Mount Zion United Methodist Church
Highland, Maryland
Groups
Ministry
- Sunday School
- Mission Opportunities
- Christian Education
- Shepherd Program
- Mt. Zion Christian Preschool
Have a question about the Methodist Church?
Ask Infoserve
United Methodist Communications
Web hosting by
Mount Zion - News and Events
Director of Congregational Life Appointed
After a six month discernment process on what position if added to the staff would best support the Mission, Vision and Values of Mount Zion UMC, the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is pleased to announce a new position to Mount Zion’s staff: The Director of Congregational Life (DCL). Seven people applied for this position and, of those who applied, six were interviewed. The pool of applicants was quite impressive. After much prayer and reflection, the position was offered to Barbara “Barb” A. Jacques, RN, BSN. Barb accepted the position effective August 3, 2009. Pastor Malcolm supports the SPRC’s recommendation and looks forward to working with Barb in her new capacity.
Barb began working at Mount Zion in 2002 as the Director of Children and Youth. In 2005, the SPRC separated out the Director of Children position and Barb continued just as the Director of Youth Ministry. Most recently, Barb is working with the youth to create a new Youth Council, calendar of events, and working with a very supportive adult team to continue Barb’s good work until a new part-time position titled Youth Minister can be created, interviewed and hired by the SPRC.
Barb is active with the Health Ministries Task Group and over the last six months has been called upon to assist Pastor Malcolm in the pastoral support of some congregational members. She has a love for the health field as expressed in her education, continuing certificates, and honorary societies to which she belongs. While loving her work with the Youth, Barb is also excited about the opportunity to work in the field of Congregational Life.
Camp Hope Mission Team Departs
(June 28) The Camp Hope Mission Team departed during the 8:30 am worship service. Sixteen youth and seven adults are traveling to Frostburg, where they will repair the homes of the needy in the surrounding areas. Many thanks are extended to the members of Mt. Zion and to those, both past and present, who have supported this year’s team and the Camp Hope program.
Pastor Malcolm is emailing photos and daily updates from the Camp Hope work sites. Check up on the Camp Hope team's handiwork on the Mount Zion web site or Facebook.
Wesley Choir Presents "Once upon a Parable"
(May 3) The Wesley Choir presented their annual spring musical during all three worhsip services.
More photos.
Confirmation Sunday
(April 19)Mount Zion's congregation welcomed 14 confirmands into church membership during a combined worship service on Sunday, April 19th, 2009.
Additional photos
Bell Tower to be Removed
Mt Zion‘s bell tower has deteriorated to an unsafe condition due to rust on the steel cross beams expanding and damaging the brick structure.
A Professional Engineer has concluded that the structure is unsafe and recommends that it should be taken down. It may be possible to salvage part of the bell tower below the steel cross members, but that can only be determined by engineering analysis during the demolition.
As a result of this recommendation, the Church Council has authorized the controlled demoli-tion of the bell tower to a safe level as soon as possible. For more information, contact Daryl Steen or Art Jacques.
Worship Time Survey Results
(Oct 18) The Music and Worship team thanks the 204 people who participated in our survey regarding the change in worship times. Over one quarter of the surveys were received via the Mount Zion website, the remaining were received during worship on Sunday, October 12. Sixty percent of those who participated in the survey preferred to retain the current worship schedule; those who attend the 9:45 service were nearly evenly split between staying with or changing the current worship schedule. A complete report of the survey results is available for pick up from the Music and Worship mail bin (near Pastor Malcolm's office) or on the Mount Zion website. It is the consensus of the Music and Worship team that we shall retain the current worship schedule (8:30, 9:45 and 11:00). We shall also try to created a less harried and congested feeling to those who attend the 9:45 service.
Congratulations, Pastor Kim!
(June 29) Mount Zion welcomed its former associate pastor, the Reverend Kimberly Hall, during the 8:30 and 9:45 services. Pastor Kim was recently ordained as an Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and has been appointed as the Lead Pastor at Epworth UMC in Cockeysville, MD.
Before and after both services, Kim was warmly greeted by members of the congregation who remembered her service at Mount Zion and wished her well on her new appointment.
Rev. Hall served as Mount Zion's associate minister from July, 2004 until June, 2007.
Camp Hope Mission Team Departs
(June 29) The Camp Hope Mission Team receieved the congregation's blessing for their mission during the 8:30 service and then departed for Frostburg, MD to help repair homes of the needy. This year's team consists of Matt David, Allison Dunn, Steven Dunn, Art Jacques, Barb Jacques, Christopher James, Diane James, Alyson King, Jennifer King, Grace Monroe, Patrick Montague, Rachel Morris, Alicia Norton, Belinda Norton, David Norton, Andrew Schmit, Jenny Schmit, Jeff Sines, Ken Sines, Scott Sines, Beth Stranathan, Malcolm Stranathan, and Evan Tubbs. The team wants to thank everyone who has supported the Camp Hope program this year!
See the 2008 Camp Hope Photo Journal
Are We There Yet?
(June 15) The Wesley Choir presented "Are We There Yet?", a musical retelling of the story of Moses, at all three worship services this morning.
The choir performed under the direction of Lynne McWithey and Iris Patterson, and was accompanied by Ellen Messerly.
Rev. Ken Lyons to Retire
(June 1) The Rev. Dr. W. Kenneth “Ken” Lyons retired on June 1, 2008 after 39 years of ministry. Rev. Lyon served as the senior pastor at Mount Zion UMC from 1991 until 1998.
Rev. Lyons preached during the 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services at Severna Park United Methodist Church.Later in the afternoon there was a reception for Ken and his wife, Donnelle in the church Fellowship Hall.
Rev. Hall to be Ordained
(May 24)Rev. Kim Hall was ordained as as an Elder in the United Methodist Church on May 24, 2008. Kim served as Mt. Zion's associate pastor from 2004 until 2007, and was instrumental in the church's growth and spirituality.
Blessing of the Pets
(May 18) The 7th and 8th grade Sunday School class hosted the third annual Blessing of the Pets Service during the 11am Celebration Service. Because of the uncertain weather, the service was moved inside to the Fellowship Hall.
Members of the 7th and 8th grade classes read passages from the Bible and shared personal stories of how pets and other animals had affected their lives. Families brought a wide assortment of dog, cats, and and other companion animals to be blessed by Rev. Stranathan. More photos
Coffeehouse - Standing Room Only
(April 25) Over 120 people filled the Fellowship Hall for Mt. Zion's first Coffeehouse. The crowd was entertained by perfomances by many talented members of Mt. Zion's congregation. These performances were followed by a concert of bluegrass music by the group Just Becasue Bluegrass.
Confirmation Sunday - April 6th
(April 6) On Confirmation Sunday, April 6, 13 young people confirmed the baptismal vows that were made on their behalf by their parents and officially joined the congregation of Mt. Zion.
Prayer Labyrinth - March 18th - 20th
During Holy Week, Mt. Zion will hold a prayer vigil in the Fellowship Hall from Tuesday evening to Thursday at midnight. During the vigil, participants can experience an ancient form of prayer and reflection known as the labyrinth walk.
The labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind, having been used for centuries for prayer, ritual, initiation, and spiritual growth. Once you set your foot upon its path, the labyrinth gently and faultlessly leads to the center of both the labyrinth and yourself.
Participating in a labyrinth walk can be like taking a thoughtful walk, going on a symbolic journey or pilgrimage, or taking part in a religious dance.
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.
Betty Ames |
George Bickerton |
Betty Cashmark |
Mark & Gail Coffin |
Gi Gi Hermina |
Scott & Judy Johnson |
David Norton |
Ray & Barbara Sullivan |
Winnie Sandee |
Louise Sehman |
Joyce Saunderson |
Youth Rep |
Mt. Zion UMC
Upcoming Events
Thursday, March 11
Women In Touch
9:30 AM
Thursday, March 11
Ada Disney Circle
10:30 AM
Thursday, March 11
Lenten Study - Singer Group
6:00 PM
Thursday, March 11
Praise Band
7:00 PM
Thursday, March 11
Lay Leadership
7:00 PM
Thursday, March 11
Chancel Choir
7:30 PM
Friday, March 12
CBT set-up
6:30 PM
Friday, March 12
Coffee House
7:00 PM
Friday, March 12
Lenten Study - Rose Group
7:30 PM
Saturday, March 13
Mission Mississippi
8:00 AM
Sunday, March 14
Camp Hope Registration
9:45 AM
Sunday, March 14
Lenten Study - Dennis Group
5:00 PM
Sunday, March 14
UMYF
6:00 PM
Monday, March 15
BS-MSAR
7:00 PM
Monday, March 15
BS Troop 702 - Venture Crew
8:00 PM