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Clean 'Em Up & Bring 'Em Out, Not a Competition, Vote with Biblical Wisdom (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/27)

We welcome our newest members who has completed NMO & their Membership Interview): Zach & Nicole Williams  We're having a special event for our next Men's Image Bearers Meeting on 11/9 at 8am called Clean 'Em Up & Bring 'Em Out . It will be a Father/Son/Mentee/Discipleship Automobile Show. If you would like to showcase your vehicle, bring it out and let's have a fun time of fellowship and getting to know one another.  You are invited to attend the Missions:Together Conference on 11/2 to reignite your passion for missions and gain practical tools to make a difference. Our emphasis will be on our competition with the Kingdom of Darkness — not with each other! Learn from four exciting speakers and four breakout sessions. Meet exhibitors representing the spectrum of missions work.  Missions:Together Conference, " Not a Competition " will be hosted at The Summit Church in Apex. Come out to be equipped with practical tools and teaching to reignite y...

Recently Joined, M:T Prayer & Conference, Join the Prayer Team (Pastoral Emphasis)

We welcome the following couple who recently joined on Christian experience:  Quan & Jacqueline Rawls As we anticipate the Missions:Together Conference, join with others at Trinity Community Church on 10/21 at 7 PM for a M:T Prayer Gathering . We will be praying for gospel unity, a passion for missions, and meaningful ministry connections.    (RSS Subscribers: Click here to see video) Register today for Missions:Together Conference , "Not a Competition", on Saturday, 11/2, hosted at The Summit Church in Apex. Come out to be equipped with practical tools and teaching to reignite your passion for the Great Commission. The event is free with lunch provided.  Since prayer is the strategy and fuel for missions, there will be a dedicated prayer team at the conference that will be praying during the conference and for people as needed. The conference prayer team is looking for prayer warriors and intercessors to join them in prayer. So if you're interested, please le...

My Hope Sunday, M:T Not a Competition, Prayer Gathering (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/13)

Today was My Hope Sunday ! We had several invited guests, and my message was from 1 Samuel 8:4-9 on "Looking for a Savior".  Israel wanted a king like the other nations who would “save” them. This is the very definition of a functional savior. A functional savior is anything or anyone a person looks to for ultimate hope, security, identity, or fulfillment in place of God. Whatever you look to to “save” you from your problems, fears, or insecurities is your functional savior. But all of our functional saviors cannot save us. Jesus is the Savior we really need!  Our greatest need in this life and the life to come is to have our sins forgiven by trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Savior! Today, my wife shared her My Hope Testimony .   (RSS Subscribers: click here to watch the video) Missions:Together’s "Not a Competition" is a powerful missions gathering designed to re-ignite your passion for missions on Saturday, November 2, hosted at The Summit Church in Apex. Wheth...

Mortgage Burning Ceremony (10.6.24)

Today is a day of celebration and gratitude as we come together to witness the burning of our church’s mortgage! This moment represents years of faith, commitment, and sacrificial giving from this congregation. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of His people. What we are celebrating today is not just the end of a financial obligation, but the beginning of new possibilities for missions, outreach, and service in our community.   ---     Psalm 127:1 says, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.’   This building has been more than just bricks and mortar; it has been a spiritual home where so many lives have been touched by the gospel. We recognize that while we’ve paid off the mortgage, it is the Lord who has truly built this house, sustaining us through every season.   --- History of the Vision         Though this chapter is closing, the mission God has ...

Hurricane Relief, October Birthdays & Anniversaries, My Hope (Pastoral Emphasis for 10/6)

We welcome the following people who recently joined : Ailene Green - Joined, Rededicated Her Life to Christ, and Candidate for Baptism  Lester Thomas – Joined on Christian Experience & wife, Karyn, joined on Watchcare.    We all know that Hurricane Helene devastated western NC and areas in Georgia and Florida. The last I heard was that the death toll had reached 228. Hurricanes and natural disasters are a reminder that we live in a fallen, sin-cursed world. Suffering and pain is supposed to awaken people to their need for God. It is also an opportunity for the church to respond with aid and the gospel. Mt. Zion is going to support the Baptists on Mission . They are responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the mountains of western North Carolina. They've set up large feeding units in Boone, Marion and in Arden. In addition, they are setting up recovery sites in Boone, Spruce Pine, Hendersonville, Marion and a number of other areas. Not only do the Baptists o...

Singles Gathering, Community Life Fair, My Hope Sunday (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/29)

We welcome our newest member who completed her NMO and membership interview: Davin Edwards  The Singles Ministry is having a Singles Fellowship Gathering on Saturday, October 5th, 4:00pm at Gab's Place (the address is in the Realm event). All singles (never married, divorced, widowed) of all ages are welcome but please RSVP if you plan to attend.      Please come out and support our Community Life Fair on 10/5. The event will be indoors. There will be something for everyone! We've added a Career Development Sessions so bring your resume and/or questions and meet with our expert for 15 minutes and freshen up your resume or ask any interviewing questions you may have. We're also having Senior Saints Day Part 2 . Any senior saints who need transportation to the church, please contact sister Aretha Cooper or any member of the Care Ministry or the church office by Wednesday, 10/2 to coordinate the pick-up.  Don't forget that next Sunday, 10/6, we will have our Mor...

Missions: Together, Mortgage Burning Ceremony, My Hope Sunday (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/22)

We welcome the following family that came forward last week to join on Christian Experience: Zach & LeAnn Williams (with their son, Trey) One of our church initiatives is partnering with Missions: Together which is a collective that desire to ignite the passion of missions in churches. We're putting on a conference in NYC next weekend which I will be participating (but I'll be back for Sunday). Mark your calendar for our next M:T conference in our area on 11/2 in Apex. You can register here . Just a reminder that on 10/6, we will have our Mortgage Burning Ceremony immediately after the service. It will be a short ceremony as we celebrate God's faithfulness to Mt. Zion.    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. At the Welcome Center, we have commitment cards wh...

Church-Wide Prayer Rally, ASIST Training, New Sermon Series (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/15)

We welcome our newest member (completed NMO & Membership Interview). who grew up at Mt. Zion and is now returning for adult membership: Briana Martin  Our next church-wide prayer gathering is Tuesday, 9/17, from 7- 8pm. The children's ministry is hosting but all are invited to participate. You can submit prayer requests online or in the prayer box at the back of the sanctuary.  September is Suicide Prevention Month. Mt. Zion is sponsoring Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training , a Living Works program. LivingWorks ASIST is a two-day in-person workshop featuring powerful audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations. Trainers are Deaconess Tasha Smith and Minister Rasheeda Oliver. We had a second interest meeting about the Mt. Zion Biblical Counseling Certification program after the service today in Adult Classroom 3. If you missed the meeting but would like to get the info, please contact me. Next Sunday, we're starting a new sermon series in the book of 1 Corinthia...

Biblical Counseling Certification, Fall Spruce Up, Men's Bowling (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/8)

Mt. Zion is starting a Biblical Counseling Certification program. If you want to learn more about it, there will be another interest meeting next Sunday, 9/15, right after the service in Adult Classroom 3. For those who have already signed up for the program, please attend (if you can) as more details about next steps will be shared.  It's time again for us to clean God's house. Join us on this Saturday, 9/14 for our Fall SPRUCE UP . We will begin at 9 am and end at 12 pm. All are invited to volunteer as much time as you're able.    Men, our Image Bearers Men's Ministry is hosting a time of fellowship and fun at Kings Bowling at North Hills in Raleigh on Saturday, 9/14 from 11am to 1pm. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Bowling shoes are include or bring you rown. We ask that each man attending would donate $20 towards the event. Men, let's come out to participate in the Spruce Up from 9 to 10:30 am, and then we'll go bowling. Please RSVP wit...

September Birthdays & Anniversaries, The Rhythm of Joy, Happy Labor Day (Pastoral Emphasis for 9/1)

We recognize those who recently came forward to rededicate her life to Christ: Sis. Danielle Mtika Happy Birthday to our September babies...   Happy Anniversary to our September couples... Our September Senior Birthday Surprise is Sis. Daureen Richards  The Rhythm of Joy: A Gospel Experience is happening on Sept 7th at 6pm at the Cary Arts Center. This is an opportunity to minister the word through music. Invite a friend or neighbor to join you to hear some good music. e will be sponsoring a coat & winter accessory collection for the students of Northwoods elementary school starting at 5pm. Donations should fit children from the ages of 4-11years old, sized accordingly in children/youth. Please see Sis. Kim Roberts for any questions.  Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. If you have the day off tomorrow, rest and give thanks to God for it is He who gives us the strength and ability to work and make wealth...

Back to School Prayer, The Rhythm of Joy, Corral Riding (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/25)

  Today, we did our Back to School Prayer for our children, parents, and school staff as they start a new school year.   Please pray for the following members who are experiencing bereavements : Ch'ressa Johnson – passing of father Deaconess Shirley Smith – passing of nephew in Georgia Jason Fenner – passing of father Aretha Cooper – passing of her uncle who was 88 years old   Mt Zion will participate in The Rhythm of Joy: A Gospel Experience on Sept 7th at 6pm at the Cary Arts Center. This is an opportunity to minister the word through music. It is also an opportunity to showcase North Carolina Gospel Artists & Choirs in an effort to support the regional talent. Please pick up a postcard in the lobby and invite a friend or neighbor to join you to hear some good music. Our worship ministry has been asked to sing in the Community Unity Choir. If you would like to sing in this choir, the first rehearsal will be held at Cary First Christian (1100 Evan Rd) on Aug 28th...

2024 Sneaker Ball & Lock-In, The Rhythm of Joy, Church-Wide Prayer Gathering (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/18)

We're excited about the following who Recently Came Forward : Veta Brown - Candidate for Baptism  Davin Edwards - Trusted Christ as Personal Savior & Candidate for Baptism    Our 2024 Youth Ministry Sneaker Ball & Lock-In was a big success. Check out this highlight video   (Email Subscribers: Click here )   A special thank you to Sis. Shebbie Coppage & her team, the hospitality ministry, youth ministry leaders, children’s ministry teachers, young adult ministry, deacons, security ministry, music ministry, IT ministry, Min. Rasheeda Oliver, and Sis. Jennifer Allen for helping host a successful event! We can’t wait to plan more fellowship events for our young people!    As we expand our efforts into the community, Mt. Zion will participate in The Rhythm of Joy: A Gospel Experience on Sept 7th at 6pm at the Cary Arts Center. Now days many people no longer want to go into a church building but are still open to inspirational music in a public...

Recently Came Forward, Church Family Meeting, COVID-19 on the rise (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/11)

We welcome the following who recently came forward . Both grew up in Mt. Zion but are now joining as adults. Lauran Lucas - Joined on Christian Experience as an Adult Member Briana Martin – Returning and rejoining as an Adult Member   We had our Church Family Meeting today after the service. A few items that we covered at the meeting: Return of Elder & Sis. Dunn from Sabbatical: I'm happy to announce that Elder Bobby & Sis. Tracy Dunn are returning to ministry after their year long sabbatical. They are going to be progressively resuming ministry responsibilities back. Their primary focus will be on goals and planning for next year. Kitchen Policy: There are a lot of people who have keys and access to the kitchen. So we need every ministry that would like to use the kitchen to adhere to our written “Kitchen Guidelines and Procedures”. The HOSTS ministry would do training for the ministry wanting to use kitchen. We are changing the locks because we have not been operating un...

Welcome New Member, August Birthdays & Anniversaries, Church Family Meeting (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/4)

Welcome New Member who completed New Members Orientation and Membership Interview): Sis. Kelly Macklin    Happy Birthday to our August babies... Happy Anniversary to our August couples...   We have two August Senior Birthday Surprises : Sis. Toni Smith and Deacon Rufus Credle  All members are asked to attend our next Church Family Meeting on next Sunday, 8/11, right after the service. We have important updates to share including improved security procedures and the mortgage burning celebration.

SGL Certification, Family Game Night, Speaking Engagement (Pastoral Emphasis for 7/21)

During the month of July, we're having a clothing drive to help Love From Above which ministers to the homeless. They are in desperate need of more supplies, in particular men's clothing (sizes M, L, XL; shoes; belts; underwear)  Do you want to learn how to lead and engage with small groups and make disciples? If so, our Christian Education Ministry is sponsoring a Small Group Leader Certification on 8/3 from 9am to 12pm. It’s open to anyone seeking to advance the Kingdom by committing to make disciples as a certified small group leader. Please register by 7/31.    Also, on 8/3, we're having a “ Family Game Night ” from 4 pm - 7 pm (hosted by Men's, Women's, and Youth Ministry). The first 50 people to register will be entered into a drawing for a gift card, but you must be present to win! There will also be a friendly competition of who will represent the most in attendance - Men or Women? All prizes will be announced at 'Family Game Night'. There will be ...

Clothing Drive, Church-Wide Prayer Gathering, Leviticus Bible Study (Pastoral Emphasis for 7/14)

Please pray for the following families experiencing bereavement :  Our dear friend and former member, Sis. Jackie Wooten, who laid her husband to rest on last Monday.  Sis. Tasha Jones, who lost her brother and he was laid to rest yesterday.  Love From Above is a ministry that a couple of our members (Sis. Marlene Pritchett & Joanne O'Neal Johnson) started a ministry to provide clothing to the homeless. They are in desperate need of more supplies, in particular men's clothing (sizes M, L; shoes; belts; underwear). During the month of July, we're having a clothing drive to help Love From Above. If you would like to help serve, Love From Above distributes items at Oak City Shelter in Raleigh every third Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Our next church-wide prayer gathering is Tuesday, 7/16, from 7 to 8pm. Our Oneness Couples Ministry is hosting but everyone is invited for corporate prayer. You can also submit your prayer requests online or in the box at the...

New Members, July Birthdays & Anniversaries (Pastoral Emphasis for 7/7)

Minister Matt Darby brought the Word today from Judges 13 with the sermon entitled " See God and the Work He Does ". We welcome our Newest Members who have completed NMO and their Membership Interview: Marvin and Maxine Williams  Happy Birthday to our July babies ...   Happy Anniversary to our July couples ... Our July Senior Birthday Surprise goes to Bro. Charlie Pritchet!

Finish Well, Welcome to New Members, Congrats to Newlyweds (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/30)

My sermon today was on Joshua 13-19 on the subject "Finish Well" .  God has not saved us to start the Christian race, face hardships and spiritual battles, and not finish! God wants us to finish well. Even after all of our spiritual victories, there remains more work for us to do. We have not arrived. While we still have breath and with whatever measure of strength we have, we must continue to serve God. It's never too late to serve God, so stop making excuses. Don't delay; your inheritance is guaranteed. God has given us the victory, but we must not be complacent so we can finish well in our calling. We're taking another break from Joshua. We'll return in August to wrap up the series. We welcome one who has recently come forward to join the church under Watch Care: Sis. Kelly Macklin We also welcome Bro. Jadon Roberts as an adult member after completing NMO and his membership interview). After the service, Isiah Smith and Ashante Ramirez exchanged vows and ...

Change Makers for the Gospel, New Members, Wedding Announcement (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/23)

Today, we wrapped up our Vacation Bible School . Our VBS theme for the last two years was Change Makers. Today's message was from Acts 17:1-9 on the topic: "Change Makers for the Gospel". We are change makers for the Gospel. We must take this Gospel out so that the church can be ready for King Jesus when He returns and changes the world back to perfection. The following family recently joined : Ruth Robinson - Joined Mt. Zion, Rededicated Her Life to Christ, & Candidate for Baptism  Her children have each trusted in Christ and are Candidates for Baptism:  Louis Robinson, age 9 Leah Robinson, age 11 Floyd Robinson, age 15  We welcome our Newest Member who has completed NMO and her Membership Interview: Sis. Mwaba Barcelos I'm happy to announce the upcoming wedding of Isiah Smith and Ashante Ramirez . They want to invite the church to attend the wedding right after the church service on next Sunday, 6/30.  We're back in Joshua next Sunday (From Promise to Po...

Church-Wide Prayer Gathering, VBS, Happy Father's Day (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/16)

 We welcome the following who recently joined on Christian Experience: Marvin & Maxine Williams Join us on Tuesday for our Church-Wide Prayer Gathering from 7 to 8pm. Given all that's going on in the world and our lives, the topic will be “How do we as Christians keep the Faith?". Our Hospitality Ministry is hosting and everyone is invited to come out for prayer. You can submit your prayer requests online or in the prayer request box.  Then join us for Vacation Bible School on Wednesday through Friday starting at 6pm. Dinner will be served nightly. Our theme is “We are Change Makers”. VBS has something for the entire family. On Saturday, we'll have a Community Family Fun Day from 10am to 2pm. Invite guests to come out and join us for food, fun, and fellowship. On Sunday, we'll wrap up with a special message relating to our VBS theme. Even if you haven't registered, you're are more than welcome to come out and attend. Happy Father's Day to all the d...