Weekly News from Zion and our Ministries Under the Cross: Evergreen Academy & Nina's Place

December 4, 2024

New Year, New Theme

Dear Beloveds of Zion & Evergreen Academy,

On Sunday, we began a new church year in which we will celebrate, read, and sing about the life of Jesus, beginning with his birth in Bethlehem. Later this month, the congregation will gather for our annual meeting as we look ahead to another year in ministry. And, eventually, a new calendar year will be upon us.

What will we do in 2025 with the time, energy, and resources that God gives us? In a time where the world seems unlike anything we've ever experienced, the most profitable option for us as followers of Jesus is to choose joy. Choosing joy means a step beyond happiness, trusting that God will walk with us every step of the way. Joy can also be an acronym, representing Jesus, Others, and Yourself. What happens when we put God first and others' needs before our own? This is the vision that God has for us here at Zion and all of our ministries.

In our first two weeks of Wednesdays in Advent, we will be exploring the topic of joy as we read Brant Hansen's "Life is Hard. God is good. Let's Dance." The subtitle of this book is "Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad." It's an easy read, and I commend it to you. This Friday, we will have our First Friday Food & Fellowship, always a joyful time. And on Monday, December 16th and Wednesday, December 18th, we will experience the Evergreen Academy Christmas Programs. I can't imagine anything more joyful for this season.

Choosing JOY with You,

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials,

consider it all joy...” (James 1:2)

“...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Wednesdays in Advent

December 4th and 11th

Everyone is welcome to join us for our potluck dinner (bring what you can) and book discussion. You don't even have to read the book; you can "just show up!" In order to accommodate a shortened schedule of only two weeks, Evening Prayer will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed.

First Friday in December

Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

The Cove Waterfront Restaurant

1754 SE 3rd Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Don't make dinner plans and come as you are! We enjoy delicious food and one another's fellowship. We each pay our own way, but everyone is invited to the table — friends, family members, and neighbors!

Reverse Advent Calendar: Week 1

Every Advent, Zion & Evergreen Academy choose to give rather than receive. Again this year, we are working to stock Nina’s Place, which continues to serve over 250 families in need every week. To contribute financially rather than shop, click here and choose the fund "Reverse Advent Calendar." All donations of items can be brought to the Evergreen Academy office during the week or to the Church Sanctuary on Sunday mornings.

Christmas Eve Poinsettias

It's the time of year to dedicate poinsettias in memory or in honor of a loved one, or simply to the Glory of God. To dedicate a poinsettia:

1. Contribute $15 per poinsettia by bringing your money (cash or check) to worship on Sunday or click here to pay online.
2. Email Cantor Kurt Schmidt and let him know how you want your dedication to be worded.

Volunteering at Nina's Place

This Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Second Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday Healing Service

Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”

Sunday's bulletin can be found here.

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

954-421-3146, option 2 (Church)

954-913-2125 (Cell)

kschmidt@zion-lutheran.org

Zion is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community, and extends God's radical welcome to all people, because we're all created in God's image.

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