WELCOME!! To all our guests and members.  We praise God that you are here today and welcome you in the name of Christ. 

DURING THE PRAYERS you may offer up the names of persons who are sick, suffering, or in need.  Today we especially remember Hilda Schuster as she rests comfortably at home.

THE IMPROVEMENT FUND has a total of $17,700.50.  Thank-you to all who have donated for the painting and carpeting project!  Anyone still wishing to donate Is encouraged to do so.

2008 TIME & TALENT SHEETS– The 2008 Time & Talent sheets were mailed this past week.  We would like each member to complete a sheet and return to the church of and place in the TIME AND TALENT boxes located in the back of the church. As you complete your Time & Talent sheet, do it with a generous heart, filled with love for God  Consider this an honor and an opportunity.  A challenge to serve Him with the special gifts He has given you.

SPECAIAL MUSIC– there is a calendar in the church office for you to sign up for special music this summer.

We would love to hear from you.

ZION MEMBERS! Just a reminder to faithfully read your  Bible everyday.  You are encouraged to use the Chronological Reading Schedule found in the monthly newsletter.

ACTS...The Gospel throughout the world is the new Sunday morning adult Bible study topic.  If you would like to learn more about the birth, life, and development of the early Christian church, this is for you!  All adults are welcome to join with us in the lower level of the church, 8:45 a.m.

FAMILY CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Do you care for a family member in long term care, or who is disabled or suffering from a chronic illness?  Are you struggling to find balance  in your life as a caregiver?  If so, please consider joining us for a time education and fellowship as we celebrate the challenges and joys of being a caregiver.  When: Second Saturday of each month.  Where: Chautauqua Room, Parkview Center 1201 South 9th street. Beatrice.  Time 10:00 to 11:30.  The first meeting is January 12, 2008.  And will be facilitated by Hospital Chaplain Eric Alm.  For more information call 228 8530. 

VBS VOLUNTEERS WANTED !!! We’re looking for energetic Christians to join us in “Discovering Jesus’

Miraculous Power”.  Sign up begins March 30th after church.

VBS will be May 27th through May 30th (Tuesday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

  THE “JESUS” CHAIR.  Beginning this Sunday, you will always see what appears to be an empty chair in the altar area.  That chair is reserved for our Lord Jesus.  It is a reminder that He is here and blesses us with His grace and love as we worship.  As we leave the worship service, He goes with us.  You might consider this same practice in your homes.  At every meal, have a “JESUS” chair… a reminder of His un-ending presence in your life.

REMINDER-to prevent telemarketers from calling your cell phone, call 888-382 1222 .  This will block your number for 5 years.  You must call from the cell phone number you want blocked.  You cannot call from a different phone number. 

This must be done by October 5.

 PORTALS OF PRAYER AND CHRIST IN OUR HOME DEVOTIONALS  are available in the back hallways of the church.

WILLIE & ANNA MEINTS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS are available in the church office and are due back, September 15.  Funds will be paid directly to the student by January 1.

WILLIE & ANNA MEINTS YOUTH ENDOWMENT fund church camp applications are also in the church office for youth members attending church camp.

ELCA WORLD HUNGER-Five million children perish each year from hunger-related illnesses.  These premature deaths are not inevitable.  Thanks to your gifts to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, lives are saved.  LEARN MORE AT www.elca.org/hunger

GAGE COUNTY MAPS COALITION– The Gage County MIP Hotline is an anonymous, toll-free number that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any community member to report instances of underage drinking.  A citizen can simply call 1-888-223-6191  to reach the Gage County Communications Center and report any incidents that involve youth and alcohol. 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS--The church secretary is in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays, 8-12, 1-4.  The phone number is 673-4325. Pastor John's office hours at the parsonage are 9-noon, Mondays-Thursdays.  All other times are by appointment.  The parsonage number is 673-4910.  Fax # 673-433.

EVENTS

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE at Zion Lutheran Cemetery on May 25th starting at 2:30 p.m.  We invite everyone to come out to the cemetery to participate in this service for observing Memorial Day, in honor of those servicemen who have since passed on.

TEX & MARY SCHUTZ will be performing at Zion on June 1st, from 2-4 in the Parish Hall.  Admission is $6.00 for adults and kids 10 and under are free.  Refreshments & door prizes will be offered.  If you have questions call, 228-0137.

A NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY is planned. The present directory is very outdated.  A new directory is needed, especially as we prepare to celebrate the 135th Anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church.  Tentatively, the first photo sessions are scheduled for June 16, 17, and 18.  The second series of photos will be August 14, 15, and 16.  Someone from Olan Mills will be contacting you to make an appointment.  So get those smilling faces ready!  Thank you for participating in this important part of our congregation’s anniversary celebration.

OUR CONGREGATION SUPPORTS and encouraged organ and tissue donation as the ultimate gift from one person to another.  Give the GIFT OF LIFE-please consider becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor.  For more information, go online to www.nedonation.org or call 1-800 718 LIFE.