Pastor’s Notes . . .
Genesis 3:8-10
When we left Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the forbidden tree they discovered
the meaning of Good and Bad and it wasn’t at all what they expected. They believed they could become just as god as
God but instead they found themselves despairing, alone and naked. That is about as far from being God as you can
get.
Genesis continues the story in verse 7: “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking
in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God
called to the man, “Where are you?’” How is it that Adam and Eve come to know shame and fear if they hadn’t
experienced it before? What is it about God’s footsteps that cause the two young adults of hide?
I love the story about an Eskimo hunter who went to see the local missionary who had been preaching in his village. “I
want to ask you something,” the hunter said. “What’s that?” the missionary answered. “If I did not know about God
and sin would I go to hell?” “No,” answered the missionary, “not if you did not know.” “Then why,” asked the hunter,
“did you tell me?”
All of us instinctively know when we have done something wrong. It is in our DNA as it was with Adam and Eve. As
soon as they ate the fruit they knew something was wrong and they were responsible. So they did what all of us do
when shame and guilt arrives, they hid behind fig leaves and bushes. Hiding is the biblical equivalent of coming face to
face with our human nature. We are not God. We are by nature self-seeking. The garden couple illustrates the depths
of desperation and loneliness to which a wild pursuit of satisfaction can lead us.
The end result of this constant self-importance is exposure. Adam answered God’s inquiry with “I heard you in the
garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” We hide because we know deep down we fail and have
failed. We do not like to view or put on display our vulnerabilities. So when our day is going dreadfully bad and
someone on the street asks us, how we are doing today we answer with a perfunctory “Good!” I just lied but the last
thing I want people to know is the truth. I hide behind “good” and hope no one notices.
Adam and Eve hid because sin, faithfulness and failure cannot look truth and holiness in the face and live. They hid
because they were afraid of dying and yet by hiding from God that is exactly what they experience-a death. Ah, but
God is in the business of raising the dead and the sooner we realize it the sooner we will realize that is what God has
and is doing to us. God is calling us out from our hiding places, out of our self-imposed tombs into His marvelous
light.
John Powell said this, “We think we have to change, grow and be good in order to be loved. But rather we are loved and
we receive His grace so we can change, grow and be good.” God’s grace gives us the freedom to face God and face the
truth about us in the light of God’s Word. Knowing we are fully loved and accepted by Him, He calls us to come to
Him with everything so that He can help us experience freedom (John 8:32) and a more abundant life (John 10:10).
God bless your ministry,
Pastor Mike
Zion Lutheran Church
Tel: 830-257-8411 Cell: (123) 456 7891
624 Barnett St.
[email protected]
Kerrville, TX. 78028
www.zionkerrville.org
Psalm 40: 13.
By Judy Johnson
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders
labor in vain. Psalm 127.1
I’ve always been interested in home design,
building and renovating. As a child I played with blocks
and built forts out of everything from mud and stones to
bamboo. The PBS program “This Old House” was a
favorite, and now, programs on HGTV are fun to watch.
Its satisfying to see a dilapidated house transformed into
something functional and beautiful. Sometimes a
cosmetic fix will do, but even that process can uncover
hidden problems like mold, termites and faulty
electrical or plumbing systems.
Sometimes we are like houses. Some of us are old,
some new. Some of us have plumbing and electrical
problems, and some pass building inspection with
flying colors. Some have gone to the doctor with a
minor problem, only to discover a serious disease.
Physically, our bodies wear out like houses, but
spiritually, we only improve with age. Our journey in
life includes good times and bad, joys and grief, times
of ecstatic worship and times in the pit.. And through it
all, we trust in God to mold and shape us, to be our
Holy Architect…to transform us into something
functional and beautiful. Picture him looking over the
plans for your life, making sure that everything is up to
code and perfectly engineered.
Oftentimes on TV shows, homeowners peek in on
their house renovations before completion. They are
unhappy with choices made, but the builder/designer
encourages them to trust him and wait until all is
finished before they make a judgment. And sure
enough, they are thrilled with the total result.
God has a plan for our lives. Can we trust Him
and let Him have control of our renovations? Can we
allow Him to uncover hidden problems and begin to
transform us? Can we begin this new year, yielded only
to Him? Let it be so!
Many, O Lord, my God, are the wonders You
have done.
The things You have planned for us, no one can
recount to You.
Were I to speak and tell of them, they would be
too many to declare.
Women of the Word
We are ready to begin a busy new year. If you are looking
for something to do, please join us. We have some new
members and always welcome more.
Call Carolyn Freeman (895-5876)
for information about the circles.
Tuesday, January 3
Naomi Circle will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference
Room. Mildred Barton will be the study leader.
Sarah Circle will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Thursday, January 5
Ruth -Rebecca Circle will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the
conference room. Fran Turner will be the study leader and
JoAnn Falkenberg will be the hostess.
Esther Circle will meet at 2:00 p.m. in the conference room.
Rose Gipson will be the hostess and Diane Theiss will be the
study leader.
Thursday, January 12
Dorcas Elizabeth Circle will meet at 2:00 p.m. in the
conference room. Peggy Peese will be the study leader.
Friday, January 13
Mary-Martha Circle (Brown Bag) circle will meet in the
Conference Room at 12:05 p.m.
Wednesday, January 11
Fellowship Breakfast will meet at 9 a.m. at Cracker Barrel
Restaurant.
Sunday, January 22
The Thankoffering Service for the Women of the Word will
be feature a new video from Jesse and Rachel Hendricks, the
missionaries in Turkey.
Weekly Quilting will continue on each Thursday from 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Hand Quilters meet each Tuesday from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. New members are always
welcome. Call Shirley Smith (830 890 1159) for more
information.
WOW Board will meet at 2:00, p.m. January 9 in the
Conference Room.
The new officers for Women of the Word
for 2017 are:
President:
Rheba Schwarz
Vice President: Gaye Janice
Secretary:
Caryn Gates
Treasurer:
Mildred Barton
Congratulations to the new officers! A big thank you to the
officers, the committee members who worked so diligently
Member Updates
Dora Rodgers
2727 Celinda Circle
College Station, TX 77845
377-9011
Ricardo & Karolyn Martinez
Carlo Martinez
101 Yorktown Blvd.
Kerrville, TX 78028
Beverly Mosel
Knopp 2 Nursing Home
202 Billie Dr. Room 211A
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Zion Lutheran Children’s Center
Donna Huth by M/M Terry Helfrich
CALLING ALL JR.
HIGHERS
“REWIRED”
6:00-8:00 pm
every 1st & 3rd Sunday
come to the old sanctuary
for worship, food, fun and
fellowship. Bring your friends.
Live on Purpose
"How many souls have you won for Christ?" That
question was recently posed by one of our pastors to a group
of colleagues to begin what ended up being a very lively
conversation on evangelism and discipleship. This question
is not often discussed by Lutherans and the terminology
tends to make us a bit uncomfortable. In our good Lutheran
theology, we understand that a person coming to Christ does
not happen apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, so we
tend therefore to not see ourselves as responsible for such a
victory. But it made me wonder if the same thinking might
have led many of us to forget that we do have a
responsibility as followers of Jesus. In Acts 1:8, Jesus sends
his disciples with the command to be his witnesses to the
ends of the earth. And while we don't have the power to
"bring" someone to faith, we do have a role to play in others
coming to Jesus.
I believe the key for most of us is we need pause and
think about living our lives for a greater purpose. As
followers of Jesus, we have a calling to live with an
intentionality in our relationships. Each relationship
represents the opportunity to bear witness to Christ and the
grace and mercy that our Lord and Savior has given his life
for.
And it can be as simple as paying closer attention to
the people that God has already brought into your life. Think
for a moment about all of the people that you know that you
don't know about their faith lives. Don't know any nonbelievers? Then get to know some. Begin with your
neighbors or co-workers, or start befriending employees of
businesses you frequent. We can all do a better job of
befriending the 85+% of the population who don't attend
worship in a week!
Next, pray to God for opportunities to love these
people with a Christ-like love. Pray for open doors to begin
spiritual conversations. And don't forget that we believe in a
God that can transform lives, so be sure to include those
people who you might first write off as lost causes. We
cannot forget that we ourselves are our own lost causes in
need of God's grace just as much as the next person!
Not sure what to say? Get some help. Be sure to
turn to God in prayer for the words and don't be afraid to ask
others for help. Talk with your pastor and other brothers and
sisters in Christ for ideas on how to share the Gospel. I
highly recommend Bill Hybel's book, Just Walk Across the
Room, as a guide to relational evangelism. But most of all,
make a commitment to God and yourself to live your life
with a greater intentionality and purpose: to be a witness for
Christ in all of your relationships. While it is indeed by
God's grace and power that anyone comes to faith in Jesus,
as his followers we also have a responsibility and therefore
we share in the joy of victory of souls won for Christ!
Pastor Bryce Formwalt is the Director of Mission
Growth for the LCMC Texas District. Residing in
Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach
congregations on mission. Feel free to contact him with any
questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or
[email protected]. Like us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/lcmctexas
What’s Happening at Zion Lutheran Children’s Center
January Birthday’s:
Andre
Cash
Rosie
Eli
Stephen
Week 1:Snow & Ice
Week 2: Winter Wear
Week 3: Penguins & Seals
Week 4:Polar Bears
Special Days in January:
1st: Happy New Year’s
ZLCC will be closed January 2, reopening on Tuesday,
January 3rd.
Bible Focus
Week 1:The Beattitudes
Week 2:The Beattitudes
Week 3 The Beattitudes
Week 4 :The Beattitudes
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never
We cordially invite you to visit Zion
come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your
Lutheran Church on Sundays.
faithfulness. “The Lord id my portion.” says my soul, “
therefore I will hope in him.’
Lamentations 3:22-24
Services are :
We are blessed to see the new year! New opportunities for
learning and adventures are upon us.
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Join us for fellowship
.
Thank you, Zion Lutheran Church for your continued support of
our program.
Celebrating God’s Work
Date & Time
Altar Flowers
Lay Readers
Diane Theiss
Jan 1 10:00 a.m.
One Service
Jan 8
9:00 a.m.
Walter & Karen Saunders
Karen Saunders
Betty Houston
Jan 8 11:00 a.m.
Jan 15 9:00 a.m.
Larry Cattran
Jan 15 11:00 a.m.
Arita Raso
Jan 22 9:00 a.m.
Beth Murley
Jan 22 11:00 a.m.
Jan 29 9:00 a.m.
Katy Jenschke
Norm & Joanne Johnson
Jan 29 11:00 a.m.
Hailey Erlund
Altar Flowers
If you would like to provide altar flowers on any Sunday in 2017, please sign the flower chart in
the narthex or call the church office at 257-8411.
Ushers
9:00- Bill & Brenda Craig, Roger Lampman Jr.;
11:00-Brady & Tyler Jenschke, Holly Shirley
JANUARY 2017
1 New Year’s
2
8:30am Prayer
Cell
Communion
CAM Donation
Sunday
9:00am-noon Wor 10:00am ZLCC
Office Closed
Chapel
Noon Wmns AA Plg/Staff Mtg.
9:30 Naomi Circle Noon Wmn A A
12:15 Weight
6:00 Bell Choir
Watchers
7:00 Chancel
6:30pm Sarah Circl Choir
8:00 Agape
8:00 pm CA Mtg.
9am LWR Sewing
9:30Ruth Rebecca
2:00pm Esther Cir
530 Weight
Watchers
6:15pm Band
Practice
8:00 pm Agape.
8 Epiphany
9
12
8:30am Prayer
Cell
2-3:30 Girl
Scouts
10:00
Communion
At Plaza
6-8:00pm Jr. Hi
Youth
“Rewiored”
3
10
4
11
5
6
7
10am A A Mtg.
10am N A Mtg.
13
14
9:00am-noon Wor 9:00am Wmn’s Br 9am LWR Sewing .Noon Brown Bag 10 A A Mtg.
10 N A Mtg
Plg/Staff Mtg.
Noon Wmn A A 2:00 Dorcas Eliz
530
Weight
6:00 Bell Choir
12:15 Weight
11amfuneralg
Watchers
Noon Wmns AA
7:00 Chancel
Watchers
6:15pm
Band
2:00pm WOW
6:30pm Councill Choirl
Board
8:00 pm CA Mtg. Practice
8:00 Agape
8:00 pm Agape.
6:30 Men’s BSF
15 Baptism of 16
17
Jesus
Newsletter
Deadline
8:30am Prayer
Cell
8:30am Quilt
Guild
Noon Wmns AA
2:00pm Shawl
Ministry
6:30 Men’s BSF
9:00am-noon Wor 10:00am ZLCC
Plg/Staff Mtg..
Chapel
12:15 Weight
Noon Wmn A A
Watchers
4-6 Zion Prayer
1:30pm Knitters
6:00 Bell Choir
4-6 Zion Prayer
7:00 Chancel
6:30pm Community Choir
Prayer meeting
8:00 pm C A Mtg.
8:00 Agape
9am LWR Sewing 10:00am
10 A A Mtg.
4-6 Zion Prayer Community Bible 10 N A Mtg
5:30 Weight
Study
Watchers
6:15 Band
Practice
8:00 pm Agape
23
24
26
9&11am Adult
Challenge
5-6pm Prayer
Hour
18
19
20 Inauguration 21
6-8:00pm Jr. Hi
Youth “Rewired”
22
25
8:30 am Prayer Cell noon Wmns AA
Communion
6:30 Men’s BSF
9&11
Thankoffering
Install WOW
officers
9:00am-noon Wor Noon Wmn A A
Plg/Staff Mtg.
6:00 pm BellChoir
7:00 Chancel
12:15 Weight
Choir
Watchers
8:00 pm C A Mtg.
8:00 Agape
29
30
31
8:30 am Prayer
Cell
Noon Wmn A A
9:00am-noon Wor
Plg/Staff Mtg.
6:30 Men’s BSF
12:15 Weight
Watchers
8:00 Agape
9am LWR Sewing
5:30 Weight
Watchers
6:15 Band
Practice
8:00 pm Agape
27
28
10 A A Mtg.
10 N A Mtg
Hannemann, Ted
1/1
Ford, Philip
1/2
Simon, Gladys
1/2
Thompson, Chad
1/2
Mickan, Richard
1/3
Thompson, Buck
1/4
Chapman, Glen
1/6
Lucas III, Gregory 1/6
Nielsen, Willard
1/6
Wehmeyer, Suzanne 1/6
Houston, David
1/7
Lucas, A J
1/7
Vestuto, Mary
1/7
Saunders, Karen
1/9
Taylor, Johnna
1/11
Christensen, Noelle 1/12
Thompson, Marilyn 1/12
Baldwin, Clayton
1/13
Haverlah, Kaitlin
1/14
Contact us!
Web page:
Website: www.zionkerrville.org
Email:
Office: [email protected]
Pastor: [email protected]
Family Ministry Director:
[email protected]
Finance: [email protected]
Church Council: [email protected]
Media Center: [email protected]
Judy Johnson: [email protected]
Misty Erlund: [email protected]
Children’s Center: [email protected]
Please notify the church office if your email
address changes.
Zion Lutheran Church
624 Barnett St.
Kerrville, TX. 78028
830-257-8411 Fax: 830-896-3266
Office: [email protected]
Moss, Dot
McKeon, Kelly
Lucas, Gwen
Pollard, Staci
Pollei, Jack
Bressler, Kent
Harrison, John
Gates, Caryn
Gavin, Debiann
Tiemann, Sue
Guthrie, Pam
Altman, Brentyn
Hagen, Amelie
Johnson, Geneva
Wilson, Linda
Wellborn, Verdie
Gavin, Sean
Brown, Westin
Smith, James
1/14
1/16
1/17
1/17
1/18
1/20
1/20
1/21
1/21
1/23
1/24
1/25
1/25
1/26
1/27
1/28
1/30
1/31
1/31
Staff
Pastor-Michael Williams
Office Secretary - Judy Sharp
Financial Secretary - Laura Phipps
Organist/Choir Director - Judy Johnson
Contemporary Service Director - Misty Erlund
Choir Accompanist - Amy Williams
Bell Choir Director - Jim Abbatiello
Children’s Ctr. Director - Shannon Webb
Nursery Attendant - Cassi Myers
Superintendent - Steve Griffin
Altar Guild - Linda Mann & Donna Shirley
Ushers - Beverly Fischer
Church Council Officers
President – Sharon Spenrath
Vice President –
Secretary – Tammy Parkhurst-Rhodes
Treasurer – Mary Vestuto
Representatives:
Benevolence –Karen Saunders
Children’s Center – Larry Cattran
Evangelism – Warren Setnan
Fellowship – Kelly Varwig
Parish Ed – Fran Turner
Property - Norm Krutsinger
Stewardship - Bob Gates
Worship & Music - Beth Taylor
Youth Ministry - Shelby Balser
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF PROJECTS 2016-2017
QUILTS: Fabric for quilts should be washable cotton/cotton blend material. Any cotton
fabric larger than 8 ½” square can be used for quilt tops. Larger pieces are used for backs
(64”x84”). Flat sheets in good condition, double or larger size, make wonderful backs.
Fitted sheets can be taken apart and pieced also. Sheets of lesser quality can be used for
liners. Please wash sheets. We can NOT use double knits, velvet, lace, or wool. Please
leave fabric and sheets for quilts in Room 138.
FABRIC KITS: These kits are used to teach people a means of supporting themselves.
Each kit consists of TWO pieces of cotton/cotton blend fabric each 3 yards by 44” wide
and TWO spools (each 250 or 300 yards or equivalent) of matching or neutral ALL
PURPOSE thread. Please label these items: FOR FABRIC KITS and place in the LWR
box in the narthex. The circles will assemble kits from items donated.
SOAP: Bath size bars of soap, individually wrapped, (any brand) can be left in the LWR
tub in the narthex. The soap will be for people around the world through LWR and the
local needs through donations to CAM.
CASH DONATIONS are always welcomed. Checks and cash may be placed in pew
envelopes. Checks may be written to Zion Lutheran Church with “WOW-LWR” on the
memo line. Donations may be placed in the offering plate or dropped by the church
office. These donations are used to purchase items to complete the LWR projects, the
maintenance of sewing machines, and shipping costs.
QUILTING DATES: Dates for the 2017 quilting project are January 30—-February 3rd
and February 6—10th. Mark your calendars now to join us then. The quilts will be
displayed on the pew backs February 12th.
“God interrupt whatever we are doing so we
can join you in what you are doing.”
-Francis Chan