Sunday Mornings at Zion

9:00am Sunday School

10:00am Worship for All

Onsite and Online

11:15am Fellowship Time

Monthly News & Updates

October 2025

Worship and Fellowship Opportunities this Month

Wednesday Night Live!

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!

Wednesday Night Live schedule:

5:45 pm Community Meal

6:30-7:30 pm Faith Formation Opportunities Adult, Children, and Youth Groups

Look for signup sheets and candy donation bins in the narthex or let the office know if you'd like to decorate a trunk!

From the Pastor's Desk

On October 4, the ELCA will install our fifth Presiding Bishop, Rev. Yehiel Curry. Bishop Curry was serving as the bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod when he was elected to be Presiding Bishop on July 30. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, who served as the ELCA’s fourth Presiding Bishop, has retired after two terms in that office.

One of the things that our new Presiding Bishop is passionate about is developing leaders in the ELCA. His own call to ministry came as a lay mission developer at first. He entered the role of pastor through a program called Theological Education for Emerging Ministries, which helps prepare rostered leaders for specific places across the ELCA. Bishop Curry’s Master of Divinity was earned at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

In his first address to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, Bp. Curry said, “I’m what a return on your investment looks like,” he told the assembly. “Perhaps I’m out there in one of you. I never saw myself as good enough, so for two years, I said no. I finally said yes. When I said yes, your support, this church’s support, of that ministry meant everything. So if you want to know what your benevolence dollars look like, it looks like me. And I want to say thank you. Thank you for your investment.”

God surprises us with calls at different times in our lives. Bishop Curry worked in sales and education, before becoming a leader in his congregation and then in the larger church. Supporting him and other lay leaders, deacons, and pastors means the financial support and institutional support of having seminaries and assisting students with costs. It also means having people who help discern calls. That can be everything from a friend or pastor who encourages a person, to the synod office that guides the process, and formal and informal mentors along the way.

Being the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA is a huge role. The ELCA is urban and rural and includes people from many different perspectives. Because of the way the ELCA is structured, the Churchwide Offices can provide significant amounts of support to congregations and synods, but have very little power to enforce rules. A few weeks ago, for example, Zion hosted a stewardship workshop where two ELCA employees came to teach. The funding for that was provided by the ELCA and the synod, and what we choose to do with the information is up to the congregation. We have both independence and interdependence as congregations, synods, and churchwide expressions of the church.

I don’t know Bishop Curry personally, but I am curious. He will be in my prayers as he takes office. May God bless him with gratitude and curiosity, with energy and endurance, and above all, may he be filled with the love of God.

Pastor Emily

*Information for this article and the accompanying picture came from LivingLutheran.org

And another thing!

Zion has a blog! Ever wondered what was left out of Sunday's sermon? Each week on Zion's blog And another thing! Pastor Emily will add some extra context to the texts for the week that didn't make the sermon. As time goes on, we will expand the blog to include guest writers. Click the image to check it out and remember to subscribe to get updates when new posts are released.

Check it out by clicking here!

We're Hiring

Financial Administrator Position

Zion Lutheran Church

Zion Lutheran Church is seeking a Financial Administrator to join our ministry team. This part-time role involves managing financial records, contributions, payments, and reports, helping ensure that our church resources are used faithfully and wisely. We are looking for someone trustworthy, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting the mission of our congregation. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact the church office for more information. Click here or go to ZionLexSC.com/careers to see the full job description.

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.

Youth Marty Party

October 19th + 3:00-5:00pm

An afternoon of Reformation themed fun and games.

All 6th-12th graders welcome!

RSVP or Questions: Walt@zionlexsc.com

Lutheran Men in Mission

The Lutheran Men will have

their monthly meeting on October 14th.

Keep an eye out for more details coming soon!

Zion Hilltoppers

Hilltoppers October luncheon will be Tuesday, October 21st at 11:30 a.m. After morning devotions, we will reminisce while watching Zion's Homecoming video. Bring your favorite potluck dishes to share and enjoy. Over fifty and retired? Come join us for this special fellowship.

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:

Spaghetti Sauce

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.

Music Notes

The Choir rehearses in the choir room each Sunday morning starting at 9:00am. We can always use more voices, so please come join us!

Handbells currently meet on an as-needed basis for festival worship services. Christmas will be here soon, so if you’re interested in playing on Christmas Eve, let Julie know now for planning purposes. We always welcome new ringers!

Solo singers or instrumentalists would be great ANY time of year! If you’d be interested in singing or playing a solo during worship, please let me know!

*Call the church office at (803) 356-2297 or email Julie at julie@zionlexsc.com for more info.

A Mighty Fortress

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God” is often referred to as the battle hymn of the Reformation. Though it certainly served to strengthen adherents of the new Lutheran church, scholars disagree about Luther’s actual intent when he wrote it. It is known that during that period—around 1529—Luther was experiencing multiple difficulties. Aside from the stresses and dangers brought about by his stand against the Catholic Church there was controversy among Luther’s fellow reformers. He was also experiencing ill health and personal loss. It has been suggested that he turned to Psalm 46—the Scriptural source of this celebrated hymn—for comfort. And the powerful message he found there became a source of strength he shared through musical expression.

Music was always part of Luther’s life. As a young student he sang in the choir and learned to play several instruments. As the Reformation unfolded, Luther used music as one means to teach God’s Word to lay people, basing most of his works on passages from Scripture. At that time, singing during worship was in Latin and most often by monastic choirs. Luther restored congregational singing using hymns written in or translated into the German language.

Today music remains an integral part of worship.

“A Mighty Fortress” is certainly a song of praise and victory. And that is why it is also a hymn of comfort. The lyrics assure us that no matter the challenges, God always prevails. Luther took heart knowing that nothing—neither human agency nor Satan himself—can alter the promise of eternal life given through faith in Christ.

(Excerpts from the Lutheran Bible Translators website)

Click for more info or to offer your musical talents!

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 October

Assisting Minister: Bridget Ridgell

Reader: 5th Lee Caulder; 12th Bob McCombs;

19th Roger Anderson; 26th Paula Carlson;

Crucifer:

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

Technology Team:

Anyone can help: click here to signup.

5th Ross Hunter, Robbie Bigham; 12th OPEN, Tyler Beard;

19th OPEN, Tyler Beard; 28th OPEN, Chris Bigham;

Ushers: Troy Fite, Will Reeside

Chancel & Sacraments: Iris & James Harman

Altar Flowers: 5th OPEN; 12th OPEN;

19th Ann & Thom Webster; 28th OPEN; - Signup in the Narthex

Cookies & Fellowship: OPEN; Signup in Narthex

Offering Counters: Janice Sult, Evelyn Varn

Council Update

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

CONGREGATION COUNCIL MINUTES

Monday, September 8^th, 2025, 7:00PM

Call to Order
Devotions: Roger Anderson
Consent Agenda Needs Approval
Motion made by Rebekah to approve consent agenda; second by Paula; all in favor; motion passes
Business/Action Items:
Approve Recommended Endowment Committee Members
Motion made by Craig to add Steve Farwick and Russell Kleckley to the endowment committee; second by Paula; All in favor; Motion Passes
Summer Fun June 8^th – 10^th is seeking approval from council to move forward; they would like to have inflatables ($500 requested to be budgeted for Christian Learning Fund)
Resolution on Refugee Resettlement: Jamie motioned rather than signing on behalf of Zion as a whole we share the information via Newsletter for members to serve as they feel called to do. Looking into the future we could have LSC come speak again and/or host a family, for example; Second made by Nikki; All in Favor; Motion Passes.
Council WNL Meal: Wednesday, November 19^th… will decide the meal in October
Constitution Update Regarding Council Term
Motion by Steve Hendrix: I move that the Zion Church Council 1) facilitate the change of the term of council members from 2 years to three years 2) provide a path such that four members are elected each year 3) recommend that the congregation change the constitution accordingly; Second by Rebekah; Discussion included that this implementation of a passed motion will have to be pushed into next year in early September to ratify for the November meeting; All in Favor; Motion Passes.
Steve to prepare statement regarding the above motion (C.12.02.) to be stated at the next congregational meeting.
Upcoming Dates:
September 14^th: Homecoming
September 20^th: Oktoberfest
October 26^th: Trunk or Treat

6. Joys and Concerns

7. Lord’s Prayer and Adjournment: 8:50PM

Next Council Meeting Date: Monday, October 13^th at 7:00PM

Giving & Generosity

Giving Info as of September 28, 2025

Budgeted 2025 Offering: $447,000

Offering received YTD: $284,666

Budgeted offering YTD: $326,654

2025 Excess (shortfall) offering YTD: ($41,988)

Facilities Fund Balance: $73,493

GIFTS FOR OUTREACH MINISTRIES GIVEN THIS YEAR

Mission Lexington: $1204 + 889 pounds of food

Snack Packs Ministry: $7,449 + Matthew 25 Lunch Ministry: $1423

Recent Memorials Given

In memory of Wyman Kleckley & Ed Corley to the General Fund

by Rev. J. Hilton Roof, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Lewis, Shirley Derriso, Albert & Sue Drafts, Heyward Addy

In memory of Wyman Kleckley to the General Fund

by The Jerald Drafts Family, Nandalyn Heaitley

In memory of Charles Hendrix to the Facilities Fund

by Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc., Otis & Melissa Rawl

In memory of Ed Corley to the Facilities Fund

by AgFirst Farm Credit

In memory of Mandy Derrick to the General Fund

by Paul & Mary Hook

In memory of Charles Hendrix & Mandy Derrick to the General Fund

by Gay Clark

In memory of Wyman Kleckley & Charles Hendrix to the Building Fund

by Steve & Jeannie Wingard

In memory of Ed Corley to the General Fund

by Jerald & Margaret Drafts & Family

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: $831,008

Total remaining: $72,130

In Our Prayers

Current Needs

Jerald Drafts

Barry Granda

Janet Green

Eileen Leaphart

Mitch Mitcham

Charles Richardson

Judy Shotts

Homebound

Betty Jo Corley (Wellmore)

Melba Ivey (Spring Oak)

Gege Kimball

John Shotts

Margaret Sox

Kay Waites (Lexington Extended)

Darlene Weight (Tennessee)

Family and friends of Zion member Wyman Keisler upon his death September 23

Family and friends of Zion member Norene Drafts upon her death September 23.

Friends of the Congregation

Bishop Ginny Aebischer (health)

Lynn Balch (health, wife of Craig Balch)

Beth Bolt (health, mother of Mary Beth Bigham)

Mitchell Bowman (health, cousin of Nikki Harmon)

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)

Don Hampton (heart attack, nephew of Walt Hampton)

Samuel Harman (health, brother of Ethel Riley and James Harman)

William Harman (health, brother of Ethel Riley and James Harman)

Joye Haygood (cancer, cousin of the Leapharts)

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)

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)

Sharon Moore Robison (stroke, friend of Bridget Ridgell)

Gabe Salinas (military, boyfriend of Riley Burn)

Tyler Shotts (military, grandson of the Shotts)

Keith Shotts (military, grandson of the Shotts)

Jo Slade (health, friend of the Leapharts)

Peggy Sox (health, mother of Evelyn Varn)

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)

Melissa Wise (health, sister in law 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

October Birthdays

1^st - Chandler Lamb, Kelly Jo Swygert, Chris Bigham; 6^th - Claire Owens; 11^th - Beth Jebali, Grace Lankford; 13^th - Mary Hook; 15^th - Sara Rymer; 16^th - Carole Murphy; 17^th - Betty Jo Corley; 20^th - Marshall Grace Fite, Chancelor Cotten; 21^st - Gina Sanford; 22^nd - Carla Fallaw, Beverly Kleckley, Brad Ledford; 23^rd - Anna Wingard; 25^th - Mark Rhoden, Foster Hanna; 26^th - Roger Hanna; 27^th - Mary Beth Bigham, Ben Cohoon; 28^th - Steve Swygert, Megan Granda; 29^th - Susan Boatwright, Bryleigh Tanner; 30^th - Kimberly Rauch

October Anniversaries

1^st - Mark & Margie Wingard; 10^th - Kara & Zach Willis; 14^th - Chip & Betsy Burn; 15^th - Nora & Evan Barnett; 24^th - Troy & Jamie Fite