December 14, 2023

The Pastor’s Pen

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion… Isaiah 61:1–3

In order to better understand this week passage, it’s important to know the context (what‘s going on at that particle time) and the audience this text is written. These exiles have recently returned to Jerusalem with promise of newness as they observe their beloved city with all of its troubled relationships and power struggles with those who did not leave, but continued to make their lives in Jerusalem. Yet, the promise of freedom, comfort, restoration, and praise likely seemed far off — yet it is spoken to them by God through the Prophet Isaiah. For God is still at work in their midst and continues to work through them even though there is no Temple to worship God. Yes, God, the servant-prophet, and the people are wrapped together in this passage even as the work of salvation, the fulfillment of this promise almost seems impossible, or like a far away dream. Today, we know that the work of salvation has been completed through Jesus Christ, but what can we learn today from the words delivered to the prophet from God? And how does it relate to Jesus? Join us Sunday as we examine the word of the servant-prophet!

Pastor John

December Worship Greeters and Ushers:

Greeters: Julie Middleton and Tonette Thomas

Ushers: Tommy Middleton, Steve McDonald, Ricky Steele, and Danny Thomas

Going forward, you can visit the church website, www.zionumc.com and view the church calendar that will now include personal reservations of the facilities by members or groups. Reservations are made through the church office by contacting Missy, 803-285-3864 or 803-804-2434.

Our United Women in Faith will not be meeting in December. Meetings will resume on Tuesday, January 9 at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Toys for Tots

Our JOY Sunday School Class will be collecting toys for needy children. Donations can be placed in the last SS class on the right in the Educational Building  For toy suggestions, please contact Dianne Sweatt, 803-804-1602. Toys need to be brought to the church by Sunday, December 17th. 

Our children will present their program, “ The Unexpected Christmas” this Sunday, December 17 at 5:00 pm in the TFLC. Following the program, we will enjoy our church wide Christmas party! We invite you to bring sandwiches, chips, meatballs, cocktail wieners, cheese and crackers, cookies and drinks to share in the meal and fellowship together.

Luminaries will be lit and line the church walkways on Sunday, December 17th during our Children’s program and Christmas party. If you would like to place a luminary in honor or in memory of a loved one (2.00 each), please pick up a luminary form in the church vestibule. Completed forms need to be placed in the offering plate or turned in to the church office at the end of worship service this Sunday morning.

A huge thank you to all who made our Zion's Country Christmas a success! Thank you to all who planned, set up, worked booths & games, cleared a path in the woods for Candy Cane Lane, donated fireworks, cooked & served food, decorated the TFLC & Candy Cane Lane, and especially those who helped clean up. Every person's efforts at the event and leading up to the event were greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Beth Craig for planning the event with the help of the Worship Committee and many church members and friends of Zion!

You are invited to join us on Sunday, December 24 for worship at 11:00 am on Christmas Eve. There will not be an evening Christmas Eve Service.

United Methodist Men’s Dinner

and Fellowship

All men and women of the church are invited on Wednesday, December 20 at 6:30 pm in the TFLC. We will be serving chicken and dumplings, green beans, and salad. There will be hamburgers available for those who don’t enjoy chicken and dumplings. Please text or call Steve McDonald, 803-288-2892 if you would prefer a hamburger so that we can purchase enough.   

There will not be a newsletter mailed or emailed the week of December 25th. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!!

Special Gifts to Zion Church:

In Honor of:

Dianne Martin on her birthday by Pat Threatt

In Memory of:

Gene Hodge, Ed and Ona Bell Everall, and Irene Everall by Claudia Hartley

Special Gifts to Building Fund

In Memory of:

Caleb Love by Rock and Karen Love

Joan Middleton by Rock and Karen Love

Peggy Knight on her 84th birthday by Tommy Knight

Our deepest love and sympathy are extended to Tammy and Phillip Hayes and their family in the death of Phillip's father, Larry Hayes.

12/14: Steve McDonald

12/15: Melody McKenna, Nolan McKenna

12/16: Lisa Phillips, Kim Ford, Danny Ackerman, Glenda Love

12/17: Joey Horne, Dianne Martin, Mike McKenna

12/18: Nicole Faile, Max and Myra Funderburk

12/19: Tori Craig

12/21: Natalie Burrack

12/22: Jack and Becky H. Steele

The Record Speaks....

Present for 12/10 Sunday School: 39

Present for 12/10 Worship: 75

Needed each week for General Fund: $4,182

Received for General Fund: $2,963

Received for Building Fund: $80

Received for Epworth Children's Home: $100

There are several options available to give to the continuing ministry and outreach of Zion UMC. You may give through Paypal on the website www.zionumc.com, text your giving to 803-525-1834 and follow the secure link, or if you are not comfortable giving online, you may drop your offering in the mail to Zion UMC at 1665 Zion Road, Lancaster, SC 29720 or drop off in the secure drop box that is located beside the double doors where the buses are. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Missy at 803-804-2434 or leave a message at the church office, 803-285-3864 and your call will be returned. Thank you for your continued support of the Mission that is Zion!!

"...because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in you put your hand to."

Deuteronomy 15:10