Week of January 21, 2024

Outreach PJ Collection for the month of January

Blood Drive | February 8

The Outreach Cluster is collecting pajama packs for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The PJ Pack Program at CHOA provides a PJ Pack (pajama set, pair of underwear, and pair of socks) to children and families throughout the hospital who encounter unexpected and lengthy stays and need an extra set of clothes. While all sizes are appreciated, the most urgent need is for larger teen/young adult sizes X and XL.

This weekend alone, we have collected an impressive 60 PJ packs, showcasing the incredible generosity and community spirit of Mt. Zion.

We will be collecting the entire month of January. Look for Ziplock bags with the instructions in the baskets outside the Narthex and Chapel, as well as at the blue collection bins in the drive-through and by the elevator.

Candlemas Celebration | Febuary 4th | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Candlemas is one of the oldest feasts of the church, but it is almost forgotten today. It celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the temple and marks the halfway point between winter and spring. We’ll make St. Brigid’s crosses, bless candles, and learn about the traditions of this holy day. Join Pastor Anne for a time of candlelight, creativity, and fellowship. You can RSVP to Pastor Anne at anne.cumings@mtzionumc.org or by hitting the RSVP button.

Lay Servant Training | February 3rd

Mt. Zion UMC will be hosting several Lay Servant Ministries training sessions on February 3rd.

A lay servant is a professing member of a local church or charge or a baptized participant of a recognized United Methodist collegiate ministry or other United Methodist ministry setting who desires to serve the church and who knows and is committed to Scripture and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church. This is a person who has received specific training to witness to the Christian faith through spoken communication, to lead within a church and community, and to provide caring ministry.

Introduction To Lay Ministry: The Basic Course

Taught by Ms. Marjorie Woods

($42) Feb. 3rd & 10th; 9am-2pm Mt. Zion UMC Marietta

Book: "Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course" by Sandy & Brian Jackson

This is a BASIC Class and requires Pastor's Approval

Living Our United Methodist Beliefs: United Methodist Heritage

Taught by Ms. Connie Moore

($42) Feb 3rd & 10th; 9am-2pm Mt. Zion UMC Marietta

Book: "Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way" by Kenneth L. Carder. This is an ADVANCED Class and requires a prior Basic Class

Devotional Life In The Wesleyan Tradition

Taught by Rev. Dr. Mike Shearon

($42) Feb. 3rd & 10th; 9am-2pm Mt. Zion UMC Marietta

This is an ADVANCED Class and requires a prior Basic Class

Class price does not include the costs of the books.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris Flint at chris.flint@sergcoop.org

Family Promise is coming March 10 - 17

PLEASE HELP. PLEASE VOLUNTEER!!

Ten years ago, Family Promise embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of homeless families in Cobb County. With the unwavering support of our community, our achievements are impressive, with 176 families, 227 adults, and 387 children sheltered. And,

incredibly, 75% of our families graduated from the programs we provided, with 84% remaining housed a year after graduation. These numbers are not just statistics but real lives transformed, futures reshaped, and dreams rekindled.

However, our work is far from over. In 2024, we face new challenges and opportunities. A new Family Promise transitional house will be opening, additional staff will be hired, and spaces for our families will be expanded. All are faced with shrinking affordable housing options. Your

support is essential as we navigate the changes and continue to empower families facing homelessness. Your help can unlock the door to a better life for families in our community.

Your support is a key to a brighter future for these families. Please help with your support by volunteering with this wonderful mission.

To volunteer, please contact Dayle Thompson at dayle456@yahoo.com or Suzanne Willhite at

suzannewillhite@yahoo.com.

Prayer Moment

Scripture: Psalm 100

Psalm 100 is one of my favorite Psalms. It is also known as the Psalm of Thanksgiving, which is likely the reason it came to me while I was searching for a Scripture to share with you in this Prayer Moment. I often read it and pray these words simply because the Psalmist expresses gratitude to God for all He has done and praises our Lord for who He is in a way I can't. I also love the joy I feel when praying these words.

Years ago, I would not have been able to pray or even think of turning to my Bible for "help" for inspiration when I was "stuck" with no words coming and no thoughts, but I knew I should be praying. And often, I just didn't pray. Not a good thing for my soul. I might still be in that frustrating mindset if I hadn't met Miss Margaret in Church many years ago. Margaret was a retired Missionary who lived a solitary life and devoted her life to Praying for Others (the fancy name is Intercessor). She was always and in all ways present to pray in Worship services, times of Fellowship, and even the Church's business meetings. Margaret also had a telephone prayer Ministry. She would call every morning and ask, "How can I pray for you today?" and she'd pray right then. Eventually, she'd ask if I would silently pray for her during the week, which I did. Then, the day came when Margaret asked me to pray with her for others while on the phone. My answer was, "I can't, I don't know how, I certainly cannot pray out loud." Margaret's response was, "Everyone can pray; let me help you." I thank God every day for Margaret's help. She opened my eyes, heart, and spirit to the gift of Prayer. She did not "teach" me but rather showed me by example the many blessings one receives by praying with and for one another. There are two things she told me that have greatly influenced me.

The first was, "When you are at a loss for words, go to the Bible, and the Holy Spirit will help you find the words." Shortly after that, I was complaining that even setting aside a time and a place often left me unmotivated to pray, and I did not. Margaret then shared her daily routine before she began Interceding. "First," she said, "I sit down and read a few Psalms. That readies me to focus on who I am praying to. Then, I pray for others. After I finish, I read a bit from Proverbs so I know how to handle the day ahead with wisdom." I have been trying to do these things. I promise you they will help.

Prayer:

Dear Father,

Thank you for the blessings of Margaret's friendship. I pray that in your Grace and love, you want all your people to realize, "Your Word is a blessing to our feet and a light unto our path." Bless those who seek and study your Word and share it with others. Bless those who are called to intercede for all. Thank you for the beautiful words of Psalm 100. Thank you for sending your son Jesus, in whose name I pray.

Amen

How can we pray for you? prayerministry@mtzionumc.org or call the Church Office 770-971-1465

Disciplines Study

Preschool Registration

Join our weekly Zoom gatherings every Thursday at 10 a.m., where a dedicated group of women from Mt. Zion explores the week's scripture with discussions based on a daily devotion book. These scriptures align with what our ministers preach on Sundays, and we take turns reading passages and engaging in thought-provoking conversations. Led by Becky Clifford (678-488-7126), we've just begun a new book for the year. If you're interested in joining us, please contact Becky.

Preschool registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens to church members and preschool alumni on Wednesday, January 17. It is a simple online process via our website. 

Registration opens to the community on Thursday, January 18. Email Kristi Olterman at

kristi.olterman@mtzionumc.org with any questions.

For February, the Awesome Adults are going to be "artsy." We will go to All Fired Up on Monday, February 12th, from 10:00 to 12:00 to create some pottery. Let me know if you are interested. 

Please let us know any questions!! and... continue to be Awesome!! - The Awesome Team

Specific details to come. (www.allfiredupart.com) 

Keepsake Quilters

Keepsake Quilters will meet on January 23rd, 2024. We will be sewing for charity. We will meet at Tiny Stitches Quilt Shop at 10:00 am. For questions contact Elaine Otterbourg 404-655-0198 or Lynn Hemby 678-643-0872.