Saint Francis Festival

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church’s Parish Fall Festival will be held September 17, 18, & 19. Details on their website at stfxb.org.

2010 Singing the Faith Hymn Festival at Luther Seminary

The 2010 Singing the Faith Hymn Festival at Luther Seminary will be held at 7pm on October 31, and this year celebrates 150 years of the Scandinavian Augustana Synod tradition in the Lutheran church. Luther welcomes the Gustavus Adolphus choir, under the direction of Gregory Aune, as the guest choir.

Contact Lynne Moratzka at 651-641-3419 or lmoratzk@luthersem.edu for more information. A free-will donation will be taken during the program. All proceeds will go to the Luther Seminary FRIENDS Endowed Scholarship Fund. This event is open to the public.

Custodial Position Available

Zion Lutheran church is seeking a highly motivated and energetic person for the position of part time custodian to work evenings and occasional weekends. This individual will be responsible for cleaning, light maintenance, and general custodial work under the direction of Zion’s Facilities and Grounds Manager. Submit Resumes to: Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy 25  S, Buffalo, MN 55313 no later than September 15, 2010.

A Note to Business Owners

Thank you to the sponsors of Zion’s newsletter. The entire expense for printing is covered by the members and other local businesses who place ads on pages 18 and 19. Please consider these businesses when you are looking for services.

If you own a business and would like to help support the newsletter, please contact Liturgical Publications (LPI) directly at 1.800.678.4574. Bud Bien from LPI will also be on site at Zion for the week of August 30 and can be reached during that time through the church office at 763.682.1245.

Kevin Lincicum Benefit

Zion’s Jubilee worship team will host a benefit dinner and concert with guest musicians from the community on Sunday, October 3, after worship services.

Proceeds will support Kevin Lincicum, a member of Zion and part of the Jubilee worship team who has large medical expenses from his amputation and hospitalization. He also has expenses for the purchase of a wheelchair and prosthetics for both legs to give him the ability to walk independently.

More information will be posted when it is available.

Mothers of Preschoolers

Mops (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place for women to get a break and find friendship, community, resources and support. Women with children ages birth through kindergarten meet the first and third Tuesday’s, October – May, at Buffalo Covenant Church. The program includes childcare, brunch, speakers with topics relevant to women and mothers, creative activities, small group discussion time and loads of new friends! Registration is open now.

Mops is also looking for caring adults to help with the Moppet’s childcare program. Volunteer once or twice a month for 2 hours while Mops moms enjoy a break and build relationships with other moms and with Christ.

To register, volunteer, or for more information please contact Megan Breyer at meganbreyer@yahoo.com or 763-658-4974.

Jon Kramnic Alumni Soccer Classic

The first Annual Jon Kramnic Alumni Classic will be held on Thursday, August 19th at the Buffalo Community Middle School Stadium. Jon was killed in a head-on crash on County Road 35 in St. Michael last November. Jon was a senior at Buffalo High School and a member of the Soccer Team. Jon’s endless supply of energy put smiles on peoples’ faces and made them laugh. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Jon loved life and soccer.

In honor of Jon, the Bison Boys Soccer Program is hosting the first Annual Jon Kramnic Alumni Classic. The events scheduled this year include a pork chop dinner, silent auction, raffle, and alumni game starting at 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 19th. Funds raised during the Jon Kramnic Alumni Classic will fund the Jon Kramnic Scholarship Fund and the Bison Boys Soccer Program.

Admission to the Jon Kramnic Alumni Classic is free. The Pork Chop Dinner will be $8.00 per person. Children under 5 will eat free. Tickets can be purchased through the Bison Boys Soccer Program. Contact Pam Weeks (pam@buffalosoccer.org / 763-464-2565) with any questions.

Nursery Coordinator Position

Zion is currently hiring a Nursery Coordinator. The Nursery Coordinator ensures the nursery is a secure, nurturing environment where each child will see, hear, and feel the love of Jesus Christ and parents can feel confident their child will receive the highest quality of care and ministry.

Senior Driver Improvement Program

The Driver Improvement course is open to the public; pre-registration is requested. A MN Highway Safety & Research Center certified instructor teaches this class. By utilizing the most up-to-date research in the field, participants will be provided the latest information in regards to driver safety, new laws, and vehicle technology. This class has something for everyone! The fee for the four hour refresher course is $20 and the eight hour course is $24. For more information or to register, visit  www.mnsafetycenter.org or call TOLL FREE 1-(888)-234-1294

The course will be held at Zion on these dates:

  • September 13th (4 Hour Refresher Course) 9am-1pm
  • October 12th (4 Hour Refresher Course) 9am-1pm

Persons age 55 and older who complete the course qualify for a ten percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years, according to Minnesota law. First time participants must complete the initial eight hours of training and a four hour refresher class every three years to maintain the 10% discount.

Executive Director Position

Love in the Name of Christ-Big Woods serving Buffalo, Maple Lake and Hanover is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to mobilizing the church to help people in need. Love INC-Big Woods is seeking an experienced professional to give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the vision and mission implementing the strategic goals and objectives.

Successful candidate will effectively manage staff and volunteers ensuring sound practices and personnel policies and procedures. It requires excellent verbal and written communication skills that will cultivate and nurture relationships with area pastors, churches, agencies, and businesses. Participate in the development of budget‘s and fundraising plans. Bachelor‘s degree preferred or equivalent experience in non-profit management, social work, ministry, community development or related field.

Send resume with cover letter and two references to: Love INC-Big Wood by September 15, 2010: P.O. Box 368, Buffalo, MN 55313 (Attn: Hiring Committee) OR email:loveincbigwoodsjobs@hotmail.com

Community Hymn Sing at Park View

Pastor John Carlson from the Buffalo Evangelical Free Church will be leading the next Community Hymn Sing on Sunday, August 1 at 4 PM in the Carl Lindberg Ministry Center on the campus of Park View Care Center & Park Terrace Assisted Living in Buffalo.

This is a great opportunity for the Christian community in Wright County to “join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6) For more information, contact Chaplain Highland Goodman at 763-951-7811.

Gospel Festival This Sunday

Reaching Out Festival of GospelBring a picnic, bring friends and family, bring chairs and blankets and come to enjoy a great evening of music in Sturges Park this Sunday evening, July 18, beginning at 5pm.

A collaborative effort between Zion Lutheran in Buffalo and Redeemer Lutheran in North Minneapolis will bring together multiple congregations to form a massed gospel choir,  led by Lisa Olson, former pianist for the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir for twelve years, with soloist Robert Robinson, well known singer and director of the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir.

The evening will also include various small groups, and accomplished band members. The event will also include a praise and worship element, hip hop ministry presentations and a pastoral message.

Inclement weather location is the Zion sanctuary, just south of Sturges Park on Highway 25.

Green Bean Open

The 6th Annual “Green Bean Open”, benefiting the Buffalo Food Shelf, will be on Monday, August 9th, with a shotgun start at 1pm.  Contact Joe out at Wild Marsh to be a sponsor for the event or if you want to sign-up a team (682-4476).

Information about Zion’s own “Ed Blair Classic”, also in August, can be found at ZionBuffalo.org.

Rehearsals Start Tonight

Gospel FestivalBuffalo rehearsals start tonight, Wednesday, June 23,  for the special massed gospel choir that will be a part of the Reaching Out Gospel Festival at Sturges Park on Sunday, July 18.

The festival is a collaborative effort between Zion Lutheran in Buffalo and Redeemer Lutheran in Minneapolis bringing together multiple congregations and the entire community to form a gospel choir under the direction of Lisa Olson, former pianist for the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir for twelve years.

Tonight’s rehearsal is at 7pm at Zion. There will be another rehearsal next week in Buffalo, and there are also some rehearsal options in Minneapolis. All are welcome (you do not need to be involved with one of the sponsoring congregations)!

Gospel Choir Forming for Summer “Reaching Out!” Gospel Festival

Reaching Out Festival of GospelA collaborative effort between Zion Lutheran in Buffalo and Redeemer Lutheran in Minneapolis will bring together multiple congregations to form a gospel choir which will perform on July 18 at 5:00pm in the Sturges Park bandshell. Inclement weather location is the Zion sanctuary.

Since the concert is in Sturges Park you’re invited to bring a picnic, your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a night of great music at the bandshell. We may also have vendors at the park selling treats during the concert. Put the date on your calendar and invite your neighbors and friends for a great event.

Gospel music is the core unifying thread and will be presented by a mass choir, various small groups, and accomplished band members. The event will also include a praise and worship element, hip hop ministry presentations and a pastoral message.

Come and join a gospel choir that’s being formed especially in preparation for this event! Led by Lisa Olson, former pianist for the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir for twelve years, there will be spirited rehearsals held right in Buffalo as well as Minneapolis.

All ages of gospel fans from the community are welcomed to come and be a part of the mass choir. Scored music with parts will be provided, but songs will be taught so that non-readers of all ages can still fully participate.

Rehearsals are at Zion Lutheran, 1200 South Highway 25 in Buffalo

  • Wednesday, June 23rd from 7 PM—9 PM
  • Wednesday, June 30th from 7 PM—9 PM

Rehearsals will also be held in Minneapolis . Details at ZionBuffalo.org/GospelFestival. Attendance at rehearsals at both Zion and Minneapolis locations is not required.

Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast

Zion is part of the collective of churches from Buffalo and Maple Lake that comprise the Big Woods chapter of Love INC (Love in the name of Christ). Love INC serves those in need through a variety of services.

On Sunday, June 27, St. John’s Lutheran Church (302 2nd St NE) will be hosting a Dad’s Belgian Waffle Breakfast fundraiser from 8am-1pm to support Love INC Big Woods. Tickets are $7 for adults / $5 ages 4-12 and are available at the door or from Roger & Sandy Brenny.

Come hungry and support YOUR Love, INC along with our friends from neighboring churches!

Plymouth Playhouse Discounts

The Plymouth Playhouse is offering special tickets to area church members for their current show How to Talk Minnesotan the Musical.

Tickets purchased through this program are $30 (eligible tickets are regularly priced $30-38), and $10 will be donated by the Plymouth Playhouse back to the congregation specified. Weekday matinees are excluded. To order these tickets, call the Plymouth Playhouse Box Office at 763.553.1600 x1.  Mention the “Church Fundraising Promo when you make your reservation as well as specifying “Zion Lutheran Church, PO Box 88, Buffalo MN 55313″.

How to Talk Minnesotan the Musical runs until October 31, 2010.

Estate Craft Sale This Week

Duane Olson, a member of Zion, will be holding an estate / craft sale including rubber stamping, scrapbooking, knitting supplies and much more. The sale will be at 108 Greenbriar Lane in Buffalo on April 22-24.

Lutheran College Fairs

There will be a Lutheran College Fair at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove on Tuesday, April 27, starting at 6:30pm.

There is more information about this and other upcoming Lutheran College Fairs at lutherancolleges.org.

Redeemer’s Spring Luncheon

The women of Redeemer Lutheran Church have extended an invitation to the women of Zion Lutheran for Redeemer’s Annual Spring Luncheon this Saturday, April 17 at noon. The program for the Spring Luncheon will be presented by Bea, Beth, and Stuart Munk. They will talk about their hopes and plans for the development of an orphanage and eventual school in Kapsaret, Kenya (approximately 180 miles northwest of Nairobi Kenya). The hope is for the orphanage and school to be self-sustaining with land and farm. Beth and Stuart adopted Bea from Kenya when she was 5 years old. Lunch will be provided by WELCA, cost will be $5.

In Christ,

Sharon M. Peterson