Service Personnel: Please keep the following service personnel in your prayers at this special time of year: Joshua Taylor, Seth Garner,Justin Lovellette, Anthony Rauch, Ruth Rauch.



The following is a notice from the Spiritual Council of Zion:


 In-person worship resumes January 24, 2021.     

The Official Board met on Monday evening, January 11, 2021 and, as promised, considered in-person worship services for Zion United Church of Christ. It was decided that beginning on Sunday, January 24, 2021 those who feel a need to be in the sanctuary for worship service are welcome to attend and all prior proper protocol such as social distancing and wearing masks will be followed. At the same time, we strongly encourage our senior members and those with pre-conditions to stay home, stay safe, and attend service via the internet.

Hopefully the COVID-19 vaccine will have a positive result with a majority receiving the vaccine. However, we know that even with the vaccine, social distancing and wearing masks will be protocol for some time.

We want ALL to FEEL SAFE and hope ALL ARE COMFORTABLE with this decision.


We  recognize many of our church family will be severely impacted financially during this time of crisis. We encourage you to utilize the many resources available as far as food and financial help and know that our members will continue to support and look out for our neighbors, families, and community.

It is also critical that we continue to contribute financially  to Zion during these times of cancelled services. Our expenses continue regardless of the tithes and offerings coming in and we ask  those who are able to mail in your regular offering. There are also many banks who offer bill pay services at no cost. The mail is monitored daily. For those who are not able to do so, we understand your difficulties. Zion has shown time and time again that our faith is strong and we can do all things through Christ. Thank you to all those who have made  contributions. It is much appreciated. Please continue to mail or drop them off when possible.



Anyone would like to receive the Sacrament of Home Communion who is not a regular recipient, or anyone who would like to have a home visit is asked to contact the church office (724-3502), and the necessary arrangements will be made.




There will be no  midweek Lenten services this year. We will have services on Maundy Thursday, April 1st, but no Good Friday or Easter Sunrise services. Our Easter service will be at the usual 10 a.m. time. Please watch your email and the website for updates and scheduled service changes





During this uncertain time it is important that we stayed tied together as a people of prayer and support. 


Weekly we will send out a prayer for the world and our conference churches on Wednesdays.


 We also encourage each of you to stop what you are doing at noon on Wednesdays and pray wherever


 you are. Our staff will be praying wherever they are and together we will offer prayers for our world at this time.



Peace, Blessings, and Compassion,


Rev. Chad R. Abbott


O God,

I am holding this cup of tea and savoring every sip as though it were the last. 

Such savoring is reminding me to be fully present to and savor all that you have to show us in this life.

May we be present to the fullness of this day.

Provide us with your Spirit of deep listening so that we might reflect

 upon your presence, your love, and your compassion.

Help us to sit with the wisdom you provide and truly hold it all with gratitude.

 We know that each day is a gift, O God, and we do not take it for granted. 

And so, we breathe in and we breathe out, knowing and trusting that the very act of savoring each moment draws us closer to you. 

I'll go back to sipping my tea now and look for you in each moment, God.

Amen


Rev. Chad R. Abbott, Conference Minister, Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ. 






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