Zion Lutheran Church

Learning

- Adults

Faith Talks – During the Sunday School hour on the Lord’s Day we gather in the Roseburg Chapel to learn about and discuss a variety of topics. Our Faith Talk leaders consist of guest speakers from local colleges, and community organizations, and occasionally our own pastors. Here is a sampling of
some of the guest speakers and topics that we covered in the 2009-2010 program year: Pastor Mhale (Pare Diocese of Tanzania) – Experiences of Iowa from a Tanzanian Perspective Dr. Dan Lee (Religion Dept, Augustana College) – The Ethics of Health Care Reform Rev. Dr. Norma Cook Everist (Wartburg Theological Seminary) – American Civil Religion Dennis Boehme (Lutheran Services in Iowa) – With Faith and Focus: We’ll Be Here Pastor Gloria Keiser-Dovre (Director of Evangelical Mission – SE Iowa Synod) – Together Dr. Laura Hartman (Religion Dept, Augustana College) – A Brief History of Marriage A selection of Nooma Videos by Rob Bell
See our most recent newsletter for a list of upcoming Faith Talks!

Immersed in the Word – Convinced that we grow in faith by engaging deeply with God through the study of Holy Scripture, we gather on Monday mornings for an in-depth reading of a particular book of the Bible. Informed by the ELCA’s Book of Faith Initiative we explore the literary, historical, theological and devotional aspects of each biblical passage. We have just finished a study of 1-2 Corinthians, and will be looking at the Gospel of John and St. Paul’s letter to the Romans in the 2010-11 year. This class is led by Pastor Ritva Williams (who is also a religion professor at Augustana College).

Theology of…. – After the celebration of Word and Sacrament on Thursday evenings, Pastor Del Preston leads an exploration of various aspects of theology and ministry in daily life. The spring 2010 focus was on the role of food in the story of God’s interaction with humanity and in God’s people’s
interaction with the world. For upcoming topics see the current newsletter or contact Pastor Del Preston (prestondk@netins.net)

Parenting for Faith – This is an informal gathering of parents for learning, discussion and support that meets on Wednesday evenings during the Alleluia and Confirmation programs. Discussion topics and starters are drawn from the Love and Logic Institute (www.loveandlogic.com). Scheduled to begin September 2010, coordinated by Dianne Rasmus (rasmusd@mchsi.com)

- Youth (Gr. 6-12)

Sunday-Mornings - Youth in Grades 6,7 & 8 get an extra “faith-boost and bonding experience” on Sunday mornings with additional learning of their “Here We Stand” confirmation material. All three grades meet together, continuing on their journey of faith with teachers Mary Lou Kelley and Joe Obleton. High-School Youth (gr.9-12) spend an hour hanging out and exploring the People of Faith series from Augsburg Fortress publishers.

Confirmation Program - Our middle schoolers (6th, 7th, and 8th graders) gather on Wednesday evenings to learn Luther’s Small Catechism, explore the Scriptures of Old and New Testaments, and get an introduction to Lutheran history and theology. The Here We Stand curriculum developed by
Augsburg Fortress provides the materials not only for our Wednesday evening confirmation classes,
but also for our Middle School class on Sunday morning. Confirmation students are expected not only to attend worship regularly and take sermon notes but to take on worship leadership roles as acolytes, communion assistants, ushers, and lectors. Further growth in faith comes through service projects that may be undertaken as a group or as individuals. In 2009-2010 our Confirmation class as a group proposed and led the congregation in raising funds for the relief of earthquake victims in Haiti. Individual members of the class occasionally serve at the Food Pantry, the Caring Kitchen, and other local service organizations. Taught by Pastor Del Preston, Pastor Ritva Williams, and assisted by our own “Gramma” Jay Eldredge. For more info, please contact the Zion office at (563) 322-3533 or zionlutheranchurch@mchsi.com

- Children (Age 3 – 5th Grade)

Sunday Morning SPARK! - A new way of learning began for our Zion Sunday School group in 2010, with the new SPARK rotation-based workshop curriculum which teaches our children the stories of God’s people in the Bible through a variety of ways such as art, drama, games, even science and cooking! Children are grouped by grades (ie: grades K-2 and grades 3-5) and travel to classrooms, stages, labs, kitchen … you never know where faith will take you … learning, laughing, caring and sharing the kind of love that only God can SPARK in us! Our 3-year olds through PreK kids have their own special place to learn and deepen their understanding of God’s love for them and how we can share that love with one another.

Wednesday Evening ALLELUIA! - A midweek “boost” (Age 3 – 5th Grade) As our children’s Biblical faith education begins as early as age 3 in Sunday School, we at Zion also believe their learning journey about Worship, the Scripture readings we use in worship, and the Church/Liturgical Year has much value to help them grow in participating in the worshipping body of Christ they are a part of. We do this through stories, drama, art, and music, using the SPARK lectionary-based materials. Alleluia time is every Wednesday, Sept.-May, at 6:15pm, led by Rosie Bates (bates2855@mchsi.com) Or call the Zion office (322-3533) with any questions about this program. ALL God’s critters got a place here at Alleluia!