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And the one who was seated on the throne said, See, I am making all things new. -The Revelation according to St John 21.5 It seems odd to begin the year with a pastoral letter that cites the last book of the Bible, doesnt it? I mean, wouldnt it be better to start the year with a quote from Genesis or Matthew, or, at least from Jesus? Well, the sentiment of making all things new sounded appropriate for a new year. When John writes the Revelation, he has endured imprisonment, suffering, banishment. He had seen a lot of death and destruction, no doubt in his life. John wrote around the first century and would have been acquainted with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the persecution of Jews and Christians and emperor worship. Suffering and imprisonment would have brought enough hardship; falling down in worship before an emperor as a god would have been tougher still. We say that we cannot imagine having such difficulties in life. Modern cultures of the more economically stable, industrially-developed world have a difficult time imagining the same scenario today. But, have we fallen at the feet of erroneous theologies that lead us away from Jesus? In the early years of the 20th Century, development was happening so quickly and the Information Age was just beginning, when literalist interpretations of the Revelation became vogue. No longer was Revelation understood as the allegory that it was meant to be. It became a literal prophecy about the end of the world. The problem with the new interpretation was a distancing from the intent of the original author. The author had seen Christ as the center, as the Alpha and Omega, as the Lamb on the throne who was slain from the foundation of the world. These more modern interpreters of Revelation began to search the scriptures for support of their new point of view. Revelation, instead of Jesus, became the lens through which all of scripture was read. Instead of the comforting message of hope in the midst of suffering, Revelation became a story of hell-fire and brimstone meant to scare people to become followers of Jesus. One theologians interpretation is that this new theology made Jesus a divine escape mechanism for those who follow Jesus. Christians no longer had to be concerned about this world it was going to burn up and pass away, who cares about it! The problem is, Revelation 21.5 throws that whole interpretation on the theological rubbish heap. Revelation is full of imagery that cannot be taken literally. There is a lot about battles and bloody imagery of the martyrs, but in the end, God, through Jesus Christ makes all things new! The world is re-created, God redeems all of creation! The reality is, God never leaves creation from Genesis to Revelation, and whats more, neither does God offer that option to Jesus followers. Of course, in the creeds and from scripture, Jesus followers know that we will one day see Jesus, but there is no theology of rapture to be found. There is no divine escape plan to escape the problems of this world God promises to go with us through the fires and tribulations. Luther called this the theology of the Cross. How we will see Jesus is up to Gods doing and not up for conjecture. Will that be in this life or in the next maybe both? In the meantime, God calls all of us to care for one another, to pray for one another, to reach out the hand to all in need. At the beginning of a new year, this is the message that can guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This is the message of hope that can lead the world. Gods peace be yours in Christ Jesus our Lord, Pr Tim
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EPIPHANY CELEBRATION
On Sunday, January 5, 2014, at 11:15 a.m. or so, we will all gather in the Sanctuary to celebrate Epiphany by watching "Amahl and the Night Visitors." The movie will be followed by a potluck lunch in Luther Hall. Please bring a dish to share. King's Cake will be provided. See Annie Reynolds for more information. You can also email Annie at annie.reynolds2 @gmail.com or call her at 419-782-7196.
The ecumenical group Growing Deeper in Faith will meet for a new book study on Richard Rohr's book: Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. We usually meet once or twice a month - check with Pastor Tim for dates and times. This study begins on December 1, 2013 and will continue into 2014. Epiphany Season New Class: "Faithful Citizenship" with Robert Bellah. This class will concentrate on Christian witness in the public square and emphasize the importance of living in community. This class will be 6 weeks long and there is no book required. Class will meet on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. on January 12, 19, 26 and February 9, 16, 23. Lenten Study on the Prophets: "Embracing the Prophets in Contemporary Culture"with Pastor Walter Brueggeman (arguably the greatest living authority on the Old Testament and especially the prophets). This is a six week class meeting at 5 pm on Sundays during Lent, including Sunday of the Passion - March 9 through April 13. Fall Bible Study - a 12 week class entitled "Jesus, the Forgiving Victim" will meet on Tuesdays in 2014 at 7:00 pm on September 2, 9, 23, 30; October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11; December 2, 9. Books are available and helpful for this class. It is a set of 4 books entitled Jesus the Forgiving Victim by James Alison. The books can be ordered through Amazon.com or through the church office. All orders through the church office must be placed by July 1st. In this class, James Alisons thought provoking books help us focus on the importance of Jesus self-giving example. What does it mean that Jesus emptied himself? How important is Jesus death on the cross and what does it mean for you and me today? These and other questions will be tackled in the group discussion and the books.
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BACKPACK BUDDIES
Zion's members will be stuffing backpacks for the Backpack Buddy program run through the United Way and Defiance College. We will be on a six week rotation and our first stuffing will be Thursday, January 9, 6:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ church on the Defiance College campus. With 15 or more volunteers it will take about 35 minutes! Hope we can get a great group going for this worthwhile community project! For more information, please contact Patty VanDemark.
QUILTS OF COMPASSION
Bringing Help and Hope to the Hurting Sunday, January 5th at 12:00 p.m. at Zions Lutheran Church
Whether you are an expert quilter or have never tried quilting before, we have an opportunity available to make a difference in the life of someone who is in need or suffering. Please bring your sewing machines, notions, supplies, fabric and a lunch to our quilting. For more information, please see Shawn Farnyiarz.
Pastor is planning several small group studies for the new year. The fire protection service is on-line and operating. The basketball hoop is installed; with several reported sightings of kids playing. Prayer Quilts are being made, with plans to have the deacons distribute. Operating Guidelines were approved; ready to be presented at the Annual Meeting. A volunteer Website Coordinator is needed to assist with placing items on the site. The Christian Ed team is in the process of re-evaluating the God Squad Sat vs. Sun. Ministry Team, usher and council meeting devotion assignments were made for 2014.
Our Innkeeper guests are continually thankful for the food and supplies given by our members and others throughout the community. In order to continue to serve their needs, we ask that you consider giving the following items: first and foremost CANNED FRUIT & DRY CEREAL, but also important are chicken noodle soup, toothpaste, shaving gel, pudding, paper towels, toilet paper, detergent, boxed skillet meals, box potatoes, spaghetti and dry pasta noodles, bottled water, canned meat tuna, sausage, chicken, Ramen noodles beef, chicken & shrimp, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, bottled fruit juices, microwave popcorn, salad dressing and cooking oil. On behalf of Diana Groll and myself, we thank you for your ongoing generosity. Dick Anderson
IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
We pray for Gods comfort for the following family who recently lost a loved one:
Chris Palmer and family on the unexpected loss of Jack Palmer on December 22, 2013.
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Christmas Un-Decorating
We will put away the decorations on January 11 at 11:00 am. All are asked to come and help out.
FREE PHOTOS
Please stop by the church library to check out the old and duplicate pictures from the church archives. Feel free to take any that you want.
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SPECIAL FUNDS Designated Inn Keepers Schlegel Memorial Mission Prayer Garden Youth Zions Bldg. Maint. Fund Bequest Reserves SPECIAL FUND 6,246.37 8,918.77 404.02 17,489.69 160.00 1,030.34 3,384.20 3,310.96 109,475.32 22,510.92 $172,930.59 6,258.37 8,835.42 264.02 17,749.69 995.00 1,030.34 3,444.10 3,185.96 108,586.09 18,207.22 $ 168,556.21
Gwen Anderson
Gwen Anderson, Treasurer
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:45 am
DCTV 5
You may watch Zions Lutheran Worship services on Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. on DCTV 5 Defiance, OH.
LLS
Lutherans of Long Standing JANUARY 7, 2014 2:00 p.m. In Luther Hall
Sisters in Christ
The Book Group meets on Monday, Jan. 13th at 7:00 pm in the Shepfer Room.
Young at Heart
meets on WEDNESDAY, January 8th, 2014 at 11:30 am, at Leftys Pizza
The next meeting will be January 19th after the Worship Service. Cards will be placed in the Narthex to be signed during Fellowship Hour on Jan. 26th.
Scrapbook Club
Meets Saturday, January 4th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Hofer Room. Bring your own drink and a snack to share.
DEADLINES
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT Every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. (unless otherwise noted) February NEWSLETTER DEADLINE January 17, 2014
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"In January it's so nice while slipping on the sliding ice to sip hot chicken soup with rice. Sipping once Sipping twice." - Maurice Sendak - In January
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January 2014
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
1 OFFICE CLOSED NEW YEARS DAY
WED
THURSDAY
2 9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due 5:00 p TOPS
FRIDAY
3 4
SATURDAY
7:30 a Weight Watchers 8:00a Scrapbooking NO God Squad
5:00 p Worship
5
9:00 a Adult Sunday School 9:00 a Youth Breakfast Club 9:45 a Worship 11:15 Epiphany Celebration
12:00 p Quilts of Compassion Shut In Communion
7
9:00 a Mens Fellowship 9:00 a Weight Watchers 1:00 p Text Study 2:00 p LLS 5:30 p Lighten Up
8
7:00 a Women @ Cabin Fever 11:30 a Young at Heart at Leftys 5:00 p Food Pantry Sign Up 5:00 p Worship 5:30 p Community Dinner 6:00 p Hand Bells 6:30pConfirmation 7:00 p Choir
9
9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due 5:00 p TOPS 7:00 p Worship & Music Meeting
10
11
7:30 a Weight Watchers 5:00 p God Squad 5:00 p Worship
12
9:00 a Adult Sunday School 9:00 a Youth Breakfast Club 9:45 a Worship 5:00 p Bible Study
14
9:00 a Mens Fellowship 9:00 a Weight Watchers 1:00 p Text Study 5:30 p Lighten Up
15
7:00 a Women @ Cabin Fever 5:00 p Worship 5:30 p Community Dinner 6:00 p Food Pantry Pick Up 6:00 p Hand Bells 6:30pConfirmation 7:00 Chancel Choir
16
9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due 5:00 p TOPS 7:00 p COUNCIL MEETING
8:00 p Barbershoppers
18
7:30 a Weight Watchers 5:00 p God Squad 5:00 p Worship
19
9:00 a Adult Sunday School 9:00 a Youth Breakfast Club 9:45 a Worship 11:00 Endowment 11:00 a Sisters in Christ 5:00 p Bible Study
20 OFFICE CLOSED MLK Jr. Day Pastors Day Off 8:00 p Barbershoppers
21
9:00 a Mens Fellowship 9:00 a Weight Watchers 1:00 p Text Study 5:30 p Lighten Up 7:00 p Deacons
22
7:00 a Women @ Cabin Fever 5:00 p Worship 5:30 p Community Dinner 6:00 p Hand Bells 6:30pConfirmation 7:00 Chancel Choir
23
9:00 a Bulletin Announcements due 5:00 p TOPS
24
25
7:30 a Weight Watchers 5:00 p God Squad 5:00 p Worship
26
9:00 a Adult Sunday School 9:00 a Youth Breakfast Club 9:45 a Worship 11:00a Sign Cards 5:00 p Bible Study
28
9:00 a Mens Fellowship 9:00 a Weight Watchers 1:00 p Text Study 5:30 p Lighten Up
30 9:00 a Bulletin 7:00 a Women @ Announcements Cabin Fever due 5:00 p Worship 5:30 p Community 5:00 p TOPS Dinner 6:00 p Hand Bells 6:30pConfirmation 7:00 Chancel Choir
29
31
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JANUARY 2014
USHERS for Sunday 9:45 am
John Diehl Shawn Faryniarz Laurie Schey Youth
BULLETINS
ALTAR DUTY
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26 5 12 19 26
*Craig McKibben, Cindy Wendell, Dick Anderson Marv Widmer, Jim Eis, John Jacob, Chuck Bailey Sue McKibben * Patty VanDemark, Craig McKibben AUDIO-VISUAL Annie Reynolds Doug Eis, Dale Worline, Shaun Holley, Vicki Stephens, Stormy Gutman.
OFFERING COUNTERS
If you would like to help with Fellowship Hour or be a Lector during Worship in 2014 or if you want your name taken off of either list, please let the church secretary know before January OFFERING COLLECTORS for Sunday 9:45 am 10th.
1st Sunday 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday Randy Groll Jim Eis & Bill Brownson Randy Groll & Cindy Wendell Marsha Leaders & Chuck Bailey
Thank you for all the prayers and support that you showed my family over the last year during my battle with cancer. The cards and prayers meant a lot to us. Because of your prayers I am here today to celebrate the holidays with my family this year. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and treasure your family always. May the season be filled with precious treasures. Merry Christmas, Robin Castillo
(sister of Rhonda Casler, Church Secretary) Continued on next page
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Driven by Gods spirit we will grow in faith and make Christs love known
DEACONS Dick Anderson Tom Boals Audrey Eis Doug Eis Linda Hardy Craig McKibben Dawn McKibben Patty VanDemark Cindy Wendell
Find us and Like us we need more followers to spread the word! Are you friends with a former member? invite them too we love staying in contact! Have a question about an upcoming event? you may find your answer. And, you can add your comments, too! (If you have trouble searching type in Zions Lutheran Defiance and that should find it for you). If you would like to post an event you may email it to zionlutheranfbpage@gmail.com.
Prayer List
Church Council has enacted a policy regarding the names placed on the church prayer list in the bulletin. If you would like prayers on the list for longer than 3 weeks, please make another request. Requests can be sent to the church office via phone 419782-8781 or by email at: zion111@embarqmail. com
COUNCIL MEMBERS
2014 Tom Boals, President Deb Shockey, Vice Pres. Gwen Anderson, Treasurer Laurie Schey, Secretary Mary Boals John Diehl Lenore Doctor Alexis Eis Jim Eis Shawn Faryniarz Stormy Gutman Roxanne Maxson Carl Snyder Mark Stephens
OFFICE HOURS
COUNCIL MEETS ON
the third Thursday of each month (except July) at 7:00 p.m.
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