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Back to School Prayer, Become a Zion Connector, Celebrating Baptism (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/23)

Back to School Prayer

Today, we have the privilege of praying over our children and young people as they begin another school year. As they return to classrooms, campuses, sports, activities, and new routines, we want to remind them that they do not walk into this new season alone. We are praying that God will give them wisdom, courage, protection, and discernment. May they be faithful witnesses for Christ and make choices that honor Him.

Parents, grandparents, and the entire Mt. Zion family, let's continue to cover our young people in prayer throughout the school year.

 

A Break from Philemon

We've been blessed by our current sermon series, "Reconciliation in Christ," through the book of Philemon.

For the next few weeks, we're going to take a break from Philemon and return to the second half of the series in September.

This gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we've already learned about reconciliation, forgiveness, relationships, and the transforming power of the gospel. We look forward to returning to Philemon and completing our journey through this powerful letter in September.

 

Recently Came Forward

We are excited to that Uriah Bracey (age 19), is transitioning to adult membership at Mt. Zion.

We thank God for bringing Uriah into our church family and look forward to encouraging him as he grows in his relationship with Christ and becomes connected to the life and ministry of Mt. Zion.

 

Men's Ministry Small Group Discipleship

Men, if you weren't able to attend the Men's Retreat—or if you attended the retreat and want to get more involved in small-group discipleship—we invite you to join us!

Our next Men's Ministry Small Group Discipleship gathering will be:

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
7:00–8:15 PM
Virtual Webex – Men's Ministry Link

Small groups provide an opportunity to go beyond Sunday worship and develop deeper relationships through prayer, Scripture, accountability, and fellowship.

If you've been looking for a way to get connected with other men and grow together in your faith, this is a great place to start.

 

Become a Zion Connector

Do you love helping people get connected? Do you enjoy being part of the Mt. Zion family and helping others feel welcome?

Then we would love for you to consider becoming a Zion Connector!

Join us for our Zion Connector Interest Meeting:

Sunday, August 30, 2026
12:00–12:30 PM
Multipurpose Room (MPR)

Come learn how you can help new members get connected, answer questions, build relationships, and feel at home during their first days at Mt. Zion.

If you are ready to make a difference and help others experience the love and community of Mt. Zion, we encourage you to attend the interest meeting.

 

Celebrating Baptism!

Today is a special day of celebration as two candidates for baptism publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ:

Arwilla McCary
Mia Gabriela Otoya Ruiz

We rejoice with Arwilla and Mia as they take this important step of obedience and publicly identify themselves with Christ.

Baptism is a beautiful picture of the gospel—the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Today, we celebrate not simply a religious ceremony, but the transforming work of God's grace in their lives.

Let's continue to pray for Arwilla and Mia as they grow in their faith and encourage them as they begin this next chapter of their walk with Christ.

What a wonderful reminder that God is still saving, transforming, and building His church!

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