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Zion Church offers a weekend schedule of three Liturgies.

Saturday Lessons & Themes usually anticipate the coming Sunday

Saturdays: 5:30 P.M.
Word & Sacrament

Sundays: 9:15 A.M.
Family Worship:
Word & Sacrament & Sunday School

Sundays: 10:30 A.M.
Word & Sacrament with Choir

Comments? Questions? Would you like us to contact you? Send us an email or phone us at 732-388-1815 with your contact information and we'll get back to you.

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Would you like us to contact you? Send us an email or phone us at 732-388-1815 with your contact information and we'll get back to you.

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Council Corner

March 2010

“And being found in human form
 he humbled himself and became obedient unto death,
 even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

From the day of sackcloth and ashes (Ash Wednesday, February 17) to the day of triumphant victory in the resurrection (Easter, April 14), you and I are challenged to prepare ourselves for the rising to newness of life – the basic purpose of Lent. “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we, too, might walk in newness of life.” (Rom.6:4)

Lent is the time for practice and training in virtues and self-denial that are to be permanent and habitual in the renewal life of Easter. The temporary interruption of some selfish habit for the limited period of Lent, with the intention of resuming the old habit at Easter is not “keeping Lent.” A daily material offering to be discontinued with the passing of Lent, does not prepare for the newness of life after Easter.

For this Lenten season of reflection, self-examination and preparation, we are offering many worship services. We ask each and every one of you to look over our Lenten schedule and make a special effort to attend as many services as possible.

Remember, Lent is a time more than any other in the church year, when we focus on Jesus’ journey down the road to Jerusalem and the cross.

Come! Join us “to walk where Jesus walked.”

                                                                                                Harry W. McDowell

February 2010

“Life itself is a gift of time.  Isn’t it incredible how God has given each of us our own unique set of talents and skills to develop and use to make that time meaningful?”

         Again welcome to the New Year 2010! As this new year looms before us, I assure you that 2010 holds many challenges and opportunities for ministries. Accept these challenges! Accept these opportunities! Again we—you and I—must live and lead this congregation with boldness and courage. We must be a lively congregation who believes in Gods future and “lets go” with faith; not a dead congregation who believes in the past and “holds on.” Now is the time for each of us to discover and to develop our God given talents to join our march in faith.

         We held our Annual Congregation Meeting on Sunday, January 17—a cloudy and subsequent rainy day with temperatures in the low forties. In spite of the weather we were pleased to welcome a final count of 55 voting members to our meeting.

         The Zion Youth Group hosted a luncheon providing the food, beverages and dessert as well as the “clean up crew.” Everyone fully enjoyed the opportunity to socialize and to partake of the delicious food.

         The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 12:25 pm. We had a full agenda with a total of thirty plus reports from the various ministry teams, task forces and organizations. Everyone was given the opportunity to ask questions or to comment on each report. The majority of questions/comments referred to the 2010 proposed budget with focus and concern on line item “1206 Additional Intern Income” in the 2010 Income Budget. The discussion centered around,  “should we continue with our Intern Ministry?” After a lengthy discussion a motion was made and seconded “to continue with our Intern Ministry.” The motion passed by written ballot 28 to 14. All questions were addressed very effectively by the congregation leaders.

         We welcomed to the Congregation Council the following four members: Linda Cenci, Debra Flanagan, Carolyn Konopi and Donna Murphy. We are pleased with their willingness to serve and look forward to another exciting year for Zion. The Congregation Council also bid farewell to a mainstay of the governing body for past three years: Herman Renkevens. We sincerely thank him for his time and talent and certainly pray he will continue to serve his Lord here at Zion.

         The Congregation also elected Patrick Sawler and Anita Waldron to join Pastor Whitlock as the three voting members to represent us at the Synod Assembly on May 6 through May 8, 2010.

         The Mutual Ministry Team has undergone a new look. We welcome new members: Cori Battenhausen, Douglas Born and Harold Engstrom. We are delighted with their acceptance and commitment to serve on this special team. The team also bids farewell to two members whose terms expired: Nancy Jean Wallace (2009 chairperson) and Susan Olender. We sincerely thank them for their time and talent and pray they will continue to serve their Lord here at Zion. The new 2010 chairperson is Robert Leifeste who along with Erica Barilla and Dorothy Marbach are serving their second year on the team.

         The Annual Meeting concluded at 2:05pm. Once again, I wish to thank YOU! It is your untiring efforts, your Christian understanding and your unselfish cooperation that binds us together as we labor to carry forth His work.

Harry W. McDowell

 

January 2010

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:6)     

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Perhaps the busiest season of the year. A season in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the season in which we open the greatest of all gifts which God has given us – His Son. A season in which we all should take time to sit down in the quiet of the moment to be alone with God and rediscover His word. We all need a time that can be set aside to replenish ourselves to meet the tasks that lie ahead. We need to allow God to be the center of our lives once again. Most of all, we need to take the time to focus on and to remember that manger scene with a newborn child named Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.

      The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2010, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. The Zion Youth Group will host the luncheon providing the food and beverages as well as the “clean up crew.” A free will offering basket will be available for any one who wishes to make a donation. All monies will be used to offset the costs of the luncheon with any “extra” dollars going into the Youth Ministry Fund. The business session will begin at approximately 12:15 p.m. The agenda includes action on a proposed 2010 budget; the election of four (4) members to the Congregation Council; the election of two (2) lay voting members to the New Jersey Synod Assembly being held May 6 through May 8, 2010; and the reports from our many ministry teams, committees and organizations of our congregation. Copies of the Annual Report will be available in the Narthex from Saturday, January 2 through the day of the meeting. If for any reason you cannot pick up a copy prior to the meeting, please contact the parish office (732-388-1815). We will do our utmost to see that you receive a copy promptly.

      As the year 2010 looms before us, I foresee many more challenges and opportunities for us as a Christian family. In preparation, we have been planning our Annual Council and Leadership Retreat since the Fall of 2009. The Retreat will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010, starting at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Our leader and moderator will be the Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, Professor of History of Christianity at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Dr. Wengert also is a world renowned lecturer on the Bible and Lutheranism. I guarantee you that he will challenge us with ways to revitalize our ministries at Zion. Once again, this is a great opportunity for all of us to look forward to see where, by God’s grace and our faithfulness, we are headed in 2010. The Retreat is open to all members of the congregation. Come and join us!!!

      Have a blessed Christmas Season and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

Harry W. McDowell

 

December 2009

Advent! Christmas! Epiphany!

These three closely related seasons begin the Church Year. “Every Advent,” Frederick Buecher writes, “I feel like a character in a bad detective novel. I know what’s going to happen, and yet I have to pretend to be stupid enough not to have figured it out. Good grief, everybody knows that Jesus is going to be born at the end of the story. After all, why else would the color of Advent be blue, other than we know the baby is a boy?”

Beware, Advent can be just that, if we are not careful. Although we read from the scriptures about God’s promises and sing “Oh, Come Emmanuel,” are we really looking forward to the appearance of God’s chosen redeemer? No! We are looking backward; the birth already happened. At times we seem to spend these weeks of Advent in a state of denial, pretending that we do not know about the nativity while we wait to celebrate Christmas.

Advent is not a time of waiting and hoping for Christmas. It is a time of waiting and hoping for God’s promises to come fully true. And the color of the season is blue not because “the baby is a boy,” but because blue is the color of hope. From Isaiah (35:1-10) the prophet speaks about even more than hope, even more than light in the darkness, even more than bloom in a blighted world. It is about healing! “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.” Say to fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear!” “Here is your God…..(God) will come an save you.”

Yes, the Advent promise is that strength will replace weakness. Firmness will overcome feebleness. Assurance will triumph over fear. Health will be victorious over disease. Calm will capture anxiety. Joy will heal depression. Respect will annihilate abuse. The first Sunday of Advent is near! Let us begin this Christian year in prayer and with hope, as we remember God’s promises and wait the coming of the Promised One.

Harry W. McDowell

 

November 2009

Listening to Jesus

Listen, Listen God is calling, through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.

Jesus, gave the mandate, share the good news,
That he came to save us, and set us free.

Listen, Listen God is calling, through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.

Let none be forgotten throughout the world,
In the Triune name of God, go and Baptize.

Listen, Listen God is calling, through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.

Help us to be faithful, standing steadfast,
Walking in your precepts, led by your Word.

Listen, Listen God is calling, through the Word inviting,
Offering forgiveness, comfort and joy.

Jesus’ disciples spent much of their time listening to Jesus. Because we, too, are disciples, Jesus also speaks to us.

When we listen to Jesus, what do we hear? What do you hear? What is Jesus telling you? Look deep into your heart and hear his words.

1) Share the good news that Jesus came to save us and set us free. (Think about it! That’s really the whole purpose of our church, is it not?)

2) Go into all the world and Baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (That is why we designate some of our offerings as Mission Support-they go where we cannot.)

3) Be Faithful, stand steadfast, walk in Jess’ way and be led by the Word.

As you listen to Jesus this week, think about how you can be more faithful.

Harry McDowell

 

October 2009

On Sunday morning, October 4th, you are cordially invited to attend our 10:30 a.m. worship service, followed by a 20-minute skit “CORUMBO”! (Remember Lt. Columbo and his Sgt. Sillen of TV fame-this skit is our version starring Lt. Corumbo and Sgt. Sillen of Zion Lutheran fame.) At the conclusion of the skit, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Italian dinner in Fellowship Hall. Believe me! This will be a fun time with enjoyable entertainment and scrumptious food to satisfy the appetites of all. Mark your calendars now!

Our theme for this years’ stewardship emphasis really has not changed. Most importantly, it invites us to give first to God. It calls us to exercise faith that God will take care of all our needs. Now is the time for us (you and me) to respond as spiritual givers-ones who contribute material resources to the Lord’s work with generosity, regularity and cheerfulness. They consider giving to be a wonderful opportunity rather than a sacrificial burden. As you have been blessed, tell God how thankful you are by accepting your share as a spiritual giver. Many times it takes a quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize that all we have and all that we are, is a gift from God; thus, “give to God what is right-not what is left”.

Consecration Weekend will be October 17-18. Each one of us will be asked to complete and to submit our 2010 Estimate of Giving Card at the worship services. Prior to Consecration Sunday, once again, take that quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize all that we have and all that we are, is a gift from God. Then on Consecration Weekend take a bold step forward as you walk with Jesus and complete your 2010 Estimate of Giving Card. There is so much to be done for our Lord. Love God. Love your neighbor.

Tell the world. Harry McDowell

 

September 2009

“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:2

Labor Day is just around the corner. The summer season is coming to its final days. Our remaining vacation days are few in number. Although some activities at Zion slow down or take a “vacation” during the summer season, all ministries are on-going. That means our financial offerings must also be on-going.

In grateful response to God’s love, let us all accept this challenge to share our resources in order to meet the financial needs of our thriving ministries and programs. If you did not keep current with your stewardship commitment during the summer months, you still have time to “catch up”. Remember, when we support our ministries and programs, we are making sure the story of Christ is being proclaimed and shared through our faith and love. Accept the challenge!

Remember Sunday, September 13—Rally Day and Picnic. Our annual congregation picnic will be held in Pastor’s backyard following the worship services. Honored guests will be the new members who have joined our Christian family in the past 12 months. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and the usual trimmings along with drinks, will be furnished by the church. Picnickers are encouraged to bring casseroles, side dishes and/or desserts. Surprise games? Come and become a winner! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to welcome our new members and to have an exciting fun-filled time.

Also remember the weekend of Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20—Friendship Celebration Weekend. Invite a friend, a neighbor and/or family member. Growing congregations always INVITE! “Research showed that 86% of all newcomers came to church because of an invitation from a friend or family member. Evangelism programs or the special efforts of a pastor were not nearly as effective……”

Harry W. McDowell

Faith is to believe what we do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.

August 2009

As many of you know, I suffered an enormous loss in my life a month ago (June 23). My wife, Romaine, was called home after suffering a severe stroke five days earlier. We shared a wonderful marriage of almost 67 years and were blessed with two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren—a very loving and caring clan. The loss of our matriarch was devasting to all of us. As I slept on a stretcher in the emergency room next to her that first night, I recalled a sermon I preached at Zion several years ago: “Faith Is More Than Wishful Thinking”. The next day I read the sermon and found my answers: “if you wish be saved from your terrible predictment, all you need do is have faith.” As I read on, these words jumped out at me:

Christian faith gives us the needed courage to face trouble!

Christian faith gives us the needed strength to carry on!

Christian faith comforts us in our sorrow!

Yes, Faith is belief. Faith is trust. Faith is love. Faith is hope. Not only was I sustained by my faith in Jesus, but as my son stated: “My father, sister and I—and our families—were enveloped by the loving arms of our several church communities, the hospital community and the neighbors in our various communities.”

My heartfelt thanks to all of you from these communities of faith for the many expressions of prayers, love and support. Your cards, e-mails, fruit baskets, phone calls, visits, meals, memorials and other means of support were not only appreciated more than words can express, but with each gesture I could feel “the loving arms” embracing my whole family. Yes, Faith is more than wishful thinking. Pastor Whitlock and Vicar Lara---our heartfelt thanks for being there when we needed you the most. Your words of wisdom and encouragement were greatly appreciated, as were the many hours you spent with our family at the hospital. You will always have a place in our hearts.

Harry W. McDowell

May 2009

Just before Easter we concentrate our thinking on the Lord Jesus and his cross. We remember the words he spoke as he faced and met his bitter death for our salvation. The “Seven Words From the Cross” have been in our minds as we have tried to understand and to fathom the experience of our Lord as he went to his death.

Why is it that no one seems to have made a similar collection of the words the Lord spoke to his followers from this side of the Tomb? What an exciting thing it would be if, after our Good Friday meditation on what the Crucified Lord said, we were to turn to what the Risen Lord said -- and still says – to his people. Three things he said over and over again, and they were very simple things.

He said, “Fear not.” He said to his disciples, “All hail! Fear not. Go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Many times he questioned them and then assured them with words such as “fear not” and “do not be afraid.”

He said, “Bear witness.” Remember how he challenged the fears of his disciples? And then calmed them as he said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” From the hilltop in Galilee, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

He said, “Receive power.” John tells how he came saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Luke related how he replied to a question from his disciples, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you.”

Yes, the Lord comes to everyone including the simple, ordinary people like you and me. This is his continued and continuous message. These three statements sum up his comfort, his challenge and his commission. FEAR NOT! BEAR WITNESS! RECEIVE POWER!

Harry W. McDowell

April 2009

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.”
John 15:7

As we reach the halfway point in this Holy Season of Lent, hopefully, we all will continue our preparation for the rising to newness of life. Lent is the time for practice and training in virtues and self-denial that are to be permanent and habitual in the renewal life after Easter. We ask each of you to plan to join the million of other Christians in active remembrance of this Holy Season by attending church services and through special meditation.

Spiritual Gifts! We all have heard and/or read about Spiritual Gifts! Why this focus on Spiritual Gifts? What are Spiritual Gifts? How do we use our Spiritual Gifts? Through baptism one is given a Spiritual gift or a mix of Spiritual gifts to carry on His mission. The commitment to discovering one’s own Spiritual gift (s) is a challenge to each one of us. This is the endeavor to use our own God-given talents in the ministry of our congregation. We are to use these Spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ, which is the Church. Spiritual Gifts include the following from (“Spiritual Gifts: The Power the Drives You and the Congregation” by The Rev. Neal R. Boese): Administration, Craftsmanship/Artistry, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, Hospitality, Leadership, Music/Vocal and Teaching.

Do you find your Spiritual gift (s) above? Whatever your gift, join our team! The usage of our Spiritual gifts are the powers that will move our congregation forward in its mission. As Pastor Boese says, “the understanding and usage of these gifts are as necessary to congregational life as oxygen is necessary for human life.”

Harry McDowell

March 2009

The axis of Our Lord’s Life is fixed on Two Poles – The Incarnation and the Resurrection.

Around the first, we have seen, clusters the Nativity season, or Advent, Christmastide and Epiphany.

Now comes Lent, the season of fasting and preparation for the observance of Passiontide and Eastertide. The Lenten fast became a period of preparation for Easter. “We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, we, too, might walk in newness of life.” (Rom 6:4). Thus, the basic purpose of Lent is the preparation for the rising to newness of life.

Yes, Lent is the time for practice and training in virtues and self-denial that are to be permanent and habitual in the renewed life after Easter. The temporary interruption of some selfish habit for the limited period of Lent, with the intention of resuming the old habit after Easter, is not "keeping Lent." A daily material offering, to be discontinued with the passing of Lent, does not prepare for newness of life after Easter.

We are offering our members and friends of Zion many services this 2004 Lenten season as they prepare for newness of life. On February 25, we begin with Ash Wednesday. As many of you know, the name Ash Wednesday is derived from the medieval custom of the penitents coming to the church on this day in sackcloth and with naked feet and throwing ashes over their heads where they had finished their prayers. These ashes were made from palms blessed the previous Palm Sunday. On February 25, we also will have the imposition of ashes as well as Communion.

We ask each and every one of you to look over your Lenten schedule and make a special effort to attend as many services as possible. Remember! Lent is to renew us: The goal of Lent is pulsating life.

Our Annual Congregation Council and Leadership Retreat – Stewardship planning for 2004 – was held on Saturday, January 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Scott Schanzenbach was our leader and moderator. Stewardship is not always a subject that holds an audience attentive and responsive for even an hour or two – Pastor Schanzenbach succeeded in presenting a six hour retreat on Stewardship that not only held this audience in awe, but had all the participants ready and eager for more as the retreat reached its conclusion. Believe me, the success of this retreat far exceeded our expectations. You will see and hear more of the details as the Stewardship Committee moves forward with its 2004 program.

The project to renovate and refurbish the Sunday Church School “great room” in the education Building is nearing completion. The floor has been retiled after removal of the old tiles and repairs to the floorbase; the new tile floor has been cleaned, sealed, waxed (4 coats) and buffed; four new large colorful tables and proper size chairs are in place; and, most importantly, the children and teachers are smiling and praising God in an environment conducive to learning about our Christian faith. I encourage all of you to take the time to see this beautiful room. Many thanks to the “angel of Zion” who made this project possible.

Harry W. McDowell

February 2009

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all my prayer for joy, 5 thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. PHILIPPIANS 1:3-5

I just want to thank everyone for their prayers and support of me during this past year as the President of the Council. It was wonderful serving God and you in this role. At this time, I have stepped down and I would like to welcome back Harry McDowell as the President for 2009. I will continue serving on Council and be the primary contact for Thrivent Financial as well as other roles as the Holy Spirit move me. I look forward to working with all of you in the upcoming year.

Yours in Christ, Patrick Sawler

January 2009

(9)And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:9-12

Merry Christmas, Frohe Weihnachten, Feliz Navidad, Vrolijke Kerstmis, Feliz Natal, Joyeux Noël.

No matter which language you use to state it, the meaning is the same. It is the day to celebrate the birth of our Lord,  Jesus. Christmas, to each of us, has it own special place in our hearts; for the child, it may be the excitement of Christmas morn and the opening of presents: for the adult, it may be the gathering of family and friends both near and far. 

No matter how you celebrate this Christmas, I wish you and yours peace and happiness both now and through the years ahead, To close, I will use the words of George F. MCDougall:

"Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God."

Yours in Christ,
Patrick Sawler

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Phone: 732-388-1815

 

Harry McDowell
President

Luann Albanese
Vice President/
Social Ministry

Therese Bera
Property

Linda Cenci
Treasurer

Debra Flanagan
Secretary

Carolyn Konopi
Youth & Family

John Page
Worship & Music

Donna Murphy
Stewardship

Patrick Sawler
Natural Church Development (NCD)

Robert Shackleton
Finance

Alida Thor
Outreach

Anita Waldron
Sunday School Superintendent

Congregation News
Year in Review

March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
Dember 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009

 

A LIVELY church often asks for more program and mission money;
a dead church has plenty of money for what it does

A LIVELY church asks people to open up and
risk involvement;
a dead church plays it safe and never risks.

A LIVELY church sees challenges and
Opportunities;
a dead church sees problems and dangers

A LIVELY church apologizes, forgives, and seeks forgiveness;
A dead church never makes mistakes.

A Lively church uses its tradition and facilities to serve people;
a dead church uses people to preserve facilities and traditions.

A Lively church believes in God's future and "lets go" with faith;
a dead church believes in the past and "holds on".

A lively church is filled with committed givers;
a dead church is filled with tippers.

A Lively church dares to dream great dreams for God's Kingdom;
a dead church has nightmares.

Now then, what about our Church?