On Sunday, May 17, 2020 Zion will gather as an online community for Sunday worship and fellowship. We invite you to join us! Link to Livestream/Recording on Facebook
9:00 a.m.: Service of the Word led by Pastor Andrea will be streamed live on Zion's Facebook page. An online bulletin with readings and responses is available to download.
9:30 a.m.: Musical offering by Sheldon Meyer, Zion's regular organist. He will be going live on his own Facebook page and we will share it to the Zion page as well.
10:00 a.m. Join us for a virtual coffee hour! Click on the link below with a device that has a camera. (If you've never joined a Zoom meeting before, you'll want to download the Zoom Client app before the start of the gathering.) You’ll be asked to allow the program to use “computer audio” – please agree. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!
Meeting ID: 662 798 543 Password: 028537
Or Call: 1 312 626 6799 and provide the Meeting ID and password listed above.
The season of Easter (which continues through the Feast of Pentecost on May 31) is a joyful celebration. This year we observe it in a time of difficulty and worldwide sorrow. Still, we believe that Christ is with us in his word, by his Spirit drawing us together as one before God. And we believe that the gospel of Christ gives us strength amid distress and comfort in the face of our sufferings.
This Week's Announcements:
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! In previous years, we have compiled a booklet of information about our graduates. Many of our graduates are still finalizing plans for their celebrations, so this year we will share open house information through our worship announcements as families provide these details.
Please give us your input regarding Online Worship and Fellowship. The Worship, Music, and Adult Education Team invites you to complete a brief online survey to help us gather feedback and suggestions regarding our current online offerings for worship and fellowship. Your participation will help our efforts to meet members where they are, and keep them engaged in congregational life during the present disruptions. Use the link posted on Facebook, or go to: https://forms.gle/5ratSt22aDLMWNsX6
Caring Coins donations will be received throughout the month of May and will be divided between Partners for Affordable Housing (April’s designee for which gifts were not collected) and Committee Against Domestic Abuse (May’s designee). Gifts can be given by check, cash or through regular eGiving options (online or the Give+ app). If paying by check or with cash, be sure to indicate that your gift is for Caring Coins so our weekly counters are aware. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during these challenging times!
Thank you for your faithful financial support of Zion’s ministries during this challenging time. It’s been wonderful to see how many of you have continued to share your offerings as you’d planned for 2020. Offering can be mailed to the Church Office (PO Box 236, Lake Crystal). Please consider our eGiving options for making one-time or recurring donations electronically. Details available at: https://www.zionluthlakecrystal.org/giving.
In-Person worship services continue to be suspended until further notice. Worship services are being streamed via Facebook so that we can gather as a virtual community for prayer, reflection, and praise. In-Person Zion activities are also suspended. We encourage groups to meet via videoconferencing. Please contact Pastor Andrea if you’d like her assistance with setting up a “Zoom” meeting for your group. The Church Council will meet on Wednesday, May 20 to continue their discernment of how in-person activities and congregational life will unfold as the public health guidance evolves. Per previous conversations, we will be guided in this by the most current MDH and CDC recommendations for faith communities.
Beginning on Monday, May 18, the church building will be open. Visitors in the building are expected to wear masks or other face coverings. If you are picking up or dropping off materials for the Church Office, please use the table in the Narthex provided for that purpose, in order to limit traffic in the Church Office. Mary is now working her usual schedule and can be reached by phone at 507-726-2849.
News and updates are being shared primarily through the church website and Facebook and, when appropriate, by mail. The May newsletter will be mailed out sometime next week.
Pastor Andrea is available for conversation and prayer! Please reach out to her by phone or text at 507-402-1114. She’s also happy to schedule one-on-one pastoral visits via Zoom video conferencing.The Monday “Dwelling on the Word” study has shifted to an online format. You’re invited to join us for a time of prayer, reflection and conversation as we consider the gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday. To join us on Monday at 11:00, please go to: https://zoom.us/j/322134420.