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With our theme of Being a House of Prayer , we're having a Pastoral Prayer every Sunday. We'll have a different topic to pray about each month led by an elder. January's prayer topic is "Worship and the Attributes of God". Today, I read Exodus 3:13-14 and prayed a prayer of worship thanking God for His nature as revealed by His many names. After service, we had our first Church Family Meeting. We praised God for all the wonderful things we enabled us to accomplish in 2019.  And we also talked about our initiatives for 2020: Increase focus on developing a culture of prayer  Developing a Disciple-Making Culture (The Vine Project phase 2)  Youth Worship Services (2nd & 3rd Sundays)  Increased discipleship of men  Welcome Anthony Easter to be the musician for the Youth Praise Team on 4th Sundays  4th Sunday Youth Praise Age Expansion (8 to 18)  Development of Christian Counselor’s Ordination  Celebrate the church’s 155th anniversary ...

With our theme of Being a House of Prayer , we're having a Pastoral Prayer every Sunday. We'll have a different topic to pray about each month led by an elder. January's prayer topic is "Worship and the Attributes of God". Today, I read Jeremiah 10:6-12 and prayed a prayer of worship thanking God for His incommunicable attributes of omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, and omnibenevolence. Everyone is invited to participate in our church-wide prayer rally on Tuesday, 1/21, from 7-8pm. I'm also calling for a day of fasting on Tuesday. You can choose to fast from food, drink, or a particular activity. Then come out to the prayer rally. Next Sunday, we'll have our first Church Family Meeting of the year following the church service. All members are asked to attend.

Happy New Year!  We praise God for allowing us to see the first Sunday in 2020! With our theme of Being a House of Prayer , we're going to start having a Pastoral Prayer every Sunday. We'll have a different topic to pray about each month led by an elder.  January's prayer topic is "Worship and the Attributes of God".  Today, I read 1 John 2:1-14 and prayed a prayer of worship thanking God for Jesus being our Advocate.

Our dear brother, Otto Lyons, went home to be with Lord on Friday. The Homegoing service is tentatively scheduled for Saturday. Please keep Sis. Linda and the entire Lyons family in your prayers. Join us and bring a friend to our New Year's Eve service starting at 10pm as we worship together and pray in the new year. Also on New Year's Eve, the Youth Ministry will have a "Watch Night Fellowship" starting at 9:45pm at Sis. Tracy Dunn's home. The youth will have a special time of worshipping God while connecting with one another to bring in the new year. All youth desiring to attend need to RSVP by December 29 at mtzyouthcouncil AT gmail.com. Our church theme for 2020 will be "Being a House of Prayer". We'll be focusing on understanding prayer better and spending more time praying. Next Sunday, we'll start a new series called “When the Church Prays”

For the Season of Advent, the Devoted Disciples (Youth Ministry) read John 3:16-19 and lit the fourth and final candle for Love. Jesus’ coming to the world is a picture of a love for us that cannot be measured! In a season that is sometimes filled with not only happiness, but with of grief, pain, loneliness, hoping, and suffering there is much comfort in God’s love. So as you unwrap your gifts on Wednesday, remember the true reason for our celebration. It is not about the new items from your wish list that you will receive. Love is not just shown in the giving of gifts to those we love. Unconditional Love was shown over 2,000 years ago in a manger; the giving of the best gift by God, His Son, Jesus Christ. No Bible Study for the next 2 weeks due to Christmas and New Year's holiday. Bible Study returns on 1/8 with a study on the supremacy of Christ in the book of Colossians. Mark your calendars for our New Year's Eve service starting at 10pm.

For the Season of Advent, the Devoted Disciples (Youth Ministry) read Matthew 2:10-11 and lit the third candle which symbolizes Joy. We can have much joy in the fact that Jesus came as a human to reconcile us back to God. Our joy comes from being in a right relationship with God. Despite the trials and suffering we might be facing this Christmas season we can have joy because Jesus is with us (Immanuel). The joy of the Lord is our strength. Thanks to all who participated in and attended our Christmas Cantata & Pantomime yesterday. The most important thing that happened was the two men who responded to the Good News after the Christmas Program!! One of them is joining the church and was in service today. The other is the youngest son of Sis. Daureen Richards. She had been praying for him to be saved for years! All glory to God! New Dimensions & Pastors Praying Together is having a Holiday Extravaganza Giveaway. We're collecting new unwrapped toys and books for children ...

For the Season of Advent, the Devoted Disciples (Youth Ministry) read John 3:16-19 and lit the second candle which symbolizes Peace.  We often wish for peace on earth during the Christmas season but true peace will not happen until the Prince of Peace returns. Because of Jesus' work on the Cross, we have peace with God because we're not reconciled back to Him. And we also have the peace of God even in the midst of suffering. New Dimensions & Pastors Praying Together is having a Holiday Extravaganza Giveaway . We're collecting new unwrapped toys and books for children of all ages. They will be distributed at the Oxford Manor Community Center in Durham on Saturday, 12/21 from 2- 4pm. All are invited to A Joyful Nativity , our Christmas Cantata & Pantomime about the Birth of Jesus Christ, which will be on Saturday, December 14th, at 3:00 pm.

For the Season of Advent, the Devoted Disciples (Youth Ministry) read Isaiah 9:2 , 6-7 and lit the first candle which symbolizes Hope.  The prophets, like Isaiah, prophesied the birth of Christ. This candle represents the hope and expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.  Likewise, we have hope because we are anticipating the return of the Messiah. Starting tomorrow (Monday), we're having a church-wide 5 days of prayer and fasting.  Each day, we'll be fasting from particular items, reading and meditating on the indicated Scripture, and spending time in prayer.  Fasting is not way to manipulate God into doing something for you.  Fasting is a spiritual discipline where you deny your flesh something it desires so that you can declare your dependence on God.  Fasting helps to remind us that we need God far more than we even need food or anything else.  We will conclude our time of prayer and fasting with a Prayer Rally on Friday,...

During the week of 12/2, we will have 5 days of prayer and fasting. Each day will have specific scriptures to read and pray over and specific items to fast from. Then on Friday, 12/6, we'll gather for a Prayer Rally at 7pm. Also, we're extending our Stay Warm Drive until Sunday, 12/1. We have a lot of coats but could use more hats, gloves, scarves, and socks. Please continue to bring in your items this week. Today was Youth Sunday and Sis. Tikayla Downing delivered a message from 1 Thess. 5:16-18 with the subject "From Ungrateful to Thankful". Through the Word, she admonished us to rejoice always, keep praying, and give thanks. It's so easy for us to complain but God has given us so much to be thankful for. Ultimately, we can be thankful for Jesus who forgives sinful complainers. As we head into Thanksgiving, let's move from being ungrateful to thankful!

Thanks to all who came out to the PACKHOPE event yesterday. It was a wonderful experience to work with others in the community and our brothers & sisters from other churches. I would like to take all of our volunteers who helped with registration, setup, clean-up, and other logistics. And I'd like to especially thank Minister Matt Darby for being our coordinator for this event. Check out the church's Facebook page for some pics from the event. We're hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, 11/30 from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Diverse blood type donations are critically needed. Our goal is to get 38 donors. You may register on-line or see Sis. Peggy Credle for more information. It's getting cold outside. What a blessing it is to have a warm home to go to daily. Some are not as fortunate and the Youth Ministry needs your help to serve them. Through Sunday, 11/24, we will be collecting hats, scarves, gloves, socks, coats and brand new new born baby clothes for our Stay Warm...

Veterans Day is tomorrow where we honor those who have served in the military. We honored the veterans in our service today. We praise God for them and are thankful for their service. Our PACKHOPE event on Saturday, 11/16. Come out and bring your family and friends to help us pack seeds for people around the world. There are three different sessions you can register for at:      * 9:00am – 11am      * 12:00pm-2:00pm      * 2:30pm-4:30pm You can also support this effort with a charitable donation that goes towards the purchase of seeds.

Thank you all for your prayers during my Sabbatical. It was good to take a break. And I had a good visit with my mom and started the process to get her some help. During my Sabbatical, I got confirmation on next year's church theme already. The theme will be on Prayer . We need to get back to prayer...individual prayer, family prayer, and corporate prayer in the church. Jesus said that His church should be a house of prayer. To prepare ourselves, we're going to have prayer and fasting during the week of 12/2. Each day we'll be fasting from something different and it will culminate with a prayer rally on that Friday evening. More details to come. Speaking of prayer, Our next Church-Wide Prayer Gathering will be Tuesday, 11/5, from 7-8pm. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. You can submit your prayer requests on the church website . We also have Prayer & Testimony Service on Wednesday, 11/6, from 6-7pm. Please join us for our PACK...

Today, we had a joint service with New Life Ministries of Apex . We had a wonderful time worshipping with Pastor Daryl Cody and the rest of the NLM family. We still have some tickets left for the Prayer Rally 2019 that's happening on Tuesday, October 1st at 7pm in Raleigh. Prayer 2019 is an area-wide gathering with over 100 churches participating across denominations and ethnic groups for a night of prayer. They are also asking people to bring non-perishable goods to be donated to With Love From Jesus for distribution to those in need. Please coordinate with Sis. Sandra Broadwater to get your ticket. All are welcome to our 2019 Fall Spruce UP on Saturday, October 5th, from 9:00am -12:00pm. Come out and let's clean God’s house. My Hope Sunday will be October 13. All of our members are asked to commit to inviting at least one unbeliever or unchurched person to join us at church on My Hope Sunday. During that service, we will share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We ha...

Today was our Youth Sunday where our children led us in worship by presiding, reading Scripture, praying, and singing.  Evangelist Patrick Wilson preached a sermon from Jeremiah 1:1-10 on the topic "God's Child, God's Purpose". Don't forget to register for Prayer Rally 2019 happening in downtown Raleigh on Tuesday, October 1st at 7pm. It is a gathering of over 100 churches in the Triangle across denominations and ethnic groups for one night of prayer. Mt. Zion has 25 seats reserved so register to get your seat today . Our next My Hope Sunday will be October 13. All of our members are asked to commit to inviting at least one unbeliever or unchurched person to join us at church on My Hope Sunday. During that service, we will share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We have commitment cards today where you can write down the name(s) of those you are committed to inviting. We will collect the commitment cards on 10/6. Start praying about who you will invite f...

Prayer Rally 2019 will be happening on Tuesday, October 1st at 7pm in downtown Raleigh. It is an area-wide gathering with over 100 churches participating across denominations and ethnic groups for a night of prayer. If you've never attended one in the past, I would encourage you to do so. Mt. Zion has 25 seats reserved which are starting to fill up so register to reserve your seat today . Mark your calendar for our Fall Spruce UP to be held on Oct. 5, 9 am- 12 pm. All are welcome to come out and help us keep our facilities clean. Our next My Hope Sunday will be October 13. All of our members are asked to commit to inviting at least one unbeliever or unchurched person to join us at church on My Hope Sunday. During that service, we will share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We have commitment cards today where you can write down the name(s) of those you are committed to inviting. We will collect the commitment cards on 10/6. Start praying about who you will invite for My Ho...

Be in prayer for those affected by Hurricane Dorian especially the Bahamas which has been absolutely devastated . At least 43 people have been killed and nearly 70,000 people are believed to be homeless . We'll be looking to see how we can help in the near future so stay tuned. We're having a FREE Outdoor Movie event on September 27 at 7 pm. We'll be showing the movie " Breakthrough ".     (email subscribers: click here if you can't see the video) Grab your lawn chairs and blankets to join us at Mt. Zion for some family fun! Enjoy popcorn, drinks, and snacks while we view the movie on a large, outdoor movie screen.  This is a great opportunity to build relationships with non-believers and introduce them to our church family. So invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, especially those who are non-believers, to join us for a fun night.

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Back to School Drive. Due to your generosity, we were able to fill 6 boxes of assorted school supplies that were delivered Wednesday to West Cary Middle School and to the Masonic Oxford Children's Home. These items would have a retail value in excess of $1200. Both the school and the children's home were very appreciative of what we have done. In light of another mass shooting this weekend , Hurricane Dorian approaching , and the fire raging in the Amazon , it should be no surprise that prayer is greatly needed.  There are two great opportunities for corporate prayer this week: Church-Wide Prayer Gathering on Tuesday from 7 to 8pm and Prayer & Testimony Service on Wednesday from 6 to 7pm. On Wednesday, we're starting a new Bible Study series on the book of Ruth. We're be using the book Renewal: Grace and Redemption in the Story of Ruth by our friend, Pastor Jerome Gay, Jr . Due to this being Labor Day weekend, we...

Today was our Youth Sunday which was the conclusion to our 2019 Youth Explosion.  I was able to attend much of the service but left to preach at Christ Family Church for their 11 am service to give Pastor Patricio Wilson a break. Elder Cherry prayed for all the students, teachers, counselors, bus drivers, school workers, etc. that are heading back to school for tomorrow (traditional school starts). In honor of the Back to School Prayer, here's a beautiful one from John Calvin that I'd like to share... Prayer on Preparing to Go to School O LORD, who art the fountain of all wisdom and learning, since thou of thy special goodness hast granted that my youth is instructed in good arts which may assist me to honest and holy living, grant also, by enlightening my mind, which otherwise labours under blindness, that I may be fit to acquire knowledge; strengthen my memory faithfully to retain what I may have learned: and govern my heart, that I may be willing and even eager t...

Don't forget our Back 2 School Drive is underway. We are collecting donations for West Cary Middle School & The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford . We have a breakdown of supplies by zones . The drive will end on next Sunday, the 25th. The 2019 Overcomers Youth Explosion for grades 6th-12th will be August 23-25! Registration is available online at 2019youthexplosion.eventbrite.com but closes on Tuesday, August 20. On Saturday, the 24th at 2pm, everyone is invited to go out to watch the movie Overcomer . Tickets for the movie must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the theatre.    (email subscribers: click here if you can't see the video)

The 2019 Overcomers Youth Explosion for grades 6th-12th will be August 23-25. On Friday, the 23rd there will be a Game Night (6:00pm- 9:00pm), on Saturday, the 24th there will be a College Fair (9:00am- 12:00pm), and then going to watch the movie " Overcomers " at 2:00pm, and concluding with Youth Sunday on the 25th. Don’t forget to register online by August 20. Our Back 2 School Drive starts today through 8/25.  We'll be collecting donations for West Cary Middle School and the Oxford Children's Home. With two mass shootings this weekend, one in El Paso, Texas and the other in Dayton, Ohio , we know that prayer is greatly needed. Everyone is invited to join us for our next Church-Wide Prayer Gathering on Tuesday, August 6th, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. You can also submit your prayer requests online . We took the time to condemn racism in any form (white nationalism, etc.) because regardless of people's skin color, immigration status, politics, social ...