Newsletters

Godly Stewardship

The Church doesn’t talk about money enough. Perhaps, you disagree. Perhaps, the number of fundraisers, pledges, and offerings presented by your church overwhelms you. You might be annoyed by your church reaching out, time and time again, requesting your money. But this is not what I mean. There is a difference between the Church requesting money from you and the Church talking about money. Really, the Church shouldn’t be requesting money if it isn’t first talking about money.

Good, biblical teaching on money can be hard to find. We err in one of two ways: by speaking too little (not talking about godly stewardship) or by speaking too much (talking about stewardship beyond what is declared in Scripture). Let’s consider both of these faults…

The first way we can err is by speaking too little of finances. Finances are personal, after all. Saint Paul even writes to the Corinthians, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Saint Paul recognizes giving as a matter of the heart. But just because stewardship is a matter of the heart doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be discussed publicly. In fact, this is what Saint Paul is doing to the Corinthians as he is writing! He addresses them in a public manner concerning the things that are private. That which is private must be taught publicly. Furthermore, it is false to assume that the Scriptures speak little about money and stewardship. Jesus, in fact, speaks more about money in his parables than any other topic. Consider the parables of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44), the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46), the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-9), the talents (Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:11-27), and the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35). Money is constantly talked about by our LORD. It is necessary, therefore, that the Church talk about money too.

Now, let’s consider the second way we can err. While it is common to underspeak about money in a church, it is perhaps more common to overspeak. You have heard the phrase “tithe” used upon occasion. It is erroneous to correlate stewardship with a mandated tithe. Tithing was mandated for the people of Israel, not Gentiles. Luther makes this distinction in his sermon “How Christians Should Regard Moses,” delivered in 1525. In his sermon, he declares, “the other commandments of Moses, which are not [implanted in all men] by nature, the Gentiles do not hold. Nor do these pertain to the Gentiles, such as the tithe and others equally fine which I wish we had too” (Luther’s Works: Word and Sacrament I, Vol. 35). To bring mandated practices of the Old Testament and bind consciences with them is to mingle the Law with the Gospel, something we ought not do. Tithing can serve as an example of giving, but it is not binding to the Christian. Poor teaching of the New Testament is also prominent. When we consider parables like the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-9) and the servants who are entrusted talents by their master (Matthew 25:14-30), many have extrapolated (wrongly) a temporal emphasis on stewardship. It has been taught that the amount you donate to the church corresponds to a greater measure of financial success in your future (wrong!). Likewise, it has falsely been taught that you can pay off your debt to God, or your neighbor’s debt, through financial giving (e.g. indulgences). Such false teachings are an abomination and a disservice to the Church. It is true, good stewardship in this time shall reap a reward eternally, perhaps never seen while you live here on earth, but is not capable of redemption. God has chosen to take care of your redemption by the shedding of Christ’s blood alone. Only now, out of God’s overabundant generosity, does He choose to further reward his stewards for their faithful stewarding. This makes stewardship an act of faith flowing from his grace. Stewardship is a trust that the LORD rewards you with the gift of heaven on account of Christ alone, that He will further reward you generously in heaven for your stewardship here on earth, and that He will continue to provide for your necessities in time.

October is a month of finances. Between our upcoming voters meeting (where we will review our 2027 budget), our emphasis on stewardship, and our renewal of pledges, there is no shortage of your church requesting your money. But, if the Church is requesting your money, it must first and foremost be talking about money. Throughout the year, stewardship will be addressed in our newsletters and touched upon in sermons as our lectionary texts present themselves. Our LORD speaks a lot about money. As good stewards, we shall talk about money too. May the LORD grant us hearts that give out of the generosity He has shown us in His Son, and the generosity He continues to give us abundantly in His Word and Sacraments found in Church.

In Christ,

Pastor Greenhagen

The Five Senses in the Divine Service: Sight

"Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).

Last month, my newsletter article centered around beauty in the Divine Service and in the appearance of the sanctuary. The thrust of my article was this: Because God has created all things beautiful and has done all things well, so the Church's worship should strive for beauty and excellence, primarily because of what God is doing for us here at Zion/CTK, but also as an expression of our thanksgiving for His good gifts. With that basic principle in mind, this month I will begin a series on the five senses in the Divine Service, examining the Scriptural testimony of these senses present in worship, and highlighting practices that demonstrate these senses both in use here at Zion/CTK and in congregations around our synod.

This month's article focuses on sight. Next to hearing, seeing is what the Church does most often in the Divine Service. The primary focus of our sight is of course Christ. Scripture calls us to "Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2). This exhortation is primarily one to believe on Jesus Christ to be sure, but nevertheless this verse is also helpful for us to consider when we enter the sanctuaries at Zion and the chapel. In both, you will find a crucifix, an image of our Lord's chief saving work on our behalf. How wonderful it is that not only do we trust in Christ as our only source of salvation thus fixing our eyes on him, but that every time we are in the Divine Service we can literally fix our eyes on the cross of Christ!

This fixing our of our eyes on Christ extends not only to the adornments of the sanctuaries but to the ceremonies that take place during the Service of the Sacrament. Here I am speaking especially of the elevation of Christ's body and blood. You will notice in our Divine Service that after the Words of our Lord are sung over the bread, your pastors will elevate the bread/body of Christ. Likewise, with the chalice of wine/blood of Christ. Finally, both will be elevated together with the pronouncement "The Peace of the Lord be with you always." Following this, we sing the Agnus Dei. Why do we do this? Simply put, because our Lord desires to engage our sight in the Divine Service. When this elevation occurs in the Divine Service we are heeding St. John the Baptist's call to: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" Because the Sacrament of the Altar is where our Lord delivers his gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation won on the cross by the shedding of his blood, it is only fitting that the body and blood in the sacrament are presented before our eyes for us to behold. This elevation of the Lord's body and blood is nothing else than a visual proclamation of the Gospel. This is why in many congregations the pastor will use a larger host called a celebrant host for the elevation of the Lord's body and for the elevation of the body and blood together at the Pax Domini. It is still the same body as the other smaller hosts, but it is simply larger so that one can better see this visual proclamation of the Gospel. Indeed, especially for those whose eyes are beginning to grow dim, the use of a celebrant host can be a great blessing.

So, dear saints, this month as every month, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus. To trust in him for all good things of body and soul, but especially the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, make a point of noticing how your sight is engaged in the Divine Service as the Gospel of our Lord comes to you in numerous ways through His Word and Sacraments. Most especially, I invite you to pay special attention to Service of the Sacrament and behold the Lamb of God who takes away your sins as the host and the chalice are elevated and presented before your eyes. This will only make your eating and drinking that much sweeter.

Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Dunsmore

Early Childhood Center

Growing in Grace This Fall

As we welcome the beautiful season of Fall, we are also seeing wonderful changes in our children. After their first month of school, they are becoming comfortable with our daily routines, using their words to communicate and solve problems, and building friendships. One of the greatest joys for our staff is watching children comfort and care for a friend who may be missing home. These small moments remind us of the love and compassion God is teaching our children each day.

Our Chapel Time this month will continue through the Old Testament. The children will learn how God remained faithful and cared for His people even when they were unfaithful. Most importantly, they will hear that God had already promised a Savior. This points us to the Gospel we are blessed to share with our children: God loves us, keeps His promises, and sent Jesus to be our Savior.

As the weather changes, please send your child with layers for our cool mornings and warmer afternoons. You are welcome to leave a light jacket on your child's coat hook.

Important October Dates

Little Caesars Fundraiser

Orders are due October 4. Online orders may be placed at “Fundraising.LittleCaesars.com/Buyer”

Fundraiser ID: 50154

Group Number: 41258

Pizza pickup will be during the week of October 19.

School Pictures

Pictures will be taken Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29. Order forms and photo release letters will be sent home in early October. Pictures are optional, but please return the photo release form so your child may be included in the yearbook.

SAVE THE DATE! 🎃

Join us at Zion on Sunday, October 25, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. for our Trunk-N-Treat! We will have an inflatable bounce house, games, apple cider, hot chocolate, and other fall treats.

We are thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside your children as they grow—not only in knowledge and confidence, but also in learning about the love of Jesus. Our greatest goal is that every child knows they are loved by God and hears the Good News of Jesus, our promised Savior.

  Classroom Donation Wish List

Donations are always appreciated but never required. If you would like to help support our Early Childhood Center, we could always use:

● Plastic spoons and forks

● Gallon-size Ziploc bags

● Quart-size Ziploc bags

● Sandwich-size Ziploc bags

● Snack-size Ziploc bags

● Facial tissues (Kleenex)

● Paper towels

● Clorox or Lysol disinfecting wipes

● Lysol disinfectant spray

● Hand sanitizer

● Baby wipes

● White cardstock

● Colored cardstock

● Construction paper

● Washable markers

● Crayons

● Glue sticks

● Play-Doh

● Dry erase markers

● Paper plates

● Napkins

Thank you for your support and generosity. We are looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, fun and God’s many blessings.

Sunday School

It's certainly no secret that our God is a God of love, long-suffering and very patient with us as to our sinful nature (2 Peter 3:9-15). His Word makes it clear that He loves the simple faith of youngsters, and we as adults should live with that kind of faith in our lives. To take special care in teaching your children how to talk to God is essential to their spiritual growth.

Rote prayer has it's place, (now I lay me down to sleep . . .) but a maturing child needs to also know how to approach God in a personal way. When life seems unfair, when tragedy strikes a young life, our Lord wants to listen and be a part of one's life. On the other hand, when joy is present, He wants to hear of our happiness as well.

But God is not a genie in a bottle, either. He wants to tend to our needs, but a young one must realize not every prayer is answered in a puff of smoke. Some prayers may even be selfish.

To speak with God is an awesome proposition. He is our omniipotent, omniscient, omnipresent creator. To come before Him is a tremendous privilege, not to be taken for granted by any means. Jesus took it upon Himself to die to save us from sin and enternal punishment. He arose to become our advocate. We no longer need to sacrifice animals to speak to God. His blood has given us access to the awesome Father of all space and time.

In Matthew 18:10-14, there is a beautiful passage regarding the special "Guardian Angels" watching over our 'little ones'.

A child's prayers are very special to the Heavenly Host, hence to God Himself.

We, as well as our children, must realize then just who we are speaking with when we pray. And how much He loves us. It is indeed a most precious thing to be able to come to Him in prayer. Be we three or ninety-nine!

Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

Brad Coulson, Sunday School Superintendent

Pledge Sunday

Pledges brought forward last year will be mailed along with the new pledge form for 2027, in the coming days. On Sunday, October 18, you will be invited to bring your 2027 pledge forward to be placed in the sanctuary for the coming year. There it will serve as a reminder to you of the commitment you have made to your Lord. All pledge forms remain sealed and are returned sealed to those that brought them forward.

Regular Quarterly

Voters’ Meeting

Sunday, October 25

12:15 p.m. at CTK

Each year, the Board of Stewardship is responsible for coming up with a list of Missions of the Month for the following calendar year, to be presented to the Voter's at the regular October Voter's Meeting. If any member of the congregation has a mission they feel should be considered, please reach out to any member of the Board of Stewardship or contact the church office. We would ask that any suggestions be submitted by October 15.

October Mission of the Month

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. The Ranch gives children a safe place to live, learn, and heal. We provide exceptional and innovative trauma-informed care to kids and their families through Residential Treatment Facilities, Outpatient Psychiatric and Psychological Services and Spiritual Life activities. At the Ranch, we create dynamic treatment and education plans for children, specific to the needs of each child and their family. Individualized interventions target each child's specific issues and build on their strengths. Each child's treatment team includes experienced professionals in psychiatry, therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, education, wellness, and spiritual life.

Youth & Family Life News

Euchre Night!

Friday, October 9

6:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church

Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and some Euchre! If you are able, please bring a snack to share. Feel free to bring a friend also. See you there!

Join us for a fun and safe afternoon

at our Trunk-N-Treat event!

When: Sunday, October 25

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Zion Lutheran Church

Bring your family and friends for: Decorated Car Trunks, Tons of Candy, Face Painting, Fun Fall Activities for All Ages! FREE ADMISSION! COSTUMES ENCOURAGED!

Want to decorate a trunk or volunteer?

Contact us at lggrashaw@protonmail.com

Let’s make this an afternoon to remember!

CCI Classes

Both the 4th and 5th graders in Mrs. Davis’s class, as well as the 6th and 7th graders in Pastor Greenhagen’s class will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Zion each Wednesday.

LifeLight Bible Study

Come study the Bible with friends for nine Thursdays beginning Thursday, September 17. Pastor Greenhagen will lead a study of the Gospel of Mark. There will be two sessions: one at 10:30 a.m. at Zion and another at 6:00 p.m. at CTK. Materials can be picked up in the church office at Zion.

Lunch, Silent Auction

and Euchre Tourney Fundraiser October 11

 Grace Lutheran Church (303 Ruth St, Auburn) will be sending a group of volunteers to Puerto Rico to assist the LCMS Missionaries there with planting Lutheran churches in January of 2027. On Sunday, October 11 at 11:30 a.m. Grace will host a Mission Fundraiser consisting of lunch, euchre tournament, and silent auction. So come to Grace in Auburn on October 11 to eat some coney dogs and/or sloppy joes, bid on silent auction items, and/or play some euchre! $5 registration fee to play, 25¢ penalty pot if euchred. We hope that you'll join us in supporting this good cause. See you there!

Blood Drive

Zion Lutheran Church

Tuesday, October 13

11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, log onto RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: Zion) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Fall in the habit of donating! Get a $15 e-gift card when you come to give blood September 21-October 18.

Lutheran Women In Mission (LWML)

Zion Lutheran Women’s Group

Everyday Celebrations

Forever Clean

Of the Word

Imagine being buried in the sand at the beach. It sounds like fun until the weight of the sand becomes oppressive. When your friends pull you out, your first inclination is to jump into the water to be washed clean of all that sand. But getting clean on a sandy beach is nearly impossible. No matter how many times you dunk under water, the sand still clings somewhere on your body.

Without the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, our lives would be buried in sin. No matter how hard we tried, no amount of washing would make us clean. Sin would cling to us like that beach sand. But through His sacrifice on the cross we have been given a new life.

  What a gift we have in Baptism! Through the water and God’s almighty Word we have been washed clean. Christ died to remove the filth of sin forever. We remember our Baptism daily as we enjoy the new life we have been given. We will never be hopelessly buried in sin again!

 Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for cleaning my life in this powerful, mysterious, and effective way. Thank You for daily walking with me in my new life. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

Calendar of Events

MITES: Always looking for loose change.  We will be putting our mite box out the SECOND SUNDAY of the month.   Thank you to those that contributed.  We collected $2,286.85 mites for this past biennium.  How wonderful for us to collect that much for our mission grants!  Praise the Lord! 

LUNCHEON – October 16, 2026, 11:30 am at Panera Bread.  Hope to see everyone there.

Zone Fall Rally – October 17, 2026 – 9:00 am - Prince of Peace, Clare, MI.   Servant Event - Bring your empty RX bottles (with lids) but remove label or take a felt tip marker and block out your name and other material you do not want visible. When medicines are distributed in developing countries, they distribute by hand because there are no containers available.     This also helps to keep waste out of your landfills. A plastic container has been placed at CTK and Zion for collection.  If you need a ride, please meet at Zion Lutheran Church at 8:15 am sharp.  Note the flyer on the bulletin board.

LWML Sunday – October 4, 2026 – LWML Sunday – there will be a display of quilts from the quilting committee.  In order to defray our costs, we are asking $50 for each quilt.  We will once again be giving the CMU students a quilt for free.  There will be a short LWML Michigan District presentation by the delegates, Kathy Tice, Joanne Kinzinger and JoAnn Gust.  The usual Bible Study will be held.  Please bring a snack for the Fellowship Hour.  All proceeds go to Mites.

Orphan Grain Train – Continue to place good clean clothes in the containers at Zion Lutheran and CTK.  Please put in small bags or small garbage bags. 

Facebook Page and Website - We have developed a Face Book page   LWML Zion Lutheran-mpmi.  If you want information posted and do not know how, contact Kathleen Tice at ticekathleen0817@gmail.com. 

NOTE: All future General Meetings will be held at Zion Lutheran and from now on they will be at Zion Lutheran.

“Serve the Lord with Gladness” Psalm 100.

Reformation Sunday October 25

Reformation - Why It’s Important!

For our church, and all Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations, the Reformation is not simply a historical event but the foundation of faith and life. Beginning in 1517 with Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-Five Theses, the Reformation was a call to return to the truth of God’s Word as the sole authority for doctrine and practice. The central message of the Reformation - salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone - remains the heart of LCMS teaching and preaching today. Luther’s rediscovery of the Gospel assures believers that forgiveness of sins is a free gift from God, not something earned by human effort. This truth continues to bring hope and comfort to Christians across generations.

The Reformation also emphasized the importance of Scripture in the life of the Church. LCMS congregations continue this legacy by upholding the Bible as the inspired Word of God, faithfully proclaiming Law and Gospel and teaching the catechism so that all ages may grow in faith. Finally, the Reformation reminds LCMS churches of their mission: to confess Christ boldly in word and deed. Just as Luther and the reformers stood firm for the truth of the Gospel, LCMS congregations are called to share that same Gospel in their communities and throughout the world. In this way, the Reformation is not only a chapter of history but a living heritage that shapes the worship, teaching and mission of every LCMS Lutheran congregation today.

Please join us on October 25 as we celebrate Reformation Sunday!

CTK Monday Lunches 

Please consider volunteering to provide a Monday lunch for our college students. There are sign up sheets at both Zion and CTK, and you may contact the CTK church office with any questions. Thank you!

Men of Zion and CTK!

Men's Breakfast Bible Study is Saturday, October 17, 8:00 a.m. at Zion.

Please join us! Sing inspiring hymns! Enjoy the tasty breakfast! Learn and discuss God’s word!

Stewardship—Now and In the Future

About this time each year, our church sets aside time to talk about stewardship. You may be thinking, “We’ve heard this message before.” And that is true—but sometimes we need to hear things more than once. Repetition can be a good reminder of what is important.

Zion/CTK, our one congregation in two locations, provides ongoing mission and ministry for people at every stage of life—from birth through all the years that follow. We support our called pastors, maintain our buildings, purchase supplies, provide educational opportunities, and much more. The list is long.

We are grateful to each of you for your past contributions—not only your financial gifts, but also your time and talents as you volunteer and serve in the many ministries and positions of our congregation.

We have heard the words before: Stewardship involves our time, our talents, and our treasures. Once again, we will hear what God’s Word teaches us about giving and about how we are called to use the blessings He has entrusted to us. Stewardship is not something we talk about only once a year; it is something we practice throughout the year.

Soon, you will have the opportunity to prayerfully consider and pledge to the Lord what you are able to offer in the coming year. Your gifts of time, talents, and financial resources help Zion/CTK continue its ongoing ministry of Word and Sacrament, as well as the many educational and ministry opportunities we provide.

Thank you for your faithful support and for all that you do to help our congregation carry out its mission—now and in the future. (Dale Gust, Stewardship)

VOCATIONS—Choosing How and Where to Serve

When do parents begin talking with their children about vocations? Is it during early childhood, preschool, elementary school, the teen years—or perhaps not until adulthood?

Today, young people have an incredible number of career choices. But how many parents, youth, or adults realize that the church also offers opportunities to serve God and others through a vocation in professional church work?

Professional Church Work Vocations in the LCMS

Within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), there are many ways to serve through a professional church vocation, including:

• Pastors

• Lutheran school teachers

• Directors of Christian Education

• Directors of Christian Outreach

• Directors of Family Life Ministry

• Directors of Parish Music

• Directors of Church Ministries

• Deaconesses

• Parish nurses

These vocations provide opportunities to use your God-given gifts and abilities in service to the church and to others.

Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is a Synod-wide effort to build a culture of church work formation and recruitment throughout the LCMS. It helps young people, families, and adults learn about the many ways they can serve the church through their vocations.

Whether you are a parent considering possibilities for your child, a young person exploring your future, or an adult wondering how you might serve, take some time to discover the opportunities available through the LCMS.

Learn more about Set Apart to Serve and explore how you or someone in your family might be called to serve:  lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve  (Dale Gust--Stewardship)