DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE

Discipleship is what we say and do, after we say we believe.  The discipleship team exists to lead our congregation in making new disciples of Jesus through inviting, welcoming and involving new partners in the congregation; and to help the members of Zion in identifying and using their personal gifts and financial resources to further the ministry of Zion in our church and  community.  The team’s current ministries include “Invite a Friend” and “Name Tag” Sundays; classes and receptions for new partners; informational brochures about Zion; production and compilation of the “time, talent and treasure” inventory, outreach events such as Picnic Pizazz and the Spirit of Zion Festival and leading the annual financial commitment campaign.  As the Discipleship Team matures and grows with your support, so does its ministry of leading the congregation in sharing the good news of Jesus in everything we say and do.

FELLOWSHIP & RECREATION COMMITTEE

The Fellowship Committee is for the most part “Fellowship.”  We are responsible for organizing events such as church picnic, recital receptions, and welcome and farewell parties.  These events are planned and carried out by our committee often with a lot of help from other Zion members.

The Fellowship & Recreation Committee is always open to new ideas and welcomes your participation.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

The Financial Resources Committee is responsible for general supervision over all financial matters of the Congregation.  Each Fall we prepare Zion’s annual operating budget, which we monitor throughout the year.  As part of our ongoing monitoring of Zion’s finances, we make recommendations we believe will help balance money coming into Zion with money going out.  We also serve as a resource to the Council and Congregation on financial issues as they come up.

The Financial Resources Committee encourages all members to help Zion by participating in Thrivent Financial’s Simply Giving program.   Simply Giving allows members to have their regular gifts automatically transferred from their checking or savings account to Zion.  It benefits members by eliminating the need to write a check or stuff an envelope each week or month, while benefiting Zion by cutting down on the time currently spending on counting, recounting, recording and depositing weekly gifts.  Please stop by the office or ask one of the Pastors to help you sign up for this great program.

HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

The Historical Committee is making its initial strides toward what it is charged to do by our constitution.  In addition to the ongoing activities of photographing, microfilming and binding the church’s historical records, the committee will be looking at the viability of computerizing records through the present day.  Other highlights of the meeting include:

• Project ‘03 & Beyond (established in 1991) continues to raise money to refurbish our 100+ year old historic sanctuary.
• maintaining the exhibits and open hours to Zion’s museum.
• informing the congregation of the progress of this committee’s work is an important part
  of the committee’s responsibilities.

The Historical Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month, Committee Night.  All interested persons may attend.

LIBRARY

The Zion Library is located across from the Museum and next to the Gym.  It contains up to date volumes of books for all ages ranging from fact to fiction, religious to entertainment.  It is open to all.  Volunteers are always welcome so that library opportunities can be expanded. 

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

The Property Committee is made up of members from the congregation who want to be involved in the maintenance of the church property.  The responsibilities range from painting a room to major renovations with directives from the Congregation Council.

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE

The Social Concerns team provides opportunities for Zion’s people to serve their Lord through acts of charity and advocacy in the community and the world.  It serves as a link with local, regional, national and international social service agencies.  Examples of the team’s work include:

Local Service
Supporting adult literacy through LitWork!
Supporting LEAVEN, the Fox Valley emergency services clearinghouse, through a satellite office at Zion

Global Service
Selling Lutheran World relief coffee, cocoa and tea to support Third World farmers
Making infant layettes and quilts for distribution through Lutheran World Relief
Supporting missionary Brian Konkol in Guyana
Sending participants to the ELCA Global Mission Event
Sponsoring a Mission Sunday, which features the ELCA’s national and international work in alleviating hunger and poverty, and providing disaster relief.

     
WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE

Worship is the one unifying event in the life of Zion.  All members join together to worship God. It is here that they thank God, praise God, and ask God for help.  The Worship and Music Committee facilitates congregational participation in a manner faithful to the spirit of the Lutheran traditions and liturgical practices.  It continually works to ensure that worship is theologically appropriate and relevant.  By ontributing to worship, the experience for members is enhanced. The Committee oversees the contributions of worship assistants such as musicians, assisting ministers, communion assistants, ushers, lectors, greeters, those who care for the altar and communion linens, and those who serve in additional ways. The Committee works with and supports the pastors and the music ministry staff to strive for meaningful worship experiences which welcome all people to celebrate, discover and share the love of Christ.

Music Ministry Opportunities

Sanctuary Choir (confirmed youth and adults)

Handbell Choir (confirmed youth and adults)

Chapel Chimes (adults)

Youth Choir (grades 6-12)

Cantors

ZION MUTUAL HOMES COMMITTEE

Zion Lutheran Church owns and operates the Zion Mutual Homes.  Begun in 1986, this 28 apartment unit is for seniors who are living independently.  Zion Mutual Homes is located in the block south of the church and is an outreach project for the whole community.  Information may be obtained by contacting the church office.  We are grateful to those whose vision brought about these apartments.  Joan Verkins serves as Manager of Zion Mutual Homes.

The Zion Mutual Homes Committee meets monthly to hear reports on ZMH’s financial position from the Treasurer and a report on the daily concerns and activities of ZMH residents from the Manager.  In addition, general property management from landscaping to heating to decorating is discussed.  An attempt is made to keep abreast of the senior housing market in Appleton.  The committee shares their experiences and backgrounds to guide ZMH to fulfill its goal: MAY IT PLEASE GOD AND SERVE HIS PEOPLE.

ZION FOUNDATION

A gift for today and a legacy for tomorrow.  That’s the unique opportunity presented by the Zion Foundation Fund.  Contributions to the fund remain in the fund, creating a valuable resource to serve Zion today and in the future.  The fund’s principal (all money and property contributed) is invested to earn interest.  The interest, in turn, is used to support Zion programs and projects, other than general church operations.  The principal itself remains invested to earn more interest.  People who contribute to the fund - whether their gift is $50 or $5,000 - are sharing a vision for the future of Zion.

Examples of the types of projects that could receive funding include: church music programs, organ replacement, historical preservation and education, property acquisition, scholarships and educational grants, outreach programs or equipment, as well as mission outreach programs.

You can contribute to the Foundation Fund through a direct gift of cash or property (such as real estate or securities).  You also can provide for a future contribution by making a trust or bequest through your will or estate.

ADULT EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

Fit for the Kingdom

A fitness group with chair exercises and light walking held on Wednesdays.

How Novel
A book discussion group that meets on the first Mondayof each month at 11:30am at Confucious.

OWLs
A group for age 40ish and up.  Centered on fellowship and food to build relationships with various planned events.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knitting of shawls for people needing care.  Held on the second Monday of each month at Marilyn Hetzler’s home.

Wednesday Bible Study
Held in the Conference Room at Zion from 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Women’s Fellowship
Meeting on the last Tuesday of the month, the women of Zion dine at various restaurants for fellowship and fun.