Our Faith is Personal, Never Private

This month, our discipleship emphasis has been on building relationships. The Christian faith is built on a foundational relationship between God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our practice of that faith is built on a relationship that we have with Jesus, that "personal relationship" that evangelists always ask about. But, our relationships are incomplete without considering the community of faith to which we belong.

Jim Wallis, noteworthy 21st century theologian and writer, is credited with saying that our faith in God is "personal, but never private." In fact, if we don't share our faith with others ever in our lives, we have ignored Jesus' "Great Commission," and God will likely have something to say about that when we are called home.

I would take it a step further. If we don't find a community of faith to engage with and grow in our faith, we are also ignoring God's intent for our lives. You are reading this because you are connected with Zion in some way. Perhaps you worship at another congregation, and that's great. But please – worship somewhere. Make it a regular practice. Find a church family to grow in faith together, and then take that faith out into the world in generous service.

As I've always said, I would be honored if you considered Zion as your church home. And, if you're an Evergreen Academy family and looking for a church home, let's talk. I'd love to hear your faith story and share how there's a place for you here at Zion.

Serving with You,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
Opportunities to Invite, Equip, and Serve
Broward-Bahamas Conference: Spring Gathering
This Sunday, May 1st at 3:00 p.m.
St. John's Lutheran Church
2919 Van Buren St
Hollywood, FL 33020

Join leaders from Zion and the sister congregations of our conference for our biannual meeting, to be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hollywood. We will share stories of ministry success, enjoy fellowship, and discuss items of interest and attention to go forward on our behalf to the Synod Assembly.

If you are planning to attend, please let Cantor Kurt Schmidt know by e-mail, text, or phone call.
Faith & Film
"Luther"
Wednesday, May 4th
6:00 p.m. in Katie Luther Chapel

2003, Rated PG-13 
The most recent widely-distributed film on Martin Luther, this production focuses on Luther's life, from his early years and vow to become a monk through the Diet of Augsburg, where the confession inspired by his life's work was presented to the emperor.

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.
First Friday in May
Let's gather for food and fellowship!

Friday, May 6, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. 
Sicilian Oven
2486 N Federal Highway
Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 

(The restaurant is located on Federal Highway in Beacon Light Shoppes, north of Copans Road, on the east side of the street.)

Don't make dinner plans and come as you are! We enjoy some 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!
Donate to Second Harvest for the 2022 Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly

Congregations are being asked to bring food items for Second Harvest Food Bank to the Synod Assembly this year. If each synod congregation brings 50 pounds of canned goods and other items, we could donate more than four tons to Second Harvest! 

Critically needed items: 
  • Canned fruit and vegetables 
  • Grains (rice, cereal, oatmeal) 
  • Proteins (canned meat, tuna, beans, peanut butter, canned soup) 
  • Dairy (dry or evaporated milk) 
  • Baby Food 
  • Non-Food items (these can’t be purchased with food stamps – e.g., soap, shampoo, toothpaste) 

Zion will be collecting items through Sunday, May 29th. 
Thank you for being church together for the sake of the whole world!
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)