Zion Lutheran Church

Put Your Hope in God”

Rev. George Schuessler

     In the month of March we are teased by the turbulent weather of chilly arctic snow squalls and the warm dreamy spring sunshine. March witnesses the fierce grip of deadly winter as a new budding spring season seeks to break through. In our smallness we are helpless as the tides of weather fronts push through the March madness. Our strength fails and faith carries us along for our only hope is in God. This spring in particular is like no other and it calls for the enduring strength of faith, “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

     Agriculture is struggling to envision a season of planting with crops still in the field to be harvested and trade deals filled with economic uncertainty. Humanity is gripped in fear as frightening diseases rage beyond our control bringing death to victims and crushing blows to the dreams of commercial businesses around the world. March madness this year is less about the hectic pace of playoff basketball and more about the fears we all face as our vary ways of life are being threatened as the cold darkness of evil fights to hold on to us in a death grip. Yet, in faith our hope sees the light penetrating the darkness to reveal a coming season of change. The darkness is being diminished as each day grows longer. God will not be denied!

     The Apostle Paul in inspirational writing to the distressed Church in Corinth says, “I plant, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1^ST Corinthians 3:6) In other words, we are servants of God and that means that God is the one in charge. God’s will of overcoming evil will be done!

     The Prophet Elijah learned this lesson well. After speaking God’s Word of an impending drought, Elijah’s life was threatened and he was forced into the wilderness empty handed. He had no visual security. He had no worldly friends, no weapons, no job, no home, and no food. If life was to be sustained it would be sustained by an unseen God. Elijah’s faith gave hope that God would supply and supply He did! Nature provided shelter, ravens provided bread and meat, and God’s spirit comforted and protected Elijah. The darkness could not block the light of day that God brings into our fearful emptiness.

     At the appropriate time during the drought, God would bring Elijah out of the wilderness to the community of Zarephath. Empty handed Elijah journeyed as directed and God’s light pushed back the evil darkness of death to shine on a Widow who was preparing a last meal for her son before they would die of starvation. Elijah asked for bread from the Widow who had so little and there was found bread enough for Elijah, the Widow, and her son until the drought ended.

     Life is not in our making. Hope is not found in what is seen. Hope is not found in an abundance of worldly goods. Hope is in our God who takes our empty hands and uses them in the gifts of His creation to bring life and light into creation. Our faith witnesses the Good News of a God who loves us so much that He journeys with us into the evil and darkest places to bring the light and life of His Son into full view through us.

     Let not fear paralyze us! Like all of the previous months of March let us live in faith. Remember that you and I are but servants of the Lord. We can plant and water, but God gives the growth that we harvest. Trust God, who in Christ Jesus brings an assurance of things hoped for, who in the Holy Spirit allows us a conviction of things not seen. Oh yes, the light is pushing back the darkness. God can and is using our small empty hands in miraculous ways. Growth in God does comfort and sustain us and life will flourish once again. Remember that brilliant sun rise on the third day and the emptiness of the tomb that brought to us the fullness of eternal life? Trust God! In hope I think God can do it!

    Sunday School & Crossroads

Zion                                                                             Carpio             

March 1: Palm Sunday Lesson                         March 1: Easter Program Practice

March 8: Maundy Thursday Lesson              March 8: Easter Program Practice

March 15: Good Friday Lesson                      March 15: Easter Program Practice

March 22: No Sunday School                          March 22: No Sunday School

March 29:  Easter Day Lesson                         March 29: Easter Program Practice  

Confirmation

Confirmation Student need to complete 4 Lenten Sermon notes.

Acolytes at Zion for March are:

Carter Finke ~ March 1^st & 8^th, & Lent on Wed. the 11^th.  

Ella Brown ~ March 15th

Izzy Michel ~ March 22^nd, & Lent on Wed. the 25^th.

Aubree Schepp ~ March 29^th.

Luther League

We will be serving soup & Bread on Wednesday nights at 6pm in both Carpio and Zion before Lenten Worship services. Please check the schedule to see when it is your turn to provide food and help serve, Thank you!

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 ~ Zion Ash Wednesday

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”

Zion ZLCW

We will be meeting during fellowship on Sunday, March 1^st. I hope to see all of you there. We will be talking about the upcoming Church Dinner and Raffle on April 9^th.

Western Prairie Spring Gathering will be on Saturday, March 28^th at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot.

Our theme is: ASAP (Always Say A Prayer).

The bible verse is “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing!” 1 Thessalonians 5:6.

The main speaker will be Anna Dykemen from Lutheran Campus Ministries. There will also be some students from MSU sharing their stories.

Love Donation is paper products for the Metigoshee Ministries (reams of paper, manilla env (9x12 used most), pens & pencils; black sharpees; Rubber Bands, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Roll Call:  Non-perishable items for the Minot State University Food Pantry

A fun, interesting day is planned and we hope you can all attend. Registration Cost is $10 (includes lunch) which will be paid by our Zion WELCA. Let Barb Cooper or Helen Grant know if you can attend & come even if you aren’t signed up!

Your sister in Christ, Barbara Cooper, ZLCW President

The ZLCW will be collecting items for Personal Care Kits during the Lenten season. Items needed include darker colored, light-weight bath towels (Walmart has some for less than $3), fingernail/toenail clippers, 4 oz bars of soap (2 per kit), and toothbrushes. The ZLCW has purchased the combs that are needed.

Carpio CLCW

CLCW Meeting Feb 9^th Carpio Lutheran Church

Meeting Opened with a word of prayer, by Pres. Carolyn Graff. 11 members were present. Secretary minutes were read and corrected as read By Kathy M. (Regarding deleting awaiting Thrivent payment for a bill pending/ which was deleted).  Treasurers minutes were given and approved as read by Tammi.

-Old Business: Personal Kit Project and Soap Tower Project to Continue through April.  Items Needed are Towels, Clippers and Boxes of soap for the Tower of Soap! ****We have enough Combs, and toothbrushes******.  Thank you for your contributions!!!

Old Business: Lefsa Making- Scheduled at church, for 1st Sat March 7^th, at 9 Am .Motion made seconded and passed unanimously. Old Business: Quiliting: Going great – they are in need of Twin flat sheets (of any color or design) for backing. (Not White) preferred.

New Business:  Church Dinner- Upcoming letters to churchs  to post in monthly letters mailed out. Work groups and sign up sheets will be set out last Sunday of month at back of church. Volunteers were discussed.                           May the Grace of of God fill our hearts as we share in our fellowhip. Kathy

**Anyone who would like to have a class on making Lefsa is invited on March 7^th @ 9am!!**

ANNUAL MEATBALL SPRING DINNER

March 29^th, serving from 11:00 to 2:00

GOD’S Love binds Us together with friendship, joy & grace!

All are invited to join us for a wonderful meal ~ meatballs, gravy, Homemade lefse, Pies, and fellowship

With SS creative baskets & CLCW raffle ~ Please Join US!

Serving in March @ Carpio:

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS:  

Ushers: Fay Knudtson & Cathy Armstrong

ALTAR GUILD:   Altar Cloths, Communion, Flowers and Greenery:  Cathy Armstrong

Serving in March @ Zion:

Readers:                      Acolyte:                      Greeters:          

March 1                       Jill Brown                     Carter Finke                Scott & Tracy Erickson

March  8                      Corine Christman        Carter Finke                Jana & Andy Fjeldahl & Family

March  15                    Lyle Gorseth                Ella Brown                   Lyle & Gayle Gorseth

March 22                    Laurie Gathman          Izzy Michel                  Gary & Laurie Gathman

March 29                     Lorna Hansen              Aubree Schepp            Bob & Helen Grant

Ushers:  Klint Hanson & Drew Bryantt           Alter Guild:     Laurie Gathman & Tammy Lindahl

Organist: Kristin Berg

Fellowship for March at Zion is served by the Luther League.

Please check the schedule to see when you serve!

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS…

Marjorie Marzolf (Arlene May’s Mother), Jameson Patterson, Neil Schwope, Jerry Love, Lois Vincent, Diane Gustafson, Mark Nesheim, Robert Hetler, Adam Erickson, Carol Rostad, Kalvin Myers, Curtis Thompson, Vernon Thompson, Evelyn Lee, Bob Lee & son Gregg.

CONTINUED PRAYERS for all nursing home residents and home-bound members.

CONTINUED SAFETY for Carneen Cotton, Lucus Zabka, Aaron Zabka, Zach Trail, Jeremija Arnold, Chaplain David Johnson, & all military personnel who are stationed around the world.

PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)               

Beginning Balance January                                                                                                                         $1,107.88

Zion Deposits                                                                                                                                     $4,100.00                                

Carpio Deposits                                                                                                                                $4,100.00                                 

Total January Deposits                                                                                                                                   $8,200.00                       

Expenses:                                                                                                                                                                          

Portico (Pastor’s Benefits)                                                                                                          $3,343.83                          

Mileage (Jan.)                                                                                                                                    $0.00

Pastor George Payroll                                                                                                                     $4,395.72                         

Total Expenses:                                                                                                                               $7,739.55                            

Ending January Balance:                                                                                                                                    $1,568.33