Hunger in the Wilderness: A Lenten Journey with Mark

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Today marks the 31st Lenten daily devotion with Pastor Keith!

We are thrilled to share that we have surpassed last year’s total of $3,147.28! So far this year, we have raised $3,545! 

Also, we are very excited to share with you; Zion now has TWO FAMILIES that promise to match 10% of what is donated during Lent! How awesome is that?!? Zion is truly blessed! Help encourage their generosity, with yours!

THANK YOU to each of you for your generous donations to combat world hunger! Together, we are making a difference.

Contributions clearly marked “World Hunger” can be made electronically from: our website, Facebook page or the app called “Give Plus”. Or, if you prefer, you may mail a check to Zion or place it in the offering plate when you commune on April 4th!

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of what you can do to fight world hunger in 2021.

This brief video is the Lenten Devotion for the Thirty-First Day of Lent, Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

We all are blessed to be a blessing!

Question of the Day, Wednesday, March 24, 2021

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 was it important that the colt had never been ridden?

This week’s text for the Sunday of the Passion: Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV)

1When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’?” 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
      “Hosanna!
          Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
          10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

      Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
          11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Hunger in the Wilderness: A Lenten Journey with Mark

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Today marks the 30th Lenten daily devotion with Pastor Keith!

Last year, Zion raised $3,147.28 to alleviate world hunger. So far this year, we have raised $3,135! 

The past 30 days we have been sharing that Zion has ONE family that has promised to match 10% of what is donated during Lent. However, we have some very exciting news…Zion now has TWO FAMILIES that have committed to match 10% of what is donated during Lent! How awesome is that?!? Zion is truly blessed! Help encourage their generosity, with yours! THANK YOU to each of you for your generous donations to combat world hunger! Together, we are making a difference.

Contributions clearly marked “World Hunger” can be made electronically from: our website, Facebook page or the app called “Give Plus”. Or, if you prefer, you may mail a check to Zion or place it in the offering plate when you commune!

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of what you can do to fight world hunger in 2021.

This brief video is the Lenten Devotion for the Thirtieth Day of Lent, Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

We all are blessed to be a blessing!

Question of the Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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: How could they tell that the colt had never been ridden?

This week’s text for the Sunday of the Passion: Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV)

1When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’?” 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
      “Hosanna!
          Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
          10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

      Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
          11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Video of Worship, Sunday, March 21, 2021

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This is the video of worship held on Sunday, March 21, 2021, the Fifth Sunday in Lent.

The special music for today was Zion’s choir singing “Bread of Heaven”, accompanied by Rachel Rosenfeldt and Directed by Ann Buscher. This piece was previously recorded on February 26, 2020.

Holy Communion, Sunday, April 4, 2021

You are invited and encouraged by Zion Lutheran Church to sign up for Holy Communion on Sunday, April 4, 2021 from 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (with the last group entering at 12:00 p.m.).

To view the online sign-up sheet and to reserve your element setting, please follow this link. Or you may call Zion’s office (715-735-7898) and ask for assistance in reserving your element setting.

TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE STAYS HEALTHY AND SAFE PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE PROTOCOLS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION THAT ARE BELOW.

Distribution will be “No Contact”. We have 5 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, gluten free or a chair?”. It is of utmost importance that you inform us of what you need (wine, bread, grape juice, gluten-free wafers or a chair). (Chairs have been added so that we can control one time use only.)

You will not be able to sign up unless you include your answer in the space provided.

Please do not come if:

  • You have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have been in contact with someone who has been tested but has not yet received their COVID-19 test result.
  • You have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You are waiting for your COVID-19 test result.
  • You are not feeling well.

When arriving for Holy Communion:

  • Please arrive 5 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.
  • Chairs will be one time use only.
  • Blessing of our young members who have not received First Communion instruction will be done from a distance of no less than 6 feet.

If at any time you feel this procedure exceeds your comfort level for safety, but you still wish to receive Holy Communion, please contact Pastor Keith. Obviously, safety for all is our primary concern. Patience and graciousness are always welcome as we continue to 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.

Peace to all!

Hunger in the Wilderness: A Lenten Journey with Mark

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As you know, this year’s ELCA World Hunger Drive features a daily devotion – for all 40 days of Lent, with Pastor Keith!

Last year, Zion raised $3,147.28 to alleviate world hunger. So far this year, we have raised $3,135! In addition, a family has made a commitment to match 10% of what is donated during Lent. Encourage their generosity, with yours! THANK YOU for your generous donations to combat world hunger!

Contributions clearly marked “World Hunger” can be made electronically from: our website, Facebook page or the app called “Give Plus”. Or, if you prefer, you may mail a check to Zion or place it in the offering plate when you commune!

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of what you can do to fight world hunger in 2021.

This brief video is the Lenten Devotion for the Twenty-Ninth Day of Lent, Monday, March 22, 2021.

God’s blessings upon you and yours!

Question of the Day, Monday, March 22, 2021

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 did the disciples think when Jesus told them to get the colt?

This week’s text for the Sunday of the Passion: Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV)

1When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’?” 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
      “Hosanna!
          Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
          10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

      Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
          11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Hunger in the Wilderness: A Lenten Journey with Mark

<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”>?</span>

As you know, this year’s ELCA World Hunger Drive features a daily devotion – for all 40 days of Lent, with Pastor Keith!

Last year, Zion raised $3,147.28 to alleviate world hunger. So far this year, we have raised $3,135! In addition, a family has made a commitment to match 10% of what is donated during Lent. Encourage their generosity, with yours! THANK YOU for your generous donations to combat world hunger!

Contributions clearly marked “World Hunger” can be made electronically from: our website, Facebook page or the app called “Give Plus”. Or, if you prefer, you may mail a check to Zion or place it in the offering plate when you commune!

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of what you can do to fight world hunger in 2021.

This brief video is the Lenten Devotion for the Twenty-Eighth Day of Lent, Saturday, March 20, 2021.

God’s blessings upon you and yours!

Question of the Day, Saturday, March 20, 2021

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: How does the crucifixion draw all people to Jesus?

This week’s text for the Fifth Sunday in Lent: John 12:20-33 (NRSV)

20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

          27“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.