April 23, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen



Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Acts 8: 29-31

In this week’s text from Acts 8: 26-40, we encounter a spirit-filled Philip, one of the seven table ministers, on the road connecting Jerusalem to Gaza, as he continues his evangelistic journey delivering the Good News of Jesus Christ outside of Jerusalem and Judea. This was an area occupied by people with a history of ethnic-religious conflict with Jerusalem-oriented Jews. It’s here that Phillip encounters an Ethiopian Eunuch, reading (out loud) from the Book of Isaiah 53 (the part about the Suffering Servant), and the Spirit commands Philip to join the eunuch on his journey. Phillip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” It is here Philip begins to speak, starting with scripture, as he proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ! The story end with the eunuch being baptized by Philip.    

This story provokes questions upon which the church still ponders over today: “What does it mean for all of us if the gospel is indeed good news for “all people”, without exception?” And, “what is the theological significance to the larger story of Acts, and to our faith journey today? Join us this Sunday as we delve into these questions and more!

Pastor John

Please note: any outstanding church surveys must be handed in by this Sunday, April 28th in order to be counted.

April Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Tommy and Julie Middleton, Teresa Evans, and Jeffrey Thomas

The Joy Sunday School class will be cleaning out the storage room at the bottom of the Sanctuary stairs on Wednesday, April 24 beginning at 9:30 am. If you have items you have stored and would like to keep, please remove these before the 24th. Thank you!

CHINESE AUCTION - THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27th

Doors open at 4:30 PM, Auction begins at 6:00 PM. 

Our Worship Committee and Family/Senior Adult Committee will be sponsoring a CHINESE AUCTION to support upcoming church events. Please pray for this event! New items are needed (no Yard Sale stuff) for auction as well as DOOR PRIZES. TICKET SPECIAL SET includes 125 auction tickets plus 5 Door prize tickets for $20!! Each adult is asked to buy a set for yourself and sell a set to your friends. It is a fun filled night with lots of free food and great opportunities to win wonderful items!  

Tickets are now available. 

JOIN US!

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Folks bringing food donations: All food needs to be at the life center kitchen by 2:30 pm. 1/2 sandwich per zip lock bag, 2-3 cookies per zip lock bag (depending on the size of cookies). 

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If anyone needs to drop off auction donations, Terry Robinson will be at church from 6-7 pm on Thursday, April 25. If that time doesn’t work, please contact Dennis Hall or Beth Craig to drop off items.

Help Make Epworth Foster Parents Feel Appreciated!

You’re invited to assemble foster parent appreciation baskets for our Rock Hill families. 

Suggested value: $50-$75

Deadline: May 1, 2024

Wrapping: Wrap the basket but not individual items

Drop Off:

321 S. Oakland Avenue

Rock Hill, SC 29730

Call to arrange drop-off time:

803-540-58000

Questions: Contact Rev. Kathy James, kjames@epworthsc.org, 803-604-6220

Suggested basket themes:

Family Fun Night: board and card games, snacks, dinner kits, charcuterie board and food.

Date Night: Movie tickets, Dinner Gift Card, popcorn, boxed candy

Home Goods/Stock the Pantry: paper products, tin foil, sandwich bags, freezer bags, seasonal knick knacks, kitchen utensils.

Beach/Pool Outing: beach towels, sunscreen, beach bag, flip flops, water bottles, beach ball, bocce ball, paddle ball, volleyball, floats.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In honor of:

Faye Murphy by Frances Parris

In Memory of:

Gene Hodge by Claudia Hartley

Gregg Flynn by Carolyn Massey

Special Gifts to Men's Club

In honor of:

Becky on her birthday 4/23 by Darlene Hallman

Our UMM - thank you for the delicious meal and program by Beth Craig

Special Gifts to Cemetery 

In Memory of:

Franklin on his birthday 4/18 by Darlene Hallman

The COVID-19 postponed 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church will take place from April 23rd to May 3rd, 2024, in Charlotte, NC.  We urge our church members to pray for the delegates attending the conference from around the world that they will do God’s will in determining the direction of the United Methodist Church. Also, we ask you to stay informed regarding the business that is conducted throughout these eleven days as decisions made at this conference could cause changes in UMC doctrine and policies. Since the conference is being held in Charlotte, our local TV stations will likely have reports from there on a daily basis. You can also visit the official 2020 General Conference website at www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/general-conference-2020 where there are many links available to help keep you informed including a link for a live stream.

April 24: Renee Woodward

April 25: Cameron Faile, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Moseley

April 27: Luke Broughton, Melissa Payne, Leslie Mills

April 28: Carol Cauthen, Mr. and Mrs. Shane Love

April 29: Mary Williams, Greg Smith

April 30: Poppy Simpson, Michelle Hall, Ivaly Ingram

May 1: Gina Burn, Lynn Craig

The Record Speaks....

Present for 4/21 Sunday School: 35

Present for 4/21 Worship: 67

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 4/21 for General Fund: $2,320

Received for Building Fund: $10

Received for Tony Neal Scholarship Fund: $20

Received for Chinese Auction: $520

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $120

Received for Tony Neal Scholarship from luncheon: $1,059

Received for Men's Club: $70

Received for Cemetery: $50

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