If you want to explore how you can support “your” mission, or you want to help host a Sunday gathering, call or E-mail Rod Barr (rodabarr@hotmail.com) or Jim Morrill (jimmorrill@comcast.net) or leave a note in the Mission Outreach mailbox.

From the analysis of the “Find Your Mission” responses from 94 members, we learned that Mt. Zion remains strongly committed to many of our current ministries, particularly hosting Winterhaven and making sandwiches for the homeless (Martha’s Table), responses that mirrored the congregation’s overall concern for poverty issues. Of the survey respondents, nearly one-third expressed interest in feeding the hungry (32), followed by helping the homeless (25), and clothing the poor (23).

Of proposed new ministries, the congregation expressed particular interest in local Volunteers in Mission (VIM) projects (22), helping women, children and families of Howard County, and supporting active duty military families. The environment (14) and education (8) were the most widely listed societal issues, followed by literacy (6), racism (5), concern for disabled (5), refugees (3), violence (3), and the unemployed (2). Health-related issues included healthcare (7) and AIDS and abortion (2 each).

Detailed Survey Results - Existing Ministries

Nearly half of all respondents (43) supported the Winterhaven ministry, followed by Sandwiches for the Homeless (30), Camp Hope (20) and Congregations Concerned for the Homeless (20). Other widely supported ministries were non-local VIM trips (19), Kid’s Konnection (18), Christian Services of Howard County (17), and Christian Children’s Fund (12). Other responses included Winter Underwear/Manna House (8), Young Life, Coalition for Compassion, Christian Jail Ministry, and Springfield Hospital (7 each), and Global Mission/ Church Missionaries (2).

Detailed Survey Results - New Ministries

The local VIM projects received the most support of proposed new ministries, with 22. Women and children in Howard County and Adopt a Local Family received 17 each, and ministry to families of active duty military members received 13. Twelve people responded that they would be interested in visitation ministry to the elderly, ill or shut-ins. Eleven members indicated they would like to support Deborah’s House in Tijuana, Mexico, 9 were interested in a pet visitation ministry, 6 in a counseling center, and 5 in supporting the Rescue Mission in Westminster. Four people indicated interest in medical mission ministries, and 3 in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Other ideas suggested by responses were ministries to people with addictions (3), divorced (4), discipleship (4), poverty (7) and widowed (7).

Task Force Created to Recommend New Mission Statement

(12/18/07) Mount Zion was quite progressive in the early 1980’s when they established their mission statement, “To Know and Do God’s Will.” Now some 25 years later, with the approval of the Church Council, a Task Group has been established to evaluate and recommend an updated mission statement, visions for where God is calling us, and core values that we can affirm as a congregation as we live out Jesus commission for us to “go and make disciples.”

The Lay Leadership provided a list of individuals that provide a variety of life experiences which affirm the diversity of our congregation. This group will be facilitated by Gail Coffin. Below is a list of those who have agreed to serve on the Task Group for the coming year. Please pray for these people, that God will guide their sharing and that in all things, God will be honored through the plans that they make. If you have an idea that you would like to share with the Task Group please contact any of the individuals listed below.

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