Seasonal Events

Spring/Summer Events

“Table Talk” at Appalachian Brewing Company (ABC)
Harrisburg 2nd Tuesdays, through November, from 5:30-7:00pm
Martin Luther enjoyed faithful and fun conversation over food and drinks. Join Pastor Karin, Todd, and Sam for informal conversation relating Christian faith to everyday topics. Participants are responsible for the purchasing of their food and drinks. [in-person only]

 

WOW Series
9/11 – 10/23: THE ART OF LIVING & DYING WELL
Based on the Book: The Art of Dying Well by Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Robert Bellarmine, a Jesuit priest who rose to the rank of cardinal, was known for his spirit of detachment, his profound love of neighbor, and his tireless service to the Church.

10/30 – 11/20: LIFE TOGETHER
These WOW services will feature singing verses from well-known hymns (acapella), Scripture readings, excerpts from Deitrich Bonhoeffer’s classic work, “Life Together,” and prayer.
Communion on 11/6 (1st Wednesday).

November 27 - No WOW.  A Pre-recorded Thanksgiving service will be available on YouTube.


FESTIVAL OF ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS – COMMUNION​
Sunday, September 29
Rev. Keith Eslinger serving as Preacher and Worship Leader

Harvest Home Sunday
October 13
In October, members and friends are encouraged to make contributions (non-perishable food and other items or monetary) to local organizations providing food and basic necessities to those in need. Some local suggestions are listed below:
Harrisburg Area Food Pantry
Downtown Daily Bread
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

Festival of St. Luke
Sunday, October 20
During the 10:15am worship service, we remember the witness of St. Luke, Evangelist, and the church’s ministry of healing prayer. As is the custom on communion Sundays at Zion, individual healing prayer with laying on of hands and anointing with oil will be offered during the worship service.

Reformation Sunday Celebration & Meal
October 27
October 27 is Reformation Sunday! Following our 10:15am Worship Service in the upstairs worship space with organ music, we will host a traditional German meal. To help us plan for the meal, please let us know if you plan to attend by signing-up in the Fellowship Hall or by calling or emailing the church office.

All Saints Sunday & End of Daylight Savings
Sunday, November 3
On this Sunday, during the 10:15am Worship Service, we will remember members of Zion and loved ones of the Zion community who entered the Church Triumphant over the past year. If you would like to list in the bulletin the name of a loved one who died this past year, please email or call the church office. Please give the name as you would like it listed and the person’s relationship to you. Those attending in-person will have an opportunity to remember loved ones by lighting a candle during the service.

Harrisburg Marathon
Sunday, November 10
TRAVEL ADVISORY: The Harrisburg Marathon takes place this morning. Please allow extra time to travel to Zion for Sunday School and worship.
 

LOOKING AHEAD IN 2024 - HIGHLIGHTS


Sunday, December 22 (4th Sunday in Advent)
3:00PM WEIHNACHTSGOTTESDIENST / CHRISTMAS SERVICE (in-person & online)
Throughout the year, Zion holds many additional events and worship services.  These are in addition to our weekly Wednesday & Sunday worship. The schedule is dependant on the church calendar, so dates vary each year.  This is an overview of our typical yearly schedule.


January/February
Ash Wednesday
12:10 pm Service of Word and Sacrament with imposition of ashes


March/April
Holy Wednesday:
12:10—12:35PM Service of Word & Sacrament

Maundy Thursday:
12:10—12:45PM Service of Maundy Thursday Holy Communion in the Chapel

Good Friday:
12:10pm – 12:45pm Tenebrae (Service of Shadows)

Easter Sunday:
7:15am Sunrise Service - On the lawn between the church and the train station
 9:00am Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt
10:15am Service of Word & Sacrament
 

May

Himmelfahrt – Ascension Day Service in German 
Remembering our German heritage, Zion holds a German-language Ascension Day service (an English translation of the service is available) beginning at 7:15pm.  Coffee and German cakes precede the service at 6:15pm.
 

July

 Zion on the River 
Come worship with Zion on the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat!  The ship leaves the dock at 10:00am.  For those with hydrophobia, the regular 10:15am service at Zion will still be held!
 

September

Gallery Walk
Zion participates in Harrisburg’s Art Walk by hosting local artists to display their work in our Fellowship Hall.  In addition, tours of historic Zion with its collection of Christian art forms are provided.  

 

October

 Harvest Home 
“Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of Harvest Home!”  Zion is decorated with the signs of Fall as we celebrate both the bounty of God and the final harvest of souls to come.

Reformation Sunday 
Come celebrate the anniversary of the Reformation with us.  A German meal follows the worship service.  You must call the church office and make a reservation in order to participate in the meal.

 

November

 All Saints Sunday
We remember those of the Zion family who joined the Church Triumphant over the past year.

 

December

 Christmas Cantata Sunday
Zion’s choir performs special seasonal music during the worship service.

Christmas Eve Service 
A traditional candle-light service begins at 7:30pm; cookies and punch precede the  service beginning at 6:30pm.
              NOTE:  In 2023, due to Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, there will be one service at 2pm.