Dear Members and Friends of Zion’s:

God’s grace and peace be with you this August day. As promised, today I share more stories of Good News that testify to God’s continued work in and through our congregation during this pandemic. This time, instead of telling these stories through my eyes, I have asked members of our community to describe how they have experienced God’s love, care, and transformative hope through Zion’s ministries. THANK YOU for all the ways you support God’s work with your participation, prayers, finances, and in-kind contributions. Together we are experiencing and embodying Christ’s love for the world, despite the uncertainty and fears that surround us.

“Outdoor worship has allowed me the opportunity to bring my mother to worship. Because of health issues, it’s been a while since she has been able to physically come to church. My mother and I are grateful to share this worship experience together.” ~John

Reflecting on the morning we spent serving at Wittel Farm: “It was great to be able to get together with others from church and see both adults and children working as one. Despite it being a very hot and humid day outside we were able to harvest many vegetables including peppers and zucchinis. We also picked the dead leaves off of the ever growing tomatoes.  Thank you, God, for allowing us all to get together to do some good for those in need. ~Pam

I am grateful for the faithfulness of our congregation in sharing God’s love and care for those in our community. Through our continued support of Back to School Blessings, Power Packs, and JOY Pantry, we are helping our neighbors in very real, tactile ways. By offering a variety of service options, we are providing ways to continue spread the good news of Jesus– whether it is to people who are states away, watching our livestreams, those who are quarantined listening to the service over the phone, or first-time visitors who see our worship outside the building and want to join in.  ~Joanna

Even though we don’t have the familiar routine of getting together and socializing, I have seen how people care about each other.   Emails, cards, and greetings have added happiness to a day.   Also, the amount of time and thought that people have put into fixing up the church and planning the right way to meet during this crisis has also touched me greatly. ~Linda W

I would like to say thank you to Zion’s, the Compassion Fund was a great help to me during these times of shut down. I was unemployed due to covid-19 and had exhausted my savings. I was in need of rent money and Zions came through. I appreciate  Pastor Caitlin and the council of Zions and all of our members for all that they do for everyone  ~A Recipient of Zion’s COVID Compassion Fund

Our family has continued to see God’s work in our congregation through acts of kindness and service by church members. Members have dropped us off baked goods, snacks, and vegetables. We have also received letters and postcards that we enjoy reading from church members. I also enjoy the random “thinking of you” text messages I receive.  ~The Bush Family

God is working through Zion’s COVID Task Force every day to keep us all safe. They have the experience and expertise to make appropriate decisions for our protection. We are truly blessed to have them to depend on. Thanks be to God! ~Linda T

My wife and I are specifically grateful for all of the time and hard work that has gone into the online worship services.  Not just for Pastor Caitlin (who does most of it!), but also for Jim Cascarino for continuing to generously offer his time and talents, and for the many congregational members who offered video readings and music.  Your collective efforts have enabled us to continue to feel connected to our church family and have helped make our separation from you all a bit less troubling.  ~Thanks, Jim

Soon after we were on “stay home” edict, I got an email from Lutheran World Relief looking for pledges for masks for vulnerable communities around the world to cut the risks for Covid19. I immediately felt this was something I could do and maybe others at Zion’s would feel the same. I sent out an email to some members I knew could sew. To my amazement, seven ladies pledged a total of 500 masks. When Mission Ministry’s Spaghetti Miracle had to be cancelled, I was able to use the Action Team money for fabric, elastic and thread to supplement the awesome generosity of these ladies. This enforced my feelings that when there is a need, Zion’s folks do what God wants us to do: Love God, Love One Another. ~Elaine

Pr. Caitlin, Just a quick note of thankfulness. I want to thank Zion’s for taking care of my rent for one month through the church’s COVID Compassion Fund. It was a tremendous help! This COVID pandemic truly has had a big impact on all of us, and I am so very grateful for our church community. God is good! ~A recipient of Zion’s COVID Compassion Fund

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital organized a Card Campaign Shower to show our collective support for those nursing home residents who may not be having as much contact with their loved ones. I immediately reached out to members of Zion’s who readily, and so generously donated over 120 cards!  The hospital’s goal was to provide 240 cards and we well surpassed that goal.  A big THANKS to all who took the time to fill out these notes of encouragement; the heart of generosity is strong at Zion’s! Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  ~Debbie

I have seen God at work through our congregation’s commitment to continuing Power Packs, in partnership with Jonestown Elementary School, throughout the summer. God provides the food through the Power Packs program, which is then distributed through the hands of members of our congregation. I’ve seen firsthand how this weekly program helps ensure growing bodies have adequate nutrition. ~Jean