January 26, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen

 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. Mark 1:27-28

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark so far: John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness proclaiming baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sin, and then announced the coming of the “one more powerful” than John, who is the Messiah (Jesus). John the Baptist then baptizes Jesus, and as he is doing this, the heavens are torn open and the Holy Spirit descends like dove on Jesus and a voice from heaven announces Jesus Identity as the Son of God (Mark 1:1-11)

Last week, we talked about the begins of Jesus ministry, as Jesus called (Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John) his inner circle of disciples, to follow Him (Mark 1:16-20). Here Mark to only alluded to Jesus’ identity, but also his charismatic leadership.

 In this week’s text from Mark 1:21-28, Mark not only shows us Jesus’ identity, but also his authority through his divine knowledge and teachings. Jesus’ authority and divine power is not only recognized by the demon, as Jesus rebukes and exorcizes the “unclean spirit“ from the man in the Synagogue, but also to those who witnessed it!

  So, do unclean spirits still exist today?  And what does this story have to do with us today? And what does this have to do with our freedom and Jesus’ Authority? Join us Sunday as we delve into this text. Hope to see all of your smiling faces.

Pastor John

January Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Kristina Ray and Adrianna Bowers

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

February Worship Greeters and Ushers: 

Greeters: Marion Curtis and Beth Craig

Ushers: Steve Moseley, Will Moseley, Stacy Scott, and Steve Duell.

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

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.

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!!!

Cheryl Hayes would be glad to take your order!! Cookies are $5 a box except for Toffee, which is $6. They have Adventurefuls (brownie inspired cookies with caramel creme), Lemon-Ups, Trefoils (shortbread), Do-si-dos (oatmeal sandwich with peanut butter filling), Samoas (caramel, coconut and dark chocolate stripes), Tagalong (peanut butter filled with chocolate coating), Thin Mints, Girl Scout S'mores (graham cookie with chocolate and marshmallow filling), and Toffee-tastic (buttery cookie with crunchy toffee bits). Give Cheryl a call if you would like to order, 803-235-9082. Checks can be made payable to GS Troop 2339. Cookies will be delivered the week of February 12-15.

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

Shiloh Zion VFD Annual BBQ

and Ladies Auxiliary Bake Sale

Saturday, February 3, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Plates are $10 each and include a half of a chicken, baked beans, and slaw. 

Pick Up at Shiloh ARP Church, 346 Shiloh Unity Road, Lancaster.

Must purchase tickets from our firemen or Ladies Auxiliary. Some tickets will be sold at the door for purchase. 

Thank you to each and every one for the calls, cards, visits, and prayers! I appreciate each and every act of Christian love!! -- JoAnne Smith

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Ryan and Miriam Griffin by Doreen Catoe

Caroline Broughton on her first birthday on January 26, 2024 by Tommy Knight

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Honor of:

Ryan and Miriam Griffin by Doreen Catoe

Caroline Broughton on her first birthday on January 26, 2024 by Tommy Knight

1/26: Tyler Broome, Linda Patchus

1/27: Jacob Fields

1/28: Barbara Hall

1/29: Penny Blackmon, Lib Preslar

1/30: Scotty Bailey

The Record Speaks....

Present for 1/21 Sunday School: 38

Present for 1/21 Worship: 66

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 1/14 for General Fund: $2,076

Received for Building Fund: $150

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