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Thank you, Zion Garden Team for our pretty flowers!

August 25 was a day of milestones & music. 7th Grade Confirmation students received Bibles, and Lucia Alejo was baptized into the Body of Christ. Sarah S. was our cantor, and Metro Mix Chorus sang 3 songs for us. Pastor Jennifer preached on Luke 13:10-17: Jesus knows the hardships each of us face and reaches out to set us free.

Sunday, August 25 our 7th Graders will receive new Bibles, and the 8th graders will receive a milestone memento. Starting Confirmation Class is an important milestone in the faith lives of our young Christians.

Lutheran Campus Ministry is planning its Annual Retreat at Camp Shalom on September 20-22. How to sponsor a student: drop off a check made out to "LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY" at Zion or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with "retreat sponsor" on the memo line. Each sponsor will receive a handwritten thank you from their student. Every year, LCM covers the cost of reserving the retreat center + students' lodging for two nights + transportation + food. This year 40-50 students are expected to attend, significantly higher than 4-5 students of five years ago. Students will be asked to contribute $25 towards this cost, which some can't afford. This is why LCM is inviting us to sponsor a student for the retreat. The actual total cost per student for the two-night retreat is around $100. Would you consider sponsoring a student?

Fun fact: Zion’s water fountain/ bottle-filler-upper just hit the 10k mark! Celebrate with us by reusing and refilling YOUR favorite water bottle today too! #lesswaste #drinkwater #zioniowacity

Sunday, 8/18, students, staff & teachers received a Back-to-School Blessing, Flute Choir played, and Carrie H. was our cantor. Pastor Jennifer preached on Luke 12:49-56, saying that Jesus came to shake things up, rather than to maintain the status quo. Jesus's peace is the presence of justice, not the absence of conflict.

On Sunday, 8/11 and Monday, 8/12 Zion volunteers prepared and served lunch for the Free Lunch Program. Being a blessing to others can be fun!

Linda’s installing carpet in the lower level. It’ll be ready in time for Sunday School, which starts 9/8. #zioniowacity

Sunday, 8/11 Pastor Susan preached on Luke 12:32-40, saying that our faith makes us responsive and dynamic when we're out in the world. At her urging, we got to know our "pew neighbors" and discussed the Gospel reading.

Adult Vacation Bible School concludes today. We thank our speaker, Mark Swanson from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Thanks also go out to Kristi F. for organizing the event, the folks who provided food, Werner F. (school supply benefactor), and all the "campers" who came to learn.

There was an historic vote at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly today.

Zion's Quilters are mentioned & pictured in this August 6, 2019 Gazette article: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/community/mercy-iowa-city-hospital-donate-linens-quilts-20190806

On Sunday, August 4 Marv Robeck preached about the importance of achieving balance between living for today and planning for tomorrow, especially regarding sharing our resources. Marv, a Zion member and a retired pastor, often helps lead worship when our pastors are out of town.

"Mental Health and Suicide Risk in Midwest Agricultural Communities" Tuesday, August 6 | 10 AM-12 PM Jean Schwab Auditorium, Coralville Public Library 1401 5th Street, Coralville, IA 52241 RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-and-suicide-risk-in-midwest-agricultural-communities-tickets-65448517277?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Faith communities are commonly the first place people reach out when they are struggling with thoughts of suicide in rural communities Current weather and economic conditions have been placing additional stresses on farmers across rural Iowa, which may threaten the health and welfare our agricultural communities. This presentation will be focused on suicide rates and risk in Midwestern agricultural communities. Topics covered include common stressors, where farmers seek help, and common community members who come into contact with agricultural workers. CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank will present on specific tools and services we support that provide non-judgmental emotional support for members of Midwestern agricultural communities and the ways in which our agency is investing in improved mental health outcomes in rural Iowa. Presenter from CommUnity Colleen McRoberts, Crisis Services Coordinator Co-Presenters from GPCAH Jenna Gibbs, MPH, PhD, Great Plains Center Coordinator, and Rima Afifi, MPH, PhD, Community and Behavioral Health Department Chair, University of Iowa This event is free

What can Christians learn about their own faith through the encounter with Muslims? Join us at Adult Vacation Bible School August 5-9 to learn the anwer to this and other questions. Our presenter is Mark Swanson, professor of Christian-Muslim Studies at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Register online from Zion's website under the NEWS tab, or at the Welcome Center, or register at the door. You need not attend all 5 daily sessions. Please join us when you're available.

On Sunday, July 28 we welcomed 3 children into the body of Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism. Musicians, Jared, Erin, and Lucas shared their talents with us during both services.

BIG THANKS to our Zion volunteers, helping at Table to Table this afternoon! They worked hard to clean the Food Rescue vans as they came back from routes, and prepared them for tomorrow’s routes! This is a GREAT non-profit making a BIG impact in Johnson County. #foodrescue #zioniowacity

It's not too late to sign up for the Zion EWALU Retreat. Bring your whole family or just your wonderful self. Register online from Zion's "News" page or with this link: https://onrealm.org/ZionLutheranIC/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NDc5MjljNTMtMDE3YS00OWQ5LWE5YTEtYWE3MTAxMjhmYjZh

CommUnity's community-wide food drive accepts food & financial donations. Let's step up to the plate.

Sunday, July 21 Pastor Susan preached on Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary, tying it to last week's Gospel on the Good Samaritan. Flutist and Zion member, Jennifer H-F played at both services

Here's a very short clip of the VBS kids singing a song they leared this past week.

The VBS Day Campers and Kool Aides sang after the Preschoolers.

God's even got mosquitos and hedgehogs in his hands!

The chorus of "On Our Way Rejoicing" at the end of 8:15 a.m. Worship today.

Tonight is Jr High Friday Fun Night! We’re at PJ’s house (not at Zion) Text Maggie for the address 😁 #Smores #zionicyouth #zioniowacity

Change of plans for Zion’s Confirmation students today 🙁❄️ #zionicyouth #zioniowacity #itssnowingagain

On Saturday & Sunday, September 22 & 23 we held "God's Work. Our Hands." Volunteers of all ages took part in 3 Lutheran World Relief activities after each worship service. We packed up school kits, tied quilts, and packed up bars of soap. We also made some new friends and the Quilters got 2 new recruits. Blessings all around! Thanks, everyone who gave us a hand!

We celebrated Rally Day, the 1st day of Sunday School after installing 38 teachers, music leaders, and substitutue teachers. Thank you, teachers for your ministry and parents for bringing your chioldren! #GrowingInMission

Zion's hosting 4K for Cancer runners this weekend. They're raising funds and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults by running from coast to coast. Our Angels in Aprons stepped up to organize, prepare, and serve multiple meals for our 27 guests. Angel Shelly said: "The runners are such fun, interesting young people, and it was a pleasure to be with them! They are very thankful for our hospitality. Early tomorrow they'll have a hearty breakfast at Zion before we send them off with the extra food to eat on the way."

The weather for Vacatoin Bible School this week was pretty soggy, but God's grace rains down on us no matter what the weather. We hosted 108 Day Campers and 40 Pre-school children, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the EWALU Counselors, Kool Aides (youth volunteers), and adult volunteers. There was singing and Bible lessons, arts & crafts, and some time playing outdoors.