Zion Belvidere Pastor's Pulpit

God's people

2011-10-12T10:21:00.002-06:00

"childbirth. taxes and death. There is never a convenient time for any of them." As I read Matthew 22. 15-22 I realize that I owe "Caesar" taxes and a few other things but I owe God my very life!
As I look at the pictures of dead presidents on the bills in my wallet I realize I do not worship them. But what does it mean for me to bear God's image?
We should walk around each day as if we have God tattooed on our foreheads and on our hearts.
What does it mean for the cross of Jesus to take central place amid all our other pledges of allegiance? How do we use the dollars entrusted to us as signs of Gods' reign in our lives? As the people of faith how doe God DNA of compassion show in ou lives? What will we give in his honor?
But amazingly, this isn't a one way street. God has a tattoo!
He has our names, his children tattooed on the palm of his hand. he cares for us, forever.

And jesus Sang

2011-04-29T09:10:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite preachers is Barbara Brown Taylor let me share her latest post:
"After all this time I thought I knew Jesus really well. Then just last week- preparing to preach at a worship time - I discovered something unsettling about him. I discovered that Jesus never played an instrument, never led his followers in song, or even hummed a familiar tune. How is it possible to be fully human without ever making music?

After a word search I tried hymn and struck a jackpot. According to Matthew and Mark, it is possible that Jesus sang once. On the first night of the Passover, after he had shared the last supper with his friends,they did one last thing together before they headed out that night. "when they had sung a hymn " both evangelists say " they went out to the Mount Of Olives." How had I missed that verse? How many Maunday Thursday services had I sat through without ever hearing that verse? Then I remembered that they would have sung the Hallel- Psalms 113-118- sung during evening prayers.

I know there are others who are ahead of me on this, but this is the first time I have heard that Jesus was fully human for he sang. The lord to whom I pray to not only sang praises and asked for strength to endure. Jesus may only have sung once, but when he did, the Word Made Flesh became Music as well."

Lnet 2011

2011-02-24T10:35:00.004-06:00

What is faith?
All of us can resonate with the phrase "life is difficult." But how many of us could reply "but God is good!" In Hebrews 11 Paul states "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." What does that mean?
When life throws us lemons can we see the need for lemonade? Paul states that the ability to live through life with serenity and hope is a gift given to us by God and lived out each day in daily life. Like most followers of Christ, Paul knew that God does some of his best work in the worst of times. He then recites case after case of people who stuggled in life yet continued to believe in the goodness of God. Could our names be added to that list?
How can we have such faith? It begins with the word HAS. Jesus has already paid the price for our forgiveness and HAS offered the gift of life with God. Pray to God that he not only gives you the gift of faith and the eyes to see his goodness in the midst of these dark days.

Visibile words

2010-11-17T16:19:00.002-06:00

Advent is a fresh and powerful season to look at how words become visible. As we walk through the malls or stores what images stand out? Do any those images tell you of the birth of the Christ child? Then when you re in Church look around you and see if the images are different? Hopefully they are?

So how do we make the word of God visible to others? The easiest answer is ringing the bells for salvation army or donating to a charity. But could we be more creative? Stopping by to visit with a neighbor or old Friend, or inviting a person who just became single due to a death or divorce to dinner. Join the Advent Conspiracy. As a community we will ask our members to be "subversive" and not be caught up in the madness called Christmas. How about spending less on each other and giving more away to the people in need of fresh water or warm bed? How about reading one chapter of Luke each day in December. Do this as a family.

We all complain about his seasonal madness yet we buy into it! Why?
Thne let us all come to worship on Chrsitmas eve and through candles, hymns and communion let us see the word become flesh

2010-09-03T07:52:00.002-06:00

Consider the cost
Luke 14 offers some troubling words."hate" my mother, my father, my sister! As I prepared the sermon on these texts I realized that there is a "cost" in following Christ. In an age of instant gratification and cynicism I am a person who looks for long term results and seeks to offer hope.
One of the greatest challenges is to be generous. In a time when I am told we are "running out" of most things and I need to hoard what I have. God tells me that he is a God of abundance and will provide what I need. Too often the idea of scarcity has been disguised in the church as "conservative budgeting" and "protecting what we have." This negative attitude is holding the church from becoming what God calls it to be, an oasis of hope.
Now I realize all of us have limitations due to our economic times and need to wise in using our resources to care of our families. But have we let the voices of the world tell us "You can't"?
God provides enough resources to accomplish the entire mission and ministry he call us to do. But do we trust in that promise? Then pick up your Bible and read 2 Corinthians 9.8
Generosity is a Christian value.

Easter always rises

2010-04-16T09:10:00.002-06:00

The Sundays of Easter is our time to let people know that Christ is alive. How will they know?Through our changed lives. When you hear the stories of Peter and Paul you can see something changed them. But can others see that in us? Are we transformed or simply admiring Jesus? Can I get a witness? It is our duty and privilege to live as though we are Easter people not Good Friday people. We need to be good news people in a bad news world.

If you are like me and believe that the grip of the forces of evil and death are slowly slipping away, then was must declare with our lips and our lives that the old order of things is passing away. Because of Easter we know that God gets the last word. That we can climb out of the pit.; we will find hope emerging from despair; God's love will not be kept dead and buried. Why?
Because the stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty and our lives are changed. So let us remember that and remind others. That life is stronger than death and hope will defeat despair.

2009-12-01T08:23:00.002-06:00

Just recently a very nice man died suddenly. One of his relatives asked "Did he believe in Christ?" the answer sadly was "I am not sure."
This in itself would be motivation enough to start up a conversation with some one you may have a similar question about? If you are so motivated and have introduced each other the next step is to listen to them. What are they passionate about? What do they value?
This is the part of witnessing we forget about, to listen and then listen some more. Too often we feel it is "telling them ". That is why everyone gets turned off. Witnessing has a lot to do with you genuinely loving them and listening to their story. You can tell God's story later.
Its time to "walk across the room" remember pray before you do it.

Living in 3D

2009-10-02T10:33:00.002-06:00

Why would a nice person want to bring up one of those "forbidden topics" in a conversation? You know, religion! Because I want them to know the same wonderful life I have. I have a savior who loves me as I am and offers me to live as I was created to be. So it is not just simply walking across the room and striking up a conversation. It is much more. I want those who share my earthly life to be with me forever. So I do have a mindset as I go about my day. Living a 3D life.*

Develop friendships- I want to engage as many people I can into a relationship with me and Jesus
Develop stories - I need to work on a short story with a little personal humor about my life with God
Discern the next steps- remember the Holy Spirit is in charge so I let her take the lead.

On a scale of 1-10 where would you rate yourself on a 3D life?

*Thanks to Bill Hybels for the idea.

Just walk across the room

2009-08-14T09:03:00.002-06:00

What if you knew that by simply crossing the room and saying hello to someone, you could change that person's life forever? Just a few steps could make an eternal difference. it has nothing to do with methods and everything to do with making a genuine interest in another human being. All you need is a heart that's in tune with God and a willingness to venture out of your circle of comfort.
This summer I read a book I think all Christians should read Just Walk Across The Room by Bill Hybels. This book brings the need for all of us to share the wonderful news of Jesus to those whom we rub shoulders with in life. It is an easy book to read and has thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter.
This is what I propose that you go out and buy a copy of the book. ( You can order it on line or get it at a book store.) Then starting Monday September 7 you go to www. Belviderezion.com and click "spiritual web " on the lower left hand side. Now you are set to join in on the conversation.

2009-05-29T15:26:00.002-06:00

Pentecost is more than a day it is a season. The problem is that most people know very little about his wonderful festival day. Maybe that is fitting. Since it is about the Holy Spirit. Being holy means that he is divine in nature and can not be controlled or manipulated. Being a spirit he is elusive and yet powerfull. Maybe it is fitting to refer to the third person as "she". When you study the spirits part in the the divine community we call the trinity, you can see that she is to empower, guide and inspire. All of these terms to me are about nurturing which comes more naturally to females than males. What do you think?
Yesterday I read over Ezekiel 37 and saw that I am to "prophesy to the breath or spirit of God". So join me in asking the spirit to inspire God's people to do ministry and to do it in community.

New life nevers coems quietly

2009-04-08T14:55:00.003-06:00

New life never slips in the back door quietly or painlessly. Every birth in only the beginning a whole set of disruptions. So is the Resurrection. In the Gospel of Luke the disciples and the women were resigned to the power of death. From the very first words in chapter 24 however the old script is changed. Luke's account of the resurrection begins with a powerful disruption in the form of a single three letter word,but.
2000 years later when our violence world scares us and the economy abandons us we are still disrupted by the simple word., but Luke announces that hope is not dead and the tomb is the beginning of new life.
This new life comes alive in us. How will you show that you trust in this surprising good news?
How will you rebel against the power of sin, death and the devil?

2009-01-02T10:59:00.002-06:00

Difficult moments or experiences can often signal the beginning of a new work or stage in one's life and development. God often uses these defining moments, called transitions to take Christ followers from where they are to where they need to be. Transitions play an important role in getting from somewhere, to somewhere else, and to hearing those words, "well done!"
As 2009 offers us a bunch of transitions do we see it as the hand of God or just another fact of life I need to endure?

Advent

2008-12-05T09:55:00.002-06:00

Wow it has been a long time since I have been on. The month of December is such a change for all of us. The weather becomes cold and we focus in on the holidays but what about making room for Jesus. As a liturgical church we try to hold off Christmas while the media has been pumping it out since October. Instead of battling it why not lay them side by side? In the midst of darkness and cold, talk about the light of Christ and the warmth of Christian fellowship. Talk about giving oursleves away in the name of Christ. Instead of a "making merry" why not searching for joy? The true gifts of Chrsitams are the relationships we are in which will sustain us through all of the seasons.

From the Pastor

2008-10-04T19:18:00.000-06:00

As I go about my day and deal with the many changes life offers, my reactions sometime surprise me. Like yesterday, it was a beautiful autumn like day and felt fine but I kept thinking about the chores I had to do around home and the failing economy. Finally it struck me, “Why don’t you stop and smell the roses?” Too often we all live in a mindset of scarcity; high prices and not enough money. But why not stop and think about what we do have? Like the old hymns suggest, “Count your blessings one by one.”

Then it struck me - what would happen if we began to look, to really spend time, on all that we have? What if we began to list all of our blessings? Would that change our behavior today? Would that make us feel more grateful towards God? What would we discover?

· A new appreciation of life
· Notice a person in our life who cares about us
· Find a beacon of hope
· Approach life in gratitude for the abundance He has given
· Remember all that I can give back to life

Has being a member of Zion been a blessing? How?

I would like to have you join me in this process and over the next few months, let’s develop a “Book of Blessings.” This scrapbook would be filled with our personal thanks to God and others. We could share with members of our family or members of Zion. Maybe we could even preserve it for the future?

So when you come to have your picture taken for Zion’s church directory, sit a few moments and fill out a blessing tally.

See you in church,
Pastor Otto

September theme

2008-09-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

Throughout the month of September I will focus on the idea that we challenge the forces of today by living out our faith in Jesus through a community of believers. Our community of faith is committed to "sharing Christ's love" in practical ways. By doing so we live out the challenge offered by the Apostle Paul in Roman chapter 12 verse 9 " Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor"

On September 7 we will use this passage to kick off our new year of learning by preaching on this theme: Healing the whatever culture" Maybe the most significant impact we can make on this world is by living a life filled with hope and joy. Joy based on compassion and servant hood.

ON September 14 we will follow that up with looking at Matthew 18: 21-3 and seeing of there are limits to compassion. What does it mean to forgive from the heart?

From the Pastor’s desk

2008-06-28T19:59:00.000-06:00

Because you decided to be the church…
* Five young people had a terrific time at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Camp.
* Thirty children learned about power in Jesus’ name during Vacation Bible School.
* The Rogman family does not feel alone as they seek to rebuild their lives.
* Two young couples found a place to get married and begin their life together.
* Thousands were fed through Lutheran World Relief.
* Hundreds of NIU students heard the Gospel in the midst of tragedy and fear.
* Dozens of people gathered in Rock Island to accomplish the work of the Synod.
And you lived your faith in the midst of tornadoes and floods.

Keep up the good work. In times like these, there is no better time to live the Gospel. And keep being re-charged by coming to worship.

Pastor Otto

From the Pastor's Desk

2008-03-30T09:04:00.000-06:00

The fourth item on our list of congregational values is volunteerism.
“We believe that everyone has a gift, which needs to be discovered, developed and deployed in ministry. We believe that our community of faith is stronger when all its members are involved in ministry.”

We are privileged to have a wonderful staff of people employed by Zion. But the real work gets done by you the member. If you look at any one of our ministries, it is the volunteer that make it happen. Thank you! We do realize that all our lives are busy and full of activities. What we ask is that you say “yes” at least once.

So in April during a worship time, we will offer to fill out a ministry questionnaire. We hope you will not only choose to continue what you have been doing and add one more thing. This way we will grow as servants of the living Christ and Zion will grow as well.

See you in worship, Pastor Otto

From the Pastor's Desk

2008-02-27T07:02:00.001-06:00

We are a caring congregation committed to sharing Christ’s love with the world. That is who we say we are. As individuals and as groups, hopefully we keep looking for ways to express that mission statement. We also have some core values.

In this newsletter I would like to share with you another core value. As a Christian congregation we seek to offer opportunities to lead members of Zion to grow in their relationship with their Savior. Primary in this value is what we do in worship: Prayer, reading of scripture, singing, hopefully being inspired by the preaching and finally offering our gifts. But where else do we offer spiritual growth?

· Adult Forum and Bible studies
· Prayer Partners
· Men’s Group
· Faith Stepping Stones
· Women’s Meetings

Very shortly we all will have an opportunity to use this value. I invite you to join with me in our 36 hours of prayer. The prayer vigil is an opportunity for you to come to our church building and for one hour be in conversation with God. From 8:00 p.m. Good Friday until 6:00 a.m. Easter Sunday, members of Zion will praying and meditating. I invite you to sign up for an hour. You can be bring devotional material with you but we also provide you with some. Then as we celebrate God’s greatest miracle, the resurrection, you will have made a concrete step to grow in your relationship with your Savior.

There is planned an Easter Sunday Sunrise Service that will be different from past years. I invite you to come and experience the Resurrection.
See you at worship,
Pastor Otto

Picture this....

2007-11-30T08:17:00.000-06:00

Picture this...

A hushed hospital room, a dying patient who has struggled bravely
against cancer to gain more years of life. The cancer has not been
conquered and it will soon win the battle.

Standing around the hospital bed is the family, holding hands in a
circle that includes the patient and the chaplain. After all that they
have been through together, knowing that the end is near, these weary
and grieving people start to sing ever so softly.

“Away in the manger... the little Lord Jesus ...”
Is this appropriate? Is that only song they know?
Wait, “Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay.”
It not only brought peace to their hearts but hope.
“Close by me forever and love me I pray.”
Those words hung on for a long time. And fit the time.

(I thank Andréa Nesdahl- Degroot for this story.)

As we gather for Advent Worship on Wednesdays November 28,
December 5, 12, and 19, we invite you to sing with us these familiar
and meaningful songs.

We worship at 7:00 p.m.

From the Pastor’s desk

2007-10-25T21:22:00.000-06:00

It was a unique Sunday. Our first Faith In Action Sunday began with lots of people showing up to church in work clothes. They were met by seven young adults, proudly wearing their Faith In Action T-shirts. Very shortly after 9:00 AM, the narthex emptied.

What happened?

· 50 school kits were assembled; we also viewed a DVD on where the quilts and kits end up.
Timbuktu?
· 100 boxes of food were assembled and lots of shelves were stocked at the food pantry.
· 1 family in real need of home repairs was helped. Another family had lots of things
removed from their home and yard to help them get ready to sell the property.
· 10 of our homebound members received a visit.
· 6 of our members who live in a nursing home were entertained by our Sunday school
youth.
· 10 young adults saw their faith come alive.
· Our youth did some cleaning up and will do the Road Clean Up when it is sunny.

I think the best part was our worship time. The choir did a terrific job to set the theme with their song, “This is God’s Church”. The sermon was full of stories from people who went out and put their faith into action. Not only did those present feel proud to be a part of a church who puts feet to their faith but there was a spirit alive in the sanctuary that I would like to bottle up and open each Sunday.

Know that our Faith In action team is planning another Sunday.

From the Pastor

2007-09-25T09:52:00.000-06:00

“Where you are going is more important than where you have been.”

I just finished reading an article about churches. Most of us look back to other times when things were good and life was easier. But reality is we cannot go back, we can only go forward. With that in mind, I am asking all of us to make a bold step.

On Sunday, October 14, we as a congregation have an opportunity to reach into our community. For a long time we have said, “We are a caring community.” At times that has been with projects that have helped others. On Faith In Action Sunday, we can do it with a big splash. On that Sunday morning we will have Sunday School but instead of worshipping we will do caring projects.

Let me list a few:
· Put together school kits for Lutheran World Relief. This will be done in the fellowship hall.
· Minor repairs for seniors. We have collected some names of seniors who need some simple
repairs. Come to church and get your assignment.
· Help out at the North Boone Food pantry. We will meet here and carpool to Capron to
stock shelves.
· Road clean up. We will meet at church, pick up our gear and go out to our assigned area on
Genoa Road.
· Visit shut ins. Stop by church, get the information on one of our members who is home
bound and go visit them.
· Our Sunday School children will be visiting members of our congregation at Northwoods
and Maple Crest. They will need some help with transportation.

This all will begin at 9:00 AM.

Then we all will gather back at Zion at 11:00 AM (note change of time) for a celebration of putting our words into action, not just by going to church but by being the church.

Check out the sign up sheets in the narthex and reserve October 14 as Faith In Action Sunday.

From the Pastor

2007-09-01T20:14:00.000-06:00

“Be content with what you have but not with who you are.” That statement has been on our lawn sign and every time I see it, it makes me think. The texts for the past few weeks really have revolved around that theme. In the gospel lesson, we have heard how to be rich in God but not in things. We truly are a blessed people and we do need to focus on what we need and not what we want.

Then as I read over the series of texts from Hebrews, I remember the heroes of faith where those who “pressed on.” Yes, we can learn from our past. Yes, there are things that need to be done now. But the writer of Hebrews encourages us to keep looking forward to the work God has called us to do.

So mark your calendars for some unique events:

On September 9, we will not only begin our schedule of two worship times and Sunday school but we are going to host a neighborhood party. We will feature the band Epiphany and have some special kid friendly activities. On Thursday, August 23, your church council will be walking through the neighborhood of our church buildings, inviting people to come.

What can you do? Invite a friend or relative to come with you to the music event at 3:00 pm. Then bring your lawn chairs and join us in the parking lot (in fellowship hall if it rains).

Watch for Faith In Action Sunday, October 14th!

See you in church,
Pastor Otto

Applying Bible Principles

2007-09-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

God's Word has more to say about money and material possessions than about heaven and hell combined. Obviously, how we as His children handle what God has entrusted to us is a very important subject to Him.

Money is also the only subject about which God says, in essence, "Prove Me. Trust Me. Try Me." He does not issue that challenge concerning any other aspect of our Christian walk of faith. Not about prayer; not about sharing our faith with others; not even about salvation. Just money.

God said to Malachi, the prophet, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test . . . See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing."

Some promises in the Bible are unconditional in nature. They are going to be fulfilled, regardless of what we might or might not do. Others could be described as "if . . . then" promises. If we will do our part, then God will do His part. This passage from Malachi 3:10 is one of the latter. If we will bring our tithes to God's storehouse, then He will open for us the windows of heaven and pour out for us such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

The question is whether we really believe God when He makes a promise like this. If we do, we will take Him at His Word. We will accept His challenge and "test" Him by giving to Him as He directs. And if we do that by faith, then we can be confident that God will meet that "test" by providing all we need and more.

Applying Bible Principles

2007-07-27T09:56:00.000-06:00

God uses money in a variety of ways in the lives of His children. One of the most important ways God uses money is to confirm direction. Simply stated, God uses the supply of money or the lack of it to confirm His direction for many of the decisions we must make in life.

If God gives us clear direction which is confirmed by His Word, then He will provide whatever is needed to carry out that direction. The only problem is that He expects us to step out in faith in obedience to His leading and His Word, usually without knowing in full the pathway that lies ahead.

Living that kind of life requires faith in God's person and His promises. It requires taking God at His Word and basing how we live on His Word. It requires trusting Him, even when circumstances appear to be contrary. It requires seeking first His kingdom, and then being confident that He will provide what we need. It requires as the writer of Hebrews observed, believing that God " . . . exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China who lived in the 19th century, summed it up beautifully this way: "God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply." This means that if we are not experiencing God's supply, either we are not doing God's work (that is, we are not seeking first His kingdom) or we are not doing God's work in His way.

Make no mistake about it: God is not a God of disorder. He will not provide specific direction which He confirms by his Word if He does not intend to provide what is necessary for us to obey Him fully. But He looks to us to be willing to trust Him by taking the first step, and then another, and yet another.

By the way, has God been speaking to you lately? Has He confirmed that direction through His Word? If so, remember this: You can be confident that as God works in your life, He will use money or the lack of it to confirm His direction.

From the Pastor

2007-07-27T09:54:00.000-06:00

During the month of August, a small group of members are joining me in a book discussion. The book we are reading is called Giving to God by Mark Allan Powell. Dr. Powell asks an interesting set of questions about why we give to God.

Do you write a check to Zion Lutheran because you are worried about meeting the budget? Do you put money in the offering plate because it is a great way to empty your wallet?

I think not. We give because it is a way to offer our thanks to God for all that he has given us. The problem is that lots of us think giving $5 a week or less to God is an adequate way to say thanks.

Giving is an act of worship that is to take us beyond duty to delight. When we enjoy giving our money away, we may come close to an actual love offering. So when the plate comes by in worship remember, like the creed here is another way of saying “I love Jesus.”

My mother taught me a long time ago that the main reason for going to church is not getting my own needs met. The main reason, the most important reason for going to church, is to worship God.
See you at worship,
Pastor Otto

From the Pastor

2007-05-24T14:28:00.000-06:00

I hope each one of you will take the time to thank Pastor Harder for his ministry with us. For the past five years, John has been an asset for us and we will miss him. John and Ruthe will still be in ministry helping at Messiah Lutheran in Elgin but as of June 9th, he will complete his work with us. One thing that immediately impacts on me is calling. I will need your help in calling on our sick and shut-ins. This is a great opportunity to expand our "Zion Care Givers" group. On my days off, I will be available for emergencies, but will need help with Pioneers and our worship ministry at Northwoods. Know that throughout the summer, I will be looking for a new pastor to assist me in visitation but it may take some time.

Walking the Neighborhoods

For the past seven years, I have really gotten to know the new neighborhoods of Belvidere by spending a few hours a week walking through them and sharing information about Zion to those who are interested. I invite you to join with me each Tuesday starting June 19. My purpose is to leave information about our congregation with these new residents and when possible, get to know them. I begin at 6:00 PM and end by 7:30 PM.

Mark your calendars for:
June 19 & June 26 at Landmark Crossings
July 10 & July 24 at Farmington Hills
July 31 at Riverbend

What a great opportunity to wear your "Z" shirt.

Pastor Otto

From the Assistant pastor

2007-05-10T13:50:00.000-06:00

TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST AT ZION

It was not an easy decision for me to decide to leave my position as Assistant Pastor here at Zion. Ruthe and I will miss all of you, but especially our Pioneer Club friends. I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship as well as friendships with Pastor Otto, Kathy Martin, Dan Druckrey and the Church Council. I will remember our five years together fondly. I ask you to remember Pastor Otto in your prayers as, for a time at least, his duties with shut-ins, hospital and nursing home calling will increase. Also, I ask the excellent potential leaders in the Pioneer Club to step up and begin planning for future events.

As I write this, Ruthe and I are packing and planning to leave for Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Bali, to tour that part of the world with our son, our daughter-in-law and granddaughters, where they are teaching for one term before returning to Valparaiso Lutheran University for the fall term. Ruthe and I will return about May 15th. I will then work here through Pastor Otto's vacation and complete my duties on Saturday, June 9th.

Our prayer is that God would continue to bless the excellent staff here at Zion and grant this congregation a long and blessed future in a growing community.

Sincerely in Christ's Service,
John S. Harder,
Assistant Pastor
Zion Lutheran Church

From the Pastor

2007-04-24T20:31:00.000-06:00

In Mark Chapter 2, there is a story about some men who wanted to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus but encountered problems. The conventional way of getting someone in the house was through the door but that was blocked and so were the windows. So wanting to accomplish their mission, they “stepped out of the box” and raised their friend up on the roof, dug up the roof and got their mission done.

The longer I serve here, I see lots of people who do not worship God and yet live within easy driving distance to Zion. We have done marvelous things in making our building accessible and being a hospitable people but still have people driving past us. Maybe we are still trying to get in the door when we need to “unroof the roof!” The families we are trying to reach have needs but we are not touching them. As Jesus went out to the homes and marketplaces to meet the people, so must we.

Right now we are primed to meet the needs of those who grew up in the 20th century. But what about those who cannot remember TV’s without remotes or phones you had to dial? We need to go out and ask them what they need. Oh, I am sure they still need the Christian faith and may even like much of what we Lutherans are about, but we must market in ways they can understand.

Early in May, our Dream Team will ask you to express your opinion on where we should go as a congregation in the next five years. But maybe first go ask your unchurched neighbor what would bring them to enter our building. Then share those results with us. Join your church council in reaching out to our “twenty somethings” who grew up in Zion. In August, join your leadership team as we survey the neighborhood around our church buildings. Then let us build together a mission plan that will not only serve Christ and those who live in our mission field.

Pastor Otto

Apply Bible Principles

2007-03-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

What comes to mind when someone mentions "work" ?

Is your initial tendency to moan and groan, wishing you could avoid work ?

It might surprise you to learn that God described His creative acts as "work" and that He brought "work" into being shortly after He created man. Adam worked in the Garden before and after his fall due to his sin. Cain worked by raising vegetables. Abel worked by tending sheep. Throughout Scripture, people worked. Even the Lord Jesus worked while He was on earth, and He described God the Father as having worked. Work has always been part of God's nature and eternal plan for mankind.

Wait a minute ... If God created and owns everything, why should we, His children, have to work? Couldn't He just provide for us in some supernatural way that would enable us not to have to work? Surely, God could do that, but He doesn't do so. According to the admonition in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, one of the primary benefits from working and providing for our needs is to be able to lead lives marked by integrity and a healthy self respect. And God's plan is that we are best able to accomplish these worthy goals by working.

God also knows that by utilizing our talents and abilities through work, He will be able to minister to others through us in an effective way. Work, then, is one of the primary avenues by which we can demonstrate our Christian faith, particularly as we do our tasks to God's glory. Work is also the primary way through which we obtain money to give to God.

What should be the Christian's response to work? First, thank God for work and for the ability to work. As Solomon observed, this is a "gift of God." Second, view your work as a means of bringing glory to God. Third, whatever you do, no matter what your vocation or occupation, do it "with all your might", as unto the Lord. And finally, remember that by providing work for us to do, God enables us to give to Him and to His ministry at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Pastor Otto

Peace is difference in unity

2007-02-09T13:48:00.000-06:00

I recently read a statement prepared by the ELCA on working for peace in the world. It does not advocate that you and I attend a peace march. But it does advocate that we pray for peace and do some constructive actions that make for peace. Like the prophets of the Old Testament and Jesus, we are asked to take a stand even if it is a disturbing one. We dare not be silent and say the war is good. While we support our nation’s service men and women, we keep asking, “Isn’t there a better way?” We are also asked to be a community of moral deliberation, which means we are to discuss controversial topics like the war in Iraq and not avoid them. We are to listen to all sides. We are asked to even try to understand terrorism and listen to its voices.

One phrase jumped off the page. “Peace is difference in unity.” We are asked to respect the uniqueness of each person’s ideas and convictions. To me this kind of respectful open discussion is what freedom of speech is all about. It is also what it means to be a community of “moral deliberation.” Now we may not create one statement that fits all people but we can discuss issues in mutual respect and learn from each other.

So whether it is the war in Iraq or school funding or the values of marriage, we need to be discussing them openly and praying for God’s wisdom about them. I would be glad to share these two social statements with anyone. But even more, let’s be a community open to discussing issues, even our differences. I think when we do that, we witness to the world what unity in diversity is all about.

Pastor Otto

Who do you trust ?

2007-01-25T11:18:00.000-06:00

For February I would like us all to think about Who do you trust?
Whether it is our local physician or government official, whom do you have confidence in?
Jeremiah 17 5:0 sets it right. People and systems will eventually disappoint you but not God!
In our culture that is enamored with technology and materialism this is a great message for all of us. Dare to dream of new vison even if the budget is tight. Why? In God to we trust.

Will some of our vision and or ministries fail. There is a strong probability since humans are in control. But that does not mean the Church has failed to be the witness of Christ's presence in the world. The church only fails to do that when it puts its faith and hope and trust in the policies of people instead of the power of God.

Applying Bible Principles

2007-01-24T21:40:00.000-06:00

We've all heard the expression, "Money talks." That's true. Money does talk. Oh, not in words or phrases that constitute a language, but money talks. Because it is valuable to us, how we use it communicates volumes to those about us. People tend to spend their money on things that are important to them. With the exception perhaps of taxes, all of us vote with the contents of our purses, wallets and checkbooks concerning what means the most to us.

In fact, we could even go so far as to say that a person who does not spend money on something which is supposedly very important in his or her life really does not place much value on that item or activity. Suppose for a moment that you think "little league" baseball for kids is very important. You talk about it wherever you go. You attend the games. You enroll your own children in the program. But when someone calls you to ask you to be a sponsor of a team, or when someone "passes the hat" at a game to pay for equipment, you refuse to participate.

Would you not agree that an impartial observer of such behavior would conclude correctly that little league baseball really does not mean much to you? Your lack of financial support would outweigh the other positive aspects of your attendance, enthusiasm and participation.

The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. It is one thing to talk about Christianity. It is yet another to demonstrate our faith by how we use the money which God has entrusted to us. And that is especially true in our support of the ministry of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. As someone said recently in one church just before the offering was received, "Lord, in spite of all we say and do, this is what we think of you."

Or as the Lord Jesus put it, "... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to our Father in heaven". (Matthew 5;16)

Re-Gifting

2007-01-11T19:52:00.000-06:00

As I sit here during the first days of January, I proudly wear my new sweater and reflect on how happy I was that I did not have to take any gift back for a larger size. Then I remember an article I read this week a from Martin Marty about "re-gifting."

"Re-gifting" is to give a gift, something one previously received as a gift." In a Christian context, we read 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Jesus was willing to come to earth and be one of us so that we could be forgiven. He gave up the glories of heaven and endured the worst of earth so that we could be with Him in heaven.

The people Paul wrote about were very much like us; they were well off and had much to share. But why share? Paul gives us the reason: re-gifting! All of us know about church envelopes and also about giving to lots of charities. But why give? Paul makes it clear: if we are generous, loving and moved by the Christ mass spirit, we do not have to be this way, but we get to be. It is re-gifting to the max.

A real test to our gratefulness is to continue the Christ mass spirit into these months by continuing to look for ways to give our ourselves and our wealth in the name of the gift that keeps giving, Jesus the light of the world.

Moving off the map

2007-01-03T18:43:00.000-06:00

When we take a trip I love to get maps of the area and scope out where we are headed. Over the years it has given me a sense of security that I am not lost. Once in a while we go into an area that I do not have a map for and that worries me. I am afraid that I will get lost. We never have but it is a worry. Peggy on the other hand sees these times as an adventure where we will learn new things. Which type are you?

At times my role as spirtual leader for Zion invites me to "move off the map." There are events and needs that I am not prepared for. No matter how many books or classes I take, I am placed in unfamiliar territory. It is not enough to have a well maintained building or a neatly organized worship or well trained staff. For an example, many of our young people are concerned that if the school administration does cut sports and the fine arts, what will they do. In conversation with others we would like to offer more youth porgramming to fill those needs but we have never done that before. Several times we have been asked to host "English as second language" classes, but as soon as they grow beyond ten people they have outgrown our classrooms.

Again and again I am reminded that change is happening quicker than before and the church is challenged to present the gospel in new ways. So I am inviting you to join me and our "dream team to a visioning process. We call it "moving off the map." In the next few months we will invite you to be a part of different small group experiences where you can share some dreams you have fo this community of faith. I know you are very busy, so am I. But we need to sit down and pray over and talk about the future of our congregation.

So beginning in January, watch the newsletter and web site for dates and times. For now, ask yourself what is God calling me to do? What is God calling Zion to provide?

From the Pastor

2006-11-30T22:33:00.000-06:00

This month of December is a season with mixed blessings. We are all about decorating and preparing for one of the biggest holidays of the year while the Bible texts I read are all about the second coming of Christ. The temptation is to forget the latter and stick to the former. But I can't. Why not? Let me tell you.

I dream of a day when there will be no more funeral homes or grief centers. A time when we will drive by hospitals and medical centers and wonder what we will do with all the empty space. It will be a time where laughter and music will come from nursing homes. Churches will be filled with people dancing and shouting. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Read over Revelation, Chapter 21, to see why this is such a great message for us.

Meanwhile, you and I will need to continue to care for this earth and look to help those we can until that day. So instead of being scared by the terror I see on the news or the frustration I feel at the slow progress of humanitarian efforts or wondering why we can not find a cure for cancer, let us keep looking up, waiting for that grand and glorious day. As One writer put it, "For the writer of the Book of Revelation witnessing, not dying was his goal. We are to live as people of hope."

Join me in worship of our kind on Wednesday evenings, December 6 and December 13, join me in our unique Advent worship based on the words : Waiting, Preparing, Reflecting.... We will begin at 7:00pm and be done at 7:30pm.

Pastor Otto

p.s. In case you don't have your Bible handy........

Revelation 21
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.[a] 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." 6 And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
8 "But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
9 Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."
10 So he took me in the Spirit[b] to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles.[c] 17 Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick[d] (according to the human standard used by the angel).
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones:[e] the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil[f] will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Footnotes:
a. Revelation 21:3 Some manuscripts read God himself will be with them, their God.
b. Revelation 21:10 Or in spirit.
c. Revelation 21:16 Greek 12,000 stadia [2,220 kilometers].
d. Revelation 21:17 Greek 144 cubits [65 meters].
e. Revelation 21:19 The identification of some of these gemstones is uncertain.
f. Revelation 21:27 Or ceremonially unclean.

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.

2006-11-16T10:57:00.000-06:00

Hold the Chicken Soup: preaching Advent Hope As I get ready for the December I am always reminding people that the second coming of Christ is will be better than the first. Usually this is interpreted as my attempt at throwing cold water on Christmas. So In that vein I plan on sharing with the congregation during the Sundays of Advent that God offers us hope that is not based on optimism. What do I mean. I can not tell you the number of times I have been offered a copy of Chicken Soup for the soul. Jack Canfield has made lots of money while making people feel good but is this really hope? Whenever I read one of his books the stories may start out bad but always end up in victory. Does suffering always end up in triumph? Theologian Christian Beker says that some suffering test us and challenges us and have no apparent lesson or reason. We realize that our faith is in God even when we can not see any good. "Instead of encouragement,what the Scriptures do give us is the bold, contrary rhetoric of promise laid next to pain and sorrow. God promises to stand with us and in the final battle victory even when we struggle to make sense out of our life. This is real hope." What do you think?

Bounty Hunt

2006-11-14T14:32:00.001-06:00

I discovered this wonderful little passage in exodus chapter 36 where moses is in charge of building the tabernacle and is told to tell the people to stop giving because the workers have enough material. I would love to be able to tell the congregration that we no longer need your donations as we have more than enough to meet the church goals. [[[[[ the rest of the blog was damaged and lost when it was moved over to this new blog system.. sorry ]]]]]]]]

October

2006-11-14T14:27:00.000-06:00

In October, we have been exploring some of the wonderful aspects of being Lutheran. Of prime importance is to be "word of God" people. From the epic stories of Genesis and Exodus to the run on sentences of Paul, each Biblical book, letter and poem carries the personal stamp not only of the writer but the Word of God to me. Given the personal nature of all these stories and experiences is like reading a blog. Imagine what it must have been like for those people of the first century to read these handwritten letters. Think of those who struggled with persecution getting a book to read about a savior who was persecuted and died for what he believed. Gutenberg may have done us all a favor by inventing the printing press and by getting the Bible into our hands. But isn't it interesting that even though we have grown up with these texts and know lots of them by heart we take them for granted? The Bible may be a best seller but it is also the least read. Given the apparent literacy among church folk these days, we need a fresh approach to getting people to read these letters from God. What would you suggest we do ?

Pastor's Pulpit

2006-11-14T08:44:00.000-06:00

We've moved over to here so that you can "find" my WORDS easier than trying to look through all the events and such on what used to be the one and only church blog. But as you can see, we are ever expanding.

More to come.

God Bless.