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Sermons

Nov. 11, 2018 Sermon

Preaching text: Mark 12:38-44

38 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! 40They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

      1. Track 1 - Unknown artist

Other readings: 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146

Outreach, Special Events, Uncategorized

2019 Endowment Grants

It’s that time of year…time to submit requests for money from our Touching Tomorrow Endowment Fund!

What is the purpose of the “Touching Tomorrow” Endowment fund? 

The Endowment Fund distributes money, in the form of grants, for mission and outreach beyond the normal church budget and usually, beyond the church walls.  The aim of such grants is to “Touch Tomorrow,” allowing for present and future ministry.

Who oversees the Touching Tomorrow Fund?

A Touching Tomorrow Committee oversees the Fund.  This committee meets annually to decide expenditures based on the financial performance of the account and the specific requests.  These purchases are not approved by council, but council approves the members of the committee.  The committee currently consists of Jim Gill (Chair), Terry Ludwig, Michelle Bucks, and Christine Techky. We need one more member on the committee—if you are interested in serving in this way, please see Jim Gill or Pastor Caitlin.

Where does the money come from in the Touching Tomorrow Fund?

The original money came from a large bequest to the church.  Currently the fund has roughly $420,000 in principle investments, which includes the original gift, but also later gifts and interest added to principle.  Each year grants come from the interest and dividends on the account.  These have varied over time.  The hope is that in the future, more people will consider giving money, either in honor of loved ones, or as part of their estate planning, to the Touching Tomorrow Fund.

How can I contribute to the Touching Tomorrow Fund?

Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated, and you may benefit from significant tax advantages.  By using a combination of certain financial and insurance products, you can even leave a bigger inheritance to your loved ones while preserving your desired gift to the fund.  For more information on this strategy, you may consult your estate attorney or talk with Jim Gill, Zion’s representative from Thrivent Financial.

 What kind of things has the Touching Tomorrow Fund supported?

Between 2006 and 2017, the Fund distributed over $120,000 to various projects, including:

  • Seed money for launching Zion’s Preschool; continued scholarships for preschool families in need
  • Funding to make our internship program possible
  • West Virginia and New York City Youth Mission Trips
  • Seminary scholarship money to support a member of our congregation, Jason Northridge, who is now a pastor
  • Support for a handful of local charities, including helping to fund a forklift for Lebanon County Christian Ministries
  • Subsidized the cost of Zion’s Day Camp, making it an affordable option for families in our community
  • Support for Northern Lebanon’s Environthon
  • Assistance for local families in need
  • Funds for the Lower Susquehanna’s food packing event at synod assembly
  • Support of Brittney’s Hope in Vietnam
  • Contribution to Developmental and Disability Services in Lebanon County

What kind of money is available for grants this year?

While the fund’s investments are conservative, fluctuations in the stock market means we will not know the exact amount of the distribution until closer to December 1.  Last year we were able to distribute over $24,000; we hope this year for another generous distribution.

How can you make a request for a project?

Simple:  Fill out this form and return by snail mail or email (pastorckurtz@gmail.com) by Dec 1, 2018. The most successful applications tend to benefit educational ministries (scholarships, youth group, leadership training), local ministries (innovative congregational ministries, seed money, or emergency appeals), extended ministries (national, international, disaster-related), and charities with specific needs.

If you have any questions about applying for these monies, the purpose of our Touching Tomorrow Endowment Fund, or how to contribute to the endowment, please see any member of the Committee or Pastor Caitlin.

Sermons

Nov. 4, 2018 Sermon

Preaching text: John 11:32-44

32When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ 35Jesus began to weep. 36So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ 37But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’

38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ 40Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ 41So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ 43When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’

      1. Judge Jules - Trance Anthems (Continuous Mix 1) - Various Artists

Other readings include Revelation 21:1-6a and Psalm 24

Sermons

October 21, 2018 Sermon

Preaching text: Mark 10:35-45

35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ 36And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ 37And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ 38But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ 39They replied, ‘We are able.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’

41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

      1. 01 - Dj Stix Dj Manning Mc Pressure Mc Darka

Other readings include Isaiah 53:4-12 and Psalm 91:9-16.