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Less is More 
Luke 17:1-10
Devotional message based on the readings for October 2, reprinted from Sundays and Seasons. Copyright © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.


"Increase our faith!" cry the disciples in Luke 17:5. Maybe you have the same hope. Our world and lives are full of challenges that constantly test our limits—the limits of our patience, our love, our hope, our capacity for justice and mercy. Wouldn't it be nice to have as much of those things as possible? Wouldn't that allow us to fix this broken world?

But Jesus' response is exactly the opposite—when it comes to faith, he tells his disciples to think small—like the size of a minuscule mustard seed. While that may not sound like enough, it will be if we can let go of thinking we are in control. The power of faith, Jesus tells us, does not come from the quantity we possess; it comes from placing our trust in the one who possesses everything.

If our trust shifts from God to ourselves, no amount of faith will ever be enough. God did not make us to be masters, so when we place ourselves in that position, anxiety and overwhelm are sure to follow. Instead, Christ calls us to be servants of an abundance that we will never possess or control. This is the abundance of God's kingdom—where faith, hope, and love exist without limit. Even the smallest amount of trust in this abundance is enough because it pins our hearts and hopes on the one who is truly in control.

When we worship together, the things Zion's assembly of faith-seekers will offer one another are small, but with just a mustard seed of faith they can be so much more. Simple human words can become the vessels of the divine Word, bringing healing and transformation to our lives. Drops of water can wash away sins and create heirs to God's kingdom. Bread and wine can become the food that offers us life everlasting through Christ's victory over death.
Join us for worship  

The Scripture texts for October 9 and 12 lead us to give thanks. The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. We will leave worship sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.

Sunday morning worship begins at 9:00 am. For those who are unable to worship with us in person, join us during our Sunday radio worship broadcast at 9:00 am on 92.5 FM Warroad.

Wednesday evening worship begins at 5:30 pm and includes a variety of music led by the worship band, an easy order of worship, and a message.  
Order of Worship
Children's Bulletins
The October 9 radio broadcast is sponsored to the glory of God by Jennifer Janson with Thrivent Financial. If you would like to sponsor a broadcast, please call or email the church office. The cost is $85. 
Partners in Prayer

Please pray for those on Zion's prayer list:  Ralland Harrison, Susan Kofstad, Jon Paul Kragness (son of David & Jan Kragness), and Grant Olson.

Click here to continue reading our extended prayer list.  If you have a name of someone you would like to add to the prayer list, please ask permission from that person first. Then, you may contact Zion’s church office (386-1733 or zlcw@mncable.net) to have the person added to the list. 
Harvest Festival is a day when we focus on giving thanks for the abundant blessings we receive from our faithful God (the "harvest") and in turn rejoice through the blessing of fellowship, food, and music (the "festival").  Many people in our congregation use this time as a way of honoring God's provision by giving an over-and-above offering. The men in our congregation team up to volunteer to bring food, cook food, help serve, and help clean up -- and it's a real treat for everyone!  Please plan to participate.

Sign-up sheets to volunteer to help with the meal or donate food are located in the Gathering Space. 
Women of Zion Fall Fundraiser Sale on Harvest Festival Sunday

All women are invited to participate in the fall fundraiser sale. Please bring your items ready to place on the sale tables on Sunday morning, October 16.  Members of the Women’s group will be available to help with pricing before Sunday church service, but you are welcome to price your items at home. 

Items needed are home baked goods, jams, jellies, clean garden produce, and lefse.  Craft items are always good sellers.  Items for a children’s corner are popular gift giving ideas. Larger items may be brought for the silent auction.  

Contact Julie Jones for more information.
Welcome to Zion's newest members

Zion welcomes Mark Gustafson and Mike Lisell who became members during worship on Sunday, October 2. 

Mark Gustafson (left) is a retired security officer who moved back to Warroad from Arizona. His father, Pastor Paul Gustafson, was a former pastor at Zion. Mike Lisell (right) recently retired from Marvin. He grew up on a farm in Pencer. He transferred to Zion from his home congregation, Pine Grove Lutheran Church. 
Disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian brought deadly winds, dumped record amounts of rain, and caused catastrophic flooding. Ian, as predicted, was one of the worst hurricanes to hit the United States in decades.

Along with partners in the region, ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to respond to Hurricane Ian with immediate relief, including water, clothing, gift cards, tarps, and more. Your dollars are also hard at work in communities around the world through Lutheran Disaster Response, including responses to Hurricane Fiona, the drought in the Horn of Africa, the severe storm in Alaska, the war in Ukraine – to name a few.

Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response make it possible for the ELCA to act quickly after disasters, whenever and wherever they strike.  Such gifts make short- and long-term responses to these crises, including Hurricane Ian, possible. To give to Lutheran Disaster Response to accompany disaster survivors on the long road to recovery, visit this website or designate your gift to Zion as "Hurricane Ian relief."

We pray that God's presence will be felt in the midst of suffering and bring comfort to those who are hurting. Together, we can show our neighbors in Florida and around the world that they are not alone. 
Upcoming Grief Speaker Event
Embracing Hope: Finding Strength in Life’s Journey
Inspiring Speakers | Live Music | Desserts 


Grief can feel like a heavy load to bear, but it is not a weight we need to carry on our own.  You are invited to attend Embracing Hope, a community-focused event that features inspirational speakers addressing life challenges, terminal illness, grief, and finding healing through faith and support.  Presented by LifeCare Medical Center and sponsored by TruStone Wealth Management.  There is no cost.  Visit the Facebook event page for more details.

Tuesday, October 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseau
Dessert reception and doors open at 6:30 pm with program at 7:00 pm

Featuring:
  • Journaling Through Grief – Connie Berg
  • Tackling Terminal Talk – Dr. Kristi Midgarden
  • Finding Purpose in the Pain – Amanda Tungseth
  • A Resilient Journey – Kevin Bjerke
  • Healing Your Grieving Heart – A Panel Discussion
Lutefisk (and meatloaf!) Supper at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla

Grace Lutheran Church of Grygla will host their annual lutefisk supper at the Grygla Community Center on Saturday, October 15, from 4:00 to 7:30 pm.  The menu will include lutefisk, lefsa, Swedish meatballs with gravy, real mashed potatoes, carrots, cranberries, and homemade desserts.  Baked and handcrafted items will be for sale also. More information is available here.
Learn more about the Warroad Schools operating levy referendum

Mr. Dennis Abernathy will be present on behalf of Warroad Schools during coffee fellowship following the worship service on Sunday, October 9, to provide information regarding the upcoming Warroad Schools Operating Levy referendum.  Stop in to enjoy some fellowship and become a better-informed voter.
This week at Zion
  • Thursday, October 6: 9:30 am- Rostered Leaders Conference meeting at Moe in Roseau; 4:30 pm- Council meeting; 5:15 pm- Rebecca Circle meeting
  • Friday, October 7:  7:00 am- Men's Bible Study 
  • Sunday, October 9:  9:00 am- Worship; 10:00 am- Coffee Fellowship with info from Mr. Abernathy about Warroad Schools operating levy referendum 
  • Monday, October 10:  9:00 am to 12:00 pm- Quilting for Lutheran World Relief
  • Wednesday, October 12: 12:00 pm- Items for weekly publications due; 4:30 pm- Wednesday School; 4:30 pm- Pre-Confirmation; 5:30 pm- Worship; 6:15 pm- 8th Grade Confirmation; 6:30 pm- 9th-11th Confirmation
  • Thursday, October 13: 7:00 pm- Christian Education Committee meeting
See the monthly church calendar at a glance here.  
Browse Zion's website at zlcw.org
Stewardship

Worship Attendance:
      41 at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, 9/28
      63 at 9:00 am on Sunday, 10/2
Offerings for week ending 10/2:
      General Fund:  $3,285.30
      Building Fund:  $275.00
      Backpack Program:  $50.00
Building Loan funds to raise as of 9/30:  $12,000.00

As a response to hearing the Good News of the Gospel through Scripture and proclamation, a worshipping congregation collects an offering.  Offerings provide funds for outreach and mission. We encourage you to support Zion’s mission by giving in any of the following ways:
  • Online at https://zlcw.org/webpay/
  • Automatic giving (Use the link above to set it up yourself or if you need help with getting set up, call the church office.)
  • Through the Vanco Mobile app. Search "Vanco Mobile" or “Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement” in the App Store or Google Play.  Once you download and open the app for the first time, search for "Zion Lutheran Church of Warroad" or "Warroad" (make sure you don't add an extra space after Warroad, or it may not find us). If you have logged into WebPay from zlcw.org or if you’ve used the retired GivePlus app, use the same username and password for Vanco Mobile.
  • Drop off your offering at worship or in the drop box outside the main entrance
  • Mail your donation to Zion Lutheran Church, PO Box 61, Warroad, MN 56763 
In case you missed it...
New (and warmer) adventures for Pastor Mary 

Pastor Mary Gilthvedt's last Sunday at Zion will be Reformation Sunday, October 30. She will then move to Winter Haven, FL, where she will be living in a 55+ resident-owned gated community. Her address after November 1 will be: 9705 Lake Bess Road, Unit 350, Winter Haven, FL 33884. During the summer months her home base will be at her sister's home in Rochester, MN. She is planning on keeping her present cell phone number, 218-689-2641 and e-mail address, mgilthvedt@gmail.com.
Deadline is fast approaching to register for the
Women of the ELCA Conference 1 Fall Gathering
"Restoring Hope" 

The Women of the ELCA in Conference 1 will have their Fall Gathering on Saturday, October 15, at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad.  The speaker is Lisa Hatlestad who is a master certified life coach, writer, wife, animal lover, and a passionate student of nature and life itself.  Registration and coffee begins at 9:00 am with the program starting at 9:30.  The cost is $20.  The registration deadline is October 10.  Contact Marilyn Grandstrand at 763-258-9217 or mgrand1000@ymail.com to register or for more details.
Faith Formation classes are held on Wednesdays

Faith Formation classes [a.k.a. Wednesday School] for kids age 3 through grade 5 are in swing, but it is not too late to join the fun!  Registration can still be done online.  Come see what it is all about on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. If you haven't already completed a student registration form, go to Zion's website to fill out the online student registration
Register soon for Pathways WONDERFULLY MADE
A Spiritual Renewal and Crafting Retreat at Camp Emmaus
November 18-20

Quilters, crafters, scrapbookers:  You won't want to miss WONDERFULLY MADE: a DIY crafting retreat where you will experience Pathways' hospitality at its finest. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Camp Emmaus in Menahga, MN. Delicious meals, group Bible study, an art project, and special music are all included. Spacious individual tables are available to work on your own unique craft projects and connect with others in Christian fellowship. You won't want to miss this special retreat! Enlarge the image below to see the retreat schedule.  

Cost:  $165 for Friday through Sunday.  If you want to get an early start by arriving on Thursday as early as noon (meals on your own for Thursday), the cost is an additional $20.  

This event is open to 18+.  
Call the Pathways office to sign up today. Space is limited.  
Fall quilting continues at Zion on Monday mornings through October

Fall quilting continues at the church on Mondays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, but you can come and go as you need.  You do not need to bring any supplies. You can tie, pin, or do some sewing. Contact Marlene Lewis at 218-386-2018 or Judy Landin at 218-242-0589 with questions or if you want to arrange to get fabric or blocks to work on at home.

If you have sheets, bedspreads, blankets, mattress pads, or fabric to donate, you can drop them off anytime at the church.
The race to pay off our Building Loan 
Patrick Frolander, Zion Lutheran Church Treasurer

As we get closer to the amount of funding necessary to pay off the remaining balance of our building loan, it is important that we not lose momentum.  In fact, the opposite should be the goal.  I will use the analogy of running a distance race.  

Runners pace themselves to be able to endure the length of a race taking care not to push too hard towards the beginning of the race.  As a runner nears the finish line, they don’t ease up knowing that the end of the race will come soon.  They reach to God for the strength and courage, they reach outward to the spectators encouraging them, and inward to their training to find the next gear and push as hard as they can until they are across the finish line.  

We are nearing the end of this journey of loan repayment, and it is important that we maintain our pace and maybe try to push a little harder to get us across that finish line a little faster.  The hope is that we are ready to write our final check in mid-December, and I believe we can get there.  The remaining balance to raise will be posted in the Messenger and E-Messenger below the weekly offering totals.
Stress and Crisis:  Get help now.
Click on the QR code below.
Families fleeing violence face a new and constant threat — hunger. Your gift provides lifesaving emergency food and so much more. Give to feed a hungry child today.  You can go to the Lutheran World Relief website or you may write your check to Zion designated for “Feed the children” and leave it in the offering plate. 
Interested in joining Zion? 

If you would like to become a member or associate member of Zion, please print and fill out the New Member Information Form on Zion's website or contact Pastor Mary at mgilthvedt@gmail.com or 218-689-2641.
Worship services are each Sunday at 9:00 am and Wednesday at 5:30 pm.  Pastor Mary is available via phone (218-689-2641) and email (mgilthvedt@gmail.com).  Her home mailing address is PO Box 429, Roseau, MN 56751.  The church office is open from 10:00 to 4:00, Monday through Thursday.  You may email Vicki or Deb at zlcw@mncable.net and call the church phone number at 218-386-1733. 
 
Zion's Church Council
Liz Hardwick, President (Personnel):  218-230-4423
Deb Lalim, Vice-President (MEF):  218-689-5626
Kelly Thiele, Secretary (Cong. Care):  218-242-2631
Rick Arntzen (Stewardship):  218-242-1535
Shawn Brunelle (Worship & Music):  218-386-3644

Dan DeMolee (Property):  218-386-1879
Barb Knutson (Memorials):  218-242-4280

Dan Lykken (Property/Capital Cam.):  218-791-9838
Jana Thompson (Christian Ed):  218-689-5200
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