May 19, 2023

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 

 In 1 Peter 4-5 the apostle continues to care and encourage the early church in the midst of their fiery trials of faithfulness in a faithless world. Like the early Christians, we too will come face to face with suffering, and it may at times, even weaken our trust of God. We may even feel abandoned by God, or at the very least, to reckon that we are the victims of God’s arbitrary allowance of suffering upon his people, like Job.  So, how do believers and the communities of the faithful cope during difficult times in an un-Christian world?  Here, Peter reminds us that the afflicted church is not the abandoned church, but the afflicted church is the authentic church! Join us this week as Peter reminds us how and why we must endure and keep the faith!

  Pastor John

May Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Barbara Hall and Beth Craig

Ushers: Dwayne Ray, Ricky Steele, Mike Rape, and Will Moseley

We will be using attendance pads again during worship to register your presence and provide a means of communication for the congregation with the church office (update contact info, request a call or visit, etc.).  As the pads are passed, please fill out pertinent information. The pads will be handed out by the ushers from the outside aisles and should be left on the top of the pew in the center aisle to be picked up after the offering.

THIS Sunday, May 21, we will recognize our High School and College graduates at the beginning of the worship service.  

Our Staff Parish Relations Committee is asked to meet this Sunday, May 21 at 4:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Committee members are: Steve Moseley, Marion Curtis, Nancy Ackerman, Tammy Cooper, Ryan Griffin, Dennis Hall, and Beverly Knox.

All men of all ages are invited to our United Methodist Men’s meeting on Thursday, May 25 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. Join us for a barbecue dinner, devotional and business meeting! All are welcome!!

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, June 5. All are welcome!

Join us on Sunday, June 4 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary as we welcome Disciple Dogs Ministry with Bliss and Jessica Steele. For more information about Disciple Dogs, please visit their website www.discipledogs.org

“You Will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

May needs at HOPE in Lancaster County

Grits Juice, Oatmeal, Stuffing Mix, Canned Meat, Pasta (any kind), Mixed Beans, and Canned Fruit. You may place your donations in the church collection box.

The Chosen, Season 3

Join us on Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary for our Bible study of The Chosen, Season 3. We plan to meet each Sunday to cover the eight episodes of Season 3. We will not meet on Memorial Day weekend, May 28.  

Hope is seeking to build their team of volunteers so that they can continue to address the short term emergency needs of our community. We have opportunities every day of the week for your people to put hands and feet to their faith. 

We invite you to drop by and visit us. Come get a tour. Allow us the opportunity to answer any questions that you might have about our programs, purpose, and passion.

-- Tim Howard

Volunteer Coordinator, HOPE in Lancaster, INC.

Office: 803-286-4673 | Cell: 803-288-7684 | thoward@hopeinlancaster.org

www.hopeinlancaster.org

2008 Pageland Hwy. Lancaster, SC 29720

Rock Hill District Men-N-Ministry and Western York Charge United Methodist Church present

RESTORATION TO TRANSFORMATION FELLOWSHIP

Saturday, June 10 from 9am-1pm,  4050 Black Highway, Smyrna, SC Empowering the ministry of Jesus Christ through men within local congregations and their communities. Mission opportunities, restored cars, trucks and tractor show, music and prayer and a barbecue lunch. 

Free Summer Camp for Kids! Located at the Lancaster Bowling Center. 

LIBERTY CAMP

Join us for 3 days this summer

June 19-21, 26-28, July 10-12, 17-19, or 24-26. 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Learn about our Symbols of Freedom, the Bill of Rights, US Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and meet a “Son of Liberty”. FREE for ages 10-13. To register, call (803) 320-0268 or email ChristianServices.Lancaster@gmail.com Sponsored by Local Businesses

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.

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.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

All Mother's on Mother's Day, Missy Snipes, Pat Threatt, and Betty Crook by Dianne Martin

Dianne Sweatt and Janice Bowers on Mother's Day by Judy Payne

In Memory of:

"Ronnie" Threatt, All Mother's on Mother's Day, Margaret Threatt, and Diane Robinson by Dianne Martin

In loving memory of Peggy Knight by Nancy and Danny Ackerman

My mother, Lillian McAteer on Mother's Day by Judy Payne

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Memory of:

Diane Robinson by Suzanne Evans

My Mom and Grandmother by Frances Parris

Special Gifts to Epworth Children's Home 

In Honor of:

Dwayne and Kristina Ray by Hazel and Terry Robinson

In memory of:

Diane Robinson and Sue K. Bunton by Hazel and Terry Robinson

Special Gifts to Men's Club

In Memory of:

Mike Vick by Suzanne Evans 

May 18: Jeffrey Thomas

May 19: Debbie Waters

May 21: Karen Love

May 22: Brittany Montgomery

May 23: Sue Catoe, Meredith Steen, Cheryl Catoe

May 24: Tonda Wallace, Donna Conwell, Randy Cauthen, Mr. and Mrs. Steve McDonald

May 25: Colton Thomas, Joey Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Finley

General Fund Expenditures: April 2023

Winona’s Flowers (palms) $16.00

Duke Energy $502.22

Lifeway Christian Bookstore $25.97

US Treasury (withholding) $462.14

Cokesbury (VBS) $312.29

SC Conference Direct Billing $1,863.66

Rural Garbage $190.00

Wycliffe Bible Translators $333.34

CCLI (copyright licenses) $418.00

LCNGA $394.10

LCWSD $146.55

Custodial $712.00

Southern Mutual Church Ins $2,702.00

Perry’s Pest Control $245.00

Staff Salaries $5,149.53

Breeze $67.00

SC Dept of Revenue $140.50

Wells Fargo (svc chg) $10.50

Constant Contact $21.60

The Record Speaks....

Present for 5/14 Sunday School: 35

Present for 5/14 Worship: 84

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $3,469

Received for Building Fund: $130

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $560

Received for Men's Club: $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