Pastor’s Page

From Pastor Nancy….

It is good to be with you, saints at Zion, during this holy time of Advent and Christmas. I will be your “bridge” pastor for December into January 2021. It’s been quite a year for you at Zion. Pastor Sue retired after a long and faith-filled ministry. Then there were all the uncertainties surrounding covid-19, how to do worship, what to do about fellowship events, and more. Through it all you have been faithful to the good news of Jesus: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

I plan to be in the office two or three days a week plus Sunday mornings. Please stop by and introduce yourself. I can also be reached by phone/text (715-223-5316) or e-mail (revnia10@gmail.com). I will do sermon preparation and worship planning at home, which is Withee, Wisconsin.

A few thoughts on Christmas.

When asked about my favorite Christmas story, I usually point to Luke 2, which is the biblical Christmas

story with Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, the shepherds in the fields with their flocks, and the angels appearing out of nowhere. It’s a great story. If you have a Spark children’s bible, the story is even better. When the angels direct the shepherds to go to Bethlehem to visit baby Jesus, one of the shepherds says, “But what about the sheep?” To which another shepherd replies, “Let the angels watch them!”
My second favorite Christmas story is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss. I would suggest that the Whos are indicative of the unconditional love we Christians experience in Jesus. They don’t need “things” to celebrate Christmas. They have the love of one another and the whole community. I’m not saying that receiving and giving gifts is unimportant. However, I believe it is secondary to the giving of oneself to others in love and service….like Jesus.
I like to put up my Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving. I usually don’t take it down until the needles start falling…which makes for a fun time of vacuuming the carpet! I really enjoy the lights on the tree, especially on these short winter nights. The lights on the tree remind me of the light of Christ shining in the lives of various people. Many of the ornaments are gifts from people in congregations I have served over the years. Indeed, the message of John’s gospel rings ever true: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5).

Blessed Advent & Christmas to you. May the light of Christ shine brightly in your lives & hearts! Pastor Nancy

A Message from the President……..

Hello Friends in Christ,

Back in June, we began a new journey. The path that we were on, came to an end and for the past few months, we’ve been forging our way to a new path. During this time, many people have stepped up, taken on additional duties and responsibilities to keep the church and our programs operational. And although we still have a lot of work ahead of us, the ground work has been laid and I am pleased to announce the arrival of a Bridge Pastor and Interim Pastor.

Starting in December, Pastor Nancy Amacher will be with us through the first Sunday in January. Pastor Nancy retired in 2007 and just completed a long-term interim with Faith Fellowship in Marshfield. She will be joining Zion as a Bridge Pastor. In this role, Pastor Nancy will help us prepare for our full-time Interim Pastor and guide us in starting to put together our Transition Team.

Then on January 9, 2022, Pastor Andrea Fluegel will be joining us as our full-time Interim Pastor. Pastor Andrea comes to us from Eagle River where she has been serving the congregation of Prince of Peace and resides with her husband, Erik; three children, Alex (23), Natalie (18), and Nicholas (15); and their dog, Carlita. Since 2000, Pastor Andrea has worked in various positions in ELCA Churches of all sizes in a variety of contexts. As our Interim Pastor, she will perform all pastoral acts, work with the council and all committees, including the Transition Team, and will be staying at the parsonage.

Please join with me in welcoming Pastor Nancy Amacher and Pastor Andrea Fluegel to Zion Lutheran Church. We appreciate Pastor Nancy and Pastor Andrea sharing their gifts with and offering their guidance to our congregation as we continue our trek to the future.

God’s Blessings to all of you,

Carmella Moon Council President