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

November 15, 2023

We are so proud to be partnering for the 5th year in our Reverse Advent Calendar. Every Advent, Zion & Evergreen Academy choose to give rather than take. Again this year, we are working to stock Nina’s Place, which continues to serve 150 families in need every week.

If you would like to donate financially rather than shop, click here. We will do the shopping for you. Food donations can be dropped off at the Evergreen Academy office or at worship on Sunday mornings. Thank you for your generosity!

Just a reminder: On Sunday, November 19th, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cantor Kurt Schmidt's music ministry at Zion. His ministry is so much more than music and encompasses all of our life at Zion. Kurt will be preaching at our morning worship. Join us as we mark this special occasion and thank him for his continuing service to Zion and our community!

Opportunities to "Just Show Up"

No Third Tuesday in November

Our Third Tuesday Lunch Bunch will not meet in November. We wish you a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving with those you love!

Stay tuned for December's location and an opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season.

Save the Date!

2nd Annual Santa Pub Crawl

In lieu of our First Friday in December, you are invited to join the Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach at their 2nd Annual Santa Pub Crawl on Friday, December 1st, beginning at 4:00 p.m. There will be food and drink specials available at each location, and all proceeds from the wristband sales will go toward the work of Kiwanis in our local community and other areas in need around the country.

The DFB Kiwanis meets at Zion and is a sponsor of Nina's Place and Deerfield Beach Community Cares.

Wednesdays in Advent 2023

December 6, 13, and 20 in Katie Luther Chapel

5:30 p.m. Dinner & Fellowship

Soup & salad will be provided. Bring your favorite beverage and/or something else to share. We will continue to eat as we study and discuss our book, so join us when you can! 

6:00 p.m. Book Study & Discussion

What does it mean to follow Jesus together with fellow believers? How can we reflect Jesus in our daily lives? To help answer these questions, we will be reading “I Am a Christian“ by Thom Rainer.

7:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer

Join us in person or on Facebook Live for a Zion Advent tradition. This year, we will introduce a beloved musical setting of Evening Prayer, led by Cantors Kurt Schmidt & Peter Rizzo. 

Opportunities to Serve Joyfully & Give Selflessly

Help Restock the Pantries

We are restocking our pantries in preparation for the holidays and in order to begin 2024 with plenty of items for our neighbors of all ages. If you would like to donate, click here for the wish list and Amazon will ship the items directly to Zion. Thank you for your generosity!

Sunday at 11:00 a.m. – In Person & Online

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the 

Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope—word, water, bread, and wine—eager to welcome the good news of Christ’s coming among us.

The Rev's Thoughts & Recs

Last Sunday we talked about Jesus' parable of the 10 bridesmaids. Five were prepared for the bridegroom to arrive while the other five missed the reception because they didn't have enough oil in their lamps. 

We prepare for Christ's return by being faith-filled, service-minded disciples as we eagerly await our Lord and Savior. This song reminds us to "keep our head up, because Jesus is coming back." I can't wait! How about you?

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.