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DECEMBER 2004
Church News
Zion Lutheran - ELCA
1101 Redick Ave. PO Box 132
Creighton, Nebraska 68729
Dwight Albers, Pastor
Church: (402) 358-5228
PARSONAGE: (402) 358-3787
E-MAIL: zionlutheran@gpcom.net
WEBSITE: www.luther95.com/zlc-cne
Tracy Best, Church secretary

December Birthdays
"Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight." Mark 1:3

1 - Ethel Pierson
2 - Connie Knuth
3 - Scott Doerr, Jana Wilhelm
4 - Chad Waldow, Peg Ebel, Jason Hinrichs
5 - Lillian Potter, Alma Ewald
9 - Dora Diedrichsen 10-LelandSchlote
12 -Vivian Frank 13-Rita Howe
14 - Pam Synovec, Dianna Nielsen
15 - Dale Bertschinger
16 - George Babcock, Nikki Oltjenbruns, John Moehlenhoff
17 - Pat Wintz, Tom Diedrichsen, Wallace Ewald
18 - Sonya Slacken
20 - Dale Kuhlman, Dwayne Falter, Josie Nielsen
21 - Lorinda Hoferer, William R. Hengstler
25 - Kenneth Doerr
26 - Wilbur Placek
27 - Marvin Theis
28 - Landon Pospisil, Phyllis Tyier
29 - Amy Falter
30 - Gertrude Bartak
31 - Joan Jorgensen

Wedding Anniversaries
9 - Arnold & Neva Bartak
29 - Bernard & Joan Jorgensen - 20 yrs.
29 - Brad & Tracy Best - 20 yrs.

In Memory
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Adolph Kruse, who died November 5, 2004. The funeral service was November 9.

- 2005 Offering Envelopes
The new offering envelopes will be available December 15. Please do not be offended if there is not a packet labeled for you. Not everyone in the congregation chooses to use offering envelopes and sometimes the secretary gets confused! If there is no packet with your name, just take a blank packet, write the number down on a slip of paper with your name and place in the offering plate. It will be recorded in the Church Office.

- Farewell Potluck Dinner
Everyone is invited to a potluck dinner at noon on Sunday, December 12 in honor of Pastor Dwight and Sharon Albers. He has accepted a new pastoral call in Iowa. December 12 will be his last Sunday at Zion.

- Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 16, 2005. (snow date: 1/23/05) The agenda will be printed in the January Newsletter. If you have an item for discussion, please call Tracy Best or any Council member so it can be added to the agenda. Two new Council members will be elected. (The terms of Tim Knuth and Alan Oltjenbruns expire in January). If you are interested in serving on the Council - call a Council member to put your name on the ballot.

- Help Wanted
The Church needs a volunteer (or volunteers) for snow-blowing the church sidewalks and north parking area this winter. It would be great if several people would volunteer to help and take turns or serve as back-up help. Questions? Call one of the Church Council members to offer your service: Greg Kuhlman, Tim Knuth, Tammy Schindler, Shaun Waldow, Melvin Blair, Alan Oltjenbruns, or Lee Waterman.

- Basement Soundproofing
The Church Council is researching options for soundproofing the Church Basement to lessen the noise during various events and gatherings. If you would like to donate to this project, please designate this on your check or envelope. Donations received: $100. Balance: $681.

- Church Organ Fund
Don't forget about the Music Box in the Narthex. We are collecting small change for the Organ Fund. Those quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies add up! Also, donations or memorials may be designated for the Organ Fund and placed in the offering plate or mailed to the Church Office. Recent donations include: $ 300 - individual donation; $ 10 - individual donation; $ 30 - Best Lawn Service; $ 68 - Coffee Hour and Music Box. Balance as of 11/22/04: $15,145 Goal: $40,000

- Zion Website Needs a New "Webmaster"
Our church website "webmaster" Sharon Albers will be relocating to Iowa in December. The church needs someone to keep the site current and updated. Please call Sharon Albers, 358-3787, if you are interested in working with Zion's website as the new "webmaster".

Newsletter Work Day - Dec. 28 -1:00 p.m.
Thanks so much to everyone who helped with the last Newsletter Work Day - You are a blessing! Due to the Christmas Holiday, the January Newsletter Work Day is changed to Tuesday, December 28 - 1:00 p.m. January Newsletter Deadline:
Wednesday, December 22

- "Secret Friends"
Don't forget your special Sunday School youth this month. The Church Youth can send a "thank you" via the newsletter to their "Secret Friend" if they wish. Just write a short note and give to Tracy Best - your message will be printed in the next newsletter.

- Secret Friend Thank-You
"To Our Secret Friends, Thank you for remembering us on Halloween."
Ashley & Allison Juracek, Ethan Johnson

- Advent Mission Project "Gifts of Joy"
Donations of the following items are needed for the 2004 Sunday School Advent Mission Project - "Gifts of Joy": good children's clothing, coats, new toys or used toys in good shape, coloring books, colors, non-perishable groceries (cans and boxes), mittens, gloves, hats, NEW socks and NEW underwear. The Sunday School children are asking the congregation to help collect these items. There are boxes in the Narthex, the church basement, and the Sunday School lobby for your donations. Thank you for your generosity in making Christmas brighter and happier for others less fortunate!

- Sunday School Christmas Program
"Santa gives Back Christmas," w\\ be presented Sunday, December 12. On that day, Sunday School will meet at 9:30 a.m.; the program will be performed as the church service at 10:30 a.m.; and a potluck dinner will follow in the church basement.

- Christmas Program Practice
Practices for preschool - 6th Grade will be during Sunday School. Additional practices/dress rehearsals for the Kindergarten - 6th Grade will be on the following Saturdays: December 4 and 11 from 10 -11:30 a.m. If the weather is bad, please listen to the radio or call Michelle Bearinger at 358-3560.

- Costumes Needed for the Program
Costumes are needed for Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and reindeer. If you have something that could be borrowed, please call Michelle Bearinger.

Do It Anyway -- Author Unknown
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind. Think big anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack if you help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway.

- Perfect Attendance
Congratulations to these Kindergarten and 1st Grade students for perfect attendance in September AND October: Paige Bearinger, Brittanie Waldow and Katie Homan.

- 5th Grade First Communion
Aaron VonSeggern, our 5th grade student, participated in his first Communion on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 31.

- Youth Group News
The Youth Group met October 27 for a short business meeting and then went out for a progressive meal. The group went to Shaffer's for a drink, the Drover's for supper, and Pronto for dessert. The group decided to serve the November 14 coffee hour. All members are asked to bring 2 dozen goodies.

The Youth Group met on November 17 with 14 members and 3 adults present. Erin Best and Kelsey Berglund served hotdogs, chips and dip, cookies and pop for supper. The group decided to sponsor a "Gifts of Joy" child. Pencils were sharpened and put back in the church pews.

There will be no regular meeting in December. Instead, the Youth Group will go caroling on Wednesday, December 15. Meet at the Church at 6:30 p.m. There will be no supper; hot chocolate and snacks will be served afterwards. All members are asked to bring 2 dozen cookies, bars, or candy for the goodie plates.

- Youth Group Calendars
The Youth Group will continue to sell calendars during Coffee Hour this month. The calendars are high-quality with glossy nature photos and Bible verses for each month with no advertising. Cost is $10. Contact Joan Waldow or Tracy Best if you are unable to come to Coffee Hour and you would like to buy one.

Next Youth Group Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 15 - 6:30 pm
Bring 2 dozen cookies, bars, or candy for the goodie plates. No meal will be served. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served after delivering goodie plates

- Youth Group Meeting and Host Schedule
=> December 15 -- Goodie Plates & Caroling
=> January 26 -- Nick S. and Andy N.
=> February 23 -- Michael K. and Clay W.
=> March 16 -- Tyier F. and Joe Z.
=> March 27 -- Easter Breakfast
=> April 27 -- Jorgensen's, Brogie's, Sara M.
=> May 18 -- End of the Year Picnic
Youth Group Host parents are needed to attend the meetings each month and help.

Work Group In Service
Alice and Lillian's Work Group is in service during December.
Co-Chairpersons:
Alice Moehlenhoff & Lillian Potter
Calling Committee:
Vivian Frank, Myrtle Blair, Alice Moehlenhoff
Communion Committee:
Evelyn Davids, Thelma and Larry Eggen, Phyllis and Herman Dannert, Jean and Francis Montgomery
Flower Committee: Shirley Kehne
Altar and Banner Committee:
Vivian Frank, Alice and John Moehlenhoff

Liturgical Colors:
Nov. 28, Dec. 5,12,19 - BLUE -
1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sundays in Advent
Dec. 24 and 25 - WHITE - The Nativity of Our Lord
Dec. 26 - WHITE - First Sunday after Christmas. The Advent season is a time of hope, expectation and preparation. Advent means "coming" and begins four weeks prior to Christmas. As we wait, we light a candle each week symbolizing although we live in darkness, "the Light of the World is coming". During the Christmas season, the color White is used. It symbolizes the Joy of the Christ child's birth. The Christmas season starts on December 25th and continues for 12 days, ending on January 5, often referred to as Twelfth Night.

- December Meeting
The ZLCW will have their General Meeting and Work Day on Thursday, December 2. The day starts at 9:30 a.m. with the preparation of Christmas plates for shut-ins. All church women are asked to please bring 2 dozen cookies or bars to the church by 9:30 a.m. even if you are not able to attend the meeting. Submit names for the Christmas Plate list to the Church Office or bring to the meeting on Dec. 2. Quilts will be tied for "Gifts of Joy" and other organizations. A potluck dinner will be served at noon. Everyone is welcome!

- Christmas Breakfast Guest Day
All Church Women and their guests are invited to the ZLCW Christmas Brunch and Guest Day on Saturday, December 11 at 9:30 a.m. The entertainment will be Rev. Norma VanerMeer. She is in her third year of service at Bethany Lutheran Church of Lyons and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rosalie.

- Candleholders needed for Guest Day
A part of the program will be in the glow of candlelight - unscented white candles will be used. Candleholders will be needed. May we borrow yours? Put a label on the bottom and leave in the kitchen by Dec. 9. Thanks!

- If you plan to bring a poinsettia for the Christmas season, please bring by Friday, December. 10. The Church Women would like to use them in decorating for their Guest Day on December. 11.

- Christmas Coffee
Phoebe's Circle Bible Study and Christmas Coffee will be hosted by Virginia Kaschke at her home on Tuesday, December 14 at 9:00 a.m. Women from all Circles are invited! Bring a plate of cookies to share.

- Gifts of Joy is now in full swing and once again is asking for much-needed help. The Christmas tag tree is located at Gragert's this year and will be up by Dec. 1. The tags will have sizes, boy or girl, their age, and a few special wants of children being helped this year. If you can, please take a tag, buy the gifts, put the gift back under the tree with the tag on the package. Please have all gifts under the tree by December 15. Cash donations are always welcome and can be sent to: Gifts of Joy, PO Box 284, Creighton, NE 68729. Check out the Sunday School news page for information on the "Gifts of Joy" Advent Mission Project. "Gifts of Joy" is a project of the CREIGHTON churches and community working together to make Christmas a happier time for our neighbors.

- Treats Needed for Gifts of Joy
The Gifts of Joy Committee invites members of Zion to share in the spirit of giving this season by donating candy to Gifts of Joy as we have done in the past. The candy is added to the cookie plates given to each family by Gifts of Joy. There is a box in the kitchen designated for the candy gifts. Donations are needed by December 15.

- Living Christmas Tree
The Nebraska Christian College is pleased to present its 27th annual Living Christmas Tree. This year's program, "Cradle That Rocked the World", includes a mix of familiar carols and new Christmas music, highlighted by drama and instrumental music. Two shows will be presented on Friday, December 10 and Sunday, December 12 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating is required with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person or $10 per immediate family. This donation needs to be made in advance, so please make checks payable to NCC. Tickets are necessary for admittance and reservations are available by calling (402) 379-5000.

- Lutheran World Relief Report
The following items were taken to the Lutheran World Relief collection point in Norfolk last month from Zion:
24 quilts, a box of fabric in 3 yd. lengths, sweaters, and a large box of bath soap.

- Christmas Cards
New Christmas cards have arrived and are available on tables in the Church Basement. Other occasion individual cards, boxed cards, and napkins are located in the Ed. BIdg. Lobby.

- Thank you for Your Generosity!
The ZLCW Thankoffering received on November 21 totalled $594.90 as of Nov. 22. This will be forwarded to the Women of the ELCA Thankoffering Fund.

- Give the Gift of Life
The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Creighton on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at St. Ludger's Social Hall from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!

- Minutes of the ZLCW - Nov. 4, 2004
During the morning work session, 7 quilts plus a baby quilt were tied. A pot luck dinner was served at noon. Prior the the meeting, Kim Vogt of Goldenrod Hills organization addressed the group. She stated that November 14 - 20 is HUNGER AND HOMELESS WEEK, and encouraged the group to participate in the food drive at local stores. She also spoke on the Thanksgiving baskets that are given to about 20 families each year. Helen Frank read a devotion lesson on "Called to Offer Extravagance."

President Shirley Kehne called the meeting to order, and the secretary's report was read. A correction was made to the minutes on the balance in the Card Fund - the correct balance was $85.17. Onie Tyier moved to accept the corrected minutes, seconded by Lois Baldwin; carried. The written treasurer's report indicated a balance of $1,594.25. More coffee has been ordered from the Lutheran World Relief organization. A newsletter from Katie Kienow in Russia was read. Onie reported on the ZLCW's sponsorship of a supper at the Wayne State College Lutheran Student Center in October. Since it was Fall Break, only 5 students were there, but enjoyed a meal of hot dogs, chips, dip, and drinks. Additional fabric will be needed for the Graduate quilts, and Margot Sorensen was authorized to purchase whatever is needed. Margot moved that we donate $100 to the Norfolk Rescue Mission's Thanksgiving dinner; seconded by Shirley Kumm; carried. Onie moved that we donate the fixings for the green bean casserole for the Goldenrod Hills Thanksgiving baskets again this year; seconded by Vivian Frank; carried. The Rev. Norma J. VanderMeer will be the speaker at our Christmas breakfast and Guest Day on Dec. 11. Lillian Potter moved that we give Rev. VanderMeer $100 for her speaking fee; seconded by Margot; carried. Candy will be sent to several servicemen and Katie Kienow. Shirley Kehne had spoken to Tom Ehrenberg about the sound-proofing that had been done in the church at Neligh, and the council is investigating. Bess Waterman reported the Card Fund balance is $119.17. The next meeting is Thursday, December 2, when trays for our elderly and home-bound will be prepared. A potluck dinner will be served at noon.
Vivian Frank, Secretary

- Lewis and Clark Cluster Prayer Calendar
Pray for these congregational councils and leaders:
December 5 - Our Savior's, Plainview; December 12 - St. John's, Randolph; December 19 - Our Savior's, Spencer; December 26 - Thabor, Wausa

2005 Winter Retreat
All church women are invited to attend the Nebraska Synodical Women's Organization Winter Retreat on Saturday, January 22, 2005 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. hosted by St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Grand Island. The theme is "Creating Communities of Peace" presented by Pastor Judith Van Osdol-Hansen, Director of Women's Ministries and Gender Justice for the Latin American Council of Churches. She is a Biblicist, speaker, advocate of peace, human rights, and overcoming violence. With her bubbly personality and touches of humor, she will give us a tool box to construct a peaceful community in a violent world. In speaking on creating communities of peace, she utilizes her experiences of working for gender justice, serving as a missionary to congregations in Argentina and Uruguay and as a pastor for congregations in New York and Chicago as well as her education from Cornell University and the Lutheran School of Theology, Philadelphia, PA. She is the author of numerous articles, workshops, publications, and Bible studies in English and in Spanish. Pastor Judith is the wife of Dr. Guillermo Hansen and the mother of Daniel, 14, and Lia, 9. Registration forms will be available in the kitchen by December 15. Cost is $18 and includes lunch and the program. The offering for Winter Retreat will be divided equally between the Companion Synod Vision Fund and the Women's Organization of Igelisia Evangelica Lutera Unido - IELU - the women of Argentina. Blessed are the peacemakers - become a peace builder! Be there! Mark your calendars today!

"Seek peace, and pursue it." Ps 31:14b

Community Carol Sing
The Creighton Ministerial Association will host the second annual Community Carol Sing on Sunday, December 5, 2004. The community is invited to gather at Zion Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy an evening of congregational carols, Christmas specials, and Christmas readings. The ZLCW will provide beverages and serve the lunch. If you wish to help provide lunch, please bring bars, cookies, or snacks. There will be a freewill offering received for the Relief Fund that the Creighton Ministerial Association reserves for area families in need. Everyone is invited!

A Thought for Christmas
Do you know what would have happened if it had been Three Wise Women, instead of Three Wise Men? They would have asked directions; Arrived on time; Helped deliver the baby; Cleaned the stable; Made a casserole; Brought practical gifts; and There would be Peace On Earth.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...."
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

"Cheerfulness is the atmosphere in which all things thrive." - Jean Paul Richter

Minutes of the Church Council
The Zion Lutheran Church Council met November 4, 2004. Present: Tammy Schindler, Tim Knuth, Shaun Waldow, Melvin Blair, and Lee Waterman. Also present: Tracy Best and Shirley Kehne. Greg Kuhlman arrived later. Absent: Alan Oltjenbruns and Pastor Dwight Albers. Melvin called the meeting to order and gave the opening prayer. Shirley Kehne spoke to the Council about the Zion display box at Santaland. The ZLCW will cover the expense of minor repair and painting and ask that the Council take care of getting a running gear for the box and any major repairs. Shirley also reported on possible materials for sound-proofing the basement. She said the church in Neligh used a sound board (TexTam?). Cost is $55 for a 2'x8' sheet. The sheets attach to the ceiling. Council thanked Shirley and she left the meeting.
Tim read the Secretary's Report. Motion by Lee to accept the report; seconded by Melvin; carried. Lee reviewed the Treasurer's Report. Motion to approve the report and pay the bills by Tim; seconded by Tammy; carried. There was no correspondence.
There was no Pastor's Report filed due to his absence.
COMMITTE REPORTS:
Parish Ed., Evangelism and Executive: no reports.
Property and Management:
Church Signs - just waiting for NPPD to find time to put up the poles and signs.
Running Gear for Santaland Box - Council agreed that one would need to be purchased due to no donation. Lee and Greg will try to find one.
Front Yard Church Sign - Greg will call sign companies.
Sanctuary Lights - will be done after harvest; flood lights on the arch need to be replaced.
Basement Sound Proofing - Council will look into the TexTam and other options, possibly through the internet.
Pews in the Balcony - "Someone" needs to sanded the rough parts and either use scratch cover stain or sand and seal the pew backs.
Fire Extinguishers - have been delivered and need to be installed.
Valve in Restroom - Merlyn Hart is working on this.
Leak in Balcony Closet - It was reported that the wall in the Balcony Closet looks like it has water damage. Council will check for leaks the next time it rains.
The sprinkler system has been winterized.
Worship: Council reviewed the initial survey results for the "With One Voice" questionnaire.
Stewardship: Motion by Tammy to use the Golf Outing proceeds to begin a Basement Soundproofing fund; seconded by Tim; carried. Council considered also using part of Lenten offering for the basement project.
OLD BUSINESS:
ELCA Sexuality Study - Greg will give a short talk on this during the November 7 worship service.
Church Directory - the committee is making progress and will meet with the company soon to finalize plans.
Lenten Offering - It was suggested to use part of this for the front yard sign and part for the basement. Tabled.
Prison Ministry Guest Speaker - Pastor was going to schedule this along with rescheduling the Wayne State Campus Minister.
NEW BUSINESS:
Annual Meeting - scheduled for the 3rd Sunday in January
Nominating Committee - Council discussed possible people to recruit for the ballot. (2 council seats open)
Preliminary Financial Review - Income and Expense reports were discussed. Motion by Melvin to go into Executive Session to further discuss the budget and personnel; seconded by Lee; carried.

The next Church Council meeting will be Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Please note the time change. The agenda includes the 2004 financial records review, discussion of the 2004 budget, and setting a tentative agenda for the annual meeting.

As space allows, excerpts from the following humorous book will be printed each month -
"You Know You are a Lutheran If..."
By Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Johnson Nelson
You know you are a steadfast Lutheran if:
-- You don't think Martin Luther actually wanted to start a new religion, but he just got all fed up and couldn't take it any more so he started scribbling and pounding like a stubborn German would, and he got carried away and one thing led to another and you recognize the feeling and pretty soon he was standing out in front of the church pounding up his 95 theses and shouting, "Here I stand!", with a black and blue finger to boot, and life has never been the same.
-- You know better than to question the pastor or synod hotshots openly even though Martin Luther sure would have if he were still alive.
-- You wholeheartedly believe the cardinal rule:
Lutherans don't sit in the front two pews.
-- You know what a flannelgraph board is.
-- You are in your eighties and can still recite at least three of your Sunday School Christmas pieces and know what grades you were in when you were a shepherd and a wiseman, and what grade you were in when you were roped into playing Joseph, and you still remember who was Mary that year, and secretly wonder if she still looks good in blue.
-- You keep your Baptismal Certificate with your Lutheran Brotherhood or AAL insurance policy in a safe, dry place.
-- Your Baptismal Certificate is a whole booklet filled with Bible verses and angelic pictures and is signed by the church secretary who used the Palmer Penmanship Method; not a one-pager form filled in on a computer.
-- You know perfectly well why there is no Lutheran Church named Good Works Lutheran.