Newsletters

Is the LCMS too German?

Is the LCMS too German? After all, the catholic (universal) Church is made up of every tribe, nation, and race. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile when it comes to salvation. All peoples have been brought into the promise by the LORD’s atoning death on the cross. As Jesus, Himself, declares, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” Because Jesus has been lifted up, He sets His kingdom over all peoples. So, His gift of baptism is impartial to your ethnicity or race.

Because the catholic church has no ethnicity, many have criticized Lutheranism for being distinctly German. Our practices have spanned the test of time, languages and nations. It is true, some of our tunes found in our Lutheran Service Book are distinctly German (good!). The LCMS has Germanic roots, and so does Zion Lutheran! Zion was established by Bavarian Germans. The first Lutheran service held in Mount Pleasant was officiated by Rev. J.F. Mueller of Amelith in 1880. The service took place in the old Isabella County courthouse for a group of former members of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Frankentrost. After nine years of persistence, this group, having grown in numbers to 26 adults and 34 children, formally organized the congregation of Zion Lutheran Church under the leadership of Rev. W. Ziegenhain. One hundred and twenty-seven years later, we see the fruit of their labors and God’s preservation: Zion Lutheran still exists!

Unfortunately, the Germanic origins of Lutheranism has led to hostility. Many have declared, “The Lutheran Church is too German for it to be universal.” This is not true. Lutheranism is more catholic (again, think ‘universal’) than the Roman Catholic Church. Our practices have spanned the test of time, languages, and nations. It is true, some of our tunes found in our Lutheran Service Book are distinctly German. But our Order of Service is founded in antiquity. It has been largely untouched through the span of time. Our services look like that of the early Church! Sure, first century Christians didn’t have electronic organs, the same style of infrastructure, or microphones worn by their Pastors for the congregation to better hear, but the spoken words and structure are similar. This makes the Lutheran liturgy less German than most people realize.

But let us not forget our German heritage either. Remembering our history is entirely biblical. Our history matters. Within our history we find God’s providence. Even the Psalmist declares, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Likewise, the Israelites, time and time again, were commanded to remember their God Who brought them out of Egypt. Remembering prevents forgetting. In remembrance, we are reminded of what the LORD has done, and we are assured that He continues to act. God works throughout history, and that includes our German heritage.

As we enter the month of September, it is good that we remember our congregation's history. It is even proper that we hold a Bratoberfest! Let us be thankful that, because the LORD has been “lifted up from the earth,” He draws even Bavarian Germans to Himself, redeeming us by faith in His Son. It is good to remember.

In Christ,

Pastor Greenhagen

"To Behold the Beauty of the Lord:"

Extolling God's Gifts in the Sanctuary

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple” (Ps. 27:4, KJV).

These words were sung as the Introit for my ordination and installation service here at Zion. Why? Firstly, because the central location of the pastor’s work is the sanctuary. It is here that he feeds God’s sheep with the heavenly food of God’s Word and His Son’s precious body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. This is how the pastor is to number his days, by serving as the Lord’s instrument to bring others into communion with the life-giving flesh of Jesus. Secondly, these words were sung as a reminder to you, dear saints, of the reason why you come to Zion each week, namely, to receive these good gifts and behold the beauty of the LORD. After all, what is more beautiful than the pure preaching of God’s Word and the sight of the Lord’s body and blood on the altar? This month’s newsletter reflection, then, concerns beauty in the sanctuary with respect to what adorns the sanctuary and the conduct of the Divine Service. Both of these things, you see, point us to God who is Himself Beauty and the Creator of all things beautiful.

The subtitle of this article is: "Extolling God's Gifts in the Sanctuary." It's not uncommon in today's world, even in the Church, for people to see external ceremonies, sanctuary adornments, vestments, etc. as frivolous or excessive. Often the thought process goes something like this, "Well, those extra things aren't absolutely necessary as long as the Word is being faithfully preached, and the Sacrament is being rightly administered, so why make such a fuss?" "Aren't there more important things to worry about like Church attendance, the budget, the unconverted, and so on?" To be clear, it is true that as long as the Word is being properly preached and the Sacraments are being rightly administered you can be certain that the Lord Jesus is present, forgiving sins, granting you his Spirit to strengthen your faith, and preserving the faithful until the hour of death and the resurrection on the Last Day. Likewise, it is good to use wisdom when it comes to governing the day-to-day affairs of the congregation. For example, if the sanctuary has a leaky roof, it is perhaps not the wisest idea to instead spend thousands of dollars on new paraments. However, this does not mean that once the roof is fixed, that it is then unwise to get those new paraments. Let's look at an example closer to home. Zion did not always have a crucifix in the sanctuary. At one point in time there was an empty cross. Yet, dear saints of old decided to seek out an artisan to carve a corpus, a body, for the cross in the sanctuary. There are some out there who would have thought that addition was unnecessary. After all, even an empty cross still technically preaches Christ crucified because it was the instrument of Christ's death. However, to have a corpus on the cross first and foremost makes a clearer confession of this fact because an image of the body of our Lord is right there in front of your eyes. Along with that clearer confession, having a corpus on the cross adds beauty to the sanctuary. It is objectively beautiful to behold the crucifix we have here at Zion. Furthermore, the dear saints who pursued this project could have found a ready-made corpus. Instead, they took things one-step further and sought out an artisan to hand craft the corpus you now see.

Why? Because just as it is more beautiful to have a crucifix than an empty cross, so it is more beautiful to have a corpus crafted by a faithful artisan than produced in a factory.

This brings me to the aforementioned article subtitle. Beautiful adornments of the sanctuary such as crucifixes, stained glass windows, other images, etc., not only teach doctrine or symbolize spiritual realities, but they extol the gifts of God given in the Divine Service and they direct our hearts and minds to the loving God who so richly provides for all our needs of body and soul. Furthermore, they direct our hearts and minds to the God who has done all things well and is not stingy with His gifts but is abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. God as Creator made His creation beautiful because He loves us. A field of wildflowers is beautiful for its own sake, which is to say no one goes around asking what purpose or use is served by the field of wildflowers; rather it is merely received as a gift. If this is the case in creation, then it can certainly be the case here in the sanctuary, where heaven comes down to earth every week. This means it's not vain or wasteful to have vestments made with brocade instead of polyester, a hand-carved crucifix instead of a factory produced one, richly adorned paraments, and so on. In fact, these things are good and God-pleasing. After all, you need only read the descriptions of the Heavenly Jerusalem in Revelation or read the accounts of the building of the Tabernacle and the Temple in the Old Testament to find examples of the Lord's House being richly and overabundantly adorned.

So far, I have spoken primarily of sanctuary adornments, but the same goes for the conduct of the Divine Service. One can faithfully conduct the Divine Service in a variety of ways, with more elaborate or simpler ceremonies. Yet, one can easily recognize that more elaborate ceremonies are more beautiful. For example, we can all appreciate when an organist plays an intricate introduction to one of the great hymns of the faith. We can all appreciate the beauty of beholding the Lord's Body when the pastor elevates the host after the Words of Institution. Ceremonies do teach to be sure, but they are also beautiful. All this is to say, when we come to the Lord's House, our Lord desires that we would not simply ask, "What is absolutely necessary?" Or, "What use or purpose does this or that ceremony have?" These questions, if we're not careful, can lead us to a sort of legalism. Rather, our Lord desires that we approach things in the way of the Gospel, of gift, and ask the question: "How much would my Heavenly Father give me and how can we extol and give thanks for His superabundant gifts?" Much more can be said on this topic, but the point, dear saints is this: the most beautiful place in the world wherever you are is the place where you are receiving God's gifts through His Word and Sacraments. Because that is the most beautiful place in the world already, it is good and God-pleasing to adorn it well with artwork, images, quality vestments and paraments, rich music and singing, a variety of postures such as genuflecting, kneeling, bowing, additional ceremonies such as the elevation of the Body and Blood, making the sign of the cross, anointing with oil at baptisms, laying on hands, washing one's hands before the Service of the Sacrament (the Lavabo), and more. These things never eclipse God's gifts, but they always extol them so that we have the one thing we all desire: to behold the beauty of the Lord who gives us eternal treasures greater than we could ever imagine week after week here at Zion.

Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Dunsmore

Early Childhood Center

Welcome to a New School Year!

Welcome to the new school year! Our staff has worked so hard to clean, organize, and reset our classrooms, and we were so excited to welcome our families at Open House. It was truly a blessing to see everyone and meet many of our new families. We are so excited for the year God has planned for us!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Please continue to keep our families, children, and staff in your prayers. This ministry is such an important part of our community. The daily challenges families face can place tremendous pressure on the foundation they are working to build in their homes. Pray for them! Pray that God would give parents wisdom, strength, patience, and encouragement, and that our center would continue to faithfully share with them Jesus' love and grace.

Chapel & Jesus Time

Our students attend weekly chapel services on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Parents and church members are always welcome to join us for these short times of worship.

In the classroom, our children will begin studying the book of Genesis. They will learn about God's creation of the world, the creation of man and woman, and how sin entered God's perfect creation. As we study the book of Genesis, we will continue to point the children toward God's promises and His plan of salvation through Jesus.

Little Caesars Fundraiser

Our fall Little Caesars Pizza Fundraiser begins September 1!

We will once again offer both brochure and online ordering. Brochures will be coming home in your child's backpack soon. Zion and CTK church members can also find copies in the church narthexes.

• Fundraiser Ends: October 4

• Pizza Delivery Week: October 19

• Fundraiser ID: 50154

• Group ID: 42158

Thank you for supporting this fundraiser! The proceeds help provide additional resources and opportunities for our ECC children and classrooms.

We Are Blessed by Our Volunteers!

There are so many people who quietly help make our program better throughout the school year. We want to take a moment to say thank you!

Thank you to our doll-clothes washer and mender and our playground restoration crew. Thank you to the many families who provide classroom and program supplies throughout the year.

Every donation of time, talent, or resources makes a difference. We appreciate you and are truly blessed by each one of you!

As we begin another school year, we pray that Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center will continue to be a place where children learn, families are supported, and God's love is shared each and every day.

¹³ Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done with love.1 Corinthians 16:13-14

  Classroom Donation Wish List

Donations are always appreciated but never required. If you would like to help support our Early Childhood Center, we could always use:

● Plastic spoons and forks

● Gallon-size Ziploc bags

● Quart-size Ziploc bags

● Sandwich-size Ziploc bags

● Snack-size Ziploc bags

● Facial tissues (Kleenex)

● Paper towels

● Clorox or Lysol disinfecting wipes

● Lysol disinfectant spray

● Hand sanitizer

● Baby wipes

● White cardstock

● Colored cardstock

● Construction paper

● Washable markers

● Crayons

● Glue sticks

● Play-Doh

● Dry erase markers

● Paper plates

● Napkins

Thank you for your support and generosity. We are looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with learning, fun and God’s many blessings.

Family Life/Youth News

Zion's Third Annual Brat-Fest

Make sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, September 12, as we will host our Third Annual Brat-Fest celebration here at Zion Lutheran Church! We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting our Third Annual 5K for the King walk/run, as well as Zion's Second Annual Auto Show at the Brat-Fest! All three events (Brat-Fest, 5K for the King and Auto Show) will be taking place on September 12. The Auto Show will start at 9 a.m. just to the southeast of the pavilion. The 5K for the King run/walk will start at 10:30 a.m. The Brat-Fest will start at 11:30 a.m. under Zion's pavilion. We will also have other fun activities, festivities and music going on for people of all ages. The 5K for the King FREE registration is open! If you want a t-shirt, the first 25 t-shirts for the 5K that are ordered are only $5. Registration Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/MountPleasant/5KForTheKing

T-shirt Order Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-zd7E_IcCHen-UJwlvJHmwp_c5L3L3SpAgWz5hc-WWpU1pQ/viewform?usp=dialog

September Mission of the Month

Zion Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Zion Lutheran Church has proudly supported and operated an Early Childhood Center for more than 50 years, providing a Christ-centered foundation for young children and their families. In recent years, we have expanded our ministry to include toddler care and after-school programs, allowing us to serve even more families in our community.

Today, our dedicated staff shares the love of Jesus and provides quality early childhood education to more than 60 children, ages 18 months through 5 years, throughout the school year. We thank God for the opportunity to nurture young hearts and minds as they grow in faith, knowledge and confidence.

We are excited about the future and grateful for the continued growth of our Early Childhood Center. Your prayers and support help make this ministry possible as we continue reaching children and families with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

To meet our team and learn more about this important community outreach ministry, visit our website at www.zionctk.com and click on the Early Childhood Center link. We invite you to discover how God is working through this ministry to bless children, strengthen families and share His love with the next generation.

Sunday School

The Ten Commandments as the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household.

The First Commandment - You shall have no other gods.

What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

The Second Commandment - You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks,

The Third Commandment - Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

The Fourth Commandment - Honor your father and your mother.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

The Fifth Commandment - You shall not murder.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

The Sixth Commandment - You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

The Seventh Commandment - You shall not steal.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

The Eighth Commandment - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

The Ninth Commandment - You shall not covet your neighbor's house.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

The Tenth Commandment - You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

Rally Day

This year, Zion Lutheran Church is celebrating Rally Day on September 12 in order to combine the festivities of the Brat-Fest with those of Rally Day. Our Sunday School staff will have a table set up by the jumping pit from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with information about this year’s Sunday School schedule and activities. Please stop by and find out more about Zion Lutheran Sunday School!

CCI Classes

Both the 4th and 5th graders in Mrs. Davis’s class, as well as the 6th and 7th graders in Pastor Greenhagen’s class will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Zion each Wednesday. The first class will be Wednesday, September 16, with a brief meeting for all parents at the beginning of the class.

LifeLight Bible Study

Come study the Bible with friends for nine Thursdays beginning Thursday, September 17. Pastor Greenhagen will lead a study of the Gospel of Mark. There will be two sessions: one at 10:30 a.m. at Zion and another at 6:00 p.m. at CTK. Materials can be picked up in the church office at Zion.

GriefShare Fall Session at Grace, Auburn

Have you suffered loss? Are you grieving the death of a loved one? There's help for you. Grace Lutheran Church (303 Ruth St, Auburn) will be starting a new round of GriefShare on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. GriefShare is a 13-week program designed to provide comfort to those who mourn. It's a safe space to open up about your sorrow and be heard. We're not alone; Jesus comes alongside us to comfort and lead us through our grief! GriefShare is open to everyone. It's a free resource, and all materials are provided. Each session lasts around 90 minutes, beginning with a video and followed by discussion. Every session is a standalone session, so you can attend as you're able, and the videos are also available online to registrants. To register, please visit GraceAuburn.org/GriefShare.

Lutheran Women In Mission (LWML)

Zion Lutheran Women’s Group

In Times of Need - Asking for Healing

In the Word

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live (Psalm 116:1–2).

 Of the Word

“Lord, have mercy!” is a common refrain spoken in worship. They are also words many people say in their daily prayers and they become especially meaningful when dealing with an illness. We ask God for His kindness and goodness, things we don’t deserve. But our loving God is in the habit of giving His people the good things they don’t deserve. There is nothing wrong in asking for God’s blessings. In fact, God expects it from us.

 The Father lovingly sent Jesus to take the punishment our sins deserve so that we could instead receive the good gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Our faith has taken hold of the wonderful gifts He provides. As His faithful children we can ask Him to be merciful to us during times of sickness. He is listening. He wants us to come to Him. And He wants only the best for us, His children.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, I know You are listening to my prayer for Jesus’ sake. In Your mercy, please grant me the healing I need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Calendar of Events

MITES: Always looking for loose change.  We will be putting our mite box out the SECOND SUNDAY of the month.   Thank you to those that contributed.

LUNCHEONS will be starting up again in September.  The first one will be September 11, 11:30 a.m. @ Culvers.  Hope to see everyone there. 

September 19 - General Board Meeting and Breakfast Potluck – 9:30 a.m. – CTK. Everyone should bring something to share since this is our opening meeting.  We will welcome Pastor Dunsmore as our speaker.  Gifts from the Heart will be the list from the Early Childhood Center which was handed out.  If you do not know what to bring, please contact JoAnn Gust for further information. 

Zone Fall Rally – October 17 - Prince of Peace, Clare, MI.   Servant Event - Bring your empty RX bottles (with lids) but remove label or take a felt tip marker and block out your name and other material you do not want visible. When medicines are distributed in developing countries, they distribute by hand because there are no containers available.  This also helps to keep waste out of your landfills. Plastic containers have been placed at CTK and Zion for collection.  

LWML Sunday – October 4 – 9:45 am - Bible Study presentation by delegates Joanne Kinzinger, Kathy Tice and JoAnn Gust, District Board member.

Orphan Grain Train – Continue to place good clean clothes in the containers at Zion Lutheran and CTK.  Please put in small bags or small garbage bags. 

Facebook Page and Website - We have developed a Face Book page: LWML Zion Lutheran-mpmi.  A Website has also been developed: zionctk.com.   Kathy Tice is in charge of posting information on the website and you can contact her at ktice@zionmpmi.org.

"Serve the Lord with Gladness" Psalm 100:2

CTK Monday Lunches 

Please consider volunteering to provide a Monday lunch for our college students. There are sign up sheets at both Zion and CTK, and you may contact the CTK church office with any questions. Thank you!

Men of Zion and CTK!

Men's Breakfast Bible Study is Saturday, September 19, 8:00 a.m. at Zion.

Please join us! Sing inspiring hymns! Enjoy the tasty breakfast! Learn and discuss God’s word!

Leadership at Zion/CTK - Part II

Confessional LCMS churches generally stress several biblical principles:

• Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18).

• The authority of leaders is ministerial, not absolute—leaders serve by faithfully teaching and applying God's Word rather than creating new doctrine.

• Servant leadership follows Christ's example (Mark 10:42–45), emphasizing humility, care, and sacrifice.

• Faithfulness to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions (especially the Book of Concord) is expected of pastors and church leaders.

• The priesthood of all believers means every baptized Christian has a vocation and a role in the Church's mission, even though not everyone holds the public office of ministry.

Congregational governance at Zion/CTK

Zion practices congregational polity. This means:

• Each congregation governs its own affairs under Scripture.

• The congregation calls its pastor and elects its officers.

• Congregations voluntarily belong to the LCMS for fellowship, mission, education, and accountability, but the Synod does not appoint pastors to congregations or directly govern local church decisions.

Lay Leadership qualifications for Zion/CTK

At Zion/CTK, our congregation looks for leaders. Prior to the nominating committee’s recommendation of officers, the Pastor(s), in consultation with the Board of Elders, investigate the status of its members to determine their spiritually eligibility for office and wiliness to serve. Spiritual eligibility includes some of the following:

Spiritual maturity and a Christ-centered life.

Sound knowledge of Scripture and Lutheran doctrine.

Integrity and good reputation.

Humility and a servant's heart.

Ability to resolve conflict biblically.

Commitment to the congregation's mission and confession of faith.

Regular church attendance and participation in the Lord’s Supper.

Overall, leadership in a confessional LCMS congregation is viewed less as holding authority or status and more as faithfully stewarding the responsibilities God has entrusted for the building up of Christ's Church through His Word and Sacraments.

Here is what our Bylaws specify for the Nominating Committee:

Nomination Procedure

A. At the January meeting of the Voting Assembly in an election year, the Parish Planning Council shall announce its selection of three or more qualified voting members who, together with the pastor, shall serve as the Nominating Committee.

B. Prior to the January Voters Assembly meeting, the Board of Elders and the pastor(s) shall review the communicant membership to determine those who are spiritually eligible for office. The list shall then be presented to the Nominating Committee.

C. The Nominating Committee, as soon as possible after the January meeting shall prepare a list of candidates, drawn from among the list provided by the elders and pastor(s), who are18 years of age or older, and either male or female. This list of candidates shall then be made available to communicant members of the congregation at least three weeks prior to the April meeting. Only male candidates shall be eligible for membership on the Board of Elders and to serve as Executive Director and Assistant Director.

D. Following the publication of the Nominating Committee's list, any communicant member of the congregation may submit to the committee additional names provided that:

1. names shall be submitted at least 10 days before the date of the April meeting of the Voters Assembly

2. the Nominating Committee, through consultation with the pastor(s) and the

Board of Elders, shall have investigated the status of the proposed

candidates and found them spiritually eligible for office and willing to serve

3. the appropriate director shall fill unexpired terms or shortages of

personnel by appointment after review by the pastor(s) and elders.

E. The Nominating Committee, at least one week before the date of the April meeting, shall distribute to the entire membership the list of candidates for the following offices:

Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, directors of the various administrative boards, and board members as necessary to complete the membership of each of the boards.

Dale Gust

Executive Director