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THE MESSENGER January 2020

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH - ELCA “Gathering together, Growing in faith,

and Going into the world in Jesus’ name.”

715-398-3663 www.zionsuperior.org Victor St. George, Pastor 218-343-4089

Worship Services Sundays at 9:00 am and 10:50 am

Sunday School 10:15 am Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall 10:00am

Youth Ministries Grades 6-12 on Wednesdays LOGOS 4-7 pm

Service/Ministry Opportunities available throughout the week

Church Office Monday-Friday 9:00-1:00

715.398.3663 churchoffice@zionsuperior.org

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 2022 East Second Street

Superior, WI 54880

Contact Zion Pastor

Victor St. George, pastor@zionsuperior.org Office Secretary Pearl Swanstrom

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Choir Director, Music Ministries Director

Gretchen Johnston, OSB Organist

Gretchen Johnston, OSB Custodian

Darren Velin Newsletter

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Prayer Ministry and Requests

prayer@zionsuperior.org Sunday School (ages 0-5th grade) Michelle Conlan or Pam Monaghan

churchoffice@zionsuperior.org Missions

Sunnie Lamppa/Tanya Nelson LOGOS

Greg Kvam, Lynn Rochon

THE MESSENGER is a monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church

“Gathering together, Growing in faith, and Going into the world in

Jesus’ name.”

THE MESSENGER A monthly publication of

Zion Lutheran Church www.zionsuperior.org

2022 E 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880

715-398-3663

Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 am—1:00 pm

Answer to December Newsletter puzzle is on Page 7.

When you have the puzzle answer phone the church office (715-398-3663) with the answer and claim your gift.

JANUARY 2020

C _ _ _ _ _ _ me with hyssop, and I will be c _ _ _ _;

wash me, and I will _ _ whiter than _ _ _ _.

Psalm 51:__

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ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL All Children ages 3 years through the 5th Grade are welcome at Zion Sunday School.

Classes are Sunday mornings at 10:15 from September to May. To register your children for Sunday School, you may contact the church office

(715-398-3663) or go to zionsuperior.org for a registration form or simply come to Zion on any Sunday to get your child started on his or her journey of faith! God loves our

children and has wonderful things to teach them at Zion Sunday School. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! ZION SUNDAY SCHOOL

Wednesdays 4-7 pm

January 1—NO LOGOS Break January 8—Daniel, and taking down of the greens January 15—Jonah January 22 — Mary the mother of Jesus January 29 — John the Baptist

Sunday School continues to meet every Sunday at 10:00 am. As your Sunday School Team, we are looking forward to a fun and exciting year of learning and growing together!

If you should ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to talk to a Sunday School staff member or someone on the Team.

“Christmas Alphabet” (The Greatest Present Ever)

We hope you enjoyed the Christmas Alphabet.

Thank you to teachers, parents, students, and all who helped with this performance.

Our Cast of characters included: Ellen Adrihan, David Bennett, Kylie Bennett, Logan Bergson, Billy Braman, Bree Braman, Brock Braman, Claire Conlan, Kate Conland, Zachary Dittdrender, Owin Holm, Anna James, Jack James,

Madelyn James, Charlette Kletscher, Rogan Lambert, Colin Larson, Daniel Larson, Hailey Larson, Grant Mencel, Greta Mencel, Frankie Miley, Zachary Monaghan,

Elijah Myer, Lucas Myer, Champ Olson, Adyn Pedersen, Trey Pedersen, Anora Pfannebecker, Kaylea Pfannebecker, Logan Pfannebecker, Gabrielle Raunio,

Owen Raunio, Bristol Stariha, Bentley Velin, and Brady Velin.

We have shared the good news with YOU. Now you know why we are so excited about the greatest present ever!

a b

c

x y z

Sunday School resumes on January 5th Kids sing Sunday, January 26th. It is also a combined service. Sunday School Spud Luncheon on Sunday February 16th. Kid Sing Sunday, February 23rd.

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Thank You to all the unobserved people Who come in our door with items to pass along to others that have a need for them. Today I see someone has been busy mak-ing mittens to go on our already full “giving tree”. There is always something to be thankful for when you come to Zion. Free eggs appear, baked goods, peo-ple that go the extra mile to help the janitor do the fussy stuff that keeps us clean in our offices and sanctuary. The list goes on, and we should all say a special blessing for these special folks.

The Church Bulletin My friend (also a church secretary) sent me 22 sentences which had actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced at church services. I thought I would share a few with you to begin the new year.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.” The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.” 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. Don’t let worry kill you off—let the Church help. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will fol-low. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. These are just for fun. Would you be interested in the rest of the list? —Pearl

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Audit: To be completed. Constitution: Meeting next week. Budget 2020: Budget will be available at the December council meeting to review. Nominating: Work in progress. Superior ELCA: Pastor Victor, Bob and Deanna attended the November meeting. Next meeting is December 3 at Bethel. Any member of Zion is invited to attend. In the spring pastor mentioned that the ELCA pastors in Superior might exchange pulpits. NEW BUSINESS: Lucy Sullivan addressed the council with final figures from the Pasty Bake. The sale was a huge success with 1414 pasties made. The sale will clear approximately $6000 after all the bills are paid. Lucy also wants the congregation to know that more volunteers are needed to continue this event. This event is needed to meet our budget needs for the year. She suggested more young volunteers to come in possibly as a second shift would help ease the work load. The topic of pastor’s request to go to ¾ time in 2020 was brought up. The Personnel committee will be meeting on Monday, November 25. The annual meeting in January will address the request. Aine presented a Time and Talent Opportunity sheet for congregational members to complete. The coun-cil will review the opportunity sheet at its December meeting. A motion was made to adjourn by Tim at 7:10 pm. Pat seconded. Motion carried. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Linda Moe, Secretary

Church Council for year 2019

Term Ends January 2020 Term Ends January 2021 Term Ends 2022

Linda Moe, Secretary Sara Schubert-McKone, Deanna Traynor

Donald Anderson Cheryl Kucharyski Bob Warner, President

Laura Kilner Patricia Hovi Christel Lewis

Tim Ingersoll, Vice President Anthony Anderson Aine Merrill, Treasurer

Pastor Victor St. George Margaret Sundet

Nominating Committee— 1-year term Don Anderson Polly Lohman Anthony Anderson

Conference Assembly Delegates Karen St. George Vicky Holm

Audit Committee—1 year term Bob Warner Lucy Sullivan JR Pedersen Kendra Lohman Polly Lohman

Annual Synod Assembly Representatives Aine Merrill Cheryl Kucharyski Tim Ingersoll (alternate)

Care Basket Ministry Please take a Care Basket for those you know who have been ill, a death has occurred in the family, a person may need a smile to let them know we care about them. We have baskets with soup, a book, small presents in them and a card that states we care. Baskets are in the closet in the fellowship hall. Write on the clipboard the date, recipient of basket , and who will deliver the basket. Thank you for being the hands and feet to show others we care about them. —Sunnie

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Sew N’ Sews

Along with other activities, we continue to piece together

quilts and distribute them to several places. We have given

them to those who have suffered fires and to those who are

temporarily homeless. A big thank you to the people who

share their time and energy on Thursday afternoons and

from home on these projects. May God Bless you all.

—-Jan Arena

Growing in Faith As of November 20, 2019, we owe $73,624.44. YTD Interest paid is $3,189.94.

YTD Principal is $6,808.06. Monthly mortgage payment is $781.00. Please consider a gift to Growing in Faith above and beyond your regular

giving. Thank you for your gifts.

WELCA meets every second Sunday of the month at 10am.

We will see you there. —-Sharon

Coffee fellowship There is a sign-up sheet

on the counter in Fellowship Hall

Food Shelf Second Sunday of

the month: need canned foods,

fruits, non-perishable items.

Vicki

Superior Singers "Celebrate the Season!"

Thank you to all who attended the concert in December.

A special thanks to those who provided and served the Christmas treats.

It was a delicious way to end the evening.

Thanks to all who helped and purchased cookies at WELCA’s Cookie Sale in December. This was

a wonderful and delicious fund raiser for the church. Those who attended enjoyed the day

and the treats. WELCA thanks you.

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Prayers of Protection: Nathan Anthony, Mathew Sherwood, Nick Luoma, Nathan Mad-sen, Keely Nelson, Andrew Hutton, Andrew Mattson, Joshua Seifert;, and Michael Kuecher for all those who are in military service throughout the world and their families. Mathew Sherwood has graduated from two weeks training for Warrant & Officer Candidate. Congratulations to Matt! Keeley Nelson participated in a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Graduation in March 2019. She earned the rank of E6 in the Air Force. Keeley is a nurse. In April 2019 she was stationed in South Korea for one year. When she leaves South Korea in April 2020 she will be going to Alaska.

Please let me know of an update for our Military men and women. Prayers for them on Sundays is not enough. An address would be appreciated for Birthday/Christmas greetings.

—-Thank you, Jan Arena

Tuesday Missions We are looking for new members and particularly

those who sew (at church or home). We meet on

Tuesday at 4:00-6:00 pm. This does include supper.

We continue to collect T-shirts to sew diapers.

There is also a need for people to cut and sew hats and mittens

for the giving tree and schools who need extra mittens available

for kids in need.

Questions? Contact

Tanya Nelson

The Sew n’ Sew Ladies

We regretfully, have decided not to sponsor a Baby Shower for pregnant

and needy families this year.

All of the accumulated items have been delivered to the

New Life Center. We enjoyed working together,

enjoyed hosting the party and treasure the memories of a job well done in outreach ministry for the community.

Future items donated will be sent to New Life Center.

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

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CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2019 Present: Donald Anderson, Laura Kilner, Tim Ingersoll, Linda Moe, Pastor Victor, Cheryl Kucharyski, Pat Hovi, Anthony Anderson, Deanna Traynor, Bob Warner, Christel Lewis, Aine Merrill, Margaret Sundet Absent: Sara Schubert-McKone Meeting was called to order by President Bob Warner at 6:03 pm. Devotions were provided by Pat. Pat will also provide devotions in December. Reports: Secretary’s Report: Report was reviewed. A motion was made by Pat and seconded by Christel to accept the report. Motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Report shows a deficit of approximately $12,000 through October. All bills have been paid. The Endowment Committee met prior to this meeting with Thrivent representative Jeff Hakala present. Lynn Rochon, Beth Arnson, and Heidi Hillstrom-Maki were on the previous committee and have agreed to continue on along with Aine Merrill. At this time the fund has a balance of $28,786.79. The committee rec-ommended that $1400 from the fund be reimbursed to Zion’s general fund. For several years the general fund has been funding the scholarships from Zion rather than the Endowment Fund. The committee also recom-mended Zion’s constitution and bylaws be reviewed and revised and brought to the annual congregational meeting to reflect changes that could be made in how the Endowment Fund is being dispersed. Pastor’s Report: Pastor attended a Lake Superior Conference pastor’s meeting in Iron River today. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church now has a ¾ time pastor. Advent services are planned for Wednesdays December 4, 11 and 18 at 6:15pm. ELCA churches in Superior are planning a hymn sing at 4 pm on December 7 at Pilgrim. Pastor will be on vacation Sunday December 29. Committee Reports: Discipleship: No report. Worship and Music: Sanctuary piano will be tuned on Tuesday, November 26 by Steve Johnson. Sister Gretchen asked to have choir practice following the Advent services in December at 7 pm. Zion families will be asked to participate in lighting candles on the Advent wreath during December. Christmas Eve services are at 4:30 and 10 pm. L. E. Olson-Lethert Organs will not service the organ this fall as Zion has not had any problems with it and their representative has already been to the Twin Ports. WELCA: Pies will available for sale Saturday, November 23 for $12 with assembly on Friday. The annual cookie sale will be on Saturday, December 14. A $250 Thrivent grant has been obtained for this. Operations and Finance: Two new computers have been purchased for the church office and Sunday School area. The file server will be in the office. Generous donations of $1100 made this possible. Bob Warner will install them. Upgrading to Office 2019 will be made to the others. LOGOS: Vicky Holm made soup and LOGOS delivered nine baskets to shut-ins. They will be singing to shut-ins in December. A motion was made by Pat and seconded by Tim to accept the reports. Motion carried.

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Luke 2:15-21 PASTORS PAGE 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

So there you are, in Bethlehem, having just given birth to the salvation of the world. Young, hip, beautiful (we’re certain about young anyway). Tired from traveling, exhausted from labor and delivery… Let’s face it; it’s been a rough time.

Maybe you’re waiting for Gabriel to come and see how things turned out, but who shows up at your bed-side (manger side?)? A bunch of unwashed shepherds! They smell bad from hanging around the herd, they look like they haven’t had a bath in weeks, and let’s face it – shepherds are not exactly the crème de la crème of society! In fact, shepherds are typically the youngest boy in the family, the one who won’t be participating in the family business (that’s for the oldest boy).

So put them out in the hinterlands with the sheep. They can protect the herd from the wild carnivores in the area. And if they can’t? Well, let’s face it. They’re expendable.

So why are they the first ones who show up at the incarnation of God?

If we continue to read the gospels, we see that Jesus greets everyone he comes into contact with, offering them the kingdom of God. This is an offer made without reservation to all, regardless of their social stand-ing, their economic situation, their gender, or even their membership in the Jewish community.

But Jesus always seems to have a special affection for those who are regarded as the least. Whether it is a Samaritan woman who he meets at a well and who has been rejected by at least four husbands, or those who are cast out because of leprosy, or centurions, or even those who have died! Jesus just keeps offering God’s blessings to all.

See, the least, the last and the lost have probably never had someone look at them as if they are im-portant. No one thinks that they have anything to offer, so they are pretty much safe to ignore.

But to God, even the least of us is of incalculable value. Even those who society shuns. Even those who society ignores. Doesn’t matter to God.

So why shepherds? I think probably this was the first sign that God is no respecter of human power, hu-man accomplishment, or human wealth. When these smelly, dirty shepherds show up at Jesus’ birth, they

are a sign that we are all welcome in the presence of God.

Blessings

Pastor Victor

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Jan 1 — Taylor and Amber Pedersen — 6 years

Matthew Ross Jan 1 Margaret Smith Jan 3 Donald Downs Jan 5 Alana Dunning Jan 5 Bob Evans Jan 5 Roger Saari Jan 5 Katrina Sautbine Jan 6 Kristin Radich Jan 10 Craig Larson Jan 13

Gregory Pluntz Jan 15 William (Bill) Traynor Jan 17 Crysta James Jan 18 Miranda Nelson Jan 18 Kelly Thimm Jan 20 Jack Boris Jan 24 Christopher Rochon Jan 27 Jeanette Betterman Jan 30 Paul Freer Jan 30

Memorials have been received in honor of Jack Waite From: Lynn & Dexter Nelson, Mary Jo Bartylla, Marie Peterson, Lois Renoos,

Richard Nelson, Robert Patterson, Duane & Jeanette Betterman, Paul & Kay Freer (for painting of cross), Linda Brow, Lucille Sullivan, Karen Kangas,

Troy Johnson, Aine Merrill, Karen Dorin, Shirley Seifert Boris, Edalee Hedin, Beth Arnson, Polly Lohman, David & Dianne Waite, Robert & Donna Norberg,

Cheryl Kucharyski, Sharon Miller, Irene Anderson, and Steve & Sunnie Lamppa.

The Church Annual Meeting is this month! This means it is time to report information for the Annual Report. We will need the individual reports on the office desk by 9:00 am Thursday January 16. We will print on Friday January 17 so the copies are available to the Congregation on Sunday January 19 (per the constitution), a week before the January 26th Annual Meeting. (This reports the 2019 calendar year.) Thanks for your help, Pearl

Memorials have been received in honor of Melvin Maki From: Steve & Sunnie Lamppa.

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LAY MINISTRY FOR January 2020

Communion Assistant

Minister Assistant Power Point Assistant to

Minister/Reader

Polly Lohman Karen St. George 1-5 Vicki Holm Sara McKone

Donna Meltz Anthony Anderson 1-12 Bob Warner Tim Ingersoll

Mark Betterman Aine Merrill 1-19 Tony Garro Lynn Rochon

Polly Lohman Karen St. George 1-26 Vicki Holm Sara McKone

Greeter Usher

Jack & Shirley Boris Mary Hickman 1-5

Dick & Esther Nolan Duane Betterman Mark Betterman

1-12

Margaret Sundet Polly Lohman 1-19

Ken & Karen Thimm Donald Anderson Anthony Anderson

1-26

Reader Counters (Both Services )

Donna Meltz 1-5 Greg Kvam, Ken Mertz

Polly Lohman 1-12 Polly Lohman, Aine Merrill

Linda Moe 1-19 Paul Freer, Beth Arnson

Aine Merrill 1-26 Lucy Sullivan, Kendra Lohman

Altar January Jeanette Betterman

Food Shelf

Faith United Methodist Church

Home Communion Jeanette Betterman

Unable to serve at scheduled time? Please call office at 715-398-3663 with name of your replacement. Thank you for your service.

Thank you to Anthony Anderson for the project beside Zion’s main door. This Food Shelf is being used! Thank you to the people who continue to fill the

shelves for those who need to benefit from the items contained on the shelves. This will be a wonderful ministry throughout the year. Thanks to all.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 New Year’s Day Office closed No LOGOS

2 1:00 Sew ’n Sew 6:00 Choir

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4

5

Regular Services

6 6:00 AA Mtg

7 4-6pm Missions 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

8 4:00 LOGOS Daniel Taking down the greens

9 1:00 Sew ’n Sew 6:00 Choir

10 7:00 Worship & Music Meeting

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Regular Services

10:00 WELCA

13 6:00 AA Mtg

14 (recycling) 4-6pm Missions 5:00 Operations Finance 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

15 4:00 LOGOS LOGOS Jonah

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9:00 am Annual Reports due 1:00 Sew ’n Sew 6:00 NO Choir 6:00 Church Council

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9:00 am Print Annual Reports

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19

Regular Services

20 6:00 AA Mtg

21 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

22 5:00 Mary the mother of Jesus

23 1:00 Sew ’n Sew 6:00 Choir

24

25

26 Combined

Service (Kids sing)

Annual Meeting

27 6:00 AA Mtg

28 (recycling) 4-6pm Missions 6:00 Al -Anon 6:30 AA Mtg

29 4:00 LOGOS John the Baptist

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Every Sunday 9:00 Traditional Service 10:00 Fellowship Coffee 10:00 Sunday School Summer 10:50 Contemporary Service

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Congratulations to those who answered the question correctly: Lucy Sullivan, Jayne Baumgardener, and Jan Arena.

Be a friend on Facebook www.zionsuperior.org

Check the Photo Gallery Zion Web

www.zion superior.org

Continue saving pennies. They really do count!

Sharon

2020