The New Zion News
for May 29, 2020
Zion Mennonite Church, PO Box 68, Elbing, KS 67041
(316) 799-2017 zionelbing@gmail.com
Last Week at Zion Mennonite Church
Offering: May 24: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary $105
May 31-to-date: Mennonite Church USA $75
May receipts-to-date for Local Fund ($12,284 needed) $16,474.27
This Week at Zion Mennonite Church
SS classes gather virtually 9-10 a.m., 8:30 p.m., May 31
Pentecost worship with communion via Zoom 10:45 a.m., May 31
Outreach Board meets via Zoom 7 p.m., June 1
Education Board meets at Zion yard 7 p.m., June 2
(Mid-week announcements/devotionals will no longer be circulated)
Zion Zoom gathering for fellowship (link below) 7-8 p.m., June 3
Mowing church and parsonage: Randy Preheim Before next Sun.
Offering: Local Fund Next Sun.
Calendar of Upcoming Zion Events
Governing Council meets (via Zoom?) 7 p.m., June 8
Deacons meet 9 a.m., June 9
(?) Zion summer Business Meeting 9:45 a.m., June 21
Pastors Ray and Rosie’s Schedules: One of them is at the church office some mornings, although irregularly now. You may reach them at by mail to PO Box 393, North Newton, KS 67117, or:
Pastor Ray: (316) 217-2012; text to same; <rreimer76@gmail.com>.
Pastor Rosie: (316) 217-7338; text to same; <rosieepp@gmail.com>.
If they don’t answer the phone, please leave voice messages and they’ll get back to you soon.
Congregational Announcements
Zion and in-person worship: We are grateful that President Trump considers houses of worship an essential service. Because Zion is committed to offering this service to our community in ways that “spread the Gospel, not the virus,” we will continue to follow Kansas’ and Butler County’s guidelines regarding size limits of mass gatherings. As a way of loving the neighbors in our community—particularly those most vulnerable to this illness—we are currently not planning for in-person worship services at Zion until mid-June at the earliest. In the meantime, we are carefully planning for Zion’s “reopening.” Given necessary safety protocols, when we do reconvene, worship will look and feel quite different than what we are accustomed to. As previously announced, initial gatherings will all be outdoors. More info will be forthcoming.
Important Zoom announcement: Zoom has released several updates recently, with major changes: all meetings henceforth require a password, and all Zoom interaction soon will be encrypted (perhaps causing issues for those with slower connections or older devices). You will not be able to log onto Zoom meetings unless you update your app by May 31.
A recurring Zoom meeting for fellowship has been scheduled, open to any Zion members and friends that are interested—the equivalent of a drop in/out coffee fellowship—simply to chitchat, see each other’s faces and hear each other’s voices, perhaps catch up on some news. This will occur for some weeks on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. The Zoom “invitation” is as follows:
Hyperlink: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84589789669?pwd=NTV1VitZL0xDayt2T1duSDRhY3BsQT09
>
(or) meeting ID: 845 8978 9669, and meeting password: 743680
Be part of the socially distanced Western District Conference Annual Assembly online on Aug. 1. (Note: This will replace previous plans for an in-person gathering in Texas). Webinars, worship, Danny Carroll (our keynote speaker), and some time to talk together will all be part of this grand experiment. What can the times we’re living in help us to discover about mission? About God’s love for the exile? We hope it will be possible for small groups to host Assembly watch parties together. If not, we’ll be together in Spirit and over digital media. If you would like to serve as a Zion delegate at this event, please indicate your willingness to the church office, which will pass information along to the Gifts Discernment Group prior to our summer business meeting.
Other Organizations
The Board of Directors of New Hope Shelter, Inc., is pleased to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director, Mr. Brian Bisbee. Mr. Bisbee brings a wealth of experience in business, law, and the non-profit sector. He served as the Executive Director of the Carthage Crisis Center in Carthage, MO for over a decade. We look forward to what the future holds for the shelter under his leadership. He and his wife are relocating from Indiana and his start date is June 8, 2020. After he settles in a bit, we plan to host a “welcome” party so that you will all get a chance to know him. We would especially like to express our gratitude to Mrs. Ashli Teel who has risen to the challenge of Interim Executive Director, and done so with competence and grace. She will return to her previous position as Shelter Coordinator. Finally, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our staff, volunteers and donors during this transition.
This summer, Camp Mennoscah is committed to sharing the camp community and God’s love through videos, a Camp in a Box, and/or activities posted online. The videos and activities posted online will be free. A Camp in a Box will contain a camp tee shirt, crafts, activities, devotions, and nature fun, and cost $40; a tee shirt alone will be the usual prices of $11/$16. To order a Camp in a Box or a tee shirt, go to www.campmennoscah.org
and click on Register Online at the top of the page, or contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290. Orders accepted until June 3. After June 3, please contact Camp Mennoscah.
We have missed our visitors here at the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum, 200 N. Poplar, Goessel, KS. The museum will reopen our doors on Tues., June 2, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Tues.–Sat., all the while being aware and following the Kansas state guidelines. During this pandemic, your safety is as important as preserving our heritage. Plenty of space allows distancing within the eight buildings on the museum campus. Visitors are welcome to wear face masks. Feel free to call first. 620-367-8200. For other information, visit the museum website <www.goesselmuseum.com
>.
A letter from the chaplain of Wheat State Manor is attached, updating owner churches on developments at the Manor, and requesting ongoing prayer:
Weekly spiritual support resources, from MennoMedia (this is the last week for free digital resources from MennoMedia).
Rejoice daily devotionals:
and a compilation of devotionals in the midst of a pandemic, A Time Enduring:
Adult Bible Study, and supplement:
Weekly nurture/faith formation support resources
from MennoMedia: Shine Sunday School lessons: Parents should have access to these.
from Springs Forth: activity page:
Worship Resources: for May 31, 2020 (Pentecost Sunday)
You may wish to print out this order of worship prior to worship, and have any music scores you wish to sing along with available as well. Scans of recommended hymns/songs are attached, should you not have hymnal/supplement books at home. Remember also to have communion elements (bread and juice) available to you as we worship together “virtually.” Note well: Our worship will be “live” this week, not pre-recorded; thus, you will not be able to click on a link at a time of your choosing.
Zoom link: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87200688680?pwd=MTNjdVVCOVpweThkQ2NZb3lCNTB3QT09
>
Meeting ID: 872 0068 8680
Password: 232926
The Zoom meeting will “open” at 10:30 a.m.; you may log on anytime between then and 10:45. Prelude music will begin about 10:40. The meeting host will control the participants’ microphones and video feed (although you should verify that your own microphone is muted); normally only the worship leader(s) or musicians will have a live mic and be displayed. We do anticipate ending with a time of “open” sharing; the meeting host will “call” upon those indicting a desire to share, either by a raised hand, or an indication in the “comments” sidebar.
Prelude Music Carol Klingenberg
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!
All: In the midst of our fears and pain, come!
L: The disciples huddled together in the upper room. Afraid to go out. Jesus appeared.
He showed the marks on his hands and breathed on them. The Holy Spirit came.
All: Breath upon this congregation. Scatter the darkness with your breath.
Infuse us with your life-giving Spirit.
Hymn “Holy Spirit, come with power” HWB #26
Children’s Time Acts 2.1-42: “Happy Birthday!” Rosie Epp
Scripture John 14.25-27; 20.19-23
Meditation “Peace be with you” Rosie Epp
Response Hymn “Spirit of the living God” HWB #349
Offering Mennonite Church USA
Thanks to those who’ve mailed in donations or dropped them by the church; when preparing checks, please make to “Zion Mennonite Church,” and then indicate the designation in the memo line.
Prayer for the World Adapted from Leader (Spr., 2004), 44 Ray Reimer
Look upon us, Lord, and place on us the flame of hope for a world where your love runs rampant,
a home for each child that is caring and safe,
a church that is strong enough to accomplish your mission.
Bless us with the flame of peace:
peace within our hearts, peace among our friends and neighbors,
peace in our workplaces and homes, peace through turmoil, strife and grief.
Remind us again, Lord, that you watch over us and listen to our cries,
that you are the resurrection and the life, that you are near those who are discouraged,
and that you can restore those who have lost hope;
That you are God—Creator, Risen Christ, and Holy Spirit--
the beginning and the end, the hope of the world, the seed of peace. Amen.
Communion Ray Reimer
Words of Invitation
Prayer of Confession (unison): Almighty God, in wisdom and power you have shared your transforming Spirit with us. Forgive our timid and hesitant response. In our fear and doubt we have forgotten both who you are and who we are as your people. You have blessed us beyond our need, but we do not understand your ways. Breathe your Spirit into our weak hearts.
Words of Assurance, and Prayer of Consecration
Sharing Supper with the Lord… and Each Other
Prayer of Dedication
Sending Hymn “The Lord lift you up” SJ #73
Benediction Rosie Epp
Open Sharing / Fellowship
Prayer Notes for the week
• As best we’re aware, members and friends of our church family continue to be reasonably healthy at present.
• Remember Elmo Murray on Monday, as he reflects upon his marriage to Dejah in 1947.
• Give thanks for collaborative efforts among WDC congregations as they have responded to the impact of coronavirus through sharing resources, planning joint initiatives and supporting each other.
• Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Meserete Kristos College which trains leaders for the Anabaptist churches in Ethiopia. Pray that the faculty, staff and students will shine with God’s light in their communities as the college has had to send students home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Help us all to practice social distancing and have the discipline to stay home as much as possible, encouraging others to do the same (without shaming them). And may we have hope even in the face of daunting headlines.
for May 29, 2020
Zion Mennonite Church, PO Box 68, Elbing, KS 67041
(316) 799-2017 zionelbing@gmail.com
Last Week at Zion Mennonite Church
Offering: May 24: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary $105
May 31-to-date: Mennonite Church USA $75
May receipts-to-date for Local Fund ($12,284 needed) $16,474.27
This Week at Zion Mennonite Church
SS classes gather virtually 9-10 a.m., 8:30 p.m., May 31
Pentecost worship with communion via Zoom 10:45 a.m., May 31
Outreach Board meets via Zoom 7 p.m., June 1
Education Board meets at Zion yard 7 p.m., June 2
(Mid-week announcements/devotionals will no longer be circulated)
Zion Zoom gathering for fellowship (link below) 7-8 p.m., June 3
Mowing church and parsonage: Randy Preheim Before next Sun.
Offering: Local Fund Next Sun.
Calendar of Upcoming Zion Events
Governing Council meets (via Zoom?) 7 p.m., June 8
Deacons meet 9 a.m., June 9
(?) Zion summer Business Meeting 9:45 a.m., June 21
Pastors Ray and Rosie’s Schedules: One of them is at the church office some mornings, although irregularly now. You may reach them at by mail to PO Box 393, North Newton, KS 67117, or:
Pastor Ray: (316) 217-2012; text to same; <rreimer76@gmail.com>.
Pastor Rosie: (316) 217-7338; text to same; <rosieepp@gmail.com>.
If they don’t answer the phone, please leave voice messages and they’ll get back to you soon.
Congregational Announcements
Zion and in-person worship: We are grateful that President Trump considers houses of worship an essential service. Because Zion is committed to offering this service to our community in ways that “spread the Gospel, not the virus,” we will continue to follow Kansas’ and Butler County’s guidelines regarding size limits of mass gatherings. As a way of loving the neighbors in our community—particularly those most vulnerable to this illness—we are currently not planning for in-person worship services at Zion until mid-June at the earliest. In the meantime, we are carefully planning for Zion’s “reopening.” Given necessary safety protocols, when we do reconvene, worship will look and feel quite different than what we are accustomed to. As previously announced, initial gatherings will all be outdoors. More info will be forthcoming.
Important Zoom announcement: Zoom has released several updates recently, with major changes: all meetings henceforth require a password, and all Zoom interaction soon will be encrypted (perhaps causing issues for those with slower connections or older devices). You will not be able to log onto Zoom meetings unless you update your app by May 31.
A recurring Zoom meeting for fellowship has been scheduled, open to any Zion members and friends that are interested—the equivalent of a drop in/out coffee fellowship—simply to chitchat, see each other’s faces and hear each other’s voices, perhaps catch up on some news. This will occur for some weeks on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. The Zoom “invitation” is as follows:
Hyperlink: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84589789669?pwd=NTV1VitZL0xDayt2T1duSDRhY3BsQT09
>
(or) meeting ID: 845 8978 9669, and meeting password: 743680
Be part of the socially distanced Western District Conference Annual Assembly online on Aug. 1. (Note: This will replace previous plans for an in-person gathering in Texas). Webinars, worship, Danny Carroll (our keynote speaker), and some time to talk together will all be part of this grand experiment. What can the times we’re living in help us to discover about mission? About God’s love for the exile? We hope it will be possible for small groups to host Assembly watch parties together. If not, we’ll be together in Spirit and over digital media. If you would like to serve as a Zion delegate at this event, please indicate your willingness to the church office, which will pass information along to the Gifts Discernment Group prior to our summer business meeting.
Other Organizations
The Board of Directors of New Hope Shelter, Inc., is pleased to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director, Mr. Brian Bisbee. Mr. Bisbee brings a wealth of experience in business, law, and the non-profit sector. He served as the Executive Director of the Carthage Crisis Center in Carthage, MO for over a decade. We look forward to what the future holds for the shelter under his leadership. He and his wife are relocating from Indiana and his start date is June 8, 2020. After he settles in a bit, we plan to host a “welcome” party so that you will all get a chance to know him. We would especially like to express our gratitude to Mrs. Ashli Teel who has risen to the challenge of Interim Executive Director, and done so with competence and grace. She will return to her previous position as Shelter Coordinator. Finally, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our staff, volunteers and donors during this transition.
This summer, Camp Mennoscah is committed to sharing the camp community and God’s love through videos, a Camp in a Box, and/or activities posted online. The videos and activities posted online will be free. A Camp in a Box will contain a camp tee shirt, crafts, activities, devotions, and nature fun, and cost $40; a tee shirt alone will be the usual prices of $11/$16. To order a Camp in a Box or a tee shirt, go to www.campmennoscah.org
and click on Register Online at the top of the page, or contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290. Orders accepted until June 3. After June 3, please contact Camp Mennoscah.
We have missed our visitors here at the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum, 200 N. Poplar, Goessel, KS. The museum will reopen our doors on Tues., June 2, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Tues.–Sat., all the while being aware and following the Kansas state guidelines. During this pandemic, your safety is as important as preserving our heritage. Plenty of space allows distancing within the eight buildings on the museum campus. Visitors are welcome to wear face masks. Feel free to call first. 620-367-8200. For other information, visit the museum website <www.goesselmuseum.com
>.
A letter from the chaplain of Wheat State Manor is attached, updating owner churches on developments at the Manor, and requesting ongoing prayer:
Weekly spiritual support resources, from MennoMedia (this is the last week for free digital resources from MennoMedia).
Rejoice daily devotionals:
and a compilation of devotionals in the midst of a pandemic, A Time Enduring:
Adult Bible Study, and supplement:
Weekly nurture/faith formation support resources
from MennoMedia: Shine Sunday School lessons: Parents should have access to these.
from Springs Forth: activity page:
Worship Resources: for May 31, 2020 (Pentecost Sunday)
You may wish to print out this order of worship prior to worship, and have any music scores you wish to sing along with available as well. Scans of recommended hymns/songs are attached, should you not have hymnal/supplement books at home. Remember also to have communion elements (bread and juice) available to you as we worship together “virtually.” Note well: Our worship will be “live” this week, not pre-recorded; thus, you will not be able to click on a link at a time of your choosing.
Zoom link: <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87200688680?pwd=MTNjdVVCOVpweThkQ2NZb3lCNTB3QT09
>
Meeting ID: 872 0068 8680
Password: 232926
The Zoom meeting will “open” at 10:30 a.m.; you may log on anytime between then and 10:45. Prelude music will begin about 10:40. The meeting host will control the participants’ microphones and video feed (although you should verify that your own microphone is muted); normally only the worship leader(s) or musicians will have a live mic and be displayed. We do anticipate ending with a time of “open” sharing; the meeting host will “call” upon those indicting a desire to share, either by a raised hand, or an indication in the “comments” sidebar.
Prelude Music Carol Klingenberg
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, come!
All: In the midst of our fears and pain, come!
L: The disciples huddled together in the upper room. Afraid to go out. Jesus appeared.
He showed the marks on his hands and breathed on them. The Holy Spirit came.
All: Breath upon this congregation. Scatter the darkness with your breath.
Infuse us with your life-giving Spirit.
Hymn “Holy Spirit, come with power” HWB #26
Children’s Time Acts 2.1-42: “Happy Birthday!” Rosie Epp
Scripture John 14.25-27; 20.19-23
Meditation “Peace be with you” Rosie Epp
Response Hymn “Spirit of the living God” HWB #349
Offering Mennonite Church USA
Thanks to those who’ve mailed in donations or dropped them by the church; when preparing checks, please make to “Zion Mennonite Church,” and then indicate the designation in the memo line.
Prayer for the World Adapted from Leader (Spr., 2004), 44 Ray Reimer
Look upon us, Lord, and place on us the flame of hope for a world where your love runs rampant,
a home for each child that is caring and safe,
a church that is strong enough to accomplish your mission.
Bless us with the flame of peace:
peace within our hearts, peace among our friends and neighbors,
peace in our workplaces and homes, peace through turmoil, strife and grief.
Remind us again, Lord, that you watch over us and listen to our cries,
that you are the resurrection and the life, that you are near those who are discouraged,
and that you can restore those who have lost hope;
That you are God—Creator, Risen Christ, and Holy Spirit--
the beginning and the end, the hope of the world, the seed of peace. Amen.
Communion Ray Reimer
Words of Invitation
Prayer of Confession (unison): Almighty God, in wisdom and power you have shared your transforming Spirit with us. Forgive our timid and hesitant response. In our fear and doubt we have forgotten both who you are and who we are as your people. You have blessed us beyond our need, but we do not understand your ways. Breathe your Spirit into our weak hearts.
Words of Assurance, and Prayer of Consecration
Sharing Supper with the Lord… and Each Other
Prayer of Dedication
Sending Hymn “The Lord lift you up” SJ #73
Benediction Rosie Epp
Open Sharing / Fellowship
Prayer Notes for the week
• As best we’re aware, members and friends of our church family continue to be reasonably healthy at present.
• Remember Elmo Murray on Monday, as he reflects upon his marriage to Dejah in 1947.
• Give thanks for collaborative efforts among WDC congregations as they have responded to the impact of coronavirus through sharing resources, planning joint initiatives and supporting each other.
• Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Meserete Kristos College which trains leaders for the Anabaptist churches in Ethiopia. Pray that the faculty, staff and students will shine with God’s light in their communities as the college has had to send students home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Help us all to practice social distancing and have the discipline to stay home as much as possible, encouraging others to do the same (without shaming them). And may we have hope even in the face of daunting headlines.
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