Love God
Love People
~Luke 10:27
|
|
|
Musings ~ Overloaded . . .
We live in an age my childhood self would love to have a glimpse of. I remember coming home in the afternoon when I was a younger elementary student and knowing I had the choice of public television for kids on VHF (all the other stations had soap operas or news programs on them) or cartoons on UHF but only on two channels. I had my favorite shows to watch but the window for seeing them was tight and if I missed it, I had to ask my friend David from up the street whether it was a rerun or not and if not, what happened? There were really only a couple of choices out there on regular television. Then came cable. My parents had a wire installed into the house and a special box that sat on top of the television. There were three rows of channels and a lever that you used to select the row before you pressed a switch to choose the channel on that row. Within a few years, we got the remote version and since then the choices have only grown.
This brings me to my current dilemma: streaming media services. Currently, our household has Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix. Believe it or not it’s still cheaper than satellite or cable service but the dilemma would be the same. The problem is figuring out what to watch. When I’m look for something to watch alone, I think how bored am I going to be with this in the next few minutes? When I’m watching with the rest of the family I think, how bored are they going to be in the next few minutes? I find myself looking through the absurd number of choices thinking about how much I dislike it or how bored everyone else will be until I finally give up and turn it off or give the remote to someone else.
I think people feel like that sometimes with their Christian faith. Where do I start? What should I read? What should I study? Who should I listen to? I remember all those questions from the beginning of my faith journey and I still have them. Do I read popular preachers and learn about preaching? Do I read scholars and theologians to get to the deeper things of the faith? Do I sit in the backyard with a replica altar and offer up the neighbor’s cows as sacrifice? (Scratch the last one; Mr. Williams would look non too kindly on those shenanigans). Some churches and denominations put together extensive discipleship programs with intense classes and commitments. Some of them (Disciple, Alpha, etc.) are pretty good but people rarely have/take time to invest in those things. The truth is we all find ourselves in this place of not knowing where to turn to get started/keep going with discipleship and many people relegate themselves to the Jesus and me in a row boat mindset (I’ll just read my Bible and pray) or I’ll simply let Sunday morning suffice for all of it and do my best to be a good person.
What do we do to grow in faith in an age where there is so much choice at hand and seemingly so little time to devote? And now it seems I’ve written myself into a corner. Maybe not. Sometimes we complicate simple things, and this might be a simple thing we’ve complicated. Next week, we begin a series here on Simple Discipleship. We’ll try to answer the question, how do we become good disciples of the Jesus Way in a world that offers constant distraction and interruption? See you then.
Pastor Michael
|
Thank you to each one who came out and supported our Bazaar this past weekend! Thank you to each one who made soup and to each one who donated crafts and baked goods!! To date we have raised $3,225.75 to help those in need! We are very blessed that this event was successful and we praise God for His blessings on us here at Zion!
|
We will continue worship services socially distanced in the sanctuary at 11:00am. We will continue with the service in the same way we have been worshiping but we will be moving out of the Thompson Family Life Center. The children will begin having activities in the Life Center at the same time, also socially distanced. We will be using a format like Lancaster County Schools.
- Children will be dropped off at the front door entrance of the Family Life Center to be assessed.
- Children will have their temperature checked as they enter and any child with a temperature above 100.4 or with any cold or flu like symptoms will need to stay home
- Children will be socially distanced during activities
- Children will be required to wear a mask
- Parents must wait until their children are cleared before the parents leave
Youth will also be meeting at the same time but in the fellowship hall.
- Youth will wait outside the fellowship hall door until they can be assessed
- Youth will have their temperature checked as they enter and any student with a temperature above 100.4 or with any cold or flu like symptoms will need to stay home
- Youth will be socially distanced during activities
- Youth will be required to wear a mask
We look forward to the opportunity to see everyone joining us for worship and activities on Sunday morning. We hope to have a great and safe time worshiping together.
|
The Chancel flowers will be placed in the sanctuary this Sunday, November 15 to the glory of God and in loving memory of Crystal Fields on her 53rd birthday
by Mama and Daddy
|
Morning Walking Club: Our weekday morning walking group has resumed meeting in the life center Monday through
Friday at 8:00 AM. Church members are welcome to come out and enjoy getting in some exercise out of the elements and in a secure location!
|
It’s time for completing Christmas Shoe Box gifts for Samaritan’s Purse. Please prayerfully consider completing a box (or more)! Brochures with labels, packing suggestions & instruction are available in the church vestibule. Samaritan's Purse preprinted boxes are also now available in the vestibule. Please have your completed shoebox gifts to the church by Sunday, November 15.
How to pack your shoe box gift:
1. Find an empty shoebox. you can wrap it - lid separately - if you would like. Wrapping is not required or pick up a pre printed shoebox available in the church vestibule.
2. Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Cut out the appropriate label from the back of the brochures, tape it on top of your box, and mark the correct age category.
3. Fill the box with a variety of gifts. In a separate envelope you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family (If you include your name and address, the child may write you back)
4. IMPORTANT: Please enclose $9.00 or more in the brochure envelope and put it inside your box to help cover shipping and other costs. If at all possible, please send a check instead of cash. CHECKS NEED TO BE MADE PAYABLE TO OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD. If you are packing more than one box, you can make a combined donation in a single envelope. Place the envelope on top of the gift items so it is clearly visible. Place a rubber band around your box and lid, then bring your shoe box to church by November 15. Items to include in the shoebox gifts are on the brochures. Please do NOT include the following items: used items, toothpaste, hard candy, war-related items (toy guns, knives, etc.), perishable food items, liquids (shampoo, lotion, bubbles, etc.), medicines (vitamins, cough drops, ointment, etc.) or breakable items (no mirrors, china dolls, snow globes, etc.). You may bring your completed boxes and place them in the vestibule any time, but again, they will all have to be completed and turned in no later than Sunday, November 15. Thank you for your support.
|
November is our month to
support HOPE in Lancaster with donations of food for those less fortunate. Particular needs in November are: green beans, peanut butter, canned beef stew, canned tuna, canned pasta, and dry pasta noodles. Please place your contributions in the collection box in the vestibule and they will be picked up and taken to HOPE weekly. Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful outreach for our community!!
|
As Advent gets closer, we wanted everyone to know that we do plan to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Our
Chrismon tree will be delivered and set up by Wednesday, November 25 and we will be decorating the tree that
afternoon beginning at 5:30 pm. Your help is needed and very much appreciated! Poinsettias will also be placed in the sanctuary to the glory of God and in honor and in memory of loved ones on December 13 and 20. If you would like to place a poinsettia, please bring same and place in the church December 13. Please let the church office know how you would like these placed by leaving a message on the church answering machine, calling Missy at 803-804-2434 or emailing the information to [email protected].
|
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. |
Shoeboxes for Seniors
Lancaster County Council on Aging is sponsoring the collection of shoebox gifts for Lancaster county senior citizens. Deadline for the gifts is Sunday, November 29. These have to be delivered by Tuesday, December 1. Late donations will not be accepted as the gifts have to be “quarantined for two weeks” before they can be delivered to area senior citizens who’s health may be vulnerable.
Suggested items for shoeboxes: sweater scarf, gloves, non slip socks, small blanket or throw, lotion, shampoo,
Vaseline, toothpaste, toothbrush, Efferdent/Fixodent,
chapstick, towel, washcloth, bath soap, dryer sheets, small bottle washing detergent, dishwashing detergent, Kleenex, paper towels, toilet paper, cookies, sugar-free candy, microwave popcorn, fruit cups or pudding, claw/reacher/grabber, 2021 calendar, crossword puzzle book, word search puzzle book, puzzles (100 piece or less), envelopes, ink pens/pencils, cards for seniors to send to other (Get Well, Sympathy, Birthday). Please place your contributions in the vestibule collection box. Thank you!!
|
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. |
|
 |
Please remember these in prayer:
Nancy Ackerman
Angela Bailey
Francis Bell
Phillip Bell
Sue Catoe
Carol Cauthen
Angie Dobson
John Elder
Catherine Hammond
JoAnn Hinson
Rick Joyner
Marie Moree
Ann Powers
Kathleen Robinson
Bonnie Sears
Eva Small
Greg Smith
JoAnne Smith
Billy Sowell
Robbie Stepp
Matthew Sweatt
Pat Vick
Myrtle Walker
Donna Walters
Ellen Walters
Kim Yost
Our President and Troops
Those affected by the COVID virus
*******************
We remain in prayer for all who have needs! We have went through the prayer list and updated this to reflect those that we know who are still in need of prayer. If you have ones that you would like to have added back to the list, please contact Missy at 803-804-2434 or at [email protected] With no recent updates on some folks and not knowing how the requests had been placed, we felt that updating the list at this time was best. We welcome your prayer requests!
|
|
|
|
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 page 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 church vestibule on the table and some in the plastic communication box outside of the life center doors where the buses are for those who do not attend worship or have access to the church for you to pick up. There are large and regular print copies available. |
|
|
|
November 13: Mr. and Mrs. Mike Rape
November 14: Eva Small, Laura Plyler
November 15: Mychal Waters
November 16: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Craig
November 19: Peggy (Mrs. Jackie) Knight
|
Special Gifts to Zion Church
In Honor of:
Carol Cauthen and Nancy Ackerman by Darlene Hallman
Donovan Jarrell and our Veterans by Doreen Catoe
In loving memory of Ralph Craig by Beth, Brett, Adair and Jamison
|
BIRTHDAY CLUB
Libby Morris
|
General Fund Expenditures: October 2020
Duke Energy........................................................................1341.28
Wycliffe Bible Translators....................................................333.34
Rural Garbage.......................................................................145.00
Pastor Jarrell (cont ed, worship)...........................................90.02
Driver Support..........................................................................9.99
Breeze.....................................................................................50.00
Wells Fargo (service fee)..........................................................2.00
Comporium...........................................................................215.24
Amazon (worship)..................................................................64.78
Staff Salaries ......................................................................3834.74
SC Conference (Direct Billing)...........................................2469.06
US Treasury.............................................................................79.56
LCNGA....................................................................................90.20
LCWSD..................................................................................363.28
People Facts ............................................................................16.20
Simplified Office Systems (annual svc agreement)..............895.48
Wespath (Pastor’s retirement)................................................48.25
The Upper Room......................................................................95.50
Samaritan's Purse.....................................................................42.12
Custodial ...............................................................................696.00
Southern Mutual Insurance.................................................2444.75
Constant Contact......................................................................21.60
William Baker (piano tuning)................................................110.00
Keli Thomas (children Fall and Christmas)..........................304.85
|
|
The Record Speaks....
November 8, 2020
Present for Worship: 49
Needed each week for the General Fund $4,360
Received for General Fund $5,420
Received for Building Fund $196.80
Received for Epworth Children's Home $600
There are many options available to give to the continuing ministry and outreach of Zion UMC. You may drop your offering in the offering plate as you arrive or leave worship service on Sundays, give through the website www.zionumc.com through Paypal, text your giving to 803-525-1834 and follow the secure link, or if you are not comfortable attending worship at this time and do not wish to give online, you may drop your offering in the mail to Zion UMC at 1665 Zion Road, Lancaster, SC 29720 or drop off in the mail drop box that is located beside the double doors where the buses are. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Missy at 804-2434 or leave a message at the church office, 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 everything you put your hand to."
Deuteronomy 15:10,,
|
|
803-285-3864 - www.zionumc.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
