ZION UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Service Personnel: Please keep the following service personnel in your prayers at this special time of year: Joshua Taylor, Seth Garner,Justin Lovellette, Anthony Rauch, Ruth Rauch.

We  recognize many of our church family will be severely impacted financially during this time of crisis. We encourage you to utilize the many resources available as far as food and financial help and know that our members will continue to support and look out for our neighbors, families, and community.

It is also critical that we continue to contribute financially  to Zion during these times of cancelled services. Our expenses continue regardless of the tithes and offerings coming in and we ask  those who are able to mail in your regular offering. There are also many banks who offer bill pay services at no cost. The mail is monitored daily. For those who are not able to do so, we understand your difficulties. Zion has shown time and time again that our faith is strong and we can do all things through Christ. Thank you to all those who have made  contributions. It is much appreciated. Please continue to mail or drop them off when possible.

Anyone would like to receive the Sacrament of Home Communion who is not a regular recipient, or anyone who would like to have a home visit is asked to contact the church office (724-3502), and the necessary arrangements will be made.

A search has begun for a music director. Send resumes to Zion UCC, 315 North Second Street, Decatur, 46733 or call the church at 260-724-3502 or Barb Engle at 260-724-7408. Resumes may also be emailed to [email protected]

Donations of canned goods to support Operation Help are collected the first Sunday of each month. A collection bin is provided in the dining room. Help reduce hunger by donating nonperishable items.

 Sunday School has resumed for the school year. Classes are available for all ages 1st grade - up, beginning at 9 a.m. We hope you can join us.

We have resumed altar flowers and sponsored Sunday bulletins . Sign-up sheets are located in the vestibule by the elevator. Please indicate if your donation is in memory or in honor of someone or a special occasion. Flowers are $25 per week and bulletins $10.

The Sunday School department will be sending college boxes beginning October 10. Any member of the church may request a box of goodies for their college student. Please give names and addresses to Janet Smith by October 1.

There will be a Congregational Meeting following Worship Service on Sunday, October 3, 2021. There will be three (3) items on the agenda as follow:

1. Replacement of the Boiler

2. Repair of the Organ

3. Make-up of the Official Board

Two suggestions will be put forth for discussion:

A. Do away with the term limits--Although this will still give anyone the option to no longer serve at the end of any term, and/or

B. Reduce the number of Board members--likely keep the 4 Elders, and the 2 Trustees, but decrease the number of Deacons

If you cannot attend the meeting, you are encouraged to watch the live stream and if you have input regarding the Board make up, please contact one of the Elders--Jeanne Reidenbach, Jan Miller, Janet Smith, or Barb Engle.

As a result of the discussion regarding the Board Makeup on October 3, 2021, the Official Board will take official action regarding congregational input at the Official Board meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021 so we can plan for the election of Board Members at the November, 2021 Congregational Meeting.

Barb Engle, Congregation President