We invite you to check out the triumphant return of the Zion Herald after a three-month hiatus. In July's edition, there are updates about the next steps in our ministry, updates about COVID-19, some goodbyes, some reflections on the past, and more. Check it out here.
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+PastIt is Lent. This season, I invite you to read and to live inside of Isaiah 55. It is a message about homecoming to people in exile. This Word of God to the exilic community in Babylon, as encouragement to the exilic community in Babylon, to sing to this broken, dispirited people that they might know God’s comforting breath once more, trust in God’s strength for them for their renewal and return. Now, the ancient prophet’s words come alive, especially in the living of these days. It is a message for all who hunger and thirst and long to be filled with God’s amazing grace. It speaks to our exhaustion, ambivalence, and little faith. It is for everyone who is cynical, resentful, depleted. Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price. Free bread. Free wine. The gifts of God for the people of God! It is the Eucharistic life ... a life of endless gratitude, with free gifts freely given. It is grace … graciousness … gracefulness … a grace-full life. The offer comes with a piercing question:
Make this your Lenten Sunday diet. Bread broken. Wine poured. The gifts of God for the people of God! + Pastor Steve
Dear Zion: This is one of the questions in the Rite of Installation of a Pastor: Will you be diligent in your study of the holy scriptures and in your use of the means of grace? Will you love, serve, and pray for God’s people, nourish them with the word and sacraments, and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living? Response: I will, and I ask God to help me. I do pray for you, people of God in Zion. You are remembered as I compose Sunday’s “Prayers for the People.” I respond to your requests in prayer. We have shared prayers in hospital rooms and in my office space. Often times you are in my early morning prayers, called out by name or community. I have been caught up “at all times and in all places” during the Holy Meal, giving thanks for those who have channeled God’s grace and love. I will even pray for you as I share the bread, speaking the promise of God’s “for you.” And, I confess, sometimes my prayers are for your patience and forgiveness. I am writing, requesting your help in changing my prayer life. Rather than praying for you; may I pray with you? Is there a time or place in the near future when we can visit? It would be my privilege to meet in your home or office or favorite café. In the meantime, please pray for me. In and through Christ, + Pastor Steve Klemz office: 801 582 2321 cell: 801 414 4833 pastor@zelc.org
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
February 2022
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ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH1070 Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84108 office@zelc.org 801-582-2321 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am-3:00 pm Friday, 8:30 am-1:00 pm Zion is a congregation of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). CLICK HERE to explore the Rocky Mountain Synod CLICK HERE to explore the ELCA |
We are a church on a mission
to proclaim Christ through word and deed. |
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