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Happy rainy Tuesday my dear sisters and brothers in Christ. Pamela Nelson-Serafini here. It’s been quite some time since I have written and, while I am honored to fill in for our Lisa Rygiel as she recuperates from surgery (prayers for quick healing), I find myself having to sweep off the dust and cobwebs from my laptop, not to mention my mind!

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. The official start to the summer season of vacationers traveling near and far and to remember friends, family, and ancestors who have died while fighting to protect not only our freedom but also, those abroad,

This idea of remembering the dead is as old as time itself but is commemorated on different days and in different ways around the world. For instance, one early commemoration was held in 431 BCE, featuring a speech by the Athenian general Pericles for those who had perished in the Peloponnesian War. There likely isn’t a direct line from the ancient Romans to the modern American Memorial Day. Still, the long legacy of these traditions shows that the commemoration of war dead is a common event in human history. 

Qingming: China, Taiwan, and other nearby countries celebrate Quingming 15 days after the vernal equinox. Sometimes, the festival is called Tomb-Sweeping Day in English, because the day is commemorated by visiting the graves of ancestors and loved ones to clean them up. Offerings of cold food may also be placed on the graves.

New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Turkey, and other counties gather on specific days to share their history of the dead with food, music, prayers, blessings, and storytelling.

At this point, I began thinking about Jesus and how, every Sunday we eat and drink the consecrated body and blood of Christ as we hear the spoken words, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

And, what about all of the disciples, saints, and followers of Jesus? People who stood up for what they believed in, even though it meant certain death. There are still people all over the world that are persecuted for their beliefs, and they too should be honored and remembered.

Announcements:

This week (other meetings/gatherings will be taking place as well but here are some things to note):

Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 29, 2022

Worship Leaders: Jeff Smith, Carol Smith, and Julie Wersal

Zoom Leaders: Sharon Sorenson & Ernie Parker

Music: Connie Pallone, Melodie Langosa & Sharon Sorenson

Ushers: TBD

Communion: Jo Moss and Hailey Bearden

Flowers: Presented by Carol Schulzkump in remembrance of her mom’s birthday on May 29 and for the anniversary of daughter Katy and wife Nicky’s anniversary, also on the 29th.

    • Morning Bible Study is at 8:30 a.m. We are studying "The Wesley Challenge", which is a 21-day challenge to grow in faith.  Join in person or via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/907628370?pwd=eFVCTEVhb0xqMXcxY2xaUG5JMUZEdz09 Or Dial 1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 907 628 370  Passcode: 332397.
    • Fellowship time follows morning worship and is in the Fellowship Hall.
    • Bread & Belonging Our high school/college ministry is on summer hiatus.

Other important stuff of note:

  • The newsletter contribution deadline is May 24, please send suggestions, articles, and photos to Jo Moss.
  • Volunteers are needed on Saturday, May 28 to deliver meals for 5 Loaves, please consider supporting this ministry and let Jo Moss, Norine Hazen, or Peggy Gustafson if you can help.
  • Women's Bible Study has begun a new series on the Psalms. The next session is at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 3, in-person in the Fellowship Hall downstairs and on Zoom. Any questions can be directed to Becky McNeil or Carol Smith. All are welcome! To Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83136424723?pwd=TkxsQVllMmo2bVlSekN0dGZqbzF1Zz09 -- Meeting ID: 831 3642 4723 -- Passcode: 865505 (or call 1-312-626-6799).
  • Consider sponsoring the flowers that beautify our worship space, contact Lynn Chase, or sign up on the Flower Chart at the back of the Sanctuary.  For a donation of $25, you may choose to make the arrangements with you or let the flower team deliver the flowers to those who are sick, in hospice, or need of cheer. Once you sign up, place your check on the offering plate.
  • If you have not done so, consider serving as Fellowship Time Host (bring food/clean up). Sign up on the calendar near the kitchen entrance.
  • Copies of Portals of Prayer are available in the Sanctuary and large print versions are on the front table in the Fellowship Hall.
  • SAVE THE DATES: We will celebrate outdoor worship (weather permitting) on the last Sunday of each summer month -- June 26, July 31, and Aug. 28, as well as Sept. 11, for God's Work Our Hands Sunday.

 

E-formation

This coming Sunday is the last Sunday of Easter. We continue reading from Acts, Revelation, and John’s gospel. Come to worship, to share in the fruits of the tree of life.

The Readings in the Bible

Acts 16:16-34 

Those who had enslaved a girl and used her powers to tell fortunes threw Paul and Silas into jail for ordering the spirit to come out of her and consequently ruining their business. In prison, Paul and Silas bring the good news of the gospel to the jailer and his family.

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 

The ascended Christ, hidden from our sight, promises to come again. We eagerly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” with all who respond to this invitation.

John 17:20-26 

Jesus prays that the life of his followers will be characterized by an intimate unity of identity with God. To be so identified with God means also to share in God’s mission: to proclaim the word that will bring others into this same unity.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785