A Word from Stu

Zion Family,

The media in Lincoln has been very kind to continue to tell our story. If you watch the 10 PM news on channel 8 they are doing a follow up on those who went on the missions trip to Peru.  Today the LJS gave an update on the building status.  There really isn’t much that is new, but the article summarizes pretty fairly where things are at.  The officers remain open to all possibilities (the lead to their article) and continue to prayerfully consider what God would have us do.  I want you to know that while we are praying, we are also gathering information. 

As far as purchasing an existing church, there don’t appear to be any realistic options.  If you know of a facility that is for sale please let me know. 

Here are a few more notes for the week ahead:
* We continue to meet at Capitol City Christian until further notice.  Services are at 10:30 AM with nursery provided.  This Sunday Capitol City has a wedding at 2:00 and they need us to leave the worship center right after services.  I think we could linger a bit in the foyer, but they’ll be decorating and taking pictures in the worship center right after we leave. 
* One of the nurseries will be on the opposite side of the worship center.  One of the rooms we’ve been using is also the “bride’s room” and they’ll need it this Sunday.
* We are asking people to put on a nametag.  Grab a sharpie and slap on a nametag.  We’ve been one church in two services for quite a while and nametags are very helpful.
* We continue to take orders for t-shirts, polos, and caps.  There will be a table ordering these ‘Zion’ products.  We hope to have them in hand and distributed by the 15th.
* If you see a need or a gap in ministry don’t be shy about saying something to one of the officers.  We need lots of eyes and ears.
* We are very near to a long-term agreement with Grace Lutheran church for Sunday rental space (22nd & Washington).  We will be able to do all of our Sunday morning activities, with an education hour at 9:30 AM and worship at 11:00 AM.  Pray that these details are finalized and that this situation would be a blessing to both congregations.
* There will be a prayer walk, beginning at the Ed Center (8th & D) on July 18, 7 PM.  We’ll take an hour to walk through the neighborhood, pray, and talk about the future.

The basement hole at 9th and D was filled and the lot will be seeded shortly.  Some will wonder why (when we might be messing it up again soon).  Here is the answer from Jack Way: “This is a requirement of City of Lincoln when demolition of a building occurs. They sent an inspector when the hole was open to see that the footings removed. If Zion had not completed this work and left the site in an unsightly mess, there would have been considerable reaction from City Hall possibly resulting in litigation which Zion does not want. Plus, it’s being a good neighbor.”

We want to be good neighbors!  Use every opportunity God gives you to talk about Jesus, who leads Zion Church, who loves lost people, and who has a purpose behind our temporary trouble.

In Christ, Stu

Posted on June 29, 2007.