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

January 11, 2023

Nina's Place

A Successful Opening!

Nina's Place held its grand opening on Saturday, and we could not have hoped for a smoother beginning! There is no way to replicate the feeling of seeing smiling faces, particularly those of young children, knowing they won't have to worry about what or whether they'll eat – at least for a while.

As we were reminded in Sunday's sermon, by following Jesus, we are called to serve joyfully and give selflessly. Thank you to everyone who played a part in helping this ministry launch. Stay tuned for details about our strategies to make Nina's Place truly sustainable for the future!

And, if you're on social media and not following Nina's Place (@ninasplacedfb on Facebook and Instagram) and Deerfield Beach Community Cares (@dfbcommunitycares), please do. Updates and pictures are posted regularly!

Sunday's Sermon Handout

For those who were watching online or who missed worship this past Sunday, here is Pastor Cathy's handout, "10 Ways to Enhance Your Ability to Hear God's Voice."

Click on the picture to view or download.

Arrangements to Celebrate the Life of Janet Harrison

A visitation for Janet will be held Friday, January 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.at Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 217 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Cantor Kurt Schmidt will lead a graveside service on Saturday, January 14th at 12:00 p.m. at Boca Raton Mausoleum, 451 SW 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Janet has requested that no one wear black to either the visitation or graveside service; instead, please dress in your favorite colorful outfit.

Zion Is Invited!

The REFUEL 1-Day Conference is coming Thursday, January 19th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! The event is FREE, including all sessions, lunch, and resources!

Join pastors, staff, and volunteers from all denominations for a time of worship, encouragement, discussion, networking, and training on how to be more effective in fulfilling our mission of making disciples.

Gail & Kurt Schmidt attended this conference last year, and found it especially valuable for encouragement and networking in the local community. Everyone who is able is invited to attend with them! To register, click here.

Faith & Work Small Groups

Everyone experiences challenges specific to their occupation or profession. Even being "retired" is a challenge as you look for new and different ways to make a difference. If you are looking for a cohort of like-minded people for fellowship, prayer, and mutual encouragement, look no further! Click here for more information.

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Let's Talk Volunteering!



Anyone can volunteer at Nina's Place. We need caring individuals to assist with:

Checking in friends

Greeting friends inside

The experience ("walking the aisles")

The check out process

Thank you to the volunteers who braved the first week with us. We still have some rough edges to work out (training, etc.), but we couldn't have done it without you!

On the Nina's Place website, you'll see a menu at the top that says "Volunteer," with a pull down list and links to a sign-up for adults and students (youth). This is where you will select a time slot and enter your contact information. If the time slots are full and you're available, please just come by. There's always something to do and a way to be helpful!

On the same website, you'll see another link for Volunteer Sign-In/Out. This is for volunteers to sign in and out on the day(s) they serve. This is done on-site when you arrive and leave Nina's Place on our iPads.

We're in this together! Thank you for your willingness to serve joyfully!

Pray Daily for Your Neighborhood

If you like to walk or drive around your neighborhood regularly, this is the perfect prayer tool: the opportunity to pray for the people in Deerfield Beach and the surrounding area.

The Navigators (a discipleship ministry) have provided a 30 Days of Praying Through Your Neighborhood resource that we have made available in previous years. Click on the graphic to view or download.

This Sunday: Second Sunday after Epiphany

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us. 

• Several people have asked about 2023's first quarterly installment of offering envelopes. Our vendor shared there is a delay in production and shipment. Those who use printed envelopes can always send their offerings in a regular envelope directly to Zion in the interim. They apologized for the inconvenience, and so do we.
• Two 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.

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.