November 16, 2023

¹⁴ “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. ¹⁵ To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. ¹⁶ He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. ¹⁷ So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. ¹⁸ But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.   Matthew 25:14-18

           This week’s Scripture lesson from Matthew 25:14-30, entitled “The Parable of the Talents’, is often times described as bit disturbing and problematic due to the harsh judgement of the master against the third servant. Some may ask, “Is this the type of God we worship, a God who rewards the rich by making them richer, and condemns the poor, only making them poorer? Yet, in this parable the master already possesses the talents and invites his servants to share in his joy?  So, how does this parable relate to us today?   

This parable has both a warning, and a great promise for those who are faithful. For the teaching of the talents recalls the parable of the faithful and the wise servants who continues to do the work of the master until the master’s return. So, what does that faithfulness look like in the waiting time?  And what are we supposed to be doing today as we wait for Jesus’s return? And also, what is at stake? Join us Sunday as we delve into  Matthew’s, “The Parable of the Talents.”

Pastor John

November Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Judy Payne and Wanda Murphy

Ushers: Steve Moseley, Will Moseley, Roman Phillips, and Steven Duell

Prayer Requests: In order to communicate your praises and concerns more efficiently, we offer the option of writing your requests. Our prayer request box will be placed in a convenient, visible location in the vestibule. Please print your praises and concerns, place them in the box and they will be given to Pastor John just prior to the beginning of worship service. Besides this option, there will still be an opportunity to express your requests during the service if you choose to do so.

You are invited to join us for our Grief Support Group. We will meet on Monday, November 20 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Please remember the following with a card, call, or visit during the holidays:

Sue Catoe

243 Sunnybrook Ln

Lancaster, SC 29720

Laura Everall

1869 John Everall Rd

Lancaster, SC 29720

Mary P. Knight

White Oak Manor

253 Craig Manor Rd

Lancaster, SC 29720

Elfreida Plyler

912 Cedar Drive South

Surfside, SC 29575

Laura Plyler

1713 Hillside Drive

Lancaster, SC 29720

Frances Robinson

1288 Potter Rd

Lancaster, SC 29720

Eva Small

1483 Old Pardue Rd

Lancaster, SC 29720

JoAnne Smith

9120 Willowridge Rd

Charlotte, NC 28210

Myrtle Walker   

2018 Zion Rd         

Lancaster, SC 29720         

We will be decorating our Chrismon tree on Tuesday, November 28 at 6:00 pm. We need your help!!! All are welcome and needed to come out and help prepare the Sanctuary for Advent.

Our United Women in Faith are asked to meet briefly on Sunday, November 26 following worship in the Sanctuary to discuss the Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 12.

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.

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to Tommy Middleton and his family in the death of his mother, Joan Middleton, and to Margie Vincent and her family in the death of her sister, Wanda Sweet, and to Pat Vick and her family in the death of her son in law, Scottie Hargett. 

Special Gifts to Zion Church

Joan Middleton, Wanda Sweet, and Scottie Hargett by Carolyn Massey

Special Gifts to Building Fund 

In Memory of:

Joan Middleton by Mike Diane Rape, Beth Craig, Libby, Alicia and JoJo Morris, and Dennis Hall

Wanda Sweet by Libby Morris

Joan Middleton and Wanda Sweet by Judy Payne

Ralph and Jamie Craig by Ken and Lib Preslar 

11/16: Mychal Waters, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Craig

11/19: Peggy Knight

11/20:Andy Knox

11/21:Mr. and Mrs. Jody Pardue

11/23: Drew Sims

The Record Speaks....

Present for 11/12 Sunday School: 38

Present for 11/12 Worship: 71

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $2,851

Received for Building Fund: $145

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $120

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