The Christian Education Committee oversees the operation and promotion of all educational programs for adults and youth in the congregation at Zion, and thus enables them to grow in Christian faith, life and understanding. This includes continuous programs as well as programming that is either seasonal or limited in duration.
This group organizes the structure to facilitate such ongoing programs as adult bible study, children’s church time, confirmation preparation, learning opportunities for children, and vacation bible school.
Adult Sunday School
This study is continuous and focuses on exploration of the core texts of Luther’s Small Catechism with far reaching discussions as to how these elements apply to our everyday lives. The group meets each Sunday at 10:30am in the Bible Study Classroom, and all newcomers are welcome. For details, contact the Group Leader, Linda Beegle at 717-434-3248 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Children’s Church Time
This opportunity is for children who are past the age for Nursery care but who have not yet reached the age for Confirmation studies. The group convenes in the Sunday School room during a part of the Sunday worship service – from directly following the Children’s Time with Pastor and until the time of Communion. During each session, a short, age-appropriate lesson and discussion or brief activity is done to coordinate with the adult worship happening at the same time. For more information, contact Kelley Fisher at 410-598-0586 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Confirmation Preparation
Baptized children who are in 6th – 8th grades may participate in the confirmation program. Learning sessions take place on Sundays after worship service in the Sunday School room here at Zion over a two-year period from September through May and are taught by Pastor Haack. In addition to attending the learning sessions, the confirmands must meet a few other attendance and ministry-related expectations. Following the completion of the two-year process, confirmands receive the Rite of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday (first Sunday in June). For more information, contact Bev Reindollar at 717-428-2772, 717-578-7413, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Learning Opportunities for Children
This program provides for members of the congregation to spend time with the children, sharing life stories from days gone by, craft projects, fishing outings, time in the kitchen, job skills, sports, etc. The time and place will vary, of course; and each session will serve to connect and bond the youngsters and adults through fun and fellowship. For more information or to discuss an idea for a session, contact Gevene Harden at 717-309-7164 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is provided in the early summer each year and is open to the community for children from age two years through 5th grade. It takes place during a single week, Monday through Friday, and offers lessons, activities, games and crafts designed to introduce the Bible in an age-appropriate fashion. For more information, contact Pastor Katie Brantner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
In addition, the Christian Education committee interacts with other Ministries to supplement congregational experiences and sharing as the need presents itself. Several recurring seasonal programs include the congregational picnic/worship event, the ELCA Good Gifts drive, the annual Gifts of Warmth drive, and the annual Kookies for Kids campaign..
Annual Congregational Picnic
In late July, each year, the congregation of Zion enjoys the annual picnic at Goodling Park. Starting with a worship service among the tall shade trees (weather permitting) and continuing with a delicious meal provided by the Continuing Education committee and every pie, cake and dessert known to mankind donated by the congregation. Then there are outdoor games and indoor BINGO and lots of great conversation and relaxing, after which everyone lines up for a dish of Carman’s ice cream to round out the day.
ELCA Good Gifts Drive
Each year, during November, you will find a display in the back of the fellowship hall where you may choose one or more cards with which you may make a monetary donation to the ELCA’s “God’s Global Barnyard”. We collect in support of ELCA World Hunger by giving through God’s Global Barnyard. The money is used to help families in underdeveloped countries by purchasing various barnyard animals.
Gifts of Warmth Drive
From the beginning to the end of December, you will find that a Christmas tree in the back of the fellowship hall fills with gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, and hats donated by our congregation. Then we count and bundle these items; and just after the new year, they are taken to the Salvation Army in York from which they are all distributed to those in need.
Kookies For Kids - Snack Box Campaign
During February, each year, we assemble boxes of nonperishable snacks like gum, granola bars, cookies (homemade and bought), and more to send to military personnel and college students who are affiliated with Zion. We collect donated snacks from our congregation throughout the month and then get together late in the month to pack the boxes and prepare for shipment. Our congregation also helps by donating funds to offset the cost of shipping. This way, we let those folks know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Christian Education Committee includes: Lois Goodling, Gevene Harden, Pam Hoffman, Jeff Hoffman, Bill Ream, Gloria Ream, Jim Ream, Bev Reindollar, Evelyn Roser, and Pam Spangler.
For more information about our Christian Education Ministry and/or to discuss how you might take part in their work, contact Committee Chair, Bev Reindollar at 717-428-2772, 717-578-7413, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..