ZION NEWS - July
Vol. 2011 - Issue 7
July 1, 2011
(A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church)
The next Zion worshipService
Community Meal
at the Zion Family
(and ALL of Zion is family!)
POOL Party!!
Sunday, July 17th
6:30-8:30pm at
Splash Landing
Middle Rd & Spruce Hills, Bett.
Cost: $10 donation per family
Bring: Swimsuits & towels, family &
friends, and… sunshine!
RSVP SOON by calling the Zion office
(322-3533) -or– by signing up on the BIG bulletin
board in the Zion entryway
SUMMER WORSHIP
at ZION
Thursdays at 5:30pm
- Word & Sacrament with open
theological discussion on the
upcoming week‟s Scripture readings
Sundays at 9:00am
- Liturgy, Word & Sacrament with
musical accompaniment and
pastoral sermon.
Join us - ALL are Welcome!
Make worship a regular part of your life this summer.
will be Wed., July 20th
(5:30-7:00p), and it‟s
another Cook-Out on the lawn!
(pray for good weather :)
We‟re keepin‟ it simple, serving up burgers &
dogs again, with baked beans, chips, desserts
and fresh fruits & veggies.
Sign up to bring what you are able—and to help! on the „glass wall‟ at the office.
Come and join in the food, fun, fellowship,
and the joy of being
‟blessed to be a blessing!‟
Looking ahead …
The annual Zion
Outdoor Worship
& Family Picnic
will be August 14th at the
Whispering Pines Shelter
Scott County Park
Eldridge IA
Mark your calendars and watch for
details in the next Zion News!
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
page 2
Pastor Del deliberates ...
Here we are entering the “dog days” of
summer. Things in some aspects of life slow
down and we put aside the hectic lifestyle that
we live from September to June in favor of activities that we enjoy. Summer lends itself to spending more time in recreation than we normally do.
Recreation is good for us and is God's gift.
Notice that recreation is re-creation. When we
take the time to escape the “normal” routine of
work and life (whatever that may be) we tend to
re-create, to recharge, to feel rested and prepared
for things yet to come.
People need to take time off from the routines of work and everyday life and to re-create,
yet it is good to remember that authentic recreation comes from God. With that in mind, while
it is good that to take some time off from the pressures and routines, it also includes the exhortation to take more time FOR church. That goes
against the grain of course.
In the month of June, congregations usually experience a dip in attendance. We should take
our vacations, downtime, and re-creation with
God, not from God. When we attend church and
participate with God’s people in Worship and Sacrament and when we take the time to soak in
God's love us, then we truly re-create. God is faithful to us. Let us strive to faithfulness to God and
one another.
A pastor was asked to define “Faithful Attendance in Church activities.” And this was his
reply: "All I ask is that we apply the same standards of faithfulness to out church activities that
we would in other areas of our life. That doesn’t
seem too much to ask. The church, after all, is
concerned about faithfulness. Consider this:
"If your car started one out of three times,
would you consider it faithful? If the paperboy
skipped Monday and Thursday, would they be
missed? If you didn’t show up for work two or
three times a month, would your boss call you
faithful? If your refrigerator quit a day now and
then, would you excuse it and say, 'Oh well, it
works most of the time.' If your water heater
greets you with a cold water one or two mornings
a week while you are in the shower, would it be
faithful? If you miss a couple of mortgage payments in a year’s time, would your banker say,
“Oh well, ten out of twelve isn’t bad.” If you miss
worship and attend meetings only often enough to
show your interested, but not often enough to get
involved, are you faithful?"
Remain faithful as God is faithful to us.
Come to worship this summer, come to be involved in the mission opportunities that open
up to us in the summer to recharge, to re-create,
not only yourselves, but also the community of
faith here at Zion .While we're here, let's keep our
minds and spirits to God, listen and dream. Listen
to what God is telling us and you. Dare to dream
the dreams God gives you. In God's faithfulness to
us, I believe God has a lot in store for our future
on an individual basis and on a congregation basis. Come and dream the dreams. And then share
them. The church needs to re-create too, with you.
Peace,
Pastor Del
Global Ministry
Our covenant relationship
with the Meno School in
Haiti through Beyond
Borders is underway! We
"officially" begin our financial support of Meno
School and its students and teachers this
month. We are sending $200.00 which has been
given by Zion members. Monthly or quarterly support will follow.
Hopefully, as time continues, we will interact with
each other in a variety of ways that will include
adults and youth. Tuck into your minds and
hearts a possible future visit to Haiti through Beyond Borders transformational travel program.
Thank you to all who have contributed in monetary
and prayer support. Let us continue to hold all the
people of Haiti in our prayers. And please consider
supporting "our school" through your donations. Make checks payable to Zion and place in
our offering in plain envelope marked "Zion-Haiti
covenant for Meno School."
What joy is ours to be neighbor to those near to us
and far from us.
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
page 3
Pastor Ritva recuperates ...
So what do you do when you are told to stay mostly
horizontal for most of the time?
I read books! At the rate of about a book or two or
more a day, depending on the number of pages in
each. So in the first three and a half weeks after my
surgery I read many books of all different genres.
In the pulp fiction category there was Stieg Larson’s
Millenium trilogy of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl
Who Kicked Over a Hornet’s Nest. For those who
aren’t up to 1200+ pages of reading there are the
movie versions in Swedish with English subtitles!
A funny and serious read is Benyamin Cohen’s My
Jesus Year (Harper One, 2008). This is a “witty
memoir” of a rabbi’s son wandering the Bible Belt in
search of faith. It provides a wonderful outsider’s
take on different Christian groups and practices. At
the same time you’ll learn about orthodox Jewish
practices.
I read a book called What Did the Ancient Israelites
Eat? The title prompted my husband to remark in
amazement: “There are really people who study
that!?!” Fascinating reading for archaeologists and
historians. Turns out eating like ancient Israelites is
likely to leave you with deficiencies of vitamins A
and C, iron deficiency anemia, dental pathologies,
higher susceptibility to disease and lower life expectancy. A nice reality check over against all those popular books advocating a “biblical diet.”
What we do in church prepares
us to bless people outside the
church .
 It all starts with invitation.

David W. Anderson’s From the
Great Omission to Vibrant Faith (Youth & Family
Institute, 2009) picks up where Frogs without Legs
left off. It’s central claim is that “faith is formed
by the power of the Holy Spirit through personal, trusted relationships.” Again reaffirming what we’ve learned in the Unbinding the
Gospel series.
Anderson focuses on the role of the home, parents
and other Christian adults in forming the faith of
children and youth. He insists that “all Christian
adults are Christian parents” whether they have
children or not. Every adult Christian is called to be
a caregiver, role model and/or mentor for children
and youth wherever they encounter them. This book
is a must read for anyone tuned into what Martha
Grace Reese identifies as “E” Bandwidth’s 101.1 and
101.2—children and youth of the congregation &
children’s and youth’s friends.
So while my body has been resting and recuperating
my mind has been refreshed and re-energized by
these good books! My prayer for all of you is that you
too will find time for relaxation and refreshment as
we move through the summer months.
Blessings from Pastor Ritva
Also, read two of those. A Mormon author advocated
moderate vegetarianism. The Catholic author advocated extreme veganism (no animal products of any
kind for any purpose). Think I’ll stick with the Mayo
Clinic diet, thank you very much!
My favorite reads include the following:
David A. Brandos’ The Letter and the Spirit
(Augsburg Fortress, 2005) on Lutheran biblical interpretation. My students at Augustana will be reading this one in January!
Kelly A. Fryer’s Reclaiming the “E” Word (Augsburg
Fortress 2008). This book affirms what we learned
in the Unbinding the Gospel series:
 Evangelism is helping people build a relationship
with Christ.
 Prayer is a key component.
Baptized into …
Edwin Thomas Power
June 12, 2011
Lucy Josephine Petersen
June 26, 2011
… new Life!
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
page 4
Janine’s Jottings… Neighborhood Ministry—and More!
MISSION TRIP 2011 - BE DIFFERENT
What an amazing experience and what
“AWESOME” youth!! Our trip started Sunday June 12 in Zion‟s parking lot where we
packed the van (I think someone called it the
Snow Flake at one point) and headed west to
Ankeny where we met up with our new friends from Holy
Trinity Lutheran then south to Kansas City, Kansas.
We arrived at Grandview Park Presbyterian Church, which
was our home while we were KCK. The church is located in
a Latino neighborhood, which is experiencing much renewal. One of the first discoveries made was a Mexican Ice
Cream store with homemade ice cream, which became a
daily staple for just about everyone. However, don‟t
think all we did was eat ice cream, we also worked...
and Anthony, Christian, Daniel, Jake and Rachel
worked hard! There was scraping walls both inside and
outside of buildings, there was painting and climbing ladders and scaffolding (right Jake?), cleaning empty lots
and then working with young children in literacy programs, doing art projects, playing games and simply sitting, talking and getting to know them. We sweated, were
rained on, had water balloon fights and “yes” there were
times we stayed dry.
During our trip we saw God‟s hand in all we did and
learned that God is ever present no matter where we are.
God was present in the generosity of the families whose
homes some of us painted (their sharing of food and beverages for lunch), the gratitude of a pastor and parishioners of a church we helped prepare for the visit of
their bishop, the smiles and hugs we received from the
young children we spent time with. God showed us how to
BE DIFFERENT in the ways, in the places and the people with whom we shared God‟s love.
Zion, I came to this trip at the last minute not knowing
for sure what I was getting into, but it is definitely a
summer trip I will not soon forget. Zion, you need to
be very proud of this group of youth: Anthony,
Christian, Daniel, Jake and Rachel — they worked
hard, they had fun, and they truly lived out their
baptism in service to God. We also laughed, cried and
shared challenging and thought provoking questions about
scripture, the church and faith and I believe they will be
asking some of you those same questions, so be prepared.
They are different and so am I; we see the church with
new and different eyes, this mission trip has made all of
us different people of God.
During our evening gathering time we shared what were
called “goals” and “yeah God‟s”; goals were given when
someone or a group did something positive for others and
“yeah God‟s” were given for those times, places or people
where we saw God‟s hand at work. I want to give a “goal”
to the people of Zion for their support of this
amazing group of youth and here’s a “yeah God” to
the youth, who I truly saw God working through and
in.
Luke 6: 27-28 was the scripture for the week. It
reads: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse
you, pray for those who abuse you.” (NRSV), words that
challenged us to BE DIFFERENT.
Our time in KCK ended much too soon on Saturday June
17, but what we learned has become a part of us. Thus,
our trip didn’t end on June 17th; it has only just
BEGUN with exciting things to come to Zion from
our youth.
God‟s Blessing and thank you for the opportunity to
have been part of this amazing trip with some
“AWESOME” Youth!
Janine
worshipService Dinner: “A Neighborhood Picnic”
Mark your calendar for July 20th 5:307:00. Pr. Del will be firing up the grill and
be hosting as grill master. We will enjoy
picnic fare such as burgers, and “dogs”,
baked beans, fresh fruit and veggies, chips
and desserts for dinner. So check out the signup sheets
on the glass wall at the office and see where you might
be able to help. Come and join in the fun and fellowship…
who knows there might even be some surprises. What a
blessing this time is for all. THANKS BE TO GOD!
FOOD PANTRY NEWS: It‟s summer and the pace of
our lives slow down and become more relaxed, but the
pantry continues to be very busy; maybe even busier as
children are home all day and don‟t receive lunch at school
which adds a strain to family food budgets. The week of
June 20th the pantry served 58 households, which
benefited 260 individuals. Hunger does not take a vacation in the summer; people still need to feed their families. The pantry stock is low and we are out of
funds to purchase more food! Thus I am asking that
you PLEASE consider a donation to the pantry fund
so we can restock and keep the pantry open.
Zion, through this ministry we reach out in love to our
brothers and sisters in need. Your support of the pantry is a blessing to the neighborhood and community.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity to this much
needed ministry.
Janine Johnson,
Food Pantry & Neighborhood Ministries
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
page 5
For Our Seniors ...
The O.W.L.s
(O.lder W.iser L.utherans)
60+ Fellowship
are flyin’ to Harlan’s restaurant
on West Kimberly Rd in Davenport
for lunch and fellowship on Thursday, July 28th.
Meet there at 11:30am.
Join us! Please call Grace Haller (324-8463) or
Phyllis Beck (391-7518) by July 25th if
you plan to come.
‘Sparkling’ Birthday Blessings to
these Zion Seniors who will
celebrate in July!
7/02
7/02
7/06
7/06
7/06
7/12
7/22
7/30
Glenn Kelley
Phyllis Jones (96!!)
Charles Hawkins (91!)
Eugene Stanger
William Rhodes
Shirley Swingle
Jerry Grady
Mary Behr
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Yours are the hands with which
Christ has blessed us ...
Thanks to our Sunday School Workshop Leaders, Shepherds, Prayer-Partners, and all who
have been a part of Sunday School ministry for your time, dedication, wisdom, fun and love in Jesus
shared with the children of Zion this past year! You have truly sown the seeds, tended the soil, and nurtured growth in faith.
Gail Abbs
Libbie Babka
Linda Baustian
Merle Dittmer
Jay Eldredge
Laurie & Steve Elliott
Char Engstrom
Matt & Molly Engstrom
Carole Feeney
Anne & Jon Flynn
Lauren Green
Anita Hagen
Grace Haller
Mike Hamman
Eva Hammond
Dave Hansen
Laurie & Mike Harrison
Ellen Heritage
Liz Heritage
Ellen Housley
Becky Hupp
Allen Huss
Julie Kahler
Jody Kealey
Mara Kealey
Sue Keller
Mary Lou Kelley
Lois Kershaw
Beth Longlett
Kathy Longlett
Alice Lynch
Taina Machalek
(the late) Mary Moeller
Dona Noble
Joe Obleton
Kris Preston
Donna Rome
Mary Schnack
Cary Scott
Carol Seitz
Stephanie Shipley
Amy Streufert
Hannah Tegtmeier
Birdine Tucker
Jane Wiese
Deb Wright
Kirsten Wright
Jeny & Kirby Winn
Lisa Zosulis
We especially recognize and extend our heartfelt appreciation to Grace Haller for her wonderful assistance on Sunday mornings. She will retiring from her desk after 22 years of faithful
service. Your help has been a blessing, Grace!
Ours are the hands that give thanks to God for YOU!
ANOTHER “Higher Learning” OPPORTUNITY ...
Pastor Ritva’s 8-session Bible study on 1 & 2 Corinthians has
been released as part of the Books of Faith series published by Augsburg
Fortress. Leader & Learner guides are available for small group studies at www.augsburgfortress.org.
Pr. Ritva sends BIG THANKS to the “Immersed in the Word” group for their contributions and support!
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
page 6
FAMILY & YOUTH “Stuff”!
Informational
Meeting
for all interested
Youth &
their Parents
Sunday, August 28th
10:15am in the Zion Roseburg Chapel
Gathering Dates:
July 18-22, 2012
(including travel July 17-23, 2012)
Gathering Location: New Orleans
Eligibility: All Youth entering 8th-12th grades
in Sept. 2011
Requirements: Attendance at monthly meetings
& fundraising events
Cost: $315 per person**
($150 nonrefundable deposit due October 9, 2011)
KC Mission Youth
Sunday!
July 3rd
Come on out to worship this Sunday (July
3rd) to hear and see what our five Zion Youth
(and Janine) have brought home from their
experiences on their recent mission trip to
Kansas City. They'll be sharing in song,
words, pictures ... and the enthusiasm and
joy they 'caught' by serving others in Jesus'
name!
Worship is at 9:00am
see you ALL there!
** Additional costs for transportation, hotel
and meals t.b.a.
Any questions? Talk to Pr. Ritva or call the Zion office.
Small Groups and Such . . .
Morning Book Review
Monday, July 18th, 9:00am
Join a group to share reflections on
LOVE WINS by
Rob Bell
Summary - Quote from preface: "I've written this book
because the kind of faith Jesus invites us into doesn't
skirt the big questions about topics like God and Jesus
and salvation and judgment and heaven and hell, but
takes us deep into the heart of them.”
Rob Bell
Availability: Check local libraries and book stores.
August Book: SING THEM HOME by
Stephanie Kallos
Thank you!
Thank you for all the cards & prayers that
have lifted me up during my surgery and
these first weeks of recuperation. Day by
day I am feeling stronger and expect to
begin returning to work gradually over the next
month.
Blessings to you all, Pastor Ritva
May God’s grace be upon the congregation of Zion for
the many ways in which you comforted and embraced
our family as we grieve the loss of Bud.
A special thanks to all who brought food and helped
with the luncheon.
Our hearts are heavy, but Zion’s caring and God’s all
embracing love sustains us at this difficult time.
Anita Hagen
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
Now Hear This …
Still Seeking Summer
Special Music and More…
There are still several weeks of summer, when
our Adult, Childrens, and Handbell choirs take a
„sabbatical,‟ so Zion‟s worship services are left with a
sort of „gap‟ to either fill or not fill with special music
or other…
If you (or someone you know) would like to share a
gift/talent you have that would enhance our worship,
please sign up on the sheet posted on the „glass wall‟ in
the office hallway.
Vocal solos, duets, small groups, instrumental music, or
even a poetry reading or a skit done to
the glory of God would be appreciated by
all. So give it some thought—and sign up
to share the gift of You!
STAFF VACATIONS & TIME AWAY
Janine Johnson: July 5—11
James Hill: July 5—8
Betty Rock: July 11—15
Pastor Ritva: July 25—Aug. 3
Hoping that ALL are blessed with some downtime for rest, rejuvenation, and re-creation
during these summer months.
Looking ahead toward Fall Planning…
page 7
and That !
Acts 2:42
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers."
“Thursday Church”
at Zion
a service of Word, Sacrament,
and “interactive” sermons with Pr. Del
Thursdays, 5:30—6:30pm
in the Lounge
A GREAT place & time to
INVITE a friend!
Casual. Conversational. Church.
Matthew 18.20
*Jesus said,+ ‘For where two or three are
gathered in my name, I am there among
them.’
ADDRESS Changes/Additions
for your Zion Directory
Cathy Bradley
1535 W. Pleasant St #4A
Davenport IA 52804
Believe it or not, “summer break” is half-over!
That being said, Zion’s
HOSPITALITY & SOCIAL Ministry Team
is remembering with much gratitude all
those who have helped us in reshaping/expanding this ministry of welcoming,
embracing, and including here at Zion. At
the same time we are now looking toward
the fall, and would very much like to get an
early start on lining things up for the Sundaymorning coffee & goodies hour, and more!.
So… if you are interested in being a part by providing treats, serving on a few Sundays or tending the
Hospitality table in the entryway, or being on the
Hospitality/Social Ministry team, please let Beth
Longlett in the Zion office, or Jody Kealey know.
Figures & Financial Facts:
Regular Budget offerings
received JUNE 2011 =
JUNE 2011 Actual Expenses =
Covered by Legacy funds =
$
$
$ 221.34
per Legacy Committee & Council approval
Current month status +/-
-0-
“So far … so Good!”
Thank-you, Zion family, and Thanks be to God!
Zion News monthly - July2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
ALTAR FLOWERS ‘GIVING’
– JULY
July 3 - OPEN
July 10 - OPEN
July 17 - OPEN
July 24 - OPEN
July 31 - OPEN
Want to give flowers (or an alternate offering) but not sure
how? Instructions sheets are available in the hallway underneath the flower chart.
Remember, you can give flowers for the altar –or– an alternative offering to one of Zion’s special funds (ie: Brown Bag,
Scholarship fund, etc.) in lieu of flowers. On such Sundays,
we will have 2 lovely green plants adorning the altar.
USHERS – July 2011
(One svc @ 9:00am)
Darrell Longlett, Bob & Judy Blomgren,
Samantha Longlett, Allison Grady
We urgently need Ushers for Sunday worship services. Our list is running thin - yet help
from all ages is welcome! If you are available to usher, please
indicate your willingness on a pew card or contact Bud Kelley.
We are close to having Pastor usher. He doesn’t mind, as long
as you won’t mind the additional time that will add to the service
page 8
Greeters for July 2011
One svc— 9:00am______________
7/03
Phyllis Beck
7/10
Molly & Matt Engstrom
7/17
Jon & Anne Flynn
7/24
7/31
Margie Jump (happy birthday!)
Grace Haller
We need Greeters! Call Grace Haller (324-8463) to help us.
July COMMUNION
Set-Up/Clean-Up
7/03 Darrell & Kathy Longlett
(glasses)
7/10
Beth Longlett & Brian
(glasses)
7/17
Mary Lou Vikdal
(intinction)
7/24
7/31
TBA
TBA
(glasses)
intinction)
July LINENS Care: Mary Lou Vikdal
THANKS!
ACOLYTES – JULY 2011
(One svc @ 9:00am)
Lectors— July 2011
July 3 - KC Mission Youth
July 10 - TBA
July 17 - TBA
July 3
July 10
July 17
July 24
July 31
July 24 - TBA
July 31 - TBA
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR EACH OF YOU and the
leadership you give to our worship. If you cannot
serve when assigned, please try to switch with someone or get your own sub.
PEACE! Beth Longlett
One svc @ 9:00am________
KC Mission Youth
Mary Schnack
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
TELLERS
July 2011
(One svc at 9:00am)
Communion Assistants - JULY
July 3
July 10
July 17
July 24
July 31
KC Mission Youth
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN
7/ 3
Chuck Dau, Dave Wright, Lois Kershaw
7/10
John & Roxeann Ford, Jim & Sherry Koens
7/17
Stu Goldsmith, Delores Smith, Doug Kline
7/24
Mark & Beth Meyer, Mike Hamann, Gene Rome
7/31
Mark & Beth Meyer, Jerry Grady
Zion News monthly - July 2011
1216 W. 8th St— Davenport IA 52802
page 9