January 12, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.  At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 1 Samuel 3:1-3

            This week’s Old Testament lectionary text, from 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-22), is the story of “Samuel’s Calling” and is familiar to many of us. Samuel is ministering under Eli, the Head Priest, who is aged both physically and emotionally, as his eyesight had begun to grow dim, and he could not see. And according to the text, “The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.” But, why?  According to the preceding chapters, Israel is in an anarchic time from the wider political chaos of Judges, not to mention the activities of Eli’s sons who were stealing from temple, carousing and womanizing. But what does this have to do with us today? And is the word of the Lord rare today and visions not wide spread? Why? Join us this Sunday as we look at hidden truth of Samuel calling and our own calling!

Pastor John

January Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Kristina Ray and Adrianna Bowers

Ushers: Shawn Thomas, Dwayne Ray, Roman Phillips, and Brandon Bowers

The Trustees are asked to meet this Sunday, January 14 at 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Members are: Teresa Evans, Steve Moseley, Steve McDonald, Tommy Middleton, Wanda Murphy, and Tony Broughton.

The Worship Committee is asked to meet this Sunday, January 14 at 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Members are: Beth Craig, Judy Payne, Rhonda Waters, Carolyn Massey, Becky H. Steele, Michael Mills, and Dennis Hall.

All men of all ages are invited to our United Methodist Men’s dinner and meeting on Thursday, January 18 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. Our guest speaker will be Paul Thompson from the Clemson Extension and will be talking about soil preparation and gardening. 

Join us!

Our Joy Sunday School Class is collecting used eye glasses. Please place your donations in the basket in the church vestibule.

Please recycle your old Sunday school books and not place them in the vestibule collection box. These are no longer being collected for the Prison Ministry.

January is our month to support HOPE in Lancaster with donations of food for those less foretunate. Particular needs in January are: Jelly, Spaghetti Sauce, Grits, Oatmeal, Canned Fruit, and Canned Beef Stew. Please place your donations in the vestibule collection box.

You are invited to the Rock Hill District Bishop’s Day.

"Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership"

Keynote: Bishop L. Jonathan Holston

St. John UMC (321 South Oakland Ave. Rock Hill, SC 29730)

February 3, 2024

9:00 AM- NOON

Pastors plus 5 key leaders from your church are invited to attend.

Please register here by Wednesday, January 31: https://forms.gle/piwhCAYSU82DePXTA

Visitors on 1/7/2024: Reagan Byerley and Ashley Jordan.

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to the family of Rhett Blackmon in his death on January 2, 2024.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Brandy Knight by Judy Payne

Stanley Knight, Jackie Knight, and David Knight by Ken and Lib Preslar

In Memory of:

Mary W. Knight by Nancy and Danny Ackerman

Joan Funderburk, Mary W. Knight, Laura Plyler, and Rhett Blackmon by Hazel and Terry Robinson

Mary W. Knight and Laura Plyler by Judy Payne

Laura Plyler by Frances Parris

In loving memory of Mary Wright Knight by Ken and Lib Preslar

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Honor of:

Becky and Ricky Steele—Happy Anniversary by Barbara Vick

In Memory of:

 Laura Plyler by Suzanne Evans

Mary W. Knight and Joan Funderburk by Mike and Diane Rape 

1/12: Wayne Fields, Candy Pardue

1/13: Kenny Polston, Annemarie Salisbury

1/14: Jennifer Burrack, Gracie Knox, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Baker

1/16: Jeremy Haile

1/18: Donna Smith

1/19: Joseph Morris

The Record Speaks....

Present for 1/7 Sunday School: 38

Present for 1/7 Worship: 76

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 12/24 for General Fund: $4,376.25

Received for Building Fund: $50

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $240

Received for Bible Study Books: $20

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