Greetings from Pastor Jan

Wow!  My first three months as pastor at Zion’s Red Church has been busy and has flown by quickly.  Lent and Easter seemed to follow right after Christmas with many activities.

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It started early with a meeting with our Lutheran Bishop deForest and local Lutheran pastors.  Two ministerium meetings with my UCC ministerium colleagues were fun and informative – How we can better minister to our congregations today, and the historical evolution of Holy Communion.

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Busy also visiting those who are unable to attend church.  It has been a honor to get to know these longstanding members of our congregation.  Some are back in church.  Amen.

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Office hours at Market Square Café, 10:30 on Wednesdays, has been fruitful.  I have had visits from members of our congregation and have met many people from the community. 

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You may have seen the story and picture of our church in the Orwigsburg Happenings.  Also, we have joined the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association as part of our reaching out to our community.  A church member and I attended a get together event where we met several professionals in our area.  People came up to me sharing how meaningful the posting on our outdoor sign is to them.  “A mini-sermon.”  So a shout out to all involved in this important ministry.

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Of great significance was the first time Zion’s Red Church joined with local churches in shared community Lenten services.  Many people visited our sanctuary for the first time.  We also held a Good Friday service, for the first time in a while, and it was a moving reflective experience for the many people who attended.  Palm Sunday and Easter were beautiful services, heralding the coming of our Savior and celebrating his resurrection.

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On May 19th at 2 pm I will officially be installed by both UCC and Lutheran leadership as Zion’s Red church pastor.  A reception will be following.

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In June, Our White Elephant Sale will take place. Volunteers are needed! Speaking of fundraising, we are collecting for “The Beam” as the current one holding up our roof is in need of a major repair.

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I will be attending my daughter’s wedding in Mexico and will be away for three Sundays in June.  We have gifted members of our church who will preach in my place.  Perhaps one of you would be interested?

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Many blessings to all of you in the upcoming months.

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Pastor Jan