This Week at Zion!

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Breaking News ...

Worship Plans at Zion

This just in- I need to be traveling Sunday, March 7th through Wednesday, March 10th. Our Lay Leader, Sharon Boyd, will be filling the pulpit and leading worship in my place on March 7th. Breakfast with the Pastor, Holy Communion, and the reception of gifts for the Walworth Food Pantry will be postponed one week and will take place on March 14th.

The schedule for upcoming programs and worship is as follows:

Lent 2010
Theme: Empty Bowls. Bowls will be distributed after the Mardi Gras celebration, at the Ash Wednesday service, or the 1st Sunday of Lent to serve as a visual reminder of the many people that go to bed every night without. Bowls at home and at church serve as a means of collecting spare change. Bowls that are full may be left at the altar during Lent. Empty replacements will be available for those who want to keep on giving. All proceeds will go to the Walworth Food Pantry.

• 3/10: Council of Churches Lenten Service, 7:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran
• 3/17: Council of Churches Lenten Service, 7:30 pm at Second Baptist, Walworth
• 3/24: Council of Churches Lenten Service, 7:30 pm at Walworth United Methodist
• 4/1: Council of Churches Maundy Thursday Service, 7:30 pm at Zion
• 4/2: Good Friday. Practice reverence, quiet, and prayer at home
• 4/3: Decorate Easter eggs, 3:00 pm at Zion
• 4/4: Easter Sunday - Council of Churches Easter Sunrise Service, 7:00 am at Lincoln Baptist, 9:30 am worship at Zion
• 4/24: Nothing But Nets Sunday, on the eve of World Malaria Day
• 5/9: Mother’s Day Sunday
• 5/23: Confirmation Sunday
• 5/30: Memorial Day Sunday, followed by service at the cemetery
• 6/20: Father’s Day, “Undies Sunday”: a collection of NEW men’s underwear to be given to the Open Door Mission

Sunday School Theme Announced

Our next Sunday school lesson is Noah and the Ark which we will do for 3 weeks. The memory verse is: "I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13

Hatian Earthquake Crisis
[Click here to go to the latest news ... ]

From Zion's Missionaries - Scott and Vicky Satres

Dear Pastor Todd,
       Shalom! Greetings from wintery Dallas. (The temps have been in the 20’s and 30’s the past 4 days or so.) I just checked out the church website – loved the video. We, the Satres, are alive and well here. Jessica finally started Bible school a few weeks ago! Mandy is in an all-region choir. Joel continues to get above average grades despite some not-so-good sleeping habits.

       I have very good news. The JESUS film appears to be out and they are planning the dedication/launching event in April! PTL! That’s both an answer to prayer and a subject for prayer.

      I have other good news. My abstract on “The Consecutive Morpheme in Ngomba” was accepted for presentation at the 41st Annual Conference on African Linguistics to be held in Toronto, Canada  from May 6-8. It is a real honor and part of my furlough plan with a view toward becoming a linguistics consultant for our branch in the future. This is a prayer concern too – it’s scary doing this for the first time.

      I thought I would take advantage of having to go to the conference (have to pay my own way anyway) and visit some of our NY supporting churches like Zion. I am already scheduled to share in Niagara Falls on May 9th but the rest of my schedule is wide open.  I have not yet made my plane reservations, but am thinking/praying about staying in WNY until May 25th or so. So, seek God’s council and get back to me, please. Unfortunately, it will only be me, but I have photos on my computer. The kids have really grown! When would you like me to come?

     I am also asking for help with transportation. Someone in one of our supporting churches in Niagara Falls may be able to give me a loaner, but don’t know if it will be for 3 whole weeks. So if you could pray and put out feelers for me and pray for God’s provision. I am thinking of flying to Buffalo or Rochester and driving to Toronto.  I have looked on the internet and it looks to me $400 roundtrip Dallas-Toronto but only about $200 roundtrip Dallas-Buffalo or Rochester.  I may also need a place to stay while I’m in the area. Vicky’s sister does live in Marion, but they also like to spent lots of time at their cabin in the Adirondacks.

    I also have some bad news. On November 22nd, the home of our head translator/project coordinator for Ngomba, Pastor Bernard Kuete, was broken into. It was a bit traumatic for his kids, but we thank God that nobody got hurt. A number of things were stolen, including the project laptop computer. Fortunately, no Ngomba Scripture was lost because it was backed up on the desktop in the computer office in Mbouda. On our website (www.wysite.org/sites/the_satres) there is info on how folks can give towards replacing the computer. It is on a page entitled, “Special Need = Opportunity”.

    As far as our support raising goes, we have 80% monthly support.  We recently shared at 1st UMC in Irving, TX and they seem to want to support us and have invited us to participate in their missions conference April 25th to give us more exposure. Our paycheck this month looks good – one of our partners gave a very large gift last month which may enable us to put money aside for at least 1.5 tickets back to Cameroon!

    Bye for now. God Bless You Richly in Every Way and Grant You Good Success in All Your Endeavors for Him! Scott

Next Quilting Dates Announced!

Saturday, March 13th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Walworth town hall All are welcome!

Did you know all 450 quilts made to date are posted online? WOW! View them all at: http://zwwumc.com/Quilts.html

Sunday's Bulletin

Take a look at this Sunday's bulletin to learn all the details about worship. It is now posted for your benefit. [ Sunday's Bulletin ]

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Previously Reported, but hot, Hot, HOT News!

The Protestant Chapel Community at the University of Rochester

“Please pass on to the wonderful cooks of your congregation, and your confirmation class, PCC's deep thanks for joining us for worship and bringing us such a yummy dinner last Sunday.  We loved having you all here to worship with us, and everyone clearly enjoyed the fellowship around the tables.  And the students, of course, are always thrilled to have someone cook for them! We are so appreciative of your ongoing support, which you've shared with us in so many ways. You're the best! Thank you, THANK YOU!”
~ pastor Laurie Tiberi, Chaplain, Protestant Chapel Community at University of Rochester

As denominational support declines for this (and other) means of vital missions, the local church is expected to take a larger role in their support. In the past Zion has provided new hymnals, money for devotionals, and participation on the Board (Deb Germain and pastor Todd). Funding for 2010 from the United Methodist Church is in question because of the new conference plans for upstate New York. Zion's support of the Protestant Chapel Community is needed now more than ever before. Support includes participation in worship and dinner, like we hosted on January 24th, by our financial support, and by means of prayer.

Confirmation for 2009-2010

If you are entering Middle school this fall, you are welcome to begin the confirmation journey leading towards full membership in the United Methodist Church and in our local church, Zion. We will meet during the Sunday school hour, from 10:45 to 12:00 noon on the following dates: September 13, October 11, November 15, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 16, resulting in confirmation on May 23, 2010.

We will be studying faith, belief, history, tradition, and the rights and responsibilities of a member. Every student will be paired with an adult mentor who is a faithful member of Zion. If you are interested, see me immediately! We'll have a lot of fun on this journey together.

Have you seen the newly refreshed Zion Web Site?

New look, new logo, new content ... all redone over this past summer. Visit and enjoy! The address is: www.zwwumc.com Eventually the old domain address (www.zionwestwalworthumc.com) will be ended.

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Prayer Concerns

Prayer is identified as one of our core values at Zion "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Zion's Connection with the District, Conference, and Denomination!
Missional outreach is one of our core values at Zion

Camp Asbury is looking for Summer Staff

Camp Asbury is now taking applications for 2010 Summer Staff. It appears that we will only need 3 new staff persons - 1 Kitchen Assistant, 1 Waterfront-Pool Lifeguard, and 1 Female Core Counselor. Interested persons should contact Rev. Larry Wiliford at 585-237-5262 or asburydirector@rochester.rr.com.

Hatian Earthquake Crisis

United Methodists around the globe are praying for the people of Haiti, and responding with compassion.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is at work even while praying for its own workers unaccounted for in the earthquake aftermath.

Church members and neighbors will be asking, "How can we help?" Download a bulletin insert describing ways to respond right away.

Visit the Upper New York website to download the bulletin insert in Word or PDF format, and to read the Bishops' call to prayer and action.

For full coverage of the United Methodist responses to this crisis, visit umc.org

Bishop Matthew's Letter Regarding Hatian Earthquake Crisis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the New York West Area,

A devastating earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12 causing widespread destruction.

Centered in Port-au-Prince it has affected millions of people and thousands are feared dead. This island nation is among the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. It is also a place where United Methodists have served missionally for years, a place where we have strong and historic relationships. Some of those relationships have been forged through the UMVIM mission teams deployed through the Wyoming Conference, one of the Conferences uniting with the North Central New York, Troy, and Western New York Annual Conferences this July to form the Upper New York Area.

Many government buildings, schools and hospitals are damaged or completely destroyed. In the next few days we will watch as the United States sends rescue and then recovery resources to assist in the aftermath of this event.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief is assessing the needs and preparing to respond. UMCOR asks for prayers for all who are affected by the disaster. Our United Methodist resources can also be part of this immediate and long term work. Our churches and our members can play a significant role in helping these brothers and sisters in their time of need. Utilizing existing relationships we will be able to quickly mobilize aid to directly assist communities in both the early and long-term recovery from this destruction.

Please consider receiving a special offering, tithing an upcoming fund-raiser, or hosting an event in the coming weeks where the proceeds can be dedicated to Haiti Rescue and Recovery. Gifts for relief efforts can be sent to the Annual Conference office with the notation for Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance # 418325. Each Conference Office will immediately forward all donations to the UMCOR recovery program set up to provide relief. Our disaster response teams are in conversations with UMCOR regarding other possible responses we might offer including sending disaster response teams to Haiti. We will keep you informed as opportunities develop.

Our United Methodist Church is uniquely situated to put every dollar donated directly into the communities of need. The administrative expenses of these missional efforts have already been covered by our offerings through the One Great Hour of Sharing. Because of our faithfulness we can guarantee that 100% of what we receive will be sent to Haiti and its residents.

Please lift up our neighbors in Haiti and those involved in relief efforts in your prayers this Sunday. And may God help us fulfill the Great Commandment in all we do.

Grace and Peace,
Marcus Matthews
Resident Bishop

[ Click here for a PDF printable version of this letter ]

United Methodist Communications - Regarding Hatian Earthquake Crisis

United Methodist Communications is working to provide timely and relevant information about how The United Methodist Church is responding to the tragic earthquake in Haiti and how United Methodists can support these efforts. United Methodists have had a long-standing relationship with Haiti through the Methodist Church of Haiti.

The United Methodist News Service has already posted stories on the tragedy and will have ongoing coverage about United Methodist mission teams that are in Haiti, response efforts by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and what local churches are doing to provide aid. Stay tuned to http://www.umc.org/haiti (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=jqINIUOFJnJUJ9L&s=ahIPL5ODKgLYJ8PILpF&m=llIXLkN2ImJ7E) for more information.

Support for relief efforts can be made to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance # 418325 (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=pmLZKcM3KtL8JtJ&s=ahIPL5ODKgLYJ8PILpF&m=llIXLkN2ImJ7E). 100% of gifts to UMCOR through the Advance support the designated project.

United Methodist Communications
810 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Hatian Earthquake Crisis - Emergency Appeal for Health Kits

An appeal for Health Kits has been added to the request for donations of funds to the Haiti Emergency Relief Advance # 418325.

NCNY is encouraged to deliver Health Kits and bulk supplies to:

Kits are being collected at the Webster UMC. Completed health kits for Haiti may be brought now to the Communications Center – BY FEB 12th.  Please refer to posted list for contents of kits – in Communications Center.  ONLY the items requested (size & number also) will be taken.

Items needed for the disaster kits:

• Hand Towels (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels please)
• Washcloths
• Combs (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized please)
• Nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers please)
• Bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• Toothbrushes (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes please)
• Adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
• 1 gallon ziptop plastic bags

Reminder: Please include a cash donation to help with transportation which is essential to this work, but not required ~ $1 per kit is requested.

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Genesee Valley District: http://www.geneseevalleyumc.org/
Genesee Valley District Weekly e-Newsletter: http://www.geneseevalleyumc.org/eFriday.html
Western New York Conference: http://www.wnyumc.org/
The United Methodist Church: http://www.umc.org

Schedule of Church Events

• Saturday, 3/13: Quilting Ministries, 10:00am - 1:00pm, Walworth Town Hall.
• Sunday, 3/14: Breakfast with the Pastor, 8:30 am, Holy Communion at 9:30 am.
• Wednesday, 3/24: Leadership Council, 7:00pm.
• Thursday, 4/1: Maundy Thursday Service, 7:30 pm at Zion
• Friday, 4/2: Good Friday - practice reverence, quiet, and prayer at home
• Saturday, 4/3: Decorate Easter eggs at church, 3:00 pm
• Sunday, 4/4: Easter Sunday
  • 7:00 am Sunrise Service at Lincoln Baptist
  • 9:30 am Worship at Zion
• Sunday, 4/24: Nothing But Nets Sunday, on the eve of World Malaria Day
• Sunday, 5/23: Confirmation Sunday
• Sunday, 5/30: Memorial Day Sunday, followed by a service at the cemetery
• Sunday, 6/20: Father's Day "Undies Sunday" - a collection of NEW men's and women's underwear to ge given to the Open Door Mission

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Zion's Birthdays:

Happy Birthday, all!

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Final Thoughts From Your Pastor

Are You on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn?

These new social media tools can become overwhelming. Here is a hint, start simple (with one), and go slow (do twice ... no, ten times as much observing as you do talking). Also, know this: what ever you post, the whole world may be watching, so be careful!

The United Methodist Church has a wonderful 10-steps directive on how to be included in the social media wave. [ Read here! ]

I start on Twitter in April, quickly became frustrated and gave it up ... that is until I attended a workshop sponsored by the AdCouncil of Rochester about the marriage of Information Technology and Marketing. This gave me the impetus to go back to Twitter and try again. Shazam, it's working!

All of which is to say, give Twitter a try. Sign up for an account at www.twitter.com. if you're on Twitter and interested in my postings on preaching, church & religion, Alzheimer's disease, hockey ... or any of my other interest, come follow me. I can be found at: http://twitter.com/JustPlainT

I found Facebook to be easier to learn. I've been on it for a couple of years. If you are on Facebook, find me at:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=762089737&ref=profile
and friend me (that is, invite me to be your friend). I've started to publish my weekly sermons on Facebook and have many other Zion related links to information and photos. You can also look into my profile to find other members and friends of Zion, who you can, in turn, send an invitation to be your friend, too!

Facebook is easy to learn, and like Twitter, is free. To create an account or learn more, go to http://www.facebook.com

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals who want to be networked with other professionals. It is a great way to have your resume on line, to make yourself very searchable, and to be networked with others. View mine by going to: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/todd-goddard/17/56b/457 Create your profile and network with me!

Either friend me or follow me or network with me, it doesn't make a difference. The conversation is waiting for you to join in and catch me up with your life!

God loves you, and so do I.