Monthly News & Updates

Congregational Vitality Survey

Have your voice heard!

We need your help to share about who Zion is and where we want to go. The next step in the Call Process is the Congregational Vitality Survey. The information you share will help build our Ministry Site Profile, which will be shared with potential candidates for Zion's next Pastor. Click the link below now to start!

What: Congregational Vitality Survey

Who: Anyone who participates in ministry at Zion. Yes anyone!

Everyone in the household takes the survey individually,

all we ask is to please answer honestly.

When: Click the link below now to fill out digitally or respond to

request a paper copy. The last day to return the survey is

January 14th when we will bless our work in worship.

New Beginnings!

What is the Lord’s plan for the future of Zion Lutheran Church? For the past week I have been pondering this very question. As your Interim Pastor, part of my call is to help you, as a congregation, to reflect on where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to be.



But who likes to take the time to reflect! We are busy people. Plus, it is very hard to do, especially when it is self-reflection.



As we prepare for Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi, and the five weeks following before we begin Lent. I would like to ask each of you to join me on Wednesdays to pray for God’s direction for your church.

You can pray anywhere, anytime on the Wednesdays in Epiphany for five minutes. In your prayer, present the question to God, and sit in silence. If you find your mind wandering, represent the question, and return to silence. The silence is where God speaks to us. When you are finished, give thanks to God, and go about your day.

I will commit to praying for God’s direction for Zion in the sanctuary on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 pm for the five weeks beginning Jan 10. If you wish to join me, please do. I will have the sanctuary open from 12:45 -1:15pm.

“Let my prayer be set before you like incense;

the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.

Psalm 141:2

Blessings & Peace

Pastor Kathleen

P.S. If you have not already completed the Congregational Vitality Survey – PLEASE Do So!!

Friends-

I send greetings from the Zion Lutheran Church Council, and I hope all had a wonderful Christmas and that you are off to a good 2024! I would like to thank the outgoing council members for their good work over the past year and also to Pastor Kathleen and the church staff for their excellent efforts over the busy holiday season.

As we begin 2024, I would like to lift up a few thoughts for the new year:

• The call process is proceeding well - but the completion of the congregational vitality survey is an immediate need. I hope you will consider the online version available in church communications or by attending service on Sunday January the 14th to help us complete this critical stage of the call process.

• I encourage you to attend and engage in all the activities that Zion has to offer. It is tremendously important that each and every one of us participate as much as we possibly can. It is indeed enjoyable to be around the good company of the community of Zion.

• I ask for your continued financial support of our church and its ministries. The financial challenges are real, but we have met past needs faithfully and we can do so in the time ahead.

• Most importantly I aske that you pray for our church, its members, leaders and staff – please lift up prayers to Zion’s mission as we love God by loving others in the Lexington community.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or any members of the church council with any concerns or questions.

Zion's 2024 Congregation Council

Steve Hendrix - Council Chair

Chris Ellisor - Vice Chair

Roscoe Nesmith - Treasurer

Rebekah Cromer - Secretary

Roger Anderson

Craig Balch

Jamie Fite

Linda Hendrix

Ross Hunter

Rayna Kleckley

Chesson Merritt

Geri Nilsestuen

It is an honor and a sincere privilege to serve as your council chair, and I wish you the happiest of 2024!

Yours in Christ,



Steve Hendrix

Children's Sunday School Class

Our Children, Preschool to Fifth Grade, are meeting on Sundays at 9:00am for Sunday School. We have a great group of committed children, and we are excited to share with others! Join us for Ready, Set, Move! as we learn about following Jesus each and every day. We hope your child will join us!

Wednesday Night Live

Returns January 10th

We hope you will join us each week as we gather for a meal at 5:45pm then grow in faith together from 6:30-730pm. Each week will include a special time of learning for all ages, including Youth Group, Children’s Activities, and Adult Bible Study. 

Wednesday Night Live schedule:

5:45 pm Community Meal

6:30-7:30 pm Faith Formation Opportunities

We still need help with meals. If you can help host a meal,

click the link below or respond to this message.

Hilltoppers, let’s greet the New Year with a Potluck luncheon on January 16, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. for social time with devotions at 11:15 a.m. To kick off the year, come with ideas/projects to discuss for our ministry. Our fabulous potluck will follow at noon. As Zion ministries gear up for 2024, please consider joining the Hilltoppers. Yes, most of us are retired from the work force but our work at Zion continues. “Come and see.”

Check out these Hilltoppers at this year's Christmas Party!

Confirmation Class continues this month

Confirmation classes meet following worship unless otherwise noted. Reach out to Pastor Kathleen with any questions.

Confirmation Class January 14 - Meet at 3pm at church.

Confirmation Class January 28 

Confirmation Class February 11 

Confirmation Class February 25 

Confirmation Class March 10 

Faith Alive Retreat April 19 -21, 2024 – Living & Hearing 

Kairos Camp @ Lutheridge June 16-22 

Youth Group has a lot going on this Winter/Spring.

All youth 6-12th grade welcome. We hope you'll join us!

Weekly Schedule:

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm - Youth Group

Fridays 7:30-8:15am - High School Bible Study

Other Events:

January 10th: Wednesday Night Live + Youth Group begins

February 9th to 11th: SC Youth Winter Retreat @ Camp Kinard

March 27th April 3rd: NO Youth Group (Holy Week & Spring Break)

May 10th to 12th: Spring Into Action Retreat @ Camp Kinard

May 1st: Zion Cookout (Last Week of Wednesday Night Live)

June 10th to 13th: GraceWorks Service Week

July 15th to 20th: ELCA Youth Gathering

Our men's group has been reborn!

All men of Zion are invited to join us!



This month we will meet on January 15th.

Please feel free to reach out to one of our officers or the church office for more details.

President Russell Kleckley

Vice President Chris Ellisor

Secretary Chuck Dickson

Treasurer James Harman

The Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 9:00am in the choir room. We can always use more voices, so please come join us! Everyone is welcome!! 

Handbell ringers are gathering as needed to prepare for festival Sundays right now. We always need more people to ring bells with us, so come join us!

It’s a New Year! Why not try something new??

Call the church office at (803)356-2297 or click below to email Julie for more info.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in some way to the musical programs at Zion in 2023! I truly appreciate all who share their talents to enhance our worship. You are ALWAYS welcome to share your musical gifts ANY Sunday! Let Julie know if you’d like to sing or play a solo sometime!

We need your help to make Worship

happen at Zion. We are looking to fill

in a few serving roles this month. See below

and click the button to volunteer now!

Strategic Outlook: Our Big Picture Goals for the next 12-18 months

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.  

Zion Lutheran Church Congregation Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, December 11, 2023 7:00 PM

Church Office Conference Room

Call to Order:

Lee called the Meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Members Present: Lee Caulder, DeAnna Granda, Ross Hunter, Rebekah Cromer, Kathryn Barton, Roscoe Nesmith, Rayna Kleckley, Linda Hendrix, Chris Ellisor, Geri Nilsestuen, Janice Sult Not Present: Ernest Beck

Newly Elected Members Present: Jamie Fite, Steve Hendrix, Roger Anderson, Chesson Merritt

Not Present: Craig Balch

Devotions: (Janice) “Patience and Suffering” Janice read four scriptures all with the theme of “mercies in the midst of despair” and fulfillment from obedience and patience. She related it to our current situation of looking for a pastor and was reminded this was her same devotion from 10 years ago during the same situation. Coincidence or the Holy Spirit? Council contemplated.

Sharing Impact Stories:

Lee read over our goals – listed above. Members shared stories of the beauty of the recent Baptism and the giving of Holy Communion with Betty Baker; also of sharing our Thanksgiving meals to the homebound of Meals on Wheels. Rewarding and renewing work.

Report of the Secretary: Kathryn

With one minor correction of the date of 12/17/23, for the installation of the newly elected council members to the November Minutes, the Minutes were accepted and approved.

Report of the Treasurer: Janice

Janice read over the reports and noted specifically Reports A & B. Offerings are down, but so are expenses, so right now all good. Reviewed the new plan for Synod Benevolence. Asked Council to consider removing Matthew 25 from our expenses and work. See Sheets.

Report of the Pastor:

Written report submitted. Busy schedule.

Report of the Chair/Executive Committee: Lee

Executive Committee met and set the agenda for tonight’s meeting. From the Executive Committee, Lee made the motion to approve the sale of Hop Ridgell’s photograph of the renovated sanctuary as a fundraiser to support the general fund and Zion’s Ministries. All were in favor and motion passed.

Ministry Team Meetings:

Christian Education - (Geri Nilsestuen) Sunday school for pre-school-fifth grade is going well and Ministry wanted to thank the families who are involved. VBS planning will start in January 24; Christmas Program is ready.

Christian Life - (Rebekah Cromer) Will get with Jamie Hampton about refreshments for the Christmas Program.

Mutual Ministry – (DeAnna Granda) All staff evaluations have been completed.

Outreach – (Rayna Kleckley) Thanksgiving meal distribution went well. Betsy Burn would like to meet with Council regarding Snack Pack schedule and needs for next year.

Property – (Ernest Beck not present) No Report submitted.

Stewardship – (Roscoe Nesmith) Written report submitted. Denise is completing brochures, securing times for Temple Talks for 1/28 & 2/04. Lee mentioned a Thrivent Grant that committee will look into for possible funds.

Technology – (Ross Hunter) - Audio trouble was mentioned by Council members. Ross will look into the problem with audio input.

Worship & Music – (Linda Hendrix) All are in the throes of Christmas Services; Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm. Ministry will meet again in January 2024.

Youth – (Chris Ellisor) – Soup supper was super! High Schoolers meet every Friday morning at Lowe’s at 7:30 am. The youth caroling will be Friday, December 15; then Youth Program on the 17th. All good.

Business/Action Items: Lee and Pastor Kathleen

Constitution Update – Lee reminded the Council that the Constitution needed to be approved by the Congregation but has to be sent out 30 days prior to a vote on it.

Congregational Vitality Survey – Lee and Janice spoke about the importance of everyone completing the CVS prior to January 14, 2024. Lee will help with distribution at Church and will be responsible for getting the written surveys to the Synod after the 14th. Lee encouraged everyone to please complete the survey.

Training Session by Synod – Lee encouraged all Council Members to take advantage of this opportunity by the Synod for training.

Lee thanked all Council Members for their work with him on the Council.

BREAK – Retiring council members exited – leaving new members to vote and end meeting.

Lord’s Prayer and Adjournment

Respectfully submitted, 

Kathryn Barton 

Council Secretary 2023

Giving Info as of December 31, 2023

Budgeted 2023 Offering: $417,937.00

Offering received YTD: $399,981.64 

Budgeted offering YTD: $417,937.00

2023 Excess (shortfall) offering YTD: $(17,955.36)

Gifts to Zion and Partner Feeding Ministries this Year

Mission Lexington: $405 - 1260.5 pounds of food

Snack Packs Ministry: $2702

Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $1790

Thanksgiving Meal Ministry: $9080

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: $897,081

Total received so far for this work: $708,391

Total remaining: $188,690

Memorials generously given last month:

To the general fund:

In memory of Betty Baker by the Grateful Hearts Sunday School Class, Nandalyn Heaitley, Robert & Kathy Bigham, Thom & Janice Stoudemire, John Snow, CEO Newberry County Memorial Hospital & the NCMH Board of Trustees, Zion Hilltoppers, James & Iris Harman, Geri Nilsestuen, Susan & Frank Boatwright

In honor of Ron & Eileen Leaphart and David & Beth Lever for their care for Mitch by Bill & Jane Mitcham

To the building fund:

In memory of Betty Baker by David & Beth Lever, Steve & Janice Sult

In honor of James & Iris Harman by Cynthia & Thomas Black

In memory of my parents, Ruth & Todd Areheart by Brenda Smith

SPECIAL Gifts for Charitable Ministries:  Christmas 2023

To Mission Lexington:

In honor of our children & grandchildren by Beth & David Lever

In honor of Deborah M. Orquijo by Kathleen Miko

To Snack Packs:

In memory of our parents by James & Iris Harman

In memory of Warren Peebles, Sr. by Jean Peebles

In memory of John H. Evans & Nancy J. Evans by Kathleen Miko

To Mission Lexington & Snack Packs:

In memory of Noelle Kirszenbaum Kim, Tracey Holley, Felix Kirszenbaum & Jean Kaminer Hendrix by Linda & Walter Hendrix

In honor of Margaret Sox by Chris & Greg Sox and family

To the General Fund:

In memory of Jesse & Kathryn Kleckley by Tom, Chris & Kelsey Gorman

In memory of Ellie Kaminer Waits by Tom, Chris & Kelsey Gorman

Current Needs

Sue Anderson

Britt Dooley 

Tim Driggers 

Carla Fallaw (health)

Barry Granda

Kent Grant (Lex. Ext.)

Gege Kimball

Dianne Richardson

Kay Waites

Homebound

Les Caton (Brian Center)

John and Norene Drafts (Wellmore)

Gene Hendrix (Westminster)

Melba Ivey (Carolina Gardens)

Wyman Keisler

Wyman Kleckley 

Jane Langston (Oakleaf)

John Shotts

Margaret Sox 

Darlene Weight (Tennessee)

Friends of the Congregation

Felicia Ajibade (health, friend of the Branham Family)

Lynn Balch (health, wife of Craig Balch)

Debby Bearden (health, friend of Mary Alice Leaphart)

Kimberly Bollinger (health, sister of Barry Granda)

Beth Bolt (health, mother of Mary Beth Bigham)

Jackie Brock (mother-in-law of Chuck Dickson)

Celeste Carlson (health, sister of Paula Carlson)

Glenda & Everett Crafts (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)

Jeri Dickson (health, wife of Chuck Dickson)

Sarah Harmon (cancer, friend of the Harmons)

Family of Pastor Kathy Harris (friends of the Branhams)

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)

Cooper & Murphy Krall (premie twins, relative of Geri Nilsestuen)

Phyllis Livingood (cancer, cousin of Al Fallaw)

Earl McCombs (father of Bob McCombs)

Libba Rhoad (cancer, friend of Janice Sult)

Donna Riggins (cancer, sister in law of Rachael Rhoden)

Adrienne Rutledge (cancer, friend of Chuck Dickson)

Greg Sommer (health, friend of the congregation)

Peggy Sox (health, mother of Evelyn Varn)

Roger Spires (pain, friend of the Leapharts)

Gary Swancey (health, nephew of Shirley Derriso) 

Bob Tribble (health, friend of Leapharts)

Ronnie Tunstill (cancer, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)

Edith Wessinger (health, sister in law of Ethel Riley)

Ron White (cancer, friend of the Caulders) 

Lee Wolford (health issues, friend of the Leapharts)

Family and friends of Zion member Betty Baker upon her death December 3rd

Family and friends of former Zion secretary Cheryl Fraylick

upon the sudden death of her daughter Laurie.

  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

2^nd Lola Kim, Walt Hampton II; 4^th Rhea Williamson 5^th Larry Hook, Alyson Dumont; 6^th Ronald Lankford; 8^th Casey Hendrix; 9^th Donna Corley, Lisa Corley; 10^th Caroline Beck; 13^th Evans Merritt; 14^th Graylen Grant, Hop Ridgell, Stanley Rikard, Josef Wingard; 17^th Blake Rauch; 20^th Emerson Fite, Nandalyn Heaitley; 23^rd Jessi Hampton; 24^th Judy Shotts; 26^th Jordan Corley; 27^th Les Caton, Marielle Wingard; 28^th Gabriel Higgins; 29^th Sherie Grant, Jade Mayer

January Anniversaries

3^rd Roger & Shannon Richardson; 4^th Joe & Sara Rymer; 20^th Bob & Laura McCombs; 29^th Shawn & Rebekah Cromer