August 11, 2023

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:22-33

           Many of us know the story of Peter walking on the water. And over the years we have heard many preachers speak on the lack of faith as the main theme of the text. But there is a lot more to the text than just having faith during a storm, or the storms of life.   Remember the disciples had, in Chapter 8 of Matthew, already experience a storm while Jesus was fast asleep in the boat.  And let us not forget it was Jesus who made the disciples get in the boat and go to the other side, after dismissing the crowd.  

And what about Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me”, and the disciples proclamation, “Truly you are the Son of God.” These same words were spoken by the Thief on the cross, and the Centurion after Jesus’ death?  Join us Sunday for new insights to this week’s lectionary text, and how it relates to us today!

Pastor John

August Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Judy Payne and Becky Barton

Ushers: Brandon Bowers, Eric Broughton, Dwayne Ray, and Shawn Thomas. 

2023 Tony Neal Scholarships will be awarded this Sunday, August 13 during worship.

Everyone is invited to a Hot Dog luncheon this Sunday, August 13 following worship in the TFLC. Dine in only, no to go plates will be available. There is no charge for lunch, this is our gift to our church family from the Joy Sunday School Class.

The Worship Committee; Beth Craig, Marion Curtis, Rhonda Waters, Carolyn Massey, Michael Mills, and Judy Payne are asked to meet this Sunday, August 13 at 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

School Supply Drive - We are collecting school supplies (wide-rule notebook paper, 24-pack crayons, glue sticks, pencils, pink erasers, etc.) for the next two weeks. Drop off your donations at the church collection box in the Vestibule, the Toddler classroom in the TFLC, or bring them to the Back to School Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 20th.

Our Grief Support Group will not be meeting in August. Meetings will resume in September. 

The Wesley Sunday School Class will meet for lunch at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Fort Lawn on Wednesday, August 16 at 11:00 am. 

There will be a Benefit Fundraiser for

STUART (DENISE) MORGAN

Saturday, August 19, 11:00 am until

Drawings start at 3:00 pm, you do not need to be present to win.

Rich Hill Community Center,

2891 Rocky River Rd.

Bar-B-Que Pork and Chicken Plates $10.00 and include

Potato Salad, Slaw, Baked Beans, Rolls, and Dessert

Chicken Bog Plates $10.00 and include

Green Beans, Slaw, Rolls, and Dessert

Cake Raffles, 50/50 Drawing, and $5 Raffles for Gift

Baskets

T-Shirts for Sale $20.00

Pre-Sale Tickets are available for plates and shirts.

Contact Lane Morgan at 803-320-9816 for more

information or to make donations.

Our United Methodist Men will meet on Thursday, August 17 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. Menu will be cube steak, rice and gravy, and lima beans. Our guest speaker will be Reverend Ted B. Wilson of God’s Great Outdoors. Rev. Wilson is a Pastor, Musicianary Evangelist, Outdoorsman, and Wild Game Storyteller. JOIN US!!!

You are invited to a baby shower in honor of Savana Burn Bowers on Sunday, August 20 from 2:30-4 pm in the TFLC. They are registered at Amazon and Walmart. It's a girl!!

Join us for our Back To School Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 20th at 5:00 PM in the TFLC. Come and enjoy some cool treats.

Homecoming 2023 will be held on Sunday, September 17.   We will be welcoming Rev. Frank Lybrand back to bring the message on this special day. A church wide covered dish meal will follow worship in the life center.

THANK YOU to all who made our 2023 VBS a big Success! Thanks to our leader, Keli Thomas. All the helpers: Shawn Thomas, Jennifer Bridges, Brad Bridges, Kristina Ray, Dwayne Ray, Jennifer Pope, Sherrye Ingram, Donna Moree, Jeffrey Thomas, Teresa Evans, Wanda Faile, Susan Scott, Missy Snipes, Pastor John, Barbara Hall, Carolyn Massey & Dennis Hall. Thanks to our Youth for assisting in the classrooms, practicing music, making crafts, and with game time...and especially helping with the little ones.

Zion UMC was proud to provide meals on Wednesday (Chick-fil-a) and on Friday (Subbies) to the members of the Buford High School Marching Band during their band camp last week. We are especially proud of Zion's band members Abby Conwell, Will Moseley, and Greg Conwell. Our best wishes to the band for a successful marching season this year in your performances and competitions. Go Jackets!

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Honor of:

Judy Humphreys and Darlene Hallman by Beth Craig

Cierra Hartley on her 19th birthday by Claudia Hartley

In Memory of:

Bonnie Sears and Ann Powers by Doreen Catoe

Tony Neal Scholarship Fund

In Honor of :

Steven Duell and Cierra Hartley on their birthdays by Darlene Hallman

Special Gifts to Cemetery Fund

In Honor of:

Jack and Becky, Carolyn, Barbara, and Margie by Darlene Hallman

Special Gifts to Epworth Children's Home

In honor of:

Our grandchildren, Adam Fields, Jacob Fields, and Roman Phillips by Hazel and Terry Robinson

Special Gifts to Tony Neal Scholarship Fund

In honor of

Makenzie and Lee Hall by Barbara Hall

Cierra Hartley and Steven Duell by Claudia Hartley

8/11: Angie W. Plyler, Doug Conwell 

8/12: Jackson Massey, Alona Donahue, Louise Rutledge, Andrew Collins, Gregory Conwell

8/13: Austin Bailey, Wanda Murphy

8/14: Todd Finley

8/16: Bryce Bridges, Earl Hinson

8/17: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Patchus

The Record Speaks....

Present for 8/6 Sunday School: 29

Present for 8/6 Worship: 60

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $4,035

Received for Building Fund: $85

Received for Tony Neal Scholarship Fund: $275

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $200

Received for Cemetery: $200

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