the Logos

We have made it to the end.  We've been reading through the Bible as a church family this year and we've made it to week 52 of our 52-week reading plan. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading through the entire Bible with this reading plan. Everyone is invited to join us for our New Year's Eve Service on Thursday, December 31st, at 10:00pm. Throughout next year, we'll be looking at Seeing Jesus in the OT. On Wednesday, January 6th, we start with "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". I'm really excited about these Bible Study series. As we see Christ in the people and patterns and in the shadows and stories of the OT, it will help us understand the person and work of Christ more clearly and cause us to worship Him more fully. We were blessed today to have Bro. Joe Hancock back in the service today. He is a living testimony of God's grace to heal and restore. Also, Minister Keith Patterson and his family were in town and worshiped with us tod...

We are almost done reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We've been following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 51. Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the "advent" of Christ at Christmas. The theme for this Advent Sunday is love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life". The Devoted Disciples (Youth Ministry) is renovating their classroom to make it more relaxing and conversational as they study God's Word. Donations of new and gently used couches, love seats, bean bags, cafe tables and MONEY are being accepted. Please see any teen or Sister Tracy Downing for more details. To give our teachers, deacons, and leaders more time with family during the holidays, we have some cancellations. There will be no Elder-led Prayer this month. Prayer & ...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 50. Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Advent is a word that means "coming" or "visit". In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the "advent" of Christ at Christmas. The theme for this Advent Sunday is joy.  The birth of Jesus was good news of great joy! "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2:10-11 (ESV) That's why we sing... Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her king; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. As our 150th Anniversary year is coming to a close, you can still submit "Your Story" to...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 49. Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Advent is a word that means "coming" or "visit". In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the "advent" of Christ at Christmas. One of themes of  Advent is peace. Given the mass shootings in California and Georgia , our nation (and world) desperately needs the Prince of Peace . So during this advent season, we also look forward to the second advent (coming) of Jesus. Then there shall be peace on earth. You are all invited to Sister Tayon Dancy's Initial Sermon on Sunday, December 13th, at 4:00pm. "A Christmas Carol" will be presented on Saturday, December 12th, at 3:00pm by the Children's and Youth Ministries. Make plans to attend this wonderful story of God's Gift of Grace. Mt. Zion will be helping New Dimensions Fellowship Church with their "Read...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 48. Today is the first Sunday of Advent . Advent is a word that means "coming" or "visit". In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the "advent" of Christ at Christmas. During Advent... We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.  We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.  We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.  We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.  I'm pleased to announce that Sister Tayon Dancy will be giving her Initial Sermon on Sunday, December 13th, at 4:00 pm. Everyone is invited to join us for this special occasion!

While Christians are in an uproar about Starbucks red holiday cups , there are more important things going on in the world to be concerned about. Concerning the Syrian Refugee Crisis , I see a lot of fear-mongering on social media. How should we, as Christians, think about this issue? We need to think Biblically. As we've learned in the Truth Project , the government and church have different spheres of responsibility . Let the government do its job to vet the refugees in order to protect its citizens. As the church, we should show compassion and the love of Christ. Why are we so afraid to have refugees come in? God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind (or self-control) . We should not fear those who can kill the body but fear the One who can kill the body and the soul . Christians are called to love our enemies . In the parable of the Good Samaritan , Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. The church should not be like the religious ones (the...

The city of Paris was the victim of multiple terrorist attacks where 129 died, 352 more were injured, 99 of which were critical.  Let's pray for all of the families devastated by these evil acts. Please pray for Bro. Calvin Gray who lost his mother last week.  Keep his family in your prayers during their time of bereavement. We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 46. As Christians, we are apt to face suffering, adversity, and calamity in our lives especially as we live in a fallen world. The Bible teaches us how to handle them. Join us in our current Bible Study series, "Courage in Times of Trouble," a study of 1st and 2nd Peter, continuing Wednesday at 7:00pm. A condensed New Members Orientation Class will be offered on Saturday, 11/21, from 9:00am to 11:30am. If you have any remaining classes, please make plans to attend this session. Please see the announcements for cont...

Please pray for Minister Jacquelyn Harrison whose sister, Sharron, passed away last week. Services will be held in Virginia at the end of this week. We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 45. On Saturday, 11/14, we're having a training workshop for the Intercessory Prayer team from 9 to 11 am in the MPR. All are welcome to attend if you're interested in learning more about the ministry of intercessory prayer. A condensed New Members Orientation Class will be offered on Saturday, 11/21, from 9 to 11:30 am. If you have any remaining classes, please make plans to attend this session. Please see the announcement for contact info for questions and registration. Congrats to Marquel and Raquitta on the dedication of their baby boy, Aiden Landon Williams-Daniels.

As a church family, we have much to rejoice over and praise God for! Congrats to newlyweds, Jacob and Stephanie Julian , who were married last Monday. Congrats to Jae and Kelly on the arrival of their son, Xidan Smith  Praise God that Elder Wayne Bullock is home from his back surgery and rehab. Praise God that Bro. Joseph Hancock is home.  Here is Brandi Hancock's testimony about her dad: “I am elated and beyond excited to know that in 29 days my father has managed with God's strength to survive a massive heart attack! He died for 7 minutes but God said not so, my mother his Wife managed with the strength of God to administer chest compressions until the paramedics arrived, after being shocked 11 times he slipped into a coma and battled pneumonia. He has LESS THAN minimal brain damage! You can't tell me God is not a healer! The wheelchair is policy but Yes! He can walk! By the way he was released 11 days ahead of schedule! Thank you all for your undying support...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 43. The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Tuesday, October 27th, from 6 to 7pm. Everyone is invited to come out and pray. If you are not able to attend, submit your prayer requests online . Attention, Ladies: Here's an opportunity for you to help serve the community. We will be feeding homeless women at the Helen Wright Center in Raleigh on Thursday, October 29th, at 6:00 pm. Food items and your presence are needed. A sign-up sheet will be available at the Welcome Center. See the announcement for details . Thanks to all members who stayed for the Church Family Meeting right after the service today.

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 42. If you came out yesterday evening, then you know that the Reunion Choir Concert was amazing. Melissa Oliver kicked off the concert and our FAM team ministered. Praise God for all the hard work of the choir, directors, musicians, and everyone who played a part. And we can't thank our Minister of Music Spence Martin enough for all of his many years of dedicated service. The Church Family Meeting will be held following church service on next Sunday, October 25th. All members are asked to be present. The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Tuesday, October 27th, from 6 to 7pm. Everyone is invited to come out and pray. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can submit them online . This afternoon at 2pm, our Zone 4 members are joining with the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Western Wake Chapter to minister at Phoenix Assisted Livi...

Thank you for your prayers for Bro. Joe Hancock. He is off the ventilator, breathing on his own and talking softly. Praise God! Continue to pray for his recovery. Also, Elder Wayne Bullock had back surgeries last week which were successful. Pray for his recovery. We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 41. As part of our 150th Anniversary, our Worship Ministry is hosting a Reunion Choir Concert on Saturday, October 17th, at 5:00 pm. Former Mt. Zion choir members, choir directors, and musicians will be participating along with presentations from our Fine Arts Ministry. We will also have Praise and Worship by Melissa Oliver . All are invited to attend. Admission is FREE!

Please pray for Bro. Joe Hancock who suffered a heart attack last week and is at Wake Med Critical Care in Raleigh. Also, pray for the families and community in Oregon where a shooter killed multiple people at a community college. Some reports say that t he shooter targeted Christians (asking if they were Christians and then shooting them). We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 40. Prayer 2015 is Tuesday, October 6th.  For those who registered, please see Sis. Sandra Broadwater to get your tickets. Today at 4pm, I preached at Scott's Grove Church and our Choir rendered the music. I preached from Titus 2:11-15 on the topic "The Gospel Changes Everything".  Thanks to all who came out and supported us as we spread the Gospel. Join us on Wednesday at 7pm for our new Bible Study series on 3 John and Jude. The Mt. Zion Worship Ministry is hosting a Reunion Choir concert on Sat...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 39. Thanks for your generous giving for my pastoral anniversary. Your generosity and prayers are greatly appreciated. Please register ASAP for Prayer 2015, the area-wide prayer rally that will be held at Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, on Tuesday, October 6th, from 7 to 9pm. The event will be led by a group of area pastors, with many different churches across denominations and ethnicities participating in a time of worship and prayer. Mt. Zion has 25 reserved seats available. You may sign up online  if you would like to participate. Contact Sis. Sandra Broadwater for questions. Please sign up by Wednesday so we can make any seats that we don't fill available to other churches. Next Sunday at 4pm, I will be preaching at Scott's Grove Church for their Pastor's Aide/Pastor's Pre-Anniversary Service and our Gospel Choir will render the music. Ev...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 38. The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Tuesday, 9/22, from 6-7pm. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can place them in the prayer requests box at the back of the sanctuary or submit them online . Register for this year's Prayer 2015, the area-wide prayer rally that will be held at Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, on Tuesday, 10/6, from 7 to 9pm. The event will be led by a group of area pastors, with many different churches across denominations and ethnicities participating. Mt. Zion has 25 reserved seats available. You may sign up online  if you would like to participate. Contact Sis. Sandra Broadwater for questions. In honor of our 150th Anniversary, we'll be starting a new sermon series next Sunday on the church called "Ekklesia: the Called-Ou...

With sadness, I announce that our former minister, James Wheeler, passed away and was buried on Saturday. Before moving away, Minister Wheeler played an important part of our ministry at Mt. Zion as a minister, singer in the Male Chorus, and Sunday School teacher. He will be fondly remembered. Please pray for the Wheeler family. Congrats to the newlyweds, Caesar and Nicole Boone who were married on Saturday. We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 37. Our Anniversary Week is here! Here's what's happening this week... Old Fashioned Revival – 9/16 starting with Hors d'oeuvre at 6pm and the service at 7pm. Pastor Larry Snead will be our speaker. Anniversary Play – 9/18 at 7:00pm. Anniversary Gala – 9/19 at 7pm. Sunday was the last day to purchase a ticket. On Sunday, 9/20, Pastor James White will be our guest speaker to celebrate my 13th pastoral anniversary. Mark your calenda...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 36. Get ready!! Our Anniversary Week is almost here. Zone Community Outreach – 9/12 at 9am. Old Fashioned Family and Friends Day – 9/12 at 2pm.  Old Fashioned Revival – 9/16 at 6pm. Anniversary Play – 9/18 at 7:00pm. Anniversary Gala – 9/19 at 7pm. Also, it is not too late to purchase a ticket. Money will be accepted until September 13th. If you pay online , please mark clearly "Anniversary Gala". We'll have a guest speaker on 9/20 to celebrate my 13th pastoral anniversary. Congrats to Antonio & Nikisha Trotter on their 10th Wedding Anniversary.  They renewed their vows immediately after the service.

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 35. Here are yesterday's Fall Spruce UP results: 19 total attendees  Leadership  - 11  Members - 6  Guests - 2  Zone breakdown  Zone 4 - 4 members  Zone 3 - 2 members  Zone 2 - 5 members  Zone 1 - 8 members  We worked a total of 54.5. The shortest being 1.35 hours and the longest being 6.5 hours. We saved the church $817.50 by cleaning the church ourselves. Bro. Louis Eldridge gave our Anniversary Shout Out.  It's almost time for our 150th anniversary events and activities.  Check out t he church calendar so you don't miss anything on 9/12, 16, 18-20. There was a C3 LifeGroup Fair immediately following the service today. People were able to get information about the various LifeGroups available as well as play the LifeGroup Leader questions game. Congrats to Sis. Nadiyah Moore for ...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 34. Thanks to all who came out yesterday to our Theological Seminar on the Doctrine of Election. For those that missed it, we have notes from the seminar at the Welcome Center. Contact me if you would like a soft copy of the notes with answers. You can watch the seminar via the archive at Zion Live or order a DVD . The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Tuesday, 8/25, from 6 to 7pm. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can submit them online . The Fall Spruce UP is 8/29 from 9am to 12pm. So come out and help clean our church for our upcoming anniversary activities. We'll be having a C3 LifeGroup Fair on next Sunday, 8/30, immediately following church service in the MPR and Youth/Adult hallway. Great opportunities to find out more about a LifeGroup. We ...

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 33. Deaconess Angelique Cherry announced that the winner of our second round of "Guess Who" is my wife, Anita!  And I did not give her the answers! Zone 3 did a service at Chatham Commons on Sunday afternoon. Bro. Jae Smith brought a straight Gospel message from the verse, " Jesus wept ", emphasizing Jesus' deity and humanity. The Gospel Choir sang praises to our great God. Please take advantage of these opportunities to spread the Gospel and serve those in our community. What does it mean that God has chosen the elect? Is God unjust not to elect everyone? Dr. Keith Whitfield, SEBTS, is returning to finish teaching on "The Doctrine of Election" for our next free theological seminar on Saturday, 8/22, from 9:00am to 11:15am. Come out and learn more about this important doctrine. Light refreshments will be served. Please re...