Penn-Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Pastor, The Reverend Roger L. Steiner
(724) 744-3151 or (412) 913-9391
Schedule 9/13 - 9/20
Sunday: Service: Worship 11:00 AM
Monday: Church Council 6:30 PM
Wednesday : Quiet Communion @ Penn-Zion’s 7:00 PM
Friday: Bible Study 10:30 AM
Sunday Service: Worship 11:00 AM
Who We Are
The Penn-Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Parish is a Word and Sacrament ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We work with Brush Creek Lutheran Church as a cooperative ministry to provide a full-time ministry to the people of our area. We would like to welcome you into our church family; and we invite you to worship the risen Lord with us and to share your gifts and talents in the ongoing work of Christ's church. Please contact our pastor if you have any questions or need more information.
We believe and teach that Christ is truly present in the breaking of the bread and in the sharing of the cup of Holy Communion. All who are baptized and commune in their own home congregation are invited to the Table of our Lord. Gluten free wafers are available at Zion's for any who have the need.
Click here for a bible verse of the day.
Daily Bible Verse
PROJECT HOPE AND HELPING HANDS: 15 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The end of 2025 marked 15 years that Project Hope and Helping Hands has been making a difference in our communities and beyond. We have touched the lives of others through partnering with 325 organizations, many of them in multiple ways over the years. Through ingatherings of some things as simple as a bar of soap, a can of soup, and crayons we have touched lives, provided dignity, or provided a warm stomach and some enjoyment. Through ingatherings of homemade dishcloths, little dresses, menstrual pads and cancer care related pillows and pockets we have provided cleanliness, dignity, safety, and a warm hug in times of pain. Through donations of pennies and dollars we have provided pigs, dug wells for clean water, purchased shoes and medication providing a livelihood, putting food on a table, ensuring safe drinking water, ensuring childrens’ education and lifesaving health care. All this and much more over the last 15 years. This is not to say Yay, Us! but to say Yay, God! By being His hands and feet and trusting that little becomes much when placed in His hands, Penn-Zion’s and now Brush Creek have been a light to our neighbors and family here at home and around the globe. If you haven’t seen the list in the Social Hall at Penn-Zion’s, check it out as it is updated each year. If you want to become more involved in these ministries, want more information or have suggestions, please talk with Gwen.
SUPPORTING YOUR CONGREGATION AS A LEGACY
Thanks to the support of people over the many years, both Penn-Zion’s and Brush Creek have been able to build significant investment accounts for the ongoing work of our congregations. Interest from these undesignated funds help us complete projects and fill in gaps we might find in our financial responsibilities when times of giving might be down. The leadership of your Church Councils have been diligent in their stewardship of these funds as we continue planning and building for the future.
The concern, though, is that inflation and the rising costs to do ministry continue to affect the bottom line just as in our own home budgets. Therefore, the churches rely heavily on members giving faithfully and regularly through your offerings, and even upon your ability to give a little more each year as you are able. The leadership understands this may be difficult as home budgets and incomes are affected by the same economic pressures.
As you prayerfully consider your stewardship in the life of the church, please also consider the following option to support your congregation’s ministry now and in the future. It is somewhat easy to give to the church significant amounts by naming the congregation in your estate, will, and/or life insurance policies as you work with your financial planner. (If you do not have a financial planner or advisor, it is advisable to have one to help navigate the intricacies of financial management, investments, retirement, insurances, taxes, and estate planning. Initial consultations are normally free. Thrivent is a good example.) By leaving a legacy in this way,you help ensure the ongoing future ministry of your congregation knowing that your money, or the interest from your donation, will be used faithfully for God’s work in the world.
If and as you choose to do this, PLEASE DO NOT DESIGNATE THIS GIFT FOR ANYTHING SPECIFIC, PARTICULARLY IF THE CONGREGATION DOES NOT NEED IT OR WANT IT. For example, leaving money specifically for a piano or other worship instrument in the sanctuary that the church does not need or want makes that money unusable elsewhere. Many congregations have money or items they cannot use sitting around because someone donated them with specific instructions which can never be fulfilled but must be honored legally. Good intentions do not always benefit the church, and in some cases, is wasteful when unusable. The best rule of thumb is to donate WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Also, all of us should understand that once a gift is given to the church, it becomes the property of the congregation and is no longer to be influenced by the individual or family who gave it. The leadership of the Church Council does have the right to refuse a gift if it feels it would not be beneficial for the congregation. If you have questions regarding this, Pastor Steiner is willing to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your ongoing faithfulness; and may God bless you and your family and our congregations that we may, for many decades to come, be a blessing to those who seek the Lord or to whom we are sent to save and comfort.
Here is important information Pastor Steiner recieved regarding the Nepal Disaster and how we can help. The information is also posted on Facebook. If you follow us on Facebook, please consider sharing the information on your personal page. There is a link to donate in the body of the letter if you are so inclined.
Dear Partner in Ministry,
Thank you for leading your congregation with the love that God shows you.
I imagine you’ve seen the terrifying videos of the disaster in Nepal. We don’t yet know the extent of the lives lost, or how many homes and farms were destroyed by this massive landslide and flood. We do know that for thousands of people, this terrible moment is only the beginning of their hardship.
Our incredible team in Nepal is already on the move, joining with partners to help those who lost everything. But congregations like yours are essential to getting these efforts off the ground.
Your support will help provide emergency aid — including food, water and essential supplies — to families affected by this disaster. As always, our response will evolve with the need.
Here are ways you can help right now:
Share this post on your congregation’s social media accounts. Let your people know how they can help. Encourage your congregation to give generously.
Share this bulletin insert and slide during worship.
Pray for our neighbors in Nepal and our LWR staff providing emergency aid.
Make a congregational gift.
Give online at lwr.org/helpnepal.
Mail a check to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Please write "HELP NEPAL" in the memo.
At this time, the greatest need is financial gifts so Lutheran World Relief can reach our neighbors as quickly as possible.
Thank you, as ever, for sharing God's love with neighbors when and where they need it most. This ministry depends on you.
Grace and Peace,
Did you Know??
Council Meetings are open to anyone who may want to attend? What a great way to see first hand what goes on “behind the scene”. It is also an opportunity to see if this would be a way you would like to serve God and our congregation!
Learn and Grow Wednesdays
We’re ready to start up a new year of a fun-filled hour learning Bible stories and what it means to follow Jesus. These Wednesday evenings are downstairs at Penn-Zion’s, our alternative to Sunday School for all of our parish children 3 years through 5 th grade. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 23 rd AS OUR FIRST CLASS. These classes begin at 5:45 PM which allows for the opportunity for families to attend Wednesday night services, if unable to attend on a Sunday morning. Please keep in mind that if the Penn-Trafford School District is off or has a half day for a holiday, cancelled classes for the day or students are sent home early due to weather related concerns, we will not be meeting that evening. At this time there will be NO CLASSES on October 14 and 28.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF MIDDLESCHOOLERS!
NEW – MONTHLY MIX MONDAYS
We have some Middle Schoolers who have grown out of Learn and Grow and asked if there is something for them. So, we are going to offer Monthly Mix Mondays. We will meet once a month to grab a bite to eat, talk about what’s important to them and “What Would Jesus Do?” Our first Monday Mix will be Monday, October 5 th and we will meet at the Dairy Queen in Harrison City at 6 PM. We plan to meet for an hour. At our group we will plan the next location and confirm date. The food is being covered so youth do not need to worry about this expense to come and chat. Any questions, please contact Gwen.
Drug Take Back Day
Penn-Zion’s Lutheran Church is co-sponsoring with our Penn Township Police Department a Drug Take Back Day in the Harrison City area. Partnering with the DEA as a nationwide event, our Penn-Zion’s Lutheran Church and Penn Township Police Department are planning to set up at Penn-Zion’s Lutheran Church, 3417 Route 130 in Harrison City, on Saturday, October 24 th from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. People are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets of unused/outdated prescription narcotics, particularly habit-forming pain killers, and bring them to the drop off site for proper disposal. Over the counter (OTC) drugs, liquids, or antibiotics are discouraged. Questions may be forwarded to Pastor Steiner.
Food Bank Update
Food Bank Update
Thank you for your continued food bank support! As the school year begins, local families need grocery support more than ever. We accept donations year-round to help keep our community healthy. Your kindness makes a huge difference. Please see the list on the Food Pantry page.
Helping Hands
We gather to prepare in-gatherings for distribution and mailing. This is also an opportunity to fellowship and learn a little bit more about the programs/ministries we connect with as part of Project Hope. The morning’s activities include assembling kits, making items, sorting and packing boxes. There is something for all ages-children through adult to do. If you have any questions, please contact Gwen.
Project Hope In-Gatherings
Each month we have in-gatherings that support programs/ministries within our communities and abroad. If you have a project or organization that you would like us to consider, please reach out to Gwen to discuss opportunities. Below are the upcoming projects we will be working on:
During the month of September we will be collecting items for Zachary’s Mission. Items collected will be used to fill Zack Packs. These backpacks are provided to families with medically fragile children by providing basic necessities to help lessen the burden of thinking about packing while their child is in the hospital. We are collecting solid deodorant, individual toothbrushes, dental floss, bath puffs/shower puffs, tissue packs, small notebooks, and granola bars.
During the month of October we will be collecting items for Operation Safety Net an organization that walks alongside those who are experiencing homelessness, especially living on the streets, and accompanies them in this journey to return to stable housing. We are collecting band-aids, mini first aid kits, flashlights with batteries and bottled water.
HALLOWEEN CANDY FOR OUR TROOPS We will again send candy to our troops this year. We will be partnering with Operation Shoebox. Candy must be individually wrapped (chocolate is OK). No homemade candy, treats or trinkets. Please have candy dropped off by Wednesday, November 11 th .
NEW FLIP FLOPS are currently being collected. These are on sale at Dollar Generals and Dollar Trees, etc…for typically under $1.00. These flip flops will be delivered to various shelters to be used as shower shoes. Men’s, Women’s and Children’s flip flops are needed.
Winter Coat Accessories Drive We are collecting gently used winter coats (children and adult sizes) as well as winter accessories (hats, gloves, mittens and scarves) for the Salvation Army, Jeannette. These can be handmade or new. Donations should be received by Sunday, November 15th at either congregation.
Email Delivery of the Newsletter
Help us to make sharing our church news more efficient by sharing your email address! Transitioning to digital deivery of our newsletter will save on printing, time and cost of mailing. Please give Pastor Steiner your email address to help with this process. You can email to Pastor Steiner at RevRSteiner@verizon.net, or our church email at pennzionslutheran@gmail.com.
Little Libraries: Take a Book, Share the Joy
Penn-Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church invites you to visit our Adult and Children's Little Libraries. Whether you're looking for a good book to enjoy or a story to share with your family, we hope you'll take a book, read it, and then keep it or pass it along to someone else who may enjoy it. We are also gratefully accepting donations of gently used books. To help keep our libraries welcoming for everyone, we ask that all donated books be appropriate for readers of all ages and suitable for a church setting. Thank you for helping us foster a spirit of reading, sharing, and community through this special ministry.
Social Ministries and Outreach
Our Social Ministries reflect our commitment to serving others through practical, Christ‑centered outreach. Through a variety of ingatherings and service projects we help provide essential goods to neighbors, near and afar that are facing food insecurity, health related concerns, experiencing homelessness, and barriers to education and most importantly sharing Christ’s love. Our church serves as a Drop-Off Location for Operation Christmas Child and host for Drug Take Back Days to list just a couple of opportunities. This section highlights how our church works together to be His hands and feet.
Christian Education
Our Christian Education ministry is dedicated to nurturing the faith of our young people through meaningful teaching, fellowship, and hands‑on experiences. Our youth group gathers regularly for Bible-based lessons, service projects, special events, and activities that help students grow in their relationship with Christ while building strong, supportive friendships. This section highlights how we guide the next generation in understanding God’s Word, living out their faith, and discovering their place within the church and the wider community.
Calendar of Events
Our Calendar of Events provides an easy way to stay connected with everything happening in the life of our church. From worship services and ministry gatherings to youth activities, special events, and community outreach opportunities, this section helps you see what’s coming up and how you can be involved.
Lutheran Church Women (LCW)
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, our society and the world.
Together in Christ Stronger in Community
