Hilltop Headlines
June 2, 2024
Serving this Week
Organist: Brittany Mahn
Elders: Gordon Pittsford, Mark Breckenridge
Donut Pickup: Jonathan Kern
Golf Cart: Glen Kokel
Cafe Workers: Dawn Efaw-Muchow, Sona Holmstrom
Greeters: Carlene Schultz, Debbie Teinert
Offering Assistants: Eva Froude, Rick Andersen
Audio: Clay Braun
Presentation: Chad Mathews
Tech Director: Cody Stephens
10:45am:
Elders: Bert Holmstrom, Wayne Cavalier
Greeters/Offering Assistants: Connie Cokerell, Joy Stuewe, Nike Litterst, Caityln Fuller
Golf Cart: Matt Vande Werken
Connections Coordinator: Josh Hobratsch
Audio: Jim Kelton
Camera: Alisha Johnson
Presentation: Chad Winkler
A Return of Our Blessings
Offerings/Electronic Giving for this week:
Home $21,453.45; General $22,189.50; Pam Hight Scholarship Fund $30.97; Youth Mission Trips $13.53; Cemetery Fund $15.53; Learning Legacy Endowment $1,000; Braille $10; Camp Zion $220; Missions $50; Temple Tornado Relief $25; Capital Campaign $600.18.
Attendance: 8am - 130; 10:45am - 232
10% of General Funds go to the following organizations: TX Dist LCMS, CHS Round Rock, Water Mission, Camp Lone Star, Brookwood in Georgetown, Faith in Action, Rev. John H. Kieschnick Endowment: $2,465.50
From Your Pastors
Dear Zion family –
This Saturday, nineteen folks from Zion are traveling to Kansas City to do some work there for those in need there. Please pray for our mission team’s safe travel, for their strength and energy to do the work before them, and for lots of opportunities to share Jesus’ love with the people they meet and the new friends they make!
This Sunday, we’ll commission new officers and board members at Zion in both of our services. We are blessed to have so many great leaders who devote countless hours of time and lots of energy to work faithfully in the ministry we share.
In worship, we’ll wrap up our series called “Church Snapshots,” where we've been discussing what life looked like in the earliest days of the Christian Church, and then discovering what we can learn for our day from these days. One of the hallmarks of the early Church was bravery. For example, two of Jesus’ disciples, Peter and John, were very brave when they fearlessly proclaimed the message of Jesus to some powerful religious detractors in Acts 4:1-3, 8-13:
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
There were many religious leaders in the first century who didn’t like Jesus, but they couldn’t deny that those who had been with Jesus had been radically changed by Him and were willing to be recklessly brave – even to the point of risking and sometimes losing their lives – for Him. Do we show the same kind of bravery for Jesus? Learn more about being brave in faith this weekend in worship. We worship at 8 am in our beautiful
historic sanctuary, at 10:45 am in our wonderful worship center, or online at zionwalburg.org.
Your pastors love you!
– Pastor Zach, Pastor Kevin & Pastor Kyle
Summer Bible Class Updates
Our current session of Kids' Connect and Jr/Sr High Youth Sunday morning Bible classes has concluded and will break until August 18. There will be several opportunities for children and youth over the summer months including VBS, mission trips and family events. Adult classes include the Sanctuary class studying ‘Defending the Faith’ and the Parlor class beginning a study on the Apostles’ Creed. Coffee, treats and fellowship will continue to be offered at 9am in the Lobby throughout the summer.
Church Summer Office Hours
Beginning Tuesday, May 28 the summer office hours will be:
Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm
Fri 8am-Noon
Capital Improvements Fund
The council established a new dedicated account called Capital Improvements (22130) which will replace all the following funds: Facilities Major Repair, School Facilities Improvement, Landscape and Playground fund. All balances in these funds have been transferred to the newly created Capital Improvement fund. All the previously mentioned funds have been deactivated, therefore, if any donation is received for one of these funds, it will be logged as a Capital Improvement donation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Business Manager, Steven Cashio directly at 512-686-2991.
A Message From the Principal
An Opportunity to Support
KDesignCompany has shared this statement about being able to support a former Zion student with a T-shirt project. “It was an ABSOLUTE BLESSING to be a part of creating this design and bringing it to life. This shirt was created to show support for Greg Quezada, his family, and their battle against childhood cancer. $10 from every shirt sold will go directly back to the family through the GoFundMe account that has been created. Please show your support & lift this family up in your prayers in the coming months!” Shirts can be purchased at:
kdesignco.net/products/psalm-62-6
Teacher Ashley Gaylor
We wanted to share the news that 8th grade teacher Mrs. Gaylor will be leaving her position, due to family circumstances. She has been an amazing teacher to the Zion children she served. We will cherish every memory of her time with us, and we wish her God’s richest blessings in her future endeavors.
Teacher Kristin Stuewe
Miss Stuewe is finishing her master’s degree in counseling with a year-long internship. She served Zion well! We will miss her, too, and pray God’s richest blessings on her new endeavors and every success as she moves into counseling.
8th Grade Teacher Position Opening
With Mrs. Gaylor leaving, we now have an open position for an 8th grade homeroom and middle school science teacher. There is also one elective class as part of the position. If you have an interest or know someone who does, please send a cover letter and a resume to Principal Dr. Wrege at thomas.wrege@zionwalburg.org
Also, keep this process in your prayers. God will provide. He always does.
Part-time Computer Teacher Opening
Mrs. Bryson will still be employed at Zion, but in a different role. We thank God for the wonderful years He blessed her with the children in her care. Soon we will post a position for a part-time, grades 6 to 8 position for instruction in technology. We also ask for your prayers for this process.
Honoring Mrs. Loesch
We were able to honor Mrs. Loesch both at graduation, at the last day of school, as well as a retirement party with the staff. We will all miss her! What an incredible difference she made in every child’s life that she served! We pray for His blessings to her and Jonathan in their retirement.
Summer Projects
· Brand-new high-tech lights in our gymnasium
· Building a new office space for Rusty Bryson, as she becomes a grant writer for our ministry
· All tiles in the cafeteria, fellowship hall, and the hallways that lead to the gym to be replaced with laminate flooring
· Plus…a long list of both short and long-term maintenance items
Camp Zion and Vacation Bible School
Camp begins this next week with over 50 campers participating in our first week together. We thank Director Rhonda Schwertner for putting together her always dynamic program. The week of the 10th we combine Camp Zion with our Vacation Bible School. God will be proclaimed in every part of both events. How thankful we are that we can share Christ in everything we do.
Summer Hours and School Communication
For assistance through our school office, you are welcome to stop by, email, or call. Please call ahead to ensure the office will be open. You can also leave a message at any time.
Zion at Capacity
For the first time in Zion’s history, we are at capacity, with waiting lists at multiple grade levels. Thank you all for your prayers throughout the years, that we could serve even more families in Christian education in the Georgetown and Jarrell communities. He has answered our prayers.
Thank you for a wonderful school year now past! From all of us at Zion, we appreciate your trust in us to serve your child with love, learning, and excellence.
May your summer be blessed!
Holy Land Brochure
INTERESTED IN VISITING THE HOLY LAND? – Pastor Dave and Pastor Kevin have been working for several months to organize an educational tour for Zion members to Israel and Egypt (9 days in Israel / 5 days in Egypt). We now have brochures available in the Lobby and Narthex for the trip taking place in March 2025. We pray you might consider joining us! Thanks! Pastors Dave & Kevin
Global Leadership Summit
We are thrilled to announce that Zion will be serving as a virtual hosting site for this year’s Global Leadership Summit!
Once you register, you can join us on August 8-9 in Zion’s worship center to experience this inspiring two-day event alongside fellow church and community members. This is your opportunity to gain leadership insights from some of the brightest and most well-known leaders across various industries.
Click on the GLS link below to register. We hope to see you there!
https://register.globalleadership.org/#/reg/trans/one?invtID=EV-LSS2408-MAIN-LV01400
Chicken Foot Dominoes - Last Day to RSVP!
All ADULTS are invited to come join an evening of Fun, Food, & Fellowship on Saturday, June 1, 5-8 p.m. in Zion's Gym.
What is Chicken Foot? Chicken Foot is a simple domino game. It's easy to learn and play which leaves lots of time to get to know your tablemates!!
What to bring:
A dish to share - Finger Foods -> Sandwiches, Tortilla Rollups, Fried Chicken, Chips & Dips, Veggies, Fruit, Cookies, Etc.
A gift to share with the Granger & Jarrell Community Food Pantry: Sugar, Shortening/Oil, Coffee, Ramen Noodles, Hamburger/Tuna Helper, Spices, Bisquick™, Cornbread Mix, or Money for Granger & Jarrell Pantry to purchase canned goods.
In order to have enough tables set up for everyone to play Chicken Foot, please sign up at the "Chicken Coop" located between the Narthex & the Lobby area on Sunday, 05/12, 05/19, & 05/26. You may also RSVP to Denise Rowland @: DDRowland01@gmail.com or text/call - 737-240-0396. The last day to RSVP to play will be Friday, 05/31. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please NOTE: If you're not able to attend Chicken Foot but would like to donate to the Pantries, a table will be provided for you to bring items near the "Chicken Coop". The last Sunday to donate items will be Sunday, 06/02.
Zion Evening Circle LWML
Parlor Bible Study
The Parlor Bible Study (Sunday mornings 9:30-10:30am) is beginning a study of the Apostles' Creed. Many of us placed Luther's Small Catechism on the shelf after confirmation, but there is so much we have forgotten. This is a chance to return to the book that helped us realize the truths of the Trinity: a mystery made known throughout the Bible.
Faith and Film Series Returns
Registration Open for Faith and Film Series
“Preparing Zion Members to Combat the Cultural Biases Facing America.”
(from Zion’s Mission Statement)
Registration is open for Faith and Film at the Palace Theater on Sunday nights, June 3, 9, 16, and 23. This series will be free to all participants and will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, popcorn, and drinks. A digital copy of the curriculum is also included. Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Simply register (RSVP) each week with this form so we can ensure we have enough supplies. You are welcome to email Philip Hohle with questions anytime: philip@parabolicmedia.com
The series is an opportunity for Zion to take the Gospel, literally, to the public square. Hosting the series at the Palace gives members not only a chance to improve their own media literacy in “combating cultural biases,” but also an opportunity to bring that unchurched friend, neighbor, or relative to a neutral place where they can experience Gospel messages revealed to them through the movie and discussion. Find FAQs here.
Volunteers are needed. Contact Philip Hohle if you would like to help host the series. Sign up to volunteer here.
The schedule:
- June 2, 2024, a timely movie: Inside Out (with Dr. Dave Helms, LPC)—Hosted by the Davenports
- June 9, 2024, a popular movie: Barbie (with Robin Knippa)—Host TBD
- June 16, 2024, a heroic movie: Friday Night Lights (with Mike Barnes, former Sports Director at KVUE)—Hosted by the Hohles
- June 23, a classic movie: The Breakfast Club (with Rev. Dr. David Kluth)—Hosted by the Pittsfords
We cannot publish the titles publicly legally, but you can share the list with your friends.
Watch the short humorous video promo for the series here (public version, which also can be shared with your friends).
Greeting Cards Available
Graduation cards are on display at the Card Ministry Cabinet. Also available are Birthday, Friendship, Sympathy, Miss You and many other cards located by the Church Nursery. Boxed cards are $6.00, individual cards are $0.50. Thank you for supporting Zion Evening Circle Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-LWML.
SCUBA VBS Registration - Last Chance!
Zion Lutheran Church and School 2024 Vacation Bible School- SCUBA! Let's dive deep into an amazing undersea adventure where we will experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. Monday, June 10th - Friday, June 14th from 9:00-11:30 am. Important: If your child is already registered for this week of Camp Zion then they are automatically registered for VBS. If you have any questions please contact Rachel Mayberry at rachel.mayberry@zionwalburg.org
Donation Opportunity for Camp Zion
Camp Zion would like to extend the opportunity for business members/members of Zion Lutheran Church to help support us by sponsoring a field trip for CAMP ZION this summer. Field trips are just one of the many memorable things that we do at Camp Zion but also the most expensive. We ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to this special cause. Below is a list of each field trip and the cost based on 40 to 50 campers or a set fee for some events. You may present your gift in a check made out to Zion Church and write Camp Zion in the memo and drop it in the collection basket at church or give online using the drop-down button for Camp Zion. We thank you for supporting us in our endeavor to grow and connect with our youth while helping them develop self-confidence and build character in a nurturing Christian environment.
· WEEK 1 June 3-7 / Mount Playmore
$318 for 40 campers @ 7.95
· WEEK 2 June 10-14 / On-Campus Mad Science Show
$475 for 1 Hour of Entertainment
· WEEK 3 June 17-21 / Waco Zoo
$440 for 40 campers @ 11.00
· WEEK 4 July 1-5 / On Campus Movie & Pizza Party
$200 for 50 campers @ 4.00
· WEEK 5 July 8-12 / Movie & Popcorn at the Cinemark
$331.00 for Entire Theater
$200 for Snack Pack for 40 campers @ 5.00
· WEEK 6 July 15-19 / On-Campus Luau with Waterslides & Hotdog Roast
$500 for 2 Waterslides
$ 100 for Hotdogs, Chips, Drinks & the Fixings
Fall Family Camp - Reserve your spot now!
Zion’s Mission Board is once again excited to be hosting family camp weekend later this fall! ALL are welcome to join in on the fun! This year - we have reserved a number of RV and tent campsites along with cabins from Thursday, October 10th through Monday, October 14th at Caddo Lake State Park in East Texas. Families are welcome to join us at camp as early as Thursday and can stay through till Monday – or anytime in between. Please note that all cabins will be reserved for families staying at least two nights. The weekend will include fellowship, worship, and food as well as ample free time for families to experience together some of the wonderful activities that the surrounding area has to offer. Breakfast and dinner will be provided on Saturday and Sunday. All other meals are on your own to provide. The total cost covering all four nights per family is $50 per RV/tent site and $250 per cabin (PLEASE NOTE there is only one 8 person cabin left!). We hope and pray that you as a family will consider joining us this year. Click the button below to RSVP by August 25th. Reserve your spot now before they are all gone! A completed registration form accompanied with cash/check payment into the church office is required for your site to be confirmed. Please contact the Church Office, Pastor Kevin or Shane Baylor for more information.
Laundry Love
11 Zion members served at our community outreach, Laundry Love, Tuesday May 14th.
51 family units were able to launder 6365 pounds of clothing and bedding, at no cost to them.
About 20 children came and enjoyed coloring and books that we provide. Many of the patrons commented on how much they appreciate what we do for them. Thank you to our Mission Board for their supporting this outreach.
If interested in serving or more information contact: Gail Gajewski. gailgaj@ol.com. 440-537-7551
Zion Prayer Calendar
For the week of June 2-8 pray for:
June 2 - Robin Knippa & Adult Christian Ed
June 4 - Rhonda Schwertner & Camp Zion
June 5 - 2024-25 Preschool students
June 6 - Laundry Love ministry
June 7 - 2024-25 PreK students
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES - New Project Connect Booklet
"Journey Through Depression" by Dr. Rick Marrs is LHM's latest Project Connect booklet. It deals with the causes of depression and how it impacts our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Marrs also addresses recovery strategies, myths surrounding depression, and how caregivers can help. He reminds readers that "Whatever pain we are in, whatever is troubling us, Jesus invites us to believe, to know, that we are not alone."
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression impacts all ages and races/ethnicities. In the U.S. alone, some 21 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode (an event lasting two weeks or longer) in 2021. Globally, as of 2023, some 280 million people have depression, according to the WHO.
Depression triggers may include physical causes, biological predisposition, trauma, grief or loss, aging, brain injury, and of course, relationship issues. Because of the complexities involved, consulting a professional is essential to finding out what's going on and how to treat it.
Recovering from depression is certainly possible. Proper care of the body (nutrition, exercise, rest, stress avoidance), medications, and alternative treatments all play a part. So does counseling.
For caregivers - prayer, listening, and reminding the person that you love them are crucial. Marrs suggests joining them in a healthy pursuit like exercise, and just being there for them, but be sparing with advice as feelings can get in the way. If they mention thoughts of suicide, know and use the 988 suicide prevention hotline.
Depression can be awful, but it doesn't have the last word. "Even when we don't feel like Jesus is with us, we have His promise that He is." Marrs writes, "His heart goes out to you, and He is deeply concerned about your welfare. God is here with you in your pain, whether it feels that way or not."
Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs is a licensed psychologist and senior professor of practical theology (counseling) at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Sermon Schedule
June 2
"Lit Up"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
The Law and Gospel light of Jesus is both an exposing searchlight that reveals our shortcomings and a warm grow light that nurtures us. (Acts 11:24)
You can listen to The Lutheran Hour on KLBJ on Sunday mornings at 7 a.m. or online at lutheranhour.org, through a mobile app, and on new media platforms like Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Sirius XM satellite radio.
Pastors: Zach McIntosh, Kevin Hintze and Kyle Borcherding
Principal: Dr. Thomas Wrege
Church Office Hours: 8-3:00 Monday-Thursday
8-Noon Friday
Church Phone: 512-863-3065
School Phone: 512-863-5345 Fax 512-686-5807
6001 FM 1105, Georgetown, TX 78626