The Sin of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the baby of our hard sciences and an unbroken chain of sinful scientists. Our education systems have pushed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) since the launch of Sputnik, the Russian satellite, in 1957. The United States has competitively been playing catch-up to the Soviets. But the issue goes deeper, the scientists date back earlier, and this line of sinners originates with Adam and Eve in the Garden.

To be clear, AI is not a sin in itself. You can use AI without offence. Pandora’s box has already been opened, and we cannot undo its scientific begetting. But I do not write this without strong warning. I am less concerned about AI rebelling against mankind and vying for power and more concerned about its depleting of that which is human. Soon, it will likely become impossible to have modern technology without the stain of AI.

AI is not sin, but sin is close at hand. Let us return to humankind’s first sinners: Adam and Eve. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’”(Genesis 1:26-28). God’s creation of mankind is marvelous. God, the magnificent Creator, chooses to make mankind the pinnacle of His creation. He gives man dominion over the earth, and He makes man in His very image; just as the Father is found creating, mankind is given the command to procreate, that is, “Be fruitful and multiple.” God’s command to procreate allows His creatures to “be like God” in a holy and God-pleasing way. It is only two verses after God is found making mankind that He gives man this instruction to make more humans. Procreation, therefore, is an act that mimics God’s own creating. I argue that the pursuit and ongoing use of Artificial Intelligence opposes this holy mandate.

Our unhealthy pursuit of STEM is not new. The book of Genesis records this same sin overtaking mankind after the Flood. The tower of Babel was constructed in an ungodly manner. But why was Babel a sin? The building of towers and the use of science are not the issue. Rather, it opposed God’s mandate to be fruitful and multiple. It overstepped the holy manner in which man was allowed to “be like God” and replaced it with a man-made pursuit. The account of the tower of Babel was so grievous because it directly opposed procreation. No longer were people filling the earth, they were gathered locally. The premise of the tower being built was out of this fear: “lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” The child of science murdered Abel (a Hebrew name meaning ‘breath’). No longer was God’s ordinate kept, man wanted to make a name for himself another way.

With the advancement of technology we see a decrease in childbearing. This is not surprising, but the holy mandate of God to be fruitful and multiple still abides. Artificial Intelligence, mankind’s illegitimate child, begotten as a consequence of our flirtation with STEM, is now vying for the life of human flesh. AI combats that which is intrinsically human, that which has ‘breath.’ No longer does man need to think and reason, he can outsource thought to AI. No longer does man need to problem solve, he can outsource his problem solving to AI. No longer does man need to work (which was given to Adam as a good thing in the Garden), he can outsource his work to AI. Mankind forfeits his God-pleasing work to a servant, thinking he has achieved something great.

What is the solution? AI is being used in everyday devices: phones, dishwashers, TV’s, vehicles, etc. It is impractical to eradicate AI at this point, nor is it necessary. Rather, we must put a limit on our own use of it. We must protect that which is human. We must establish clearly defined boundaries and continue to exercise our thought and problem solving skills. We must cherish work, remembering that work is a good thing. All of this begins with the necessary protection of God’s holy mandate: to be fruitful and multiple. As Christians, we must guard the sanctity of life. Within the bonds of marriage, we must continue to procreate.

In Christ,

Pastor Greenhagen

The Five Senses in Worship: Hearing

Last month, my newsletter article discussed the sense that we use the most in the Divine Service: Our sight. I also focused especially on the visual proclamation of the Gospel seen in the elevation of the Lord's Body and Blood in the Divine Service. This month, it is fitting that we continue our series by drawing our attention to the other sense that we use the most: Our hearing.

The Divine Service is filled with many wonderful opportunities to use our God's gift of our ears. Indeed, the sounds that we hear during the Divine Service are not just any sounds but the sounds of our salvation. The Scriptures themselves speak this way: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17, NKJV). Time and again in the Divine Service the Word of God comes into ears through the Holy Absolution, the Scriptures read, sung, and proclaimed, the climax of the Divine Service when the Lord's Supper is given, and finally, at the end of the service with the words of the Aaronic Blessing. In all these ways, faith is given and faith is strengthened.

Yet, because our Lord is superabundant in giving His gifts, the opportunity for hearing does not stop there. All throughout the Divine Service, the gifts of God are adorned with music and congregational song. Our service even commences with the ringing of the bells. Although Zion and CTK do not have traditional church bells, nevertheless this custom persists through the chimes played by our organists. It is the ringing of bells that I'd like us to consider this month.

The custom of bells adorning the worship of God and the gifts of God goes all the way back to the Old Testament. In Exodus 28 the LORD commanded that the robe of the High Priest be adorned with bells. He says, “And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around. And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he goes into the holy place before the Lord and when he comes out, that he may not die” (Ex. 28:33-35). Here it seems that the bells that were affixed to the robe of the High Priest were meant to call the people’s attention to the work that the High Priest was performing: namely offering sacrifices to the LORD in order that the people of Israel might be cleansed from all sin and impurity. And yet, to be clear, it was really the LORD Himself granting this forgiveness out of His abundant mercy, and the sacrifices were really the Old Testament means of grace. Therefore, though the bells were affixed to the garment of the High Priest, they were really meant to call one’s attention to the work that the LORD was doing through the High Priest. This custom remained as long as there was a High Priest. The bells would continue to call people’s attention to God’s work of cleansing from sins throughout many generations.

That was the Old Testament use of bells. The use of bells did not stop there though. Even though pastors no longer wore bells on their vestments, the use of bells has continued in Christ's Church in different ways. The use of bells that many of us are most familiar with today is the use of bells as a call to worship for the Divine Service. However, there is yet another use of bells perhaps less familiar to some of us, that has also continued in the Church. This is the use of what are called Sanctus Bells. Traditionally, these bells were rung during the elevation of the Lord's Body and Blood, the ceremony we touched on last month. Just as the elevation of the Body and Blood of Christ is a visual proclamation of Gospel, so the ringing of bells during the consecration of the Lord's Body and Blood acts as an additional audible proclamation of the Gospel, namely, that here in the Lord's Body and Blood which you are about to eat and drink Christ is truly present for you, for the forgiveness of sins. If the bells on the High Priest's garment in the Old Testament served to call attention to our Lord's work of forgiving sins and cleansing from impurity, so the ringing of the bells during the consecration and elevation of the Lord's Body and Blood does the same thing for those of us living in the time of the New Testament Church. Indeed, the reason why these bells are called Sanctus Bells is because of the second portion of the Sanctus that we sing during the Service of the Sacrament: "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!" The way in which Christ comes to us is through his Body and Blood united with the bread and wine, therefore the bells have the Sanctus as their namesake. This custom was known to Luther and even commended by him. He writes: "The priest's elevation of the sacrament together with the ringing of the bells, has no other purpose than to remind us of the words of Christ. It is as if the priest and the bell-ringer were saying to us all, 'Listen, you Christians, and see, and take and eat, take and drink, etc.’" (Luther's Works, vol. 43, pp. 173-174). Following these words of Luther, many of our own sister congregations have retained this wonderful custom, and it was even featured at the Divine Service at the MI District All Pastor's Conference!

So, dear friends in Christ, this month, open your ears! Continue to gladly hear the Word of God proclaimed into your ears! Continue to listen to and join your voices with the wonderful hymns of the Church proclaiming the excellencies of God! Continue to joyfully hear the Church bells calling you to the Divine Service and directing your hearts to the same mercies shown to you in Christ that have been shown to the faithful throughout all generations!

“Grant, then, O God, Your will be done,

That, when the church bells are ringing,

Many in saving faith may come

Where Christ His message is bringing:

‘I know My own; My own know Me.

You, not the world, My face shall see.

My peace I leave with you. Amen.’” (LSB 645:5)

Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Dunsmore

Early Childhood Center

Sharing God’s Love and the Promise of Our Savior

As we close the month of October, we give thanks for the opportunity to share God’s Word with the children at Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center. Through stories from the book of Genesis—including Creation, the Fall into Sin, Noah and the Flood, and the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—we have been reminded of both our need for a Savior and God’s unfailing promise to send One. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s love for His people and His plan to redeem us from sin through Jesus Christ. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again, giving us the sure hope of eternal life.

In November, we will continue through the Old Testament with Joseph’s forgiveness, the story of baby Moses, God’s rescue of His people from Egypt, and their journey to the Promised Land. These stories reveal God’s faithfulness, mercy, and mighty power. Just as He cared for His people long ago, He continues to care for us today. Most importantly, these lessons help us see that God’s greatest gift is not simply His earthly protection, but the forgiveness and salvation He freely gives us through Jesus.

The Board of Christian Education and preschool staff extend our heartfelt thanks to our church and Early Childhood Center families for your generous support of our fall Little Caesars Pizza Fundraiser! Together, we raised $1,075 to help provide new playground equipment, classroom toys, and tuition assistance for families. We are grateful for the way our community comes together to support this ministry and its mission of sharing the love of Christ with children and families. Our top sellers will be recognized in their classrooms this month!

Please remember that Zion ECC will be closed November 25–27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The children will enjoy individual celebrations in their classrooms, so please be sure to review your child’s classroom calendar for details. We pray that your families enjoy a peaceful time of rest, fellowship, and gratitude as you reflect on the many blessings God has given us.

Preparing for Advent and Christmas

The Advent and Christmas seasons are quickly approaching! As the children prepare for our upcoming celebrations, we are excited for the opportunity to share the greatest Christmas gift of all: Jesus Christ, our Savior, who came into the world to save us from our sins. Our celebrations are more than songs and traditions; they are opportunities to proclaim the Good News that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son for our salvation.

• Four-Year-Old Class: The children are invited to participate in the Children’s Christmas Service on Sunday, December 13, at 11:00 a.m. here at Zion. Families are invited to stay afterward for a birthday cake fellowship as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. Please mark your calendars!

• Three-Year-Old Class: The children will present a short Christmas Song Service on Thursday, December 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the gym, followed by a brief time of fellowship. Additional details and sign-up sheets for parent volunteers will be shared soon.

As we enter this season of thanksgiving and joyful anticipation, may we remember that every blessing we receive is a gift from our loving God. At Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center, our greatest privilege is to nurture children in a loving, Christ-centered environment where they can grow in faith and hear the life-giving message of the Gospel.

Jesus came for us. Jesus died and rose again for us. Through Him, we are forgiven, redeemed children of God, and heirs of eternal life. This is the Good News we are blessed to share with every child and family entrusted to our care.

May God bless your families with thankful hearts and fill your homes with the peace and joy that are ours through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Sunday School

A young man once came home from Sunday School with a bit of quizzical reasoning. He told his dad, "Jesus must be really tiny. My teacher says he lives in my heart." What a wonderful concept for a young mind to ponder! But even adults have a difficult time understanding the Holy Spirit. We can begin to grasp our Father in Heaven as the Almighty Father, we can picture God as a father figure. Although we might often imagine God the Father as a white-bearded figure with colossal personage, God is also Spirit, who we cannot see. Also, Jesus, the Son, is easily imagined from thousands of artistical interpretations as the earthly incarnation of God.

But, trying to picture the Holy Spirit comes a little harder. When a child is taught of the Holy Ghost, well, we know what ghosts look like - white and spooky . . . Perhaps the Holy Spirit has no physical appearance. But the important thing for a child to understand is that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are One, the Trinity. The Holy Ghost enters into our hearts when we are washed of our sin through baptism in Christ Jesus. Once this takes place the Spirit lives within us, and the Son and the Father as well. They are three, but One, making our bodies a Holy Temple where God lives in our heart twenty-four, seven!

Brad Coulson

Sunday School Superintendent

Children’s Christmas Service

Sunday, December 13, 11:00 a.m. at Zion

Practices for the program will be Sunday, December 6, at 10:30 a.m. following Sunday School. (grades 1 though confirmation class) and on Sunday, December 13 at 9:45 a.m. (all participating children) until the service begins at 11:00 a.m.

TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

YOUTH & FAMILY LIFE

Apple Pie Day Saturday, November 7

If you have not ordered your apple pies please do so ASAP!

You may call the church office at 989-772-1516.

Pies are $12.00 each or 3 for $30.00.

Pie making will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. Youth and any volunteers are reminded to help set up for Pie Day on Friday, November 6, at 6:00 p.m. All ordered pies need to be picked up on November 7, between 10:00 a.m. and NOON. The youth group is most appreciative of your continued support. If you are interested in helping in any way on Pie Day, please contact Luke Epple Jr., 989-944-5426, or call the church office, 989-772-1516. It is always a fun and enjoyable time!

November Mission of the Month

Christmas Outreach

Our Christmas Outreach provides assistance for needy families in Isabella County. Financial donations are needed to purchase items that are difficult to collect and cover the purchase of food. We have once again been asked by Christmas Outreach to participate in the coat drive portion of Christmas Outreach this year. We are in need of winter coats for adults and winter coats and snow pants for children. Please consider helping this year as you have in the past. You may purchase new coats or raid your closet for like-new coats that you are no longer using. Please consider applying for an Action Team grant if you are a Thrivent member. You can also make a cash donation at the church office or to Wayne Kiefer. Checks are also welcomed, but should be made out to Wayne Kiefer, not Zion. The coats will be hung on the north coat rack at Zion. Thank you in advance for supporting this effort again this year. Contact me or the church office if you have any questions.

Wayne E. Kiefer

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Wednesday, November 25

5:30 p.m. at Zion

Nurses' Note

Are you concerned with healthy eating with the upcoming holiday? Here are a few tips and a recipe that will help us stay within our own guidelines.

Proverbs 25:16: "If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit”.

Eat balanced meals throughout the day and practice portion control to stay healthy during the holiday season.

Before You Eat

Do not skip meals: Eat a small, protein-rich snack or regular meal (like fruit, a small sandwich, or vegetables with hummus) before a party so you do not arrive starving.

Survey the table first: Look over all the food options at a buffet before loading your plate so you can choose your actual favorites.

Hydrate with water: Drink a glass of water before sitting down to help manage your appetite and stay full.

Building Your Plate

Fill up on produce first: Cover half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables and fruits to get fiber and nutrients.

Select lean proteins: Choose turkey, chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils, and trim visible fat.

Use smaller portions: Take small tastes of high-calorie holiday favorites and treats instead of large helpings.

Bring a healthy dish: Offer to bring a nutritious, vegetable-based or lower-sugar dish to share with the host.

Smart Recipe & Drink Swaps

Bake with better ingredients: Cut sugar by one-third to one-half or substitute unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for part of the butter or oil.

Choose whole grains: Swap white flour or white rice for whole-wheat flour, brown rice, or oat flour.

Limit liquid calories: Choose water, sparkling seltzer, or unsweetened tea over sugary lunches, eggnog, and heavy cocktails.

Moderate alcohol: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

Mindful Eating & Lifestyle

Pace yourself: Chew slowly and take your time; it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize your stomach is full.

Stay active: Go for a family walk, dance, or play a game after a large meal to aid digestion and keep your energy up.

A simple, low-calorie glazed carrot recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb baby carrots

½ cup water

1 tbsp honey

Dash of cinnamon

Dash of salt

Instructions

Simmer the carrots: Place the baby carrots in a saucepan over medium-high heat with the water, cinnamon, honey, and salt.

Cook down: Cover or cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the carrots are tender.

Glaze: Remove or lower the heat to let the remaining liquid evaporate completely, leaving a shiny glaze coating the carrots. Serve warm.

God Bless,

Phillis Daws BSN, RN

zionparishnurse@gmail.com 989 621 8583

Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML)

Zion Lutheran Women's Guild

The Race of Faith

Continuing to Train — Do Not Stumble

In the Word 

I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble (Proverbs 4:11–12).

Of the Word 

Have you ever fallen flat on your face while running? It could have been the uneven terrain. Maybe you got tangled up with someone or something. Or you just simply tripped over your own feet. But it was one of those falls where you didn’t even think to look around to see if anyone else saw what happened. You were just so stunned to be on the ground in the first place. We have those kinds of falls every day. Things are going great and suddenly something awful or surprising happens. We are stunned to find ourselves flat on the ground in pain or humiliation. This is when faith becomes more than just a word. As we run the race of life, faith in the promises and work of God will keep us upright. Then when something awful or surprising happens, we will have God’s solid Word to hold onto as we pass through uneven terrain.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, guard my path and keep me upright. Through Your Holy Spirit, increase my faith so that I may have Your solid promises to hold onto when I begin to stumble. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND OTHER NEWS

November 2026

Mites: Always looking for loose change.  We will be putting our mite box out the SECOND SUNDAY of the month at both CTK and Zion Lutheran. This was a great year for LWML mites.  We collected $2,287 so far this year.  We thank our members and all who have contributed to the mites this year.

Bonnie Mauk Estate Sale: The amount we netted was $4,100.  The Stewardship committee will decide where the money should go.  LWML would like to purchase paraments for Zion and CTK.

 LCMSU Cookie Decorating – November 9, 7:00 p.m.  We are looking for volunteer bakers to please bring at least 10 dozen cookies to CTK on either Sunday or Monday, November 8 or 9, to be decorated by our LCMSU students at their student gathering. These cookies are for our Cookie Walk on December 5. Thank you so much. 

General Meeting – November 14, 9:30 a.m. breakfast brunch.  REMEMBER, it is at Zion.  Kathy Tice and Phillis Daws are hosting.  There will be lots of business to discuss.

Luncheon – November 20, 11:30 a.m. at Olive Garden.  Our attendance has been low. We hope to see more of you there.  RSVP, if possible, to JoAnn Gust 989 506 6027.

Baby Shower – All ladies of Zion and CTK are invited to an “Open House for Baby Dunsmore” on November 22, 1:00 p.m., at CTK. The Dunsmores are registered at Target and Amazon.  It will begin with a luncheon at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. with fellowship. Opening gifts after 2:00 p.m.  We will need everyone to RSVP to JoAnn Gust 989-506-6027 or gust1jd@cmich.edu or Ann Hayes 989-289-5949 or hayes.ann.m@gmail.com.

Christmas Decorating - December 3, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion.

Christmas Cookie Walk Set up for Tables - December 4, at 400 p.m. at Zion.

Cookie Walk/Craft Show - December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Christmas Party - December 12, 10:00 a.m. at Zion. Breakfast brunch and maximum $20 gift exchange.  All ladies are invited; please invite others to come.

We still are in need for someone to chair the Christmas Cookie Walk.  Any volunteers?  For information, please contact JoAnn Gust, 989 506-6027 or gust1jd@cmich.edu.

Update on Quilts: The quilting group had 104 displayed quilts; sold 20.5 and gave away two.  Thank you to all that purchased a quilt or made a donation. 

Soap Bars: The Lutheran World Relief has stopped taking donations for the soap bars, so 76 bars of soap were taken to the Care Store located in Strickland Center.  We will continue to collect soap bars to be taken to the Care Store or sent to Lutheran World Relief.

Our Mission Gifts:

·       $321.26 (mailing of the medicine bottles)

·       $1000.00 to Samaritan Fund (Zion)

·       76 bars of soap for Care Center, Mt. Pleasant

·       82 quilts to Orphan Grain Train

·       $2,287 for mites

Orphan Grain Train: Please continue to place good, clean clothes in the containers at Zion Lutheran and CTK.  Please put in small bags or small garbage bags.  The clothes and quilts will again be taken to Orphan Grain Train by Mike Walton and Dale Gust.   Thank you to Dale and Mike for doing this.

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 Kathy Tice at ktice@zionmpmi.org. Our Zion/CTK church webpage is zionmpmi.com.

"Serve the Lord with Gladness" Psalm 100:2

CTK Altar Care

Please contact Kathy Tice (989-773-5050 or ktice@zionmpmi.org) if you are able and willing to set aside about 15 minutes a week to set up communion for a month at a time at CTK. This is not a difficult job and you need not worry about taking communion down. Kathy does that on Mondays.

Surviving the Holidays

November 8 at Grace Lutheran Church

Are you dreading the approaching holidays because of the death of a loved one? You're not alone. Come to Grace Lutheran Church (303 Ruth St, Auburn) on Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m. to be comforted and encouraged. We'll meet in Grace’s library to explore Surviving the Holidays—a resource program from GriefShare—together to help guide you through this season. The materials are free, and all are welcome to attend; no registration needed. Questions? Call Grace's church office at 989-662-6161.

The first Sunday in Advent this year is November 29

Midweek Advent services will begin

Wednesday, December 2, 5:30 p.m. at Zion

CTK Monday Lunches 

Sign up sheets are at both Zion and CTK to volunteer to provide a Monday lunch for our college students. You may also contact Kathy at CTK (989-773-5050). Thank you!

Men's Breakfast Bible Study

Saturday, November 14, 8:00 a.m. at Zion

LCMS-U Fall Retreat

November 20-22 

Christ the King Lutheran Chapel

Description: Since its beginnings, Islam has posed significant theological and historical challenges to Christianity. This seminar will explore the history and central teachings of Islam while offering practical insights for Christians seeking to engage thoughtfully and charitably with their Muslim neighbors, friends, and classmates. Participants will be better equipped to share the Gospel clearly and confidently and to give a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15). 

Schedule: 

Friday, November 20

8:00 p.m. Compline

8:45 p.m. Snacks and Social Time

Saturday, November 21

7:30 a.m. Matins

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Muhammad and the Tradition of Islam/Q&A

10:30 a.m. Break

11:00 a.m. The Theology of Islam/Q&A

12:30 p.m. Lunch

2:00 p.m. The Basics of Christian-Muslim Dialogue/Q&A

3:30 p.m. Vespers

4:00 p.m. Free Time/Dinner on Your Own

4:00-5:00 p.m. Private Confession and Absolution

7:30 p.m. Evening Prayer

Sunday, November 22

10:00 a.m. Bible Study (Adam Francisco) @ Christ the King Lutheran Chapel

11:00 a.m. Divine Service

Speaker: Dr. Adam Francisco, 1517 Scholar-in-Residence

End-of-Life Decisions: A Matter of Faithful Stewardship

It is never too early—or too late—to begin thinking about end-of-life decisions. Regardless of our age or stage of life, preparing for the future is an important part of being a good steward of the blessings God has entrusted to us.

Making preparations may include writing a will, planning your estate, establishing a trust, or setting aside funds to designate for specific purposes. These steps help ensure that your wishes are known and that your loved ones have guidance when the time comes. Without proper planning, important decisions may be left to the courts or determined by state law rather than your personal wishes.

Faithful stewardship also extends beyond caring for our families and personal affairs. It includes considering how we can continue to support the ministry and mission of our church. One of the bylaws of our Board of Stewardship states that its responsibilities include:

“Study various ways and means by which members may contribute to the work of the Church through endowments, wills, bequests, etc.”

Through thoughtful planning, we have an opportunity to provide for our loved ones while also leaving a legacy of faith and support for the work of the Lord through His Church.

If you have questions about making these arrangements, consider speaking with a trusted attorney, financial advisor, or other qualified professional. You may also wish to speak with your pastor or a member of the Board of Stewardship to learn more about ways to support the ongoing ministry of our congregation.

Don't put off what you can prepare for today. Whether you are young or old, take the time to make your wishes known and prayerfully consider how the blessings God has given you can continue to serve others in the years to come.

Faithful stewardship is not just what we do with what God has given us today, but also how we prepare to bless others tomorrow.

Board of Stewardship

Calling All Potential Voters of Zion Lutheran Church!

Be Informed. Be Involved. Help Shape the Future of Zion.

As members of Zion Lutheran Church, we share a common faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the ministry He has entrusted to us. One important way we can support that ministry is by participating in the Voters Assembly, where members can have the opportunity to help guide the business and direction of our congregation.

When Zion Lutheran Church was established, its Constitution and Bylaws were adopted to provide a foundation for our congregation. The Constitution outlines what we believe, teach, and confess, while the Bylaws establish how we conduct the business of the church and carry out our shared responsibilities. According to Zion’s Bylaws, members who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to join the Voters Assembly.

What Does the Voters Assembly Do?

The Voters Assembly meets four times a year to conduct important congregational business. Its responsibilities include:

• Approving resolutions and amendments to the Bylaws.

• Electing church officers and other designated leaders.

• Reviewing the treasurer’s report and other financial matters.

• Receiving reports from the boards and committees elected by the congregation.

• Considering other matters that affect the operation, ministry, and future of Zion Lutheran Church.

The Voters Assembly provides an opportunity for members to stay informed, ask questions, share thoughtful perspectives, and participate in decisions that affect our congregation. While not every member is required to become a voting member, those who do not participate leave these decisions to those who attend and vote.

Becoming a voting member is one way to take an active role in the life and stewardship of your church. It is an opportunity to support the work of the congregation, encourage its leaders, and help ensure that important decisions are made with care, prayer, and a shared commitment to our Christian faith.

How Can You Become a Voting Member?

If you are 18 years of age or older and would like to become part of Zion’s Voters Assembly, we encourage you to take the next step!

Please join us at the next Voters Assembly meeting on the last Sunday in January, 2027 at Christ the King (CTK), following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Other meetings are in April, July, and October.

Simply let Dale, our Executive Director, know that you would like to join the Voters Assembly. Your request will be presented to the assembly for approval by resolution, and you will be asked to sign the official membership register.

Please note that, under the current procedure described above, voting privileges for new members begin at the next Voters Assembly meeting following approval of membership.

There is no initiation fee or special ceremony required—just a willingness to participate and an interest in the ministry and future of Zion Lutheran Church.

We encourage every eligible member to prayerfully consider becoming part of the Voters Assembly. Your presence matters, your questions are welcome, and your participation can help strengthen the ministry we share.

As we work together in faith and Christian love, may we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all that we do, giving thanks for the opportunity to serve Him and one another.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Voters Assembly!

Dale Gust

Executive Director