March 27, 2024

The Pastor’s Pen

    Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” John 20:1-2

           Many of us are familiar with John’s account of Jesus’ resurrection which begins with, “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark...” John’s themes of darkness and light are clearly visible not only in John account of the resurrection, but throughout the Gospel of John. From the very first paragraph of john’s Gospel the themes of light and darkness are present. Yet, Darkness is not merely a time of day; it can also be the absence of light.  And the absence of light can also mean those times in our life when we enter the darkness and feel as if God is not present.  Yet, even so the rehearsal of our darkness is interrupted by the explosive recognition of the resurrection. The God who spoke light into existence has raised to life the one described as the light of the world.  For Jesus is the light of the world and we Christian are children of the light. This should always give us hope. Happy Easter!

Pastor John

P.S. Again thank you all who made last week’s service so special!

March Worship Greeters and Ushers: 

Richie and Gina Burn and Danny and Tonette Thomas.

The Chancel Flowers were placed in the Sanctuary on Sunday, March 24 to the glory of God and in loving memory of Peggy Knight by Danny and Nancy Ackerman

Thank you to the Worship Committee, our Chancel Choir, the speakers, those running the sound, and additional appreciation to Dennis Hall, Carolyn Massey, and Beth Craig, and any others who helped with the Symbols of Easter Service on Sunday. What a lovely and special service! Thank you all!

Join us for our Stations of the Cross Service on Friday, March 29 beginning at 6:00 PM in the Life Center.

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!!

April Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Tommy and Julie Middleton, Teresa Evans, and Jeffrey Thomas

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.

Special Gifts to Zion Church

In Honor of:

“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky

In Memory of:

Irene Everall by Claudia Hartley

“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Honor of:

“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky

In Memory of:

“Loved Ones” by Jack and Becky

Ralph Craig by Mike and Diane Rape

Visitors on Sunday, March 24: Debbie Owenby, Judy Walters, John Sistare, and Tom Moran and Carol Brown.

March 27: Gayle Ghent

March 28: Cynthia Mackey, Pat Vick

March 29: Mashalle Bailes

March 31: Andy Plyler

April 1: Cassie Mathews

April 2: Nancy W. Knight

April 3: Baine Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Hazel Robinson

April 6: Steve Salisbury

April 7: Mr. and Mrs. Randy Cauthen

The Record Speaks....

Present for 3/24 Sunday School: 48

Present for 3/24 Worship: 94

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,313

Received for 3/24 for General Fund: $2,399

Received for Building Fund: $160

Received for Chinese Auction: $ 320

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