Zion Lutheran Church

“Princesses & Knights in Shining Armor”

Rev. George Schuessler

   Let me set the scene. Years earlier, Naomi, her husband and their two sons left Israel because of a famine. While in Moab, all three men died. Now Naomi has just returned to Israel with her faithful Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth.  Young Ruth goes to glean in the fields for food for the two of them and ends up in the fields of Boaz who is a “kinsman.” So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” (Ruth 2:6-9)

     At first reading this sounds like a start to a good romance novel with Boaz being a “knight in shining armor!”  The truth is that Ruth is a book in the Old Testament and is a marvelous reading on how to love ones neighbor as oneself. Chapter two gives us a genuine reading on mutual respect. In this month of February when relationships of Love, Honor, and Cherish are recognized and celebrated, we better note the Godly foundation of such relationships, mutual respect.

     When it comes to relating to other people in our many various relationships, this second chapter of Ruth gives us great direction. In verse 4 we are encouraged to cheerfully “bless” other people we come into contact with. In verse 9 we are encouraged whenever it is in our power to direct, to make sure that other people aren’t harassed. In verses 10 & 19 we should always show gratitude for help that we receive. In verses 12 & 16 we are inspired to respect and be generous with those who work for us. In verses 13 & 17 we are inspired to respect those whom I work for and to be faithful in my duties. And in verse 15 we are called not to embarrass other people or to make them look bad. These are all qualities that make for a relationship of mutual respect.

     Notice how Boaz honored Ruth in protecting her, providing for her, in affirming her, in speaking kindly to her, and by speaking kindly about her to other people. Notice how Ruth responded with respectful listening, a discipline to work long and hard at her task, loyalty, and a willingness to take risks. For us to “Love one another as we love ourselves” requires no less from us. We too are called to Love, Honor, and cherish each other in relationships of mutual respect. And maybe best of all, for some of us we can learn to do a better job of living with the one we have married to become our spouse’s best friend! Many of you already know that Ladora is a Princess, my hope is that I will learn to become a “Knight in Shining Armor!” 

Sunday School & Crossroads

Zion                                                                             Carpio             

February 2: Ezekiel                                             February 2: The Lord’s Prayer

February 9: Daniel                                              February 9: The Lord’s Prayer

February 16: No Sunday School                    February 16: No Sunday School

February 23: Jonah                                             February 23: Easter Program Practice

                                                Crossroads will be every Sunday

Confirmation

Confirmation Class meets February 5^th & 19th at 6:30pm! 

Acolytes for February are Ella Brown ~ 2^nd, Izzy Michel ~ 9^th

Jeffery Eide February 16^th & 23^rd, and Lenten service on February 26^th at 7pm

Luther League

We are planning our Luther League event for February, Please watch Facebook & the weekly bulletins for information soon!!

2020 Lenten Worship for Carpio & Zion Lutheran Churches

RETURNING HOME

     The Danish philosopher, Soren Kirkegaard said, “Truth is not nimble on its feet.” He meant by this statement that the truth of the Gospel is certainly saving in and of itself, but it must be heard. The truth must be communicated in a way that is received. Sometimes communication breaks down because a life-changing hearing of the Biblical story does not occur because of its casual familiarity. This is certainly the case with the story of the Prodigal Son. It is perhaps one of the world’s most familiar stories.

     The challenge of this joint Lenten Journey is to hear this familiar Jesus parable in a new way. I hope that it will bring new insights, freshness, and vitality into your faith and reading of the living Word of God. After all, the Prodigal Son story is a timeless Word of God’s relentless love. When it is proclaimed with passion it draws each of us into identifying with its characters. Each Wednesday we’ll look at this parable and learn more about the great love of God in Christ.

We will gather for a Soup Supper at 6pm with Joint Lent Worship at 7pm

February 26^th ~ Ash Wednesday at Zion “Getting Lost at Home”

March 4^th ~ Carpio “Sunrise or Sunset “          March 11^th ~ Zion “The Coat Says It All”

March 18^th ~ Carpio, Easter Cantata                 March 25^th ~ Zion “Not Your Typical Parent”

April 1^st ~ Carpio “Can I Get A Witness?”       

April 9^th ~ Maundy Thursday at Zion “Poured Out”

April 10^th ~ Good Friday in Carpio “Closing The Distance”

Serving in February @ Carpio:

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS:  

Ushers:  Marlis Peterson & Wes Peterson

     ALTAR GUILD: Altar Cloths, Communion, Flowers and      Greenery:      Kathy McGuire

Serving in February @ Zion:

Readers:                      Acolyte:                      Greeters:          

February 2                   Amy Neshem               Ella Brown                   Barb Cooper & Jerrolyn Wirtz

February 9                   Bonnie Schepp            Izzy Michel                  Dennis & Jackie Deaver

February 16                 Carol Rovig                  Jeffery Eide                 Rod & Julie Deaver

February 23                 Bob Grant                    Jeffery Eide                 David & Virginia Erickson

Ushers:   Jerry Hennessy & Curt Schumaier   Alter Guild:     Darla Schweitzer & Ginger Lautenschlager

Organist: Julie Deaver

Fellowship for February at Zion is served by the Zion Lutheran Church Women

Zion ZLCW

There won’t be a ZLCW meeting this month. There will be a meeting March 1^st during fellowship hour. Hope to see all of the women there.

The Western Prairie Cluster Board will be getting together on February 18^th to plan the Spring Gathering, which will be hosted by Zion Lutheran of Minot.

February 23^rd is Bold Women’s Day. Have in mind the “Bold” women who were/are influential in your lives.

Fellowship will be served by the Church women this month. World Day of Prayer is on March 6^th.

The Annual Church Dinner and Raffle are scheduled for Sunday, April 19^th.

Thank you everyone for your input for the Women’s 2020 Booklet. Amy is working on getting it printed and it should be out soon. They are available in the church entrance. They will not be in your box, but on a table as you enter the church.

Your Sister in Christ, Barb Cooper, ZLCW President

Carpio CLCW

January 5^th CLCW Meeting

Meeting opened with word of prayer by President Carolyn Graff. Correspondence shared and posted on Bulletin board in Church entry way that is upcoming. Thank you notes received from donations and gifts from recipients of 2018 fund distributions, posted by bulletin board by Kitchen for review by congregation. Update on Church member prayer list members shared as available.

Secretary meetings read by Kathy McGuire and Treasurers report by Tammi Moen. Both approved as read. New bill presented. Will be tabled till Thrivent Funding!

Old Business:  Greatly enjoyed and successful. Window washing billing status updated.

New business:    CHURCH SPRING DINNER 2020, MARCH 29^th, 2020

             CLCW women are interested in having a Lefsa Workshop Day or days if need. Practice and learn and then make and then meet and make for dinner????  Interested. Watch for set Days CHRMN Marlys and Mary Ann Vangsness.

Ecumenical Valentine’s Day Party February 10^th at Carpio.2-4pm

Quilting at CLCW begins Next Weds all are welcome. Women and men!

Mission Personal Kit Project and Soap Collection Project Started. Simple Goals. Complete kits Build a tower. What we need are at this time ,nail clippers, toothbrushes, towels,  lots and lots of soap .We are literally building a tower of soap and seeing how far it can reach in height and our circling world. Come and join the Fun.  But we need your help.

Love Kathy Mission Worker for Christ

*QUILTING has started every Wednesday morning from 9am – 11:30-12.  We have so far completed 12 quilts. We could still use some backings and anyone that would like to help is welcome!!

PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)                                                                                

Beginning Balance December                                                                                                                    $1,484.94

Zion Deposits                                                                                                                                     $4,100.00                                

Carpio Deposits                                                                                                                                $8,200.00                                 

Total Deposits                                                                                                                                   $12,300.00                     

Expenses:                                                                                                                                                                          

Portico (Pastor’s Benefits)                                                                                                                 $3,242.40                          

Mileage                (Oct, Nov, Dec)                                                                                                     $643.22

Pastor George Payroll (Nov & Dec)                                                                                                 $8,791.44                            

Total Expenses:                                                                                                                                   $12,677.06                         

Ending December Balance:                                                                                                                        $1,107.88

Carpio Lutheran Church Council Minutes

The council meeting was held on January 7^th, 2020 at 7:00pm.  The meeting was called to order by President, Alvis Martinson. 

Secretary’s Report:  No report at this time. 

Treasurer’s Report was given by Summer Engelhard. 

  Checking Account                  $2065.97

  Thrivent Contingency Fund   $3736.06

  Thrivent Lindberg Fund     $13,803.24 

CLCW:  The Carpio Church Dinner will be on March 29.  Quilting will start in January and go thru March.  The World Day of Prayer is March 6^th in Des Lacs.  

Pastor’s Report:  The pastor has made visits to the hospital, care facilities and some shut-ins.  He hosted the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship service at Zion on Nov 24^th.  The Alex Bloms and McKenzie Jensen wedding was Nov 24^th in Carpio with Pastor Carol Wendel officiating.  The pastor was on vacation from November 26^th to December 14^th.  He has been working on end of year reports.  The Christian Unity Ecumenical soup supper and worship is Jan 26^th at 6pm at Berthold Baptist.  The Ecumenical Valentine’s Extravaganza is on February 9^th from 2-5 pm at Carpio Lutheran.  Ash Wednesday is February 26^th with a soup supper at 6pm and joint worship at 7pm at Zion.  A Windows 7 update for the computers is needed at both churches. 

Old Business:  None at this time. 

New Business:  Travis motioned to receive Crew James LaBere as a baptized member of Carpio Lutheran.  He was baptized on November 17^th.  Aaron Haaland seconded, motion carried.  A special thanks to Alvis Martinson for serving as President of the congregation.  The council discussed the proposed 2020 congregational budget.  Aaron Haaland motioned to approve the proposed budget.  Travis Engelhard seconded, motion carried.

The nominees for upcoming positions opening on the board are as follows:

  Vice President – Stan Vangsness

  Board of Education – Summer Engelhard

We still need nominees for the nominating committee, one representative to attend the Metigoshe Ministries annual meeting, and 2 representatives to attend the Synod Assembly in June. 

The next council meeting will be held in March.  The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer. 

Meeting Adjourned. 

Tammi Moen – Recording Secretary