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

June 28, 2023

Jesus Loves the Little Children...and So Do We!

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

Mark 9:37

This past Sunday, we had the joy of unveiling and dedicating our Prayground space, praying for all the young children and their families who God will bring to Zion. We take very seriously Jesus' command to welcome children and want them to know they are free to be who they are in our worship space. We want kids to participate and engage as appropriate for their age (praying, singing, reading along) and see worship and church as a fun place to meet God.

For the team here at Zion, this Prayground is a very important starting step, but it is only the beginning! We look forward to the ways this kind of space will inform and evolve our worship services, as we commit to raising up the next generation of people who love God and love their neighbor. If you and your family haven't been to see our Prayground, we welcome you to join us for worship in person on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

Annual Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and on Zoom for our annual meeting.

In addition to receiving the annual report, we approved the budget for the upcoming year and heard about next steps in discernment about our property and future pastor.

Our constitutional updates will be voted on at the next specially called congregational meeting.

To read the annual report, click here.

Thank You from Cantor Peter Rizzo

My deepest, heartfelt, and eternal "thank yous" to the following:

• First, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is worthy of all my praise.
• Second, the leadership team at Zion Church, including Pastor Cathy Lauterhahn and all members of the council: Robin Larson, Gail Schmidt, Michele Clancy, Debbie Burns, Scott McElroy, and Pastor Jonathan Gantt.
• Third, Erica Blankenship and the staff of Evergreen Academy, for allowing me the privilege of working with the children. (Isaiah 54:13)
• Of course, to my colleague, friend, and brother in Christ, the man who has been the driving force behind all the wonderful things God is doing here at Zion, Cantor Kurt Schmidt.

And to all of you, my siblings in Christ: may our Lord richly bless you always, and may you go "from strength to strength." (Psalm 84:7)

Your fellow servant of the Most High,

Peter J. Rizzo, Associate Cantor

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

We need 2-3 individuals who can assist on Sunday mornings (in rotation) in setting up and starting the coffee for our after-worship fellowship time and setting out extra goodies if someone hasn't signed up to bring treats. We are sticking to the narthex (gathering space) for the summer, so you won't be out in the heat setting up. If you're interested, please speak with Cantor Kurt Schmidt.

We receive weekly deliveries from Feeding South Florida on Thursday mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and from Farm Share on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. If you're able to volunteer and assist with unloading, unpacking, sorting, and shelving the goods and groceries, please sign up!

In partnership with Zion and Healthy Start, Deerfield Beach Community Cares is hosting its 2nd Annual Community Baby Shower for new and expecting mothers on Saturday, July 22nd in the Gym. There will be community providers, vendors, raffles, giveaways, and food.

If you know of any mothers or families to invite, please let them know about this event. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to DBCC Director of Operations, Jarvis Brunson by email.

This Sunday: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.

The Rev's Thoughts & Recs

Last Sunday, we talked about making choices between maintaining our relationships with our loved ones versus having our relationship with Christ being our highest priority. This song by Lauren Daigle reminds us to look to God when life on this earth becomes overwhelming and challenging. Warning: this upbeat tune may inspire you to dance like no one is watching. Enjoy!

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.