December 6, 2023

The Pastor’s Pen

¹⁴Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; ¹⁵and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

2 Peter 3: 14

Advent is a time of waiting, but according to Tom Petty in his famous song, “The waiting is the hardest part.”  Yes, in today’s world, none of us really like to wait, do we? 

A few weeks ago, I got stuck in traffic, around 5pm on Highway 5 on the way to meet my friend John for dinner. The traffic had come to almost a halt as I slowly crept alone wondering what was the delay?  It was then noticed both Highway Patrol and the Rescue vehicles further ahead in the middle of the highway, as the traffic was being diverted down one of the back roads to avoid the accident ahead. So, not only did I have to wait, but I wasn’t even sure where I would end up as I followed those in front of me down the back road. All I could do was trust and follow.

And isn’t that what Peter is trying to say here in this passage?  That our waiting has a purpose-even when we feel like our world has slowed to halt. And that God is working up ahead to prepare the way for salvation for many. Yes, it true we can’t always see what God is doing and the waiting process my at time be painful, but we can learn to wait with peace when we trust that God is using the delay to expand the circle of God’s grace for all that seek it. Join us Sunday as we examine 2 Peter 3:8-15. Can’t wait to see you all!

Pastor John 

December Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Julie Middleton and Tonette Thomas

Ushers: Tommy Middleton, Steve McDonald, Ricky Steele, and Danny Thomas

Going forward, you can visit the church website, www.zionumc.com and view the church calendar that will now include personal reservations of the facilities by members or groups. Reservations are made through the church office by contacting Missy, 803-285-3864 or 803-804-2434.

Our United Women in Faith will not be meeting in December. Meetings will resume on Tuesday, January 9 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Lancaster County Council on Aging

Shoeboxes for Seniors

It’s time for Shoeboxes for Seniors! Please join us in bringing Holiday Cheer to our senior clients! See below for guidelines and items requested by our seniors! Please have your donations to the church vestibule by Sunday, December 10. 

Suggested items: scarves/gloves, non-slip socks, small blanket or throw, lotion, shampoo, Vaseline, toothpaste/toothbrush, efferdent/fixodent, chapstick, towel/washcloth, bath soap, dryer sheets, small laundry detergent, dish soap, Kleenex, paper towels, toilet paper, pre-packaged snacks, sugar-free candy, microwave popcorn, fruit cups, pudding cups, claw reacher/grabber, 2024 calendar, word puzzle book, puzzles, envelopes, pens/pencils, cards.

Toys for Tots

Our JOY Sunday School Class will be collecting toys for needy children. Donations can be placed in the last SS class on the right in the Educational Building  For toy suggestions, please contact Dianne Sweatt, 803-804-1602. Toys need to be brought to the church by Sunday, December 17th. 

United Methodist Men’s Dinner

and Fellowship

All men and women of the church are invited on Wednesday, December 20 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. We will be serving chicken and dumplings, green beans, and salad. There will be hamburgers available for those who don’t enjoy chicken and dumplings. Please text or call Steve McDonald, 803-288-2892 if you would prefer a hamburger so that we can purchase enough.   

Poinsettias will be placed in the Sanctuary on Sunday, December 17 and Sunday, December 24.  You are invited to purchase a poinsettia to be placed in the church on these special days. If you would like your poinsettia placed in honor or in memory of a loved one, please turn in that information to the church office by Sunday, December 10.

There will not be a newsletter mailed or emailed the week of December 25th. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!

Special Gifts to Zion Church:

In Memory of:

Wanda Sweet, Joan Middleton, and Anna Laura Hemminger by Hazel and Terry Robinson

Mom, Joan Middleton by Tommy and Julie

Amy and Eric Johnson and Shirley P. Robinson by Hazel and Terry Robinson

In loving memory of Shirley Payne Robinson by Judy Payne

Aunt Hilda and Grama Shorty by Wanda Murphy

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Memory of:

Ray Vincent and Wanda Sweet by Margie Vincent

Special Gifts to Bus Fund

In Honor of:

Doreen Catoe and Kathryn Hicks by Darlene Hallman

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to Judy Payne and her family in the death of her sister in law, Shirley Payne Robinson on Saturday, December 2.

12/7: Sadie Thomas

12/8: Brandon Belk, Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Griffin

12/9: Janet Webster, Wayne Steele, Jr.

12/10: Micah Hayes Melton

12/11: Tommy Knight, Lena Everall, Annsleigh Johnson

12/13: Barbara Catoe, Patrick Moree

The Record Speaks....

Present for 12/3 Sunday School: 37

Present for 12/3 Worship: 65

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $5,035.75

Received for Building Fund: $130

Received for Bus Fund: $50

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