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Worship Time Change
Regular 5pm Saturday evening services will be held on Mondays at 7pm for the summer months. Beginning the Monday after Memorial Day Weekend (June 6th), our Saturday evening service will be moved to Mondays at 7pm. This worship day and time will be in play throughout the summer. Please note: NO 5pm Worship Services on Saturdays, May 21st, May 28th, and June 4th.
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 As you’ve read in our newsletters, for the past 13 months, Pastor Rock and lay representatives of our congregation have been meeting with similar representatives from St. John and St. Paul Lutheran Churches of Beecher. The purpose of the meetings of this “working group” was to explore joint ministry opportunities for the three congregations. Facilitators from both the district and synod met with us on two meeting nights – not telling us what to do; rather, helping us to better “see the forest in spite of the trees.”
The group asked the three pastors to develop a proposal that would describe how such “joint ministry opportunities” might actually look. They were to keep in mind the findings and conclusions developed at the previous meetings of the working group. On Tuesday, April 5th, the pastors presented that proposal to the rest of the group. Following questions and discussion, the working group unanimously agreed to ask that a meeting of members of all three congregations be put together. All three congregation’s chairmen subsequently agreed to this request of a meeting. Accordingly, this coming Saturday, April 23rd, everyone from all three congregations is asked to come to St. John (28054 S. Yates, Beecher) at 9am. The same presentation previously given to the working group will be given to all who attend. Of course, following the presentation, time will be available for questions. Please plan to attend this important meeting. The meeting is expected to conclude before noon. Please see Pastor if you have any questions. We hope to see you there! Worship at 7am & 9:30am Easter Breakfast 8:15am-9:15am (Holy Communion will be served at both Easter services)   Palm Sunday, April 10th –
Maundy Thursday, April 14th –
Good Friday, April 15th –
All church members are encouraged to attend. All Zion members will have an opportunity to speak, regardless if they are a voting member or not. The financial situation of the church and school concerns everyone.  With the dramatic decrease of Covid cases nationwide, Zion’s Board of Elders determined at their latest meeting to begin serving the Lord’s Supper at the communion rail near the church chancel. This practice begins this weekend. Also, for the same reasons, they and Pastor will no longer wear masks or gloves at any time during the service. If you wish to receive Holy Communion at your seat, simply stand or raise your hand as the Elders and Pastor make their way through the church at the beginning of distribution. They will come to you in your pew. This decision follows multiple requests of many members during the last few weeks; yet, we know that there are many thoughts from God’s people on the best way to remain healthy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, kindly speak with Pastor or one of our Elders.  Historically, Lent is considered to be a penitential season in the life of the Christian. This year during Lent (which begins on Ash Wed., March 2nd) specific times are established for our members to participate in private confession and absolution. Pastor Rock will be available in the sanctuary on three Saturdays (Mar. 5th, 19th, & Apr. 2nd) starting at 3:45 and ending by 4:30 pm. (The ending time is set so Pastor can prepare for the 5 pm Divine Service.) These opportunities are in addition to the always-available option to call Pastor and arrange a mutually agreeable appointment. Although some denominations demand that their members make a private confession at least once each year, our Lutheran theology puts no such requirement on the Christian. Rather, we understand private confession and absolution to be a privilege of the Christian and it is a gift of God available to him or her. There may be a bit of awkwardness the first time that a person utilizes this rite. Yet, the conclusion of the rite – the Absolution from God – spoken through the Pastor, FAR outweighs any initial uneasiness. In the front of Lutheran Service Book, p. 292, the actual rite is shown. Also, for further reading on the subject, you may review your Small Catechism.   Lenten Sermon Series: “The Father of Lies” 2:00pm & 6:30pm Date Sermon Title Preacher Mar. 2 “You Know Best” Rock Mar. 9 “You Are a Brick” Estby Mar. 16 “Sit Back and Wait” Stein Mar. 23 “A Little is Alright” Meissner Mar. 30 “Church Leaders Are Always Right” Rock Apr. 6 “Entertainment Is Always Entertaining” LaMie PLEASE NOTE: Only on March 2 & April 6 will both the 2 & 6:30 pm services be held at Zion. The 6:30 pm services on Mar. 9, 16, 23, & 30 will be held at St. John, Eagle Lake (28054 S. Yates, Beecher). ALL of the 2 pm services will be held at Zion. Zion’s Voters Assembly will meet after worship on Sunday, Feb. 27th. The only topic on the meeting’s agenda is to discuss the viability of our Christian Day School. Please continue to pray for this long-standing ministry of our congregation.  |
