8

Volume 17; Issue 6 Rev. Dr. Atu O. White, Pastor November 2015

Daylight Saving Time

Ends Sunday,

November 1, 2015

Remember the Adage:

Spring Forward; Fall Back!

THIS IS FRIENDS & FAMILY MONTH

November is Friends & Family Month here at Mt. Zion. Each Sunday, we will celebrate a dif-

ferent segment of our church population. We are asking all members to make a special,

committed, and prayerful effort to invite at least one person to Mt. Zion each Sunday.

On the 1st Sunday, November 1, we will celebrate SENIORS--relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbors, nursing home residents--anyone who identifies as a senior. We will show appreci-

ation to those who have paved the way for us to follow.

On the 2nd Sunday, November 8, we will honor our VETERANS. We will show our apprecia-

tion for the service and sacrifice of all men and women who have served our country in the

military. Invite a veteran to church on this day.

On the 3rd Sunday, November 15, we will highlight EDUCATORS. We want teachers, princi-

pals, administrators, daycare providers--anyone who assist children in learning--to worship

with us on this day,

On the 4th Sunday, November 22, gather up all of your FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS and

encourage them to attend one of our two worship services. Take no excuses. We will have a

guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond, for both services. (See his bio on page 5.)

On the 5th Sunday, November 29, we will acknowledge our YOUTH--children and youth, the future of the Church.

THE SACRIFICIAL OFFERING In support of the vision of Mt Zion, members are asked to make two (2) sacrificial offerings

(over and beyond our regular tithes and offerings) each year. The first one was last spring for our Church Anniversary. The second one is now, for Friends & Family Month.

All Mt. Zionites are asked to give a sacrificial offering of $100 during the month of November.

This money will go toward a new fence which will enclose our new property, and to our En-

dowment Fund. If you can't give the requested amount, please give what you can. Special envelopes are available from the ushers.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Harvest Day Results

Bio of Friends & Family Day Guest Preacher, Dr. Ray Hammond

November Newsletter Questions

Upcoming Meetings & Events

And Much, Much More...

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY Nov. 1----------------------------------Min. Dan Jones

Nov. 3---------------------Sis. Tina Taylor-Barrow

Nov. 4----------------------------Sis. Bamma Garvin

Nov. 6----------------------Sis. Jacqueline Rosario

Nov. 7------------------------------Sis. Drena Barnett

Nov. ---------------------------------Sis. Ariel Parker

Nov. 7--------------------------Sis. Jonte Strickland

Nov. 8-------------------Sis. Janet Bass-Eddington

Nov. 8----------------------------Bro. Sammie Smith

Nov. 11------------------------------Bro. Josef Smith

Nov. 13---------------------------Sis. Helen Burston

Nov. 13-------------------------------Sis. Pamela May

Nov. 13------------------------------Sis. Regen Pugh

Nov. 14----------------------Sis. Tayshaana Brown

Nov. 14-----------------------------Bro. Jason Green

Nov. 16-------------------------Sis. Sinyhei Barnett

Nov. 17------------------------Sis. Isabel Cartagena

~Nov. 17----Pastor Atu O. White~

Nov. 18--------------------------Bro. Walker Bryant

Nov. 19---------------------Sis. Eunice Butler-King

Nov. 20-----------------------------Sis. Mamie Kirby

Nov. 20.-----------------------Deaconess Luz White

Nov. 21-------------------------------Sis. Karen Ford

Nov. 21-------------------------Sis. Jessica Howard

Nov. 21--------------------------Sis. Sonya Johnson

Nov. 21---------------------------Sis. Daphne Moore

Nov. 23-------------------Sis. Audrey Reed-Batiste

Nov. 23----------------------------Bro. Mark Bennett

Nov. 25-------------------Sis. Cerrisaina Volkinski

Nov. 27----------------------------Bro. George Blase

Nov. 28---------------------------Sis. Otery Webster

Nov. 29------------------------Sis. Yakira Dalmeida

Nov.29-------------------------------Sis. Violet Matos

Nov. 29-------------------------Bro. Treysaun Price

November Anniversary

Nov. 23---------------------------Dea. Scott Jenkins

& Sis. Regina Tillery-Jenkins

THANKSGIVING

EVERY DAY By Karl Fuchs

The table is brimming with

good things to eat; We're surrounded by

family and friends; what a treat.

The feelings that fill us today can't be beat;

It's Thanksgiving Day, and it all feels complete.

But other days

sometimes, things don't seem so fine;

Those days are not polished and

don't seem to shine.

It's then in our minds,

we forget all the good, And think of the things

we would get, if we could.

On days when our thinking

causes us dread,

If we could remember, it's all in our head,

And not let our minds take

our gratitude away,

Then we'd make every day like Thanksgiving Day.

http://www.poemsource.com/thanksgiving-poems.html

A THOUGHT FOR THE

MONTH Count your blessings

in every way.

Be thankful to God, every day!

NEW STAFF MEMBER

THE MT. ZION MESSENGER, THE

GOOD NEWSletter announces the

addition of another new member. Sis.

Pamela Miller joined the staff last

month.

Welcome to Sis. Miller!!

CALLING ALL MINISTRY LEADERS!!

Ministry Leaders should adhere to the IMPORTANT dates and deadlines below...

MINISTRY LEADERS MEETING:

All Ministry Leaders should attend the

Ministry Leaders Meeting on Wednesday,

November 4 at 6:00 p.m. here at the Church.

Business of importance!

MINISTRY DOCUMENTS DUE

The documents listed below should be submitted to Sis. Wanda Powell

by Sunday, November 23.

Proposed 2016 MINISTRY

BUDGETS

Proposed 2016 DATES FOR

MINISTRY EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, AND/OR TRAINING

2015 MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS &

ACHIEVEMENTS

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP ROSTER as of November 2015

Your ministry's impact on the Church/Community in 2015.

~2~

Harvest Day Results

On a beautiful fall Saturday, October 24, 2015, Mt. Zion held its 5th and final Annual Harvest Day event. This was a

day set aside to share our bounty as a Church family with our community. By the numbers, it was a huge success. We

increased our giving in every category and in every way. Here's how the 2015 event compared to previous years.

Activity 2015 Person(s)

In Charge 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Attendance: The number of people who came

through our gates. --- 580 487 389 250 160

Non-Perishable Food Items (boxed and canned

goods) collected & distributed Congregation 1612 1,470 1,230 1,015 600

Bags of Vegetables & Fruits given out Headed Drive:

Sis. Johnsie Gibson 195 184 172 N/A N/A

Refreshments Consumed

Hot Dogs --- 440 288 376 280 200

Bowls of Soup Prepared & Donated By:

Sis. Angela Westbrook 208 169 143 N/A N/A

Bowls of Chili --- 54 50 N/A N/A

Bags of Popcorn Prepared By:

Get Connected Ministry 102 80 152 N/A N/A

Bags of Cotton Candy Prepared By:

Get Connected Ministry 60 54 54 N/A N/A

Bags & Boxes of clothing, shoes, etc. for men,

women and children

Sorted & Organized By:

Sis. Barbara St. Julien

& Sis. Suzetta Crane 359 230 156

Count

not

taken

Count

not

taken

Community Agencies with Tables Invited & Scheduled By:

Sis. Earlean Caldwell 11 5 11 12

Seminars/Outside Events

Number of Seminars/Events --- 7 4 2 N/A N/A

Attendees at Seminars/Events --- 172 103 43 N/A N/A

Free Haircuts --- --- 9 12 N/A N/A

NEW THIS YEAR: 1) Music throughout the day provided by DJ Speed; 2) Free cell phones from Budget Mobile. (A total of 29

were distributed); 3) Free blood pressure checks from AIC Student Nurses; and 4) Free raffles of 12 gift bags donated by Mt. Zion

members. (NOTE: An additional 5 baskets were raffled during the seminars, 2 of which were donated by seminar speakers.)

SPECIAL THANKS TO: All companies and agencies that participated by having a table and/or conducting a seminar or demonstration:

o AIC Student Nurses' Association, 100 State Street, Springfield, MA

o Budget Mobile, 101 Meadow Street, #307, Westfield, MA

o Caring Health Center, 1049 Main Street, Springfield, MA

o CVS Pharmacy, 1616 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA

o Gandara Center Intensive Foster Care, 1236 Main Street, Holyoke, MA

o Greater Springfield Senior Services, 66 Industry Avenue, Suite 9, Springfield, MA

o Hampden County Sheriff's Dept. After Incarceration Support Systems, 736 State Street, Springfield, MA

o HAPHousing, 322 Main Street, Springfield, MA

o Lenzy Dermatology & Hair Care Center, 1176 Memorial Drive, Suite #406, Chicopee, MA

o Mema's II Family Child Care, 45 Valley Road, Springfield, MA

o M.O.C.H.A., 275 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA

o MotherWoman, Inc., 220 Russell Street, Suite #200, Hadley, MA

o National Kidney Foundation, 1463 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, CT

o New England Fit, 340 Main Street, Springfield, MA

Calabrese Farms, 257 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA for the donation of fresh vegetables.

Cecchi Farms, 1131 Springfield, St., Feeding Hills, MA, for the donation of fresh vegetables.

Stop & Shop, 1277 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA for a $25 gift certificate donation.

Big Y Foods, Inc., 2145 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01102 for a $25 gift certificate donation.

Springfield Public Library for the donations of books.

Please support these organizations that support us! ~3~

REMEMBERING OUR

LOVED ONES AT

CHRISTMAS

The Deacon & Deaconess Min-

istries are once again heading

the drive to decorate the sanc-

tuary for Christmas.

Like the last two years, we

will be building a live poinset-

tia tree. Members are asked to

make a donation of $10 to

purchase a poinsettia plant in

memory or honor of loved

ones. We need a minimum of

35 plants to fill the tree.

Names of those being hon-

ored, along with your $10 do-

nation, should be given to any

Deacon or Deaconess by Sun-

day, November 29, 2015. [Please print names clearly.]

Baptism Baptism Class for

Baptism Candidates

A meeting of all candidates for

baptism will be held at the Church

on Wednesday, November 11,

2015, at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor

White. If you are a baptism candi-

date, please attend this meeting.

Baptism This Month

Baptism Service will take place on

the third Sunday of this month,

Sunday, November 15, 2015, at

10:25 a.m. We in-

vite the congrega-

tion to be present to

welcome our new

converts.

Baptism Last Month

Congratulations to Bro. Omar

Ortiz who was baptized last

month on October 18, 2015.

SOUP KITCHEN’S THANKSGIVING MEAL

The Soup Kitchen will prepare its Annual Thanksgiving Meal on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. The Staff invites anyone who would like a hot meal, to join us between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Also, the Soup Kitchen Staff is solic-iting names of people who may en-joy a holiday meal but are physically unable to come out to the Church. If you know such individuals, give their names, addresses, and telephone numbers to any member of the Soup Kitchen by Sunday, November 15.

CANCELLATIONS ON NOVEMBER 25, 2015

On Wednesday, November 25 there will be

NO Soup Kitchen NO 1:15 p.m. Bible Study

NO 7:00 p.m. Adult, Young Adult, or Youth Bible Study

All three will resume on Wednesday, December 2.

UBC Annual Missions Day

The United Baptist Convention (UBC) of

MA, RI & NH will hold its Annual Rev. Dr.

Paul A. Fullilove Missions Day on

Wednesday, November 11, 2015. This year, this all-day session will be held at

Third Baptist Church, 22 Warren Street,

Lawrence, MA.

Rev. Arthur Hilson, Pastor of New Hope

Baptist Church, Portsmouth, NH is the

UBC President, Rev. Samuel Campbell, Pastor of Joy Missionary Baptist Church

in Brockton, MA, serves as the 1st Vice

President; and our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Atu

White, is the UBC's 2nd Vice President.

NEW MEMBERS

Joining Mt. Zion in October were:

SIS. PATTI A. ALBANO Date Joined: October 4, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

SIS. OLIVIA ELLIOT-TANNER Date Joined: October 4, 2015

Method: Candidate for Baptism

BRO. WILLIAM A. FREEMAN Date Joined: October 11, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

SIS. FELICISHIA M. HOLMES Date Joined: October 11, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

BRO. WILLIAM W. HOLMES-

MURPHY Date Joined: October 11, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

SIS. PAMELA J. MEDLOCK Date Joined: October 18, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

SIS. EBONY L. SHIPPY Date Joined: October 4, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

SIS. MURIEL TOGBA Date Joined: October 4, 2015

Method: Christian Experience

Welcome To All!

NEW OFFICERS At last month's Church Business

Meeting held on Wednesday,

October 21, 2015, new officers

were elected.

Joining the Trustee Ministry from

now until December 31 are :

Bro. Brian Lawrence, Sis. Shirley

Walker, and Sis. Kimberly Weir.

Selected to join the Deaconess

Ministry was, Sis. Brenda Hogan.

Sis Hogan will begin her training

immediately as a Deaconess-

in-Training and will be conse-

crated sometime in 2016.

~4~

Bio of the Family & Friends Day Guest Preacher on Sunday, November 22, 2015

Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond, M.D., M.A.

Pastor Ray Hammond was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, the eldest son of a Baptist preacher and a schoolteacher. He was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia and went on to graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. He completed his surgical residency at the New England Deaconess Hospital (Boston, MA) and joined the Emergency Medicine staff at the Cape Cod Hospital (Hyannis, MA).

Pastor Hammond accepted the call to the preaching ministry in 1976 and completed his Master of Arts degree in the Study of Religion (Christian and Medical Ethics) at Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 1982. In 1988 he was called to be the founder and pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Boston.

Pastor Hammond has a long history of involvement with youth and community activities. He is Chairman and Co-Founder of the Ten Point Coalition—an ecumenical group of Christian clergy and lay leaders working to mobilize the greater Boston community around issues affecting high-risk youth; Executive Director of Bethel's Generation Excel program; Executive Committee Member, Black Ministerial Alliance; Chair of the Boston Opportunity Agenda; a member of the Strategy Team for the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization; a member of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission; and a trustee of the Yawkey Foundation, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Mu-seum, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, BMC Health System, Inc. and the Math and Technology Public Charter High (MATCH) School. He is a former chairman of the Boston Foundation. He continues to work in local and district youth activities in the AME Church.

Pastor Hammond is the author of several papers and articles on a range of issues including academic achievement, diversity, and violence prevention. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is also the recipient of numerous honors including honorary doctorates from Boston University, Cambridge College, University of Massachusetts – Boston, Les-ley College, Northeastern University, Boston College, Emmanuel College, Notre Dame University and AME University (Monro-via, Liberia).

He is the proud husband of the Rev. Dr. Gloria White-Hammond (a pediatrician and co-pastor to whom he has been happily married since 1973); the blessed father of two daughters, Mariama and Adiya, and a son-in-law, Turahn Dorsey; and the proud grandfather of Ella. He counts as his greatest blessing the love of a God who has made it possible for him to accomplish and receive more than he could have ever thought or asked.

"Behold, The Bridegroom Cometh"

The musical, "Behold, The Bridegroom Cometh," was presented at Third Baptist Church, Springfield, on Satur-

day, October 17, 2015. This production, based on scripture Mathew 25:1-13, was directed by Mt. Zion mem-

ber, Sis. Delores Culp. Other Mt. Zion members in the cast were: A BRIDE: Sis. Deborah Jones; WEDDING

GUESTS: Bro. Walker Bryant, Sis. Jean Frazier, Sis. Arlene Garner, Dea. Dan Jones, Sis. Karen Kennedy, Dea.

Steve Powell, Bro. Richard Scroggins, Jr., Sis. Celestine Taylor, and Sis. Shirley Walker. Other Mt. Zionites who

were involved in the program were: RENDERED PRAYER: Bro. Zahkahri Caldwell; A MUSICIAN: Bro. Donald

Ford; BULLETIN DESIGNER: Sis. Wanda Powell, and ADVISOR TO THE DIRECTOR: Sis. Andrea Dixon.

Mt. Zion "Behold, The Bridegroom Cometh" Cast Members

~5~

Pastor's Sermon Series

This past August, Newsletter Staff member Sis. Alice Koonce, asked several members to share what they had learned from the Pastor's sermon series entitled, "Learning to Win: Unleashing Your Inner Champion." One

member responded on September 2 with the following... (We apologize for the delay in printing it.)

Learning to Win: Unleashing MY Inner Champion Written by Sis. Tina Taylor Barrow

When Sis. Alice (Koonce) asked me to write something that tells of how a message from our Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Atu O. White, has made a difference in my life, I must say that one of our Pastor's re-cent topics from the book of Joshua has moved me greatly.

I read the book of Joshua while Pastor was speaking on it. It was an exciting story. I marveled at how God worked in the lives of His people and how God spoke to Joshua and at how God never failed him. I saw how God always did what He said He would do, and that there was nothing that Joshua nor his people could not overcome as long as God was with them.

I started to understand something while I was listening to the Pastor speak. It jumped off the pag-es of the Bible at me. God was saying, 'Trust Me.' It hit me like lightning. I heard it in my ears, 'Trust Me,' God was saying, no matter what the situation looks like, no matter what you believe, just 'Trust Me' to do what I said I would do. And then came the message of preparation--the Pas-tor said in his sermon to get prepared for what God is about to do. I felt that in my spirit during that Sunday morning sermon.

I went home and began to purge unnecessary things from my life. That week, I cleaned out clos-ets, got rid of old furniture that I had wanted to get rid of for years, clothes I had not worn, dish-es, cookware and Tupperware that had gone unused on my shelves for too long. I parted with it all. I made space where there was once overcrowding and I was still holding on to the thought, make room to receive God's blessing. I not only began to remove unnecessary items from my life that weekend, I had also heard God's message to get prepared. It was time for me to go back to school and complete my degree. I had put it off too long. It had always seemed that something was stopping me from completing my degree program--either illness or money or just something that got in the way. That week I registered for school and prepared myself to become a student of higher education and finish my bachelor's degree, and now I am currently taking classes at Bay Path's on-line American Women's College. I don't know how I am going to get through this, but I am going to trust God through it all. One day I am going to become a writer, and I know with God by my side I can do it.

What I have heard from a child is to trust God. My grandmother, who raised me, would always tell me to just trust God. The message I received in Pastor's sermon was to trust God, get into formation and get prepared to receive the promises of God. Make room for God's blessing, let go of old baggage, and trust God to do and provide all things. Within the trust of God there is obedience to God. Through trust and obedience to God, all things are possible. Receiving and accepting this has blessed my life.

A GRANDPARENT'S PRAYER by Jane Croft

God you have blessed me indeed as the child I love has had a child I love with all that is within me.

I pray that in your mercy, you watch over and protect my grandchildren as you have always done for me. May their lives be long and healthy. May they have the courage to follow their dreams, and should the day come when I am no longer on this earth with them, may they look back upon me with fond memories and may they never forget that they were and always will be deeply loved by me.

Submitted by Sis. Arlene Garner

~6~

Newsletter Questions Last month, the Newsletter Staff put two (2) questions to the congregation and asked for their feedback.

We are grateful to the fourteen members who shared powerful responses printed on this and the next page.

(Responses are in alphabetical order by last name.)

NAME WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING SEASON?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE PASTOR'S RECENT SERMON SERIES,

"A BETTER ME: Discovering the Fruit of the Spirit"?

Sis. Earlean

Caldwell

I am thankful for my family and our health, and my church family.

I leaned that God is in control.

Sis. Wuanetta Caldwell

I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. It means so much to me. I thank God for that.

I am glad that I come to church every Sunday. It helps me more and I learn something. There was a time I was scared to come to church, but I got better when I came. I have a good spirit now.

Sis. Alonzetta Gabriel

I'm thankful for my life, health and strength, my family, church family, friends and enemies, my job... but most of all for a better relationship, and my spiritual growth, closer to Christ.

Peace gives us balance--stress unbalances us. Stress comes when you no long-er trust in God and His Word and by trying to manage things that are beyond your control.

Sis. Arlene Garner

I am thankful for life, my family, friends and my church family.

I have learned not to worry about what people think about me, but to worry about what God thinks.

Sis. Patricia

Grundy

I thank God for His blessings. I thank God for watching over and protecting me. I thank God for His grace and mer-cy. I thank God for healing me. I thank God for watching over my son. I thank God for relieving stress from me on my job. I thank God for covering me during my accident--allowing me to be free from major injury. I thank God for mak-ing a way for me and my spiritual growth. I thank Gods for saving me each day. I want to thank God for direct-ing me to a church that has enriched my spiritual belief. I thank God for being there where I needed Him, and never leaving me alone. I thank God for turn-ing my life around and making me a better person. I thank God for watching over my grandchildren and keeping them from harm. I thank God for each day he gives me. I thank God for giving me the strength until my surgery and that I will be strong. Thanks for making me better person.

Each sermon that I listen to and take in mentally makes my faith and trust closer and closer to God. I learned what steps I need to take to be a better person, a stronger person, a faithful and trusted person. I learned how to stabilize my life. I am a better person and stronger in my faith. Pastor's sermon has really uplifted my life. Thank you, Pastor White.

Bro. William Holmes

*** I've learned that peace does not overreact to what obstacles the world has set in my way.

Sis. Pamela Miller

***

I learned that love is praying for someone's salvation because it's working in my family's lives today.

~7~

NAME WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING SEASON?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE PASTOR'S RECENT SERMON SERIES,

"A BETTER ME: Discovering the Fruit of the Spirit"?

Sis. Awilda Oxios

***

What struck me very strongly about the sermon series was that love was the main fruit to confirm Jesus' history on this earth. 2000 years later, His fruit is still very evident with us. It is not love as the world knows it, but as Jesus demon-strated it. Forgiveness, gentleness--just two that I have had to work hard on.

I was never too keen on patience as one of the fruits. I always understood it to be wait idly while people walked all over you, and to be "Christian-like" (turn the other cheek mentality). But Pastor's message lit me up like a light bulb. It has nothing to do with meekness, it has to do with going on with determination in the ways of the Lord, knowing He is clearing the way and He is loving and taking care of me, while I do the same with others. There is so much more, but it is difficult to put in writing what the spirit has received.

Sis. Wanda Powell

I am thankful for life, family, and most of all, knowing who God is, and knowing no matter what, He is only a prayer away.

The Pastor's sermon series has been a wonderful reminder of things I have known for a long time, but sometimes when 'life' happens, tend to forget... 1. Love is the basis of ALL blessings--love for the Lord and love for each other. 2. Having peace in my life is remembering that when things get tough, nothing

or no one can stop God's plan. 3. Patience is a good thing, and when I am patient, I have time to think about

my words and actions, leading to a lot fewer regrets.

Dea. Steve Powell

I thank God for who He is, His love, and His many blessings which are too nu-merous to count.

Instead of getting even with someone, pray for their salvation.

Sis. Rhonda Sherrell

I am thankful for God giving me another day that I wake up so that I can have another chance to be obedient to God's will. Also, I am thankful for God's grace and mercy every day.

Patience is actively seeking understanding and clarity. Patience helps me devel-op good judgment.

Sis. Deborah Stone

I am most thankful for my sister having a successful surgery on a large kidney stone. It was a scary surgery, but she made it through with God's help, and I. am very thankful about that. She has to have another surgery on the other kid-ney, and I pray that she will be okay with that one too.

I am also thankful for my family.

***

Sis.Zyina Volkinski

I am always thankful for God's love, mercy and grace. It's sad to say I don't appreciate life that much, but I try to enjoy life 's best moments. We can't always figure out why certain things in life God allows to happen to us, but somehow we make it through and come out alright.

What I've learned recently from "A Better Me" sermon series is God wants us to give him our "All." When I think about it mentally, it makes a lot of sense, but in reality, it's hard for me to do as a person, but I'm making baby steps. I am con-fessing to Him my sins and asking him to help me become the Christian He needs me to become. I learned recently while we are going through storms, we should not worry. We should be praying and giving thanks. Every storm is often bigger than others and sometimes too complicated for us to focus on and figure out, "What just happened!" or sometimes when you're riding a storm, it's very hard to pray and you can only ask God for strength. I will continue to pray and serve our Lord and never let our relationship go, and know He loves me more than anyone who walks this earth.

Sis. Angela Westbrook

***

What I have learned from Pastor's sermon is getting to my true core. Removing each layer that is blocking who I really am--my true inner being. Getting to know what God loves about me.

Also how peace gives me balance. No matter what I may go through, God has got me, I will no longer be surprised by my storms.

~8~

Member Recognized

Sis. Betty Mayweathers was recent-ly recognized for her work as a men-tor for women prisoners in the Hamp-den County Sheriff's Department's After Incarceration Support Systems Program. At a mentee's graduation ceremony on October 8, she was named "Mentor of the Year," and re-ceived a plaque which read:

Congratulations, Sis. Mayweathers!

Thank You!! Written by Sis. Andrea Dixon

The Soup Kitchen Staff would like to thank T'Ana Pertillar for making our flyer, which we gave out at the Harvest Day cel-ebration. She did an excellent job and we thank her again for helping us spread the word about the Kitchen.

We send a 'thank you' out also to Sis. Awilda Oxios for her donation of pork chops, which will be prepared for a future meal.

We are so grateful for every-thing anyone does. We are tru-ly blessed.

~The Soup Kitchen Staff~

Annual Christmas Concert

Coming Soon

For the third consecutive year, Mt. Zion will have a Christmas Concert to help

celebrate the Christmas season.

Mark your calendar, save the date, and plan to attend...

It will be held on Wednesday, Decem-ber 9, 2015, starting at 7:00 p.m. Our Minister of Music, Rev. John Orr is in charge.

More information to come.

Christmas Already? Written by Sis. Kimberly Rennis

Yes! Save the date, as the Trustees

present another Christmas Celebration.

Come out and fellowship with your Mt

Zion family and friends.

Date: December 11, 2015

Time: 6 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Price: $45.00

Come with your heart, mind and spirit

ready to celebrate! Dinner selections

coming soon. We are collecting pay-

ments now. Blessing to all!

Trustees

NOVEMBER'S RETIREE LUNCHEON

Mt. Zion retirees are invited to

join other Mt. Zion retirees for

lunch on Friday November 20, at

11:30 a.m. at Krazy Jake's, 2537

Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA.

Come out and enjoy good food (you

order from the menu and pay for

your own) and good fellowship. To

get a general count, see Sis. Deb-

orah Jones if you plan to attend.

Young Scholars

Program

Calling all students in grades 1-12!!

The first marking period is quickly

approaching. If you are in grades 1-

12, you may be eligible for our Young

Scholars Program.

How it Works: Students may receive $5 for each ‘A’

or ‘A’ equivalent grade received dur-

ing the 1st

& 4th

marking periods.

Awards are limited to $25 per student

per marking period; $50 per school

year.

Eligibility Requirements: Youth MUST meet ALL of the fol-

lowing:

Must be a member of Mt. Zion

or a regular Mt. Zion attendee

Must be an ACTIVE member of

at least one (1) Church ministry

Must be in grades 1-12

Must provide a copy of an official

report card for the current mark-

ing period

How & When to Apply: Application forms will be available

later this month or early next month.

See Youth Minister, Rev. James Har-

rison for additional information.

A THANKSGIVING POEM Written by Sis. Jordan Holmes (Age 12)

Thankful for what the Lord does for me.

Happy to praise His name.

Always singing and praying.

Nobody can stop me from praising.

Kindness spreads through us.

Sharing food and things.

Giving back to the Lord.

Identify all of your sins.

Victory for everyone.

Inviting people to praise with us.

Notice how great we feel to give to people

Great God we serve.

2015 MENTOR OF THE YEAR BETTY MAYWEATHERS

"IN APPRECIATION FOR YOUR COMMITMENT, DEDICATION, AND THE IMPACT THAT YOU HAVE HAD

ON THE WOMEN TRANSITIONING TO PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF OUR

COMMUNITY."

SHERIFF MICHAEL J. ASHE, JR. HAMPDEN COUNTY SHERIFF'S DE-

PARTMENT AFTER INCARCERATION SUPPORT

SYSTEMS PROGRAM OCTOBER 8, 2015

~9~

Pastor's October Preaching Engagements

In October, our Pastor, Dr. Atu White, had two (2) outside preaching en-gagements.

On Sunday, October 11, 2015, Dr. White preached at House of Refuge Church (Springfield), for the celebra-tion of their Church's 10th Anniver-sary. Pastor White's sermon subject was "God's Got Your Back!", taken from Philippians 4:6-9.

On Sunday, October 18, Pastor White was the guest preacher at the 16th Pastoral Anniversary service at Temple of Praise (Springfield). His scriptural text was taken from 2 Kings 20:1-7, as he preached on the subject, "Three More Days."

2015 Rays of Hope Walk and Run

Toward the Cure! The 2015 Rays of Hope Walk and Run Toward the Cure took place on Sunday, October 24.

Among the estimated 20,000 runners and walkers who started at Temple Beth El on

Dickinson Street, were several Mt. Zionites. Mt. Zion also supported this cause with a

financial donation.

*Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has

been helping women and men in the fight against breast cancer. Through the Baystate

Health Breast Network, proceeds from Rays of Hope have gone toward supporting re-

search, providing funding for equipment, offering breast health programs, outreach

and education throughout Baystate Health, as well as providing grants for complementary

therapies and cancer programs to our com-munity partners throughout western Massa-

chusetts. Rays of Hope has raised over $12.4 million to date. All funds raised remain local.

*http://bayhf.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1060&pg=entry

For those who are cancer survivors, for anyone who has been touched by cancer, and for those who are currently battling cancer, our prayers continue to be with you. Because of events like this, there is hope for cure someday for this disease that has afflicted so many.

Deacon Ordination

Deacon-in-Training, Bro. Jesse McKnight, will be ordained as a Mt. Zion deacon on Sunday, No-vember 8, 2015, at both the 8:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. worship ser-vices. Please come out, show your support for Bro. McKnight and witness this very important step in his life.

Mt. Zion Leads Community Walk

The start and finish of the 4th and final community peace walk in 2015, sponsored by the City of Springfield, took place here at Mt. Zion.

On Wednesday, October 14, Spring-field Police Commissioner John Barbieri, City Councilman and Mt. Zion member, Bro. Bud Williams, our Pastor, Dr. Atu White, and thirty-five Mt. Zion members and friends stepped off from 368 Bay Street to walk through streets in the McKnight neighborhood. The purpose of the walk was to show unity and meet area residents. The walk began at 5 p.m. and lasted approximately one hour.

My Thanksgiving Prayer Written by Sis. Alice Koonce

Heavenly Father,

I come thanking You

for all the blessings You

have provided for me.

Gifts of love, faith, my Pastor

and my Church family

and special friends.

Bless my loved ones and keep

them in Your loving care.

Amen.

IN MEMORIAM The late Dea. Louis Jones, Sr. was among

those honored at Baystate Medical Center

on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. In at-

tendance at this 6 p.m. "Service of Gath-

ering to Remember and Honor" was Dea-

coness Sarah Jones, the Jones family, and

our Pastor, Dr. Atu White.

New Ministry to Start This Month

Each Sunday, along with the Pastor, there are Church officers and minis-tries that attend both services. Among the ministries are the Dea-cons, Deaconesses, Trustees, Ushers, Nurses, and Audio/Visual, to name some. For the past two years, a con-tinental breakfast was provided to these groups by the Get Connected Ministry and the Pastor's Aid Minis-try--alternating Sundays. Starting this month, however, a new minis-try is taking over this responsibility. Members of the new Hospitality Ministry are Ministry Leader, Sis. Betty Mayweathers, Sis. Lakisha Coppedge, Sis. Arlene Garner, Sis. Johnsie Gibson, Sis. Terri Mayes-

King, Sis. Pamela Miller, and Sis. Patricia Ramsey.

THE SPIRIT OF

GIVING Written by Sis. Shayla Dixon

On Sunday October 18, I witnessed my

10 year old son Kevin (Jackson), take

the coat off his back and give it to a little

boy from church who didn't have one.

The outside temperature was about 40

degrees, but Kevin didn't hesitant to give

up his coat. I was amazed at his act of

charity.

GOD has created something in Kevin

that even some adults don't have and

that's compassion. My deepest desire for

both of my children are for them to live a

better life than the one I have provided

for them and for them to mark their own

paths in life. As long as GOD is their

guide, I know my babies will make a

difference in this world. I am beyond

honored that GOD trusted me with their

hearts.

Luke 3:11 KJV: "He answers and said to

them, he that has two coats, let him

impart to him that has none..."

IT'S TIME TO VOTE!! Election Day is Tuesday,

November 3, 2015.

Exercise your

civic responsibility.

VOTE!!!

~10~

THANK YOU NOTES

FRONT: Thank You Very Much

PRINTED INSIDE: It was such a thoughtful gesture.

PERSONAL NOTE: To My Church Family and Pastor White,

Thank you for for being there in my time of need. Thank my fellow ushers for supporting me.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Sis. Valarie Little

FRONT: Thanks to All of You

PRINTED INSIDE:

All of you have been so nice in such a thoughtful way.

It's hard to find a way to thank each one of you today...

But hopefully, this special card will show, at least in part,

The many warm and grateful thoughts this brings straight from the heart.

PERSONAL NOTE: Pastor White and Mt. Zion Church Family,

Thanks to everyone for the phone calls and cards. I really appreciate your kindess. I especially

enjoy the newsletter. Thanks to Pastor White for the phone call. You don't know how much I

enjoyed and was delighted to hear your voice. Looking forward to hearing from you again. Please continue to pray

for me and my family. I'm missing you all so much. I know my Redeemer lives; He lives in me. May God continue to

bless Mt. Zion and Pastor White.

Love and Miss You,

Sis. Phyllis Thraster