March 20, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen

James 1: 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  (New Living Translation)

                For many, this time of year is a time of testing as we continue through the Season of Lent, whether we are dealing with the pollen in the air, or the erratic weather conditions that all bring about the sniffles, or you are working on the preparations for your upcoming spring vacation. For this time of the year can be exhausting and a bit stressful as Easter will be upon us very soon. As students soon begin to think about spring vacation, they too will also eventually enter into the season of testing, Exams! It is a time for study and preparation for their exams. Just like high school student, I thought to myself “wouldn’t it be great to be able to always prepare for all of life’s tests?  Of course, I know that this would be impossible because some tests come without prior notice, or warning. I also realize that this year, especially during Lent, has been a time of growth in both knowledge and understanding of our faith as we seek to draw closer to the Lord and exam our lives.. Yet, even here we still are tested. 

I realized that there were times in which I didn’t think I was going to make it through another day, but through God’s grace I did, and so will you! Yet, it was through the grace of God and endurance that I was able to keep working toward the things that needed to be done in that season. Of course, I realize that I’m not where I’m supposed to be yet, but I continue this week trying to prepare and looking toward God to help me in these times of testing as one of my best friends moves on to retirement, and to Florida. I’ll definitely miss him, yet I am thankful he was here for a few seasons and how we helped one another with life’s tests and struggles. I know we have learned a lot from one another, and I am thankful for his friendship for the past 6 years. We too, are hoping that someday we will develop perfectly and completely into what God wants us to be.

Life is full of time of testing, some that we are able to prepare for and some in which we are not. When your faith is tested, and it will be at times, James tells us, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.” And that, “Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” As I close this letter, my hope is that you to will patiently endure all of life testing, so that you may have the chance to grow and receive the crown of life. So, continue to love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor, as you grow through life’s lessons and through testing.

Pastor John   

March Worship Greeters and Ushers: 

Richie and Gina Burn and Danny and Tonette Thomas.

We will present a special service, “Symbols of Easter,” this Palm Sunday, March 24th at 11:00 am. Join us as members of our congregation present some of the sacred symbols of Easter through the scriptures and in song. 

All Youth are invited to join us for Methodist Youth this Sunday, March 24 at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Join us for hamburgers, worship, devotion, and games. Hope to see you there!!

Kids of Zion Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Activities!

Wednesday, March 27 beginning at 4:00 PM. Invite your friends and join us!!!

Join us for our Good Friday Service on March 29 at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

Lilies can be placed in the church on Easter Sunday, March 31. We ask you to purchase your lilies and bring them to church on Easter Day. If you would like to place your lily in honor or in memory of a loved one, pleases give your information to Missy, 803-804-2434 or email at zionumc@comporium.net by Wednesday, March 27.

Sunday, March 31, is Easter Sunday. Join us for Sunday School at 10:00 AM and Worship at 11:00 AM. You are invited to bring flowers from your yards and gardens before Sunday School to place on our flowering cross. This is a much loved tradition at Zion; to flower the cross and include the cross in worship on this joyous day! He is Risen, He is Risen, Indeed!!

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!

Our United Women in Faith will be serving a meal to the Winthrop Wesley students in Rock Hill on April 8th. Our appreciation to the women for providing this outreach.

Clergy Equity Training

to assist churches in establishing and working toward clergy retention and church sustainability

There will be Tri-District sessions however, Rock Hill’s District will meet with Columbia and Greenwood Districts on Saturday, April 13 at 10am-noon at Union UMC, 7582 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC. Who should attend: Pastor, Lay Leader, SPRC Chair, Ad Board Chair, Finance Chair, Treasurer, and one influential Layperson in your church.

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.

After a recent audit of our church roll, we realized we may have not only lost touch with many of our members, but also, we may not have up-to-date contact information (phone, email) either. We are sending a letter and questionnaire to the address we have on file to all Zion members who currently reside on our church roll who have not been seen, heard from, or involved with the church in quite some time. As Methodists whose mission it is to make disciples for Christ as we grow in our faith, it requires a commitment by all members to be engaged in the ministry of the church - with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Our questionnaire will help us gather correct contact information and give members an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to Zion or indicate they attend or have become a member of another congregation.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In loving memory of Ralph Craig on his 72nd birthday by Beth

Special Gifts to Men’s Club

In Memory of:

Mike Vick by Ricky and Becky M. Steele

Visitors on March 17: Debbie Owenby and Lorna Cooke.

March 22: Luke Massey, Shane Love, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moree

March 23: Mr. and Mrs. Steve Duell

March 24: Amy Wallace, Laura Everall

March 26: Mr. and Mrs. Bobo Simpson

March 27: Gayle Ghent

The Record Speaks....

Present for 3/17 Sunday School: 50

Present for 3/17 Worship: 76

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 3/17 for General Fund: $2,321

Received for Building Fund: $240

Received for Chinese Auction: $220

Received for Men's Club: 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