August 30, 2023

The Pastor's Pen:

When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”

            In this week’s Scripture Lesson Jesus performs yet another miracle, “The Feeding of the 5000”, with only 5 loaves of bread and two fish. Afterward, Jesus instructs the disciples to gather the left overs, which amounted to 12 baskets full. This definitely was miraculous and proves the divine power of Jesus.

  But it got me thinking, many of us know what it takes to feed many people at one time. Whether it’s a large family gathering, or a church fund raiser, it requires planning and preparation. Yet, Jesus without notice, does it? And he does it without complaining, planning, or preparation, feeding the families gathered there that day. This story not only echoes customs of Jewish meals, but also the point to the Christian Eucharist, as it relates to the family of God. Join us this Sunday, as we look at these connections, and what they mean for us today. Hope to see you all this Sunday, and Happy Labor Day!

Pastor John

September Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Diane Rape and Karen Love

Ushers: Mike Rape, Rock Love, Ricky Steele, and Tommy Middleton

You are invited to join us for our Grief Support Group. We will meet on Monday, September 11 and Monday, September 25 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Our Lay Leadership Committee (Nominations) is asked to meet on Sunday, September 3 at 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Members are Teresa Evans, Tammy Cooper, Susan Broughton, Courtney Broughton, Dennis Hall, Jeffrey Thomas, and Pastor John.

 Our Staff Parish Relations Committee is asked to meet on Wednesday, September 6 at 6:00 pm in the

Fellowship Hall. Members are Marion Curtis, Nancy Ackerman, Steve Moseley, Tammy Cooper, Ryan Griffin, Beverly Knox, Dennis Hall, and Wanda Murphy.

The Finance Committee is asked to meet on Sunday, September 10 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.   Members are Jeffrey Thomas, Tommy Middleton, Keli Thomas, Rock Love, Dennis Hall, Missy Snipes, Janet Webster, Steve Moseley, Wanda Murphy, Beth Craig, Earl Hinson, and Sherrye Ingram. 

Charge Conference is scheduled for Sunday, October 1 at 3:00 pm. Completed 2024 budget requests are due to the church office by Sunday, September 10 for consideration.

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 Rev. Sh’Kur Francis. Please invite your friends and plan to be present.

The Administrative Board is asked to meet on Sunday, September 17 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. 

Members are Tommy Middleton, Jeffrey Thomas, Keli Thomas, Rock Love, Dennis Hall, Missy Snipes, Janet Webster, Steve Moseley, Wanda Murphy, Hazel

Robinson, Libby Morris, Pastor John, Cierra Hartley, Elizabeth Moseley, Terry Robinson, Diane Rape,

Kristina Ray, and Beth Craig.

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!

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 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!

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:

Our granddaughters; Carrollin Jade and Lilly-Ann Oaklynn by Rickie and Gina Burn

Wanda McNaughton by Candy and Terry Catoe

In Memory of:

Mike Vick by Tom Salisbury

Ken Vick on his birthday by Pat Vick

9/2: Linda Pardue

9/4: Marie Knight, Tammy Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Sweatt

9/5: Mark Hammond, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Parker

9/6: Lee Waters, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Walters

9/8: Joe East

9/9: Kayla Strait, Cameron Middleton

The Record Speaks....

Present for 8/20 Sunday School: 46

Present for 8/20 Worship: 74

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $4,553.50

Received for Building Fund: $10

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