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

March 8, 2023

Declutter, Refocus, and Reprioritize

In last Sunday's sermon, Pastor Cathy reflected on the opportunity to use the 40 Days of Lent as a time to declutter our lives, refocus, and reprioritize. As we approach the third anniversary of the COVID shutdown (March 13, 2020), it seems like an equally good opportunity to suggest the same refocusing and reprioritizing for our life together at Zion.

1. If you haven't done so already: return to worship on Sundays in person. Make it a goal of coming not just one week here and there, but for two or three weeks in a row. Of course, if you are physically unable to attend in person or live a distance from Deerfield Beach, we encourage you to stay connected virtually! For those who are able, there really is no substitute for gathering face to face. (And we would LOVE an excuse to set up even more chairs in Katie Luther Chapel. Really.)
2. "Just show up." I believe they will etch this on my niche in the Memorial Garden years from now. We are planning even more events and programs in person that serve our own community and the needs of our neighbors. One of the best things you can do to show your support (even if you think you have no reason to attend) is just to show up. Education, service, and fellowship...the opportunities are all there. And, being a disciple of Christ compels us to take on any and all of these opportunities.
3. Make a plan to participate in the drama of Holy Week, especially the "Great Three Days." Mark your April calendars now. We will worship at both Zion and Good Shepherd, and the Easter Vigil (Saturday night) will be held at St. Stephen in Pompano Beach and hosted by the Broward-Bahamas Conference. Just as you wouldn't leave in the middle of a movie, you will want to be present for all days of the holy Passion, beginning on Palm Sunday (April 2nd).

As we remember all the ways our lives changed because of COVID, we will not let a pandemic define our future. Let us draw together and grow from strength to strength as a community by being present for one another, our neighbors, and God – who is always present for us.

Blessings & Peace,

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

Under Construction at Zion!

Zion is a busy place these days, perhaps even busier and lively than usual! Have you noticed? If you've been to Nina's Place in the last five days, you've seen the newest and most dignified addition, courtesy of our own Cullen Clancy. He built this custom counter in three days and installed it last Friday. In addition to completing this important requirement to become an Eagle Scout, he has blessed his church and community by this wonderful gift of time and talent. Thank you, Cullen!

Also, work has concluded in the portico (outdoors) and narthex (indoor gathering space). The inside restoration has begun! The pews are temporarily removed to allow for the large equipment to do its job of cleaning, sanding, and restaining all of the wood surfaces in the sanctuary. The finished product (and sparkling clean space) will be amazing! Thank you to God for faithfully guiding Zion and shepherding this process!

Don't forget about tonight's conversation on "Healthy Brain Aging" with the UMiami Comprehensive Center for Brain Health. If you're unable to join us in person, the conversation will be livestreamed and archived to the Deerfield Beach Community Cares website.

If you're planning to attend in person, please follow the link below to register for each week. Following the Q&A, our evening will end with Prayer at the End of the Day in person and on Facebook Live at 7:30 p.m.

Confirmation Classes

All are welcome to attend and participate!

Sunday, March 19th from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 23rd from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 30th from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Friday, May 12th from 7-9 p.m.

Friday, May 19th from 7-9 p.m.

We will be covering an overview of the Bible, sections of Luther's Small Catechism (10 Commandments, Apostles' Creed, and Lord's Prayer), and Worship. Come for a refresher or if you missed celebrating your own Confirmation!

Free Exercise Classes Continue

Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to Noon in Katie Luther Chapel

Those who wish to participate should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring a bottle of water.

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Nina's Place: We Need Businesses!

Together with our collaborating partners, we are asking for the help of our local businesses to consider giving $1,500 to sponsor one week of food for the individuals and families at Nina’s Place.



If you know of any businesses that would be willing to sponsor, please let us know. This is a perfect example of expressing our interdependence as a community and doing the right thing because feeding people is universally good!

This Sunday: Third Sunday in Lent

Note: We are meeting for worship & all events in Katie Luther Chapel.

This Sunday is both a healing service and a celebration of Holy Baptism. You won't want to miss it!

In this Sunday's gospel the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God’s grace flowing from the waters of baptism. The early church used this gospel and those of the next two Sundays to deepen baptismal reflection during the final days of preparation before baptism at Easter. As we journey to the resurrection feast, Christ comes among us in word, bath, and meal—offering us the life-giving water of God’s mercy and forgiveness. 

The Rev's Thoughts & Recs

Last Sunday’s gospel described Nicodemus tracking Jesus down at night, so he wouldn’t be seen by his fellow Pharisees. After witnessing Jesus’ miracles, he concluded Jesus must have a connection to God. He spoke as if he was asking for a friend not wanting to appear like he was the only one curious about Jesus. Many of us have faith questions we aren’t comfortable voicing in front of others, out of fear they might think we lacked faith or didn’t have sufficient bible knowledge. Recently, I have been asked questions similar to Nicodemus’ inquiry and recommended The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel. A great way to edify your faith on your Lenten journey. 

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.