Slideshow image
Good morning!  The ELCA's tagline is "God's Work, Our Hands" and we at Zion's are known for rolling up our sleeves and getting to work, but our feet are also very active in our discipleship!  Isaiah 52:7 shares "How beautiful  upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns'"  These beautiful feet carry us out into the world as bringers of the good news that God has in Christ for everyone.  At Zion's one of the ways we do that is our support of our ELCA missionary to South Sudan, Pastor Wal Reat.  I first met Wal when I was in seminary.  Wal is Sudanese.  He had been kidnapped as a young boy and conscripted into the army against his will (think Lost Boys of Sudan) but eventually made it to a refugee camp and through immigration resettlement was moved to Minnesota!  He encountered Minnesota Lutherans who loved him and his family, assisted them in transitioning to our very different culture/world, and shared the love of God in tangible ways as well as through their words.  Wal became a Lutheran Christian and as a leader in his community, attended seminary to continue leadership in sharing the gospel with the world.  Wal was called to return to Sudan, now South Sudan, where he and another seminary classmate minister in what is the new Lutheran Church in the country of South Sudan.  A Lutheran Community Center and Clinic South Sudan was dreamed of and in November of 2016, they broke ground in Juba, in an area that lacks basic health and education services.  The center is a place for the community to find hope by providing classes, including computer training, and a health clinic – with the hope that it will be the country’s first and only place for fistula surgery for women and girls.  About once or twice a year, Pastor Wal emails an update with a few photos and I try to post them on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.  While he began in Juba, at this time, Pastor Wal is serving primarily among South Sudanese refugees in several refugee camps in South Sudan and countries bordering South Sudan (Ethiopia for example) and preaching and working with the families and children in the camps, etc.  Here are his own words "I hope everyone is doing fine where you service God’s people in the world.  I am here to let you know that we are doing fine and the ministry is growing and growing in the refugee camps and in Nasir, Maiwut, South Sudan and in Ethiopia areas. This Year activities are not enough because the corona Virus blocked people from big gathering even worship service."  I am hoping to add some photos of his mission to the board so look for more updates!  
The reason I am highlighting Pastor Wal in South Sudan is because on October 31st we are having a 5th Sunday blessing.  We will be splitting our special offering between supporting him through the ELCA Global mission partnership that we have and the Afghan families who are being settled in Colorado Springs through Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountain (LFSRM) in conjunction with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS).  Lets help our global brother and sisters!
I am praying for you all as you deal with illness, surgeries, death, and just our everyday issues.  May you feel God embrace you with God's care, comfort and support as you heal, grieve and deal with all that weighs you down.  May you seek out joy!  
In Christ, Pastor Andrea
 
This week (other meetings/gatherings/work will be taking place as well but here are some things to note):  
  • Friday, October 15th at 9:30 am - 11 the Women's Bible study will meet.  We use a hybrid meeting - downstairs of Samuel's building (wearing masks) and on Zoom. This week is the 3d session focusing on Wisdom, Truth, and Hope, led by Carol Smith. (Hope this week).  The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82692013940?pwd=dHB4S2N2VW9XZmNORmhRa3l0VGxSUT09 or join by phone 301-715-8592; Meeting ID: 826 9201 394; Passcode: 624229
  • Friday, Oct 15-Sunday Oct 17th  Confirmation Camp at Rainbow Trails 
  • Sunday, October 17th
    • Sunday morning Bible study at 8:30 am  Lisa Rygiel leads our new study of Habbakuk.  Using The Book of Habbakuk: Faith Amid the Ruins by Heath A. Thomas. The book is not required but if you are interested in studying it, please get one.  Come in person or by ZOOM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/907628370?pwd=eFVCTEVhb0xqMXcxY2xaUG5JMUZEdz09 or call +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 907 628 370 Passcode: 332397
    • 10 am Worship INDOORS in our Sanctuary
      • Join us, either in person OR via ZOOM ('hybrid' worship).  If you will be worshipping via zoom, log on or call in using these links: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/91739214242?pwd=b1QrZzk0QzBtM1RXZnZuaVFVMDNmZz09  OR Dial   +1 301 715 8592     Meeting ID: 917 3921 4242.   Password: 731771.   For those of you who will be worshipping in person, masks will be required indoors.  Please bring your own, thanks!
      • Worship leaders:  Pastor Karen Matsuka; Assisting: Julie Wersal;  Song Leader:  Mark Nelson; Organist:  Connie Pallone;  Ushering:  Arthur & Jen Pierce;  Reading:  Megan Pierce;  Communion prep/cleanup:  Connie Hass and Amy Navarette
      • Flowers are from Jeff and Carol Smith in thankfulness to our Lord
    • Fellowship after worship (approx. 11:10am).  
    • BREAD & BELONGING  College/High School Student Fellowship from 6-8 pm.  We begin by serving some food, followed by fellowship and discussion using the book "YOU CAN'T ASK THAT! 50 Taboo questions about the bible, Jesus, and Christianity".   This next week our topic will be "Was Jesus a Pacifist" and pumpkins will be carved.  Invite college and students 9-12th grade.  
Prayer List: It is a privilege to pray for one another and to bring those who need healing to Jesus.  Send prayer requests to Carol Smith at csmith2621@gmail.com or 412-477-7531.  Please let Carol know any names that can be removed or need updated.
 
The Lord says "Do not fear for I am with you...I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you."(Isaiah 41:10)  In trusting God's word, we lift up our concerns to Him in prayer.
We continue to pray for guidance and wisdom for the leaders of our country and the world.  We lift up those that are mourning the loss of a loved one, especially David and Pam Nelson-Serafini and family on the loss of David's son Manie; family and friends of Rich Samora; Carol Bordo and family; Phyllis Jean Mackenzie and family; and Bob Koenen's family (wife Deb).  Prayers continue for those affected by COVID-19, especially Mary's niece Libby; Carol S's son's MIL Carmen Ortez (pulmonary embolism from COVID);  Mark Moss' family members -Amy and Willy Ashley, Andrea and Lane Houston; Norine's step daughter Sherry(COVID and cancer); Karen's father (on a vent); Kim, Dan, and Debbie Ruscetti; and Joshua.  We pray for and surround with God's healing touch : Liz McKethen surgery Tuesday 10/12 and Anthony Campbell surgery Friday 10/15; Andrea; Michael Blackmore; Amy Estes (Karspeck's friend with stroke); Elaine's nephew Carlos Trujillo (stage 4 cancer); Smith's friend Kimberly Ehrman (high risk pregnancy);  Lisa's Mother; Cheri's Mom Phyllis (in a nursing home after surgery for broken hip); Barbara Snow; Jacqueline and Larry Sinniett; Christine Eliss; Elaine's brother Pete (car accident);  Huffor family; Steve Devorack; Joni's nephew Mike (lung cancer); Mike Johnson; Floyd Gumke; Linda Bounds; Erin's friend Jenny (leukemia); Patrick Nye; Carol Schulzkump; Jo Moss' cousin Virginia (cancer);  Kimber Begano (cancer); Glenn Davis (cancer/ recent gallbladder OR); Dr. Mark Jacobson (brain cancer); Doris' family; Linda Theige's brother Pastor Bob (cancer); Max Phillips (cancer); Carol Schulzkump's daughter Katy and nephew Brent Kapling; Caleb, Eliza and Ryan Schulte; Willmae Gartside (hospice) and Sherry; Larry French; Janice and Dennis Hornamen; Loren Eigenberg; Moises; Doug and Darlynne Sandstead, daughters Heather & Rebecca, family Ed and Bev; Christine and Mark; Richard W.; Richard S.; KC (Alzheimer's).  Our prayers continue for Wal Reat (missionary in Sudan whom we support financially through Global Missions); Pastor Clay and The Way ministry; ACTS ministry; and the prison congregation New Beginnings and Pastor Schjang.
Other announcements/dates to put on your calendar:
Yesterday's worship service can be viewed by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/b-9uXiLdRfazfo7eeLFsfHa1ffd_vTNUbseDk462DFd84bySLJwzJu0XJBcOeG3Y.e2TmZvOFhBK3-aSD Passcode: ..t9f6^= 
1.  David and Pamela have arrived at their home in Hoehne.  They are doing as best as humanly possible and really need and appreciate all your prayers.  The family is gathering for a service for Manei Serafini (who was killed in a car accident tragically last week) on Thursday, Oct 14th in Howard.  Let's lift them to the Lord during this extremely difficult time.
2.  We are back worshipping indoors and Jeff Smith is heading up our security team.  We need a few more members to assist so if you would consider this and call Jeff at 412-916-1826. 
3.  This month we will have a 5th Sunday blessing on October 31st- Reformation Sunday.  Or as I like to say Re-formation Sunday-- a day when we celebrate our transformation, our new life that is continually evolving, in Christ!  For Octobers 5th Sunday blessing we are challenging Zion's for a 'big ask.'  Let's collect $1000 to split between the Afghan families' resettlement in Colorado Springs (through Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains) and our own ELCA Missionary in South Sudan, Wal Reat!  We are focusing on our global siblings this time and thought it would be wonderful to support both of these missions.  If you missed the zoom seminar from LFSRM (link above) with information about resettling Afghan families in Colorado Springs, there is another opportunity on November 2 or 4!  Go to this link to learn more:  https://www.lfsrm.org/event/refugee-volunteer-orientation-colorado-springs-online-3/?instance_id=3582  "This is the first step to volunteering with our refugee programs. During this session you will learn about the current refugee situation, what it takes to get involved, the application process, and about advocacy. We strive to stand in solidarity with refugees using patience, resilience, and compassion."
4.  Zion's newsletter CONNECTIONS was published last week and I hope you enjoyed it.  Jo is working on Novembers edition and all articles are due on October 15th.  Thanks!
5. New Members will be received at Zion's October 24th.  Do you want to formally join this faith family?  Speak to Pastor Andrea
6. The 4th quasi annual Zion's Lutheran Church bike/camp outing will be held on Saturday October 16th on the River Trail outside Pueblo.  The bikers will meet at the Pueblo Fish Hatchery (500 Pueblo Reservoir Rd) at 10 am and bike the paved Arkansas River trail to have lunch at the Coyote Grill (5220 Nature Center Rd) near the raptor center (approx 4 miles).  If the Coyote Grill is closed, we'll head to the Pueblo RiverWalk and dine at one of the many restaurants there.  Those interested in camping, we will be at. the Arkansas Point area of Pueblo Lake State Park where there are currently a variety of electric sites available.  Carol & Jeff Smith have reserved site #88 for arrival Friday Oct 15th, departing on Sunday Oct 17th.  Invite friends!  Thanks to Jeff Smith for organizing this and please direct all questions to Jeff.
7.  Confirmation Camp at Rainbow Trails Lutheran Camp, Oct 15-17th.  Pastor Andrea, Vanessa Port and Ben Pierce will be attending. Keep them and the whole gathering in your prayers.  Thanks!
8.  Temple Aaron in Trinidad invites the community to SHABBAT SCHMOOZE THIS FRIDAY, 7 pm  Join us this Friday at 7 pm in the zoom box for a short Shabbat service, discussion, and time to schmooze with Rabbi Lennick and members of the Temple Aaron community.  The Zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/3584113196?pwd=V25KbnlSZFU5RmM5VFBFa1d6NEhjUT09