Love God
Love People
~Luke 10:27
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Musings ~ Being and Becoming...
“Everything changes and nothing stands still.”—Heraclitus
“After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives and trust this good news!”—Mark 1:14-15
Change is a funny thing. On the one hand, we recognize it is inevitable, it is going to happen. We say things like, “Only two things in life are guaranteed: death and taxes.” We look in the mirror and watch ourselves age from childhood to adulthood to old age, all while encouraging or discouraging the result. We can look at the world today see clearly that it is not the world of our yesterday.
On the other hand, we struggle against this inevitable change. We try exercise and special diets to combat the aging of our internal bodies while using an assortment of chemical concoctions to keep the outside looking and seeming younger. We hang on to the things of our youth, things keeping life change at bay: music, clothes, culture, ideas and are loath to give them up. We talk about the good old days as though they were the perfection of our civilization, a way of life to return to in order to feel right about the world.
Change is also something out of our control, something that will happen whether we like it or not. It is happening as we speak, everything on this planet, in this universe, is changing. Everything from the molecular structure of the flowers outside to the ideas about culture which will be prevalent today but gone tomorrow, all of it is growing, becoming, ceasing to be what it was. It is being altered into something not quite as it was.
For some of us, this acceptable. Some recognize it is simply how things God has ordered in the universe. For others, it is a frightening movement in a direction that is at the least fearful to travel. Many if not most of us find it to be a mixed bag where we accept some kinds of change but not all of the change. Things like aging can be conceded to change but things like belief and culture, not so much. I think the level of acceptance seems to be limited to those things which have the least immediate effect.
There is also a kind of change that really isn’t change at all. It’s really more of a superficial, faddish thing which doesn’t actually change anything in a deep, meaningful way but simply makes it appear to be something new on the outside. It’s kind of like fad diets or exercise programs for the soul: you think it’s great for a while, show all your friends you’re doing it, then get bored with it, put it back in a box, and put it on a shelf somewhere. This isn’t real life change. This is being aware of social trends and finding a bandwagon to ride.
The truth of the matter is change is central to the Way of Jesus. In fact, the Way of Jesus is the way of change because the goal of following Jesus is become like Jesus, to change into a kind of living version of Jesus in the here and now.
We become “a new creation” as Paul writes, and that new creation is something which leaves the old ways, old culture, old way of being behind. We no longer live for ourselves but for the goal of becoming like Jesus as little imitation of Christ. In order to do this, we must embrace change as we let go of self. This process of letting go of self to embrace change is central to what the Way fo Jesus calls us to do and be.
In so many ways, the greater Church finds itself at a crossroads. We are looking at being a quarter of the way through the twenty-first century in a few years. What have we really accomplished in the grander scheme of things, going the direction we are now? Church division? In fighting? Distancing ourselves from the people we are seeking to make disciples of? Good change is like good trouble: we need to get into some on a regular basis. Who knows? Maybe good change can bring healing to some of the wounded in the Church and some of those the Church has wounded.
Pastor Michael
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Congratulations to our 2020 Tony Neal Scholarship Recipients!!! This year’s recipients are Luke Broughton, Sydney Cauthen, Makenzie Hall, Heather Snipes Miles, Matthew Snipes, and Hannah Steen. Our appreciation to the Tony Neal Scholarship Committee and the Neal Family who continue the legacy of continuing education for young adults in Tony’s memory. |
As we continue to gather for worship together, just a few reminders....
- If you are sick or have been sick in the last week before gathering, please stay home. We want to see you but more importantly, we want to see you get better. If you are immune-compromised or part of an at-risk group and concerned about your health, we suggest you consider staying home for your safety.
- On Sunday mornings, we will continue to gather underneath the covered walkway that leads into the family life center nearest the sanctuary. The ground will be marked by at least six-foot intervals to keep people separated as we enter. Once inside, there will be more markers. Once inside the gym, an usher will direct you to chairs that will be at least six feet from any other chairs. Please stay in these areas during the service. Please do not hug, shake hands, or make physical contact with others gathering, for their safety and yours. When the service is over, we will file out one area at a time, going out the doors nearest the area where the buses are parked.
- Masks will continue to be available for folks to wear during the service. These are not optional. Please expect to wear a mask if you join us for worship.
- We will continue our prohibition of all other activities other than worship for now.
For the safety and well-being of each person that gathers with us, we pray that you will be willing to abide by these safety measures. We also STRESS the need to SOCIALLY DISTANCE! Please do not compromise the health of yourself or others during this time. May we all continue in prayer for our church family, community, and country.
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The Administrative Board is asked to meet this Sunday,
August 16 at 5:00 pm in the TFLC. We will socially distance gather as we do for worship and everyone is asked to wear masks. Members are: Dennis Hall, Laura Everall, Susie McDonald, Jimmy Neal, Libby Morris, Steve Moseley, Keli Thomas, Missy Snipes, Judy Humphreys, Tom Salisbury, Hazel Robinson, Terry Robinson, Brooke Collins, Cierra Hartley, Dianne Sweatt, Diane Rape, Earl Hinson, and Jeffrey Thomas.
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The Lay Leadership Committee (Nominations) is asked to meet on Sunday, August 23 at 5:00 pm in the TFLC. Everyone is asked to wear masks and socially distance as we work to place committee members for the new year. Members are: Pastor Michael, Dennis Hall, Margie Vincent, Beverly Knox, Beth Craig, Diane Rape, Susan Broughton, Ryan Griffin, and Kristina Ray.
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August is our month to support HOPE in Lancaster with donations of food for those less fortunate. Particular needs in August are canned vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta (beefaroni, lasagna), and spaghetti sauce. Please place your donations either in the hallway as you enter the life center or at the double doors as you leave worship. |
You are invited to a drive up wedding shower honoring Brittany Jordan and Mitchell Montgomery on Sunday, September 13, 2:00-3:00 pm. Please, don’t leave your car! Just drive up to the car drop off at Zion’s Thompson Family Life Center, 1665 Zion Road, and the happy couple will greet you! In case of rain, please drive under the carport entrance to drop off gifts. Brittany and Mitchell are registered at Amazon and Belk. Gift cards to Home Depot and Walmart would also be greatly appreciated. Please call Beth Craig for any questions, 804-5904.
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A virtual Charge Conference will be held on Sunday, October 15th at 7:00 PM via Zoom. We need to pray over and prepare for our nominations and our budget for 2021. Please watch for scheduled socially distanced meetings so that we can complete the business needed for the New Year for our church.
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Congratulations to Lee and Rhonda Waters and their family in the birth of a granddaughter,
Charlotte Isabelle Waters!!
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Be the light in the Darkness
Please remember to call and check on your church family and friends during these troubling times. Many of our members are unsure or afraid of returning to worship together and have also lost the connection of Sunday school. A call or a card can make a world of difference to those who are struggling with fear, loneliness, and isolation.
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Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to the family of Gary Weathersbee in his death this week. |
Pastor Michael continues to offer morning prayer and Bible study. Join us each morning at 7:00 AM for Prayer and meditation. Join us, also on Thursdays at 12:00 Noon for Bible Study. Pastor Michael is hosting these from our Facebook page. If you are unable to log in LIVE, these offerings remain available for viewing after on our website and FB page. |
While the church office remains closed, you are encouraged to reach out if you have a need or know of a need. You may call Pastor Michael at 1-859-475-8800, call the church office, 285-3864 and leave a message, call Missy at 804-2434 or email [email protected] or [email protected]; these emails are being monitored daily. The answering machine will also be checked daily. During these times, we ask everyone to pray together for each other, our church family, our community, our country, and our world. May God be with us all. |
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Please remember these in prayer:
Nancy Ackerman
Angela Bailey
Francis Bell
Phillip Bell
Rick Black
Marion Boswell
Chance Bowers
Carol Boyles
Randy Boyles
Caleb Catoe
Sue Catoe
Carol Cauthen
Brandy Champion
Ann Chappell
Linda Coker
Sandra Cope
Bill Dingler
Sophia Dixon
Angie Dobson
Heather Elder
John Elder
Suzanne Evans
Ashley Fort
Betsy Gardner
Mike Gay
Judy Goodnight
Travis Gordon
T.R. Grier
Ovedia Griffin
Catherine Hammond
JoAnn Hinson
Rev. Shelly Holder
Kevan Horton
Eric Hough
Libby Hunter
Melinda Hunter
Rick Joyner
Henry Ray Knight
Mary Jane McAteer
Kevin McCorkle
Ann McManus
Tammy McMillian
Debbie McWaters
Marie Moree
Rusty Mosier
Bell Perry
Betty Jo Phillips
Justin Phillips
Ann Powers
Vicky Pickett
Ann Reed
Kathleen Robinson
Mayme Jo Robinson
Nancy Rushing
Bonnie Sears
Eva Small
Greg Smith
JoAnne Smith
Billy Sowell
Robbie Stepp
Matthew Sweatt
Jim Thomas
Mike Vick
Pat Vick
Ellen Walters
David Woodruff
Kim Yost
Our President & Troops
Those affected by the COVID-19 virus
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Even as we offer in-person worship, our services will still be made available online on our Facebook page. Log in to our Zion United Methodist Church Facebook this Sunday for our service if you are unable to make it to church!! The service will also be available on our website at www.zionumc.com |
Current Upper Room Daily Devotionals are available for pick up at the church. We will place some of these in the life center foyer and some in the plastic communication box outside of the life center doors where the buses are for those who do not have access to the church for you to pick up. |
While our United Methodist Women will not be meeting for now, our thoughts and prayers remain with each one of you and with all in need during these trying times! If you know of a need that our women can help with, please contact an officer in the women’s group so that we can try and meet any needs! Executive officers are Sharon Haile, Darlene Hallman, Terry Robinson, Missy Snipes, Dianne Sweatt, and Mary Knight.
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August 14: Todd Finley
August 16: G.B. Heath, IV, Bryce Bridges, Earl Hinson
August 17: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Patchurs
August 18: Will Moseley
August 19: Walter Couch
August 20: Shirley Hunter
August 21: Mr. and Mrs. Todd Hall
August 22: Mr. and Mrs. Butch Williams
August 23: Bryan Walters, tammy Vincent, Tracey McManus
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Our United Methodist Men's third Sunday meeting and our weekly Saturday Bible Study meetings have been suspended until the stay at home order has been lifted and we are told that we can begin to gather again.
To all church members: please understand that we are unable to allow folks to meet inside the buildings at this time. If you had a reservation for personal use inside of one of the buildings over the next few weeks, we are unable to honor those reservations at this time and will announce when we will again be able to honor reservations. As it is, gatherings inside our facilities is not possible.
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The members of Zion ARE CONTINUING
to support the ministry and outreach
of the church!!!
Thank you to each one of you who have adjusted to this change in our lives and have continued to support the ministry and outreach of Zion UMC and for your continued presence at online worship!!! You can continue to give online through the website, www.zionumc.com by clicking on the donate tab. You do not need to have a PayPal account to use this option, simply click on the donate button and follow the prompts, you can text your giving to 803-525-1834 and follow the secure link, or you may give by mailing your tithes to the church at 1665 Zion Road, Lancaster, SC, 29720. If you have misgivings about online donations or mailing your donations, a locking mailbox has been installed under the covered carport where the buses are. You may place your contributions in the box and it will be checked daily.
Together we can move forward.
Together we can continue and make a difference!
TOGETHER, WE ARE the CHURCH!!
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Special Gifts to Zion Church
In Honor of:
Wanda Murphy on her birthday, August 13 by Frances Parris
My Daddy on Father’s Day Love, Colton
Papa, Jeff Jeff, and Tommy M. Love, Colton
Ali on her birthday! Love, Colton and Sadie
Ellen Walters, Betty Crook, Pat Threatt, and Marion and Sonny Curtis by Dianne Martin
Charlotte Isabelle and her family on her birth Love, Eva Small and Family
Charlotte Isabelle Waters and her family Love, Cheryl Hayes and family
Barbara Vick and Family, Brett Blackmon, Rhett and Janet Blackmon and their families, Ellen Walters and Bryan and Donna and their family, and Betty and Mike Crook and their family Love, Eva Small and Family
Those having birthdays and anniversaries this month by Eva Small and Family
Colt Hayes on his 6th birthday Love Grammie and Paw and family
The families of members who have passed Love, Cheryl Hayes and families
Colt Twitty on his birthday Love, Mimi and Family
In Memory of:
Clyde “Shorty” Walters by Sue Lee and Rhonda, Carolyn Massey, Vivian Kesler, Vonnie Trammell, Connie Cannon, and Linda Knight, Debbie and Ken Snipes, and Louise Brunson
The Great Man James Clyde “Shorty” Walters by Leon Robinson, Tony and Patti Vincent, Michael L. Robinson, and Lance and Jan Everett
Patsy Plyler by Max and Myra Funderburk
Mr. Ralph Love, Colton
Eugene Blackmon by Hulene McLeon
Clyde Walters, Chris Crook, Ronnie Threatt, Margaret Threatt, Herb Martin, and Janie Sweatt by Dianne Martin
Horace Small (Daddy) on his birthday Love Cheré Hayes and Family
All of our members who have passed Love, Cheryl Hayes and family
Special Gifts to Building Fund
In Memory of:
Clyde “Shorty” Walters by Doreen Catoe
“Shorty” Walters—my BK friend by Darlene Hallman
Lou Bundy, Gene Blackmon, Shorty Walters, and Chris Crook by Eva Small and Family
Horace Small on his birthday Love, Eva Small
Special Gifts to Cemetery Maintenance (General)
In Memory of:
Bill McManus and Odell Catoe by Della McManus
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Our seven confirmands, who have concluded their classes online with Pastor Michael, will be joining the church soon. We look forward to rejoicing in these new members of our church!! |
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The Record Speaks....
August 9, 2020
Present for Worship: 43
Needed each week for the General Fund $4,360
Received for General Fund $5,594.75
Received for Building Fund $120
Received for Needy Fund $200
Received for Cemetery (General) $100
Received for Community Meal (General) $15
Received for Hope $15
"...because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."
Deuteronomy 15:10,,
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285-3864 - www.zionumc.com |
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