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Celebrations of Faith, Protect the Flock Training, A Call to Prayer in Troubling Times (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/14)

 Bereavement

Please keep Sis. Alicia Welcher and family in your prayers on the passing of her father and aunt (his sister). This loss also touches Min. Rasheeda Oliver, as they were her grandfather and great-aunt. Both were laid to rest yesterday. May God’s peace and comfort surround the family during this difficult time.

Celebrations of Faith

We rejoice in how God is moving in the lives of our members:

  • Amaya Wallace – Rededicated her life to Christ and joined Mt. Zion.

  • Aubrey Eason (16), daughter of Sis. Cassandra Page – Recently trusted Christ as her personal Savior and is now a candidate for baptism.

  • Welcome New (Returning) Member: Sis. Jessikah Amekuedi (and her son, Major).

We celebrate with you and thank God for His saving and sustaining grace!

Protect the Flock Training

On Saturday, September 27, Mt. Zion will host the Protect the Flock Training, led by Called to Peace Ministries. This training will help our church grow in awareness and response to domestic abuse, equipping us to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and care.

Because of the importance of this issue in our congregations and communities, all are invited to attend, and we are strongly encouraging all leaders to be present.

🕘 9 AM – 2 PM | Lunch Provided

Together, we can ensure that our church remains a safe place where the vulnerable are protected, the hurting are cared for, and the love of Christ is displayed.

Singles Build Day

The Singles Ministry will travel to Clayton, NC on Saturday, October 4, to participate in a Habitat for Humanity home build.

  • Non-singles are welcome too—5 slots remain!

  • The church bus will be available for transportation.

  • Sis. Gabriel Carr is the point of contact.

160th Church Anniversary Cookout

We are excited to celebrate 160 years of Mt. Zion! 🎉

📅 Saturday, October 18

  • Cookout Registration: Today (9/14) is the final day to register if you plan to attend.

  • T-shirts: Orders have closed. If you didn’t order, please wear a purple T-shirt to the cookout.

  • Recreation Sign-ups: Available in the church lobby—limited slots remain.

  • Volunteers Needed: Leave your name and contact information at the anniversary table.

  • Portable Chairs: Please bring your own if you’d like to sit comfortably during outdoor activities.

We’re looking forward to a joyful day filled with fun, food, and fellowship as we honor God for His faithfulness through the generations.

Bridging the Gap Reunion

This weekend, we welcome back our Bridging the Gap Youth Choir for a special reunion!

  • Friday (7 PM) – Open discussion: “Why Did the Bridge Fall?”

  • Saturday (4 PM) – Reunion Concert

Come out and support this exciting time of reflection, renewal, and praise!

A Call to Prayer in Troubling Times

Our hearts are heavy as we witness ongoing violence in our world:

  • The shooting of children at a Catholic school.

  • The stabbing death of a young Ukrainian woman, Irina Zaratska, in Charlotte.

  • Another school shooting in Colorado.

  • The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk.

  • And earlier this summer, the murder of Melissa Hortman, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband.

Every one of these lives mattered—they were image-bearers of God. Whether we agreed with their politics or not, we mourn the loss of human life and the brokenness of this world.

Sadly, tragedy often becomes politicized instead of humanized. Let us not be swept up in angry, toxic rhetoric that only divides. For some, it may be wise to fast from social media for a time, protecting your mental and spiritual health.

This is spiritual warfare. Satan seeks to divide, especially within the body of Christ. Once we demonize those with whom we disagree, violence can tragically follow.

Remember: the world system is against God. Our allegiance must not be to political parties but to Christ alone. Revelation warns of two beasts that attack the church through political power and deceptive ideology. These two beasts work together to pull allegiance away from God and move to Satan. Let us stay rooted in Christ, alert, and faithful.

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