The News of Zion
Love God
Love People
~Luke 10:27
June 30, 2021
Why I am a Heretic (And Why You Should Be, Too!). . .

 I try to read a wide variety of things from around the world of greater Christendom. One of the things I have found interesting over the past decade or so is how often I hear the word heretic thrown around, especially by the gatekeepers of Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism. Anytime someone disagrees with a self-appointed gatekeeper of one of these factions, they throw this word at them. It is a label intended to declare to anyone listening the person branded as such is not fit to be heard. The idea is to ‘shut down’ the person with different ideas, unusual questions, or just thoughts that scare the gatekeepers.
The word heretic comes from the Greek word airesis. The word, in the simplest definition, means a choice, as in, choice of action or thought. It also means inclination, or simply to profess to a set of philosophical principles. The modern definition is simply a person holding an opinion at odds with what is generally accepted, usually with respect to religion. The earliest usage of this word in religious circles goes back to Titus 3 but is often misrepresented. The passage reads, “Avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, and fights about the Law, because they are useless and worthless. After a first and second warning, have nothing more to do with a person who causes conflict, because you know that someone like this is twisted and sinful—so they condemn themselves.” Most often people read the last part in italic and forget the first part which I have in bold. The heretic—the one in disagreement—is the one engaging in, and in modern times, starting the stupid controversies and fights about the law.
Usually, the people who are targeted are not starting the conflict. They are offering an opinion or interpretation, something everyone who engages the bible or religion does. In which case, we all disagree with other people about our religious practice and beliefs therefore we are all, by definition, heretics in someone’s eyes. In other words, it is a fruitless, pointless argument or as the writer of Titus says, a stupid controversy and fight about the law. Yet, daily, I can go to Patheos, UM Insight, the Wesley Covenant website, IRD, and anyone else who is offering their opinion or heretical ideas to the public and find this kind of rhetoric.
What am I getting at here?
 
To encourage us all to avoid these kinds of discussions. It is conflict. It is division. It is sowing seeds of mistrust and discontent in the body of Christ for no reason other than to say I’m right, you’re wrong, therefore people should come to my church, buy my books, and support my point of view and those who share it. It is a con, and the church buys it out of fear of hell and excommunication (being canceled if you will). I believe it is time we let go of this kind of Christianity and embrace the Way of Jesus. Learn the words and Way of Jesus and live them out rather than just talk about them or worse, talk about other people not doing it in the way that is comfortable to us.
So, I am a heretic. I have an opinion, have made a choice, and that is it. Have you? Are you willing to declare your expression of the Way of Jesus and be a heretic to someone else? Are you willing to stand for something even if you are criticized for it?
_____________________________
¹https://www.merriam-webser.com/dictionary/heretic
 
 Pastor Michael
The Chancel Flowers will be placed in the sanctuary this Sunday, July 4 to the glory of God and in memory of Kevin Dale Jenkins by Dale and Leslie Jenkins
We have a Sunday School class for you!!!
Several classes have chosen to return to in person Sunday School at 10:00 am on Sundays. We have a children’s class (in the TFLC), a youth class (downstairs of the sanctuary in the Youth Room), a young adults class (downstairs of the sanctuary), a combined Covenant and Faith Bible Sunday School class (in the Educational Building) and the Wesley Class (in the Educational Building). Please plan to join us on Sundays at 10:00 am for Sunday School and 11:00 am for Worship!!!!  If you have any questions about which class would work for you or your family, please contact the church office!
Thank you to each and every one who helped with Vacation Bible School last week!! Our appreciation to each one who volunteered, made donations, donated their time and efforts and to Keli Thomas who has done all of these things!! Thank you, Keli for all that you do for our Children’s Ministry at Zion.
Everyone is invited to join us at church at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary on Sundays to watch ‘The Chosen’. 
‘The Chosen’ is a television series drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, created, directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins.  We will be meeting each Sunday evening throughout the summer months. We hope you will join us!!!
Our United Methodist Women will resume their monthly meetings the second Sunday of each month beginning on August 10 at 7:00 pm. We are ready to get back to our Mission focus and work! We would love to have you join us in our efforts to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.
Jesus, the Teacher, a NarroWay Production
Our Senior Adults are planning to go to NarroWay on Saturday, July 24 for the 12:00 pm show - Jesus, the Teacher. Questions, please call Terry at 283-7195. We will leave the church at 10:30 am on the 24th.
Save The Date For Our Upcoming Yard Sale:
There will be a yard sale on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7 from 7am-11am each day. You have plenty of time to clean out and get your donations ready for this
fundraiser!!

PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT HAVE STORAGE FOR YARD SALE
ITEMS BEFORE THE SALE.
Please do not bring items to the church and store in any of the empty classrooms in the Educational Building or any of the other buildings. WE APPRECIATE YOUR DONATIONS GREATLY however, with limited volunteers moving items, especially large items, from one facility to another, it is very hard for our volunteers who are mostly senior adults to accomplish this and storing of items such as these is also an insurance liability as we are blocking exits; doorways and windows. Donations may be brought the week of the sale to the life center following worship on Sunday, August, 1 and each day that week until Thursday evening. The sale will begin at 7:00 am on Friday, August 6.
Special Gifts to Zion Church
In Honor of:
Caleb Payne on his 19th birthday and Dianne Sweatt on her birthday by Rick and Judy Hammond
Dianne Sweatt on her birthday by Ryan and Miriam Griffin
Darlene Hallman, Della McManus, Tommy Knight, and Nancy and Danny Ackerman by Ellen Walters
Jamison Craig for making All Stars Love, Nana
“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky
 
In Memory of:
Clyde Walters by Ellen Walters
In loving memory of Jamie’s 47th birthday by Beth Craig
“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky
 
 

Special Gifts to Building Fund
In Honor of:
Doreen Catoe and Barbara Hall—Thank you!! by Darlene Hallman
Chase Parker and Jordan’s marriage, 6/26/2021 by Becky Barton
“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky
 
In Memory of:
“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky
Pastor Michael continues to offer morning prayer and Bible study. Join us each morning at 7:00 AM for Prayer and meditation. Join us, also on Thursdays at 12:00 Noon for Bible Study. Pastor Michael is hosting these from our Facebook page. If you are unable to log in LIVE, these offerings remain available for viewing after on our website and FB page.
While the church office remains closed, you are encouraged to reach out if you have a need or know of a need. You may call Pastor Michael at 1-859-475-8800, call the church office, 803-285-3864 and leave a message, call Missy at 803-804-2434 or email lmjarrell@umcsc.org or zionumc@comporium.net; these emails are monitored daily. The answering machine will also be checked daily.
Morning Walking Club: 
Our weekday morning walking group has resumed meeting in the life center Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM. Church members are welcome to come out and enjoy getting in some exercise out of the elements and in a secure location!
Please remember these in prayer:
Nancy Ackerman
Angela Bailey
Francis Bell
Phillip Bell
Casey Burgess
Sue Catoe
Carol Cauthen
Ben Chapman
Amelia Clontz
Angie Dobson
John Elder
Myra Funderburk
Mike Gay
Janice Griffin
Catherine Hammond
JoAnn Hinson
Rick Joyner
Tommy Knight
Bill McCorkle
Kevin McCorkle
Della McManus
Marie Moree
Joe Morris
Ann Powers
Scott Rape
Floyd Rollings
John Rollins
Virginia Rollins
Bonnie Sears
Eva Small
Greg Smith
JoAnne Smith
Billy Sowell
Becky M. Steele
Robbie Stepp
Matthew Sweatt
Mike Vick
Pat Vick
Myrtle Walker
Donna Walters
Ellen Walters
Kayla Strait
Graham Thomas
Lauren Thomas
Richard Thompson
Kim Yost
Even as we offer in-person worship, our services will still be made available online on our Facebook page. Log in to our Zion United Methodist Church Facebook page this Sunday for our service if you are unable to make it to church!! The service will also be available on our website at www.zionumc.com
July/August 2021 Upper Room Daily Devotionals are available for pick up at the church! We will place some of these in the church vestibule on the table and some in the plastic communication box outside of the life center doors where the buses are for those who do not attend worship or have access to the church for you to pick up. There are large and regular print copies available.
July 1: Bryson Sweatt
July 2: Missy Parker
July 3: Hazel Robinson
July 4: Annette Couch
July 5: Susan Scott, Milburn Small
July 6: Cameron Moree
The Record Speaks....

Present for 6/27 Sunday School: 35
Present for 6/27 Worship: 81
Needed each week for the General Fund $4,350
Received for General Fund $5,953
Received for Building Fund: $300
Received for Epworth Children's Home $700

There are many options available to give to the continuing ministry and outreach of Zion UMC. You may give through Paypal on the website www.zionumc.com, text your giving to 803-525-1834 and follow the secure link, or if you are not comfortable giving online, you may drop your offering in the mail to Zion UMC at 1665 Zion Road, Lancaster, SC 29720 or drop off in the secure drop box that is located beside the double doors where the buses are. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Missy at 803-804-2434 or leave a message at the church office, 803-285-3864 and your call will be returned. Thank you for your continued support of the Mission that is Zion!!

"...because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."
Deuteronomy 15:10
803-285-3864 - www.zionumc.com