't drive at night, or are retired!)

Tuesday, June 21st at Noon
Seaside Subs in Deerfield Beach
1645 SE 3rd Court
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(Seaside Subs is located in the Cove Shopping Plaza, east of Federal Highway off of Hillsboro Boulevard.)
Don't make lunch or dinner plans and come as you are! We enjoy delicious food and one another's fellowship. We each pay our own way, but everyone is invited to the table — friends, family members, and neighbors!
Faith & Film: Summer 2022

Faith & Film opportunities are scheduled throughout the summer on Wednesday evenings.

For the schedule, visit the Study page of our website.
Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 26, 2022
12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

All voting members are invited and encouraged to attend. A Zoom option will be available, especially for those who are homebound or not local. We will receive the annual report, approve the budget, and ratify the appointment of those willing to serve on the Congregation Council.
Who Will Help?

As hurricane season approaches, our president Robin Larson has asked that we form a Zion Disaster Preparedness & Response Team.

Those who offer to serve will, as they are able, help to secure the residences of Zion members who cannot do so on their own (elderly, homebound, etc.) and assist with preparations and clean-up on the Zion campus, if needed.

It is important that those who are physically able commit to helping those in need in our church and school community. If you are interested in serving on this team, please contact Robin Larson at (954) 445-7993.
Notes & Reminders
  • These 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)