Zion News – Final Thoughts – December 2023
“For everything there is a season . . .” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
In 1939 the Young Peoples League was formed at Zion. Margaret Knobloch, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 99, was a founding member of that church group and served as its first secretary.
One of the group’s first projects was to raise funds to purchase a used mimeograph machine, and on May 5, 1940, the first Zion News was printed and distributed to the congregation.
The front page headline was “Know Your Church” and the newsletter included stenciled artwork from the young people, a calendar of church activities, a mini-treasurer’s report by Glenn Jurgens showing a church balance of $56.03, stories, quotes, and a back page article about the new Young Peoples organization with a large tongue-in-cheek headline that said “Don’t Read This.”
The Zion News remained only a church newsletter until the 1960s when Doris Ann Hansen began submitting our church information to the Arthur and Atwood newspapers. This was when local newspapers were the “social media” of the times. The Arthur Graphic-Clarion not only included the Zion News, but also articles like Church News, Farm News, Society News, Local Happenings, Bourbon News, and “Let’s See” by George C, the newspaper’s editor.
By the early 1970s, Doris Ann would amass 30 or more bits of information per edition about past-week church family events like, “Mrs. Mildred Clausen went with Mrs. Norma Rahn Wednesday evening to Sullivan to see ‘Hello, Dolly,’” and “Sgt. & Mrs. Howard Kamm of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla arrived at the home of her parents for a two week leave,” and “Mrs. Ed Beauchamp and Trudy and Rod Randall were dinner guests of Mr. & Mrs. Rick Taylor.”
Upon the passing of Doris Ann in 1998, Phyllis Hendrickson stepped in to continue writing the Zion News until her passing in 2013. Arthur High School classmate and best friend of Phyllis, B J Hale, took over the job until health issues made it difficult for her to attend church and continue reporting the Zion News.
What was then supposed to be a collaborative effort by the entire congregation to supply information for someone to simply accumulate and report in the Zion News ended up being the responsibility of a single individual, and, after over 275 weekly articles, it is time to put it aside.
The Zion News has probably had the longest continuous run of any article in the Arthur Graphic. With the passing of the Arthur Graphic, the homey, family feeling of the Zion News seems a little out of place in a county-wide newspaper.
The decision to halt the publication of the Zion News was not an individual decision, but a decision by Zion’s church board which reviewed the effectiveness versus the energy expended in all our current media outreach efforts.
Besides, a recent survey noted that the average American reads less than ten minutes a day, which makes the odds of anything getting read pretty slim, let alone a church news article. BTW, I didn’t read about that survey anywhere, I heard it on TV.
Zion will continue having morning worship services each Sunday at 9:00 AM as well as having other church activates of which we will try to keep the community informed. As always, everyone is welcome.
Zion News (12/20/23)
“This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his only son into the world so that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9
This Sunday Christians will be lighting the last candle of the Advent wreath marking the final phase of the Advent season. We have lit the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy, but this candle, the Candle of Love, is the most meaningful and powerful of them all.
This candle is also called “The Angel’s Candle” and rightfully so.
Angels were part of the Christmas story even before the birth of Jesus. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias to tell him that his wife would bear a son that would grow up to be John the Baptist. Gabriel then appeared to a young woman, Mary, and another angel appeared in a dream to her concerned future husband, Joseph, about the upcoming birth of Jesus.
The night Jesus was born, angles appeared to the shepherds out in their fields to deliver great news to the world. Later, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to take his small family to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod, and they stayed away until an angel told Joseph it was safe to return.
So, before, during, and after the Christmas story, angels were messengers of God’s love. They alerted people of unexpected events, announced good news, and protected God’s beloved. The angels are worth celebrating during the Advent season.
However, maybe more than the other advent candle themes, the Candle of Love can be misunderstood. Love is not simply a sentimental, tugging-of-the-heart Advent theme. It is not just the image of a mother gazing lovingly into the face of her newborn child. Throughout Jesus’ ministry he taught us to not just follow one’s heart, which is often imperfect, but to follow his teachings and example.
And his teachings and example are all about perfect love. Jesus does not just try to make us feel good. He challenges and encourages us, even sometimes chides us, to learn how to love his way, God’s way.
Jesus’ birth was proof that God has not abandoned the world. His gift of love has arrived, to show us how to love in a way that is patient and kind, merciful and just, forgiving, sacrificial, and sometimes beyond our understanding.
God showed his love for us by sending his angels. In spite of all our human frailties, God even sent Jesus to reemphasize not only his love for us, but also to show us how to love.
May we aspire to be like God’s angels, spreading the good news of Jesus, and demonstrating his perfect love toward our families, friends, foes, and all those who need love this season and always.
Zion will not have a morning worship service this Sunday, December 24. Please join us instead for our Christmas Eve Service beginning at 7:00 PM this Sunday. Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be leading our traditional Christmas Eve Candle-Lighting Service which will include special music and goodie bags for those attending. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (12/13/23)
“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.’” – Luke 2:10
This coming Sunday, Christians will be lighting the third candle of their Advent wreaths. The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. This candle is called the “Shepherd’s Candle” and it is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy.
The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday that celebrates the joy the world experienced with the birth of Jesus and the joy we now experience at the midway point of Advent.
What the angel said to the shepherds that evening was that they were receiving news of “great joy.” Even though their lifestyle and circumstances weren’t going to change, the coming of Christ would bring joy into their lives that would be theirs forever.
Often the question comes up as to why the shepherds were the first to hear about the birth of Jesus. Surely the religious leaders of the time would be thought of as more deserving of getting the news first. And, that may be the answer right there.
Some people care more about “religion” than about their relationship with God. That was probably the case with many of the religious leaders of the time and maybe even some today.
But the shepherds were amazed that God chose them to hear the news and they couldn’t keep it to themselves. They didn’t over-think what was happening. They didn’t feel deserving of such an honor. They didn’t care what people thought about them when they told their amazing story to everyone. They wanted to spread the joy.
The shepherds were exuberant at hearing the news. They were overflowing with joy, probably even more so after that bit of glory in their lives when they were able to be with the infant Jesus in the stable. We should be so joyful.
Beyond the exuberance of joy-filled events, joy is also finding in God the hope and peace symbolized by the previous two Advent candles. With God, no matter what happens in our lives, there is joy in knowing that God loves us, will guide us, will bring us peace. Joy comes from knowing that God’s goodness and mercy is always there even when all we see is badness.
We can experience the joy of the shepherds when we feel, like them, that Jesus, Emmanuel, is God with us. A constant sense of God with us, even during the ups and downs of life, brings joy.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Dr. Jennifer Little will be leading the worship service this coming Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (12/06/23)
“Nation shall not lift sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” – Isaiah 2:4
This Sunday, Christians will be lighting the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This candle is sometimes referred to as “The Bethlehem Candle,” but most of the time it is known as the “Candle of Peace.”
The prophet, Isaiah, heralded the coming of the Messiah as the launch of world peace. He prophesized that the Messiah would bring about salvation, justice, and worldwide and eternal peace. This peace would be like the peace of Eden where the lion would lay down with the lamb.
Let’s face it, most Americans have not experienced what it means to not have peace in one’s homeland. Yes, we lead the world in mass shootings and have witnessed other acts of violence in our own neighborhoods. But look around at what’s going on in other parts of the world.
We carry on with our own routines and freely indulge ourselves with ample food, warm homes, and innumerable luxuries. It may not seem truly real to us that there is no peace in the world. People hunger and thirst. People die.
It may even be fair criticism from non-Christians who say that wars and persecution, hypocrisy and immorality, have been perpetrated by Christendom throughout history and is blasphemous in the eyes of God.
It is not the fault of God that there is no peace. World peace may not be attainable as long as humankind has anything to do with it.
But Isaiah also talks about another peace. He tells us that we can keep in perfect peace if we trust in God and keep our thoughts fixed on God. There are many who are lacking in this kind of peace.
We carry on with our own routines and freely indulge ourselves with ample food, warm homes, and innumerable luxuries, but there is no peace inside. We want for more of the things that keep our minds off God and the message of perfect peace that Jesus offers us.
No one knows what’s going on in your life, what turmoil and trouble is in your life, what temptations and doubts are in your heart and mind. But, if you trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and keep your mind stayed on God, you can find that perfect peace that is not of this world, but within.
Sometimes keeping a song or image in one’s head can help bring peace to a troubled heart. Psalm 45:2 describes the Messiah as “fairer than the children of men” and has sometimes been interpreted as a physical description of Jesus. One can’t help but think about the hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” when reading this verse. What a calm but powerful hymn to carry with you in times of anxiety and stress to bring you peace.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Rev. Leroy Allison will be leading the worship service this coming Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (11/29/23)
“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain . . . lift up your voice with a shout . . . ‘Here is your God!’” – Isaiah 40:9
Waiting can be frustrating. It sometimes feels like nothing is happening, time is wasting away. Yet, that is what the Advent Season is all about – waiting, or more appropriately, anticipating.
The Advent Wreath is part of the process. Each of the four candles of the wreath have a name and theme. In medieval times the candles represented death, judgment, heaven, and hell in that order. Today the Advent candles represent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love – quite a contrast to the medieval themes once used as a countdown to Christmas.
This Sunday we will be lighting the first candle known as the Prophecy Candle or Candle of Hope. Of course the prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of the Messiah as the Hope of the people, so it seems fitting that the first part of this Advent waiting period is Hope. It is the first Sunday of Advent and the first Sunday of the liturgical year.
In the history of Israel when God spoke through prophets like Isaiah, the nation was plagued by division, social upheaval, and self-destructing forces. Isaiah’s message was that God still gave them the hope of redemption and restoration.
So, the Hope Candle not only reminds us of Isaiah’s foretelling of the birth of Christ, but also that God’s people have continuously been called to be hopeful people in the midst of dark times when the future seems uncertain. Hope centers on the faithfulness of God in order to trust him for our present reality and our future.
In our own darkness and our own uncertainties, Advent invites us to have an attitude of anticipation and hope. This waiting shows our confidence in God’s love and truth over our own inner uncertainties and over the darkness of the world.
The challenge of Advent is making each of the Advent Candles’ themes relevant for us today. How can we experience hope, peace, joy, and love during this season? It is not through shopping or the stress of making preparations for the arrival of Santa. It is through preparing our hope-filled hearts for the arrival of Christ into the world over and over again, each and every year during the wonderful season of Advent, and always.
“Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” – C.S. Lewis
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be leading the worship service this coming Sunday. Rev. Roedder always likes the first Sunday of Advent and its theme of “Hope.” His sermon title is “Comfort My People” based on Isaiah 40:1-11. He is also expecting several of his family to attend this service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (11/22/23)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9
It’s not too early to start thinking about the Advent Season rapidly approaching with its four-Sunday-long celebration of Christ’s coming into the world. The Advent wreath we use has four candles that are lit one-at-a-time on consecutive Sundays that represent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love – the gift’s Christ brought with him to the world.
But let’s think about the second candle – Peace. The prophet, Isaiah, said that the future Messiah’s name would be “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” Matthew later explained that, even though his name is literally not Emmanuel, Jesus is the “God with us” Isaiah was referring to.
Isaiah also called this Messiah the “Prince of Peace” and Jesus had a lot to say about peace as in the verse from the Beatitudes where he says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Not to take anything away from modern versions of the Matthew 5:9 verse that exchanges the word “sons” for “children,” being a son of God, as Jesus himself was called, elevates peacemakers to an extremely high position.
Christianity is the number one religion in the world with over 2.4 billion followers. This is a half billion more followers than the number two religion, Islam. And both Christianity and Islam came from the same Abrahamic cultural traditions.
In America, church membership dropped below 50% for the first time in 2021, yet 63% of Americans, almost two-thirds, still identify themselves as Christians. And, get this, in the current 118th Congress of the United States, 88% of its members identify themselves as Christians.
So where are the peacemakers?
The conflict in the Middle East is between Jews and Muslims, but the war in the Ukraine is between their country that has 85% of the population identifying themselves as Christian, and Russia that has nearly 48% of its people identifying themselves as Christian.
So, again, where are the peacemakers? It doesn’t seem to be emphasized very much by billions of people.
Here’s a reality check. Only 2% of the population of China identify themselves as Christian. So, yes, it is no easy task to be a peacemaker, but it is a Christian obligation to try.
When all else fails in trying to bring peace to a warring world, Christ reminds us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Let us pray that this Advent Season will bring Peace on earth, and goodwill to all people.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Dr. Jennifer Little will be leading the worship service this coming Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (11/15/23)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. . .” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
November is sometimes called the month of thanksgiving. Earlier this month we gave thanks for our nation’s veterans without whom we would probably have far fewer things to be thankful for. Coming up is the national observance of Thanksgiving which, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln invited the American people “to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”
President Thomas Jefferson declined to sign a proclamation in 1801 that would have supported a thanksgiving holiday. He felt supporting such a holiday meant supporting a state-sponsored religion since Thanksgiving is rooted in Puritan traditions. In Jefferson’s defense, the King of England was also the head of the Church of England, which is a condition the Founding Fathers wanted to avoid for our fledgling nation.
But as a Christian value or not, most people are wired to be thankful beings. Neuroscience has identified areas of the brain that are likely involved in experiencing and expressing gratitude, providing further evidence that gratitude is an intrinsic part of the human experience.
As much as Americans have to be thankful about, it should be easy to always have a grateful heart, but it isn’t. Maybe we need to try harder to be that thankful person we know we should be?
Around the table during Thanksgiving dinner, some families take turns saying what they are most thankful for. There are always the obligatory replies like, “I’m thankful for family and friends and, oh yeah, my spouse of course.”
There are the patriotic replies like, “I’m thankful for this country and the freedoms we enjoy.”
Then there are some responses that make you wonder a little about the person making the reply like, “I’m thankful for air, man.”
A suggestion made to help yourself be more thankful is to start writing down every day one thing you are thankful for. Make it something different every day and see how many days you can go thinking of something you are thankful for. It may be that one day you are thankful for the ability to think and the next day you may be thankful for oatmeal. Hopefully you can come up with something different for many days and create a long list of things you are thankful for.
Exercising one’s thankfulness is important. It is certainly a heart-healthy thing to do.
Zion News (11/08/23)
“They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” — Isaiah 2:4
The Bible does not give Christians a clear answer about whether war is permitted or not, but it has a lot to say about justice, the sanctity of life, and the importance of resolving conflict peacefully.
Most Christians believe that war should be avoided if possible, and believe that war is the result of a failure of humankind to live by Jesus’ teachings.
Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.
On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a message to his countrymen on the first Armistice Day, in which he expressed what he felt the day meant to Americans:
“A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and more just set of international relations.”
The United States Congress adopted a resolution on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue annual proclamations calling for the observance of November 11 as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.”
On May 26, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law that made Armistice Day a legal holiday, and, in less than a week, Congress amended the bill replacing the wording “Armistice Day” with “Veterans Day.”
So, originally, this day was set aside to commemorate peace and justice, but it is also fitting to remember veterans on this day who fought for the cause of justice and peace and for all the freedoms Americans enjoy.
Sometimes we get confused about the meaning of our observances. Veterans Day honors the service of all those who have served in the U.S. military. Memorial Day honors those who died in service to our nation. Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor all those currently serving in the U.S. military. And, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number states to specifically honor women who have served in the U.S. military.
Our deepest gratitude is extended to the men and women who have served, have perished, and are actively serving to help bring us to the day when peace and justice prevails and when nations will not lift up sword against other nations.
Zion News (11/01/23)
“In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.” – Albert Camus
If you were a student studying philosophy or theology in the 1960’s and 70’s, the works of Albert Camus were most likely required reading.
Camus was an Algerian-French philosopher, author, dramatist, journalist, and political activist. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history.
Unfortunately, three years later, he died as a passenger in an automobile accident. 144 pages of a handwritten manuscript were found in the wreckage. Camus had predicted that this unfinished novel would be his finest work.
What brought Camus to mind was a recent sermon at our church on a parable of Jesus. The Pharisees plotted to get Jesus in trouble with the Roman authorities by asking him, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?”
Jesus’ reply left the Pharisees speechless, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” and they marveled at his words and went away.
Camus’ quote about turning away from the world is supported by Jesus’s parable of rendering unto Caesar and rendering unto God. There is a distinction between what the world offers and what the world does not offer.
Camus believed that we should understand the absurdities of human existence such as war, mass shootings, political division, and take on the purpose of creating value and meaning in our lives. Individuals should expend effort and resilience, not despair and suicide, as the appropriate responses to their life’s journey.
Neither Jesus nor Camus is saying that we can, or should, cut ourselves off from the affairs of the world. After all, Jesus inferred that people should pay their taxes and be good citizens. However, both of them say that there is much more to life than just that.
Camus also said that a person will never be happy if they are continuously searching for happiness; that a person will never live if they are continuously looking for the meaning of life. Christians believe that Jesus provides the answer to a happy and purposeful life.
One of Camus’ best known quotes is, “I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t and to die to find out that there is.”
Perhaps this isn’t the best profession of faith in the existence of God, but it is an honest and sincere expression that there are alternative ways to live one’s life and that we should choose wisely.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be leading the worship service this Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (10/25/23)
“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’” – Psalm 126:2
Despite all the happenings within our nation and around the world, political division, war, and human tragedy, sometimes a person needs to step back and experience laughter.
The true source of laughter comes from within. It is an expression of gladness. It should not be used to mock others, but something to share with others. It is possible to experience laughter even in serious circumstances.
In some old papers in Zion’s church records was found a list of special hymns that probably sparked laughter among some Sunday School class or church social group. Here are a few of them:
The Dentist’s Hymn – Crown Him with Many Crowns
The Golfer’s Hymn – There’s a Green Hill Far Away
The Politician’s Hymn – Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist’s Hymn – Open My Eyes That I May See
The IRS Agent’s Hymn – I Surrender All
The Gossip’s Hymn – Pass It On
The Electrician’s Hymn – Send the Light
The Realtor’s Hymn – I’ve Got a Mansion Just Over the Hilltop
And for those who speed on the highway, here are a few more hymns:
55 MPH – God Will Take Care of You
70 MPH – Nearer My God To Thee
80 MPH – This World Is Not My Home
90 MPH – Lord, I’m Coming Home
We should pray for God to give us a sense of humor, or to maintain our sense of humor in trying times, to give us the grace to enjoy laughter, to find humor in life, and then pass on the gift of laughter to others.
But remember the Psalmist said that we can be filled with laughter in our lives because of what the Lord has done for us. This nation can be the “beacon of hope” for a world that is chaotic and out-of control if it preserves ideals such as partisan cooperation, justice and liberty for all, and caring for one another despite our differences. Let other nations be amazed at us.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Dr. Jennifer Little will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (10/18/23)
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness . . .” – Isaiah 5:20
In light of the heart-wrenching warring going on between Israel and the Hamas, it is difficult not to think about the never-ending battle between good and evil that has plagued our world for millenniums.
Evil and good are not forces that are outside human control. What seems to be often out of human control is recognizing the difference between the two.
Choices between good and evil involve human concerns and responsibilities toward others, toward nature, and toward a relationship with God.
That is why it should be unimaginable that people who claim a relationship with God, Yahweh, or Allah, can commit absolutely inexcusable atrocities against one another. But humankind has been able to commit such atrocities throughout history and all tribes and nations are not guiltless to varying degree.
Professing a religion does not seem to ensure an ability to always discern between good and evil. Christianity, the number one religion in the world, and Islam, the number two religion in the world, and Judaism have some shared roots, but that does not mean this promotes amicability between all the members of these faiths.
Islam teaches that God revealed eternal truth to prophets prior to Muhammad, including the prophets of the Bible, but that does not mean Muslims believe everything found in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Christians focus on the New Testament and the life of Christ as the Son of God, while Muslims recognize Jesus as a prophet.
Jews don’t believe that Jesus fulfilled all the criteria to be the messiah they are still hoping for.
But at a basic level, these religions all speak toward the good. The choice for evil is a rejection of the basic tenets of their faith. A choice for good is derived from love.
As Christians, Jesus‘ great commandment to love God and one’s neighbor is the critical work that can bring peace to our world. It is not an easy task and humankind may not be up to it. It is difficult to love one’s neighbor, especially one’s enemy, when all around is violence, anger, and vengeance.
The late Pope John Paul II once said, “When good overcomes evil, love prevails and where love prevails, there peace prevails.”
Let us pray that good can overcome evil without becoming evil in the process.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (10/11/23)
“To everything there is a season . . .” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
The author of this scripture is not known for absolute certain. The title “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word meaning “a person who calls an assembly.” The author identified himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1 by the Hebrew word “qoheleth,” which is translated as “Preacher.”
However, most Jewish and Christian tradition suggests that King Solomon authored Ecclesiastes during the later years of his life – the time at which he had reached the pinnacle of his legendary wisdom.
This scripture has become one of the best known verses of the Bible since Pete Seeger composed the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” in 1959. One day, Seeger’s publisher was pressuring him to compose a new song. Seeger turned to his pocket notebook. In it he found parts of the Bible he had copied and labeled as “verses by a bearded fellow with sandals, a tough-minded fellow called Ecclesiastes.”
Seeger used this scripture almost word-for-word as the lyrics of his song that became a number one hit by The Byrds in December of 1965. That year, American ground troops arrived in Vietnam, men on campuses burned their draft cards, and black civil rights activists withstood fire hoses and police dogs. This musical group of shaggy-haired young men tried to impress upon the nation to “turn, turn, turn” and accept that change is inevitable, history is a cycle, strife is temporary, and to everything there is a season.
This scripture has since become known as a popular call to accept and affect change.
A story is told about some of the prominent older men of the community, sitting around in the coffee shop, discussing change. One of them exclaimed, “There sure has been a lot of changes in this town over the years.” Another one of them at the table replied, “Yes, and we were against all of them.”
Change happens, and we can either embrace it or fight it. The important thing is, though, to embrace change for the right reason and fight change for the right reason. Things go awry when we embrace change or fight change for the wrong reasons.
There is another way to look at this scripture. When it declares that for everything there is a season, this may also mean that the various circumstances humans find themselves in during life’s journey are not by happenstance, but are part of God’s intentional plan for us.
Maybe, with that perspective, we can develop a better understanding of change and how we should react to it, because even change can be part of God’s plan.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
(The Arthur Graphic has been discontinued and incorporated into a weekly newspaper called the “County Chronicle.” This is the first Zion News to appear in the new publication.
Zion News (10/04/23)
“The last will be first, and the first will be last.” – Matthew 20:16
A couple of Sundays ago, Dr. Jennifer Little was Zion’s guest pastor and her sermon was about Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard. Her message titled “Infinite Thinking” took a hard look at how human perspective and God’s perspective often differ greatly.
The parable talks about a landowner who goes out early in the morning and hires men waiting in the marketplace for work, agreeing to pay them the usual daily rate, a silver denarius.
He hires workers at various times throughout the day, at 9AM, 12PM, 3PM and even as late as 5PM, promising all of the workers a fair wage.
At the end of the workday, the landowner instructs his manager to pay the workers, starting with those who had been hired last. Those who began working at 5PM were given the daily rate – one silver denarius.
Those who had been hired early in the day thought that they were going to receive more than those who just worked a couple of hours, but they, too, were given the same daily wage.
This is where our human, finite, thinking takes over. The ones who had been hired first and had worked all day were angry and upset. This seemed unfair and most of us can understand their complaint, can’t we?
The landowner did not listen to their complaints and reminded them that they had agreed to the daily rate of pay when they were hired. He said, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?”
Then the landowner says, “The last will be first and the first will last.”
This statement can be a hard pill to take. Those who have labored all their lives to do God’s work receive the same reward as those who may have only found God briefly before their passing from this life? Even the Disciples argued among themselves who would sit at the right and left hands of Jesus in his Kingdom.
Human thinking is that we should receive preferential treatment from God, but not everyone else should receive it. Beyond that, the idea that “the last will be first” doesn’t make human sense because it seems like those chosen last to work and rewarded the same are the ones receiving preferential treatment.
If you truly consider the statement, “The last will be first, and the first will be last,” it should not be understood as an expression of unfair, preferential treatment for some over others. It should be of comfort to know that, in the infinite thinking of God, all are one and the same, equal, and all may be part of the Kingdom of God.
We should all be glad that God thinks this way.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. This coming Sunday Rev. Leroy Allison will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (09/27/23)
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” – 1 Timothy 5:17
Last October marked the thirtieth anniversary of Clergy Appreciation Month. In 1992, the second Sunday in October was also designated as a special day to show appreciation of clergy and other church leaders, and it is now known as Pastor Appreciation Sunday. It is on October 8 this year.
Zion began celebrating Pastor Appreciation Sunday a few years ago when Pastor Dennis Hanner became our pastor in 2010. However, Zion has always had a long-standing tradition of showing appreciation toward our pastors.
In the olden days of Zion, appreciation for the pastor was shown mainly at Christmas when parishioners might give the pastor freshly-baked items from their kitchens, or a couple of chickens, or a pig for Christmas dinner. At one time there were offering envelopes that had a box to check on them that indicated this was a gift for the pastor or, more precisely, directing that the money inside was to be used only in support of the pastor.
Later, people would put presents of all kinds around the church’s Christmas tree for other members of the congregation, Sunday school teachers, students, and, of course, the pastors and their family. Often these gifts to the pastor were cards of appreciation with cash inside because, let’s face it, most pastors are underpaid for the hours they put in.
The tradition of gift-giving after our church’s Christmas Eve Service has diminished to a great extent from where it was years ago. But it is much better that we set aside a special time like Pastor Appreciation Sunday to focus on our pastor and how much we appreciate the things they do for us.
There are many creative ways we can show our appreciation toward our pastors, but here are some ideas of what NOT to do:
Don’t get your pastor a book of the world’s greatest sermons. Don’t get your pastor a Bible because, if they don’t have one, you better get another pastor.
Don’t get your pastor a tie or a necklace because, when they open the box they will be thinking, “How many times do I have to wear this so it looks like I am grateful?”
Don’t get your pastor anything to read, watch, or listen to that “we can sit down and talk about later.” And, don’t get your pastor another “Praying Hands” statue.
If your church has not been recognizing Pastor Appreciation Sunday, maybe this is the year to do it.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. This coming Sunday Rev. Kenneth Roedder will lead the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (09/20/23)
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
The Apostle Paul talks a lot about how to be social with others. However, his version of being social seems quite different from today’s version of social media and social networking.
What’s it all about? Our brains are wired to be social animals. Even our basic survival instincts tell us that an existence with other people protects us, helps provide food for us, and keeps us reproducing our kind. Yet there is more.
This is a season when academic institutions from high schools to colleges and universities celebrate the tradition of Homecoming. This is social networking of the best kind – face-to-face and personal.
Even though the NCAA, Trivial Pursuit, and Jeopardy claim that the idea of Homecoming originated at the University of Missouri, we all know it started in 1910 at the University of Illinois. And Homecoming has been a strong tradition in the heart of the Midwest ever since.
But the interest in events like Homecoming seems to be waning as evidenced by lower attendance at such interpersonal activities. It’s a symptom that seems widespread and may stem from a growing attitude of social distancing. Perhaps social distancing is becoming the preferred method of self-survival. Too bad.
It is becoming more difficult to motivate people to leave the comfort of their room where they are surrounded by their TV, computer, cell phone and all the other necessities to be “connected” with the world. To venture out and be with others is not of utmost importance when the world can come to us.
But it is important to physically be around others, and the impact of impersonal contact is aiding division among people, reduced attendance at in-person events, and a reduction of people in the pews of our churches.
Will the trend for people to become less physically social ever turn around? Probably not. So we should cherish the few physical social contacts that we have – family, friends, and others we can touch and breathe the same air with.
Something Dr. Robert Randall, a favorite son of our church, has said during funeral services sums it up, “It’s not what you’ve become, or what you’ve accomplished, or how many places you’ve been, or how much money you have that’s important – in the end, it’s who you have beside you.”
And that’s why some of us hold on to traditions like Homecoming in spite of all the new ways we can network without making human contact. That’s why fellowship among members of a congregation is one of the most important reasons for going to church on Sunday.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. This coming Sunday Dr. Jennifer Little will lead the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (09/13/23)
“That this may be a sign among you, when your children ask in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’” – Joshua 4:6
At the Sesquicentennial Community Worship Service on September 3, 2023, Rev. Michael Johnson, former pastor of the Vine Street Christian Church, delivered a power message.
Rev. Johnson talked about the parting of the Jordan River so that the Israelite people could cross into their promised land on dry ground.
“Hereby you shall know that that the living God is among you,” spoke Joshua.
When the feet of those bearing the Ark of the Covenant touched the water of the Jordan, the river stopped flowing and the water rose up in a heap on both sides. The Ark was taken into the midst of the river and set on dry ground until all the nation could cross the river on dry ground.
When all the people had crossed the river safely, the Lord told Joshua to have a man from each of the twelve tribes go back into the middle of the river where the Ark had stood and gather up twelve stones from the river bottom.
When the last foot of the persons carrying the Ark was lifted up onto dry ground, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and overflowed its banks as before.
The people came up out of Jordan and made an encampment. The twelve stones that had been taken out of the Jordan were stacked up in that place by Joshua and he said, “What do these stones mean? That all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty.”
So how does this story relate to the celebration of a community’s Sesquicentennial in 2023 or a nation’s Sestercentennial in the year 2026?
We set up memorials like statues and buildings to commemorate special events and hold celebrations to remind us of past accomplishments and traditions that have brought us to the present, and that is important so that our progeny can ask us what do these mean.
But all our commemoration and celebration of human events would be in vain if we do not recognize that the living God is among us and his mighty hand has been, and will be, with us to help guide us along the way. When we stack up stones, we should remember this.
Zion is mourning the recent loss of two of its long-time members. Anna Margaret (Clausen) Knobloch passed away on August 29 at the age of 99, and Wilma Jean (Korte) White passed away on September 3 at the age of 92.
Both of these wonderful ladies were Arthur High School graduates and had deep family roots in our church. They will be missed.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. This coming Sunday Rev. Kenneth Roedder will lead the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (09/06/23)
“No man is an island.” – John Donne 1624
‘No man is an island’ comes from a 17th century sermon by the Dean of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, John Donne, a clergyman who now, almost four hundred years later, is regarded as one of the greatest English poets.
In the early 1960’s the phrase became popular. Joan Baez read Donne’s poem on one of her albums. The Letterman’s rendition of “No Man Is an Island” became the standard that every high school choir member learned through the 60’s and early 70’s.
It is often assumed that ‘no man is an island’ is from one of Donne’s poems. However, even though he is the author of some of the finest and most memorable verses of English poetry, this phrase, not from a poem, but from a sermon, is the most famous quote from him.
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main . . .
Any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
John Donne believed that man is a social being, that he needs contact and interaction with others, that when he is in an isolated state, he does badly. Community is truly needed to thrive.
His sermon is memorable, not just for “no man is an island,” but also for the phrase “for whom the bell tolls,” which was used by Ernest Hemingway as the title of his most famous novel.
When you hear the church bell tolling for someone who has died, don’t ask who it is, Donne explained, just know that it’s tolling for you, too, because you are part of the same society and the death of anyone takes a part of your own life away.
The words in his “No man is an island” sermon were deeply steeped in Christian values about how human beings are connected to each other, and how important that connection is for the wellbeing and survival of any individual.
“No man is an island” is perhaps the most perfect expression of an individual’s position in relation to society. It was true 400 years ago when Donne wrote it, and it remains true today.
Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (08/30/23)
Thought for the day: “You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.”
Since this week’s Arthur Graphic includes a special Arthur Sesquicentennial Section, this Zion News reflects back on articles written within the past five years.
(2018) A special thanks to B J Hale for her years of commitment to the weekly writing of the Zion News. B J and the late Phyllis Hendrickson spent decades keeping the public informed about our church, its events and activities, and about how our relationships with one another, with our church and other local churches, are important in promoting a vibrant interfaith community here in the Arthur-Atwood area.
(1939) The Young People’s League reorganized and elected the following officers: Robert Jurgens, President; Lloyd Clausen, Secretary; and Margaret Clausen, Treasurer. The president appointed Fred Korte, Edward Suhl, and Juanita Greve to draft a new constitution. All young people between the ages of fourteen and thirty-five years old were eligible for membership. Dues were fifteen cents per year. Other members of the newly organized group not mentioned above included: Edith Adolph, Robert Adolph, Raymond Blaase, Mary Fern Heit, Eugene Jurgens, Elizabeth Korte, Thelma Korte, and Russel Sievers.
The Young People’s League was the driving force behind Zion’s annual ice cream social. Since Rev. Walkenhorst and his wife, Helen, had never experienced Zion’s summer ice cream social, he was skeptical when he was told a thousand people would turn out for the event, but later he wrote, “There were!”
(1940) On a mimeograph machine purchased by the Young People’s League, the first printing of the “Zion News” was distributed to the congregation. Later the “Zion News” was published in both the Arthur and Atwood newspapers.
(2020) Even though our anniversary celebration has been postponed due to COVID, our beloved Zion has reached the 150th Anniversary milestone. Many congregations begin admirably in faith and hope, but never survive 150 years.
For any congregation to reach its 150th year, two things are evident: 1) God has blessed that congregation with His Spirit and Love and 2) the members and friends have been faithful in their witness and support to keep it alive. For the first part, let us give thanks to God for all His blessings. For the second part, let us honor those many individuals who have kept Zion an instrument of the Lord these many years.
Zion has aspired in the past to be a Christian witness to its community and to be of Christian service throughout the world. It has provided a place for worship and, hopefully, has served to prepare its members to leave the House of Worship and go out into the work-a-day world with their feet solidly on the ground and their sights firmly focused on God.
(2023) Zion’s worship service starts at 9:00 AM each Sunday. Please feel free to visit or to make us your church home. However, there will be no church service this Sunday as members of our congregation will be attending the Community Worship Service at Penn Station on September 3, 2023.
Zion News (08/23/23)
“Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” – Luke 13:4.
Jesus is referring to an incident where a structure in Siloam, a neighborhood south of Jerusalem, collapsed and killed 18 people. The incident is only mentioned once in the New Testament, but it is important because it is one of few comments Jesus makes about when bad things happen to good people.
Jesus’ answer is that the calamities suffered by the victims of the falling of the tower of Siloam were not related to their relative sinfulness – accidents, calamities, natural disasters can come unexpectedly to anyone regardless of how righteous or sinful they may be.
Sometimes people think that disasters are God’s judgment upon wickedness and evil as in the case of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this case God showed mercy on Lot and his family. However, most other disasters humanity faces are not so discriminatory. “For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45.
There are important points to remember when disasters happen to individuals, communities, or even nations. First, people should not assume that they have done something terrible for God to allow something tragic to happen to them. There is no sin and calamity correlation. Jesus says that, through him, there is forgiveness, love, and comfort when bad things happen.
There should also be forgiveness, love, and comfort from us. Paul says, “For we know that all the creation groans together. . .” When disasters strike, when individuals are experiencing tragedies in their lives, it hurts all of us and we are part of that hurting even while in the comfort of our own home. We are in this together.
However, also in this scripture from Luke, Jesus is quick to divert the discussion away from disasters and calamities to inviting repentance and wanting people to focus on their own souls. He may have also been emphasizing that the time granted for personal repentance is limited because bad things happening to people is often the norm instead of the exception.
You can make a donation to the Hawaii wildfires appeal through the United Church of Christ to increase support of immediate relief efforts and to enable long-term aid for persons who require assistance with their recovery. You can go online at www.UCC.org to make a donation or give through local UCC churches.
September Birthdays: Sep 1-Wally Smith, Sep 1-Brandon Grant, Sep 11-Jennifer McCormick, Sep 12-Katherine Drake, Sep 15-Kim Kamm Robinson, Sep 18-Nicholas Harris, Sep 19-Jackson Lebeter, Sep 21-Cheryl Drake Harris, Sep 24-David Hackett.
September Anniversary: Sep 27-Wade & Haley Willoughby.
Zion’s Sunday worship service begins at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday, Danny Powell will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (08/16/23)
“Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. So he quickly left the entrance to his tent to greet them. He bowed low to the ground.” – Genesis 18:2.
Who were these three men? Abraham identified one of them as the Lord who divulged to him his plan to destroy Sodom because of its wickedness. The two others were identified as angels who left to head for Sodom. The Lord remained with Abraham for a while who tried negotiating with the Lord to not destroy Sodom if even ten righteous people lived there.
This and so many other accounts through the millenniums of human history refer to visitations from beings not of this planet. How interesting it is that during recent Congressional hearings in Washington there is such robust interest in finding out what the government knows about and what Christians have always known – that we are not alone.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was visited by an angel to tell her she would bear a son called Emmanuel. She and Mary Madeline were met at Jesus’ tomb by and angel.
The account of Christ’s ascension is also an obvious example of others not of earthly descent who have made humankind aware of their existence. In front of the Disciples’ eyes, at Christ’s command he was lifted up into the sky and went somewhere out there
Star Trek fans all know about Starfleet General Order 1, the “non-interference directive” that prohibits the interfering with the natural development of other civilizations. As noble as this fictional directive may seem, it smacks of human arrogance that we don’t want or need to have our natural development interfered with either.
Really? Throughout history haven’t people asked for divine interference? King David asked for God’s help many times. George Washington asked for divine intervention in the United States’ war for Independence. The world asked for God’s help against powerful Nazi aggression. In humankind’s darkest moments, we have asked for divine help, intervention, and interference.
So, considering the mess humankind has often gotten into, it may seem a little hypocritical to think that we can handle everything by ourselves and then ask for assistance from other entities with abilities beyond our understanding when things get desperate. Or maybe not. Maybe we are like rebellious children who think they can do anything until we get into deep trouble and need a loving Father or Mother to bail us out.
We should be glad that we are not alone. Zion’s Sunday worship service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (08/09/23)
“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Today mattered to David. Every day mattered to David. David was very aware of the significance of today. He realized the value of each day and he tried to help others do the same through his songs.
August is a month without a major holiday. However, one website lists over 500 minor holidays and observances for the month. They are categorized as religious, cultural, historical, international, civic, family, awareness, fun, and with other designations. The website also has the origins and traditions of all these “holidays.”
One such holiday we recently missed was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on August 4. The first Chocolate Chip Cookie was actually made by accident in Whitman, Massachusetts in an inn called the Toll House. In 1938, Ruth Graves Wakefield one day planned on making regular chocolate cookies but got the great idea of throwing in chunks of a chocolate bar into it. Much to her surprise, the chocolate did not mix well with the cookie dough and instead, it filled up with tasty chunks of chocolate.
Today, August 9, is National Hand Holding Day. This day was created to encourage people to hold hands as a way to emphasize the importance of touch and to encourage affection toward their loved ones. Holding hands is not limited to romantic relationships, but it is a warm gesture that happens between grandparents and their grandchildren, parents and their children, as a way of reassuring and guiding the young through the world. It is also a means of providing physical support to the elderly.
Never Give Up Day is on August 18. People have always achieved more than they thought they could. Christians believe all good things can be accomplished through a trust in God and in the guidance Christ has given us on how we can accomplish more than we ever thought we could for his kin-dom. So never give up, not just on August 18, but every day of your life.
We don’t need 500 “holidays” per month to make our days special. We need to be aware, like David, that each day is special unto itself. The day is a gift that we should cherish and make the most of. Make each day a holy day.
August Birthdays: Aug 9-Peyton Chapman, Aug 12-Brett Grant, Aug 14-Rob Randall, Aug 16-Howard Kamm, Aug 17-Bruce Romine, Aug 19-Toby & Tyler White, Aug 22-Tony Chapman, Aug 25-Marcia Hackett, Aug 26-Vera Mae Brinkley, Aug 30-Rev. Kenneth Roedder.
August Anniversaries: Aug 23-Shawn & Kim Robinson, Aug 31-Chris & Cheryl Harris.
Zion’s Sunday worship service begins at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday Rev. Leroy Allison will be our guest pastor. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (08/02/23)
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another . . . “ – Hebrews 10:25
If you think about the beginnings of this community, or most any other community around, the role of the churches is obvious. Church was the spiritual, but also the social foundation of the community. Sunday was a day when people came together to worship and to enjoy fellowship with one another.
The habit then was to go to church.
The Lincoln Street Christian Church was loosely organized in 1871, almost two years before Arthur was founded. In 1894 the congregation built a very pretty church on the northeast corner of Lincoln and Pine Streets. It is one of only a rare few local churches that disbanded – its members going to other local churches in the 1940’s.
The church was demolished, but its blocks were re-used to build at the same location an American Legion Hall that continued to serve the community until 1996 when it, too, was torn down.
The Vine Street Christian Church was organized in 1881 and built its first church in 1883.
The First Baptist Church organized in 1885 and build its first church in 1889.
The United Methodist Church, the last church to worship at the Village-owned Union Church, organized in 1893 and built its first church in 1899.
These early churches, and the others that followed, helped provide community awareness, cohesiveness, involvement, and public service to the community at large and to individual residents.
The members of church congregations founded businesses, industries, schools, parks, libraries, fire departments, nursing care facilities, and service organizations. These churches encouraged one another to do big things.
16th century theologian Martin Luther said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” This kind of optimism is exactly the legacy local churches have left for this community and for communities throughout our nation.
Hopefully, this is the kind of legacy we will leave for future generations.
August Birthdays: Aug 9-Peyton Chapman, Aug 12-Brett Grant, Aug 14-Rob Randall, Aug 16-Howard Kamm, Aug 17-Bruce Romine, Aug 19-Toby & Tyler White, Aug 22-Tony Chapman, Aug 25-Marcia Hackett, Aug 26-Vera Mae Brinkley, Aug 30-Rev. Kenneth Roedder.
August Anniversaries: Aug 6-Tony & Alana Chapman, Aug 23-Shawn & Kim Robinson, Aug 31-Chris & Cheryl Harris.
Zion’s Sunday worship service begins at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be our guest pastor. The scripture will be Matthew 14:13-21 and his sermon title is “A Miracle Story.” Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (07/26/23)
“And God said, ‘I have determined to make an end of all flesh; for the earth is filled with violence through them . . .’” – Genesis 6:13
Just how big is the story of Noah’s Ark and the Flood?
Well, one scholar claims that he has found over 500 references to the flood in ancient manuscripts. Another Biblical scholar has found 61 ancient flood stories from around the world that were similar to the Genesis story of Noah. There are also over 20 fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls that refer to Noah.
The story has fascinated people for millenniums. Modern movies have been made about it, from the very funny, yet thoughtful, “Evan Almighty” with Steve Carrel to “Noah” starring Russell Crowe.
As children in Sunday school, many of us heard only part of the Noah story. We especially remember Noah bringing into the Ark all the animals of the world two-by-two. Here are a few more details about the story.
Noah became God’s “new” Adam after the flood. There were ten generations between Adam and Noah.
Only a few times did God speak directly to people in the Bible. Most of the time God spoke in dreams. However, God spoke directly to Noah.
The Ark was said to have been built of Gopher wood, which may actually have been the wood of the Cypress tree.
The Ark was 300 X 50 X 30 cubits, a 6 to 1 ratio used by modern shipbuilders. If you use the ancient Egyptian cubit measurement, that would have made the Ark 450 feet long and 75 feet wide.
God partnered with Noah to get the animals into the Ark. God told Noah to “bring” and “take” the animals implying that Noah might have to help gather them. God said, “Two of every sort shall come to you,” but he also said to take seven pairs of clean animals and birds.
Noah may have built the Ark without any interference. The Bible says nothing about other people. The Muslin holy book, the Quran, however, talks a lot about the people taunting and mocking Noah about building a great big boat on dry land.
The water rose 23 feet above the mountaintops, and even though the rain stopped after 40 days, the inhabitants of the Ark had to remain there for over a year until the waters receded and the earth dried out.
So, what are some of the lessons from the Noah story that are useful for us today?
– God will strike down wickedness, but will also show mercy.
– We fear great natural disasters, but God will keep us safe.
– It’s better to be on God’s good side than on his bad side.
– If God wants you to do something, no matter how silly it may sound, like building a huge boat on dry land, and collecting animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things, then do it.
Obedience to God is the central lesson of Noah’s story – listening to what God says and then following through with what he wants us to do. That’s how we make it through the storms of our lives.
Zion’s Sunday worship service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (07/19/23)
“Does God have a sense of humor? He must have if he created us.” – Jackie Gleason
Premiering on February 5, 1967, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour launched its relatively short-lived and controversial show on CBS television. It was loved by many and hated by many, which was indicative of the division going on in American society at the time.
After one of the episodes, hate mail came piling in because Tommy Smothers, a Jew, said ‘Christ’ for a laugh, which was unheard of on TV at the time. The brothers even ended up on Richard Nixon’s enemy list because of their comments on the show opposing the Vietnam War.
Receiving more and more criticism for their irreverence, they took a serious moment in one of their shows to say that they believed God has a sense of humor. That if God made man in his own image, and that people like to joke and laugh, then that must be a trait, a gift, of God.
Jesus most certainly must have had a sense of humor. He was a great healer, and laughter is considered an aid in healing. The Gospels are full of his parables and he was probably also a good joke-teller. It is easy to imagine Jesus sitting around the campfire with his Disciples on a nice evening telling jokes. Someone as charismatic as Jesus must have been able to laugh and joke with people. It’s too bad the Bible doesn’t contain a Book of Jesus Jokes.
For decades our church has especially laughed at and enjoyed church bulletin announcement bloopers. They have been used in our church newsletters and even in our Sunday bulletins. They have been around a long time, been modernized, are now available on the Internet, and remain extremely funny. There are many of them that are sure to make you chuckle. Some classics are:
“This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.”
“Mr. Bradford was elected and has accepted the office of head deacon. We could not find a better man.”
“The Senior Choir will be disbanded for the summer with the thanks of the entire church.”
“Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.”
“A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.”
“Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I Will Not Pass This Way Again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.”
“For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.”
“Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.”
Several years ago, when our bulletins were mimeographed, stencils for the church bulletin were cut by a manual typewriter. If you didn’t hit the keys hard enough, sometimes letters would not get cut completely and wouldn’t print clearly. So, in one Sunday bulletin, when a “P” didn’t get cut completely, one of our hymns listed that day was “Just As I Am Without One Flea.”
Zion’s Sunday worship service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome, and keep laughing.
Zion News (07/12/23)
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” – Albert Einstein (1879-1955).
If you have been paying attention, there has been increasing concern by even the US Congress over the impact of technology on our future lives. In particular there seems to be an urgent concern about the emergence of artificial intelligence and how government should regulate it.
Artificial Intelligence is still in its developmental infancy, yet it can already outperform many human functions and is beginning to surpass human thought processes and creativity. It is writing songs, essay papers, and novels – things once left only to the human imagination.
One of the most important things we have to learn as we deal with technology and artificial intelligence is that it should not be viewed as evil, but should be clearly recognized as having tremendous power over our lives.
Technology is not new. Humans have used simple tools from the beginning of time, the printing press changed human thinking, the industrial revolution ushered in modern conveniences, and the Internet with its unprecedented social media presence have all affected huge changes to humanity.
Technology, though, should probably not be thought of as morally neutral because it influences us every time we use it. We sometimes treat technology more than a just a tool, but as something that makes us what we are – or think that we are.
Although technology as a tool is not evil, it can be subject to misuse and abuse that makes it produce evil results. A gun is not evil and it can defend the innocent from harm, or kill the innocent indiscriminately. It is the user of technology that determines if it is good or evil. We can’t blame the technology. We have to blame ourselves.
It would be difficult to find a scripture in the Bible that condemns technology or artificial intelligence directly. The Bible also doesn’t address the fact that technology can expand what humans can do or change what needs to be changed for us to live in a better world.
However, artificial intelligence is a true game-changer. It is performing many tasks that our culture was built upon, replacing millions of peoples’ job, disrupting society in ways we haven’t even comprehended yet, changing everything. This is no longer science fiction, it is reality.
Humans are the ones who have been given the ability to create tools and the ones who can choose how to use them. Christians should remain vigilant, and constantly proactive, that technology is used for the betterment of the human condition, for the conservation of this planet, and for the preservation of human qualities that prove Einstein’s over 75-year-old statement wrong that technology has exceeded our humanity.
Birthdays: July 26-Marianne Hanner, July 26-Carol Randall, July 29-Ramona Carlyle.
Anniversaries: July 14-Greg & Jalane White, July 18-Wally & Barb Smith, July 22-Roger & Lisa Kibler.
This coming Sunday, Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (07/05/23)
“There but for the grace of God go I.” – John Bradford.
This phrase has been used popularly to acknowledge that one is lucky not to be in the same unfortunate or unpleasant situation as someone else. It is easy to look at others in war-torn areas of the world, in places of injustice and famine, at those with serious health conditions, at those with family and personal issues and utter with a genuine sense of gratitude, “There but for the grace of God . . . “
But is that the true meaning of this saying?
The origin of the phrase has also been attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, John Bunyan, and other important religious leaders. Even though the exact origin may be unknown, it is almost assuredly inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 15, verse 10. Check it out.
In the 19th century the phrase was traced back to John Bradford as an expression of humility and a reliance on God’s Grace. The story goes, that on seeing a poor criminal taken to the place of execution, Bradford would say, “But for the grace of God goes John Bradford.”
When Queen Mary I of England ascended to the throne in 1553, she threatened reprisals against anyone opposing the Catholic Church. Bradford was arrested on the charge of “trying to stir up a mob” and was imprisoned in London Tower for writing religious works and preaching to anyone who would listen about the reformation of the church.
On January 31, 1555, Bradford was tried and condemned to death. He was to be burned at the stake on July 1. Bradford was given a special “Shirt of Flame” by a Mrs. Marlet, for whom he had written a devotional work. This was a clean shirt that was sewn specifically for the burning, made in the style of a wedding shirt. This had become a common way of honoring martyrs.
A large crowd delayed the execution because many who admired Bradford came to witness his death. He was chained to the stake with a young man, John Leaf. Before the fire was lit, Bradford asked forgiveness of anyone he had wronged, and offered forgiveness to those who had wronged him. He then turned to Leaf and said, “Be of good comfort brother, for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night!”
Bradford knew that the same evil thoughts were in his own heart as are in all people. When he saw anyone drunk, or swearing, he would remind himself, “Lord, I have a drunken head; Lord, I have a swearing heart.” By the sight of others’ sins he could see his own sinfulness. So when witnessing the shameful end of criminals by execution he knew in his very being, “But for the grace of God goes John Bradford.”
Upcoming Birthdays: July 8-Jacob Nash Culbertson, July 10-Ron Korte, July 26-Marianne Hanner, July 26-Carol Randall, July 29-Ramona Carlyle.
Anniversaries: July 14-Greg & Jalane White, July 18-Wally & Barb Smith, July 22-Roger & Lisa Kibler.
This coming Sunday, Rev. Leroy Allison will be leading the worship service along with musical guests “Strings Attached.” Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (06/28/23)
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
As Christians, the scriptures of the Bible are vital to our faith. They aid in our understanding of our relationship with God and how to live one’s life because of that relationship.
Many churches engage in Bible studies which can help discern the meaning of the scriptures. However, in doing so, it is always a good idea to proceed with a little caution. Historically, the Bible has probably been more misinterpreted and misused for personal gain than any other written word.
A popular confirmation verse is a good example of misinterpreting the Bible. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse has been used throughout the secular world in the context that a person can have anything they want, like business or athletic success, as long as they believe in Christ. This is like viewing God as a good luck charm.
Scripture is also extremely powerful. Contradicting claims about what the Bible says and what it doesn’t say has caused separation between individuals as well as of entire churches and denominations.
There are those who intentionally twist the truth of the scriptures to create false beliefs. In order to avoid this when studying scripture, here are a few suggestions:
Let scripture interpret scripture. Don’t take a verse out of context. Most of the time a single verse of scripture is supported by the verses or description of events surrounding it.
Don’t read into the scriptures what you want it to say. It’s very easy to get caught up finding scripture that tells you what you want to hear or supports your point of view.
Consider the history and culture of the time to understand the context. This is a tough one. What’s important is to discover what the “heart” of the scripture is and find out its timeless message.
Bottom line is that Christians should read, study, and strive to honestly understand how the scriptures apply to their lives. It is sometimes surprising how much differently a scripture’s meaning can be to a person upon a second-reading with an open heart and mind.
Upcoming Birthdays: July 8-Jacob Nash Culbertson, July 10-Ron Korte, July 26-Marianne Hanner, July 26-Carol Randall, July 29-Ramona Carlyle.
Anniversaries: July 14-Greg & Jalane White, July 18-Wally & Barb Smith, July 22-Roger & Lisa Kibler.
This coming Sunday, Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (06/21/23)
“There needs not a great soul to make a hero; there needs a god-created soul which will be true to its origin; that will be a great soul!” – Thomas Carlyle, “On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History” (1841).
Twenty years ago, on June 21, 2003, J K Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” was released and became the fastest-selling book ever. People are fascinated with the magical and mystical, the supernatural and superheroes.
If you are watching the movie trailers for this summer, it is obvious that superheroes are popular with children and adults alike. From Aquaman to the X-men, superheroes have a huge effect on the box office. Of the 100 highest-grossing movies of all time, more than a quarter of them are superhero themed.
Why are superheroes so popular?
One thought about why superheroes are popular is that the human brain is hardwired for heroism. According to author Bill Delvaux, “The heroic is an imprint that’s been left inside all of us because we’re made in the image of God. Even though that imprint has been marred by the fall, there’s something that remains. We know what’s good, right, and true, but we also know we don’t live up to it.”
This longing for the heroic can become applied to political figures, sports figures, and even fictitious characters. It causes people to look for a picture of heroism that they want to see in the world and in themselves.
There are now apps and books that introduce young people to Bible heroes who exhibit superhero powers, but are different than the secular superheroes of today.
First, Bible heroes were real people. They walked, and talked, and breathed the same air as we do. We share with them the same joys and sorrows, triumphs and disappointments that we experience. We can relate to them for this reason.
The lives of Bible heroes teach us human history and lessons we can learn from that history. We can learn practical lessons from their lives and avoid encountering problems through their wisdom and example.
Biblical heroes, just like the superheroes in the movies, can be flawed and oftentimes weak. However, Bible heroes teach us to depend on God for strength and power. In moments of weakness we are made strong.
But, most importantly, Bible heroes point us to the greatest superhero of all.
It is the One who made the leper walk, the blind to see, the sinner to be set free. It is the One who died and rose again. As called by one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, he is “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
If ever there is one worthy of “hero-worship,” he’s the One.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday, Ken Bunker will be our guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (06/14/23)
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another . . .” – Hebrews 10:25
There are many examples of community in the Bible, but the word “community” itself does not appear in the scriptures anywhere. The word comes from the Latin word “communitas” which basically means “common.”
The closest word in the Bible meaning community is the Greek word “koinonia.” This word appears 19 times in the Greek New Testament. In most current Bible versions, it is either translated as “fellowship,” “sharing,” “participation,” or “contribution.”
There are billions of people in the world, so no one should feel lonely. But how many true communities are there in your life? Communities that offer fellowship, sharing, participation, and contribution from everyone for everyone?
Sure, a person can belong to an unlimited number of online communities where everyone blogs about things that relate to their own personal best interests without ever leaving the house. We can claim to be part of a global community that is of such extent that we don’t really feel a need for much significant participation on our part.
Christians know that God did not intend for us to live in isolation. We are to live in relationships with one another. We become better persons when we experience life with others and not just through social media.
The characteristics of authentic community are similar whether it is a neighborhood community, a school community, a town or city community, or a faith community.
Community is encouraging. We lift each other up, learn from one another, and help one another in times of need.
Community is fun. Even though there are important things for a community to accomplish, the togetherness and unity of purpose should be enjoyable.
Community fosters a caring for one another, an affection, even love for one another. It binds people together and extends forgiveness when things go wrong.
Community attracts a sense of spirit among its members. Christians will call it the Holy Spirit, but others might just call it community spirit. It is real and can inspire great things to happen.
While it seems to be hard for people to sometimes commit time, resources, or an opening of oneself to community, bottom-line is that community is life-giving and essential for everyone.
Going to church on Sunday is being part of a community. But Christians should be involved with other communities as well, taking with them the lessons Christ taught about relationships with one another. That is where Christian ministry can truly begin.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (06/07/23)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Sometimes we are faced with I-can’t-take-it-anymore days. You know how that feels. There is too much to do and too little time. There are deadlines looming. There is pressure and stress that actually keeps a person from getting the things done that are stressing them out.
How does someone handle this? For Christians, the assurances of joy and peace found in the Bible, like with the scripture above, is a good source. Beyond that, fellow human beings have also contributed thoughts about how to achieve a sense of happiness during trying times.
Author Kurt Vonnegut said, “Happiness is an uphill battle. Wear the good shoes.”
According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “For every minute you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness.”
Elvis Presley said, “When things go wrong, don’t go with them.”
“Happiness is like jam. You can’t spread even a little without getting some on yourself.” – Anonymous.
A memorable quote by Peanuts creator, Charles M. Schulz, is “Happiness is a warm puppy.”
More serious reflections on happiness include:
Buddha, who said, “Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, who passed away just a little over a year ago, said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
And from the writings of 4th century Chinese philosopher, Chuang-Tse, we read, “Perfect happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.”
However, Mark Twain throws us a curve ball about happiness when he wrote in his work The Mysterious Stranger, “Are you so unobservant as not to have found out that sanity and happiness are an impossible combination? No sane man can be happy, for to him life is real, and he sees what a fearful thing it is.” For Twain this may have been more than just a tongue-in-cheek statement.
Despite all the advice, despite all the human discussion about happiness, Christians know that happiness, peace, and joy reside within us thanks to the presence of the Holy Spirit. We can draw upon that power when we are in the midst of one of those I-can’t-take-it-anymore days.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday Rev. Leroy Allison will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (05/31/23)
“Learn not the way of the nations . . . for the customs of the people are false.” – Jeremiah 10:2-3.
In the following verses, Jeremiah warns against idolatrous actions, “A tree from the forest is cut down . . . men deck it with silver and gold, they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.” Sounds like decorating a Christmas tree doesn’t it?
Sometimes things that seem to be simple seem to become complex when you start really thinking about them. Observing holidays can be one of those things.
There are those who believe it’s wrong to observe holidays, even to celebrate Christmas and Easter since the way we celebrate them have some association with pagan holidays that existed before the time of Christ.
This debate can rage on, but, of course, religious holidays always need to seek out the truth and meaning of the observance, whereas people have always wanted and needed reasons to just celebrate life. It’s hard to believe that is wrong. So we have holidays and lots of them.
Studies have shown there are several benefits for us to have holidays. They can reduce stress and provide relaxation, which has physical and mental health benefits. Holidays can provide a sense of well-being, improve family relationships, and boost happiness.
Another study suggests that a “holiday” can reduce a person’s physical complaints and improve a person’s quality of sleep and mood, and that this effect can last over an extended period of time.
It is amazing how many holidays and observances there are today and June is full of them. Some lists include over 125 special days in the month of June and as many as 31 month-long observances.
On one list, June 21 had the most “holidays” with 13, while June 28 had only one – National Tapioca Day.
The monthly observances of June seem to center often on nature: Great Outdoors Month, National Rose Month, National Oceans Month, National Rivers Month, National Camping Month and so on.
The observances of June 21 range from Go Skateboarding Day to National Dog Party Day to World Day of Music. And, of course, there’s the Summer Solstice on June 21.
Some of these observances may seem nonsensical and insignificant, but they have usually been “established” to bring joy, and sometimes introspection, into one’s life.
Christians can keep their holy days holy and the other holidays in proper perspective.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday Rev Roedder will be leading the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (05/24/23)
“Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.” – Deuteronomy 32:7
The people of the Old Testament were big on remembering their past. Their stories were verbally passed down from generation to generation long before they were ever written down. So are these stories history or tradition?
History is an accounting of our origins and development over time. It is a record of the moments and events of a person’s, a community’s, a nation’s, our world’s life.
History is valuable and useful. Every generation should look to the past for guidance, knowledge, and wisdom as a source of ideas and thoughts that might help solve or prevent current or future problems.
Without human action, history would not exist. It is a method of understanding the development and evolution of ideas and actions that have occurred in the past.
Contrary to what one might think, tradition is not the same as history. The concept of tradition originally comes from the Latin meaning of “something handed over.” Tradition is anything which is transmitted or handed down from the past to the present.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines tradition as “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior such as a religious practice or social custom.” Tradition includes beliefs, customs, material objects, or images of persons and events.
Tradition is based on the value one holds to carry on a custom or belief that has been established. Slow changing societies have viewed tradition as the equivalence to inheritance – the means of making a living, as a way to provide status, stability, and identity to one’s life.
Unlike history which looks backwards, tradition tends to look forward. With tradition there is the belief that the custom will continue to be passed down in the future. Tradition is based on values, not the recorded past, and must be valued high enough to be passed down.
Tradition is not a negative that society should reject or avoid. It is often a positive that can bind society together. Tradition can be impacted by history and can evolve because people sometime desire to establish something different that may hold more value and meaning for them.
In Deuteronomy, the people of the Old Testament were talking about values such as humankind’s relationship with God and with one another, and how the present generation should remain mindful of those values. That is not static history. It is a proactive tradition that is being handed over to us because it is so very important to this world of today and tomorrow.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (05/17/23)
“And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them . . . And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.” – Matthew 10:13, 16
Even though May 11, 2023 marked the official end of the National Public Health Emergency we have been experiencing since the outbreak of COVID-19, the effects of the pandemic on human behavior may be long-lasting if not permanent.
The rise of the touchless society is upon us. It started with personal social distancing and limiting the sizes of groups and gatherings. It expanded into making all forms of interaction between people as contactless as possible.
Many businesses still separate employees from one another, or from customers, with Plexiglas partitions, promote self-service checkout, and offer apps to buy food and supplies without ever having to come face-to-face with another person.
Will there be long term effects by this physical separation from one another?
Some people herald this new touchless society as long overdue. They claim their personal space and want others to keep their distance. Touchless technology is a booming industry.
Even though touchless technologies may promote safety through social distancing, such technologies reduce human desire for interaction with people, places, and things. Some people predict that as these technologies become more and more commonplace, they may cause sensory deprivation.
Through even casual observation it is apparent that touching is being more and more discouraged. Teachers are discouraged from hugging a student or even giving them a pat on the back. Students are not supposed to touch other students. Doctors and nurses often refrain from touching their patients as a way of showing compassion or comforting them. A hearty handshake is considered a thing of the past.
People are keeping their distances, keeping to themselves, and there is a large decrease in social interaction in one’s everyday life. Obviously, this is contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression because people need people.
Christians understand this. Jesus made that clear. He touched people, he held children in his arms. His touch healed the bodies and souls of people.
It just might be that churches will be one of the few places where people can touch one another in caring and concern for each other, in empathy with those who are hurting, in the joy of just being with one another. Christ knew that humans were never meant to be touchless.
May birthdays: May 27-Michael Willoughby.
Anniversaries: May 17- Cary & Debbie Suhl, May 21-Tyler & Nicole White, May27-Jason & Mimi Hackett
Things have changed since COVID: “In an unsettling reversal of my teenage years, I am now yelling at my parents for going out.” – Reader’s Digest.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (05/10/23)
“Dog is just God spelled backwards.” – John Ylvisaker
John Vlvisaker was a liturgical songwriter, recording artist, composer, performer, and ethnomusicologist. Ethnomusicology is the study of music from the cultural and social aspects of the people who make it and can be simply described as the study of “people making music.”
A prolific composer for more than 50 years, John’s words and music have been a powerful influence on the development of new worship materials for the church. He is known for his paraphrasing of biblical text and for his ability to write tunes people can easily sing.
He is perhaps best known for his song, “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry.” However, he wrote a song that went unpublished, but was included on one of his recordings, that included the lyrics, “Dog is just God spelled backwards.”
There are several references in other songs and poetry about “God being spelled backwards is dog” and vice versa. Most of these compositions ennoble the dog by comparing the characteristics of man’s best friend with the godly virtues of goodness, faithfulness, and everlasting love.
John’s song however, is more than that. He leads us into thoughts about how we humans often respond to the dog. Because we get preoccupied with everyday life or self-interest, we often neglect our dog even though they are always there to welcome us with steadfast love. A person can lose their patience if their dog doesn’t obey their every command. When we get angry and frustrated, we may even take it out on ole Rover and give him a kick if he gets in the way.
After the song tells the story about all the ways we casually view our relationship with our faithful companion, the final line is, “After all, dog is just God spelled backwards,” which indicates how we also may be neglecting or undervaluing our relationship with God.
Yes, a pet can bring out the best in us. If you are lonely, they will be happy to keep you company. If you need someone to love, there aren’t many other beings that love you the way your pet does.
If you need a laugh, your pet knows just when to offer comic relief. If you give your heart to your pet, they will not break it.
These are all goodly traits of pets, but our relationship with God is the ultimate relationship in our lives. Don’t neglect it.
May birthdays: May 13-Rob Drake, May 27-Michael Willoughby.
Anniversary: May 21-Tyler & Nicole White.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This Sunday Rev. Leroy Allison will be our guest pastor. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (05/03/23)
“He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty.” – The Apostles’ Creed
For Christians, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the descent of the Holy Spirit on his disciples, are the foundation of the Christian faith. This month we will be observing two of these important events.
May 18 is Ascension Day. Jesus had spent 40 days on earth after his resurrection teaching and ministering to his disciples. This must have been an intensely powerful and encouraging experience for them.
Unlike the chaotic events leading up to Jesus’ death that tore him suddenly apart from the disciples, Jesus now was taking time to prepare them for His Ascension into heaven and his final physical departure from them.
Jesus leads the eleven remaining disciples to Bethany, a village on the Mount of Olives, and instructs them to remain in Jerusalem until the coming of the Holy Spirit. In Luke it says, “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”
The disciples believed that God had vindicated Jesus after his ignoble death on the cross and exalted him by seating Jesus at his side in heaven. They also did what Jesus told them and went to Jerusalem.
Ten days later, on the seventh Sunday after Easter, or 50 days after the Resurrection, the Pentecost event occurred.
Pentecost is about the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks.
The timing of Pentecost is important. The Feast of Weeks is a major Jewish holiday that, Biblically, marked the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel. It was one of three major pilgrimage festivals, so that is the reason there were so many people in Jerusalem at the time speaking different languages. Yet, after the spirit descended on them, the disciples were able to speak in everyone’s native tongue.
Pentecost represents the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that, after his ascension, his followers will be filled with the Holy Spirit. Taking place during a major festival symbolically signaled that the Holy Spirit was to be spread to the multitudes.
Quite possibly many of us do not fully take in the importance of these events to our lives and our Christian faith. Take time this month to wonder a little over their significance.
May birthdays: May 5-Greg White, May 13-Rob Drake, May 27-Michael Willoughby.
Anniversary: May 21-Tyler & Nicole White.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This Sunday Rev. Kenneth Roedder will be our guest pastor. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (04/26/23)
“Our Father who art in heaven . . .” – Matthew 6:9
The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer that Jesus taught as the way to pray. There are two versions of the prayer recorded in the Gospels. The longer version is in Matthew as part of the Sermon on the Mount. A shorter version is in the Gospel of Luke.
There are seven “petitions” in the prayer. The first three petitions are about God while the other four petitions are about human needs and concerns. Only Matthew’s account contains “Your will be done” and “Deliver us from evil.”
The Lord’s Prayer can easily be viewed as a summary of the whole Gospel and is used by virtually every Christian denomination. Protestants usually conclude the prayer with the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever,” which is not part of the original Biblical text.
Some scholars point out that, technically speaking, The Lord’s Prayer isn’t even a true New Testament prayer. They cite several instances where the words and phrases of the prayer may have had much earlier Hebrew and Jewish origins. Jesus would have known these sources and used them effectively to show his current generation of followers a good example of how to pray.
And, The Lord’s Prayer continues to survive the test of time. It has been used in popular life for generations.
Before clocks were readily available, The Lord’s Prayer was used by cooks to time their recipes. One step of a recipe could be to “simmer the broth for three Lord’s Prayers.”
Closer to our times, in the early 1960’s, American songwriter and arranger Brian Wilson set the text of The Lord’s Prayer to an elaborate close-harmony arrangement for The Beach Boys.
However, the most popular musical arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer was recorded in 1973 by an Australian nun, Sister Janet Read. Her rendition became an international hit, selling nearly three million copies and reaching the top of pop charts worldwide.
It is the only Top 10 hit in which all the lyrics came from the Bible and with words attributed to Jesus Christ.
Mead was nominated for a Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance, but lost to Elvis Presley’s version of “How Great Thou Art.”
In the 1970’s young people were singing The Lord’s Prayer everywhere. It was on the radio, it was performed on TV. At first, maybe some of the “older generation” may have thought the prayer shouldn’t be a pop song, but most people came to view it as a positive influence on society.
Our congregation often sings a hymn version of The Lord’s Prayer after the Joys and Concerns part of our Sunday worship service. The tune can stick in one’s head and you may find yourself humming or thinking this “Lord’s Prayer” version for days after.
That’s not a bad thing to have stuck in your brain.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This Sunday Rev. Leroy Allison will be our guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (04/19/23)
“All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.” – Maltbie D. Babcock
When Maltbie Davenport Babcock was a minister in upstate New York, he would take walks along the cliffs of Niagara to enjoy the scenic view of the falls and Lake Ontario, telling his wife he was “going out to see the Father’s world.” Soon after his death in 1901, his wife released a collection of Babcock’s poems entitled “Thoughts for Every-Day Living” that contained the poem “My Father’s World.”
One of Babcock’s friends, Franklin Shepherd later adapted an English folk song to create the hymn version of the poem, “This Is My Father’s World,” that was first published in 1915.
April is a month where there are all kinds of holidays expressing the sentiments of Babcock’s poem.
The most well-known holiday celebrating nature is Earth Day on April 22. First observed in 1970, it is a day to educate people about the issues affecting the planet and to raise awareness for the need to protect the environment.
However, April is chock full of other days to celebrate God’s world.
While there are no records of who invented National Picnic Day, or when it was first created, but it is now observed on April 23. Picnics have a rich history that dates all the way back to the 17th century. “Picnic” was an expression used in 1692 to describe a group of people that brought their own wine to dinner at a restaurant.
Eventually, the term came to mean a meal where everyone brought some food or drink to contribute. The idea of picnics quickly spread throughout Europe, especially to England where, in the 18th and 19th centuries, they became big social events with elaborate meals and drinks. Picnics have been popular ever since because they can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of wealth or status.
On April 28 we celebrate Arbor Day which originated in the 1870s in Nebraska.
Julius Sterling Morton was a journalist who bought 160 acres of land in Nebraska. He and his wife planted several trees and shrubbery throughout their barren property.
Morton, as the editor for the Nebraska City News, found this to be a perfect platform to spread awareness about the importance of trees in the ecosystem. He helped make Nebraskans aware of how barren and void of greenery the state was.
Morton became a part of the Nebraska Board of Agriculture and, in 1872, his proposal to create a day dedicated to the planting of trees was approved, thus creating Arbor Day.
So, this month of April go out to enjoy our Father’s world. Be aware of the need to care for and protect it. Picnic with family and friends and, with listening ears, experience nature singing. Plant a tree. “God reigns; let earth be glad.”
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. This Sunday Ken Bunker will be our guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (04/12/23)
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” – Acts 17:30 KJV
Paul is referring to a time when he was preaching in Athens and found its citizens to be very religious people. They had erected altars to various gods throughout the city. At the Acropolis he even found an altar dedicated to “The Unknown God.”
The Athenians were eager to hear what Paul had to say, so he explained to them about this “Unknown God” who had winked at their ignorance, but now expected much more from them than worshipping golden idols.
God winked at the Athenians in terms of overlooking their ignorance. Today, God winking at us has taken on another meaning.
In his 2003 NY Times Bestseller book “When God Winks,” SQuire Rushnell coined the term “Godwink,” which is now in mainstream usage.
It was Rev. Roedder who probably first introduced most of our congregation to the idea of Godwinks.
He told the story of a young pastor who was becoming more and more despondent over his perceived lack of effectiveness in making a difference in turning peoples’ lives toward Christ. He was contemplating leaving the ministry.
One day while the young pastor’s car was stopped at a railroad crossing by a passing train, he noticed the license plate on the car in front of him. The license plate read, “TRUST 1.”
This was just the Godwink the young pastor needed. He realized if he trusted the One, it would reenergized his ministry and he could continue on serving the church with joy and enthusiasm.
Sometime later, the young pastor found out that the owner of the car with the inspirational license plate message on it was an officer of the trust department of a local bank. But, as far as he was concerned, that did not diminish the power of his Godwink.
A Godwink is defined as an event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer to a prayer.
A Godwink is also something taken as evidence that a higher power is at work. It is a subtle assurance that God is still speaking to us and the world.
Ever since Rev. Roedder introduced us to the idea, our church members love to share personal stories about Godwinks.
Many Godwinks seem to occur at times of strong emotion like stress and anxiety, depression, or at the loss of a loved one. Maybe these situations put us in a heightened state of awareness as we search for answers.
May we be people who live in a heightened state of awareness all the time, who watch for Godwinks, who believe in their messages, and who cheerfully tell others that, “my God winks.”
Upcoming birthdays: Apr 13-Karol Suhl Allen, Apr 13-Steve Suhl, Apr 19-Wade Willoughby, Apr 22-Alana Heit Chapman, Apr 29-Elise Hackett.
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (04/05/23)
“If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.” – Clarence W. Hall
We are in the midst of Holy Week. Christians will observe Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday the next few days. All of these days hold special meaning for many of us, but, let’s face it, not everyone feels the same way even though it is estimated that 80 percent of Americans celebrate Easter in some way.
Like Christmas, Easter has become commercialized. Approximately 180 million Easter eggs are sold each year. In 2022, $24 billion dollars was spent on Easter.
Easter has become a time for family gatherings, which is a good thing. According to some pastors, church attendance increases between 50 to 100 percent on that Sunday, which is also a good thing.
People wax philosophically and poetically about Easter and relate it with springtime. Each new budding plant, the leafing out of trees, are all signs of renewal and hope. Passover is celebrated in the spring, so it is pretty obvious that the chain of events of Holy Week took place during the spring. It is a good thing to think of Easter as a spring-like time of renewal and hope.
There are those who focus on the passion of Christ, his suffering and sacrifice. They are mournful and sorrowful for all that transpired the days before Easter. Great musical works have been composed to remind us of this tragedy, and it is good to remember Christ’s ultimate giving of himself as a final expression of his love for us.
And, of course, there are those who celebrate the good news of Christ’s resurrection. They rejoice at the news that there is triumph over death, which is a good way to face whatever the future holds.
But no matter where a person is in their faith journey during Eastertide, from belief in the Easter Bunny to shouts of “He is risen,” this season can be one of rebirth and renewal and one’s heart made new with hope.
So, above all the observances and celebrations of these holy days, let us celebrate the life of Christ to its fullest. Let us know and act upon the truths he taught us. Let us emulate the absolute love he had for everyone and follow in his footsteps toward a new dawning of mercy, justice, and peace in the world.
Easter is for everyone to know that Christ’s truth could not be contained by the grave.
Upcoming birthdays: Apr 13-Karol Suhl Allen, Apr 13-Steve Suhl, Apr 19-Wade Willoughby, Apr 22-Alana Heit Chapman, Apr 29-Elise Hackett.
Zion’s Easter Service begins at 9:00 AM this Sunday. Rev. Leroy Allison will be the guest pastor. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (03/29/23)
“Preach the word of God: be prepared in season and out of season. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
In the fall of 2009 our congregation experienced an unsettling situation with another church that had shared ministers with us for nearly forty years. Suddenly, Zion was without any pastoral leadership and felt somewhat adrift and wondering what the future would hold for our church.
Just days later, a dear, sweet lady of the congregation made a phone call to one of Zion’s trustees. She was getting her hair done and was introduced to a man who she felt would be a wonderful preacher for our church.
The phone call prompted a meeting with the church trustee who thought the man would also be a good match for the congregation and, soon, before the end of 2009, Dennis R. Hanner became Zion’s interim pastor.
The search for a settled pastor seemed like it would be a long and tedious task, and since Pastor Hanner was “patiently correcting, rebuking, and encouraging his people with good teaching” so well, he was unanimously called to serve as Zion’s permanent pastor on July 5, 2010.
Pastor Hanner became immediately and enthusiastically involved with preparations for the celebration of Zion’s 140th Anniversary on August 7-8, 2010. It was a special occasion made better by Zion having Pastor Hanner present.
Pastor Hanner was a builder. He enjoyed the works of the hands as well as the works of the spirit. In January of 2012, he and two trustees met with an architect to see about making the church building more accessible to people with disabilities.
In less than six months the congregation approved a proposed Accessibility Project at an estimated cost of $175,000.00. Some money had been set aside for such a project, but not nearly enough. In less than another sixty days, more than the amount needed to proceed had been received in donations from church members – thanks in large part to Pastor Hanner’s leadership and encouragement.
Pastor Hanner financially supported the work of the church. He often declined pay increases offered him in order to free up funds for Zion’s projects and missions.
Many interesting changes happened to Zion’s worship services and Sunday school activities while Pastor Hanner served our church. He brought stability to a congregation that could have been floundering without a pastor during an important time in its history.
Pastor Hanner announced well in advance that he intended to end his service as Zion’s pastor effective December 31, 2016, but he never really left. He extended his stay into 2017 and had been continuously providing once-a-month pulpit supply while Zion is once again searching for a permanent pastor.
Pastor Hanner’s sudden passing was a shock to family, friends, and our congregation. He was scheduled to preach this past Sunday and had already provided his scripture text for inclusion in the bulletin. The scripture was about the Lord’s Supper. It was hoped that his sermon notes could be used as his final message to our congregation, but he had not completed his sermon on paper before his passing.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, but his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” – Psalm 1
Pastor Hanner was a good man who served his Lord well.
Zion News (03/22/23)
“Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9
The last days of the Lenten season are upon us, and Christians are looking forward to the upcoming Holy Week that starts with Palm Sunday.
The above Old Testament scripture is part of prophesy about how God’s chosen king will triumph over the people’s enemies and defend Jerusalem.
Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, is mentioned in all four of the Gospels. This event symbolizes the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophesy as Jesus is greeted by people waving palm branches and singing part of Psalm 118, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”
In some churches Palm Sunday is celebrated by distributing palm branches to the congregation to represent the crowd praising Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. These palms are sometimes woven into crosses.
In the early church, it was difficult to get palm branches in some climates, so branches of other trees like box, willow, and yew were used. The Sunday before Easter was then named after the substituted trees like “Yew Sunday” or “Branch Sunday.”
Some people take these palm branches home and hang them next to Christian art or keep them in their Bibles or devotional books. Some churches burn the palms to make ashes to use for the following year’s Ash Wednesday services.
The symbolism of the donkey probably refers to the tradition that it is an animal of peace, unlike the horse which is an animal of war. An earthly king would have ridden a horse when he set out for war and when he returned triumphantly. Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey would have symbolized his entry as the Prince of Peace, not as a warrior king.
So, Palm Sunday recalls the event of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and being greeted by people waving palm branches and singing. They may not have realized that Jesus was not the king the Old Testament prophet was expecting. For us today, it is a reminder to welcome Jesus into our hearts and follow his example of peace and love.
“Always keep in mind that ashes put on your forehead come from last Palm Sunday’s burnt palms. Those things that are regarded as old and die are a major source of the new beginnings.” – Richard Rohr, priest and author.
April Birthdays: Apr 13-Karol Suhl Allen, Apr 13-Steve Suhl, Apr 19-Wade Willoughby, Apr 22-Alana Heit Chapman, and Apr 29-Elise Hackett.
Anniversary: Apr 4-Angie & Darren Powell
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday Pastor Dennis Hanner will lead the worship service. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (03/15/23)
“Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.” – Deuteronomy 32:7
Remembering the days of old seems to be a foreign concept to some people today. People are so busy rushing through the present that the past is not considered especially valuable. However, the Bible speaks clearly on several occasions that the past teaches us many lessons about life and who we are.
Young people studying history in school often come away thinking the subject is boring or irrelevant. Hopefully, as we get older, we begin to see the importance of understanding the past.
The Roman statesman and philosopher, Cicero, put it this way, “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors?”
This year as Arthur, Atwood, Hammond, and Lovington are all celebrating the sesquicentennial of their founding, studying a community’s history helps us understand how events in the past made things the way they are today.
But history isn’t merely a study about others. The people we learn about may have lived decades or centuries ago, they may not be our direct ancestors, and we may not even recall their names, but their actions have directly affected how we live our lives today. This is true whether your family has deep roots in the community or if you have just recently joined the community. History is about us.
So through lessons from the past, we not only learn about ourselves and how our communities came to be, but hopefully we develop the ability to avoid mistakes and make things better for our communities in the future.
Our past can teach us why some communities thrive while others struggle, why some communities are is constant conflict and others work together, and how people have changed their community for the better.
Whether a community, or a church for that matter, is 50, 100, or 150 years old, there is always something new to learn and try, but there are also lessons from the past that can help us start to see how these new things can happen in the future for everyone’s benefit and what would drive that change.
“That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.” – Aldous Huxley, English author and philosopher (1894-1963)
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. This coming Sunday Danny Powell will be our guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (03/08/23)
“Brighten the corner where you are.” – Ina Duley Ogdon
Ina Duley Ogdon was born in 1872 in Rossville, Illinois and studied at Greer College in Hoopeston. From 1892 to 1900 she taught school in Illinois.
Mrs. Ogdon wrote the words to about 3,000 hymns, anthems and cantatas.
Her best‐known hymn, for which Charles H. Gabriel wrote the music, was “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” written in 1912. It became immediately popular after it was recorded in 1915 and was sung around the world.
Billy Sunday, who began his career as a baseball player for the Chicago White Stockings, became one of the country’s best known evangelists. He used several of Mrs. Ogdon’s hymns during his tours across America.
She also wrote another hymn in 1912 called “What Would Jesus Do?” but that’s a whole other story.
The sentiment of her hymn “Brighten the Corner” was inspired by the words of Christ in Matthew 5:14 when he says, “You are the light of the world.” These are certainly words to live by and perhaps the best way to cope with the woes of this world today.
We may sing about the beauty of the earth and God’s creation of all things bright and good, but humans can make things pretty ugly.
Russia is making advances on the Ukraine in its unprovoked war against civilians, political division seems to be growing, there have been more than one-a-day mass shooting in the United States so far this year, and environmental issues plague communities and the planet. Indications suggest that things will get worse, not better.
This may seem like an extremely pessimistic viewpoint, and one Christians should not yield to. Christians should remain eternal optimists with faith that God has the whole world in his hands. God needs our help, though.
None of us can single-handedly end war, or stop mass shootings, or save the environment, but we can control where we are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We can brighten the corners of our lives and the lives of people who are near.
Can you imagine the effect of more and more people brightening their areas of influence and then coming together to make larger and larger areas of positive influence? That’s how we can best cope with the darkness around us and help our communities, society, and the world find the light.
“Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do. Do not wait to shed your light afar. To the many duties ever near you now be true. Brighten the corner where you are.” – Ina Duley Ogdon
Celebrating March birthdays: Mar 9-Paul Knobloch, Mar 10-Aidan Drake, Mar 10-Lane Drake, and Mar 13-Jean White.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (03/01/23)
“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house. . .” – Isaiah 58:6-7
We are into the second week of Lent. Millions of people may be engaged in the traditional practice of giving up something for Lent as a sign of sacrifice and to test their self-discipline. Christians believe that this is to represent Jesus Christ’s sacrifice when he went into the desert to pray and fast for the 40 days before later dying on the cross.
The first records of the word Lent come from before 900 AD. It comes from an Old English word meaning “lengthening” of daylight hours or, less literally, “springtime.”
Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness was one of the factors that later determined the final length of Lent. Early Christian practices in the Roman Empire varied from area to area. A common practice was weekly fasting on Wednesday and Friday until mid-afternoon.
In the early Christian church, fasting conditions during Lent were stricter. Church leaders encouraged their congregations to avoid eating any animal byproducts, including eggs, in preparation for Easter. That may explain the tradition of hunting eggs on Easter to symbolize the fasting is over.
Three common directives of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While fasting is the most common sacrifice Christians make during Lent, Isaiah’s scripture suggests we consider a different type of fasting – a new directive.
Isaiah turns the negative of fasting or giving up something we enjoy doing for Lent into doing a positive action. His scripture verses suggest that we take on something, not give up something.
Volunteer to help provide meals for the elderly and poor. Make a donation, or an additional donation, to charity or your church. Donate clothing or food for the poor. Giving of one’s resources and time can be another way of doing a Lenten fast.
A simple prayer for Lent: “Father, help me to see this holy season of Lent as a time of spiritual renewal, rather than a time of deprivation. Motivate me to reach a new level of experiencing your grace.” – ReligionQuotes.info
Celebrating March birthdays: Mar 7-Dr. Robert Randall, Mar 9-Paul Knobloch, Mar 10-Aidan Drake, Mar 10-Lane Drake, and Mar 13-Jean White.
Special March anniversaries: Mar 3-Dennis & Marianne Hanner and Mar 5-Ron & Ruth Korte.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (02/22/23)
“. . . Knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us . . .” – Romans 5: 3-5
On February 22, 1732 a man of great character was born – George Washington.
Little is known of Washington’s childhood, and it remains the most poorly understood part of his life. When he was eleven years old, his father Augustine died. The income from what remained of the family plantation was just enough to support Mary Washington and her children.
Unlike many of his Founding Father contemporaries, Washington never attended college or received a formal education. The family had limited funds for education. Possibly a local school provided George and his siblings with the only formal instruction they would receive.
When he was fourteen, Washington hand-copied the 110 rules from the book “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour.” This exercise is regarded as one of the most formative influences in the development of his character.
Another important influence in his life was the church. He was a faithful church-goer and felt that this nation could not be “happy” without its people imitating the character of Christ.
Washington’s military career began at the age of twenty-one and he was soon given command of Virginia’s entire military. The first time he ran for public office, however, he lost.
Washington’s character was tested the most as the Colonies fought a war for independence from Great Britain. As Commander-in-Chief, the Continental Congress did not always support Washington and the war effort sufficiently and there was great suffering among the soldiers and Washington, who endured, and produced hope that this could be a free and independent nation.
Today, the character of historic figures, and even current leaders, are often put in question. Close scrutiny is sometimes intended to only emphasize the bad character in people rather that what good has come out of the lives.
The main take-away from this scrutiny is that people, even like the Apostle Paul, who wrote the above scripture from Romans, are imperfect. But, like Washington, Paul says we are to emulate Christ in our lives the best we can.
Happy birthday to this nation’s first President under the Constitution and thank you for your service and for being a person of high character.
“Be more concerned about your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, where your reputation is what others think you are.” – John Wooten
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (02/15/23)
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” – Genesis 12:2.
Hopefully, many of you watched the recent State of the Union Address. Amid the applause and cheering, the opposition’s booing and heckling of the President, one thing is still evident – we live in a blessed nation.
There is no doubt there are deep divisions among Americans. It has been that way since this nation’s founding – Patriots versus Tories, men in blue verses men in gray. But among all that division there has remained a spirit of hope, hope that this nation, as Lincoln put it, would “form a more perfect union.”
US News & World Report recently published its 2022 rankings of the world’s best countries. The results are interesting.
The United States moved up two spots to fourth place in the overall best country to live in behind Switzerland, Germany, and Canada.
In the most forward-looking category, the US was third behind Singapore and Japan. This category ranks how well a country is prepared for the future.
The United States ranked #1 as the most agile country in the world. For a country to be agile, it must adapt and respond to whatever obstacles it faces. To do this, a country needs to be efficient in its actions, adopt and accept modern solutions, and be able to meet changing circumstances.
The most powerful nation in the world is still the United States. However, China and Russia are a close #2 and #3. Power is not just determined by military might, but as how much influence a nation has world-wide.
What nations could then call themselves “blessed?” The United States ranks high in almost every category. China and Russia only rank highest as being “powerful.” China is officially an atheistic state. Russia has gone from an “irreligious/atheistic” country to a population of Roman Orthodox Christians who do not necessarily trust the church because of its close ties to the government.
Does religion affect the quality of life in a nation? Even though studies show that religion in America plays less of a role than it did twenty years ago, there are strong indications that religion plays a significant role in social and economic growth in our country.
A study from the Pew Research Center also showed that the wealthier a country is, the less religious its people tend to be, except America. According to this survey, 54 percent of Americans said religion was very important in their lives – more than double the percentage in the next three wealthiest economies.
According to Pew, the United States is also unlike similarly wealthy countries in that Americans put a greater emphasis on the correlation between belief in God and morality.
Yes, America is a blessed nation, and will remain so as long as its people cooperate despite their differences in a spirit of hope, generosity, respect, and love toward one another.
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (02/08/23)
“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” – Psalms 122:1.
The four communities of Arthur, Atwood, Hammond, and Lovington are all observing the 150th anniversary of their founding in 1873.
As our forefathers knew, there is value and benefit of having churches in a community. The same year as its founding, in Arthur, church and Sunday school classes were first held in the second story of a downtown hardware store.
The citizens wanted their own church however, so in 1880 Robert G. Hervey, the railroad president, donated land for Arthur’s first church building. The Cook School House, which had been located one mile west of Arthur, was purchased and moved to this location.
This was such an important step in community development that the building was owned and maintained by the Village of Arthur and was governed by its board of six trustees.
People of all faiths attended the regular and revival services and other community gatherings at this church, and it was appropriately called The Union Church.
Why are churches important to communities? It is a place to learn about Christ and his teachings. In last week’s Zion News it was the Father of our Nation, George Washington, who was quoted as saying we must imitate Christ’s example of charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind in order for our nation “to be happy.”
Life was, and is, hard at times. The church serves to help others along their way when there are challenges in their lives.
The church also helps us think beyond ourselves and our own needs. Yesterday and today Arthur residents have demonstrated concern for others, performed charitable acts, and understood that we are to bless people all over the world.
Community and church have gone hand-in-hand these past 150 years to help form a better union between the people who make up our towns and villages. May our churches continue to be a significant part of our communities for another 150 years and beyond.
Thought from a Latin American evangelist: “The church is like manure. Pile it up, and it stinks up the neighborhood. Spread it out, and it enriches the world.” – Luis Palau
Happy birthday wishes go out to: Feb 8 – Brian Dukeman, Feb 12 – Margaret Knobloch, Feb 15-Ruth Korte, Feb 22-Lisa Heit Kibler, and Feb 22-George Washington.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (02/01/23)
“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you . . . to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another . . . to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.” – George Washington.
In the early days of the COVID pandemic, some government officials, in the name of trying to fight the spread of the disease, wanted churches to close to avoid “high risk, low reward” behavior.
This leads to a continuing discussion about what, if anything, do churches contribute to society.
Last week’s Zion News talked about the church’s impact on volunteerism in America. Dr. Byron Johnson, Director of the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University says, “Churches are phenomenally important to society. The bulk of volunteering in America is done by people that come from places like churches. Americans give more than a billion dollars a day to charities. A significant portion of that comes from people that sit in pews of congregations.”
What else might church do for society? Since 2001, Gallup polls have conducted annual “November Health and Healthcare Surveys.” In the midst of the COVID pandemic, the results of the 2020 survey showed a drop in overall mental health for Americans – however, church-goers were an exception.
Frequent church attendees was the only group in the U.S. that did not experience a mental health decline in 2020.
Research also indicated that church attendance helps lower the frequency of deaths from despair, which includes drug and alcohol related deaths and suicide. So, by going to church people are less likely to kill themselves, or others for that matter.
With all the mass shootings that have already taken place this year, the public is still asking, “Why?” The answer is staring them in the face – America has become less involved with churches, and politicians, role-models, teachers, students, leaders, and everyone else need to become strong advocates of church attendance in their words and actions.
One politician of note viewed attending church a high priority in his life. Even if his schedule was hectic, and it was challenging to get there, he remained a devout church-goer.
The Morristown Presbyterian Church in New Jersey has a stained glass window depicting him receiving Communion at their church during the war – the Revolutionary War.
For George Washington going to church may have been “high risk” in the sense of the difficulty getting safely there and back, but for him it was “high reward.” And the quote above shows, he must have thought it “high reward” for the nation as well.
Happy birthday wishes go out to: Feb 3-Riley Robinson, Feb 7-Donna Kilburn, Feb 8 – Brian Dukeman, Feb 12 – Margaret Knobloch, Feb 15-Ruth Korte, Feb 22-Lisa Heit Kibler, and Feb 22-George Washington.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (01/25/23)
“Don’t wait for the hearse to take you to church.” – Rodney Dillard & the Dillard Band.
At Zion this past Sunday a local bluegrass group called “Strings Attached” led our worship service with their music. Ron Korte, a member of the group, arranged for them to visit, and it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning. For the postlude of the service the group sang “Don’t Wait for the Hearse to Take You to Church.”
Of course the message of the song is clear – you should be going to church regularly, not just for your own funeral! The lyrics go on to say that singing this song in church is “like preaching to the choir” which may also apply to those reading this article.
We all know there is a religious change going on in our country. We can feel it in our own churches. It is sometimes referred to as “religious dissatisfaction” and with each rising generation there seems to be a growth in this dissatisfaction toward the traditional church.
It is a complicated mix of reasons why church attendance is down, church closures are up, and it doesn’t look like it will get much better in the future. And, there is little evidence to suggest that the majority of Americans who have disaffiliated with church will ever return.
Young adults today have had entirely different religious and social experiences than previous generations. Not only that, the parents of younger generations have done less to encourage regular participation in formal worship services or other religious behaviors such as saying grace before a meal.
Is this all gloom and doom for religion in America? Not necessarily. The first thing churches need to do is to overcome the growing skepticism about the societal benefits of religion.
It might be surprising to some people that Americans who regularly attend church services are far more engaged in community life than are those who seldom or never attend religious services. They are more involved with social and civic organizations and it is the frequency of their religious participation that determines the level in their participation in other community activities.
Sure there are people who get involved with organizations who do not attend church, but they often do so for their own direct benefit. They join a sports or music boosters organization while their children are in those school activities. They join other organizations that benefit their own economic or recreational interests. But when it comes to church, the emphasis is to benefit others, not oneself, and sometimes that is less appealing for people to do.
So religious participation does have a positive effect on society, and that should be one of the big stories we tell for why parents should teach their children religious behavior, why we reach out to others and invite them to be part of a faith community, and why people should not wait for the hearse to take them to church.
Happy birthday wishes go out to: Feb 3-Riley Robinson, Feb 7-Donna Kilburn, Feb 8 – Brian Dukeman, Feb 12 – Margaret Knobloch, Feb 15-Ruth Korte, Feb 22-Lisa Heit Kibler.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (01/18/23)
“He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves . . . Now those who had eaten the loaves were five thousand men.” – Mark 41, 44
The “Feeding of the 5000” is the only miracle, aside from the resurrection, that is recorded in all four Gospels. The event must have held some deep significance for those New Testament authors.
The crowd had been listening to Jesus speak, and witnessing Jesus heal people, for some time. He did not want to send the people home hungry, so he asked the disciples if there was any food to feed them. The disciples presented a boy who had five barley loaves and two small fish that was probably food his mother had packed for him to eat while he was away from home.
Curious people might want to know about the fish. Even though the Bible does not explicitly state whether the fish was raw or cooked, there are some indications the fish were probably cooked in a way to still be edible after being with the lad for a couple of days.
The likely method would have been smoking and drying the fish. This would make it basically a type of jerky, which would be able to last for several days. Smoked fish was part of Jewish cuisine at that time, and there was probably a lot of it stashed away among the crowd that day.
While there has been symbolism associated with the number of loaves, number of people, the twelve baskets of food left over, the fish, and so on, the main takeaway from this event is Christ’s masterful understanding of people and his powerful ability to change people’s hearts.
Obviously, the kid’s mom wasn’t the only person who had packed food for an excursion. In fact, there was a festival going on at the time, the crowd was coming and going, so everyone had probably made preparations of food for the trip.
It is often human nature to only reluctantly share with others. So no one in the crowd listening to Jesus was pulling out their lunch and eating in front of others who might not have brought lunch with them.
But as the food Christ blessed started to be passed among the crowd, somehow, miraculously, more and more food appeared. Christ demonstrated that through sharing there is abundance for all. Everyone ate until they were satisfied.
Matthew and Mark also mention a second similar event, the “Feeding of the 4000.” So why was it important to write about two similar events? Location. The “Feeding of the 5000” took place in a region that was primarily Jewish, while the “Feeding of the 4000” took place in a region that was predominantly Gentile.
The lesson here is that through Christ there is abundance for everyone.
Happy birthday wishes go out to: Jan 19-Natalie Harris, Jan 22-Megan Lebeter, Jan 24-Phyllis Romine, Jan 26-Rod Randall.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (01/11/23)
“Count your blessings, name them one by one.” – Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Johnson Oatman, Jr. was born on April 21, 1856, in Lumberton, N.J. His father was a local merchant and the best singer in town. Young Johnson could not sing as well as his father, yet he grew up wanting to make some musical contributions of his own. He worked in the family business, but soon gave that up to study for the ministry.
Johnson hoped that life held some important plans for him. At 36, he realized that it did when he discovered he had a musical talent and could write songs for other Christians to sing.
He penned approximately 200 songs per year and eventually wrote over 5000 songs. Through his musical compositions he had found a way to “preach the Gospel.”
Of all the songs Oatman wrote, the people’s favorite was “Count Your Blessings” written in 1897. Gipsy Smith, a famous evangelist of the time, said of the song, “Men sing it, boys whistle it, and women rock their babies to sleep to it.”
In early January, businesses take inventory of their stock on hand. Computers can now keep track of inventory on a continuous basis, but before computers, businesses might close a day or so for their employees to conduct a physical inventory check of all their goods and merchandise for tax purposes. Each item was counted one by one.
Perhaps the start of a new year is a good time to take a personal inventory of what is good and what is not so good about one’s life.
Sometimes a person might feel like they are physically, mentally, and emotionally overwhelmed by life. There is too much to do, which causes stress and anxiety. Sometimes a person thinks that other peoples’ lives are so much better than theirs. That’s when it may be helpful to especially start taking inventory of one’s blessings.
The positive action of counting one’s blessings and adopting an attitude of thankfulness can be just the response needed to overcome the things that bring a person down.
Willie Nelson said, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole world turned around.”
Let us make this year a time of increased awareness of all the blessings around us. They can be found in the humblest and most obscure parts of our lives where we have never noticed them before.
Happy birthday wishes go out to: Jan 15-Barb Smith, Jan 19-Natalie Harris, Jan 22-Megan Lebeter, Jan 24-Phyllis Romine, Jan 26-Rod Randall.
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
Zion News (01/04/23)
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem . . . ” – Matthew 2:1
Yes, that’s right, the three wise, or Magi, went to Jerusalem to see the Christ-child. Unlike the traditional Nativity scene, they were not there at the stable in Bethlehem.
In fact, baby Jesus had already been presented at the temple of Jerusalem and the family had taken up residence in Jerusalem quite a while before the Magi appeared on the scene with their expensive gifts.
Only the Gospel of Matthew mentions the wise men from the east. Their journey was probably from Babylon, which was more than 900 miles away. By the time they got to Jerusalem, they were looking for a toddler, not a baby, implying that they traveled for a long time.
One of the Magi was Melchior. He was the oldest of the three and sometimes referred to as the king of Persia. He brought the gift of gold to Jesus as one king would present to another king he is visiting.
The role the Magi played was probably more significant than one might think at first glance. On their travels they stopped to pay their respects to the king of Judea, Herod, and told him why they had traveled so far. Herod feigned an interest in also worshiping this newborn king, Jesus, and asked the Magi to let him know where he was after they found him.
Certainly the wise men, being wise, knew that Herod was up to no good and warned Mary and Joseph. Sure enough, Herod had all the male children of Bethlehem, two years of age and under, killed in an attempt to eradicate this perceived threat to his throne.
Some people think that the expensive gifts from the Magi were more than just symbols of Jesus’ authority, but were necessary for his survival. They were used to finance Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt to keep Jesus safe from Herod.
Epiphany, on January 6, commemorates the visit by the Magi to the child Jesus. This is viewed as evidence that Christ, the Jewish Messiah, also came for the salvation of Gentiles. The story indicates that God wants to reach every person on earth with His message of love no matter how far they have to travel physically, mentally, or spiritually.
God accepts everyone. Let us bring him our gifts and worship him.
Happy birthday wishes go out to: Jan 10-Darlene Harshbarger, Jan 10-Haley Crist, Jan 15-Barb Smith, Jan 19-Natalie Harris, Jan 22-Megan Lebeter, Jan 24-Phyllis Romine, Jan 26-Jerry Hale, Jan 26-Rod Randall.
“Three Wise Women would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, brought practical gifts, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and there would be peace on earth!” – Pinterest
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion’s Sunday worship services begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome.
PLEASE NOTE: EARLIER ZION NEWS ARTICLES HAVE BEEN EDITED TO REMOVE INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE AND EVENTS THAT IS NO LONGER TIMELY.
Zion News (12/28/22)
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” – Luke 2:8
Even though the presents are unwrapped and all the holiday goodies have been consumed, the Christmas story is far from over.
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke each have their own perspective on the story surrounding Jesus’ birth and what took place immediately following. Luke writes about the shepherds.
A member of our congregation recently recounted his experience as a young man in Sunday school reenacting the Nativity scene on Christmas Eve. Each year he was cast as a shepherd.
One year he asked his Sunday school teacher if he could be one of the three Magi instead. The wise Sunday school teacher did not say “no” to her student, but offered him some food for thought.
She explained that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s twelve sons were all shepherds. For forty years Moses was a shepherd until he encountered the burning bush. Young David was a shepherd when he was anointed king by Samuel. Jesus himself said “I am the good shepherd.” And the shepherds who were invited by the angels to see the newborn Jesus were the most blessed shepherds of all.
“You see,” she said, “The Magi had an important cameo appearance in the Bible, but shepherds have an important role throughout the Bible.”
It is easy to find the wealth and status of the Magi more alluring than the life of a lowly shepherd. For many Sunday school Christmas pageants, the Magi’s costumes were the most elaborately decorated, with long robes, jewelry, and crowns. We would rather be kings than shepherds.
But the humble birth of Jesus is in direct contrast with the pomp and circumstance earthly kings would present to announce the birth of their first-born son. However, God is revealed to us in unexpected ways, and Jesus cast himself in the role of “shepherd” rather than as the king many of his followers hoped he would be.
So, let us follow the Shepherd and not the herd.
“There were only a few shepherds at the first Bethlehem. The ox and the donkey understood more of the first Christmas than the high priests in Jerusalem. And it is the same today.” – Thomas Merton, American monk
Zion News (12/21/22)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Approximately 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah heralded the coming of a messiah into the world in the form of a child. With all his heart he believed this would happen. What do you believe?
Recent polls show that up to 80-90 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, but many of them don’t identify as Christians, and some don’t believe that Jesus even existed.
While it is true that the exact birth date of Jesus is uncertain, and that December 25 was chosen by the church as a time to celebrate his birth, that does not invalidate the fact that Jesus existed.
Then there is the argument of skeptics who claim that Jesus was a just a holy prophet, much like Abraham, Moses, or Muhammad. But without Jesus being born, living, dying, and living again, there would be no Christianity.
So that is where Christians come in. There is ample evidence to show that Jesus existed, and Christians know this. Christians can cherish the traditions surrounding his birth and receive hope, love, joy, and peace because of his Advent.
It kind of goes back to an argument put forth by a famous seventeenth century mathematician, Blaise Pascal. He encouraged people to make a wager when it came to belief in God.
His premise was that if a person chose to believe in God and God did exist, that person would gain everything (eternal life). If a person chose to believe in God and God did not exist, that person would lose nothing. But if that person did not believe in God and he was wrong- he would lose everything (lose eternal life).
So, believe in Christmas. Like Pascal’s premise about belief in God, it’s a win-win situation. Let it warm your heart and spirit. Celebrate it as one of the most important days of your life. Don’t worry about what the skeptics say. Don’t stress about, or participate in, the over-commercialization of the holiday. Let the Christmas story fill you with wonder and awe.
Emmanuel is with us, in us, and around us. Merry Christmas to all!
Zion News (12/14/22)
“And in despair I bowed my head, ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This Sunday our congregation will light the Advent Candle of Peace. But where is peace?
In Longfellow’s poem “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” he despairs over the fact that his country is divided on so many fronts, the rich versus the poor, racial injustice, civil discontent, political discord, and a society whose people no longer trust one another to do the right thing. This great nation was in a mess. This was 1863.
On December 1, 1863, Longfellow, recently a widower when his wife’s dress caught on fire, sat down to dinner with five of his six children when he received a telegram stating that his eldest son had been severely wounded in battle during the Civil War and would be paralyzed for life.
So, on Christmas Day of that year, he wrote a poem that captured the aching of his heart as he observed the world around him, full of injustice and violence, which seemed to mock any optimism and hope for peace.
This great nation is in a mess today with many of the same problems that existed in 1863. The casual observer can see there is no peace on earth. There is war. There is religious persecution around the world. There is poverty, disease, and unimaginable hardship in the world that we, Americans, are apathetic toward because we are so insulated from that reality.
And we Americans seem bent on creating unrest and a peace-less society through our own political bickering, with an insistence that only our opinions have validity, and that we should create great division among people to get what we want instead of working with an attitude of compromise and a sense of union.
Yes, there is no peace. But, Longfellow does not end his poem in despair, and his words should be a comfort to all Christians during this Advent Season, “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”
As we light the Candle of Peace, we should also remember these words of Jesus, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” John 14:27.
Zion News (12/07/22)
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” – Luke 2:10-11
This Sunday our congregation will light the third candle of our Advent wreath. While the other candles of the wreath are purple, the tradition is that the third candle is pink, a symbol of joy. It is also sometimes referred to as Mary’s candle because of the joy in her heart she experienced as the mother of Jesus.
In some Western Christian observances, the Third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. The word “gaudete” is derived from Latin words basically meaning “to rejoice and be glad.” We are to be filled with great joy as we get nearer to the time of Christ’s arrival.
The third Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts in joyful anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We can have joy because of our faith in Jesus. A characteristic of Christians should be their joyful attitude and demeanor. We should not allow the struggles of this year take away from the great joy we have because of Jesus.
Yes, there are many struggles in our lives. Right now there are all kinds of sickness and disease that we are dealing with throughout our families and communities. The health of our personal economies are in doubt. The concerns over war, injustice, deprivation, hunger, and poverty throughout the world is ever-present. From these things we are not immune.
Advent is an opportunity to set your heart off from the stressors of these days. We can choose to focus off the hustle of the commercialized Christmas season. When things feel chaotic we can find hope, love, joy, and peace in Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-5 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
A powerful quote for the times: “For the real difference between happiness and joy is that one is grounded in this world, the other in eternity. Happiness cannot encompass suffering and evil. Joy can. Happiness depends on the present. Joy leaps into the future and triumphantly creates a new present out of it.” – Elise M. Booulding
Zion News (11/30/22)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given . . .” — Isaiah 9:6
Christians are in the midst of Advent celebrations. Whether everyone realizes it or not, most activities during this time of year, like shopping, family gatherings, good-will toward people, etc., have evolved from traditional observances of this season.
Advent is the season that begins the Church calendar and is dedicated to the hope-filled anticipation of the arrival of Jesus. During the four-week period leading up to Christmas, Christians engage in prayer, meditation, and Scripture study that emphasizes hope, love, joy, and peace.
Although stores and radio stations have been playing Christmas songs even before Thanksgiving, it is really time to be singing Advent hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” in order to spend the weeks anticipating the coming of Jesus and what it means to us personally and to the world.
Unfortunately, we know what this time means for many people – Black Friday, Small-Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It has become a season of overspending energy and money on things not so important.
It all started innocently enough. The Yule log, bringing evergreens into the home to brighten up a dreary winter, lighting a tree with candles, baking special treats and candies for the children, and so many other early Christmas traditions around the globe. But now, the reasons behind these traditions have become blurred and unrecognizably exaggerated into a frenzy of consumerism that overshadows the season’s true meaning.
It would be awesome if humankind could reset itself without there being some cataclysmic cause. The prophets of the Old Testament cried out to the people to have a change in heart. To his surprise, Jonah went to Nineveh and told them of their sinful ways, and the city prayed and changed. So it can happen.
Jesus also longed for people to have a change of heart and direction when he looked upon Jerusalem and said, “How often would I have gathered your children as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you would not. Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate.”
Jesus went on to say that the people will not see him again until they say, “Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Let us say that phrase together over and over again during this Advent season so we may see Jesus in the world again.
It doesn’t work this way: “Dear Santa, I have been very good for the last week or so. Let’s just focus on that.” – Pinterest
Zion News (11/23/22)
“Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’”— John 9:39
This past Sunday, Zion’s guest pastor, Rev. Leroy Allison, read all forty-one verses of the ninth chapter of John as the scripture reading. He stated that it was important to get the entire story about Jesus restoring sight to the man who was blind from birth, instead of just picking out the parts we want to hear.
Jesus came across this blind man who became an example of how God’s grace offers hope and salvation to those who, otherwise, would have never received it. But, the Pharisees were more concerned about how Jesus performed this miracle and why he performed this miracle on the Sabbath – an action that was contrary to the law.
Rev. Allison’s sermon title, “Don’t Confuse Me with Facts,” reflects the attitude of the Pharisees. Instead of being convinced by an obvious sign of Jesus’ power, despite the repeated testimony of the man who simply laid out the truth by saying “though I was blind, now I see,” the religious leaders sought to discredit Jesus’ action, and tried to find excuses and criticisms about what had taken place.
When they could not find the answers they were seeking, they cast the man from the church. They did not want to be confused with facts.
We should not automatically condemn what the Pharisees did. As the religious leaders of the people, they were supposed to investigate incidents like this. The issue is not with the Pharisees asking questions. The problem is their preconceived notions of the facts, prejudices, and a hardening of the heart to what is true.
It is probably more often than we care to admit, but don’t we sometimes act like the Pharisees? Don’t we harbor prejudices and preconceived ideas about how things should be and ignore the facts?
Facts are twisted to such a point that the truth is unrecognizable. The “truth” is being used and abused around the world to justify all kinds of actions contrary to what is good or beneficial, and without any loving concern toward humankind.
Let us be fact-checkers and thoughtful people. Let us refrain from knee-jerk reactions and emotional responses toward ideas, events, and people that blind us from the facts.
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Christians should seek out and value the truth.
A little wisdom from the Internet: “You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.” – Pinterest
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Zion News (11/16/22)
“And on that day you will say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted. Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth.’”— Isaiah 12:4-5
Isaiah the Prophet is talking about the future of Israel. After all the nation is going through, Isaiah declares there will be a day when the people will say, “Give thanks to the Lord.”
The modern celebration of Thanksgiving, the first one being observed on November of 1621, can easily be viewed this way. The Pilgrims, having their first successful fall harvest, were ready to give thanks for all the Lord had provided them after having gone through so much hardship trying to make a home in the New World.
The first Thanksgiving lasted three days and was shared between the white settlers and Native Americans. Those celebrating were mostly men because many of the women had died during the previous harsh winter. Food had been scarce, there was disease, and the future looked bleak.
But now there were enough vegetables and game to share. The Wampanoag Indians brought five deer for the feast. Turkeys were plentiful in the area, but it was just as likely that the feast was of venison, lobster, seal, and swan.
There is a lot of myth surrounding the first Thanksgiving, but the important point is that the day came when the people said, “Give thanks to the Lord,” and so should we.
This Thanksgiving, however, we should think beyond the feast and ourselves. Certainly we are grateful for all the personal blessings we have received, but let us be especially grateful for all that we have been able to overcome as a nation, as a people working together no matter our faith beliefs. And let this powerful message of thankfulness and unity be known throughout the world.
The last verse of Isaiah Chapter 12 tells us why we should be most thankful, “Shout and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One.”
A little Thanksgiving trivia: In November 1926, Vinnie Joyce of Nitta Yuma, Mississippi, sent President Calvin Coolidge a live raccoon to be served as Thanksgiving dinner. However, the President became so smitten with the furry animal that he pardoned it and adopted it as a pet. He named it Rebecca.
Zion News (11/09/22)
“Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.”— Romans 13:7
In this entire chapter of Romans, Paul is writing about how Christians should respond to being subject to governing authorities.
When it comes to our government calling men and women to engage in war, some Christians believe that war is never justified, while other Christians think that fighting for one’s country is included among the “dues” Paul is talking about.
On November 11, our country will observe Veterans Day.
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This site, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, became a place of reverence toward America’s veterans.
Earlier in England and France, an unknown soldier was buried in each of those nations’ highest place of honor. In England, the soldier was buried at Westminster Abbey, and in France, at the Arc de Triomphe.
All three of these memorial ceremonies took place on November 11 to commemorate the end of World War I fighting in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
November 11 was originally called Armistice Day and became a national holiday in 1938. However, only a few years later, over sixteen million Americans took part in a second world war, which resulted in approximately 420,000 American deaths.
In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans.
On Memorial Day 1958, an unidentified soldier from WW II, and one from the Korean War, were also interred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A law passed in 1968 changed Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, it soon became apparent that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans, so in 1978, Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
Let us give respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due. That would be our veterans.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” – Harry S. Truman
Zion News (11/02/22)
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”— Ecclesiastes 3:1
At 2:00 AM this coming Sunday, Daylight Savings Time ends. We get to set our clocks back an hour, which means it won’t feel as early to get up and go to church this Sunday!
It has been said over and over again that time is the most precious gift God has given us. We also know that our time on earth is short, but even with that realization we often live life as if it is unlimited.
The Bible tells us some important things about time. One thing is that life on earth is not infinite. James 4:14 reads, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while than vanishes.”
The Bible also points out that time is valuable. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.”
And the Bible teaches us to use our time intentionally. We are directed to use our short, valuable time on earth intentionally in service to God and others.
There are ways you can assess if you are using your time intentionally. One way is to check your current calendar and see what you are spending your time on. See if you are spending your time on things that are truly important.
Another way to assess if you are using your time intentionally is how much time you spend with technology. Are you wasting time watching TV, using social media, staring at your cell phone, for long periods of time?
Along with overusing technology is the question about how much time you intentionally spend with others. Your schedule should include spending time with family, friends, church family, and other important people in your life.
We should not take our time on earth for granted, not even the single hour of time we gain this Sunday. Instead we should understand that time is limited, is extremely valuable, and be determined to use it wisely.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us there is a time for everything, but it isn’t saying that we should wait for something to happen. This verse and the ones that follow are proactive statements of intentional activities of life and that God plays a hand in all of it.
Don’t forget to fall back on Sunday and use that extra hour wisely.
It’s sometimes easy to feel this way: “I’m not going to turn my clock back on Sunday. The last thing we need is an extra hour of 2022!” – mamasgeeky.com
Zion News (10/26/22)
“I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for any one who thinks it unclean.”— Romans 14:14
With headlines about some schools no longer observing Halloween, the controversial question comes up about how Christians should approach the upcoming holiday.
Some of today’s popular celebrations associated with Halloween have pagan roots stemming from an ancient Celtic harvest festival to usher in their new year. Druids celebrated on the evening of October 31 with the lighting of bonfires and offering of sacrifices to celebrate the end of a season and the start of a season of darkness – winter.
During the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1, officially making October 31 “All Hallows Eve.” This move may have been a way for the church to claim the celebration for Christians and be the alternative to pagan celebrations which still persisted at that time even among converted Christians.
While the Bible does not specifically address the celebration of Halloween, there are scriptures that infer that Christians should not participate in such festivities. The fifth chapter of Ephesians says things like, “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness.”
Most likely however, the dilemma over Halloween is a Romans 14 issue. Paul is speaking about disputable matters. These are matters that lack specific direction from the Bible. But Paul emphasizes that on these matters, as well as differences of opinions, we are to “decide never to put a stumbling block or a hindrance in the way of a brother.”
Christians can decide for themselves and follow the convictions of their own heart in determining how to handle matters like Halloween.
However, it might be that strong negativity toward Halloween might alienate the people Christians want to reach out to, while some of the rationale for why schools are no longer observing Halloween is that it already alienates people from one another because of cultural differences.
So we are faced with all kinds of dilemmas like this in our lives. However, Christians can be in the world, but not of the world. Have a Happy Halloween.
Concerning a Halloween staple: “All of the candy corn that was ever made was made in 1911. And so, since nobody eats that stuff, every year there’s a ton of it left over.” – Lewis Black
Zion News (10/19/22)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”— Hebrews 10:24-25
Rev. Allison’s sermon last Sunday started out with, “You’ve heard it many times, ‘Well, you don’t have to attend church to be a Christian. Attending church doesn’t make you a Christian! I don’t need the church. I worship God in my own way.’”
So, can a person still be a Christian without going to church? Consider the example of Christ and his apostles, follow their words and actions, and it becomes hard to validate a go-it-alone approach to Christianity.
OK, if the argument is that church attendance doesn’t make a person a Christian, or even act like a Christian six days a week, that’s valid. However, that is a flimsy reason for not attending church.
Some people argue they can watch Christian programming on TV or via the Internet or listen to audio messages, and those are valuable resources for the homebound, but Christians are not meant to be in a state of solitary confinement even of their own design.
Jesus established a community with his first followers. He called a group of people together discussing Biblical truth, listening to his teaching, praying together, serving together, fellowshipping together, learning to live in relationship with one another, and preparing to lead other communities of faith to do likewise.
These same actions take place in the local church. Yet there are those who think that they don’t need anyone else to live a Christian life or that no one can add to their knowledge about Christ and his teachings.
So, Rev. Allison’s sermon asked, “Can you be a Christian without going to church?” What was really being asked was, “Can anyone who professes to be a Christian think of not gathering with a community of faith at least once a week?”
There is no Biblical evidence to suggest that early Christians didn’t seek to gather with one another. Actually, the weight of evidence in the Bible is that Christ unites us as one body, and, throughout history, Christians have even sacrificed their lives to gather together as the church.
Christianity is being part of a community of faith.
“The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the phone and spending an evening with her.”— Dwight L. Moody, founder Moody Bible Institute
Zion News (10/12/22)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”— Philippians 4:13
Many Christians regularly recite or ponder these words of Paul. They have often been used as an inspiring memory verse for young people going through the Rite of Confirmation. The words are uplifting and promotes a healthy take-on-the-world attitude.
The book of Philippians in the Bible is only about three pages long, but it is full of memorable verses like the one above. The apostle, Paul, was writing this from the perspective of being a captive in a Roman prison, and he let his faith lead him through extremely trying conditions.
We will certainly experience happy and joyful times in our life. What sets some people apart, like Paul, is finding victory in the most difficult times of our life.
Paul says that Christ gives us the strength to not only endure the tough times, but also to grow during them. Christians aren’t challenged to just survive the pain, we are challenged to have our faith strengthened as we face our adversities.
Besides overcoming the personal discomfort of prison, Paul also talks about overcoming another challenge – the struggle to be content.
One reason Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians was to thank them. This church had provided financial support to take care of him, but he also wanted to remind his fellow believers that financial well-being and one’s physical condition do not indicate a person’s spiritual health or well-being.
So, Paul reminds us to take our eyes off the things we don’t have, the frustrations that surround us, our pain and suffering and put our eyes on Christ. From prison Paul demonstrated this by writing, “For I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.”
When we turn our eyes on Christ, we are able to do things we never thought possible and survive things we thought we would never have to go through.
There are rewards for making it through difficult times: “If I manage to survive the rest of the week, I would like my straight jacket in hot pink and my helmet to sparkle.”— Dreams Quotes
Zion News (10/05/22)
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”— Fred Rogers
Yes, indeed, there are a lot of scary things in the news today. There are a lot of scary things that go on in an individual’s own life as well. These things can create enormous mental pressure on a person and result in anxiety, depression, or even thoughts of suicide.
World Mental Health Day is October 10. Established in 1994, the objective of this day is to improve the quality of mental health services throughout the world. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is, “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.”
In 1994, 27 countries participated in the event in some way and Australia and England held national campaigns. Starting in 1995, planning kits for the day were translated into Spanish, French, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic.
As more countries became involved in recognizing World Mental Health Day, so did more people begin to recognize mental health as a human right. As understanding of mental health grows, society grows and evolves along with it.
Even society’s language surrounding mental health has improved. Words like “crazy” and “lunatic” are used less flippantly as we come to better understand that they can be hurtful and stigmatizing.
Since the first World Mental Health Day, women, children, health, work, trauma, suicide, and more have become a part of the conversation making the average person more knowledgeable in regard to mental health issues.
There are all kinds of activities a person can be involved with in order to celebrate this day. One way is by addressing your own self-care. You are encouraged to create strong, proactive self-care practices that give you the energy and strength to thrive.
You can also get certified in Mental Health First Aid. There are free in-person and online courses that will teach a person how to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis by identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of addiction, suicide, or mental health conditions.
You can become a helper. Like Mr. Rogers’ mom said, “Look for the helpers.” The world is in need of many helpers when it comes to mental health for everyone.
“To anyone out there who’s hurting — it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength.”— Barack Obama
Zion News (09/28/22)
“A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22.
Have you been paying attention to the world and national news lately? Is there really a way to have a cheerful heart with all the natural disasters, concerns about escalating war, and political drama going on?
Despite the environment of negative thoughts and actions around us, there is a way to have and maintain a cheerful heart. It is by choice. Being cheerful, having a positive attitude, and being happy is a condition a person has control over.
There are all kinds of advice on how to have a cheerful heart. One way is to sing when you feel terrible. Another way is to be thankful even when you don’t feel like it. Christians can maintain a cheerful heart by praising God through difficult times.
Another suggestion is to maintain positive thoughts and often repeat positive words and phrases. When asked how he was doing, or how anything else was doing for that matter, a local banker would always answer, “Terrific!” Repeatedly answering in that way kept him in a positive frame of mind, and kept everyone else a little suspicious about why he seemed so happy.
Then there is the simple suggestion to smile. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk who passed away in January 2022, explains how we can choose to have a cheery heart through smiling, “Sometimes, your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile is the source of your joy.”
Maybe the most effective way to change your life from having a dried-up spirit to possessing a cheerful heart is to focus your attention on someone else. Helping others makes us not only happier, healthier, but it turns out we are hard wired to help others. There are biological reasons why we feel good when we help others.
We are not called upon to avoid or ignore the realities of life. There will always be the poor struggling, the sick suffering, and people in despair, but consider the good things in your life. We are called upon to manage our attitude and face reality with a cheerful heart, and we can do it.
It’s sometimes not easy to face reality and have a cheerful heart: “Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (09/21/22)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.
Sometimes in a person’s anguish you might hear the question, “Why does God let bad things happen to people?” When someone who is in that frame of mind asks this, no amount of debate or logic will provide them much comfort. The hope is that the above words of Jesus will help their understanding.
However, there is a strong urge to respond to this question anyway. A first response is that God does not cause bad things to happen to people. Bad things happen because that is simply the human condition. That’s life.
There are all kinds of ideas about why bad things are part of the human existence from the disobedience to God that caused the fall of man from the Garden of Eden, to the idea that if people have free will then bad things are likely to go wrong, to the devil made me do it excuse.
Bottom line is that bad things are going to happen to all of us. The fewer bad things that happen to us, the ever more thankful we should be. But, ultimately, everyone will face human challenges, even having to face our own non-existence in this world.
Recently, there have been some reports on TV news and the Internet that fewer Americans believe in a god. A June 2022 Gallup poll showed that 81% of Americans still believe in a god, although that is down six percentage points in the last five years.
Imagine what 81% of Americans could do if they not only believed in a god, but acted like they believe there is a god! Likewise, this applies to anyone who asks the question “Why does God let bad things happen?” Do we really believe in God if we ask that question?
One thing Christians should take comfort in is the assurance that God has concern for us and that faith in God will help us overcome the bad things in our life and in our world.
Another response to the question is not why bad things happen, but, more importantly, how do we handle those bad things as an expression of our faith in God. James 1:2 reads, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”
Zion News (09/14/22)
“His Faithful Follower I would be. . . ” – William Bradbury
This past Sunday, Rev. Roedder’s sermon title was “A Faithful Follower I Would Be” based on the hymn “He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought” which the congregation sang just before his message.
“He Leadeth Me” was composed by American Joseph Gilmore in 1862 during the struggles and insecurity brought on by the Civil War. Gilmore was preaching at the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia soon after his ordination.
Gilmore set out to give comfort to his parishioners by preaching on Psalm 23, but got no further than the words “He leadeth me beside the still waters” when he became inspired to write a song based on that theme.
Humble in nature, after handing the draft of his song to his wife, he thought no more about it. Later, Gilmore’s wife, without the composer’s knowledge, submitted the text of the song to a Boston newspaper.
The famous gospel song composer William Bradbury saw this text and included Gilmore’s words anonymously with his own tune and included it in one of his hymn collections
As a pastoral candidate, Gilmore went to preach at the Second Baptist Church in Rochester, NY. Upon entering the chapel, he picked up a hymnbook thinking, “I wonder what they sing.” The book opened up to a hymn titled “He Leadeth Me.” According to Gilmore, “This was the first time I knew that my hymn had found a place among the songs of the church.”
However, Bradbury is credited with adding the third line to the very familiar refrain, “His faithful follower I would be.”
As is often the case with memorable songs, their strength lies in the repetition of a single thought. A singer will have sung the words “He Leadeth Me” seventeen times before reaching the end of the hymn.
In Gilmore’s own words, “It was the darkest hour of the Civil War. I did not refer to that fact—that is, I don’t think I did—but it may subconsciously have led me to realize that God’s leadership is the one significant fact in human experience, that it makes no difference how we are led, or whither we are led, so long as we are sure God is leading us.”
Zion News (09/07/22)
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” – Psalm 143:5
This past Sunday at Zion, Pastor Hanner’s sermon, “Be Not Afraid,” touched on the subject of the fear of being forgotten.
If you do an internet search, the fear of being forgotten is called “Athazagoraphobia,” which is a not-often-discussed fear of forgetting someone as well as a fear of being forgotten. This fear may develop in a person who is a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s disease and who has witnessed the devastating effects it has on one’s mind.
But his was not the fear Pastor Hanner was referring to.
One source says that the word “remember” is used 352 times in the Bible. If its derivatives are counted, that number jumps to more than 550. It would not be an overstatement to say that “remember” is an extremely significant concept for a Christian.
The Biblical importance of “remember” is mainly to keep in mind, being mindful, and being concerned about traditions like God’s covenant with his people and Jesus’ life and sacrifice for his people. This remembering is both a tribute, but also a call to action to help others remember what has been done for them.
But this is not what Pastor Hanner was referring to either.
The fear of not being remembered after one passes is what Pastor Hanner was alluding to. It is a very real human anxiety. Countless people have walked this earth and only a few have accomplished something remarkable enough to be lastingly memorable, though many have tried.
Those who have obsessively tried to accomplish great individual deeds have often been motivated by a fear of being forgotten instead of what is good for others, and the result has not been positive. The pharaohs of Egypt expended huge resources and the lives of many people to build monuments to themselves. The military conquests throughout history of Alexander, the Roman emperors, Attila the Hun, Napoleon, Hitler, and, today, Putin were motivated in large part to make a place for themselves in history.
Perhaps we should be more fearful of not being remembered while we are alive. God promises to always remember us. However, we are also charged to spend our lives doing God’s work – work that will last.
As an organizational consultant, Idowu Koyenikan, put it, “Even though your time on the job is temporary, if you do a good enough job, your work there will last forever.”
Likewise, even though your time on earth is temporary, if you live your life well enough, your work here will last forever.
Even if your name is forgotten, your image is nothing more than a photograph in a family album, and no one remembers your individual deeds and accomplishments, what you do and what we can do collectively with others to advance the human condition, will not be forgotten. Be not afraid.
Zion News (08/31/22)
“Be All That You Can Be.” – United States Army
This short phrase served as the Army’s recruitment slogan from 1980 to 2001 and was one of the most successful advertising campaigns ever according to some leading advertising experts.
The appeal of this slogan is that it speaks to the inherent sense that most people aspire to be the best they can be. No one says that will be easy to do, some simply give up even trying, but there is still a strong desire to be the best human being we can become.
In her sermon this past Sunday at Zion, Terri Smith touched upon the idea of self-actualization. In the 1950’s, Abraham Maslow stated, “What a man can be, he must be.” This quote refers to self-actualization, which is the highest level or stage in Maslow’s model of human motivation that he called the “Hierarchy of Needs.”
According to Maslow’s pyramid of hierarchy of needs, self-actualization represents the tip of the pyramid, which is the drive to realize our true potential and achieve our ideal self.
On June 8, 1970, Maslow was writing furiously in his notebook by the pool at his home in Menlo Park, California. For the past few years, he had been working intensely on a new theory linking self-actualization to self-transcendence and spirituality.
Suddenly his stopwatch went off, reminding him to do his daily exercising. He put down his notepad and started jogging by the side of the pool. His wife noticed that he was moving in an odd way. Just as soon as she started to ask him if he was alright, Maslow collapsed. He was dead at the age of 62, with ideas and theories left behind and unrealized.
Today, Maslow’s ideas are still being cited to help understand what could be simply put as the purpose of our existence, the meaning of life. Recent interpretations of his work state that self-actualized people don’t have to sacrifice their own potential in the service of others, but rather, they should use their full abilities in the service of others. You don’t have to choose between being all you can be and transcending above one’s own needs. A combination of both can lead to a full and meaningful existence.
Isn’t this the same message Jesus brought into the world? Isn’t he our example of someone being all he could be and using his all his abilities in the service to others? Striving to be the best one can be is God’s purpose for our life. Imparting that desire to the generations is part of our calling.
Imagine what the world would be like if everyone tried to be the best they could be.
Zion News (08/24/22)
“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you . . . for I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.’” – Matthew 25:34-35
In 2001, about this time twenty-one years ago, Zion’s pastor, Rev. Kenneth Roedder, at the beginning of the Sunday morning worship service, took a can of food and set it on the floor at one side of the steps leading up to the altar. He then took another can of food and placed it on the floor at the opposite side of the steps.
The nation was in the midst of a recession later called the “Dot-Com Recession.” During this time, the S&P 500 lost 43% of its value, and employment fell by more than 1.3 million, the first full-year decline in more than a decade.
The economic downturn affected workers in a wide range of occupations, and more than two-thirds of those who lost their jobs considered their layoff to be permanent.
School was starting and people were utilizing local food pantries more and more, creating great demand on their grocery inventories.
Rev. Roedder issued a challenge. The people who regularly sat in the pews on the south side of the church were to bring items for the local pantries and line the south wall of the sanctuary with them, and the people who sat in the pews on the north side of the church were to line the north wall with food items.
The congregation would bring items for the next four Sundays, and the side of the church bringing the most items would have a meal served to them by the other side.
Food items started lining the walls from the front of the church to the back. Then they started being double-stacked, triple-stacked, and stacked by the case on each side of the church.
The food was being brought in stealthily by members from each side of the congregation in order to surprise the other side on Sunday with how much they had gathered.
Before the final Sunday of the competition, the arrival of food had slowed down and it looked like the north side was going to be the apparent winner. However, as Zion’s history notes, “By some trickery the south side won when it stashed a large amount of canned goods in the balcony on its side of the church” where no one would see them.
This was the last major food drive of its kind by Zion’s congregation. It became apparent that there was a lot of effort in distributing the food and that food pantries could acquire the items they need at better prices with monetary donations.
Jesus understood the need a hungry person has for a good meal. In the Bible we see that hunger has always mattered to God. There is hunger in our communities. Please support those who are working to alleviate the hunger our children and adults deal with on a daily basis.
Zion News (08/17/22)
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32 RSV
These words of Jesus were used on the front cover of our bulletin this past Sunday and are a constant comfort to the small communities of faith that often find themselves struggling with attendance and financial concerns.
Yet, even small gatherings can be joyful. Last Sunday our little flock gathered for worship with Rev. Kenneth Roedder leading the service and administering communion. It was a beautiful morning.
And, last Sunday was also the first time since our congregation resumed in-person worship services due to COVID restrictions that we gathered for an after-church activity. It was an important occasion for multiple reasons.
Every person who attended church that morning, plus a couple of other people who are special to our congregation, went out for lunch together after the service. It had been over two years since our little flock had gathered together socially.
However, what made this occasion most important is that we were gathering to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Rev. Roedder’s ordination as a minister.
Rev. Roedder is Zion’s longest-serving pastor. From 1981-2002 he gently led our small congregation and the Tuscola UCC as pastor, guide, and friend.
Over the past 20 years since his “retirement,” Rev. Roedder has continued to serve his community and our church. He has a cookie ministry and writes inspirational newsletters for family and friends. He participates in our events and special services, and has provided important pulpit supply for our church especially through the difficult times of COVID.
Zion has been blessed to have such a faithful friend.
Rev. Roedder gives all the credit to God for being able to continue all these years in service to Him and others, and would humbly say, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.” – 1 Timothy 1:12
Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes.”
Rev. Roedder will be found “doing so.”
Zion News (08/10/22)
“How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans, and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too!” – Inspirivity
OK, get down from your ego trip. God does not need us or the rest of creation for himself. God is holy, eternal, almighty, and totally self-sufficient. He does not need any created being. He is not dependent on anything or anyone. He is the “I AM THAT I AM.”
While the Bible clearly points out that God does not need us, there are also many examples in the Scriptures where God tells us to do things for him. However, God doesn’t ask for our help because he needs us to do something that he can’t do. God asks for our help as an invitation for us to participate in his divine agenda for the world.
God asks us to serve him because he loves us, and he asks for our help not for his needs but for our needs. We need God and he allows us to help him for our own good.
Serving God is the best thing we can do. It is the purpose of life so many people are trying to figure out. You can easily come up with all kinds of ways God asks for our help: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, caring for the orphans, being peacemakers, caring for his creation to name a few.
And God waits patiently for us to do what he asks, and he is always there to help us if the load gets too heavy. But by having things for us to do, God stays better connected with us.
So God does not need us, but we and the rest of creation can bring God joy. When a man asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life, Jesus asked him how he interpreted the law. The man said, “Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)
Then Jesus said, “Go and do it.” Jesus knew how to bring joy to God and others. We do too. That’s how we are most needed.
Maybe this could have been worded more tactfully: “My friend, remember that without stupidity there would be no intelligence, and without ugliness there would be no beauty, so the world needs you after all.” – FunnyQuotes.com
Zion News (08/03/22)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Every new day is another opportunity to rejoice and change one’s life.
“New” is an important word in the Bible: God’s mercies are new every morning, our inner self is being renewed day by day, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, I am doing a new thing, and so on.
Even though there are other key words used in the Bible more frequently, the word “new” appears in the scriptures over 150 times.
Modern etymology has advanced to the point that usage of words can be tracked since the 1800’s and the use of the word “new” peaked in the 1940-1950’s and has been on a slow decline ever since. Perhaps using the word “new” has some correlation with the amount of optimism versus pessimism in society at the time.
The simple three-letter word “new” has broad and powerful meaning. One definition is “something already existing but seen, experienced, or acquired recently or now for the first time.”
Other definitions include “unfamiliar or strange” and “unaccustomed to doing something.”
These definitions seem to fit the view of people today when it comes to the idea of a new day. That may seem strange and unfamiliar, and we are unaccustomed to the idea. God offers us a new day, a promise that has always been extended to us, and it is there for us to acquire and experience now or for the first time.
But the one definition of “new” that maybe fits the Biblical sense of the word best for Christians is “just beginning or beginning anew and regarded as better than what went before.”
Let us all strive to rejoice in each new day, making it better than what went on before, and making us better than we were before.
Ain’t it the truth: “It’s the start of a brand new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles.” – Pinterest.com
Zion News (07/27/22)
“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
A lot of our life can be spent feeling empty and dissatisfied. Life is not easy and there are always obstacles that keep us from being able to “put all the pieces together.”
We have inner struggles and can lose faith for long periods of time. We begin to believe that nothing good will happen in our lives and that the only thing you can count on is being disappointed.
It can even be challenging to get out of bed each morning. Having to face the usual stress-related routines of one’s job can add to the frustration and weariness a person is already experiencing. If you no longer have to go to a job, having to face a day that feels purposeless and meaningless can make a person just as weary and frustrated. Both situations can test one’s faith.
We can spend Sundays in church exclaiming the joy, energy, and purpose we believe there is in following Christ, and then start off the rest of the week with all of that revitalizing power dissipating quickly away.
It may not seem related to these feelings of emptiness in one’s life, but here is something worth thinking about. What do you want? This can be a big part of the problem. Many people don’t know what they want out of life, or at best, they may say, “What I want is to know what I want.”
But we don’t have to be this way. We can reflect Christ’s character in the way we live and work. We can love others, serve others, rest well, and by faithfully following Christ’s way we can find meaning and purpose.
We can also ask God to take us by the hand and guide us to rightful work. God knows we want to do something to make a difference even when we don’t know what that might be. Ask God and then pay attention.
Presidential advice: “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God.” – Ronald Reagan
Zion News (07/20/22)
“For the beauty of the earth . . .” – Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864.
Human beings have existed on our 4.5 billion-year-old planet for around 200,000 years, yet our impact has been earthshattering. Like the Mesozoic Era is called “The Age of Dinosaurs,” scientists are suggesting that the current geological era in Earth’s history be named the “Anthropocene” – the “Age of Humans.”
But this era is also being labeled something more ominous – “The Sixth Mass Extinction.” The fifth mass extinction was when the dinosaurs were wiped out.
Some recent estimates say that species are becoming extinct at least 1,000 times faster today than they have in the past, and some people describe this loss of biodiversity as “biological annihilation.”
Other people point out that this rate of extinction would have to continue for 15,000 or more years in order to be classified as a mass extinction compared to the five previous ones earth has experienced.
That’s good news! That means there is the opportunity to prevent a sixth mass extinction of animal and plant life. But, geologically, 15,000 years is not much time.
In Genesis 1:28 God says for man to “have dominion over every living thing on the earth.” Dominion does not mean that mankind has the authority to use and abuse the earth as it deems fit. Instead this verse gives all of us the responsibility to take care of the earth in a way that is consistent with God’s will.
It’s hard not to look into a beautiful cloud-filled sky or walk among the trees of a verdant forest without feeling somewhat connected to nature. Yet if you have been around five or six decades here in the Midwest, you must have also become aware that there are fewer birds in the sky, fewer animals scurrying across country roads with their young, fewer diverse lifeforms in your own backyard.
Despite the debate over climate change being either man-made or a natural cycle, we know that we have all exacted some kind of toll on the natural world around us. It’s important that we understand the impact we have and for each of us to try to be a good steward of God’s world. Pray that all of us will do things for the beauty of the earth.
Maybe this is the way it is today: “I’d like to connect with nature but there’s no USB port.” – Dan Masso, movie actor and director.
Zion News (07/13/22)
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
The death of innocent people should tear at the hearts of all of us. Violence is not what we want as a way of life in this country. However, is the media coverage and the political circus surrounding mass shootings undermining public attention about other serious issues of violence within our society and not addressing the root causes of it?
On the news it has been reported there have been over 300 cases of mass shootings already this year. But, there is no consensus yet on what defines a mass shooting.
One source says that “Mass shootings are incidents involving multiple victims of firearm-related violence. The precise inclusion criteria are disputed, and there is no broadly accepted definition.”
One definition of a mass shooting is an act of public firearm violence, excluding gang killings, domestic violence, or terrorist acts sponsored by an organization, in which a shooter kills at least four victims. Using this definition, one-third of the world’s public mass shootings occur in the United States. This is, of course, intolerable.
However, in 2021 more than 45,000 people died from gun violence in the United States. 703 people were killed in mass shootings. That means that mass shootings account for about 2% of all homicides in this country.
There needs to be greater awareness of the thousands of victims of domestic violence, crime, and racial/cultural hatred. We need to address violence in all its forms. How do we go about addressing this violence?
Beyond gun control and its political implications, violence is being more and more understood as a public health/mental health problem based on sociocultural factors and perpetrator characteristics.
Christians would argue that violence is also a breakdown of ethics, moral values, and religious faith. Society no longer knows God or how to love one another. Let our prayers be for awareness, healing, and love.
Morgan Harper Nichols, an American Christian musician, songwriter, mixed-media artist, and writer, says, “Don’t let anyone tell you that these bad things happen and then everyone goes back to ‘normal’. You don’t have to be ‘everyone’. Stay with the grief. Stay with the anger. Stay troubled by it all. Stay open-hearted to those who grieve. Stay tuned to those working for change.”
Zion News (07/06/22)
“So let us begin anew — remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness . . . Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.” – John F. Kennedy
There is great political division in the United States today, with people on opposite sides of political opinion not only disagreeing with one another, but really disliking the other side.
Among all this division and dislike, there are growing calls for civility. A recent poll shows that a majority of Americans say incivility is a major problem. An NPR/PBS NewsHour poll showed that the country’s civility crisis is getting worse and that a majority of Americans believe it will lead to more and more violence.
How do we define civility? People often simply think that it means “being polite.” It comes from the Latin word “civilis,” meaning “befitting a citizen.” It can refer to a sense of behaving politely, but it’s more than that.
“Civility is the baseline of respect that we owe one another in public life,” says Keith Bybee, the author of How Civility Works. “And when people talk about a crisis in civility, they usually are reporting their sense that there is not a shared understanding of what that baseline of respect ought to be.”
Early political theorists also referred to this as a social contract, which is common agreement on what public behavior should be like. Right now that social contract seems to be broken.
Some people believe that the success of our country depends on mending the social contract between us. One reason to do this is because, if citizens don’t trust one another, it becomes very difficult for our elected officials to compromise on problems that could be solved, but they don’t.
Social media hasn’t helped. It has enabled people to spew outrage and anger faster and further into the world and has become a tool to manipulate, deceive, and to be downright awful to people.
As Christians we are called to be civil. We should act in ways “befitting a citizen” of this world and the Kingdom of God. Let us pray that civility can be restored to this nation.
A thought from an American Colonial real estate entrepreneur: “I know no religion that destroys courtesy, civility, and kindness.” – William Penn 1644-1718.
Zion News (06/29/22)
“Independence Day will be the most memorable Epocha in the History of America . . . It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.” – John Adams
The 4th of July revelries are already in full swing. John Adams also wrote that the day should be celebrated with “Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
To that end, it is estimated that Americans will eat 150 million hot dogs and spend over one billion dollars in fireworks during this year’s celebration of America’s Independence from Great Britain.
Like many other holidays, though, we often lose sight of what we are truly celebrating. Generally there has been significant sacrifice, hardship, and human loss associated with the events being commemorated, some accounts of which have been nearly forgotten.
For example, Richard Stockton, a lawyer from New Jersey, became the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to recant his support of the revolution after being captured by the British and thrown in jail. After years of abusive treatment, and after his coerced recanting of loyalties, Stockton was released to find all of his property destroyed or stolen by the British. His library, one of the finest in the colonies, was burned to the ground.
Not only remembering the sacrifices made in striving to achieve a certain cause, but also considering the inspiring words of those who understand the reasons why, is a good way to celebrate.
John Dickinson, who initially supported reconciliation with Great Britain rather than independence eventually declared, “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.”
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin
Four score and seven years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Abraham Lincoln’s words lend meaning to our 4th of July celebrations, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
Over and over the message is clear – the 4th of July should be celebrated by joining hands with one another in unity, protecting liberty and justice for all, and behaving in ways so that this country will be proud of you and your actions.
It is not difficult to see that this is analogous of how Christians should pattern their lives – in unity, with justice, and living as Christ would have us to live.
What the movies teach us: “Let’s not forget why we celebrate the 4th of July. It is the day Will Smith saved us from the aliens.” – Unknown
Zion News (06/22/22)
“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”– Romans 2:13.
This short verse by the Apostle Paul holds significant meaning when considering much of what is going on in the world today. This statement did not apply only to the Law of Moses or the teachings of Christ because, in other scriptures, Paul also recognizes obedience to the laws of one’s earthly rulers and, if a slave, the rules of one’s master.
For Christians, of course, the primary rules and laws we are to follow have been set forth by Christ. However, there is no doubt that the Bible intends for people to generally follow laws and rules and that we should pray for and seek out good leadership.
On a very minor scale, it still is almost appalling to find several instances on social media of advice or “life hacks” that suggest breaking rules. On one Internet blog, “New Things You Should Try Today to Find Your Inner Peace and Tranquility,” a suggestion was, “Brake the rule or the law. Be for a few seconds from the other side. By this small candy from a store mysteriously fall into your pocket is more than enough.” And, yes, this blogger used “Brake” instead of “Break” if that is any measurement of the author’s well-thought-out advice.
On a more serious scale, not following rules or adhering to ethical behavior will cause dissention between people, rumor-mongering, damaged relationships, even wide-spread confusion over what is right or wrong, and which politician, political party, and which leader is telling the truth and which one is not.
On a large scale, not respecting the law results in incidents like the January 6 attack on the Capitol, riots, mass shootings, the wanton shooting of police officers, and the invasion of another country without any justification.
The American tradition is, of course, to oppose unfair laws and rules and to protest against them. The tradition has also been that the rule of law is what holds society together, protects and makes our lives more secure, and is designed to promote peace, liberty, and justice for all.
Yet, it is much easier to find more quotes and advice about breaking the rules than about following the rules. Following the rules is dull. Life is short, so don’t follow the rules. This prevailing attitude can be unhealthy for an individual as well as for a nation.
Let us be people who are doers of the law.
Perhaps it is just an ancient concept: “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” – Plato
Zion News (06/15/22)
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”– Proverbs 22:6.
When Wil Smith, not the famous actor, enrolled as a freshman in college, he brought an unusual roommate with him — his infant daughter, Olivia.
After serving seven years in the Navy, Wil became a freshman at Bowdoin College at the age of 27 with his infant daughter, Olivia, in tow. He had kept his daughter a secret until after his arrival out of fear that the college would not allow him to attend.
Wil balanced his studies, a night job, and basketball, all while raising his daughter. At only 18-months old, Olivia required a lot of attention and had to be taken to classes with her dad. Wil sometimes had to keep his daughter in a closet at work. Olivia’s first babysitters were members of Wil’s basketball team.
Happily, Wil graduated from college. The Dean of the College called out both their names as she presented them with Wil’s diploma. The two of them received a standing ovation.
The love this father and daughter shared was a source of strength for both of them. A teenage Olivia later thanked her father for all he had done for her and the strength he provided her. Wil countered that Olivia was his strength and all he had to do was to look at her while she was sleeping as a baby and he found the power to carry on.
Wil lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 46, so his time with his beloved daughter was short, but it was quality time.
Among all the great stories throughout history about fathers and their children, Wil’s story is just as meaningful. It is not a simple story, but a story of deep commitment and effort not always present in families today.
Fathers who daily share their lives with their children, who provide and care for them, who teach them the right way to live their lives, are fathers deserving praise.
Happy Father’s Day this Sunday to those who have set good examples for their sons and daughters so that they may become good parents as well. Author Dan Zevin said, “Lately all my friends are worried they’re turning into their fathers. I’m worried I’m not.” That’s the kind of legacy fathers should aspire to leave behind.
“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” – Charles Wadsworth
Zion News (06/08/22)
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”– Proverbs 19:20
Everyone offers you advice. Internet blogs offering free advice are numerous and sometimes contradicting. Lists of things you can do to impact your life are abundant. So here is another list, compiled from several lists, for you to consider of “Things You Can Do This Week That Will Impact Your Life for Decades:”
- Read a book. That’s advice you find on many lists. How about reading the Bible?
- Figure out the little things. Don’t try to transform your entire life all at once. Work on the small things first and the bigger things will begin to fall in place.
- Meditate is almost always on lists of advice. Christians might instead say “Pray.”
- Throw out things, declutter your life. This was Christ’s exact advice when he spoke with the rich young ruler who asked what he should do to inherit eternal life.
- Give up something you worry about. Didn’t Jesus say to “consider the lilies . . . “
- Confront an irrational fear. Christ’s disciples did not always want to do what they were called upon to do. But Paul said, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
- Donate things. Sharing things with others is an obvious Christian tenet.
- Make a phone call to someone you care about. Jesus let the people around him know he cared about them.
- Reach out to someone new. Is it not every Christian’s mission to spread God’s love?
And the list can go on and on. If you take a close look at many of these lists you will find that Christians have already been receiving the same advice from Jesus for centuries. There is nothing new or revealing about these modern lists except that there are many people who may be hearing this advice for the first time.
So, a final bullet point for the above list, #10, should be to attend church. What better place to go to receive good advice!
Teenager Post #8918: “It’s funny how I’m good at giving advice to others, but when it comes to helping myself, I don’t know what to do.” – teenagerposts.tumblr.com
Zion News (06/01/22)
“But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissentions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.” – Titus 3:9 RSV
It seems like the rift in politics today is ever-widening. The battle lines between conservative and liberal viewpoints are being more clearly delineated and fortified. To be considered a person of worth we are being enjoined to choose sides.
That’s not a new thing. This nation has faced deep divisions during its history and survived. It has withstood vicious partisan politics and slanderous rhetoric and remained one nation.
Henry Clay, a senator from Kentucky, was sitting outside a Washington, D.C. hotel with Daniel Webster, a congressman from Massachusetts, when a man passed by with a team of mules.
“Clay, there goes a number of your Kentucky constituents,” Webster said.
“Yes,” Clay replied, “they must be on their way to Massachusetts to teach school.”
Known as “The Great Compromiser,” Henry Clay possessed skills of negotiation and compromise that proved invaluable in helping to hold this country together for the first half of the 19th century. He also had a sense of humor and did not take himself too seriously. Where are the Henry Clays of today?
The ideals expressed by both political conservatism and liberalism cross blurry lines. The differences can be confusing and troubling. For example, it is not the case that protecting the Second Amendment right to bear arms means that there has to be more gun violence, yet some social media posts are out there saying “If you love your guns, you don’t love our schoolchildren.”
How is this rhetoric helpful? Both sides of opposing viewpoints can have merit. Henry Clay knew this and did not engage in foolish controversies. Christ did not engage in foolish controversies either like when the crowd asked him if they should pay taxes to Rome.
There are words of compromise and understanding that can unite instead of divide our nation. It can begin with you. It can begin in our churches. It begins when the viewpoints of a person can be heard without villainizing that person, and when we can still love and respect one another despite our differences.
Our prayers go out to all the recent victims of violence in our grocery stores, in our schools, on the streets of our towns and cities. May our prayers include a request for wisdom and guidance on ways to prevent such tragedies from happening and that people become more willing to find answers than to encourage irreconcilable differences between people.
Zion News (05/25/22)
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
May is graduation month for so many young people from 8th grade to graduate school. It is an important transition from one stage of life to another and signals there will be significant changes in one’s life.
A high school graduation card says it all, “I’m sorry you graduated high school. Now you get to go to more school or get a job, maybe get married, pay a ton of bills, get fired, find a new job, maybe have a kid or two, more bills, metabolism slows down, work, get sore for no reason, bills, work, bills. Good luck!”
The sentiments of this card might not make for a very good commencement address, but it does smack of reality for many people.
A quote by Mark Twain is probably a much better way for a young person to view their beckoning future on the momentous occasion of their graduation, “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.”
Finding out “why” is the most important challenge for the graduate and for all of us. The scripture from Jeremiah at least comforts us in the thought that there are plans for our life and that those plans are good and hopeful ones.
Mark Twain also said, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” To truly find out the “why” in one’s life, a person needs to open up to all that life offers.
That does not mean to “experiment” with thoughts, ideas, and deeds that are harmful to oneself and others. It means that “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
And, even after your school days are over, there still exists a core curriculum for your life, “To love one another.”
Motivation for the recent graduates: “You will never have more energy or enthusiasm, hair, or brain cells as you have today.” – Tom Magliozzi
Zion News (05/18/22)
“The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.” – Samuel John Stone
These famous hymn lyrics written in the 1860’s were intended to chastise the divisions in the church at the time. One verse, now omitted from most hymnals, makes this point clearly, “Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed.”
In fact, Stone’s hymn was excluded from some early hymnbooks because of the criticism it leveled against the divisive behavior of church authorities.
Thankfully, not all church traditions fall into irreconcilable disharmony.
The Village of Arthur was founded on September 2, 1873. That same year a new two-story building was constructed on the southwest corner of Vine and Progress Streets. The first organized church services of the fledgling community were held in the second story of that building almost immediately after the building’s completion.
But the people still wanted a real church building.
So, in 1880, the railroad president, Robert G. Hervey, donated land at what is now the 200 block of South Beech Street for a church building.
By subscription, the Cook Schoolhouse, which had been located one mile west of Arthur, was purchased and moved to this location. The building was owned and maintained by the Village of Arthur and governed by a board of six elected trustees.
The people worked together to turn the building into a church. They conducted fundraisers to help purchase supplies, paint, and a bell for the church. Members of all faiths attended the regular and revival services held at the church as well as other community gatherings.
The church was fittingly called the Union Church.
Yes, as time went on, many of Arthur’s current churches had their beginning organization at Union Church until their own buildings were constructed and they moved on.
However, the message of unity based upon the belief expressed by Stone’s words that, “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord,” must have resonated with Arthur’s ancestors and continues today, 150 years later.
May our community’s future be grounded in this same tradition of unity of Spirit and cooperation.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Zion News (05/11/22)
“In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.” – John Oxenham.
John Oxenham is a pseudonym for William Arthur Dunkerley (1852-1941) who was an English journalist and prolific novelist and poet. Several of his poems became the lyrics of popular hymns of his time like “In Christ There Is No East or West.”
The sentiment of this hymn is that, in the eyes of God, all people are the same in one respect – we are all God’s children and we should celebrate that fact.
There is a special day on May 21 that is appearing more and more often on calendars. It has an almost unmanageable title – “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.”
Twenty years ago, in 2002, the United Nations General Assembly sanctioned this holiday as a day to provide the world with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the goals of supporting systems of government that sustain cultural diversity, integrating culture in development frameworks, and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Some research indicates that there are more than 3800 cultures in the world, but the number is probably much higher. Cultures are not restricted to a single territory or region of a country. One region alone could have dozens of communities with their own unique system of beliefs.
Why does paying attention to the issues of cultural diversity matter? The majority of the world’s conflicts and wars involved some aspect of culture. So, bridging the gap between cultures is necessary for peace and stability in our world.
UNESCO, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.
UNESCO invites us all to join in, and promote the values of cultural diversity, dialogue, and development across our globe on May 21. As Christians we are also told in the Gospel of John to aspire to the ideal, “That they all may be one,” which is the motto of the United Church of Christ.
So, let us celebrate the diversity in God’s wonderful world on May 21 and every day.
“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” – Malcolm Forbes
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” – Stephen Covey
Zion News (05/04/22)
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” – Proverbs 31:28
The last chapter of Proverbs, from verse 10 to the end, is about praise of a worthy woman. It is worthwhile reading for both men and women.
Warning: Mother’s Day is this Sunday.
There is a commercial currently airing on TV offering a gift idea for Mother’s Day this year. It is available in a pretty purple bag with gold drawstrings. Inside the bag is a bottle of deluxe Canadian whiskey known as Royal Crown. Evidently not every mother gets flowers for Mother’s Day.
The responsibilities of motherhood are not easy, often stressful, and society generally expects a lot out of mothers. Maybe a bottle of whiskey is what mom needs sometimes.
More often than not, people expect way too much out of mothers. If you read the verses of Proverbs, chapter 31, you will find a list of expectations that only a superhuman could achieve. Those expectations are still engrained in the mentality of many people today.
This Mother’s Day, let’s give mothers some slack. They are not saints, they make mistakes, they get tired, they get frustrated, they get mad, they yell at the kids, and that’s just the good ones.
Seriously though, many significant individuals throughout history acknowledge the role their mothers played in their development and success. It was not the things their mothers provided, it was their encouragement, their abiding love, and their Christian faith.
The apostle, Paul, says that the “sincere faith” that his mentee, Timothy, possessed was from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. The influence of these women helped form Timothy into the pastor and leader he became for the benefit of the early church.
St. Augustine’s mother, Monica, had great influence on her son, helping form him into one of the leading theologians of the 4th century church.
Katie Luther, wife of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, raised four orphans in addition to her six biological children, while also hosting her husband’s students and guests. The Luthers spoke of family life as a training ground for Christian virtue.
Susanna Wesley managed a household of eight children and took care of both the spiritual and academic education of her children. Two of her children, John and Charles, founded the Methodist movement that bears the imprints of her influence: a focus on accountability, service, and diligent work.
If you are lucky enough to still have a living mother, celebrate it. If your mother is no longer living, celebrate her memory. Mothers are humans, and flawed, just like all of us, but are worthy to be praised.
Like every good mother: “My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (04/27/22)
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” – Helen Lemmel
On Easter Sunday we sang these words from a beautiful hymn that was written 100 years ago in 1922. It became one of the most beloved spiritual songs of its time.
In 1875, Helen’s family immigrated to the United States from England when she was 12 years old. She loved music, and her parents provided the best vocal teachers they could find. She became a gifted singer, musician, and songwriter.
At the age of 43, she went to Germany and spent four years in intensive vocal training, where she met and married her wealthy, European husband. They moved back to the United States and later she became the vocal music teacher at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
However, tragedy struck. She developed an affliction that resulted in blindness. Her husband could not cope with the thought of a blind wife, so he abandoned her.
Nearly destitute, Helen moved to Seattle, where she continued to write poems and set them to music. In complete blindness, she would pick out the notes on a small keyboard and call on friends to record her melodies before she forgot them.
Whenever her friends asked how she was doing, she frequently replied, “I am fine in the things that count.”
She continued to write until she died thirteen days before her 98th birthday. She had authored about 500 hymns.
There are some interesting similarities between Helen Lemmel and another prolific hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. Both woman were totally blind and both used in their hymns the imagery of seeing Jesus through the eyes of faith and not through physical sight.
With all the images of bad things we see going on in the world today, how much better it would be if everyone would turn their mental, emotional, and spiritual “vision” upon Jesus.
A good way to handle one’s worldly concerns: “Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anyway.” – Winston Porter
If you would like to receive our monthly Good News email, send a request to ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com.
Zion News (04/20/22)
“There would be no Christmas if there was no Easter.” – Gordon P. Hinckley
Hinckley was a religious leader who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until his death in January 2008 at the age of 97. His quote points out the preeminence of what Christians celebrated this past Sunday over any other event in our church calendar.
Our church calendar is something of an emotional roller coaster. It begins with the exciting announcement of Christ’s birth, called Advent, followed by the widely anticipated and celebrated Christmas season. We revel during this time and enjoy family and friends, gift-giving, and are filled with a mood of generosity and benevolence toward one another. We are at an emotional high.
Then there’s the letdown. After all the gifts are unwrapped, all the festive food has been consumed, after all the goodwill has been expended, our mood shifts. Despite hoping that the Christmas spirit will last all year long, we can easily slump into an emotional low.
After that comes the season of Lent, a forty day journey that can rev us up to another emotional high as it culminates into Holy Week and ends with Easter Sunday. We have celebrated the Lord’s Supper, waved palm branches, and rejoiced in Christ’s resurrection and its promise of eternal life.
Then there’s that possible letdown again. Sure, fifty days later there is the emotional boost of Pentecost, but it doesn’t seem to bring us to the same heights as Christmas or Easter no matter how hard we try.
So after the good cheer of Christmas, the shouts of “Hosanna” and “He is risen” have faded a bit, what’s next on our church calendar? In our church’s traditional past, the ensuing time was called “Ordinary Time” which roughly lasted from early June until late November. This is a long time to go without an emotional high.
Today the United Church of Christ refers to this time as simply the Season after Pentecost. That’s probably a much better way to label it than “ordinary” which means ‘having no special or distinctive features.”
Yes, we have recently had our sanctuaries decorated with palms and lilies, had extra people in our pews, and enjoyed some of the Church’s most inspiring music and messages, but now the letdown?
Christians cannot let the upcoming time of the church calendar be anything but extraordinary. We must maintain a perpetual emotional high when it comes to doing the work Christ commanded us to do, even at the Last Supper when he said, “Love one another.”
Let us make every day of our life’s calendar be an extraordinary one.
A child’s Easter wish – “Dear Easter Bunny, This year could you fill my eggs with health and happiness and deliver them to everyone that I love. Thank you.”
Zion News (04/13/22)
“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” – James 14:4b.
There is a compelling documentary by Ken Burns that is currently airing on Public Television about the life of Benjamin Franklin. You should watch it.
Franklin died at the age of 84 on April 17, 1790 after succumbing to several illnesses and years of failing health, especially enduring a painful case of the gout. “My health continues much as it has been for some time, except that I grow thinner and weaker so that I cannot expect to hold out much longer,” Franklin wrote.
The documentary points out the enormity of Franklin’s influence during the fledgling days of our country, which he sustained up to the final moments of his life, but which often goes unrecognized today.
Franklin was there to assist Thomas Jefferson in the writing and eventual signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Franklin spent eight years in France soliciting financial and military aid for America’s fight against the British. Most historians believe that without this support the colonies could not have prevailed against the British forces during the Revolutionary War.
Three years before his death, Franklin was there during the framing of the Constitution, missing only one meeting of the Constitutional Convention during its drafting, even though he often had to be carried from his home in Philadelphia to attend those meetings at Independence Hall.
On his return from France, Franklin was considered the most popular person in America and, if he had been a few years younger, he would have probably been elected the first President of the United States.
As it was, a younger man, after his role in defeating the British, became the most popular person in America – General George Washington, whose fame then overshadowed everyone.
Both Franklin and Washington, though, exhibited the same determination to be fruitful and productive, a contributing member of society, a positive force for justice and the betterment of humankind up to the very end of their lives, for Washington died less than three years after leaving the Presidency, and Franklin died serving as President of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery.
Like the great personalities of history, we, too, appear for a little while and then vanish. So, may we all aspire to be determined to spend our lives in service to others until our time on earth ends. We should never tire of doing good works, providing positive support, and helping make better the world around us despite our own adversities and hardships.
As Franklin put it in his publication Poor Richard’s Almanack, “Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”
Zion News (04/06/22)
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers.” – Matthew 21:12.
It was the Monday of Passion Week, three days before Passover. Estimates that up to 400,000 Jews from all across the land were pouring into Jerusalem, making their annual pilgrimage to the Temple of God.
Before entering the temple, every male, twelve years of age and older, was required to pay a temple tax of one-half shekel. Now, at the temple of Jerusalem, this tax could not be paid by just any form of currency. It had to be paid by silver coins from the Phoenician city-state of Tyre because they were known for their fine quality and accurate weight.
However, half-shekels from Tyre were scarce, so often a father and son, brothers, or friends would pay their tax together with a one-shekel coin. The annual payment of this tax was carefully recorded by temple officials and a person could actually be charged back-taxes if, according to temple records, they had not paid for previous years.
The outermost part of the temple complex was known as “Solomon’s Porch” and it was there that moneychangers set up tables to provide a currency exchange service. Coinage from all over the region was brought in by these Passover pilgrims. Some coins were made of bronze, some were base metal with a silver wash, and some were almost unidentifiable and their metal had to be tested.
It was a moneychanger’s job to exchange all these different coins into shekels acceptable for payment of the temple tax – at a small profit, of course. This had been business as usual for generations.
Imagine the moneychangers’ surprise when this radical, Jesus, entered the temple courtyard and started turning over their tables, admonishing them to leave. The temple officials were also shocked by what they saw and immediately reported the incident to the high priests. Some accounts suggest this was the second Passover that Jesus had done this. This could cost the temple a lot of money. This time Jesus had to go. The incident was only four days before his eventual crucifixion.
There are several lessons we can learn from this episode in Jesus’ life, but during this Lenten Season, one point stands out. Be radical. Don’t conduct business as usual when it comes to your faith and your relationships with others. Challenge the way things have always been. Challenge the way you have always been. Let this time be not only restorative, but also transformative.
The moral of the story – “Be better than business as usual.” – Pinterest
Zion News (03/30/22)
“Have an attitude of gratitude.” – Thomas S. Monson
This is a phrase that has been repeated over the years as advice on how to live one’s life more fully. Like many common sayings, it is difficult to discover its origin or attribute the words to any single author. However, Thomas Spencer Monson (1927-2018), who was an American religious leader, author, and the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is credited with using the phrase prolifically and making it popular in the 1970s.
The phrase has been used in slightly varying forms by other notable people including: Will Rogers, John Wayne, Morgan Freeman, Chuck Norris, Steve Harvey, and, more recently, actor Sterling K. Brown. The phrase’s prevalent use indicates there must be a universal message in those few words that has significant personal meaning and appeal to those who offer it as advice to others.
Cynics might say that those who use this phrase have plenty to be grateful for. They are successful, financially comfortable, have it all. It is easy to have an attitude of gratitude when a person has everything they need and desire. Maybe so, but the apostle Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18a.
It is not easy to have an attitude of gratitude when you are not feeling well, when there is hardship and stress in one’s life, but having such an attitude is still probably one of the best remedies for many things ailing us.
Someone suggested a way to help develop a grateful attitude in oneself was by sending “thank you” notes to others. What a great idea!
Write a note of thanks to your mail carrier who brings your mail even in the worst of weather, or to your garbage hauler who gets rid of your nasty trash, or to someone who does volunteer work in your community, or to a family member or friend who cares for you, or to your pastor. You will most likely find that you won’t run out of people to send “thank you” notes to for a long time.
And, of course, if you want to have an attitude of gratitude develop in you, don’t forget to send a big “thank you” to God “from whom all blessings flow.”
The meaning of gratitude – “The secret to having it all is knowing you already do.” – Unknown
Zion News (03/23/22)
“ . . . And on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.” – Joel 2:30
The book of Joel prophesizes about the Day of the Lord, the beginning of the eternal rule of God on earth. Since the scripture’s first writing, almost every generation has proclaimed the coming of this day as they experienced conquest, famine, war, and death – also known in the book of Revelations as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
So these feelings that the end is near are not new and surface over and over again whenever humanity faces difficult times, especially during wartime.
The words of one of the most beautiful Christmas carols was written during some of the darkest days of the American Civil War. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, on December 25, 1863 responded to the near fatal wounding of his son at the Mine Run campaign in Virginia by penning the lyrics of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” There are, however, two stanzas of his poem that one rarely hears:
“Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
“It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And make forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth and good-will to men.”
Current events in our world echo the despair found in these two verses. The conquest of power-hungry depots and the atrocities of war brought on by an invading military upon innocent civilians fosters fears of escalating war throughout the world.
But Longfellow does not leave us hopeless. Neither does our God. A later stanza of his poem reads:
“Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Let us all pray that the right will swiftly prevail.
Zion News (03/16/22)
“Jesus walked this lonesome valley; he had to walk it by himself.” – American Folk Hymn
The origins of this old American gospel hymn called “Lonesome Valley” are somewhat obscure, but it appears to be a Civil War era combination of the Appalachian folk song tradition and the African American Spiritual.
The first recording and release of the song was in 1925 by the Jenkins Family and then by old-time musician, David Miller, in 1927. Since then the song has been recorded through the years by the Monroe Brothers, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, the Carolina Ramblers Stringband, the Dixie Reelers, Woody Guthrie, and Elvis Presley.
However, the original lyrics of the song did not mention Jesus. Those who had to walk the lonesome valley were “mother,” “father,” “John the Baptist,” but especially “YOU.” Over and over again the lyrics repeated the phrase, “You gotta go there by yourself.”
This song was about one’s own life journey through struggles and trials, and it attempts to offer comfort in the fact that everyone has to walk that lonesome valley, it’s not just you, and that you can persevere.
Later, the folk hymn evolved and added Jesus’ journey through his lonesome valley saying, “Oh, nobody else could walk it for him; he had to walk it by himself.”
Now the hymn, which is included in most hymnals today as “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley,” reminds us of Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness.
The forty days of Lent is a symbolic reminder of Jesus’ wilderness journey of trials and temptation and this song is appropriately encouraging us to participate in this Lenten journey with Jesus as we walk through our own lonesome valley.
We all have our struggles, have to face our own demons that keep us from living life to its fullest. Often there are others who try to help, but help must come from within us, which can be a lonesome process without God being with you along the way.
Toward the end of the Lenten season, Jesus’ walk through the lonesome valley led him to the cross. But even that did not separate him from the love of God. Psalm 23:4 proclaims, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.”
Let Jesus walk with you during this time of Lent and always.
Probably not the best way to get through a lonesome valley: “If you are lonely, turn your light off and put on a horror-movie. After a while it won’t feel like you are alone anymore.” – Pinterest
Zion News (03/09/22)
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” – Matthew 7:7
A church put together a compilation of meditations for each of the forty days of Lent written by members of its congregation. Each person chose a passage of Scripture and then wrote about what the verse meant to them.
Some of the meditations were short and personal, and others were more detailed in their explanation of what the Scripture message meant to them, often as it relates to the Lenten season.
This would be a wonderful practice for every church. Maybe Zion will try this, but we probably need to start now if we want it ready for next year’s Lenten season.
The March 9 meditation from this collection of meditations is based on Matthew 7 and is very appropriate for one’s own Lenten journey.
When Jesus says to “ask, search, and knock” he is not saying to ask to win the lottery and you will, search for buried treasure and you will find it, or knock and you will get that job you always wanted. Jesus is not talking about all the material gratification we want heaped upon us. This is all about receiving a clearer understanding about what life is truly all about.
Lent is the time in our church calendar when we especially emphasize the asking, searching, and knocking for answers to our most personal questions.
The person who wrote today’s meditation expressed the difficulties of using this time wisely though. She mentioned that it is challenging to find time to pray and that having deep and reflective conversations with God are easily pushed out of one’s day. Isn’t that so true of many of us?
However, she also acknowledges that when she takes the time to turn her overwhelming thoughts into actual words and sentences through pray and reflective contemplation, she becomes more likely to understand what is really troubling her, what she actually needs, and it helps her figure out what she should do.
She concludes her meditation by saying this about prayer, “While God probably appreciates my quick check-ins on a busy day, what He really expects is a meaningful, honest, share-all, conversation.”
This is just the beginning of Lent. Take time to have a conversation or two with God during this season of Lent.
Try this for Lent: “Be the kind of person that when your feet hit the floor each morning the Devil says, ‘Oh, crap. They’re up.’” – Anonymous
Zion News (03/02/22)
“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.” – Martin Luther
This past Sunday our closing hymn was “A Mighty Fortress” written by Martin Luther between 1527 and 1529. It is probably the best known hymn by this Protestant reformer and is a tune that is sometimes hard to get out of one’s head after singing or hearing it.
Some of you old-timers might remember as children the TV series “Davey and Goliath” which in 1960 began airing free to local television stations nationwide, from ABC, NBC and CBS Network affiliates to independent stations.
The clay-animated children’s TV series was sponsored by the United Lutheran Church in America which put aside one million dollars for its production. Luther’s melody from “A Mighty Fortress” was a natural choice as the theme song for “Davey and Goliath.”
The show is explicitly faith-based, but there is no content specifically about the Lutheran Church, which made broadcasters more comfortable with the idea of airing an overtly religious TV children’s show. The only connection with Lutherans in the show was the theme song and the Luther rose displayed in the opening of the show and in the end credits.
The show is about the adventures of a boy named Davey Hansen and his “talking” dog Goliath as they work through the dilemmas of everyday life. However, only Davey and the TV viewer can hear Goliath speak. The voice of Goliath was done by Hal Smith who is best known for his role as the town drunk, Otis Campbell, on the “Andy Griffith’s Show.”
So for many young people growing up in the 1960s, the tune of Luther’s hymn became a familiar one, but it was not meant for children’s ears alone. The impassioned and powerful lyrics of the hymn were meant to inspire soldiers fighting against the Ottoman forces during the Ottoman wars in Europe.
Take time to read the lyrics of this 500-year-old hymn. It can be a source of inspiration for you in helping overcome your own personal battles. It may also help provide a way to mentally respond to today’s troubling global events, “And tho this world, with devil’s filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.”
“Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!” – attributed to Martin Luther (But maybe not?)
Zion News (02/23/22)
“Behold, I make all things new.” – Revelation 21:5
In Revelation 21, the scripture talks about a magnificent Holy City, where God dwells among his people. It is here that God promises to wipe away every tear from His people’s eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. All people will be free from the effects of sin. Jesus declares from his Heavenly throne, “Behold I make all things new.”
“Making all things new” is a prevailing message throughout the New Testament. Christ made all things new through his teachings while on earth. When someone comes to trust those teachings, the Holy Spirit dwells within them and they become a “new creation.”
The last couple of years of the COVID pandemic have been “dark” ones. Hope has waned for many people that life will ever get back to normal. Emotional and mental health issues are on the rise. Economic hardship is on the rise. Our young peoples’ educational development has been impaired. Isolation and withdrawal from social interaction has been the response of many not able to risk the chance of contagion.
Some people have tried to resist COVID changing their lifestyle. They remain unvaccinated, don’t wear masks, and don’t adhere to social distancing guidelines. Some people have wrapped themselves up into a protective cocoon, unwilling to come out until they believe it is absolutely safe.
But whether people realize it or not, EVERYONE has been affected by the pandemic and will continue to be affected for some time to come. An obvious effect on everyone has even been the attitude of people with certain beliefs about COVID toward people with differing beliefs. Interpersonal relationships have suffered dramatically during the pandemic.
It is time to begin making all things new. We have been dragged down physically, emotionally, spiritually by the pandemic. The pandemic is not over, but being subjected to its effects can be rejected. We can stop the anger between people who handle the COVID situation differently, and burst out of cocoons that have kept us from experiencing life renewed, refreshed, and restored.
Even if we do not go back to life as normal, under any circumstances there are ways to reset a stagnant life to make it worthwhile. Find the way. “Behold, I make all things new.”
“Sometimes I wonder if all this is happening because I didn’t forward that email to 10 people.” – Coronavirus Quotes
Zion News (02/16/22)
“I would look up and laugh and love and lift.” – Howard A. Walter
This phrase comes from the second verse of the hymn “I Would Be True” which was written by Howard A. Walter in 1906.
A recent graduate of Princeton University, Walter sailed to Japan for a year to teach English. From Tokyo he mailed his mother living in Connecticut a two-stanza poem he had written as “My Creed.” The poem listed eight “I woulds” by which he would personally strive to live.
His mother was so impressed with the poem that she submitted it to Harper’s Bazaar magazine which published Walter’s personal creed in 1907. It was praised for its simple and idealistic expression of true social and ethical action.
After Walter returned to the United States, he went to seminary with a strong desire to change the world. He sailed to India as a YMCA staff member and there became a victim of the influenza pandemic of 1918 at the age of 35.
The original two stanzas of the poem sometime stand alone in hymn form and should appeal to all people as a way of living one’s life. A third verse, also attributed to Walter, is generally added in most church hymnals and is a profession of the author’s faith.
However, there are three lesser known verses to the hymn added by Walter’s friend S. Ralph Harlow. !n 1918, following Walter’s death, this friend had a dream in which Walter said that he had three more verses he would like added to the hymn. This inspired Harlow to write the additional three verses.
It’s not a bad idea to create a personal mission statement for one’s life like Walter did with his poem, “I Would Be True” or at least adopt a creed written by someone else by which to guide one’s life. Walter’s personal creed would not be a bad one to live by – “I would be true, I would be pure, I would be strong, I would be brave, I would be friend, I would be giving, and I would be humble.”
But the eighth “I would” may be the most life-changing one – “I would look up and laugh and love and lift, I would look up and laugh and love and lift.”
Zion’s prayer list has not been included here recently, but rest assured prayer is being extended for everyone with all kinds of needs during our Sunday worship services, in our Zion Good News email, and individually by members of our congregation.
February 21 is Presidents’ Day and it is a good time to pause and remember the contributions of those who have served in our nation’s highest office, but it is also a good time to pause and pray for those currently in office. May they lead honorably and with great wisdom.
“A man’s action is only a picture book of his creed.” – Sir Arthur Helps (1813-1875), English writer and early advocate of animal rights.
Zion News (02/09/22)
“The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” – Psalm 14:1 JKV
Today, most people probably think this is an awfully strong statement. Beyond that, Christians are taught that when we call someone a fool in a derogatory way, then it’s sinful.
There are good people in this world no matter what they believe. However, there are several instances in the Bible where people are reminded of their foolish words and actions. Those foolish ways apply to everyone and is the antithesis of morality.
How did morality even originate? This is a complex, controversial topic. Before government, society, civilization, some people suggest that morality is linked to the survival of the species. Sharing with, protecting, and caring for others in your immediate group of fellow beings is beneficial for one’s own survival. Was this the dawn of morality?
Another belief is that moral values came from religions, and that even the moral values of non-religious people have come about from the religious traditions surrounding them. More and more it seems people are rebelling against this idea.
The theist believes in a god, but not necessarily in religion. The atheist is someone who doesn’t believe in a god. An agnostic is someone who doesn’t believe it’s possible to know for sure that a god exists. People who hold these beliefs also often have in common a belief in secular humanism.
The basic tenet of secular humanism is that human beings are capable of being ethical, moral, and rational without any supernatural interference of a god and without any religion, superstition, or pseudoscience. The origins of morality lie instinctively inside human beings.
Christians agree that humans are capable of being moral, but humankind’s past proves that humans are also capable of great immorality. There is evidence that a move away from religious faith can bring about a moral breakdown in society. And do any of these other beliefs provide effective transmission of moral values to society and its future? Will family units, public education, the political system, law enforcement, civic organizations, or social media, provide moral guidance?
The work of Christians should be about providing moral guidance to the world. Although it may seem counterintuitive, it means working cooperatively with others who hold differing, even non-religious, no-God beliefs in order to transform society into a kinder, gentler, more abundant life for everyone.
After all, Jesus’ New Commandment is pretty straightforward, “Love one another.”
“Always do what is right. It will please half of mankind and surprise the other.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (02/02/22)
“Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea . . .” – Cecil Frances Alexander
As a small girl growing up in County Wicklow, Ireland in the 1820s, Cecil Frances Humphries wrote poetry in her school journal. Little did anyone suspect that she would become one of the most beloved and prolific hymn writers of the nineteenth century.
She is credited with authoring over 400 hymns. Among them are titles like “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “There Is a Green Hill Far Away,” and the Christmas carol “Once in Royal David’s City.”
Like many Christian women of this era, Cecil was devoted to children’s religious education and used hymns as a tool in their instruction. She taught children about the seasons and feasts of the Christian year and wrote a book for Sunday school teachers.
In 1850, at the age of 32, Miss Humphries married Rev. William Alexander, who later became the chief Anglican bishop of Ireland. She began her mission to help disadvantaged people by traveling many miles each day to visit the sick and the poor, providing food, warm clothes, and medical supplies to them. She and her sister also founded a school for the deaf.
Her hymn, “Jesus Calls Us o’er the Tumult,” is something of an exception in that it was not written as a children’s hymn and was composed after her marriage. In 1852, the hymn first appeared in a collection called Hymns for Public Worship.
But what could have been the “tumult” she was referring to in the 1850s. Tension between Imperial Russia and Great Britain and Ireland was leading up to a military conflict called the Crimean War. The initial cause of the war involved the rights of the Christian minority in Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Soon France allied with Britain and Ireland to protect the rights of Roman Catholics living in Palestine. Russia was promoting the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the United States the Fugitive Slave Act provided that slaves escaping to the northern Free states had to be returned to their owner’s in the South, and in 1852 Harriett Beecher Stowe published her anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
In short, the 1850s proved to be a turbulent decade. There were sick, poor, and disadvantaged people, there was injustice among the races, and there was the threat of war between Russia and allied European nations. Does any of this sound familiar?
We may not be able to change history or even keep it from repeating itself, but Mrs. Alexander’s hymn provides solid advice on how we can personally deal with the human events of today when it says that Jesus calls us over the tumult and his sweet voice soundeth, saying, “Christian follow Me.”
“The best advice I can give anybody about going out into the world is this: DON’T DO IT. I’ve been out there. It is a mess.” – Russell Baker, American Journalist
Zion News (01/26/22)
“On Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests . . .” – Matthew 14:6 NSV
During Jesus’ time on earth, it is clear there were multi-day wedding celebrations like those he and his mother attended at Cana in Galilee where he turned water into wine. But were there birthday celebrations?
The Old Testament mentions Pharaohs of Egypt celebrating their birthdays. In the New Testament, King Herod celebrated his birthday. John the Baptist was actually beheaded at Herodias’ daughter’s request during one of his birthday celebrations – the Baptist’s head presented to her on a platter.
These passages of Scripture led some early Christians to respond negatively to the celebration of birthdays. Birthdays were reserved for the rich and powerful who celebrated themselves with feasts and wine and revelry. Basically, whenever the Bible mentions someone celebrating birthdays, it was never by a servant of God, it was done by people who weren’t following God.
Since ancient times, birthdays were also linked to the mystical science of astrology, which was considered an anti-Christian practice. In Isaiah 47:13, the prophet says that one of the reasons God’s wrath came to bear on the city of Babylon was that the people there practiced astrology.
In fact, partly because there were no common calendars, for centuries ordinary people did not even keep track of the exact date of their birth, let alone celebrate it. This is still the case in some parts of the world where people don’t know their birth date for various reasons.
However, by the middle 1800s, many of the trappings of birthday celebrations we know today came into being. In Germany, the birthday cake, with a candle on top for each year of one’s life, was invented. With high-production printing techniques and improved postal systems, sending birthday cards came into vogue.
Actually, the Bible does not condemn the celebration of birthdays. They can serve as thanking God for the lives of others around you and to show them you care about them and that they matter. It’s a way of saying, “I’m glad you were born.”
But beyond just our birthday, Christians are charged with making every day God has provided a celebration of being alive and being thankful for every breath we take as a gift from God.
There is a fun mathematical problem called the birthday paradox which states, that in a random group of only 23 people, there is about a 50/50 chance that two people will have the same birthday. At one time, our small congregation at Zion had three pairs of members sharing a birthday, and twice had three members with the same birthday. It is always fun to wish someone else a “Happy Birthday” on one’s own birthday.
“There is still no cure for the common birthday.” – John Glenn
Zion News (01/19/22)
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them . . .” – Matthew 7:12
Aren’t these words of Jesus at the root of understanding others and living peacefully with one another? However, the divisions in society today seem to be widening and increasingly hostile.
People want to be understood. They want their ideas and opinions to be validated by others. That causes people to seek out like-minded individuals and groups who are easier to get along with than those whose opinions are different and challenging to their own.
This past Monday was Martin Luther King Jr’s Day. Not everyone celebrated it. Coming soon In Illinois, Abraham Lincoln and Casimir Pulaski’s birthdays will be celebrated, but folks in Virginia have a State holiday to remember Thomas Jefferson’s birthday and ask, “Abraham who?” It’s all about a person’s perspective.
A current TV commercial for General Insurance features Shaquille O’Neal and a young girl walking together. Shaq is in apparent pain as he trudges along. The girl says, “Turns out it is hard walking a mile in another person’s shoes.” She is wearing a pair of Shaq’s size 23 sneakers while Shaq is trying to walk in a pair of her tiny shoes. This is a literal demonstration of how hard it is to walk in another person’s shoes, but to figuratively walk in another person’s shoes, to understand what that person is going through, their perspective, can be just as difficult.
Perspective-taking is a term used about the process of understanding a situation from the point of view of another person. It involves consciously listening to the perspective of others and to see it simply as a perspective – not as something good or bad. This allows a person to better understand not only the other person’s viewpoint, but also helps us to better explore one’s own point of view.
You can spoon-feed information and facts to people, but you can’t force their understanding. However, if you desire to be better understood, first try understanding others better.
It’s hard to do: “Trying to understand the behavior of someone is like trying to smell the color 9.” – funsubstance.com
Zion News (01/12/22)
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” – John 14:1 KJV
The first six words of this scripture verse are powerful and, although translated from Jesus’ spoken language of Aramaic and into the written book of John in Greek, the English version of Christ’s directive to us is still striking in its simplicity.
Thomas Hardy, an English poet and novelist added to these six words his own six words, “And neither let it be afraid.” This addition to the scripture became so popular that many people thought it was part of the original Biblical verse.
“Let not your heart be troubled, and neither let it be afraid,” are words of encouragement that we need to hear and trust today. Troubled and fearful hearts over pandemic issues, political issues, and spiritual issues abound. People are suffering from mental and emotional distress on a large scale. The cold January winds, gloomy skies, and long nights can trigger depression in anyone.
It is unclear what Hardy’s true religious beliefs were, but he referenced Biblical scripture often in his works. The traditional family values he acquired as a youth, which included attending church regularly with his parents, was the most likely source of Christian influence found in his poetry and novels.
Hardy died on January 11, 1928 and his ashes were buried in Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey, immediately to the north of the grave of Charles Dickens. Some of the mourners at his gravesite were his widow Florence, Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, Rudyard Kipling, Sir James Barrie, George Bernard Shaw, and A.E. Housman.
However, his heart was buried where his parents had been buried. The inscription on his memorial in the churchyard there reads “Here lies the heart of Thomas Hardy O.M. (Order of Merit) son of Thomas and Jemima Hardy.”
“Where the heart lies” is a metaphor that applies to all of us. For Hardy, the traditional values and love he experienced in his youth must have meant much more to him than all the accolades he received later in life because he literally had his heart laid in his family cemetery plot.
Where does your heart lie? For Christians, the second part of John 14:1 should be a clear indication where it should be, “Ye believe in God, believe also in me.” If you start there, your heart will lie in the right place.
Additional advice: “Where the heart lies, let the brain lie also.” – Robert Browning
Zion News (01/05/22)
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire
A recent article from washingtonpost.com discussed an exodus of clergy who have left the ministry in the past couple years because of a “powerful combination of pandemic demands and political stress.” There is fighting about masks and vaccine mandates. There are arguments about whether or not religious leaders should express political views that might alienate some members of their congregation. There is debate whether Zoom worship services creates or stifles spiritual community.
At any rate, it appears that pastoral burnout has been high and some research suggests this is a period of crisis for American clergy. A published survey of Protestant pastors found that 38 percent said they had considered quitting full-time ministry since 2020.
Some reasons cited by pastors considering quitting the ministry were that circumstances prevented them from satisfactorily doing their jobs of visiting members of their congregation, having live worship, enjoying meaningful social fellowship with one another, and being able to discuss political views in an amicable way with parishioners.
In addition to these reasons, amid all the controversy and chaos going on today, it may also be that clergy are being under-appreciated. After all, clergy are only human and “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than expected.” – Unknown. But not all clergy are receiving much positive reinforcement these days.
So every church-goer should take time to voice appreciation for their pastor’s efforts, but appreciation should not end there. Reflecting on the past year, we should express our appreciation for those who care for our churches, spiritually, physically, and fiscally.
We appreciate those who help prepare and participate in worship services, the musicians and singers who add their talents to the worship experience. We should not neglect appreciating the quiet helper elves who keep things in and around the church buildings running smoothly and in well-maintained condition. We appreciate those who regularly attend services and provide financial support for the churches and their missions.
As we approach Epiphany on January 6, the time when the Magi visited the Christ child, we at Zion want to send heartfelt appreciation to our own three wise men who have been providing pulpit supply for our congregation during these unusual times: Rev. Kenneth Roedder, Pastor Dennis Hanner, and Rev. Leroy Allison. You are all greatly appreciated!
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins
Zion News (12/29/21)
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” – Alfred Lord Tennyson
The New Year is rapidly approaching and with it arises a desire for better things to come. For many, January 1 is a time for shedding the past and looking forward to a brighter future. For others it is a time of gloomy pessimism that the future won’t be any different or any better.
The Bible doesn’t put a specific date on when we should expect something new in our lives. Isaiah simply says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
On the other hand, some of us put enormous pressure on ourselves to make the New Year a time to do a new thing. We come up with resolutions to alter our habits, change our lifestyle, or adjust our attitude in almost unrealistic ways that are doomed to fail.
Then there are those who don’t try to do anything new at all because it is too difficult or they are certain they will fail anyway. There has to be some middle ground.
Paul writes in the book of Philippians about forgetting all that lies behind us, and straining forward to what lies in front of us and says, “Meanwhile, let us go forward from the point we have each attained.” Paul recognizes that for most people a radical change in one’s life is not instantaneous. Instead, a new life, doing a new thing, is a process that takes time, and setting a timetable for this to happen is probably going to end up in disappointment.
But new life happens for people and no one should give up striving to make their life better. Christians should have a good handle on what makes life better – discovering the will of God for our lives is one. Proverbs 21:21 also suggests that pursuing righteousness and love will help us find life, prosperity, and honor. Maybe those should be two of our New Year’s resolutions for 2022.
At any rate, don’t be afraid of the future – Christians believe the future is in God’s hands, but we also believe we are to serve as God’s hands whenever possible. That could be another New Year’s resolution for you – service to others.
The possibilities of making the New Year brighter for us and others are almost endless. And taking small steps instead of attempting giant leaps to make this happen is just fine. Here is wishing everyone a Happy New Life in the coming year.
“We are so excited for the New Year. Unfortunately, we don’t have any resolutions to make since we’re already perfect.” – Internet, unattributed.
Zion News (12/22/21)
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”– Matthew 2:2 NKJV
It probably won’t burst anyone’s bubble to hear that these three wise men, astronomers of their day, were traveling with their entourage to see the newborn Jesus in the spring or summer, not in the cold midwinter.
Due to the inaccuracies of human calendar-making, modern scholars and astronomers have concluded that the traditional day of December 25 as the actual birthday of Jesus is not correct.
Besides that, humans have a way of scheduling holidays to meet their own agenda. As early as 336, the church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25. The holiday marked the return to longer days and a time of a pagan holiday called Saturnalia where people feasted and exchanged gifts. This was also the birthday of another deity, Mithra, whose cult was growing popular among Roman soldiers.
Emperor Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire and discouraged the celebration of Saturnalia and the worship of Mithra by substituting the celebration of the birth of Jesus during the same time period.
So, what about all the Christmas traditions that have come out of celebrating Christmas when we do. The harvest has ended and we can rest; we are approaching the end of the year with hope; we bring in the evergreens and the yule logs from the snow-laden forest; there are chestnuts roasting on an open fire; and be are dreaming of a white Christmas. None of this works in April or August.
Is Christmas on December 25 just a fantasy? Do we conjure up these warm-and-fuzzy images as an escape from reality?
It really doesn’t matter when we celebrate Christmas. It’s all about Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” We should celebrate that God is with us every day. And these images of families happily celebrating together, peace on earth, and good will toward others, are not fantasies, but are visions of what can and should be because God is with us.
“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To your opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” – Oren Arnold, Old West novelist.
Zion News (12/08/21)
“Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Henry Grantland “Granny” Rice was an early 20th century sportswriter and radio broadcaster. He played on Vanderbilt University’s football and baseball teams from 1898-1901.
Rice may best be remembered for his quote, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”
However, more modern sports quotes often express quite a different sentiment including the bold statement of Vince Lombardi who said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,” and race car driver Damon Hill’s quote, “Winning is everything. The only ones who remember you when you come in second are your wife and dog.”
Most Christians should quickly realize that the scripture above tells us how to live life well and that it is important how we play the game of life. The scripture also reminds us that the good life comes through healthy relationships by having unity of spirit and love for one another.
You don’t have to have an abundance of things or win all the time. When a person is at peace with others, life can be good. It you are always in competition with others, at odds with people and their opinions, you can possess all things and life still isn’t that great.
Christians are charged with setting a good example of how to live life abundantly. That is not measured by our successes, our winning, our accumulation of things, but by how we promote a unity of spirit among all people.
Another bit of wisdom and humor from an American literary legend: “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (12/01/21)
“The love of money is the root of all evil.” – Timothy 6:10
The Church has entered the Advent Season, a time of giving and goodwill toward others.
However, in the early 1980s, some of you may remember seeing bumper stickers on expensive cars with the phrase, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” This sentiment has been attributed to Malcolm Forbes, entrepreneur and publisher of Forbes magazine. But whoever endorsed such a notion, it still comes off as a lack of concern for the condition of others, not to mention it is almost a sacrilege to put a bumper sticker on a Porsche or Lamborghini.
At that time the nation seemed to be caught up in a romance with money. Wall Street and the political climate led people away from thinking that “the root of all evil is money” and that “the best things in life are free.”
Eventually the economy went sour and so did the fantasy that everyone who could think outside the box could get rich. People began to understand that man does not live by that kind of bread alone, and people began hating the rich instead of envying them for their obscene riches.
Forty years later, look at our nation now. Are we trending to put personal wealth above almost everything else? Are our political decisions based on supporting those who will protect our pocketbooks? Or are people ready for something else?
This is not meant as a political commentary. It is something Christians should think about. Christ did not condemn those who had money. Money of itself is not evil. Christ is concerned about how people use their money.
There is a world full of useful and rewarding work that we can do – from helping preserve the planet, God’s Creation, to giving to the local food pantries. We can teach our youth not how to become rich, but how to be happy. We can learn to understand the value of something, not the price.
May this Advent Season be a blessing for us and those around us by entering into it with a generous and caring heart.
This also can be true. “The lack of money is the root of all evil.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (11/24/21)
“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” – 1 Chronicles 29:13
Thanksgiving Day is upon us. In his 1863 Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln said, “The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and even soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.”
So a day has been set aside for us to be thankful and express our gratitude for all good things around us. Amid the preparation and partaking of a great feast, among friends and family gathering to watch parades and football games on TV, is there enough time allotted to observe Thanksgiving adequately?
After a delicious Thanksgiving repast, some families go around the table and reflect on what they are thankful for. There is the obligatory listing of “family, friends, and spouses,” which is echoed repeatedly by each person in their turn, especially the “spouse” or significant other part.
Then, the list may include, “God, Jesus Christ, and the United States of America.” Going a little deeper into the thought process about what we are thankful for brings forth some conceptual additions to the list like “faith, love, life, liberty, health, and happiness.”
But, then, someone says something like, “I am thankful for water,” the substance that sustains us, cleans our bodies, nourishes the earth and all that grows in it. Water, which we often use so frivolously and wastefully, is one of the most important ingredients of life, and yet it is taken for granted, and “so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which (it) comes.”
With so many things, big and small, tangible and intangible, for which to be thankful, how can our gratitude be contained in a single day? Having a thankful heart 24/7 will have a profound effect on one’s life. Let’s make every day Thanksgiving Day.
“You ask me for a sentiment which shall state how much I have to be thankful for this time. For years it has been a rule with me not to expose my gratitude in print on Thanksgiving Day, but I wish to break the rule now and pour out my thankfulness; for there is more of it than I can contain without straining myself.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (11/17/21)
“For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.” – Colossians 1:16a
Coming up later this month, on November 28, is a generally unobserved holiday called Red Planet Day. This day honors our celestial neighbor, Mars, the fourth planet in the solar system.
On Red Planet Day, we are to take a few minutes to look upward into the nighttime sky and gaze at our neighbor. The day also commemorates the launch of the Spacecraft Mariner 4 on November 28, 1964 as it set out toward its mission to Mars.
Humans throughout history have looked into the sky at its beauty and wonder. Our exploration of the heavens above has barely begun and yet we find it is even more awesome than our ancestors could have ever imagined.
Astronomers are discovering thousands of planets in orbit around other stars and it is estimated there are billions of Earth-like planets in our galaxy. Some scientists have also estimated that, at the current rate of discovery, there will be evidence of life on other planets in the next decade or less.
The Bible doesn’t specifically address the matter of the existence of life on other planets, but it does provide us with some insight into the nature of God as Creator.
It’s pretty easy to see that God has packed our planet with as much life as possible and as diverse as possible. God really seems to enjoy the act of creating, so why should we limit our thinking that his creation of life is exclusive to one planet instead of there being abundant life everywhere.
The big question is, how are we going to handle proof that there is life out there if or when it is discovered? Are we intellectually and emotionally ready? Has humankind learned from past experiences how to respect and care for God’s creation no matter how different it may be from what we know and understand?
It’s never too early to start asking the Creator for guidance on this matter.
And we pray for his continued loving care for this universe, this planet that we have sometimes neglected, the nations of the earth that struggle to coexist peacefully, the cities and small communities of people who are challenged with physical needs, and the individual who feels lost and forgotten. We pray for his loving care for us all.
“I’d like to die on Mars, just not on impact.” – Elon Musk
Zion News (11/10/21)
“There but for the grace of God go I.” – John Bradford 1553
Grace is talked about a lot in the Bible. In fact, one source says it is mentioned nearly 170 times in the scriptures. However, the above quote did not originate from any Bible text.
The quote is generally attributed to John Bradford, who said it upon seeing poor, starving, even crippled “criminals” of the State being led to their execution. Bradford, who was a Protestant living in Roman Catholic England, was executed two years later for heresy.
The idea of divine grace exists in many religions, and it can hold a different meaning for different people. Grace may be thought of as God’s influence on humans that inspires virtuous tendencies or provides strength to endure life’s trials and temptations.
A popular secular meaning for grace is the concept of “paying it forward” when a person receives something from someone and passes it on, and that person then passes it on, until the world around them begins to change for the better.
For Christians, grace is the free and unmerited favor and mercy of God. God sent Jesus Christ to secure our salvation from sin. We really had nothing to do with it. We really have no control over it. It is just there for us.
Veterans Day is November 11 and many soldiers surviving combat must have the phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” stuck in their heads when they see the killed and wounded being carried off the battlefield. They know they are no more spiritually superior than their fallen comrades; they were not more deserving to survive than the soldier next to them. Their gratitude for the grace that saved them would be intense.
So that is how Christians should feel every day – intensely grateful for the grace we have received. Living which such gratitude makes a huge difference in one’s life!
“In the New Testament, religion is grace and ethics is gratitude.” – Thomas Erskine, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain 1806.
Zion News (11/03/21)
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord . . . A king is not saved by his great army, a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.” – Psalms 33:12-16
Veterans Day is November 11. This is a day for honoring those who have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.
The day also marks the end of WW I when hostilities were formally ended with Germany at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day because Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died while in military service.
The Bible does not shy away from the subject of war. So far, throughout the history of the world, war seems to be inevitable, part of the human condition. King David also wrote, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.” (Psalms 144:1)
But David’s perspective on war is similar to what you will find from most of our US veterans. That perspective is that it is not the size of the army, nor the might of the soldier, but it is the resolve to do what is right and just as a people with a higher calling that is the true strength of a nation.
Many of us have either served, had family members who have served, or know someone who has served in the military. Take time this Veterans Day to talk with veterans and thank them for their service.
Zion’s prayers often include those serving in our armed forces and for those whose lives have been, and are being, devastated by the destruction of war. The terrors of war are ever-present in this world.
Zion News (10/27/21)
“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.” – John Fawcett (1739-1817)
John Fawcett, orphaned at 12, was converted to Christianity under the powerful preaching of George Whitefield while the evangelist delivered a message to 20,000 people in an open field. Upon telling Whitefield he wanted to also preach, the evangelist gave Fawcett his blessing.
After his ordination in 1765, Fawcett and his wife, Mary, went to serve a congregation at Wainsgate, England. “The people were all farmers and shepherds, poor as Job’s turkey; an uncouth lot whose speech one could hardly understand, unable to read or write; most of them pagans cursed with vice and ignorance and wild tempers.”
After Fawcett had established a thriving congregation at Wainsgate, a prestigious parish in London, with more financial resources, extended a call. John and Mary decided to accept.
As they were loading up a cart with their belongings to go, the despondent and teary-eyed parishioners came to say goodbye.
“I can’t stand it, John! I know not how to go,” said Mary.
John said to the crowd, “We’ve changed our minds! We are going to stay!” And they stayed there for 54 years.
At that time, it was the practice of many ministers to write hymns on the theme of the day to be sung at the conclusion of the sermon. It is not known if Fawcett’s hymn “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” was written in connection with his near leaving of Wainsgate, but the hymn has undoubtedly been sung by more Christians upon parting than any other hymn.
Zion often uses a verse of this hymn as the closing response of our worship service. One of the most powerful verses of the hymn is the third, “We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear; and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.”
Zion News (10/20/21)
“I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; also that it is God’s gift that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Some people may find it difficult to enjoy life and be happy. They may be under heavy burdens of health issues, financial issues, and other concerns that are hurting them physically and emotionally.
Other people just won’t let themselves enjoy life and be happy. They let worry and stress, anxiety and fear about things they have no control over suck the joy out of their lives.
The interesting thing is that the people who seem to have the most burdens and challenges can also be those who are the most happy, while those who seem to have everything can be the most miserable and unhappy.
In which category do you fit? Have you ever marveled at a physically disabled person who displays unbounded happiness and felt embarrassed that you aren’t as happy? Or have you seen people who have very few possessions and barely enough money to get by with a big smile on their face, and been a little self-conscience about all the things you have? If so, then maybe there’s hope for you.
We are to enjoy life and be happy, but happiness is an attitude, not a circumstance. The Apostle Paul was happy with his life even when he was persecuted and imprisoned. In fact he said, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11)
So, our prayer this week should be, “Lord, teach me to be happy and enjoy life no matter my circumstances in life.”
A good indicator of your happiness and not your age: “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (10/13/21)
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.” – Matthew 6:34
Whenever we read these words of Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount, many of us can’t help but start hearing in our heads or humming aloud the song “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.”
In 1974 this song, first made popular by Kris Kristofferson, was nominated by the Academy of Country Music Awards as Song of the Year, which demonstrates the enormous impact it had on people then, and its message continues to impact people today.
Near Capernaum, on a hill in northern Israel called Mount Eremos, now referred to as Mount of Beatitudes, Jesus is teaching his disciples and others who have gathered to listen to him that we should take one day at a time. Worry takes away from today and adds nothing to tomorrow.
Anxiety, stress, worry, and fear, are all feelings and emotions that affect us on a daily basis. They can set the course of the day and affect our decision-making in a negative way.
Jesus does not want us to make decisions based on an apprehension of the future and things we have no control over. He wants our lives to be centered on a perspective built upon his spiritual truths and not on worldly things.
This does not imply there won’t be challenges in our lives, every day, present and future, but it does set a course for meeting and managing those challenges. Maybe that can be summarized as worry less and act more, live life more faithfully, or come up with your own motivational phrase.
So, we should all make our prayer be like the last line of the song’s chorus, “Lord, help me today, show me the way, one day at a time.”
Something you may be hearing more and more these days is that “we need to pray for our nation.” During the Joys and Concerns part of our Sunday morning worship services, Jerry Hale used to always remind us to pray for our country. Without a doubt this is something we ought to be doing in church and privately.
We know how it feels: “I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me all at once.” – Yoddler.com
Zion News (10/06/21)
“There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” – Luke 21:11
The Bible also adds to this unpleasant list of catastrophic events things like war, fires, increase in crime, the deterioration of family and society, and the ruining of the earth by mankind as all heralding the end of times.
We could also add to this list the floods, and hurricanes, and volcanoes that the world is currently experiencing.
Are we at the end of times? In the year 999, Pope Sylvester II had difficulty keeping some of his Catholic priests actively ministering to the people because they believed the end of times was coming in the year 1000. How foolish! But weren’t there people in 1999 who thought the end was coming in the year 2000?
A recent Internet blog about Bible prophesy claims that the end of times already began in 1914. Some people believed the Mayan calendar marked the end of the world as December 21, 2012.
People can really get hung up on trying to read something into events they think signal the end of the world. Christians, however, clearly know what Jesus had to say about this, “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)
So Jesus took all the pressure off us with this statement. By removing any great apprehension or anxiety about having to look for signs of the end, we can live as if it is the last day of our life, or that tomorrow is the first day of our life, in the comforting knowledge that the fate of the world is ultimately in God’s hands.
But that does not mean we can sit idly by waiting for the end. Jesus didn’t tell his disciples that no one knows when the end of the world will come so they would be complacent. He meant quite the opposite.
By not stressing about the end of the world, Christians should be proactively striving to make their lives better, to help others have better lives, to make the world better because we just don’t know how long we, and our posterity, are all going to be in this together.
Our prayers and concerns, then, go out to the multitudes who have had their lives devastated by natural disasters. The anguish from the loss of loved ones, the loss of homes and livelihoods, is beyond the ability of most of us to comprehend.
“The world will end on December 31, 2099 because that is the date the Windows calendar stops.” – Quotegrams.com
Zion News (09/29/21)
“Don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.” Matthew 10:19b (NLT)
Of course this Bible verse refers to knowing what to say when a believer is dragged before a king or governor and questioned about their faith. However, it can easily apply to any time a Christian is concerned about knowing what to say in any particular circumstance.
For instance, it is not always easy to find the right words to say when someone is struggling with serious difficulties like a bad medical diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. Often we even worry about saying the wrong thing, so we don’t say anything at all.
But saying nothing is not what Christians are called to do. No, we are not to spout platitudes, opinions, and advice to those who are hurting and distressed, but we can offer words of comfort, an empathizing ear, and sometimes a sympathizing tear.
The right words do not need to be profound, but can be just simple expressions of love and concern. If you have to think too hard about what to say, then you are sometimes not letting God speak through you.
Write a short note to someone who needs to be comforted, text or email someone, call them on the phone, or visit them. We all know that doing something for others ends up making us feel better, too. Try it and find out.
Among all the good things God has provided, there are times of heartache in our lives. Again we want to lift up prayer for all those who are lonely, those who are struggling in many different ways, those who are sick and dying. They are always in our midst and we are called upon to not walk on the opposite side of the road to avoid them, but to administer to their needs. Caring for others makes God’s good world even better.
There has been another mass shooting this past week. One news report stated that there has been over 500 mass shootings so far this year with over 500 people killed and over 2000 wounded. Let us pray that our society can right itself and find ways to overcome this senseless violence.
Sage advice: “Remember not only to say the right thing at the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” – Benjamin Franklin
Zion News (09/22/21)
“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” – Matthew 15:26
A Canaanite woman came to Jesus asking for mercy. Her daughter was demon-possessed and suffering terribly.
This event described in Matthew may be perplexing and subject to different interpretations. How could Jesus basically refer to this women in need as a dog? Was this a racial slur? Was this just a mistranslation?
Probably the disciples themselves were unsure what Jesus was saying. Was he upholding the belief that the spiritual truths he was speaking were only for the Jews? For a long time the apostle, Peter, believed a person had to come from a Jewish background in order to become a Christian.
There seems to be a harshness in the way Jesus responded to the woman, a harshness that many people cannot identify as a characteristic the loving and caring Jesus would have. This is not the Jesus we believe we know.
Or was Jesus again making a point to his disciples. The Jews did not care for the Canaanites and probably the disciples’ own prejudice toward them was emboldened when Christ called the woman a dog. They responded coldly, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
Maybe Jesus was putting on an act. Maybe he wanted to bring the disciples’ prejudices out in the open and let them see how ugly there are. Maybe he meant to show them that his spiritual truths are for everyone.
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Our thoughts and concerns are for all those who need healing – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. There are several in our extended faith community facing serious physical challenges. There are many coping with the loss of loved ones, many dealing with the challenges of life-changing circumstances, many who feel lost and alone. We know them by name. We remember them in our prayers.
When we can be agents of healing, we should act by sending cards or letters of encouragement, talking on the phone with those who are hurting, visiting them. Jesus was present for those who needed healing.
“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form an opinion without having to get the facts.” – E. B. White, author of children’s books like “Stuart Little” and “Charlotte’s Web.”
Zion News (09/15/21)
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
The day can certainly be evil. Things can eat away at your time and you end up exhausted at the end of the day with the feeling you’ve accomplished nothing.
One of the evils of a day can be deadlines. It’s not that deadlines are necessarily bad because some people are inspired to accomplish tasks by having deadlines. However, many people view deadlines with dread and waste time that could be productive by worrying and fretting, whining and groaning, about a looming deadline.
The scripture above tells us to make the most of our time. It is unwise to spend time worrying about accomplishing a task when it would be wiser to spend that time actually working on the task. We all know that. It is easier said than done.
Christians are called to not allow the evils of the day to control or overwhelm them. In fact, Christians are supposed to be able to seize the day and make it into whatever God would want it to be.
All of us will experience earthly deadlines until we face the ultimate deadline – the passing from this life. It would be wise to make the most of one’s time before that deadline is reached.
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they go by.” – Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
Zion News (09/08/21)
“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.” – Genesis 6:11
From the very beginning of the Old Testament, we read about humankind’s violent tendencies. How readily apparent it is that today is no different.
This September 11 marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and 20 years later, our world is still witnessing the same kind of terrorist violence.
According to a World Report on Violence and Health, each year, over 1.6 million people worldwide lose their lives to violence. Violence is among the leading causes of death for people aged 15–44 years worldwide, accounting for 14% of deaths among males and 7% of deaths among females.
The most dangerous country to live in is El Salvador because it has the highest murder rate in the world.
However, violence comes in many forms that does not result in loss of life. If all forms of violence such as domestic violence, sexual violence, mental violence, neglect, and other forms of violence are considered, then the number of people subjected to violence each year is even more staggering.
It has been approximately 3.5 millennium since the above scripture was written. Nothing much has changed. Society has innumerable questions about how to deal with all this violence and only scant answers.
Christ gave us the answer, to follow his teachings and his way. Yet, people who label themselves as Christians engage in violent behavior toward others, toward their spouse or children, toward those with different beliefs, toward those of different race, gender, social status, or who are just different from them.
Let us pray that we can all follow better the new commandment Christ gave us at the Last Supper, to “love one another.” No legislation or law enforcement would mitigate violence in the world any quicker.
“Nothing good ever comes of violence.” – Martin Luther
Zion News (09/01/21)
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
There are several ways to interpret this scripture and apply it to our daily lives – don’t do drugs, don’t overindulge in alcohol or food, or don’t maintain a habit of any kind that does harm to one’s body.
Most Christians do not engage, or at least know they should not engage, in these types of excessive behavior that can do damage to the physical body. However many people do engage is more subtle behavior that is also detrimental to one’s “temple of the Holy Spirit.”
Most doctors agree that stress is one of the most damaging things a person can engage in that causes harm to our brain and body. Some good news is that a recent PBS documentary on keeping one’s brain healthy suggested that a little stress is good for stimulating the brain’s neurons, which keeps them active and in good working condition.
Chronis stress is different. Prolonged stress can cause the brain to be paralyzed in a “fight or flight” condition that is unhealthy for the brain and, subsequently, unhealthy for the body.
There are so many purported remedies for stress on TV and on the Internet that tell a person to do this, take this, and buy that. But this PBS documentary suggested some simple things we all can do.
Move is one of the suggestions. No excessive exercise is required. Ten minutes a day of some form of movement can make a big difference in your stress level and help your brain, memory, and body. Walking is one of the best things a person can do for their body.
Meditation was another suggestion. This doesn’t have to be Yoga-type meditation, but just focus on something, like a loved one’s face, for a while each day.
Other suggestions included getting a good night’s sleep and being active in life-long learning.
Come to think of it, Christ set a pretty good example of how to deal with stress, like the stress of crowds pressing around him and the stress of the authorities moving against him.
Not only did Christ do a lot of walking, but he would often go off by himself and pray. Prayer can be the ultimate form of stress reduction for a Christian, especially when the prayer includes the phrase, “Not my will, but thy will be done.”
“Some people say the body is a temple. Mine is a bouncy castle.” – Pinterst.com
Zion News (08/25/21)
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24
On Netflix there is a documentary called “Fantastic Fungi.” One overpowering theme of the film underscores how little we humans understand, and how much we underappreciate, the glory of God’s creation.
Mushrooms are fungi. The largest single living organism on earth is a honey mushroom in Oregon. It is 2385 acres in size and may be up to 8650 years old.
Most scientists agree that mushrooms have been around for at least 800 million years, but this documentary suggest that fungi have been around much longer, one of the earliest forms of life, existing over 2 billion years ago.
That tiny mushroom in your yard may have up to 300 miles of “tentacles” growing beneath it with trillions of microscopic “neuron-like” appendages – more of these than the human brain’s supply of actual neurons.
In dense forests where fungi thrive, mushrooms create a huge, underground interconnecting network that some scientists believe may allow trees to “communicate” with one another. Through this vast network, a “mother” tree may be able to nourish its offspring if the sapling is in distress.
It is estimated there are over five million species of fungus, which is many times more than all the animal, plant, and insect species combined. And science is continually discovering how much these organisms are a blessing to us and our planet.
Fungus breaks down organic material, like dead plants and animals, which aids the growth of new life. Fungus can clean up oil spills and other hydro-carbon based material, returning nutrients to the soil.
Medical benefits have been derived from fungus, such as penicillin, and more research is being conducted on other ways fungus can help people overcome some of our most devastating health issues including Alzheimer’s disease.
We couldn’t even enjoy our daily bread if not for one fungus – yeast.
How amazing and wonderful is God’s creation! Take time and find ways to enjoy it.
“The world owes you nothing. It was here first.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (08/18/21)
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
You have seen it on tee shirts and posters. There is even a country song about it. But screen actress Bette Davis may have been one of the first to make it popular to say, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”
Aging is not easy. Physical aches and pains become more and more common. It can easily lead to moments of depression and a sense of loneliness. It can cause great anxiety and fear about one’s future.
However the Bible presents growing old as a normal, natural part of life and that there is honor involved in the aging process. Growing old is generally accompanied by increased wisdom through one’s life experiences. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31).
At the end of the day, for Christians, the question of growing old cannot be separated from questions about the meaning of life and thoughts about what legacy we leave our family, others, and our world. The Psalmist explains it this way, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”
That thought provides meaning and purpose to our lives even as we age. So as we grow older, may we be courageous and fearless throughout all our adversities, live with a sense of purpose and meaning, and let our inner self be renewed each day.
The world needs our thoughts and prayers. We cannot close our eyes or harden our hearts to all the need around us and far away. COVID continues to disrupt our lives and cause great physical suffering. The people of Afghanistan are facing the loss of life and liberty as their country is being overrun by the Taliban. There are several in our community and nearby communities with difficult medical, emotional, and spiritual circumstances. There is unlimited need for prayer.
“Youth is the most precious thing in life; it is too bad it has to be wasted on young folks.” – George Bernard Shaw
Zion News (08/11/21)
“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ . . . Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Confusing isn’t it? How can someone be strong when they are weak?
Something that for many of us may also be confusing is the “I Am Enough” movement, but it may relate well to this scripture passage.
The phrase “I Am Enough” is becoming quite popular. Olympic athletes wear this on their shirts, you see posters and graffiti bearing those words, and there are numerous Internet references to this phrase.
The phrase is also lending itself to all kinds of interpretations as well. It is sometimes viewed as a statement of racial, gender, or sexual orientation equality. It is sometimes viewed as an affirmation of personal self-confidence in one’s own abilities. But the original intent of the phrase might be understood Biblically.
Grace means that you can quit feeling inadequate. No one is perfect and you don’t have to be like everyone else. You can be who you are and say, “I am enough.” Through God’s grace we can work through our human weaknesses and consider how to live our life, through all our circumstances, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for every moment of every day.
“I Am Enough” goes along well with the belief that “God Is Enough.”
New COVID concerns: “They said a mask and gloves should be worn when going to the grocery store. They lied. Everybody else had clothes on.”
Zion News (08/04/21)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
John Wesley was an English theologian and evangelist who led a revival movement within the Church of England during the 1700s that founded what became the independent Methodist movement that continues to this day.
Wesley wrote, edited, and abridged hundreds of publications, many of which became the lyrics of our most favorite hymns. He wrote the following about doing good.
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
What a different world this would be if everyone made this their life’s creed!
Wesley died on March 2, 1791 at the age of 87. As he lay dying, he said, “The best of all is, God is with us!” Because of his life of doing good and charitable works he died poor, and it was said that “When John Wesley was carried to his grave, he left behind him a good library of books, a well-worn clergyman’s gown” and the Methodist Church.”
Let us remember Wesley’s words and be an example of what living the truly “good” life is all about.
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” – Benjamin Franklin
Zion News (07/28/21)
“We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, and we pray that our unity will one day be restored.” – Fr. Peter Scholtes
This is part of the lyrics to a hymn written in the 1960s during the turbulent times of the Civil Rights Movement. The song continues with the words, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
That phrase was inspired by John 13:35. In the early Christian church, there are accounts of non-believers describing Christians by saying, “Behold, how they love one another.”
“They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” is not only a hymn title, but should also be regarded as the lifestyle of any Christian. Without much doubt, the 2020’s will be looked upon as just as turbulent of times in this nation’s history as the 1960s were when the song was written. Maybe more than ever, this hymn should be the anthem we sing right now to our troubled world.
Mother Teresa also reflected on how showing love to others is a benefit to oneself by saying, “People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people. Everything depends on how we love one another.”
Let us be one in the Spirit and pray that unity among people can be restored through each one of us being known as a Christian by our love.
“Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.” – Micael Leunig, Australian cartoonist and poet.
Zion News (07/21/21)
“Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.” – 2 Corinthians 6:10 New Living Translation
Yes, our hearts ache as we watch the news about disturbing events around the world. Our hearts ache when we hear about the difficult circumstances our family, friends, and neighbors are going through. Yet, the Bible tells us repeatedly to have joy.
Joy can manifest itself in many ways and at different times in our lives. Trusting God with the future, our future and the world’s future, will bring us joy and peace. This does not mean we sit back and relax, for there is much God calls us to do, but it means we can live with a positive and optimistic attitude.
Contentment is not a substitute for joy. Contentment is almost giving up on life and it interferes with one’s ability to be filled with real joy about anything. So be joyful, not content.
Joy also radiates to others. That’s probably the biggest reason why people should go to church. Our supply of joy can sometimes get pretty low, so attending church can fill us back up with joy when we are with others who are also joyful.
Joy can transform challenging circumstances into times of blessing. This may be difficult to believe because choosing joy when you are sick, when you have lost a dear one, when you are having financial difficulties, when everything around you seems to be going wrong is not an easy thing to do.
1 Peter 1:6 says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” – New Living Translation. However, just because there is joy ahead does not mean you can’t have joy here and now. Pray for joy and expect to receive it.
On the bulletin board at work: “Everyone brings joy to our office. Some when they arrive and some when they leave.”
Zion News (07/14/21)
“And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” – 1 Kings 19:11b-12.
This is the only place in the Bible where God is said to speak in a “still small voice” yet this has been an inspirational thought for many Christians over the centuries.
The final line of the well-known hymn “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” came from a poem written in 1872 by John Greenleaf Whittier and reads, “Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm.”
The beginning stanza of the hymn, however, certainly reminds us of current events by asking God to “Forgive our foolish ways!” and petitioning him to, “Reclothe us in our rightful mind.”
The story associated with this Bible verse is about the prophet Elijah who ran into the wilderness and collapsed with exhaustion trying to escape from Jezebel, the wife of the king of Israel, who was out to kill him. Elijah’s world had gone crazy. All of God’s prophets had been killed except for him.
It seems that our world has also gone crazy with mass shootings, senseless violence, political assassinations, left wing and right wing extremism, buildings collapsing, a new COVID variant, hurricanes, heat waves and on and on.
However, amid all the commotion of wind, earthquake, fire and society’s unrest, it would serve us all well to keep in mind The United Church of Christ’s declaration, “We listen for a still-speaking God.” Therein lies hope for a better world.
“Never in the history of calming down has anyone ever calmed down by being told to calm down.” – Quotling.com
Zion News (07/07/21)
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18.
What is truth? In today’s society, with all the internet blogs, conspiracy theories, and media opinions, it seems like there are no absolute truths. Truth has become more and more “relative.”
The view that truth is relative and based on an individual’s situation leads to every person believing their truths are the right truths. This creates a society that, on the one hand, regards all beliefs, opinions, and lifestyles as valid, especially if they are their own beliefs, opinions, and lifestyles while, on the other hand, often regards the beliefs of others as invalid.
Truth being relative can lead to a mentality that whatever feels or seems right in a situation at the time is right. This mentality goes beyond just having an attitude of tolerance toward differing views and beliefs. It can allow a person to live within their own set of truths no matter how they have arrived at those truths.
This can have a devastating effect on society when people think that what they believe is the truth and everyone else is wrong. Those truths can be about election results, whether or not someone should take a vaccine, over race, politics and religion. The resulting hatred and conflict we are experiencing today stems in large part from the profusion of all these relative truths.
Perhaps Christians can hold fast to at least one absolute truth. Christ spoke this truth during the Last Supper and referred to it as a new commandment. It is a difficult commandment for many of us to obey. “Love one another.”
If we regard this commandment as an absolute truth, an absolute way to live among one another, then all the differences between people, all the differing beliefs and opinions, all the political and media propaganda, will be less able to create conflict among us.
“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” – attributed to Mark Twain
Zion News (06/30/21)
“For you were called to freedom, brethren. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13.
Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarchy of Great Britain, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not officially declared until July 4.
Within the text of the Declaration were these words that have echoed throughout the world whenever there has been a struggle for human rights, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
It should be clear that these words alone have not afforded everyone these rights. Our nation is still a work in progress.
One hundred years after the Declaration, in 1876 this nation had just recently gone through a terrible civil war concerning human and civil rights. By 1976 the nation was in the beginning stages of the post-civil rights movement era where rights were being extended to more and more people of this nation. By 2076, where can we be in realizing the ideals of the Declaration for our nation?
As one Internet blog puts it, “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” With an attitude of doing what is right, and with a love that brings forth service to others, our nation can more closely come to fulfilling the goals and dreams of Independence Day.
Mark Twain on the dangers of fireworks: “Statistics show that we lose more fools on this day than in all the other days of the year put together. This proves, by the number left in stock, that one Fourth of July per year is now inadequate, the country has grown so.”
Zion News (06/23/21)
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” – Luke 12:25-26
It is obvious by these words of Jesus that anxiety and stress have been part of the human condition for a long time. We may think the modern world is more stressful than in ancient times, but it’s probably just the case that people stressed about different things.
Today, we often believe we are justified to stress and be anxious about the many things a person faces in life: a deadline at work that can’t be met, a financial setback, a personal relationship that won’t get better, a scary medical diagnosis, or the life-disrupting effects of a pandemic.
The Book of James offers a different way of looking at our reasons/excuses for being anxious:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
What a difference that perspective can make! Stress has a paralyzing effect on a person. Anxiety and stress only make things worse by keeping you from moving forward, acting on the problem, or trusting that your faith will help you get through the stressful situation no matter what.
Don’t let stress, anxiety, or worry rob you of living your life well. Yes, that’s easier said than done, but Jesus said that’s the way to be.
“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” – Winston Churchill
Zion News (06/16/21)
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Paul’s message here is short and simple. Yes, a person must look out for his or hers own self interests. A person whose own life is in ruins, emotionally, spiritually, or by not taking care of oneself physically, is in no position to help others, which brings us to the second half of Paul’s message.
For most of us, our personal needs and interests have been bountifully met. But sometimes, we become less and less grateful and find less and less satisfaction for all the good things in our lives. If that ever happens, a person needs to shift their interest in self to caring for the interests of others.
There is a cultural idea that each person should “pay it forward,” but it is far from a new concept. This expression describes the action of a beneficiary of a good deed or of good fortune to repay that kindness by giving something in return to someone else. The phrase itself may have originated in Lily Hardy Hammond’s 1916 book titled In the Garden of Delight.
However, “paying it forward” doesn’t completely fulfill what Paul was saying. While passing on one’s good fortune to another person is a good act, there is more to helping others than that. In some ways, “paying it forward” is still self-serving. It may simply be an easy way to feel warm and fuzzy for doing a good deed after having already received much ourselves.
Truly looking to the interests of others is more challenging. It requires involvement, serving the needs of the community, serving the whole of humanity. Ultimately, it means putting the needs of others before one’s own needs. That is the most difficult part of Paul’s command for most of us to follow.
A thought from an American poet: “We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don’t know.” – W H Auden
Zion News (06/09/21)
“That they all may be one . . .” – John 17:21, KJV
June 14 is Flag Day. The day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The resolution stated that the flag be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, to represent the thirteen new states, and that the union be thirteen white stars in a blue field, representing a new constellation among the stars of nations.
The origin of flags is unknown, but they have been around in some form for more than 5000 years. The oldest national flag still in use today is Denmark’s flag which was adopted in 1478.
Flags have been symbols to rally people together and unite them against a common foe. Unfortunately, flags have also been used to segregate people and nations from one another. On the battlefield, flags from both sides of the conflict represent differences, not unity.
About the same time the flag of the United States was being adopted, Benjamin Franklin had proposed another national symbol. His design appeared on Continental Currency as well as on the first official circulating coin of the United States called the Fugio Cent.
Franklin’s design has thirteen links of chain, interwoven together to form a circle. In the center of circle is the motto, “We Are One.”
The thirteen original colonies were far from united. Franklin knew his motto was not the reality, but a vision for the new nation. This nation has rarely enjoyed a true sense of unity. Less than ninety years after our flag was adopted, the nation was engaged in a civil war, and disharmony and disunity has been more the norm than the exception ever since.
What is our vision for the nation in the years to come? Our denomination, the United Church of Christ, adopted its constitution and by-laws in 1961 and also adopted the motto, taken from the Gospel of John, “That they may all be one.” Surely, that is to be the vision of all Christians, Americans, and people of this planet. It will take all of us to work ceaselessly toward this vision in order for us to truly say, “We Are One.”
There is nothing wrong with loving one’s country: “Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.” – John Wayne
Zion News (06/02/21)
“THOU SHALT NOT KILL.” – Exodus 20:13 KJV
Nearly three thousand years ago, when Moses brought down the Ten Commandments from atop Mount Sinai, this was already the law of the land. Besides the Hebrews, other ancient cultures and nations pre-dating Moses, such as Babylon and Egypt, had laws condemning the killing of another person.
Mass shootings are not unique to the United States, but the profusion and frequency of mass shooting in our nation is unique among all the other nations of the world. In this past month of May, these were over sixty mass shootings in the US, more than 230 so far this year.
Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that people are endowed with certain unalienable rights, and the first of these rights on his list was the right to “Life.”
It is irreligious, illegal, anti-American, unpatriotic, and inhuman to kill another person. So where have we gone so wrong in making this message clear?
In a country that, despite lingering inequalities and injustice, has provided the greatest overall standard of living and freedom of opportunities for its people in the history of the world, why are we killing each other? How can there be so much cultural, racial, gender, and interpersonal anger and hatred toward others that people react with murder?
If a mass shooting was an anomaly in this country, it might be justifiably concluded it was because of some mental deficiency on the part of the perpetrator. With so many mass shootings occurring nearly twice a day, it must instead be concluded there is a deficiency in our society and its moral guidance.
Most people are not even aware of the number of mass shootings taking place in this country, and only the most egregious of them make the national news anymore. We must not become calloused toward these incidents or let our elected officials ignore the problem. We should also hurt for the families of the victims, and pray.
From the fifth chapter of the Quran: “Whoever kills an innocent life it is as if he has killed all of humanity.”
Zion News (05/26/21)
“But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’” – Matthew 17:7
Peter, James, and John had just witnessed Christ’s transfiguration and were frightened by all they had seen and heard. They had fallen on their knees in awe when they heard the powerful voice of God coming from a cloud above them.
But Jesus let his disciples know that everything was all right with a gentle reassuring touch. Jesus’ ministering touch is mentioned often in the Bible. His touch could calm the soul and heal the body. Touch may be the most important of our senses.
Neuroscientist David Linden says, “A child can be born blind or deaf and they will grow up just fine. Yet if an infant is deprived of loving social touch for the first two years of life, then all sorts of disasters unfold.”
Those disasters can include psychological and intellectual difficulties, and their immune and digestive systems may not develop properly.
At the other end of the age spectrum, like infants, the elderly who are not touched by others can develop psychological difficulties like acute depression. Being touched is important, and according to biological research, also not having any sense of touch would make a person unable to even sit or walk.
Touching another person has been a scary thing recently. Due to the COVID pandemic, some people think that the friendly handshake is gone for good. Touching someone now means following up with a splash of hand sanitizer. And research is showing there has been a significant decline in regular colds and flus due to the wearing of masks and social distancing during the pandemic.
With the relaxation of some pandemic restrictions, however, touching may be making a resurgence. Families are traveling again to be with each other. Grandparents living in quarantined health care facilities are getting to hug their grandchildren again.
A balance will need to be struck between touching safely and the human need to touch and be touched. We have Jesus as an example of what is good and healthy touching in order to meet that need in ourselves and others.
A poet’s viewpoint: “Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language, and it always tells the truth.” – Margaret Atwood
Zion News (05/19/21)
“The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty.” – Psalm 90:10a
This nearly 3000-year-old scripture presents an optimistic statement about life expectancy that has only been recently achieved.
At the founding of this nation, in 1776, life expectancy in the newly formed United States of America averaged less than thirty-five years. By the Civil War Era, 1860, life expectancy only rose to less than forty years, or half of what was suggested by Psalm 90.
In 2020, the average life expectancy in the United States reached 80 years of age. That means our life expectancy is double that of our not too distant ancestors.
What are we doing with all those extra years?
Sometimes the later years of life have been referred to as the “Golden Years,” which is roughly the age of 65 and up. Not everyone feels those years are “Golden” when age-imposed physical, emotional, and mental limitations become daily challenges.
The older we get, often our outings consist mainly of doctor visits and trips to the pharmacy. We frequently experience new aches and pains. We have to be mindful of what we eat and how much physical activity we get – enough to keep us healthy, but not too much that that we hurt ourselves. It’s tough getting old, but is that all there is?
George Burns, who lived to be 100, and was in show business for 93 of those years, said it well, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”
There are remarkable examples of people who aren’t getting old. Our own former pastor, Rev. Roedder, who will turn 85 later this year, bakes and then delivers cookies to people every month. He also produces and mails out a monthly multi-page newsletter to family and friends that is full of humor and inspiring messages.
There are many opportunities to spend our valuable years in purposeful and fulfilling ways. The trick is to be less self-centered and become more other-centered. That comes from being more God-centered in our lives.
Another quote from George: “You know you’re getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you’re down there.”
Zion News (05/12/21)
“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” – Mark 16:19
The Gospel of Mark ends with this verse and the next. While the above verse seems like it describes a concluding event in the life of Christ, the following and final verse of Mark’s scripture starts with, “And they (the disciples) went forth and preached everywhere.”
This Thursday, May 13, is Ascension Day. Ascension Day takes place thirty-nine days after Easter Sunday and commemorates Christ’s ascension into heaven. It is often referred to as the 40th day of Easter.
According to scriptures. Jesus and his eleven disciples went to Mount Olivet on which the village of Bethany sits. There he blessed the disciples and was taken into heaven.
This event is commemorated differently by religious groups. It is a significant religious holiday for the Amish community who observe it by even closing their businesses.
However, a majority of Protestant churches do not observe Ascension Day to the same degree as other religious holidays are celebrated. That is unfortunate because at this event Jesus gives us his final words while on earth about how Christians should act, what his followers should tell the world, and foretells the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which is just ten days into the future.
Ascension Day is not the final curtain on Christ’s mission on earth. It is more the start of the mission he intends to be carried out by his followers, then and now.
Take time this Thursday to imagine what an event this would have been for the disciples and how precious it would have been to hear the last words of Jesus. The last word of the Gospel of Mark is “Amen.” Maybe it should have been “Awesome!”
Thoughtful advice: “If you die in an elevator, be sure to push the Up button.” – Sam Levenson, American humorist
Zion News (05/05/21)
“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.” – George Washington
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” – Proverbs 31:28-31
Founding fathers, preservers of the union, and passages from the Bible extoll the role women play as mothers.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and, yes, it is “Mother’s,” not “Mothers,” or “Mothers’” Day. The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis following her mother’s death. Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. She intended that the day should be to honor mothers individually, so she called it Mother’s Day, as in it’s your mother’s or my mother’s day, instead of just lumping all mothers together as a group.
Jarvis, who remained unmarried and childless her whole life, resolved to see Mother’s Day become a national holiday, and argued that American holidays were biased toward male achievements. So, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood.
Her persistence paid off. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
So, Happy Mother’s Day to all women who have made a difference in the lives of young people whether they were their children or not.
True enough: “It’s not easy being a mom. If it were easy, fathers would do it.” – Betty White
Zion News (04/28/21)
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
Author of The Little House on the Prairie series of children books, this quote from Wilder packs a lot of truth for those of us who have been cooped up over a long and difficult winter. As we move out of the month of April into the new month of May, there is an old-fashioned tradition worth revisiting – May Day.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the celebration of May Day has its roots in astronomy and agriculture. May 1 is the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, and marked the beginning of summer for the ancient Celts. It was a day to celebrate the newly-sown fields starting to sprout.
There were revelries filled with dance and song. Cattle were driven to luscious pastures, bonfires were lit, and the doors of houses and barns were decorated with spring wildflowers.
The Puritans who colonized New England considered the celebrations of May Day pagan, so they banned its observance, and the springtime holiday never became an important part of American culture.
However, the tradition enjoyed some popularity years later. Louisa May Alcott wrote about May Basket Day in the late 1800s. In the 1920s, some daring schoolchildren hung a May basket on the White House door for First Lady Grace Coolidge.
The practice was for people to anonymously leave a paper basket or cone loaded with spring flowers and sweets on someone’s doorsteps. Sometimes the custom included knocking on the door and yelling, “May basket!” and then running away.
Some of us probably remember making May baskets and filling them with fresh-cut lilacs and candy and getting up early in the morning to deliver them before the recipients had gotten up and out of the house.
Maybe this May Day it would be nice to go back to this old-fashioned tradition and surprise others with a May basket symbolizing new life, hope, and love.
It might be worth a try – A superstition associated with May Day is the belief that washing your face with dew on the morning of May 1 would beautify the skin and bring good luck.
Zion News (04/21/21)
“I carry a cross in my pocket, a simple reminder to me, of the fact that I am a Christian no matter where I may be.” – Verna Mae Thomas
These are the beginning lines of a simple poem that has had an enduring effect on Christians since Mrs. Thomas composed it nearly eighty years ago.
Zion’s former pastor, Rev. Kenneth Roedder, would present our church’s confirmands and new members with a small metal cross. He would also often read this poem, “The Cross in My Pocket,” and suggest they always carry the cross in their pocket as a reminder “that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life if only I’ll let Him be.”
In recent Zion News articles, other reminders about how we should respond to our faith, like carrying a cross in one’s pocket, have been considered. Imagining angels among us and thinking about “What Would Jesus Do” have also served to help Christians remember to act in more Christian-like ways.
It seems like we need those reminders. Maybe human nature and worldly ways causes us to sometimes forget what it means to be a Christian. Needs like food, clothing, shelter, money, security, and health concerns are constantly in our face, blocking out our view of the face of God.
Daily reminders are simply important. C.S. Lewis said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” So find those reminders – a daily time of prayer or meditation, seeing angels among you, or pulling out a cross when you reach into your pocket for change.
And spend time with other Christians. Go to church when safe, participate in Zoom worship services, continue to create ways to communicate and have fellowship with one another through these still difficult times to be together.
April 22 is Earth Day. Do something to show you care about your home planet. Hug a tree. Seriously, if you’ve never hugged a tree, you might be surprised by the experience.
Found on a church sign: “God wants full custody – not just weekend visits.”
Zion News (04/14/21)
“Angels all around shining their light, giving us wisdom to do what is right.”
Many Zion churchgoers recognize this phrase. It was used for over twenty years on the front cover of our Women’s Fellowship booklet that was printed every year to provide information about church activities, birthdays, anniversaries, and meeting dates.
Each year when the booklet came out it was dated with the actual year, but it also noted that it was a specific Year of the Angel. Ladies of the church who had reached a certain age were listed as “Golden Angels.”
So, at some point in our history, the women of the church especially looked upon angels, both the spiritual kind and the human kind, as important guides and role models for their lives.
Soon after the WWJD, “What Would Jesus Do,” youth movement began to fade, a new, more lasting concept arose. People began talking a lot about angels being all around us. This probably coincides with our Women’s Fellowship using that idea for its booklet cover.
The belief that there are angels all around us has great appeal for many people. Several sermons and books have been written about it. Some view this as angels protecting us, a guardian angel, as David wrote in the Psalms, “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”
Others view angels all around us as being similar to the idea of WWJD. If you have an angel at your side all the time, how would that affect your behavior, your attitude toward others?
A suggestion is to imagine an angel, in all their glory, moving alongside you every minute of the day. No, that’s not neurotic. In fact, it might prove to be very therapeutic.
Having an angel with you could relieve you of much stress, anxiety, and worry. That angelic presence just might nudge you into being more caring, more generous, more loving, more angel-like yourself. Use your imagination and give it a try.
Which do you think it is? “I have an angel on one shoulder, and a devil on the other. I’m also deaf in one ear.”– Quote Words
Zion News (04/07/21)
“Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.” – hymn lyrics by William D. Longstaff, 1882.
So, how did your Holy Week go? Moreover, how did the entire Lenten season go for you? Did you take time to be holy or did you just let it slip away without giving much thought, or just lip-service, to this holiest of time for Christians?
If you listen to or sing the hymn “Take Time to Be Holy” you may find that phrase can get stuck in your head. It can be a reminder that there is a Christian way to live one’s life, more fully and every day, not just on special religious occasions.
In 1989, a youth minister in Holland, Michigan named Janie Tinklenberg read a book written by Rev. Charles Sheldon in 1886. In the book he coined the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” Janie was so taken with the phrase that she came up with the acronym WWJD and designed friendship bracelets for her youth to wear as a reminder to make moral decisions.
During the early 1990’s, the WWJD movement swept across America and served to encourage people, young and old, to live life with the mind of Christ. Today, we don’t hear much about asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” but we should ask ourselves that question every day, every hour, and always take time to be holy.
You’ve got to laugh: “I found $20 bucks in the parking lot and thought to myself, What Would Jesus Do? So I turned it into wine.”– Bizwaremagic.com
Zion News (03/31/21)
“He has risen.” – Matthew 28:6
This week finds Christians in the midst of Holy Week. While Easter Sunday is celebrated as the most significant day, the climax of the week, around the world other days are recognized that we don’t always consider much in our own church observances.
For instance, on Holy Monday Jesus cursed the fig tree, cleansed the temple, and responded to questions about his authority.
On Holy Tuesday Jesus predicts his own death.
On Holy Wednesday, sometimes referred to as Spy Wednesday, Judas arranges his betrayal of Jesus with the chief priests, and Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with expensive ointment, receiving criticism that the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Christ lays out the model for Holy Communion. During the meal, Jesus tells his disciples of the events that will follow, including Judas’ betrayal, the Denial of Peter, and his death and resurrection.
On Good Friday, Christians mourn the crucifixion of Jesus and his subsequent death. Some traditions observe this as a day of fasting, or have processions, or cover crucifixes with cloths.
On Holy Saturday, or Black Saturday, Jesus’ body rests in the tomb. As the Sabbath day, Jesus was hurriedly buried in a cave tomb after his crucifixion because the Sabbath day prohibitions would have prevented observant Jews from completing a proper burial.
Then there’s Easter. The resurrection of Jesus, the most important event for Christians around the world. There are endless superlatives about this day and what it means to our lives. There are worldwide celebrations and church attendance is at its peak.
Even though our church may not formally observe all the days of Holy Week, it is good to remember the sadness and joy that comes out of the events of this week in Jesus’ life. Happy Easter! He has risen!”
“Easter is the only time when it’s perfectly safe to put all of your eggs in one basket.” – Evan Esar, American Humorist
Zion News (03/24/21)
“A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” – John 13:34
Coming up next week is April Fools’ Day. While the exact origin of this day is somewhat of a mystery, according to the History Channel some historians think this observance dates back to 1582 when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Georgian calendar.
The Julian calendar began the new year on April 1 around the spring equinox. The Georgian calendar began the new year on January 1.
“People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called ‘April fools.’”
This year, April 1 also marks an important Christian observance, Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” is derived from the Latin “mandatum” which is the first word of a phrase that translates to, “A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you.”
How much the world today needs to listen to those words of Jesus as he washed his disciples’ feet during the Passover meal we refer to as the Last Supper. Let us mark this Thursday, April 1, as not a day to prank or make fun of someone, but as a day to show love and concern for others.
Lots of thoughts about fools: “If every fool wore a crown, we should all be kings.” – Welsh proverb. “We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.” – Japanese proverb. “Don’t approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back, or a fool from any side.” – Jewish Proverb.
Zion News (03/17/21)
“Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.” – Saint Patrick
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a religious and cultural celebration held on March 17, the traditional day St. Patrick died in 461 AD.
Saint Patrick came from a wealthy Roman/British Christian family. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest in the church. Much of what we know about St. Patrick comes from a book he authored called “The Declaration.”
According to his book, at the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Ireland. He spent six years there working as a shepherd and during this time he “found God.” God told Patrick to flee to the coast, where a ship would be waiting to take him home. After making his way home, Patrick went on to become a priest.
Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish, who had previously held him in captivity, to Christianity. He spent many years evangelizing in Ireland. His efforts in promoting Christianity against the druid beliefs eventually turned into an allegorical story in which he drove the “snakes” out of Ireland, despite the fact that snakes were not known to even inhabit the region.
Saint Patrick is also said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved clover, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. In pagan Ireland, three was a significant number and the Irish had many triple deities, so that may have aided St Patrick in his evangelization efforts.
So, in our celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, let us keep in mind the sacrifice and good works this man performed in spreading the Gospel to his part of the world over 1500 years ago. May we do the same in our part of the world.
The Luck of the Irish: “You’ve gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.”
Zion News (03/10/21)
Rev. Roedder, former pastor of Zion, sends out a monthly newsletter to members of his family. The theme of his March newsletter is “A Long Journey.” It is, of course, about Christ’s journey to the cross, but also deals with our own journey through Lent.
He writes: “We continue to walk through the days of Lent, ever mindful that the Lord is walking with us. We never have to face anything by ourselves – we have our family, our friends, and our Savior – now that’s an unbeatable combination. Remember, If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!”
It may be a little more difficult this year to observe Lent in the same ways as we have done so in the past. COVID has robbed our church of in-person worship services where we can be with others who are traveling the same Lenten journey and encouraging each other along the way.
In some ways we almost feel like we have been fasting for months during this pandemic, fasting from friends and family, from the singing of hymns together, from worshiping and just living normally. It can almost feel like a wilderness experience for some.
So, how did Christ come out of his forty days in the wilderness? He came out on top. He had defeated temptations and physical discomforts. He emerged energized to do the things God had intended him to do. What a great example that is for us on how to respond to trying times!
A joke from Rev. Roedder’s newsletter: “For Lent I gave up ice cream, fast food, and pizza, but obviously not lying.”
Zion News (03/03/21)
Zion wants to remember Ed Heerdt and his family. Ed passed away at the age of 79 on February 15 and our sincerest condolences go out to his wife, Sally, and his children. However, it is also good to celebrate Ed and his family’s deep roots in our church and community. Ed would appreciate us doing this.
The name “Heerdt” appears on the cornerstone of our nearly 115 year-old church building and goes back even further than that in Zion’s 150 year history. A few of us can still recall Ed’s mother and father, Marjorie and Albert, in church every Sunday with their three boys, sitting in the same pew on the north side of the church.
Most families sat in the same place every Sunday and there was sometimes a friendly rivalry between those who sat on the north side of the church and those who sat on the south side.
Marjorie was a school teacher and also taught Sunday school for years. Albert was a barber for over fifty years in Arthur and served on the church board in various positions.
Albert also had a wonderful memory. If you struck up a conversation with Albert while in his barber chair, or asked him a question about the town or the people living in Arthur and around, he would have a story to tell. A distinguishing thing about Albert’s stories were that you could take them as fact, they were never embellished for dramatic effect. One story Albert often recounted was that in the 1930s, as a young man, it snowed on the 4th of July! It was a cold and damp year and many crops failed.
You could also take Albert at his word in other ways. Whenever the church needed something done, and there was concern expressed about how to pay for it, Albert always reminded us to be faithful and said, “Just do it and the money will be there.” It always was.
Another memory was that Ed was a member of the 1960 Okaw Valley Champion basketball team. That team certainly had a Zion connection. Team members were Ed Heerdt, Bob Randall, and Jerry Blaudow, all of whom were confirmed at Zion. Another important teammate was Jim Jurgens whose family also has deep roots in Zion.
There are no longer any Heerdt namesakes actively involved with our congregation but, even if they are gone, they are not forgotten.
Zion News (02/24/21)
“Father, help me to see this holy season of Lent as a time of spiritual renewal, rather than a time of deprivation. Motivate me to reach a new level of experiencing your grace.” – ReligionQuotes.info
For some of us, the season of Lent may have snuck up on us. Last Wednesday was the first day of Lent, and probably not everyone was ready for it. During the COVID pandemic and bitterly cold weather, some people may just be experiencing a numbness in their lives.
Often regarded as a period of fasting and self-denial, there are many other ways to observe Lent and make it meaningful. As Christians, we are not required to follow some rigid plan of personal sacrifice during lent, but we should take this opportunity to engage in some deep, personal introspection about our attitudes toward life.
Lent is meant to be a time of repentance, which is not necessarily a time of shame or of being guilt-ridden. Instead it is an awareness that some things in our lives separate us from God. So, this is a good time to identify those things like materialism, apathy, worry, fear, and poor relationships, habits, and decisions to concentrate on a commitment to change.
When we give up something superficial for Lent, like chocolate or TV time, or Facebook time, and make resolutions like eating less to lose weight, or exercising more, we are focusing on oneself, not Christ. Lent is a good time to give up those types of resolutions and just listen for God to speak.
Our hearts go out to all those who have experienced great hardship from the devastating cold, who have been without heat, without running water, who have had homes damaged by frozen water pipes bursting. Those who have not experienced this should feel great compassion for those who have, and feel doubly blessed as they survive the cold weather in their warm homes.
There may be some good things to give up for Lent: “Your Facebook friends are praying for you to give up Facebook for Lent.” – someecards.com
Zion News (02/17/21)
“Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest.” – Haruki Murakami, Japanese best-selling author.
An astute reader of last week’s Zion News commented on the theme of how life is short, so savor the time we have, but also offered an additional perspective on how to run the race of life – live as if there is no finish line – fully and abundantly. Both perspectives support each other.
Jesus spoke of the abundant life, a life lived to the fullest. For Christians, Jesus is our example of how to live abundantly. He says to not concentrate on ourselves, but to be servants of one other. It means getting to the point where we can let loose of our troubles, worries and concerns, and let God take over.
If we begin to imitate Christ in our thoughts, actions, words, and opinions, we also begin to realize that we don’t need more “things” in our lives. We can run our race of life more easily when we carry fewer worldly burdens.
And, yes, there will always be hurdles during the race, like illness and injury, loss of loved ones, and other distress, but those hurdles do not have to detour us from our course. Even no matter how slowly you have to run the race, you can make it a full and abundant experience.
Jesus wants the abundant life for us. It is a free and unconditional gift to us. It is not about religion, or about the church, or about how much scripture you read, or if you are a church member or not, even though none of these things are necessarily bad. It’s about attitude. It’s about holy living with Christ at the center of our efforts.
A couple of completely different perspectives on running: “My doctor told me that jogging could add years to my life. I think he was right. I feel ten years older already.” – Milton Berle
“I believe that the good Lord gave us a finite number of heartbeats and I’m not going to use up mine running up and down a street.” – Neil Armstrong
Zion News (02/10/21)
“Cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey.” – Jack Layton
“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” – Earl Nightingale
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in my life.” – Steve Jobs
What does this Canadian politician, radio announcer, and business magnate have in common? They all had their life cut relatively short by terminal health problems. And, like many others who face serious health issues, they found a renewed appreciation of the value of the time they had left.
If you hadn’t already realized the value of making the most out of every minute of your life, surely the COVID pandemic has given you some new perspective. Anyone can have their life cut short by this terrible disease: family members, friends, acquaintances, favorite celebrities, and, of course, yourself. This awareness should have a profound effect on what you find important in your life.
When Mary took expensive oil and anointed the feet of Jesus with it, Judas questioned if that was the best use of the oil when it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus knew the importance of living every moment and told Judas, “. . . You will not always have me.”
Going through the last ten years of Zion’s meeting minutes, nearly half of those present at the Congregational Meeting in January 2011 are now gone. So, even with our church family members, at the forefront of our minds should be that we will not always have them with us.
So let us pray that we have a real awareness and appreciation of every moment of our lives and spend those moments with others and be about the work Jesus has set before us.
“Life is like an ice-cream. Enjoy it before it melts.” – Ourmindfullife.com
Zion News (02/03/21)
“All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days . . . nor even in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.” – John F. Kennedy, 1961 Inaugural Address
No one used to talk much about the importance of a President’s first 100 days in office until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933. During one of his “fireside chats” on the radio, Roosevelt stated he intended to implement sweeping changes during his first 100 days in office to help calm the nation’s crippling financial crisis and begin rolling out the programs that made up his New Deal.
FDR was the most prolific law-making President during his first 100 days with 76 laws passed, which set a first 100-day standard against which later Presidents would be measured. These were not simply executive orders, but actual laws.
After FDR, George W. Bush was the President seeing the fewest laws passed in his first 100 days at only seven. Donald Trump was a distant third to FDR’s record with 28 laws passed.
But is this a fair standard by which to measure a President? It seems to have become a competition to see who can pass the most legislation in their first 100 days as President instead of a careful and bipartisan examination of what is best and unifying for the nation.
What most Americans look for in a new President is a meaningful new beginning based on patient change. It may seem counterintuitive to regard patience and change as partners when it comes to new beginnings. But let those who affect change be patient, and those affected by change be patient.
So let us begin and pray, knowing that good change in our nation will take patience.
It’s so simple: “Change – a simple word with a difficult meaning.” And, “The greatest power is often simple patience.” – Quotegram.com
Zion News (01/27/21)
“What matters isn’t if people are good or bad. What matters is if they’re trying to be better today than they were yesterday. You asked me where my hope comes from? That’s my answer.” – Michael, The Good Place
There is a TV show available on Netflix called The Good Place that is definitely not for all audiences, but it has an interesting storyline about what it takes for humans to get into heaven. In this show, the way to make it to the Good Place is by accumulating points on earth.
However, one of the eternal spirits, Michael, who is actually from the Bad Place, goes to the eternal accounting office and finds out that no one in over 500 years has gone to the Good Place because no one has had enough points.
Trying to figure out what is going wrong, Michael goes to earth to visit a human, Doug, who, during a 1970s magic mushroom trip, accurately envisioned the afterlife’s point system used to get into the Good Place and has since been living his entire life trying to accumulate points.
Doug had isolated himself from all temptation by living alone in the wilderness, grew and ate only his own organically grown vegetables, would not intentionally harm a snail, would always turn the other cheek, and did everything as correctly as he knew how.
The problem is that Doug was actually accumulating negative points because his motivation was all wrong. He was doing these things just to get into the Good Place, so his points kept decreasing instead of increasing.
Michael realized the point system was not working. The human condition is complicated. Under the current system, a person might innocently buy a tomato at the grocery store and receive negative points for that action because it had been harvested by exploited migrant workers or sprayed with chemicals harmful to the environment.
No spoiler alert needed. The end of this story will not be revealed, but suffice it to say that it is good that Christians get to go to the Good Place through Grace and not by a point system. The human condition is extremely complicated, it is sometimes difficult to understand what is good and what is not, and the motivation for doing something is often what determines if an action is good or not. What matters most is that people, especially Christians, should try to be better today than they were yesterday.
Quite philosophical for a TV sitcom: “You said that every human is a little bit sad all the time because you know you’re going to die. But that knowledge is what gives life meaning.” – Michael, The Good Place
Zion News (01/20/21)
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:21
These words of Jesus were never meant as a statement on whether or not people should pay their taxes. This verse goes much deeper into addressing many issues going on in our nation today.
This verse, like many other scripture verses in the Bible, calls for Christians to be good citizens, to respect their leaders, to obey the laws. Since the founding of this country, at no other time in human history has a form of government been as responsive to the will of the people as this one.
This government will not abridge a person’s right to speak freely, unless it incites public harm. People may publicly protest the action of this government, unless it leads to violence. This government provides for the common defense and provides means for leaders to be fairly elected.
Yes, these benefits are perhaps not always equitably distributed to everyone in this nation, but, as slow of process as it is, this government does evolve, does move to do the right thing, does respond to the will of the governed. How awesome of place this is to live!
It may be difficult to be proud of some of our fellow Americans at this time. It seems like some have lost sight of the fact that incendiary language on social media and violence are not the way to resolve our problems. There is no valor in acting this way. It is no way for a Christian to act.
Christ said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Being peacemakers, being humble and non-violent, being generous and caring of spirit, being loving toward one another is what rendering unto God is all about.
During this time of unrest, fervently pray for this nation and its people.
This speaks to the things our nation is going through at this time: “Hard times are like a washing machine. They twist, turn and knock us around, but in the end we come out cleaner, brighter and better than before.” – QuotesGram
Zion News (01/13/21)
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
Christians should avoid gossip and not be engaged in gossip. That is a widely accepted principle of our faith. It is considered a damaging practice that hurts not only the one who is the subject of the gossip, but also is harmful to the perpetrator of gossip and those who spread it. Face it, gossip is sinful.
Gossip, however, has moved to the next level by the Internet and social media. The sheer volume of conspiracy theories that have come across Facebook, Twitter and other sources is basically gossip to the highest degree.
These conspiracy theories are shared and accepted by people looking to agree with anything outside of the facts, truth, or basic reality. It makes them feel smart when they come up with, or proliferate, alternate reality theories that are pure fiction.
The truth can look people straight in the face and yet they choose to believe the more titillating, most outrageous, most hurtful explanations to human events, and they hold on to these theories despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
The Kennedy assassination was a huge international plot, the moon landing was staged in a studio, Barack Obama faked his birth certificate, this coronavirus is a lie and the body count is no different than any other flu season, political elections have been stolen, Jewish reformists created a superhero called Jesus who existed only through the stories they wrote and spread about him.
Many people who decry the mainstream media as “fake news” are the ones who initiate off-the-wall theories that can be easily disproven by evidence, truth, and common sense.
In Proverbs 14:15, Solomon says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going.”
Being gullible to the addictive nature of spreading gossip and conspiracy theories is not becoming of Christians who are supposed to have “the mind of Christ.” Christians should be about sharing truth, not spreading gossip and lies. Sharing conspiracy theories as truth is contrary to both Christ’s call for us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Most conspiracy theories are as nonsensical as this one: “What if we can breathe in space but the government just tells us we can’t so we don’t try to escape.” – Keanu Conspiracy Meme
Zion News (01/06/21)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
The apostle, Paul, wrote that Christ’s death for sin changed the way he looked at people. Instead of looking at each person as a mere human being, he says we should view those who have faith in Christ differently. Such people are new creatures and have become something they were not before.
Not only that, the old version of a person before they knew Christ is gone forever. The old is gone, the new is here. All the old plans and agendas have been replaced by Christ’s plans and agendas in a new creature called a “Christian.”
Wouldn’t this be a great way to start a New Year, to become new and to view others in a different light? This would not be easy and probably be the hardest New Year’s resolution ever to fulfill, but what a change it would make to your small world of family, friends, acquaintances, business associates, and community. The ripple effect of more and more people viewing others in a new way would be felt by the entire world. Isn’t that God’s agenda?
January 6 is also Epiphany which is the twelfth day after Christmas. It commemorates the Magi’s visit to the baby Jesus. The importance of this event is that it is viewed as the first indication that Christ is the savior of Gentiles as well as Jews. That indicates that God sees everyone in a different way than we often do, a reminder again that we should do that, too.
New Year’s resolutions can come and go quickly. It’s only been a week into the New Year and probably many people who had made resolutions have already failed to keep them.
For the most part people view resolutions as “Casual promises to myself that I am under no legal obligation to fulfill.” An alternative to this attitude would be to simply make resolutions like this: “My New Year’s Resolutions: 1. Gain weight, 2. Save less money, 3. Set realistic goals.” – Fowl Language Comics.
Zion News (12/30/20)
When Rev. Roedder was our pastor, every first Sunday of the New Year our church had communion. While the bread was being served to the congregation, Rev. Roedder would read the first stanza of a poem by an obscure early twentieth century author, Helen Field Fischer,
“He came to my desk with a quivering lip—
—The lesson was done.
“Dear Teacher, I want a new leaf,” he said,
—“I have spoiled this one.”
I took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave him a new one all unspotted,
—And into his sad eyes smiled,
—“Do better, now, my child.”
As the element of wine was being served to the congregation, Rev. Roedder would read the second stanza,
“I went to the throne with a quivering soul—
—The Old Year was done.
“Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me?
—I have spoiled this one.”
He took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one all unspotted,
—And into my sad heart smiled,
—“Do better, now, my child.”
We really need a new leaf, a new page of our lives in 2021. The past year was stained and blotted in many ways. Not only is this a good time to personally make adjustments to our own lives, it is hopefully a new beginning for the world which has been so depressed by the effects of the coronavirus.
To paraphrase an Internet quote, “January 1 is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a best seller.”
Maybe this year most of us are both: “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” – Bill Vaughn
Zion News (12/23/20)
“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” — Matthew 2:1-2
Hopefully, you have been outside and looked up the past few nights. If you have, you may have seen the “Christmas Star” shining brightly in the southwest evening sky.
The largest and brightest planets of our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, are in a planetary conjunction that is vibrant and easily visible. This conjunction culminated on December 21, but you can still look up and see the two planets almost appearing as a single star.
This year’s spectacle is very rare. It has been nearly 400 years since these planets passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since this alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night, allowing nearly everyone around the globe to witness this “great conjunction.”
After a year such as 2020, isn’t it reassuring that we can look up into the sky and see this “Christmas Star” and marvel at its wonder and know that the creator of the endless stars reaches out to the world and offers wise people hope, peace, and love.
At a time when Christmas is being celebrated so differently, we should remember there will always be Christmas as long as there is a star in the heavens above and as Dr. Seuss put it, “As long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.”
On Christmas Eve we would have finally lit the white Christ candle which has been sitting prominently in the center of our church’s advent wreath. From that candle, all the candles of everyone at our Christmas Eve service are lit. Christ is the light of the world and that light is shared with all of us in order to drive away the darkness in the world, in order that WE can help drive away the darkness.
Not quite right: “Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know, the birth of Santa?” – Bart Simpson
Zion News (12/16/20)
“Love is the voice under all silences, the hope which has no opposite in fear; the strength so strong mere force is feebleness.” — E.E. Cummings
This coming Sunday we would normally light the fourth candle of our church’s Advent wreath. The fourth Advent candle has been traditionally given more than one meaning. It is sometimes referred to as the Angel Candle because the angels announced the good news of a Savior. Our church refers to it as the Candle of Love to remind us that God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The Advent Candle of Love, the last one lit before the Christ Candle is lit on Christmas Eve, really sums it all up. It represents the entire Advent season. It is this love that shines the light on a path toward all the things the previous candles represented – Hope, Peace, and Joy.
As Cummings put it, love is the hopeful voice you hear in the darkest silence at the darkest times, it brings hope and peace to one’s fears, and joy to the world. It is not only God’s love for us, but it is also the power that Christ revealed to us when he said, “Love one another.”
We are expected to be instruments of love, not just during this season of love called Christmas, but at all times. Now is a good time. We can keep our thoughts and prayers on those who are battling the coronavirus and for those who have lost loved ones. We can assist those who are struggling financially. There are so many ways to help be a light to the world right now.
It’s all in how you view God’s love: “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” – Benjamin Franklin
Zion News (12/09/20)
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” – Isaiah 35:10
This coming Sunday we would normally light the third candle of our church’s Advent wreath, the pink candle, the candle of Joy. The lighting of this candle marks the halfway point in our preparation for the birth of Christ and the joy this event brings to us and the world.
There are all kinds of Joy present during Advent. One of these joys was the joy of Mary when she found out she was with child, and that is why the pink candle is sometimes referred to as Mary’s Candle.
This candle is also sometimes referred to as the Shepherd’s Candle because the angels sang a message of joy to the shepherds that Christ had been born while they were in the fields watching over their flocks.
This candle also indicates that the only lasting joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.
Isaiah’s scripture also tells us that this joy will come “and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” How much we need to hear that message today. Some people may be going through life as usual, unaffected or only inconvenienced by the pandemic raging among us, not very empathetic to the plight of others, but there is truly much sorrow and sighing in the world today.
Let us keep our thoughts and prayers on those who are battling the coronavirus as a suffering patient, as an exhausted health care worker, as a recent mourner over someone lost, as a worried bread-winner, as a busy food-bank worker, or as anyone who is experiencing sorrow and sighing during this dark time.
And let us find ways that we might be instruments to help bring joy and gladness to one another, especially during this unusual Advent season so that “sorrow and sadness will flee away.”
Found in a church bulletin’s announcements: “The director of the Christmas pageant is still looking for three wise men. No experience necessary.”
Zion News (12/02/20)
“As the world gets darker, the church must shine brighter.” – Rick Warren
Our church uses an Advent Wreath to help celebrate Christmas. The wreath is made of evergreens, signifying continuous life, and our belief in eternal life. The prickly leaves of the evergreen also remind us of the crown of thorns and that Christ died so that we might live. The wreath is a circle with no beginning or no end, symbolizing the eternity of God and the never-ending mercy found in Christ.
Our Advent wreath has five candles. There are four candles, one for each Sunday leading up to Christmas, and a fifth candle, the center white one, the Christ Candle, that we light on Christmas Eve. The purple candles represent repentance and the pink candle represents joy because its lighting represents the halfway point of our journey leading to the birth of Christ.
We would have normally lit the first Advent candle this past Sunday as part of our worship service. It is the candle of Hope, and that is something the world needs right now. We would read this scripture from Isaiah, “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people. But the Lord will arise over you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”
This coming Sunday we would normally light the second Advent candle of Peace and read scripture from Luke, “When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Darkness versus light, hope and peace, those are the very real themes of Christmas for the year 2020.
Like an Advent wreath, there are several styles of Advent calendars which serve to count down the days until Christmas and create a sense of anticipation and excitement. There are mom’s Advent calendars, kid’s calendars, chocolate calendars, and evidently several others. Sometimes the anticipation is too great: “According to my wine Advent calendar, there’s only two days left till Christmas!” – Betty White
Zion News (11/25/20)
“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.” – Theodore Roosevelt
There are many quotes about thanksgiving and about Thanksgiving Day itself. As youngsters we learned about what sounded like great revelry and celebration in 1621 between the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans who shared an autumn harvest feast together.
The reality was that the colonists who attended this feast were the lucky ones who had made it through a harsh winter the year before and survived an epidemic which had swept through the colony, killing nearly half the original group. Almost 80 percent of the women who had arrived on the Mayflower had died during the first winter at Plymouth.
There may have never been a more impoverished group of people than these Pilgrims who, nevertheless, set aside a time for thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day will most likely be different this year for many of us. Today, like the Pilgrims, we face a deadly epidemic, some are impoverished by the loss of jobs and business interruptions, but, we, too, can remain thankful.
Many Thanksgiving quotes make it clear that gratitude, thankfulness, does not exist without an expression of it. For Teddy Roosevelt, that expression was “in deeds.” So let us find new deeds during this new normal to express our thankfulness for our blessings. As Charles Dickens put it, “Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
“You know that just before that first Thanksgiving dinner there was one wise, old Native American woman saying, ‘Don’t feed them. If you feed them, they’ll never leave.’” – Dylan Brody
Zion News (11/18/20)
“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” — Mahatma Gandhi
This statement is so true when it comes to our battle against the coronavirus. Our nation has gone through as much turmoil during this pandemic as it would have gone through if we were involved in another world war – near rationing of essential items, scarcity of hard goods like appliances, furniture, and building supplies, restrictions on movement.
All of us face decisions daily on social distancing practices like wearing face masks, gathering with others for weddings, funerals, and now decisions about family get-togethers during the upcoming holidays. But we must be patient.
Our church has not held in-person worship services since March. We are being patient. We have found safe alternatives to gathering together. It has not been easy to overcome the urge to physically be with one another. This has been especially difficult because 2020 is our church’s 150th anniversary and we had hoped to celebrate this momentous event together.
But we knew that the loss of one person to COVID-19 would not be worth the price of coming together now to simply celebrate. To unsafely celebrate Thanksgiving and our beloved Christmastide is also not worth a single life.
A few days ago our church, as did all UCC congregations, received this message to share from the national officers of the United Church of Christ, “We ask only one thing this day – let us all pause to ask what love will ask next of us.”
Love asks us to be patient, to sacrifice, to care for others, to make good decisions about how we can help keep the coronavirus from spreading through our community and among our friends and family during the holiday season.
A positive outlook on things: “Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.” — Charles Schulz
Zion News (11/11/20)
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” ― Douglas MacArthur
This Veterans Day is extra special because this year is also the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II. On September 2, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s formal surrender aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri, which was anchored in Tokyo Bay along with a flotilla of more than 250 Allied warships.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know a veteran. They are family members, teachers, businessmen, doctors, lawyers, first responders, preachers, church members, and individuals from every walk of life in this nation.
The young men and women who went to war in the 1940’s returned home to freedoms and opportunities unlike those ever before presented to a generation of Americans. They took advantage of these blessings and changed America for the better and made the nation grow and prosper.
Their wartime experiences also changed them as individuals. They were appreciative of what they had, thankful for being an American, and many knew that only by the Grace of God had they survived. They lived their lives with good, and often with Godly, attitudes.
WW II veterans are passing away at a rate of nearly 300 per day. With only approximately 325,000 of them alive today, that means we have only a little more than 1000 days to honor them while they are still among us.
Let us remember in our hearts and prayers all those who have served as members of the armed forces. And let us continually pray for peace which seems to be growing more and more elusive in this world today, even on the home front.
Confident optimism from the general: “The enemy is in front of us, the enemy is behind us, the enemy is to the right and to the left of us. They can’t get away this time!” ― Douglas MacArthur
Zion News (11/04/20)
“Election days come and go. But the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us . . . a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice – that struggle continues.” – Sen. Bernie Sanders
No matter if your candidate or party won or lost, there is some relief when an election is over. It may be short-lived relief, and Bernie is right – there is always work to do, good work to do in our nation despite elections, despite those who are elected, despite promises and platitudes or best intentions.
One positive take-away from this election is that, although it was full of negative rhetoric, the public was engaged. There were, and continue to be, strong differences of opinion, and that’s OK. But, Christians of both political parties understand there are principles of justice and mercy, forgiveness and unity, that should be at work in our nation at all times. These principles are even written in our American DNA, “We hold these truths to be self-evident . . . “
These are not socialist principles, they are not liberal Democratic principles any more than they are “Make America Great Again” or Republican principles. These are OUR principles and Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President, demonstrated optimistic faith in the American people when he said, “Public opinion, though often formed upon a wrong basis, yet generally has a strong underlying sense of justice.”
“In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem.” — George Carlin
Zion News (10/28/20)
“Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.” ― Gore Vidal
Douglas Adams was an English author, screenwriter, essayist, humorist, satirist and dramatist. He was the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a movie box office success in 2005.
Adam notes that one of the many major problems with governing people are those who manage to get people to let them govern.
He claimed it is a fact that those people who want to rule people are those least suited to do it, “Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.”
George Washington was the only President who really didn’t want the job and gladly gave it up after eight years. Kudos to George.
The Bible is truly an amazing source of knowledge and inspiration for virtually any situation, including tempering the fever of political elections. Daniel 2:21 reads: “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”
The United Church of Christ encourages everyone to vote and make your voice heard.
Abe said it well: “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” ― Abraham Lincoln
Zion News (10/21/20)
“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” – John F. Kennedy
The rhetoric is getting nasty prior to this election. Politicians on both sides are calling each other liars and cheats, racists, and promoters of civil unrest. They are accusing opposing candidates of scandalous behavior, of accepting bribes, of holding office for personal gain, and even of criminal actions.
So what’s new? This type of partisan bickering has gone on since John Adams and Thomas Jefferson formed opposing political parties after they knew George Washington was not going to accept a third term as President.
What is different now from what it was when Adams and Jefferson were alive is that social media and the news media has everyone under a microscope, often exaggerating the negative over the positive, taking sides, and not always being very accountable when it comes to speaking, blogging, or reporting the truth.
For those who truly care about this nation, for those seeking the right answers over partisan politics, this can be a gut-wrenching time. Maybe the following advice from 1 Timothy 2:1-2 would be good for us all to follow:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and respectful in every way.”
One man’s opinion of politicians 120 years ago: “Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (10/14/20)
“I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessing on THIS HOUSE, and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof!” – John Adams
John Adams, second president of the United States, said the above words as he and his wife, Abigail, became the first residents of the White House. It was a simple petition to God that future White House inhabitants would serve this nation with wisdom and honesty.
For the most part, Adams’ entreaty to the Almighty has been fulfilled. Either Presidents come into office with deep commitments or the office turns them into people with deep commitment and with a heightened sense of responsibility and the weight of this great office. There have been exceptions of course.
History is full of the most pious and well-intentioned rulers to fail and falter, even David, King of Israel, and his scandalous affair with Bathsheba. Rulers throughout history have often put their political and personal gain above the needs of the people they rule. Unlike the rule of God, the rule of man is imperfect.
Yet, people should respect their rulers and, in this nation, we should respect the office of President if not the officeholder. And, for the most part, Americans do.
However, Jimmy Carter, on respecting the Presidency, put it this way after leaving office, “It is very nice now that when people wave at me, they use all their fingers.”
The Old and New Testaments of the Bible have several scriptures about ruling with wisdom and justice as well as scripture about being good citizens. Perhaps those scriptures should be reviewed by everyone before each election.
A President with conscience or confusion? “I have opinions of my own – strong opinions – but I don’t always agree with them.” – George H.W. Bush
Zion News (10/07/20)
“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” – Proverbs 19:3
A few Sundays ago, our church’s Zoom Bible Study was about the book of Job. If you ever think you have it bad, take time to read Job’s story! While he was going through some of the most horrendous trials and tribulations a person could ever suffer, he never once blamed God.
People sometimes blame God for their problems, but we should never blame or be angry at God especially for our own foolishness, mistakes, and sins. We have to learn to be more like Job. The more we lose and suffer in this life the more we should say and know that God is really the source of all blessings.
Admittedly, that is a hard thing to do. It is much easier to find someone to blame for our problems. If we are sick, we might say, “Why did God do this to me?” instead of, “Thank God for doctors, nurses, and hospitals that care for me.” We could use adversity in life to cherish God more, learn to understand that God is in control of the situation and all things work together for good, and understand that we should live with a thankful attitude at all times instead of a “why me?” attitude.
When bad things happen, use those experiences to grow as a Christian. Through Christ God said that he will work in your life, will help you through trials and tribulations, and will never let more happen to you than you and he can’t handle together.
Don’t be like this: “Some people create their own storms, then get upset when it rains.” – Unknown
Zion News (09/30/20)
“Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.” – Ecclesiastes 7:10.
These words of Solomon describe the negative nature of waxing nostalgic. Even by the 17th century, nostalgia was still described as a “neurological disease of essentially demonic cause.”
Today, nostalgia is viewed as being potentially both a negative and positive experience. Restorative nostalgia is what Solomon is referring to when someone feels like things used to be better and they long to relive the past or return to the ways of the past.
On the other hand, reflective nostalgia, which is wistfully thinking about the past while acknowledging that the past is the past, has some benefits.
Reflective nostalgia has been shown to lessen loneliness, boredom and anxiety. It can make people more generous and tolerant toward strangers. Couples may feel closer to one another when they are sharing nostalgic memories. On cold days, or in cold rooms, it has been demonstrated that people can use nostalgia to literally feel warmer.
Sadly, due to COVID-19, this year our church will be unable to hold a celebration commemorating our 150th year of existence. It would have been a time to be nostalgic, remembering those who were part of the church years ago, the pastors, the teachers, the musicians, and the much larger congregations of families and friends.
True to the nature of nostalgia, these thoughts can make us sad and long for those days, or it can make us feel that life has roots and continuity, make us feel good about oneself and all those past and present relationships with our church family, and provide us strength to move forward.
During this pandemic, we are especially challenged to have the strength to keep our churches moving forward. Without regular face-to-face contact it is more difficult to maintain that tie that binds. However, that is our task and, hopefully, when things get back to normal our churches will come back stronger than ever.
We just may not experience much restorative nostalgia about this year.
True or false: “Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense, but the past perfect!” – Owens Lee Pomeroy
Zion News (09/23/20)
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawal from a friend.” – Thomas Jefferson
A good thing about our church family is that we can talk about anything and still walk away as friends. We respect each other’s opinions – even about politics, religion, and baseball.
It is a good exercise to listen to other people’s opinions because it helps you understand the other person better even if you go away shaking your head that he or she is kind of a kook. Listening to other’s opinions may also help a person evaluate and/or validate one’s own opinion.
So, during last Sunday’s Zoom version of Christian Conversations there was discussion about the Biblical character Job and about what we thought was Satan’s role in the world today. Probably not everyone was in agreement.
One thought was that the Bible doesn’t indicate that Satan can really do anything more than bring out the worst in people. In the Garden, Satan didn’t do anything, just tempted Adam and Eve do what God had said not to do. When Christ was forty days in the wilderness, Satan never DID anything, only tempted Christ to make bread out of stones to relieve his own hunger, to jump from a pinnacle and rely on angels to break his fall, and to worship Satan in return for all the kingdoms of the world which Christ could have done on his own if he wanted to.
Likewise, Satan does not cause tragedies and disasters in the world. Some are just the result of natural events that we face by living on this planet, but others Satan simply lets us do. And, in the case of Job, what Satan did to him was possible only because God allowed it as a test of Job’s faith.
This should tell us that God is in control of all things, including Satan, who is virtually powerless to take any action against us. We really can’t blame Satan for our bad actions and the calamitous results of those actions. The Devil really doesn’t make us do it! We are capable of doing evil on our own.
Don’t let this be you: “Some days even the Devil sits back and admires my work.” – Unknown
Zion News (09/16/20)
“So the last will be first, and the first last.” – Matthew 20:16.
On the surface, Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard seems to be an example of unfair labor treatment. Those workers who worked only an hour were paid the same as those who worked the entire day under a scorching hot sun.
This is hard to understand, and most of us would not like being treated the way the all-day workers were treated. We would grumble and complain, become angry and protest.
Maybe we are witnessing that anger today in our own nation from those who feel they have been unfairly treated and taken advantage of by society. However, the always-surprising Jesus was making a different point.
When interpreting this parable, a question often comes up about who are the eleventh-hour workers today, the last ones to come to work in God’s vineyard; are they deathbed converts, the criminal who reforms after a lifetime of violent actions, or upstart Christians who are looked down upon by others who have been pious and committed for years?
Jesus is telling us that we are all the eleventh-hour workers, that we are all honored guests of God into his kingdom. It is not even necessary to decide who the eleventh-hour workers are because God saves by grace, not by our worthiness, and he offers each laborer the same reward. That applies to all of us and we should be glad that it does, not resentful of others who come to know this later.
On an outdoor church sign: “Acting perfect in church is like dressing up for an X-ray.”
Zion News (09/09/20)
“No man ever spoke like this man!” – John 7:46.
These words were from the officers sent by the Pharisees to arrest Jesus, but they returned empty-handed because the words Jesus spoke were so powerful they could not accomplish their task.
It’s true. No man ever spoke like Jesus. His words disarmed soldiers, made demons go away, healed people, and raised the dead. He was the voice of God, but, more than that, his words displayed an understanding of the will of God beyond our comprehension.
Jesus said, “Yes, Father, for such was thy gracious will.” – Matthew 11:26.
In this story from Matthew, Jesus explains that God set things up so that the smartest, most well-educated, most powerful people may struggle to believe while the child-like have faith so readily.
Jesus gave us the simple answer why this is so, “Because God wanted it that way.”
Some things God does simply because doing so pleases him. That might not be the most satisfying answer to some people, but it’s something everyone has to deal with during their journey as a Christian.
Psalm 115:3 states it unequivocally: “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” God has his plans and he knows what they are. That doesn’t mean you can’t use your mind as well as your heart as well as your talents and abilities to find God, it just means that we must come to grips with the fact that God has his own will and we either trust him or we may face being forever frustrated.
God’s will in action: “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” – Albert Einstein.
Zion News (09/02/20)
“Speak not injurious words, neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.” – George Washington
Our country has just gone through two weeks of political conventions and is enveloped in what will surely become two months of a bitter presidential campaign. It would be interesting to know what our first President would think about today’s campaign rhetoric.
However, he personally witnessed the tendencies of people to verbally attack others viciously, especially political opponents. His own Vice-President, John Adams, and his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, insulted each other in as ugly of manner as politicians do today when they campaigned to be the second President of the United States.
Sigmund Freud acquiesced to this human tendency when he said, “The first human who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization.”
Is insulting others an inevitable trait of humanity? From ancient times, people who sought out truths through logical argument held in disdain arguments ad hominem, which is an attack based on a personal characteristic of an individual rather than on reasons for or against the issue itself.
Consider the contrast between Christ who pointed out the deficiencies of current law and traditions while still caring for even the Pharisees and Sadducees who attacked him personally. This is the example of how Christians should discuss important issues without indulging in insulting others to make their point.
Christ’s new commandment to his disciples at the Last Supper is clear, “Love one another.” This explicit directive seems difficult for people to follow, but it is the answer to many of our nation’s problems today. If we care for one another, we can discuss and work through problems without resorting to insulting, name-calling, profiling, and cancelling others.
Good advice when it comes to arguing with some people: “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.” – George Bernard Shaw
Zion News (08/26/20)
“Never flinch. Never weary. Never despair.” – Winston Churchill
During the Nazi air raids over Great Britain during World War II, Winston Churchill said those words to his embattled countrymen.
In a recent note from Dr. Robert Randall, who has continued his private pastoral counseling practice on a part-time basis in suburban Chicago, he reflected on Churchill’s words, “We need iron dictates like these at times. But these reactions are not only human, they are also part of our evolutionary arsenal.
“Flinching is a dodging instinct. The sensation of weariness prompts us to get needed rest. Despair drives us to assess and accept what cannot be.
“The problem is the learned tendency to flinch, weary, and despair too quickly, without fight. All in all, it is probably better to lean toward Churchill in most things. We are stronger than we think we are, and we can do more than we think we can.”
This is true of most things confronting our lives today including the emotional, health, or financial stresses caused by what seems to be a relentless pandemic.
If you are not getting Zion’s weekly Good News email, you are invited to receive it by emailing ramonacarlyle@yahoo.com to get on the list. This week’s edition mentions that “the church’s work does not go on pause just because our lives have been disrupted by coronavirus. We are all brothers and sisters across this globe. We may be isolating due to the reality of COVID-19, but we are not isolated from the necessity of caring for our brothers and sisters across this nation and the world.”
A thought from another British Prime Minister: “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher
Zion News (08/19/20)
“At the age of 18, I made up my mind to never have another bad day in my life. I dove into an endless sea of gratitude from which I’ve never emerged.” – Patch Adams
In 1998 a semi-biographical, comedy-drama movie was made about Patch Adams with Robin Williams in the title role. It was an inspirational hit.
The real Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams is an American physician, clown, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute in 1971 which each year organizes volunteers from around the world to travel to various countries where they dress as clowns to bring laughter to orphans, critically-ill patients, and any other people they meet.
Often we find ourselves in situations difficult to handle. Sometimes we add even more burden on ourselves with feelings of stress and anxiety. When that happens we need to keep in mind that a bad day is just a day, not our whole life.
Like Patch, we can still feel gratitude and joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year like during this COVID-19 crisis. Remember, if you are having a bad day, you’ve made it through every bad day you have had before.
In a month without a major holiday, we might as well finish out August celebrating these special, lesser known, days: Senior Citizen’s Day on August 21, Be an Angel Day on August 22, National Banana Split Day on August 25, National Dog Day on August 26, Global Forgiveness Day on August 27, and National Eat Outside Day on August 31.
Something to remember: “Stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts.” Coincidence? I think not! – Unknown
Zion News (08/12/20)
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path.” – Proverbs 16:31.
The above quote is often attributed to King Solomon. Solomon’s father, King David, added, “Now that I am old and my hair is gray, don’t leave me, God. I must tell the next generation about your power and greatness.” – Psalm 71:18.
Getting old is not fun. Rev. Dr. Robert Randall, a favorite son of Zion, wrote an article about getting old and referred to the aches and pains associated with aging as “sports injuries.”
He suggested that a healthy perspective about getting old was to consider the backaches, the sore knees and shoulders, and other physical pains as the result of being active and “still in the game of life” despite the discomforts it may bring.
Rev. Roedder provided the following as one of his favorite devotions when it comes to his birthday month, which is August. It is titled “The Oldest and Choicest.”
“Growing old can be dangerous. The trail is treacherous and the pitfalls are many. One is wise to be prepared. You know it’s coming.
It’s not like God kept the process a secret. It’s not like you are blazing a trail as you grow older. It’s not as if no one has ever done it before. Look around you. You have had ample opportunity to prepare, and ample case studies to consider.
If growing old catches you by surprise, don’t blame God. He gave you plenty of warning. He also gave you plenty of advice along the way.
But your last chapters can be your best. Your final song can be your greatest. It could be that all of your life has prepared you for a grand exit. God’s oldest have always been among his choicest.”
So, take heart as you grow older. Appreciate the years afforded you. Stay in the game, and tell the next generation about the greatness of God.
Continuing with the thought that August is a month without a major holiday, here are more unofficial days to celebrate in August: National Kool-Aid Day on August 14, National Relaxation Day on August 15, and National Tell a Joke Day on August 16. Think how much fun it would be if everyone observed National Tell a Joke Day! Here’s one from Rev. Roedder:
“I’ve reached the age where I need three pair of glasses – one for driving, one for reading, and one to find the other two.”
This quote from Mark Twain inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write a short story called “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” which was made into a popular movie in 2008. “Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” – Mark Twain
Zion News (08/05/20)
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington.
Booker T. Washington was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to multiple presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African American community. He was from the last generation of black American leaders born into slavery and became the leading voice of the former slaves and their descendants.
Washington called for black progress through education and entrepreneurship rather than trying to challenge directly the Jim Crow segregation and the disenfranchisement of black voters in the South going on at the time.
It would be worthwhile for everyone to learn more about Washington. His story is interesting and has much to say about our current times.
Rev. Roedder sent a note about what he and Karen have been doing recently during this pandemic.
“For the most part, we have been staying home and we’re hooked on watching old reruns. As I was watching ‘Highway to Heaven,’ I kept thinking how wonderful it would be to be an angel – to help people along the way.
You know what – the more I thought about it the more it dawned on me – we can do that right now. We don’t have to wait.
My favorite way of giving is to do something nice for someone and they don’t even have the foggiest idea who helped them. So what do they do? Since there is no one to thank down here – they thank the One who needs to be thanked – the Good Lord: ‘Thank you, Dear Heavenly Father, for helping me through this.’
Let’s face it – you can’t out give God!!!”
Rev. Roedder, whose birthday is in August, quipped, “I’m getting so old that all my friends in heaven will think I didn’t make it.”
As mentioned last week, August is a month without a major holiday, so sometimes a person might think there is nothing to celebrate during this long, hot month. However, more unofficial days to celebrate in August include: National Happiness Happens Day on August 8, National Lazy Day on August 10, and National Middle Child Day for all those unappreciated middle children on August 12. Take time to have some fun and celebrate each day.
Great advice about helping others: “1 year = 365 opportunities.”
Zion News (07/29/20)
“There are hidden blessings in every struggle.” – Anonymous
This coming Sunday’s worship service would have been about blessings and struggles. Here is some of the bulletin text from Worship Ways on the UCC website.
“The day breaks and God does not let us go. The hour calls and God does not let us go. The evening falls and God holds us fast. God never turns from us.
God, sees us. He sees our struggles, he sees our difficulties, he sees our possibilities, he sees our promise.
For God is good, a God present in the struggles, and in the end, you always, always have a blessing.”
Even though we have not been worshiping in person at church, Sunday is still the perfect day to refuel your soul and be grateful for all your blessings. Remember “there are hidden blessings in every struggle.”
One person’s struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic: “My life is a struggle of constantly wanting to go out and have fun with people and also simultaneously avoiding all human contact.” – Anonymous
Zion News (07/22/20)
“The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream; and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’” 1 Kings 3:5.
On the United Church of Christ’s website, this coming Sunday’s worship service is centered on the young King Solomon who has recently risen to the throne.
Through a dream, God tells Solomon to ask for any gift. Solomon thinks about it and then asks for gifts that will enable him to serve the people of God best: an understanding heart, to know good from evil, and to lead the people in wisdom.
There were many other things that Solomon could have asked for like long life or riches, or the death of his enemies, but, instead, he put the needs of the people at the center of his request.
If we take a moment to consider our lives, the many competing needs that confront us, maybe we should ask for the discernment and wisdom that Solomon asked for, so our choices reflect a deep concern for the common good.
Today, we should pray that the leaders of our nation be more like Solomon, that they put the good of the people above partisan politics and personal gain, that they exhibit wisdom, know good from evil, and have compassionate hearts.
A truth about wisdom: “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.” – Tom Wilson
Zion News (07/15/20)
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18
With the current COVID-19 pandemic changing the way churches have had to worship and congregate in fellowship, it is important to remember how important church life really is.
Often you may hear people say they are “spiritual but not religious.” That person will share this information as if it is some kind of deep, unique insight, and as a rebellion against the religious status quo.
That person finds “God” in nature or other pursuits. They may find God in sunsets, in walks on the beach, in mountain hiking, or through other hilltop experiences.
There is nothing challenging about being privately spiritual but not religious or about having deep thoughts all by oneself. What is interesting and challenging is finding ways of doing God’s work in community and fellowship, where ideas, hopes, and aspirations can be shared and exchanged with others.
Spiritual but not religious persons will generally find religion dull and themselves fascinating. They live by a belief system of their own invention. Christians will try to encounter God in real human interactions, in service, in a belief system beyond themselves, and will find God even when full of questions and doubts.
Church is having someone by your side, holding your hand, saying a prayer, and sometimes just simply putting up with one another. And that’s really important and why COVID-19 or other events shaking our society will not prevail against it.
On an outdoor church sign: “Can we uninstall 2020 and install it again? This version has a virus.”
Zion News (07/08/20)
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)
This scripture was inscribed across the United Nations Headquarters Building in New York when it was built and dedicated in 1948. The United Nations Organization’s motto is “It’s Your World.”
Marking the 70th anniversary of the war in Korea, the United Church of Christ general minister and president, Rev. John C. Dorhauer, joined ecumenical global leaders who gathered virtually to pray together for peace on the Korean peninsula.
The group publicly presented a Joint Ecumenical Peace Message to observe the anniversary marking the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950. The message was read, paragraph by paragraph, by representatives of churches from countries that participated in the war. The religious leaders called for a formal acknowledgement to end that conflict, which concluded in 1953 with an armistice.
“We expect that this long overdue recognition of historical reality, and a peace treaty to document it, would be a pivotal contribution to reducing tensions and hostility in the region,” the message reads, calling for cancellation of further military exercises in the region, with resumption of dialogue between the governments of North and South Korea, and with renewed diplomatic relations between North Korea and the US.
With all the events and concerns going on in our country, we must still keep in mind that it’s your world, it’s our world, it’s God’s world. There are many issues and concerns that will still loom large as we move through the pandemic.
However, our prayers and concerns continue to go out to all those affected by the pandemic. More and more, people are experiencing first-hand how COVID-19 has changed their life by having someone they know contract the virus, die from the virus, preventing business as usual, causing people to isolate from one another, and causing people to argue and debate about social distancing practices versus personal freedom. “We are all in this together” seems to appropriately indicate that we should look out for the welfare of others as well as for ourselves.
Something to keep in mind: “The best things in life aren’t things.”
Zion News (07/01/20)
As we approach the 244th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence this July 4, the celebration will be a little more subdued than it has been in the past.
In 1776 John Adams, a member of the Declaration Committee, wrote, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
But it will be celebrated differently than Adams imagined this year as the nation deals with an ongoing pandemic and social unrest. Perhaps this year, the people should more quietly and solemnly celebrate the good of this nation, appreciating the intentions, however imperfect, of those who forged the ideals, visions, and goals of this nation so long ago.
There has never been such an assemblage of great political minds as there was during the time the Declaration of Independence and, later, the Constitution, were written. The United States Constitution, in operation since 1789, is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government.
This nation led the world into believing that people could govern themselves, and should be free to enjoy “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Not everything is right with this country, but not everything is wrong either. Humans are not perfect, and no one knew human shortcomings better than Abraham Lincoln who said, “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” but he had to lead the nation through a bloody civil war in order to preserve the ideal of equality and justice for all.
The concept of separation of church and state was also forged almost two and a half centuries ago by the framers of the Constitution, and John Adams, the second President of the United States, gives us something to think about when he points out, “The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”
This government is “of the people, by the people, for the people.” When we believe this and act in unity, there is little we can’t accomplish. Christians should be good Americans and should hold in high regard the principles upon which this nation was founded. We should pray that these principles are realized throughout our nation by the people and our leaders. We should be about the Christian-like work for justice and peace.
Zion News (06/19/20)
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves.” – Matthew 10:16a.
But do we really identify ourselves as a member of a flock of sheep or pack of wolves? Jennifer Garrison Brownell, who is pastor of the United Church of Christ in Vancouver, Canada, wrote a short devotional message on this subject.
She noted that the flocking instinct of sheep is so strong that, if there are no other sheep on hand, a single sheep will attempt to form a flock with any other animals around – ducks, chickens, or even pigs. Wolves, though, will almost never accept another animal into their pack.
Jesus calls us to be sheep instead of wolves. Understanding their flocking instincts we can understand why. Samaritan women, fishermen, and even tax collectors – Jesus flocked with all kinds, not just with his own kind.
Jesus sends us into a world that says we should form packs with only those who look, talk, think, act, and pray the same way. But he calls us to be part of unlikely flocks – and if we don’t have one, to form one, and to keep it growing. In other words, Jesus sends us out to be sheep in a world of wolves.
Maybe today, more than ever, we need to flock together, not as “birds of a feather,” but as a family made up of all God’s children.
“Sheep are always dependent on their shepherd. They never outgrow their need for the shepherd to care for them, feed them, lead them, and protect them. The shepherd cares for the newborn lamb and is still there when the sheep grows old and weak.” – Timothy Witmer from “The Shepherd Leader.”
From CoolFunnyQuotes.com – “I tried counting sheep so I could fall asleep but that got boring, so I started talking to the shepherd instead.”
Zion News (06/12/20)
“Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.”― Barack Obama
About six months after a coal mining disaster in 1907, in which the small West Virginia town of Monongah lost over 360 men, Grace Golden Clayton organized an event to honor the fathers killed in the catastrophe, which included her own father.
On the other side of the country, Sondra Smart Dodd, whose mother died in childbirth, had a similar father-related thought. Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon she heard in 1909, Dodd believed there should be a corresponding holiday to celebrate fathers. After all, she and her five siblings had been raised by her father and Civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart. Dodd successfully gained support for her idea, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated by Washington State in 1910 in June, the month of her father’s birthday.
Though President Calvin Coolidge publicly supported the holiday in 1924, and President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation naming the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day, it wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon officially signed Father’s Day as a permanent, national holiday into law.
So, take time to remember fathers this coming Sunday, June 21. They come in all shapes and sizes and don’t necessarily have to be related to you in order for them to be a father-figure for you. Many “church fathers” have provided excellent examples of what it means to be a good father to the young people of the church. The image of God as a good parent toward us, his children, is something we should all emulate.
Another Presidential father perspective – “I’ve been to war. I’ve raised twins. If I had a choice, I’d rather go to war.” – George W. Bush
Zion News (06/05/20)
“Eastward and westward storms are breaking,–great, ugly whirlwinds of hatred and blood and cruelty. I will not believe them inevitable.”― W.E.B. Du Bois, first African-American to earn a Ph. D. from Harvard University in 1895.
Our prayers go out for our churches, our communities, and our country. There is so much in our hearts that needs to be lifted to the Lord – The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of over 110,000 Americans, more than 40 million Americans are unemployed, and the streets are filled with peaceful protesters as well as those who would divide our country with violence and destruction.
We pray that God be present in these lives and these moments. May his love and justice prevail and his will be done on earth.
Rev. Roedder explained it this way. “It was my freshman year at Elmhurst College, that would have been 1954. I flew from Chicago to St. Louis – my first flight – and I was thrilled.
“I got a window seat so I could look down and was able to see the beautiful state of Illinois – the fields and patches of green. I knew there were trees, homes, churches, and schools down there, a town or city and people, but I didn’t know them, but God did!
“Our God is not a distant being who couldn’t care less about us. The fact is we believe in a Loving Heavenly Father who couldn’t care more!”
Things to remember – “Faith does not make things easy – it makes things possible. Happiness happens when we give it away. Even if it burns a little low at times, the secret of life is to always keep the flame of hope alive. Christians don’t have to consult their checkbook to see how wealthy they are.”
Zion News (05/29/20)
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” — Nelson Mandela
In 2019, Pew Research Center reported that a majority of Americans say race relations in the United States are bad, and of those, about seven-in-ten say things are getting even worse.
Take the recent incident in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd while he was being held by the police. It is nearly impossible to see how any good can come out of what happened, but also how any good can come out of the community’s response by rioting, looting, and burning the police station. We cannot fully understand, but, with God all things are possible, and we can pray that something good and meaningful comes out of this.
As Christians, we turn to the Bible for answers in difficult times. The human story begins in Genesis where God “created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Every person is created by God in his own divine image, so every person is sacred and equally valuable. Every form of racism, by this definition, is to be rejected.
Paul stated boldly: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Paul said this at a time when many Jews considered Greeks to be unclean and inferior. Some claimed that God made Gentiles so there would be “firewood in hell.” Many refused even to look upon a Gentile in public.
People can make up many excuses for racism and social profiling as well as for violent protests, but we are called upon to boldly live the motto of the United Church of Christ, “That they may all be one.” That was Christ’s desire for us and should be our goal as well.
A timely admonition on a church sign – “Tweet others as you would like to be Tweeted.”
Zion News (05/22/20)
“Stop going to church everywhere and start belonging to church somewhere.” ― Pastor Matt Chandler
Members of Zion’s church family know what it is to belong. Yes, like most churches, there have been those who occupied a pew for a while and then, for some reason or another, left to try another church, or decided to spend Sundays a different way.
Successful churches have a core of people who have dedicated years to the work of their church and its mission to others, and that is what defines them as successful. Success is not measured by numbers, or financial balance sheets, or any other worldly measurement. It is measured by the love and caring we have for each other and for those of God’s creation we don’t even know.
Our church members yearn to meet together again and enjoy the special fellowship there is between Christians. We want to sing together, pray together, break bread together, and, in Ramona’s case, hug together. That time will come.
An unfortunate consequence of the COVID-19 epidemic is the rise in domestic violence. Being at home every day dealing with financial concerns and other disruptions to life as we used to know it can put enormous strain on relationships. One thought is to try to keep a sense of humor about things. The Bible indicates that Jesus laughed and he probably had a good sense of humor and told a joke or two. So here’s a joke to share, but not actually do . . .
“Put your wife and dog in the trunk of your car, wait a few minutes, and when you open up the trunk, see which one is happy to see you.”
Zion News (05/15/20)
“To cry is human, but to lament is Christian.” ― Mark Vroegop, author and pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis.
Trudy (Beauchamp) Feyereisen, who is now living in Michigan with her husband, John, grew up in our church. She is the daughter of Rod Randall’s sister, Donna. John has been struggling with a brain tumor for several years and has good days and difficult days, but both John and Trudy are continually strengthened by their deep trust in God. Here is part of a recent email she sent to those who are following the couple’s ongoing health struggles.
“As I walked out this morning and looked down the street, I just felt such a strong questioning inside … ‘Am I dreaming?!’ This strong desire to grasp what used to be ‘normal’ was overwhelming. ‘Will we EVER return to life as we knew it?’ It was a heart-stopping, mind-numbing moment.
“Then, as a few spits of snow began coming down (in the 2nd week of May!!) I looked up and was like, ‘Really, Lord?!’ to only be too quickly reminded in my spirit that to question the weather is to complain against my sovereign God.
“So, I took a deep breath and relaxed into His providence, while at the same time, expressing to Him how tired I am of all this crazy weather and all the negative effects of COVID-19 still lingering on. I began to pray for the White House, which has now been infected, as well as others I now know have been infected.
“Complaints and sorrow and tiredness and weariness amidst the ongoing struggle turned into prayer … this was ‘LAMENT.’ Oh, how much we all need this divine prayer language to live and learn and survive and grieve all that is going on in our world, our nation, our states, our communities, our churches, our friends, our families, and our own lives.”
A lament is an act of worship, a statement of trust in the face of difficulty. It is an honest way to acknowledge our troubles to God as we also acknowledge our hope is in him.
Lament is not giving up. For us Christians, lament expresses sorrow over losing that which was once good while hanging on to the belief that it can be made good again. So it is all right to lament about all the chaos in the world going on right now because it is a prayer to God who we at the same time praise as our source of help and strength.
Good advice – “Moan, whine, snivel, lament, grumble complain but never give up.” – Internet meme.
Zion News (05/08/20)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” – Romans 8:35
The news from Zion is that we miss each other. We miss our church family being together, worshiping and enjoying good fellowship. However, the reality is that it is much safer to be physically apart but together in the Spirit.
For some, confinement to our homes due to COVID-19 has become burdensome. There seems to be a restlessness to break out and go back to the usual ways of socially living.
Others are working to find silver linings in this new normal. Like Ramona Carlyle indicated in her weekly Good News email this week, we have spring gardening and we have spring cleaning to catch up on. We still have lots of those projects that we just never seem to have had time to do – clean the garage, purge the junk drawer, defrost the freezer, wash the outside windows, clean the fence rows, cut out the dandelions from the yard, finish one of the great books we have started . . . and, remember, “There’s no place like home.”
Good news is that the people of our small congregation are generally in good health.
A weary mom’s comments after being confined to home for weeks – “Yes, I am still in my pajamas. What did I do today? The kids are still alive. Say thank you.” – SomeeCard
Zion News (04/24/20)
“Only God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The Church has always been changing.” – Gene Robinson, Episcopal Bishop
Events that took place over 100 years ago demonstrate the temporal changes that Zion’s congregation worked through while preserving their spiritual values.
Social pressure on German-Americans grew strong during WW I and German immigrants, like many members of Zion, were sometimes being looked upon with suspicion and attacked regarding their loyalty to the United States. When the United States entered the war in 1917, there were reports of German immigrants being tried, convicted, and imprisoned merely for refusing to swear allegiance to the United States.
Even former president Theodore Roosevelt denounced “hyphenated Americanism” (German-Americans) and insisted that dual loyalties were impossible during wartime.
So, in response to this pressure, in 1918, Zion purchased English hymnals for both church services and the Sunday school, and Pastor Jerger conducted worship services in English on alternate Sundays. To further demonstrate the congregation’s loyalty to the United States, Zion’s large, bronze bell was lowered to the ground so that it could be melted down for its metal and donated to the war effort.
In 1919, Rev. August Bock was approached at a church Synod meeting by men from Zion to preach a guest sermon at the church because he could preach in both German and English. The church offered him $800.00 annually to be Zion’s new pastor. He asked for $1000.00. ($1000.00 in 1919 would be equivalent to approximately $15,000.00 in 2020.)
After the arrival of Rev. Bock, Congress passed the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote. On January 20, 1920, Zion’s congregation voted to change the church’s constitution and print it in both German and English. Individual memberships were considered “from that day on” as opposed to only the man of the family being a voting member of the church. The unknown person who recorded this meeting action also noted, in reference to the women of the church prior to this vote, “I think they were voting members but did not take advantage of the same.”
Even though the idea to replace the practice of “family membership” with “individual membership” had been considered in 1920, it was not until during an all-male Zion Quarterly meeting on June 3, 1929 that it was decided for the first time to invite women to attend congregational meetings. So, at a Special Congregational meeting held on June 23, 1929, nineteen men and seven women were in attendance.
Today the Church is still facing all kinds of change, not the least being how to be a congregation and maintain social/physical distancing during this pandemic. In a recent email by former Zion pastor, Rev. Kenneth Roedder, he wrote, “You know, we are getting accustomed to living without Church. I hope and pray that when this is all over, we will find our way back to Zion and Home.”
Zion News (04/17/20)
“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” —Theodore Roosevelt
April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge, but also the vast opportunities, of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. We must take care of God’s creation and our home.
Another anniversary milestone: The Zion News will soon be 80 years old! The first printing of the Zion News occurred in May 1940. It was printed on a new mimeograph machine that had been purchased by the church’s Young People’s League. Initially, it was a church newsletter distributed to the congregation at church and by mail.
Members of the Young People’s League in 1940 included: Edith Adolph; Robert Adolph; Raymond Blaase; Lloyd Clausen, Secretary; Margaret (Clausen) Knobloch, Treasurer; Juanita Greve; Mary Fern (Heit) Carlyle; Eugene Jurgens; Robert Jurgens, President; Elizabeth (Korte) Crocker; F. A. (Fred) Korte; Thelma (Heit) Korte; Edward Suhl; and Russel Sievers.
Anyone between the ages of fourteen and thirty-five could be a member of the Young People’s League. Dues were fifteen cents per year.
The group asked church members for any extra furniture they might have to furnish “The Cottage” as a place to hold their meetings. “The Cottage” was a small out building behind the parsonage that had been used for summer school.
The Young People’s League raised funds for church projects and was not only the founding force behind the Zion News, but also organized the first church ice cream social that became a popular community-wide annual event for many years.
Later the Zion News started being published in the Arthur and Atwood weekly newspapers. For years, Phyllis (VonLanken) Hendrickson wrote the news. On Sunday, she would go around with her notebook asking Zion’s members for any news they would like to share for the newspaper. After Phyllis’ passing, B J Hale continued writing the Zion News as she had promised her friend, Phyllis, she would do. Today, the Zion News is produced by a collaborative effort of multiple church members.
Zion also heard from another former pastor’s wife recently. Luetta Bizer, wife of the late Rev. Arnold Bizer, who served Zion from 1952-1959, now lives near St. Louis. Her two daughters, Barbara and Cami live within fifteen minutes of Luetta, as does her brother and his wife. They all worship together at an area UCC church. Luetta mentioned that her son, Doug, had passed away after a painful struggle with cancer.
Luetta has several fond memories of Zion. She said that she and her daughters look forward to Zion’s 150th Anniversary and will attend the celebration if at all possible whenever it is rescheduled.
Something we all can do: “To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.” – Bill Nye
Zion News (04/10/20)
If you saw the picture of Zion’s Confirmation Class of 1939 in the Arthur Graphic last week, and wondered which one was Margaret Knobloch, she is the young girl in the front row on the right. Other people you might recognize are Lloyd Clausen on the front row to the left, and Eugene Jurgens in the back row on the right.
Speaking of Margaret, she is, of course, staying at home, but in constant communication with her son, Paul, and his wife, Sarah. One of her grandsons, Alan, is in Washington DC where he is a member of the Green Berets. Her other grandson, Alex, is attending the University of Alaska. His studies are in the area of fishery management.
Through a recent phone call from the wife of former Zion minister, Carl Hanser, who served Zion from 1959 to 1965, we learned that Grace is now in an assisted living facility near Carbondale. She is doing very well as are her three sons who live not as close to her as she would like.
Grace asked about the parsonage, the couple’s first church home since Carl had just graduated from Eden Seminary, and about the Amish community that had interested her when she lived here.
Grace turned 89 years old last year which was celebrated by a wonderful party with all her family. She will soon celebrate her 90th birthday without being able to celebrate with her family because of COVID-19 restrictions at her facility.
Rev. Dr. Robert Randall, who was ordained at Zion in 1967, says that he and his wife, Sharon, have their daughter, Cami, now living with them since the care facility she was living in suggested moving its residents home. While staying at home they have come up will all kinds of activities to keep up their bodies, minds, and spirits.
Rev. Randall commented on these difficult times, “I have refrained for many years trying to figure out God. My quiet guess is that God grieves every death, moans with every suffering moan, whispers words of encouragement to exhausted nurses and doctors, applies impulses for corrected behavior in world leaders, and stands opposed to this current virus that destroys his vulnerable children.”
A joke for the kids: “Do you know why ants don’t get sick? Because they have little anty bodies.”
Zion News (04/03/20)
Last week it was mentioned that Rev. Dr. Robert Randall’s mother-in-law Inez Sather, passed away recently. She was born in 1918 and would have been one of very few people who survived the Spanish flu epidemic of that year until the COVID-19 epidemic of this year.
Inez was born in a remote part of North Dakota, the second youngest of four children of Norwegian immigrant parents. Her mother died two years later, and her overwhelmed father asked close friends to take care of Inez. They lovingly consented, eventually adopting Inez and moving to Portland, Oregon.
On a planned trip to Norway, Inez and her parents stopped in Elmhurst, Illinois to visit old friends who had also come from Norway. There she met for the first time their son, Roy Sather. A vibrant long distance relationship resulted in a marriage that lasted a lifetime.
Inez’s story is in the Zion News to demonstrate how connected we all are with one another. Even though she may have been a stranger to many of us, she and Roy were members of St. Peter’s UCC in Elmhurst and supported Elmhurst College just like how Zion does with our Lenten offering each year. In 1994, through St. Peter’s “Preserve the Treasures” outreach program, the Sather’s would have been part of the financial assistance Zion received from that congregation to help our church install storm windows to protect its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Staying connected is important for all of us right now. Work is being done on Zion’s website, www.zionucc.info, to add church records and update the church’s history. It is a slow process, but, since it is our church’s 150th year since its official founding, it has been given some higher priority.
Zion’s history certainly demonstrates a lot of connectivity, both past and present. An email was sent to Jim Tschudy, son of Rev. Lynn Tschudy who was Zion’s pastor from 1935-40.
In Jim’s response, he reminisced about people he got to know from Zion when he and his parents returned to visit. He remembered his family staying at John and Mary Helen Clausen’s home. He remembered playing with Fred and Thelma Korte’s kids. He remembered names like Mary Fern Carlyle and Margaret Knobloch.
Also, discussed were some of the things his father did while pastor at Zion. There is a long list, but something recently uncovered in the church records was that Rev. Tschudy, who with help from some of the older members of the church, translated the church records from German to English in 1938. In the new record book, Rev. Tschudy wrote that the church gave him an extra stipend of $43.50 for this work, which he also noted was fifty cents per page.
Zion News (03/27/20)
“And this, too, shall pass away.” – Medieval Persian adage.
This ancient Persian saying has been translated and used in multiple languages for generations. Abraham Lincoln once used the phrase in a speech. Today it can be seen on the front door of one of Arthur’s shuttered downtown businesses. It is a message of hope in these dark times.
Everyone’s life has been altered to some degree by this pandemic. Some are just inconvenienced, some are facing serious health and economic hardships, some are frightened, and, unfortunately, some are bored and remain complacent.
Whatever the situation, as one local pastor put it, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and he emphasized using your mind during this time of crisis. Trust God, have faith, but don’t expect him to do everything for you. Close non-essential businesses, let your employees stay at home, and practice social distancing.