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	<title>Zion Lutheran Church LCMC &#187; Thoughts to Ponder</title>
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	<description>Experience Christ&#039;s Love</description>
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		<title>150th Anniversary Thank You!</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/12/150th-anniversary-thank-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/12/150th-anniversary-thank-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:48:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[150th Anniversary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=1660</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[150th Anniversary
Thank You!
The anniversary was celebrated with many special events throughout the year. Many meetings and lots of work with Pastor Ron made every event a success.
&#160;
The picture directory started with many meetings, phone calls, and great participation by our members. Next came the Sesquicentennial Book&#8230;..Again, months and weeks of get to-gethers led by Pastor [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom:2.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:<br />
normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;color:windowtext">150th Anniversary</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:<br />
normal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">Thank You!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">The anniversary was celebrated with many special events throughout the year. Many meetings and lots of work with Pastor Ron made every event a success.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">The picture directory started with many meetings, phone calls, and great participation by our members. Next came the Sesquicentennial Book&hellip;..Again, months and weeks of get to-gethers led by Pastor Ron and the committee of many volunteers. Finally The DVD&rsquo;s were completed and they are wonderful.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">October arrived with many special days for celebrations. October 1st hosted the German Pork Dinner for the community. October 2nd was the DVD&rsquo;s of Zion&rsquo;s members. October 9th was a special youth service. October 16th there was the 10:15am Worship Service followed by a free dinner for members and guests, 2:30 was the Anniversary Service. October 23rd was a special 10:15 Service with a Musical Concert in the evening. October 30th was the Family Harvest Turkey Dinner, and the children&rsquo;s Halloween events. Thank You! God is blessing Zion through all of YOU!</span></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">We had many donations and we would like to say thank you to all. Thank You Everyone!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">The celebration should continue in our hearts as we praise God for the people of Zion. We ask that He guide us into the future and show Zion the way to reach out to His people here and in the community. We have our mission!</span></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">Know Jesus, Make Jesus Known.</span></div>
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		<item>
		<title>Do You Know Where Satan Got His Power for Evil?</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/12/did-you-know-where-satan-got-his-power-for-evil/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/12/did-you-know-where-satan-got-his-power-for-evil/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:42:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=1657</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Did You Know?????
&#160;
Do you know where Satan got his power for evil?
&#160;

The answer is this: The origin of evil is one of the greatest theological problems we have. Let&#8217;s turn to Scripture that gives to us the origin of evil, as far as we know. It tells of the fall of Satan: &#8220;How art thou [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;<br />
line-height:118%;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">Did You Know?????</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;<br />
line-height:118%;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">Do you know where Satan got his power for evil?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;">The answer is this: The origin of evil is one of the greatest theological problems we have. Let&rsquo;s turn to Scripture that gives to us the origin of evil, as far as we know. It tells of the fall of Satan: &ldquo;How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou has said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God&hellip;&rdquo; (Isaiah 14:12,13). Satan was created with the power from God, but then he said in his heart, &ldquo;I want to be like the most High.&rdquo; This creature wanted to be like God&mdash;so much so that he wanted to take GOD&rsquo;s place. He was far superior to any of God&rsquo;s angels or creations, so he felt he could set his will over the will of God. That&rsquo;s what sin is: <b>TO SET YOUR WILL OVER THE WILL OF GOD.</b> How many men and women are living self-sufficient lives <b>AND DECIDE THAT THEY DON&rsquo;T NEED GOD?</b> He gets in their way, and they&rsquo;d like to get rid of Him if they could. There are those today who make the statement of what they are going to do, and even though it&rsquo;s contrary to the will of God, they don&rsquo;t mind saying it or trying to do it. And that is <b>WHERE THEY LEAD THEMSELVES AWAY FROM GOD AND CLOSER TO EVIL.</b></span></div>
</div>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>2011 150th Anniversary Recap</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/11/2011-150th-anniversary-recap/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/11/2011-150th-anniversary-recap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:09:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[150th Anniversary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=1642</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[150th Anniversary
&#160;
What a day! The church was full of wonderful people who came to celebrate our 150th Anniversary on October 16th! Our month of celebration was a wonderful way to praise God for blessing Zion these many years. Thank you everyone that came and to all the people that worked to make it a day [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="margin-bottom: 2pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;color:windowtext">150th Anniversary</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:<br />
normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;color:windowtext">What a day! The church was full of wonderful people who came to celebrate our 150th Anniversary on October 16th! Our month of celebration was a wonderful way to praise God for blessing Zion these many years. Thank you everyone that came and to all the people that worked to make it a day to remember! The directory was a great start of celebrating Zion&rsquo;s people. The DVD&rsquo;s are spectacular! Thanks to Brenda, Sandy and our youth for the October 9th Service.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:<br />
normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;color:windowtext">The October 16th Sunday&rsquo;s events are special memories of the past; but with hope and love for God&rsquo;s house in the year to come, we hope to enrich our faith and ask God&rsquo;s guidance for Zion and our future. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:<br />
normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;color:windowtext">Thank you also for all that contributed to our memorabilia of pictures, etc. Please pick yours up after October 30th.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:<br />
normal"><span style="font-size:9.5pt;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;color:windowtext">Again, Thank You and Praise be to God for Zion and our families.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</div>
<p><span style="font-size:9.5pt;line-height:118%;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;Times New Roman&quot;;">The books and the three DVD&rsquo;s are still available at $1.50 each. Contact Pastor Ron</span> if you are interested</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>When do we Celebrate the Churches&#8217; Birthday?</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/07/when-do-we-celebrate-the-churches-birthday/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/07/when-do-we-celebrate-the-churches-birthday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:34:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=1423</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
&#160;
Do you know when we celebrate the Churches&#39; birthday?
&#160;
On the day of PENTECOST.
&#160;
Pentecost is the day that the church was born. Christ was crucified, rose again, spent forty days with his disciples, then ascended into heaven. Pentecost immediately&#160;followed. For two millennia, Christians have been celebrating the Churches&#39; birthday with joy and exuberance. Pentecost takes place [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:118%;Times New Roman&quot;"><br />
	</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-size:20px;"><span style="line-height: 118%;">Do you know when we celebrate the Churches&#39; birthday?</span></span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-size:20px;"><span style="line-height: 118%;">On the day of PENTECOST.</span></span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div style="line-height:normal;page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-size:20px;">Pentecost is the day that the church was born. Christ was crucified, rose again, spent forty days with his disciples, then ascended into heaven. Pentecost immediately&nbsp;followed. For two millennia, Christians have been celebrating the Churches&#39; birthday with joy and exuberance. Pentecost takes place 50 days after&nbsp;&nbsp; Easter Sunday.</span></div>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Five Reasons to Tithe</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/05/five-reasons-to-tithe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/05/five-reasons-to-tithe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 01:14:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=1288</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FIVE REASONS TO TITHE:
&#160;
FIND IT IN THE BIBLE: &#34;And of all that you give me I will surely give one tenth to you.&#34; (Genesis 23:22)
&#160;
1) ANCIENT MODEL:
&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Tithing is our most ancient model for giving. One of the best tithing stories is that of Jacob (Genesis 28:10-22)
&#160;
2) TRUST IN GOD:
&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Tithing helps us worship God [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">FIVE REASONS TO TITHE</span></b>:</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>FIND IT IN THE BIBLE: &quot;And of all that you give me I will surely give one tenth to you.&quot; (Genesis 23:22)</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>1)</b> <b>ANCIENT MODEL</b>:</div>
<div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tithing is our most ancient model for giving. One of the best tithing stories is that of Jacob (Genesis 28:10-22)</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>2) TRUST IN GOD</b>:</div>
<div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tithing helps us worship God more in our lives. It encourages our spiritual growth and trust in God.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>3) FINANCIAL WISDOM:</b></div>
<div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tithing brings God&#39;s wisdom to our finances, exercising a healthy spiritual discipline over them, and helps us to combat the destructive materialism and greed that destroy the lives of many.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>4) MINISTRY SUPPORT</b></div>
<div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tithing provides the means to keep our pastors and missionaries in full time service to God.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><b>5) CONGREGATIONAL STRENGTH</b></div>
<div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tithing strengthens the ministry, outreach and health of our congregations, molding us into true Christian communities of faith, love, and grace.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>As your Pastor and members of Zion, we have placed tithing on the top of our list. We have pledged our support by pledging 10% of our earnings towards giving to the Lords work. We have been blessed by it. May you be blessed by it also.</div>
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		<item>
		<title>Prayer for the Faithful by St. Patrick</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/03/prayer-for-the-faithful-by-st-patrick/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2011/03/prayer-for-the-faithful-by-st-patrick/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Mar 2011 13:48:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=1125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Prayer for the Faithful by Saint Patrick

	
&#160;
	
&#160;
May the Strength of God guide us.
	May the Power of God preserve us.
	May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
	May the Hand of God protect us.
	May the Way of God direct us.
	May the Shield of God defend us.
	May the Angels of God guard us.
	&#160;Against the snares of the evil one. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b>Prayer for the Faithful by Saint Patrick</b></span></div>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>&nbsp;<br />
	</i></span></div>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>&nbsp;</i></span></div>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>May the Strength of God guide us.<br />
	May the Power of God preserve us.<br />
	May the Wisdom of God instruct us.<br />
	May the Hand of God protect us.<br />
	May the Way of God direct us.<br />
	May the Shield of God defend us.<br />
	May the Angels of God guard us.<br />
	&nbsp;Against the snares of the evil one. </p>
<p>	May Christ be with us!<br />
	May Christ be before us!<br />
	May Christ be in us,<br />
	Christ be over all! <br />
	</i><i><br />
	</i><i>May Thy Grace, Lord,<br />
	Always be ours,<br />
	This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.</i></span></div>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Will You be Ready?</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2010/07/will-you-be-ready/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2010/07/will-you-be-ready/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:13:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=537</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;
The Second Coming of the Lord!
&#160;
Will you be ready when He comes like a thief in the night??
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div align="center" style="text-align:center"><span sans="" style="font-size:15.0pt;" tempus="">The Second Coming of the Lord!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align:center">&nbsp;</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align:center"><span sans="" style="font-size:10.0pt;" tempus="">Will you be ready when He comes like a thief in the night??</span></div>
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		<item>
		<title>The Importance of Respect!</title>
		<link>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2010/04/the-importance-of-respect/</link>
		<comments>http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/2010/04/the-importance-of-respect/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:45:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Ron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts to Ponder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.zionlutheranottawalakemi.com/?p=261</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;
R E S P E C T:

From the Adult Class
led by Barb Holtz
We hear a lot about our schools and the problems that teachers have because of the lack of respect from the students.  Parents, the Bible says that we are to train our children in the ways they should go and they will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:medium;">R E S P E C T:</span></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><br />
From the Adult Class<br />
led by Barb Holtz</p>
<p>We hear a lot about our schools and the problems that teachers have because of the lack of respect from the students.  Parents, the Bible says that we are to train our children in the ways they should go and they will remember this as they grow old.  How can we do this today???  Out of LOVE!  Love for God!  Love for our spouse!  Love for children!  Look to God in prayers for guidance and direction.  Zion is a respected house of worship.  It is God&rsquo;s House!  We are here to worship Him and to follow Jesus&rsquo; example.  We are a team!  We are here to serve God and our fellow worshippers.  We are responsible for keeping our church attractive, clean, and welcoming to all.  Let&rsquo;s all take a minute to teach our families and others the respect that we share at Zion.<br />
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p></span></span><br />
 </strong></p>
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