forward in faith

Our God is faithful!

Over the past few years, we have experienced a number of challenges and God has carried us through every one. Paul reminds us that it is in times of adversity, that our faith and character can grow stronger. That is exactly where we are at Mt. Zion. We are stronger together as we live out our faith and pursue the mission and ministry that God has for us.


One bright spot of accomplishment in the past year that I will highlight is the overwhelming progress made to upgrade and improve our facilities through the “Home Improvement” initiative. The outpouring of your gifts has allowed us to apply over $100,000 in needed upgrades and improvements to our facilities that make them safer, more inviting and more economical to operate. We have a wonderful facility, but it is aging and there are a number of “big ticket” items like upgrades to the HVAC Control systems, painting and flooring that require significant funding. The Home Improvement campaign got us off to a great start and with the Forward in Faith campaign we will keep going. 


Very simply, the purpose of the Forward in Faith campaign is to strengthen our walk together in the spirit of love and

generosity, giving back as God has so richly blessed us. Keeping in perspective that buildings aren’t the most important thing, they are key enablers for us to accomplish our Mission and Ministry as a congregation. We need them in good working order to provide the essential space for gathering, teaching and growing as disciples.

They are also a place where the least, the lost and the lonely find a community of people that welcome them and provide a haven of rest.


Our Forward in Faith Initiative is not just for the next 90 days but will continue for the next three years. Our hope is that many of the items on our list can be completed before our Bicentennial Celebration.

~Pastor Angela Marlowe

Devotionals

Throughout the year, you will receive a number of communications intended to provide insight into the needs of our facilities and we will ask that you think critically and creatively about how you might engage and support this program of improvements. As you read the devotionals, please take a moment to reflect on how uniquely gifted you are by our gracious and generous God. Then consider how you can apply your unique gifts generously, not out of compulsion, but as you can, to glorify Him.

Forward In faith devotions

These devotions are being shared about our Forward in Faith initiative. 

We hope that these brief devotions will brighten your day and encourage you to get involved.

  • Key Verse:  Hebrews 11:1  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 

     

    Devotion:

    Volumes have been written on this topic and lifetimes have been spent in search of the meaning of ‘faith’ so let’s agree up front, that a short devotion can only help us check our compass and orient our map.  And while our key verse provides a great definition and description to teach us about faith, I believe that experience is the best way to learn what faith is.  

     

    Have you ever tried to float on your back in the ocean or in a pool?  Think back to the first time you tried.  I remember when I was young how effortless this looked for my mom.  She looked so relaxed and peaceful and I was really interested to learn. While she was very patient to teach me, it must have been really frustrating for her because I just couldn’t get it.  She kept telling me to relax and breathe, and all the while I was convinced that I was going to drown.  She did her best, even holding me up but, when she would let go, I would stiffen up and go under.  I did eventually get it after lots of practice and I remember that when it finally clicked, I realized how true her instruction was.  The key was in relaxing and letting the water do the work.  

     

    That’s how I think about faith.  What appears easy and even intuitive, takes effort to try and fail, then try again and fail again.  You might agree that even on our finest day there is something to struggle with.  Work, life decisions (like graduations), family, health, neighbors, finances, bosses, co-workers, addictions, and the list goes on…  There are countless ways that we are tested and when we feel like we could go under at any moment, the furthest thing from our mind is to react with “relax and just breathe.”  We forget that from our first unsteady steps we grow by trying, falling, getting up and trying again.  It’s as if we see life’s interruptions and inconveniences disguised as threats rather than as the opportunities they really are to grow and learn.     

     

    The writer of Hebrews, in the fourth chapter, recalls how the Israelites were tested in the wilderness saying, “The word which they heard was no good to them, because it did not become woven into the very fiber of their being through faith.”  This really drives home how important the role of faith is in our lives.  It reminds us that faith is deeply connected to how God’s word is engrained in our lives.  Making the word of God our way of life deepens our faith and equips us to respond to the daily struggles that we encounter.  

     

    Paul reminds us in Romans 12:12, to “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”  And while there are no short cuts, these three, help point us in the direction of faith-filled living:

    1.     Weave God’s word into the very fiber of your being

    2.     Pray trusting in God’s steadfast provision

    3.     Do your best to apply His instruction

     

    Growing in God’s word, trusting in His provision and doing our best we go Forward in Faith together. 

    .  

    Faith In Action:

    When you feel tested, draw close to God and lean into the challenge as an opportunity to grow.  Ask God: “What does your word say about this?”,  “Is there something that you want me to learn from this situation?”, “How can I best respond so that it honors you?”

     

    Prayer:  

    Lord, we thank you for loving us with a steadfast love and for writing your word on our hearts.  Help us rest in the assurance that even in our struggles, you are holding us up and working things together for our good. Fill us so that your word is woven into the very fiber of our being.  In all things, bring us close to you.  Amen


    Buddy Phillips

  • Key Verse: Ephesians 4:1-6  
    So then, I, (Paul) the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to behave yourselves in a way that is worthy of the calling with which you are called.  I urge you to behave with humility, and gentleness, and patience.  I urge you to bear with one another in love.  I urge you to eagerly preserve that unity which the Holy Spirit can bring by binding things together in peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called with one hope of your calling.  There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.

    Devotion:
    As I observe the news and current events, it seems that we spend most of our time sorting ourselves based on our differences.  To name a few examples… race and gender,  age, nationality, economic status, political views, native or foreign… and these just in today’s headlines.  If we were honest with ourselves, we might agree that it is part of our human nature to divide and group ourselves into “us” and “them” categories.  We gravitate to those we most closely identify with and whose interests and characteristics are most closely aligned with ours.  These folks we put in the “us” category while anyone with differing ideologies or traits fall outside into the “them” category.  

    Thousands of years of recorded history suggests that setting boundaries is in our nature.  In the Old Testament we are told “not to move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.”  I suppose that advice is still valid so we won’t provoke our neighbor or steal from them.  In his most recent sermon, Jonathan shared that the Jewish Temple contained a series of Courts and each one with a higher boundary than the one before.  All could enter the outer Court of Gentiles and yet, going further for some would result in certain death.  Beyond this court was the Court of Women where Israelites could enter and the women were restricted from moving beyond unless they were actually offering a sacrifice.  Israelite men were permitted into the next Court of the Israelites, by entry through a huge gate made of bronze that was so large and heavy that it took 20 men to open it.  From there only the Priests could advance and then finally, the High Priest alone could enter the Holy of Holies.

    In a more recent example, a study of preschool children concluded that when there was a clear and fenced boundary, children were confident to use the entire playground.  When there was no fence or boundaries were unclear, children tended to huddled close to the schoolhouse and adults for security.  This reminds me of the time while on vacation, my family had the opportunity to snorkel and explore caves in the rock shore line.  Just before diving in, we asked the captain if the waters were safe to swim in.  He wasn’t old in years, but wise in his response when he said, “the ocean has no fences.”  This answer gave me no comfort or assurance that we could safely swim in those waters.  

    The point of all this is that, while fences may at times serve a useful purpose, they present a great challenge for us to live in Unity with one another.  It’s not impossible, but it is extremely hard and not in our human nature.  So hard in fact, that we can’t do it without the help of the Holy Spirit.  We like our fences.  They give us predictability and safety from those who are different.  We find comfort staying within our borders to avoid conflict.  When faced with adversity or differences, we have to make a decision and choose.  We either lean into our natural tendencies to withdraw, or go on the offensive, or ignore or just wander away.  Or we can choose to love.  We can do our best to be humble and listen.  We can strive to be gentle and patient, bearing with the “other” in love.    

     Faith in Action:
    Paul’s instruction to the Ephesians points us to the timeless truth that Unity “can” be achieved but it requires effort on our part.  We have to let down our fences to love one another.  We have to subordinate the importance of our own position or point of view to the higher purpose of making our Church a home where the spirit of Christ can dwell.  When we do that, the Holy Spirit can bring Unity by “binding things together in peace.”

     Prayer:
    Lord, we thank you that through Jesus, every barrier has been broken and every fence that would keep us from you has been removed.  Let these words of Paul sink deeply into our minds so that we turn our hearts toward you.  Give us eyes to see one another and the world as you see it.  Make us strong and fill us with courage when we grow weary in our walk with you and with each other.   Amen.

    Buddy Phillips

  • Key Verse

    Psalm 23:1-3 “…he restores my soul.”

     

    Devotion

    Recently our ASP teams traveled to Newland NC to help repair and restore housing for victims of flood and wind damage brought on by Hurricane Helene.  It's hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since the storm hit and yet many families are still working to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives.  The love of God and support of Mt. Zion flowed through the 19 volunteers who spent a week helping restore and provide safe, warm and dry housing for the storm victims.   

     

    You may recall that “Restore” was chosen as one of the key descriptors of the Forward in Faith campaign.  It reflects the obvious objective to restore our aging facilities back to peak condition.  It also reflects an emphasis on strengthening the tie that binds us in relationship as we ourselves have encountered ‘storms’ over the past few years.  

     

    It may not be readily apparent, but the word also reflects our individual and daily need for restoration.  Just as “each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34), our God is the ultimate giver of restoration.  Many, many examples in the gospels tell of Jesus restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute, ability to walk to the lame, and even life to the dead.  At every turn, he was healing and restoring the physical, emotional, and spiritual brokenness of people around him.  

     

    In our key verse from Psalms, the steadfast and faithful love of our caring Lord is described by saying he “makes us lie down in green pastures” and “leads us besides the quiet waters.”  These wonderful word pictures bring us to the little phrase, ‘…he restores my soul’.   Almost an afterthought.  In fact, you could easily skip over it, but it contains a profound and deep spiritual truth.  He restores our soul, not because we are good, but because he loves us.  He restores our strength and courage so that we can live free from anxiety and fear… free from past failures… broken dreams… wounded hearts… physical illness and loss.  He restores our soul. He breathes new life into us.    

     

    Faith in Action

    Each day has enough trouble of its own, but God will restore your soul and give you rest if you let Him.  He loves you and His restoration enables you to carry on the work he has in store for you.  Take one small step today… ask him to restore your soul…. then let him do his work of restoration.    

     

    Prayer

    O Lord, hear our prayer.  Give us a fresh wind.  Send your life-giving breath to restore our souls.    Amen.


    Buddy Phillips

  •  Key Verse:   Ecclesiastes 3 : 1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…”

     Devotion:  
    “Future” was chosen as a key word for the Forward in Faith Campaign because it reminds us that the things we do now, in the present, impact the future.   We can’t change what was done in the past.  But, we can look forward, throwing off everything that hinders and entangles, running with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.1 Philosophers, scholars, poets, and song writers, have spent lifetimes thinking deeply about the topic of time, but for now, we will consider only one profound truth about the future…. God’s steadfast love endures forever. 

    Scriptures tell us from the beginning, echoing through the Psalms and Prophets, through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ, and the establishment of the Christian Church that God has and is actively moving in an expression of his enduring love and grace. The Apostle John writes that we can “rely” on the love of God and goes even further to say that “God is love.” 2   Think about that, the very Alpha and Omega, is love that never ends.  
    Although the things we build on this earth will decay and require restoration, we have hope in the assurance that God’s steadfast love endures forever.  No matter what, His love endures.  No matter what we’ve done or difficulty we’re experiencing, His love endures.  Given this great truth of the enduring love that God offers us, should we not be faithful to love Him in return?  Should we not love one another and tell others the good news?  Would doing these things not transform our world and our future?

     Faith in Action
    Today look for an opportunity to generously reflect God’s love.  A simple word of encouragement, expressing thanks, a helping hand, overlooking a fault, or even a smile can change someone’s trajectory into the future.     

     Prayer:  
    Lord Jesus, give us wisdom and understanding to walk in the way that leads closer to you.  Give us strength and courage to reflect your love so that others will be drawn to you.  Amen

    Buddy Phillips
     1 Heb 12:1 Paraphrased
    2 1 John 4:16
  •  Key Verse:  Mark 12:42-44  
    “A poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” 
     
    Devotion:
    This month concludes our series on Forward in Faith key words.  We have explored the topics of Faith, Unity, Restoration, and Future which brings us to the last key word: Generosity.  When someone is described as generous, my mind immediately looks for evidence of their generosity with questions like: What have they given?  or, Who benefits from their gifts?  But more important than the value of any gift or even benefits to the receiver, is the mindset and attitude of the giver.  Our attitude more accurately called the ‘condition of the heart’, determines whether or not we have a generous character.

    In our key verse, Jesus makes an example from the gift of a poor widow to teach his disciples a lesson.  Two small coins, barely significant in monetary value, were praised as being greater in value than the gifts of all the others.   It was how she gave, not the value, that Jesus commends.  It was her great faith and trust in God that made her gift exceptional. 

    The story centers around a gift of money but being generous isn’t just about material things.  When we broaden our lens just slightly, we see how an attitude of generosity comes through in the way we give of our Time, Talents, Gifts, Service and Witness.  We can also insert acts of kindness, living with patience, being lavish in encouragement and bearing with one another as coming from an attitude of generosity.

    Ok, good lesson, but let’s get down to where we really live.  “What’s in it for me?  My self-help coach tells me I should evaluate every decision against how it moves me closer to my goals.”  In this short devotion we couldn’t possibly explore all the many, many benefits that come from generous living like how we might ‘lay up for ourselves riches in heaven’, or how giving can cause the ‘floodgates of heaven to pour out blessings.’ (Malachi 3: 10) So, let’s look past the flawed questions centered on selfish interests, and consider a few benefits that come from generosity.

    If we want to be happy… Jesus tells us in Acts 20:35 ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’  ‘Blessed’ in this case is the same word that He used in the sermon on the mount to mean ‘extremely blest’ or fortunate or happy.  So, it is fair to say that being generous is on the pathway to happiness.   If you need proof, ask anyone who has given time to HIS ministry, or ASP, or Kairos Prison Ministry, or Magical Mountain Christmas if they felt blessed by having been involved.

    If we’re trying to live out the command to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself’ then generous living is directly aligned.  Acts of love and kindness are a reflection of God’s love, our love for God and love for our fellow man.

    If we want to please God, generosity moves us in that direction.  2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that “…God loves a cheerful giver.”  Remembering that God already loves us beyond what we can comprehend, Paul is not saying that our actions make God love us any more or less.  What he is saying is that our acts of generosity are pleasing to God.  Think of that!  We can actually bless God… our giving can actually bring happiness to the creator of the universe.  

    Even with all these benefits, living generously goes against our nature and there may be obstacles holding us back.  Anxiety about finances, not being aware of the needs around us, putting our trust in worldly wealth to name a few.  But there is good news:  God already owns it all, even things that we think belong to us.  Plus, He never wants us to live in fear.  Jesus said he came so that we might have life in abundance.  When we live into this life of abundance, we experience freedom to live generously. 

     Faith in Action:
    If you are living a life of generosity, I challenge you to take the test found in Malachi 3:10.  Try to out-give God and see what blessings He pours out.  If you just want to live a bit more generously, remember small acts, a simple smile or a word of encouragement, go a long way.  If you are interested in growing but need some help, resources on ways to apply your gifts or help in managing your finances are available through the Church office.  No matter where you are, I encourage you to take a step today. 
     Prayer:
    Dear God thank you for the abundant grace and generous gifts that you continue to pour out on us.   Increase our faith and give us courage to live with generous hearts.  Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us.  Give us strength to go beyond ourselves to bring the light of your love into this world.  Amen

    Buddy Phillips

  • Key Verse:  1 Thessalonians 5:16 “”…give thanks in all circumstances…”

     

    Devotion

    Thanksgiving holidays at our house are nothing like a Hallmark movie!  In the background are sounds of parades and football; cousins wrestling, running in and out of the house; endless cooking, eating, cleaning; conversations about black Friday deals, jobs, plans, social and political events… chaos abounds!


    All the while, we are ‘re-membering’ as a family.  Coming together again from separate homes, bringing the full range of human experience and emotions that include hurt and fear, gladness and sadness… all the feelings that prove that we’re human.

    Beneath the surface, we realize that giving thanks requires a conscious choice.  Life’s challenges bring loneliness, guilt, shame, anger, and we find that being thankful isn’t a natural first response.  Goodness around us is crowded out by adversity and grief.  

    When Paul said that we are to ‘be thankful in all circumstances’, I don’t think he was saying to be thankful for the adversity, or even for the circumstances surrounding the situation. I believe he was telling us to look beyond the situation and find bright spots of goodness to hold on to.  It seems he is saying, no matter how hard it gets, there is at least one good thing to be thankful for so, think on these things and be thankful.   If that’s what he meant, I agree.   No matter the circumstances, we can be thankful that nothing can ever separate us from the steadfast love of our Heavenly Father. 

     

    Faith In Action

    This Thanksgiving take a moment, as the old hymn says, to ‘count your many blessings, name them one by one.’  Look for the goodness around you and thank God for the good things he has done.

     

    Prayer

                O, Lord, we give thanks to you, for you are good.  Your steadfast love endures forever! Amen


    Buddy Phillips

  •  Key Verse
     John 1:14  “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

    Devotion
                Christmas is, as the song says, ‘the most wonderful time of the year!’  Filled with decorations, music of the season, smells of spice and timber, and tastes shared with family and friends.  Our senses are filled with the excitement of the season as we plan gatherings, parties, gifts, and special ways to celebrate old traditions and make new memories.  
                As Christians, we have a unique advantage over those who played a part in the actual preparation of the real nativity scene.  Prophets could only foretell of a future event.  Mary and Joseph had their lives completely upended.  Shepherds, minding their business, were shocked by singing from the heavenly host!  And yet we have the advantage of seeing both the beginning of the story and how it played out in the life of Jesus. 
                The key verse above is rich with meaning and fills us with wonder as we contemplate the creator of the universe actually coming to dwell among us.  To literally get behind our eyes, into our skin, to walk in our shoes … and to live life as an example for us.  Some say it is too fantastic to believe… how unfortunate that, for some, this season is empty of meaning with only food, drinks, gifts, and parties.   
                And yet, we believe… we believe that Jesus was the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary.  We believe that He suffered under Pontius Pilot, was crucified, dead, and buried.  We believe that He rose from the dead.  And this is what makes all the difference!  It is the life of grace and truth which gives us hope.  The life that gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding.  That gives us Joy beyond any earthly happiness.  That speaks the love of God and enables us to love others.
    Santa, decorations, parties, music all add to the wonder of the season.  But, don’t lose sight of the main character… the baby in the manger, God with us.  The one that came so that we may have abundant life.  The one that came full of grace and truth.  The one that is now King with dominion over all.  

    Faith in Action
                As a step of faith, I encourage you to ‘go tell’.  More than any other time of the year, people are hungry to hear the story of real grace.  Those disillusioned with the emptiness of the tinsel and glitter want to know if there is real truth.  Your personal and simple invitation to one of the many opportunities available through Mt. Zion this advent season could result in a changed life.  Invite them to come and see… to hear the good news… to taste for themselves.

     Prayer
    Dear God, we are in awe of the love story that You have displayed through the life of Jesus!  Remind us during this Advent season of your grace and truth that came to dwell among us.  Make us bold to share the good news that has power to change our world.   Amen


    Buddy Phillips

  • Key Verse:  Matt 6:11 “Give us this day, our daily bread.”


    Devotion:

    It is true, that threatening winter weather will create a run on the staples of milk and bread! One person told me that leading up to the first ice storm, she went to four grocery stores, and all were completely sold out of bread. Another, somewhat sheepishly, said that she bought four loaves of bread in advance of the storm then realized when she got home that it will take her small family weeks if they can consume it all. But that’s what we do. We 'plan for the worst and hope for the best.’ The recent storms that have kept us from worshipping together remind me of this simple prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. So simple that a child can embrace and understand that God is our provider. Yet, rich with insight into God’s role as provider and our role as disciples.  


    When we pray this prayer, God already knows what we need. He knows us more intimately than we can imagine… the number of hairs on our head… the words on our tongue before we say them… He is with us in our rising up and when we lay down… we can’t go anywhere that He is not already there with us… So, why, if He already knows, does Jesus instruct us to ask for our daily provision of bread?


    I think it’s because He wants us to lift our face toward heaven and express our full and complete dependence on Him. No matter what, in normal days or in a storm, He will provide. I think He also used the metaphor of bread because of all that goes into making it. God provides the seed, the environment for things to grow, the sun, the rain, the nutrients… all provisions come from His hand.  Then it’s our turn… someone plants, another harvests, stuff happens that brings ingredients together measured and mixed, all of it goes into an oven, at the right temp, for the amount right time and the output is distributed, for which we give thanks. (Mike and Brittany can clarify errors in this unschooled process) But, you get the picture… a community, many hands and feet, take what God provides, work together in the same direction to turn His provision into something that sustains and nourishes.  


    I think it’s interesting that long before Jesus was born, laborers in ancient Egypt were paid in loaves of bread. At the end of the day, workers building the pyramids were given a loaf of bread as their daily wage. It might be a stretch to think that Jesus had daily wages in mind, but who knows?  In any event, our wages come from the same partnership as He provides the raw inputs and we apply our talent and strength, to serve our community.   

     

    Faith in Action:

    It doesn’t happen often, but when Sunday worship is cancelled, gifts of tithes and offerings that would have normally been given and received, never make their way to the offering plate. Your gifts are the daily bread that fuel the mission and ministry of Mt. Zion. Thank you for generously sharing your wages (bread) to accomplish the work God has in store for us.  


    Prayer

    Lord, we thank you for loving us and for providing all that we need.  With generous hearts we trust you for provision and offer our gifts in service to you.  Amen.


    Buddy Phillips


    Online Giving: Use this LINK to designate your gift for the budget, Forward in Faith, or missions.

  • Key Verse:  The light of the body is the eye.  So then if your eye is generous, the whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is grudging, your whole body will be in the dark.  If, then, the light which is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!   Matthew 6:22 – 23 (RSV) (emphasis added)


    Devotion:

    Following our fall sermon series on Treasure and Stewardship, I have been studying the Sermon on the Mount and it has been, well, eye opening!  Given that Generosity is one of our Forward in Faith key words, I was particularly interested to dig into the key verse above.  When I read it in the Revised Standard Version, my first thought was ‘I have never read this verse before!’  While I’ve read countless articles on Stewardship and giving, I don’t recall ever seeing this verse used as a Stewardship reference.  That happens sometimes.  We read a verse, maybe several times, and suddenly, a word or a thought connects and we see the scripture in a whole new way.   


    To explain the context of the verse, Jesus is teaching his disciples how they are to live.  People just like you and me, wanting to learn.  And He says to them that a generous eye fills the body with light.  Yet on the other hand, “if your eye is grudging (ungenerous), your whole body will be in the dark” which He then amplifies by saying “how great is that darkness!”  Wow.  Jesus has a way of saying things that stop us in our tracks and force us to examine what we value most.   


    As I dug into the words, generous and grudging, I found that there are many ways the Greek words haplous and poneros, generous and grudging in this case, are translated.  For example, in the NEB, the words ‘sound’ and ‘bad’ are used.  The KJV uses the terms ‘single’ and ‘evil’.  The NRSV translates them as ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’. The NIV uses the terms ‘good’ and ‘bad’.  I encourage you to take a minute to re-read the key verse and replace generous and grudging with the other translations.


    The point is not to choose one that is right over another that is wrong.  But to broaden our lens on the meaning of generosity and to consider how closely it is linked to living in the light of God’s love.  We commonly think of generosity as how we handle material wealth, but it is also much more.  It is an attitude of the heart.  To have a generous heart reflects a singular focus, an unobstructed view, on Jesus and His goodness.    


    Faith in Action:

    As we enter this season of Lent season, I invite you to join me in checking our eyesight together by asking…  Do I have a single eye for Jesus, unobstructed by things of this earth?  Are my eyes sound to see others as children of God?  Do I have good eyes open to the needs of the world around me?  Do I have a generous view of others to love them by working for their good?   

    

    Prayer:

    Lord, we pray that you will open our eyes that we may see glimpses of truth that you have for us.  Open our eyes, illumine us, Spirit divine!  Amen


    Buddy Phillips

  • Key Verse: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness:  come before his presence with singing…Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise…” KJV  Psalm 100

    Devotion:

    Does the season of Lent prompt you to do anything different?  Lent, the 40 days starting on Ash Wednesday is a season of preparation, repentance and self-examination leading up to the celebration of Easter.  During this time, some choose to fast or give something up.  Others choose to focus one of the spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading, study, fasting, or worship to grow closer to God.  Whatever form you choose, preparing your heart for Easter is a good and worthwhile practice!  Spiritual disciplines, or “means of grace” as Wesley called them, are methods for building spiritual strength and endurance much like an athlete in training.  They help us grow stronger, but they are never, in and of themselves, the end goal.  They are simply ways to sharpen our focus and ultimately remove distractions that may come between us and God.  For a few moments, let’s consider worship as a “means of grace”.     


    When I think of worship, my mind immediately goes to the ‘worship service’.  Recently the Confirmands have been learning about Worship and Sacraments in the United Methodist tradition as well as experiencing other denominations and heritages.  They have visited a Jewish Synagogue, a Greek Orthodox Worship and an African American UMC and all use different styles of worship.  


    In addition to denominational differences, think for a moment how technology has dramatically shifted participation in corporate worship.  Without leaving home, one can join a service streamed from virtually anywhere.  This technology advancement is great for those who are unable to join a worship service because they are imprisoned, sick or infirmed.  And it is good that the gospel is reaching people right where they are!  Yet, as good as remote worship is, it lacks the fellowship that comes from being with other believers in worship.  


    In his book, Life Together, Deitrich Bonhoeffer writes “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.”  We see this joy and strength reflected in Paul’s writing from prison to his friends in Philippi as he longs to be with them saying, “I thank my God every time I remember you…I always pray with joy because of your fellowship in the gospel…”.  Today we have great freedom and easy access to join others in corporate worship.  So easy in fact that it can be taken for granted.  The Psalmist’s words are as true for today as when they were first written: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”   


    But worship isn’t just confined to Sunday services.  Paul suggests that worship is an everyday, all-day activity.  In Romans 12:1, he urges believers “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” then goes on to say, “this is your spiritual act of worship.”  He encourages us to live a life of continual worship.  Not just at Church, but in the factory, the office, the home, the playground and field… from the time we rise up until we lie down … our very actions, giving, service, things we say, our attitudes and thoughts are to be offered as an act of worship.  This takes worship to a whole new level!  Personal devotion to worship must have been on the mind of Rev. Isaac Watts when he concluded the hymn “When I survey the Wondrous Cross” with the words, “demands my soul, my life, my all.”


    Faith in Action:  Take a few minutes and read carefully the words of the hymn attached below.  Let them sink deeply into your mind and consider how the fellowship of corporate worship and personal devotion might transform your relationship with Christ during this season of Lent.

    

    Prayer:  Lord, from your head, your hands, your feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.  Were the whole realm of nature ours, it would be an offering far too small.  Love so amazing, so divine, demands our soul, our life, our all.  Amen

    

    Buddy Phillips

Forward in faith devotionals

Previous Devotions

  • 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