Hilltop Headlines
May 15, 2022
Serving this Week
8am:
Elders: Roy Capdeville, Dave Rowland
Greeter: Virginia Lloyd
Audio:
Tech Director: Cody Stephens
10:45am:
Elders: Al Barton, John Buser
Greeters/Ushers: Peggy Lemanski, Candy Bleeke, Chelsea Whittington
Parking Lot/Golf Cart: Bert Holmstrom
Hilltop Cafe': Sona Holmstrom
Connections Coordinator: Jenny Kinard
Presentation: Chelsea Whittington
Camera: Alisha Johnson
A Return of Our Blessings
Offerings/Electronic Giving: Home $5,540; General $8,615.48; Cemetery Fund $40; Pam Hight Scholarship Fund $50; Concordia Univ. Scholarship $100; Missions $55; Major Repairs $50; Learning Legacy Endowment $105; CHS Scholarship $50; Capital Campaign $780; Sunday Attendance: 8am - 110; 10:45am - 246.
10% of General Funds go to the following organizations: TX Dist LCMS, The Caring Place, CHS Round Rock, LINC Austin, The Locker, Upbring, Faith in Action and Concordia University: $957.28
Voters Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Voters Meeting will be Sunday, May 15 at 2pm in the Worship Center. Childcare will be provided in the Gym. See Voter Packet in the button below. A few hard copies will be provided.
Vacancy Pastor Update
Greetings Zion Congregation,
With the retirement of Pastor Davenport prior to the completion of the ongoing Senior Pastor call process it has become necessary to seek a Vacancy Pastor to assist with necessary pastoral duties. The Senior Pastor Call Committee requested and received a list of local LCMS pastors that might be available to fill this position. After reviewing the list, associated documentation and contacting the pastors listed, the Call Committee recommended to the Board of Elders that Rev. Dr. David Kluth be engaged to fill this position. The Board of Elders approved this recommendation which was then forwarded to the Church Council which also approved. As a result, Pastor Kluth has been engaged to fill this position until the Senior Pastor vacancy can be filled. Pastor Kluth’s first day on campus will be Thursday 5/12/2022. Please join us in making 'Pastor Dave' feel welcome as we are thankful for his willingness to serve in this capacity.
Zion Senior Pastor Call Committee
Chad Mathews – Chair
*Please make an effort to wear your Zion nametag to help Pastor Dave learn faces and names.
Help Needed
After School Care is in need of extra paid help, for the rest of the school year. The hours are Mon-Fri 3:00-6:00pm. We are flexible with hours and the days that you are available. If you are a school parent that is interested, your child would be able to attend After School Care with you for free. If you have extra time on your hands, we would love to have you join us out in After School Care. If interested, please contact Sheri Fischer sheri.fischer@zionwalburg.org or Shelli Kasper shelli.kasper@zionwalburg.org.
Thank You from Pastor John and Lynn
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Words fall far short for Lynn and my expressions of our gratitude. Thank you, thank you for the
incredibly generous Germany Trip, the Cash Gift and the wonderful luncheon/program
last Sunday, May 1. The family and I are still talking about it.
Step confidently into the amazing future God has prepared for you!!!
God bless and keep you, one and all.
Pastor John and Lynn Davenport
John 8: 31, 32
HS Graduate Recognition
Please join us in congratulating the Zion High School Graduates of the Class of 2022! You can learn more about these amazing young men and women here: https://www.smore.com/gmbz3. Everyone is invited to a cake reception in the Lobby at 10-10:30 a.m. this Sunday, May 15 to share well wishes with the graduates. We will recognize them in the 10:45am service and they will be presented with a special gift from Zion. We hope to see you there!
School Band Concert
The Zion School Band, under the direction of Diane Andersen, will be performing Sunday, May 15 at 12:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited. A light meal will be provided following the 10:45 worship service.
Elder Encouragement for May
First of all, thank you to all who donated to Pastor John's retirement gift! You are extremely generous and we are humbled by your gifts. The memories that John and Lynn will share through this trip will last many years and remind them always of Zion! Thank you again!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13
A familiar verse for us, but so appropriate as we move forward at Zion without Pastor John, and searching for a new leader. God has blessed this congregation with a long tenured leader who has helped us through good times and bad times. He has provided a solid foundation for us, he has been a consistent presence at Zion that we could always rely on. But his time as our leader has concluded and now we search for another.
The Elders would like to encourage each of you to keep the Zion call process in your prayers. God has said that we need to seek him and ask for his guidance because he has a plan for Zion moving forward and it's a plan that will lift us up and strengthen our commitment to spreading God's word!
We ask also for your prayers for Pastor Kevin and all those who will help serve in the coming months. They will have added responsibilities and will need God's hand holding theirs as they carry out Zion's ministry in the interim. Please reach out to your elder if you are in need of any assistance. As we move through this transition, we ask for your patience (and maybe some extra notification) so we are sure to meet your needs.
Zion's future leader is waiting; let's all pray God will notify him that his time has come!
-Zion Elder BoardNEW 2-Week Bible Class
All are welcome to a new 2-session Bible Class beginning May 15. We have Studied all the lessons regarding The 5 Love Languages and encourage anyone interested to come to Room 22 at 9:30am for the May 15 and May 22 Connection Hour Sessions. We will offer a two week Biblical review of the Book of Daniel since we are in a Sermon Series about Daniel.
Led by Daniel Cowan
Correction from the Senior Pastor Call Committee:
In the previously posted Senior Pastor Nominees List it was reported that Pastor Vic Belton was serving in Brownsville, TX. This was incorrect, he actually last served Concordia Lutheran, Bronxville, NY.
Chicken Foot Dominoes Saturday, June 11!
All adults are invited to come join us for an evening of fun, food and fellowship Saturday, June 11, from 5-8pm in the Zion Gym.
What to bring:
A dish to share - finger foods such as sandwiches, rollups, veggies, fruit, cookies
A gift to share with Jarrell Food Pantry such as sugar, shortening or oil, coffee, ramen noodles, Hamburger/Tuna Helper, spices, Bisquick, cornbread mix, or money for them to purchase canned goods.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Zion Evening Circle, LWML
Zion's new website has launched!
We designed it with you in mind, so please let us know what you think! Our hope is that it is more user-friendly and easy to navigate. A huge thank you to our partners with Ekklesia360, and Samantha Amidon and Cody Stephens for photos and video.
A Message From the Principal
Teachers
The Call Committee has worked with the Board of Christian Education and the Zion Church Council to proceed with the Calling of two teachers and contracting the third – for grades 1, 3, and 4. We hope to be able to announce in the very near future, some of our new teachers for next year. A vote will take place in our congregational Voters’ Assembly this coming Sunday.
Val/Sal
Please join us in celebrating these two amazing students in our 8th grade class:
Kayla Scott – Valedictorian
Ellie Linebrink – Salutatorian
Both will speak to their classmates and to all in attendance at graduation on the evening of the 25th.
Classroom moves – and Moving Forward
Last fall we shared with all of you that we were hoping to add 96 seats to be able to expand our student body – as more and more families have been seeking Christian education through our school. We were not able to quite reach that desired number, but we have added 48 seats to help accommodate our growth. The Zion Church Council has appointed a Long-Range Planning Committee to begin to plan out future expansion. To make the 48 seats possible, we must make many moves within the current facility, before the new school year.
We are looking for a Champion (coordinator) to take the lead in assisting with all the details that go into moving spaces, offices, classrooms, and in creating multi-purpose spaces. This person would direct the move, under the guidance of the Principal. Please contact Mr. Wrege if you are interested. thomas.wrege@zionwalburg.org
Camp Zion
Our numbers continue to climb. We still have much more capacity. Please consider signing up for one or more of the weeks of Camp Zion. The kids always genuinely enjoy these days on our campus, field trips, many faith lessons, and making new friends. 248 campers are already signed up!
Graduation
Two graduations will take place in our worship center on the 25th of this month. The two Kindergarten classes will begin at 5:30 pm and the 8th grade class will begin at 7 pm. Both are in the Worship Center. All are invited to these incredibly important services.
Last Day
Our last day of school will be the 26th of May. Our closing chapel service will be on this day, at the normal 8:15 am. Afterward, we will give out our Citizenship Awards, the highest in our school. To God be the glory!
Lunch on the Last Day of School – 12:30 Dismissal
Parents are asked to prepare a sack lunch for their students on the last day of school, as the cafeteria will be closed. An exception to this will be that some teachers are preparing and/or are being creative to have a lunch option. Get with your child’s teacher if you have questions.
D.A.R.E. Graduation
Our sixth grade classes have been blessed for many years with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office Department providing the D.A.R.E. Program to our school. Deputy Kreidel has been with us our students this entire time and he has dutifully taught our children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and how to resist. He will lead us in a graduation ceremony for our sixth graders Monday the 16th, right after school begins.
Thank You – Teacher Appreciation!
We were once again overwhelmed by your many words of encouragements, gifts, goodies, a meal by our Board of Christian Education, lots of fun stuff brought to us by our Parent Teacher League, and so much more. We are blessed by you!
New Web Site
Thanks to the Broecker family and to the team led by Josh Wilmoth and Stephanie Sauls – to provide a brand new web site for our church and school. Take a look: https://www.zionwalburg.org
AmazonSmile Gives Back to Zion
Next time you decide to order from Amazon, change it up and go to AmazonSmile instead. This part of the organization allows you to name a nonprofit. You can add “Zion Lutheran School” and a portion of your purchase will come right back to our school.
Communion Assistants Needed
Stretch and Strength Fitness Class
Come check out this new class being offered at Zion - bring a mat or towel, a water bottle and a smile. Tuesdays 9-9:45am in the Worship Center. All ages, stages and genders welcome! Contact betzi@keltondeck.com if you have any questions.
Camp Zion- Summer 2022 - Sign Up Now!
CAMP ZION 2022 – We are so excited for another Summer on the Hilltop.
If you have a child/children ages 4 to 12, they are eligible to participate.
June 6-10…MISSION POSSIBLE
June 13-17…ANIMAL KINGDOM
June 20 – 24…TREASURE HUNTERS
June 27 – No Camp This Week!
July 5 – 8…STARS & STRIPES FOREVER!
July 11 – 15…CASTAWAY CHRISTMAS
July 18 – 22…SUMMER REWIND
Each week is filled with arts & crafts, teambuilding, Lego challenges,
cooking activities, field trips & Kona Ice. Registration begins March 1st.
HOURS & RATES
7 am – 3 pm ($160/week)
7 am – 6 pm ($210/week)
Drop-Ins ($55.00/day)
Any questions, contact Director Rhonda Schwertner at
rhonda.schwertner@zionwalburg.org
Or… call at 512.639.9449
Camp Zion - Volunteers/Staff Needed!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT CAMP ZION … We are looking for kid-friendly individuals who desire to make an impact by volunteering their time this summer. If you love to hang out and inspire young children, and share your faith, we have an exciting opportunity for you! If cooking hot dogs on a grill is your talent, we would love to have you for our Cook-Out week. Summer camp is a total of six weeks (SESSION 1 is June 6 – 24 & SESSION 2 is July 5 – 22). All applicants must pass a background check. For more information, please contact Rhonda Schwertner @ Rhonda.schwertner@zionwalburg.org
SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY AT CAMP ZION: We are looking for mature, responsible, kid-friendly individuals to work as counselors at camp this summer. If you love to share your faith while leading and inspiring young children, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must pass a background check. Summer Camp 2022 is a total of six weeks (SESSION 1 is June 6 – 24 & SESSION 2 is July 5 – 22). To apply please contact Rhonda Schwertner @ Rhonda.schwertner@zionwalburg.org
Community Food Drive
As the Zion Mission Board continues to reach out to our local communities who may be unable to satisfy their own nutritional needs, Zion Church families have the opportunity to donate NON-PERISHABLE food items Sunday, April 24 through Sunday, May 15. All items collected will then be taken to the FM 971 (Country Glen) mobile home community for distribution. If you are interested in helping the Mission Board with the distribution, please contact Patty Loutherback at 512-695-6140. Look for a collection table in the Church Narthex.
Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Event
IRON SHARPENS IRON Men's Ministry will be having the next event on Sunday June 12th, from 5:30-7:30 at the home of Scott Linebrink. ALL men are invited to join us for an evening of fellowship, meal and devotion! There is no cost. Come and enjoy the evening with us!
Scott Linebrink's address is 2301 CR 156, Granger, TX 76530 (south of Zion near Weir)
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
Click below for more info:
For planning purposes please RSVP to the link above or respond to:
Greeting Cards
Mother’s Day, Graduation, Congratulations and other greeting cards are available at the Card Ministry cabinet. Cards are $0.50 or $6.00 for a box. Thank you from Zion LWML Evening Circle.
Nursery Help Needed
VBS Registration Station
Calling all Zion servants!
Zion Children's Ministry needs your help!
Would you please prayerfully consider volunteering at Monumental VBS? This is an amazing opportunity to connect, grow and serve right here on the Hilltop. It has been said that VBS is a year's worth of ministry packed into one week. We need YOU to make this a meaningful and memorable experience for the children of Zion and our community. Here are some examples of how we can plug you into this incredible Children's Ministry Event!
Planning, Preparation and Decorating: Do you love crafts, constructing and decor? Prefer to stay behind the scenes during VBS? We will need volunteers to help set up, create/paint decorations, and then decorate the church for VBS.
Crew Leaders: Crew leaders guide their Crew, of 8-10 children, through the activities, facilitate discussions and join in the VBS fun! No prep work needed- just a love for children.
Station Leaders: Station leaders oversee the different stations that the VBS Crews will go through each night. Examples are Bible Adventure Leader for 1st through 5th Grade, Oasis Tastes Snacks Leader, KidVid Cinema Leader and Loco Motion Games Leader.
Student Assistant Leaders: Incoming 6th grade through High School youth may volunteer to assist with VBS. Our Junior High and High School volunteers were incredibly helpful, responsible, and engaging during 2021 VBS. Before registering your student as a volunteer please make sure they know this is a service/leadership opportunity where they will be setting an example for young children.
Check-In Team: Assist with check in each day, passing out name badges and helping VBS participants get safely to their Crew. We will need a few volunteers who are willing to stay at this station throughout the night in case parents have questions or need to pick up a child.
Clean-Up Crew: Tear down and clean up team needed on Friday July 1st.
Pray: Our Zion VBS Prayer Guide is available now. We ask that our church family joins us in prayer for a fun and meaningful Vacation Bible School.
Please contact Rachel Mayberry, Director of Children's Ministry, with any and all questions!
rachel.mayberry@zionwalburg.org
Register to volunteer through this link!
Thank You
We, the family of Clay Lloyd are thankful for the loving concern, kind deeds and encouraging words to us. A special thank you to Pastor John for shepherding us through the death of our loved one. Thanks to everyone for the cards, flowers, phone calls and to those who came to the visitation.
We did get several cards to our old mailing address so as an FYI, our new mailing address is:
331 Meadow Valley Loop, Jarrell, TX 76537
Thank You
New Book in the Zion Library
The small Central Texas towns of Andice and Walburg form the primary backdrop for Gus Jacob's recollection of things that once were, but are no more. He opens his heart to reveal not only the ordinary and poignant, but also humorous and tragic events that shaped his life.
Gus is a former member of Zion. A copy of his book has been donated to Zion's Parlor Library. It can also be purchased from Amazon. Enjoy!
The Lutheran Hour
Raising Healthy Children with Spiritual Nutrition
Has figuring out how to study the Scriptures with your child or teenager been a challenge? It is for many adults. The will is there, but actually doing it can be such a hurdle. LHM Learn's latest course, "5 Ways to Engage Scripture with Your Child", is designed to get you over the obstacle of exploring the Bible with your kids.
This mini-course features 5 activities to engage Scripture with your child. These activities involve reading, memorizing, studying, using devotionals, and responding to God's Word. As we all know, kids learn by example, and the things they see adults do sets a lasting pattern for kids' behaviors later on. This course helps adults come alongside their children, learning with them, as together they engage in these five fruitful activities.
From this interaction with Scripture, we want our kids to respond to life by encouraging them to turn to God's Word for help when they're angry, afraid, lacking confidence, needing wisdom, and so on. This LHM Learn course includes PDF resources on Bible verses for memorization and key passages kids can use in response to life issues. Links are provided to LHM's Barna-based "
Households of Faith" kit and to the Project Connect booklet, "Helping Your Child Have a Relationship with God", written by Mary Oldfield, who is also the author of this course. You can find this and all LHM Learn courses by going to lhm.org/learn.
Sermon Schedule
May 15
"What the Bible is About"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
(I Corinthians 15:3-5)
You can listen to The Lutheran Hour on KLBJ on Sunday mornings at 7 a.m. or online at lutheranhour.org, through a mobile app, and on new media platforms like Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Sirius XM satellite radio.
The Caring Place
The Free Choice Food Pantry returns! This method of allowing neighbors to shop for the specific things they will utilize began on Monday, April 4th. Food Programs and Facilities Director David Earl shares, “We are excited to get back to a free choice model in our Food Pantry. This means our neighbors can select items they know their families will enjoy. If you find money tight right now due to increased gas or grocery costs, then we encourage you to visit us. That’s what The Caring Place Food Pantry is here for. ”
The Caring Place is currrently hiriing addtional staff and recruiting new voluteeers. For more information call 512-943-0700 or visit the websote caringplacetx.org.
Donations are now being accepted on Saturday for 12 PM to 4 PM!
The Shops at The Caring Place Thrift Store at 2000 Railroad Avenue: Mon-Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM.
Second Helping Thrift Store at 3700 Williams Drive: Tues-Sat, 10 AM - 4 PM.
Donations drive through at 2000 Railroad Avenue: Mon-Saturday, 12 PM - 4 PM, for a list on what The Caring Place accepts, visit caringplacetx.org/donatemystuff.
Furniture Pick Up: Wed, Thurs, Fri, 9 AM - 11 AM, appointments are made by calling 512-943-0711 and leaving a message.
Programs & Services at 2001 Railroad Avenue: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM. Financial Assistance for those in The Caring Place service area includes rent, mortgage, utilities, transportation, emergency dental and prescription assistance with verifiable proof of crisis. Clothing vouchers are not available at this time. Financial assistance will be handled remotely. Please call 512-943-0700 and follow the prompts for the basic needs assistance you are requesting. Please do not arrive at The Caring Place office unless instructed by staff.
Food Pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. They are closed on Wednesday. For more information on food programs, go to caringplacetx.org/getfood.
Pastors: John M. Davenport and Kevin J.Hintze
Director of Worship and Music: Marc Profant
Principal: Thomas Wrege
Church Office Hours: 8-4:00 Monday-Friday
Church Phone: 512-863-3065
School Phone: 512-863-5345 Fax 512-686-5807
6001 FM 1105, Georgetown, TX 7862