November 9, 2023

³⁸As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, ³⁹and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! ⁴⁰They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” Mark 12:38-40

  This week’s text, from Mark 12, presents both a “Warning and an example to follow”.  As Jesus starts, “Beware for the scribes” and their haughtiness, those who devour the widows’ houses, on the one hand. And on the other hand, the widow in the temple who was giving alms, stating “she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on”. But does this scripture really transform our understanding of honor in today’s world? Who has it, who should receive it ? And what does it all means to communities of faith?  Perhaps we should ask ourselves other questions instead: What/Who consumes our whole lives?  I mean, where do we put your energy, your finances, your time, and your patience?  Or better yet, how do you worship God in your life?  Join us Sunday as we look at this text and these questions and it’s meaning for us today. Hope to see you all on Sunday!

Pastor John

Visitor on 11/5: Ashley Jordan.

November Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Judy Payne and Wanda Murphy

Ushers: Steve Moseley, Will Moseley, Roman Phillips, and Steven Duell

All women of the church are invited to our United Women in Faith meeting on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

All men of the church are invited to our United Methodist Men's meeting on Thursday, November 16 in the TFLC. Join us for dinner (delicious catfish stew) and this month’s speaker is Flathead Luke Langley. Flathead Luke is a nine year old honor roll student and sponsored youth fisherman who was named in the 2022 Youth Angler of the Year. Flathead Luke has a passion for the outdoors, and he loves talking and teaching everything he knows to others. Our meeting is not just for church members, friends are also welcome!! Join us!!

Prayer Requests: In order to communicate your praises and concerns more efficiently, we offer the option of writing your requests. Our prayer request box will be placed in a convenient, visible location in the vestibule. Please print your praises and concerns, place them in the box and they will be given to Pastor John just prior to the beginning of worship service. Besides this option, there will still be an opportunity to express your requests during the service if you choose to do so.

We will be packing our military boxes on Saturday, November 18. Please bring your donations to the church by Wednesday, November 15 to be included!

You are invited to join us for our Grief Support Group. We will meet on Monday, November 20 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Thank you to Steve McDonald, Tommy Middleton, Tommy Knight, Sonny Curtis, and Pastor John for working at the ballfield clearing the trail for our upcoming Old Fashioned Christmas Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt!

Thank You to each and every one who made our Bazaar for Missions such a tremendous success!! Thank you to the ones who helped set up, to each one who made donations of crafts and items to sell, to those who made biscuits, baked goods, those who made soup and to each one who said a prayer!  We cleared $5086.11 for Missions!

Dear Zion UMC, Thank you so much for the snacks as we travelled to Andrews High School for the first round of playoffs.  - Thank you!!! Buford High School Volleyball team; Caroline, Jaylin, Lexan, Abbie, Laney, McKenzie, Ciara, Emma, Hannah Davis, Kalyn Knight, Mallory, and Karadie Faulkenberry

Thank You to all our church family who helped make

our annual Fall Festival a big success. The kids had an amazing time, the food was delicious and the Trunk or Treats were a big hit!

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Marion Curtis on her birthday by Pat Threatt

In Memory of:

Our Mother, Lillian McAteer by Judy Payne, Dianne Sweatt, and Janice Bowers

Emily. She has been home since November 4, 2019 by Tom Salisbury

Special Gifts to the Building Fund

In Honor of:

Those who helped with the soup for the Bazaar by Barbara Vick 

Tommy Knight has a new number of 803-287-7976. Please update his info in your directory.

11/10: Marion Curtis, Lori Moseley

11/13: Mr. and Mrs. Mike Rape

11/14: Eva Small, Laura Plyler

11/16: Mychal Waters, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Craig

The Record Speaks....

Present for 11/5 Sunday School: 41

Present for 11/5 Worship: 72

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $5,880

Received for Building Fund: $85

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