Newsletter

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Missouri Synod

A Short Word from the Pastor

        The unexpected happens all the time in our world. We are constantly taken by surprise. We lack psychic powers to see the unexpected coming.
       For instance, we never know when our conversation with a family member or friend might be our last. While we’re talking with him, it almost never goes through our mind that we may never see him again. We take for granted that he will be around. Death never crosses our mind. But unexpectedly that family member or friend is taken away from us.
     Maybe we need to begin expecting the unexpected, particularly the eventuality of our own death. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not encouraging us to adopt a morbid disposition or outlook on life---not at all. God has given us much in life which gives us reason to be joyful and celebratory. But the fact is we all are going to leave this life at some point, most likely unexpectedly. We need to be ready for that day.
            The reason God’s word was given to us was to help us prepare our soul for Christ Jesus. Jesus constantly warns us to be ready for that unexpected hour. I would hope that we delve into God’s word on days other than Sundays to get a good grasp on how to be prepared for meeting our Creator. We never know when our time on earth will be up.
     Please, take your spiritual preparation seriously because when your day comes, you will be ever so glad that you did!                                                                                Pastor Doug
Upcoming Events and Announcements:
Worship Services:
   A worship service with Communion is held every Monday after the first Sunday of the month at 7:00 PM. Our next Monday night service is September 6 at 7:00 PM.

   On the last Sunday of each month we conduct a Contemporary Worship Service. Sunday, Sept. 26th at 11:00 AM, is our next Contemporary Worship Service.
Game Night: September 9, 2010
     It all begins at 7:00 PM. Anyone who is interested in playing cards or board games are. Please bring the games you would like to play. You may also bring a snack to pass as well.

Upcoming Youth Events
   Plan ahead to attend these fun youth activities. All events are open to youth in grades 6-12. Friends are welcome. Watch for event details in the bulletin and on the new ‘Youth News’ bulletin board in the back of church.. RSVP will be a sign-up sheet on the Youth News board. Doug Bartel and Lori Friebel will chaperone events. For questions, call Lori Friebel @ 836-3848. October 1^st-3^rd – Fall Workbee at Camp Luther

LABOR DAY WEEKEND FAMILY RETREAT--September 3-6, 2010 This retreat offers a very flexible schedule with a variety of activities. There are age-appropriate Bible studies, with discussion based on The Family of God. During the rest of the weekend, you can join in activities lead by our staff or just enjoy the beach. Activities will include a trip to Bond Falls, a golf outing, pontoon tours of the Chain-o-Lakes, a cookout, minnow races, kayaking, trail biking, swimming, and so much more. Start a new family tradition this year! Visit http://www.campluther.com/ for more information.
WOMEN’S WEEKEND OUT September 17-19, 2010 Join us for our annual Women's Weekend Out Retreat, September 17-19. This is an exceptional weekend of laughter, friendships and fun for women of all ages. This year we are excited to welcome Jan Struck as our guest speaker. You will be filled with laughter and encouragement as Jan shares stories that will touch your heart. Learn more about her ministry at her website http://www.struckwithlaughter.org/.
Gather the girlfriends and REGISTER TODAY for this not-to-be-missed Retreat!
      WOMEN’S CRAFT WEEKEND October 22-24, 2010 Whether you love to quilt, scrapbook or stamp, women of all ages can bring their supplies and enjoy some intense crafting time. Bring your current project and share ideas. Consultants on quilting, scrapbooking and jewelry making will be available with lots of ideas and "make and take" projects. Bible Study and devotions will focus on what it means to have a multi-faceted faith. Just like craft projects have many different colors, textures and materials, our faith must have many dimensions to stay strong and active. Optional activities (biking, camp tours, coffee shop break, etc) will also be available to give you a break from crafting. (Please indicate your hobby choice on the registration form.)
      YOUR HANDMADE QUILTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE 3^RD ANNUAL CAMP LUTHER QUILT AUCTION This year there will additional auction items, a new auctioneer and additional advertising to boost this awesome event. Donate new quilts for twin, double and queen-sized beds to Camp Luther no later than October 1st. (Table runners, wall-hangings and baby quilts are also great items that people love to bid on.) We also ask that enclose a quilt information sheet so that we might catalog and display your work accurately.      And then join us for the quilt auction on November 6th at Celebration Lutheran Church in Appleton. All proceeds directly benefit the ministry of Camp Luther.
COUPLE’S RETREAT September 24-26, 2010 From newlyweds to empty-nesters, this is a retreat for married couples of all ages. You will find time to spend as a couple as well as in fellowship and Bible study with other Christian couples. The theme for this year’s retreat will be based on John 15, where Christ commands us to love one another as I have loved you. Activities will include couple time, a fall colors bike trip, winery tour, optional trip to Bond Falls and much more! Meals will include two Breakfasts in Bed, a picnic lunch and a romantic candlelight dinner. Cottage housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  FALL COTTAGE RETREATS--Plan your individual or family two-night fall get-away at Camp Luther. Cottages are available this fall for just $65 per night (for a two-night minimum stay). That's half the regular rate! Hike our trails, fish the chain, bike the Three-Eagle Trail, hunt the Nicolet Forest, or just sit back and enjoy a colorful autumn view from your cottage porch. Offer good Labor Day through December 15. Book your family or individual retreat get-a-way by contacting Camp Luther at 1-877-264-CAMP.
ALL WORKBEE WEEKEND! October 1-3, 2010, join other volunteers in joyful service and fellowship. Make it a family affair; there are even age appropriate projects for children over five. Housing and meals are provided free of charge. We also welcome those who are only able to participate for one day of the weekend. See you there!!
Humor….
Two Kinds of People
Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning.”