February 7, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.  Mark 9:2-4

This week’s scripture from Mark 9:2-9, of the details of Jesus’ transfiguration, stands as a transition between the season of Epiphany and the beginning of the season of Lent. The magnitude of this divine encounter may sound like a story from the Marvel Series with an experience beyond understanding as Jesus not only encounters two of most significant figures from the Old Testament. Moses representing the Jewish Law and Elijah representing the Jewish Prophets. Many Theologians believe Jesus’ transfiguration to be the capstone of Jesus’ public life and the peak of his public ministry as for a second time (in Mark) a voice from heaven not only acknowledges Jesus’ identity and authority, but also gives instructions. But what exactly does this story of transfiguration show us about Jesus and his disciples? And how does this Scripture relate to us in today’s world? And lasty, what are we as Christian supposed to do with such an almost unbelievable story? Join us Sunday as we examine these questions and more. Hope to see everyone’s smiling faces on Sunday!



Pastor John

February Worship Greeters and Ushers: 

Greeters: Marion Curtis and Beth Craig

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

February needs at HOPE in Lancaster:

Grits, Oatmeal, Jelly, Rice, Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce, Boxed Instant Potatoes, 64 oz. Juice. Please place your donations in the vestibule collection box.

Visitors on 2/4: Tom Moran and Carol Brown. 

Thank you to all the ones who have cleaned up the flowers that were on the cemetery wall! We will wait another week or so and then discard the ones left. Thank you!

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.

Our United Women in Faith will be meeting on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Kathy Sullivan will be our guest speaker.

Our United Methodist Men's Dinner and Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. Barbecue, baked beans, and slaw will be served. Our guest speaker will be Bumpy Walters.

Our Lenten Bible Study, “A Clearing Season” will begin on Tuesday, February 20. There will be two times offered on Tuesdays during the study, 11:00 am and 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bible Study books are $15.00 each. You may drop your book donations in the offering plate on Sundays. Please mark your donation “Lent Bible Study”

We will be collecting items for the Military Easter Boxes through Sunday, February 25. We will be packing the boxes on Saturday, March 2nd.

To contact Pastor John, his cell phone is 864-770-5584, and john.david.howle@gmail.com is his email address. Pastor John’s scheduled days off are Friday and Saturday. For emergencies, please call his cell phone.

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to Gayle Ghent and her family in the death of her husband, Walter “Butch” Ghent on February 5.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

Billy and Dianne Sweatt by Wanda Murphy

Linda McAteer on her birthday February 13 by Frances Parris

Debbie Hodge and Steve Duell on their birthdays by Claudia Hartley

Billy and Diane Sweatt, Ryan and Miriam Griffin, Preacher John, and Ida Polston by Judy Payne

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Honor of:

Billy and Dianne Sweatt by Mike and Diane Rape

Special Gifts to Epworth Children's Home

In Honor of:

Steve Duell and Debbie Hodge on their birthdays Love, Susan Duell

Special Gifts to Cemetery

In Honor of:

Jack Steele on his birthday by Darlene Hallman

February 7: Ken Preslar, Lex Ford, Steve Duell

February 8: Jody Pardue

February 9: Mason Parr, Zach Hall

February 10: Ryan Griffin, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Thomas

February 11: Lane Knight

February 12: Kim Williams

February 13: Frances Robinson, Kristina Ray, Lee Watts, Ryan Middleton

The Record Speaks....

Present for 2/4 Sunday School: 40

Present for 2/4 Worship: 90

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 2/4 for General Fund: $5,330

Received for Building Fund: $85

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $120

Received for Cemetery: $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