We  recognize many of our church family will be severely impacted financially during this time of crisis. We encourage you to utilize the many resources available as far as food and financial help and know that our members will continue to support and look out for our neighbors, families, and community.

It is also critical that we continue to contribute financially to Zion during these stressful times.



Anyone would like to receive the Sacrament of Home Communion who is not a regular recipient, or anyone who would like to have a home visit is asked to contact the church office (724-3502), and the necessary arrangements will be made.




A New Member orientation meeting will be held after worship on February 12th for all who have expressed a desire to join Zion UCC. Please see Pastor Randy if you are interested.


There is a second opportunity to order t-shirts and sweatshirts to benefit Lutheran heart transplant patients. This is Gracie Wylie's confirmation service project. Orders will be taken by Stacey Smith for a couple more weeks if you missed out in December. Miracles still happen!


The Sunday School children's department is planning a Valentine Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, February 11th. Serving begins at 6 p.m. The children will decorate, set up, cook, serve and clean up. The menu includes lasagna, breadsticks, salad, dessert, and drink. Tickets are on sale from Jan Miller for $13 a person or $25 per couple, with proceeds going to the children's activities. The dinner will be by presale only. A table of up to 8 may be reserved if you have a large group. We hope you will support our young people!!


Barb Engle is updating the Prayer Chain since it has been a few years since that was last done. Please see her if you would like to be added or if you are no longer able to participate. The Prayer Chain insures that those with special prayer needs are remembered.


The Official Board will meet with Monica Ouellette , Indiana-Kentucky Conference Minister for Search, Call and Congregation Transition to begin the process of searching for a new pastor. The meeting will be held via Zoom on February 13th during the monthly Official Board meeting.


Men's Fellowship will once again collect soup to benefit Operation Help on "Souper Bowl" Sunday, February 12th. Donations of simple, hearty meals are especially needed during these cold winter months. Please bring your soup and support your favorite Super Bowl football team.


College Boxes will be prepared February12th. We currently send 6 boxes. Please have your donations of snacks, school supplies  and such to the dining room before Sunday School.


We begin our journey to Easter and the Cross on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. Our theme this year will be "Words That Last Forever". As in recent years, each Wednesday evening will begin with a light supper at 6 p.m., followed by worship at 7 p.m. Please see Barb Engle if you are willing to help provide one of the suppers. Our Ash Wednesday service will include Holy Communion, as well as the Imposition of Ashes. Everyone is invited to join us.


Our Lenten mailing will be available for pickup the middle of February . This includes our 2022 Annual Report, Lenten schedules and information, and Lenten Devotional booklets. Please help us keep down the cost of mailing by picking up both yours and any friends or family you can deliver.


B



O God of all nations

image bearer of every living soul,

We turn our hearts towards you

in this hour of yet another step

towards the alluring love for power

and military might over peace,

compassion, or justice.

We have been here before, God…

on the brink of human lives

created in your image

being destroyed.

We have been here before, God…

where attempts to work

towards peace and diplomacy

have been met

with defiance and violence.

We have been here before, God…

where children will grow up

without parents,

where families will be displaced,

and where trauma will live

in memories and bodies

for generations to come.

It is not enough for us

to express to you

our being brokenhearted…

Even though we are.

It is not enough for us

to shed our genuine tears

on behalf of those living in Ukraine…

Even though we do.

It is not enough

to offer a post on social media…

Even though solidarity is needed.

We need a true Just Peace

that begins with our lives.

Use us in our communities,

Empowering God,

To embody justice, compassion,

and peace in our relationships.

Embolden us to urge

those with influence

in our global policies

To embrace a vision

of liberation and hope

that will ensure the safety

and peace of all.

O God,

Make us instruments of your peace,

In our lives, in our churches,

in our conferences,

our ecumenical partnerships,

in our global missions,

And in all of our relationships.

Through your ways of peace

made known in Jesus,

We are called

as the author of Ephesians reminds us

To live “with all humility and gentleness,

with patience,

Bearing with one another in love,

Making every effort

to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.”

Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with us.

May it be so. Amen.



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