FROM THE
PASTOR’S DESK

Over the next several months, we will be using our relationship covenant for our Board devotions. I think it is important for all church leaders to set the example for the whole congregation and if the Board isn't very familiar with them and the reasons that back them, then they cannot communicate them to everyone else.

ZRC may not have had the best of reputations in the past number of years, but we are making much progress in a positive direction. One of our members was in conversation with someone who said,

"I hear there are new things
going on at Red Church."

This is wonderful to hear. Also, one of our young adult members who came to a service recently told me,

"God has done some wonderful things in my life recently and I am here at worship to show God some respect and thanks."

This young man gets it! Coming to worship is, in part, about our relationships with each other, but it is first and foremost about our relation-ship with God. A good question to ask yourself on Sunday is,

"Why am I (or am I not)
going to church this morning?"

Your answer will reflect where your priorities lie. Yes, some of us have to work and have responsibilities that keep us away on Sunday - this is part of the times we live in. But, honestly, some of us can come up with all kinds of reasons for not attending. What do these reasons say about what is really important in your life?

Recently we have had our chair lift fixed and inspected for all those who need a lift to the sanctuary. Don't be embarassed to us it. Remember, you are there to communicate with God, not to worry about what others might think of you if you use it.

Also, we are worshiping on the middle floor all summer, with fans and no need for climbing stairs.

Plus, we have updated the microphone and amplifiers upstairs and down so that those with hearing difficulties will now find it easier to participate.

If you have a need that is not reflected above, please let me (Pastor Schwandt) or Don Mengle know. We are committed to doing everything we can to make worship pleasant and meaningful.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Wanda

RELATIONSHIP COVENANT
“HOLY MANNERS”

PURPOSE “The Zion’s Red Church Relationship Covenant” establishes “holy manners” to be used in our life together as God’s people. Let us remind ourselves that Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22: 37-40 (NIV)
 
OUR PROMISES TO GOD
1.  We promise to put God first in our lives. (Philippians 1:9-11)

2.  We promise to listen to God’s direction for us, through prayer, worship, scripture reading, and experience and to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in discerning what’s best for our church. (Hebrews 10:16, 1 Cor. 14:26, Proverbs 1:7)

3. We promise to thank God for all our blessings and the growth that can come from the opportunities in our lives. (Romans 12:15, Philippians 4:4)

OUR PROMISE TO EACH OTHER
 1. We promise to recognize each person as a child of God, and as such we will raise each person up rather than put them down.  Because God loves us unconditionally, we will treat all members and guests with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion. (James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29)

2.  We promise to share our gifts and talents to serve the church when opportunity and need arises. (Ephesians 4:11-13, Revelation 2:19)

3.  We promise to include our joys as well as our challenges in our prayers, not praying for the triumph of our viewpoint, but seeking God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly, and to remain open to the vision God holds for all of us. (Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9-10)

 4.  We promise to support our church pastor, staff, and leaders so that their efforts can be most productive for the church. (1Timothy 2:1,
2 Cor. 1:11, Romans 15:30)

 5.  We promise to try to discover what is best for our church as a whole, not what may be best for the individual or for some small group within the church. (Romans 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:26)

6.  We promise to acknowledge the existence of our differing opinions. When majority decisions are made, not everyone will agree with the outcome. When that occurs, we promise to refrain from stirring up oppositional support if our views were not chosen. (Philippians 3:15-16)

7.  We promise to honor and respect, but not idolize our history, buildings, or property, and be open to doing new things, or old things in new ways. (Exodus 20:3, Luke 4:8)

8.  We promise to always remember the “Golden Rule”: Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31)