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Sunday Mornings at Zion
9:00am Sunday School
10:00am Worship for All
Onsite and Online
11:15am Fellowship Time
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Worship and Fellowship Opportunities this Month | | |
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, March 4th
Join in the fun from 5:30 to 6:30pm, as we enjoy all you can eat pancakes with all the fixins’. There will also be songs and games for all ages. It’s one last chance to feast before the fast of Lent begins. Sponsored by Zion Youth.
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Lenten Contemplative Prayer Classes
Have you felt a hunger for a deeper prayer life with God? Are you interested in learning an ancient prayer practice that is spreading faster today than ever before? Have you realized that you don’t yearn for more head knowledge about God but rather a deeper relationship with God? If so, then you are invited to a six week course taught on Sunday afternoons at Zion, March 9 – April 13. These classes will be taught by retired SC Synod Bishop Herman Yoos who is a certified Spiritual Director and a 20 year practitioner of Centering Prayer.
As part of these classes there will be assigned readings from the book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awareness by Cynthia Bourgeault available at most bookstores and on the Hoopla library app. There will also be weekly readings in class of original prayer material around the key words of Silence, Seek, Set, Let, and Ask. In addition to exploring how and why this method of silent meditative prayer is so helpful amid our noisy 24 hour a day news world, we will also have the opportunity to practice what we are learning. In order to have enough material for each person, please let the church office know if you plan to attend. Hope you can join us at 4:00pm Sunday afternoons. Each session will last 45-60 minutes.
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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
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LOOKING AHEAD
HOLY WEEK & EASTER
April 12th
9:00am Women's Prayer Breakfast
11:00am Children's Easter Egg Hunt
April 13th
10:00am Palm Sunday Worship
11:15am Prayer Friends Lunch
April 17th
6:30pm Maundy Thursday Worship
April 18th
7:00pm Good Friday Worship at Pilgram Lutheran Church
April 20th
EASTER SUNDAY
7:00am Easter Sunrise Service
8:00-9:00am Easter Breakfast
10:00am Easter Festival Worship
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Zion Lutheran to celebrate Scout Sunday March 2nd
On this Sunday, March 2, Zion will celebrate Scout Sunday, an annual event that honors the contributions of young people and adults to the Scouting program. This year’s celebration is particularly special as it marks the 115th anniversary of Scouting in America.
Scouts from Zion Lutheran’s affiliated troops and pack will participate in the service by serving as ushers, readers, and assisting with the service.
After the service, refreshments will be served and the congregation will be able to view tabletop displays of each unit’s activities, providing a glimpse of the activities of Scouting at Zion Lutheran.
Join us as we worship and celebrate this long-standing relationship between Scouting and Zion!
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Called Congregation Meeting | | |
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Dear Zion Family,
Church council is happy to announce that we are calling a Congregational Meeting for March 9, 2025 at 11:15 (right after the 10:00 service) to review and vote on the following matters:
1. A recommendation from council to accept a proposal to replace the HVAC system in the sanctuary and secure the necessary funds (through fundraising and possible financing if necessary).
2. Ratify a slate of members to attend the South Carolina Synod Assembly in June on behalf of Zion (congregational approval is now required by our Constitution).
More details to follow on both issues above. As we all know, we have been unable to worship in our sanctuary for quite a few months. We are excited and relieved to have a proposal that will provide us with an efficient system, while being faithful stewards of Zion’s resources. I ask that you please make plans to attend the meeting and prayerfully consider how you can assist in these efforts.
Yours in Christ,
Betsy Burn
Council Chair
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“What a friend we have in Jesus!... What a privilege to carry everything to him in prayer!” So goes the old hymn. It is an awesome thing to be able to talk with the Lord of Heaven and Earth about what’s going on in our own lives.
Prayer is a holy thing. It’s time set apart to be with God. It’s a conversation with the One who loves us most. It’s a thing God asks us to do and a joy of being God’s children.
This Lent, Zion will be spending some time in prayer. Our Wednesday night worship will include time for prayer and not just in words. We will have a chance to pray using prayer stations, where we can try a variety of activities to connect with God. We’ll have labyrinths to “walk” with our fingers, ways to build prayers, and other ways to pray creatively.
Sunday afternoons at 4 we’ll have another opportunity to pray together. Rev. Herman Yoos, retired Bishop of South Carolina Synod, will be teaching a class on contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is a practice of sitting in the presence of God. If you’re interested, there’s more information above in this newsletter.
Prayer can be complicated. It can be intimidating, especially when we pray out loud. But it doesn’t have to be. Prayer can be as simple as talking with the person who knows you best and loves you most. Prayer can be like riding in the car with someone you’re totally comfortable with, not needing to say a word. Prayer can be about changing the world or it can be about making space for God to change us.
A third opportunity will be available for you every morning on Zion’s Facebook page. We’ll have brief prayers posted by video, so that we can start the day together with God.
I’m excited for Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and the chance to walk together through Lent to Easter with you this year. I hope that this will be a time when each of us and all of us grow closer to Jesus.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Emily
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Book Study Opportunity at Zion
Our new book study started in January but it's not too late to jump in. We are 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 3/10, 3/24, and 4/7. Bring your lunch and join the conversation!
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Mark your calendar and sign up to help with Vacation Bible School July 6-10!
Contact Rebekah Cromer to signup:
rebekahwcromer@gmail.com
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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.
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Youth Group every Wednesday
Zion is proud to have a very active youth group. Our youth are dedicated and excited to share their group with friends. Join us, all 6th to 12th Grade students are welcome. We often have new faces or visiting friends. Youth Group is a time of fun and fellowship while growing together in faith.
Every Wednesday 5:45 pm Community Meal
6:30-7:30 pm Youth Group for 6th to 12th graders
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16th Annual Prayer Friend Project
It’s time for Zion’s annual Prayer Friend Project! Each year on Ash Wednesday we pair our youth with an adult that will anonymously pray for them throughout Lent and then be revealed in person on Palm Sunday. Our big reveal lunch will be Sunday April 13th after church.
Each participating Youth will need to fill out an information sheet and return it to Walt by February 26th. Please attach a photo to your form, or send one to Walt (walt@zionlexsc.com). Please answer the questions clearly with as much info as you can. This is how your prayer friend will get to know you and what to pray for. Forms will be available at church and during Youth group.
We will once again be writing notes from our youth to our prayer friends. Each youth will be required to write back to their prayer friend with at least 4 notes. These notes can be updates on their life, prayer requests, or just a paragraph or two about what happened in their world that week. I will have notecards, envelopes, stamps, etc. available at Youth Group every Wednesday. This is super easy to accomplish by just being at youth group each week.
Every year we hear how important this project is to our Youth and our adults. I am confident we will see this in real time again this year as we try to make a positive change in our youth and in our congregation. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Walt Hampton
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Confirmation Class this month:
Confirmation meets Sunday, March 2nd this month at Zion. We will be talking about Paul's letters. Highlights will include an interactive lesson about Paul's missionary journeys and imprisonment, writing a letter in the style of Paul, and discussing some of the tough passages as well as the amazing theme of salvation by grace through faith. Please, of course, bring your Bibles!
Sunday School Small Catechism Review continues to roll along.
We have introduced the Small Catechism and talked about prayer, and spent some time with the Ten Commandments. Here are the dates and topics coming up:
3/9: Confession and Forgiveness
3/23: Baptism and Communion
Summer Camp is coming up! We will be heading to Lutherock this year. Tentative dates are Sunday, June 15 through Friday, June 20. More details coming soon.
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Hilltoppers: Zion's Retiree Group | | |
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Hilltopper’s March luncheon will be in conjunction with the Ash Wednesday service March 5th at 11:00 am. Following worship, we will enjoy delicious homemade soups. If you didn’t sign-up to bring a crockpot of soup, please bring a dessert. As our scheduled April meeting falls during Holy Week, we will be meeting on Tuesday, April 8th. Mark your calendars and watch for updates in April’s newsletter.
| A peek into our Valentine's Bingo Lunch | | |
Walking with our neighbors | | |
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MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: OUTREACH
What it does - Outreach helps fulfill our mission of service by participating in projects to help our community. It coordinates Thanksgiving meal ministry, Snack Pack deliveries to Oak Grove Elementary School for food insecure children, Angel Tree to support Lutheran Family Services, Mission Lexington, and other events.
Why get involved? Outreach offers a great way to help others in a variety of ways without a lengthy time commitment. We need help delivering Snack Packs, delivering Thanksgiving meals, etc.
How to Get Involved? Contact Lee Caulder, Chair (caulderl@aol.com) or Betsy Burn (betsyjburn0205@gmail.com), or contact the Church Office.
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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 ITEM 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 feed those in need.
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The Choir meets for rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9:00am in the choir room. We can always use more voices, so please come join us!
Handbell ringers, it’s time to start preparing music for Easter. Please let me know if you are interested in playing on Easter Sunday. We are always happy to have more ringers!
*Call the church office at (803)356-2297 or email Julie at julie@zionlexsc.com for more info.
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Hymn Spotlight
God of Grace and God of Glory
*The hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” was written in 1930 by Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969) for the dedication of the famous Riverside Church in New York City.
*This hymn was written while the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression between the two World Wars. Fosdick was a champion of the social gospel, a movement that recognized the plight of the poor, especially in the urban Northeast during the Industrial Revolution.
*“Under his leadership, Riverside Church was interdenominational, interracial, without a creed, and, astonishingly for Baptists, required no specific mode of baptism. At the center of Fosdick’s ministry was urban social ministry.” Fosdick was perhaps the most vocal proponent of the social gospel of his time—a position that brought both wide acclaim and broad disdain.
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow'r;
crown your ancient church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
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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 March
Assisting Minister: Lee Caulder
Reader: 2nd - Scouts; 9th - Denise Caulder;
16th - Heath Branham; 23rd - Mary Nell Panyard; 30th - Paula Carlson
Crucifer:
SIGNUP NOW, Anyone can Crucifer: click here to signup.
Technology Team:
2nd –Roscoe Nesmith, Tyler Beard; 9th – OPEN, Chris Bigham;
16th – OPEN, Tyler Beard; 23rd - OPEN; 30th – OPEN, Tyler Beard
Anyone can help: click here to signup.
Ushers: Steve & Susan Shumpert
Chancel & Sacraments: James & Iris Harman
Altar Flowers: 2nd - OPEN; 9-30th - LENT
Signup in FLC gym
Cookies & Fellowship: 2nd - Scouts; 9th - OPEN;
16th - OPEN; 23rd - Mary Hampton; 30th - OPEN; Signup in FLC gym
Offering Counters: Janice Sult, Evelyn Varn
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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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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 MINUTES
Monday, February 10th, 2024, 7:00PM
Council Members: Steve Hendrix, Rebekah Cromer, Roger Anderson, Pastor Emily, Russell Kleckley, Jessi Hampton, Betsy Burn, Nikki Harmon, Paula Carlson, Jason Wetzel, Jamie Fite, and Chesson Merritt in attendance. Craig Balch not in attendance.
- Call to Order: 7:01PM
- Devotions: Rebekah
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Consent Agenda Needs Approval
- Motion made by Betsy; second by Rebekah; no discussion; All in Favor
- Report of the Pastor: Review of consent notes
- Report of the Chair/Executive Committee: Review of consent notes
- Business/Action Items:
- Motion made by Jessi to continue with the benevolence budget monthly at 8% and then if we have the funds in December submit the remaining 2%; Second by Russell; Discussion by Steve asking if we should potentially lower the monthly giving given our tight budget; Pastor Emily added that she would recommend we not go lower than 8%; All in Favor
- Steve handed out a pamphlet with FYIs for Zion’s Scouting
- Recommendation presented by Nikki from a Hilltopper asking someone to come in and take pictures of them to then be uploaded into the directory
- Chesson to send Nikki instructions and login information for the Directory; Nikki to attend Hilltoppers to assist
- Upcoming Dates:
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02/21-02/22: Council Retreat
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03/5: Ash Wednesday
8. Joys and Concerns
9. Lord’s Prayer and Adjournment: 7:55PM
Next Council Meeting Date: Monday, March 10th at 7:00PM
Next Devotions: Steve Hendrix
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Giving Info as of February 26, 2025
Budgeted 2025 Offering: $447,000
Offering received YTD: $51,999
Budgeted offering YTD: $68,769
2024 Excess (shortfall) offering YTD: ($16,770)
Facilities Fund Balance: $77,558
GIFTS FOR OUTREACH MINISTRIES GIVEN THIS YEAR
Mission Lexington: $518 + 135 pounds of food
Snack Packs Ministry: $783 + Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $200
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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: $809,664
Total remaining: $93,474
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Memorials & Honorariums generously given last month:
To the Facilities Fund in memory of John Drafts by Burns & Jan Corley,
Charlotte & Jimmy Compton, Steve & Kelly Jo Swygert, Susan Fallon, Kent Grant,
David & Becky Hipp, Al & Carla Fallaw, Beth & David Lever, Homer Sease,
Kathy & Robby Bigham, Jerald & Margaret Drafts & Family, Paul & Mary Hook,
Dee & Joel Carter, Steve & Susan Shumpert, Lee & Susan Bryan, Betty Rose Smith,
Betty & Ed Corley, Donna Corley & Dale Driggers
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Current Needs
Sydney Branham
Jerald Drafts
Norene Drafts
Barry Granda
Mary Hampton
Charley Hendrix
Charles Richardson
Kay Waites
Homebound
Betty Jo Corley
Ed Corley
Melba Ivey (Spring Oak)
Wyman Keisler
Gege Kimball
Wyman Kleckley
John Shotts
Margaret Sox
Darlene Weight (Tennessee)
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Friends of the Congregation
Lynn Balch (health, wife of Craig Balch)
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 Crafts (health, friend of Geri Nilsestuen)
Adam Demars (stroke, friend of Christy Jacobs)
Jeri Dickson (health, wife of Chuck Dickson)
David Drafts (health, friend of the Merritts)
Mark Durham (heart surgery, brother-in-law of Craig Balch)
Jack Elrod (alzheimers, father of Todd Elrod)
Sarah Harmon (cancer, friend of the Harmons)
Janice Hine (surgery, friend of Carla Fallaw)
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 Bridget Ridgell)
Adrienne Rutledge (cancer, friend of Chuck Dickson)
Gabe Salinas (military, boyfriend of Riley Burn)
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)
Mayme Sult (hip fracture, sister-in-law of Janice & Steve Sult)
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)
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)
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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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THANK YOU TO THE CONGREGATION
The family of Tim Driggers would like to thank the congregation for their outpouring of love and concern for Tim during his illness and upon his death. Each card, visit, meal, flower and phone call meant so much to him. He especially appreciated all the prayers and support. He loved his church and his church family. Tim looked forward to his visits from Pastor Kathleen and Pastor Emily and we were comforted by their care and compassion. Peace and love to each of you.
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March Birthdays
2nd - Henry Phillips, Jenny Ellisor, Shannon Richardson; 3rd - Iris Harman, Bert Wingard; 4th - Will Reeside, Drew Branham; 5th - Rhiannon Higgins; 6th - Margaret Sox; 8th - Lynda Hook Whiteside; 9th - Rayna Kleckley; 10th - Louise Parker; 11th - Jean Peebles, Steve Wingard, Darlene Weight; 13th - Roscoe Nesmith, Jamie Dooley, Dave McKinley, Jack Hampton, Trevor Granda, Sean Higgins; 14th - Cristie Ledford; 15th - Hadley Harmon, Evelyn Varn, Libby Wright, Shawn Cromer; 18th - Russell Kleckley, Janice Sult, Eileen Leaphart, Sophi Hanna; 20th - Traci Hanna; 22nd - Cassie Hook, Marsha O'Neal; 23rd - Larkin Corley, Ross Hunter; 24th - Kent Grant, George Nesmith; 27th - Shirley Derriso; 29th - Wes Jacobs; 30th - Azmi Jebali; 31st - Kathryn Barton
March Anniversaries
1st - Hop & Bridget Ridgell; 15th - Ronald & Janice Lindler; 17th - Hal & Lynne Copple
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On February 23rd we welcomed the Coggins Family (Brandon, Amy, Essa, and Lucia) and Jason Blackburn to Zion. Make sure you say hello and get to know them! | | | | |
