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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 | | | |
Wednesday Night Live + Resumes January 7th
We hope you’ll join us at 5:45pm each Wednesday for a fellowship meal and stick around for faith formation for all ages from 6:30-7:30pm. A great meal and learning time with great people!
WE NEED WINTER MEAL TEAMS
If you'd like to help host a meal reach out to the office.
| | | Educational Event at Zion | | | |
A Revival of Faith: Sharing the Good News of Jesus as a Fresh Expression of our Faith
Featuring The Rev. Michael Adam Beck
January 10, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Lexington
How do we, as people of faith, share Jesus today? Come and learn how to revitalize church that is reflective of Jesus’ life giving message.
Discover the blended ecology model for modern churches.
How can the church adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing culture while staying true to its roots? With churches facing declining attendance and outreach struggles, Rooted in the Wild offers a timely and inspiring solution.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER
| | | Greetings from the Bishop’s Election Committee | | | |
Greetings from the South Carolina Synod Bishop’s Election Committee.
We give thanks for the faithful leadership of Bishop Ginny Aebischer for her nearly eighteen years of leadership to the South Carolina Synod as both Bishop and earlier, as Assistant to the Bishop. This past September, Bishop Aebischer shared that she will not seek reelection. Therefore, a new bishop will be elected at the 2026 South Carolina Synod Assembly.
Learn More & Take Survey
Your responses will help identify shared hopes, challenges, and expectations for the future of our synod, its congregations, and the ELCA as a whole. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete the survey by January 15th and share it with your South Carolina Synod congregation or ministry setting.
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Dear Friends,
In my family, we’ve already started making our plans for 2026. We’ve booked weeks at camp, looked at vacation schedules, and thought through what needs to be done over the next year. Not much is set in stone, but the conversations have begun. You might be doing the same. As we launch into 2026, I hope that you’ll make time this year to grow closer to God.
Maybe you’ll make more of an effort to worship on Sundays, or you’ll set a timer on your phone so you remember to pray at a certain time each day. Maybe you’ll find a devotional you like or listen to a podcast that helps you grow in faith.
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There are a few specific opportunities Zion has for you as we start the new year. We have classes on Sundays at 9—there are options for all ages. On Wednesdays at 6:30, we’ll start reading Baptized We Live, by Daniel Erlander. It’s a simple, deep, illustrated look at the Christian faith from the Lutheran perspective. I hope you’ll come join the conversation.
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Council will also be taking up a book study this year. Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger compares the modern church to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. When Lewis and Clark paddled west, they were expecting to find the Northwest Passage, a way to sail easily to the Pacific Ocean. Instead, they found the Rocky Mountains. The ways that they had been exploring and working were great for what they knew, but they had to reconfigure and think differently to journey through what was ahead of them. I’d like to invite you to check out this book as well. It’s engaging, has short chapters, and is available for purchase cheaply through used bookstores online or to borrow on the Hoopla app.
2025 was a good year for Zion. Together, (as of this writing) we have donated nearly $430,000 to the General Fund, over $12,000 and 1287 lbs. of food for our neighbors in need, and replaced the HVAC system in the sanctuary. We have celebrated confirmations, a wedding, baptisms, and new members. Together, we have commended our beloved dead to God. We have collaborated with neighbor congregations and our South Carolina Synod. We even have a member of our congregation as a member of Synod Council. By the grace of God, 2026 will be an amazing year. We have good news to share and a community where we can live in love.
I thank God for you and am excited for the year ahead.
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.
| | | New Supper Clubs forming now | | | |
Build Deeper Relationships One Meal at a Time.
We are excited to launch new Zion Supper Clubs. This is a simple way for us to connect over a meal and build deeper friendships. We will begin in March. Supper Clubs are small groups of 8 to 10 people who take turns hosting once a month at their home or coordinating a place to meet for a meal. All couples and singles are invited. If you want more info or to join a supper club email or text Evelyn Varn at: mamaevarn@gmail.com or 803-361-6012.
| | | Youth Christmas Caroling & Lock In | | | |
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.
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Middle School Retreat
January 23-25 at Camp Kinard
The theme is BLUEPRINT: DESIGNED FOR DISCIPLESHIP. We will talk about what does it mean to live as a faith-full disciple? What are the actions or activities that help shape disciples on the journeys? Join us for a weekend of learning more about faith practices, fun, and friendship! Let me know if you have any questions and/or register now: https://forms.gle/nWvhiyRnqvvrtwMo6
| | | Zion Hilltoppers - Zion's Retiree Group | | | |
Hilltoppers luncheon will be January 20, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. We will begin with devotions, a brief time to reflect on God’s 2025 blessings, and suggestions/ideas for our 2026 meetings. Lunch will be potluck. All are invited to join us to share a time of ageless fellowship. I wonder if Miss Iris will be putting her bundt pan to use? Or maybe Mr. Clyde will wrestle up a pot of chowder! 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:
Canned Soup
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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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Dear Zion Family,
My heart is full of gratitude as I reflect on the past ten years serving as your Music Director and being part of the Zion family. From the very beginning, my family and I were welcomed with open arms into a church that truly lives out its calling. Zion quickly became more than a place of worship for us. It became home.
Over the years, we have made friendships that we will cherish forever, and leaving you is not easy. While the role of a church Music Director can sometimes feel like a behind-the-scenes, thankless position, you never allowed it to feel that way. Your constant encouragement, kindness, and expressions of appreciation made me feel deeply valued and supported. That love meant more than I can ever fully express.
Zion is a special place. You are a church that genuinely Glorifies God, Grows in Faith, and Serves Others with intention and heart. You live your mission, not just in words, but in action. One of the things I will miss most is the way Zion values every voice. Young and old, women and men, children and adults, all are welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated. That kind of inclusivity is rare in today’s church, and it is exactly why Zion is thriving and will continue to thrive.
Please continue to be the church that boldly lives out its mission, that lifts every voice in praise, and that reflects Christ’s love so clearly to one another and to the world. Zion’s music, faith, and spirit will continue to inspire all who walk through its doors.
Thank you for allowing me to serve, to grow, and to be part of something so meaningful. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and you will forever be part of our story.
With love and deep appreciation,
Julie
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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 January
Assisting Minister: Carig Balch
Reader: 4th Anna Reeside; 11th Denise Caulder;
18th Caylan Bigham; 25th Paula Carlson;
Crucifer:
SIGNUP NOW, Anyone can Crucifer: click here to signup.
Technology Team:
Anyone can help: click here to signup.
4th Roscoe Nesmith, Rob Bigham; 11th OPEN, Tyler Beard;
18th OPEN, Tyler Beard; 25th OPEN;
Ushers: Mark & Gina Sanford
Chancel & Sacraments:
Janice & Steve Sult
Cookies & Fellowship: OPEN - Signup in Narthex
Offering Counters: Steve Hendrix and Steve Sult
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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
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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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CONGREGATION COUNCIL MINUTES
Monday, December 8th, 2025, 7:00PM
Attendees: 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, Sue Anderson, Kregg Corley, Bert Wingard, Janice Sult, Denise Caulder, Amanda Farwick, and Evelyn Varn in attendance. Jamie Fite not in attendance.
PART I
- Call to Order: 7:00PM
- Devotions: Chesson Merritt
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Consent Agenda Needs Approval
- Motion by Paula; Second by Jessi; All in Favor; Motion Passes
- Business/Action Items:
- Pastors Report
- Three new families have joined – yay!
- Introduction of Canoeing the Mountains Book
- Executive Council Report
- Endowment Committee met and approved moving the Drafts gift to the general fund
- Anonymous Letter from a church member
- General Discussion; Recommendation to review the constitution and bylaws next year to ensure we are working in compliance with them; Discussion about reinstalling Supper Club; Roger spoke about enjoying a similar Supper Club experience
- Worship and Music Supply Musician and Flower
- Bert spoke to the budget and how the worship and music fund was fulfilled; Sue asked about how to formally request more funds; Bert said to request the amount through finance and as money comes in council will assign it to the appropriate areas
- Landscaping Contract
- Motion Presented by Russell that Jeff Collins has requested a monthly increase of $100, totaling $1,200 yearly; Discussion was to potentially look for someone else; Discussion about if the campus has been maintained well; Majority in favor; Motion Passes
- Meeting Adjourned: 7:46PM
***End of 2025 Council***
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Giving Info as of December 31, 2025
Budgeted 2025 Offering: $447,000
Offering received YTD: $442,261
GIFTS FOR OUTREACH MINISTRIES GIVEN THIS YEAR
Mission Lexington: $2321 + 1337 pounds of food
Snack Packs Ministry: $8,344 + Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $2,198
Recent Memorials Given
In memory of Gege Kimball to the General Fund by Janet K. Green
In memory of Christopher Raines to Scouts by Charles Tisdell
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
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SPECIAL Gifts for Charitable Ministries
Christmas 2025
Poinsettias
In memory of Kristi Work (Lee’s Sister), Leland M. Caulder (Lee’s Dad),
Mary Caulder (Lee’s Mom), and Maria D. Keathley (Denise’s Mom)
by Lee & Denise Caulder.
In memory of Tim Driggers by Cheryl Ann Morrison.
In memory of James and Dorothy Girton (Mary’s parents),
Charles and Alve Hampton (Walter’s parents), and our brothers and sisters
by Mary & Walt Hampton.
In memory of “Papa Roy” Zweig by Jack & Isaac Hampton.
Charitable Ministries
To Mission Lexington in memory of Charles Hendrix and Gene Hendrix,
in honor of Karey Hendrix by Beth & Azmi Jebali.
To Mission Lexington in memory of the Becknell Family, the Webb Family,
the Fallaw Family and the Berry Family by Al & Carla Fallaw.
To Mission Lexington in memory of Ruth & Todd Areheart by Brenda Smith.
To Mission Lexington in memory of Jack & Miriam Driggers and Tim Driggers
by Donna Corley & Dale Driggers.
To Matthew 25 in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Murray Seay
and Mr. & Mrs. Frank Webster by Thom & Ann Webster.
To Mission Lexington & Snack Packs in memory of our parents
and in honor of our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren
by James & Iris Harman.
To Mission Lexington in memory of Verley & Gladys Rikard
and Elvin & Lula Rikard by Judy Meetze.
To Snack Packs in honor of Margaret Sox by Chris & Greg Sox.
To Snack Packs in memory of Harvey and Mildred (Lynn’s parents),
Hugh (Lynn’s brother), CA and Jerry Balch (Craig’s parents), Pam Balch,
and Susan Heywood (friend of the Balch family) by Craig & Lynn Balch.
To Snack Packs to the glory of God and in honor of
our grandsons Jack James and Isaac Finley by Walt & Mary Hampton.
To Mission Lexington in honor of Zion’s Staff and Council by Pastor Emily.
General Fund
To the General Fund in memory of Patty C. Grant by Kent Grant.
THE ALTAR ARRANGEMENT
is placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of her parents,
Ray and Frances Rikard, by Edith Clark.
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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: $839,992
Total remaining: $63,171
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Current Needs
John Call
Burns Corley
Jerald Drafts
Barry Granda
Janet Green
Eileen Leaphart
Mitch Mitcham
Charles Richardson
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)
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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)
Liz Mangan (cancer, friend of the Branhams)
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)
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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January Birthdays
2nd - Lola Kim, Walt Hampton
3rd - Henry Hammond
4th - Rhea Williamson
5th - Larry Hook, Alyson Dumont
9th - Donna Corley, Lisa Corley
13th - Evans Merritt
14th - Graylen Grant, Hop Ridgell, Josef Wingard
17th - Blake Rauch
20th - Emerson Fite, Nandalyn Heaitley
24th - Judy Shotts
26th - Jordan Corley
27th - Marielle Wingard
29th - Sherie Grant, Jade Mayer
January Anniversaries
3rd - Roger & Shannon Richardson
14th - Brandon & Amy Coggins
20th - Bob & Laura McCombs
29th - Shawn & Rebekah Cromer
| Around Zion - Advent & Christmas | | | | | |
