June 23, 2023

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4

           Annual Conference is now over for this year and Summer has officially begun, which means many of us will be taking our planned vacations and traveling to many different destinations. But as I stated a few weeks ago: “Life is about the journey; it not always about the destination.” For every day brings newness and hope for our future in/through Jesus the Christ.  As we begin our Summer, let us not forget who’s we are and who we are as children of God. This week’s Lectionary text from Romans 6:1-11 starts with questions each of us should keep in front of us daily, but what are the points Paul is trying to relate to Christians today as he talks about our baptisms and what it really means. When Christians are told to “remember our baptism” that does not mean so much remembering the time and the place or who were the sponsors or who performed the sacrament of Baptism. Instead, it is a way of saying: Remember who you are; you have died to sin and now you live a new life in Jesus Christ. It is a way of saying: Be who you are, but also remember who’s you are!  In Paul’s time everyone belongs to someone, or something. ‘To put it even more strongly, everyone is servant, or slave, to someone, or something.” Before baptism we were slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6) After baptism we are “dead to sin, but also alive for God through/in Christ Jesus.” Join us the week as we discover what that means in our journey through life!

 Pastor John       

June Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Worship Greeters: Julie Middleton and Tonette Thomas

June Ushers: Tommy Midcleton, Danny Thomas, Steve McDonald, and Dwayne Ray.

Please join us in welcoming back Pastor John Howle as he begins his second year of ministry with  Zion.  As expected, Pastor John was assigned at the 2023 SC Annual Conference to return to us. Please pray for him and our church that our ministry together will continue to be blessed as we work together doing the Lord’s will in the coming year.

Dennis Hall, SPRC Chair

We will be using attendance pads again during worship to register your presence and provide a means of communication for the congregation with the church office (update contact info, request a call or visit, etc.).  As the pads are passed, please fill out pertinent information. The pads will be handed out by the ushers from the outside aisles and should be left on the top of the pew in the center aisle to be picked up after the offering.

Our next Grief Support Group meeting on Monday, June 26 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Tony Neal Scholarship Applications are available in the church vestibule. Completed applications will need to be turned in to the church office by Sunday, July 2 for consideration. Scholarships will be awarded on Sunday, August 13 during worship.

If your group or team is interested in using Zion's ballfield, please contact Shawn Thomas, 803-984-9954. Shawn will be coordinating field usage for the church family. As in use of all facilities, a church member has to be present during use due to liability.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Redeemable at eligible SC Farmer’s Market or Roadside Stand. Must be at least 60 years old and meet household income requirements (low income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits. 

June 26: Del Webb Library, 7641 Charlotte Hwy., Indian Land, SC 29707 9am-11:30am

June 30, Lancaster Council on Aging, 309 State Rd., S-209 527 Lancaster 10am-12pm.

Save your Cardboard Boxes!   Keli would like to have them for VBS. Drop off to the toddler room by July 1st. Thank you!!

The Chosen, Season 3

Join us on Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary for our Bible study of The Chosen, Season 3.

Hope in Lancaster

June is our month to support HOPE in Lancaster with donations of food for those less fortunate. Particular needs in June: Rice (1lb. bags), Dry beans (1 lb. bags), Spaghetti Noodles, spaghetti Sauce, Jiffy corn muffin mix, pasta, canned potatoes, and peanut butter. Please place your donations in the vestibule collection box.

There are several reservations through the summer months for the TFLC. All reservations are church family but I just wanted you to be aware that we need to not assume the facility is always available so please contact Missy at 803-804-2434 if you have need to use the facilities.

Hope is seeking to build their team of volunteers so that they can continue to address the short term emergency needs of our community. We have opportunities every day of the week for your people to put hands and feet to their faith. 

We invite you to drop by and visit us. Come get a tour. Allow us the opportunity to answer any questions that you might have about our programs, purpose, and passion.

-- Tim Howard

Volunteer Coordinator, HOPE in Lancaster, INC.

Office: 803-286-4673 | Cell: 803-288-7684 | thoward@hopeinlancaster.org

www.hopeinlancaster.org

2008 Pageland Hwy. Lancaster, SC 29720

Our Adult Sunday School classes continue to meet each Sunday at 10:00 am. If you are unsure which class would better suit you, please contact the church office, 285-3864. Our Youth and Children’s Sunday School classes will be meeting at 10:00 am as well, youth and children in the family life center.

Collection For Our Local Animal Shelter

Used blankets, towels, and hand towels are being collected for the Lancaster Animal Shelter. Please place your donations in the collection box in the church vestibule.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Marcene Plyler and Family by Ken and Lib Preslar

In Memory of:

Emily on our anniversary by Tom Salisbury

Harris Plyler by Ken and Lib Preslar

Tony Hicks by Kathryn Hicks

Gene C. Hodge by Claudia Hartley

June 25: Tim Mackey, Mr. and Mrs. Cody Haigler

June 26: Susan Lindsey, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Mackey

June 27: Missy Snipes, Mr. and Mrs. Butch Ghent

June 28: Caleb Payne

June 29: Dianne Sweatt

June 30: Gabriel Salisbury, Mr. and Mrs. Rock Love

The Record Speaks....

Present for 6/18 Sunday School: 43

Present for 6/18 Worship: 80

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $1,152

Received for Building Fund: $60

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