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

January 18, 2023

We Are Making a Difference

by Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

Last month, I received a call from a local family counselor who was working with a Christian family based out of Fort Lauderdale to improve their parent-child relationship. The counselor, who we met at our Community Fair, was looking for faith-based books that the family could read together to help their four-year-old son learn more about honesty and kindness.

In her search, she called four (!) churches close to the family's home for help selecting these resources, and all four said they could not help her. When she called me, Zion didn't hesitate. We placed an order for books (including an age-appropriate Bible) and she had them to the family in less than a week.

Just yesterday, I received a message from the counselor: "I wanted to let you know what a wonderful gift this Bible [and books] has been to this family. Thank you so much! Mom and child are creating a bedtime routine that includes a little reading every night to encourage reading and values. Mom says her son loves listening to her reading the different stories and looking at the pictures."

We are also experiencing unpredictable success with Nina's Place, and the individuals and families receiving food are so grateful. A fellow Deerfield Beach resident shared in an email on opening day: "Thank you so much! Today I was there and it was easy to choose items for my family. The volunteers were friendly and super helpful. Thank you, Nina's Place!"

These, my dear siblings in Christ, are glimpses of the kingdom of God, and the difference we are making is kingdom work. For this, and all of the glimpses to come, we say thank God!

Nina's Place is in the News!

Click the pictures below to read the articles from the New Pelican (left) and the Observer Online (right).

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Now that we have been open for two weeks and responding to a very clear and urgent need that exceeded our predictions, we have a responsibility to make Nina's Place a sustainable initiative.

We are in a waiting period to qualify for Farm Share, as well as to learn more about Feeding South Florida and other local bulk food distribution programs. As we wait, we are relying on limited grant funding and individual financial contributions to buy food.

Our website (click here) has links at the top of the page to give and to sign-up to volunteer. There are separate volunteer links for adults and students. All financial contributions are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for your support in this new year!

January 29th is RIC Sunday

On this day, Zion will join RIC communities across the country to celebrate our shared commitment to the ongoing work of welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church. Mark your calendars for this special opportunity!

This Sunday: Third Sunday after Epiphany

Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.

• Two AA Groups meet weekly at Zion: Women's AA (Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the Boardroom) and Old Timers AA (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. in Katie Luther Chapel).
• 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.