Sunday Mornings at Zion

9:00am Sunday School

10:00am Worship for All

Onsite and Online

11:15am Fellowship Time

Monthly News & Updates

February 2026

Worship and Fellowship Opportunities this Month

Mardi Gras Social Event

Zion Members attend Revival of Faith Event

On January 10th, around 33 Lutherans from across the state gathered in Zion’s Family Life Center to hear Rev. Michael Beck speak about the Fresh Expressions movement, which meets people where they are in the community to share God’s love and Jesus’s teachings beyond the walls of the church. We got serious discussing important topics like the overall decline in church attendance and why, how we can build faith communities beyond organized religious settings, and what type of dog God would be if God were a dog. And got even more serious trying to build the tallest marshmallow tower using uncooked spaghetti, tape, and string. We enjoyed a time of learning, sharing ideas, reflection, fellowship, and a lot of fun! We left with a reminder that Jesus welcomed ALL and a renewed purpose to be fishers of people in the wider oceans of our communities.

From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Saints of Zion,

January has been a month! Or maybe a year. It has been a lot. Politics is crazy. The news brings us some tragedy every day, it seems like. Many people have had colds or the flu—or have been working hard to avoid illness. The weather keeps us guessing about what we will or won’t be able to do and rescheduling events right and left.

In the middle of all this, we are continuing to live our lives. We continue to shop for groceries and do laundry and talk with our friends and keep the daily routine going. It can be overwhelming.

This season in the church year is Epiphany. It’s the season after Christmas and before Lent. Now that Jesus has been born, we focus on how God reveals what that means for the world. We might think of it as peeling back the cover of the world and seeing what God is doing underneath.

In the middle of your busy, where is God?

Is God in the friend who asks how you’re really doing? Or the bit of sunshine in between the clouds? Is God in the healing of your body or the dark sense of humor that gets you through the day? Is it in the steady rhythm of prayer and devotions? Or the songs that get stuck in your head?

The promise we hold on to is that God is there. God is everywhere you are because God wants to be with you. God shows you glimmers of goodness to energize you for the work ahead. This is what God does because of who God is.

How can we give thanks for love like that? How do we respond to God’s loving goodness? We do that in every minute and every decision we make. The church calls it stewardship. We could just call it love. Stewardship is how we use our lives—our stuff, our time, our health, everything—to lovingly respond to God’s care for us.

This Lent, we’ll take our Wednesday nights and offer them up in worship to God. Dinner will be at 5:30 (because you’ve got to eat!) and worship at 6:30. Each week, we’ll focus on a different area of our lives. Many weeks, we’ll have guest pastors in worship to guide us along the way.

Stewardship isn’t doing one more thing. It’s making sure that the things we do are intentional. It’s lining up our lives with time for work, rest, play, and God. You’re already doing this work. Let’s worship together and learn together ways to deepen that part of our discipleship.

In God’s Peace,

Pastor Emily

Welcome to our new Facilities Manager

Welcome to our new Facilities Manager, George Drafts! George is a Lexington native who recently retired from law enforcement. He joins our team this month and will be partnering with Steve Shumpert while he learns the ropes. When you see him and his wife Maryam around, please introduce yourself and help them get to know Zion.

We're Hiring

Seeking a Music Director

Zion Lutheran Church, Lexington, is seeking a part time Music Director 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.

Upcoming Team Meetings

Looking for a way to get involved at Zion?

We have ministry teams that want your ideas.

Come to a team meeting this month and see what it's all about. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings.

Finance Team - February 2nd, 6:00pm

Outreach Team - February 8th, 11:15am

Youth Ministry

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

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 will gather Wednesday, February 18th at 11:00 am. in the Cathedral Room for an Ash Wednesday service. Lunch will follow. Soup, bread and cornbread will be provided. Please bring a dessert to share. All are invited to join us for this special worship service and fellowship time.

Walking with our neighbors

Mission Lexington Donations

We support Mission Lexington to support our neighbors in need. Can you help 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:

Toilet Paper

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.

Serving in Worship

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!

Click to volunteer

Serving in Worship for February

Assisting Minister: Bridget Ridgell

Reader: 1st Amanda Farwick;

8th Janice Sult; 15th Mary Nell Panyard; 22nd Bob McCombs;

Crucifer:

SIGNUP NOW, Anyone can Crucifer: click here to signup.

Technology Team:

Anyone can help: click here to signup.

1st Russell Kleckley, Chris Bigham;

8th OPEN; 15th OPEN; 22nd OPEN;

Ushers: Jan and Burns Corley

Chancel & Sacraments:

Janice & Steve Sult

Cookies & Fellowship: OPEN - Signup in Narthex

Offering Counters: Janice Sult, Evelyn Varn

Zion Technology Ministry

Dear Zion Family,

We’re reaching out with a special opportunity to support our church’s growing technical needs. As we continue to expand our digital outreach and secure our internal systems, the Zion Network plays a vital role in keeping our staff, partners, and mission connected.

We’re looking for volunteers to assist with basic computer and network support—from organizing device logs and updating documentation to helping troubleshoot Wi-Fi and access issues. This is a fantastic opportunity for a young person interested in computers, networking, or IT. No advanced experience required—just a willingness to learn and serve.

Whether you're tech-savvy or simply curious, your help can make a real difference.

We’ll provide guidance, mentorship, and hands-on experience that could spark a lifelong skill or career path.

If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to the church office or speak with us after service.

Let’s build a stronger, more connected Zion—together.

Rob Bigham

bighamrw@outlook.com

803-629-1571

Russell Kleckley

rkleckley61@gmail.com

803-206-7835

With gratitude,

Zion Lutheran Church Tech Team

Giving & Generosity

Giving Info as of January 28, 2026

Budgeted 2026 Offering: $400,000

Offering received YTD: $22,110

GIFTS FOR OUTREACH MINISTRIES GIVEN THIS YEAR

Mission Lexington: $0+ 141 pounds of food

Snack Packs Ministry: $250 + Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $275

Recent Memorials Given

To General Fund in memory of Irene & Dedrick Harman by Sam & Norma Harman.

To General Fund in memory of Warren Peebles, Sr. by Jean Peebles.

To General Fund in honor of James & Iris Harman by Cynthia & Thomas Black.

To General Fund in honor of James & Iris Harman by Helen & Michael Hinton.

In Our Prayers

Current Needs

Jerald Drafts

Barry Granda

Janet Green

Eileen Leaphart

Mitch Mitcham

Ethel Riley

Judy Shotts

Carolette Turner

Homebound

Betty Jo Corley (Wellmore)

Melba Ivey (Spring Oak)

John Shotts

Margaret Sox

Kay Waites (Lexington Extended)

Darlene Weight (Tennessee)

Friends of the Congregation

Bishop Ginny Aebischer (health)

Lynn Balch (health, wife of Craig Balch)

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)

Julie Marquardt (cancer, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)

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)

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)

Sarah White (homebound, girlfriend of Clayton Hendrix)

Don Wilson (health, father of Laura McCombs)

Carroll Wise (health, father of Julie Branham)

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.

Celebrations this Month

February Birthdays

1^st - Connor Burn

2^nd - Hayden Ellisor

3^rd - Edith Clark

4^th - Geri Nilsestuen

5^th - Rebekah Cromer, Isabella Sanford

7^th - Thom Stoudemire

10^th - Nora Jebali

11^th - Margaret Drafts, Christopher Turner

20^th - Roger Richardson

22^nd - Virginia Wetzel

23^rd - Betty Smith, Jamie Fite

24^th - Peyton Conn, Sydney Branham

26^th - Marion Clark

27^th - Russell Grant, Karey Hendrix, Mary Alice Leaphart, Gregory Wingard, Brian Higgins

29^th - John Call, Cameron Lamb

February Anniversaries

1^st - Chris & Kimberly Rauch

13^th - Larry & Stacey Hook

27^th – Michael & Heather Williamson