Youth Sunday June 3rd
May 26, 2012
Students please arrive at 9:30 am to prepare to lead worship at 10:15 with readings, prayers, and songs. Sunday School Teachers will also be honored. This will be the last Sunday School activity until the fall.
Confirmation – May 27th at Noon
May 13, 2012
This year at Zion, We rejoice with these young adults who will publically affirm their baptismal covenant at a special service of confirmation beginning at 12 noon. A cake and reception will follow the 10:15 service.
VBS Meeting May 10
May 7, 2012
Vacation Bible School is coming July 9 through 13. We’ll be having a planning meeting this Thurs the 10th at 6:30 pm. Your talents are needed to make this ministry successful! Needed are:
- Teachers for Grades: Going into K thru 4th grade.
- Up & Away Sing and Play-Music Leaders
- Imagination Station Leader-Craft and Play
- Skydive Diner Leader-Snack Creator
- All-Star Games Leader
- Wild Blue Bible Adventure Leader-Bible Story Tellers
- Spotlight VBS Leader-Power Point Creator each day.
- Mission Leader-ELCA Malaria Fund Picnic Leader
Acolyte Training May 12th
April 28, 2012
Acolyte training will be held for all youth in grades 5th through 8th on May 12th, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm. Acolyting is mandatory for youth in grades 6-8 (confirmation years) and optional for youth in grade 5. Acolytes are needed all year round!
During the training session, youth will be fitted for their robe size, experience lighting the acolyte wicks, and learn the formation of lighting the altar candles. In addition to lighting the candles, the youth will also learn how to proceed down the isle with the Cross and Bible.
Please email Karin Thompson at kljwt127@yahoo.com or call the church office at 860-628-5759 to sign up for this very important training.
Council Positions Open
April 20, 2012
In addition to President of the Council and the Director of Finance, two additional church Council positions also need to be filled: Director of Christian Welfare and Director of Worship. A suggestion box will be in the Gathering Place where you may nominate the name of anyone for any of these positions.
More information about the Directors of Worship and of Christian Welfare are below.
ARTICLE XI – BOARD OF WORSHIP AND MUSIC
Section 1 – Organization
The Board of Worship and Music shall consist of the Director of Worship and Music, Pastor, Music Director, Representative of the Choir, Head Usher, Representative of the Altar Guild, and additional members of the Congregation as needed.
Section 2 – Purpose of the Board
The Board shall be comprised of individuals that demonstrate their Christian knowledge, zeal and experience which will be directed toward the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the supervision of everything pertaining to congregational worship.
Section 3 – General Duties
1. The Board will meet as deemed necessary by the Director, but sufficient to insure that the Board is providing for the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the supervision and planning of congregational worship.
2. The Board will maintain permanent meeting minutes of each meeting. A copy of all minutes must be provided to the President and Secretary of the Parish Council.
3. The Board will submit an annual budget to the Board of Financial Affairs in April of each year for the following year. The budget shall include, but not be limited to, salary of Music Director, supplies for the Altar, Ushers, Choir and related materials.
Section 4 -Areas of Responsibilities
1. The Board will plan in advance the various seasons and celebrations of the Church year including selection of hymns, choir participation, themes and unusual duties required of persons participating in the services such as Ushers, Lay Assistants, Lectors, Acolytes and Torch Bearers.
2. Supervise Music Director and Choir.
3. Arrange for guest Ministers as needed.
4. Staff, train and supervise ushers.
5. Set time and schedule of Church services.
6. Evaluate new forms of worship, liturgies and hymns.
7. Supervise the Altar Guild in the care, use and maintenance of the communion, baptism and altar furnishings, decorations at church festivals, and vestments.
8. Maintain adequate supply of expendable material for worship such as communion wine and wafers, baptismal napkins, candles, etc. in conjunction with the Altar Guild.
9. Work with the Board of Fellowship to encourage joint activities for the children, youth and adult members of congregation.
10. Work with the Board of Membership and Lay Ministry to encourage lay participation in worship service as Communion Assistants, Ushers and Readers.
11. Work with Board of Christian Welfare to arrange for distribution of flowers to the sick and shut-ins.
12. Maintain records on worship and communion attendance.
13. Assist and develop relationships with other Lutheran and Non-Lutheran Churches to develop a common understanding and basis for joint worship and fellowship.
14. Provide opportunities for family and individual devotional life.
15. Setup guidelines (cost/schedule, etc.) for weddings, funerals, and other special worship services.
ARTICLE XIV – BOARD OF CHRISTIAN WELFARE
Section 1 – Organization
The Board of Christian Welfare shall consist of the Director of Christian Welfare and members of the Congregation as needed.
Section 2 – Purpose of the Board
The basic objectives of this Board are to investigate situations of human need or Christian concern and recommend or coordinate congregational action to respond to them within the congregation, community or in the State, National or International levels.
Section 3 – General Duties
1. The Board will meet as deemed necessary by the Director, but sufficient to insure the needs of the congregation are being administered.
2. The Board will maintain permanent meeting minutes of each meeting. A copy of all minutes must be provided to the President and Secretary of the Parish Council.
3. The Board will submit an annual budget to the Board of Financial Affairs in April of each year for the following year.
Section 4 – Areas of Responsibilities
1. Inform the congregation of Church’s Social Service Agencies, mission projects conducted by the Lutheran Church.
2. Establish a list of shut-ins and sick, and coordinate visits.
3. Work with the Altar Guild for distribution of altar flowers to the sick and shut-ins.
4. Respond to needs of Lutheran Church and community efforts, such as clothing and food drives and financial support to service organizations.
5. Work with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in informing the congregation of services available including helping the disadvantaged, elderly and minorities, providing financial assistance to candidates studying for full time church work.
6. Maintain and make available information on services provided by the church or social agencies in the local community for assistance in alcoholism, drugs, emotional illness, marital problems, clothing and food needs, etc.
7. Evaluate outside appeals for funds and make recommendations to the Parish Council.
Apple Harvest Meeting April 26th
April 14, 2012
The first fritter hits the fryer six months from now. So it’s time to start thinking about Fritterpalooza 2012! Join us at 7 pm on the 26th, and see how you can become a part of this vital mission at Zion. See what Apple Harvest is all about and prayerfully consider how you can participate with your time and talents.
Operation Christmas Child
April 13, 2012
We are in need of empty shoe boxes to be used for Operation Christmas Child. Please place any empty boxes you may have in the Gathering Place.
On April 21st and 22nd, Beth Long will have a supply of wrapped boxes, lists of suggested items, and labels for all who wish to fill one or more. Then you will have till November to bring your filled shoe boxes back to Zion. Any monetary donations can be given to Beth and she will pack a box for a boy or girl of any age you would like. Your generous hearts are what makes this mission such a success here at Zion – thank you.
Holy Week Events
March 25, 2012
April 1 Palm Sunday:
April 3: Oral Reading of the Whole Gospel of Mark 7 pm April 5 Maundy Thursday: Worship Service 7 pm. April 6 Good Friday: Worship Service 7 pm. April 7: Decorating and Cleaning of the Sanctuary 9 am. NO Saturday Worship April 8 Easter Sunday: Sunrise Worship 6 am; Worship Services 8 & 10:15 am. |
Chili Cook-off March 25
March 18, 2012
Be a part of Zion’s first Chili Cook-off! Come armed with your best dish on March 25th at 5 pm. Prizes will be offered for tastiest, hottest, meatiest, and mildest. Sign up in the Gathering Place!
Committee and Council Members Needed
March 13, 2012
The Nominating Committee is in need of two members of the congregation as we begin the search to fill Church Council positions.
Also, we are in need of a new Council President and Director of Finance after July of this year.
In addition, the Planning Committee is in need of two congregation members to help with staff reviews and visioning for the future.
Additional information is below. Please contact the church office if you are interested.
ARTICLE IV – NOMINATING COMMITTEE
There shall be a Nominating Committee, to be chaired by the Vice President of the congregation acting ex-officio. The committee shall comprise, in addition to the VP, three members, of whom one and only one shall be a member of the Parish Council.
ARTICLE X – PLANNING BOARD
Section 1 – Organization
The Planning Board shall consist of Pastor, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, two (2) members of the congregation.
Section 2 – Meetings
The Planning Board shall meet on a quarterly basis.
Section 3 – Areas of Responsibility
The areas of responsibility shall be:
1. Oversight and setting of objectives and goals for the Pastor
2. Annual evaluation of the performance of the paid staff.
3. For budget preparation, make recommendations for salary and wages for all paid staff of the Congregation.
4. Short and long term planning for church
5. Development of policies and procedures for administration of church affairs, subject to Parish Council and Congregational approval
6. Work with Boards to establish programs and goals consistent with long-term goals and objectives of the church
7. Responsible for resolutions of disagreements and disputes arising within the congregation, and suggest corrective action
8. Principal contact with Synod and national church.
ARTICLE IX – PARISH COUNCIL
Section 1 – Organization
The Parish Council shall consist of Pastor (ex-oficio), President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director for Worship and Music, Director for Membership and Witness, Director for Financial Affairs, Director for Christian Welfare, Director for Christian Education, Director of Christian Fellowship, Director for Church Facilities. There are 11 voting members, but the President shall only vote to break a tie. [See the directors individual responsibilities]
Section 2 – Presiding Individuals
The order of precedence for presiding over the Parish Council shall be President, Vice President, Director of Worship and Music, and Director of Membership and Witness.
Section 3 – Terms of Office
The terms of office shall be as noted below and shall begin on July August 1st and end on June 30th July 31st of the following year:
President Two (2) years. beginning in even year
Vice President Two (2) years. beginning in odd year.
Secretary Two (2) years beginning in even year
Treasurer Two (2) years beginning in odd year
Director of Worship and Music Two (2) years beginning in odd year
Director of Membership and Witness Two (2) years beginning in odd year
Director of Financial Affairs Two (2) years beginning in even year
Director of Christian Welfare Two (2) years beginning in even year
Director of Christian Education Two (2) years beginning in odd year
Director of Christian Fellowship Two (2) years beginning in odd year
Director of Church Facilities Two (2) years beginning in even year
All Directors may only serve two (2) consecutive terms of office.
Section 5 – Duties of Officers
The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
1. President
a. The President of the congregation shall preside over all meetings of the Parish Council and Congregation Assembly meetings. He shall, to the best of his ability, enforce the Constitution and by-laws of the congregation and carry out the expressed will of the congregation as embodied in the resolutions of the congregation assembly.
b. The President shall be welcome at all meetings, but will not have voting capacity except on the Parish Council or at a Congregation Assembly Meeting and then only in the case of a dead lock.
c. The President shall appoint an Audit Committee in accordance with Article V. of the bylaws. The President shall submit the Audit Committee’s Report at the January congregational meeting each year.
d. The President shall appoint the nominating committee.
e. The President shall sign all contracts that have been negotiated and approved by the Parish Council and/or Congregation.
ARTICLE XIII – BOARD OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Section 1 – Organization
The Board of Financial Affairs shall consist of the Director of Finances, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and a minimum of four (4) tellers.
Section 2 – Purpose of the Board
The basic objectives of this Board are to initiate programs for the development of good stewardship within the members of the congregation with regard to time, talents and financial support, and to ensure financial stability of the congregation.
Section 3 – General Duties
1. The Board will meet as deemed necessary by the Director, but at least once every fiscal quarter to review the financial condition of the church.
2. The Board will maintain permanent meeting minutes of each meeting. A copy of all minutes must be provided to the President and Secretary of the Parish Council.
3. The Board will submit an annual budget to the Parish Council in May of each year for the following year.
Section 4 – Areas of Responsibility
1. To be responsible with the Treasurer for safe deposit and recording of all funds, remission of offerings to designated missions and church agencies, and prompt payment of salaries and bills as authorized by the congregation and appropriate boards.
2. Responsible for stewardship programs.
3. Provide opportunities for development of talents through training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences.
4. Work with the Boards of Christian Education and Christian Welfare to foster support for missions and charities through rallies, festivals, films, letters, and guest speakers.
5. Maintain records on contributions, gifts and memorials issuing annual statements of contributions, and notes of recognition for gifts and memorials.
6. Furnish to the congregation annually the contribution envelopes and supplies for special seasons such as Easter coin folders, etc.
7. The Board shall coordinate with the Board of Church Facilities to insure the President, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary, are bonded and a security bond exists.
8. To assist Treasurer in having an independent audit conducted of the church financial records at the end of the Treasurer’s term.
9. Preparation of Congregational budget.
Section 5 – Financial Secretary
1. Appointed annually by the Council.
2. Provide for the counting of offerings of the Congregation and recording of all contributions by members for whatever purpose.
3. Requisition and distribute offering envelopes.
4. Issue annual statements to members showing their offerings, plus at other times upon specific request of any individual member(s).
5. Deposit funds in the name of the Congregation in a bank designated by the Parish Council.
6. Train tellers.
Section 6. Assistant Treasurer
1. Appointed annually by the Council.
2. Assist Treasurer in carrying out duties outlined in Article IX Section 5 Number 4 including authorized to sign all checks for payment of bills, salaries or other financial commitments of the congregation during extended absences of the treasurer.
