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How Does Your Garden Grow?

By Vicar Lisa

I am just now learning how to garden in this location. In Texas and Louisiana, I had no problem knowing what to plant or when to plant. However, here we are experiencing a learning curve. We had our broccoli, romaine, tomato plants, basil, cilantro, parsley, green onions, etc., out in mid-April. I am sure that sounds like sheer stupidity (and it was!) to anyone who is from around these parts. We lost all but the broccoli, romaine, cilantro, and parsley in the last snow! But some of those days of spring showed such promise and I was excited to see how well we could do here so we planted too early. Now we know, plant nothing until May 1 unless it is very winter hardy! We have since replanted and have already enjoyed some fresh lettuce and radishes so it is worth it. I will be excited to get home from Minnesota and see how much it has grown in the week I have been gone.

For us in our church calendar, these days of approaching summer coincide with the beginning of the Pentecost season. Summer brings sunny warmth, growing crops, and the promise of harvest. We can translate these images to that of the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity in our lives, the church, and the world. In our readings for next Sunday, the prophet Hosea speaks of God’s presence as the dawn, as a gentle shower, and as light.

As we begin our outdoor services on June 11 (weather permitting), we will become a visible symbol of a community of faith to all who walk by. Many students walk by our beautiful building, probably not even giving it a thought. But it houses a community full of love and grace, that would welcome them with open arms. During outdoor worship, we will be visible to them as the community of faith we are. And when we raise our voices in song, we will be heard. Pray that some of those students walking by will feel the tug of the Holy Spirit calling them.

This is also a good time to invite a friend or neighbor who might not feel as comfortable entering a church building. Let us grow and bloom where we are planted, raising our faces to the sunshine and our voices in praise. And maybe some of our neighbors will peek over the fence to see how our garden grows!

Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 11, 

10 a.m. Outdoor Worship (weather permitting) with Holy Communion

Announcements:

  • Schedule for Serving: Reminder, the schedule for ushers, lectors, and communion preparation/clean-up was sent at the end of April. Please note when you are scheduled. If you will be unable to serve as scheduled, be sure to arrange for someone to do it in your place either by trading with someone or simply arranging someone to do it for you. Everyone's contact information is included in the schedule. Please let Jo Moss and Vicar Lisa know if you trade so they have the correct information for the bulletin and E-Formation. If you did not receive the May-September schedule, contact JoAnn Karspeck 
  • Summer Hiatus: Sunday morning Bible Study, Friday Women's Bible Study, and Centering Prayer all are on summer hiatus. Watch for schedule updates in e-formation, the newsletter, and worship bulletins.
  • Outdoor Services: We still need people to volunteer who are willing to get there a little early on Sundays and set up. We have lists of what is needed to guide you. Please let Vicar Lisa or Sharon Sorensen know if you are willing to help, thanks!
  • Garage Sale: Zion's annual garage sale will be held Saturday, Aug. 5. See Julie if you would like to help.
  • Vacation Bible School: The community Vacation Bible School will be held at Fisher Peak Community Church. VBS is for grades K-6 and will take place on the mornings of June 12-16. For information, contact Nancy Wilkinson at Fisher Peak if you would like to assist: (719) 680-0451.
  • Save the Date: Zion's 135th Anniversary celebration is Sept. 23-24. If you would like to be part of this committee, please see Vicar Lisa.
  • Flower Update: We share heartfelt thanks for our flower guild and the beautiful additions they make to our worship. You can support their work by dedicating the flowers on a Sunday. The recommended minimum donation is $35, so sign the flower book today.

E-formation

Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 11

This coming Sunday we hear the call to follow Jesus. In doing so, we join Christ at his table, where we are healed and raised from death. Come to worship, and may your faith make you well.

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26: Jesus not only preaches strict obedience to an intensified law: he also eats with sinners, thus himself breaking the law. So this Sunday Jesus eats with us, who have not always built our house upon him. Our faith can make us well, even if we are bleeding or dying.

Hosea 5:15—6:6: Like the ancient Jews, we turn to God in penitence and thrive on the water of life. The Old Testament's promise that God will heal prepares us to hear about Jesus’ healing miracles. Christians have seen “spring rains” a metaphor for baptism.

Romans 4:13-25: Jews, Christians, and Muslims all claim Abraham as their ancient ancestor. For Christians, it is neither Abraham’s ethnic identity nor his obedience that is essential, but rather his faith in a God who promises life.

Zion's Lutheran Church
zionsluth@gmail.com
719-846-7785