Zion Lutheran Church Harrisburg

Newsletters

May 11, 2025, Fourth Sunday of Easter

Dear Members & Friends of Zion,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
From June 22 through November 23, at Sunday morning worship, the Gospel reading will usually be from Luke. To prepare our hearts and minds to receive deeply from God’s Word in those coming weeks, the 12:10pm Worship On Wednesday Services in May and June are lifting up themes in Luke’s Gospel. The resources shared on Wednesdays are available to be picked up in Fellowship Hall and at the church website listed above (Worship & Education tab; WOW Service; Resources for Sermon Series on Luke).
I began the 40-Day Reading Plan for Luke on May 5. Both the familiar and lesser-known passages have come alive for me reading more slowly and consistently through the book. The readings are short enough to allow time for reflection and prayer. Below are verses that were part of the passage on Day 7:
While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. – Luke 5:12-16

One of the Bibles I use offered this reflection in the margin:
“Consider Jesus’ words “I am willing; be cleansed.” Connect the word or phrase to something in your life, church or community. What specific needs are there for physical or relational healing in each of these contexts? … Share your thoughts with God in prayer. Ask him to correct, affirm, or adjust your thinking.” - The Abide Bible; General Editor: Phil Collins, PhD
The suggestions, such as focusing on a phrase and listening for God’s guidance, can be adapted for any reading in Scripture. You may want to conclude a time of devotional reading with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
I am amazed at the insights the Holy Spirit brings each time I return to God’s Word! May we all be blessed and renewed in our walk with the Savior in the reading and hearing of Holy Scripture in Sunday and Wednesday worship services and everyday.

In the certain hope and everlasting joy of the Risen Lord,
Pastor Karin

May-June 2025 Newsletter (PDF)

Previous Newsletters:
2025
March - April 2025 Newsletter (PDF)
December 2024-January 2025 Newsletter (PDF)

2024
September-November 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
July-August 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
May-June 2024 Newsletter (PDF)
February-April 2024 Newsletter (PDF)

2023
Winter 2023 Newsletter (PDF)
Fall 2023 Newsletter (PDF)
May-August 2023 Newsletter (PDF)
February-April 2023 Newsletter (PDF)

2022
November/December 2022/January 2023 Newsletter (PDF)
September/October 2022 Newsletter (PDF)
May/June/July 2022 Newsletter (PDF)
March/April 2022 Newsletter (PDF)
February 2022 Newsletter (PDF)

2021
December 2021/January 2022 Newsletter (PDF)
October/November 2021 Newsletter (PDF)
September/October 2021 Newsletter (PDF)
June/July/August 2021 Newsletter (PDF)
May 2021 Newsletter (PDF)
February/March 2021 Newsletter (PDF)
December 2020/January/February 2021 Newsletter (PDF)

2020