I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
Pastor Voorman’s Message
1-2
Church & School News 2-5
Treasurer’s Report 6
Zion Servant Schedule 7
Calendar—Insert Page
Zion Lutheran Church & School
Loving, Inspiring and Equipping to
Engage Our World.
A Message from Pastor Voorman
I have always been a rather anxious person. When I was young I drove my parents crazy with constant questions about things that worried me. I would ask about everything and anything. Would the dentist of- fice be painful? What tools would they use? What could be wrong with my mouth? How much would it hurt? The questions kept coming and grew more fran- tic and urgent as the looming threat and fear came closer to my little world. Now I’ve conquered some fears in life and hold my anxiety together a little better as an adult, but it’s still there. That anxious child and his questions that burst forth from a fearful mouth lurks just beneath the surface of the adult who seems to hold it all together and doesn’t look petrified all of the time.
Fear is a difficult thing. It’s a paralyzing thing. And make no mistake about it, in this sin filled world of sinners there is indeed much to be fearful about. The news is now at our fingertips and in our pockets with up to the second new information and updates, bringing more fear. There was another shooting today, there were thousands more killed by the virus, a family friend died from cancer, the stock market is plummeting, the kids’ grades in school won’t be good enough for a large scholarship, jobs are being cut and reduced all around you. Fear seems prominent and only looks to grow in this crazy mixed up world.
Dear friends into a scary and fretful world Jesus walks in and radiates something unusual and shocking. He seems to be completely and utterly calm and at peace in the midst of fear. He never appears or sounds anxious. Aside from the prayer in Gethsemane when He desires the cup of wrath to be taken away, Jesus never shows a hint of fear. (And even in the Garden of Gethsemane He accepts the coming fate and the will of His Father while desiring to not face the wrath that we deserve.) Jesus radiates the same calm that He has been speaking since the beginning, since Adam and Eve ate the fruit and for the first time and became afraid. Fear seized them and they immedi- ately hid from God. Fear sent them lurking into the bushes. But God came seeking and ever since God has come seeking His creation trying to pull us out of our fear. Joshua chapter one is a great summary of this comforting God who speaks peace from Genesis to Revelation. Three different times God tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dis- mayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Jesus is the embodiment of this fear destroying and calm God. He is God in human flesh and brings with Him calm and peace. He bursts His way into the fear soaked upper room of the disci- ples on Easter evening and announces, “Peace be with you.” And He says it again a second time to reiterate the message. (Just like He did with Joshua in the Old Testament.) But my favorite ac- count of this peaceful and tranquil Jesus is in the boat amidst the storm. In Mark chapter four, after calming the storm He turns to His frightened disciples whose hearts are still pounding in their chests and He asks, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” It’s a question of profound comfort and dear friends it’s the question Jesus asks you. He asks because He knows that there is no need to fear! He asks because for Jesus fear is not necessary, fear is foreign to God.
Amid the fearsome pestilence and suffering of this world, Jesus bursts His way into your upper room of fear and your shaky boat in the storm. And He tells you not to be afraid. Fear not! Have peace! Because, here’s the great news, the reason for our fear is done away with in Jesus. We fear
October 2021
Saturday Breakfast Bible Study
The offertory is an ancient part of the Christian Divine Service, and it was sung while the bread and wine were brought to the altar for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Any appropriate psalm would be sung reverently and joyfully by all as the table was pre- pared. Sometimes no psalm would accompany the procession, but a canticle would be used, such as those we now use in some of the settings of the Divine Service in our hymnal.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God…” is based on Psalm 51. This is David’s famous prayer of repentance after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan over his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. It’s also a song of faith. David confesses and believes that God can and will create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. So also, this song is found on our lips as the Lord’s table is prepared with the Holy Sacrament that cleanses us from all sin.
“What shall I render to the Lord?” is also a familiar offertory canticle (LSB 176). It is a paraphrase of Psalm 116. The answer is, of course, that we really have nothing to offer God. He gives His gifts to us, and we receive them in faith. That’s what worship is all about! It’s our Lord’s Divine Service for us! Still we respond with prayer, praise, and the “sacrifice of thanksgiving” for all the bene- fits God so graciously bestows on us.
Bible Study Opportunities
The Light of The Liturgy: The Offertory
Pastor Voorman is studying Judges on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am. Wednesday Evening Bible Study has begun again and will be discussing the book of Acts. Sunday mornings at 9:15 am explore the
readings for the day with our pastors.
One Saturday each month there is also a Breakfast Bible Study beginning at 8:30 am. Find the details in your weekly Connections.
because we don’t want to lose things. All fear is the worry of losing something. We fear losing our health, our money, our job, our stuff, our reputation, our loved ones and yes our lives. We fear because we know it can all go away. But with Jesus you cannot lose!!
There is no loss with God. In heaven you have all you could ever imagine or want. In heaven you are reunited with your loved ones in Jesus. In heaven there is no sickness or illness or war or famine or lack. So pick up your head and puff up that chest a little, be strong and courageous. Yes this world is scary, yes
there is much to fear…but with Jesus you are eternally taken care of and will not, cannot, lose anything. Peace be with you! Fear not!
All is well for Jesus is with you now and into eternity.
Jesus lead Thou on till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless, we will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.
LSB 718 - Jesus, Lead Thou On (Stanza 1) God’s peace dear friends,
Pastor Voorman
What: Lutherans in America
When: Saturday, October 30 at 8:30 AM (food is served; study begins at 9:00) Where: The Fellowship Hall
How did Lutherans get to America? Why did they emigrate from Europe? How did our beloved LCMS get started? Why are there so many different church bodies bearing the name “Lutheran,” and what are the differences? Join us on the eve of Reformation Day as we learn about Lutheran history in America, a history full of struggle and joy as God works in His Church.
Thursday, October 14 – 6:30pm – High School Youth Bonfire and Hangout at the church.
Sunday, October 24 – 6:00pm – High School Youth are invited to the Sprunger House (4281 N Piqua Rd.) for a scary movie night (movie TBD).
Thursday, October 28 – 6:30pm – High School Youth (grades 6-12) pumpkin carving at the church.
Friday, October 29 – 6:00pm – Bake Sale & Hot Dog Roasting at the Fall Fellowship Event
Sunday, October 31 – Trunk or Treat! – All youth are invited to the Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot.
High Schoolers and families are encouraged to decorate their cars and help pass out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Sunday, November 7 – 3:00pm – All youth gathering at Porters’ Pond – All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to Grant and Deb Porters’ pond (1501 High St.) for an afternoon of fellowship, fishing, food, bonfire, and games. Bring your fishing pole and compete to win an Amazon gift card!
Congratulations
Upcoming Youth Group Activities
All ladies of Zion are welcome to come to our first in-person meeting of LWML. It will be on Wednesday, Oc- tober 13th at 1:00 pm in the Needle Club Room in the Parish Hall. We’ll have a Bible study and a short meet- ing. Please join us!
LWML Meeting
Forty-eight of Zion’s students qualified to receive a SGO Scholarship for the 2021/22 school year. Zion will be receiving $24,000 to be applied to the student’s tuitions. This has been made possible through the generous contributions of many of Zion’s members.
Anyone can support SGO scholarship! However to receive the state tax credit you must pay or owe Indiana state taxes. Donations can come from corporations, partnerships, LLC’s, PCs, the self-employed, or individu- als.
Donors are eligible to take advantage of a 50% credit against their state tax liability for their contributions.
Gifts are also tax-deductible to the full extent of the federal charitable tax laws because The LutheranSGO is a 501(c) charity.
Making a donation is a simple process. You can go online at www.LutheranSGO.org to get more information and print the needed forms. You can also pick up a brochure in the church narthex or church office. You can designate Zion Lutheran School, Decatur as the recipient of your donation thereby assuring that our students will benefit from your donation for the next school year. The funds in our account are now minimal so your donations are important to be able to extend the scholarship program for another year.
If you have questions a member of the scholarship committee can help you. Carl Risch, Kathy Brown, Barb
Frane, Monica Huffine, and Principal Jessica Heckler.
ZION SCHOOL NEWS
We are thankful for another year of God’s blessings to those who are celebrating
birthdays and anniversaries in October!
Connections & Lamp Newsletter Deadlines
Just a reminder to those wanting to submit in- formation to either publication:
Connections: information/articles will be due by the
end of Wednesday each weekLamp Newsletter: information/articles will be due
by the 20th of each monthUpcoming Dates:
Monday, October 4th:
Picture Retakes Thursday, October 14th:
Parent/Teacher Conferences
*No Book Fair this year.*
Volunteer Opportunity
We are looking for Lunch Helpers on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Please contact the school office if you are interested.
PTL News— For the month of September we are highlighting our Coke Rewards Program. Coca-Cola Re- wards gives money back to the organization of choice quarterly, this helps us purchase items needed for the school and classrooms. Monies are earned by submitting the codes from participating brand plastic bottle caps and inside box codes. The students are hard at work collecting caps and box codes so that they can have an Ice Cream Party in October!! Our school wide goal is to collect 2,500 pieces. If you have any to donate you can drop them in the box in the narthex, the school office, or to any student of Zion. We thank you for your support!
Our next PTL Meeting is Tuesday, October 12th @7:00pm in the Computer Lab. We hope to see you there!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Mrs. Anna Selzer, Zion’s 1st/2nd grade teacher, for being voted 3rd place teacher in Ad- ams County in the Decatur Daily Democrat Reader’s Choice contest!
Scrip News— Scrip earnings for the Church and school were nearly $4,000 that were paid out in August!
Scrip News— Scrip earnings for the Church and school were nearly $4,000 that were paid out in August! It's never too early to start using Scrip Gift Cards. It's simple - buy a gift card for face value and they give us a re- bate back! Create your account on ShopWithScrip.com, use Zion's code: E754BBFB7836. Download the App RaiseRight for quick and easy ordering! Direct your earnings to a student's tuition or church committee! E- mail [email protected] for any questions.
Monday, October 18th-Friday, October 22nd:
Fall Break—No School
Community Happenings
Fall Supper— Zion Lutheran Church, 17434 Schumm Rd., Willshire, OH 45898, will be hosting their Annual Ladies Aid Fall Supper. Meal includes ham loaf or Swiss steak, cheesy potatoes, dressing, green beans, dinner roll, and homemade dessert. Cost is $10/per meal and is drive thru only. Meals can be picked up at the south entrance.
Rummage Sale— Emmanuel Lutheran Church (Soest), 9909 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne, will be having their Fall Rummage & Bake Sale on Thursday, October 21st, from 8am-4pm and on Friday, October 22nd, from 8am-noon. Bag Sale will be on Friday, 1 paper grocery bag for $2, or 1 13 gal. garbage bag for $5.
Rummage Sale— St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock will hold a rummage sale on Friday, October 22nd from 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday, October 23rd from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Bag Sale on Saturday.
Save the Date— It’s a Square Dance! Friday, November 19, 2021. The Bethlehem 125th Anniversary com- mittee is planning a night of food, music, and square dancing at Lighted Gardens. More information to come!
High school youth All high-schoolers please join Pastor Oedewaldt for High School youth group Thursdays 6:30-8:00. Each
week might be a little different with snacks, fellow- ship, games, movies, bonfires, devotions, and much
more! Stay tuned to the weekly Con- nections for this month’s activities.
Come have some fun and learn a bit.
Bring a friend!
Zion Adult Choir
It’s that time again—loosen up those vocal chords and come sing with us! Zion Adult Choir has resumed practicing Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the church bal- cony. We encourage and welcome any new members
to join us; no auditions, requirements, or experience necessary! If you enjoy singing and like to have fun,
this is the place for you. Hope to see you there!
Jr. High Youth
Every last Sunday of the month from 6-8 pm, Jr. High Youth Group will meet in the Youth Room for games, food, fellowship, and devotions.
Don’t miss these fun two hours every month. In- vite a friend if you want! See you then!
Men’s Basketball
Join us Sunday evening in the Family Life Cen- ter at Zion for Men’s Basketball Night. We play
pick-up basketball on Sunday evenings begin- ning at 7:00 pm. If you’re in high school or old- er, grab your shoes and come join Pastor Voor-
man for some fellowship on the court!
Starting up again in September!
Thoughts on Stewardship
Why do we give? Is it simply because God commands us to?
Or is there more to it? To be sure, the Word and instruction of God in the Bible says we should give, and this is sufficient to encourage us to give (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:7; Gal. 6:6).
But there’s more to it than just obligation. We’re not just try- ing to fulfill a work of the law. We are bearing fruits of the Spirit given to us by our Father in heaven through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, we’re not just doing what our Father said, we’re also doing what He did.
Children emulate their parents. When they grow up, they of- ten carry many of the same mannerisms and characteristics as their parents. But there is more to it than that. Children copy their parents even on a more mundane level. They watch how their parents cross their legs, how they fold their hands, how they stand and sit and walk, and how they do and say most everything. Then children try to copy it.
This can be quite humorous when caught in the act. They do this even when parents don’t want them to. Everyone has been in the uncomfortable – and embarrassing situation – where a child does or says something one of their parents have done or said that is less than polite. Sitcoms thrive on these. It only works because of the truth that children emulate their parents, and they do it because they want to be like them.
We are the children of God – by grace through faith. In Holy Baptism, God the Father declares of us what He declared of Jesus at His Baptism in the Jordan, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” God the Father claims us as His own. He takes away all our sins. In exchange, He gives us His righteousness, His purity, His holiness, and His Spirit – by which we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
We are born again – born from above, born of water and the Spirit – to a new life in Christ as His children. We are sons of God in Christ through Baptism. Since we are sons, we are heirs who share in the glory of the Son of God. The inher- itance is ours because of the Father’s grace, mercy, and
Treasurer’s Report
Year-to-date income for Zion is $14,000 higher than last year.
Offerings have increased $11,000 and tuition has shown a signifi- cant increase of $14,000.
Year-to-date expenditures are $36,000 higher than last year.
There is an increase of $11,000 for compensation, $12,000 for repairs and maintenance, $4,000 for insurance, and $4,000 for utilities.
Referring to the data at right please note that August offerings are $10,600 higher than last year.
August 2021 August 2020
Offerings $57,714 $47,134
Tuition 14,080 16,347
Revenue 72,205 64,071
Expenditures 60,844 52,861
August 31 Bank Bal. $79,013 Accounts Payable $10,120
Le t us sing for joy and gladness, Seeing what our God has done;
Let us praise the true Redeemer, Praise the One who makes us one.
generosity in sending His Son in time to save us for all eterni- ty.
This is why we give generously of our income to the work of the church. We want to be like our heavenly Father. We want to emulate His generosity by being generous ourselves. We give to the work of the church because we have witnessed the generous giving of our Father in heaven.
More than that, we are recipients of it. It is because we have received our Father’s gifts that we desire to give ourselves.
His gifts are not just spiritual. They are temporal and earthly as well. As Luther’s Small Catechism teaches in the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer:
Give us this day our daily bread.
What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
In other words, He gives us everything that we need for the care of both body and soul. His generosity knows no bounds.
Therefore, we sit down at the beginning of the year, the begin- ning of the month, or the beginning of the week and set aside a generous portion of God’s daily bread for His work in the church. This is not done because He has commanded us so to do but rather because we, as His children by grace, want to emulate His generosity in our own lives. He is our Father; we are His children. And children want to be like their parents.
ZION SERVANT SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER
DATE October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 October 31
ACOLYTES
Morgan Huss &Lauryn Tester
Landon Harvey &
Lexi Harvey
Audrey Grimm &
Marissa Gros
Naomi Knapke &
Max Byerly
Logan Gerke &
Coltan Landrum
POWERPOINT
Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan AugsburgerSOUND
Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan AugsburgerNURSERY
Open during ser- vice-not staffedOpen during ser- vice-not staffed
Open during ser- vice-not staffed
Open during ser- vice-not staffed
Open during ser- vice-not staffed
USHERS
Jay Teeter, Matt Monroe, Brian Monroe, John Marbach, Luke MarbachDATE October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 October 31
ACOLYTES
Nate Geerken &Rylie Geerken
Evan Lengerich &
Mason Wagner
Rylee Hammond
& Onalee Krueckeberg
Kaden Ramsey &
Jace Stinson
Cayden Wagner
& Audrey Reef
POWERPOINT
Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan AugsburgerSOUND
Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan Augsburger Dylan AugsburgerNURSERY
Open during ser- vice-not staffedOpen during ser- vice-not staffed
Open during ser- vice-not staffed
Open during ser- vice-not staffed
Open during ser- vice-not staffed
USHERS
Parker Braun, Brandon Bultemeier, Lance Williamson, Justin Bultemeier, Emerson Brown, Christopher WagnerALTAR CARE
Jane Lengerich, Cherie BienzELDERS
Dennis Scheumann, Jared LengerichORGANIST
Carl Risch8:00 AM WORSHIP
10:30 AM WORSHIP
1010 W. Monroe Street
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 2 DECATUR, IN 46733
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Zion Lutheran Church & School
Website: www.ziondecatur.com Email: [email protected]Phone: (260) 724-7177 Fax: (260) 724-9440
James Voorman Senior Pastor Office: (260) 724-7177
Cell: (260) 403-0947 [email protected]
Carl Risch Director of Music [email protected] Jennifer Huss Secretary [email protected] Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Zach Oedewaldt Assoc. Pastor Office: (260) 724-7177
Cell: (619) 905-2160 [email protected]