MARCH 2014 The Chimes ZION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Sunday School: 9:15 am Worship: Sunday 10:30 am

PASTOR’S POINT It is certainly that time of year—when there is some ridiculously good ball games being played. Seeing athletes perform their best and work their hardest is an inspiring and rewarding position to be in at any level of play. Whether it is watching the Treynor teams play, the success of a collegiate team like Creighton, or even at the professional level (even though those players travel more than a politician during an election year)—you can just tell when people perform at their best and give all they have. When any player gives their all, it inspires those around them to also work harder. The tempo and flow of games can be greatly affected by the energy and effort of any one player. Just one person can inspire many, and can affect the entire course of a game.

And just for Mr. Dickerson, I’ll go ahead and give credit where credit is due and mention a different sport; even the performance of so many players on the Seattle Seahawks team during that pathetic excuse of a football game at the start of February can be an inspiration to greatness. Or, conversely, the lack of performance of any one player can also affect the rest of the team (i.e. catch the opening snap, Peyton!). Bryan was talking some serious smack this last month after the Broncos decided not to show up to play at the Super Bowl. I’m man enough to give props when I must. And now that’s about enough about that fiasco.

All kidding aside, one player can truly make a huge difference. When a single player steps up and plays above their usual level, it pushes those around them (including, in many cases, the opposing team) to up their own game as well. It is also true that when any single player decreases their commitment and effort it is contagious to everyone else around them. Any one person out there has the ability to affect the energy, tempo, moral, and eventual outcome of any game—for good or for ill. Framing this reality in a theological context—what affect are you having on those around you spiritually? Do your words strengthen the faith of those around you, or do they give them a reason to stumble? Do your actions reflect the sacrifice of Christ, or can they be used as an excuse by others to also fall and decrease their own commitment to Christ? Are we helping or hurting the faith of those around us? Are we an encourage and equipper, or are we a stumbling block?

These are important questions, as so much of our faith is all about relationship—our relationship with God, and our relationship with each other. In condensing the Law and the Prophets, Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love God with ALL our heart, and with ALL our soul, and with ALL our minds, and with ALL our strength. That pretty much covers everything we are, does it not? May God grant that we up our own game, giving ALL of ourselves for His honor and glory, encouraging and inspiring those around us to do the same. In Christ, Pastor Adam

The Chimes 1 THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 Council Meeting February 20, 2014

The meeting was called to order by Moderator Ken Koehler and opened with a prayer by Pastor Adam.

Reports: • SUNDAY SCHOOL: Tami King reported that they continue to study the Beatitudes and are having lots of fun. • YOUTH: Jordan Campbell’s printed report noted that there were 19 youth present at a Super Bowl party. A special lock-in is planned for March 22 in cooperation with Broadway Methodist Church. The purpose is to interact with intercity youth who may have a different life experience than those in living in Treynor. Our youth are currently conducting a quilt raffle to earn money for the lock-in. There are also around 10-13 youth that attend a weekly cell group held at Jordan’s home. • IMPACT: There are currently 12 children enrolled for full-time care. The program is staffed by Jordan Campbell along with six high-school youth. The program has recently completed a very lengthy licensing process. Full-time summer enrollment is beginning to come in. • DEACONS: They have wrapped up 2013 and are cooperating with Pastor in determining what type of church we have. New officers will be installed on February 23rd. They are preparing for Easter and cooperation with St. Paul Lutheran church in planning a Maundy Thursday service/dinner where a Jewish man will talk about the connection between Judaism and Christianity. A chicken dinner is being coordinated by Jnelle Keysor. • TRUSTEES: Katie Campbell reported that the Trustees are planning a soup dinner for March 9th. The entry is basically completed with the installation of the last coat rack, etc. • MISSION BOARD: They have held their first meeting of the year and are learning their responsibilities and determining their goals for the year. They are planning the Golden Age dinner selecting the menu and entertainment. • DORCAS AID: Lois Chambers noted that they are happy that they have made the time switch to 12:30 as it is working out very well. They have given a love offering of $100 to the summer camp fund. They continue to play bingo at the Oakland Manor and can use jewelry to use as bingo prizes. • PRISCILLA CIRCLE: Chelle Cooper reported that the toilet paper drive was successful with 133 lbs. being donated to the Open Door Mission, a $50 donation was made to homeless relief, and valentines were sent to our church members over eighty years of age. • MEMORIAL COMMITTEE: Lois Chambers reported that we currently have $1,327 in the memorial checking account and two C.D.s totaling $4,813 after giving funds to help pay for the installation of the new foyer floor and drywall. • CEMETERY BOARD: Robin Volkens reported that all of the trees have been removed and the roots will be removed this spring. They will address the problem of the narrow entrance through the two brick pillars. • FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Stephanie Vorthmann reported that giving is up for the first 7 weeks of 2014 thanks to two substantial donations received recently. 2013 = $14,996.51 and 2014 = $17,483. • TREASURER: Norm Collins reported that we currently have a balance of $71,367.06 on hand.

2 The Chimes THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 • PASTOR’S REPORT: The first portion of his report indicated an intensely busy period with a big part being spent on his doctoral program and planning for the Christmas services. The report touched on guest speakers, visitations, Bible studies, St. Paul Pre-school chapel time, Men’s programs, developing programs working with other community churches and securing grants to offset the cost of some of the programs. Looking ahead there will be the installation of new officers, coordinating a lock-in between Broadway Methodist church and Zion youth, oversight of the community Maundy Thursday service, planning the Easter Sunday balloon program, and planning and fundraising for the Summer Games to be held in Georgia. He has oversight of the J-Force program serving nearly 75 children, teaching the confirmation students, and coordinating the SCRIP program that fully funds all of the youth activities in our church. The second portion of the pastor’s report related to how his studies impact our church by determining where our church is in its development. In a short synopsis:

Type #1 is a church that is REACTIONARY and self protective and does not relate to those outside our safe environment. Type #2 is DEVELOPMENTAL. This church is mostly denominationally driven with directives coming down from the denomination headquarters. Trying different things that ultimately change nothing. Type #3 is TRANSITIONAL. The majority of those attending the council meeting determined that this most nearly describes our church today. The transitional church says “What If? Why can’t we?” Asking how can we model Christ’s love while trying to understand where we are going? We don’t know where it will lead us, but we move forward trusting in God. Type #4 is TRANSFORMATIONAL: These churches may look weird to the rest of the world, but they don’t care as they feel that they are following God’s lead.

After a short activity that helped those attending understand the different types of churches, we determined that we are a healthy church following the TRANSITIONAL format. This is just a portion of the benefits the church receives from Pastor Adam attending his doctoral program and returning with new ideas that help our congregation’s growing and going.

NEW BUSINESS: Mike Tripp reported that highway 92 will be involved in an asphalt overlay starting in March or April and continuing during the coming year. It could impact our church along with the entire community.

The meeting was closed with a prayer by Pastor Adam.

Mavis Hill Secretary

The Chimes 3 THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 DEACON’S REPORT DORCAS AID

February 5, 2014 The Dorcas Aid met on Thursday February 13th at Pastor Adam opened the meeting with prayer. 12:30 with our lunch served before the regular meeting. The tables were decorated with the Deacons present: Jodi Volkens, Barb Trede, Jeff Valentine theme. Everyone received a heart favor Pollack, Angie Drake, Troy King, Tom Hartigan, Gary Schuler and Pastor Adam and Moderator Ken filled with candy and nuts. As always a good lunch Koehler. was served. Carolyn was the hostess.

Old Business We sang, “Love Lifted Me” with Elaine playing the • Reading and approval of the minutes piano. Audrey led the devotions with “Everything I know I learned in Kindergarten”, giving all some • Discussed thoughts on guest speakers in nodding of the heads in agreement. January • Discussed Annual Meeting Pastor Adam led our Bible Study on Hidden in Him. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians • Youth Super Bowl Party at Jordan’s 3:13. Always lots of good discussion. • Trustee thank you update – in progress We were so happy to have Eunice Anderson with us • Green altar scarves –agreed with Lois today. All are welcome to join us. Chambers making them and saving the church considerable funding. Lois read the thought for the day, and the Bible verse • Pastor’s Interview questions – looked for main for the day. Roll call was answered by 10 members themes in answers. We are to look them over and Pastor Adam with a Bible verse from John. The again for next meeting. secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were read. A thank New Business you was read from Oakland Manor thanking us for the gifts that were given there for the in house • Installation of New Officers – Feb. 16 Christmas shopping.

• Next Deacon’s Meeting – March 12 Ash Charlene, Lois and Carolyn played Bingo this month. Wednesday is March 5 We could use more necklaces that just • Reviewed Deacon’s calendar of upcoming “go over the head” so they can be worn easily. church events We had our Love Offering today. Charlene made a Pastor’s Report motion to give it to the camp fund increasing it to • Discussed practicing philosophies of total $100.00, with a second by Elaine and Virginia. churches and where Zion is positioned Lois then read about Love, reminding us to love God • Quick synopsis on doctorate program with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind in everything we do. • Summer Games 2014 - Many youth are interested in attending. Donna Collins is Secretary, helping administrate a garage sale for financial support Carolyn Bryant • Looked into biblical passage from the book of Luke for deeper understanding of meaning. With all matters discussed the meeting was closed in prayer by Pastor Adam.

Submitted by Gary Schuler

4 The Chimes THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 YOUTH REPORT IMPACT A Super Bowl party was held at the Campbell house on Sunday, February 2nd for youth in grades 5-12. There were 19 youth in attendance. Seth Young and Matt Dickerson were probably the only ones who went home happy with the result of the game. Most everyone was cheering for the Broncos or at least wanting a close game!

Zion is now taking registrations for those interested in all day summer care for their kids in grades K-6. We have started seeing some registrations come in and are continuing to take calls with those asking about before school care next school year. Impact is a licensed child care provider where your kids can have a safe and fun place to be each day. If you would like more information about any of the Impact care programs, please contact Jordan Campbell ([email protected] or 487-3289) or visit us online at www.ziontreynor.org.

The next youth event will be the youth retreat on MIDDLE MINISTRIES Saturday, March 22nd and Sunday, March 23rd. Middle Ministries next meets on Wednesday, March This will be unlike any lock-in or event that we 19th at 5:30pm. Middle ministries is open to any have ever had at Zion, and it is open to youth in youth in grades 5-7. This year’s theme is Challenge grades 5-12. vs Change. “If you are going to rise to the Challenge, you have to be prepared to Change.” QUILT RAFFLE Gere (Goos) Harmon recently donated a handmade quilt to the Zion youth department. The youth then sold raffle tickets for four weeks at $5 per ticket. The drawing was held on February 23rd with Barb Trede winning the quilt. The quilt raffle ended up raising $340 which will provide food and other items for the “Identity” youth event held in March. Thank you so much to Gere for her generous donation with the quilt, for all those who bought raffle tickets, and congratulations to Barb for winning the quilt!

The Chimes 5 THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 SCRIP FUNDRAISING CONFIRMATION CLASS Confirmation continues to meet each Wednesday at 5:30pm and on Sunday mornings at 9:15am. We have 5 students in Confirmation this year: Jake Carley, Matt Dickerson, Clare Travis, Annika Vohs, and Seth Young. MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICES Mark your calendars now! The 2014 Maundy Thursday will be held on Thursday, April 17. This year’s service will be a joint service with St. Paul’s Thanks again to everyone who has been faithfully and will be a community Seder meal at the Treynor ordering SCRIP each month. SCRIP orders can be Community Building. The event will last about 2 placed anytime. All the orders will be collected and hours and will feature a chicken dinner and a sent in (typically) after the first Sunday of each Jewish-Christian speaker that will walk us through month. how we see Jesus in the Passover meal. You can In January of 2014, SCRIP raised $148.71. In RSVP online or by calling the church office February, SCRIP brought in $191.70. Zion’s (712-487-3289). elementary, middle, and youth ministry programs are solely funded by the SCRIP program. Thanks FOOD PANTRY for continuing to support these ministries at Zion. Many thanks to the people of Zion Church for your J-FORCE generous contributions to our food pantry this past J-Force continues to build relationships and year. develop the faith in our young people (K-5). We typically have 45-50 kids attend J-Force each Your gifts of food and monetary contributions were week. So far in 2013-2014, we have seen 76 overwhelming. We feel so blessed and thank you different elementary students. so much. God bless your kind hearts. On Wednesday, February 12, the J-Force kids hosted a Valentine’s Day party for ladies in the Jnelle Keysor church 70 and over. The event was well attended and fun for all. We now are gearing up for our next WE DID IT big event: filling several hundred easter eggs and The Primary Sunday have been collecting our delivering them to the residents at Risen Son monies each Sunday to buy a lamb for the people Christian Village. We are tentatively planning to in third world countries. have the kids hand them out during the morning of Good Friday (April 18). The kids were so excited to reach their goal of $105.00. They love to bring money and watch the lamb jar grow. This spring they have decided to buy chickens for eggs for the children far away. Jnelle Keysor

Thanks again for sharing your kids with us!

6 The Chimes THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 1pm March 22! thru 11:30am March 23! ! For grades! 5-12 OVERNIGHT YOUTH RETREAT at ZION CHURCH in TREYNOR! ! Register online today! www.ziontreynor.org! ! -$10 at the door! -Register before March 10 and get an event T-Shirt!

The Chimes 7 THE CHIMES MARCH 2014 PRAYER REQUESTS CHURCH GIVING All Armed Forces Personnel Dan Casey Family 1/26/14 $2,234.65 Mike Ulrich 2/2/14 $2,736.78 Louis Fox 2/9/14 $1,987.32 Todd Quick 2/16/14 $3,405.75 Julian Schmidt 2/23/14 $2,434.07 Chuck Tiarks Oren Tiarks Dan Vorthmann TOTAL $12,798.57 Brent Young Family Jeri Tiarks CHURCH ATTENDANCE Jeff Wilhite Bill Bonar 1/26/14 110 Deb Avery 2/2/14 116 Jan Goos 2/9/14 119 Sally Olsen 2/16/14 117 Shane Hekter 2/23/14 121 ------IN NURSING HOMES INTERESTED IN BECOMING A Warren Chambers (Risen Son, CB) NEW MEMBER AT ZION?? Ethel Guttau (Risen Son, CB) Do you want more information about Zion Regina Lubbe (Primrose, CB) Congregational Church? Membership classes are Elsie Strohbehn (Risen Son, CB) arranged as needed. Please talk with Pastor Elsie Taylor (Harlan) Adam if you are interested in becoming a member Ruth Trompke (Risen Son, CB) at Zion.

“33 THE SERIES” MEN’S BIBLE STUDY ZION STAFF “33 The Series” Men’s Bible is now in full swing on session 4: “A Adam Magill — Pastor Man and His Work”. All guys are invited and encouraged to attend the 33 meetings, which happen on Sundays at 6:30pm. Jordan Campbell — Pastor of Youth, Communications, and After School Care WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Julie Strohbehn — Custodian Meets Monday evenings at 6:00pm in the Family Room. Ken Koehler — Church Moderator 2014 EASTER SERVICES Scott Hill — Vice Moderator Wednesday, March 5, 7pm: Ash Wednesday Service at Zion Thursday, April 17: Community Maundy Thursday Service and Zion Congregational Church Seder Meal at the Community Building Friday, April 18, 7pm: Good Friday Service at Zion 103 E Main Street Saturday, April 19, 9am: Operation Easter Balloon Prep PO Box 577 Sunday, April 20, 6am: Operation Easter Balloon Distribution Treynor, IA 51575 Sunday, April 20, 10:30am: Easter Sunday Service Phone: (712) 487-3289 SOUP DINNER Email: [email protected] The Trustees will be having a soup dinner after church on Sunday, Email: [email protected] March 9th. There will be chili, chicken noodle soup, and cinnamon Website: www.ziontreynor.org rolls with a free will offering helping towards the new flooring and drywall.

8 The Chimes