Scripture: 

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:7 & 12

Paul’s message to the church at Corinth is this: You have received an indescribable gift of the grace of Jesus Christ.  Our response to that great gift is to give thanks.  We give not because we have to but because our hearts are so filled with the joy of Jesus that our thanksgivings overflow.  We just cannot stop giving thanks for what God has done and continues to do for us.

As most of you read in the September newsletter or heard in church on Sunday, we have launched our Forward In Faith initiative.  This program is a 90-day campaign this fall and a continued effort over the next 3 years. The focus is to build unity among members, grow in our generosity, restore our aging buildings, and prepare for the future.

The work on our facilities will include: HVAC controls, paint, flooring and plumbing in our Educational Building, new hot water, ice machine, and flooring in the FLC.  Other repair work such as roof dormers, facia, and plumbing are also being evaluated. 

The challenge for all of us is this:

• Pray daily for the Forward in Faith initiative.
• Think - How can you contribute over the next 90 days?
• Invite someone to attend a worship service or event at Mt. Zion.
• Ask the question – What can I (or a group I am involved with) do in the future to assist with Forward in Faith?

Prayer: 

God of grace, ever creating and restoring, you breathe life into all things and embrace us with an everlasting love; help us to grow in wonder and awe, to embody a spirit of gratitude, and to dream generous dreams; that, in gathering what we have, we may graciously offer ourselves to accomplish what you will, in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Pastor Angela

Key Verse:

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Devotional/Did You Know:

Our Education Building was built in 1961, making it 63 years old. Over the years, it has housed the Church Office, Sonshine Preschool, numerous Sunday School Classes and has hosted numerous Bible Studies and Community meetings like A.A and Baby Garten. It feels like home to so many, but in order to continue using it to the fullest, some repairs and upgrades are needed. It is our hope that the Forward in Faith campaign will make that possible.

Have you found the right Small Group? There are very few things more important to me than my Sunday School Class. Although the Woody Washam Friendship Class has seen members move away and new members arrive, the loving spirit has been constant. We have raised our children together, celebrated joyous times and supported one another in time of need and sorrow. We know it is a Safe Place, where we can voice differing opinions without judgement. It’s family, and I want everyone to have a group like this.

I have wondered how new visitors view our physical classroom, though. The Education Building is certainly showing its age, and as we move Forward in Faith, I hope that we can give it the facelift it needs to reflect our welcoming hearts. And, Did You Know… just to replace the flooring in the building will cost an estimated $65,000?

Faith in Action:

Make this the week that you start visiting Sunday School classes. I promise you will find the right one for your needs! And if you belong to a class, please invite someone to join you!

Prayer:

Dear Father, 

In the words from Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

I pray that this is the week that someone finds their special small group at Mt. Zion. May our members be the reflection of your love and welcome all new comers with open arms. I also pray that our members reflect on the needs of our church as we look to grow and embrace more people, and that they are able to support this important campaign. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Debbie Johnson

Key Verses:

1st Corinthians 12: 4-7 NIV: There are different kinds of gifts but the same spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one of the manifestations of the spirit is given for the common good.

1st Corinthians 12:12-13 NKJV: For as the body is one and has many members, but all members of that one body, being many, are of one body, so also is Christ. For by one spirit we were all baptized into one body.

Devotion:

There’s a lot to unpack in these verses as Paul is reminding the people of Corinth that the church, the body of Christ, will only operate at its best if all will work together using their God-given gifts not in self-service but to serve the whole. He compares the body of Christ to the human body and just as each part of the body specializes in its function, it takes all of the body parts to help the body as a whole to operate at its optimum.

I recently visited the history room here at Mount Zion and did you know that our current sanctuary was built in 1954. This is Mount Zion’s third sanctuary but its fourth structure. Mount Zion‘s first congregation met in an arbor, but regardless of the style or shape, do you know what each of those sanctuaries had in common? 

Each started as just a pile of building materials that were gathered together in hopes of becoming a sanctuary. Although each brick, board & nail had its own purpose & strength, it wasn’t until they were assembled together did they find their ultimate purpose. Just like our congregation here at Mt Zion, each believer (that’s you!) is given a gift or strength from God that is distributed by the Holy Spirit. These gifts may be different but each hold equal value and are meant to benefit God’s ultimate purpose of growing His Kingdom. 

Discovering one’s spiritual gift and using it to serve God’s people as an act of love is part of this beautiful journey. I often hear people say things like: “I can’t do that, I’ve served my time/I do not have time, I’m too old/young to volunteer” or my favorite, “no one asked me.” But here’s my response to that..” Who is limiting you?” God made a place for each of us and your gift is not on merit but by grace alone. He blessed you in order that you may exercise your gift, walk out your faith and honor him by being his hands and feet here on earth. This, my friends, is the blessing…God can and will use you no matter your limits! All He requires is a willing heart!

Faith In Action:

What if our church decided to not just gather at particular events or on Sunday morning but instead..To Assemble and use our God-given gifts to better our church, our community and the world!?! Can you imagine what God could do in and through Mt Zion? 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, you are a great gift giver. Thank you for your generosity. Do not let fear or anxiety keep me from serving you well. Help me to find ways to share these gifts with the body of Christ and to the world. And together help the body of Christ here at Mt Zion be so generous that others become curious. So curious that they cannot help but to want to know more about your kingdom. We give you all the glory. Amen.  

Shawna Sherrill

Devotion Theme:

God hears our prayers and sees our generous giving

Key Verse:

Acts 10:1-4 The angel said, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God…”

Devotional / Did you know:

Did you know that a man named Cornelius, a Roman citizen, played a pivotal role as barriers between the Gentiles and Jews were broken down in the early Christian Church?  

While his name resonates with us, we don’t know much about him.  We know he was a soldier and had many troops under his command.  And, we know that he observed Jewish practices of prayer and giving to the poor even though he was an outsider.  You can read the rest of the fascinating story in Acts chapter 10 of how he met with Peter and the walls of division between Jews and Gentiles were torn down.

There are several striking things about this story of Cornelius.  He recounts in verse 30 that “a man in shining clothes stood before me”  and the angel said to him “God has heard your prayer and God has remembered your gifts to the poor!” It is truly a wonder that he was visited by an angel!  But equally fascinating is the report that God heard his prayers and looked favorably on his faithfulness and generosity!  It doesn’t say that God was impressed with the amount of his gifts, but that God took note and was pleased that Cornelius acted faithfully and gave out of a generous heart.  It also impresses me that Cornelius didn’t have to accomplish a mighty feat to have God smile on him.  He went about living a faithful life, obeying God’s commands, doing good. 

Faith in action:

This week, keep on praying!  Even when you think your prayers aren’t getting through, God loves you and hears your prayers.  Ask Him if there are simple acts of kindness that you can show to someone.  Also, consider that God is pleased when we are faithful and act with a heart filled with love and generosity.  

Prayer:  

Lord, thank you for dwelling among us as we live in reverence to you.  Thank you for hearing our prayers and for smiling on our acts of kindness as we strive to live in faithfulness to you.  Thank you for loving us with a steadfast love that endures forever.  Make us courageous and strong to be faithful in prayer and generous with the abilities you have given us.  

Buddy Phillips

Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 8:2-4

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

Devotional:

Churches are our homes. And just like the homes we live in, they require upkeep and regular maintenance. We want our church to be welcoming to others. In addition to our attitudes towards others, that means keeping the buildings and grounds maintained and updated. We want to be able to be in ministry to those around us. All of this requires generosity, both of our time and our resources.

As I was growing up, I never knew that we would be considered lower middle class. As an adult I realize that my parents made a small amount of money go far for their family of 6. The 4 daughters were taught from an early age that “first fruits” went to tithing and were taught also that God always provides what is truly needed when you give in faithfully and joyfully. We didn’t eat out, had a garden and made our own clothes, but always had a good and happy life and everything we really needed. When the church needed extra money for maintenance or ministries, we found ways to contribute. We made things to be sold at bazaars; we planted 600 (!) cedar tree seedlings that were sold for Christmas trees as they matured, with proceeds going to the church. Those are some of my fondest memories.

Faith in action:

Consider ways that you can give to the Forward in Faith campaign so that we can keep our church in good shape and look forward to many more years of faithfulness in missions for God’s people. How can you use your talents and gifts to contribute above your normal giving? Are you crafty? A good cook? Sew? Good at organizing charitable events? Handy and able to do some of the necessary tasks? Be creative with ways to be able to give for our church home.

Prayer:  

Dead God,

Thank you for all that you have done in our lives. You have been faithful in all seasons of our lives. You have used us and this church to bless so many lives. We are so grateful.  

Please help us to find the ways to keep this building and these grounds and our hearts in shape so that we may continue to be a blessing to not only to each other, but also to the community around us. Help us to listen for the ways you want us to be in ministry to each other and the world around us. Show us how we can help.

Amen.

Dora Klaus

Key Verse

“We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave.”

1 Timothy‬ 6‬:7‬ CEV‬‬

Devotional

Growing up, Sunday mornings & nights were church times, and on occasions, Wednesdays nights too. My parents and my grandparents created that legacy. This is why Beth and I make it a priority to be present, whether in person or online so that our kids see the impact that church can have on our lives. This is the same legacy that many church members have at Mt Zion. Having your family in church builds faith and faith enables us to share the joy of Christ, a legacy I want to pass on to my kids. 

Tithing and giving goes hand in hand with 1 Timothy 6:7.  I remember on Sunday mornings, I was often given a dollar to put in the offering plate and my parents would put their envelope in as the offering plate passed our row. I never knew how much they were giving, but I saw the act. Today, we give online and even more so, we have to share with our kids the importance of tithing and giving because it’s not as easy to see the act as I did growing up. Leaving the legacy of a cheerful and abundant giver through tithing and giving is another one of the greatest things I hope to pass along to my kids.

Faith in action

This week, consider the habits we do with little thought. Is it the coffee we get on the way to work, the daily workout or the TV show we love to watch. Any of these and many, many more can be part of your legacy. Make it a priority this week to prioritize our church and cheerful giving the legacy that you want to pass along to family and friends.

Prayer

Hey God, we are your children and you have blessed us with a rich and wonderful legacy. Help us to keep this legacy strong with our own family by coming to gather at your house, our church and to be the best stewards by giving and giving abundantly to your missions and purpose. 

It’s in your Son’s name we give thanks and pray. 

Amen

Jon Lentz

Key Verse:

1 Peter 2:4-10 “…like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house…”

Devotional / Did you know:

As children, we learned that the church isn’t just a building or a place, but rather it’s the people who make up the church. But, did you know that Peter encourages followers of Jesus to be ‘living stones built into a spiritual house’?

When Jesus called his disciples, he didn’t call just one. He called many and all of them, men and women, boys and girls of all ages, were different. They had different backgrounds, unique personalities, different skills, a variety of interests, and even their vocations were different. As the number of followers increased, Jesus was growing in them the ability to carry on the work He started on earth.  

Isn’t it fitting that Peter, the one who’s name was changed from Simon to “the rock”, uses the image that we are all to be living stones. In this passage, Peter first tells us to put away the things that cause strife among us. Things like malice, envy, slander. A prerequisite if you will, is to put these things aside and focus on treating one another in ways that promote unity.  

If we are ‘living stones’, one on its own, can accomplish very little. But bound together our unique strengths and abilities enable the church to accomplish two of its essential purposes… 

First, the Church becomes a place where we meet together and share a sense of belonging. Everyone is accepted just as they are. We rejoice with those who rejoice and hurt with those who hurt. We don’t always get it right, but as a spiritual house, we are bound to one another by the grace and love we extend to each other. When we are generous with grace our bonds are made stronger.

The Church also becomes a place where we live out the physical presence of Christ in this world. We serve in very practical ways to care for the needs of the hurting world around us. This intentional caring, the sharing of Christ’s love, is what makes the Church unique and different from every other organization and social club.  

Going forward in faith together, we aim to keep our buildings in excellent working order. We also aim to restore our spiritual house, made up of living stones, bound to one another.  

Faith in action

This week, take just one step of faith. Thinking creatively, choose one of your many unique talents, blessings, capabilities, or areas of interest. Then generously apply that gift. You may feel a little outside of your comfort zone at first, but that’s how faith works. When we use our God given abilities for His purposes, we grow in the realization that he has provided for our every need. Meanwhile, we are blessed to share in making an eternal difference in someone’s life.

Prayer:  

Lord, thank you for being faithful through all the ages to provide for our every need. Turn our hearts to you and fill us with the awareness of your abundant grace. Give us generous hearts so that we are generous in giving grace to one another and blessing those in need from the abundance that you have poured out on us.  

Buddy Phillips

Key Verse

“Jesus said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Mark 10:14

Did You Know?

Did you know that Sonshine Preschool is in its 24th year, providing exceptional Christian childcare for our Church and Community? Wow!  

For 10 years, I had the privilege of teaching at Sonshine Preschool. It is a magical place, where the staff begins the day in a prayer circle, and then they watch as young children make friends, learn new skills and come to know how much Jesus loves them. To see a 4-year-old learn the Lord’s Prayer, or a 3-year-old declare that “Jesus is the light of the World” is truly something special. But Sonshine is more than a school. It is an important mission of Mt. Zion, where we also minister to young families in our community who may need a church home. How it warmed my heart to see “Sonshine Kids” become part of our Children’s choir or join us for Sunday School, and for young parents to form lasting friendships.  

Our Forward in Faith objectives are Unity, Generosity, Restore and Future. Yes, our education building needs a refresh, and through our generosity, we can make that happen. And in doing so, the Preschool may make an even better first impression to prospective parents. But more importantly, we all need to understand the importance of our Children’s Ministries to the future of our Church, as Mt Zion strives to grow in order to better serve our Lord. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Children are our greatest treasure. They are our Future.”  

Faith in Action

There are so many ways that you could help our Children’s Ministries grow and flourish… volunteer to teach a Sunday School class, support Sonshine Preschool with your prayers, help with Vacation Bible School, assist with our Youth Group or Children’s Choirs. The needs are many, and you’ll be rewarded with lots of smiles and hugs! If you are ready to help, reach out to our church staff and they will help you get started.  

Prayer

Dear Father, 

We thank you for the joy and innocence of the children in our midst. I pray that as we move Forward in Faith, we will continue to make Mt. Zion a loving and welcoming place for young families. Help us as we search for ways that we can be a part of the lives of the children of Mt. Zion and in our community.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Debbie Johnson

Key Verse: John 17: 20-23 Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Devotional

Did you know that the last prayer Jesus prayed as the events that led to His crucifixion began included a prayer for future believers (US!) and that the prayer was that we be unified? Jesus prayed for unity among all the believers, based on their unity with Him and God and their unity with each other and the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean that we are all the same or believe exactly the same. Jesus also spoke many times about different spiritual gifts and how it took all the parts of the body to make a whole. Jesus also picked a wide range of personalities and types of gifts for the men who were chosen disciples. God has used so many people with different styles and gifts throughout the Bible and in modern history - there is a place for all of us. What unity does mean is that we are all working together for the good of our faith - that we are united in purpose. While we may not agree on every detail of our faith, we are still united in Christ and in the calling to make disciples of the world. This best occurs when we build each other up and work together to make the world a better place. For Mt Zion, that means moving forward together: to maintain the church physically and spiritually, to use our gifts for mission, to bring all people to Christ, and to love and accept each other in unity.

Faith in action:

Actively seek ways to embrace unity for accomplishing the missions of Mt Zion and to further God’s kingdom while acknowledging that we will all have some differences along the way. God has big things planned for our church and His kingdom and we need to work together to accomplish what He means for us to accomplish. We can do this, with God’s help, if we work together. 

Prayer:  

Father God, please forgive us when we let our differences interfere with the work You have given us. Help us to become more like You and to listen to your Holy Spirit as You direct us in what You want us to do as we work to love Your people and to bring more people into Your kingdom. You do not mean for us to all be identical, but You do mean for us to all follow You and work together to further Your kingdom. May we all use our gifts to work together in the tasks You set forth for us. Amen.

Dora Klaus

For a wonderful video on John 17 visit:

https://groupleaders.org/curriculum-feed/unity-john17?rq=Unity%3A%20John%2017

Verse: Acts 11:27 – 30 “…The disciples, each according to their ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.”

Did you know that the early Church in Antioch sent gifts to aid the believers in Jerusalem? A severe famine was beginning to spread throughout the Roman world and the early disciples’ first instinct was to reach out and help their brothers living in Judea. They each, in proportion to their own resources, “fixed upon an amount of a relief fund to send to the brethren who lived in Judaea. This they did…”

A few phrases really stand out in this short passage. The disciples had been made aware of the needs of their fellow Christians and each according to his ability, weighed what they could do and committed to provide help. These logical steps are essential to moving forward in faith. The disciples were first faced with a choice of whether or not to respond to the need. Once they decided to respond, each took stock of their ability “in proportion to their own resources.” And finally, they followed through on their commitment by sending their gifts to their brothers in need.     

In recent weeks, we have experienced a similar event as hurricane Helene brought flooding and destruction to our neighbors. The devastation and loss has been heart-wrenching but an outpouring of loving acts of kindness have provided relief and restoration for physical as well as spiritual and emotional needs. People have chosen to respond, determined what they can give, and given in generous ways to help their neighbors in need. All of these acts of kindness reflect the healing love that Jesus modeled when he walked this earth.  

Faith in Action

Life on earth is hard sometimes. Whether it’s a famine nearly 2000 years ago or flooding with damaging winds of our era, there are always opportunities for us to care for and love one another. As you are made aware of needs around you, decide in your heart what you are able to do, then take a step forward in faith to apply your gifts.  

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving us eyes to see and ears to hear. Give us wisdom and understanding to respond to the needs around us. Give us courage and strength as we step forward in faith to bring about healing and restoration. Move our hearts to bless others from the blessings you have poured out on us. All these things we ask, not for our glory, but that through generous acts of kindness, your name may be glorified. Amen

Buddy Phillips

Key Verse:

“We’ll tell the next generation all about the praise due the Lord and his strength--the

wondrous works God has done. This is so that the next generation and children not yet born will know these things, and so they can rise up and tell their children to put their hope in God.” -Psalm 78:4, 6-7a, CEB

Devotional / Did you know:

A couple of years ago a team from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public

Health published a summary of findings from their research on children’s health. They collected data from over a decade, tracking the development of 12,000 children. It looked at a variety of factors into the overall health of children as they grow, including spiritual health. According to the study, children who attend church may experience a number of benefits reaching into adulthood. Some of these may include: better academic performance, increased self-esteem, increased likelihood of volunteering, showing forgiveness, having a sense of purpose, and growing up to be happier people. It is so important to me, and I hope to every follower of Jesus, to create spaces where these long-lasting positive effects can be felt in the lives of children, where they always know they are loved by God. However, none of this can happen without the faithful giving of people like you. Almost all of our events in Children’s Ministry are put on free of charge to those who attend them. For example, Vacation Bible School, Music and Arts Camp, the Easter Egg Hunt and Trunk or Treat all happen at no charge to children or families. The only way that is possible is because someone, maybe you, gave from their heart to our designated fund, or to the church budget. Additionally, the gift of our buildings here at Mt. Zion have housed these important ministries for decades. None of this can happen without the faithful giving of prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness from people like you.

Faith in action:

Has God given you a special gift in working with children, reading to them, playing

games with them, or gifts in organization and administration? All of these gifts can be used in Children’s Ministry. How is God calling you to serve as we move forward in faith?

Prayer:

Dear God, we give you thanks for the gift of Christian community and pray that you will continue to work in our hearts and in our lives as we seek to inspire and encourage the next generation of the church to continue forward in faith. Amen.

Rev. Lauren Hill

Key Verse: Ephesians 3:20 (NRSV) -  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. 

Devotional:

Recently, I was going through some of my Mother's possessions and came across a newspaper clipping that she had saved.    The local newspaper in Laurens, SC had asked a 3rd grade school teacher to give her students an assignment: write a letter to Santa Claus and tell him what you want for Christmas.   For some reason, my brief letter to Santa had been published, and my mother had kept the clipping.  I had informed Santa that I had been a good boy (which may have been a stretch) and that I wanted a train set and a new bicycle.   When you invite children to write a letter to Santa, there is no telling what they might ask for.  They can ask for a lot.

God is not a cosmic Santa, but we are all children at heart.  We can ask for a lot.  This theme verse from Ephesians 3:30 tells us that God is able to provide what we ask for.  But that's not all.  God can also provide us with all that we can imagine.  We can imagine a lot.   God can also provide us with "far more" than we can ask or imagine.  And God can provide us "abundantly" far more than we can ask or imagine.   

Generous people start with the assumption that God provides.  God doesn't always give us what we want, but God gives us everything we need.  Happy people (who tend to be generous people) learn that we don't actually need much.   As a matter of fact, all that we really need is God's love.  And God provides us with what we need - abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine.  God's love often comes in concrete expressions like food, shelter, medical care, friendship, forgiveness, and a sense of belonging.  

Generous people give out of the abundance of their hearts, which have been filled abundantly by God.  With this understanding of God's love, it makes us genuinely happy to give. What joy it brings us to know that we are part of God's blessings to others.   When we give to Mt. Zion, we are giving to people we may never know in person - we are giving to that scout who comes to use our facilities, to a child who may not know of God's love, to that young person who is considering following Jesus Christ, to that middle-aged person who needs more direction in life, or to that older person who comes to be surrounded with the beauty and majesty of worshiping Almighty God.  God blesses us in ways we don't anticipate.  We are caught up in a never-ending flow of giving and receiving and loving.  It is a flow that starts in the heart of God.  What joy it is to know that we are part of God's generosity. towards the world

Faith in action:

Give generously to someone expecting nothing in return.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for being so generous with me.   You have been kind, forgiving, and encouraging to me - even when I didn't realize it.   Help me to be generous towards others, and may our church at Mt. Zion always be a place where people experience the generosity of your love and grace. Amen.  

Jonathan Marlowe

Key Verse:  Psalm 30:5b

Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning

Devotional:

Momma Ann was in her 80’s when I met her.  She was homebound because of a spine that looked like a winding mountain road and the chronic pain that resulted whenever she would move.  Momma Ann gave birth to her only child, a son, shortly before her husband died.  She had a hard life, working and raising a child, at a time when few services were available, and most people believed women had no place in the workplace.

The physical pain she felt was nothing like the pain she felt when her son received word that he had an inoperable brain tumor.  And the pain only deepened when a few months later he died.  As I drove from the hospital to Momma Ann’s home to give her the news, I prayed for the words that would comfort a grieving mother.

Momma Ann knew when I walked in the door that the person she loved most in this world was no longer here.  After shedding some tears, Momma Ann asked if I knew “Because He Lives,” and when I said yes, she asked me to sing it for her.  When I got to the refrain, this woman in crushing pain joined me:

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future.

And life is worth the living, just because He lives!”

Momma Ann’s beautiful expression of faith and trust, even in the midst of her overwhelming pain and deepest grief, taught this then young pastor what it means to sing of life and love and the future that is in God’s hands.  The pain and the sorrow will not suddenly go away, but there will be joy “just because He lives!”

Over these past years we, too, have lost much.  We have grieved the death of many who have brought us to the faith.  Between Covid and General Conference, we have struggled with what it means to be God’s church in this day and time.  Some of those we have studied, worked, and worshiped with have chosen to move elsewhere because of these difficult days.  Their loss has been felt in all areas of our church.  We know all too well the pain of loss as individuals and as a church family.

But as people of faith, let us never forget that the darkness of loss and grief will someday give way to the light and joy of a new day.  We are a people who know with certainty that God is in control and God is with us.  Because He lives in each one of us we can face our uncertain future with hope and joy.

Faith in action:

Remember those who are grieving and offer them a glimpse of the joy to come by allowing God’s light and love to shine through you.  Sing—with your voice, your heart, or your actions—of God’s healing and renewing love for each of us.

Prayer:  

Gracious and loving God, our hearts are broken because of the darkness that surrounds us.  We want to give up or to just go about life as we did in the past.  Reveal to us how we can be a part of your plan for our future.  Help us to step out in faith towards a new day where your light shines brightly and joy surrounds all your children.  Amen.



Candice Sloan

Key Verses: The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  Luke 1:30

But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.    Matthew 1:20

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.    Luke 2:10-11

One of my favorite characters in the Christmas story are the angels.  I guess I have always liked the angels in the Bible.  It might have something to do with the fact that my name is derived from the word angel.  A good definition of an angel is heavenly messenger.  They are the ones that bring good news from God.

The message of the angels in the Christmas story is always the same: “Do not be afraid.”  When Mary found out that she was going to have a baby and that baby was to be the savior of the world – the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

When Joseph discovered that Mary was with child and he was wondering what to do next – the angel said to Joseph in a dream, “Do not be afraid.”

On the first Christmas Eve as the shepherds were tending their flocks and the multitude of angels appeared – the message was the same: “Do not be afraid.”

Like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we have doubts and questions about the future.  We are going through a period of change in so many ways.   Is there anyone we can trust to guide us? Some of the institutions that have given us a sense of security over the years are now shifting.   Are we going to be ok?   These questions can cause us some anxiety.  Amidst all the questions, we hear the voice of God: “Do not be afraid.  I am with you.”  Tomorrow may look different from today, but one thing that will not change is God’s love and God’s presence with us.   As we come to the end of the year and look forward to 2025, let us hear clearly this message of the angels.

Pastor Angela

PS – Watch for more Forward in Faith Devotions each month in 2025 and updates in the newsletter.  If you would like to contribute a devotion, email Buddy Phillips at fif@mtzionumc.net.

Key Verse:  John 14:25 – 29  Jesus said: “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid…” 

Devotion:

What a glorious celebration of God’s love and grace we have experienced over the past weeks of Lent leading up to the passion and resurrection of Christ!  

In the context of Forward in Faith, I want us to take just a moment to consider “what’s next?”  As you recall, the disciples and those closest to Jesus initially went back to the life they had once led.  Back to fishing, back to their boats and their old ways.  Thinking that Jesus’ death was the end, they felt defeated and confused.  I will admit, at times I feel troubled and afraid given the chaos, uncertainty and confusion of our world today.

But then the disciples encountered the risen Christ.  They had breakfast with him on the beach.  He walked with them and talked with them on the way to Emmaus.  They were invited to put their fingers in the nail prints and their hands in his side.  He comforted them and breathed His Holy Spirit into them.  He was indeed risen from the dead just as he said.  His resurrection suddenly changed everything!

This ”what’s next” for the disciples launched them into a life and mission they had never dreamed of.  Before they were learners and followers.  Now, their focus shifted to carry on the work of Jesus by witnessing to the world of what they had seen and heard.  Recently it occurred to me that Jesus could have saved Matthew, Mark, Luke and John the trouble of writing the gospels.  He certainly could have just written down all that he wanted us to know in one book of instruction.  But instead, he wrote his word on the hearts of those that followed him.  He taught them, mostly in parables, to think and consider how they might apply his teaching rather than giving them a prescriptive book of do’s and don’ts for every occasion.  Can you imagine if we had a ‘Book of Jesus’ how we could likely fall into the same trap as the Pharisees?   To interpret absolutes and rules as more important than his real message.

The real message that he has written on the hearts of His disciples of yesterday and today is that God loves the world, including us, more than we can possibly imagine.  And He wants a personal relationship with you.  It is almost too fantastic to believe that the creator of the universe has a unique and wonderful plan for your life.  He just wants our love and devotion in return.  And he wants us to imitate the boundless love he showed us to one another.  

Faith In Action:

We all have complete freedom to decide how we will answer the question “what’s next?”  Of course, we could all go back to fishing.  We could get back in our boat and hope that someone will come along and stop the rhetoric, the bigotry, the evil, the hate around us that seems to prevail.  It is both sobering and daunting to think that it is our job now.  We are literally the hands and feet of Christ.  We are the ones that must carry on as witnesses.  If love is going to prevail, it has to flow from within us.  If peace is to reign, we have to be peacemakers.  If healing is to take place, we have to be healers.  Hear the good news… He will never leave us or forsake us.  Ever.  His Holy Spirit lives in and through us, gives us instruction on how we are to live out our faith, and always the strength to do His will. 

Will you go back to fishing? Or, will you let the truth of the risen Christ propel you into a life beyond what you might imagine?  He doesn’t expect perfection, all He wants is your best. If you’re not sure how to engage with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, please give one of the staff a call.  They can help you plug in to one of the many, many ways that your unique talents and gifts can make a difference in the life of the Church and the world around us.  

Prayer:  

Dear God we stand in awe of the boundless love that you have demonstrated to us even while we are yet sinners.  Open the eyes of our heart to see the world as you see it.  Help us to grasp the truth of your amazing grace so that it transforms our lives into growing close to you.  Give us the strength and courage to express our faith in action. 

Buddy Phillips