Born For Blessing!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has

caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the

dead into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation, ready to be revealed in the

last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

You were born for blessing! In holy baptism, God has made you to be born again into a living

hope. Don’t you love how the Word of God tells us that this life in Jesus is imperishable,

undefiled, and kept in heaven for us? In other words, your salvation in Christ can never perish

spoil or fade away! It is a forever gift!

You were born for blessing! Born again to a living hope to bless others with the message of

Jesus Christ. God has made you blessed to be a blessing!

Welcome to the New Year of 2024 and more opportunities to be used by God to share His

Word! This January, we will be going through a three week stewardship Bible study entitled,

“Born for Blessing.” We will have a guest presenter in the second week of the series, Mark

Muehl, from the LCMS Foundation.

Please join us as we enter into the New Year with a new perspective on being Born for Blessing.

Born For Blessing

A study of God’s grace producing Christian action

Week #1 - Sunday, January 28, 2024 – “The Springboard for Blessing”

Week #2 – Sunday, February 4, 2024 – “The Illusion of Ownership”

Week #3 – Sunday, February 11, 2024 – “The Unifying Presence of Grace”

These classes will take place in Conference Room A at 9:15am on each of these Sundays.

Master’s Plan

The committee has continued to meet during December in seeking God’s plan for Zion. The committee has heard from some members of the congregation with their ideas or thoughts, however we feel that God is leading us to meet with small groups to share plans and share ideas. We want to hear your thoughts. Beginning in January there will be meeting dates and times where we invite you to join members of the committee to discuss and share your thoughts and ideas. Please look forward to those dates and plan on making one of them. As a committee we are looking forward to meeting and discussing Zion’s future with you.

God’s Blessings to you;

Doug Awe

Giving Envelopes

Giving Envelopes for 2024 are in your mailboxes. If you did not receive an envelope, do not have a mailbox, or do not need giving envelopes please contact the front office [email protected] or Willard Lautner at [email protected]

Today's Light copies are in! Please stop by the front office to pick up your copy if you signed up. Total due is $26.24 for year 1subscription. (please make checks payable to Zion Lutheran church, memo Today's Light)

1st- Brian Kleiman

 2nd- Scott Mitchell, Delaney Belk

3rd-

4th-Abigail Brown

5th-

6th- Beth Mitchum, Kathy Schildmier, Theresa Leny, Vivian Frazee

7th- Larry Agee

8th-Kristen Sprowl

9th-David Trautmann, Jocelyn Kleiman, Alyssa Butcher

10th-

11th- Andrew Greene, Dean Landes

12th-

13th- Susan Ehle, Masen Franklin,

Avery Hayes, Sally Hopkins, Ella Boyd,

Anna Stilwell, Tom Cole

14th- Heidi Bloomer, Randal Shepherd

15th- Nicholas Trautmann, Angie Grimes, Linda Baker

16th-Kaitlyn Hopkins, Cathy Wells

17th- Nicholas Bernath

18th- Kathy Anderson, Ken Peterson

19th- Andrea Boothe

20th- Cohl Erwin, Alex Hilton, Lance Hilton

21st-

22nd- Jenny Bowen, Teresa Gunst

23rd- Gloria Flaugh

24th-Bruce Bailey

25th- Andrew Reid

26th- Bill Spalding, Keith Wheeler,

Parker Woodruff, Andy Zartman,

Nathaniel Morris

27th- Sara Noyed

28th- Marlene Schroeder,

Miriam Gurganious

29th- Helen Heffelmire, Doug Schildmier

30th- Robert Ehle

31st- Kim Knippenberg, Evan Rudicle, Amanda Steward

David & Mary Beth Schwan

Carl & Beth Ingle

Mary & Jim Reiman

Brad & Tish Morris

Jerry & Angie Blum

James & Diana Spilker

Bill & Lois McDowell

David & Kay Parker

Larry & Julie Agee

January 1, 1972

January 2, 1982

January 2, 1982

January 6, 2007

January 9, 1999

January 20, 1968

January 25, 1958

January 28, 1977

January 30, 1960

January Mission of the Month:

Sharing Place Food Pantry

Lutheran Child and Family Services is a social service organization that offers residential and community based services to families and children. The LCFS mission, “Engaging and Empowering Families and Community with Love, Compassion, Faith, and Support”, and vision “Our community will experience safety and stability, in an environment of respect, healing, and hope” exemplify the organization’s approach: LCFS engages with clients and empowers them to develop the opportunities, tools, and skills needed to change the trajectory of their lives.

In response to God’s Love and Grace through Jesus Christ, we live our faith through these values: Building Connections, Encouraging Collaboration, Cultivating Integrity, and Embracing Innovation.

The Sharing Place Food Pantry is a material assistance program which provides food for families residing in an eleven zip code service area in Marion and Hancock Counties, Indiana. The Sharing Place is staffed by our wonderful and talented volunteers recruited from the community and local congregations.

In Memory of Ken Sedam

Cope Family

Mike Schildmier

Richard & JanetSchildmier

In Memory of Justine Handley

Bruce & Martha Haynes

In Memory of Carroll Kaster

Jenny Bowen

Ed & Joan Wheeler

In Honor of Don Ortel's Birthday

Tonia & Justin Chisham

Jonathon & Kathleen Agee

In Memory of Sheryl Schwier & Peggy Shramm

Roger Schwier (Zion School Library)

In Memory of Phyllis Kingen

Ed & Joan Wheeler

In Memory of Roy Monke

Doug & Nanette Awe (Zion Music)

Jack & Jackie Williams (Zion Music)

In Memory of Judy Rosenthal

Doug & Nanette Awe (Zion Music)

Jack & Jackie Williams (Zion Music)

January Coffee Bar

Do you enjoy a cup of warm coffee or hot chocolate between services? Does a warm cup contribute to the joyous atmosphere of your Bible study or social group? Consider contributing to keep the joe flowing. Click the Sign-up genius link below to donate.

Stephanie Alizabeth Carmie Bridgewater

Connie Jo Gambrel

Nolan Matthew Tames

Wyatt Owen Wingham

Chloe Grace Webb

If you are not a member of Zion and would like to become one, please contact Pastor Jason Taylor at [email protected]

Small Groups

Bible Studies are an excellent way to extend the learning and growth from the weekend worship times. You can connect with fellow group members in ways that take the content deeper and discuss ways to directly apply the themes we explore in our worship services. Additionally, small groups can be a great way to connect with one another and create authentic Christian community. 

Some of our small groups are connecting after a break. If you would like to get involved in small groups contact Brady Gurganious at [email protected] to get connected.

Do you like to sing, ring, or play an instrument?

You are always welcome to share your musical talents in worship!

Church Choir: If you love to sing, please consider joining our choir. We rehearse on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. 

Please contact Lynda Utt with any questions: 317-508-1353 or [email protected]. 

Seeking: Singers to lead the introits on Sunday mornings. These passages from the Psalms set the tone for our worship and are sung near the beginning of the service. Please contact Carol Rosenthal at [email protected] if you would like to participate.

Raising Praise Handbell Choir: Our church handbell choir meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. 

All ages are welcome. Ringing experience is good but not necessary. The ability to read music is an essential part of ringing. 

Please contact Carol Rosenthal at [email protected] if you would like to participate.

Psalm 98:4-6  "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn - shout for joy before the Lord, the King."

Are you looking for an OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE in 2024?  

The Zion Care Ministry, Visiting Team is in need of volunteers to visit shut-ins in home or Extended Care Facilities.

The only qualification is a Caring Heart to help brighten these people’s day! 

Please prayerfully consider joining our Visiting Team! Glorify God by Sharing Christ’s Love with those ill, shut ins, or having life trials and needing support.

Please contact Cheryl Singer RN, Parish Nurse if you are interested or have any questions. 317-861-8635   

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

More Opportunities to get Connected and Serve



We would love for you and your family to get connected and be a part of our community here at Zion. The following tems would love to have you along side in serving at Zion.

Members:

Roger Selking, Bob Robertson, Patricia Sue Boyd, Paula Schramm,

Helen Heffelmire, Diane and James Morris, Brian Mitchell and Family, Rick Folkening, Gloria Means, AJ Rudisell, Dorothy Miano, Doris Reiman, Vernice Gish, Mark Ortel, Don Adam, Don Ortel, Ann Dunaway, Dan Groteleuschen, Bill & Lois McDowell, Ron & Lois Blackwell, Mike Imel, Eloise & Joe Hawkins, Wayne Yeager, Cathy Wells, Sue Folkening, Linda Curtis

Family & Friends:

Joey Hayes, Family of Phyllis Kingen, Robert Sergent,

Kenny Bolton, Tom Polston, Dave Johnson, Bill Losh, Larry Tash, 

Oguerita McKinney

Prayer Chain Requests: Please call or email Judy Grotelueschen at 317-490-3469 or [email protected]/ Paula Schramm @ 317-861-4529 or [email protected].

Prayer requests will be posted for two weeks unless requested otherwise.

SGO Giving

As the end of the year approaches, please consider donating to the Lutheran SGO. The SGO program allows individuals and businesses to reduce or eliminate their state taxes by funding scholarships for families wanting a quality, Christian education. For example, if a donor gives $1000 to a Zion’s SGO account, they will receive a state tax credit of $500. 

Every year, families receive tuition assistance through the SGO to attend Zion Lutheran

Please click the link below to donate.

Important Dates:

December 22nd - January 5th Christmas Break

January 8th - Classes resume

Lutheran

High School 

Teaching Truth. Changing Lives.

LuFest Tickets are LIVE!

Make plans to join us at the beautiful Biltwell Event Center on February 9, 2024. Tickets are LIVE, and you don't want to miss out on our Early Bird pricing. We can't wait to celebrate and support Lutheran High School during this amazing event with you! Buy tickets today at LuFest.org.

Applications for Lutheran High School

Applications for NEW Lutheran High School opened on December 1 (www.lhsi.org). We encourage you to apply early to help with scholarships! If you have any questions, please contact Deidre Barnett at [email protected]. We can't wait to welcome your family to the Saints

The Together Project

We are making big strides in our Together campaign! Several projects are completed or underway including baseball fencing, new sidewalks, curb repairs, new tables and chairs, stage flooring, debt reduction, and merit scholarship funding. Will you accept the invitation to be part of together? Help us cross the finish line! Email [email protected] for more information.