The FOCUS April, May, June 2019

Reaching out and sharing God’s Love with all ...through worship, service, teaching, and caring.

Prayer volunteers are now available to pray for you daily. Please call one of the following to start the chain of prayer reaching out for you or for someone you know or love: Georgie Price—541-864-0223 Penny Birger, during office hours—541-772-4674 Pastor Cyril, anytime—541-659-2032

Inside this Issue Page

This Quarter at a Glance 2 Pastor’s Page 3 Women’s Fellowship 4 Coffee Hour & Flowers 4 Church Activities 5,6,7 Christian Life 8 Members and Friends 9 Prayer Lists 10 Council President’s Report 11 Worship Assistants 12 Church Calendar 13,14,15

Important historical evidence –quite apart from the Gos-pels –can be assembled to show that the tomb was empty on the first Easter morning.

Beginning at the festival of Pentecost and continuing in the weeks thereafter, Peter and the other apostles sustained personality transformation inexplicable apart from their blazing faith in Jesus’ resurrection. Abandoning their cra-ven fear of the Jerusalem authorities, they began preaching a resurrected Christ with almost reckless boldness from no less a forum than the Temple itself.

To Christians, what changed these men is itself proof of the resurrection… The psychological change of the disci-ples is certainly striking. What transformed Peter, the man who could be unhinged by questions from a servant girl, into so bold a spokesman that even the entire Sanhedrin could not silence him?

Had the disciples deceitfully tried to spawn a new faith on the world, would they have gone on to give their very lives for it? Clearly, they were themselves convinced that Jesus rose, for myths do not make martyrs. The transformation of James the Just, Jesus’ doubting brother, and of Paul, a convinced enemy of the fledgling church, is even more striking, and the conversion of the many Jerusalem priests mentioned in Acts 6:7 equally so…

The defeat of death in renewed life, then, is the message of the First Easter, and of every celebration in the years since. Easter is the only festival that looks in two directions at the same time: back into history to fathom what happened in the week that changed the world, and forward into the future with the assurance that people who die will rise again.

Small wonder that it was the earliest festival to be celebrat-ed in the church, or that its message is as young as tomor-row.

(Excerpted from JN consulting editor Dr. Paul L. Maier’s

bestselling book First Easter ©by Paul L. Maier. Harper & Row.)

Jesus’ Resurrection Transformed Disciples

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APRIL 3 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

Lenten Soup Supper & devotions, 5:45 p.m.

10 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

Lenten Soup Supper & devotions, 5:45 p.m.

14 PALM SUNDAY

18 MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE, 6 p.m.

19 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE, 6 p.m.

21 EASTER SUNDAY Easter Sunday Brunch/Potluck ( following the Worship Service)

MAY

2 National Day of Prayer

5 Spring-time Potluck,

(following the Worship Service)

8 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

12 MOTHER’S DAY

15 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

22 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

27 MEMORIAL DAY

29 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

JUNE

5 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

9 The Great Potato Potluck,

(following the Worship Service)

12 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

16 FATHER’S DAY

19 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

23 No-host Pizza get-together, 5-7 p.m.

26 Healing Prayer Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

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MEMBERSHIP is a special way of saying, “I’ll be here; I’m committed to participating in the mission of Zion to share Jesus and His saving grace with my/our world; Count me in!” If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Pastor Cyril. The opportunity will be given to celebrate membership monthly. LEGACY-- a way to ensure that your faith will live on when you go to your heavenly reward is to remember Zion Lutheran in your will. Zion has been blessed to receive bequests totaling $118,000 in recent history, without which it’s hard to imagine how Zion would fare financially today and moving forward. Thank you for helping your church to continue its ministry when you’re gone to your heavenly reward! Please remember Zion in your will.

Finally, even though some of us may long for more sunny days, spring is sprung!

Along with new life bursting out all over in creation, churches everywhere celebrate new life in Christ! (I’d love to give credit for this song, if anyone knows its origin? I found it in my files.) It’s Easter! It’s Easter! The season of spring. It’s Easter! It’s Easter! The birds start to sing. The sun, it is shining, the sky, it is blue. The world comes alive with a hope that is new. It’s Easter! It’s Easter! The stone’s rolled away! It’s Easter! It’s Easter! This is the Lord’s Day. New faith for the doubter, new joy to the sad, Our savior walks with us to make our hearts glad. It’s Easter! It’s Easter! Christ lives once again! It’s Easter! It’s Easter! God’s loudest “Amen!” We sing “Hallelujah,” we sing “Praise the Lord,” Who raised up our Jesus and spoke the last word. Come join us as we remember, relive, and find renewal in re-experiencing the saving events of Jesus’ life that changed the whole world forever and for all eternity! God loves you and so do I! Pastor Cyril

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April 7th 14th 21st 28th May 5th 12th 19th 26th June 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

April 7th 14th 21st 28th May 5th 12th 19th 26th June 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

As of this newsletter publication there are no dates taken for April, May, or June Coffee Hours and Altar Flowers. Please let Penny know if you can fill in any of the other dates. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. Thank you.

A Prayer for the Nation

Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in education, and honer in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil course of action. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in You fail. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 77

Mary Circle

Meets the 2nd Monday of each month, September through May, 10:00 a.m.

In the Church Library For Bible Study and fellowship.

Mary Circle meeting dates

To be announced.

If you have any questions, contact Nancy Swan at 541-770-1689 or Diane Lewis at 541-772-1710.

Sarah Circle

Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month

At 6:30 p.m. For dinner and Christian fellowship.

All ladies are invited to join us.

April 16th The Bella Union Restaurant

Jacksonville

May 21st The Asian Grill

Biddle Rd., Medford

June 18th Habanero Mexican Restaurant

Front St., Medford

If you have any questions, contact Karen Thomas at 541-664-4433.

April 30, 2019

10 a.m.

Let Freedom Ring!

Outdoor sign of an English church: “Happy Easter to our Christian friends. “Happy Passover to our Jewish friends. “To our atheist friends – good luck.”

—via Rev. Harry Mahoney

Dedham, MA

The resurrection consists not

in words, but in life and power.

The heart should take inward

delight in this and be joyful. – Martin Luther

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April 2019

EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH/POTLUCK Sunday, April 21, 2019

following the Worship Service ALL ARE INVITED!!

Bring your favorite Easter Brunch or Potluck dish to share:

Main dish, Breakfast/Brunch favorite, Fruits, Pastries, Salads or Desserts.

“Festive” table service, coffee, tea, and other drinks will be provided.

Hope to see everyone there!

If you have any questions, please contact Debi or Sandy.

HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!

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May 2019

SPRING POTLUCK

May 5, 2019 following the Worship Service.

“April Showers bring May flowers, and what do these May flowers bring? Happy thoughts and sunshine smiles and wishes for a wonderful Spring.”

Bring your favorite Springtime Potluck main dish, or salad.

Birthday cake will be provided for all the May Birthdays.

(DO NOT BRING DESSERTS).

Table service and drinks will be provided.

So “Spring” on over with your happy thoughts and sunshine smiles and have a wonderful spring-time fun time.!

Hope to see you all there!

Please contact Debi or Sandy if you have any questions.

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June 2019

“The Great Baked Potato Potluck”

Sunday, June 9, 2019 after the Worship Service.

Bring your favorite toppings to share: sour cream, butter, chives, bacon bits, chili, nacho cheese, etc. whatever

you like on your potatoes, as well as bring your favorite salads

or desserts. Baked potatoes will be provided as well as table service and cof-fee, tea, and cold drinks.

Please contact Debi or Sandy if you have any questions.

Adults Only

No Host Pizza Get together

Saturday, June 23, 2019

5 to 7 pm.

Jackson Creek Pizza, 317 Main Street, Medford

Come and join us, for good food, fun and fellowship!

Please contact Debi or Sandy if you have any questions.

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CHRISTIAN LIFE

How to Handle Your Spring Allergies

Spring is beautiful, but it's also a key time of year for seasonal allergies. As plants release pollen, millions of people with hay fever start to sniffle and sneeze. There's no cure but you can take steps to curb springtime allergies, from medication to household habits.

Causes

The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When they get into the nose of someone who’s allergic, they send the body's defenses haywire.

The immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens. That leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms that are all too familiar if you have allergies.

Pollen can travel for miles, so it’s not just about the plants in your neighborhood. Triggers include: trees, grasses and weeds, and many other pollen producing plants.

Symptoms can include: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itching eyes and nose, dark circles under the eyes. If you have symptoms of allergies, you should see your regular doctor, who might send you to an allergist. Meanwhile, there are many over the counter medications—which may give some relief.

5 Tips to Keep Pollen at Bay

1. Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high. The counts usually peak in the mornings.

2. Keep your doors and windows closed during the spring months to keep allergens out. An air purifier may also help.

3. Clean the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect. 4. Wash your hair after going outside, because the allergen can collect there. 5. Vacuum twice a week. Wear a mask, because vacuuming can kick up pollen, mold, and dust that were trapped in your

carpet.

Courtesy of WebMD

Heal me. Oh Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved;

for thou art my praise.

Jeremiah 17:14

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Birthday Events Celebrations

April: 3rd Hailey Schwenn 14th Chelsey Boyd 22nd Brady Williams 30th James Myhre

May:

2nd Anita Willard 3rd Todd Wearne 6th Debi Bowman Pastor Mark Gilderhus 10th Nancy Swan 14th Virginia Garner 17th Kyle Nelson 19th Diane Lewis Pastor Joy Proper

June: 4th Stormy Jahn 6th Eric Olson 9th Ron Bender 17th Emily Cushman Pam Garrett 18th Al Olson 22nd Ava Rader 29th Rebecca Bowman

TOPS

(Take Off Pounds Sensibly) TOPS continues to welcome new members and is great support for losing weight. Anyone interested is invited to visit and check out the group.

We meet Saturdays at Zion 8:00 — 8:30 a.m. weigh-in

followed by a meeting 8:30—9:30 a.m.

Come and Take Off Pounds Sensibly with us, every Saturday.

If you have any questions or need more information,

please contact:

Sarah Felder, Leader: 541-538-8938

April: 27th Jerry & Karen Thomas

28th Jerry & Diane Lewis

May:

26th Al & Adria Olson

June: None

Food The Judeo-Christian tradition has encouraged us to share our food with the hungry. This quiz asks you to identify food in the Bible. 1. The risen Christ ate a breakfast of _________.

2. The prodigal son feasted upon a ___________.

3. John the Baptist ate locusts and ___________.

4. Joseph had _________ stored for the seven lean years.

5. Hosea called Ephraim “a _____________not turned.”

6. The serpent was condemned to eat__________.

7. Israelites ate roasted __________for Passover.

8. The Pharisees didn’t like Jesus’ disciples eating

__________ on the Sabbath.

9. The friend in the parable wanted three ______ at mid-

night.

10. Those who “conquer” will eat of the _______.

Answers will be found on page 11.

!

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Sick/Surgery/Other:

Ron Bender Dan McCormack

Brandyn Bowman Lisa Mustain

Kathy Carboni Al Olson

David Cullmer Doug Pierce

Lynn Davidson Pastor Joy Proper

Steve Dutton Jeannine Reddell

Vonnie Fichtner Shantil Reid

Karen Fredenberg Trinity Reid

Dale Hoover Max Shott

Pastor Cyril Hunkler Bud Van Vrimm

Jenna Jenkins Lisa Williams

Jenny Lewis Florence Yasuda

Patrick Lewis

Oseas Aduna Alex Bustard John Bustard Andrea Castagnato Chaplain Mark Gilderhus Chad Hoover Nick Rash

Stephen Dutton

Reminder Pastor Cyril’s sermons on CD are available by mail to all who request them. Sermons are also available by e-mail upon request. Call Zion’s office: 772-4674. Or Email: office@lutheranswired.org

Note About the Prayer Lists: We will be reviewing names monthly on the prayer lists. Names will be removed unless we are informed that they still need to be on the list. Thanks for your help in keeping our prayer lists up to date.

Vonnie Fichtner Myrtle Hoover Dale Hoover Florence Yasuda Karen Fredenberg

Watch Over Us, Lord Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake or watch or weep, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, rest the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous. In your love, give us all this, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pastor continues to do home visitations — and home blessings. If you desire one or the other or both, please notify Pastor or Penny.

Prayer requests: If you would like to be included in our speedy email or phone chain alerts regarding any prayer needs, please let Penny know at: Email: office@lutheranswired.org Telephone: 541-772-7191 Mention that you’d like to be includ-ed on the list. That’s all you need to do.

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with……….

Don Ray 3/10/1945—2/5/2019

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Zion’s Community

Answers to Bible quiz on page 9.

1. fish, John 21:4-14

2. fatted calf, Luke 15:23

3. wild honey, Mark 1:6

4. grain, Genesis 41:49

5. cake, Hosea 7:8

6. dust, Genesis 3:14

7. lamb, Exodus 12:3-13

8. grain, Luke 6:1

9. loaves, Luke 11:5-8

10. tree of life, Revelation 2:7

Keeping You Informed To all Members and Friends of Zion: In the spirit of keeping the congregation informed as to Zion’s financial situa-tion, in 2017 we were pleased to report that Zion’s Finances had improved a bit - however, there are still many months ending with a deficit. We post this infor-mation for you weekly in the bulletin. This year, through the end of February, 2019, total income reflects donations totaling $7342.00 with additional miscella-neous income of $1,275.56 for total income of $8,617.56 against expenses total-ing $16,583.28, which left Zion with a deficit through the month of February 2019 in the amount of $7,965.72, with all bills being paid to date. Money to cov-er our shortfall comes now from the Endowment fund. Thank you all very much,

First, congratulations and welcome to our new Church Council members (in alphabetical order) Debi Bowman and Sandy Knutson. We are VERY PLEASED to have them as members of the Council. Also, thank you to Jerry Thomas and Diane Lewis for ‘volunteering’ to be on the call committee. If there are others who would like to be involved, please contact Diane or Jerry, or me. Council and Pastor are in the process of updating the Directory and our weekly Prayer List. If you are aware of individuals who should be added, or deleted from either, please let Pastor, Penny or members of Council know. Another item Council is addressing (in view of Pastor’s retirement) is the visiting and providing com-munion to those in the congregation who can no longer physically attend services. Pastor has been doing these visitations. Depending upon how Pastor is replaced, we the Church Body, will likely take on the role of visiting and providing the sacraments to our homebound brothers and sisters. As the year ahead presents some challenging decisions, we on Council value and solicit the input of the whole congregation. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, opinions and ideas with us. And as always: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 Respectfully submitted, Marlene Hall

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April 2019

Assistant Usher Greeter Acolyte

Apr 7 Marlene Hall Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Apr 14 Debi Bowman Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Palm Sunday Apr 18 Karen Thomas Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Maundy Thursday Apr 19 Karen Thomas Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Good Friday Nancy Swan, Debi Bowman Apr 21 Diane Lewis Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Easter Apr 28 Karen Thomas Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Holy Humor Sunday

Assistant Usher Greeter Acolyte

May 5 Adria Olson Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson May 12 Marlene Hall Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson May 19 Debi Bowman Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson May 26 Diane Lewis Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson

Please call Karen at 541-664-4433 if you are unable to assist at the scheduled time. Thank You!

Offering Counters Newsletter Assistance:

April, May, June 2019

Debi and Sandy

April, May, June 2019

Georgie Price

Bulletin Assistant:

May 2019

Please call Karen at 541-664-4433 if you are unable to assist at the scheduled time. Thank You!

June 2019

Assistant Usher Greeter Acolyte June 2 Karen Thomas Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Jun 9 Adria Olson Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Jun 16 Marlene Hall Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Jun 23 Debi Bowman Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson Jun 30 Karen Thomas Jerry Thomas Sandy Knutson

Please call Karen at 541-664-4433 if you are unable to assist at the scheduled time. Thank You!

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Church Office Hours 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Monday—Friday 541-772-4674

Pastor Cyril Hunkler, 541-659-2032 Office hours and times of visitations:

See weekly bulletins

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2 3 Healing Prayer Service 4:45 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m. Soup Supper & Devotions 5:45 p.m.

4 .

5

6

1

7 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

8 9 Council Meeting 6:30 p.m.

10 Healing Prayer Service 4:45 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

Soup Supper & Devotions 5:45 p.m.

11

12 13

14 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

15 16

Sarah Circle 6:30 p.m.

17 Healing Prayer Service 4:45 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

18

19

20

21 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Easter Sunday Brunch

22 23 24 Healing Prayer Service 4:45 p.m. Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

25

26 27

28 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Holy Humor Sunday

29 30

April 2019

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Church Office Hours 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Monday—Friday 541-772-4674

office@lutheranswired.org

Pastor Cyril Hunkler, 541-659-2032 Office hours and times of visitations:

See weekly bulletins or call the Church office

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

5 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Spring Potluck

following Worship

6 7 8

Healing Prayer Service

4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

9

10 11

12 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School Mother’s Day!

13 14 Council Meeting

6:30 p.m.

15

Healing Prayer Service

4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

16

17 18

19 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

20 21

Sarah Circle

6:30 p.m.

22 Healing Prayer

Service

4:45 p.m. Choir Practice

5:30 p.m.

23

24 25

26 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

27

28

29

Healing Prayer Service

4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

30

31

May 2019

10 a.m.

15

Pastor Cyril Hunkler, 541-659-2032 Office hours and times of visitations:

See weekly bulletins or call the Church office

Church Office Hours 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Monday—Friday 541-772-4674

office@lutheranswired.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

3

4 5 Healing Prayer

Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

6

7 8

9 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Following worship

10 11

6:30 p.m.

12 Healing Prayer

Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

13

14 Flag Day

15

16 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

17 18

Sarah Circle 6:30 p.m.

19 Healing Prayer

Service, 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice, 5:30 p.m.

20

21 Summer Begins

22 5-7 p.m.

23 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

24

25 26 Healing Prayer

Service 4:45 p.m.

Choir Practice 5:30 p.m.

27

28 29

30 8:15 Adult Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

June 2019

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Zion Lutheran Church 516 W. 4th Street Medford, OR 97501 541-772-4674

Adult Bible Study: 8:15 a.m. Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m.

2018 Church Council Roster

Pastor Cyril Hunkler President: Marlene Hall Vice President: Debi Bowman Secretary: Adria Barton Treasurer: Karen Thomas Jerry Lewis, Georgie Price, Sandy Knutson, Sandee Woerner

STAFF Pastor Cyril Hunkler, 541-659-2032 Office hours and times of visitations: See weekly bulletins or call the Church Office. Secretary: Penny Birger Office hours: 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, 541-772-4674 Email: office@lutheranswired.org www.zionlutheranmedford.org

April, May, June 2019