March 31, 2023

 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Matthew 21:9

This Sunday is Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of “Holy Week”.  And many Christian Churches across the globe will continue, and completing their Lenten Journey with special services throughout the week.  On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem as we wave palm branches in the air and repeat the words found in this week’s scripture lesson from Matthew 21: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!   Hosanna which means: “Save Us” and is also a form of adoration.  On this day a parade of worshipers, were praising the coming of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. So, what does that mean to us? And why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey? And were there any other parades? Join is this Sunday as we answer those questions and more as we also join the parade! “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

Pastor John

This Sunday, April 2 is Palm Sunday. Join us as we prepare our hearts for this Holy Week remembering the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our children will parade the palms in the Sanctuary at the beginning of the service.

Join us for our Good Friday Service on April 7 at 7:00PM in the Sanctuary.

Sunday, April 9 is Easter Sunday. Join us for our Sunrise Service at 7:00 AM followed by breakfast in the TFLC provided by our United Methodist Men (donations appreciated). We will have Sunday school at 10:00 AM, the flowering of the cross, and Worship at 11:00 AM. You are invited to bring flowers from your yards and gardens to place on our cross. This is a much loved tradition at Zion; to flower the cross and include the cross in worship on this joyous day! He is Risen, He is Risen, Indeed!!

Our Grief Support Group continues to meet the first and third Mondays of each month in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00 am. Our next meeting will be Monday, April 3. All are welcome!

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.

Lenten Bible Study continues on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This study will conclude next week.

April Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Susie McDonald and Susan Scott

Ushers: Jimmy Neal, Steve McDonald, Stacy Scott, and Steve Duell

All women of the church are invited to our United Women in Faith meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

All men of all ages are invited to join us for our Men's Club meeting that will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30 PM in the Thompson Family Life Center! Join us for a delicious dinner, devotion, and business meeting. Please text or call Steve, 803-288-2892 if you will be attending so we can get a head count for food quantities.

Lay Readers Needed: In order to provide opportunities for participation for the congregation, Pastor John encourages you to consider signing up to read the Scripture during worship service. We hope to develop a list of readers and start a rotation in the coming weeks. Please contact the church office if you are willing to participate.

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.

Lilies can be placed in the church on Easter Sunday, April 9. We ask you to purchase your lilies and bring them to church on Easter Day. If you would like to place your lily in honor or in memory of a loved one, pleases give your information to Missy, 803-804-2434 or email at zionumc@comporium.net by Wednesday, April 5.

Zion will be hosting the Annual Cosmetology Continuing Education Event on Monday, April 24. This event is sponsored by the Tony Neal Scholarhip Committee. PLEASE NOTE, we will not be able to host the walking club on this day.

The Wesley Foundation at Winthrop University has long proclaimed "Welcome!" to students - but it's front door, directly across the street from campus, has said "Welcome if you can use steps." One of our core values is including people often excluded, and after meeting students on campus using wheelchairs, Director Charlie Farnum realized we needed a ramp for our front entry. The Board quickly agreed and voted on a new brick and cement ramp that will last the life of the building. We have covered 75% of the cost via grants but still have a remaining balance of over $4,000. Donations from local churches are requested to help us cover the balance without dipping too far into our general fund. Gifts may be sent to Winthrop Wesley, 1400 Stewart Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730. If you have any questions, please reach out to Charlie Farnum at cfarnum@umcsc.org

Dear Zion UMC, Eric and I are so thankful for your outpouring of love towards our baby girl. I have been so blessed to grow up in a church with such amazing people and am so thankful Caroline will be able to do the same. Every gift was appreciated. Thank you all for helping us prepare for Caroline and your continued support. We love you all! Eric, Courtney, and Caroline Broughton

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to the family of Mike Vick in his death.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of

Terry Robinson -Thank you for everything Love, Becky M. Steele

Barbara Vick and Family by Judy Payne

"Loved Ones" by Jack and Becky H, Steele

Tommy Knight by Eric and Courtney Broughton

In Memory of:

Mike Vick by Judy Payne, Dennis Hall, Frances Parris, Lee and Rhonda Waters, Missy Snipes and Family, Danny and Nancy Ackerman, Suzanne Evans, and Rock and Karen Love

In loving memory of Mike Vick by Max and Myra Funderburk

"Loved Ones" by Jack and Becky H. Steele

Emily Salisbury and Mike Vick by Tom Salisbury

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Honor of:

"Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky H. Steele

In Memory of:

Mike Vick by Libby, Alicia, and JoJo Morris

"Loved Ones" by Jack and Becky H. Steele

Ray Vincent and Mike Vick by Margie Vincent

Special Gifts to UMM

In Memory of

Mike Vick by Janet and Wayne Webster, Mike and Diane Rape, Pat Threatt, Sonny and Marion Curtis, Carolyn Massey, Pat Vick, and Beth Craig 

April 1: Cassie Matthews

April 2: Nancy Wright, Blaine Morris

April 3: Mr. and Mrs. Hazel Robinson

April 5: Catherine Hammond

April 6: Steve Salisbury

April 7: Mr. and Mrs. Randy Cauthen

The Record Speaks....

Present 3/26 for Sunday School: 47

Present 3/26 for Worship: 84

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $5,664

Received for Building Fund: $200

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $240

Received for UMM: $380

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