Hilltop Headlines
April 7, 2024
Serving this Week
Organist: Lauren Brezina
Elders: Steve Cashio, Mark Breckenridge
Donut Pickup: Ken Litzler
Golf Cart: Brenda Walker
Cafe Workers: Carole Ann Foster, Jill Kellum, Sona Holmstrom
Greeters: Kathy Greer, Renee Simmons
Offering Assistant: Weldon Mersiovsky
Audio: Clay Braun
Tech Director: Cody Stephens
10:45am:
Elders: Bert Holmstrom
Greeter/Offering Assistants: Deborah Albers, Randa Toungate
Golf Cart: Jeremy Hobratsch
Connections Coordinator: Josh Hobratsch
Audio: Sherlicia Patrick
Camera: Alisha Johnson
Presentation: Chad Winkler
A Return of Our Blessings
Offerings/Electronic Giving:
Home $23,587.34; General $37,624.53; Camp Zion $125; Pam Hight Scholarship Fund $1,000.30; Cemetery Fund $31; Annual Fund $100.15; Missions $690; Home Relief $600; Braille $5; Sr High Youth $60; Learning Legacy Endowment $2,500; Landscape Improvement $700; Perpetual Care $25; Capital Campaign $525.09.
Attendance: Maundy Thursday - 168
Good Friday - 309
Easter Children's Service - 198
Easter Vigil - 58
Sunrise Service - 197
8am - 237
10:45am - 517
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: $4,011.88
Church Office Hours
The Church Office will be closed Monday, April 8.
From Your Pastors
Dear Zion family –
What an incredible Easter weekend! Between our services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday, we welcomed over 1,600 worshippers and had over 120 people serve in some way in each of our services. In other words, this couldn’t have happened without you. Whether you worked preparing our campus for the weekend, or you served as an usher, elder, or greeter, or you helped in the cafe, or you worked on the tech side of the services, or your rolled out Easter eggs on Saturday morning, or you lent your musical talents to make our services soar, THANK YOU. Because of your service, we proudly proclaimed the message that Christ is risen!
This weekend, we’re going to honor Stanley Bielss, our fabulous facilities manager, who has served at Zion faithfully for twelve years and is now retiring. We’ll recognize him in both of our worship services, and there will be a reception, beginning at 9:15 am, in the lobby. Please take a moment to thank him for his faithful service to our beloved church and school!
We also want to congratulate our sensational principal, Tom Wrege, who is now Dr. Tom Wrege! Principal Wrege successfully defended his educational thesis and has received a Ph.D. from Concordia University Wisconsin. What an amazing accomplishment! We’ll honor him in our Sunday services soon.
In worship, we kick off a new series called “Detour.” Just like detours on roadways, life can send us on detours we don’t expect that lead us to places we never expected to end up. Scripture has plenty to say about how to respond when we face something that goes way beyond anything we could have ever planned for. This weekend, we’ll talk about life’s detour of sickness, and we’ll look at the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-10:
Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and
said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!” When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
Naaman’s life is one of strength and health until he is hit with the ancient world’s most devastating and dreaded disease – leprosy. But God uses what Naaman believes is a detour that will drive his life into a ditch as a way to reveal His glory – but not quite in the way Naaman expects. When we encounter sickness, God is with us and is working things out for us, even if it’s in ways we don’t expect. Find out more about Naaman – and how his story applies to us – this weekend 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
Easter Lilies
Please feel free to take an Easter Lily home with you after 10:45 service this Sunday. We have plenty of extra!
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
Stanley's Retirement Celebration
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.
Feedback Requested
We'd love your feedback on the 2024 Bible Reading Challenge and/or the Bible Recap Reading plan. Click the button below to leave your feedback. Thank you!
A Message From the Principal
Solar Eclipse 08 Apr – No School
Zion will not have classes in session on Monday the 8th. Eclipse-viewing glasses will be sent home with each student. The following web site can assist with ideas, safety, and places to view. We hope everyone will have the opportunity to take family time, if possible, to participate in this. Please click on this link for more information:
https://tdem.texas.gov/eclipse
Principal Wrege Receives his Doctorate
Mr. Wrege was able to defend his dissertation this past Friday. Dr. Wrege will walk the stage at Concordia University in Wisconsin in early May. His degree is called “Doctor of Education in Innovation and Continuous Improvement.” His work will be published within the year, and he will begin to present his research and findings beginning this summer.
Next Year’s Classes
The Zion Board of Christian Education has approved the following grade levels for the 2024-2025 school year:
Two Preschools (3 yr. olds)
One Pre-Kindergarten (4 yr. olds)
Two Kindergartens
Two First Grades
Two Second Grades
Two Third Grades
And one of each: Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades
There are several classes that are almost at capacity. It is our hope to be able to expand our capacity beyond the next school year. If you know anyone interested in Christian education at Zion, please have them contact our Admissions Director, Lindsey Rochner, at lindsey.rochner@zionwalburg.org
Thanks!
Sheriff’s Department and Presence at Zion
You may notice the Sheriff's Department is visible often on or near our campus, continually patrolling and even stopping vehicles when needed. We are indeed thankful for their protection, and partnership.
Baptism Chapel
Congratulations to the following eight students who were baptized April 3 during a special chapel service:
Camryn Espinoza – Kindergarten
Calvin Gaylor- 6th grade
Abigail Gaylor – 8th grade
Jack Jordan - 8th grade
Addilyn Killingsworth – 1st grade
Penelope Wallin – PK
Madison Wallin – 2nd grade
Westley Wallin – 3rd grade
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.)
Thank You!
The Evening Circle would like to give a special Thank-you to everyone who brought clothes and school supplies for our March Orphan Grain Train collection. Some of us went to OGT on March 19th to help sort and box up clothes and we took what had been collected so far. The group at OGT was thrilled with our donation to date. If anyone missed our March 31 deadline, know that we try to get out to OGT at least once a month so if you ever have any clothes, baby items, towels or linens give a call, text or e-mail to Denise Rowland and she’ll work with you to collect what you have and get it to OGT. Thank you again so much for your contributions.
Denise Rowland: ddrowland01@gmail.com or 737-240-0396.
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
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 lead and inspire 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 2024 is a total of six weeks (SESSION 1 is June 3 – 21 & SESSION 2 is July 1 – 19). To apply please contact Rhonda Schwertner @ Rhonda.schwertner@zionwalburg.org
Zion Prayer Calendar
For the week of April 7-13 pray for:
April 7 - Rhonda Schwertner, Lynne Carpenter & Preschool students
April 9 - Tonya Loesch, Kyle Hart & Kindergarten students
April 10 - Natasha Harris, Paula Guzman & 1st grade students
April 11 - Sheri Fischer, Melody McIntosh & 2nd grade students
April 12 - Kelly David, Kristin Stuewe & 3rd grade students
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Sermon Schedule
April 7
"Raise the Flag"
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
Learn how the followers of Christ are raising God's flag in the world. (Acts 1:1-11)
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: 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