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Zion’s News Zion United Methodist Church March - April 2018

GOOD GROWING PAINS!! “ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand

persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to

the breaking of bread and the prayers.”(Acts 2:41-42)

“AWESOME!” That must have been the reaction and the feeling of Peter and the

other apostles as they witnessed about 3,000 people join the Christian Church in one day. This was right after

the Holy Spirit came upon the people in the Upper Room, and after the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. This

was a period in the life of the early disciples of uncertainty and fear coupled with joy and excitement. So we

quickly and easily look to this Scripture and explain the wonder of it all in the growth of the beginning Church.

But let’s pause a minute and put this event into perspective. If we at Zion witnessed to the people in our

workplace, our neighborhoods, our schools, and in our casual conversations with others, and suddenly 3,000

new people came into our sanctuary and into our church family, what would we do with that many people?

What a joy and gift on the one hand to be blessed with so many new brothers and sisters in Christ. I can cer-

tainly see additional worship services required, more Sunday school classes needed, even more children, more

mouths at the tables during our Wednesday night dinners, more small groups, and more hands to assist in mis-

sion work. Wow, that would be amazing.

On the other hand, however, we would need more staff, more building

space, and more flexibility in our weekly and monthly church calendar in order

to accommodate that many people. This would certainly mean that not everyone

would be happy. Those who have traditionally met on a certain day and at a cer-

tain time within the church may have to be more flexible and move their dates

and times. We would have to expand our kitchen and social hall in order to ac-

commodate that many people. But where would we add the space? How much

would it cost to do such a thing?

I hope that everyone can see how growth in the church is a wonderful

and blessed event. However, with growth comes a certain amount of growing

pains. We are experiencing some of this at Zion. Over the last two years, we

have grown by 11 families. Yes, we have lost 20 members because of death, but the 11 new families are active

and are a blessing. We are also witnessing more people visiting and several others expressing a desire to join.

In addition, we are seeing an increase in the activities in the church building with the Scouting program, addi-

tional group meetings, and special events. All of these activities place a greater burden on the church office to

schedule everything without creating conflicts. It also is placing a greater demand on Sherry and me to respond

to the increasing phone calls, drop-ins, and normal day-to-day duties. Please understand, this is not a complaint

but rather a joyful concern. We want to devote the appropriate time and attention to everyone’s questions, con-

cerns, and joys. We want to be responsive and respectful to each and every inquiry and request from our

church members and from our guests. We are simply asking for everyone to realize the growth at Zion and

how that growth is impacting the demands on our times. We suggest calling ahead to learn when would be the

best time for coming to the church to discuss matters, and to closely examine the weekly bulletin insert in or-

der to coordinate events you are involved in against the other events that may be occurring at the church. To-

gether, we can all celebrate in our good growing pains.

The Lord be with you during this Lenten Season as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Pastor David

2109 Seaford Road - Seaford, Virginia 23696 Phone: 757-898-7417

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Children’s Sunday School Makeover

With a growing number of new families joining the Zi-

on family, and the gifts and graces of several parents

to help in the Children’s Sunday school classes, we

have realigned our Children’s classes to accommodate

the kids.

Starting on Sunday, March 4th, we will have a total of

five classes available for children of all ages. Beginning

with the nursery, we will have volunteers to accept

toddlers and babies during the Sunday School hour. In addition, we have a Pre-School Class, an Ear-

ly Elementary Class, a Middle Elementary Class, and a Youth Class.

The volunteers for the classes include:

Nursery Middle Elementary

Julie Magruder Liz Blanton

Cammie Butler Miranda Moon

Matt Burris

Pre-School

Caroline Thompson Youth

Doug Crockett Pastor David

Doug Crockett

Early Elementary

Carrie Burris

Stacy German

Sharon Thomas

If you would be interested in helping

with any of our children’s and youth

programs, please contact the Church

Office.

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ERT TRAINING

There were several members of Zi-

on who have made the commitment

to be trained to respond to any fu-

ture disasters and who came to an UMCOR ERT Training on Saturday, February 3. Through

this training, (Early Response Trained), volunteers are able to respond immediately after a

disaster to assist the victims. The District training was held here at Zion and the following

people attended: Maria Scallorn, Ann Wells, Sherry Wornom, Jimmy Dillon, Jeff Moore, Jeff

Verry, Wayne Appleton, Rob Thompson, Ashley Green. In addition, Pastor David took the

ERT Leader course earlier that same day since he already had completed the initial training.

Church Women United WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

March 2, 2018 at 10 am

Grafton Baptist Church-Harris Grove,

1301 Old York Hampton Road, Yorktown, VA

The program: “ALL GOD‘S CREATION IS VERY GOOD!” (Genesis 1), (which focuses on the story of God’s

Creation). The program was written by the ladies of the tiny area of Suriname located in South America.

They have done a wonderful job and the program should be very interesting. Leona Knutson will lead the

written program. Please support her with your presence. The ladies of the church will provide a luncheon for

all in attendance. For more information or a ride, please contact Leona Knutson, (898-6582).

UMCOR KITS

Once again this year, Zion is planning to put together kits for Annual Conference. UMM will

be working to compile cleaning kits, while we are asking the congregation to help with hy-

giene and

school kits.

More infor-

mation on kit

items and

dates for col-

lection will be

coming soon.

Our goal is to

increase the

kits by at least

one for 2018.

(photo: the UMCOR warehouse at Sager Brown - Louisiana)

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Palm Sunday - March 25 Worship Services:

8:30 & 11:00 am

March 29

Maundy Thursday

Worship Service

With Communion - 7:00 pm

Good Friday - March 30th Noon to 7:00 pm

A self-guided prayer and medita-

tion of the stations of the cross

will be available in the sanctuary.

Lent & Holy Week Schedule

Join us for Lenten devotions and

crock-pot lunches at noon for the fol-

lowing Wednesdays in Lent:

February 28

March 7th

March 14th

March 21st

The devotions begin at 12 noon with

lunch to follow!

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Sunrise Service - April 1

An Easter Sunrise Service will be held at the

home of Chuck & Frances Meissner, on Bay Tree

Beach Road, beginning at 6:30 am.

That’s 114 Bay Tree Beach Road in Seaford

April 1st Worship

8:30 &

11:00 am

Easter Candy

Needed!!!!!

Bags of individually

wrapped candy are

needed for the Easter

Bash on March 31. If

you can help by donating

a bag, please drop the

bags in the basket in the

commons area.

Easter Bash Saturday, March 31

10 a.m. - Noon

Pre-K - 5th graders

Egg Hunt, Crafts, Games, Snacks,

Bounce House!

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Kitchen

Clean Up

A BIG THANK

YOU to our awesome crew who

gave our kitchen a much needed

deep clean!

The CREW included: Barbara

Wornom, Monty & Sara Mills, Chris

& Anna May Hopkins, Jim & Gail

Williamson, Warren & Sandy Hick-

mott, & Jerry & Leona Knutson.

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ZION STATISTICS from CONFERENCE STAT TABLES

Results of Blood Drive at Zion

The colder and snowy weather did not prevent those

committed to giving blood from coming out and giv-

ing during our most recent blood drive. The drive

was held on Sunday, January 14. As most may re-

call, we did not have services the week before due to

the heavy snow.

The Red Cross had established a goal of 16 pints for

the drive, but thanks to the generous giving of do-

nors, a total of 20 pints was collected.

Pictured is one of the donors, Josh Humphrey, who

was successful in donating a pint of his blood.

Each year the churches in the Virginia Conference report statisti-

cal data to the Conference office. Below are some of the numbers

that were recorded and reported for 2017 compared to 2016.

2016 2017

Total Professing Members: 624 620

Received on Profession of Faith: 0 5

Transferred in from another UMC: 5 1

Transferred in from non-UMC: 2 1

Withdrawn from church: 0 1

Transferred to another UMC: 1 1

Deaths: 10 10

Removed from roll by Charge Conference: 0 101

Total Professing Members: 620 514

Those names removed by Charge Conference were from people whom the Membership Committee identified as having moved away from the area or whose location we could not determine.

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When people brought their food to

the church this year they were

asked to write their favorite foot-

ball team on the labels. High

school, college or professional, it

didn’t matter. As of the last report, Alabama was ahead, followed by

VCU, Virginia Tech, York High, West Virginia University, Washington,

Philadelphia, William & Mary, JMU, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and New Eng-

land. The final tally will be given in the next newsletter!

Again this year Zion UMC is holding a food drive called the

Soup & Bowl Sundays. It is an effort to capitalize on the NFL’s

popular Super Bowl with benefits going to the feeding of our

neighbors.

This year, we had the children

involved. They helped an-

nounce the event and explain

how this year’s friendly compe-

tition for cans will work.

Soup & Bowl Sundays

ASHES & PANCAKES

In preparation for Lent, we held a Shrove Wednesday night

pancake supper followed by an Ash Wednesday Service on

February 14. Thank you to everyone who helped with the

cooking and who came out to enjoy

the meal. All proceeds from the din-

ner went to the parking lot, and

close to $300 was raised.

Pictured are: Haley Thomas, Owen Blanton, Ethan McLawhorn, Grace & Julia

Thompson

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THANKS TO JEFF VERRY

If you have not been up to the third floor lately, you need to make the journey in or-der to see the wonderful painting job done by our very own Jeff Verry.

Jeff has spent a number of hours on the ladder, on the floor, and on his knees in or-der to complete the job.

Thank you Jeff for your hard work!!!

Zion United Methodist Men will hold

its 7th Annual Barney Clark Memorial

Golf Tournament -

Thursday, May 3rd in Hampton

Stay tuned - more information will

soon be announced.

Remember - “That’s one in a row!”

Snow Angel Visits Zion

During the first January snow, Chip Row-

ley and Pastor David went out and played

in the frozen winter treat. Through their

excitement they were able to form up the

“Snow Angel.” At least that is what they

are calling it, while others had many other

labels for the creation.

Children will be children!

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Wednesday night dinners will resume April 11th. If you or your group would like

to help prepare a meal for one of these open dates, please let me know as soon as

possible.

FEB 28 - MARCH 28 - we host Lenten Lunches each

Wednesday at noon and do not hold the dinners on

these Wednesday evenings.

APRIL 11 - Chip & Marie Rowley

APRIL 25 - Flame Bearers

MAY 9 - Open

MAY 23 - Open

JUNE 13 - United Methodist Men

Thanks, Sam Stratton, Fellowship Team

Zion’s Bell Choir - Preparing for Spring Festivals & Easter!

Zion’s Bell Choir has been hard at work preparing for two Spring

Festivals and Easter services.

The Handbell Musicians of America are hosting two spring festivals

that we will be attending. One in Ocean City, Maryland on March

16th and 17th, and the other in Hampton on April 6th and 7th. At

these events we LEARN...A LOT. We take classes and get to learn

new techniques, we network, and we talk with other ringers, and we

have the opportunity to be conducted by some of the best handbell directors around. These are

massed ringing settings which means we will be joining an average of 35 or more bell choirs to ring

- the same music - all together - in one room. For us as ringers it is truly an amazing experience.

We have two new ringers (Kelly & Miranda) who are going with us this year, and I’m excited for

them to have this experience as well. Now, we want to extend an invitation for everyone to join us!

At the end of the festival we always have a final concert. It is free and open to the public. While the

drive to Ocean City may be a little too far, there will also be one in Hampton. It starts at 5:00 pm on

Saturday, April 7th in the ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Please join us and share this experience.

As for Easter….that’s a surprise! Sherry

Our New Librarians

Pat Binder and Betty Parkerson, along with

some long distance help from Frances Meissner,

have agreed to be Zion’s new librarians. They

are already hard at work getting things in order!

Stop by the library and check out this wonderful

resource we have.

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SAVE THE DATE!

Vacation Bible School

March 17-6:30 pm April 14-6:30 PM

July 9th - 13th 6:30 -8:30 pm

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SAVE THE DATE: Blood Drive:

May 20th

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

If you can help, please

contact Doug Crockett at 898-4987

Now it is the

rains and snow

that are being

the greatest hamper in the progress of

paving the parking lot. The people

from Pembroke Construction continue

to drive by and analyze the conditions

of the ground to determine when more

progress can be made. They apologize

for not being able to complete the

work.

The crew, however, has been

able to pour the concrete for the

parking lot apron and new

sidewalk, but are still unable to

lay the asphalt.

We are sorry for the inconven-

ience and pray we will have a

break in the rain, at least

enough to complete this project

sooner rather than later.

Update

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Spring Fever is definitely here! I have some daffodils just waiting to burst open. What a wild ride winter has given us. I truly have enjoyed the snow. However I find myself daydreaming about sunny warm days with the smell of flowers in the air…. I want to share information about poison prevention. In 1962 President John F. Kennedy authorized the 3rd week of March as National Poison Prevention Week. It is estimated that 87 people die each day from unintentional poisoning. I was shocked by that number. Ninety per-cent of all poisonings occur at home. There is a National Poison Hotline 1-800-222-1222. Please post this number in a place for easy access if needed. The Poison Hotline is open 24 hours a day. They are an expert resource. However, if you find someone you expect may have been poisoned and they are having trou-ble breathing, not responding or appearing ill, call 911 first. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Generally when we think of poisoning we think of children. It is true that children under the age of 6 are at the highest risk for poisoning. But unintentional poisoning is a hazard for all ages. As we begin our Spring Cleaning here are a few tips : Always keep cleaning products, medications, weed killers, insecticides, fuel… in their origi-

nal containers. Keep the items listed above out of reach of children. Perhaps you do not have young children living in

your household but it is important to remember they may visit you so you want to be sure to prevent them getting into something harmful.

Never mix cleaning products. This can produce an odorless deadly gas. If able open windows and turn on fans when using cleaning products.

Poison Hotline number for specific directions. Please be aware of If you have the pharmacy place your medications in easy open bottles be sure to keep them out of children’s reach. Don’t forget about medi-cations you may have in your purse or backpack.

When using weed killers or insecticides be sure to protect yourself from exposure. If you do get some on you rinse the area for at least 20-30 minutes to remove the chemical.

Be sure to note where the products can drift with the wind to avoid exposing others or pets to the chemi-cals.

If you have a swimming pool be sure to use caution when working with the chlorine products. Store pool chemical in a locked cabinet.

Even cosmetics such a finger nail polish and remover, deodorants, soaps, perfumes and colognes… can be toxic to small children.

There are poisonous plants, berries and mushrooms. Be sure to ask before purchasing plants and shrubs about any concerns for children or pets.

Wash your hands and rinse well after using any chemicals. Follow manufactures directions for wearing protective clothing, masks and eyewear when using their products.

For older adults it is important to closely review your medications with your doctor. List prescription as well as over the counter medications to be sure there are no interactions. It is surprising how many over the counter medications can have a toxic reaction with some prescription medications.

I hope this will get you thinking about poison prevention. There are many resources on line. I can clearly remember a winter day when I was 10 years old. My 2 year old sister and I were playing in our basement. She was right beside me a she picked up a Tupperware cup and drank the contents. It looked like ginger ale. I suddenly realized it was not ginger ale and screamed for my mom. It was actually paint thinner. There was a foot of snow on the ground and my mom didn’t drive. We called the Poison Hotline (on our rotary phone) and they told my mom what to do. My sister was fine. But it was a very scary time for us all. I hope you never have that experience. Poisoning happens so quickly so being prepared to call 911 and the Poison Hotline can make a lifesaving difference.

Take care and Happy Early Spring! God bless you Till next time, Cathy Garcia

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Mar. 7th - Noon - Lenten Lunch & Devotion 6:30 pm Flame Bearers Mar. 10th - 8:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:00 pm Builders Class Dinner Mar. 11th - Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar. 12th - 7:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting Mar. 13th - 6:30 pm Strategy Group Meeting Mar. 14th - Noon - Lenten Lunch & Devotion 7:00 pm Church Council Meeting Mar. 16th - 17th - Zion’s Bell Choir at Festival in Ocean City, MD Mar. 17th - 6:30 pm Movie Night - Cars 3 Mar. 19th - 6:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting Mar. 21st - Noon - Lenten Lunch & Devotion Mar. 24th - 8:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast Mar. 25th - Palm Sunday Mar. 29th - 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service Mar. 30th - Noon - 7:00 pm Station of the Cross Mar. 31st - 10:00 am - Noon - Easter Bash

SUNDAY SERVANTS

March 4 (8:30 am, 11:00 am)

Nursery: Cammie & Kathy S., Sarah, Lucy & Mary

Coffee Hour: Kelly Dayton & Chris Wolfe

March 11

Nursery: Sandy & Susan, Kay & Julie

Coffee Hour: Debi Hargis & Sam Stratton

March 18

Nursery: Kelly & Susan, Jane & Miranda

Coffee Hour: Betty Parkerson & Debi Hargis

March 25

Nursery: Sarah, Lucy & Mary, Belinda & Julie

Coffee Hour: Beverly Black & Susan Shaw

April 1 (8:30 am, 11:00 am)

Nursery: Cammie & Kathy S., Susan & Stacy

Coffee Hour: Coffee & Juice Only

April 8

Nursery: Sandy & Susan, Kay & Kelly

Coffee Hour: Gwen Appleton & Bonnie Bennett

April 15

Nursery: Sarah, Lucy, & Mary, Jane & Haley

Coffee Hour: Gerry Moore & Pat Binder

April 22

Nursery: Susan & Stacy, Belinda & Miranda

Coffee Hour: Miranda Moon & Sarah Browning

April 29

Nursery: Susan Shaw & Kathy Shields

Coffee Hour: Covered Dish Lunch

Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour and the Nursery for 8:30 & 11:00 am services Coffee Hour contact: Debi Hargis 898-9015 Nursery contact : Susan Shaw 898-9814

April 1st - Easter Sunday 6:30 am Sunrise Service 8:30 & 11:00 am Service at Zion April 6th - 7th Zion’s Bell Choir at Festival in Hampton, VA. 5:00 pm Concert Open to the Public April 9th - 7:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting April 11th - 6:00 pm Wednesday Night Dinner 7:00 pm Church Council Meeting April 14th - 8:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:30 pm Movie Night April 16th - 6:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting April 21st - 6:00 pm Builders Class Dinner April 24th - 6:30 pm ZUMM Dinner & Meeting April 25th - 6:00 pm Wednesday Night Dinner April 29th - 8:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 9:00 am Zion’s Spring Clean April 30th - 5th Sunday 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship followed by Covered Dish Lunch

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thank you to our weekly counters!

March: Beverly Black & Kathy Shields

April: Leona Knutson & Chris Wolfe

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March Birthdays

Edna DeChristopher 3/1

Kaye Robertson 3/1

Shawna Needy 3/2

Stacy German 3/3

Aubrey Wroten 3/3

Mary Adams 3/4

Bradley Hooten 3/5

Gibson Moon 3/5

Elizabeth Robinson 3/5

Sandra Hill 3/9

Beverly White 3/11

Patricia Binder 3/12

Bonnie Llewellyn 3/14

David Westcott Jr. 3/14

Emilee Mason 3/16

Shawn Patterson 3/16

Blake Simpson 3/16

Michael Moore 3/17

Austin Black 3/18

Rose Marie Hopkins 3/19

Lawrence Stippich III 3/22

Nancy Darnley 3/23

Katherine Jones 3/23

Hanna Carson 3/25

Elizabeth Dillon 3/26

Hattie Mitchell 3/26

Ann Moore 3/26

Kathryn Moore 3/28

Joshua Humphrey 3/29

April Birthdays

Garner Knutson 4/1

Madison Bambini 4/2

Barry Kopczynski 4/2

Albert Jones 4/4

Robbie Mills 4/4

Wyatt Thomas 4/5

Carol Harrison 4/7

David Ancarrow 4/9

Robert Wood Jr. 4/9

Judy Adams 4/10

Beverly Black 4/11

Thomas Foster 4/11

Benjamin Rush Jr. 4/12

Scott Tyree 4/14

James Greenwood 4/15

Cynthia Taylor 4/16

Joseph Gibbs 4/18

Nancy Stippich 4/18

Florence Rush 4/18

Peyton Mohrhusen 4/19

Herman Berry 4/21

Alexander Campbell 4/21

Trevor Jones 4/22

Pamela Turk 4/22

Gail Williamson 4/24

John Beavers 4/26

Christopher Harrison 4/26

Lisa Miller 4/26

Geraldine Moore 4/26

Olivia German 4/27

Irene Damron 4/28

April Anniversaries

Darron & Anne Conner 4/3

Albert & Edna DeChristopher 4/17

Donald & Phyllis Teel 4/17

Eddie & Frances Edmondson 4/19

Kristina & John Beavers 4/23

March Anniversaries

Hudson & Alice Hansford 3/11

Charles & Sandra Phaneuf 3/22

Glen & Joyce Adams 3/23

David & Catherine Westcott 3/28

Lyle & Chris Wolfe 3/30

Ronald & Bonnie Bennett 3/31

If you do not see your birthday or

anniversary listed throughout the

year, please call the office or send an

email to office@zionseaford.org so

we can update our database.

Thank you! Sherry

Zion’s email addresses:

Pastor David: pastor@zionseaford.org

Office/Sherry: office@zionseaford.org

Holy Land Trip

Jerry Knutson, Norman Rush, Pastor David and Julie are in the Holy Land. They joined oth-

er people from the Virginia Conference to become a part of this tour. Their plane leaves

Dulles airport February 26 and they return late on March 7. Please pray for this group as

they travel the paths that Jesus walked himself.

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE

PAID

SEAFORD, VA 23696

PERMIT # 1

Zion United Methodist Church

PO BOX 240

Seaford, Virginia 23696

March - April 2018

Zion’s Staff

Pastor: Rev. David Magruder; Administrative Assistant: Sherry Wornom, Accompanist: Tara Thomas

757-898-7417 (Fax) 757-898-9226 Email: office@zionseaford.org - Website: www.zionseaford.org

March 11th

Don’t forget to set

your clocks for-

ward one hour be-

fore going to bed

on March 10th.