December 2015

ZIONS LUTHERAN CHURCH

1801 East Second Street
Defiance, OH 43512
Rev. Timothy Reynolds, Pastor
419-782-8781
Fax: 419-782-6719

Church Office Email:

zion111@embarqmail.com
Visit our website at:

www.zionslutheranchurch.com

it came upon a midnight clear

From the book, Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World:

most of us habitually miss it every year at Christmas. Our story is consumption and consumerism, and were obsessed with the climax. We worship less. We spend more. We give less. We struggle more.
Less, more. More, less. Time and nerves stretch thin, and we reduce family
and friends to a card or a present that costs the right amount to prove our
level of love. Our quest to celebrate mystery exhausts us. Another Christmas
passes by like a blizzard, and we are left to shovel through the trash of our
failure.
Missing the prophetic mystery of Jesus birth means missing God-with-us, God beside us
God becoming one of us. Missing out on Jesus changes everything.
Advent is my favorite season of the Church year. Like Thanksgiving, it is a time to pause and remember to remember all for which we are thankful; to remember all the times we may have forgotten about Gods presence with us; its even a time to look forward to all that God might provide
for us throughout the coming year!
Four Sundays mark the border between the end of one liturgical year, and the birth of God in human flesh. There is something remarkable in that borderland: the Church pauses to change our focus from one Gospel to another. Perhaps its a time to pick up the Bible and read the new gospel.
This year, we will hear from the Gospel of Luke; allow the time of Advent to be a time of re-reading
that Gospel.
That liminal place where we find ourselves, is also the doorway into recognizing Gods presence
among us in very real ways. Perhaps this time can be for the Church a pause from moving too fast,
to allowing God to be seen in daily life. Perhaps we can now find time in our slowing down to visit
with those who move somewhat slower than we. Not only does this Advent Season offer us time
for reflection about Jesus; it also is time for us to practice being the presence of Christ with
others!
Just this past summer, I spoke with someone who said that his favorite carol was, It Came Upon
a Midnight Clear. He then added, But we dont sing it. It made me think: Listen to what he is
saying. What I hear from that conversation is that the carol made such an impression on someone
that he could experience the presence of Christ through it. What a gift for him! What a gift for me!
What a gift to know that God is with us!
Let us prepare ourselves for peace on the earth, good will to all!
Peace,
Pr Tim
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Christmas Decorating
Volunteers are needed to help decorate the Church for Christmas on
Saturday, December 5th, at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged
to join the festivities!

CHRISTMAS SERVICES and EVENTS

Childrens Program Truly Christmas
Sunday, December 13th at 9:45 a.m.
(practice on Nov. 29 after church and on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.)

Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24th
Candlelight Service, with Communion - 7:30 p.m.
RAVENS COIN VORTEX

ANGEL TREE
Once again this Christmas, we at Zions will
have the opportunity to adopt an angel. Angels will
adorn a tree in the sanctuary. Each angel will bear
the name of a person who resides at the Filling Memorial Home of Mercy. These persons have severe
mental and developmental disabilities and have
been entrusted to the care of the Lutheran Ministries of Mercy.
We have ten angels this year ranging in age from
12 to 60. These are individuals who have no family.
Last year was our first year to give to Filling angels
and the angels we touched last Christmas were overjoyed and really excited as they actually had gifts to
unwrap. Please take an angel from the tree. Your
angels name and age will be listed on the back with
suggested personal items they need. Return the
packages to the church by Sunday, December 20.
The gifts will be delivered to FMHM that day.

December 12
10 am8 pm
at the Defiance Mall
Volunteers are needed to help raise money for the RAVENS organization. Sign up
sheet in the Narthex.

Caroling for Shut-Ins

Sunday, December 20

Join us for a soup luncheon after worship. Following lunch we will go sing to our shut-ins.

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POINSETTIA ORDERS DUE

I would like to order a total of ________ poinsettias @ $12.00 each
(Indicate # for each variety below)
_______ RED

_______ WHITE

________ PINK

In memory of _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
In honor of ____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
(Your name) _________________________________________________Amount Paid _____________________

Last day to order is Sunday, December 13th. All orders MUST be pre-paid.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support. The chicken dinners were delicious and
greatly appreciated.
House of Ruth Family
To the Congregation and Council: Once again, thank you for your generosity and for your appreciation shown in your gift for Pastor Appreciation. It is good to be part of a congregation that gives in so many
ways : for the Pantry, for Innkeepers, for Christmas gifts, hats, gloves, scarves for winter season, to the House
of Ruth, and the many ministries both in the congregation and in our community. God continue to bless Zion's
with compassionate hearts that give!
Thank you,
Pr Tim

DEACON SUPPORT TEAM

All members should be aware of their deacon and hopefully have met him or her to discuss any concerns or questions you may have had. Your deacons have a sincere interest in serving your needs and encourage you to bring your needs to the attention of Pastor, the deacon group or council whichever is appropriate. In turn, we trust you have an equally sincere interest in getting to know your deacon as a present and future friend and confidant. We also want to emphasize the importance of speaking with Pastor whenever the
need arises. He wants to know your concerns to help provide a solution or answers to your questions. He remains the best resource within our congregation to share wisdom and knowledge.
Deacons are not exempt from having a deacon of their own. At times we need someone willing to listen and we turn to our deacon. In our bi-monthly meetings, the nine deacons discuss a variety of topics concerning the spiritual welfare of the congregation. Most importantly we are available for you when your needs
might require someone to talk with other than Pastor Tim.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the members of Zions Lutheran Church and we encourage
you to reach out to your deacon whenever the need arises. Please call the church office for any assistance.
Dick Anderson
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SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ZIONS FAMILY
CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PROGRAMDECEMBER 13

Our Sunday School classes are looking forward to presenting TRULY CHRISTMAS on December 13th at the
9:45 a.m. worship service. We hope to see everyone participate in our message of Christmas.

Practices will be held after church on Sunday, November 29th (bring a small lunch if needed) and on December 5th at 10:00 a.m.

Praise goes to Gods children for their participation in Zions programming. Their eagerness and willingness
to attend is most HEART warming.

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS & MEMBERS:

Have you ever encountered a difficult situation with a child? Have you ever questioned the way you dealt with
an uncomfortable interaction with your child? How should I respond or have I responded to my child to not
become upset? These are questions and possible situations that can be addressed during SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION in our Hofer room at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. PARENTING WITH LOVE AND LOGIC is a book filled with
parenting strategies. COME and join the discussion!

Simply Giving Automatic Donation Program

If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional
gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving option,
Simply Giving. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic
giving a most welcome way to make contributions.
To set up a recurring giving schedule, please complete a Simply Giving paper authorization
form available in the church narthex, from the church secretary, or from Treasurer, Gwen
Anderson and return it to the church office.
Thank you for your generosity and support!

FOOD AND PAPER PANTRY

We are always in need of personal care and hygiene items, paper products, and
cleaning supplies, such as: laundry soap, dryer sheets, dish soap, paper towels,
toilet paper, body soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shavers for men and
women, shaving cream, lip balm, body lotion, feminine hygiene products, etc. We
also need the following food items: rice, canned fruit, spaghetti noodles, egg noodles, peanut
butter, and cereal. We do not need toothpaste or toothbrushes, corn, or green beans at this
time. Please check expiration dates before you donate. Thank you for your generous support!
Dick Maxson and Laura Raines

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Church Council Highlights

November 19, 2015

Approved the proposed 2016 Operational Guidelines, to be presented to the congregation.

Approved the 2016 nominations, to be presented to the congregation.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held following worship on Sunday Dec. 6.

The Sunday School Christmas program will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Volunteers are needed for the RAVENS Vortex at the Northtowne Mall on Sat. Dec. 12.

Endowment Committee is seeking a new member, due to Laurie Scheys term expiring 12/31/15.

If you shop at Kroger and have a Kroger Plus Card and have
not signed up for the Community Rewards program the Outreach Committee members will be happy to help you. We just
need your card number and an e-mail address.
See Laurie Schey, Cyndi Ensign or Shawn Faryniarz for assistance or fill out this
form:
Kroger Community Rewards Sign up

(if you do not have an online account)

Name_________________________________________________________
Home address__________________________________________________
Kroger Card #__________________________________________________
E-mail Address_________________________________________________
Password suggestion_____________________________________________
IN CHRISTIAN
SYMPATHY
We pray for Gods comfort for the
following families who recently lost
a loved one:
Norma Bailey on the passing of her husband,
Lowell on October 28, 2015.
Diana Groll on the passing of her brother, Phil
Brown on November 20, 2015.

The Annual Congregational Meeting

will be held on Sunday,
December 6 after
worship services.
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Mens
Fellowship

WORSHIP
SCHEDULE

meets every Tuesday

Saturday 5:00 pm

at 9:00 a.m. in the

Sunday 9:45 am

Narthex

DCTV 5
You may watch Zions Lutheran
Worship services on Wednesdays
@ 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:00
a.m. on DCTV 5 Defiance, OH.

Young at Heart

Sisters in Christ

meets on WEDNESDAY,
December 9, 2015

Sisters in Christ will meet

after worship on December
13.
The following Sunday, cards
will be placed in the Narthex
to be signed.

at 11:30 am, at Leftys Pizza

Worship and
Music
Committee
Meets on December 10.

Scrapbook
Club
Will meet on December 5, in the Hofer Room at
8:00 a.m. Please bring a snack to
share.

Lutherans of
Long Standing

Reading List is posted on

the Narthex Bulletin Board.

Bringing Help and Hope to the

Hurting
Meets on Sunday, December 6 at noon.

DEADLINES

On sale throughout the year!!!!

ORGANIC COFFEE & TEA PRICES

Tuesday, December 15 at
12:00 p.m. at Rafifes.

QUILTS OF COMPASSION

Equal
Exchange
Coffee

LLS
Meets on Tuesday,
December 1, at
2:00 p.m.
in the Library

See Neal Deniston for more

information.

The Book
Group
meets on

Breakfast Blend $ 8.00

Decaf Breakfast Blend $ 9.00
English Breakfast Tea $ 3.00
K-cups $10.00 will not work in Keurig 2.0 /Vue

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BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT
Every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
(unless otherwise noted)
January
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE

December 14th

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December 2015
LESSONS
DEC 5 & 6 ADVENT 2
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

DEC 12 & 13 ADVENT 3

Zephaniah 3:14-20
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3: 7-18

DEC 19 & 20 ADVENT 4

Snowbirds .
Please remember to notify the office when you will be heading south
for the winter. Updated addresses
for long-term moves are greatly appreciated
when it comes time to mail out church communications, annual giving statements, envelopes...
Please remember to call the church office
when:
1. You will be or have already moved.
2. You have an addition to your family.
3. You have an address update and/or correction, or birthday correction.
4. New email address and/or phone number.

Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1: 46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-55

DEC 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20

DEC 26 & 27 CHRISTMAS 1

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52

Additions to the
Zions Prayer List:
Phone Prayers: Barb Vogel at 419-393-2544
E-prayers: zionseprayer@yahoogroups.com
Call the Church office at 419-782-8781.

WEATHER
DELAYS & CLOSINGS
For any cancellations due to bad weather you may tune into: WTOL Channel
11 (website: www.wtol.com) or check the
church website at: www.zions
lutheranchurch.com.

THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE

CLOSED ON
December 24 and
December 30 & 31
for the holidays.
Please contact your Deacon if you
have an emergency.

If you are calling for someone other than yourself,

please be sure that you have permission.

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December 2015
SUNDAY

6
9:00 a Sunday
School
9:45 a Worship
11:00 a ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

13
9:00 a Sunday
School
9:45 a Worship
Childrens Christmas Program

20
9:00 Sunday
School
9:45 a Worship

MONDAY

TUESDAY

14

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1
9:00 a Mens
Fellowship
9:00 a Weight
Watchers
1:00 p Text Study
2:00 p LLS
5:00 p Lighten Up

2
7:00 a Women @
Cabin Fever
9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due
5:30p Meal
6:00 p Confirmation
6:00 p Bells
7:00 p Choir

10

Pastors Day Off 9:00 a Mens

8:00 p Barbershoppers

WED

Fellowship
9:00 a Weight
Watchers
1:00 p Text Study
5:00 p Lighten Up

15

7:00 a Women @
Cabin Fever
9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due
11:30 a Young at
Heart at Leftys
5:00 p Food Pantry
Sign Up
5:30 p Meal
6:00 p Confirmation
6:00 p Bells
7:00 p Choir

16

11

12

12:00 p Worship
& Music Meeting

7:30 a Weight
Watchers

5:00 p TOPS

10 a 8 p Ring for
Ravens at Mall

7:00 p Council
5:00 p Worship

17

7:00 a Women @
Cabin Fever
9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due
5:30p Meal
6:00 p Food Pantry
Pick Up
6:00 p Bells
7:00 p Choir

21

22

23

24

9:00 a Mens
Fellowship
9:00 a Weight
Watchers
1:00 p Text Study
5:00 p Lighten Up

7:00 a Women @
Cabin Fever

OFFICE CLOSED

9:00 a Bulletin
Announcements
due

5
7:30 a Weight
Watchers
8:00 a Scrapbook
Group
5:00 p Worship

5:00 p TOPS

9:00 a Mens
Pastors Day Off Fellowship
2:00 p.m. NEWS- 9:00 a Weight
LETTER DEADLINE Watchers
12:00 p Book
Group at Rafifes
8:00 p Barbershoppers
1:00 p Text Study
5:00 p Lighten Up

Pastors Day Off

18

19
7:30 a Weight
Watchers

5:00 p TOPS

5:00 p Worship

7:30 p Christmas
Eve Service

25

26
7:30 a Weight
Watchers
5:00 p Worship

8:00 p Barbershoppers
27
9:00 Sunday
School
9:45 a Worship

29
28
Pastors Day Off

30
OFFICE CLOSED

31
OFFICE CLOSED

9:00 a Bulletin
Announcements
due

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Faith Active in Love

ALTAR FLOWERS
6 AVAILABLE
13 Karen Bowling
20 Charlie & Barb Stephens
24 Robert Thomas
27 AVAILABLE
BULLETINS
6 AVAILABLE
13 AVAILABLE
20 AVAILABLE
24 Judy Mekus
27 Jason & Jenni Hoffman
ALTAR DUTY
6 Kate Frank
13 Diana Groll
20 Barb Jones
24 Kate Frank
27 Diana Groll
LECTOR & DEACON for Sunday 9:45 am
(* DEACONS)
6 * Craig McKibben & Dick Anderson
13 Marsha Deniston
20 * Audrey Eis & Cindy Wendell
24 * Dick Anderson & John Diehl
27 Steve Graf
FELLOWSHIP HOUR for Sunday 9:45 am
6 Donna Schindler
13 Fern & Ott Beindorf
20 Cindy & Bill Wendell
27 Barb & Gene Vogel

December 2015
OFFERING COLLECTORS for Sunday 9:45 am
1st Sunday
Randy Groll & Mary Boals
2nd Sunday
Bill Brownson & Randy Groll
3rd Sunday
Mary Boals & Cindy Wendell
4th Sunday
Marsha Leaders & Chuck Bailey
5th Sunday
Randy Groll & Mary Boals
USHERS for Sunday 9:45 am
1st Sunday
John Diehl
2nd Sunday
Shawn Faryniarz
3rd Sunday
Laurie & Dwaine Schey
4th Sunday
Tom & Mary Boals
5th Sunday
Youth
HOSTS for Saturday 5:00 pm
5 Gene & Barb Vogel
12 Donna Ripke & Bob Thomas
19 Helena Morris & Nancy Swingle
26 Bob Thomas
LECTOR & DEACON for Saturday 5:00 pm
(* DEACONS)
5 * Doug Eis
12 Helena Morris
19 * Dawn McKibben
26 AVAILABLE
OFFERING COUNTERS
Gene Vogel, Larry Wagner, & Sue McKibben
Subs: Bob Thomas, Dwaine Schey, Bill Wendell
AUDIO-VISUAL
Doug Eis, Eric Engel, Stormy Gutman, Shaun
Holley, Angela Mack.

ACOLYTES & CRUCIFERS for Sunday 9:45 am

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO FULFILL YOUR COMMITMENT,
Acolytes
Crucifers
PLEASE ARRANGE FOR A SUBSTITUTE AND INFORM THE
6 Luke Reynolds
Chancel Choir
CHURCH OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
13 Pre-lit
Chancel Choir
20 Sophie Reynolds
Chancel Choir
24 Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir
27 Pre-lit
Chancel Choir

BULLETINS

WEEKLY BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

Suggested donation for

bulletins is $20.00.

are due on Wednesday mornings, by 9:00 a.m.

unless otherwise noted on the calendar.
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ZIONS MISSION STATEMENT

Driven by Gods spirit we will grow in faith and make Christs love known

Prayer List

DEACONS
Dick Anderson
Tom Boals
John Diehl
Audrey Eis
Doug Eis
Craig McKibben
Dawn McKibben
Patty VanDemark
Cindy Wendell

COUNCIL MEMBERS
2015
Tom Boals, President
Shawn Faryniarz, Vice
President
Gwen Anderson, Treasurer
Laurie Schey, Secretary
Mary Boals
Karen Bowling
John Diehl
Lenore Doctor
Alexis Eis
Audrey Eis
Carl Snyder

COUNCIL MEETS ON
the third Thursday of each month
(except July)
at 7:00 p.m.

Find us and Like us we need more

followers to spread the word! Are you
friends with a former member? invite
them too we love staying in contact!
Have a question about an upcoming
event? you may find your answer.
And, you can add your comments, too!
(If you have trouble searching type in
Zions Lutheran Defiance and that
should find it for you). If you would like
to post an event you may email it to
zionlutheranfbpage@gmail.com.

Church Council has enacted a policy regarding

the names placed on
the church prayer list in
the bulletin. If you
would like prayers on
the list for longer than
3 weeks, please make
another request. Requests can be sent to
the church office via
phone 419-782-8781 or
by email at: zion111@
embarqmail.com

OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

ZIONS EMAIL ADDRESSES

Office Secretary - zion111@embarqmail.com
Pastor - prtim@embarqmail.com
Treasurer - ziontreasurer@embarqmail.com
Website - www.zionslutheranchurch.com

Get your copy in the church narthex!

Devotional Books : The Upper Room
Christ in Our Home and Word in Season

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