April 11, 2024

The Pastor's Pen

 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?  Luke 24: 36b-38

This week’s scripture lesson from Luke (24:36b-48) sounds very familiar because it is remarkably similar to last week’s lectionary text from John’s Gospel. However, in Luke’s text two of the disciples had just returned from the road to Emmaus where they had also encountered the resurrected Jesus. Next, we find the disciples behind closed doors, hiding and frightened at what the future may hold, as they pondered what this all means? It’s here, Luke provides the reader with factual evidence of the resurrection not only through eye witness accounts, but also through touch and witnessing Jesus eating in their presence. Again, like on the road to Emmaus, Jesus then opens their minds to everything that was written in the law of Moses, the prophets and psalms about Messiah and the resurrection.

Just like the early church, many Christians today struggle to understand Christ’s return and how to live in the in-between time during his absence as we await Jesus’ return. Join us this Sunday as we delved into what this means for us today and what we are called to do in the meantime. Hope to see you all on Sunday!

Pastor John

April Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Tommy and Julie Middleton, Teresa Evans, and Jeffrey Thomas

There will be a Spaghetti Luncheon Fundraiser this Sunday, April 14 following worship in the TFLC to benefit the Tony Neal Scholarship Fund. Plates are $8.00 each and will include spaghetti, salad, and dessert.  Eat in and to go will be available.

The Worship Committee and the Family/Senior Adult Committee are asked to meet this Sunday, April 14 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND OUR CHINESE AUCTION

SATURDAY, APRIL 27th

Doors open at 4:30 PM, Auction begins at 6:00 PM. 

Our Worship Committee and Family/Senior Adult Committee will be sponsoring a CHINESE AUCTION to support upcoming church events. Please pray for this event! New items are needed (no Yard Sale stuff) for auction as well as DOOR PRIZES. TICKET SPECIAL SET includes 125 auction tickets plus 5 Door prize tickets for $20!! Each adult is asked to buy a set for yourself and sell a set to your friends. It is a fun filled night with lots of free food and great opportunities to win wonderful items!  

Tickets are now available. 

JOIN US!

If you have donations for the Auction, please contact Dennis Hall or Beth Craig to drop off items. 

Our United Methodist Men’s Dinner and meeting will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 pm. All men and all women are invited to join us! Susan Scott will be our guest speaker and she will share about the work she does for The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Zion will be hosting the Annual Cosmetology Continuing Education Event on Monday, April 21. This event is sponsored by the Tony Neal Scholarship Committee. PLEASE NOTE, we will not be able to host the walking club on this day.

Help Make Epworth Foster Parents Feel Appreciated!

You’re invited to assemble foster parent appreciation baskets for our Rock Hill families. 

Suggested value: $50-$75

Deadline: May 1, 2024

Wrapping: Wrap the basket but not individual items

Drop Off:

321 S. Oakland Avenue

Rock Hill, SC 29730

Call to arrange drop-off time:

803-540-58000

Questions: Contact Rev. Kathy James, kjames@epworthsc.org, 803-604-6220

Suggested basket themes:

Family Fun Night: board and card games, snacks, dinner kits, charcuterie board and food.

Date Night: Movie tickets, Dinner Gift Card, popcorn, boxed candy

Home Goods/Stock the Pantry: paper products, tin foil, sandwich bags, freezer bags, seasonal knick knacks, kitchen utensils.

Beach/Pool Outing: beach towels, sunscreen, beach bag, flip flops, water bottles, beach ball, bocce ball, paddle ball, volleyball, floats.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Billy and Dianne Sweatt by Judy Payne and Family

Margie Vincent, Suzanne Evans, and Rick and Becky M. Steele by Marcene Plyler

Pat Threatt, Betty Crook, Billy and Dianne Sweatt, and Marion and Sonny Curtis by Dianne Martin

In Memory of:

Ernest “Sonny” Sweatt by Judy Payne

Ellen Walters and Ernest “Sonny” Sweatt by Dianne Martin

Visitor on Sunday, April 7: Debbie Owenby.

The COVID-19 postponed 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church will take place from April 23rd to May 3rd, 2024, in Charlotte, NC.  We urge our church members to pray for the delegates attending the conference from around the world that they will do God’s will in determining the direction of the United Methodist Church. Also, we ask you to stay informed regarding the business that is conducted throughout these eleven days as decisions made at this conference could cause changes in UMC doctrine and policies. Since the conference is being held in Charlotte, our local TV stations will likely have reports from there on a daily basis. You can also visit the official 2020 General Conference website at www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/general-conference-2020 where there are many links available to help keep you informed including a link for a live stream.

April 11: Ryan McManus

April 13: Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Steele, Jr.

April 14: Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. David Hayes

April 16: Susan Broughton, Jacob Conwell

April 18: Jenna Vaughn

The Record Speaks....

Present for 4/7 Sunday School: 33

Present for 4/7 Worship: 64

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 4/7 for General Fund: $ 3,833

Received for Building Fund: $ 17.18

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