Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church

Community Worship Before Easter 2021

Posted on March 23, 2021 by blund

This year, we are praying in thanksgiving and for protection for upcoming celebrations of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! Last year, so many of our plans were interrupted due to COVID-19 and state mandates. This year, we are praying for amazing opportunities! Please read on and plan to join our spiritual family in celebration!

Community Events For All
We want people from all churches to unite in praise of Christ. To that end, their are two events open to everyone in our community:

Community Worship Service on March 28th, 7pm at Zion Evangelical & Reformed Church. All our community is invited to a worship service led by pastors from different congregations. Refreshments will be served following the service. Masks are provided but not required. A live stream of the worship service will be provided from each church’s website.

Community CrossWalk on April 2nd, starting at noon and beginning at St Paul Lutheran Church. All our community is invited to the CrossWalk service. No masks will be provided, please bring your own; also, social distancing is acceptable out doors. No live stream will be made available.

We hope everyone will be able to join us for these wonderful opportunities! Don’t forget – on Easter Sunday, please check with your local congregation about giving worship to the risen Christ. Questions? Please call 923 – 3152.

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Preparing for Worship Mar 21

Posted on March 18, 2021 by blund

We will be using the following songs and passages from the Word of God in our corporate gathering this Lord’s Day. Please prayerfully use these resources to prepare your hearts to “come into His gates with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4).

The Word of the Lord:
Isaiah 6:1 – 4
Romans 6:1 – 4
Matthew 18:1 – 5, 10
II John 9 – 13
Isaiah 6:8
Numbers 6:22 – 24

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs:
Holy, Holy, Holy
His Name Is Wonderful
May the Mind of Christ My Savior
Doxology

Means of Grace:
Congregational Prayer
Holy Baptism
Sermon: Joyful Discernment

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Preparing for Worship Mar 7

Posted on March 4, 2021 by blund

The Word of the Lord:
I Kings 1:39 – 40
Deuteronomy 5
Romans 6:8 – 10, 14
Psalm 84:1 – 2, 10 – 12
II John 1 – 7
I Corinthians 11
Hebrews 13:20 – 23

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs:
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
O Church Arise
Jesus, Strong and Kind
Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
Doxology

Means of Grace:
Congregational Prayer
Sermon: Jesus In the Flesh
Holy Communion

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COVID-19 Policy for Zion (Updated Feb 2021)

Posted on March 3, 2021 by blund

Beginning Sunday, Mar 7th, we will be changing back to our traditional Lord’s Day schedule. Sunday mornings will be as follows:

9:15 – 10:10 | Sunday school for all ages
10:30 – 11:35 | Worship service (livestream, masks not required)

Masks are encouraged for all who desire them, but are not required. Masks will be provided for those who request them. We ask all members, visitors, and families to practice great care in not coming to worship or avoiding contact with others if you have symptoms of illness. At-risk individuals are encouraged to prayerfully considering observing the livestream of the worship service. For those attending, if you desire special seating away from crowded areas please speak to one of the ushers.

On March 7th, while the Consistory is distributing the elements of Holy Communion, they will be wearing masks and gloves. For those who cannot come to the front of the sanctuary for the sacrament, please ask an elder and they will bring the bread and cup to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Feb 14 – Early Service and Sunday School Canceled

Posted on February 13, 2021 by blund

On February 14, 2021, our 8:30 worship service and Sunday school are canceled due to inclement weather. We will still have worship at 10:30 a.m., and the livestream of the service will still go forward.

You can find the announcement at KIMT, KIOW, and on our social media channels. Please feel free to share this information with others.

A reminder for those attending the 10:30 service: masking is encouraged but not required, and there is full singing in the worship service.

Please trust the Lord and stay safe during this winter time!

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Funeral Service for R. Helps

Posted on February 6, 2021 by blund

Raymond H. Helps, 83, of Garner passed away Friday, February 5, 2021 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice in Mason City.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 8, 2021 at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner with Rev. Brian Lund officiating. The service will be livestreamed on both the Cataldo Funeral Home and Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church Facebook pages. Inurnment will be in the spring at Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church or MercyOne North Iowa Hospice. For the full obituary, as well as funeral home details, please see more at Cataldo Funeral Home.

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Sanctity of Life Sunday 2021

Posted on January 16, 2021 by blund

The third Sunday of January is recognized by churches across the nation as “Sanctity of Life Sunday,” and it is a great opportunity for us to recognize that God is the Author of life, and that we want to serve Him to recognize its sanctity.

Caring Pregnancy Center
One way Zion loves to support God’s plan for the sanctity of life is through the Caring Pregnancy Center in Mason City. They have a number of services for before, during, and even after pregnancy. These services bless not only the mother and baby, but help establish a support system around them.

You can support CPC through your gifts and prayers, as well as learning more about them and their services online.

Resources
There are so many ways we can learn what God’s Word says, and how we should respond, to the Sanctity of Life.

Some terrific articles and free PDFs can be found here at LifeMatters Worldwide. They have important resources on forgiveness after abortion, a topic on what God says about euthanasia, and so many more. One reason Christians are against abortion is because it is one of the most racist institutions in our nation – abortion disproportionately affects babies of color. Learning about abortion and racial inequality helps Christians stand up for justice for all people.

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