December 2014 by Zion Lutheran Church

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH • BUFFALO, MN

Office@ZionBuffalo.org

(763) 682-1245

DECEMBER 2014

w w w. Z i o n B u f f a l o . o r g

Connecting With Care Active Military

Santa Lucia Supper

Cory Nyholm Stationed in Goodfellow, TX Dirk Foster Deployed to Afghanistan Fred Pierce Stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ Joe Schmidt Stationed in San Diego Trey Wilson Stationed in Virginia Cody Bauman Stationed at Fort Knox, KY Vinnie Pecarina Stationed in Japan Bradley Johnson Stationed at Ft Drum, NY Ben Pecarina Stationed overseas Doug Pecarina Serving in the Army National Guard Kevin Osfar Stationed in Japan Will Dobbins Stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA Greg Bremseth Stationed at Ft Bliss, TX Deanna Strommen Stationed in Washington, DC

Whether your family roots dig into Swedish soil or you’d just like a great family event during the holidays, you are invited to the Santa Lucia Supper on Tuesday, December 9, from 6-7:30pm, sponsored by Women of Zion for women and their families and friends. The St. Lucia Supper is a family friendly event that highlights the Swedish tradition of Lucia, who gave food to those in need. Many Swedish families and communities celebrate St. Lucia Day with a breakfast served by the oldest daughter in the family or someone chosen to wear the Lucia crown of lighted candles. Zion invites all to a light supper of soups, breads, cheeses, and lots of Scandinavian specialties: fruit soup, rice pudding with lingonberries, rosettes, kringle, krumkake, almond cake, lefse, and cardamom cookies. Special guest speakers will be Zion’s own Mary Lynn Leff and Arden Solheim. Mary Lynn and Arden are both creators of Scandinavian carvings and figures. Come to hear about Scandinavian carving and creating, especially through the stories of the nisse and tomte, little impish characters in Scandinavian Christmas folklore. You'll also be able to see a display of creative arts, including creations from Mary Lynn, Arden, and also a remembrance display of carvings by Mel Gillund. Holiday music will be presented by the wRight Ringer Community Handbell Ensemble. The Santa Lucia legend will be featured with a visit from Santa Lucia and her court bringing delicious rolls especially for the day!

Strength for the Journey Strength for the Journey Sunday forums will be on break for December. Watch for upcoming details about the January 25, 2015 forum. Zion will welcome back Marilyn Sharpe, Twin Cities parent and family educator, speaker, parent and grandparent. Marilyn will speak about “Telling Our Stories,” the importance of sharing our faith stories with family members across the generations. She has been a speaker at Zion in the past at a St. Lucia supper and the 2013 women’s brunch. You won’t want to miss Marilyn’s encouraging words and ideas that will give you strength for your journey.

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Registration is appreciated for planning: sign up online or at the Information Desk.

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Child care will be provided if requested, but supper is not available in the nursery.

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Cost for the St. Lucia supper is $4/person or $15/family, payable at the door.

Are you interested in helping on December 9? You could help bake the traditional Lucia rolls, serve the supper, or help with clean up after the supper. Contact Sherilyn Burgdorf in the church office for information.

Senior Appreciation Dinner Zion staff will host a Christmas Dinner for Zionaires, volunteers, and homebound members on Thursday, December 18. There will be a worship service with communion at 11am, followed by dinner and entertainment provided by the church staff. The staff appreciates the many hours of work so many of you give to Zion once your "day job" has finished and retirement has come. Please make your reservation by December 15 by calling the church office at 763.682.1245 or at the Information Desk. Rides are available.

Creating a community where people are connected

A Simple Christmas Remember when life was simple? Chances are, it was long ago when we had few obligations, no driver’s license, and before our first checking account. Every time I think about those days, I get hit with a wave of pleasant nostalgia. It would be a sunny Saturday morning, riding my bike home after a sleepover at a friend’s house. Maybe an afternoon of fishing off the dock up at the cabin. What about the days when you could just fall asleep on the way home from some family function and be carried up and put to bed when you arrived home? Yep, I miss those too. The thing I miss the most is the Christmas season of wonderment and excitement as experienced like a child. The day after Thanksgiving, we’d put up the trees. White-flocked artificial with blue lights and handmade art project ornaments for us boys, and gold and red perfection for mom’s tree. Ours was always the one in the picture window, though. I remember being in awe of going to church while it was dark outside. Wednesday evening Advent services were a tradition in New Ulm, and I still have vivid memories of those nights. The lights were low as we entered in, the adults were all hanging their coats off to my right. We grabbed Mom’s hand to avoid getting separated in the crowd. I looked up at the adults milling around, waiting to enter the sanctuary (I’m still amused to this day that in my memories I am the height of a tenyear-old and I have that long ago experience of being shorter than the crowd.) As we entered the sanctuary, my favorite part of church at Christmas materialized above my head. Row upon row of handmade ornate sparkling stars were strung across the sanctuary, making me feel like a shepherd in the field by night. It was a magical time, because I had the time and the presence of mind to experience it as more than a frantic rush to get the kids ready and off to church so we can get a parking place, so we can get a place to sit, so the kids can hopefully behave well enough to not embarrass us. See how quickly we can go from calm to craziness? That one sentence warped me 25 years into the future and almost challenges me to experience something that same innocent way over again. I think we can do it. Whatever your challenge is that prevents you from that simple enjoyment that we so often deny ourselves, take it on this Christmas. Conquer it. Seek simplicity. Do away with the distractions that keep you from creating vivid memories of family, of friends, and of the gift of Christ that we celebrate this Christmas. Let the awe and wonder of God’s great gifts fall on you anew this season.

in relationships and supported in need.

January Women’s Retreat Planning has begun for a terrific day of renewal and friendship for women of all ages from Zion and from the community. The retreat will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 9am2:30pm. This third annual women's retreat will be focused on Isaiah 64:8, And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. Guest presenters Sue Harris, Mary Buchholz, and their team from southwestern MN/South Dakota will present a full day retreat with the theme, The Potter and the Clay: Made with a Purpose. Jess Johaneck, Zion member and potter, will provide the visual image of a potter, making pottery during the retreat. Each retreat participant will receive a piece of pottery, hand-thrown by Johaneck, to take home as a remembrance of the retreat. In addition to the main presenters, health and wellness organizations are invited to display information that is informative and helpful to participants to view during “wellness wandering” times during the day. This yearly event has been valuable to those who have attended during the past two years. 

Cost for the day retreat is $20/ person which includes a continental breakfast served from 8:30am and catered lunch.

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Registration is requested by January 9th, and limited to 150 participants.

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Gift certificates are available in the Zion office for this great gift of time together with friends, sisters, or neighbors.

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In case of inclement weather, the retreat will be rescheduled for January 31.

Living God’s Call Zion to Zambia Mission When St. Francis of Assisi was once asked, "What is the greatest prayer ever uttered?" St. Francis replied, "The greatest prayer ever uttered is simply to say thank you!" So with gratitude, Zion’s Zambia mission team gives a prayer of thanks for the generous support at Zion from your purchases at the sweet corn fundraisers this summer to the donations of cash and materials over the last few weeks. Zion’s team (Julie Swaggert, Denny, Kim, and Neil Gleason) will be at Villages of Hope in Zambia for approximately 2 1/2 weeks, from late December into January. Check Zion’s website at ZionBuffalo.org/ global for posts from the team, sharing their experiences and God's work at the Village of Hope. The team will be filling at least 5 large suitcases with needed supplies as well as providing a check to All Kids Can Learn for the purchase of additional items such as CD players for the orphanage houses and classrooms. A wonderful supply of Christian CD's for all ages has been donated. What an appropriate Zion gift, the gift of music to share with our Zambia brothers and sisters in Christ! In addition, the many skeins of yarn and teaching aids/crafts will be welcomed and put to immediate use. If you wanted to donate but didn't have a chance yet, call Kim Gleason at 763.682.6745 to arrange for donation of 

White knee-high socks for girls

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Navy blue or dark socks for boys

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Printer cartridges for HP85A computer printer

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60 ft. two-sided laminate refill Cartridges for Xyron ezLaminator

Blessings to you, and thank you for your prayers and support, from the Zambia 2014 mission team.

A Special Christmas Gift By Steve Peterson I really enjoy the time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a busy time with so much going on with the kids’ programs and concerts, the special relative gatherings and, of course, the decorating and cookie baking. Some of my favorite things are all the special Christmas stories and repeat movies that touch our hearts and get us into the spirit of the season. You know the ones, they make us laugh with lighthearted antics or they make us cry with tears of joy because something happens that makes the story very warm and wonderful. What if you could make your own story – one that might help others celebrate and experience joy and happiness? Like a special gift from you or from your family to someone or some organization outside your day-to-day life. The Global Mission Committee invites you to do just that – give a Special Christmas Gift. We encourage your family to take a few minutes around the dinner table or at a family gathering to talk about joyfully giving something, whether it be your time or talent or a financial gift to someone or something outside your family. It can be a wonderful feeling to give to others a portion of what God has so generously given to us. It can be a wonderful lesson and discussion with your kids – asking them to give up a little of their allowance, or ask them what they would think if you didn’t buy them one of their gifts and instead donated those dollars to some local or global mission project. Then make that a family tradition. Wow – it will probably have a positive impact on them for the rest of their life. What sort of things can you and your family do? Well, the Global Mission Committee currently is providing financial support to All Kids Can Learn International and Redeemer Lutheran Church and could always use any financial gifts to help support our efforts. There are also many other opportunities to give of your time and talent. We encourage you and family to participate in mission projects both locally and globally. What if you decided to forego a few family Christmas gifts and set those dollars aside so your family could go on the next youth works mission trip to Duluth to help others for a weekend, or set some dollars aside to go on a future Mission Jamaica or AKCLI mission trip? Or do you go out as a family and participate in a community effort food drive, a community cleanup day or maybe a Habitat for Humanity project? There are countless ways to share your blessings – all of which will brighten your day and provide joy to you and the people touched by your giving spirit. Make your own special Christmas story – it might bring a tear of joy to you and your family. You can experience the joy of giving in many ways. If you would like to financially give to our current mission projects, please do so by sending your gifts to the church – designating them to Global Missions and, if you would like, to a particular mission project. In a few short weeks we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus. What a joyous time of year. We at Zion are so blessed by all we have and can share.

Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them

Veterinary Mission

Adopt a Family

Dave Wright grew up in the Lutheran Church and says he has been blessed with supportive parents (Zion members John & Marie Wright) who continue to be an example of faithfulness to him. His hometown pastor, Charles Anderson, was also influential in his faith journey, making confirmation interesting and pertinent.

The Adopt A Family program is sponsored by Buffalo Rotary and Love INC-Big Woods. The program provides practical Christmas gifts such as clothing and personal items for children (who will also be eligible to receive toys from the Toys for Tots program). Recipients will fill out a wish list and are matched up with a family, business, or congregation wishing to adopt. Adopting families and congregations receive a wish list from a family indicating a child’s age and clothing sizes.

Dave and Sue moved to Buffalo in 1980 and joining Zion was a natural decision, as they already had connections within the congregation. Wes and Mary Mahlberg were high school classmates; Pastor Ed Blair was from my hometown in Worthington; and Pastor John Folkerds was from my dad’s hometown in Cokato. Zion has given us many opportunities to grow spiritually, socially and professionally. Thanks to all who continue to be part of this loving family. Dave and Sue’s two sons, Tristan and Eric, were confirmed and received their faith foundation at Zion. Both are now living in Los Angeles with their wives. Dave has participated in Zion’s growth in the community and in the world in many ways over the years. I was the chair of the congregation when we made a major decision to move from the beautiful building near downtown and build at our new location. Although there were strong attachments to our church home at the time, the growth of our congregation was limited by our location. Dave first became involved as a foreign mission volunteer in January of 1999, when he traveled to Tanzania for a month with “Christian Veterinary Mission,” an organization dedicated to spreading the Christian message through veterinary service. At the time, Zion-supported missionaries Dennis and Meredith Murnyak were working in Tanzania to develop fish farming projects. [In Tanzania] I worked with Maasai herders, toured the Murnyaks’ fish farming projects, and taught part of a week-long seminar to Heifer Project supervisors on dairy reproduction.

Since then Dave and Sue have volunteered in Honduras, Bolivia, and at Villages of Hope in Zambia. It has given us an opportunity to experience foreign cultures at a local level and share why our relationship with Christ has been so important to us. Dave’s next mission trip will be to the Dominican Republic during the first week in December. This time, he will be joined by his brother, Jim, also a member of Zion. This will be Jim’s first mission trip.

The Zion congregation is adopting six Buffalo families. To help provide gifts for these families, please take a tag from the display in the narthex. Tags list the age of the child and their request. Purchase the indicated gift, and return it, unwrapped, to Zion by Tuesday, December 9. If your family, small group, committee, or confirmation team would like to adopt an entire family, contact the church office as soon as possible for a sign up form. Thank you for your generosity!

Toys for Tots The local Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the Buffalo Rotary is collecting unwrapped toys for children newborn to age 17 in the Buffalo and Montrose area in the collection bin at Zion until December 14. More information about this program can be found at buffalo-mn.toysfortots.org. Application forms can be found at buffalorotary.com and are due by December 12.

Thank you Volunteers! November proved once again how Zion families work “from the heart” to generously give time to deliver meals to those who are homebound. Ninety routes were filled by volunteers, providing a noon meal and a daily check in for many people in Buffalo. If you’re looking ahead to the warm days of summer, put Meals on Wheels on your calendar for June 2015.

(Dave Wright continued on page 16)

to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world.

Celebrating on Sundays Christmas Decorating Zion takes on a festive look for the advent/Christmas season, thanks to a great group of volunteers. If you like decorating, come and join the crew to decorate the Fellowship Hall, narthex and library on Tuesday, December 2 from 9am-noon. The coffee pot will be on and the decorations are provided. For more information, contact Diane Huston (763.682.1040).

Christmas Bake Sale Get ready to do your holiday baking in record time by picking up some goodies at the Christmas treats bake sale on Sunday morning, December 14, hosted by Zion’s Women’s Ministry. Look over the variety of treats and choose your favorites to take home for just $5 a plate. You’ll find a variety of cookies and treats to purchase including almond glazed cookies, ginger cookies, peanut blossoms, Russian teacakes, snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, lefse and more. In addition to the bake sale, Linda Engwall and her sisters will be selling their famous Danish aebelskiver in the Fellowship Hall from 9:3010:30. All proceeds from the morning go to help defray costs of the 2015 women’s retreat and spring brunch. If you are interested in providing baked goods for the Women’s Ministry bake sale contact Marian Hille (952.913.6684), Judy Weis (763.497.0052), or sign up at the Information Desk. Plan to bring items to Zion on Thursday, December 11 or Friday, December 12, in one container for plating and pricing at Zion. Include the name of the cookies/treats and indicate specialties (gluten-free, contains nuts, etc.).

Advent Readers Contact Sherilyn if you or your family would be interested in serving as worship leaders for and Advent reading and candle lighting at any service during Advent (November 30, December 7, 14, 21).

Middle School Role Model Dawn Agre attended private Christian school from K-12th grade and was confirmed in the Christian Reformed Church. Her father is a life-long member of the Worthington Christian Reformed Church and never misses a Sunday. He's the most honest, God-fearing man I know. My parents made a lot of sacrifices for our Christian education and I really appreciate what they did for us as we grew up. My dad continues to be an unparalleled Christian role model for all of his grandchildren. A favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God. It reminds me that no matter how much anxiety I have or how busy life gets, God is in control. I've been surprised numerous times in my life. There have been many times I wondered why my prayers weren't being answered. But later I came to realize that what I thought I wanted wasn't good for me after all. God really was answering my prayers but it was hard to see at the time. Dawn's first experience with a Lutheran Church was attending Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart when she lived there after her marriage to Mike Agre. Dawn has three children: Deirdra Vander Grift, Nick Agre and Emily Agre. Deirdra is a 2007 graduate of Buffalo High School, a 2012 (Dawn Agre continued on page 15)

Creating Sunday morning experiences at Zion that invite,

Welcoming Worshipers

Worship Services 8:30am traditional worship in the sanctuary with nursery available, Sunday school during the school year.

Andrea Jonasson is originally from Grand Forks, ND. She moved to Minneapolis in 1996, attended the University of Minnesota, and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Child Psychology and Spanish. She worked with children in a variety of settings, married in 2004, moved to Buffalo, and soon became a stay-at-home mom.

9:45am Family Express in Trinity Hall. 10:30am contemporary worship in the sanctuary with nursery available, Sunday school during the school year.

Andrea and Brent joined Zion in 2005 before the birth of their first child.

Lessons

At the time we had just moved to Buffalo and did not have a church home, but we both agreed a strong faith was an important part of our family life. We immediately felt connected to Zion; everyone was incredibly kind, friendly, and welcoming.

Sunday, December 7

Second Sunday of Advent Mark 1:1-8 Pastor Ted Preaching

Andrea grew up Catholic and while she was unsure of making a change, she knew she wanted something different for her children. I found there were only a few differences and for the first time I really felt that I belonged to a church community. I felt a strong sense of connection, understanding, and acceptance especially at the first new member meeting and baptism meetings that we attended. They now have three children, all attending Northwinds Elementary. Gunnar is 9 and in 3rd grade, and Brody and Olivia are 7 1/2 and in 2nd grade. Andrea completed her license in Parent and Family Education in 2009 and now works as a parent educator for the ECFE program in Buffalo. Her husband, Brent, works for Eaton Technologies in Plymouth as a project manager. Andrea has a passion for volunteering both with the Northwinds PTO and at Zion. She has helped in various events for children at Zion and currently serves on the Children and Family Ministry Team. She enjoys being an even more integral part of her children's faith through working with the team to help to plan and set the foundation for Zion's family events. With 3 young children I believe that one of the ways for them to grow and understand their faith is to model what it means to care for others [and] share God's love. CFM allows me to do that and to connect with other members with similar perspectives. The Jonasson family has an active lifestyle and relies on a two simple yet powerful Bible verses to guide them: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave or forsake you." ~ Deuteronomy 31:6 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Coming to church on Sunday mornings and connecting with so many people is a wonderful (Andrea Jonasson continued on page 14)

Sunday, December 14 Third Sunday of Advent John 1:6-8, 19-28 Christmas Program

Sunday, December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent Luke 1:26-38 Carols, Choirs & Celebration

Wednesday, December 24

Christmas Eve 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, 11pm

Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day 10am Sunday, December 28 First Sunday after Christmas Luke 2:22-40 Pastor Luke Preaching

Christmas Volunteers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are great times to volunteer at Zion. There are many new faces from the community and many family and friends who visit Zion during those two days. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an especially important time to show a welcoming face and lend a hand from the time worshippers enter the parking lot to the time they find a spot in the sanctuary for worship. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re willing to help on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as a parking director, usher, greeter, or nursery helper please contact Sherilyn Burgdorf in the Zion office or sign up at the info desk.

welcome, engage and inspire people to live for Christ.

Finance & Stewardship Memorial Gifts Received

October 2014 Financial Report

A gift to the Memorial Fund in memory of Dr. Stan Held from Phyllis M. Gridley.

General Services Fund

A gift to the Zion Foundation in memory of Dr. Dan Marty from Mark & Louise Minkler.

Year End Gifts End of Year Giving needs to be received in the church office by 10am on Wednesday, December 31, to be included in the 2014 giving records. Thank you for your generosity in support of God’s mission through our congregation.

Memorials List Update Zion’s Memorial Fund provides opportunities for directed giving to Zion or one of the currently pursued memorial fund projects. Current memorial gift opportunities include: 

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New carpeting in the sanctuary. The original carpet and pew cushions are from 1989 when the sanctuary was built and are ready to be replaced. This would refresh the sanctuary and make the whole space seem new again. Kitchen remodel. The kitchen at Zion is heavily used for everything from funerals to Wednesday night suppers, to Lutefisk and Harvest of Hands events. It is time to remodel with new cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. Many of our active members have found themselves in there at one time or another and giving to this project is a great way to remember them. Undesignated funds (used for the greatest current need or special church needs)

Income

General Offering Rent and Sunday School WedNite Supper Income Missions and Hunger Other Designations

Total Income

Expenses

Synod Benevolence Other General Services

Total Expenses

Oct 2014

YTD 2014

Oct 2013

YTD 2013

$131,373

$721,576

$67,680

$691,674

$1,000 61,366

$10,000 623,019

$1,000 64,900

$10,000 625,862

$62,366

$633,019

$65,900

$635,862

$58,851 1,352 1,374 1,016 68,780

$609,904 13,501 5,827 12,238 80,106

$63,529 1,620 1,559 942 30

$574,269 17,564 6,702 15,652 77,488

Checkbook balance as of 10-31-2014: $44,211

Building Fund Income

Offerings and Interest Stock Gift

Total Income Expenses

Building Mortgage Bank Service Charge

Total Expenses

Oct 2014 YTD 2014 $15,767 10,000

$148,375 10,000

$25,767

Oct 2013 YTD 2013 $14,788 0

$150,935 0

$158,375

$14,788

$150,935

$15,869 15

$158,690 45

$15,869 0

$158,690 15

$15,884

$158,735

$15,869

$158,705

Checkbook balance as of 10-31-2014: $24,784

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

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ZionBuffalo.org/Give

Christmas Giving By Mary Abramowski December is my absolute favorite time of the year! I love Christmas carols and programs, decorated store windows, cards and letters from faraway friends, and the cookies! I also love to shop for and give presents. It doesn’t matter if the gift is large or small…I just really enjoy the giving part. With the end of 2014 approaching, we all begin to reflect on the many gifts and blessings we have received throughout this year. Many people traditionally give financial gifts to their church at this time of year, using their gift as another way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Others use December as an opportunity to catch up on the giving they intended to do throughout the year. For others, giving in December is for tax purposes, as gifts made on or before 10am on December 31 qualify as charitable tax deductions for that year. This season is a good time to consider how we might give some of our wealth or assets back to God through a special year-end gift of cash or appreciated assets. Examples of assets that can be given to Zion as charitable gifts include public or private stock, mutual fund shares, farmland/real estate, collectibles, or commodities. If you would like to consider giving this type of gift, please talk to either Pastor Ted or Pastor Luke and they will be happy to assist you. December is an exciting month here at Zion, as we prepare for and then celebrate the birth of Jesus. Please remember our church when planning your Christmas and end-of-year giving. The Stewardship Committee wishes you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, too!

Winter in June? We know that winter has only just begun, but Zion’s Children and Family Ministry staff have already started planning for a winter wonderland in June for our Everest 2015 VBS theme! Any ideas or items that you could save/donate/ lend to the program would be greatly appreciated. This can include anything from fake snow, white fabric, climbing gear, snow shoes, ropes, small backpacking tents, hiking backpacks, etc. Kirsten, Kristin, and Marsha would love to hear any ideas you have... or that you'd like to be involved with the planning for this great ministry.

Parents Day/Night Out Parents, enjoy some time preparing for the Christmas holidays while your children are experiencing an afternoon or evening full of fun, faith-filled activities including art, snacks, devotions, and play! 

Saturday, December 13 from 4-7pm or Sunday, December 14 from noon-3pm

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Children birth to grade 6

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Cost is $10 per child or $25 per family

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Registration forms are available here, at the Information Desk, and in the church office

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If you have a child with special needs, please specify needs in advance on the registration form to ensure appropriate staff are available

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Hosted by Zion’s Mission Jamaica Team as a fundraiser for the February 2015 Mission Trip

Sunday Announcements The relationships of our members with one another bring a richness to our lives and we want to foster these relationships. If you would like your church family to be aware of any special celebrations in your life or the lives of your loved ones, please let the church office know by Thursday at 10am and we will include them in the written announcement insert in the bulletin.

Evening Childcare Evening childcare is available for parents taking part in evening activities on Wednesdays.

December 2014 Sunday December 7

Monday December 1 8:30am Men's Bible Study 9:00am Quilters 6:15pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Mission Jamaica Meeting 8:00pm Mission Jamaica Board of Directors

Holy Communion at 8:30, 9:45, & 10:30

Tuesday December 2 9:00am Church Christmas Decorating 9:30am Staff Meeting 1:00pm Children & Family Staff Meeting Wednesday December 3 7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study 9:30am Women's Bible Study 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Kids' Place 5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper 5:15pm Youth Choir 5:30pm Christmas Program Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Confirmation Small Groups 7:00pm Prayer Shawl Meeting 7:00pm Property Committee Meeting 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:30pm Graceland Senior High Youth Group Thursday December 4 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study 6:30pm UpGrade Middle School Youth Group Friday December 5 6:00am Friday Breakfast Crew Saturday December 6 9:00am Christmas Program Rehearsal 9:00am Prayer Sister Tea

7:00am Cinnamon Rolls 8:30am Traditional Worship Service 8:30am Sunday School & Christmas Program Rehearsal 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship Service 10:30am Sunday School & Christmas Program Rehearsal 11:30am Coffee Fellowship 11:45am Annual Meeting Monday December 8 8:30am Men's Bible Study 9:00am Quilters 9:00am Women's Ministry Planning Committee Meeting 6:15pm First Sunday Rehearsal 7:00pm Personnel Committee Meeting Tuesday December 9 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:30am Staff Meeting 1:00pm Children & Family Staff Meeting 5:00pm Outreach Committee 6:00pm St. Lucia Supper 7:00pm Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday December 10 9:30am Women's Bible Study 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Kids' Place 5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper 5:15pm Youth Choir 5:30pm Christmas Program Rehearsal 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Confirmation Small Groups 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Harvest of Hands Crafts 7:30pm Graceland Senior High Youth Group

Friday December 12 9:00am Women's Ministry-Cookie Baking Saturday December 13 9:00am Christmas Program Rehearsal Women's Ministry Cookie Baking 4:00pm Parent Night Out Sunday December 14 8:30am Traditional Worship Service with Sunday School Christmas Program 8:30am Women's Ministry Bake Sale 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship Service with Sunday School Christmas Program 11:30am Coffee Fellowship 12:00pm Baptism Class 12:00pm Parent Day Out Monday December 15 8:30am Men's Bible Study 9:00am Quilters 9:00am Kitchen Cleaning 6:15pm First Sunday Rehearsal Tuesday December 16 9:30am Staff Meeting 9:30am Naomi Circle 1:00pm Children & Family Staff Meeting 5:30pm Stewardship Meeting

Thursday December 11 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study 9:00am Women's Ministry Cookie Baking

ZionBuffalo.org/Calendar

Wednesday December 17 7:00am Men's 50+ Bible Study 9:30am Women's Bible Study 2:45pm Class Ring 3:45pm Ring Forth 3:45pm SONshine Choir 3:45pm Kids' Place 5:00pm Wednesday Night Supper 5:15pm Youth Choir 5:45pm Worship & Music Committee Meeting 6:00pm Confirmation 6:30pm Joyful Ringers 7:00pm Confirmation Small Groups 7:00pm Prayer Shawl Meeting 7:00pm Senior Choir 7:00pm Church Council Meeting 7:30pm Children & Family Ministry Team Meeting 7:30pm Graceland Senior High Youth Group Thursday December 18 8:00am Men Seeking Wisdom Bible Study 9:00am Newsletter Assembly 12:00pm Advent Appreciation Dinner 6:30pm Youth Board Meeting 6:30pm UpGrade Middle School Youth Group 7:00pm Rebecca Circle Friday December 19 Saturday December 20 Sunday December 21

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30

7:00am Cinnamon Rolls 8:30am Choirs, Carols & Celebration Worship Service 8:30am Sunday School 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Choirs, Carols & Celebration Worship Service 10:30am Sunday School 11:30am Coffee Fellowship TIM Team Monday December 22 8:30am Men's Bible Study 9:00am Quilters 6:15pm First Sunday Rehearsal

Tuesday December 23 9:00am Harvest of Hands Crafts 9:30am Staff Meeting 1:00pm Children & Family Staff Meeting Wednesday December 24

Christmas Eve Zion Office Closes at Noon

2:00pm Christmas Eve Worship Service 3:30pm Christmas Eve Worship Service 5:00pm Christmas Eve Worship Service 10:30pm Christmas Eve Choir 11:00pm Christmas Eve Worship Service Thursday December 25

Christmas Day

10:00am Christmas Day Worship Service Friday December 26

Church Office Closed

Wednesday Suppers On Wednesday nights, families, confirmation students, musicians, committee members, and people of all ages get together for a Zion family meal in Fellowship Hall. Seven supper teams rotate, giving variety to the menu each week. Serving runs from 5:00-6:15pm, with a suggested donation of $4 per person or $15 per family.

Saturday December 27 3:00pm Wedding

If you have time to give as a supper team member, contact Cindy Bonde at cindyb@bwig.net. Teams serve only 4 times a year; an easy serving option with great groups of people.

Sunday December 28

Supper Menus

6:00pm Wedding Rehearsal

Sanctuary Sunday

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December 3: Burgers

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December 10: Soup/Chili/Hot dog

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December 17: Baked Potatoes

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December 24: No Supper (Christmas Eve)

Monday December 29 8:30am Men's Bible Study 9:00am Quilters 6:15pm First Sunday Rehearsal

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December 31: No Supper (New Years’ Eve)

Tuesday December 30 9:30am Staff Meeting 1:00pm Children & Family Staff Meeting

What is a Prayer Sister? It is someone you are partnered with for the year, and whom you remember in daily prayer. You also send cards and/or gifts for special occasions, or whenever God moves you to do so. He knows when she needs a day brightener. The following December, the identity of your Prayer Sister is revealed to you at the annual Christmas Tea. Sign up for the 2015 program online at ZionBuffalo.org/prayer-sisters or at the Information Desk.

8:30am Traditional Worship Service 9:30am Coffee Fellowship 9:45am Family Express Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship Service 11:30am Coffee Fellowship

Wednesday December 31

New Year’s Eve Year-End Offering by 10am

9:30am Women's Bible Study 12:00pm Zion Office Closes at Noon

Youth & Children’s Ministry Director of Youth Ministries Myron Crawford 763.682.1245 ext. 308 Myron@ZionBuffalo.org

Engage. Grow. Proclaim. Zion Youth Ministries exists to engage youth, help them grow and proclaim faith in Christ.

Friday Breakfast Crew Are you a 9th-12th grader and want a great way to start your Friday right? Then come to Perkins for breakfast on the first Friday of each month at 6am. This is a great time to check in with your friends and have some great food. This month’s Friday Breakfast Crew is Friday, December 5, at 6am. If you need a ride to school, contact Myron. Make sure to bring money for food and a tip for our great servers!

Confirmation Class Schedule Confirmation at Zion is open to all 6th 8th Graders and meets each Wednesday evening from 6pm7:30pm. Students should remember to always bring their Bibles and a pen/ pencil. October’s scheduled topics are: 

December 3: Ruth - The Tenacious Outsider

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December 10: David - The Flawed and Beloved King

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December 17: Elijah - The Get-RDone Prophet

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December 24 & 31: NO CLASS Winter Break

Childcare Assistant Preston Bestick was baptized at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm, confirmed at Alleluia in St. Michael, and started attending Zion when his mom, Dawn, started working as an office administrator and receptionist in the church office a couple of years ago. Preston enjoys working with children and has volunteered in many ways with children's ministry at Zion, including as a Sunday School Shepherd last year, Sunday School Teacher this year, VBS Crew Leader for two years, games on Homecoming Sunday, and making kitty mats to take to Crossroads Animal Shelter on SERVE Weekend. I enjoy the stories [the children] have to tell. I also enjoy seeing them at church on Sunday and having them come up to me to say hi. This past summer, Preston worked as a counselor with the Zion Day Camp childcare program. ZDC is a good place for children to have fun and learn about God during the summer. The ZDC scavenger hunt on the last day of the program was awesome. We searched for things throughout the church.

With the beginning of the school year, Preston has returned to Zion's staff as a childcare assistant with the Wednesday afternoon Kids' Place program. [Kids' Place] helps kids have an understanding of the importance of social relationships and communication in their church setting. It provides the children of Zion a safe place to go before or after their church activities. Preston is also actively involved with senior high ministry at Zion, as part of the Graceland youth group, and feels that youth director Myron Crawford has opened many doors for him to experience his faith.

My favorite thing that I have been involved in here at Zion was the mission trip to Indianapolis

My favorite thing that I have been involved in here at Zion was the mission trip to Indianapolis this summer. It was a great bonding trip and made me feel more at home here at Zion. Preston's favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13

1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It just seems to show up when I need it. (Preston Bestick continued on page 14)

ZionBuffalo.org/Youth

Director of Children & Family Ministry

The Very Important Christmas Pageant

Kirsten Kelly

763.682.1245 x331 Kirsten@ZionBuffalo.org

All Sunday School Children will be singing in the Christmas Program again this year on Sunday, December 14, at 8:30 and 10:30 services.

Children & Family Ministry Assistants

On this Sunday only, we ask that parents do not bring their children to worship for the first 15 minutes. Instead, preschool parents drop off their children in their classrooms and K-5th grade will meet in Trinity Hall. This will allow us to get situated and practice one last time before the program that morning. There will also be a dress rehearsal the week before on December 7 during each Sunday School hour, allowing the kids to see the entire program and how things will run (specifically with the songs they are singing). Sunday School children will be singing parts of Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, and O Little Town of Bethlehem. Song sheets with lyrics and specifics have gone home with the children and can also be found online. Please practice these songs at home with your children so that they are prepared for the program on December 14! We ask that children wear their Christmas best for the program.

Woodworking Community Partnership Have you ever stopped to think about what sort of planning goes into making the week of VBS happen? From the set and decorations to the snacks, crafts, volunteers and even registration. Planning doesn't just begin the month or two before... believe it or not, it begins almost the day after the previous year finishes! There are many hands that work together to make this ministry so successful. One unique piece of Zion's VBS has been the woodworking project. Planning for this piece begins about 10 months in advance by the Children and Family Ministry team and a dedicated group of volunteers that have incredible woodworking skills. Last years' project, the beautiful, personalized name plaques, began a new partnership. As we were exploring options for this great keepsake, LeRoy Kronenberg discovered a gem called the Buffalo Toy Shop. This wonderful ministry takes place out of a little building down by Sturgis Park where a group of people volunteer their time to do woodworking a few days a week... building toys from donated materials to be sent to children all over the world. Once LeRoy made this discovery, conversation began about partnering to help make our VBS name plaques (which each had "Child of God" etched into them). The Buffalo Toy shop allowed the woodworking crew (including LeRoy, Rodger Hessedal and Glen Berglund) to use their space and tools to create the 375 name plaques for our VBS children. LeRoy said that with some practice, they were able to get it down to 10 plaques (Woodworking Partnership continued on page 17)

Marsha Watkins Kristin Lotthammer

763-682-1245 x308 Marsha@ZionBuffalo.org Kristin@ZionBuffalo.org

Sunday School Calendar 

December 7: Queen Esther (2) & Christmas Program dress rehearsal

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December 14: Christmas Program

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December 21: Wise Men

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December 28: Sanctuary Sunday

Sunday School Reminders Have you turned in your SS registration fee ($10/child) and covenant (blue sheet) yet? If not, please turn these in next time you are at church! If your child is in need of a Spark chapter or story Bible, please stop by the SS Office to pick one up. If you have lost your Bible, we ask that you contribute $15 to pay for a replacement one. Read your Bible on a daily/weekly basis, fill your Bible reading card, and bring it to the SS office to receive a prize (and get a new card)!

Parent Text Updates Here’s how to be added to our list for short text updates/reminders about Zion's Sunday or Wednesday ministries. You can’t respond to these text messages but they are a quick/easy way for us to send into to a lot of people at once. 

Sunday School Parents: text "@ssupdate" to 651.314.1878

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Wednesday After School Ministries: text "@zionwed" to 651.314.1878

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Sunday School Teachers: text "@zionsstch" to 651.314.1878

ZionBuffalo.org/Children

Baptisms November 9 Oscar Johannes Bertsch Ava Elizabeth Rinderknecht

Weddings October 25 Kelly LaFrance & Raymond Dahlof, at Zion

Christmas Traditions Around the Globe Although Americans celebrate the holiday with candlelight services, piles of gifts, large feasts, lights and trees, people in other countries mark Jesus’ birth in many interesting ways: 

Instead of decorating trees, Italians place fruit on small wooden pyramids.

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On Christmas Eve, the streets of Caracas, Venezuela, are blocked off so people can roller-skate to church.

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Ukrainian Christmas trees often feature an artificial spider and web. According to a folk tale, a poor woman who couldn’t afford decorations awoke one Christmas morning to find that spiders had “trimmed” her children’s trees with delicate webs.

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In Brazil, the gift-bringer is known as Papai Noel (Father Noel), who lives in Greenland, according to legend. When he arrives in Brazil, he wears silk clothing because of the summer heat.

The Baptism Class Anyone wishing to schedule a baptism is asked to attend a class prior to the date of the baptism. Expectant parents, as well as those who already are parents, may attend the class. Scheduling of baptisms will take place at the class. The next classes are Sunday, December 14, and Sunday, February 8, at noon. Register at ZionBuffalo.org/Baptism or by calling the office.

(Preston Bestick continued from page 12)

Preston is a junior at St. Michael/Albertville High School. My favorite class is anatomy and physiology. It is my favorite class, because I want to study forensic sciences as a future career. Preston also enjoys playing video games, reading, hanging out with friends, and snowboarding at Powder Ridge in Kimball.

Keeping in Contact Zion is a big place, and sometimes things happen in life that keep us from being as connected to the community as we would like. We would like to make sure that all Zion members feel like part of the church, whether they are able to worship regularly or not. If you or someone you know is unable to worship regularly, or would consider themselves homebound, or are living in a senior care facility, please let us know so we can make sure you are receiving communion and pastoral care. We want to make sure all the people of Zion are able to stay connected. Please call or email Ann or Dawn in the office with information as to how we can reach you or someone you know that you’d like us to include in our visitation schedule.

Thanks, Pastor Luke and Pastor Ted

His father, Mark, is a safety manager at Firestone Metal Products. Preston's family also includes two older sisters, Stephanie and Samantha, an older brother, Nathan, brother-in-law, Ben, nephew, Cale and two nieces, Addison and MacKenzie.

(Andrea Jonasson continued from page 7)

way to start each week. My kids really enjoy attending Sunday School with their friends and it is wonderful to see their faith grow so naturally. This fall, Andrea also took on leadership of the Second Sunday Welcome Crew. She reaches out to Zion members who are willing to give their time Sunday mornings for ushering, greeting, and coffee fellowship. Because we had such a wonderful first experience at Zion, I want to help ensure that other new families have the same positive experience we did. SWC gives me that opportunity! This has encouraged me to reach out beyond some of my many close friends at Zion and get to know other members. We typically attend the 10:30 service but working with SWC I have begun to be there earlier on some Sundays and meet more families. Andrea is interested in hearing from anyone who would like to be part of the Second Sunday crew.

(Dawn Agre continued from page 6)

graduate of the University of Minnesota, and works as a program manager for Meridian Services of Golden Valley. Nick is a 2014 graduate of Buffalo High School and a current student at St. Cloud Community and Technical College. Emily is in 10th grade at Buffalo High School. Dawn and Mike are both music teachers. Dawn previously taught band and choir at Yellow Medicine East High School in Granite Falls and Cedar Mountain High School in Morgan. She has been at Buffalo Community Middle School for the past 12 years, where she teaches 6th Grade Choir, 7th Grade Boys’ Choir, and 8th Grade Choir along with two extraI never know for sure curricular choirs: 6th Grade Singers and Guys Group. Mike is a choir director at Roosevelt what instrument I’m Middle School in Blaine. When they moved to Montrose they visited several area churches, and chose to make Zion their home because they liked the music and already knew many people.

Our Mission... Zion seeks to Share Christ’s Word, Strengthen faith, and Serve those in need.

going to be playing until we get to rehearsal.

Dawn got involved with music ministry right away, beginning with the Senior Choir. She has also played in the wind ensemble and has joined the Joyful Ringers handbell choir. It’s always fun to play [in the Wind Ensemble] for Lee Kjesbo. I never know for sure what instrument I’m going to be playing until we get to rehearsal. I had never played bells prior to coming to Zion and it's been a great learning experience as well as a challenge for me. This past summer, Dawn was approached by Mike Walsh to direct Zion's Youth Choir.

Young people need good role models now more than ever and church is a great place to find them.

It wasn't something I had thought about since my plate is already pretty full. But it's turned out great and I'm glad I said yes. It's important to get the kids involved. If kids feel valued in church, they will keep coming. Young people need good role models now more than ever and church is a great place to find them. Dawn finds it refreshing to lead music in a different setting from her day job.

They choose to come and want to be there! I enjoy their enthusiasm. It’s also interesting to have kids in the group who have only been in band or orchestra and this is their first choir experience. Other musical interests include helping Mike at the Presbyterian Church, where he is the choir director, and accompanying musicals including Little Shop of Horrors and Springtime for Hitler for Buffalo Community Theater and Phantom of the Opera for BHS. She will be accompanying another BHS musical this spring.

Our Vision… Helping people experience the joy of life in Christ by: 1. Celebrating on Sundays: Creating Sunday morning experiences that invite, welcome, engage, and inspire people to live for Christ. 2. Living God’s Call: Engaging people in a process of discipleship which inspires them to trust in Christ, grow in faith, and serve God’s world. 3. Connecting with Care: Creating a community where people are connected in relationships and supported in need.

(Dawn Agre continued on page 17)

Lutefisk Thanks The Lutefisk committee would like to thank all the Zion volunteers who helped to make this year’s dinner a huge success as over 350 people were served again. Many commented about the great meal and the great help that was provided. It was especially a treat for the committee to hear all the positive comments about the youth that helped in the dining room. The committee looks forward to the young people helping each year and we believe the Lutefisk lovers appreciate their efforts also. Photos from the dinner can be found at facebook.com/ZionBuffalo/ posts/10152847170295522. All of the proceeds of the dinner go to support Zion ministries and community ministries. The committee will be meeting in late November to decide how to allocate this year’s proceeds, another exciting part of the Lutefisk process for the committee. Since 2007, over $10,000 has been distributed. The Lutefisk dinner for 2015 is set for Friday October 30. Mark your calendars now!

Donations Arrive in Jamaica The shipping container full of medical and other supplies collected at Zion recently arrived in Jamaica. "Once we opened the doors we worked our butts off, it was so hot that day. I want to say thank you all for your help with this project. I know it turned out to be a lot more than we all thought it would be but the end results were amazing. Again, thank you."

Jeff Peterson, Mission Jamaica Donations for the 2015 trip will be collected in February. Check the January or February newsletter for a list of items. (Dave Wright continued from page 5)

Dave and Jim will be joining another veterinarian, a team of health care workers, and a small group of teachers for this trip. The team will offer veterinary care, teach at local clinics, visit small ranches, and build relationships by staying with local Dominicans in Las Caobas, near Santiago. Dave was also a long-time member of Zion’s Stewardship Committee and cochaired two capital fund appeals, giving him an opportunity to study Christian stewardship.

We made the decision to become tithers at a time in our life when we had huge debt, young children and limited income.

Sue and I were challenged to put these principles into practice. We made the decision to become tithers at a time in our life when we had huge debt, young children and limited income. I can’t claim that tithing has eliminated all of our financial worries, but I believe it has given us a spirit of generosity that has always left us with “enough.” As a member of the stewardship committee for many years, one Lenten season we conducted an interesting congregational experiment we called, “Try a TwoMonth Tithe.” We challenged the council to tithe ten percent of each Sunday’s offering as a “first-fruit gift” to synod benevolence and we challenged congregational members to tithe ten percent of their pay checks as a “first-fruit gift” to Zion for a twomonth trial. Zion ended the year in the black and we may have inspired some members to continue to tithe.

Follow Dave and Jim’s trip to the Dominican Republic at wright2us.blogspot.com.

(Woodworking Partnership continued from page 13)

per hour (as long as they didn’t make any mistakes). With 375 to make, let's just say that the guys donated quite a bit of time to get the plaques ready for VBS... a true labor of love. Now, through this new partnership, the Buffalo Toy Shop has connected with Mission Jamaica and has donated over 300 wooden toys to be sent to children in Jamaica this spring with our Zion team. It's a beautiful thing and amazing to see how God is at work in our community and in the world! Through a plaque at VBS... to hands that do woodworking... to toys that will bring smiles to children's faces in Jamaica... God is good, all the time... and all the time, God is good! A huge thanks to Irv Schmidt and his team at the Buffalo Toy Shop for all that they've done to share the good news of God's love through their gift of woodworking! And continued thanks to LeRoy, Rodger, Glen and many others that have contributed to our VBS woodworking projects over the years! Thanks for sharing God's love with the VBS children at Zion!

Where’s Your Plaque? Now that you know some history behind the VBS name plaques, we would love to see where they all ended up! You are invited to share a picture of where your child's name plaque is hung in your home. Upload your photo to the Children’s Ministry Facebook page at facebook.com/ZionKids or email them to Kirsten@ZionBuffalo.org, and we will make sure to share them! Thanks for being a part of the journey! (Dawn Agre continued from page 15)

She also plays in the Never Made it Big Band for the Staff Showcase at BHS. Throughout her 12 years in Buffalo, much of her time has been dedicated to her children's activities at BCMS and BHS, including band, marching band, choir, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, FFA, Students Stepping Up, National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, volleyball and softball. Deirdra was also Miss Montrose 2006-2007. She has also delivered Meals on Wheels.

Advent Devotionals Stop by the Zion information desk to pick up an advent devotional for home use. New this seasons is Your People Long to Greet You, the advent devotional book created by Luther Seminary. The booklet is written by Shelley Cunningham, Luther Seminary graduate, and includes a daily Bible passage and brief reading for the season. Daily email is also available at luthersem.edu/advent.

Redeemer Christmas Store Redeemer Center for Life and Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis are again gearing up for their annual Christmas Store, which will place on December 13, 2014 from 9am-noon at Redeemer Lutheran Church. This event gives Redeemer the opportunity to reach out to children, helping them to participate in sharing the excitement of giving at Christmas. The Christmas Store offers children a chance to buy four gifts for their family members and get them gift-wrapped for the price of twenty-five cents per gift! Members of partner congregations like Zion can participate by volunteering at the event, donating gifts, or perhaps in your own creative way to contribute to the success of this event. The success of the Christmas Store flows from the generosity of others, like you, who are willing to donate gifts, time and resources. Please consider how you may participate in this event and contact Sarah Stadie at Redeemer Lutheran Church (612.374.4139 x24 or admin@redeemermpls.org) or Babette Chatman at Redeemer Center for Life (612.374.4139 x16 or bchatman@redeemercenter.org) with any questions.

Meals on Wheels was an eye-opening experience and I loved doing it. It was amazing how appreciative the people were when all you did was deliver a small meal for them. Dawn likes to read and be at home, and she is also employed as a personal care assistant for Meridian Services in Golden Valley, working with disabled adults in four group homes.

The Voice A monthly publication of Zion Lutheran Church Upcoming Deadlines December 3 at 8am for January Issue January 19 at 8am for February issue Editor: Angela Bengtson Angela@ZionBuffalo.org This Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cover Christmas Trees at Zion

www.ZionBuffalo.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am4:30pm Ph 763.682.1245 / Fax 763.684.1967 1200 Highway 25 South, Buffalo (across from 13th St S.) PO Box 88, Buffalo, MN 55313

Zion Staff Ted Vanderpan: Senior Pastor ext. 304 | PastorTed@zionbuffalo.org Luke Schmidt: Pastor of Congregational Life ext. 305 | PastorLuke@zionbuffalo.org Sherilyn Burgdorf: Shared Ministry Director ext. 307 | Sherilyn@zionbuffalo.org Kirsten Kelly: Director of Children & Family ext. 331 | Kirsten@zionbuffalo.org Marsha Watkins: CFM Coordinator ext. 308 | Marsha@zionbuffalo.org Kristin Lotthammer: CFM Coordinator ext. 308 | Kristin@zionbuffalo.org Myron Crawford: Director of Youth Ministries ext. 306 | Myron@zionbuffalo.org Jim Onstad: Youth Staff Dawn Bestick: Office Administrator / Receptionist ext. 302 | Dawn@ZionBuffalo.org Ann Lyons: Office Administrator / Receptionist ext. 301 | Ann@ZionBuffalo.org Angela Bengtson: Communications & Membership ext. 325 | Angela@zionbuffalo.org

Sue Stensrud: Financial Secretary ext. 303 | Sue@zionbuffalo.org Joel Mackereth: Building & Grounds Manager ext. 328 | Joel@zionbuffalo.org Lynn Botts: Facilities Manager ext. 328 | Lynn@zionbuffalo.org Cory Sherman: Part Time Custodian Missy Peterson & Angie Smith: Nursery Staff Michael Walsh: Coordinator of Music Bob Strommen: Sound System Coordinator Mike Rome: Video Technician

Congregational Council Kelly Hanson Alisa Ireland Deana Jeske Sarah Klett Tom Moline Heather Moseley

Mike Newman Nancy Olson Harley Pommier Thomas Stanforth Dave Tauscher Kristin Wilson

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Zion Lutheran Church

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www.ZionBuffalo.org December 2014

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Inside Santa Lucia Supper

A Simple Christmas

Special Christmas Gift

Dawn Agre

Andrea Jonasson

Christmas Giving

Christmas in June?

Preston Bestick

Christmas Program

Woodworking Partnership 13 Pod Arrives in Jamaica

ZionBuffalo.org