WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 1/1/2012

Praise the Lord Saints! We are on the eve of a new year, the blessings and challenges of 2011 are behind and we march forward into 2012, not sure of what we may face, but assured who will face it with us. Thank you Lord!
With the beginning of a new year, I will begin a new sermon series entitled "Spiritual Success in 2012." It will use scriptures from the Sunday school text and will look at the life and times of Joseph, son of Jacob.
 
TEXT: Gen 39:7-21a
Gen 39:7  And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Gen 39:8  But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master knoweth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
Gen 39:9  There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Gen 39:10  And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
Gen 39:11  And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
Gen 39:12  And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
Gen 39:13  And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,
Gen 39:14  That she called unto the men of her house, and spoke unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in a Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:
Gen 39:15  And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.
Gen 39:16  And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
Gen 39:17  And she spoke unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
Gen 39:18  And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
Gen 39:19  And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
Gen 39:20  And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
Gen 39:21  But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The importance of good character for a successful Christian.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to do "the right thing" (i.e. what God wants them to do) to live a good Christian life.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: 589 Growing In Grace
 
JANUARY MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 37:16 -- A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. (KJV)

NOTE: Zion will host watch-night service on Sat. Dec 31st from 10:30 to 12:00. Because our regular Sunday service will be very soon after that-- Jan 1st (11 AM), we will not have food after the Watch-night service. We will be able to get home and get some rest before we come back for church on Sunday.

Bless you people of God and let me say that I am truly thankful for each of you and your support this year.
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 12/25/2011

Praise the Lord Saints! It is my prayer that during the business of this season, you will be mindful of the greatest gift of all. Let's look forward to celebrating his birth this Sunday beginning at 10 AM. We are planning a powerful expression of worship which will include both the Sunday school program and our worship service.
 
TEXT:
Luke 2:1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luke 2:2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luke 2:3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Luke 2:4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Luke 2:5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Luke 2:6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Luke 2:7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The value and necessity of making a place for Jesus.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to make Jesus the center of the Christmas celebration.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: none this week
 
DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 27:1 -- The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

NOTES:
*We have candidate for Baptism this Sunday
*Our program will be different from usual, be flexible in making adjustments
*I want the choir to take their place in the choir loft before service begins
*The children will process in and sit in the rows behind the Deaconess (they will be close when they are called to do their parts)
*Each of you should plan to be here early (9:30), coming in late will not help us manage this special service
*Remember this is a combined service of the Sunday School and our regular worship, expect it to be different
*MOST OF ALL...PRAY FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE AND EMPOWER EACH OF US IN THE SERVICE

Bless you and in Christian love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 12/18/2011

Giving glory to God saints, God is good..., and all the time God is..., and so we press on in His name. We have just found out that the preacher (Dr Chester Williams) we had scheduled for this Sunday, has taken sick and will not be able to preach for us. For that reason we are postponing Mission Sunday until we can re-plan it, and I will preach this Sunday. Here is my text...

PRIMARY TEXT:Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)
26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How to experience God's miracles in your life.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to trust what God says (i.e. Bible) over others sources of information.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #596 Faith
 
DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 27:1 -- The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

REMINDER: Our Christmas morning service on December 25th will combine the Sunday school program and the worship service and it will begin at 10 AM.  Ministry leaders encourage your team and plan to be early, so that we can start promptly, thank you and bless you

In Christian love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 12/11/2011

Praise God! He is worthy of our praise, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, He's worthy. Rev Shprecher is back this week with a message from Doctor Luke's Gospel. Here is his text...
 
PRIMARY TEXT:Luke 7:18-23
18John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them,
19he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
20When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How God helps  us to see new beginnings in what might seems like the end.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children be persistent trusting that God can bring them through any situation.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #59 The Christian Hope
 
DECEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 27:1 -- The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Bless you people of God--in Christian love

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 12/04/2011

Giving glory and honor to God, I greet you in the name Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. It is my prayer that right now you are experiencing the peace of God in your life. The Bible encourages us not to worry, but to look to God with prayer, petition and thanksgiving, and we will find a peace that surpasses all understanding. Praise God for that! Thank Rev Shprecher for his powerful word on last Sunday as we kicked of the Advent Season. This week I will be preaching from the book of Genesis. Here is his text...

PRIMARY TEXT: Genesis 12:1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Trusting God going into the unknown

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children what faith is and how to use it.

RESPONSIVE READING: #596 Faith

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 27:1 -- The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Bless you people of God--in Christian love

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 11/27/2011

Praise God Saints!  He is worthy of all our praise, and it is through him that we live, breath, and have our being. Thanks to all that helped us celebrate our Deaconate Ministry Annual Day. This Sunday, Rev Shprecher will be bringing the Word. Here is his text...

PRIMARY TEXT: Isaiah 65:17-25 (NIV)
17 “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying
will be heard in it no more.
20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach£ a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat.
For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands.
23 They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent’s food.
They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD.

SERMON TITLE: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: What God is really telling us during this Advent/Christmas season.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to focus on God during the holidays.

RESPONSIVE READING: #594 The Christian Hope

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
(NIV)..(PS:it's quiz Sunday :)

I thank God for each of you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 11/20/2011

Giving glory to God and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are getting ready for a blessing this Sunday as we celebrate our Deaconate Ministry. For the morning service I will be  preaching from the Book of Exodus,

PRIMARY TEXT: Exodus 15:22-27
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water.
23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.[a])
24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the LORD issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.
26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” 
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.(NIV)

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Getting through the difficult times of life with God.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to learn to trust God to take care of us.

RESPONSIVE READING: #565 God's Providential Care

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
(NIV)
 
Don't forget that in the afternoon Rev Dr Kirk Jones will come and bless us with a Word at the 3:30 PM service. Be encouraged and don't stop praising Him because when the praises go up, the blessings come down.
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 11/13/2011

Praise the Lord people of God! Once again you have come through in royal fashion in a wonderful celebration of life for our beloved brother Deacon Busby. The family was pleased and very grateful, and I am as well. Sundays Worship Service where I will be concluding with part 5 of the Reaping a Bountiful Blessing series.

PRIMARY TEXT: Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The "reward" for giving to God.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage that good things happen to those who do what is right to God.

RESPONSIVE READING: #579 Stewardship

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
(NIV)

Let us be mindful that we are never alone, for Jesus said "Lo, I am with you even until the end of the age." Be encouraged.
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 11/06/2011

Greetings in the name of the our Savior Jesus Christ. Let me begin by thanking each of you for the support that you provided to me and my family in the celebration of my mother's life. People of God, you always make me proud when you rally and serve selflessly in the time of family loss. This time was no exception, and through my sense of personal loss and grief, I had you to look to with great sense of support and encouragement. I love and appreciate each of you.
Now having said that, and realizing we are in a season of loss, our beloved brother and faithful Deacon, Cecil Busby has also gone home to be with the Lord. Here are the details of his life celebration...

DATE: Friday, November 4th, 2011
WAKE: 9-11 AM ZBC
FUNERAL 11 AM ZBC
INTERNMENT: Pine Grove Cemetery, immediately following funeral service
REPAST: ZBC Fellowship Hall, immediately following internment

It is reassuring to me to know that I can count on each of you to provide support to the Busby family, as you have for so many families, in their time of need.

Now information for Sundays Worship Service where I will be continuing to part 4 of the Reaping a Bountiful Blessing series.

PRIMARY TEXT: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
1 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The characteristics of your Christian giving that will be pleasing to God.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to make their giving to God planned and cheerfully.

RESPONSIVE READING: #578 Christian Giving

NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
(NIV)

In this time of affliction, let us keep our eyes fixed on Him that is able to keep us. God bless and keep you saints,
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 10/30/2011

Praise God from whom all blessing flow...why? Because He is worthy of all our praise. From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, He's worthy to be praised. I send a very huge heart-felt "thank you" to the many of you that have been so supportive of me and my family in our time of loss. Beloved, it is a honor to Pastor such a wonderful group of people. To God be the glory!
This Sunday Rev. Shprecher is going to bless us with the preached word. Here is his text...
 
PRIMARY TEXT:
Acts 9:10-19 (NIV)
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.
14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.
16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and
19 after taking some food, he regained his strength.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Who does God wish us to minister to and how?  

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage them to be confident and willing to talk about the God they are learning about and serving.

RESPONSIVE READING: #580 World Missions

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

God bless and keep you saints,
In Christian Love,

-- Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 10/23/2011

Give glory to God Saints, give glory to God. And remember to be anxious over nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God who is able to make all grace abound toward you. This week in our preaching, we are going to again hear from Minister Andre Bennett. He is taking his text from Mark 5:26-34. (KJV)
 
PRIMARY TEXT: Mark 5:26-34(KJV)
26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Overcoming by faith.              

TITLE: Press Past Your Opposition

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to continue to believe and trust God. (the lesson of learning to wait on God)

RESPONSIVE READING: #596 Faith

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

Let keep on praising God...
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 10/16/2011

I am excited about the upcoming Women's Day Celebration! We have much to be grateful for when we consider the wonderful women that God has brought to Zion Baptist Church. I am thankful for and encouraged by the sincere devotion to God, tireless service in ministry, and support demonstrated by The Women of Zion.
In keeping with the occasion,  this week I am continuing in the series entitled "Reaping the Bountiful Blessing," with a look at a special woman who learned to get her priorities right and was blessed by God. Remember, the goal of this series is to teach and demonstrate Biblical truths about money and how we can be blessed by good stewardship. This week I want to focus on Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Malachi 3:10 NIV
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

SECONDARY TEXT: 1 Kings 17:8-16
8...Then the word of the LORD came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’”
15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How we are blessed when we learn to put God first.                  

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to keep God as the "most important" thing in their lives.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #579 Stewardship
 
OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

Let the joy of the Lord be yours,
In Christian Love,

-- Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 10/09/2011

The joy of the Lord is available, let's seize it and hold on tight saints. The day after a wonderful Home-going service for our beloved sister Queen, let's be encouraged our sister is safe in his arms. Again Zion, you have made me proud to be your pastor, served the grieving family well, and brought glory to God. Great job by all on yesterday. I appreciate each of you.
This week I am continuing in the series entitled "Reaping the Bountiful Blessing." Remember, the goal of this series is to teach and demonstrate Biblical truths about money and how we can be blessed by good stewardship. This week I want to ficus on Jacob, a tither.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Malachi 3:10 NIV
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

SECONDARY TEXT: Genesis 28:16-22
16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”  18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How we return to the place we started with God and revisit the attitudes and actions that we have allowed to become part of our Christian walk.                  

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s encourage our children to consider their responsibility to give back to God a portion of what he has blessed them with. (i.e. allowance, gifts, money they earn, etc.)
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #578 Christian Giving
 
OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

I thank God for you...
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 10/02/2011

Saints...Oh what a fellowship, oh what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms! In all things, let's give him praise. My sincere gratitude to all that helped me celebrate my 9th Pastoral Anniversary. It was truly a blessing of wonderful ministry in song, dance, and the preached Word. Both Minister Andre Bennett and Pastor Collins had powerful words from the Lord. We were blessed.

This week I am starting a new series entitled "Reaping the Bountiful Blessing." The goal of this series is to teach and demonstrate Biblical truths about people of faith and the money that God has given them and the blessings that God promises as a result of good stewardship.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Malachi 3:10 NIV
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How we are to handle our money and the blessings we miss when we do not practice good stewardship                         

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the idea of us as stewards of what really belongs to God and our responsibility to give back.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #607 Blessings From God
 
OCTOBER MEMORY VERSE:
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)

I thank God for you...
In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 09/25/2011

Praise the Lord people of God. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! He's worthy. a great celebration last Sunday of the Usher ministry. Good preaching by Rev Shprecher and Sister Ebonie and good musical support.Thank you to the many that made important contributions. This week we will be blessed with the preaching of our brother Minister Andre  Bennett. His first sermon at Zion! Praise God.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: John 8:1-12 (KJV)
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The forgiving and life changing grace of Christ.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children what forgiveness looks like and the importance of giving it.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #593 Forgiveness
 
SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:
Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (NIV)

NOTE: This Sunday afternoon (3:30 PM) is the celebration of the completion of nine years as your Pastor. I am humbled that God would use me and grateful to Him for sustaining me and for all you that have provided prayers and support over these years. Come out and celebrate with me, I'm sure that Pastor James Collins will have a word for us.

In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 09/18/2011

 

Giving honor to God, the head of our lives, the one truly worthy honor and glory. Last Sunday was a powerful expression of worship, we were truly blessed. Thank you to the many that made important contributions. This week we will be blessed with the preaching of our brother Rev Shprecher.

PRIMARY TEXT: Mt 4:18-22 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How our life is transformed when we accept the invitation that Jesus makes.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children what it means to follow Jesus as a child and how that affects their lives.

RESPONSIVE READING: #582 Regeneration

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:

Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (NIV)

NOTE: this Sunday afternoon is the celebration of the Usher Ministry, I expect that you will come to support the ones that support us all year. It is the right and loving thing to do. Thank you Saints.

In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 09/11/2011

Praise the Lord saints!  Well its over...the summer that is, and starting this Sunday we hit the ground running.  This week Sunday School restarts at 9:30 AM, 11 AM Worship Service, and Homecoming Cook-out right after service (remember the dress is casual). This week I will preach part 3 of the series entitled "Right Thinking for Right Living."
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Proverb 23:7 (a)
"For as he thinks within himself, so he is..." (NASB-New American Standard Bible)
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Continuing to Win battle for righteous living
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to think and be positive people.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace
 
SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:
Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (NIV)

NOTE:
"Thank you" and "job well done" to all that supported the Wooten family in their time of loss.. I appreciate you and I'm sure the family does as well. You make me proud and bring glory to God.

In Christian Love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 09/04/2011

Praise the Lord saints!  We made it through hurricane Irene and we are pressing on. This week I will preach part 2 of the series entitled "Right Thinking for Right Living." I hope it will both instruct and inspire. Two weeks ago, we began by considering the importance of our thoughts as Christians, this week we will move forward looking at process of renewal of the mind.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Proverb 23:7 (a)
"For as he thinks within himself, so he is..." (NASB-New American Standard Bible)
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: renewing our mind
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to understand how to change what they think about from bad to good.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace
 
SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE:
Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (NIV)

NOTE:
We are working with the Wooten family who recently experienced loss by sudden death. They are not members of the church but have asked for us to help. Wake planned for Tuesday 4-8 PM and funeral at 11 AM. I do not need choir or musician support, as the family has opted to use some prerecorded music, but I do need usher and custodian support. Please call me if you have any questions. Thank each of you that helped make the home-going celebrations for sister Marguerite and brother Murk a blessing. I appreciate you and I'm sure the families do as well.

Pastor W. C. Hill

Church canceled for Sunday August 28th

Governor Patrick has issued a state of emergency due to Hurricane Irene suggesting that  residents to stay indoors, out of the water and off the roads from late Saturday night through Sunday. Be safe and blessed. Our prayers are with you all.

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 08/28/2011

Praise the Lord saints!  We are encouraged by the Apostle Paul that we should "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Let's resolve to do that as we make it through a particularly difficult time of loss for the church. Please see the note at the end of this e-mail for details.
This week in the preaching is part 2 of the series entitled "Right Thinking for Right Living." I hope it will both instruct and inspire. Last week we began by considering the importance of our thoughts as Christians, this week we will move forward looking at renewal of the mind.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Proverb 23:7 (a)
"For as he thinks within himself, so he is..." (NASB-New American Standard Bible)
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: renewing our mind
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to understand how to change what they think about from bad to good.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace
 
AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:
John 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." (NIV)

NOTE:
Most of you know we lost two members last week, Sister Marguerite Gravely and Brother Aaron Murkison. The arrangements for their life celebrations are follows...

1. Brother Aaron Murkison
WAKE: Thurs (8/25) 4-7 PM
FUNERAL: Friday (8/26) 10 AM
*Both at Zion Baptist Church
REPAST: Community Brotherhood following internment at Pine Grove Cemetary

2. Sister Marguerite Gravely
WAKE: Sat (8/27) 9-10 AM
FUNERAL: Sat (8/27) 10 AM
*Both at Zion Baptist Church
REPAST: Community Brotherhood following *Funeral (note that internment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston on Monday)

I'm counting on the various church leaders/employees to each do their part to help us celebrate the lives of these long time faithful members of the Zion family. Thank you in advance and let's pray for the families and each other.
In Christian Love...

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 08/21/2011

Giving honor to God who is the head of my life, bless each of you. Well we made it through "The Lord as Our Shepherd" series. It is my prayer that the series helped you to view this Psalm in a new light and with increased understanding. As we approach the wind down of summer and prepare to start the new church year, I am led to preach a new 3-part series entitled "Right Thinking for Right Living." I hope it will both instruct and inspire. We will begin this week by considering the importance of our thoughts.
  
PRIMARY TEXT: Proverb 23:7 (a)
"For as he thinks within himself, so he is..." (NASB-New American Standard Bible)
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The importance of the Christian's thought life.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to understand how their thoughts lead to actions.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace
 
AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:
John 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." (NIV)

Let's continue to love and pray for one another. It will please God.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 08/14/2011

Praise the Lord Saints!! Can I encourage you that as you face today's challenges, remember the words of the psalmist that said "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth." The Lord is an ever-present help in time of trouble.
This week's sermon is the final installment in our preaching series "The Lord as Our Shepherd." Rev Shprecher will bless us with part 12, as David addresses his dwelling place. “...and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Here is the text in context…
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
    You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
    and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Finding God as we journey through life in the good times and the bad.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to look for God in every situation.

RESPONSIVE READING: #565 God’s Providential Care

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:
John 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." (NIV)

My prayer for you is that God will continue to keep you, bless you, and make the beauty of his love reflect from you,
In Christian love
 
Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 08/07/2011

Praise the Lord saints!! This week is the next to last part in our series "The Lord as Our Shepherd." This week we will have part 11, we will be looking at David’s assurance...  “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
 
Here is the text in context…
 
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The life long blessing of letting God be your shepherd.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children that the best reward comes from doing what God wants us to do.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #564 God the Omnipresent

AUGUST MEMORY VERSE:
John 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." (NIV)

My prayer for you is that God will keep you, bless you, and make the beauty of his love reflect from you,

In Christian love

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 07/31/2011

This is a day that the the Lord has made, let's rejoice and be glad in it. The joy of the lord is ours, so let's claim it in the name of Jesus. As the summer roles on, we are heading to the conclusion of our series "The Lord as Our Shepherd." This week we will have part 10, and I will be considering David’s declaration that the Lord “anoints my head with oil and my cup runs over.”
 
Here is the text in context…
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The substance of God's anointing and its fruits.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to look to God for the source of what is right and what is wrong.

RESPONSIVE READING: #572 The Promise of the Holy Spirit
 
JULY MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
 
God bless you, and keep you, and make his face to shine upon you the people of God, In Christian love,
 
Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 07/24/2011

Praise God saints! We are continuing in our series "The Lord as Our Shepherd." This week we will have part 9, and I will be considering David’s declaration that the Lord “prepares a table before him in the presence of his enemies.”

Here is the text in context…
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How God goes ahead and makes a place and preparation for us.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to trust that God is working on their behalf.

RESPONSIVE READING: #565 Gods Providential Care

JULY MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

May the peace of God continue to be on you and may He continue to bless you people of God, In Christian love,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 07/17/2011

In all things we should give God praise, so let's praise God saints! We are coming down home stretch in our series "The Lord as Our Shepherd." This week we will have part 8, and I'm sure that you will be blessed as Rev. Shprecher brings the word. I'm on vacation this week.
 
Here is the text in context…
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
 
WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How God leads and uses us in our struggle.
 
SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to see the positive that can come from life's struggles.
 
RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace
 
JULY MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
 
Bless you people of God, In Christian love,
 
Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 07/10/2011

Praise God saints! This week as we continue in the series entitled..."The Lord as Our Shepherd" part 7, we find ourselves at mid-point in the psalm and David changes to a very personal expression when he says “Yea, though I walk through the valley in the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me"  (KJV)

Here is the text in context…
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup          overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This seventh week the sermon is about how God (the Good Shepherd)often gets us to higher places through a valley journey..

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to face life challenges (i.e. trouble) with God and as something to help us grow.

RESPONSIVE READING: #564 God The Omnipresent

JULY MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Bless you people of God,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 07/03/2011

Praise God saints! Do you remember that Jesus said in Mathew 11:30: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Do you find that a reality in your life? We know it is true because Jesus said it is, but our challenge is to make it our personal reality. I believe that this week as we continue in series entitled..."The Lord as Our Shepherd" part 6, we find the way to do it.
Here David speaking of God declares: "He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake"  (NIV)

Here is the text…
TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This sixth week the sermon is about how we as Christians need to follow the Lord's lead.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of doing what God wants them to do.

RESPONSIVE READING: #602 The Upright Man

JULY MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
 
God bless each of you and have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July celebration...

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 06/26/2011

Bless the Lord oh my soul, bless Him with all that is within me, bless His holy name. Praise God saints. I am glad to back with you and appreciate your efforts in making last Sunday a powerful expression of worship. This week we continue in series entitled..."The Lord as Our Shepherd." In part 5, David speaking of God declares in verse 3a--“He refreshes (restores-KJV) my soul.”
Here is the text again…

TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This fifth week the sermon is about how we as children of God (sheep of His pasture) sometime become depleted and need refreshing and God's efforts to replenish us.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of depending on God to help them.

RESPONSIVE READING: #604 Peace

JUNE MEMORY VERSE:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV) NOTE:This is the final week for this verse and if I don't forget, there will be a quiz, and prizes awarded.

God bless each of you...

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 06/19/2011

Praise God Saints! In all things, let us give God the praise. This week, we will continue the series on the 23rd Psalm, as we consider "The Lord as Our Shepherd." Part 4 looks at when David declares in verse 2b--“He leads me beside the still waters” Here is the text again…

TEXT: Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This fourth week the sermon is about how to keep from letting the peace of God stop us from doing the work of God.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson about doing the work of God.

RESPONSIVE READING: #590 Christian Commitment

JUNE MEMORY VERSE:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)

NOTE: I am on vacation this week and will be in Memphis Tenn. Plan to return by Tuesday of next week. Rev Shprecher will be bringing the Word. Let me now wish the father’s a wonderful father’s day, and let all of you know that I love you with the love of Jesus.

Pastor W. C. Hill

Praise God Saints! In all things, let us give God the praise. This week, we will continue the series on the 23rd Psalm, as we consider "The Lord as Our Shepherd." Part 3 looks at when David declares in verse 2a--“He makes me to lie down in green pastures” Here is the text again…

TEXT: Psalm 23 (New International Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This third week the sermon is about finding a resting place in the Good Shepherd.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of learning to find rest (peace) with God.

RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing In Grace

JUNE MEMORY VERSE:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)

Please let’s pray for and encourage one another. My heart and prayers are with you. Bless you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 05/29/2011

Praise God Saints! Through it all we will make it. In this weeks preaching, we will continue the series on the 23rd Psalm, as we consider "The Lord as Our Shepherd." This week is part 2, which addresses David's declaration "I lack nothing" (NIV) or (KJV) is "I shall not want."  Please pray over this. Here is the text again…

TEXT: Psalm 23 (New International Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This second week the sermon is about the reality and nature  of God's provision.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of finding sufficiency in what God provides.
RESPONSIVE READING: #565 God’s Providential Care
MAY MEMORY VERSE: John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

Bless you people of God. My heart and prayers are with you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 05/22/2011

Praise God Saints! What a powerful Men of Zion Annual celebration we had. My congratulations to the many that worked so hard and served so faithfully to make it the blessing it was. We appreciate you.

In the preaching, We will be heading in a new direction, one that I believe God will use to bless us all. Please pray over this.
This week I will start a 12-part series on the 23rd Psalm. The series title is “The Lord As Our Shepherd”  Our primary text is (of course) the 23rd Psalm, here it is…
TEXT: Psalm 23 (New International Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
  for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD    forever.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This first week the sermon is about the nature of our God as the shepherd and if we really experience Him that way.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of who God is…maybe the love of God may be a good starting place.

RESPONSIVE READING: #565 God’s Providential Care

MAY MEMORY VERSE: John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

Bless you people of God. My heart and prayers are with you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 05/15/2011

Praise the Lord people of God! Today I am encouraged by the words the Apostle Paul wrote to the people of God long ago”...Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). In other words saints, Paul was saying; regardless of what’s going on in your life, don’t worry, just pray, be grateful, and tell God all about it—He can handle it!!

This is the final week (3), of the three part series “In it--to win it” Our primary text is again from the book of Hebrews. Here is our text…

TEXT: HEBREWS 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...”

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This week the sermon is about overcoming the things that seek to defeat and derail us in the Christian life.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of working toward spiritual success as children of God. (i.e. the things that they should develop in there lives)

RESPONSIVE READING: #595 Spiritual Warfare

MAY MEMORY VERSE: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

NOTE: I hope you will join me excited about the Men’s Day Weekend celebration. This Saturday morning at 10 AM is the Men’s breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, and hosted by the Women of Zion (Thank God for the women!). Then Sunday in the afternoon, we will have a special music celebration and I will bring a message for the men on how we restore divine order in the Kingdom of God. Join me in the excitement as we grow and fellowship together.

I thank God for you and ask God to continue to bless each of you. In Christian love...

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 05/08/2011

Praise the Lord Saints. What a powerful Resurrection Sunday worship service we had! We were truly blessed and I believe we were a blessing to many. Congratulations for your service in ministry. This is week 2, of the three part series “In it--to win it” Our primary text will be from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Here is our text…

 

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.²⁶Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This week the sermon is about the training necessary to win in the Christian life.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children the lesson of training and preparation order to be successful.

RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace

MAY MEMORY VERSE: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

NOTE: The Home-going Celebration for our brother Charles Dennis was a blessing. Each of you did a great job in your respective roles. I am proud to be your pastor and grateful for your support. Finally, let me encourage you to press on toward the prize, for the high calling, In Christ Jesus, we'll make it.

Bless each of you

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 05/01/2011

Praise the Lord Saints. What a powerful Resurrection Sunday worship service we had! We were truly blessed and I believe we were a blessing to many. Congratulations to you for your service in ministry.
In the preaching, I am being led to move away from the Sunday school text and for the next three weeks I will be preaching a three part series I’m calling “In it--to win it” Our primary text will be from the book of Hebrews. Here is the text…

TEXT: Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: This week it is...Preparing to win!

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach the children to develop and attitude for success (i.e. believe that you are going to succeed—the power of positive thinking)

RESPONSIVE READING: #565 God’s Providential Care

MAY MEMORY VERSE: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

NOTE: The Homegoing celebration for our brother Charles Dennis is as follows:
WAKE: Friday, April 29th, 5:30-9 PM
FUNERAL: April 30th, 9:30-11:30 AM
REPAST: Following Internment at Pine Grove Cemetery

ALL of the above will take place at GREATER BETHLEHEM TEMPLE, 26 Light Street, Lynn (because Zion was previously rented out for a wedding). To all of those that I count on to help make this home-going celebrations successful, it is as though we were doing the service at Zion but it will be at Bishop Bennett’s church. We will have to do all of the planning and execution. (i.e. music, choir, ushers, food for after wake). It looks like the planning is going well. I count on you and I’m proud of you already.

Finally beloved, remember that God loves you and he can handle any situation in your life, regardless of the size, that you might be going through today. Give it to Him and have a good day.

Bless each of you

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 04/24/2011

Praise the Lord people of God! This Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, when all of Christianity celebrates the foundational truth of our faith that Jesus Christ overcame death and the grave. As the songwriter said “because He got up, I can go up!” Join me in being excited about the good news of the Gospel. Please see notes at the end of this email.
Our preaching focus this week is on the motivation and result of the empty tomb, and why we should be celebrating this day and everyday. Here is our text…

TEXT: John 20:1-13
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.
4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.
6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there,
7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.
8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb
12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The power of love to elevate.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Footsteps Liturgical Dance Ministry

RESPONSIVE READING: #591 Love

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds (KJV)

NOTES:
The Homegoing celebration for our brother Charles Dennis is as follows:
WAKE: Friday, April 29th, 6:00-9:00 PM
FUNERAL: April 30th, 9:30-11:30 AM
REPAST: Following Internment at Pine Grove Cemetery
ALL of the above will take place at Greater Bethlehem Temple, 21 Light Street, Lynn (because Zion was previously rented out for a wedding). To all of those that I count on to help make these home-going celebrations successful, it is as though we were doing the service at Zion but it will be at Bishop Bennett’s church. We will have to do all of the planning and execution. (i.e. music, choir, ushers, food for after wake, clean up,etc.). If you have any questions about your role and how you can help, please call me. (617-980-1872 cell)
Hope to see some of you at the Good Friday Seven Last Word Service at Washington Street Baptist Church this Friday.(12-3 PM)
Finally, let me just say to each of you that really appreciate you and your work in ministry. We have a pretty busy schedule ahead, but I want to encourage you to try to pause and reflect this week because we are Children of God, forgiven, born again, and given the promise of eternal life. Therefore in spite of “the cares of this old world” we have a reason to celebrate—so let’s have a high praise celebration this Sunday. PS: We are expecting company this Sunday, better get there early, or someone may be in your seat (smile).

Bless each of you.
Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 04/17/2011

In all things, let us praise the Lord saints! The song writer said: "I've had some good days, and I've had some hills to climb. I've had some weary days and lonesome nights, but when I look around, and think things over, all of my good days outweigh the bad days, and I won't complain. So on the good days, let us praise Him, when climbing the hills, let us praise Him. In the midst of weary days and lonesome nights, let us continue to give God our praise. He's worthy.
This week we are going to be blessed with a Word from Rev Shprecher with his Palm Sunday message. Let us begin the celebration. Here is our text…

TEXT: Mark 11:1-11 (NIV)
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,
2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,
5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”
6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.
7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.
8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.
9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”£
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How we need to retell God’s story and celebrate God’s triumph until we get it right.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children learn to continue trying to do what is right until they get it right

RESPONSIVE READING: #605 Praising the Lord

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds(KJV)

NOTE: We lost our beloved brother Charles Dennis this week. Arrangements to celebrate his life are underway and planned for after Easter. Please keep Mamunie, Derrick, Ebony and the rest of the family in your prayers. Bless you people of God.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 04/10/2011

Praise the Lord people of God. If you are worried about something today, let me encourage you with the words Paul sent to the Philippians, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Why? Because there is nothing going on in you life right now that God can’t handle. So turn it over to Him, persevere, and have a good day! Perseverance will be our focus in the preaching this week. Here is our text…

TEXT: Jude 1:17-21 (NIV)
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.
18They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”
19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Persevering in our faith

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children learn to stay faithful to what they believe about God. (i.e. what we are teaching them in Sunday School, Church, and Home)

RESPONSIVE READING: #585 God The Second Coming

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds (KJV)

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 04/03/2011

Give glory to God saints! I greet you in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let me encourage you that in spite of your situation, remember that God loves you, today and everyday. In our spiritual life, memory can be a powerful tool for good, if used correctly, I hope to express that in this week's sermon. Here is our text…

TEXT: 2 Tim 2:8-10 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (NIV)

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Why and how we can make it through life’s difficulties.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children learn to look to God for help in their difficult situations.

RESPONSIVE READING: #563 God The Omnipotent

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds (KJV)

NOTE: Thanks to the P&W Team and others that accompanied me to Zion Everett last Sunday...fantastic job! I appreciate you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 03/27/2011

Good morning people of God! I greet you in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that you are all well. Can I remind you that no matter what you are going through right now, God loves you. And this week “love” is the subject of our sermon (an exit from SS text).
Here is our text…

TEXT: 1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (NIV)

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How to recognize and have for others “Godly love”

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children to learn to understand and give unselfish (Godly) “love”

RESPONSIVE READING: #591 Love

NOTE: I am preaching at Zion Baptist Church, Everett, this Sunday March 27th at 3:30 PM (P&W Team to join me). We hope to provide Van for transportation. If you are able, please also come and provide support. Your continued support is appreciated. In Christian love, bless you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 03/20/2011

Give glory to God saints, give glory to God; I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. Last week in our preaching and teaching, we looked at the qualities of a Christian leader (and all Christians) and the challenge was to have the courage to “be different” from the world. This week we will consider the priorities of the Christian leader (and all Christians). Here is the text…

TEXT: 1 Timothy 4:6-16 (NIV)

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The importance of keeping our priorities right.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children to learn to make God (and godliness) important in their lives

RESPONSIVE READING: #602 The Upright Man

NOTE: Pastors preaching engagements:
Third Baptist Church, Lawrence, Thursday, March 17th at 7 PM. (Male Chorus) van leaving Zion at 6 PM
Zion Baptist Church, Everett, Sunday March 27th at 3:30 PM (P&W Team) transportation TBD.
Your continued support is appreciated. Bless you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

Spring forward. Fall back.

Remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour before going to bed Saturday night. Daylight savings time begins this Sunday.

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 03/13/2011

Praise the Lord Saints! To God be the glory, for he is worthy of all our praise! This week our preaching /teaching focus, is on a requirement for the people of God to be “different” as illustrated in the list of leadership qualities Paul gives Timothy, a young Pastor at Ephesus. Here is the text…

TEXT: 1 Timothy 3:1-16
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Why all Christians must be different from the world.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: How our belief in God should affect our behavior.

RESPONSIVE READING: #601 The Upright Man

Saints, I thank God for each of you and encourage you that we pray for each other.


Bless you,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 03/06/2011

Praise the Lord Saints! My prayer is that you are all well. This week begins a new quarter preaching /teaching focus on worship. This week we will begin with 1 Timothy 2, as Paul gives instruction to church leaders at Ephesus. Here is the text…

TEXT: 1 Timothy 2:1-15
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11 A woman[a] should learn in quietness and full submission.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;[b] she must be quiet.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: Preparation for Worship

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: What it means and how to be good in church.

RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace

MARCH MEMORY VERSE: Luke 4:8…“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’

NOTE: We have been asked to provide support to the family of Paulette Marie Blake who recently passed. To help this family in time of need is consistent with our church Vision and who we are, therefore we have agreed to host her home going celebration on this Saturday morning at 11 AM. I will be officiating, Ushers are scheduled, her pastor is doing the eulogy, and they are bringing a small choir, we need to supply an organist if we can.

God bless each of you,
Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 02/27/2011

Praise God saints...In all things; let’s give God the highest praise, for he is worthy.
This coming Sunday, we will be blessed with the preached word from Rev. Shprecher, as we are moving through the Gospel of Mark, with this week’s lesson from Mark 13. Here is the text…

TEXT: Mark 13:14-27, 31

14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out.
16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.
17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!
18 Pray that this will not take place in winter,
19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.
20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.
21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.
22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
24 “But in those days, following that distress, “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;
25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How God wants us to be able to see where our journey as Christians is leading.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children to expect God to be there in the time of our trouble.

RESPONSIVE READING: #594 The Christian Hope

NOTE: As many of you know I have expressed the need for a little break, so this week I am trying to get some R&R. Please let non-emergency matters that I need to be involved in wait until next week. Thank you to those have agreed to fill in for me in various roles.

Bless you all,

Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 02/20/2011

Praise the Lord Saints! My prayer is that you are all well. This week in the preaching /teaching focus, we are moving forward from were we left off last week in the book of Mark, this week the tenth chapter. Here is the text…

TEXT: Mark 10:35-45
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,
40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: What it means to be “great” in the Kingdom of God.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: How to be considered “great” in the sight of God.

RESPONSIVE READING: #619 The Beatitudes

NOTE: A big "thank you" for all that helped to make Mother Carrington's home-going celebration a wonderful event. I appreciate you and thank God for you. Our prayers are with the Carrington family.

Pastor W. C. Hill

Men's and Women's Bible Study Resume

Here's Deacon Anthony Walker addressing the church annual meeting last Tuesday, February 8th. And it didn't snow.

Next Tuesday February 15th we will resume our men's and women's bible study at 7pm. We have been encouraged by the attendance. Please attend and bring a friend.

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 02/13/2011

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…to God be the glory for the great things he has done! In the preaching /teaching focus, we are picking up were we left off last week in the book of Mark, ninth chapter. Here is the text:

TEXT: Mark 9:2-13 (NIV)
2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.
3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.
4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?
13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: The impact that seeing “God’s glory” should have on our lives.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s teach our children how knowing God should impact their life decisions.

RESPONSIVE READING: #606 The Majesty of God

NOTICE:
As you know we lost our faithful member Helen Carrington last week. The arrangements for her funeral service are as follows:

Thursday (Feb. 10th)
WAKE 4-6PM at Zion Baptist Church
FUNERAL 6-8 PM Zion Baptist Church
REPAST 8 PM Zion Baptist Church
Friday (Feb. 11th)
Internment----11 AM----Oak Grove Cemetery Medford MA (Family)

Thank you to all of you that are already helping to make this life celebration a proper “so long” to such a faithful servant. I thank God for each of you.

Pastor W. C. Hill

--

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 02/06/2011

Praise God saints...It is my prayer that each of you are fairing well through the snow. A challenging start to winter, but we will make it. Be encouraged.
This week’s preaching and teaching theme is “Assuring Hope: The Fulfillment of God’s Promise.” We are moving to the gospel of Mark and this week’s lesson is from Mark 8:27 – 9:1 and will focus on the identity and suffering of Christ.

Here is the text….
TEXT: Mark 8:27-9:1
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” The Way of the Cross
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
9:1 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: How our understanding of who Jesus is and the nature of his ministry should impact our Christian lives.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children to learn "how to know" and "do" the things that are pleasing to God.

RESPONSIVE READING: #589 Growing in Grace

FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)

Bless you and stay safe...
Pastor W. C. Hill

WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY 01/30/2011

Praise God saints...Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow and let’s praise God anyhow. For through it all, his goodness and his mercy continues, and we make it through. This week’s preaching and teaching theme will continue on “Assuring Hope: A Future for God’s People.” This week’s lesson is from Isaiah 53:1-12 and will focus on the appearance, suffering, and rewards for the suffering servant. Here is the text….

TEXT: Isaiah 53:1-12
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e];
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

WHAT THE SERMON IS ABOUT: A “heads up” on what to expect as a servant of God; such as; need to be different, able to endure suffering, and anticipating a reward (of some kind) for faithfulness.

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S MESSAGE: Let’s help our children to learn how to be different than the crowd (resist peer pressure); willing to endure suffering without retaliation (repay evil with good); expect to be rewarded by God for faithful service.

RESPONSIVE READING: #590 Christian Commitment

Bless you and stay safe,

Pastor W. C. Hill