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Good afternoon!  What a wonderful '"God's work, Our Hands" weekend we had!  From our service project, to worship with another fabulous feast to share afterwards and our concert by The Orphan Valley Singers, God was praised and fun was had by all.  Thank you for being people of God and for all you do in Christ's name!  We also had a successful inaugural Bread & Belonging Student ministry gathering last night.  Lots of Holy Spirit activity!

Blessings on your day and week.  I had planned to vacation in Florida this week but once again Covid derailed plans!  So we are driving to Oklahoma and I am so grateful to spend time with the kids, grandkids, brother-in-law, and our friends the Golds.  I find these times with friends & family precious and not to be taken for granted.  They are also gifts from our Creator!  Besides of our faith family and my Doeden clan, they are some really important people in my community!  So for this week I am going to share a message I received in my inbox from Christine at Sojourners reflecting on communities:

I don’t know about you, but for me, this year has been extremely hard. During this time of isolation, change, and lament, the main thing that has gotten me through it all has been my communities.  Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time contemplating how this time has changed me and how I relate to other people, thinking critically about what community even is, what it says about us, and what community can be.

Let’s continue reflecting on this with each other as we explore community, faith, and how we can build towards justice together.    Set aside a couple of minutes today and ask yourself these questions: 

    • What would the ideal community look like to you? 
    • What would a world that respects the lives and image of God in every person and allows them to thrive look like? 

This exercise can be challenging but try drawing from what you know as you imagine. You might be surprised to discover that a better world is closer than you think. 

We are all part of many communities but what an impact we'd make if in every one of our communities, we'd be the one pushing to respect and love each and every person in it!  Because God loves us all.  So that is my challenge for us all this week!
Blessings and peace, Pastor Andrea
This week:
  • Friday, September 17th  Women's Bible Study will begin on Friday, September 17, at 9:30 am and continue every other week. We shall begin with hybrid gathering - in the downstairs of Samuel's building (wearing masks) and on zoom. We are beginning a three session study on Wisdom, Truth, and Hope. 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
  • Sunday, Sept 19th
    • Sunday morning Bible study at 8:30 am  Lisa Rygiel's 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 Outdoors on the TSJC Lawn south of the 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, please bring a folding camp chair to sit on and wear comfortable clothing 
      • Worship leaders:  Preaching:  Lisa Rygiel; Presiding:  Rev. Becky McNeil; Assisting:  Julie Wersal;  Song Leader:  Mark Nelson;  Childrens message:  Mary McKenna; Ushering: Peggy Gustafson and Cherie Holder;  Reading: Megan Pierce ;  Communion prep/cleanup:  Kathy Nicolai
      • Flowers are from Paula Little in memory of her parents Jack and Dorothy Leaper
    • Fellowship after worship (approx. 11am).  
    • Church Council monthly meeting at 11:30 am. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81822932114?pwd=SWFTVmMwZ1JGL0ZxeXZybktmYXVqUT09 or call +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 818 2293 2114. Passcode: 167579
    • 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".   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.
 
The Lord instructs us to cast our anxiety upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).  In doing this, 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: including the family of Carol Hoey and Linda Stroh; Paul Hurtado on the death of his mother: and the family of Robert Bailey. Prayers continue for those affected by COVID-19, especially Karen's father (on a vent); Kim, Dan, and Debbie Rozetti; and Joshua. We give thanks that Carol Schultzkump's grandchildren are doing better from COVID, and for Lana's new twin great grandbabies. We pray for those affected by the Afghanistan takeover and ask for protection for the Christians left behind and all who are needing God's presence and hope.  We also ask for the answered prayers and protection for those affected by the hurricane and rains in the east, and the devastating fires in the west. We pray for and surround with God's healing touch: Margaret Gumke; Leniyah Hurtado; Jacqueline and Larry Sinniett; Christine Eliss; Elaine's brother Pete (car accident);  Huffor family; Steve Devorack; Joni's nephew Mike (lung cancer); Mike Johnson; Bob (hospice); Floyd Gumke; Linda Bounds; Erin's friend Jenny (leukemia); Patrick Nye; Carol Schultzkump; Jo Moss' cousin Virginia (cancer); Michael Blackmore; Kimber Begano (cancer); Glenn Davis (cancer); Dr. Mark Jacobson (cancer); Doris' family; Linda Theige's brother Pastor Bob (cancer); Max Phillips (cancer); Carol Schultzkump'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 (Alzheimers).  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/eW7SKif-PTmBnWPP0autopqkLUr44u-D_GQtEJVQ5DwQAoh1SENeaSlMu6AONdSC.kfzd_hFm3XZ3940i Passcode: 7h$OxtNL   I tried to also record the concert but failed.  Sorry!  Pr Andrea to blame 
1.  Worship & Music committee will meet via ZOOM on September 21 at 10 am. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88025030469?pwd=Y0VMNHR0bVZsS1krM2dCcENnSEN4UT09
2.  The Holy Lunch Bunch small group will be meeting on September 25th at 12 Noon at at the Fellowship Hall.
3.  Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial celebration is Saturday, Oct. 2 through 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. and we are busy planning a wonderful weekend of sharing WHY ZION'S?  The next committee meeting will be MONDAY, Sept 27th at 10 am, in person or via ZOOM.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81667839880?pwd=LyttZ0I3ZWY0ekk1NzlvaDArZ3VuQT09
4.  Our prison ministry partnership with New Beginnings includes donating cards for the inmates to use.  Please bring your cards to church and put in the green "Andrea's Joy Box."  I will be meeting Pastor Terry on Sept 24th and blessing her with our gifts.  So bring some more to church before the 22nd please.
5.  The 4th quasi annual Zion's Lutheran Church bike/camp outing will be held on Saturday October 16th not h 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 River Walk 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!  Thank to Jeff Smith for organizing this and please direct all questions to Jeff.
6.  Confirmation Camp at Rainbow Trails Lutheran Camp, Oct 15-17th.
7.  Our website redesign team has accomplished the transition!  We have a new website!  Go to www.zionsluth.org and see what visitors, seekers and we are now to see.  It'll be updated regularly and is not all the way completed but it's awesome and we appreciate the feedback you've given so far.
8.  Worship flowers can be sponsored each week for $25. A flower chart is in the fellowship hall to sign up or contact Lynn Chase.
9. Angels in Aprons is our team of amazing cooks who bless you by helping with meals when you are in need for any reason, such as surgeries, illnesses, etc.  If you would like to be blessed by these angels or would like to volunteer, please contact Lynn Chase. 
10.  FREE Covid testing for all Colorado residents can be accessed at the Sebastiani Gym Parking Lot.  Schedule an appointment at AffinityeCareColorado.com ahead of time or register on site (longer wait time).  The times I believe have changed so log on to see when/times.  
11.  We are reinstating the monthly Zion's newsletter. Deadline for submissions for the inaugural October issue is Sept. 15. If you have a contribution or suggestion, contact Jo Moss or send via an email to our special newsletter account at: zionslutheran.trinidadpr@gmail.com

E-formation

This coming Sunday the gospel presents us with the death of Christ, the life of a servant, and the situation of a vulnerable child. Come to worship to see how these three interact, to sing our praises to God, and to pray for all who are in need.  We continue through the autumn’s standard Sundays and are now at the center, that is, the apex, of Mark’s gospel. Our failure to live as servants draws us to holy communion for forgiveness and sustenance.

 

 

Each Sunday we stand before the passion of Jesus Christ, yet we are no better than the original disciples in embodying the countercultural worldview that the crucifixion inaugurated. We must take care not to sentimentalize Mark’s reference to a little child, who in antiquity was more likely to be discarded than pampered. Tying Mark to Jeremiah 11 illumines this excerpt by reminding us that Jesus is like the vulnerable child whom we welcome into our midst through the word and the meal.

 

 

This Sunday the second reading fits well with the gospel. James decries selfish ambition and calls on the community to live in wisdom, and in Mark Jesus corrects the selfish ambition of the disciples and gathers them around himself, who is servant of all and the Wisdom of God.   
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Zion's Lutheran Church
719-846-7785