September, 2018

herald_pub_sept_2018.pdf
File Size:	709 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

Announcements.  We have sung hymns, received the Word and celebrated the great grace of Christ’s “for you” in the Holy Meal.  Now we anticipate the holy rhythm of worship’s conclusion:  “Go in peace.  Serve the Lord.”  But, before we go:  “Announcements.”  (More than once assisting minister Denny Gross has introduced them as “Zion’s commercials.”)
 
Our announcements are typical of many churches, which share various congregational concerns: receptions, ice cream socials, the Salmon Run and fundraisers like the Olivia Rose Golf Tournament.
 
But listen carefully to this summer’s announcements.  They embraced a unique theme in the many ways we are connecting through grace in our community and the world.
 
Seventh grader Berkley announced that she was selling home made slime, so that she could purchase toys for activity bags for children in Primary Children’s Hospital. (she made 34 bags)
 
Brant Parker Graham invited us to his band’s concert at Zion.  The MAD (Make A Difference) Band raised thousands for the Youth Resource Center, which supports and shelters homeless and at-risk teens.
 
During all the “Bread Sundays,” we were encouraged to join Bread for the World http://www.bread.org/
 
John Krehbiel asked that we consider school supply donations for Bright Minds Daycare, serving refugee children.
 
We were invited to address those difficult-to-talk-about-social-justice-issues at monthly Social Action Forums.
 
Volunteers responded to requests to provide meals for Family
Promise and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Journey for Justice Caravan.
 
Then there are the crosses.  Yes, we are requesting donations for crosses, cut out of our old exterior wall, raising funds for Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, El Paso.  The funds will support the congregation’s ministry with family reunification and border ministries.
 
Have you noticed how the announcements give witness to the many and various ways we are caught up in God’s loving service to the world?  You are amazing people, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Don’t be surprised if the announcements replace the sermon for a Sunday sometime soon.  The sermon would begin, “Listen to the various ways the Holy Spirit is moving in and among and through us.”  Announcements follow.  Then we will conclude with a loud, “Amen!”       Pastor Steven Klemz
​