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Church Email News – November 5, 2021

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH NEWS

Friday, November 5, 2021

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Dear Saints,

This week we’ll observe All Saints’ Day (which is November 1) and as part of our services, we’ll include the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, remembering those saints of Zion and our extended families who have fallen asleep in Jesus since last year. All Saint’s day is a reminder of two important facts. First, that a “saint” is a “holy person.” But saints aren’t saints, we aren’t holy, because we’re “good” people. We’re holy because Jesus makes us holy. His forgiveness means our sins are forgiven and don’t stand against us. Therefore in God’s sight we are holy and righteous on account of Jesus. His blood, given to us in water and Word and Body and Blood is what makes you holy. It’s what makes you a saint! Second, All Saints’ reminds us that the church is much bigger than ourselves. All the saints who have ever lived and gone to be with Jesus are there with Him; yet so are we as we are gathered around His altar to hear His Word and receive His Body and Blood. We’re the church still slogging through this world, and they’re the church triumphant that rests from its labors. But both we and they are united together in Christ. It’s easy to look around and think about who isn’t at church or who used to be at church. Try this instead: think about how the church extends beyond our sight and is so full beyond measure of those who have gone before us and are with Christ. That’s a big church, thanks to Jesus! Being a saint and being a part of the communion of saints are gifts because of all that the most holy Lamb of God, Jesus, has done for us!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD IS ALMOST FINISHED
Operation Christmas Child boxes are due this Sunday. (If you need an extra day or two to get your box in, that’s OK). If you’d like to make an extra box or more you can do that, too, as we have extras available. Thank you to everyone who as participated in preparing boxes and in donating for shipping and supplies. Once we’ve delivered the boxes, we’ll have an update on our final total as well as some tracking information about where some of our boxes end up.

LADIES GUILD CLOTHING DRIVE ENDS THIS WEEK
The Ladies Guild Clothing Drive is going great!  Bring your bags of clean clothing (no socks or underwear), shoes, and kitchen and bathroom linens. Items should be put into 30 gallon trash bags and may be placed in the large box in the Rotunda. (Bags are available next to the box if you need to use them). Check out the countdown to our goal of 180 bags! Deadline to bring donations is THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7.

 

FALL VOTERS MEETING
Please plan to attend our Fall Voters Meeting on Sunday, November 21 at 10:30 AM (after worship). It will be a brief meeting with reports from boards and committees, and an Endowment Request to reimburse Ryan Morales for equipment purchased for recording and streaming our services.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PETER POLLACK
You may remember the Pollacks who were members of Zion and moved to Ohio a couple of years ago. Peter was back in our area for work when he contracted Covid. He has been hospitalized for nearly a month battling the complications. Robin has been at his side every day. She would be grateful for cards sent to him for when he can read them. They would be a comfort to her as well. If you’d like to send a card or note, you can send it to:
Lutheran General Hospital MICU
Attn: Peter Pollack, Room 12
1775 Dempster Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068
UPDATE: Robin let me know this week that they have received our cards and she very much appreciates them. Peter continues in Intensive Care and will be there for some time. So keep up the prayers and cards!

MASKS IN WORSHIP
We are currently wearing our masks during worship. At this time there is no restriction on capacity or seating arrangements. Please consider the well-being of your neighbor most especially by staying home if you have any symptoms of illness. As always, you can get in touch with me to request a visit if you can’t be in church. Thank you for your patience and understanding and love of neighbor in all of this!

LIVE STREAM INFORMATION
You can watch live and find recorded services 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.

 

All Saints’ Day is too important a date not to celebrate, even if we observe it a week later! It is comforting to know the holy, Christian church is bigger than our congregation or even denomination! It’s the Body of Christ, after all! And you’re a saint who is a part of that body! See you in the Divine Service this week as we celebrate being the Lord’s saints! And see you Saturday at Nick and Sammy’s wedding!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow

P.S. – Don’t forget to set your clocks back Saturday before bed!

Singing in Church!

Trunk-or-Treat!

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