Tithing is NOT a Dirty Word!

“With regard to tithing … the best question to ask is not ‘Do I have to give 10 percent of my income to the church?’ The answer to that question is simply, ‘No’. A better question to ask may be, ‘Would I like to be the sort of person who is spiritually and financially able to give 10 percent of my income to the church?’ And if your answer to that question is ‘yes’, then there is a good chance that tithing is for you after all.”
from "Giving to God" by Mark Allan Powell

“Tithing” is one of those words that we only use in church and that might seem a bit archaic and outdated. So what exactly is tithing, and is it still relevant to us today?

What is a Tithe?
A tithe literally means “a tenth” and it refers to a practice found in the Old Testament of giving a tenth of all one has to God. In the New Testament, Paul also encourages believers to give proportionately and to set aside offerings as a way to give the “first fruits” to God. He makes it clear that it’s not a command or a legalistic “must do,” but rather a faithful response to God’s abundant grace in a believer’s life.

Are There Benefits to Tithing?
Tithing helps us to honor and worship God. This discipline of giving enhances our spiritual growth and trust in God. Tithing helps us to exercise a healthy spiritual discipline over our finances, and helps us combat the destructive forces of materialism, consumerism, and greed. And finally, tithing provides crucial support for the missions and ministries of the church.

If we grow in our discipline of tithing, the budget process of our church becomes less of a guessing game and more of a healthy estimate. It is important to remember that, whether or not we are in church every Sunday, the financial responsibilities of mission and ministry continue. And our church needs our support, regularly and consistently.

Admittedly, tithing is a discipline I haven't yet mastered. (Trusting in God like that is something I struggle with every day.). But, I'm working on it. Tithing is one of those practices we as Christians can grow into. Perhaps I can only prayerfully give 5% of my income this year, and maybe 6% next year. God rewards the intentional effort. Will you pledge to grow with me in giving as we grow together?

In Christ,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

(Special thanks to Pastor Josh Auchenbach at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, for his concise and pastoral explanation of tithing.)
Opportunities to Invite, Equip, and Serve
Faith & Film
"Freedom Writers"
Wednesday, June 15th
6:00 p.m. in Katie Luther Chapel

2007, Rated PG-13 
A dedicated teacher in a racially divided Los Angeles school has a class of at-risk teenagers deemed incapable of learning. Instead of giving up, she inspires her students to take an interest in their education and planning their future. She assigns reading material that relates to their lives and encourages them all to keep journals. Based on a true story.

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.

A Zoom link is available for those who are not local to Zion or homebound. If you are local; however, we encourage you to attend in person.
NEW Fellowship Opportunity

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 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!
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)