Weekly News from Zion and our Ministries Under the Cross, especially Evergreen Academy

September 28, 2022

Proposed Welcome Statement

Welcome to Zion!

We are a community of love, hope, safety, and forgiveness for all people. Jesus is Lord in this place, offering food for the hungry, living water for the thirsty, and healing for the whole world. We are so glad you are here.

We believe God loves you for who you are, as you are – no exceptions. We welcome you in the spirit of God’s unconditional love, whatever your race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic position, family status, or background.

We believe our mission at Zion is to make a kingdom impact, and our “ministries under the cross” reflect God's calls for justice, kindness, love, and peace. We commit ourselves to the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and reconciliation in all its forms, and invite you to join us in that important work.

You are welcome here, because we are the Church together. The body of Christ has many members, and without all members of the body, we are incomplete. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, there is a place at Zion for you to belong.

This is the statement we will be voting to approve on Sunday, October 16th to implement and meet the commitments of becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation, recognizing that a welcome statement can and should be periodically reviewed and updated, if necessary. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for revision, please contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt.

Do you know what SOGIE means?

Special thanks to Pastor Cathy Lauterhahn for sharing her inspirational personal testimony this past Sunday.

Thanks to those individuals who remained after worship to share their opinions on our Faith Community Assessment. We received eight responses, which may not sound like many, but represents 35-40% of our average in-person worship attendance.

Please plan on joining us for the next two Sundays in person or Wednesdays on Zoom (click here for the link) for the study and discussion of "A Lutheran Introduction to SOGIE." Study materials have been purchased, but they are not required to participate. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, broaden your perspectives, and get clarification about the directions God is calling the Zion community.

First Friday for October

Friday, October 7, 2022

6:00 p.m. 

Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar

3887 W Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

(Hook & Reel is a very popular local drive-through spot. Recently, a new location opened at the old Ruby Tuesdays location just west of Powerline Road & Hillsboro Blvd. on the north side of the road.) 

Don't make 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!

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Want to honor someone, celebrate an occasion, or remember a loved one?

We are depending on gifts from individuals and families to provide for the necessary furnishings for Nina's Place, including (but not limited to) shelving, carts, and signage. There are gifts ranging from $150 to $500. All contributions will be recognized on the Founders Circle Donor Wall in Nina's Place.

Please prayerfully consider making a contribution, knowing that you are giving to a Zion community ministry that will make a kingdom impact for years to come. For more information, click below. Thank you!

This Sunday: 17th Sunday after Pentecost

A little faith goes a long way is Jesus’ point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth of faith has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in holy baptism, holy communion, and the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.

Readings

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

Psalm 37:1-9

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Luke 17:5-10