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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January 2010
NEW
YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
The ELCA Mission statement tells us,
“Marked with the cross of Christ forever,
we
are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.”
God loves us with an everlasting love.
We bear on our foreheads
the sign of the Cross.
We
have been sealed with the Holy Spirit
and
marked with the Cross of Christ forever.
In our Baptism, God claims us as his own.
When we join a congregation,
we
are gathered together with other believers.
Claimed and gathered,
We are sent for the sake of the world;
this is our calling, our mission, our task.
Remember that old Sunday School Song
Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
To shine for him each
day
In
every way try to please him.
At
home, at school, at play.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
Jesus wants me for
a sunbeam.
A
sunbeam, a sunbeam,
I’ll be a sunbeam for him.
Resolve to be a Sunbeam for Jesus.
Let the light
that shines in the darkness
shine through you out into the world.
December 2009
“AND THE WORD
BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US”
I have to admit,
I miss the word “dwelt.” Most translations
nowadays use the word “lived” instead. “And
the Word became flesh and lived among us.” Every
Christmas, we celebrate the moment when God’s Word
became a living, breathing human being. We celebrate the
birth – Jesus’ birthday. But Christmas is more
than a birthday party. We are not only celebrating the
birth of Jesus as a human baby, but also that through this
particular birth, God has come to dwell with us. Literally,
the word translated here as “dwell” or “live” means “to
pitch your tent.”
When the Israelites were wandering
around the wilderness for 40 years, the Tent of Meeting
was pitched right in the middle of where the members
of the 12 tribes pitched their tents. Even in their
wanderings, it was clear to all, God was in their midst.
Now, God “pitches
his tent” in the person of Jesus, and sends into
our world the light the darkness cannot overcome. Today,
most of us don’t live in tents, except, perhaps
when we go camping. But we still long for this image
which assures us God is with us, especially in the
darkness of these winter nights.
As we wait for Christmas, we remember how
Jesus came to dwell with us in the past, how Jesus
dwells in our hearts now, in the present, and how Jesus
will come again in the future.
November 2009
COME, YOU THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME
One of
my favorite Thanksgiving hymns is “Come, You
thankful People, Come.” By Henry Alford.
In this hymn, we give thanks for All being safely
gathered in Before the first snowfall of winter. The
hymn is about more than food, it is about all our wants.
In this hymn, we get the idea that we,
ourselves Are part of the ingathering. The whole world
is God’s
field, And there we are, sprouting away: “First
the blade, and then the ear, Then the full corn shall
appear….” And we pray that
we may yield a good harvest, Like the seeds scattered
on good soil.
From another Bible story, we learn That
the wheat and the weeds grow among each other And it
is God’s job to separate them at the time of
the harvest; The grain goes into the granary, And the
weeds to into the fire. Let us pray, “Lord of
Harvest, grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may
be.”
Happy Thanksgiving.
October 2009
Pastor’s Corner October, 2009
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY AND BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
Zion’s
constitution states that as a church, we look to Scripture
as the “source and norm of our faith and life.” What
in the world does that mean? It means that we look
to Scripture in two ways:
1. As the source of our faith.
Scripture tells us that God created us and everything
that exists; that through Jesus, God redeemed us;
and that God sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts,
and the hearts of all believers. In the words of
that old 50’s song, “How do
I know? The bible tells me so.”
2. As the norm for
our life.
When we are facing choices, we
look to Scripture for guidance. There are as many
different methods for reading the bible as there
are believers. Thus two faithful believers can
look to Scripture for answers to their questions,
and receive different answers. What happens when
two different interpretations of Scripture appear
to be mutually exclusive? We use Scripture to interpret
Scripture, clinging especially to the passages
that point us to Christ. As we learned in Confirmation
class, we “put the best possible
construction on our neighbor’s actions.” And
we respect the bound consciences of those with whom
we disagree.
At the time of the Reformation,
Martin Luther and the Reformers gave us a key for
understanding how Gods Word comes to us in two
ways: Command and Promise – Law
and Gospel. The Promise, or the Gospel is that we are saved
by grace through faith. We are never made right with god
by whether we do something or not. We follow the Law, the
Command of God not as a way to achieve salvation, but out
of gratitude. Jesus tells us the greatest and first commandment
and a second which is like it: Love God with all your heart
and soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself. “On
these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets, “ says
Jesus.
September
2009
LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR,
TELL THE WORLD
Where did Zion come up with
this idea for a mission statement? From two Scripture passages,
known as 1. The Great Commandment – Matthew 22:37-40 and 2.
The Great Commission – Matthew 28: 19-20
In both passages,
Jesus is speaking. Both answer the question, “What
is God calling us to do?” The Great Commandment: “ ‘You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with
all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the
greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” The
Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them
to obey everything I have commanded you, and remember, I
am with you always, to the end of the age.” Are there
other scripture passages that speak to you about mission?
About what God is calling you
to do? About what God is calling Zion to do as a congregation?
Speak to any member of Council with your ideas.
July
2009
WELCOME
“Do not neglect to show hospitality
to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews
13: 2 As the early church had conversation about issues of
hospitality, so does the church today. We remember Jesus’ own
words at the Last Supper, when he told his disciples that
his blood was poured out for you, and for ALL people for
the forgiveness of sins.
Therefore, we welcome ALL people
at our table for Holy Communion. But how would those outside
the church really know? Research tells us that to those not
in the church, Christians seem generally less than welcoming,
and truly not very much like Jesus. Zion’s
Congregational Council was talking about making ALL ARE WELCOME
a theme for the upcoming year.
How might Zion have the opportunity
to entertain angels without knowing it?
May
2009
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LUTHERAN?
Martin Luther in his wildest
imagination never would have expected
to have started a denomination
named after him.
So what does it mean to be a Lutheran?
We will be exploring this question in a four
week course, meeting at 11:30 AM
in the Social Hall after Worship on
Sunday mornings beginning May 3.
This class is designed for those who are considering
membership at Zion,
as well as those who would like a “refresher” course.
How do Lutherans Worship?
By gathering around Word and Sacrament.
Since that first Easter, the followers of
Jesus noticed
that Jesus became present
to them in the Proclamation of the Word
and in the Breaking
of the Bread.
We
still gather around these central things.
How do Lutherans read the Bible?
As a means of Grace – the way God comes
to us in promises that create faith.
As a book that tells the truth about the human
condition,
and as a book that tells the truth about
what God does for us.
How do Lutherans see themselves in relation
to other Christians?
As members of the “one, holy,
catholic, and apostolic church,”
meaning we see ourselves as part of the world
wide church --
“All who follow Jesus all around the
world,”
as the children proclaim to us in song.
How do Lutherans get involved in doing God’s
work in the world?
By noticing what Spiritual Gifts God has given
us,
and then using these very gifts to the glory
of God.
There are opportunities for service and ministry
in God’s name
in our homes, our congregation, our communities
and throughout the world.
April
2009
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
At the pancake supper
on the night before Ash Wednesday, I sang for you, “Pharaoh,
Pharaoh, O baby, let my people go!” But really
this is a song for the END of Lent, and not the beginning.
God raises up a leader, Moses, “to get my people out
of Pharaoh’s hand and lead them all to the promised
land.” The people of God are instructed to take a lamb,
a lamb without blemish, and mark their doorways with the
blood of the lamb. The angel of the Lord will then PASS OVER
the houses so marked.
The people of God are instructed to
observe the Festival of Passover, marking this event every
year. When Jesus enters Jerusalem on what Christians now
observe as Palm Sunday, Jesus and the disciples are coming
to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. In Matthew, Mark and
Luke, Jesus is at a Passover Seder when he institutes the
Lord’s Supper. In John, Jesus IS the Passover Lamb.
This year, we are blessed to have Brian Dallow leading us
in a Passover Seder on Palm Sunday afternoon at 4 PM.
We
continue our celebration of Holy Week with our traditional
services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil
on Saturday, and Festival Worship on Easter Sunday.
Not only
is Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,
Jesus is the one who PASSES OVER from death to life, as we
discover When we find the empty tomb on Easter morning. Allelulia!
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed!
Midweek Lenten Vespers
featuring Holden Village Evening Prayer and The Book of Daniel
Wednesday evening, April 1 7:30 PM NEW FOOD FOR FRIENDS COOKING
TEAM Zion is now part of a cooking team for Food For Friends.
We will be cooking every 6 weeks on a Saturday. Our next
date is April 25. If you are interested in joining the team,
please contact Vicar Lara. Note to Pat and Lee, please run
the Palm Sunday and Easter Schedule Also, please ask Harry
for letter regarding congregational meeting on April 25 and
26.
March
2009
LENT – THE 40 DAYS
How shall
we observe the 40 days this year? No longer with sackcloth
and ashes, that’s for sure.
But we can still practice Repentance, which
the sackcloth and ashes represent.
Repentance is all about turning around and facing the LORD.
“Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”
-- Joel 2:13
What about Fasting?
Yes, there are still some people who “give up” something for Lent.
Instead of giving up something small, like candy,
contemplate what it might mean to go without
something big in your life,
something you have set your heart on.
“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal….”
-- Matthew 6: 16
Prayer – now here’s a Lenten practice in which everyone can participate.
Please join us for Evening Prayer (also known as Vespers),
every Wednesday evening in Lent at 7:30 PM
Of course, you can always pray at home or at work, or wherever you are.
Therefore, this Lenten discipline is available to you 24/7.
“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.”
-- Ephesians 6: 18
The fourth traditional discipline
of Lent is “Works of Love.”
Join us on March 24 for the “Just Neighbors” series,
or on March 14 when Zion cooks a meal for FOOD FOR FRIENDS.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food.”-- Matthew 25:31
February 2009
HEALING SERVICE
“Our Lord in his ministry performed many different acts of healing – forgiving sins, casting out demons, curing physical disease. His disciples also performed similar acts. These practices continued as part of the Church’s ministry of healing. The laying on of hands was associated with prayers for the work of the Holy Spirit. Anointing with oil was also associated with the activity of the Holy Spirit, but was especially related to the healing of sickness or infirmity…. “The oil used for anointing is olive oil, to which an aromatic ingredient such as oil of cinnamon or oil of bergamot may be added.” --notes on the Service of Laying on of Hands and Anointing the Sick, from the Occasional Services book.
Here at Zion, We have been offering this ministry of healing from time to time. The weekend of February 7 and 8, The Service of Healing and Laying on of Hands will be part of all regularly scheduled Worship. Please join us and invite your friends.
January 2009
EPIPHANY
One of my favorite Epiphany hymns is
“Songs of thankfulness and Praise,”
By Christopher Wordsworth.
The refrain goes, “God in flesh made manifest.”
During the Epiphany season, we see the many ways
That a flesh and blood human Jesus manifests, or shows forth, God.
Epiphany always begins with the Feast of the Three Kings.
Right from the beginning, Jesus’ glory is revealed to the other nations,
Represented by the ‘sages of afar.”
Jesus is indeed the light of the world.
A traditional theme for this time of year
Has often been world missions.
The First Sunday after the Epiphany is celebrated as
The Baptism of our Lord.
A voice from Heaven declares:
“You are my son, the beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
It is a great day for a Baptism,
and a great day to remember our own Baptism.
The Wedding at Cana is a traditional Epiphany lesson,
Although now it appears in our lectionary only once every three years.
Changing water into wine manifests Jesus’ divine nature.
This is Jesus’ first recorded miracle.
Epiphany is also a time for
“making whole palsied limbs and fainting soul.”
This year, the lectionary gives us the healing of:
A man with an unclean spirit,
Simon Peter’s mother in law
And a leper.
During Epiphany we always have one or two Gospel lessons
About the calling of the disciples.
This is an excellent opportunity to reflect on our own discipleship.
“Grant us grace to see thee, Lord, present in thy holy Word;
Grace to imitate thee now, and be pure, as pure art thou.
That we might become like thee at thy great epiphany,
And may praise thee, ever blest, God in flesh made manifest.”
December 2008
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Legend has it that this popular Christmas Carol is filled with symbolism.
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus. |
The Two Turtle Doves are the Old and New Testaments.
The Three French Hens are Faith, Hope and Love
The Four Calling Birds represent the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Five Golden Rings represent the 5 Books of the Torah,
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
The Six Geese a-laying represent the six days of creation.
The Seven Swans a Swimming stand for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit --
Prophesy, Service, Teaching, Exhortation, Generosity, Leadership, Compassion
The Eight Maids a-milking stand for the eight Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
The Nine Ladies Dancing stand for the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace,
Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
The Ten Lords a-leaping remind us of the Ten Commandments
The Eleven Pipers Piping remind us of the eleven faithful Disciples: Andrew, Peter, James,
John, Matthew, Simon, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Thaddeus, James the Younger,
The Twelve Drummers Drumming remind us of the various points of the Apostle’s Creed:
The Creation, The Incarnation, The Two Natures of Christ, The Passion of our Lord,
Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension, The Second Coming, The Holy Spirit, The Church,
The Communion of Saints, Forgiveness, The Resurrection of the Body, Eternal Life.
As you listen to this carol over the Advent and Christmas Season,
And sing along with it, may you celebrate Jesus’ Incarnation, the WORD made flesh.
November 2008
ALL SAINT’S DAY
During the early centuries of Christianity,
when believers were persecuted for their faith,
the anniversary of a martyr's death
was remembered with a prayer and a shared meal.
By the end of the fourth century, in Syria,
a feast day in honor of ALL the holy martyrs
was observed the Friday after Easter,
thus linking their death and victory
closely to the dying and rising of our Savior,
Jesus, the Christ.
Other Eastern cities observed a festival of the martyrs
on the Sunday following Pentecost,
the Day we now observe in honor of the Holy Trinity.
Since the Eighth Century,
the Western Church has honored all the Saints,
that is all the “official” Saints, on November 1.
November 2 was then added as "All Soul's Day,"
as a day to remember the rest of the blessed dead.
Our Lutheran practice is to observe All Saints Day
on November 1, or the next Sunday following.
We don’t make a distinction between
“official” saints and the rest of us.
We are all saints because we are forgiven sinners.
Every year on All Saint’s Day, we remember our own “Saints” of Zion,
who have gone on to eternal life in the past year.
This year, we will also dedicate
a Holy Water pot and sprinkler in memory of James A. Barilla.
It can be used to help people remember their Baptism.
October 2008
STEWARDSHIP
Money is in the news. Or the lack of it. These times of economic upheaval call us to a sense of clarity about what is important to us. How we manage whatever resources God has given us is called “stewardship.” We are the stewards, not the owners of all that we have. All of it belongs to God. Since God is the owner and we are the stewards, returning thanks to God through our giving is a faith issue. Our giving habits are reflective of our trust in God.
The Bible tells us that a part of all we receive is to be returned to God, and · the amount we give is to be in proportion to what we receive. Other Biblical Stewardship Principles include:
· Giving is a matter of choice, not law.
· Giving is to be done regularly.
· Gifts withheld are, in effect, stolen from God.
· Giving is an expression of love and gratitude.
· Earthly possessions are temporary.
· Giving includes our whole selves, including all we have and all we accumulate in our lifetimes.
· Giving puts us closer to God’s work through our church.
· God will give us rewards far in excess of what we give.
The thing is, whether we have been gifted with much or with little, our calling is to manage whatever we have on behalf of God. Bible Search. The Biblical Principles in Pastor’s article are part of our theme “Faithful, Hopeful, Loving.”
See if you can match them up with the following Bible verses:
Psalm 24: 1-6
Acts 20: 35 2
Corinthians 9: 5-15
Genesis 2: 15-17
Malachi 1: 10-14 1
Corinthians 16: 1-4
Psalm 50: 10-15
Luke 12: 48
Luke 19: 1-10
Proverbs 3: 9-10
Psalm 89: 11
Matthew 25: 31-46
Acts 4: 32-5:11 1
Corinthians 6: 19-20
Luke 18: 18-30
Malachi 3: 6-12
Matthew 6: 2-4, 19-21, 24-34 1
Timothy 6: 17-19
Luke 12: 13-21
Rehearsals for “A Stewardship Carol” will be held in the Social Hall on Sundays at 11:30AM, directly after Worship on October 5 and 12. The play will be presented at our Stewardship Dinner on Sunday October 19, at the same time and place. If you would like to be in the play, or help out in any way, please come to the first rehearsal on October 5.
September 2008
Calendars
The Liturgical calendar begins on the First Sunday of Advent,
often the last Sunday in November.
The secular calendar begins on January 1.
The astrological calendar begins on the first day of Spring. And the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah,
falls on September 30 this year.
But when you really get right down to it,
most of us really live our lives according to the school calendar.
There is something about September that makes us think
THIS is really the beginning of the year.
THIS is when we get our “back to school” clothes and school supplies.
There is something hopeful about a brand new notebook
and newly sharpened pencils with erasers intact.
It reminds me of the feeling we get immediately following
the confession and absolution at Worship.
At that moment, we have heard with our own ears
the glorious news that God has erased our sins.
We have been given a clean slate!
I imagine most of us did not use a “slate” when we went to school,
but some of us remember inkwells, and ink eradicator, and blotters.
That’s an image from Scripture – God blots out our sin.
You could also think of it as
God hitting the “delete” key on a computer
or using “white out” on a piece of paper.
So, as you are shopping for your school supplies,
may erasers and white out remind you
of God’s unlimited mercy and forgiveness.
August 2008
IHS
“Pastor, what do those letters mean?” Someone asked me the other day. They are on the front of our altar.
A good question, especially if you don’t speak Greek.
In Greek
I = iota H = eta
S = sigma These are the first three letters of the name of Jesus: IHSOUSCR
Another symbol we see is the Chi Rho Sometimes these two letters are superimposed on each other.
They are the first two letters of the word CRISTOS,
which translates as Christ, or Messiah.
ICQUS
Another Christian symbol is the fish,
because in Greek, the letters spell out the anag
I = iota for Jesus
C = chi for Christ,
Q = theta for God’s
U = upsilon for Son,
S = sigma for Savior.
May these symbols all remind of us of our loving savior.
MAHJONGG MINISTRY
Friday, August 15
6:30 PM in the Social Hall
ALL WELCOME
Beginners, Advanced Players,
Or people who just want to
See how the game is played.
July 2008
JUBILEE AND “MINISTRY NIGHT”
In the Hebrew Scriptures we find the concept of Jubilee:
Just like the people of God are given
a Sabbath day of rest every week,
the land got Sabbath of its own every seventh year.
The land would lie fallow and take a rest.
We’ve adapted this concept at Zion regarding our many meetings.
Once a year we invite everyone to cancel
all regularly scheduled meetings.
Most of our Ministries, Committees, Task Forces, and Organizations
meet regularly on a set day every month.
For the month of July,
we invite you to take your regular meeting time off,
and celebrate by attending “Ministry Night” on July 17.
We will begin with a pot luck at 6 PM.
If your Ministry, Committee,Task Force, and/or Organization
has any pressing business, you can discuss it over dinner.
Then we go around the circle and introduce ourselves and our ministries.
EVERYONE
including those who are not presently serving on a ministry is invited to attend.
We find this to be a great evening of food, fellowship,
and a means of communication among the various ministries at Zion.
Mark your calendars. See you there.
June 2008
The Letter of Paul to the Romans
The book of Romans is actually a letter written by Paul to the believers in Rome. Unlike many of Paul's other letters, which are to churches Paul had founded, Paul did not found the church in Rome. In fact, at the time of Paul's writing it, he hadn't even been there yet.
In this letter, Paul outlines many of the foundational themes of the Christian faith:
First, our need for redemption, then God's saving action in Christ, which leads to the "new life" we are called to as followers of Jesus. Martin Luther was greatly influenced by this letter, especially the concept of "justification." The new understanding Luther gained of the righteousness of God based on meditating on this Scripture energized the Reformation.
Excerpts from the book of Romans will be read as our Second Lesson every Sunday for the next few months. Why not get out your Bible now and get a head start? If you don't have a Bible, please contact the church office and we will make sure you get one.
MAHJONGG MINISTRY
Friday, June 20 6:30 PM in the Social Hall
ALL WELCOME: Beginners, Advanced Players, Or people who just want to See how the game is played.
May 2008
MISSION ON THE MOVE
Zion has chosen May as “Mission on the Move” month.
Our number one Mission on the Move priority is to rediscover our passion for God’s mission here at Zion and in the New Jersey Synod.
“Mission on the Move” is known as “MOM” for short.
What’s the first word you think of when someone says Mom and… ? Apple Pie!
So, to introduce the congregation to “MOM,” we are having a series of “cottage meetings” to talk about “MOM” and have apple pie!
Some meetings will be in people’s homes, and some will be at the church.
See you then.
April 2008
CHRIST IS RISEN!
CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
CHRIST IS RISEN!
CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
CHRIST IS RISEN!
CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELULIA!
The Risen Christ commands his followers to GO and TELL this glorious news to all the world. That is our mission.
We exist for more than ourselves. We exist for the world.
This is what “MISSION ON THE MOVE” is all about:
To emphasize our role as followers of Jesus with gifts to share
and a vision for God’s dream for the world.
Our objective is to extend God’s love to others,
who will then also become followers along with us.
As followers of Jesus, we are all stewards of the message of salvation,
and we all participate in spreading the Good News
of God’s extraordinary grace, love, and mercy.
This message is not something for us to keep to ourselves,
but for the sake of this world
that God loves to share will all who will listen.
Come follow Jesus for the sake of the world!
Information Meeting
National Youth Gathering
“Jesus, Justice, Jazz”
New Orleans, Louisiana
July 22-26, 2009
Meet in the parking lot at 1 PM
Sunday April 23
March 2008
EASTER, THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
Our celebration of the Risen Christ begins on “Easter Eve,”
The same way our celebration of Christmas begins the night before.
We gather together in candlelight to hear the Easter Proclamation:
Rejoice, now, all heavenly choirs of angels,
and celebrate the divine mysteries with exultation.
And, for the victory of so great a king,
Sound the trumpet of salvation.
Exult also, O earth, enlightened with such radiance,
and made brilliant by the splendor of the Eternal King.
Know that the ancient darkness has been banished
from all the world…
This is the night in which, in ancient times,
You delivered our forebears, the children of Israel from the land of Egypt;
and led them dry-shod through the Red Sea.
This indeed is the night in which the darkness of sin has been purged away
by the rising brightness.
This is the night in which all who believe in Christ
are rescued from evil and the gloom of sin,
are renewed in grace, and are restored to holiness.
This is the night in which, breaking the chains of death,
Christ arises from hell in triumph.
Our celebration continues the next morning with
a Sunrise Service at Hazelwood Cemetery,
followed by an Easter Breakfast here at Zion,
along with our regularly scheduled Worship at 9:15 and 10:30AM.
August 2007
ZION in the Hebrew Scriptures
The name Zion first appears in Scripture in relation to the conquest of Jerusalem by David: “Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, which is now the city of David.” -- Second Samuel 5:7 -- First Chronicles 11: 5
The next reference is to the time when the ark of the covenant was moved “from the City of David, which is Zion” to the New Temple built by King Solomon. -- First Kings 8:1 -- Second Chronicles 5:2
In general usage, the name Zion appears to have moved, along with the ark, and came to refer to the temple itself, especially in the Psalms. In Isaiah, the prophet foretells a foreign nation coming to Worship the Lord God. “At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts… to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the LORD of hosts.” -- Isaiah 18: 7
Somewhat later, the prophet Isaiah mentions Zion again: “See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: ‘One who trusts will not panic.’” -- Isaiah 16:28
From the Messiah, we have, “Oh thou who tellest good tidings to Zion…say unto the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God.” -- Isaiah 40: 9
The phrase “daughters of Zion” sometimes can refer to the women of Jerusalem, but recent Biblical Scholarship suggests an additional meaning: if Zion is the metropolis, the daughters are the suburbs. Thus, depending on the context, in the Hebrew Scriptures, Zion can refer to hillcrest, the City of David, The Temple and/or the Temple Mount, or the people.
Stay tuned! Next month: Zion in the New Testament.
July 2007
MARTIN LUTHER’S SPIRITUALITY
When I attended the Synod Assembly, I learned that Phil Krey, one of my favorite Professors from the Philadelphia Seminary, and now the President there along with his brother had written a book on Luther’s Spirituality. We immediately ran off to the bookstore and I bought the last copy, which Phil autographed for me, and I’ve been reading it ever since.
It turns out the preface was written by another one of my professors, Timothy Wengert. He explains how Luther’s Spirituality emerged from the monastic tradition of “oratio, meditatio, et illuminatio seu contemplatio” that is, prayer, meditation, and illumination or contemplation. The Biblical text must be PRAYED, not simply read, because “the Holy Spirit uses a whole different grammar and logic.” Luther’s understanding of MEDITATION is simply a close reading of the text. Ask yourself, “What is the Holy Spirit up to here?” However, in the third step, Luther veers from the old pattern.
Instead of illumination or contemplation, Luther’s method is more like a SPIRITUAL ATTACK. For Luther, “when the Holy Spirit breaks our reason and reveals to us the true intention of God’s Word, we are not drawn into some sort of heavenly realm. Instead, all hell breaks loose. The flesh, the world, and the devil and any other anti-spiritual power attempt to wrest from the believer the comfort Of God’s unconditional grace and mercy….”
May God’s unconditional grace and mercy fill your hearts to overflowing.
June 2007
As pure white light shining through a prism refracts into the three different colors of the spectrum, so the three different aspects of God’s nature are revealed in three “persons” Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Think of the Green as representing God the Father, the Creator. Think of the Red, as representing Jesus, the Savior. Think of the Blue, representing the Spirit. Service and Commitment to the Savior on the one hand (red) are connected to the gifts and power of the Spirit on the other (blue). What brings them together is the Wisdom of God (green), working to connect the two.
I didn’t make up this illustration, it comes from a book called “The Three Colors of Ministry,” What color is your circle of light – white? Mostly green? Mostly red? Mostly blue? Or do two predominate? The ONE GOD is experienced when all colors, all three “persons” of the Trinity Come together.
There are different kinds of gifts but the same SPIRIT, There are different kinds of service but the same LORD, There are different kinds of working but the same GOD. Likewise, a holistic faith is experienced and expressed when Power, Commitment, and Wisdom come together. When we are clothed with POWER from on High, the yearning for Service comes from COMMITMENT to Jesus and WISDOM is a result of discovering the natural working principles God has already built into creation.
May 2007
QUESTIONS REGARDING COMMUNION PRACTICE
A lot of people have questions!
What is the Sacrament of the Altar? (It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us Christians to eat and drink.) · Do Lutherans believe the Lord’s Supper is a sacrifice? (Yes, but only Christ’s sacrifice for us! We don’t think of it as a sacrifice we offer to God.)
What is the difference between using bread and wafers for Communion? (Jesus is present is whatever form of bread we use, but the one loaf is a better visual representation of our unity in Christ.)
What does it mean to celebrate the Eucharist “in memory” of Jesus? (In the Greek the word anamnesis means a way of remembering something not only in the past, but in a way which makes it present here and now. We believe Jesus comes to us as we eat and drink.)
Do Lutherans believe in transubstantiation or that the Meal is just a memorial? (Neither – Lutherans believe in the REAL PRESENCE – that Jesus is REALLY PRESENT in the Bread and the Wine, but we do not need to explain how.)
Why do we sing “Lamb of God” during Communion? (Both during Passover in the Spring and on the Day of Atonement in the Fall, the Hebrew people sacrificed a lamb. On the Day of Atonement, all the sins of the people of Israel were put on the lamb, and at Passover, the blood of the lamb saved the children from the Angel of Death. In the same way, Jesus is OUR lamb. Jesus takes all our sins and Jesus saves us from everlasting death.)
What is this C-O-P Pastor is always talking about? (A shorthand way of remembering the Key points about the Sacrament in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. C = Command of God, in other words, we receive Communion because Jesus commanded us to. O = Ordinary Elements, the bread and the wine. P = Promise, that is “given for you” and “shed for you” for the “forgiveness of sin.”)
Perhaps you have other questions as well. Come to the “Focus Group on Communion Practices” Sunday, May 20 at 11:45. You may come with your questions written down, or ask them aloud.
April 2007
CHRIST IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
The Week before Easter is known as Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will also be reading the Passion according to St. Luke. Especially prominent in our Worship life are the Services for the Three Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter.
On Maundy Thursday, we hear Jesus’ new commandment to love one another. The Service includes Foot washing, Communion, and the Stripping of the Altar. There is no “Sending.” It is as if the Service just continues into Good Friday.
At the heart of this Service is the Passion according to St. John, and the Meditation on the Cross. The Easter Vigil is to Easter Morning what Christmas Eve is to Christmas Morning. In the evening service, we hear the Easter Proclamation: that this is the night which in ancient times God delivered our forebears, the children of Israel and led them through the sea. We come to understand that Jesus is our Lamb, by whose blood the doorposts of the faithful are made holy. We also hear this is the night in which, breaking the chains of death, Christ arises from hell in triumph. We praise God for the light of the Resurrection, reflected in the Paschal Candle, which is why we light it during the Easter Season, as well as for Baptisms and Funerals. Then there follows a Service of Baptism, and the First Eucharist of Easter.
On Easter Sunday morning, we gather again to celebrate the Resurrection. Actually, every Sunday is celebrated as a “Little Easter.” That is, we worship on Sunday because Sunday is the day Christ rose from the dead. And the primary reason we gather is to celebrate the Resurrection.
CHRIST IS RISEN! CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!
March 2007
Bring a Friend to Worship March 24 and 25
Sunday, March 25 is “Bring a Friend” Sunday.” Which means Saturday, March 24 is “Bring a Friend Saturday.”
Take a moment right now to be in prayer. Ask the Lord who the LORD has in mind for you to invite. You may not get the answer right away. Maybe it will come to you as you wake up one morning. Or maybe it will come to you as you are in the middle of a conversation. Maybe several names will occur to you.
Write the name or names on a piece of paper and put it where you will see it every day – on your refrigerator, or on your mirror. When you see the name or names, say a prayer that goes like this:
“Dear Lord, let me be a vehicle of your love.” Show me how to reach out to _____ with your love.” Give me an opportunity to share what you mean to me. Let me extend the hand of Christian hospitality to someone who really needs you.” Practice on your family and friends. “Did you know we are having a Healing Service at Zion on March 24-25?” “I’d like you to come to church with me on March 24-25; I hear there’s going to be some excellent food at the Coffee hour.”
Then pray for the Lord to give you the courage to invite the people whose names are on your “list.
December 2006
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
We know how to go shopping.
We brave the malls, or we order on line.
We know how to decorate.
We light up trees, and hang the mistletoe.
We know how to eat.
We plan our special dinner with care,and bake batch after
batch of cookies.
But what about Jesus?
As the saying
goes, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
How do we prepare for Jesus?
During Advent, the Lectionary gives us a program to follow.
On the First Sunday of Advent, we hear how Christ will come
again.
On the Second and Third Sundays of Advent
We listen to John the Baptist telling us to
“Prepare the Way.”
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we hear Mary’s story.
This year, our Gospel lessons are coming from Luke.
In Luke’s “prologue” we
have four canticles, or hymns:
“The Magnificat” sung by Mary in response to the
visit from the Angel.
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel” sung when John
the Baptist is born.
“Glory to God in the Highest” sung by the angels
when Jesus is born.
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace” sung when
Jesus is brought to the
temple, 40 days after his birth.
These songs will take us deeper into the mystery of Christmas:
how God who is utterly divine takes on human form to become
one of us and
share our joys and sorrows.
See you in Church!
