January 6, 2023

And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

Welcome to 2023, whether you’re ready for it, or not, the new year is upon us all. And along with the beginning of a new year comes “New Year’s Resolution.” So, what is yours? And how long will you keep it?

           Like many people, we all have made resolutions to do, or not to do something, which unfortunately many of us either break, or do not keep. We have all the right intention, however as we know things don’t always work out how they are planned, do they? Is it that we have to many unrealistic goals, or do we just lack the determination to complete our resolution? Or perhaps we are not consulting God when coming up with our resolutions, or asking God to help us keep them? Maybe we need more than just one resolution this year? Then a least we might fulfill at least a few of those resolutions? 

           In this week’s scripture lesson John tells Jesus that it is Jesus who should be baptizing John, not the other way around. Yet, God had other plans to fulfill the prophesy found in the Old Testament of “the voice calling out in the wilderness”. This week is “Baptism of the Lord Sunday” as we not only celebrate the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ, but also remember our own baptism. Join us this Sunday as we learn about the importance of the waters of baptism, water in the Bible and in our lives, and how it all (should) affects our lives!

 Pastor John

Thank you to all the ones who helped take down the Christmas decorations in the Sanctuary.

Epworth Foster Care Program

Foster Care Information

200 W. Gay Street, Lancaster, SC

Tuesday, January 10, 6:00 pm. No registration is required. Questions, please call 803-619-5438. Refreshments will be provided, no childcare available.

Lay Servant Training

PLEASE NOTE: MULTIPLE LOCATIONS AND MULTIPLE DATES

Adnah UMC, 1 Adnah Drive, Rock Hill- January 21 & 22

Grace-Lynnwood UMC, 1905 Country Club Drive, Lancaster- January 21 & 22

Sharon UMC, 3001 Shannon Street, Sharon- January 14 & 15

Philadelphia UMC, 2260 Chester Hwy, York- January 22 & 29, February 5 & 12

Registration Fee: $25* (Course Books will need to be ordered by participants. Please see details below.)(*No registration cost for Ministry with the Forgotten at Philadelphia UMC)

Registration deadline is January 7, 2023. *Note: Registration is online only.

More information and registration can be found at https://www.umcsc.org/lay-servant-training-winter-2023/

For questions, contact Lynne Tyner, Lay Servant Ministries Director, kassgrandma16@gmail.com, 803-517-6596 or

Jerry Newlon, Associate Director, jnewlonjr@gmail.com, 803-370-0965

Lancaster County Council on

Aging is seeking 5 Churches in Lancaster to deliver

Meals on Wheels

1 week a month

1 hour a day

Interested? Want more info?

We would love an opportunity to answer all your questions and tell you more about what we do. 

We would be happy to visit your church for a Q & A

Don’t wait, email me today. So many neighbors need your love and support. Jmcgriff@LancasterCOA.org

All women are invited to our United Women in Faith meeting on Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 pm in the

Fellowship Hall.

All men of all ages are invited to our United Methodist Men’s Breakfast on Sunday, January 15 at 7:45 am in the Men’s Rec. Bldg. Join us for breakfast, a

devotional, and business meeting.

Offering envelopes for the New Year are available in the church vestibule. As was done last year, we are using our surplus from past years.

JoAnne Smith has completed her rehab and is back into assisted living. She is now back to receiving mail at Harbor Chase, 1611 Constitution Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732.

There are several floral arrangements that were blown off monuments during recent high winds in the church cemetery. They have been placed next to the cemetery wall at the Zion Road entrance. If one belongs to you, please replace these soon or they will be discarded. 

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to Marcene Plyler and her family in the death of her husband, Harris Plyler on January 1, 2023. Funeral services were held on January 5.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Ryan Griffin by Elfreida Plyler

Marcene Plyler and Family, Mike Vick, and Ryan Griffin by Missy Snipes

 In Memory of:

Gene C. Hodge by Claudia Hartley

Harris Plyler by Dennis Hall and Missy Snipes

Special Gifts to Building Fund:

In Honor of:

Darlene Hallman and Judy Humphreys by Beth Craig

Steve, Lori, Elizabeth, and Will Moseley –Thanks for the beautiful Christmas tree by Mike and Diane Rape

Special Gifts to Epworth Children’s Home

In Honor of:

To the Glory of God by Steve and Susan Duell

BIRTHDAY CLUB

In memory of Ralph McAteer by Libby, JoJo, and Alicia Morris

January 7: Doreen Catoe

January 8: Dennis Steele, Jeannie Moree, Max Funderburk

January 9: Chris Curtis, Mary Knight, Tommy Middleton, Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Steele

January 10: Reagan Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Collins

January 11: Justin Haile

January 12: Wayne Fields, Candy Pardue

January 13: Kenny Polston, Annemarie Salisbury

January 14: Jennifer Barrack, Gracie Knox, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Baker

The Record Speaks....

Present for 12/25 Worship: 61

Present for 1/1/23 Sunday School: 36

Present for 1/1 Worship: 58

Needed each week for the General Fund: $4,224

Received 12/25 for General Fund: $3,002

Received 12/25 for Building Fund: $100

Received 12/25 for Children's Fund $120

Needed each week for General Fund 2023: $4,182

Received for 1/1/23 for General Fund: $4,268

Received 1/1 for Building Fund: $148.20

Received 1/1 for Children's Fund from Calendar sales: $20

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