Zion is affirming this statement by conducting classes for every age group each Sunday morning at 9:30am. Children through pre-school meet in the nursery with Donna Carter and begin to learn the fascinating Bible stories that provide our life-long foundation in the faith. Elementary age students meet as the Son's Fun Club in the Fellowship Hall where they learn to express their faith through Bible stories, crafts, and games. The Youth class meets in the kitchen (where they are close to snacks) and continue their exploration of faith under the leadership of Alan Jacobs. The adults meet in three different classes recognizing the importance of building community among peers. The younger adults meet with Joyce Fairbanks to discuss family/life issues and how the Bible provides us counsel. The Mid-Life Servants meet in the sanctuary and review the basics of our faith through an understanding of the Bible's history, literature, wisdom, and proclamation. Our senior adults--the Hulon Bible Class--meet in the Educational building under the leadership of Maxine Hulon and together explore Cokesbury Bible literature.
There's a class for you, too. Come and join us for Sunday School at Zion United Methodist Church where the saints have gathered and learned since 1859!
Quilt Group meets on Monday from 10 to 2.
Starting in September, the quilters will meet every Monday from 10am-2pm in the fellowship hall.All are welcome.We will continue to work on quilts for Project Linus and the NICU unit at the hospital.
Libby Hall, Coordinator
Prayer Shawl Ministry
You may have noticed the “Prayer Shawl Request” cards on the table in the sanctuary. These Shawls are lovingly prepared by the Ladies at Zion (any men out there who want to learn to knit or crochet are welcome too!). These beautiful shawls are then distributed to those who need a comforting touch. They receive the shawl in a gift bag with a note describing the ministry. If you have further questions please contact Nova Scott.
Please read below how the Prayer Shawl Ministry makes an impact.
A PRAYER SHAWL EXPERIENCE
A couple of years ago, at a rug hooking annual event where rug hookers meet to share a day of hooking, finished rugs and rugs in progress, I met a woman who very much liked the rug that I was hooking. We discussed the pattern, colors, the input a teacher had had on it etc. I promised to send her a picture of the finished rug.
The next year, when the rug was finished, I sent the picture and note saying it would be at the annual hook-in and I hoped to see her there. She replied that she was planning to attend. The day of the event arrived, however my new friend did not. I was concerned about her absence, especially since I knew she drove quite a distance to attend. When I arrived at my home, later that day, there was a letter from her waiting. The letter told me her daughter was very seriously ill with cancer and the prognosis was not favorable. Sally’s three sisters were visiting that weekend, for what the family feared would be the last visit with Sally.
I had recently finished knitting a Prayer Shawl, using a sunny yellow yarn. My immediate thought was, Sally needs this Prayer Shawl. I boxed the shawl, enclosed the Prayer Card and mailed it to Sally, in care of her mother. Later, I of course, received a note of thanks from my friend.
I met my friend again, a couple of weeks ago, at our annual get-together. She was excited to tell me something “right now” about the Sally, the Prayer Shawl and her family. When Sally looked in the box, she exclaimed, “It’s a box of sunshine.” The color yellow was also Sally’s favorite color. Her mother wrapped the shawl around Sally’s shoulders; they read the Prayer that was enclosed. Then the three sisters knelt by Sally’s hospital bed and they all prayed together.
Later that day, Sally started responding to the treatments, which had not been working. Today, Sally is well, back at her professional work, busy raising her family and once again living her life. Thanks Be to God.
My friend referred to me as an angel, which I felt embarrassing, since I certainly do not fit the profile. However, I think what she meant was
that I was a messenger. I do know that I was awarded this incredible experience, by the act of sending the Prayer Shawl when I felt God had laid it on my heart to do so.
