February 29, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables

. John 2: 13-15

            At first glance, this week’s scripture lesson from John 2:13-22 seems to be an odd passage for the Third Sunday of Lent. After all, the passage comes much later in the Synoptic Gospels as Jesus enter Jerusalem for the Passover, just before Jesus’ Passion. Yet, in John’s Gospel the cleansing of the temple seems to be out of place in the 2nd Chapter? Just as the season of Lent helps Christians prepare for Easter, Jews travelled to Jerusalem early in order to purify themselves for Passover (John 11:55). Christians also practice meditation, prayer, and participate in worship throughout the Lenten Season. But what does this scripture have to do with us today? Like the title of our Lenten Study, “A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent”, we all need a little cleansing. or clearing of obstacles from our lives that get in the way of Jesus. Join us this Sunday as we learn about navigating the wildernesses of life.  Hope to see all of your smiling faces on Sunday!

Pastor John

March Worship Greeters and Ushers: 

Richie and Gina Burn and Danny and Tonette Thomas.

Visitors on 2/25: Yvette Jordan. 

Join us for our Lenten Bible Study, “A Clearing Season” on Tuesdays at 11:00 am or 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bible Study books are $15.00 each. You may drop your book donations in the offering plate on Sundays. Please mark your donation “Lent Bible Study”

Healthy Me Healthy SC

MUSC and Clemson University have partnered together to form Healthy Me Healthy SC. The purpose of Healthy Me Healthy SC is to offer vital health screenings, food security, health education and vaccines to the underserved in or communities. In addition to Healthy Me Healthy SC, many community partners will be participating in the event. Every attendee will receive a free water bottle and reusable shopping bag at registration.

We will be hosting a Community Health Fair March 2, 2024, 10am-1pm at the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department Building located off Springdale Rd. 260 State Rd S 29-527, Lancaster.

This Health Clinic will be offering blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring, BMI information, sports physicals, and vaccines including HPV, Tdap, Meningitis, and FLU. We will offer fresh food boxes that are available with completion of the health screening process on a first come, first serve basis.

If you would like any more information about this event, please contact Connie Revels by email revelsc@muusc.edu or by phone 803-286-1754

Updated informational Directories are available in the church vestibule.

JoAnne Smith has a new address of 9120 Willow Ridge Rd., Charlotte NC 28210 cell # 803-287-5937 and

Kim Yost has an updated phone number of 803-235-8894. Please update their information in your new Directory.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee; Tammy Cooper, Ryan Griffin, Steve Moseley, Wanda Murphy, Beverly Knox, Dennis Hall, Teresa Evans, and Dwayne Ray, is asked to meet on Sunday, March 10 at 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. 

Our United Women in Faith are changing our monthly meeting day!! All women of the church are invited to our United Women in Faith meeting on Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. 

All men of all ages are invited to our UMM’s Dinner and Meeting on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC.  Join us for dinner, devotional/presentation and business meeting. Spaghetti, salad, and garlic toast will be served.

We will present a special service, “Symbols of Easter,” on Palm Sunday, March 24th at 11:00 am. Join us as members of our congregation present some of the sacred symbols of Easter through the scriptures and in song. 

SAVE THE DATE!!!

CHINESE AUCTION SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Our Worship Committee and Family/Senior Adult Committee will be sponsoring a CHINESE AUCTION to support upcoming church events. More details to come!!!!

To contact Pastor John, his cell phone is 864-770-5584, and john.david.howle@gmail.com is his email address. Pastor John’s scheduled days off are Friday and Saturday. For emergencies, please call his cell phone.

Congratulations to Erika Steele and Rusty Jacobs who were united in holy matrimony on February 24, 2024 in Rock Hill, S.C.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

JoAnne Smith by Claudia Hartley and Greg Smith

February 29: Kim Yost

March 2: Warren Woodward, Mr. and Mrs. Joe East, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Waters

March 4: Schaline Salisbury, Hayden Capra

March 5: Jackie Knight, Julie Middleton

March 6: Michael Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Bailey, Mr. ad Mrs. Tom Salisbury

March 7: Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Mathews

March 8: Angie Robinson, Larry Parr, Lee Hall

The Record Speaks....

Present for 2/25 Sunday School: 43

Present for 2/25 Worship: 64

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 2/25 for General Fund: $2,321

Received for Building Fund: $15

Received for Bible Study Books: $65

There are several 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 you put your hand to."

Deuteronomy 15:10