ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

Friday, October 30, 2020

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“For all the saints, who from their labors rest.” Ah, yes, rest from their labors. You know what our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in Christ don’t have? Covid restrictions. Disease. Pain. Suffering. Heartache. Stress. This week we’ll celebrate the Festival of All Saints. All Saints means all the saints. The ones living and the ones who have died in Christ. All the saints means all those who are baptized. There’s nothing special about the saint that makes them more holy than someone else. Our baptism into Christ makes us all holy ones, “saints.” Celebrating All Saints Day is a celebration of what it means to be a saint in this life, a disciple of Jesus who fights and slogs through this world, looking ahead to the better world to come. It’s also a celebration of thanksgiving to Jesus for those who have finished that race and rest from their labors. As part of our celebration, we’ll remember before the Lord and the congregation both members of Zion and family and friends of our members who have fallen asleep in the past year. As we remember them, we give thanks for our Lord’s cross and empty tomb, for His Word and font and altar, the means by which He assures of life everlasting – theirs and ours! This weekend: The Feast Day of All Saints!

Bonfire Tonight
Come on out tonight at 6pm for a bonfire at church. We’re going to get the fire going and have some fall fire fellowship! At 7:00 we’ll pray Evening Prayer (which we usually do this time of year at the Retreat bonfire). Afterwards we’ll have S’mores and Hot Cocoa. You are welcome to “BYOB” as well. Come hang out for a bit and let’s enjoy some fall fun.

Covid Guidelines Update

As you probably have heard, our region is being dialed back by tighter Covid guidelines. The Elders and I have discussed the situation and we are convinced that the measures we have been taking have, by the Lord’s blessing, been effective in preventing any Covid outbreaks. To that end, we will not be adjusting our procedures or guidelines for worship at this time. We will continue with our services as scheduled, capping services at 50 people.

As always, if you are sick, or have symptoms, please forego in-person worship until you are better. Let me know if you’d like a visit with Communion. I am happy to bring you the Lord’s gifts! Wash your hands. Wear your mask. Love your neighbor!

Voters Meeting
Our Fall Voters Meeting is Sunday, November 15 at 9am (Between services; We will not have Bible Study or Learning the Faith that day). The main business is election of officers and board members which was postponed from our May meeting.
Please note: Copies of proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws are available in the narthex for review. These are minor items requested by the LCMS Northern Illinois District. We’ll vote on them at the meeting on November 15.

Bible Study Opportunities:
Take time to grow in God’s Word!
Sundays:
Bible Study – 9:00-9:30 AM in the Narthex. Reading the Epistle of James
Learning the Faith (all ages) – 9:45-10:30 AM in the Gym.
Tuesdays – Bible Study at 10:30 AM in the Narthex. (Gospel According to St. Matthew)

STREAMING:
Our Sunday service is available to watch live and recorded here:
We stream live on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
Our videos are also live and recorded on YOUTUBE HERE.
The simplest way to watch online (not live) is probably through our church’s website HERE.

LCMS DISASTER RELIEF:
It’s certainly been a whirlwind of natural disasters lately from fires to storms all around our country and the world. LCMS Disaster Relief is on the front lines in many places to help those who have been displaced or are in need. If you’d like to help out, you can make an offering directly to LCMS Disaster Relief RIGHT HERE. Click the “Give” button or select a particular area to give.

“For All the Saints” is one of my favorite hymns. It so vividly describes the scene of our Lord’s return and our rising in glory. “The golden evening brightens in the west. Soon, soon, to faithful warriors cometh rest. Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed! And then there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array. The King of Glory passes on His way. From earth’s wide bounds to oceans’ farther coast: through gates of pearl streams in the countless host: Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Alleluia! Alleluia!” That’s going to be a great day! We’ll get a glimpse of it in the Divine Service. See you there!

In Christ, Pastor Buetow

So much fun!

Download this week’s Bulletin, Daily Devotions, NewsNotes and Volunteer Schedules from our website here:

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