Hilltop Headlines
April 28, 2024
Serving this Week
Organist: Kyle Borcherding
Elders: Steve Cashio
Donut Pickup: Jonathan Kern
Golf Cart: Mark Shipman
Cafe Workers: Candy Bleeke, Darlene Zinsmeyer
Greeters: Lori Schultz, Joyce Boriack
Communion Assistants: Roy Capdeville, Dave Rowland
Ushers: Gene Buchhorn, Jakob Knippa
Audio: Chad Mathews
Tech Director: Cody Stephens
10:45am:
Elders: Bert Holmstrom, Chad Mathews
Greeter/Offering Assistants: Kaytlin Briggs, Shirley Cook
Greeter/Usher: Yvonne Miller
Ushers: Todd & Tyler Glandorf
Golf Cart: Hans Keiling
Communion Assistants: Gary Miller, Karen Rogers, Mark Tlapak, Tom Rogers, Wayne Cavalier
Connections Coordinator: Josh Hobratsch
Audio: Sherlicia Patrick
Camera: Alisha Johnson
Presentation: Jen Jordan
A Return of Our Blessings
Offerings/Electronic Giving for this week:
Home $10,161.07; General $20,687.72; Camp Zion $5; Cemetery Fund $10.53; Pam Hight Scholarship Fund $30.97; Becker Scholarship $5; Capital Campaign $305.09.
Attendance: 8am - 110; 10:45am - 248
10% of General Funds go to the following organizations: TX Dist LCMS, CHS Round Rock, Water Mission, Camp Lone Star, Brookwood in Georgetown, Faith in Action, Rev. John H. Kieschnick Endowment: $2,298.64
From Your Pastors
Dear Zion family –
It’s hard to believe that we have only one month of school left! As our students and teachers wrap up this year, please pray for them. A lot of learning is left to be done and a lot of memories are yet to be made!
This weekend in worship, we’ll continue our series called “Detour.” Just like detours on roadways, life can send us on detours we don’t expect so that we wind up at destinations we never dreamed of. Scripture has plenty to say about how to respond to life’s detours. This weekend, we’ll look at relational detours, and work through some complicated, but comforting words from Jesus, about the relational detour of divorce from Matthew 19:3-8:
Some Pharisees came to Jesus to test Him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”
Just like in the twenty-first century, in the first century, people sometimes struggled in their marriages and other relationships. There were times when struggles became so significant and overwhelming that the relationships ended. But God’s goal remains to bring people together and keep people together. How does He accomplish this goal? Find out this week in worship. We worship at 8 am in our beautiful historic sanctuary, at 10:45 am in our wonderful worship center, or online at zionwalburg.org.
Your pastors love you!
– Pastor Zach, Pastor Kevin & Pastor Kyle
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is looking for Candidates to fill openings for various board positions. If you are interested in serving or know someone who is, please contact a Nominating Committee member :
Troy Johnson, Chair - 512-635-9511
Candy Bleeke - 512-948-9675
Sona Holmstrom - 512-635-4756
Holy Land Brochure
INTERESTED IN VISITING THE HOLY LAND? – Pastor Dave and Pastor Kevin have been working for several months to organize an educational tour for Zion members to Israel and Egypt (9 days in Israel / 5 days in Egypt). We now have brochures available in the Lobby and Narthex for the trip taking place in March 2025. We pray you might consider joining us! Thanks! Pastors Dave & Kevin
2024 Bible Reading Challenge
Have you ever closed your Bible and thought “what did I just read?” Starting in mid-February, we will partner with The Bible Recap to read through the New Testament in three months. The Bible Recap is a reading plan with a daily podcast that highlights and summarizes the Bible in an easy-to-understand way. It will not only help you read scripture but help you love reading it. You’ll also have the opportunity to join a Discussion Group during the Bible Class hour. Click the button below for more info.
The Table Young Adult Ministry
Are you someone or do you know someone who is in their 20s and 30s? Would you like to be in a Christian small group with people your own age? Well, "The Table" could be for you! Over this past year, "The Table" has been a ministry to nurture the faith of young adults in their 20s and 30s (singles or married couples) through Bible study, fellowship, food, and events as well!
Right now, we have around 6-8 of us who meet every other Thursday at 7pm at Laura-Li Gaide's apartment and other locations. We are going through the Gospel of John with a RightNow Media video series with Tony Evans.
Please contact Laura-Li Gaide at laura-li.gaide@zionwalburg.org for location, dates, and any other questions!
A Message From the Principal
Call Committee set for 1st Grade Position
The Board of Christian Education has voted to call a second 1st grade teacher, to work alongside our current first grade teacher -- Natasha Harris. This committee has begun interviews.
1st Grade Position Open for Interviews
If you would like to refer a potential candidate for the first grade position, please have them send a cover letter and a resume to the school, in care of Principal Dr. Wrege, at thomas.wrege@zionwalburg.org
2024-2025 Teachers
These are the teacher positions (full-time homeroom) currently in place for the new school year:
Paula Guzman, Preschool
Rhonda Schwertner, Preschool
Keven Wrege, Pre-Kindergarten
Kari Williams, Kindergarten
Kyle Hart, Kindergarten
Natasha Harris, First
Interviewing for the additional first grade teacher
Sheri Fischer, Second
Melody McIntosh, Second
Kelly David, Third
Dawn Mueller, Third
Julie Weil, Fourth
Audrey Stoneburner, Fifth
Suzan Winkelman, Sixth
Stephanie Sauls, Seventh
Ashley Gaylor, Eighth
We are out of space, but we have a committee actively seeking out some answers for expansion of classrooms. We will add teacher aides where needed. Our class sizes were reduced by the Board of Christian Education, with great support, which will benefit students and teachers. God is blessing us, and we thank all of you for your support, prayers, and your sharing of ideas.
Zion’s Hot Lunch Program
We have taken every comment seriously and we have seen a pattern that shows us that we need to move to a different model of hot lunch to support our families. We will complete our contract with The School Eatery until the end of this academic year, and then will move to a new model. We hope a “new and improved version” will allow us to serve you better. Watch for more details.
Adding more Transportation Options
The Board of Christian Education and the Board of Trustees have approved the purchase of an additional van or mini bus. We have a group looking into all the details.
Rev. Lo Update
We continue to be blessed to share with you these ministry updates from Rev. Fung Lo. Reverend Lo and his wife Kalia are currently back in the states on a time of furlough. We are praying that the Lord would work out an opportunity later this summer for them to visit us at Zion in person and to provide us with some meaningful updates on how the Holy Spirit is working through Hmong Missions all around southeast Asia. More to be shared as schedules get worked out! Zion Mission Board
Belize Mission Opportunity
Zion will be participating in a mission again this year to Belize with two other churches July 27 - August 3. Age to participate is 18 and above (16 if accompanied by an adult relative). Cost with airfare will be approximately $1,800-$2,000. Partial church scholarships available. Fundraising opportunities could be available. Mission opportunities include children’s, women’s and men’s adult ministries; grief counseling, medical/dental visits, and construction opportunities in a village where the Belize Mission Society has built a Lutheran Church and Mercy House (for medical and dental). If interested, please complete the Zion mission application by Sunday 4/18 with a $150 deposit. Questions may be directed to Pastor Kevin or Jennifer Jordan. (Mission applications are in the church hallway outside the Parlor.)
Men's Bible Study
There is a Bible study for men on Wednesdays at 7:00 AM in the parlor.
There is an informal gathering that starts somewhere between 6:00 & 7:00 before the formal class begins. All men are invited and welcome to come.
Faith and Film Series Returns
“Preparing Zion Members to Combat the Cultural Biases Facing America.”
(from Zion’s Mission Statement)
Zion’s Mission Board again will be sponsoring the third series of Faith and Film at the Palace Theater Sunday nights June 3, 9, 16, and 23. This series will be free to all participants, and will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, popcorn, and drinks. This time, the registration will not include a Wildfire option, but participants may bring in food. A digital copy of the curriculum is also included.
This will be an opportunity for Zion to take the Gospel, literally, to the public square. Hosting the series at the Palace gives members not only a chance to improve their own media literacy in “combating cultural biases,” but it will be an opportunity to bring that unchurched friend, neighbor, or relative to a neutral place where they can experience Gospel messages revealed to them through the movie and discussion. Find FAQs here.
Registration has been simplified, just RSVP each week with this form so we can insure we have enough supplies. You are welcome to email Philip Hohle with questions anytime: philip@parabolicmedia.com
Volunteers are needed. Contact Philip Hohle if you would like to help host the series. Sign up to volunteer here.
As of today, here is the lineup:
- June 2, 2024, a timely movie: Inside Out (with Dr. Dave Helms, LPC)
- June 9, 2024, a popular movie: Barbie (with Robin Knippa)
- June 16, 2024, a heroic movie: Friday Night Lights (with Mike Barnes, former Sports Director at KVUE)
- June 23, a classic movie: The Breakfast Club (with Rev. Dr. David Kluth)
We cannot legally publish the titles publicly outside of Hilltop Headlines, but you can share the list with your friends.
Greeting Cards Available
Graduation cards are on display at the Card Ministry Cabinet. Also available are Birthday, Friendship, Sympathy, Miss You and many other cards located by the Church Nursery. Boxed cards are $6.00, individual cards are $0.50. Thank you for supporting Zion Evening Circle Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-LWML.
SCUBA VBS Registration now open!
Zion Lutheran Church and School 2024 Vacation Bible School- SCUBA! Let's dive deep into an amazing undersea adventure where we will experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. Monday, June 10th - Friday, June 14th from 9:00-11:30 am. Important: If your child is already registered for this week of Camp Zion then they are automatically registered for VBS. If you have any questions please contact Rachel Mayberry at rachel.mayberry@zionwalburg.org
Donation Opportunity for Camp Zion
Camp Zion would like to extend the opportunity for business members/members of Zion Lutheran Church to help support us by sponsoring a field trip for CAMP ZION this summer. Field trips are just one of the many memorable things that we do at Camp Zion but also the most expensive. We ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to this special cause. Below is a list of each field trip and the cost based on 40 to 50 campers or a set fee for some events. You may present your gift in a check made out to Zion Church and write Camp Zion in the memo and drop it in the collection basket at church or give online using the drop-down button for Camp Zion. We thank you for supporting us in our endeavor to grow and connect with our youth while helping them develop self-confidence and build character in a nurturing Christian environment.
· WEEK 1 June 3-7 / Mount Playmore
$318 for 40 campers @ 7.95
· WEEK 2 June 10-14 / On-Campus Mad Science Show
$475 for 1 Hour of Entertainment
· WEEK 3 June 17-21 / Waco Zoo
$440 for 40 campers @ 11.00
· WEEK 4 July 1-5 / On Campus Movie & Pizza Party
$200 for 50 campers @ 4.00
· WEEK 5 July 8-12 / Movie & Popcorn at the Cinemark
$331.00 for Entire Theater
$200 for Snack Pack for 40 campers @ 5.00
· WEEK 6 July 15-19 / On-Campus Luau with Waterslides & Hotdog Roast
$500 for 2 Waterslides
$ 100 for Hotdogs, Chips, Drinks & the Fixings
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, 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 3 – 21 & SESSION 2 is July 1 – 19). All applicants must pass a background check. For more information, please contact Rhonda Schwertner @ Rhonda.schwertner@zionwalburg.org
Zion Prayer Calendar
For the week of April 28 - May 4 pray for:
April 28 - Robin Knippa & Adult Bible classes
April 30 - Altar Guild
May 1 - Cody Stephens & The Table
May 2 -Robert & Lita Andres, Custodial crew
May 3 - Pastor Zach & Bd of Parish Ed
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Sermon Schedule
April 28
"We Can't Stop Talking"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
Jesus calls His followers to undergo transformation, endure opposition, and engage others in conversation. (Acts 4:20)
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.
Pastors: Zach McIntosh, Kevin Hintze and Kyle Borcherding
Principal: Dr. 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 78626