Many benefit from the Programs of Zion in 2009

In 2009, everyone who participated in the various service programs appreciated and valued the resources Zion offered. And so, on behalf of the children, the moms and dads, the athletes, the musically-interested, those yearning to learn more about God's Word in Christ and seek new ways of devotion, prayer and discipleship, on behalf of the youth group who has been on the receiving end of so many of your gifts over the years, those who attended and were inspired by special worship events here, and those who listen on the radio and read about us in the newspapers - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Indeed that is why in the Church we have traditionally called these programs "Ministry" - because it is a service for others. And being in service of others is the bread and butter of who we are as Christians and as the Church, which is the Body of Christ in the world today.

Recently in The Eastern Synod Lutheran (December 2009) Bishop Pryse told the story of a volunteer who, during the Second World War, took a first-aid course. But despite the fears at the time that there would not be adequate medical care to treat all the wounded should the city be bombed, the volunteer seemed bored and detached from all that was being taught. She was there out of a sense of obligation, but had no enthusiasm for learning.

In Bishop's Pryse's words: 'One day, this particular woman showed up to the first-aid class abounding with enthusiasm. She could hardly contain herself as she told the class the source of her newfound excitement for the course. She said, "This class never meant much to me until yesterday! Yesterday, I was sitting on my front porch when there was a horrendous accident right in front of my house. The cars not only smashed into each other head on, but bodies were thrown through the air. People were seriously injured. I saw blood everywhere I looked. The scene was horrible. It was so horrible I almost fainted. Then I remembered what I had learned in this class ………. and I put my head between my legs so I didn't pass out!"

'Clearly this woman had missed the whole point of the exercise! It wasn't about learning first-aid to take care of herself, but rather, so she might take care of others!'

Bishop Pryse goes on to suggest that people of faith sometimes, similarly, "miss the point", functioning in the church as if the whole exercise is about us - about dealing with our needs, our wants, our fears and hopes. Ultimately, the exercise of faith is about engagement with others - about using our time, our money and resources for the sake of others.

We already do this effectively at Zion in the various activities, programs and use of the resources we have:

• Our learning ministry - from the Sunday School, to Confirmation, to adult study groups, supplying printed resources and electronic media to offer effective and stimulating learning opportunities to enrich the faith life of others. - Our music ministry - the Children's Ensemble, the Choir, training and staffing music leaders, obtaining resources such as books and sheet music, tuning pianos and organ.
• Our pastoral care ministry - Good Shepherding to offer gifts to those in need at Christmas; supplying stationary and stamps to communicate caring words, visiting the sick, and the elderly; supporting local food banks by volunteers and gifts of food and money.
• Our stewardship of the beautiful building we have - offering space to groups such as OVAR (Ottawa Valley Anaphylaxis Resource Group), the Karate Club, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous); providing a safe and inspiring space for Zion's worship events; maintaining functional administrative office space.
• Our outreach and engagement with the broader community - Benevolence (Eastern Synod & Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada - ELCIC), Pembroke and Area Clergy Association (PACA), Lutheran Clergy Cluster, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), local advertising, radio broadcasting, etc.

  These are but a few Ministries, and all healthy signs that we are in mission for others. In commitment to Christian Ministry, we have witnessed many good things together. In her letter to the entire Church (ELCIC) on April 8, 2008, our Bishop Susan Johnson identifies "Effective Partnerships" as one of five organizing pillars of the Church moving into the future. She describes "Effective Partnerships" in the following way:

  It's a realization that we no longer have the resources to be able to do everything by ourselves. It's a challenge to encourage us not to do things on our own and it's a change in mindset where we want to always ask the question, "Do we need to do this on our own?" If the answer is no, then the next question is... "who is the best partner or partners to work with in this area." It's good stewardship but even more so it's a stronger witness to the rest of the world!

  As we look forward to a New Year 2010 of ministry at Zion, I encourage you to think about resolutions you can make in how you can support the wonderful Ministry we offer at Zion - with your time, your money and resources God has given to you. Without the generous support of your gifts, none of the above could happen. I hope 2010 is a year when we begin to discover together how "rich" we actually are. Because I believe God has already given to us everything we need to fulfill the call to be in Mission for Others. Together, we can do all things in Christ who is our strength!

  Pastor Martin, Jessica, Seth & Mika