the Logos

Thanks to all who attended the Theological Seminar on yesterday. We have some extra the 5 Solas of the Reformation posters at the Welcome Center.  Feel free to grab one while supplies last. Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible Study. On Wednesday at 7pm, we'll examine why Jesus came with to die. Jesus came to suffer and to sacrifice and calls us to do the same. Outreach Opportunity for the ladies: The Deaconess Ministry will be serving dinner to homeless women at the Helen Wright Center in Raleigh on Thursday, August 31st, at 7:00pm. Volunteers are needed to serve and donations are welcome. Please contact Deaconess Tracy Dunn or Deaconess Rhonda Spivey for additional information. Men, join us for our Men's Sunday School class next Sunday at 9am as I'll be teaching on how to study the Bible. Traditional school starts on tomorrow (Monday). We prayed for all of our students, parents, school teachers, school administrators, social workers, janitors, cafeter...

Praise Report: Deacon Cliff Hardaway's open-heart surgery was successful. In fact, the aneurysm was worst than originally thought. The doctor said it was so big that Deacon Cliff should have been dead! The aneurysm had already started to rupture. Even the doctor had to acknowledge that it was God that kept him! Continue praying for Deacon Cliff’s recovery and be considerate to the family and Cliff’s rest that we limit visitation. Thanks to all who volunteered and served at our Community Food Distribution on yesterday.  Here's the report from the event: 145 families served  54 volunteers from Mt. Zion (including 5 youth and 1 member of children's church)  24 members from leadership  Remaining food was taken to Dorcas Ministries which will help support 353 other families  Elder Cherry had conversation with lady who is a new Christian. Her family is Albanian Muslim. He encouraged her to visit us.  Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible St...

Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible Study. On Wednesday at 7 pm, we'll be looking at the fact that Jesus came to us. Jesus left heaven and entered our world to be the solution to our primary problem, sin. All youth ages 8-18 are invited to our Youth Explosion on August 18th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. It will be an evening of worship, praise, food, and fellowship. For more details, please contact Deaconess Tracy Dunn . Saturday is our Community Food Distribution beginning at 9 am. This is a great opportunity to serve our community. The community distribution is targeted at supporting families in need of food assistance during difficult economic times. Please spread the word. See Deacon Rufus Credle if you wish to volunteer. This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, which was the Protestant break from the Roman Catholic Church initiated by Martin Luther. Our next Theological Seminar will consider how the doctrines from the Reformation (Sola Scriptura, S...

Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible Study. On Wednesday at 7pm, we'll be looking at spreading the Good News. This is part of our mission statement (Worship Christ, Spread the Gospel, Serve the Community). Disciples are sent by Jesus to spread the Gospel with our words and by our lives. Ladies, the Deaconess Ministry is sponsoring a Heart to Heart Women’s Fellowship on Friday, August 11th, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. All ladies are encouraged to join in on this casual getting-to-know-you fellowship social. It's important to know your sisters-in-Christ so that you can support, encourage, and disciple one another. All youth ages 8-18 are invited to our Youth Explosion on August 18th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. It will be an evening of worship, praise, food, and fellowship. Invite your friends!! To register or get more details, click here or contact Deaconess Tracy Dunn . Mt. Zion in conjunction with Zaxby’s and the Food Bank of North Carolina will sponsor a Community Foo...

Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible Study. On Wednesday at 7pm, we'll be looking at serving God's kingdom. Disciples serve Jesus by expending time, talents, and resources in His kingdom. Starting next Sunday in August, I will be teaching our Men's Sunday School class on how to lead family devotions and study the Bible. All men (married & single) to join us on first Sundays in Adult Classroom 3.  We'll start with how to lead family devotions. Ladies, the Deaconess Ministry is sponsoring a Heart to Heart Women’s Fellowship on Friday, August 11th, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. All ladies are encouraged to join in on a very casual and relaxing getting-to-know-you fellowship social. We had our Church Family Meeting right after the church service. Thanks to all of the members that attended.   I'll do another post with some of the info that was shared in the meeting. Deaconess Peggy Credle shared her testimony about her faith and trust in God in the midst...

The next Elder-led Prayer is this Wednesday from 6 to 7 pm. 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 on the table at the back of the church, use the Connections card, or submit them online . Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible Study. On Wednesday at 7pm, we'll be looking at the Spirit-filled life. God sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us become the people He created us to be. Our next Church Family Meeting is next Sunday right after the church service. We have a lot of great info to share and also a Board of Directors election. All members are asked to attend. Since our theme is "Make Disciples: Helping Others Follow Jesus", we want to equip you, especially men, to be better at discipling. Starting in August, I will be teaching our Men's Sunday School class on how to lead family devotions and study the Bible. All men ...

How is your application from last Sunday's sermon going? We are praying for unsaved family members and friends and then taking concrete steps to share the Gospel with them. So even if you didn't do it last week, make an effort this week. I shared the Gospel with some family members via a Facebook post. You can see it here and feel free to use it to share with your family. Deacon Cliff Hardaway went to the hospital last week but he's back at home resting. He's got more tests to take so keep him in your prayers. Sis. Aprile King had been sick but is doing much better and was at church today. Also, pray for Bro. Todd Hayes who recently lost an uncle. And there are others who are still in bereavement. Join us for our Discipleship Journey at Bible Study. On Wednesday at 7 pm, we'll be looking at living in community. The only way to endure the storms of life and thrive as God intended is through community with other believers. Mark your calendar for our next C...

We've just started volume 3 of our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study.  Even if you've missed the other volumes, now is a great time to start.  On Wednesday, we'll examine how we're connected to God through prayer.  We'll look at Jesus' most famous prayer, the Lord's Prayer . Mark your calendar for our next Church Family Meeting that will be on 7/30 right after the church service. Today, I preached on "Ministering to an Unbelieving World" from Mark 6:1-13.   Despite His teaching and miracles, Jesus was rejected by His own hometown where He grew up.  Sadly, it's the people who are so familiar with us that they disregard the truth of the message we bring.  Our own family can be the hardest ground to minister in.  It may be tough but we must continue ministering and asking God to change their hearts and save them. To apply God's Word, I challenged everyone this week to think about that family member, friend, or co- worker that is not sa...

How do you define God's glory?  Defining it is kinda like defining beauty.  The Hebrew word for "glory" is kabod , which means weight, heaviness.  In other words, there's a weightiness to God's glory.  The glory of God is the weight of all that God is.  John Piper describes the glory of God as the manifest beauty of his holiness.  So if there's a weightiness to God, then there should be a weightiness to the praise and glory that we give Him.  God is deserving of sincere and pure praise (not superficial, half-hearted praise).  To glorify God is to make much of His greatness.  God should be honored and worshipped.  Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone)! The Christian Education Committee would like to thank the Mt. Zion Church family for making the 2017 VBS special and successful.  We are grateful that you allowed God to use you for His glory and growth of His kingdom. We start volume 3 of our Discipleship Journey in Bible Stud...

Thank you for your prayers during our vacation. We had a lot of fun...I broke a pair of shoes...and my wallet!! Looks like you all had a great time at VBS! Check out some photos... Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 (Community Outreach) Sunday/Food Trucks It's not quite over...everyone is welcome to stay after the service to purchase food from Food Trucks and fellowship. We continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Now we're looking at the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. On Wednesday, we'll be looking at the Doctrine of the Church. The church is essential in the life of a Christian. The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Wednesday, June 28th, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. You can submit your prayer requests in the box on the table at the back of the church, use the Connections card, or submit them online .  As part of VBS, we are doing a mission project to provide clean water in Peru. Pl...

Today was our Annual Children's Day service and our children did an AWESOME job presiding, praying, and singing.   Lydia Sallis was our speaker and delivered a wonderful message entitled "Are You A Disciple?" coming from Luke 6:12-16 . We recognized our two High School graduates, Ebony White and Delante Robinson , both graduating from Cary High! We also acknowledged a couple of college graduates, Brittany Jones earning a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Studio Art from UNC at Wilmington, and Tikayla Downing earning a  Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies UNC at Charlotte. Also Dorian Davis earned his second Master's degree from Indiana University. Registration has started for our VBS that's scheduled from June 21 – June 25, beginning at 6:00pm. On Saturday, 6/24, we'll be doing community outreach. The time will be 1 to 3 pm. Mt Zion will visit nursing homes assigned to each zone. We are asking our members...

Let's be in prayer for those affected by yesterday's London terrorist attack .  At least seven people have been killed and 48 injured after the terrorist attacks on London Bridge and at Borough Market. We continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Now we're looking at the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.  On Wednesday, we'll be looking at the Kingdom of God and how it is "now and not yet".  Also, Deacon Johnson is now taking orders for volume 3's study guide that starts in July. Registration has started for our VBS that's scheduled from June 21 – June 25, beginning at 6:00pm. Come enjoy lively Bible study, food, fun, community outreach on Saturday, and we'll wrap-up with a grand lesson during Sunday School hour on Sunday. Next Sunday, 6/11, is our Annual Youth Day.  Our children will be leading the service, we'll have a child speaker (so we'll take a break from the Gospel of Mark), and we'll be recognizing our High S...

I got a message from Cary's Chief of Police, Tony Godwin, about an officer-involved shooting which resulted in the suspected burglar dying. At the time, we didn't have much information but we prayed for the officers involved and the family of the deceased person. Happy Memorial Day. Let's not forget that this holiday is about remembering those who have died in service to our country. So let's pray for those families who have lost loved ones. We continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Now we're looking at the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. On Wednesday, we'll be looking at the Person and Work of Christ. Also, Deacon Johnson is now taking orders for volume 3's study guide that starts in July. Join us for VBS on June 21 – June 25, beginning at 6:00pm. Come enjoy lively bible study, food, fun, community outreach (on Saturday), and a grand Sunday School lesson (on Sunday). You DO Not want to miss it. Registration has started.

Please be in prayer for a couple of members who are facing recent bereavement: Sis. Staci Torrence (the death of her father) and Sis. Diana Neal (the sudden death of her sister). We continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Now we're looking at the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. On Wednesday, we'll be looking at the Doctrine of Humanity. The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Wednesday, May 24th, 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 but have prayer requests, you can place them in the prayer requests box on the table at the back of the church, use the Connections card, or submit them online . VBS is approaching! Deacon Bobby and Deaconess Tracy Dunn and Sis. Kelly Smith gave a brief presentation for our Vacation Bible School in June. VBS will be from Wednesday, 6/21, to Sunday, 6/25.  The theme is "Passport to Peru: Discovering God's Good Gifts".  Remember...

Our Young Adult Ministry, Chosen, presented this message for Mother's Day... "We are a group of believers consisting of members ranging from ages 18-26. We just recently started to get involved at church and we are excited about the growth of the ministry. Today, we would like to recognize not only Mothers but all of the wonderful women of the church. Each of you are precious and fearfully and wonderfully made. We believe that as women, you have made an impact on someone's life whether you birthed them or not. So we honor you today. Hopefully, you were greeted by 2 members of our ministry at the door and was also given a ribbon by two other members. We have prepared special cupcakes for each of you that will be handed out to all women at the end of service. Please come by the Chosen table outside of the Sanctuary at the closure of service. Again, we appreciate all of the things that you women do for us, we love all of you dearly and we wish each of you a great M...

Thanks to all who presented, volunteered, and participated in our first Total Body Fair yesterday. All speakers showed up and everything started and ended on time.  There was a wealth of great info available.  If you missed it, you need to definitely attend next year! Here are the stats: 1 student volunteer (my son, Isaiah)  18 presenters (some brought multiple people) on an array of topics  47 attendees  Grand Total: 66  Healthy snacks for refreshments But MOST SIGNIFICANTLY is the fact that Sis. Karen Gray wiped the floor with Deacon Corey Smith in a game of ‘Jacks’. Not one time, not two times, but THREE times!!! We got a lot of great comments and feedback from presenters and attendees. Many presenters want to come back. There is a quick 4 question survey at the Welcome Center for attendees to please complete and leave there. On Wednesday, we continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. We'll be looking at the fruit of a disciple. ...

Everyone is invited to join us for Elder-led Prayer on Wednesday, April 26th, from 6 to 7 pm. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can place them in the prayer requests box on the table at the back of the church, use the Connections card, or submit them online . Also on Wednesday at 7pm, we continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. We'll be looking the priorities of a disciple. Following Jesus means living a life that reflects His character and priorities. Thanks to all who came out yesterday to our Theological Seminar on the History of the Black Church. If you missed it, I'd definitely encourage you to watch it from our archive or order a CD or DVD . We have extra notes from the seminar at the Welcome Center. Professor Walter Strickland mentioned that he is working on turning this presentation into a book. In addition he is also republishing the book "Plain Theology for Plain People" by 19th-century black pastor and educator Ch...

On Wednesday, we continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. We'll be looking what did Jesus do. Jesus is worth following because only He can solve our deepest problem (which is spiritual not material). Do you know about the theological influences that helped shape the black faith? The history of black Christianity is a miraculous story that is often overlooked in accounts of the American church. Mt. Zion and LAMP Seminary RDU are co-sponsoring our next Theological Seminar on the History of the Black Church on Saturday, April 22nd from 9:00am to 11:15am. Walter Strickland, SEBTS , will be presenting. This story is not just for black Christians, but for all of God’s people because knowing one another’s stories is an act of love that is the groundwork for reconciliation. Please register for the seminar online at http://bit.ly/blkchurch . Today is Palm Sunday which marks the start of Jesus' last week before His death. As Jews were gathering to celebrate the Passover, J...

Mark your calendars for our next Theological Seminar on 4/22 starting at 9am. We have Professor Walter Strickland from SEBTS returning to give us the History of the Black Church. You will not want to miss it! Please register here . On Wednesday, we start volume 2 of our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Our first session will look at who is Jesus. When we have a proper understanding of who Jesus is, we'll see that He is worth following. You can purchase your volume 2 book for $4 from Deacon Johnson. Sunday at 4pm, we had an ordination service for Elder Roderick Harrison, Ministers Matt Darby, Rasheeda Oliver, and Evangelist Barry Singleton. Pastor Larry Snead preached the ordination message from Ephesians 4:1-6 on "Walk Worthy of Your Calling". We praise God for these individuals God has called to serve His church. After today, we're going to take a little break from the book of Mark. We'll resume in May. Also, I want to clarify something about the ...

If you have not done so yet, please pick up your financial contribution statement from the Welcome Center. They will be disposed of after April 15th. Thanks for those who came out on Saturday for our Spring Spruce Up. Everyone was very cheerful, loving, and willing to work.  Here are some stats: 26 total members: 12 members (including one new member) and 14 leadership  All areas of the church were cleaned.  Total hours: 50.05 for a savings of $1,250.00 ($25 per cleaning hour)  Some great comments: “Where do you need me to work?” “I better get to cleaning because I want my windows to be "squeaky clean!”  Join us again on Wednesday at 7 pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll wrap up our volume 1 with a time of review and fellowship. You can purchase your volume 2 book for $4 from Deacon Johnson. Sunday afternoon at 4 pm, I preached at New Dimensions Fellowship Church for their 13th church anniversary. I appreciated thos...