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“Making, Maturing, Mobilizing

Disciples for Christ”

April 2017 Volume XIX Issue 4

• Church Office 704-892-8566

• Fax 704-892-3143

• Youth House 704-892-7825

• Sonshine Preschool 704-892-0654

• www.mtzionumc.net

• http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/84673593

In

this

issue

RISE AGAINST HUNGER

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP

SYMPATHY & PRAYERS

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MISSION MOMENT

WELCOME 101 CLASS

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HOLY WEDNESDAY MEAL

LUNCH WITH THE PASTORS &

STAFF

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IN TOUCHIN TOUCHIN TOUCHIN TOUCH...The Newsletter of the Mt. Zion FamilyThe Newsletter of the Mt. Zion FamilyThe Newsletter of the Mt. Zion FamilyThe Newsletter of the Mt. Zion Family

WORSHIP EACH SUNDAY AT 8:30, 9:45 and

11:00 AM & WEDNESDAYS AT 6:40 PM

Dr. Mary John Dye; Senior Pastor, Rev. Joel Simpson and

Rev. Tony Moreau; Associate Pastors

Beloved disciples at Mt. Zion,

Lent begins with a very stark call to honesty. On Ash Wednes-

day, we remember our sinfulness and our mortality. We walk into

a special season dedicated to self-examination. We considered

Lenten practices of giving up something (money, time, something

of our routine that we cherish) to learn more about sacrifice. Lent

begins with a call for us to learn about ourselves.

Lent ends with special observances that build on everything we

have invested in Lent. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. The

celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is the beginning of

uniquely following Jesus through his last week on this earth. For

those who have adopted significant Lenten disciplines, Holy Week

is a powerful culmination of everything since Ash Wednesday. For

those who did not follow through with special personal obser-

vances of Lent, Holy Week is the opportunity to have a very power-

ful spiritual experience leading up to Easter. Either way, Holy

Week is a unique, profound preparation for Easter.

I was describing for a friend what Holy Week at Mt. Zion looks

like: 3 services on Palm Sunday, a Wednesday night church-wide

Lamb Meal, Thursday night Maundy Thursday Service, Good Fri-

day night service, Silent Saturday Service, Easter Sunrise and 3

Easter Services. “Oh,” she said, “that sounds awful.” I think she

was trying to express concern about how demanding the schedule

is. “No,” I said. “it is wonderful. What marvelous experiences we

have to walk with Jesus to the cross and resurrection.”

That’s how I feel about it. Yes, it is a demanding week. It is 11

worship or Holy Week experiences in 8 days. But each service is a

unique opportunity to share in the life of Jesus. I will be at every

service and I look forward to these times!

Lent begins with a special service and ends with special services. I hope you will join us for each of them as we walk with Jesus to the cross and His victory over death. What a privilege to share the depth of Christ’s love for us. In Christ, Mary

John

Saturday, April 8 – Community Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 11am – 1 pm. Front Lawn

April 12 – Holy Wednesday Dinner & Worship 6-7:30 pm in the Family Life Center Gym April 13 – Maundy Thursday Worship Service – 6:40 pm in the Sanctuary April 14 – Good Friday Worship Service – 6:40 pm in the Sanctu-ary April 15 – Silent Saturday Service (weather permitting) 1:00 pm in the Outdoor Chapel

Easter Sunday, April 16

• 7 am Sunrise Service Lo-cated between the Sanctuary and the Cemetery in the parking lot. (Free pancake breakfast after)

• 8:30 am Worship in the Sanc-tuary with Chancel Choir and Brass. Identical to the 11:00 am

service.

• 9:45 am Worship in the Family Life Center with the Praise Band.

• 11 am Worship in the Sanctuary. Identical to the 8:30 am service.

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MT. ZION FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS!MT. ZION FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS!MT. ZION FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS!MT. ZION FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS! March Baptism: March Baptism: March Baptism: March Baptism: John Craven Casavecchia was

baptized March 12 at the 11:00 service. He is

the son of Matthew & Jessica Craven-Lindsay

Casavecchia. He is the grandson of Dave &

Gayle Casavecchia and Doug & Cindy Lewis.

Nadine Witter 8715 Pinnacle Cross Drive #15 Hun-

tersville 28078 972-333-8961

Kevin & Denise Sennett 16618 Amberside

Road, E Cornelius 28031 704-439-3675

Lee & Ginny Wilkins 20300 Cathedral Oaks Cornelius 28031

704-255-6476

Anne & Larry Peretti 7909 Babe Stillwell Farm

Road Huntersville 28078 704-780-5702

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

JOINING IN FEBRUARY & MARCH...

(Pictures not available)

Doug & Cindy Lewis 13707 Hiwassee Road Huntersville 28078 704-507-

3114

Dorothy Stroupe 9000 Magnolia Estates Drive Cornelius 28031 704-770-

7289

March BirthMarch BirthMarch BirthMarch Birth: Addison Elizabeth Suggs was born

March 15. She is the daughter of Brandon & Jill

Suggs and the granddaughter of John & Angela

Suggs.

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Children’s Ministry NewsChildren’s Ministry NewsChildren’s Ministry NewsChildren’s Ministry News

Our Wednesday Night Kids ClubWednesday Night Kids ClubWednesday Night Kids ClubWednesday Night Kids Club met from January 25th through

April 5th. The kids fellowshipped and learned about PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayer, LentLentLentLent,

John 3:16John 3:16John 3:16John 3:16 and The Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s Prayer. Our Mission Night included

making Easter goody bags with handwritten cards for the Back-

pack Ministry. We can’t wait for the Fall installment of the Kids

Club!

Join us for a Community Easter Egg HuntCommunity Easter Egg HuntCommunity Easter Egg HuntCommunity Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday,Saturday,Saturday,Saturday, April 8April 8April 8April 8thththth from

11 am to 1:00 pm11 am to 1:00 pm11 am to 1:00 pm11 am to 1:00 pm, ages preschool through 4th grade. Older chil-

dren can help hide eggs! Festivities start in the Sanctuary and

conclude on the front lawn. Children must be accompanied by

adults. Bring a basket!

April 28April 28April 28April 28thththth 4th/5th grade “Friday Night Fun” outing!

May 24May 24May 24May 24thththth Sonshine Preschool Graduation

June 12June 12June 12June 12---- June 15June 15June 15June 15 Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School

June 19June 19June 19June 19---- June 23June 23June 23June 23 Elementary & Preschool Music and Arts CampElementary & Preschool Music and Arts CampElementary & Preschool Music and Arts CampElementary & Preschool Music and Arts Camp

August 18August 18August 18August 18thththth Summer SleepoverSummer SleepoverSummer SleepoverSummer Sleepover

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COMING - SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 - 9:00 –11:00 AM, in the gym of Mt. Zion UMC - “RISE AGAINST HUNGER!” This is the new name of “Stop Hun-ger Now.” This will be our 8th year to fund and host this missions event. In 2010, our children sponsored the first SHN food packaging event at Mt. Zion to send food to children in schools and in disaster areas in many other countries. So far, we have sent 182,466 meals to El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and Dominican Republic. Our church members have contributed $46,466 to

this effort. (A single meal costs 29 cents.) We hope you will help us meet our goal of raising $5,085 to package 17,534 meals. This will put us at 200,000 meals and $50,000 in eight events. We also need you to sign up to work at the packaging event. This is a family-friendly, hands-on, two-hour mission. Anyone from Kindergarten through 100 years old can help. Begin saving your quarters and dollars during the next two months. The Ash Wednesday offering has also been designated for “Rise Against Hunger.” Sherry Washam is the coordinator for this event and will be providing additional information during the coming weeks.

Wednesday Night Worship

Wednesday Night Worship is taking a break for the next few months. The last Wednes-

day Night Worship will be April 5th. The service will resume in September. During the

break, there will be a night of music and prayer from 7:00-7:30 pm on the first

Wednesday night of each month (May 3, June 7, July 5, and

August 2). For more information, check the website or con-

tact Pastor Joel at Jsimpson@mtzionumc.net or 704-892-

8566.

SPECIAL GIFTS WERE GIVEN...SPECIAL GIFTS WERE GIVEN...SPECIAL GIFTS WERE GIVEN...SPECIAL GIFTS WERE GIVEN... IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF Wendell Fox, a gift was given to the Budget; IN IN IN IN

HONOR OF HONOR OF HONOR OF HONOR OF Katy Hollingsworth, a gift was given to the Budget; IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF Shelley Little, a gift

was given to the Music Fund; IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF Matt Sherrill, a gift was given to ASP (Appalachia Ser-

vice Project)...IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF Will Young, gifts were given to the Budget, a gift was given to the

History Room, and a gift was given to Stephen Ministry; IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF Ruth Dotger, a gift was

given to Stephen Ministry; IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF David Sims, a gift was given to the Helping Hands

Fund; IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF Karen Weaver, a gift was given to the Budget; IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF Pat Little, a

gift was given to the Budget and a gift was given to ASP (Appalachia Service Project).

THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED TO TO TO TO .... Joe Masters and family on the death of his father and to Brittany Pomeroy and family on the death of her

grandfather.

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS... REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS... REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS... REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS... Judy Aho, Sandy Archer, Billie Bost, Gail Brackett, Dixie Cashion, Mack Cashion, Ruby Cook, Betty Easter, Dot Fidler, Lilyan Hunter, Jim Jackson, Faye Long, Betty Lentz, Avery Masters, Cathy McAlister, Marge McConnell, Stephen McMakin, Martha Miller, Sandy Moore, Linda Nance, Nancy Neal, Brian Polly, Margaret Sherrill, Phyllis Sherrill, Alina Sossamon, Elizabeth Westmoreland, Rodney

Whisnant, Todd Wissinger

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Welcome 101 Class

This class is for anyone interested in learning more about Mt. Zion. New members and peo-

ple interested in membership are encouraged to participate in this class. The focus of the

class is to help you meet others, learn about Mt. Zion and Methodism, and help you grow in

your faith journey. The class will meet for 5 weeks on Thursday nights from 6:45-7:45 pm

beginning Thursday, May 4 and ending June 1. It will be in the Conference Room (Go left

when you are facing the Sanctuary. Head up into the gazebo and in the doors to your left

where the church office is located. There will be signs to direct you). To sign up or for more

information, check the website or contact Pastor Joel at Jsimpson@mtzionumc.net or 704-

892-8566.

January 2017 Welcome 101 Class

MISSION MOMENT: DISASTER RELIEF KITS Thanks to all who made and collected health and bedding kits for UMCOR

(United Methodist Committee On Relief). Hurricane Matthew, Tennessee

wildfires, floods in West Virginia and South Carolina, and tornadoes in Geor-

gia, Alabama, and Mississippi depleted UMCOR disaster supplies in the

Southeast.

Earlier in March, the Western North Carolina Conference challenged each United Methodist Church in

the Conference to make and collect the kits. There was not much notice given

before we learned about the need. Thanks to those who took time to make a

kit. Mt. Zion collected over 30 kits. Every single one will make a huge differ-

ence to those who go through these difficult times. With over 1000 United

Methodist churches in our Conference we will make a tremendous difference

that would be impossible without working together.

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Enjoy Lunch With the

Pastors and Staff

While Learning More

about Mt. Zion. On Sunday, April 23rd Mt.

Zion will provide lunch for

anyone visiting the church who

would like to meet the pastors

and staff as well as learn more

about the church. The lunch will

be at 12:15 in the church Parlor.

To get to the Parlor: Go left

when you are facing the Sanctu-

ary. Head up into the gazebo and

in the doors to your left. Some-

one will be there to greet you

and guide you to the Parlor. We

hope to see you there!

Thank you so much for your generous donation to our “Send a Kid to Camp” Campaign. Without the support of organiza-tions and local churches we would not be able to “multiply the mission” within our community. We are blessed to have this partnership. God Bless—Honora Ruggrero-YMCA

“For a better you.

For a better community.

For a better country.”

Now available! MARCHING TO MARCHING TO MARCHING TO MARCHING TO

ZION ZION ZION ZION by Martha Cooke Jenkins.

300 page soft bound book with the

church history and cemetery re-

cords. 100% profit will be donated

to Mount Zion UMC. Price per

book: $15.00. Contact Martha Jenkins

@ 704-439-7332.

Holy Wednesday Meal. April 12th. Pastor

Tony is seeking assistance in preparing, serving and

cleanup for the Holy Wednes-

day Meal. To assist please

sign-up at https://goo.gl/

oC2thF

Or by contacting Tony at 828

-447-8992 (voice or text) or

at tmoreau@ mtzionumc.net.

Please Note: 3Please Note: 3Please Note: 3Please Note: 3rdrdrdrd Sunday Food & Fellowship Sunday Food & Fellowship Sunday Food & Fellowship Sunday Food & Fellowship will not meet in April because Easter falls on the third Sun-

day. Hope to see you in May.

REPAIRERS OF THE BREACH-This will be our 6th year of providing Easter baskets for the After School Children at Ada Jenkins Center. They will need between 95 and 125 baskets. This will be a great opportunity for families and classes to help in this project. You can do this either of 2 ways, one being creating your own baskets or donating the $15.00 it would take for us to purchase one for you. You can do this by dropping off your bas-kets at the Church Office or on Sunday mornings on the table in the Family Life Center Gym prior to April 10th. If you have questions, please contact Tom Russell 704-507-2493 or Tom@moisturewarranty.com. Checks should be made payable to Mt. Zion and designated in the memo area for Easter Baskets. God Bless, Tom Russell

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MARCH 2017 ATTENDANCMARCH 2017 ATTENDANCMARCH 2017 ATTENDANCMARCH 2017 ATTENDANCE: E: E: E:

March 1: 114 (Ash Wednesday)

March 5: 8:30: 123; 9:45: 107; 11:

217=447

March 8: 22

March 12: 8:30: 50 9:45: 41; 11: 165

= 256

March 15: 37

March 19: 8:30: 99; 9:45: 112; 11:

213 =424

March 22: 35

March 26: 8:30: 81; 9:45: 101; 11:

245 = 427

March 29: 40

StaffStaffStaffStaff

Senior Pastor: Senior Pastor: Senior Pastor: Senior Pastor: Dr. Mary John Dye

mdye@mtzionumc.net

Associate Pastors:Associate Pastors:Associate Pastors:Associate Pastors:

Rev. Joel Simpson

jsimpson@mtzionumc.net

Rev. Tony Moreau

tmoreau@mtzionumc.net

Director of Music Ministries:Director of Music Ministries:Director of Music Ministries:Director of Music Ministries:

Shelley Little

slittle@mtzionumc.net

Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director

Melanie Kalkan

mkalkan@mtzionumc.net

Director of Christian Education:Director of Christian Education:Director of Christian Education:Director of Christian Education:

Crystal Parrish

cparrish@mtzionumc.net

Associate Director Christian EdAssociate Director Christian EdAssociate Director Christian EdAssociate Director Christian Ed

Kim Webb

kwebb@mtzionumc.net

Director of Youth:Director of Youth:Director of Youth:Director of Youth: Matt Sherrill

msherrill@mtzionumc.net

Office Manager/TreasurerOffice Manager/TreasurerOffice Manager/TreasurerOffice Manager/Treasurer:

Margaret Langston

mlangston@mtzionumc.net

Administrative Assistant:Administrative Assistant:Administrative Assistant:Administrative Assistant:

Mary Ellen Westmoreland

mwestmoreland@mtzionumc.net

Part Time Assistant: Part Time Assistant: Part Time Assistant: Part Time Assistant: Ginny Wilkins

gwilkins@mtzionumc.net

Custodian:Custodian:Custodian:Custodian:

Donnelly Sherrill (pt security)

Preschool Director:Preschool Director:Preschool Director:Preschool Director: Becky Metzger

sonshinepre@bellsouth.net

——————————————————————————————————————————-

Church PhoneChurch PhoneChurch PhoneChurch Phone: 704-892-8566

Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: 704-892-3143

Youth HouseYouth HouseYouth HouseYouth House: 704-892-7825

Sonshine Preschool: Sonshine Preschool: Sonshine Preschool: Sonshine Preschool: 704-892-0654

MT. ZION UMC UNAUDITED

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1/1/17 - 3/31/17

2017 General Fund Budget: $1,331,720

Budget Gifts: $ 241,353

THANK YOU!

Budget Expenses: $ 244,843

General Fund Cash On Hand: $146,759

Capital Fund Gifts Received: $2,470

Capital Fund Expenses: $0

Capital Fund Cash On Hand: $13,772

Funds Received for Helping Hands (Pastor's

Discretionary Fund) $ 958

Please contact Margaret Langston if you

have questions.

REMINDERREMINDERREMINDERREMINDER: Please send any articles you would like to have included in the next issue of the newsletter to

the church by May 1.

As your bishop of the Western

North Carolina Annual Conference, I

want to congratulate and thank you

Mount Zion (Cornelius) for contrib-

uting 100% of your missional giving

through our apportionments.

I celebrate the wonderful response

of your church, and others, in

strengthening the ministries identi-

fied in our conference connectional

giving. As a Conference, we once

again matched the best response we

have had in many years, contributing

88%; a half percent higher than the

previous year. In terms of the Con-

ference budget, this represents a

significant increase in dollars for

mission. Thank you.

I offer thanksgiving for you and

your people, recognizing that par-

ticipating in the missional giving of

our conference, as our first priority

before we contribute to personal

interests, reflects a spiritual gift of

stewardship that truly builds com-

munity.

Again, thank you for all that you do

to make possible the ministries of

our great conference and church.

You make a tremendous difference.

In Christ, Paul L. Leeland, Resident

Bishop

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We’re On The Web!

www.mtzionumc.net

19600 Zion Avenue

Cornelius, North Carolina 28031

Tel: 704-892-8566

Youth House: 704-892-7825

Sonshine Preschool: 704-892-0654

Fax: 704-892-3143

E-mail: mlangston@mtzionumc.net

“MAKING, MATURING, MOBILIZING DISCIPLES FOR CHRIST”

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage

PAID

Permit No. 2

Cornelius, NC

All women of the church and community are invited to join the WOMEN OF ZION WOMEN OF ZION WOMEN OF ZION WOMEN OF ZION on the first Tuesday of each month at Acropolis. We meet at 7:00 pm for fellowship and a devo-tional program. Please contact us at mzwoz1@gmail.com if you have questions or need more information. We look for-ward to seeing you the first Tuesday of each month! To receive meeting reminders, text the message @womenofz

to 81010.

MEN OF ALL AGES ARE MEN OF ALL AGES ARE MEN OF ALL AGES ARE MEN OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOMEWELCOMEWELCOMEWELCOME to attend a MEN’S MEN’S MEN’S MEN’S COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PRAYER BREAKFAST PRAYER BREAKFAST PRAYER BREAKFAST PRAYER BREAKFAST held each Thursday from 7-8 am at Acropolis in Cornelius. It is led on alternate weeks by the ministerial staffs of Mt. Zion UMC and

Bethel Presbyterian.

MOMSMOMSMOMSMOMS – MMMMothers OOOOffering MMMMutual SSSSupport meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the

church Parlor at 7:00 pm. Young moms from pregnancy through preschool age children

are welcome.

NEW BEGINNINGS NEW BEGINNINGS NEW BEGINNINGS NEW BEGINNINGS meets the 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd Monday of each month Monday of each month Monday of each month Monday of each month at Duckworth’s in Cornelius at 11:45 am. We currently have 92 members of widows and widow-

ers. We bowl, go to movies, take tours and just have friendship with others that

have lost a spouse.

We have something going on all the

time!

Contacts: Barbara Broadway: email: bbroadway47@gmail.com 704-996-7000 or Shirley Ranson: email: Shirley@ransonteam.com 704-

904-0973

The ladies of the PRAYER SHAWL MINIPRAYER SHAWL MINIPRAYER SHAWL MINIPRAYER SHAWL MINIS-S-S-S-

TRY TRY TRY TRY invite you to join them on Wednesday

mornings at 10:30 to knit/crochet prayer

shawls and baby blankets. No matter

what your skill level may be, there is a

place for you. If you are interested in

learning how to knit, they can help with

that, as well. (Yarn is provided.) They

meet in the church Parlor (located on the

upper level of the Family Life Center) and

hope to see you soon!

YOU ARE INVITED...DRYOU ARE INVITED...DRYOU ARE INVITED...DRYOU ARE INVITED...DRESS A GIRL ESS A GIRL ESS A GIRL ESS A GIRL

MEETS THE SECOND AND FOURTH MEETS THE SECOND AND FOURTH MEETS THE SECOND AND FOURTH MEETS THE SECOND AND FOURTH

WEDNESDAY OF EACH WEDNESDAY OF EACH WEDNESDAY OF EACH WEDNESDAY OF EACH

MONTHMONTHMONTHMONTH in the youth room

at 6:30.

Everyone is welcome!!

We will teach. No experi-No experi-No experi-No experi-

ence necessary. ence necessary. ence necessary. ence necessary. Bringing

your own sewing machine is

welcome, but not necessary.

Also, we are seeking mis-

sionaries to take our

dresses around the world. You may contact

Robin Lambert for information. rllam-

bert96@gmail.com.