Ministries & Outreach
Zion Church is a vibrant and caring Christian community open to all. It is our hope that the following ministry and outreach information will be of help as you discern ways you are called to be involved in the life of this parish as we endeavor together to “know Christ’s love and to share it”.
Photo: Working on dolls going to Peru.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a dedicated group of parishioners who prepare the altar for all worship services held in Zion Church. They set up and maintain the altar vestments, linens, and communion elements. It is their responsibility to take reverent care of the sacred space in the church. Contact: Marcia Meinerth, Altar Guild chair, via the church office (802) 362-1987.
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Community Food Cupboard
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The Community Food Cupboard (CFC) has been providing nutritional food to people in need in the Northshire community (20 area towns) for more than 28 years. The CFC has a 15-member board of directors representing six local religious congregations. It is supported by a staff of more than 100 volunteers. Zion supports the CFC through food donations, monetary contributions and volunteer hours. Zion Church has two representatives on the Board and staffs the food cupboard during the months of September and February. To volunteer during Zion’s months, see the sign-up sheets posted at church or contact the food cupboard directly to volunteer at any time. The volunteer work includes unpacking boxes, stocking shelves, assisting clients with their food choices, delivering food to the homebound, and picking up donated food items from local businesses. The CFC is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to Noon, Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon and 2 to 4 p.m., and the last Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to Noon. The CFC is closed for some holidays and for several days during the Christmas holiday season.
Contact info: CFC (802) 362-0057
Website: https://communityfoodcupboard.org
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Interfaith Council of the Northshire
The Interfaith Council of the Northshire (IFC), of which Zion is a member, is composed of area houses of worship and affords each member the opportunity to extend hospitality to one another. The work of the IFC extends into the community through its many outreach programs, including Neighbor to Neighbor (always appreciative of more volunteers!), the Auto Angels program, the Kids Summer Lunch program, and the Holiday Fund and Distribution project. To volunteer for Neighbor to Neighbor or for more information go to https://neighbortoneighborvt.org.
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Kagando Mission Hospital Foundation
Parishioners Joseph C. Bamford, MD and Susan H. Bamford are president and secretary, respectively, of the Kagando Mission Hospital Foundation (Kagando), a non-profit, volunteer organization in East Dorset, Vermont, which supports the Kagando Hospital and Rural Development Center in Uganda, East Africa. Annually on Mother’s Day and Christmas many parishioners give generously to this very worthy ministry. For more information and/or to give, please go to https://kagando.org.
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Ladies Prayer and Bible Study Group
For more than 30 years a group of women has met to study the lesson for the next Sunday and to pray for those in need in our parish. The group currently meets on Wednesdays from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Old Rectory Building coffee hour room. The door is always open for those who wish to join the group for prayer and study.
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Music
Zion has an active choir. We encourage anyone to join us for a very rewarding and fun experience. All are welcome. – no prior experience required. Choir runs from mid- September to mid-June. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings and the door is always open. If you are interested in joining, contact Christopher Lewis, music director, by email: clewis0820@gmail.com
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Pastoral Care Team
The pastoral care team shares God’s love by bringing comfort and companionship and/or sending notes and cards when there is a need. Contact: Donna Ciulla: (201)417-0140 email: donna.ciulla2019@gmail.com.
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Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry? Created in 1975 by the Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, PhD, Stephen Ministry equips and empowers congregations to provide one-to-one, confidential lay caring ministry designed to bring “distinctly Christian caregiving” to those who are going through a difficult time, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, relocation, illness, loneliness, loss of a job, and life transitions.
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Should I become a Stephen Leader or Stephen Minister? Stephen Leaders go through 50 hours of training at a designated training event, then return to their congregations equipped for Stephen Ministry leadership roles and to train people interested in becoming Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministers are specially trained by Stephen Leaders to provide a caring presence to those who are hurting in their congregations and in the larger community. Zion has been a Stephen Ministry congregation since 2014. Stephen Ministry is a great way to share the healing love of Christ with others! For more information see the SM website. Or, contact one of our Stephen Leaders listed below.
Should I request a Stephen Minister? If you (or a friend or loved one) are experiencing a difficult time in your life and you need someone you can talk to who will listen and not judge, and/or you feel like you have exhausted your family and friends with your problems, a Stephen Minister may be right for you. To find out contact one our Stephen Leaders or the Reverend Mitchell.
Stephen Leaders:
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Donna Ciulla: (201)417-0140 email: donna.ciulla2019@gmail.com
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Phil Ciulla: (201)417-0267
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