As I write this, we are about half way through July, Disabilities Pride and Awareness Month. Just over 30 years ago, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, requiring public facilities to be accessible for those with disabilities. One would think with 30 years to work on this, it wouldn't be an issue anymore. Wrong.

I have had the privilege of teaching and presenting on the topics of accessibility and inclusion recently, and I always use Zion as my example, where "we don't have it right yet, but our intention is to get there." We don't have a truly accessible bathroom anywhere on our campus, only selective entrances can be used with a wheelchair (or similar device), and there's nothing that screams "we've gone out of our way to make things accessible for you."

Most of us don't see the need for things to be different until we are on the outside. In certain circumstances, you may never see the need for a properly-sloped ramp, until you're trying to push yourself up that ramp in a manual wheelchair. Been there, done that. This idea is true in so many issues of social justice, from race to disability to gender to age. And, in most instances, if we are white, English-speaking, straight, and employed, we are not the ones on the outside.

(Re-read inclusion and belonging. What's the difference?)

Over the next six months, you will see and hear and participate in activities designed to bring us from a culture of tolerance and inclusion to a culture of belonging for all people. As those of us who read and discussed the social statement on abortion realized, we as the church have a responsibility to speak for those who are marginalized by society and for those who have been historically excluded by the church. We may not get it all right at first, but we intend to get there...sooner or later, for the sake of ourselves and the whole world.

Serving with you,

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

Zion volunteers showed up and showed out at the Community Baby Shower co-hosted by Healthy Start and Deerfield Beach Community Cares this past Saturday. Over 235 new and expecting moms (and family members) were in attendance for a ton of giveaways, education, and the opportunity to connect with programs and services like WIC, KidCare, and many others.

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.

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.

This summer, ELCA World Hunger are sponsoring the Global Farm Challenge to raise funds to alleviate the pinch felt by workers and owners on small farms both in this country and abroad. All gifts are being doubled thanks to a generous match, so our collective impact will be more than $1 million!

Impact Update: As of Tuesday, we have received $385 toward the church's commitment of a cow. We need (at least) $115 more to reach this goal. Stop by the church or preschool office to see which animals the preschool families have contributed this week!

Zion will be participating in the annual Deerfield Beach "Back to School" Block Party on Saturday, August 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Oveta McKeithen Recreation Complex (formerly Westside Park) (see above). We have been asked to contribute a school supply item to fill 1,000 backpacks for students who live and attend school in Deerfield Beach.

Impact Update: As of Tuesday, we have received 630 glue sticks, with more on the way! Keep 'em coming!

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.

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.).