We gather for a Worship Service on this Sunday, October 29th, 2023 on Reformation-Reconciliation Sunday in person at the Chapel (2700 W 14th Street) at 11:00 a.m.

To join us at the Chapel, buzz Zion Church from the Directory at the front of the 2700 Building on the campus of San Sofia Apartments. Enter the Chapel from the 2700 Building front lobby.

Or when arriving, call Bob Bucklew at 216-375-5323 and he will open the parking gate for you. Drive to the back of the building to the rear parking lot and use the ramp for entry.

The Sunday Bulletin is attached in PDF format. You may use it as a devotional during the week.

On Sunday, October 29th, 2023 we celebrate Reformation-Reconciliation Sunday–the 506th anniversary of the Reformation. On October 31st, 1517 the German monk Martin Luther, offered for public discussion a document containing 95 theological propositions and criticisms of the medieval church of his day.

While Luther’s act was unquestionably important, and his critique led to the formation of what we now know as the Lutheran Church, he was not the only church reformer of the 1500s. Some of those reformers remained within what would subsequently become known as the Roman Catholic Church. Others found their initiatives led to a split from the established church and the formation of a new denomination.

Ulrich Zwingli, a contemporary of Martin Luther, was one such reformer. Zwingli’s reforms in the city of Zurich, where he was a parish priest, led to what is called the Reformed tradition. The Reformed tradition includes various Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and Christian Reformed denominations, as well as uniting denominations such as The United Church of Christ whose roots include the Congregational and Evangelical & Reformed denominations.

A generation later John Calvin, based in Geneva, would become a key figure in shaping the Reformed tradition further. Both Zwingli and Calvin were more radical in their reforms than Luther had been.

Some of Zwingli’s emphases continue to have influence in the United Church. Zwingli stressed the importance of scripture as a primary authority for theology, and of preaching as an interpretation of scripture in the current context. He also emphasized the role of lay people in the life of the church.

As we commemorate efforts at reforming the Church 506 years ago, let us remember that we are part of a tradition that has understood itself to always be in need of reform, always needing to avoid the twin perils of continuing past practices merely because they are traditions and of being captivated by the new simply because it is new.

Why the Color Red on Reformation Sunday?

Because it is associated with the Holy Spirit, the color red is used in the liturgical celebration of Reformation Sunday. In addition to this, it brings to mind those individuals whose lives were taken because of their trust in Jesus. And as a result of participating in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, each one of us has been endowed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. As red is also a festive color, consequently, it serves in the church year as the color for Reformation Sunday and other congregational festive occasions such as dedications, ordinations and installations.

Worship Services on Zoom

We are discontinuing streaming worship services on Zoom at this time. The option for Worship Services via the Zoom platform will resume in the Winter months and by request as needed.

Welcome to Adam D. Petrosino, Our New Music Director

Adam can be reached by e-mail at: [email protected] and by phone at 234-205-9397.

Zion’s Administrative Assistant, Beverly Wurm

Beverly will be keeping some limited Office Hours at church/home. The days and hours are:
Fall Schedule
Tuesday – 9am – 1pm
Wednesday – 10am – 2pm
Thursday – 9am – 1pm
Beverly can be reached at: [email protected] or by phone at: 216-273-7561 (church) or 216-310-6810 (mobile).

Our new website address is: zionchurchtremont.org
Check out our website and Facebook for updates

Our Focus Scripture is the Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:34-46.

Jesus continues to be challenged in the temple in these verses in Matthew 22. In last week’s reading, Jesus was challenged by the Herodians on paying taxes. The lectionary skips over Jesus’ challenge by the Sadducees on the resurrection, and now he is questioned by some Pharisees over which commandment is the greatest.

Jesus’ response: “You must love the Most High God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.”

“That is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments the whole Law is based—and the Prophets as well.”

Sermon/Reflection: “The God Who Is Not” by the Rev. Scott Rosenstein.

The Reflection/Sermon is: “Love God and Love Your Neighbor” by the Rev. Scott Rosenstein, inspired by the gospel reading in Matthew 22.

Please join the Zion Church community to give thanks to God this Sunday in-person in the Chapel!

Pastor Scott Rosenstein
216-273-7561 – church
216-577-1514 – mobile

Bulletin Cover Image:
Reformation Sunday
by Stushie
A Scottish Pastor, ministering in East Tennessee
Stushie Art – Unique crayon and digital worship art
https://stushieart.com/2023/10/11/reformation-sunday-art-and-coloring-pages/