ZION UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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.

Donations of canned goods to support Operation Help are collected the first Sunday of each month. A collection bin is provided in the dining room. Help reduce hunger by donating nonperishable items.

Choir practices will continue on Wednesday evenings this week. Bell choir practices at 6 p.m. and Chancel choir meets at 7 p.m.

We will celebrate Pentecost and Graduate Sunday on June 5th. There will be Holy Communion during the worship service. A reception will be held after worship to honor our graduates.

The Lunch Bunch will meet on Wednesday, May 18th. Lunch is open to everyone and begins at 11:30 a.m. at Nine Mile in Hoagland. Please see Karen Heller or Russ Augsburger if you plan to attend.

We will celebrate Graduate Sunday on June 5th. Please let Janet Smith or someone on the Christian Education committee if you know a graduate. A reception will be held after service that day.

O God of all nations

image bearer of every living soul,

We turn our hearts towards you

in this hour of yet another step

towards the alluring love for power

and military might over peace,

compassion, or justice.

We have been here before, God…

on the brink of human lives

created in your image

being destroyed.

We have been here before, God…

where attempts to work

towards peace and diplomacy

have been met

with defiance and violence.

We have been here before, God…

where children will grow up

without parents,

where families will be displaced,

and where trauma will live

in memories and bodies

for generations to come.

It is not enough for us

to express to you

our being brokenhearted…

Even though we are.

It is not enough for us

to shed our genuine tears

on behalf of those living in Ukraine…

Even though we do.

It is not enough

to offer a post on social media…

Even though solidarity is needed.

We need a true Just Peace

that begins with our lives.

Use us in our communities,

Empowering God,

To embody justice, compassion,

and peace in our relationships.

Embolden us to urge

those with influence

in our global policies

To embrace a vision

of liberation and hope

that will ensure the safety

and peace of all.

O God,

Make us instruments of your peace,

In our lives, in our churches,

in our conferences,

our ecumenical partnerships,

in our global missions,

And in all of our relationships.

Through your ways of peace

made known in Jesus,

We are called

as the author of Ephesians reminds us

To live “with all humility and gentleness,

with patience,

Bearing with one another in love,

Making every effort

to maintain the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.”

Let there be peace on earth

and let it begin with us.

May it be so. Amen.