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

June 21, 2023

Welcome, Associate Cantor Peter Rizzo!

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Just over a month ago, I received a phone call from my friend and colleague, Peter Rizzo, about seeking a place to belong and wanting to return to the Zion community. When Peter came to Zion in 2013, he did so after 30 years as a church musician and teacher in the New York public schools. In the final years of Zion's school, Peter served as my colleague in the music department and was a leader in both the musical and spiritual development of the entire community. Since leaving Zion's school, Peter has been a street evangelist full-time, bringing the Gospel to the streets, showing and sharing the love of Jesus.

Over the last few weeks, it became clear that God had called Peter back to Zion "for such a time as this," to not only assist with playing for worship, but in restarting preschool chapels and providing musical enrichment for the preschoolers. I am particularly excited to have (literally) "an extra set of hands" in music ministry, which will now allow us to do things beyond even my level of proficiency. And all of this (and more) from someone who has nothing but time and talent to give.

I hope you'll join me on Sunday not only for our PRIDE worship, celebrating our solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, but also our annual meeting and the opportunity to welcome Peter formally and install him as our Associate Cantor. We do so recognizing that the work of leading the people's song is a high and holy calling and that we all have a place in God's choir!

In Christ,

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

Annual Meeting This Sunday

The annual meeting of our congregation will be held this Sunday immediately following worship. This is the meeting where we accept the annual report and approve the budget for the upcoming year.

It is important that all voting (attending and contributing) members of Zion plan to attend; without a quorum, we cannot legally conduct business. (To be counted, you can participate on Zoom, but must be actively present and able to respond there.)

For those who need to join via Zoom, click here for the direct link. Otherwise, call (305) 224-1968 and enter the Meeting ID (491 005 8477) and Passcode (1958) when prompted.

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

We need a couple of individuals who can assist on Sunday mornings 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 have begun receiving weekly deliveries from Feeding South Florida on Thursday mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 a.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: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. Jeremiah feels the pain of rejection from those who do not want to hear what he has to say. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair on our heads. Though we may experience rejection, frustration, division, and death, God’s grace and love make us a new creation each day. Marked with the cross and filled with holy food, we are sent from worship to witness to Christ in the world.

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.