|
Our Mission
To walk with people in their journey of faith, helping them to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.
Dr. Tom Walker, Lead Pastor
Rudy Grecco, Associate Pastor
Milton Mazariegos, Family Life Pastor |
| Pastor's Corner |
The disciples James and John were two of Jesus'  best friends. They were brothers with the same mother. As Jesus talked more and more about death, the disciples interpreted this as His intention of finally establishing His Kingdom. This would mean an overthrow of the Roman government and the installation of a new leadership. It was what they were waiting for, and was the underlying reason the 12 disciples followed Jesus. The question that arose was, who among the disciples would be closest to Jesus? who would be trusted as the "go to" guys of Christ? Who would lead the leaders? Then... in steps the mother of James and John. Like most moms, she believed in her boys. I am sure she prayed for them. She knew their potential and wanted the best for them. Her love for and faith in her sons compelled her to take Jesus aside and explain to him why He needed to choose these two men. It is interesting that Matthew does not indicate that Jesus rebuked her. Could it be that He understood the love she expressed and maybe He even admired it, misguided as it was? May 9th is Mother's Day. A day set aside to honor our moms. A day to thank them for their sacrifice and thank them for believing in us. Moms have a way of seeing past our obvious flaws and seeing our potential. Moms stand up for us and encourage us along the way. Mother's Day is a day to celebrate all that they have done and the love they have shown. For some, celebrating Mother's Day is painful. When they think of mom, they remember abuse or neglect. Their memories are filled with harsh words or accusations. Their moms didn't encourage. Just the opposite, they were critical and demeaning. Yet the Bible commands us to honor our mothers; to choose to extend respect, and where necessary offer forgiveness. Mother's Day is another opportunity to rebuild broken bridges and strengthen relationships. It is yet another chance to grow closer to Christ by following His example of LOVE. This Mother's Day, let's join together in celebrating moms, even if they have been misguided like James' and John's mom. As a family, come together to church and worship God and show your appreciation to mom. If your mom, like mine, lives a distance away, make sure you send her a special card and/or gift. And don't forget to call her. Honor you mother. That is what the Bible teaches. I think that what Jesus did when James' and John's mom approached Him, he honored the position of mother.
|
|
In Psalm 23, What More Could You Want? | |
King David never celebrated even one Easter season like we just did a few weeks ago. Yet, in Psalm 23, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he seemed to capture the very image and essence of what that precious holiday means.
Verse 1: "The Lord is my shepherd..." David suggests that we have a Heavenly Caregiver. Some of you know very well what that means. You either are one or you've been on the receiving end of that ministry. Verse 3: "He guides me in paths of righteousness..." How many times have we taken the wrong turn and God's loving presence has steered us back on the right road? Even the times we were driving down 'death's road'? Verse 4: "I will fear no evil." You remember how your heart was in your mouth? That's fear. Yet, God has given us the Spirit of Peace through Jesus. Verse 5: "He prepares a table before me..." Talk about a fabulous seven-course meal (pasta being one course). We sit and dine at the King's table and those who once laughed at us for our faith in God now have to watch us be blessed by God. Talk about the tables being turned! Verse 6: "...dwell in God's house forever." Now, if that isn't an example of job security, then I'm not sure what is! Isaiah picks up that same thought in chapter 9 verse 7 when he prophesies that this Jesus would sit on King David's throne forever! No, David never celebrated Easter. But he experienced the value and meaning of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. The story is told about a little girl who was asked to pray over the food on the table. After making everyone bow their heads and clasp their hands, she prayed, "The Lord is my shepherd. What more could I want!" Do you think that's a healthy attitude to have? I sure do.
Blessings,
|
|
A Little Mother's Day Humor | |
Kids sometimes say the funniest things. Here are answers given by 2nd graders to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers? 1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 2. Mostly to clean the house. 3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers? 1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. 2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring. 3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of? 1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. 2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom? 1. We're related. 2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom? 1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff. 2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. 3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him? 1. His last name. 2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer? 3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad? 1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world and my mom eats a lot. 2. She got too old to do anything else with him. 3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house? 1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball. 2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed. 3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than Dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads? 1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work. 2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. 3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's. 4. Moms have magic; they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time? 1. Mothers don't do spare time, 2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day.
What would it take to make your mom perfect? 1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery. 2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be? 1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that. 2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me. 3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Pastor Milton
|
|
Intimacy With God in a Group Setting | |
Many people often ask, "How can I move beyond my awareness of those around me and really let myself go into an intimate place with the Lord?" We are all well aware that it can be very difficult and sometimes even intimidating to completely disregard everyone around us during corporate worship. Potential distractions like doors opening and closing, or people talking, can pull us from finding an intimate time with the Lord on Sunday morning.
God not only asks, but commands us to worship Him in "Spirit and in Truth" (John 4:24). We need to do our best to focus on what God thinks about us, not on what we feel people are thinking about us. Some ideas to help experience intimacy with God in group settings:
- If we feel like people are watching us, we can move to the back of the room where less people will notice us or close our eyes to better focus on God.
- Worship God in private. Turn up the Christian radio in the car or throw on a praise CD. As we practice worshiping God by ourselves, it will become an overflow of our hearts to do the same with others WITHOUT caring what they think!
- One of the cool things about worshiping in a group is the sense of unity and family. Instead of blocking out those around us, see them as part of the experience.
- And remember, we must check our hearts. Although distractions can interfere during worship, personal sin is the greatest threat to intimacy with Christ. If you can't get into worship, examine your spirit.
A song worth checking out... My Soul Finds Rest (Psalm 62) - Aaron Keyes
Ashley Walker
|
|
Yielded Acceptance Brings Peace | |
Sometimes we call our granddaughter Kalli, "our little adrenalin junky". This time was no exception. She sat safely on her daddy's lap while he drove the mini ATV 'round and around the backyard. With the wind blowing through her 2-inch long hair, this 17-month-old squealed with delight while enjoying the adventure.
When it was her brother's turn to ride, to her dismay, she was removed from the amazing green chariot. There was no question as to what this wind-blown beauty of very few words thought. Her screams, sobs and large tear drops, while sincere, were reminiscent of a diva playing a part in some Shakespearian tragedy. Fortunately for everyone present, relief came soon as she yielded to the firm, unwavering arms of her parent who comforted her and brought her to a new place of focus and peace.
When I think of that day, I am reminded of things we adults tend to forget. Things like the importance of play, letting our hair down, squealing with delight, taking risks, facing our fears with determination, and enjoying the ride. I also think about my own frustrations, the times when I am fatigued by my own perfectionism and when I don't handle disappointment very well. While I am not screaming outwardly like Kalli, inwardly I am still overwrought. Fortunately, I too have a parent, a Heavenly Father who takes pleasure in me and who wants to spend time with me. When needed, He gives me limits. When I push against them, He is not moved by my tantrums. He brings me to a place of yielded acceptance as He woos me by His Word. My frustration is no longer my focus; I sense peace. It's then that I am able to refocus and move forward on the path He has for me.
Cheryl Newell
Connect Groups are comprised of Interest, Growth, Support, and Home Groups. For more information on all Connect Groups, check out our website at www.ziononline.com, or pick up a Connect Group Brochure 'in the lobby today'. |
|
|
|
|
| |
Our Coffee Service is pleased to serve you each Sunday morning. We need your help. We have two shifts available, the 8:30 service and the 10:30 service. To become part of this growing service ministry, contact Mary@ziononline.com |
| Ladies Night Out | | Cut Ups! Card & Scrapbook Making
Friday, May 14th at 6:30 pm
in Room 2
|
| i Write |
Workshop Topic:
Writing for Fun or Profit
May 18th at 7:00 pm
|
| Jumpin' Jellybeans Playgroup
|
Children ages 2-4
Starts May 20th Thursday Mornings
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Provides a time for children and parents to bond in a caring environment. Christian content books, songs and crafts. |
| Discover Zion!
|
Saturday
May 22nd from 8:30 - 11:30 am
This three hour class will introduce you to Zion. In this class we will go over our core values, our beliefs, and the seven stars of ministry. This is a great introduction to the church, where you will have the opportunity to get your questions answered, and spend some time with Pastor Tom Walker. |
|
The Big Splash! | |
Saturday
May 22, 2010
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Family Swim at the
Palm Bay Aquatic Center
|
|  Camping trip May 28-29.
Cost $15
Please see Pastor Milton
Elev8 meets Sunday Nights 7:00 pm till 8:00 pm |
| |
 Vertical meets every Sunday Evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm |
|
Young at Heart & Hot to Trot | |

Regular Schedule:
Thursday mornings from 10:30 am till 12 Noon.
Our next potluck luncheon is May 27th at 11:30 am. |
| |
Click here for more information
on our Home Groups!
or call Cheryl at 723-1216. |
|
|