A Message from Pastor Summer
Disciples Sing
One of the books we are using as a guide on the Mission Task Force is Rebuilt by Michael White and Tom Corcoran. One of the compelling sections in the book is “Disciples Sing”. In that section, the authors write:
“Sing” is one of the most commonly used words in the Bible. God’s people are supposed to sing. “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song” (Psalm 100:2). Singing in the elemental form of worship. It’s what Moses and Israel did in response to their saving passage through the Red Sea; it’s what David and the people did as they brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem; it’s what Jesus and his disciples did the night before he died (the Last Supper wasn’t quiet). Liturgical music should lead us into song, and we should sing throughout the liturgy and beyond. In other words, singing and discipleship go together. Disciples are moved to worship and then motivated to service particularly and powerfully through their sung participation is worship.
At Zion, music and singing have been central to our worship life. At the first service in our church on December 2, 1750, there was an organ (one of the first in the colonies) and singing. We have been blessed through the years with wonderful choirs and strong congregational singing. Our Director of Music, Rod Briscoe and present choirs (Parish, Bell, and Children) keep the music flowing. All of us have experienced the power of music in worship, particularly the power of song.
We want to build on the power of song. We will be expanding our Sunday School openings to incorporate more singing. Rod Briscoe will be joined by the Family Worship musicians and singers. There will be singing every Sunday at the CEB. To give people a taste of what that will be like when Sunday School returns in the fall, we invite you to come to the closing program for Sunday School on June 7. Join us that day as we lift our voices in song. Let us “sing to the Lord, for He is good.”
Peace,
Pastor Summer
Father's Day Pancake Breakfast
Hosted by the Youth of Zion
Sunday, June 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the CEB
A freewill offering will be taken. Funds raised are for scholarships for the Youth of Zion trip to the National Gathering. Thrivent will be matching funds raised, up to $800.
Sunday School News
What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is from a Greek word meaning 50. It was a Jewish holiday held 50 days after Passover to give thanks for harvested crops. For Christians Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit 40 days after Easter and is considered the birthday of the Christian church.
Before Jesus was crucified, he promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to them.
John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you an Advocate to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.
And 40 days after Jesus was resurrected that promise was fulfilled when Peter and the earlier followers were in Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2: 1-4
On May 31, the Sunday School classes celebrated the Church’s birthday (Pentecost) with a party complete with party hats, games, crafts and songs. We ended the celebration decorating cupcakes and singing “Happy Birthday” to the Church.
Help Needed for Summer Coffee Hour
On June 14, we began our summer schedule, with one 9:30 a.m. worship service. Immediately following each service, there is a Coffee Hour on the front lawn of the church. We need you to sign up to bring food and beverages! Hosting also includes set-up and clean-up. Please visit the website below to choose your date. Thank you!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0944aeaf2aa4f94-summer
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