Shout for Joy, O Inhabitant of Zion!

by Don Kunzelman

PLUMAS, Man. – On Sunday, July 12, Zion Lutheran Church celebrated its 125th anniversary. The theme of the anniversary was “Shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion” from Isaiah 12:6.

Because of flooding issues and very hot weather, the festivities were held in the Plumas Community Hall. Zion’s activities included a 10:00 a.m. Matins Service led by Zion’s pastor, Rev. James Vosper. Guest preacher, Rev. John Kreutzwieser, a former pastor of Zion, delivered a sermon titled “The Precious.”

A delicious brunch of eggs, pancakes, and sausages was then served. The pancake mix was donated by the local P&H (Parrish and Heimbecker), a grain buyer agribusiness. Guests were invited to view a display of church memorabilia brought in by present and past members. Donna Lach prepared a running slideshow of church events from past years.

The afternoon contained a time of fellowship and visiting with past members and attending dignitaries such as Central District President Emeritus Tom Prachar; Rev. Niram Temsakun, Director of Missions for Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church; and President Antonio Reyes of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines. President Reyes had just served three weeks in Neepawa, Zion’s sister church.

At 3:00 p.m., an anniversary service was held with Rev. Vosper leading. Rev. Mark Smith, a former pastor of Zion and now LCC’s Director of International Missions, delivered the sermon based on the theme verse, Isaiah 12:6. The visiting pastors also participated in the service with readings. Musical accompaniment was provided by two former members: Lenora Buffi in the morning service and Patti Kreutzwieser in the afternoon service. Patti Kreutzwieser also organized and conducted a choir for the services.

The day concluded with cake and refreshments. The large cake—decorated with the anniversary logo and theme—was cut by Zion’s oldest members, Ruby Mauthe, Bernice Walker, and Irma Lach.

It was a wonderful day and a joyous celebration. As the psalmist declared in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” May the Lord’s blessing continue to be upon Zion now and forevermore!

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