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