Question of the Day, Wednesday, August 5, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: When have you mistaken Jesus for someone or something other than Jesus?

This week’s text for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Question of the Day, Tuesday, August 4, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: In biblical times, the sea was a symbol of chaos. How does it feel to imagine Jesus walking to you on top of the chaos?

This week’s text for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Question of the Day, Monday, August 3, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: It is tempting to be proud that we don’t have time to be alone, rest, and sit quietly with God. Why is that?

This week’s text for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)

22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Question of the Day, Saturday, August 1, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: What is God saying to you through the fact that more leftovers were collected than the amount of food that they began with?

This week’s text for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)

13Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Question of the Day, Friday, July 31, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: The Feeding of the Five Thousand is a very familiar story. What new thing did you discover in it today?

This week’s text for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)

13Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

August 2020 Newsletter

The August 2020 Newsletter is now available!

Those who receive a printed version of the Newsletter will have one mailed out to them no later than Friday, July 31, 2020. If you speak with someone who has not received a copy and would like one, please email Zion’s office at: Zion@newbc.rr.com or call: 715-735-7898 and we’ll drop one in the mail! Thank you for your assistance!

We look forward to seeing you at our (weather permitting) outdoor worship on Sundays, August 2nd, 16th and 30th at 9:30 a.m.! Be certain to read our Outdoor Worship Guidelines on pages 26 and 27 of this issue of We Are ZIONEWS.

Question of the Day, Thursday, July 30, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: Jesus still has compassion for those in need. What does that look like today?

This week’s text for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)

13Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Bulletin and Announcements for Sunday, August 2, 2020

To view (or print) the bulletin and announcement sheet for Sunday, August 2, 2020; please follow the links below. Print your bulletin today to prepare for Outdoor Worship on Sunday, August 2nd (weather permitting)!

Question of the Day, Wednesday, July 29, 2020

The Question of the Day helps prepare you for next Sunday’s focus text in worship. These questions are posted here each day offering an opportunity for discussion. (Just click in the title of this post and you will be taken to the discussion window.) Try it out for a week and see how Jesus will use your time of pondering upon God’s word to deepen your faith.

Today’s question is: Why is it tempting to distrust the fact that people are still interested in following Jesus?

This week’s text for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSV)

13Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Distribution of Holy Communion on Sunday, August 9, 2020

You are invited by Zion Lutheran Church to sign up for “Distribution of Holy Communion” on Sunday, August 9th, from 10:45 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (with the last group entering at 11:45 p.m.).

Distribution will be “No Contact”. We have 8 tables for each time slot with a maximum of 4 people per table from the same household. Tables can be filled with an individual, a couple or family groups. If your family/household has more than four members, please sign up for more than one table. When signing up you will be required to answer “Which do you need? Wine, grape juice, bread or gluten free?”. It is of utmost importance that you inform us of what you need (wine, bread, grape juice or gluten-free wafers). You will not be able to sign up unless you include your answer in the space provided.

**If at any time you feel this procedure exceeds your safety level of comfort but you still wish to receive Holy Communion, please contact Pastor Keith.**

When arriving for Holy Communion:

            ~ Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your reserved element setting time (we will have chairs available for those who need one).

~ Social distancing and masks are required (masks, of course, will be removed during the consumption of the elements).

~ The service will last about 5 minutes.

~ While waiting for your turn, please be sure to practice physical distancing by keeping yourself at least 6 feet away from other members of Zion (the exception being members of your immediate household).

~ An usher will greet you at the main entrance and will guide your entry.

~ Exit will be out the north (office hallway) door.

~ All doors will be open for no contact entrance and exiting.

~ Windows will be open and exhaust fans will be on for optimum ventilation.

~ All tables will be sanitized before/after each table is prepared for the next group.

~ Blessing of our young members who have not received First Communion instruction will be done from a distance of no less than 6 feet.

Obviously, safety for all is our primary concern. Patience and graciousness will be welcome as we experiment with this new form of worship. As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns please send an email to: zion@newbc.rr.com or call Zion’s office.

To view the online sign-up sheet and to reserve your element setting, please follow the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054AABAB29A5FB6-distribution2

If you would like to reserve a place for the Distribution of Holy Communion on Sunday, August 9, 2020, but do not want to use the sign up; please contact Zion’s office.