Back to school is here and the summer has flown by. We had a great week of Camp and VBS. We had visiting preachers and missionaries that came and have encouraged us through God’s Word. We also have had church wide softball which is a great time to reconnect with church family and relax a little after the busy season of summer. The TNT Soul Winning Class is finished and we have seen two souls led to the Lord through it. Our college students have come home, served the Lord, and now have gone back to finish their education. Children’s Bible Institute is just about completed and Masters Club will begin on September 7th. It has been a busy season of serving, learning, growing, and having fun. Pastor Chris Starr is currently preaching a series of messages on Sunday mornings titled, “Growing in Grace”. They have been a great encouragement for Christians at any stage of their walk with the Lord. His most recent message from this series is “Living the Crucified Life” from Galatians 2:19-21.
19. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Also, while our Pastor was on vacation Pastor Tom Almanza, our Assistant Pastor preached a series out of the book of Jonah. They included: “Down Deep With Jonah”, “On Top of the World With Jonah” and “Up and Down With Jonah”.
Our Ministry Assistant, Todd Henricks taught a series in Sunday School titled, “Things That Are Deceitful” out of the Deuteronomy 11:16-17.
16. Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
17. And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
You can listen to these messages on www.sermonaudio.com/mzbc
September brings our annual Shepherd’s Retreat where we host pastors in the area for lunch and a time of encouragement, sharing of ideas, and of course great food and fellowship around the table. The retreat this year will take place at Shady Maple Smorgasbord where there is always plenty of good things to eat. Our theme is "The Big Picture". We are excited to feature organizational strategies that will ensure an effective ministry for the church calendar year.
Fall is another busy season at Mt. Zion. Our “Missions Conference” is in October and one of our favorite times of the year. During this week of meetings and times of fellowship we have the opportunity to reconnect with some of our veteran missionaries who are home on furlough and get acquainted with some new ones just getting started. It is a joy to talk with them and hear and feel their burden.
Mt. Zion is an exciting place to be. There is always a ministry to be a part of or serve in, an activity to enjoy and always fellowship with likeminded believers. If you do not have a church of your own come and check us out. You will not be disappointed.