Ways to Serve in February
February is ZIon's month at the Food Shelf Please sign up on the Info Kiosk in the Narthex if you can help for a couple of hours. We have available shifts on Thursdays, 10 a.m. -12 noon and 4-6 p.m.
Did you know that as of the end of November Zion has contributed $9,004.27 to ELCA mission support? Did you know that we have contributed $1,080.00 to our missionary and son of the congregation, Pastor John Lunn for his mission work in India? And did you know that as of November we have contributed $4,115.01 to World Hunger? On behalf of those who benefit from your gracious generosity and willingness to support valuable ministries within and beyond our church—THANK YOU!
Mentors Wanted:Lent is approaching quickly and that is when we have Table Talks between mentors and confirmands. There are a few students who do not have mentors yet and this is an important ministry, so if you are willing to help a student, please talk to Pastor Blenkush.
Coming Soon: Prayer Partners for Youth Attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans - In January, members of Zion Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran will be invited to select and pray for one of the nine youth attending the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. The mission is simple; keep your Prayer Partner in your daily prayers. Pray for them as they prepare, travel, participate and process the events leading up and following the Gathering. Look for more information to come.
Help Wanted - In an effort to integrate more of our youth (grades 3-9) into participating in worship, the Worship and Music Committee is looking for an adult or adults who would be willing to and work with the youth in the reading of the Lessons during worship. Interested? Contact Pastor Blenkush for more information. (320-983-3368)
Lutheran World Relief is rushing help to the drought and famine stricken countries of the Horn of Africa in East Africa. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti are suffering the worst drought in 60 years and need our help. More than 10 million people are affected by this famine and more than 1,300 people a day are arriving at the Dadaab refuge camps in Kenya. Please give whatever you can to Lutheran World Relief. Give through Zion (put your check in the offering plate with LWR in the memo space) or send your check directly to LWR at this address:
ELCA Disaster Relief Response
39330 Treasury Center,
Chicago IL 60694-9300
On the memo line, write "Horn of Africa Drought" or "Where Needed Most"
You can also give online at the ELCA web site
ELCA Malaria Campaign - Every 45 seconds, a child dies from malaria. Malaria is preventable and treatable, yet it claims more than 800,000 lives a year. The time to act is now! The ELCA Malaria Campaign enables our church to join with African companion churches in the global effort to prevent, treat, and contain malaria by 2015. The ELCA Malaria Campaign has a goal of $15 million. Will you help? Malaria prevention efforts include an emphasis on health care, education, advocacy, and providing malaria-containment supplies (like nets to sleep under) to affected communities. For more information, go to ELCA's Malaria page.
Confirmation Help: Zion Lutheran and Trinity are offering Confirmation as a combined program this year and it will mean some changes from “the way we have always done it!” Hopefully that will mean good changes that will make it better. We need parents and adults from the congregation to serve as leaders/guides for small groups of Confirmation students and we need people to serve the weekly Zuppers at Zion. Sign up or talk to Pastor Blenkush.
Elevator Repairs: Repairs costing $2900 have been completed, but it has put a strain on our maintenance budget for the year. Can you give a donation above and beyond your regular offering? It would be very much appreciated! We have raised about $1000 so far, so we still need you to help.
Help Wanted: Wood Worker Zion has been trying to give a Baptismal Faith Chest to each child baptized here at Zion. These Faith Chests are designed to store baptismal certificates, the baptismal napkin, candle, and other keepsakes from the baptism. Currently Ken Muller is making the chests, but we could use two or three other wood workers to help in production. If you are interested, contact either Ken Muller or Pastor Blenkush. With four or five baptisms anticipated in the next few months, the sooner the better!
2012 Altar Flowers – You are invited to sign up for a Sunday of your choice to provide flowers for the altar. The sign-up sheet is posted on the entryway board.
Camp Onomia - Go Green! -Go Green Matching Funds! A year ago we began our GO GREEN! Appeal to raise $25,000 to replace windows and add insulation to the Retreat Center. These energy saving improvements will save the camp over $3000 yearly in heating costs. We have passed the halfway point in gifts towards this project. The even better news is we have an anonymous donor who has $5000 in matching funds to offer camp this fall. That means a gift of $200 actually buys two windows instead of just one. If you are able, please consider a special gift to camp this month! It will make a difference. Send your donation to 14202 Shakopee Lake Road, Onamia MN 54359 or visit us at www.camponomia.org.
Camp Onomia Annual Meeting: Feb. 26 - This serves notice and invites you to attend the annual Meeting of the camp Onomia Association of Congregations to be held on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 4:00 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Princeton. All member congregations are asked to send up to two delegates as voting members. A light meal will follow the meeting. For more information, contact Pastor Blenkush.
Help with Sunday School: Would you like to help with SUnday School in some way? Please prayerfully consider helping give our kids a great experience by volunteering. If you'd like to help, please call the church office to sign on - 320-983-3368 or email.
Remembering the Poor and Hungry
If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday." – Isaiah 58:10
Activate! - It’s summer and for many
of us that means sunshine and adventures. This week ELCA World
Hunger encourages you to join in and get active! Whether
it is yoga on the beach, errands on foot or a hike with the family, we
encourage you to activate the body you have been blessed with, as you
are able.
When you are out for that morning surf or twilight walk through the
country be
sure to check out the awesomeness of Creation as well.
From
our NEMN Synod Hunger,
Justice and Rural Life Concerns Committee Root
Causes of Hunger in Our World: War and conflicts; Policies (land use,
trade,
leadership); Lack of infrastructure (roads, sewers, water,
transportation);
Birth rates (high birth rates due to felt need for more workers in
families,
high infant mortality rates encourages high birth rates, children are
the
"social security system" in many areas, little access to birth
control); Education; Disease; Racial disparity; Economic structures
resulting
in wealth being concentrated in the hands of a few; Low wages; Debt
We can help through: Contacts with Congress and other government leaders encouraging legislation that helps fight hunger; Our support of the ELCA World Hunger program and Lutheran World Relief, programs that focus on development; Our support of local food banks, sustainable farming, and farmers' markets.
Noisy Offering - February 26th - As a part of our worship, we will receive a NOISY OFFERING! This is an opportunity to contribute your spare change and make some noise as the buckets are passed around. This monthly offering is especially designated for our ELCA Hunger Appeal. In 2011, we raised $1,261.12!!!!
HOLY COW! Look What We Did For World Hunger! At the 2011 NEMN Synod Assembly, Zion was recognized along with all congregations who gave over $10 per confirmed member to ELCA World Hunger. During 2010 Zion contributed $18.28 per Confirmed Member which is an increase over 2009 where we gave $12.73 pcm. Thank You Zion for your generosity and compassion for the hungry of the world!
Attention Thrivent Members - Changes have been made for Thrivent distribution of what we have known as “Congregational Matching Funds. You” Doug Halvorson, our Thrivent Representative, will be able to explain and answer questions about how Thrivent members will have the authority to distribute funds to organizations of their choice such as Zion Lutheran, a Lutheran College, Bible Camps, etc. The funds available from Thrivent will be determined by the amount of funds our members have invested with Thrivent. You will be hearing more about this in mailings from Thrivent and through the magazine members receive. This does have a major impact of funds we are accustomed to receiving so if you have questions, please call Doug at 320-983-6647 or visit Thrivent.com
Zion's Congregational Advocates will be Jan Keen, Mary Jo Gruba, and Jan Brown. Their job will be to work with congregational leaders and Thrivent members to understand the needs and ministries of the congregation and partner with Thrivent representatives and Rum River Chapter leaders to meet those needs. The congregational advocates will each receive additional Thrivent Choice Dollars for serving in the role. Contact Director of Congregational advocates Karen Edmison (983-3368 or 763-389-3397) to obtain more information.
Earn a little money for Zion by doing your Internet search on GoodSearch.com - just click the GoodSearch link on our home page and Zion will get about one penny for every search you do! One penny isn't much, but add a penny for every search Zion members do and who knows how much we could earn? Be curious - search often - earn cents for Zion! And if you shop online, try GoodShop link on the GoodSearch page! Many of your favorite shopping sites are listed along with the percentage of your purchase that will go to Zion. Questions about how all this works? Check the FAQ Page. Make your search easier with the GoodSearch Toolbar.
Missionary Sponsorship - in 2012, we need 100 sponsors to give $20 each to reach our goal of $2000 to support our missionary, Rev. John Lunn, in his work in India and Liberia. If you would like to be a sponsor, fill out the information in the bulletin, sign up on the bulletin board in the entryway, or call the church office. If you can't manage the whole $20, give whatever you can. Read more about John's work and his life on the Mission Page and in his monthly letters.
Save your UPC codes and receipts - when you shop at Teal's Market in Milaca and buy their house brand - the Our Family brand - save the UPC code on the label and bring them to church. Each UPC code is worth 5 cents to Zion! And, beginning in 2010, ALL non-profit groups can save and redeem grocery sales receipts for a 1% discount on qualifying purchases. The receipts will be used to benefit the youth group. Do not bring these items to the store - there are containers for them in the church kitchen!
Evangelism Team : Any one who has an interest in expanding the love and grace of God are welcome to join this team. We meet once a month on Sunday morning between services. You can make yourself available for one event or project or many. The Evangelism Team has been instrumental in the following ministries: Get to Know Zion Events, New Member Reception, the Blessing of the Golden Couples, the clothing drive for the Marie Sandvik Center, Meals on Wheels, the Noisy Offerings for Lutheran World Relief, coordinating Zion’s Missionary Support, ministry to Zion’s homebound members, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, to name just a few. If there is a ministry that you are passionate about that would either reach out to the wider community or nurture our congregational community—we would love to hear about it. So, come join the conversation! Watch the monthly calendar for meeting days.
Zion’s Endowment Fund: What’s Your Legacy? - In 1888 Alfred Nobel woke up one morning in Stockholm, Sweden and to his surprise, read his obituary. His brother had actually passed away, but the newspaper had accidentally gathered the wrong information on him instead. Alfred read that he would be remembered as the one who gained fame and fortune as the “Dynamite King”. This was not the legacy that Alfred Nobel wanted to leave, so he set about rearranging his finances in order to become a blessing to future generations and in the process established the distinguished Nobel Peace prize. What legacy will you leave and how will future generations remember and be blessed by us? Does your will and/or planned gift play an important role in the answer to this important question? Have you considered remembering and contributing to Zion’s Endowment Fund? Got questions? Feel free to contact either Pastor Blenkush or one of Zion’s current Endowment Committee members.
Needed: Zion's Youth are in need of individuals who would be willing (and excited) to serve on Zion's Youth Ministry Team. What does this mean you might wonder? It means we are looking for a handful of folks from Zion who are not only interested in enriching the faith development of our Zion's youth, but also individuals who have a passion for kids of all ages. We are looking for individuals willing to step up to the plate and lend a hand--to be a part of an important and vital ministry here at Zion. We are looking for folks who would be able to serve not only in an advisory role, but also providing some nuts and bolts assistance in some of the planning and execution of youth ministry activities (i.e. .. mission trips, adventure trips, Easter breakfast, 30-Hour Famine etc.) This does not mean you have to participate in every event, but pitching in and helping make these events possible is really helpful. We are also looking for individuals willing to head up ZAK (Zion's Amazing Kids! our elementary age youth ministry). This particular ministry's primary focus is organizing fellowship activities (i.e. .. bowling, sledding, swimming, games, etc.) on a quarterly basis. The mission behind this ministry is to help build relationships between the kids, laying the foundation for future youth ministry possibilities. Please give these opportunities some prayerful consideration. If you have questions, contact either Pastor Blenkush, Terry Hamblin, Mary Jo Gruba or John Cook and they would be happy to sit down with you and help fill in some of the gaps.
Circles of Hope - Circles of Hope is a community-wide ministry in Milaca, which is patterned after other Circles of Support ministries in the Midwest. The main idea is that people living in poverty need networks of healthy people in their lives in order to take the actions necessary to get out of poverty. That's where you come in.
We need allies -- church members who want to make a difference in their community; find more meaning in their lives by sharing their time, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience with others less fortunate; and, most importantly, share the love of Christ. Allies connect with participants - struggling individuals or families who need healthy relationships and who want to increase their self-reliance as well as expand the meaning and friendship in their lives. They do that in two ways:
First, they get to know the participants at the once a month Big Circle meeting which is held the first Thursday of each month at Trinity Lutheran, Milaca. At this meeting, allies and participants begin to build relationships. The gatherings begin with a shared meal at 6:00 p.m. and include opportunities to share something "new and good," learn together, affirm one another, and share and pray about joys and sorrows. The meetings end by 8:15 p.m.Then, after allies have been involved in the Big Circle meeting for several months, they can apply to become part of a Small Circle – a matching of a participant with 2-3 allies who commit to working together long-term to achieve the participant's self-identified goals of self-reliance
So what does one need in order to qualify as an ally? Circles of Hope is seeking Christian men and women who believe Jesus invites us to join in the ministry of helping and encouraging others, have or are willing to be taught active listening skills, are willing to help empower others through guidance, advocacy, role modeling, and networking, and will give permission for people to make mistakes as they learn the sometimes messy business of relationship building.
Come to a Circles of Hope gathering the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. and check us out. COH will provide a meat dish and everyone is asked to bring a side dish to share.
For more information contact Sheryll Kjos at 320-983-0339
Volunteers Needed for Family Pathways: Our new Foley location (6001 Hwy 25 NE Foley – 320-345-2230) is opening February 28! Volunteers at the thrift store can assist on the sales floor, sort merchandise, receive donations, make displays, and more! The thrift stores provide an excellent way to fulfill community service requirements for work, school, or church. Family Pathways works with people to meet their basic need, strengthen their families, develop caring relationships and support their communities. Check out our website for more information.
Got Equal Exchange Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, and Chocolate? – What are Equal Exchange products? These are products grown by farmers in the poorest countries in the world without the multinational companies ripping into their meager profits. These are products full of flavor and full of opportunities. The farmers make more money to help them support their families and local communities. Zion charges enough to cover our cost and then pass the profits on to our ELCA Hunger Appeal. And you get a great taste and the knowledge that everybody wins! For more information visit www.equalexchange.com/interfaith. Items can be purchased from display in Centennial Hall.
Thanks to a gift from the estate of Arnold Meleen, we were able to pay off the mortgage!
Volunteers Needed! – Looking for a way to give back to the community? Want to make a difference in someone’s life? Volunteer at Fairview Northland Medical Center! We are currently looking for volunteers to help with a variety of projects at our medical center in Princeton. Shifts are 2-4 hours in length. Contact Fairview’s Volunteer Services at by e-mailing jelbert1@fairview.org or call 763-389-6565 for more info.
Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice Volunteer Training – You are invited to enrich your life and make a difference in the lives of others by becoming a Hospice Volunteer. We encourage you to consider joining our team by attending volunteer training. Heartland provides care that is comforting and compassionate, and volunteers play a vital role in that care. In caring for the mind, body and spirit of those facing a life limiting illness, volunteers offer support with friendly visits, giving a break to family members, assisting in the office, sharing in the final journey of patients and bereavement care. The schedule is flexible, and volunteers choose how much time and where they would like a volunteer. For more info please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (877) 249-8836. This could be one of the most rewarding calls you ever make.
Zion's Camperships: An Opportunity to Give and Make A Difference
Did you know that 7 of Zion’s youth went to one of our Lutheran Church Camps this past summer? Did you know that Zion gave out over $1400 in Camperships? Because Zion Lutheran encourages its young people to attend our Lutheran Bible/Church camps Camperships are ways to make these wonderful experiences possible. To receive a Campership, pick up a Campership form, fill it out and return it to the Church Office. Camperships pay for half of the cost for camp, up to $75 for a weekend or half-week camp, or up to $190 for a week long camp. The church Treasure will send your Campership to the camp. Please fill out separate forms for each child if you have more than one child attending camp. Want to help, your financial contributions to the Campership Fund will help make all this possible. See Pastor Blenkush for more information..
Join the Senior Companion Program! - Spend just 15 hours a week: make new friends, receive a tax-free financial reimbursement and have the personal satisfaction that you are helping others. Senior Companions provide companionship, transportation and errand assistance to elderly community members, allowing them to continue to live independently in their own home. Qualifications are that you must be 60 years of age and willing to give back to your community with just 15 hours a week. Please call 888-205-3770 for an application and more information. Sponsored by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Minnesota Department of Aging.
Give Zion a Gift for your birthday - Looking for a great way to celebrate your birthday? How about a gift to Zion? There are a number of places to give and support that would benefit Zion’s mission and ministry. Consider one or more of the following opportunities:
+ Help provide Camperships to Zion’s Youth
+ Zion’s Endowment Fund
+ Donate to help pay off the elevator repairs
Sign Up: to serve coffee and treats on Sunday morning. Check the sign up sheet for available dates or call the office.
Commit Random Acts of Kindness: Any time is a good time to commit a random act of kindness for a friend, a neighbor, a family member, or a stranger. Need ideas? Click here!
Prayer Blocks: Is your family in a table grace rut? Do you need to add a table grace to your dining experience? Zion's Youtheran are selling "Passing on the Faith Table Grace Prayer Blocks". Roll the prayer block and when it stops pray the table grace that faces upward. This is a fun and easy way to learn new table graces and to "Pass on the Faith." The cost is $5 per block.
Donate Your Used Vehicle: Make a difference in the life of a working family! Zion Lutheran Church in collaboration with Communities Investing In Families now has a car donation program in Milaca. Northland Auto Sales donates their time and labor to do minor repairs, tune-up and clean up of donated vehicles. Family Services of Milaca has a waiting list of deserving families in need of a reliable vehicle, which can make the difference between being on public assistance, or sustained employment and self-sufficiency! Your donation is tax-deductible as you claim the full private party value of the vehicle. For more info, please call Sharon at 320-679-5431 or cell # 320-630-2539
Be sensitive to allergy sufferers and restrict use of colognes and perfumes when we gather in public setting such as worship, meetings, or classes. We wouldn't serve food to someone if we knew it would make them sick - let's be as thoughtful when it comes to the scents that we use.
Recycle your old magazines: Bring them to church and we'll send them off to men and women serving in the military. There's a box in the Narthex.
Community Service: Watch the bulletin and newsletter for more opportunities to serve by working with the Milaca Area Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and Elim Coffee hours. Zion does each for a month every year.
Check the Lutheran World Relief web site for ways to help around the world.
Serve in the Altar Guild: Help prepare for worship for a month of Sundays each year. See Mary Anderson.
Maintain Church Property: If you're handy or just willing to work, call the church office about helping with maintenance.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: If you can knit and purl - or if you are willing to learn - you can make a Prayer Shawl to bring the warmth and comfort of Zion's prayers to someone who is going through difficult times. We have yarn and needles for anyone who wants to make a shawl thanks to generous gifts from the Sunday School and other Zion members. The yarn is soft and the shawl pattern is simple. Talk to Lee Anderson or Jan Brown if you would like to be part of this ministry.
More than Prayer Shawls - "Hooks and Needles": If you knit or crochet and you'd rather do something smaller than a prayer shawl, our project for this year was very successful - we made scarves and hats for the food shelf's Christmas boutique. We also make soft caps for chemo patients who have hair loss. We also make knitted or crocheted afghan squares for Warm Up America. Talk to Lee Anderson or Jan Brown to find out more and get patterns. Come and knit and crochet with the Hooks and Needles bunch. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.- check the monthly calendar.
Got Extra Yarn? If you have any leftover yarn, Hooks and Needles can make use of it and make something useful from it! And if you would like to use your leftover yarn for something useful yourself, come join us the first Tuesday of the month beginning again in September.
Zion Prayer Chains: Jan Brown is the new Prayer Chain Coordinator. If you have a prayer request, please call Jan at 320-982-2320 or email her. You can also call the church office 320-983-3368) and leave a message on the Prayer Chain Voice Mail which Jan will check every day. Then Jan will contact the telephone Prayer Chains and send out an email to the Internet Prayer Chain.
Join a Circle: Circles meet once a month from September thru May. Each meeting includes a Bible study, great fellowship, and something good to eat. Check dates and times on the monthly calendar. The Circle chair-persons are listed on the staff page - give them a call. One Circle meets in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening, so choose the time that works best with your schedule. Any of the Circles would welcome you! Check the calendar for Circle meetings.
W.E.L.C.A.: The next meeting is March 15th. Visit the Zion Women's Page and come to the meetings to enjoy fellowship and learn how you can help with the many projects the women do every year.
Use Your Musical Gifts!
Zion's Senior Choir is looking for new members to worship thru song! We practice on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the choir loft. We welcome all ages and SATB voices, any clean jokes, and all hotdish recipes. (We assign solos to anyone who misses rehearsal!) Seriously, contact Andy Nelson for more information - 294-4022.
