August 23, 2023

The Pastor's Pen:

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

            In this week’s Scripture Lesson, Jesus upon entering the area of Caesarea Philippi, and without warning suddenly asks his disciples two questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and, “But who do you say that I am?” Anytime Jesus asks a question it’s usually a moment of importance, or an important teaching moment, not only for his disciples, but for us as well. Which got me thinking about who people today say Jesus is and who we (Christians) say Jesus is? And also, what does it mean for all us? 

 But why is it that some of us of are willing to acknowledge and talk about Jesus, while others are not? Are we ashamed of Jesus, our faith, or embarrassed to admit we are Christians? While there are a few who will answer: “Jesus, why He’s my Lord and Savior!” Join us Sunday, as we delve into the answers given by the disciple, and what they should mean to us today and what it means to claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior!

Pastor John

August Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Judy Payne and Becky Barton

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

Our Grief Support Group meetings will resume in September. 

Thank You to everyone who made our Back To School Ice Cream Social a big success!

Thanks to those who helped set up and clean up. Thanks to those who made ice cream and desserts. Thanks to all who brought school supplies.

It’s Apple Picking Time!! Our Senior Adults are planning a trip to Grandad’s Apples in Hendersonville, NC on Tuesday, August 29. We will leave the church at 8:00 am. Eat breakfast before you come. We will have lunch at the Moose Café. Let Terry know if you wish to go, 803-283-7195.

All women of all the church are invited to our United Women in Faith meeting on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Sh’Kur Francis. Please invite your friends and plan to be present.

All men of all ages is invited to our United Methodist Men’s dinner and meeting on Thursday, September 21 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. Menu and guest speaker will be announced soon.

Our Church will be publishing a new pictorial directory! We want everyone to get a new picture made so that our new directory will be complete. IT WON’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU! You can make your appointment now by clicking on the link below and make your appointment on-line. Please don't wait to sign up!

https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?page=&lang=en&year=2023&month=10&day=01&subPage=newApp&aNum=3534502&step=2&sceId=&typId=65049&a=

Photo dates are:

Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17

You will have a professional photography session, see your proofs, and have the opportunity to purchase extra portraits for family and friends.

YOU CAN ALSO SIGN-UP ON OUR CHURCH’S WEBSITE, www.zionumc.com, or you can click on the Facebook link that was shared. Your participation will help the church and yourself. Every family photographed for the directory will receive a copy of the directory and an 8x10 portrait at no cost. So please, sign-up today!

Charge Conference is scheduled for Sunday, October 1 at 3:00 pm. Nominations will begin meeting soon. If there is a specific committee you would like to serve on, please let a member of the Nominating committee know. 

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2024 Budget Requests are being mailed to committee chairpersons. Completed budget requests are due to the church office by Sunday, September 10 for consideration. 

Congratulations to Savana and Blake Bowers in the birth of a daughter. Lilly Ann Oaklynn on August 19 weighing 3 lbs., 14 oz., and 18 inches long. Proud grandparents are Gina and Richie Burn and proud great grandparents are Dianne and Billy Sweatt. Baby will be in the NICU for a while but Mom and baby are doing fine.

Lancaster we need your help!!! We have distributed well over 70,000lbs of food here in the last 2 months and our shelves reflect it. We seriously need a few items! Please share this with your friends and family members.

September Needs for Hope in Lancaster

· Peanut Butter

· 1 lb bag of dried beans

· 16 oz box of spaghetti pasta

· canned potatoes

· Canned Mixed Vegetables

· Canned Soup

· Canned Assorted Beans

· Canned Peas

· Boxed Mac N Cheese

· Canned Corn

· Boxed Oatmeal

· 24 oz bag of Grits

· Boxed Instant Potatoes

Red Items = Really Low Numbers

Please place your donations in the vestibule collection box and they will be taken to Hope weekly. 

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. Everyone is invited to bring a well filled basket and drinks to share in the meal.

Special Gifts to Zion Church 

In Honor of:

Oaklynn Bowers by Judy Payne

Blake and Savana Bowers by Judy Payne

Special Gifts to Building Fund 

In Memory of:

Peggy Knight by Tommy Knight

Visitor on 8/20: Janice Bowers.

8/24: Alex Heath

8/25: Diane Rape

8/28: Gail Adams

8/29: Mike Pardue, Meagan Smith, Colt Twitty

8/30: Beverly Knox

8/31: Emilie Morris

The Record Speaks....

Present for 8/20 Sunday School: 43

Present for 8/20 Worship: 71

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $2,623

Received for Building Fund: $50

Received for Tony Neal Scholarship Fund: $240

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