Love God
Love People
~Luke 10:27
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Ark . . .
A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, tending them with oil and wine. Then he placed the wounded man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, he took two full days’ worth of wages and gave them to the innkeeper. He said, ‘Take care of him, and when I return, I will pay you back for any additional costs.’ What do you think? Which one of these three was a neighbor to the man who encountered thieves?”
Then the legal expert said, “The one who demonstrated mercy toward him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”—Luke 10:33-37
A while back, I watched the film Evan Almighty, starring Steve Carrell and Morgan Freeman. The movie centers around a newly elected, first time congressman who is trying to make a name for himself in Washington, D.C., while being asked by God to build an ark in the middle of recently developing neighborhood. Of course, hilarity ensues (it is a comedy after all) but there are also some poignant moments for personal reflection.
One of these moments happens toward the end of the film, as Morgan Freeman (playing the part of God) holds up a business card with acronym ARK printed on it. Underneath the acronym are the words “acts of random kindness”. In that moment, the congressman sees clearly the biggest lesson of the story, in life it is the acts of random kindness that make us human, make us community.
As I think about this again, I am reminded of ways I have seen people practice this: paying for the meal of the person behind you in a fast-food line, bringing items of need to people in need, spending extra time with those who are often feel forgotten and lonely. It is these acts and others like them that become the connecting point that we have for one another as fellow travelers on the road of life.
My challenge to you is this, add into your life the practice of Acts of Random Kindness (ARKs). It is more than a cute saying or a pleasant thing to do. It is a teaching of Jesus, given to us, his disciples, for the purpose of showing God’s love to one another and to those who are not yet disciples that they might come to see the truth of God through our actions.
Pastor Michael
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In-person worship continues at 11:00 AM on Sundays in the Sanctuary. Also at 11:00 AM on Sundays, our children have resumed meeting in the TFLC, and our youth have resumed meeting in the Fellowship Hall. EVERYONE is invited to join us on Sundays at 11:00 AM!! We do ask everyone participating in worship to continue to wear a mask and to socially distance. We wish for everyone to remain safe as we meet in-person. |
The Chancel flowers will be placed in the sanctuary this Sunday, May 2 to the glory of God and in
loving memory our Granny, Alma Neal, by Keli, Shawn, Colton, and Sadie Thomas
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Congratulations to Brett and Adair Craig in the birth of a son, Bryant Edward on April 21 weighing 8 lbs., 20 1/2 inches long. Proud big brother is Jamison and proud grandmother is Beth Craig. |
Our United Methodist Women will honor all women
present at worship on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9. Our appreciation to our women for this outreach to the women in our church.
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The Administrative Board met on Sunday, April 11.
The overwhelming hope is to resume in person
Sunday School. We need feedback from teachers and Sunday school members as to their willingness to resume Sunday School and their comfort levels in/with in the classrooms. This applies to our Sunday school classes but also applies to our youth and children and the possibility of resuming Children’s Church during the worship hour. We would need volunteers for our Children’s Sunday School and Children’s Church. We are not sure how the teachers feel with attending in person Sunday School. There will be a Sunday school teachers meeting on Sunday, May 2 at 4:00 pm in the fellowship hall. Teachers are asked to begin contacting their class members before May 2 to get an idea of how they feel about attending in person Sunday School.
Sunday School is an integral part of church where bonds are formed that last a life time. We would love to see many join us in resuming Sunday School over the next few months!
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Our Bible Study class began on Sunday, April 11th. We are studying the book “The Universal Church”. You are welcome to join us each Sunday at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall. All are welcome!!! |
Our United Methodist Women are hopeful that our monthly UMW meetings will resume in the near future, possibly after summer. We have remained physically (when able) and financially faithful in our outreach to local and global missions and look forward to possibly beginning to meet again in person. We would like to possibly consider another meeting day and time to invite and accommodate those who have so many activities throughout the week so if you have ideas or thoughts, please contact one of our officers: Sharon Haile, Pres., Darlene Hallman, Vice Pres., Terry Robinson, Secretary, or Missy Snipes, Treasurer. We would greatly appreciate your input on our planning on re-engaging with the church family and community!!! We cannot do this without each one’s efforts!!! Thank you! |
Vacation Bible School is scheduled at Zion for June 20-25. We invite you and your children to join us as we find a new way forward this year and offer Bible School to our children to move them forward in their faith walk with Christ!!! |
Our United Methodist Women will be hosting the Lancaster Salkahatchie luncheon on Wednesday, June 23 at noon for the Lancaster campers. |
Special Gifts to Zion Church
In Honor of:
Becky H. Steele on her 60th birthday 4-23 by
Darlene Hallman
In loving honor of Treston, Kayla, and Arden Strait by Kayla Yost Strait
My Mommy on Mother’s Day Love, Sadie Grace
My “Jeff Pa” on his birthday Love, Sadie Grace
My Mommy on Mothers’ Day Love, Colton Neal Thomas
"Jeff Jeff" on his birthday Love, Colton
In Memory of:
“Big Gary” Weathersbee by Joyce
Mrs. Perline Moseley and Mr. Gene Bowers by Barbara Hall
Franklin Hallman on his birthday 4-18 by Darlene Hallman
Special Gifts to Children’s Ministries Fund
In Honor of:
Jimmy Neal—Thanks!! by Aunt Della
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Pastor Michael continues to offer morning prayer and Bible study. Join us each morning at 7:00 AM for Prayer and meditation. Join us, also on Thursdays at 12:00 Noon for Bible Study. Pastor Michael is hosting these from our Facebook page. If you are unable to log in LIVE, these offerings remain available for viewing after on our website and FB page. |
While the church office remains closed, you are encouraged to reach out if you have a need or know of a need. You may call Pastor Michael at 1-859-475-8800, call the church office, 803-285-3864 and leave a message, call Missy at 803-804-2434 or email lmjarrell@umcsc.org or zionumc@comporium.net; these emails are monitored daily. The answering machine will also be checked daily. During these times, we ask everyone to pray together for each other, our church family, our community, our country, and our world. |
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Morning Walking Club:
Our weekday morning walking group has resumed meeting in the life center Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM. Church members are welcome to come out and enjoy getting in some exercise out of the elements and in a secure location!
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Please remember these in prayer:
Nancy Ackerman
Angela Bailey
Francis Bell
Phillip Bell
Sue Catoe
Carol Cauthen
Angie Dobson
Debbie Drost
John Elder
Myra Funderburk
Mike Gay
Catherine Hammond
JoAnn Hinson
Rick Joyner
Tommy Knight
Bill McCorkle
Kevin McCorkle
Della McManus
Marie Moree
Joe Morris
Ann Powers
Scott Rape
John Rollins
Virginia Rollins
Bonnie Sears
Eva Small
Greg Smith
JoAnne Smith
Billy Sowell
Becky M. Steele
Robbie Stepp
Matthew Sweatt
Richard Thompson
Mike Vick
Pat Vick
Myrtle Walker
Donna Walters
Ellen Walters
Kayla Strait
Kim Yost
Those affected by COVID19
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Even as we offer in-person worship, our services will still be made available online on our Facebook page. Log in to our Zion United Methodist Church Facebook page this Sunday for our service if you are unable to make it to church!! The service will also be available on our website at www.zionumc.com |
May/June 2021 Upper Room Daily Devotionals are available for pick up at the church! We will place some of these in the church vestibule on the table and some in the plastic communication box outside of the life center doors where the buses are for those who do not attend worship or have access to the church for you to pick up. There are large and regular print copies available. |
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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
May 3: Ashley Cauthen
May 4: Tonette Thomas
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The Record Speaks....
Present for 4/25 Worship: 72
Needed each week for the General Fund $4,350
Received for General Fund $2,675
Received for Children's Ministry Fund: $50
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
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803-285-3864 - www.zionumc.com |
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