mzwc.office@gmail.com . www.mtzionwesleyanchurch.com

FOOD DRIVEMay 3rd - Canned Corn

May 10th -Canned Pineapple

May 17th - Cereal

May 24th - Peanut Butter

May 31st - Jelly

COLORING BOOKSMicah Rhoads and his grandma, Julie

Rogers, are collecting coloring books/activity books for kids facing outpatient surgery.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Collecting smallnotebooks, journals,

and smallpicture books.

May2015

theReporterVolume 12 Issue 5

Alice had volunteered to bake a cake for the church’s annual bake sale. She forgot about it until the last minute. Searching through the cabinets the morning of the event, she found a box of angel food cake mix and quickly made it. When she took it out of the oven, the center of the cake had dropped, and it was horribly disfigured.

What self-respecting church lady wants to admit that she has had a kitchen calamity? So looking around for something to build up the center of the cake, she found the exact thing she needed — a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it into the center of the cake and covered it in gooey icing. Of course, she had no intention of letting anyone else purchase the fake cake. She just wanted everyone to see her lovely creation.

Alice woke her daughter and gave her some money with specific instructions to be at the bake sale the minute they opened and purchase the cake. When the daughter arrived at the church, she found that the perfect looking cake had already been purchased. Alice was horrified when she heard the news. What would people think? She would be ridiculed!

Alice had agreed to go to a luncheon and bridal shower the next day, so she decided to stop worrying about the cake and try to have a good time. The hostess was a fellow church member, but Alice thought she was a snob.

She wanted to see the woman’s fancy house and catch up on the latest gossip. The meal was elegant, the conversation was lively, and to Alice’s horror — the cake was presented for dessert!

Alice felt the blood drain from her brain when she saw the beautiful fake cake on a lovely pedestal plate. She started out of her chair to take the hostess aside and confess her deception. Just then, the mayor’s wife declared “Oh, what a beautiful cake!”

Everyone “oohed and aahed” in agreement as the hostess loudly replied, “Thank you. I baked it myself!” Alice sat back down in her chair and smugly thought, “Life is good!”

Some might think that Alice is a little flakey, but in truth, she is like most of us. She had good intentions, but when her efforts fell short of her expectations, she was tempted to deceive. Did Alice think her creative plan was deception? Of course not. After all, she was going to pay for her daughter to purchase the cake. So that brings up another sin problem — not only was she deceiving, but she was failing to “train up her child in the way that she should go” (Pro.22:6).

Alice was distraught at the thought of being found out. Many people have to deal with regret for the things they have done. God forgives those who sincerely repent of their

Angel Soft or Angel Food?

May“Give Back”

Continued on next page . . .

Local Church ConferenceSunday, May 3rd . 6p

This will be a time worship and reflectionof the past year. All members and

non-members are encouraged to attend.

This MonthICD Listening TourIf you are interested in our district’s listening tour regarding the possible merger of the Indiana Central District and the Indiana North District, attend the meeting at Memorial Wesleyan Church on Thursday, May 7th, at 7p.

Ladies RetreatAll ladies are invited to a retreat at the Frankfort Campground on May 15-16th. There will be a purse auction along with the following electives: jewelry making, prayer box, salsa making, zumba, and spa. Brochures and registration forms are on the foyer shelf.

2015 GraduatesIf you are graduating high school or college, please let the church office know the following (by May 13th): when/where you are graduating from, open house info (if the church is invited), and future plans. Also please bring in (or email to mzwc.office@gmail.com) 3-5 photos - baby photo through a current photo.

Church Matching ScholarshipThis scholarship is open to any Mt. Zion attendee that will be an undergraduate student at a participating university/college this fall. The student must obtain the scholarship application from his/her respective institution and submit it to the church office by May 15th.

BYF Baked Potato Bar LuncheonCome to Van Cise Hall on Sunday, May 31st, immediately following the morning service. Baked potatoes and a variety of toppings will be offered along with a few select salads. Freewill offering. Sign up on the bulletin board.

Tithe GivingOur budget need for the 4-week period from April 5-26th was $19,230.80. Our actual income was $24,124.87. The weekly budget need is $4,807.70.

Last Month’s Attendance 4/5 4/12 4/19 4/26Sunday School — 87 — 72 Morning Worship 348 345 404 190 Midweek Average: 23

poor judgment. However, all too often people only regret the fact that their deeds have been found out.

In this one simple little story we see so much evidence of humanities sinful nature — pride, deception, contempt, gossip, poor judgment — how easily we fall into these snares of temptation while trying to make our way through the maze of everyday life. Our Alice is in her own “wonderland” of thinking that the end justifies the means. Of course, she is fictional, but a fair representation of our frail human nature. We fall and we fail daily when we try to fake our way through life.

Recent reports indicate that cheating is rampant in our schools and universities. It’s not just the students — it is also instructors and administrators who want to make it appear that they are doing a superb job in order to get a bigger piece of the financial pie. Respected newscasters have been caught in sensationalizing their stories. Politicians and government agencies get tangled up in the web of their own lies. Marriages and families are destroyed by unfaithful, dishonest, self-indulgent people who refuse to live up to the vows they have made before God. Deception may be common, but it is not acceptable to our Holy God.

Alice said “Life is good”, when the pointing finger of guilt shifted to her fellow church member instead of her. A true Christian never takes delight in the failure of others. Life is good when we acknowledge that God is good. He does not intend for us to perform every deed perfectly. He knows that we will often fail, but we will grow through each experience. God really doesn’t care if our cakes fall flat, or if we don’t win a ballgame, or if our hair sticks up in weird places! He is concerned with the character we are developing as we deal with the obstacles and disappointments we encounter.

Alice succeeded in using enough gooey frosting to make a roll of toilet paper look like an angel food cake. But we can never conceal what is truly in our hearts from our all-knowing God.

– Gay Sabo

“Angel Soft or Angel Food” continued . . .

Last MonthIt was a rainy and dreary spring evening outside on Monday, April 20th, but inside Van Cise Hall the ladies of the Mt. Zion Book Club held a spirited discussion about their current book choice The Other Side of Darkness by Melody Carlson. Chari Rhoads admitted to being a little reluctant to ask the ladies whether they liked the book or not. Amazingly, no one said they didn’t like it. However, it was the consensus of the group that it was a difficult and intense book to read. Many said they experience a sense of relief when they finished the book. Others admitted to being exhausted since it seems they had battled demons along with the main character throughout the book.

In other words, the group felt the book was not a calming read. Interesting read, yes; relaxing read, not so much. It was written in first person which makes it seem like you are experiencing Ruth’s descent into madness firsthand. The character in the book had an extreme condition of OCD and it got to the point where she “sees” demons around her house. She even began to throw things out of their home in attempt to get rid of the demons. The whole time she thinks it is what God wants her to do. It also provided a realistic look into the damage that a wayward church leader can do to the members of a church.

Ruth was a mom who tries to be a prayer warrior for her family. Now, that isn’t a bad thing — it is, in fact really good, but the problem is that she’s being manipulated into a small, rather close-minded sect. As the reader, it was pretty obvious that the pastor and his groupies were unchristian and bad news, but to Ruth, who was treated badly by her mother, this acceptance from them is addictive.

As I said, Ruth is someone who also suffers from OCD, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. And as she spirals downwards, you can see how her family is getting hurt by her actions.

The ladies agreed that this story is all too real! Cults are popping up everywhere and unsuspecting people often get drawn into them without even realizing it. Melody Carlson, however, delivers a story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. Many in attendance would like to have known more about Ruth’s recovery. Only a small portion of the book covered it. It seemingly wrapped up so fast in the end that many didn’t get to see how and what she went through on her path to healing. It’s like that process was skipped.

We had a full house for Book Club. I think word has gotten out the Mt. Zion Ladies Book Club is the place to be for food, fun, and fellowship (especially if you enjoy reading). We had the best discussion we have ever had after a meal of beef stew, cauliflower salad, strawberries & blackberries, and bundt cake.

We would love for you to join us in June when we discuss the book The Shepherd’s Song: A Story of Second Chances by Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers. See Chari Rhoads to order the book.

- Sharon Huckeby

Ladies Book ClubThe May/June Book Club selection is “The Shepherd’s Song” by Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers. The cost is $12. Please let Chari know by Sunday, May 3rd, if you would like to order the book.

Kate writes the words of Psalm 23 on a piece of paper for her wayward son, and the paper soon begins a journey around the world. From a lonely dry cleaning employee to a soldier wounded in Iraq, to a young Kurdish girl fleeing her country, to a Kenyan runner in the Rome Invitational Marathon, this message forever changes the lives of twelve people.

Thank YouHelp was appreciated to tear down the sets after the Easter Cantata. Thank you to: Larry Bash, Jack Cunningham, Susan Guffey, Leon Kennedy, Wendy Meek, Chari Rhoads, Bob & Julie Rogers, Jeanna Rogers, Gay Sabo, and David Whitinger.

Thank You!Thank you for bringing in food donations on a weekly basis. Last month, we collected . . .

25 boxes of instant oatmeal79 cans of tuna

57 boxes of macaroni & cheese

nd the WorldMissi ns News“We must be global Christians with a global vision

because our God is a global God.” ~ John Stott

April Missions GivingGlobal Partners

Faith Promise . $916.69JESUS Film (support) . $100

Latin American Training . $100Wesleyan Church Easter Offering . $200

Shunem Ministries . $100World Hope (sponsorship) . $120

WM Benevolence Fund . $166.67American Bible Society (China) . $250

Westminster Com. Center . $200C. Rhoads (cards) . $77.10

Randall & Linda Freeman (speakers) . $500Missions Dinner (chicken) . $126.50

Weekly Prayer Focus From Global Partners

Week 1 • Pray for the growing number of missionaries from Wesleyan churches outside of North America who are reaching out to neighboring countries and beyond.

Week 2 • Pray for our missionaries to experience a spirit of unity as they work with other missionaries and Christian workers to bring the gospel to the nations.

Week 3 • Pray that Wesleyan districts throughout Africa would work together with a united heart and vision for what God desires to do in them and through them.

Week 4 • Pray for those called to serve God cross-culturally. Many are facing obstacles that would threaten to hold them back.

Missions Conference 2015-2016We were thrilled to get acquainted with Randall and Linda Freeman. They served many years as missionaries in Papua New Guinea. Now they will be serving as pastors to missionaries in Europe and the Turkic/Arabic Muslim area. They will also be responsible for some missionary training events. We will be supporting them this next year.

Randall and Linda both were appreciative of the dinner and your warm friendliness. Seeing the video of their family, the Scotts, as they greeted them and us was a pleasant and touching surprise!

Pray for the Freemans as they settle into a new home, travel, and encourage missionaries.

Faith PromiseYou can still turn in your faith promise commitment for the 2015-2016 year. This pledge will support our 6 missionary families. There are cards on the missions table if you are interested. Fill out the Faith Promise card and give it to Julie Rogers, Missions Board Treasurer.

Faith Promise is a response to what we believe God wants us to do for missions.

Pray for NepalNepal recently was hit by an earthquake. Thousands of people have died, and many are missing. Others are displaced. The Wesleyan Church has a presence in this country. Please pray for the people of Nepal as they recover from this devastation.

Jesus Film UpdateJesus Film Partnership has 44 teams ministering around the world. 2014 was one exciting, record-setting year with 149 new churches planted! Praise God! He is saving living!

Pray the workers would be strengthened. Also pray for the harvest of souls.

Shunem Ministry NeedThe windows need repaired/replaced badly at the Shunem House. Pray for the money, labor, and wisdom for this project. Gifts can be designated/given to the Missions Board if you wish to help with this need.

Last MonthMany of our children enjoyed being a part of the Easter play!

We had over 50 kids at our Easter Egg Hunt at Stonegate!

WKFMOur Sunday morning offerings this summer will be going towards the Westminster garden project.

ClubhouseWe will spend the month of May doing several service projects. Join us each Wednesday at 7p.

Special OutingOn May 20th we will have a special outing as we prepare to celebrate our 6th graders before they go off to the Youth Group.

Kids CampRegistration forms will be passed out this month to kids entering 3rd -7th grade this fall. Forms and money will be due by June 7th!

Mt. Zion

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL . JUNE 8-12THPlease see Susan if you would like to help in any way.

Children’s ChurchMay 3rd

Youth-Led Service(1st-6th graders will remain in the service.)

May 10thWKFM

The rest of the month will be spentlearning from Paul’s travels.

Grease . . . LightSeveral of our Mt. Zion kids are participating in the Blue Hippo version of Grease. (Many of the songs and lines have been changed to make this kid-appropriate). The K-4th graders will perform on May 8th & 9th at 7p. This includes Jaelynn, Gracelynn, Micah, Jonathan, and Wesley. Maddy, Lexi, Carissa, and Conner will perform with the 5th-8th graders on May 15th & 16th at 7p.

1 . 2 Samuel 5:1-10 1 Chronicles 11-12

2 . Psalm 133

3 . Psalm 106-107

4 . 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23 1 Chronicles 13-16

5 . Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

6 . Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132

7 . 2 Samuel 7 1 Chronicles 17

8 . Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36, 39

9 . 2 Samuel 8-9 1 Chronicles 18

10 . Psalm 50, 53, 60, 75

11 . 2 Samuel 10 1 Chronicles 19 Psalm 20

12 . Psalm 65-67, 69-70

13 . 2 Samuel 18-20 Psalm 11 & 59

14 . Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122

15 . 2 Samuel 13-15

16 . Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

17 . 1 Samuel 16-18

18 . Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64

19 . 2 Samuel 19-21

20 . Psalm 5, 38, 41-42

21 . 2 Samuel 22-23 Psalm 57

22 . Psalm 95, 97-99

23 . 2 Samuel 24 1 Chronicles 21-22 Psalm 30

24 . Psalm 108-110

25 . 1 Chronicles 23-25

26 . Psalm 131, 138-139, 143-145

27 . 1 Chronicles 26-29, Psalm 127

28 . Psalm 111-118

29 . 1 Kings 1-2 Psalm 37, 71, 94

30 . Psalm 119:1-88

31 . 1 Kings 3-4 2 Chronicles 1 Psalm 72

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Sundays in MayMay 3rd No youth service, but the teens are welcome to join us in the sanctuary for the Local Church Conference/Elections and hear about Pastor’s Steve’s vision for the year ahead.

May 10thNo youth service. Spend time with your mom this Mother’s Day.

May 17thThe youth will meet at the church from 5-7p.

May 24thMemorial Day cook out at Pastor Steve’s home.

May 31stTo be announced.

Never2Young N2Y is a conference for 6th-8th graders at IWU on May 1st & 2nd. Those registered will leave the church at 4p on Friday and return at 2:30p on Saturday. Remember to pack your bedding!

Camp NTSMark your calendars . . . June 15-19th is Camp NTS. More information to come!

• youth ministry