|
|
|
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 8th
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!
| |
Fill the Pack 5k - January 18th
to support Zion's Snack Pack Program
Get ready for a fun race to benefit Zion Lutheran Church's "Snack Pack" program which provides food for needy students at Oak Grove Elementary.
The 5k course is a loop around the beautiful River Bluff campus, allowing competitors to walk and run over bridges and nature paths, beginning and ending in our state-of-the-art football stadium, The Swamp! This also allows athletes to pass aid stations every 1 mile and spectators to be able to see their runners. This is a USATF-certified course.
We are looking forward to an AMAZING race day. Thanks for your support! Remember to have fun, stay safe, and give it your all!
This race is part of the Eagle Scout project of Will Cohoon, Life Scout at Troop 425 at Zion Lutheran Church.
For more details and to signup click here!
| |
New Member Class! Are you interested in learning more about Zion or becoming a member? Meet in the Cathedral Room of the Family Life Center from 2-4pm on January 26. We will discuss the basics of Lutheranism and how Zion works, as well as answer questions you might have. Please RSVP to Pastor Emily at pastor@zionlexsc.com.
| |
Have you heard? Zion has a new online church directory! Get started at www.instantchurchdirectory.com use the email address you received this email from. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Chesson Merritt at chessop@gmail.com.
| |
Come and Walk with us!
The Walk and Talk group will be meeting at Zion for the month of January. Come start your Tuesday mornings at 7:30 in the Family Life Center!
| | |
|
Deepen your faith with others
with our weekly Bible & Fellowship groups:
Women’s Fellowship – Mondays, 9:30am
Chick-Fil-A Saluda Pointe
Men’s Bible Fellowship – Thursdays, 7:00am
Zion Family Life Center
High School Bible Study – Fridays, 7:30am
Lowes Foods Coffee Shop
| | |
A message from our 2025 Church Council | | |
|
The 2025 Council met and have selected the following to serve on the executive council: Chair- Betsy Burn; Vice-Chair- Jamie Fite;
Secretary- Rebekah Cromer and Treasurer- Jessi Hampton
We look forward to working with council, Pastor Emily and the congregation to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ at Zion and in the broader community. We humbly request your prayers.
Zion's 2025 Church Council
Roger Anderson, Craig Balch, Betsy Burn,
Paula Carlson, Rebekah Cromer, Jamie Fite,
Jessi Hampton, Nikki Harmon, Steve Hendrix,
Russell Kleckley, Chesson Merritt, Jason Wetzel
| | |
|
As January rolls around again, two things are as certain as death and taxes. First, the church will be talking about the star that shines bright on Epiphany. Second, there will be many ads on your TVs and phones and everywhere else trying to convince you that it’s time to lose weight, look younger, or improve yourself in some other way with their help.
What does that star have to tell us about those ads? The light that gathered the Wise Men to the newborn Jesus shone for the whole world to see. The star was a symbol of the Light that had come into the world, as John 1 says. In that light, we are all changed.
In Isaiah 43, God tells the people, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine… you are precious in my sight and honored and I love you.” On the cross, Jesus dies for each of us and all of us. God knows us fully and loves us fully, before we are even born. God claims us in baptism, often when we are too young to have done anything right or wrong yet.
In the light of God’s star, your age, your weight, your height, your hair color, and the whiteness of your teeth don’t matter at all. In God’s light, you shine like the moon. You shine with the light of God that reflects off of you. You shine because God says you do.
If you want to change your life, go for it. There are lots of ways and opportunities in this newsletter and around the world. But don’t do it because you think you have to. Do what you do—and avoid what you avoid—because of the light God shines.
Maybe God is calling you, in this season, to take a deep breath. Maybe you have been glittering like a disco ball and need some time to recharge. I hope Zion can be a place for you to do that. Maybe you’re ready for a new beam to shine. If you’d like some suggestions on how to sparkle more brightly, I invite you to pray your way through this newsletter. What makes you more curious? Where do you feel a tug to get involved? Who is God nudging you to notice? See where your gifts line up with the world’s needs. I promise, God has a place for you. God has a light for you to shine.
In God’s Radiance,
Pastor Emily
| | |
|
Christian Education needs you!
We are looking for someone to spearhead this year's vacation Bible school with the help of the Christian education team.
Please reach out to Jamie Hampton if you are interested in helping.
Email: Jhampton229@gmail.com
| | |
|
Book Study Opportunity at Zion
A new Book Study will start in January! We will be reading Manna and Mercy, an illustrated and brief history of God's unfolding promise to mend the entire universe, by Pr. Daniel Erlander. All are welcome to join the study at noon at Zion or on Zoom on 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, and 4/7. Bring your lunch and join the conversation!
| |
New Synod Youth & Family Ministry Opportunity
for Elementary Students
LEGO AND LET GOD!
Elementary Retreat at Camp Kinard for Children in Grades 1-5
February 8-9, 2025
Cost is $105
Join us for fun, fellowship and learning! here will also be a track for parents, so come with your kids and learn from seasoned teachers.
| |
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
Sunday at 9:00am
Nomads Class - An adult bible study group welcoming all ages. Meets in the Cathedral Room in the upper level of the Family Life Center.
Grateful Hearts Class - An adult bible study group welcoming all ages.
Meets in the Sonshine room in the upstairs of the Family Life Center.
CSI Class - An adult video based bible study group welcoming to all ages. Meets in education building downstairs.
Children’s Sunday School - Pre K - 5th grade, bible stories and fun! Meets in the reception area in the downstairs of the Family Life Center.
Youth Sunday School - Group for youth grades 6-12, currently discussing scripture and justice. Meets in the Youth Room in the upper level of the Family Life Center.
| | |
|
Confirmation Class will meet on January 12th from 1-4 at Zion. We will also meet at 9am on Sunday mornings on the second and fourth Sundays of January, February, and March in the youth room to review the Small Catechism.
| | |
|
Upcoming Youth Opportunities
Synod Middle School Retreat: January 24-26 at Camp Kinard
#EmbracetheShift - “Those Crazy Emotions!”
We go through a lot of changes during our Middle School years. And our emotions are at the top of that list. We’ll watch the movie “Inside Out 2,” explore those emotions and learn how to process them in healthy ways. Cost is $105 - Registration is open! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1105665267579?aff=oddtdtcreator
| | |
Youth Annual Christmas Caroling | | |
Hilltoppers: Zion's Retiree Group | | |
|
Hilltoppers will meet Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. We will enjoy learning more about one another with our popular “Show and Tell” program. You are invited to bring a memento or photo to share with others its special meaning. More stories will likely be heard around the tables as we enjoy a potluck lunch after the program. All are welcomed as fellowship and sharing have no age restrictions.
Project Christmas Cards. Again, during January, we will be collecting your used Christmas cards. The project was very successful for the 2024 Thanksgiving Meal inserts. Over 700 cards were repurposed into Zion Thanksgiving greetings to meal recipients. Look for a designated drop box in the FLC through the end of January.
| | |
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.
| | |
|
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 feed those in need.
| | |
|
The Choir meets for rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9:00am in the choir room. For the new year, we will resume rehearsals on January 5th. We can always use more voices, so please come join us!
Handbell ringers currently meet as needed for festival worship services. We are always happy to have more ringers, so let me know if you’re interested!
*Call the church office at (803)356-2297 or email Julie at julie@zionlexsc.com for more info.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to prepare music for our Christmas Eve service this year! I couldn’t do it without you! -Julie
| |
A Song for a New Year
May the God of new beginnings start with you and me
May the God of continuing story speak through you and me,
May the God of infinite wisdom shine in you and me
May the God of safe homecomings welcome you and me
‘May the God of new beginnings’ Words © 2000 John Murray, Music © 2000 Colin Gibson
Reprinted with permission under One License A-623996. All rights reserved
| | | |
|
|
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!
| | |
|
Serving in Worship for January
Assisting Minister: Paula Carlson
Reader: 5th - Will Cohoon; 12th - Eleanor Reeside;
19th - Sue Anderson; 26th - MaryNell Panyard
Crucifer:
SIGNUP NOW, Anyone can Crucifer: click here to signup.
Technology Team:
5th - Roscoe Nesmith, OPEN; 12th - OPEN; 19th - OPEN; 26th - OPEN;
Anyone can help: click here to signup.
Ushers: Bob McCombs, Craig Balch
Chancel & Sacraments: Steve & Janice Sult
Cookies & Fellowship: 5th - OPEN; 12th - OPEN;
19th - Donna & Dale, 26th - OPEN; Signup in FLC gym
Offering Counters: Steve Hendrix, Steve Sult
| | |
|
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
| |
Strategic Outlook: Our Big Picture Goals
Goal 1 – Welcoming and Connecting
Be a place of welcome where people can know God and connect to one another.
Goal 2 – Worshipping with Purpose
Offer meaningful worship that is creative, engaging, and God-centered.
Goal 3 – Nurturing Faith and Discipleship
Provide pathways for each age to grow in faith and be nurtured to live as disciples of Jesus.
Goal 4 – Sharing Gifts and Passions
Encourage all people to know their gifts and passions and to share them at church and in the community.
CONGREGATION COUNCIL NOTES
Monday, December 9th, 2024, 7:00 PM
Council Members: Steve Hendrix, Roscoe Nesmith, Rebekah Cromer, Rayna Kleckley, Linda
Hendrix, Craig Balch, Roger Anderson, Pastor Emily, Geri Nilsestuen, Jamie Fite, Chris Ellisor,
Ross Hunter, and Chesson Merritt in attendance.
1. 2024 Council Call to Order: 7:03PM
2. Devotions: Chesson
3. Consent Agenda Motion from Rebekah; Craig Second; Motion Passed
4. Business/Action Items:
a. Chair Report from Steve: see written report
b. Pastors Report: see written report
i. Edit date to September 6th for Synod event
ii. Potential Yoga class, refer to finance to aid in how to handle the funding
iii. New Member class on January 26th, would like council to attend
iv. Hermon Yoos would like to have a Contemplative Prayer class in 2025,
considering opening to the entire congregation
c. Family Life Center Policy:
i. Motion presented by Linda to update the FLC guidelines as follows:
1. 2a: Congregational members and sponsored organizations of Zion are encouraged to bring visitors to events held at the FLC. Sponsoring members of Zion are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
2. 2L: Prior to and following a scheduled event, a walkthrough of the facility must be conducted by a member of Zion's Church staff before another event occurs.
3. Omit 2J
4. Committee/Russell to review 2H and 2I
ii. Second by Roscoe; No Discussion; Motion Passed
d. HVAC Update: two current bids are in the low $300k; team is looking further into this before selecting an offer. Roscoe to contact Bert with an update and request Finance to put together a report for council.
e. Church Directory Update: launched via email today; planning to have a Sunday in January where we set up computers and help folks set theirs up
f. Corley Mill Road Update: two weeks away from paving… potentially
g. Safety Team Update: Chuck Dickson is stepping down as committee lead; the team is planning to begin organizing first steps; meeting next Sunday and January 12th
h. Mutual Ministry Team Budget for Review: Motion from Rebekah to provide $250 from Misc. line item from the budget for Christmas lunch for staff; Second by Jamie; No Discussion; All in Favor
i. Outgoing Action Item for Exiting Council: Rebekah to send an email to outgoing council member
5. Christmas Devotion from Roger
6. Joys and Concerns
7. Dismissal of 2024 Council: 8:44PM
| | |
|
Giving Info as of December 23, 2024
Budgeted 2024 Offering: $373,066.20
Offering received YTD: $388,088
Budgeted offering YTD: $368,279
2024 Excess (shortfall) offering YTD: $19,809
Facilities Fund Balance: $56,840
GIFTS FOR OUTREACH MINISTRIES GIVEN THIS YEAR
Mission Lexington: $3,881 + 1193 pounds of food
Snack Packs Ministry: $7,472 + Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $1,610
| | | |
|
|
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: $902,138
Total received so far for this work: $797,579
Total remaining: $104,559
| | |
|
Memorials & Honorariums generously given last month:
To the Facilities Fund in memory of Tim Driggers by Kregg & Lisa Corley, Geri Nilsestuen, Steve & Janice Sult, Steve & Jeannie Wingard, Susan & Frank Boatwright, Thom & Janice Stoudemire, Suzette Porth, Tom & Ginger Sox, Caroline Bryson, Paul & Gale Harmon, Jerald & Margaret Drafts & Family, Betty & Ed Corley, Myron & Linda Corley, Heyward Addy, Susan & Ronald Howell, Hal & Carolette Turner, Russell & Rayna Kleckley, Ronnie & Jackie Brunson, Marion & Edith Clark, Rev. Kathleen Miko, Beverly & Britt Davis, Paul & Mary Hook, Steve & Susan Shumpert, Kent Grant, Zion Hilltoppers, John & Norene Drafts Linda & Walter Hendrix, Reggie & Heather Corley, David & Beth Lever
To the Building Fund in memory of Tim Driggers by James & Iris Harman, Christopher Turner, Burns & Jan Corley, Robert & Kathy Bigham, Charles & Karey Hendrix
To the General Fund in memory of Wayne Corley by Myron & Linda Corley
To the Facilities Fund in memory of Tim Driggers by Russell & Rayna Kleckley Ronnie & Jackie Brunson Marion & Edith Clark Rev. Kathleen Miko Beverly & Britt Davis Paul & Mary Hook Steve & Susan Shumpert Kent Grant Zion Hilltoppers
To the General Fund in memory of Wayne Corley by Kregg & Lisa Corley
To the General Fund in memory of Johnny Corley by Jerald & Margaret Drafts & Family
To the Facilities Fund in memory of Verley & Gladys Rikard by Judy Meetze and Homer Sease
| | |
|
Special Gifts for
Charitable Ministries
Christmas 2024
To Mission Lexington
In memory of Patterson McKinley by Steve & Susan Shumpert
In honor of Jason Blackburn, Ben & Olivia Edenfield, and Emma Blackburn
by Pastor Emily
In memory of my parents, Charlie & Mary Sue Dickson, by Chuck Dickson
To Snack Packs
In honor of Margaret Sox by the family of Chris & Greg Sox
In memory of Tim Driggers by Donna Corley & Dale Driggers
In memory of our parents, Mr. & Mrs. Amos Swancey,
by Marynell Panyard and Shirley Derriso
In memory of Warren Peebles, Sr. by Jean Peebles
To Mission Lexington & Snack Packs
In honor of our children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren
by James & Iris Harman
The Christmas Eve Altar Arrangement is placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of her parents, Ray and Frances Rikard, by Edith Clark.
| | |
|
Current Needs
Roger Anderson
Sydney Branham
Jerald Drafts
Norene Drafts
Barry Granda
Charles Hendrix
Kay Waites
Homebound
Betty Jo Corley
Ed Corley
John Drafts (Wellmore)
Melba Ivey (Spring Oak)
Wyman Keisler
Gege Kimball
Wyman Kleckley
John Shotts
Margaret Sox
Darlene Weight (Tennessee)
Family and friends of Zion member Tim Driggers upon
his death November 27th.
| |
|
Friends of the Congregation
Lynn Balch (health, wife of Craig Balch)
Kimberly Bollinger (health, sister of Barry Granda)
Beth Bolt (health, mother of Mary Beth Bigham)
Mitchell Bowman (health, cousin of Nikki Harmon)
Linda Branham (health, mother of Heath Branham)
Jackie Brock (mother-in-law of Chuck Dickson)
Joyce Carter (cancer, friend of Zion members)
Juliett Collins (cancer, niece of David and Beth Lever)
Glenda & Everett Crafts (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Adam Demars (stroke, friend of Christy Jacobs)
Jeri Dickson (health, wife of Chuck Dickson)
Jack Elrod (alzheimers, father of Todd Elrod)
James Hampton (surgery, son of Walt & Mary Hampton)
Sarah Harmon (cancer, friend of the Harmons)
Carly Huggins (friend of Stefanie Wingard)
CJ Keathley (health, brother of Denise Caulder)
Kathy Killian (cancer, friend of the Levers)
Shelly Koenig (cancer, daughter in law of Mary Nell Panyard)
Phyllis Livingood (cancer, cousin of Al Fallaw)
Bill May (stroke, uncle of Mary Hampton)
Shirley Parker (cancer, aunt of Kimberly Rauch)
Donna Riggins (cancer, sister in law of Rachael Rhoden)
Sharon Moore Robison (stroke, friend of the Ridgells)
Adrienne Rutledge (cancer, friend of Chuck Dickson)
Tyler Shotts (military, grandson of the Shotts)
Keith Shotts (military, grandson of the Shotts)
Greg Sommer (health, friend of the congregation)
Peggy Sox (health, mother of Evelyn Varn)
Gary Swancey (health, nephew of Shirley Derriso)
Gary Tilley (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Ronnie Tunstill (cancer, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Jenny Westfall (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Ron White (cancer, friend of the Caulders)
Sarah White (homebound, girlfriend of Clayton Hendrix)
Jamie Whitlock (surgery, nephew of Carla Fallaw)
Don Wilson (Health, father of Laura McCombs)
Carroll & Helen Wise (health, parents of Julie Branham)
Melissa Wise (health, sister in law of Julie Branham)
Asher Woodall (health, great-nephew of Chuck Dickson)
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
January Birthdays
2nd - Lola Kim, Walt Hampton
4th - Rhea Williamson
5th - Larry Hook, Aly Dumont
9th - Donna Corley, Lisa Corley
10th - Caroline Beck
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
28th - Gabriel Higgins
29th - Sherie Grant, Jade Mayer
January Anniversaries
3rd - Shannon & Roger Richardson
4th - Sara & Joe Rymer
20th - Laura & Bob McCombs
29th - Rebekah & Shawn Cromer
| | | | | |
