Hilltop Headlines
May 8, 2022
Serving this Week
8am:
Elders: Roy Capdeville, Dave Rowland
Greeter: Lydia Kelm
Audio: Tom Carleton
Presentation: Cody Stephens
10:45am:
Elders: Al Barton, John Buser
Greeters/Ushers: Chelsea Whittington, Jessica Preston
Parking Lot/Golf Cart:
Hilltop Cafe':Sona Holmstrom
Communion Assistants: Gwen Hohle, Zach Preston
Connections Coordinator: Jenny Kinard
Presentation: Jen Jordan
Camera: Preston Fischer
A Return of Our Blessings
Offerings/Electronic Giving: Home $16,765; General $19,112.43; Cemetery Fund $15; Zion Braille $5; After School Care $25; JILM $100; Major Repairs $300; Capital Campaign $945; Sunday Attendance: 8am - 90; 10:45am - 393.
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: $2,123.60
Voters Meeting
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 Sunday, May 15th, as we honor Zion's High School Graduates! All are invited to a cake reception in the Lobby at 10 a.m. to share well wishes with these young men and women. We will recognize them in the 10:45 service and they will be presented with a special gift from Zion. We hope to see you there!
Senior Pastor Call Committee Status Update
The period for receiving congregational nominations for the position of Senior Pastor closed on Sunday, April 3, 2022. The committee received the names of thirty-seven (37) individual nominees from the congregation. While some pastors were nominated by multiple individuals, the total number of unique nominees was thirty-seven (37).
The list of nominees has been forwarded to the Texas District Office of the LCMS. The District Office will provide biographical information for each nominee on the list. They will also provide names and information for any additional nominees that they believe are qualified and fit the job description which they have been provided. Due to the large number of nominees the process of compiling and supplying the information back to the Senior Pastor Call Committee will take some time.
Once the information has been returned to the Senior Pastor Call Committee the process of determining each candidate’s willingness to be considered for a Divine Call will begin.
As it is apparent that the call process will not be complete prior to the impending retirement of Pastor Davenport the Call Committee has also been involved in the process of seeking a Vacancy Pastor to serve until the call process can be completed. A request was made to the Texas District Office for a list of potential vacancy pastors. The District Office has provided a list of candidates which the Call Committee and Board of Elders are in the process of evaluating.
Additional updates will be provided as the process moves forward. The Call Committee solicits the prayerful support of the congregation as we continue through this critical process.
The full list of congregational nominees is as follows:
Nominee: Rev. Timothy Ahlman
Currently Serving: Christ Greefield, Gilbert, Arizona
Nominee: Rev. Keith Aschenbeck
Currently Serving: Grace Lutheran, Victoria, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Vic Belton
Last Served: Concordia Lutheran, Bronxville, New York
Nominee: Rev. Dr. Jon Braunersreuther
Currently Serving: LCMS Texas District MMC, Austin, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Steve Carretto
Currently Serving: Boca Raton, Florida
Nominee: Rev. Jeffrey Cloeter
Currently Serving: Christ Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri
Nominee: Tige Culbertson
Currently Serving: St. Luke, Oviedo, Florida
Nominee: Rev. Peter DeMik
Currently Serving: Our Savior Lutheran, Laurel, Maryland
Nominee: Rev. John Glover
Currently Serving: First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, Florida
Nominee: Rev. Lonnie Gonzales
Currently Serving: LINC Houston, Houston, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Micah Greiner
Currently Serving: St. Peter, Arlington Heights, Illinois
Nominee: Rev. David Haara
Currently Serving: Family of Christ, Tampa, Florida
Nominee: Rev. Michael Hafer
Currently Serving: Holy Cross, College Station, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Luke Hennings
Currently Serving: St. Luke, Mesa, Arizona
Nominee: Rev. Kevin Hintze
Currently Serving: Zion Lutheran, Walburg, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Gene Johnson
Currently Serving: Trinity Klein, Spring, Texas
Nominee: Dr. Rev. Brian L. Katchelmeier
Currently Serving: Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nominee: Rev. Zach McIntosh
Currently Serving: Concordia, San Antonio, Texas
Rev. Jonathan Meyer
Currently Serving: Zion Lutheran Church of Mission Valley, Victoria, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Richard Mittwede
Currently Serving: University Lutheran, Austin, Texas
Nominee: Rev. David C. Moerbe
Currently Serving: Good Shepherd, Gardendale, Alabama
Nominee: Rev. James Mueller
Currently Serving: Messiah Lutheran, St. Charles, Missouri
Nominee: Rev. Pete Mueller
Currently Serving: Acts Church, Lakeway, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Matthew Peeples
Currently Serving: Bethlehem, Ridgewood, New Jersey
Nominee: Rev. Lane Reuter
Currently Serving: Our Savior, Nashville, Tennessee
Nominee: Rev. Dominic Rivken
Currently Serving: Pacific Southwest District
Nominee: Rev. Mark Schaefer
Currently Serving: Water Edge, Frisco, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz
Currently Serving: Ex. Dir. Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, Washington DC
Nominee: Rev. Chris Singer
Currently Serving: Trinity Klein, Spring, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Keith Speaks
Currently Serving: Hales Corners Lutheran, Hales Corners, Wisconsin
Nominee: Rev. Robert Sundquist
Currently Serving: Faith Community, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nominee: Rev. Tardelli Voss
Currently Serving: Igreja Luterana Cristo Redentor, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Nominee: Rev. Daniel Weber
Currently Serving: St. Luke’s, Federal Way, Washington
Nominee: Rev. Nathan Wendorf
Currently Serving: St. Paul, Harlingen, Texas
Nominee: Rev. Jay Winters
Currently Serving: University Lutheran, Tallahassee, Florida
Nominee: Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller
Currently Serving: St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, Texas
Nominee: Rev. John Zahrte
Currently Serving: Royal Redeemer, North Royalton, Ohio
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 BoardBlood Drive
***Update***
We have 25 of the 26 spots already filled! Wow! Thank you for your awesome response! We Are Blood was able to adjust the times a bit to make room for some appointments, so our new goal is 33. Will you be one of the 8 people to help us fill up the appointment slots? Thank you for giving the gift of life! We'll see you on May 15th!
Will you be one of the 26 people that helps Zion's Sr. High Youth reach their goal of finding 26 blood donors to help save 78 lives? Why give blood? Because it matters. It matters to people in our own Zion Family, and it matters to people in our Central Texas Community. Giving blood is giving the gift of life - 1 blood donation can save up to 3 lives. If you don’t believe giving blood matters, ask Keith. Keith Frank, Zion member, father to Avery & Brandon, and husband to Jane, was diagnosed this past October with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Since October he has gone through numerous rounds of chemo and battled against various infections and complications. He has been given over 55 transfusions since his diagnosis: 30+ units of blood and 25+ units of platelets. These transfusions are vital in helping him fight cancer. Keith is just one example of several Zion members that are daily fighting cancer and need our donations of blood. There is a critical shortage of blood and blood products across our country, and we can help solve this problem. Zion’s Sr. High Youth are accepting the challenge to find 26 blood donors to fill up the donation schedule of the Bloodmobile which will be on Zion’s campus on Sunday, May 15th from 9am-1pm. Will you be one of the 26 that makes a difference in the lives of Keith and many others in our Zion family and community? Sign up today: https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/?location=61210&date=05/15/2022&reschedule=
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.
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
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
A hearty thank you to Zion members for all the prayers, cards and visits following my knee surgery.
-Irvin Leschber
The Lutheran Hour
Did you know that Lutheran Hour Ministries reaches 60+ countries with Gospel-focused outreach products and programs? LHM uses a unique international model. All of our ministry centers around the world are staffed with local lay leaders and pastors. This allows each ministry center to offer deep, high-quality Christian materials that fit their culture. This also allows LHM to keep serving people even when there are global disruptions like we've seen in the past 2 years.
LHM has 3 strategic priorities internationally:
1. reaching the unreached,
2. reaching young adults, and
3. reaching people in urban areas.
We believe this focus allows the Gospel to penetrate the hearts and minds of people, not just now, but for generations to come. However, going where the Gospel is needed isn't easy. Our ministry centers around the world face many challenges as they work in areas that have social, political, and economic hardships. And so we ask that you please join us in thanking God for the workers around the world, and also in praying for them and the work that they do specifically throughout the month of May.
Sermon Schedule
May 8
"What the Bible is Like"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
The Bible is like an encyclopedia, a love letter, a self-help book, and a Good News article - but these comparisons all fall short. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
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.
Issues Etc.
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