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

October 2, 2024

What to Do in a Season of Conflict

I don't know what you're experiencing these days, but it seems to me that there's quite a bit of stress, anxiety, and conflict brewing in the world. Whether it's global issues like war in the Middle East, national issues like our upcoming elections, or things happening close to home like problems at work or school, we are constantly challenged and affected by our environments.

While I am a big fan of the Serenity Prayer (which helps me to differentiate between the things I can and can't change), I stumbled on another helpful mnemonic device this week that tells me when to step back from conflict, pause, and re-engage at another time:

H.A.L.T. from Engaging Conflict if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired

God has so much to say about these four feelings, but what God's Word really boils down to is a reminder to care for ourselves — body, mind, and spirit — and for one another in community. Just ask Elijah about the power of a nap and a snack (1 Kings 19:1-9) or the apostles about the importance of gathering in community (Acts 2) to know that we are not alone.

Remember that God structures our week just so we can take time for rest and relaxation. Take it when you can get it; but more importantly, take it when you know you need it. (A gentle reminder that we gather on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. for worship, both in person and online. Come and be nourished!) We will get through this stressful season, because we know God will see us through it.

Be Encouraged!

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

Disaster Response to Hurricane Helene: Pray • Give • Serve

We have received the following information from the Florida-Bahamas Synod Office...Here are three ways you can support congregations and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene:

PRAY

Pray for comfort and strength for those who have lost so much, and for wisdom and endurance for the first responders and relief workers on the ground.

GIVE

Immediate financial support is urgently needed to provide essentials like temporary housing, transportation, and food for those in crisis. Your generous donations will go 100% to hurricane relief. To help you can give in two ways:

1. Click on this link.
2. Mail a check to Florida-Bahamas Synod, 3838 W Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607. Make checks payable to the Florida-Bahamas Synod with "Hurricane Helene Relief" in the memo line.

SERVE

While we are still assessing the full scope of the needs, we anticipate a significant need for volunteers in the coming days and weeks. If you are able to assist with cleanup efforts, provide meals, or offer other forms of support, please stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved.

A reminder that Lutheran Disaster Response, the national agency funded by the congregations and synods of the ELCA, is second only to the American Red Cross for showing up in times of disaster relief. Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and unwavering support!

First Friday in October

(This Friday!)

Friday, October 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Pizza Piez

614 SE 10th Street

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!

DBCC Fundraiser Next Wednesday

Deerfield Beach Community Cares is hosting a special fundraiser at Baresco on Wednesday, October 9th. Most of the ticket cost (except for tipping the servers) will come back to DBCC's programming and initiatives. To reserve your tickets, click here.

New Distribution Schedule

Client-Choice Shopping in Nina's Place for our Local Neighbors (Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Coconut Creek) — Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Boxes of Meat & Various Items for our Non-Local Neighbors (Other Cities in Broward/Palm Beach) — Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Reservations will still be required for both distributions and will go live on Wednesdays at 12:00 a.m. For the database of other Feeding South Florida partner agencies, click here.

Revised Volunteer Schedule for Nina's Place

This Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday's gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?

Sunday's bulletin can be found on the homepage of our website.

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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