Flying Prayer flags by Akuppa

Prayer flags date back to the ancient Buddhist tradition of writing traditional texts on banners or cloths that were then taken to be shared with foreign lands. As the tradition developed, it became common to hang a series of prayer flags that had been woodblock-printed with texts and images. The traditional colors symbolize the natural elements of sky (blue), air (white), fire (red), water (green), and earth (yellow).

These flags were intended to be public symbols of prayers for peace, compassion, strength and wisdom. Today, prayer flags have been incorporated by a wide variety of faiths, including Christianity.

Throughout Lent, you are encouraged to write your own prayer in words or pictures on a piece of fabric. Fabric flags and markers can be found on a table in the lobby/narthex, through your discussion groups or you may have a piece of fabric at home that you want to use (about 6×12 inches). Completed prayer flags can be placed in the basket on the table, and staff and volunteers will attach them together with other prayer flags before hanging them at Zion.

You can read more about prayer flags on Wikipedia or in this article and see more images of them here.

from Faith Practices, Faith Lives by Dr. Martha E. Stortz

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing… I know my Master is there and that is enough.”

Author unknown, submitted by Bob Strommen

“dog2″ image by matstc

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task,
“Why doesn’t God help me,” I wondered. He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me. He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Poem by Grace L. Naessnes, submitted by Arnold Rude

During Lent we will be learning just what it is we need to do in order to raise our sails and get ready for the upcoming voyage into the future of Zion. Using John Ortberg’s book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted”, we will look at what we can do in our everyday lives to grow spiritually and to help us respond to the fresh wind of the Spirit in our sails. Ortberg presents the life giving spiritual disciplines as relevant, realistic steps to personal spiritual growth and transformation, a way to live life joyfully and abundantly.

The study begins on Ash Wednesday and will meet throughout Lent:

• After the noon Wednesday Lenten worship services at Zion
• After the 6:30pm Wednesday Lenten worship services at Zion
• 10:30 Friday mornings at at BJs Deli in downtown Buffalo
• Get your own group together
• Or just get a book and read along!

Weekly topics  include It’s Morphing Time, Slowing Down and Celebrating, Praying and Confessing, Meditating on Scripture and Seeking Guidance, Practicing Servanthood, Finding Freedom, and Going the Distance with a Well Ordered Heart.

Please plan to be a part of this time of learning, sharing, and transformation as we prepare for the voyage of a lifetime!

Sign up and reserve your book today.

The mission of Women United in Faith is to strengthen our faith and provide a safe, comfortable and confidential environment where women can share their hurts, struggles, joys, and heartfelt emotions, while maintaining respect for each other.

The group will study the book of Ephesians using the Life Changes bible study series and the study guide in the Serendipity Study Bible. That Bible version is not a requirement; bring your own Bible, as different versions can give different insight. If you’ve never been in a bible study before, don’t let that keep you from joining. Many participants are just beginners. Bring a friend and come when you can.

Contact Cheryl Mager (682.3777) or Judy Weis (682.7014) if you have questions.

I saw you sleeping last night and longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight on your face and again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you! You awoke and rushed off to work. My tears were in the rain.

If you would only listen to me. I love you! I try to tell you in blue skies and in the quiet grass. I whisper it in leaves on the trees and breathe it in colors of flowers, shout it to you in the mountain streams, giving birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature’s scents. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and bigger than the biggest need in your heart.

Ask me. Talk to me! Please don’t forget me! I have so much to share with you. I won’t hassle you any further. It is your decision. I have chosen you and I will wait. I love you!

Your Friend,

Jesus

(author unknown, submitted by Arnold Rude)

God Pause daily devotions from Luther Seminary are short, meaningful reflections on the following Sunday’s lessons and gospel. You can read them online or have them sent to your email or reader. During Advent, God Pause devotions will be taken from “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness,” a daily devotional produced by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Luther Seminary.

God comes to us in many and various ways. He speaks to us through the prophets and saints. He comes and speaks to us when we are listening. He comes in the beauty and mysteries of nature. Most of all, God comes in the person of Christ, speaking to his listeners face to face.

That’s what Advent is really all about: God visiting the earth in person to speak with anyone and everyone who is ready to do so.

We now, the people of this church, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, grateful for our heritage, aware of the sacrifices of our mothers and fathers in the faith, and confessing that apart from us their work cannot be made complete, do commit ourselves anew to the worship and service of Almighty God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

More highlights from that worship service

Topics include the latest visual scanning and steering techniques, anti-lock braking (ABS) skills, airbag information, driver distraction, road rage and new vehicle technology. There are no written or behind the wheel tests.

The cost is $24 and the class will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 13 and 14 from 9am-1pm each day. Minnesota law provides a 10% discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years for those age 55+ who complete this course .

A four hour refresher course will be available on November 10 from 9am-1pm, which will cost $20.

To register call the Minnesota Highway Safety Center at 1-888-234-1294. If you have questions you could also call Roger Brenny at 682-2979.

The Ephesians study will use the Life Changes bible study series and the study guide in the Serenditpity Study Bible (this Bible is not a requirement; bring your own Bible, as different versions can give us different insight). The group meets at Zion from 6:30-8pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

The mission of Women United in Faith is to strengthen our faith and provide a safe, comfortable and confidential environment where women can share their hurts, struggles, joys, and heartfelt emotions, while maintaining respect for each other. Contact Cheryl Mager (682.3777) or Judy Weis (682.7014) for more details about Women United in Faith or their study on Ephesians.

• Good-O-Meter
• God Pie
• Drive Through Church
• What if Worship Was Like An NBA Game
• What if Starbucks Marketed Like The Church

And the two ‘extras’ at the end were:

• Christian Vs Christ Follower part 1 (and here are parts 2, 3, and 4)
• Coffee With Jesus

There are lots more out there… let us know what you find!

Pastor Judy will be leading a study on “Jesus Breaks the System: Jesus and the Widow of Nain”  from Luke 7:11-17.

Regular circles also meet monthly throughout the year. For more info contact Phyllis Bengtson.

Heart disease takes nearly 700,000 lives each year and afflicts more than 80 million people in the U.S. It’s also highly preventable.

Studies show that better lifestyle habits can help prevent a whopping 80% of the coronary heart disease in this country. Here’s how:

Don’t Smoke

Smoking more than doubles the risk for a heart attack in adults under 50. It also exacerbates other risk factors by raising blood pressure, increasing the tendency for blood to clot, lowering HDL (good) cholesterol and decreasing tolerance for exercise.

Move More

Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise if  your body weight is normal, and 45 to 90 minutes if you’re over weight or obese.

Stress Less

Stress reduction is essential to decrease coronary heart disease. Whether it’s regular work outs, meditation, going to church, talking with a therapist or counselor can help.

Eat Like a Mediterranean

A Mediterranean diet consists of whole grains, fish, and is high in plant-based foods.

Get Screened

Begin having your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight checked. Monitor your numbers according to the American Heart Association’s recommended schedule for screenings.

To learn more about Healthy Heart Habits, check out the full article in your Spring Thrivent Magazine.

To learn more about Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its products, please contact Mark Worner of the Buffalo Thrivent office at 763.682.6011.

Complete details including RSVP information can be found at changeyourstripes.net.  If that day or time does not work for you, alternate locations are listed here.

There will be a community film screening of Under Our Skin and forum on Lyme Disease at Zion on Sunday, June 7th from 1-4pm led by Zion member Cassie Smith.

Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the United States. Unfortunately, each year thousands remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Join us to learn more about the many misconceptions regarding Lyme disease including its diagnosis, treatment and support options. All are welcome to this free event.

Contact Cassie with any questions about this event.

Come for a fun evening on Wednesday, May 13th with Sarah Lea; a biblical health, nutrition and gardening teacher. We will gather at 6:30-8:00pm in Zion’s Library.

Sara and her husband Pastor Bob live on a hobby farm in Cokato. They are 95% sustainable with the crops and animals they raise on their farm. The crops they raise are heirloom plants. Sara speaks all over the country on this subject. Learn more at www.milkandhoneyfarm.com. Come listen to this amazing lady, there will be a love offering for Sarah to cover her expenses.

Please RSVP to Nancy Elam @ 612-581-0377.

Zion Day of Prayer