January 2012

“Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are a variety of services but the same Lord; and, there are a variety of activities, but the same God who activates them in all people. To each one is given a gift for the common good.”

1Corinthians 12:4-7

Spiritual Gifts! We all have heard or read about Spiritual Gifts. Why this focus on Spiritual Gifts? What are Spiritual Gifts? How do we use Spiritual Gifts? There are a variety of Spiritual Gifts---far too many to mention—but include:

Through baptism one is given a Spiritual Gift or a mix of Spiritual Gifts to carry on God’s mission. The commitment to discovering one’s own Spiritual Gift (s) is a challenge to each one of us. We are to use these Spiritual Gifts for building up the body of Christ, which is the Church. YOU have your own unique set of Spiritual Gifts. Find them! Use them! Thank God for your many blessings and heed His call. He is calling every one of us. Don’t miss this opportunity for discipleship.

“The understanding and usage of these Spiritual Gifts are as necessary for congregational life as oxygen is necessary to human life.”

Harry McDowell

December 2011

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.”

John 3:16

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Perhaps the busiest season of the year. And Christmas Day itself, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Believe me, there is nothing wrong with gift-giving or celebrations that help us in our spiritual journey, but we all must take time to block out the commercialism of Christmas and remember the greatest of all gifts which God has given us—His son. We need to take the time to focus on that manger scene with a newborn child named Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes. What better way can we allow God to be the center of our lives once again, as we replenish ourselves to meet the tasks ahead?

Now we face the new year 2012! As the new year looms before us, we must grasp the opportunity to look forward to see, where by God’s grace and our faithfulness, we are going. I assure you, 2012 holds before us many more challenges and opportunities for ministries. Are we ready to accept them? Are we willing to give a bit more of our talent, time and treasure? Are we ready to lead this congregation with boldness and courage? All these questions require positive answers! These are times that demand personal involvement and personal conviction of all members in the life and work of this congregation.

The Annual Congregation Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2012, immediately following the 10:30am worship service. The youth will host the luncheon providing the food and beverages as well as the “clean up crew”. A freewill offering basket will be available for all who wish to support the youth, as they plan their trip to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. If you are unable to join our family for this “Special Luncheon with the Youth”, you may join us for the business session at 12 noon. Copies of the Annual Report will be available in the Narthex from Saturday, January 7 to the day of the meeting. If for any reason you cannot pick up a copy in the Narthex, and you wish to have a copy, please contact the parish office (732-388-1815). We will do our utmost to see that you receive a copy promptly.

Have a blessed Christmas Season and a new year filled with peace and happiness.

Harry W. McDowell

November 2011

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, not under compulsion."
II Corinthians 9:7

Building on Blessings! Work has begun! Our goal is Bold! But as we offer ourselves in thanksgiving to God, we will find that together we can and we will build on God's blessings.

We have entered into two contractual agreements as of October 15.

Contractual Agreement (1): The purpose of this study is to determine the source(s) of water entering the basement; to propose remedial measures for maintaining a dry basement area; to determine the nature and engineering properties of the subsurface soil and ground water conditions for the new addition; to recommend a practical foundation scheme; and, to determine the allowable bearing capacity of the site soils.

Contractual Agreement (2): The purpose of this study is to conduct a limited microbial and indoor air quality assessment of our church building to confirm if any toxic allergenic molds are present. The results of this preliminary limited assessment of indoor air quality will be utilized to determine if further assessment is required and/or if microbial remediation is required by a Remediation Contractor. As you can see, we are moving forward, step by step, with our plans for mold remediation in the church building (if necessary); waterproofing the basement area; and making the Social Hall handicapped accessible.

For those members who have not yet committed themselves to financially support Building on Blessings, I ask you once again to take that quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize "all that we have and all that we are is a gift to us from God." Take a bold step forward as you walk with Jesus and grow in your relationship with Him. Commit yourself to financially support Building on Blessings, as you express your love for God and your dedication, as well as your desire to be a faithful participant in God's mission in our time and place. Thanks be to God, and thanks be to you, who have shared what God first entrusted to you.

Harry W. McDowell

August 2011

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, not under compulsion.”   
II Corinthians 9:7

Building on Blessings!

I personally wish to thank each member and friend of this congregation who have submitted a signed commitment to financially support this stewardship appeal. As of this time we have received signed commitments totaling about $140,000 – and the total increases almost daily. Again our goal is bold, but as we offer ourselves in thanksgiving to God, we will find that together we can and we will build on God’s blessing. We must remember that together we carry out a ministry that seeks to be faithful to the Lord Jesus and a blessing to our community. We do believe God is doing great things in our midst and in the lives of so many!

For those members and friends of this congregation who have not submitted a signed commitment to support this appeal: Building on Blessings is a fascinating and exciting stewardship appeal that brings us together at this hour. Our pledges of money express our love for God and our dedication, as well as our desire to be faithful participants in God’s mission in our time and place. Join me: as we have been blessed, and in grateful response to God’s love, let us all accept this challenge to share our resources for Building on Blessings.

“All that we have and all that we are is a gift to us from God.”

Harry W. McDowell

July 2011

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly, not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." II Corinthians 9:7-8

Building on Blessings!

What a fascinating and exciting stewardship appeal. After more than a decade of dreaming how to welcome all people into every part of our church building, we initiated our stewardship appeal on Commitment Weekend at our worship services on June 11 and June 12. The time finally has arrived for us to make the changes necessary for out Social Hall to become handicapped accessible. We also plan to add handicapped accessible bathrooms and complete long--overdue mold remediation and waterproofing in that area. We are excited about these renovations since they certainly will enhance and strengthen our ministry.

We know our goal is bold, but the leadership of Zion sincerely believes that we must be bold and perhaps a bit daring to keep Zion's ministry and service moving forward as a strong, visible and vital ministry for Christ—not only in our community, but beyond. We are inviting every member and friend of Zion to make a commitment to support these efforts through this stewardship appeal. We pray that your financial support will be given out of thankfulness for God's blessings and your love for God.

So again join me; as we have been blessed, and in grateful response to God's love, let us all accept this challenge to share our resources for Building on Blessings. Many times, it takes a quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize that all we have and all that we are is a gift to us from God. Again our goal is bold, but as we offer ourselves in thanksgiving to God, we will find that together we can and we will build on God's blessings.

Remember! Giving is a personal commitment between you and God.

Harry W. McDowell

April 2011

Just before Easter we concentrate our thinking on the Lord Jesus Christ and His cross. We remember well the words he spoke as he faced and met his bitter death for our salvation. The “Seven Words from the Cross” have been in our minds as we have tried to understand and to fathom the experiences of our Lord as he went to his death. And finally we rejoice with “Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!” But Easter is not over. Easter lasts forever!

          Several years ago, I ran across a tract entitled “Easter Lasts Forever.” Easter lasts forever! Isn’t that what we believe? This life is not always pleasant. In fact it can deal us some harsh blows—death, loss of job, divorce, war, financial difficulties, and the list goes on and on until it seems like Good Friday everyday. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But the believer in Christ looks forward. Yes, it may be Friday, but Sunday is coming! This is our eternal hope. The world may appear to be falling apart, but Jesus still reigns. His resurrection proves that he has conquered sin, death and the devil. It guarantees that those who have died in faith will be raised and will live forever with Jesus and all believers in heaven. When that is considered, all of our problems of this world will pale in comparison to the glory to come.

Yes, Easter lasts forever!
Harry McDowell

March 2011

"And being found in human form be humbled himself and became obedient until death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:8

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9! It seems as though we have just finished the Twelve Days of Christmas – the season we open the greatest of all gifts which God has given us – His Son. And now our thoughts are turned to the Passion of our Lord. Yes! From the day of sackcloth and ashes (Ash Wednesday, March 9) to the day of triumphant victory in the resurrection (Easter, April 24), you and I are challenged to prepare ourselves for the rising to newness of life – the basic purpose of Lent.

During these forty days we are to think about the meaning of the Cross and the empty tomb. Why were these necessary? What part do they play in God's loving concern for us? What do they mean for me? Does my life reflect the serious conflict between God's will and the pattern of my life? Do I live as though I had been baptized into the risen Christ, or as though this had never taken place? Do I see grace as a continuing gift from God which challenges me to grow?

We follow the sufferings and death of Christ because they show us his whole life, his total commitment to the will of the Father. We are called to follow this commitment. Yes, as many have found there are many obstacles and painful trials when we try to act according to God's will and go contrary to the values and prejudices of the majority. How will YOU use this time to grow closer to Christ and work for the concerns of God in this world?

Harry W. McDowell
President

January 2011

"Life itself is a gift of time. Isn't it incredible how God has given each of us our own unique set of talents and skills to develop and use to make that time meaningful?"

Once again our family of Zion enjoyed another busy and exciting year filled with a variety of events, ministries and programs. For all these accomplishments YOU deserve the credit and my personal thanks. It is your untiring efforts, your Christian understanding and your unselfish cooperation that binds us together as we labor to carry forth His work.

But 2010 is past history! We cannot live in the past! We must move forward! As 2011 looms before us, we must grasp the opportunity to look forward to see "where" – by God's grace and our faithfulness - we are going in our mission at Zion. I assure you, 2011 holds before us many challenges and opportunities for ministry and growth. These are times that demand personal involvement and personal conviction of each one of us, if we wish to meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities available to us. I pray daily that we will have not only the leadership, but also the full support of our membership as we diligently work to fill the important needs and voids in our congregation.

As for leadership? When I think of leadership, several thoughts come to mind. Leadership is the willingness to engage the tough questions and to face the confusing situation. Leadership always needs a dash of daring or opportunities will be missed. Possibilities will go unrealized. Leadership that does not dare to explore and question, or change and improve, is not leadership. We must live and lead this congregation with boldness and courage. We must act in His name with energy and zeal. Again, I challenge you! YOU have God given talents. Why not use them? Join our team!

May God continue to bless us as we continue to serve Him.
Harry W. McDowell

September 2010

“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
                                                                   James 1:17

Our theme for our 2010 Stewardship emphasis has not changed! Most importantly, it invites us to give first to God. It calls us to exercise faith that God will take care of all our needs. Now is the time for us (you and me) to respond as Spiritual givers—ones who contribute material resources to the Lord’s work with generosity, regularity and cheerfulness. Spiritual givers consider giving to be a wonderful opportunity rather than a sacrificial burden. As you have been blessed, tell God how thankful you are by accepting your share as a Spiritual giver.

Remember Sunday, September 12! RALLY DAY and our Annual Congregation Picnic in the Parsonage backyard following the 9:15am and 10:30am worship services. Honored guests will be the new members who have joined our Christian family in the past 12 months. Hamburgers, hot dogs and the usual trimmings, along with drinks will be furnished by the church. Picnickers are encouraged to bring casseroles, side dishes and/or desserts. Oh! Yes, I am sure there will be a few surprise games. Mark your calendar! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to welcome our new members and enjoy a relaxing time with friends.

Harry W. McDowell

August 2010

                   “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
                                                                                      Luke 12:34

We are halfway through our summer season, our remaining vacation days are fewer in number, but, on the bright and positive side, Zion’s ministries and programs are ready to move forward in high gear. However, I do have a great concern as I review our financial records and note our refusal to commit ourselves to support our ministries and programs financially. Although some activities at Zion slow down or even take a vacation during the summer, all ministries and programs are ongoing. That means our financial offerings must also be ongoing. In grateful response to God’s love, let us all accept this challenge to share our resources in order to meet the financial needs of our ministries and programs.

If you have not kept current with you offerings during the summer months, you still have time to “catch up.” Remember! When we support our ministries and programs, we are making sure the story of Christ is being proclaimed and shared through our faith and love. His story! The greatest story ever!

Harry W. McDowell

P. S.  Many times it takes a quiet moment of thought and prayer to fully realize that all we have and all that we are, is a gift from God.

July 2010

The following article was written as part of my 1970 Annual Pastoral Report to our congregation.

These are changing and critical times. Tremendous economic, social and moral issues confront the whole world. The church can no longer play ostrich and consider itself immune to these confrontations. Our Synod, as well as the ELCA, calls upon the congregations – our congregation – both as a corporate body and as individual members, to witness to the civic community in behalf of just laws and policies affecting sex, marriage and family and in behalf of legislation that will improve the economic and social conditions which influence the life styles of people.

These are times that demand personal involvement of all Christians in the life and work of the church. As in every age, there is the unending struggle between God and Satan, good and evil, mercy and hatred, justice and injustice. In this cosmic struggle every church member – YOU, I – has a part in the battle for truth and righteousness. Only to the extent that members get involved will the church be effective in its ministry.

We must all remember! The church is the place in which God does His marvelous works, the theater of His justice, mercy, goodness and truth; where He is to be sought, where He is to be found and in which alone He is retained.

Harry W. McDowell

June 2010

“To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Congratulations to our talented 2010 confirmands:
Kevin Engstrom, Matthew Flanagan, Danielle Giarrizzo, Kyle Murphy and Jade Palmer. These young ladies and young men made public affirmation of their baptism at the 10:30am worship service on Sunday, May 23. We all rejoice with Kevin, Matthew, Danielle, Kyle and Jade as they made public confession of their faith and assumed a greater responsibility in the life of our Christian Family. We also commend them for a job well done in preparing and delivering the Word of God at all three (3) worship services the weekend of May 22 and May 23. We pray that they will continue to offer their time and talent to serve our Lord here at Zion.

As I finished eating my breakfast and reading the daily newspaper this morning, my thoughts turned to the past 11+ months – a time period in which my Christian Faith grew exponentially:

-Christian Faith gives me the needed strength to carry on!

-Christian Faith gives me the needed courage to face trouble!

-Christian Faith comforts me in my sorrow!

Faith is belief. Faith is trust. Faith is love. Faith is hope. Faith is much more than wishful thinking. Jesus teaches us that where our priorities are, there will be our hearts and we will follow our hearts. So be marked by faith. Do not be afraid. You can trust God.

Harry McDowell

April 2010

As this is written, we are within one week of Holy Week and I’ve been sitting here this morning reflecting for a few minutes on our Lenten Worship. It has been really powerful for me, really gripping. I mean both Sunday worship and Wednesday evenings!  The sermons, the music both have been so inspirational, again, so powerful for me. And of course the Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesday nights has been great. The music sticks with you and accompanies you long after the liturgy is over and the church doors are locked.

                                      I knelt today where Jesus knelt,
                                      Where all alone he prayed.
                                      The Garden of Gethsemane,
                                      My heart felt unafraid….
                                      I climbed the hill at Calvery….
                                      Where on the cross He died!

          These words to the old hymn, “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” come to mind as my thoughts turn to Holy Week. Holy Week, unlike any other week in the church year, focuses our attention and sight on Jerusalem and the cross. Each opportunity for worship in Holy Week is unique.

          Remember! Worship really is the heart of our community. It affords us the opportunity to praise God, to pray, to confess. But more importantly it gives us the chance to hear God and to be fed with God’s word.

          Come! Join us as we focus our attention and sight in Jerusalem and the cross.

                                                                   Harry McDowell

March 2010

“And being found in human form
 he humbled himself and became obedient unto death,
 even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

From the day of sackcloth and ashes (Ash Wednesday, February 17) to the day of triumphant victory in the resurrection (Easter, April 14), you and I are challenged to prepare ourselves for the rising to newness of life – the basic purpose of Lent. “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we, too, might walk in newness of life.” (Rom.6:4)

Lent is the time for practice and training in virtues and self-denial that are to be permanent and habitual in the renewal life of Easter. The temporary interruption of some selfish habit for the limited period of Lent, with the intention of resuming the old habit at Easter is not “keeping Lent.” A daily material offering to be discontinued with the passing of Lent, does not prepare for the newness of life after Easter.

For this Lenten season of reflection, self-examination and preparation, we are offering many worship services. We ask each and every one of you to look over our Lenten schedule and make a special effort to attend as many services as possible.

Remember, Lent is a time more than any other in the church year, when we focus on Jesus’ journey down the road to Jerusalem and the cross.

Come! Join us “to walk where Jesus walked.”

                                                                                                Harry W. McDowell

February 2010

         Again welcome to the New Year 2010! As this new year looms before us, I assure you that 2010 holds many challenges and opportunities for ministries. Accept these challenges! Accept these opportunities! Again we—you and I—must live and lead this congregation with boldness and courage. We must be a lively congregation who believes in Gods future and “lets go” with faith; not a dead congregation who believes in the past and “holds on.” Now is the time for each of us to discover and to develop our God given talents to join our march in faith.

         We held our Annual Congregation Meeting on Sunday, January 17—a cloudy and subsequent rainy day with temperatures in the low forties. In spite of the weather we were pleased to welcome a final count of 55 voting members to our meeting.

         The Zion Youth Group hosted a luncheon providing the food, beverages and dessert as well as the “clean up crew.” Everyone fully enjoyed the opportunity to socialize and to partake of the delicious food.

         The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 12:25 pm. We had a full agenda with a total of thirty plus reports from the various ministry teams, task forces and organizations. Everyone was given the opportunity to ask questions or to comment on each report. The majority of questions/comments referred to the 2010 proposed budget with focus and concern on line item “1206 Additional Intern Income” in the 2010 Income Budget. The discussion centered around,  “should we continue with our Intern Ministry?” After a lengthy discussion a motion was made and seconded “to continue with our Intern Ministry.” The motion passed by written ballot 28 to 14. All questions were addressed very effectively by the congregation leaders.

         We welcomed to the Congregation Council the following four members: Linda Cenci, Debra Flanagan, Carolyn Konopi and Donna Murphy. We are pleased with their willingness to serve and look forward to another exciting year for Zion. The Congregation Council also bid farewell to a mainstay of the governing body for past three years: Herman Renkevens. We sincerely thank him for his time and talent and certainly pray he will continue to serve his Lord here at Zion.

         The Congregation also elected Patrick Sawler and Anita Waldron to join Pastor Whitlock as the three voting members to represent us at the Synod Assembly on May 6 through May 8, 2010.

         The Mutual Ministry Team has undergone a new look. We welcome new members: Cori Battenhausen, Douglas Born and Harold Engstrom. We are delighted with their acceptance and commitment to serve on this special team. The team also bids farewell to two members whose terms expired: Nancy Jean Wallace (2009 chairperson) and Susan Olender. We sincerely thank them for their time and talent and pray they will continue to serve their Lord here at Zion. The new 2010 chairperson is Robert Leifeste who along with Erica Barilla and Dorothy Marbach are serving their second year on the team.

         The Annual Meeting concluded at 2:05pm. Once again, I wish to thank YOU! It is your untiring efforts, your Christian understanding and your unselfish cooperation that binds us together as we labor to carry forth His work.

Harry W. McDowell

January 2010

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:6)     

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Perhaps the busiest season of the year. A season in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the season in which we open the greatest of all gifts which God has given us – His Son. A season in which we all should take time to sit down in the quiet of the moment to be alone with God and rediscover His word. We all need a time that can be set aside to replenish ourselves to meet the tasks that lie ahead. We need to allow God to be the center of our lives once again. Most of all, we need to take the time to focus on and to remember that manger scene with a newborn child named Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.

      The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2010, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. The Zion Youth Group will host the luncheon providing the food and beverages as well as the “clean up crew.” A free will offering basket will be available for any one who wishes to make a donation. All monies will be used to offset the costs of the luncheon with any “extra” dollars going into the Youth Ministry Fund. The business session will begin at approximately 12:15 p.m. The agenda includes action on a proposed 2010 budget; the election of four (4) members to the Congregation Council; the election of two (2) lay voting members to the New Jersey Synod Assembly being held May 6 through May 8, 2010; and the reports from our many ministry teams, committees and organizations of our congregation. Copies of the Annual Report will be available in the Narthex from Saturday, January 2 through the day of the meeting. If for any reason you cannot pick up a copy prior to the meeting, please contact the parish office (732-388-1815). We will do our utmost to see that you receive a copy promptly.

      As the year 2010 looms before us, I foresee many more challenges and opportunities for us as a Christian family. In preparation, we have been planning our Annual Council and Leadership Retreat since the Fall of 2009. The Retreat will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010, starting at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. Our leader and moderator will be the Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, Professor of History of Christianity at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Dr. Wengert also is a world renowned lecturer on the Bible and Lutheranism. I guarantee you that he will challenge us with ways to revitalize our ministries at Zion. Once again, this is a great opportunity for all of us to look forward to see where, by God’s grace and our faithfulness, we are headed in 2010. The Retreat is open to all members of the congregation. Come and join us!!!

      Have a blessed Christmas Season and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

Harry W. McDowell