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Sunday Mornings at Zion
9:00am Sunday School
10:00am Worship for All
Onsite and Online
11:15am Fellowship Time
| | Worship and Fellowship Opportunities this Month | | | |
Christmas Poinsettias
This year, our Christmas poinsettias are changing. If you would like to donate poinsettias to beautify our worship space for the holiday, please buy them and bring them to the narthex on December 21. You can label the bottom if you want to get yours back. We will still be able to note in the bulletin flowers or charitable donations made in honor or memory of loved ones. Look for an insert in the bulletin during the Sundays of Advent!
| | | Angel Tree for Lutheran Services | | | |
Look for the angel tree in the Narthex this Sunday. We are again collecting gifts to be distributed in the midlands by Lutheran Services Carolinas. Take an ornament off the tree in the gym, purchase the requested gift written on it, and return it wrapped with the ornament (or marked with the ornament number) by Sunday December 14th.
ALL GIFTS ARE CLAIMED!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.
| | | Congregation Meeting Recap | | | |
The annual congregational meeting was held on November 9, 2025. Six members were elected to serve on council for a two-year term commencing January 1, 2026. They will be installed during service on Sunday, December 7. Please join us in congratulating and offering prayers for the following new members of council:
Kregg Corley
Amanda Farwick
Jamie Fite
Janice Sult
Evelyn Varn
Bert Wingard
Carol Hunter will serve as the alternate.
The congregation also approved the budget for 2026. After much discussion and consideration, the congregation voted to approve the 2026 budget recommended by council and the finance committee of $400,000, and approved council creating designated funds as necessary to address the ministry funding needs.
Council and finance will work together to address our ministry funding needs with a thoughtful and coordinated approach to fundraising in 2026. We ask that all members thoughtfully and prayerfully consider how you are able and called to contribute to Zion’s ministry as we strive to live out our mission statement:
Glorifying God + Growing in Faith + Serving Others
Yours in Christ,
Betsy Burn
Council Chair
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Dear Saints of Zion,
The end of the year is always a time of remembering. We look back on what we’ve done since the last turn round the sun. We remember past holidays and who was there with us. We remember friends and family who live far away and make time to spend with those who are closer.
The story of Christmas is a story of family. It’s a story of generations waiting for someone to rise up from among them. It’s a story of two women, pregnant at the same time, coming together to support one another. It’s a story of a family reunion (though an involuntary one) where there weren’t enough beds to go around. It’s the story of a new start, begun right in the middle of lives already happening.
The nativity is a story we can relate to in a lot of ways. We know what it is to be surprised by life. We know what it feels like to have the family believe something scandalous is going on. We know what it is to travel. We know what it is to be disappointed with the accommodations.
This story, so steeped in tradition, is also the start of something completely new.
Never before had God been born. Never before had God lived as one of us. Never before had we seen the face of God, much less heard God speak and laugh or seen God cry.
The baby was like every baby ever born and like no baby before him, all at the same time.
Some of us will have holidays that look and feel a lot like they did last year. Some of us will have a December that is totally different. Many of us will have some familiar and some unfamiliar parts. Holding those together can be a holy challenge. We want to hang on to what is familiar and holds meaning for us, even while we incorporate new people, new activities, or new places.
As we walk through these holidays, I hope that you’ll have times to remember, times to celebrate this year, and times to plan ahead. I hope that you’ll have the warm fuzzy experiences that bring back the best of years gone by. I hope you’ll have joys that surprise and delight. And I hope that you’ll experience God in each and every moment.
God who is, who was, and who will be holds all things together. The same God created all things, redeems all things, and will restore all things. Making old things new is what God does in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Making things new is what God does in us, for us, and around us.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Emily
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Seeking a Music Director
and a Property Manager
Zion Lutheran Church, Lexington, is seeking a part time Music Director and Property Manager to join our team. Come join the staff of a friendly congregation dedicated to glorifying God, growing in faith, and serving others. Full job descriptions and application details are available at ZionLexSC.com/careers.
For more information or to apply email ZionChurch@zionlexsc.com.
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We welcome Denise Caulder onto Zion’s staff as our new Financial Administrator! Denise comes with experience in nursing and in managing software systems in hospital settings. We are excited to have her join the weekday team at Zion. She will be working alongside Julie during the month of December as she learns the ropes of this position.
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Zion Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday December 14th ⋆ 10:00am
All children and youth are welcome to join in the fun. We will need extras, singers to fill our “choir”, and a few small speaking roles. Please reach out to Jamie Hampton with any questions and to volunteer: JHampton229@gmail.com
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Youth Group activities at Zion
We hope your youth will join us as we seek to be disciples and have some fun along the way:
Youth Group - Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm
RESUMES IN JANUARY
Family Life Center
Following the Meal, 6-12th graders gather for a game and discussion about how our faith impacts our daily life.
High School Bible Study - Fridays 7:30-8:15am
Lowes Foods Coffee Shop
High School Youth gather over breakfast treats to discuss the assigned gospel reading for the week. Rides to River Bluff HS available, please let Walt know in advance.
Sunday School - Sundays 9:00-9:45am
Zion Youth Room
Before Sunday Worship, 6-12th graders gather for bible study and conversation.
| | | Zion Hilltoppers - Zion's Retiree Group | | | |
Hilltoppers mark your calendars for December 16th at 11:00 am for our annual Christmas Gift Exchange and Luncheon. The meat for Lunch will be provided, please bring a side or dessert to share along with a fun, wrapped gift to exchange. All are invited to join us for this annual fun fellowship. We hope to see everyone there in your most festive holiday attire. I'm wondering if Miss Iris wrapped gift will be a pound cake and who will be the lucky recipient? Come and see!
| | | Walking with our neighbors | | | |
Mission Lexington Donations
We support Mission Lexington to support our neighbors in need. Can you help feed a neighbor this week? Drop items in the bin inside the Family Life Center, church narthex, or in the office.
NEEDED ITEMS OF THE MONTH:
Beef Stew
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BRING YOUR CHANGE TO MAKE A CHANGE!
Each month we will be having a “Noisy Offering” for feeding ministries. The second Sunday of each month our children will walk the sanctuary filling up cans with change to help those in need.
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The Choir rehearses in the choir room each Sunday morning starting at 9:00am. This month, we will add a weeknight rehearsal to prepare extra music for Christmas Eve worship, so watch your bulletin for more info. We can always use more voices, so please come join us!
Handbells - Christmas is almost here, and we still need ringers, so if you’re interested in playing on Christmas Eve, please let Julie know ASAP. We always welcome new ringers!
Solo singers or instrumentalists would be great ANY time of year! If you’d be interested in singing or playing a solo during worship, please let me know!
*Call the church office at (803) 356-2297 or email Julie at julie@zionlexsc.com for more info.
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Share Your Talents
on Christmas Eve!
Musicians and singers wanted: It’s not too late to volunteer to provide special music for our Christmas Eve worship service on Wednesday, December 24th, at 7:00pm. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Julie at julie@zionlexsc.com.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our music programs during 2025 through participation in choir or handbells, or by sharing vocal/instrumental solos! If you haven’t previously been involved in music programs at Zion, please consider volunteering your time and sharing your talents!
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We need your help to make Worship
happen at Zion. We are looking to fill
in a few serving roles this month. Click the button to volunteer now!
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Serving in Worship for December
Assisting Minister: Denise Caulder
Reader: 7th Will Cohoon; 14th Bridgett Ridgell;
21st Katie McKinley; 24th Roger Anderson; 28th Sue Anderson;
Crucifer:
SIGNUP NOW, Anyone can Crucifer: click here to signup.
Technology Team:
Anyone can help: click here to signup.
7th OPEN, Robbie Bigham; 14th OPEN, Tyler Beard;
21st OPEN; 24th OPEN; 28th OPEN;
Ushers: Steve & Amanda Farwick
Chancel & Sacraments:
Janice & Steve Sult
Cookies & Fellowship: OPEN - Signup in Narthex
Offering Counters: Shawn Cromer, Lee Caulder
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Below are the abbreviated minutes from our most recent meeting. If you would like a copy of the full minutes reach out to the church office or our Council Secretary Rebekah at RebekahWCromer@gmail.com
Rebekah Cromer
Council Secretary
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Thank you to outgoing council members!
Roger Anderson, Craig Balch, Rebekah Cromer, Steve Hendrix, and Chesson Merritt have completed their terms on council as of December 31. Zion thanks them for their service, their wisdom, their patience, and their leadership. Serving on council is a weighty responsibility. It can be a joy to see the fuller picture of what God is doing through Zion and it requires a commitment to helping see that work through and plan creatively for what God is doing next. Thank you especially to Rebekah Cromer, who has served as Council Secretary for the last two years, and to Steve Hendrix, who served as Chair in 2024.
Zion’s Council in 2025 includes Betsy Burn, Paula Carlson, Kregg Corley, Amanda Farwick, Jamie Fite, Jessi Hampton, Nikki Harmon, Russell Kleckley, Janice Sult, Evelyn Varn, Jason Wetzel, Bert Wingard, and Pastor Emily. They will elect officers in December and be installed in worship on Sunday, December 7. The 2025 Council term starts on January 1. Please keep our leaders in your prayers!
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CONGREGATION COUNCIL MINUTES
Monday, November 10th, 2025, 7:00PM
Attendees: Jamie Fite, Steve Hendrix, Rebekah Cromer, Roger Anderson, Pastor Emily, Russell Kleckley, Jessi Hampton, Paula Carlson, Jason Wetzel, Chesson Merritt, Craig Balch, Nikki Harmon, Walt Hampton, Betsy Burn, Eileen Leaphart, Kregg Corley, Bert Wingard, and Evelyn Varn in attendance.
- Call to Order: 7:00PM
- Devotions: Jason Wetzel
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Consent Agenda Needs Approval
- Pastor Emily noted receiving new families at the end of the month including the Plummers; Julie is having knee surgery at the end of the month; Looking for someone to help answer the phones the beginning of Thanksgiving week.
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Selected December 7th as the installation day of new members
- Question from Steve about the HVAC ensuring the balance and the remaining facilities funds, roughly $28,000; Russell asked about a walk through and anything additional we need to do
- Question from Steve regarding the Pastors report about Warren Keisler
- Nikki Harmon asked a question about the removal of names and if we made a full effort to reach out to everyone; comment about Chasen and reaching out to Nandalyn
- Motion made by Paula to approve the consent agenda; Second by Jamie; All in favor; motion passes
- Business/Action Items:
- Report of the Chair:
- Review of the annual meeting
- Notes from the meeting to be circulated ASAP to council
- Discussion of the new council members; Betsy reached out to Carol as the alternate
- Mention of the budget and review; $400,000 must-have, balanced budget; finance and council are going to work together to create coordinated efforts for ministry fundraisers
- Goal for council for 2026 is the stewardship message and strengthening communication
- Steve asked about the election process; if the names should have been presented to the congregation two weeks ahead of time; also looking into better transition and hand off of the council positions
- Russell raised a question regarding the minutes from last year; we will ensure to record meetings and have them more thorough for future approval
- Eilleen spoke about the minutes and an early review process to ensure the processes are organized
- Eilleen spoke about the nominating committee and how they chose a group of diversity; she asks that the new committee members ensure all needs and responsibilities are met; she recommends that for meetings there is a parliamentary; once motions are approved, they are highlighted and shown for the budget; mentioned asking for budget information to be circulated earlier.
- Betsy reiterated creating a calendar and ensuring we are on track and have deadlines; what is due when and reminders
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Reminder about the council meal on November 19th; group will coordinate
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Betsy and Chip are hosting a Christmas party on Sunday December 7th, 6-8pm; more to come
- Thanksgiving drivers needed; spread the word and let Betsy know
- Review of Committees for 2026: Begin gathering your annual reports ready to share with the next council member in that role.
- Review of Annual Meeting: discussed in Betsy’s report
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2026 Council Retreat/Planning: January 23rd/24th either at Zion or Redeemer
- Executive Session for Last Item: non council members left
- Upcoming Dates:
- November 19th: Council WNL BBQ and Sides
- Joys and Concerns
- Lord’s Prayer and Adjournment: 8:19PM
Next Council Meeting Date: Monday, December 8th at 7:00PM
Next Devotions: Chesson Merritt
| | | We give thanks to God for an estate gift from John and Norene Drafts. The Drafts cared deeply about creating Christian community, about the financial stability of Zion Lutheran Church, and about passing the faith on to future generations. They left a gift of $32,000 to Zion in their estate as part of their legacy of faith. To support the work of Zion, from the facilities to the future, the Endowment Committee has decided to put these funds toward the General Fund. The General Fund supports the bulk of the day-to-day operations at Zion, including utility bills, mission support, Christian Education, and other expenses. | |
Giving Info as of November 30, 2025
Budgeted 2025 Offering: $447,000
Offering received YTD: $394,851
Budgeted offering YTD: $412,615
2025 Excess (shortfall) offering YTD: ($17,764)
GIFTS FOR OUTREACH MINISTRIES GIVEN THIS YEAR
Mission Lexington: $1603 + 1287 pounds of food
Snack Packs Ministry: $7,994 + Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $1,823
Recent Memorials Given
In memory of Wyman Keisler, Norene Drafts & Gege Kimball to the General Fund
by Paul & Mary Hook
In memory of Norene Drafts to the General Fund by Simpsonville Garden Club
In memory of Wyman Keisler to the General Fund
by 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union
In memory of Norene Drafts to the General Fund by Martha Drafts
In memory of Norene Drafts & Wyman Keisler to the General Fund by Geri Nilsestuen
In memory of Gege Kimball & Wyman Keisler to the General Fund
by Steve & Jeannie Wingard
In memory of Gege Kimball to Thanksgiving Meals by Al & Carla Fallaw
In memory of John & Norene Drafts to the General Fund by Deanna & Todd Sease
In memory of our loving dad, Wyman Keisler, to the Building Fund by Kevin Keisler
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GROW & RENEW CAMPAIGN
We celebrate the gifts and commitments received from members and friends of Zion for our Grow & Renew Campaign.
Total committed to the Grow & Renew Campaign: $903,138
Total received so far for this work: $837,592
Total remaining: $65,546
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Current Needs
John Call
Burns Corley
Jerald Drafts
Barry Granda
Janet Green
Eileen Leaphart
Mitch Mitcham
Charles Richardson
Judy Shotts
Carolette Turner
Homebound
Betty Jo Corley (Wellmore)
Melba Ivey (Spring Oak)
John Shotts
Margaret Sox
Kay Waites (Lexington Extended)
Darlene Weight (Tennessee)
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Friends of the Congregation
Bishop Ginny Aebischer (health)
Lynn Balch (health, wife of Craig Balch)
Beth Bolt (health, mother of Mary Beth Bigham)
Steve Burn (cancer, father of Chip Burn)
Joyce Carter (cancer, friend of Zion)
Glenda Crafts (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Adam Demars (stroke, friend of Christy Jacobs)
Mark Durham (kidney failure, BIL of Craig Balch)
Jack Elrod (alzheimers, father of Todd Elrod)
Greg Ewing (health, friend of Mary Nell Panyard)
Samuel Harman (health, brother of Ethel Riley and James Harman)
William Harman (health, brother of Ethel Riley and James Harman)
Robert Harrelson (surgery, friend of the Ridgells)
Joye Haygood (cancer, cousin of the Leapharts)
Genia Henwood (health, friend of Eileen Leaphart)
Carly Huggins (friend of Stefanie Wingard)
CJ Keathley (health, brother of Denise Caulder)
Shelly Koenig (cancer, daughter in law of Mary Nell Panyard)
Davis Locke (health, nephew of Rebekah & Shawn Cromer)
Liz Mangan (cancer, friend of the Branhams)
Bill May (stroke, uncle of Mary Hampton)
Faye O’Neal (health, friend of Carla Fallaw)
Shirley Parker (cancer, aunt of Kimberly Rauch)
Donna Riggins (cancer, sister in law of Rachael Rhoden)
Coach Rhodes (cancer, friend of the Clarks)
Gabe Salinas (military, boyfriend of Riley Burn)
Tyler Shotts (military, grandson of the Shotts)
Keith Shotts (military, grandson of the Shotts)
Joe Slade (health, friend of the Leapharts)
Peggy Sox (health, mother of Evelyn Varn)
Gary Swancey (health, nephew of Shirley Derriso)
Gary Tilley (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Bob Wall (cancer, friend of the Andersons)
Jenny Westfall (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Ron White (cancer, friend of the Caulders)
Sarah White (homebound, girlfriend of Clayton Hendrix)
Don Wilson (health, father of Laura McCombs)
Carroll & Helen Wise (health, parents of Julie Branham)
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Please help us keep the list up to date by adding or removing names when the time is right. To make
or update a prayer request email or call the church office at ZionChurch@zionlexsc.com or 356-2297.
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December Birthdays
1st - Ginger Sox; 2nd - Kelsey Gorman, Huntington Cotten; 4th - Peyton Grant; 5th - Landon Williamson, Hal Copple; 6th - Todd Elrod, Liz Wertz; 11th - Riley Steele, Mary Hampton; 15th - Norah Wertz; 16th - Carolette Turner; 17th - Russell Wingard, Duane Smith, Bryson Wetzel; 21st - Jeffrey Keene, Thomas Sox; 22nd - Dale Driggers; 26th - Bob Keene; 28th - Kayla Drafts; 29th - Brent Wingard, Christopher Sanford
December Anniversaries
7th - Chris & Mary Beth Bigham
12th - Cameron & Chandler Lamb, Steve & Kelly Jo Swygert
21st - Ronald & Eileen Leaphart
29th - Charles & Dianne Richardson
30th – Rob & Kathy Bigham
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