What a pleasant surprise to welcome two friends in Christ to our fellowship last Sunday.  The Rev. Mrs. Jenny Steindam and the Rev. Mr. Harold Steindam came to worship with us on Sunday and . . . . 

. . . . they brought with them a very special gift!  The presentation to Zion of a very special hand carved and lathed pulpit affirms our connection to our brothers and sisters in a foreign land; Nicaragua.

The pulpit was made by a church pastor of the Iglesia Mision Cristiana and sent to Jenny.  The Iglesia Mision Cristiana is the association of churches in Nicaragua with which we are in covenant.  At an appropriate time, we will pass the pulpit on to another church within the Central Southeast Association of the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ; affirming our connection with the wider church and allowing them to reaffirm their covenant with Iglesia Mision Cristiana.  Praise God!

On Sunday December 1 we will celebrate an annual tradition at Zion; the Hanging of the Greens. We will decorate the church sanctuary as we begin the season of Advent. 

Come and be a part of this special day.  And bring your favorite dish to share with the congregation!

Potluck Lunch in the Fellowship Hall before we begin decorating. We need our strength and sustenance as we prepare the sanctuary for the new church season.  Be here!

 

It is so difficult to slow down.  Yet, we are called upon to "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV). 

Skylar is giving us just that opportunity by opening up the sanctuary from 7:00 - 9:00 each Friday evening beginning on December 13.  Come and seek sanctuary from the hectic lives we lead in a troubled world.

Using audio, visual and tactile encounters you may find new ways to encounter God in Silent Sanctuary.  Come and explore the desert and mountain spirituality of solitude.

Please let Skylar know if you have any special requests that may assist you in your journey to Silent Sanctuary.

Warmup for Toccata Allegro

Pastor Pete Officiating the Annual Animal Blessing Delaware County Humane Society

Thomas Speaking at A Place At The Table

A Place At The Table

We are a multi-talented congregation. There are many gifts to be shared.  Do you bake? Do you particularly like to bake at this time of the year; anticipating the Holidays.

How about cookies?  The Andrews House Christmas Cupboard 2013 needs your talents! Cookies will be sold to support the services provided to the community by Andrews House.

Drop your items off at Andrews House from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday, December 6. You may package anyway that you would like, but remember that containers cannot be returned.  Please help in this effort to support our covenant Pilgrim Partner.  Thank you!

Color will soon be radiantly apparent within the sanctuary at Zion in flora form.  Honor a loved one.  Honor God's church.  Place a poinsettia just because you enjoy sharing this special seasonal treat with others! Let's really go all out this year! Order forms are available within the sanctuary and they must be returned by December 1.  They are $8 each.

They just keep getting better and better and better.  This year's program promises to satisfy your deepest yearnings for beautiful musical renditions of some of your favorite seasonal pieces (and some new special treats as well).  "Awe and Wonder" will be presented at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 22  There will be two shows; 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.  As you know, the concert sells out quickly so see Alice Hagelgans, John or Antoinette Miller in regard to tickets.  See you there!

 

Not only are we charged with keeping the "Light" on at Zion, we also need to keep the "lights" on; we need to pay our bills.  Each year the congregation is charged with the responsibility of reviewing the budgetary challenges facing the church and approving Zion's upcoming annual budget. This year our meeting is scheduled for December 15 after worship.  There are no major fiscal issues at this time and, accordingly, Council is preparing a "continuation level" budget so the meeting should be brief.  A copy of the proposed budget will be available on the website and in the sanctuary by Sunday December 8 for your review.

 

Pat Pressler                          Sandy Nichols