The year 2007 has been truly a year of transition for Mount Zion United Methodist Church. Both our secretary Judy Erdman Whiteside and our treasurer, Michael Polits resigned. Judy married fellow parishioner Herb Whiteside, and Michael received a job offer that was too good to turn down. Both Judy and Michael had performed admirably in their respective positions. We hired Kay Collier and Belinda Norton to fill the respective vacancies and much to our delight, they haven’t missed a beat. We also hired a facilities manager, Mark Blough and he has served a vital role on our staff.

The most significant changes involved our pastors. Dr. Tom Connar, our senior pastor retired effective June 30, and Associate Pastor Rev Kim Hall was appointed Associate Pastor at Trinity UMC in Prince Frederick Maryland effective July 1. On the same day, Rev Malcolm Stranathan was appointed Pastor at Mount Zion. Shortly thereafter, changes began to take place. First, realizing that he couldn’t be in two places at the same time, Rev Stranathan changed the service start times so there would be no overlap of services. The 8:30 am traditional service remained the same. The 11 am traditional service was moved from 11 am to 9:45 am, and the contemporary service was moved to 11 am. All three services are now held in the sanctuary. The 9:45 service is the most formal and communion is offered each week.

The changes were not without logistical challenges, but all members now have an opportunity to attend a service of their preference and still attend Sunday school. The exceptions are the people who opted for the 9:45 am service. That service takes place in the Sunday school timeframe. Attempts are underway to resolve issues with the changes. Also the members were asked to complete questionnaires indicating areas where they were interested in serving in the church. This proved very useful to the Lay Leadership Committee as they searched for candidates to serve on the various committees and for leaders to lead the committees where current leadership was completing their three-year term.

Looking at the church and its members, I never cease to be amazed at all the activities and accomplishments that are occurring throughout the year. These will be covered in reports by the ministry and administrative area chairpersons. One event that occurred that shows how the church is working together was the fall cleanup. About 60 members participated and the work was extensive. The kitchen was cleaned, the Fellowship Hall was painted, the second floor was cleaned and painted and the carpet in the sanctuary was spotted (on hands and knees) and looked almost new as all previous spots disappeared. The grounds were also cleaned and bushes trimmed.