the Logos

Minnesota School Shooting Our hearts are heavy over the tragic school and church shooting in Minneapolis at Annunciation Catholic School, where two children lost their lives and many others—some as young as six—are recovering from serious injuries. Sadly, we couldn't get through a full week of traditional school before something like this happens. In this time of profound sorrow, let us hold close in prayer the grieving parents, families, and the entire Annunciation community. Though we cannot fully comprehend their pain, we can stand alongside them in faith, offering compassion, and intercession. May God bring comfort to those who mourn, healing to the wounded, and peace to a terrified community.  Of course, a mass shooting always brings up the issue for stricter gun laws. I agree we do need good legislation and sensible gun laws because it is the government's responsibility to protect its citizens. Ultimately, that will not solve our problem. For a country that has been ...

 🙏 Back to School Prayer We continue to lift up our children, youth, teachers, and parents as they transition back into the rhythm of school. May God’s covering, wisdom, and peace be upon them throughout the year.   🕊 Bereavement Please keep Sis. Jean Strudwick in prayer as she grieves the loss of her brother in Nebraska. Let’s encourage her with our love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.   🎶 Bridging the Gap Youth Reunion & Concert When I first joined Mt. Zion, our children’s choir was called the Sunshine Children’s Choir . Back then, the choir was full of kids joyfully singing praises to God. Today, many of those same children are now in their 30s—and they’re coming back together for a special Bridging the Gap Reunion and Concert ! This event is not just for those who grew up in the Sunshine Choir—it’s open to all generations . It’s called a “reunion” because many of them are returning to fellowship, reconnect with past and present leaders,...

Bereavement   Please keep Bro. Van Johnson in your prayers as he grieves the passing of his brother, Louis Johnson , of California, after a long illness. May the Lord grant peace and comfort to Bro. Johnson and his family during this difficult time.   Welcome New Member We are grateful to welcome Sis. Beverly Jones as a new member of our church family. She has completed the New Members Orientation and Membership Interview. Let’s continue to surround her with love, encouragement, and fellowship as she grows with us in Christ.   Book Launch Party   I'm excited to celebrate the launch of my new book on Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM . Those who reserved a copy can pick up their book and pay at the launch party. Additional copies will also be available for purchase. I will be signing books. This will be a joyful evening of fellowship and celebration, and everyone is invited to come out! Please be sure to register in advance so accommodations can be made ...

Recently Came Forward We’re excited to share that Kiara Avery has come forward as a Candidate for Baptism . We rejoice with her in this step of faith and look forward to celebrating her baptism soon! Series Break   We’ll be taking a short break from our Plumb Line sermon series next Sunday, as Anita and I will be away for Gabrielle’s college move-in weekend . Thank you for your prayers for us and for Gabrielle as she begins this exciting new chapter.   Book Launch Party   I’m thrilled to announce that we’re hosting a Book Launch Party for my new book on Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM — and everyone is invited! This will be a special evening to celebrate together, hear more about the book, and enjoy fellowship. If you’ve reserved a copy, you can pick it up and pay at the launch party. We’ll also have additional copies available for purchase. Please register ahead of time so we can plan for seating, refreshments, and other details. Let’s make it a night of joy, conne...

🙌🏾 Recently Joined We joyfully welcome the following individuals who have united with Mt. Zion on Christian Experience: Elaine Warmack (sister of Sis. Mary Higginbotham) Beverly Madison Richard Vinson We thank God for leading them to our church family and look forward to growing together in faith and fellowship! 🎂 Happy Birthday to All Our August Babies! We’re sending a big Mt. Zion “Happy Birthday!” to everyone celebrating this month. May your year be filled with joy, growth, and blessings. Be sure to sing a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” to those around you! 🎉 August Senior Birthday Surprise : Let’s show some extra love to Cynthia Jones , our August Senior Birthday honoree! 💍 Celebrating August Anniversaries Join us in congratulating the couples in our congregation who are celebrating anniversaries this month—from 7 years to 55 years of love and faithfulness! Laurent & Tonnie Bracey – 7 years (8/18) Donnell & Jenae Fordham – 8 years (8/26) Charles ...

🙌 A New Life in Christ We rejoice in sharing that Olivia Njoloma (age 9) recently trusted Christ as her personal Savior and is now a candidate for baptism ! Praise God for the work He continues to do in the hearts of our children. Please keep Olivia and her family in your prayers as she takes this next step of obedience and faith. 📱 Have Questions About Today’s Message? Due to our Church Family Meeting following today’s service, we will not have our regular Q&A time. However, if you have any questions about the sermon, you are encouraged to text them in —we’ll respond during the week and possibly address them during next Sunday’s Q&A. 🎥 T2 Women’s Retreat Recap A few weeks ago, twenty-nine women gathered for our T2 Women’s Retreat , including twelve guests of Mt. Zion members! It was a special time of fellowship, growth, and being in God’s presence. The theme was “Above All,” with a focus on Psalm 96:4 : “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is ...

 🎄 Christmas in July Food Drive We’re partnering with Dorcas Ministries for the annual Christmas in July Food Drive ! From July 1st through July 25th , we’re collecting non-perishable food items to bless local families in need. Stop by the Welcome Center each week to pick up the latest list of needed items. Week 4 donations include : Granola Bars Nuts Dried Fruit Snack-Size Chips Cereal Bars Lance Crackers Saltine Crackers Graham Crackers Your contributions make a real difference—thank you in advance for giving generously! 🎉 160th Church Anniversary Celebration This year, Mt. Zion celebrates a historic milestone— 160 years of ministry ! Our 2025 theme is: Rooted in Christ, Growing in Grace. Join us on Saturday, October 18th at Ritter Park for a day filled with food, fellowship, and fun at our free family cookout . Activities include: Music Games Face Painting Kids’ Playground Basketball Softball Line Dancing Lessons Board Games & Ca...

Responding to the Flooding All of us are painfully aware of the devastating flooding that struck our nation recently. As of Friday evening, the confirmed death toll in Texas has risen to 129, with at least 150 individuals still missing across the state. Our hearts are heavy, and we grieve for the lives lost and the families enduring unimaginable pain. One of the first things people tend to do is look for someone to blame. Was it the fault of the warning system not being early enough? Was it the fault of the government (state and federal)? Was it the fault of God? If God is so good, why do we suffer with natural disasters like flooding that takes the lives of seemingly innocent people like young children? The reality is that the fault lies with us. Humanity decided to rebel against the Creator God, thereby, ushering in sin and the fall from God's perfect creation. Natural disasters happen because we live in a fallen world ravaged by sin. Natural disasters like these floods are trag...

  VBS Wrap-Up  We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Vacation Bible School! What a joy it was to journey to Wonder Junction , where we marveled at the beauty of Jesus and discovered how we are called to live for His glory. The energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness of everyone made it an unforgettable experience. A special thank you goes out to our amazing teachers and volunteers who gave their time, love, and creativity to make VBS a great success.    Testimony We are also grateful for the encouraging video testimony shared by Sis.  Janae Branch —what a blessing to hear how God has blessed her and her daughter Logan.     (RSS Subscribers: Click here to watch)   Christmas in July Drive As we turn the corner into July, we’re excited to participate in the Christmas in July Food Drive . Mt. Zion is partnering with several area churches and Dorcas Ministries to collect food donations to help meet local ne...

🍽️ Oneness Marriage Ministry Fellowship – Today! To all our married couples, the Oneness Marriage Ministry is hosting its special fellowship gathering this afternoon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Carolina BBQ . It’s going to be a meaningful time of food, fun, and encouragement as we strengthen our marriages and build lasting connections. If you have any questions, please reach out to Wayne and Tomeico Faison — they’ll be glad to assist you. 🤠 VBS: Welcome to Wonder Junction ! – June 25–29 Are you ready for a grand ol’ time? Then saddle up, grab your stirrups and lasso, and head on over to Wonder Junction —our Vacation Bible School happening this week, June 25–29 ! This year’s theme is all about marveling at Jesus and discovering how we can live for His glory. It’ll be a week full of powerful lessons, joyful songs, creative crafts, and exciting activities for kids of all ages. If you have questions or need assistance, our dedicated VBS team is ready to help. Let’s make this yea...

  Welcome to Our New Members! We are overjoyed to welcome the newest members of our church family (after completing NMO and their Membership Interview): Steven and Lisa Bradley Justin Casey We’re excited to have them be a part of the church body. Be sure to greet them and help them feel right at home! Oneness Ministry Fellowship Our Oneness Marriage Ministry invites all married couples to a special time of food, fun, and fellowship at Carolina BBQ on Saturday, June 22 . It’s a great opportunity to strengthen your bond and connect with other couples in the church. For more details, please see Wayne and Tomeico Faison . Come out and enjoy a beautiful time with your spouse and the community! Vacation Bible School Get ready for a week of excitement, learning, and spiritual growth! VBS is happening June 25–28 , and we can’t wait to see what God will do in the lives of our children. Registration is now open in Realm. Families are encouraged to sign up early to help u...

 🎓 Congratulations to Our High School Graduates!   (l to r: Zeb Merrill, Uriah Bracey, Kalyn Clark, Gabrielle Harris, Logan McDonald, Avery Carranza (missing)) We are so proud of each of our students who have completed this important chapter of their journey. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. As you step into this next phase of life, remember Proverbs 3:6 — “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 🏅 JA Lewis Scholarship Winners We’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s JA Lewis Scholarship: 2nd Place ($500): Brooke Logan McDonald 1st Place ($1,000): Zebulin Merrill Congratulations to both recipients for their academic achievements and pursuit of excellence! 🎓 Honoring Our College Graduates We also celebrate our members who have earned college degrees this year: Undergraduate Degree Recipients – Your perseverance is commendable. We pray continued blessings on your future endeavors. 📚 Small ...

 🌟 Recently Joined! We’re overjoyed to welcome several people who are joining our church family: Mickala Daley , age 18 – Joined and trusted Christ as her personal Savior.  Tiffany Keller – Joined on Christian Experience. Suzanne McNeil – Joined on Christian Experience. Let’s surround them with love, support, and prayer as they grow in their walk with Christ. 👶 Baby Announcement Congratulations to Isiah and Ashante Smith on the new addition to their family, Victory Azaiyah Smith! We celebrate with you and pray for health, joy, and continued blessings. 🎉 June Birthdays & Anniversaries This month, we rejoice with all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. 🎂 Birthdays “Happy Birthday” to all our June babies! 🎁 June Senior Birthday Surprise: A special shout-out to Sis. Linda Lyons —Happy Birthday! 💍 Anniversaries “Happy Anniversary” to these couples celebrating God’s faithfulness in their marriages: Isiah & Ashante Smith – 1 year on...

🙏🏽 Prayer Request Let’s continue to keep Sister Ruby Franklin in our prayers. She is currently home recovering from a serious surgery she underwent a few weeks ago. We’re grateful that her son and daughter-in-law are in town to care for her during this time. Please join us in praying for her complete healing, renewed strength, and encouragement in the days ahead. God is faithful! 👋🏽 Welcome New Members We are thrilled to welcome Quincy and Udobi Campbell and their two daughters to our church family! They have completed both the New Members Orientation (NMO) and New Membership Interview, and we are so excited to walk with them as they grow in faith and fellowship. Make sure to greet them warmly when you see them! 📚 Book Announcement: “God’s Final Word” I’m super excited to share some personal news: my first book is being published! It’s titled “God’s Final Word: Understanding The Church’s Victory in Christ Through Revelation” and is set to release toward the end of June ...

  Welcome to Our New Members! We welcome Victor Lindsey into our church family! Victor has completed both the New Members Orientation (NMO) and his membership interview, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to use and bless him in our congregation. Let’s continue to surround him with love, support, and encouragement as he takes this next step in his faith journey. Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma in the Church May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to take this opportunity to highlight an important truth: it’s okay to not be okay. Too often, mental health struggles go unspoken in the church, but we believe it’s time to break the stigma. God, in His common grace, has provided us with incredible resources—both spiritual and practical—to help us walk through mental health challenges with hope and healing. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone . Here at our church, we are blessed to have individuals who are ready and wi...

 Happy Mother’s Day Today we honor all mothers and mother figures among us. We also recognize that this day can be difficult for many—those who have lost a mother, lost a child, struggled with infertility, or carry past regrets. Take heart: God is near to the brokenhearted. In Christ, there is comfort, healing, and hope. You are not defined by your past or your circumstances, but by your identity in Jesus. To all moms—thank you. And to all women—rejoice in being daughters of the Most High God. May Is Mental Health Awareness Month Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burdened, please don’t suffer in silence. God created us for community, and you are not alone. Reach out—to a pastor like myself, a trusted friend, a counselor, or someone who will walk with you in love and wisdom. Let us be a church that supports one another with prayer, encouragement, and Christ-like compassion. There is strength in seeking help. Welcome to ...

Welcome New Member We welcome Sis. Gerri Robinson who completed her New Members Orientation and Membership Interview. We look forward to getting to know her as she gets integrated into our church family. 🌟 Thank You for Supporting the Dorcas Pantry Easter Food Drive! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the 2nd Annual Dorcas Pantry Easter Food Drive! Because of your overwhelming generosity, we collected over 50 bags of food to help our neighbors in need. Every donation made a tangible difference, and we’re deeply grateful for your support. We also want to give a special shout-out to Barbara Smith , our church secretary, whose joyful spirit and dedication helped everything run smoothly. Dorcas Ministries thanks us for standing with them and supporting the Dorcas Pantry—"we couldn’t do this without you!" 🎉 May Birthdays & Anniversaries It's the BEST month of the year! Let’s hear it for our May babies ( including myself ) ! We celebrate each ...

Singles Hike & Pray The MTZ Singles will be "On Mission" on Saturday, May 3rd, as they host a Hike and Pray event at Lake Johnson Park !   If you’re thinking, “I’m not comfortable walking up to strangers…” — don’t worry! You are not expected to approach park goers. Instead, we will have a table set up with posters, snacks, and a prayer jar to attract visitors to us. It’s a low-pressure environment focused on connection and prayer. A few volunteers will need to stay at the table while others walk the trail and pray. If you’re interested in participating, please reach out to Gabriel Carr or Tim Thompson . More details have been sent out via email. 👉 New to the Singles Ministry? If you're a single and new to MTZ, we’d love to add you to the Singles email list! Talk to Gabriel or Tim, or fill out the “ Connect with Us ” form on the church website. Also — shout out to the Singles Ministry for a strong showing at the Bible Bowl yesterday! They made it all the ...

Happy Resurrection Sunday! On that first Easter morning, the world that had been wrapped in the darkness of grief, fear, and hopelessness saw the light break through. The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. Jesus is risen! The resurrection of Jesus is the light that overcomes the darkness.   Pastor Harris to Be Guest Speaker – April 24th I am honored to be the guest speaker at New Dimensions Fellowship Church’s 21st Anniversary Celebration this Thursday, April 24th, at 7:00pm . I’ll be joined by our incredible Gospel Choir for what promises to be a powerful evening of worship. Note the location change: The celebration will be held at White Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Apex . We warmly invite everyone to come and celebrate this milestone with our brothers and sisters at New Dimensions! Bible Bowl – April 26th, 12pm-2pm Get ready for our third Bible Bowl , happening this Saturday, April 26th, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm ! Teams—including one from a neighboring church—...

  Welcome New Members! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members who have completed New Member Orientation and their membership interview: Madison Bradley  Ailena Greene We’re so glad to have you as part of our church family! Pastor Harris to Speak at New Dimensions Fellowship We’re excited to share that Pastor Harris will be the guest speaker at New Dimensions Fellowship Church for their 21st Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Maurice Wright .   📅 Thursday, April 24th 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 All are invited to attend and support this special occasion! Dorcas Ministries Easter Food Drive We are partnering once again with Dorcas Ministries for their Annual Easter Food Drive . Donations will be collected throughout the week leading up to Easter. This week, we are especially asking for personal care items : Shampoo Conditioner  Toothpaste Feminine Hygiene Products Deodorant Let’s show love to our neighbors through giving! Easter Weekend Ev...