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Bereavements, First Church Family Meeting, Ordination Service (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/31)

There are several families at Mt. Zion currently experiencing bereavements.  Please pray for the following members: Deaconess Rhonda Spivey's father (who was a pastor) died on Friday night  Deaconess Tasha Smith (loss of an aunt)  Sis. Brenda Tyrance (loss of grandbaby)  Evangelist Tayon Dancy (loss of cousin)  Join us again this Wednesday at 7:00pm for our Bible Study series, "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". This week, we'll look at seeing Jesus in the Tower of Babel. We held our first Church Family Meeting for the year right after the service today. We shared important info on 2016 ministry goals, last year's finances, an update to our Constitution and By-Laws, and a statement from the elders on the importance of regular church attendance. At 4pm, we had an Ordination Service to ordain an Elder Sean Cherry and Deacons Tim Thompson, Henri Spivey, and Corey Smith. Pastor Daryl Cody, New Life Ministries of Apex , preached the ordination me...

Elder-led Prayer, Church Family Meeting, Ordination Service (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/24)

Today we didn't have church due to winter weather (icy road conditions) but I decided to broadcast on Periscope to have a little church online and preach a sermon entitled "The Way Up Is Down" from Mark 10:35-45 .  You can watch the replay here .  Our next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Tuesday, January 26th, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. If you are not able to attend, you can but submit your prayer requests online . Join us again this Wednesday at 7:00pm for our current Bible Study series, "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". This week, we'll look at seeing Jesus in the Flood (Genesis 6-9). Don't forget to fill out the police survey that was given out. If you didn't get a survey we have extras available at the Welcome Center. The survey is going to be used by a group of pastors and Cary PD that I'm a part of that's working to improve relationship between the po...

Seeing Jesus in the Fall, Twisted Too, The Power of an Invitation (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/17)

Join us again this Wednesday at 7:00pm for our Bible Study series, "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". This week, we'll look at seeing Jesus in the Fall. Don't forget to fill out the police survey given out last Sunday. If you didn't get a survey, please ask the ushers. Extras will be available at the Welcome Center. The survey is going to be used by a group of pastors and Cary police that I'm a part of that's working to improve relationship between the police and the African-American community. Zone 1 members will be directing a service on this afternoon at 2pm at Brookdale Cary Assisted Living . Everyone is invited. Next Sunday, we kick off a new sermon series, Twisted Too. We'll be looking at some more of the most misused Scriptures. Here's what we'll be covering... 1/24 – Habakkuk 2:2-3: “Write the vision, make it plain”  1/31 – John 14:13-14: “Ask for anything in my Name, I will do it”  2/07 – Isaiah 53:5: “By His ...

Police Survey, Twisted Too, Introducing MyHope Sunday (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/10)

Bereavement: Sis. Norma Winton's brother, Mario Anderson (uncle to Sis. Shenithia Griffin) passed away suddenly this past week. Mario's wife, Karla, was the one that invited our Worship Ministry to participate in Raleigh Winterfest about a year ago. Please be in prayer for the family during this time of loss. The homegoing service for Mario Anderson was held today at 3:00pm at Apex Funeral Home Chapel. The family asked me to officiate and bring the Word. I preached from John 14:1-6 on "Jesus is the way". There were non-believers present so they heard the Gospel. My prayer is that God's Word would find deep root in the soils of their heart. Last week, we kicked off and laid the groundwork for our new Bible Study series, "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". Join us this Wednesday at 7:00pm as we look at seeing Jesus in creation. Many of you know that I'm part of a group of pastors working with the Cary PD to improve relationship between ...

2016 Church Theme, Seeing Jesus in Genesis, Youth Parent Meeting (Pastoral Emphasis for 1/3)

Happy New Year! Our church theme for this year is “Abiding in Christ and Bearing Much Fruit” from John 15:1-5 and Col. 1:9-10 . Our focus this year will be on personal spiritual growth and corporate equipping and training. I want to challenge each of our members to assess how you are abiding in Christ and whether you are truly bearing the fruit of your relationship with Jesus. From the church perspective, we want to focus on doing more equipping and training of individuals. Everyone is invited to join us on Wednesday, January 6th, at 7:00pm as we kick off our new Bible Study series, "The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis". There will be a Youth Parent Meeting on Sunday, January 10th, immediately following the worship service.

New Year's Eve Service, Seeing Jesus in the OT, Living Testimony (Pastoral Emphasis for 12/27)

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...

4th Advent Sunday, Holiday Schedule, Seeing Jesus in the OT (Pastoral Emphasis for 12/20)

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 & ...

Joy to the World, Your Story, Straws for Children (Pastoral Emphasis for 12/13)

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...

2nd Sunday of Advent, Christmas Play, Ready for Winter Giveaway (Pastoral Emphasis for 12/6)

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...

First Sunday of Advent, Initial Sermon (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/29)

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!

Syrian Refugee Crisis, Elder-Led Prayer, Thanksgiving Schedule (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/22)

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...

Pray for Paris, Condensed New Member Class, Truth & Love (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/15)

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...

Intercessory Prayer Workshop, Condensed New Members Orientation Class (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/8)

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.

Praise Reports, Courage in Times of Trouble, Intercessory Prayer Training (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/1)

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...

Elder-led Prayer, Serving at Helen Wright Center (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/25)

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.

Reunion Choir Concert, Church Family Meeting, Phoenix Assisted Living (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/18)

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...

Update on Bro. Hancock & Elder Bullock, Reunion Choir Concert (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/11)

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!

Pray for Bro. Joe Hancock & UCC, Reunion Choir Concert (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/4)

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...

Thanks, Prayer 2015, Speaking at Scott's Grove Church (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/27)

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...

Elder-led Prayer, Register for Prayer 2015, New Ekklesia Series (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/20)

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...