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ZION UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Nonprofit Org. 402 Main Street U.S. Postage Paid P.O. Box 339 Lowden, IA Lowden, IA 52255-0339 Permit no. 3 Rev. Stephen Stepp, Pastor RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NOVEMBER 2019

Our upcoming worship services at Zion United Church of Christ

Sunday, November 3rd Totenfest will honor members who passed from this world and now shine in glory. **We will honor and remember our Savior Jesus Christ by gathering at His table for Communion** Wednesday November 27th Thanksgiving Eve Service @ 7:00 Sunday, November 25h We celebrate the Reign of Christ on the last Sunday of the church year. Sunday, December 1st The Season of Advent begins. **The Zion Christmas Dinner following the worship service. **We will honor and remember our Savior Jesus Christ by gathering at His table for Communion** Sunday, December 8th Second Sunday of Advent Christmas Bell gifts are returned this Sunday. Sunday, December 15th Third Sunday of Advent. Congregational meeting will follow the worship service. Sunday, December 22nd Fourth Sunday of Advent

Tuesday, December 24th The Zion Christmas Eve Worship Service which includes our Christian Education Christmas Program and Our Traditional Candlelit Closing. **We will honor and remember our Savior Jesus Christ by gathering at His table for Communion**

Christmas Dinner 2019 Senior High Fellowship would like to invite everyone come and enjoy the annual Christmas Dinner in our fellowship hall on Sunday, December1st, following the worship service. Be ready to enjoy great food, wonderful people, intriguing conversation, fun games, and prizes.

ZION HERALD November 2019 Volume 91 Volume 10

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Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Erma Bombeck once said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." As apprentices in Christ, we are called to spend every moment in service to God through the different gifts and talents that we have been given and to live a full and fruitful life. Some might say that we must have time for ourselves and this is certain, but there is no shut-off valve for our service because the Holy Spirit never leaves us; and if we adopt Christ’s faith as our own, the Spirit continues to shape and form us into the image of Christ. For example, during times of personal leisure, we exhibit the character and action of Christ by choosing activities that give us both enjoyment and rest while staying true to God’s desire. Or when we feel as though we have finished our tasks, we answer yes to the next request. For when we fully realize how much God loves us and how much God has given us, we cannot simply say, “I have done my share and I am finished.” That is because we know Christ did not say he was finished until it was his last breath. We as Christians are called to live a complete life that is rich in Christ. In this life, the seemingly important things of this world become just a foretaste of the glory to come. So as apprentices in Christ, we do not stop praying and acting for peace, justice, equality, comfort, mercy, and love. We do not stop reading and searching the Bible for understanding into the gifts we have been given and for guidance in to how we are to use our gifts. And when we say, “I’m finished,” it really means “I am done for the day, but I’ll be back in the morning.” So, let us go to work or play and live that day in Christ because then we can rejoice in knowing that God is with us and God is not finished with us here until we take our last breath and join Jesus in glory. As the end of my 8th year with you draws nears, I praise God each day for calling us together so that we can walk on our journey of faith as one community in the body of Jesus Christ. May we now and always thank God for the wonders of his love. Praise be to God!

Grace and peace, Pastor Steve

This Saturday night November 2,

Come give thanks on Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. as give thanks to God for all the gifts we have received during this past year at our Thanksgiving Eve Service

which will be led by our Confirmation Class.

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Nov. 3, 2019 Church Council Nov. 10, 2019 Megan Horman & Jessica Coppess Nov.17, 2019 Jody Yutesler and Heather Easterly Nov. 24, 2019 Senior High Fellowship Nov. 27, 2019 Church Council (Thanksgiving Eve Service) Dec. 1, 2019 Senior High Fellowship Dec. 8, 2019 Donna Luepker, Terry Lasack Dec. 15, 2019 Donavon & Linda Freese Dec. 22, 2019 Mary Huffman, Lori Dittmer Dec. 24, 2018 Church Council Dec. 30, 2018 Church Council

VIDEOGRAPHERS

November December November 3 Jean Stepp December 1 Jean Stepp November 10 Donna Luepker December 8 David Niermeyer November 17, Aaron Horman December 15 Jody Yutesler November 24, Cheryl Boedeker December 22 Donna Luepker November 27, David Niermeyer December 24 Aaron Horman (Christmas Eve) December 29 Jean Stepp

November 3 Carter Horman & Sophie Poppe November 10 Jaydon Nabb & Drew Behrens November 17 Josselyn Easterly & Carter Horman November 24 Johny Amina & Jaydon Nabb November 27 Sophie Poppe & Drew Behrens November 3 Amy Mohr November 4 Duane Deerberg November 5 Florence Deerberg, Jamie O’Howell,

Brian Lohman November 6 Cody Poppe November 10 Kylee Kahl, Hannah Combs. Rick Balke November 11 Jean Stepp November 18 Karen Bentrott November 19 Mark Freese, Ryan Hamilton November 23 Harold Horman November 26 Butch Schluter November 28 Alan Mohr, Callie Tjaden November 30 Terry Lasack

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Card… …shower November 5 Florence Deerberg, 107 Augusta Drive, #1,

Lowden, Iowa 52255 November 23 Harold Horman, P.O. Box 448, Lowden, Iowa 52255

Notice: If you are 80 years young or over, the church wants to have

a Card Shower for you to honor on your birthday. So, if you are that wonderful age of

80 or above and you are not on the list, please let the office know so I can add you the list. Thanks.

Happy Anniversary November 10, 1973 Dennis & Cheryl Boedeker 46 yrs. November 13, 1999 Dean & Jennifer Fredrick 20 yrs. November 15, 2003 Tanya & Keith Stewart 16 yrs. November 16, 1968 Al & Linda Behrens 51 yrs. November 16, 2013 Dan & Amy Mohr 6 yrs. November 18, 2006 Noah & Jessica Coppess 13 yrs. November 21, 1986 Doug & Cindy Wiedenhoff 33 yrs. November 23, 1996 Dan & Gail Hamdorf 23 yrs. November 24, 1978 Barry & Julie Hoffmeier 41 yrs. November 24, 1980 Rod & Renate Port 39 yrs. November 28, 1977 Bob & Mary Campbell 42 yrs. November 30, 1991 Joby & Kyle Proesch 28 yrs.

Christmas Decorating

Committee One of the most fun things to do every year is decorate the church for Christmas. It is a big job, but when lots of Zion members and friends get together and join in the fun, it makes the big job quick and easy. So, this is our call to you, please come Saturday, November 30 at 8:30 a.m. and join in the fun this year as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Zion United Church of Christ On Sunday, October 20st we had 10 walkers and

We raised oto help end hunger in the world. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed treats served In the Zion Fellowship Hall.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS GREAT MISSION

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ZION EVENING CIRCLE October 21, 2019

Zion Evening Circle members met on October 21, 2019, beginning at 5:30 to clean. We worked in the kitchen finishing the cupboards that we didn’t get done last year and we worked in the library, cleaning the shelves and discarding some books that hadn’t been read in many years. After all that work, Joy and Jody served a delicious meal of maid rites, chips, ice cream and brownies. Devotions were given by Joy with the title “Super Woman Devotions”.

President Terry called the meeting to order with ten members answering roll call. The secretary’s report was read and approved as corrected. Thank you notes were read. The treasurer’s report was read and approved. Janice moved, 2nd by Millie to pay bills. Motion carried.

Terry thanked all those that had served at the funerals; those that had taken care of flowers; Linda and Donna for serving the Committee on Ministry in July and Julie and Jean in September. She also thanked those that helped serve the supper to the Eastern Iowa Association meeting held in our church Sept. 22.

Jan Olsen was welcomed as a new member.

Terry reported that 22 people walked in the CROP walk and Circle donated $200 towards the walk. Dues are payable now. There will be an informational meeting Oct. 27th on the new AED we now have. Julie showed us a new plastic water pitcher that had been etched by lemonade or iced tea. Members are reminded to use the glass pitchers if serving liquids other than water.

The project committee has arranged for us to visit the Lowden Hotel at 5:30 the night of our next meeting. Devotions will be given by Sharon and we will be again trimming and counting labels and putting up the Christmas tree in Fellowship Hall. Janice and Marlene Fox will furnish refreshments. Janis, Janice and Jan will be in charge of the flowers in November. Our Christmas party will be held on December 16th in Fellowship Hall with Mill Creek catering the supper.

The December flower committee is Joy, Janis and Terry. Janis and Janice will serve the Committee on Ministry in November.

Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted Sharon Elijah, Secretary

ZION EVENING CIRCLE October 11, 2019

Seven members: Jean, Janis, Jody, Julie, Marilyn, Donna, Terry and Sharon and four guests, Pastor Steve, Barry Hoffmeier, Donna Meier and Virjean Stolte left Lowden at 10:30 to travel to Circa 21. We had a delicious meal and enjoyed the production of “Singing in the Rain”. We thank Janice and Janis for putting together this excursion for the members of Zion Evening Circle.

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ZION UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 Zion United Church of Christ Church Council met September 19, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The new defibrillator was hung on the wall near the elevator on the basement level before the meeting by Aaron, Jon and Randy. President Joy called the meeting to order. Pastor Steve Stepp opened with a devotion and prayer. Council members in attendance were Randy Horman, Jon Mansfield, Duane Lasack, Aaron Horman, Sharon Elijah and Joy Combs. Linda Behrens was present through the treasurer’s reports. Berneice Minor was present and shared with us her hopes of bringing the Slaton’s to church Nov. 10th to present a musical program. She will check the date with them. Joys and concerns were shared.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved on a motion by Aaron, 2nd by Duane. Motion carried. The Treasurer’s reports were approved on a motion by Randy, 2nd by Aaron. Motion carried.

Calendar review: October 12 Movie Night October 20 CROP walk October 21 Evening Circle meeting October 21-28 Pastor’s vacation

Pastor talked to us about the cards that will be sent by Sig Schluter to promote attendance at church. He also discussed the congregation’s interest in potlucks and socials held in our church. More discussion was held on the leadership structure of our church. Pastor’s expense report was approved on a motion by Aaron, 2nd by Randy. Motion carried.

Council discussed training in the use of the defibrillator. A short session will be held Oct. 27th after church which we hope will include the nurses in our congregation, the church council and anyone else interested in learning more about the use of the defibrillator.

Joy announced that Rev. Jordan’s grave marker has been repaired.

We reviewed the report from the Spring Dinner committee. It was moved by Aaron, 2nd by Duane that the council recommends to the committee that they purchase 14 new round plastic tables for the dining room; give $1500 to the general fund and keep the remaining amount in their fund. The old tables can be sold. Motion carried.

Aaron received a bid from Home Town for the replacement of the furnace and air conditioning unit which was higher than the bid from Lowden Plbg. & Htg. We will discuss this at the December annual meeting and the project will not be started until we raise the amount needed. Jon reported that there was a new holding tank installed in the Educational basement furnace room. The fall application from All Star Turf will be paid from the Improvement Fund. Our next meeting will be held October 17th, at 7:00 p.m. Duane moved, 2nd by Randy to adjourn. Meeting adjourned. Pastor Steve closed with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted Sharon Elijah, Secretary

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TOTENFEST On Sunday November 4th, our community will observe Totenfest. We will honor the lives of members and friends of Zion United Church of Christ who passes on

into New Life during the past year. They are Henry Boedeker, Deloris Kahl, Phyllis Boedeker, Gaylon Esbaum, Marvella Fehling, Richard Pennigroth, Kent Strackbein and Richard “Butch’ Schluter. Let’s thank God for these special

people who have touched our lives.

The Evening Circle will be sponsoring the annual “Make our Sanctuary Beautiful.” Joy Combs, Terry Lasack, and Janis Krafock will be taking orders as soon as the information is available. Watch for our table in the Narthex. All poinsettias should be picked up Christmas Eve or shortly after. If you prefer giving to Baskets for the Needy, The Christmas Decorating Fund, or any other church program, they will also help you with this.

Christian Education

Thank you! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Lowden Fire Department Waffle

Breakfast! Our Sunday School kids donated $204 to the Fire Department and enjoyed the wonderful waffles! Thanks to all the first responders who help us in our time of need! We look forward to teaching more of Gods’ words and stories! If you ever have any questions, please contact me! Thank you for your continued support of our Christian Education Program! Kelly Nabb Zion United Church of Christ Christian Education Coordinator (563) 941-7315 phone (563) 249-2335 cell jknabb@fbcom.net zionucclowden.org

Senior High Fellowship! Senior High Fellowship met on Sunday, October 28 following worship. Discussion was held on past activities and future ideas moving forward. We plan to rake leaves for members in our church needing some help in the yard! We also took care of the many cans donated to our group. THANK YOU to all those who donate their empties to SHF!!

Please mark your calendars for the next meeting, Sunday November 25. We would like all students and their parents to join together for the meeting. We will be planning the Christmas Dinner set for Sunday, December 2nd. SHF will also be

participating in the Bell Program for Christmas gifts. Respectfully Submitted Kelly Nabb, SHF Leader