The LIU – December 2021

Dec 2021

A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church

THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)

THANKSGIVING 2021: Living To Love and Loving To Serve

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Luke 12:24 (NIV)

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ion Hill Baptist Church has once again met the needs of our brothers and sisters within the community. Because we love to serve and offer hope, you, the members of Zion Hill, blessed several families this Thanksgiving season with nutritious and delectable food. Those boxes included turkey, stuffing, sugar, green peas, rice, cranberry sauce, collards, apples, sweet potatoes, onions, celery and rolls.

We extend special thanks to our shepherd and servant leader, Pastor Aaron Parker, and all of the volunteers including Deacon Willie Edwards and the Deacon

Ministry, Zion Hill Sisters, the Mighty Men, the Facilities Team, Security, Office Staff and all who helped this outreach/inreach effort to be pleasing unto the Lord.

As we go forth, let us remember to praise God from whom all blessings flow; we have not been forsaken or forgotten and everyday is a day to give thanks.

It is truly the love within our hearts that motivates us to give of our time, our finances and our resources as we reach out to help another. n — Submitted by Min. Galetha Thompson

A Word of Gratitude

I take this time and space to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who shared expressions of kindness with me as I accepted God’s gracious gift of another year of life this past month.

Thank you for the cards, gifts, texts, emails, well-wishes, prayers, and a COVID-resistant drive-by observance on Sunday, November 14th, complete with waves, smiles, shout-outs and more. Realizing that you do not have to do this, makes me appreciate it all the more. May our benevolent Creator and Sustainer continue to bless you in abundance.

Trial Reassembly

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y now, most of us know that we will have our Trial Reassembly on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 9:30 a. m. A lot of effort has gone into preparing for this event and we are eagerly looking forward to it. I do, however, want to give you some sense of what you might expect and how we can conduct ourselves in such a way that is both reasonable and safe.

REAP ROLL CALL

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New Members November 2021

Sis. Sheree Brown

How we should conduct ourselves: Arrive early. We all need to be in place at 9:25 am.

Mask wearing, over the nose and mouth, is required. Put on your mask before leaving your vehicle. Keep your mask on until you return to your vehicle.

Only sit with those persons with whom you came.

Leave some reasonable distance between you (or your family) and the next person (or family)

Enter into the worship service with thanksgiving and praise; be loving, kind, and patient with one another as this is a new experience for us all and so that all might have a fulfilling time in God. Now for those who think that it is in your best interest not to attend this Trial Reassembly for any number of reasons, we certainly understand, for there are still risks associated with COVID-19.

Please know, however, that you are just as much a part of the Zion Hill Family as those who do attend. You can still share in the fellowship via livestream, as you have previously.

Brothers and sisters, let us pray fervently and persistently for a blessed and safe time in God on December 12.

— Pastor Parker n

CHURCH FAMILY Acknowledgments November 2021

Contributions were made in honor or in memory of the following: In Honor of Mary B. Valley from Mr. William & Mrs. Rosalynne Price In Memory of Constance Cassis Butler from Mrs. Delores Williams In Memory of Joslyn McQueary from Mrs. Barbara J. Dean

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What you should expect: The worship service will follow the order that we have used virtually.

We will take temperatures as people enter.

We will not distribute paper bulletins, but instead make available a QR (Quick Reference) Code on the back of the pews to access the order of service.

Those who will be speaking during the service will stand behind plastic shields without masks (the only persons who can take off their masks) If we reach capacity in the Sanctuary, there will be additional seating in the Fellowship Hall, where the service can be accessed via screens.

We will give tithes, offerings and commitments as we have done them virtually; however, we have installed secured receptacles at each rear door inside of the sanctuary for those who would like to give in person.

We will return to our virtual services on December 19, 2021 and for several Sundays thereafter to give us time to assess how we did as a congregation in reassembling.

The Importance of Gratitude

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he blessing to live only comes once. The year of 2021 stressed the importance of gratitude and why it is critical to show thanks and appreciation for the people around you. In order to achieve personal growth and high attainment, one must be willing to let go of selfish intent and be grateful for the moments that present themselves. The thing that I am most grateful for is time. I realized that time is limited and every day we should take advantage of the opportunity to show gratitude through expressing our thankfulness, acknowledging our peers for their hard work, and being grateful for the cards you were dealt no matter the circumstance.

Thanksgiving is more than just a day where people come together to eat and express their thankfulness. To me, Thanksgiving is more personal because this day is shared with my grandmother’s, Willie Dean Billingslea, birthday. My grandmother transitioned to her heavenly home on October 9, 2021 and I am grateful for the twenty-one years that I experienced with

were ingrained in me and I am thankful that my grandmother saw it necessary to allow my mother and sisters to see that we are equipped with everything we need to be successful. There is nothing that we cannot do.

her. My grandmother helped my mother raise my siblings. Without question, she dedicated her time and attention to making sure that my family was grounded in ministry and community. My grandmother emphasized the power of community and service. The 21 years that I experienced with my grandmother have been filled with many life lessons that continually impact my day-to-day life. One saying that my grandmother used to say to my mother and three sisters is that we are all “can-do kids.” These three words seem so little, but it has stuck with me and continues to be a phrase that I hear in my head. I am a “cando kid.” At an early age, these words

In the Epistle of James 1:17, it states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

My mother always used to state that my grandmother’s generosity, strength, and deep love for her grandkids is a reflection of God’s love and grace. It is true that my grandmother’s life was a true gift from God, and she was heaven sent. I am grateful for the time I shared with her and recognize the importance of not taking time for granted. While we are unable to know the moment when God will call us home, I feel good knowing that daily I will commit to expressing my gratitude whenever the opportunity presents itself. n —Submitted by Victoria Lamar Youth & Children’s Ministry/College Connect

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Holiday Blues

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here’s a house in my neighborhood that always has Christmas decorations so bright that they can be seen from miles away. Strings of Christmas lights are wrapped around every eligible surface including the rooftop, trees, and outlining every window and door from front to back.

There is a variety of large lit up plastic Christmas characters that can only be rivaled by those present at the Amazon warehouse. There’s a Black Santa, Daffy Duck Santa, Snoopy Santa, Big Bird Santa, and even Barney Santa. There are at least 10 mangers placed throughout the yard representing every nationality in plastic, wood, and even a ceramic manger. There’s a multitude of inflatable Christmas decorations from Charlie Brown bearing inflatable gifts to a large inflatable Christmas tree surrounded by inflatable brightly wrapped presents. To say that the house appears festive is truly an understatement. The

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house serves as a very loud announcement that the holiday season is upon us. And with that brings the expectation that joy, and ONLY joy, should fill the air; however, for many, feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety are only amplified by the holiday season.

during the holiday season. Grieving of a loved one is often magnified during the holiday season. Those who lack a large family or social support system may feel particularly isolated. Even in the best of situations, many experience a significant amount of stress attributed to expectations of elaborate gift giving, glaring commercialism, and anxiety about looming family gatherings and all the complexities that often come with them. It is during these times, that pausing and reflecting upon a few supportive strategies may be helpful.

Make it a priority to practice self-care during the holiday season.

Be intentional about eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular sleep pattern. Exercise can also assist in boosting periods of sadness brought on by the holiday season. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, as little as 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide an immediate boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication. We often equate cardiovascular activity with huge efforts like running a marathon

Research demonstrates that many who struggle with mental health issues experience a heightened sense of symptoms during the holiday season.

Research demonstrates that many who struggle with mental health issues experience a heightened sense of symptoms during the holiday season. Sixty four percent of those living with mental illness report that the holiday season makes their symptoms worse. However, such feelings are not limited to those with a prior diagnosis. Many people experience feelings of sadness and anxiety

however, taking a brisk walk counts as a cardiovascular activity. And as always, consult your physician before beginning a new workout routine.

Volunteering to help those less fortunate can also assist in lifting the holiday blues. Volunteer in a soup kitchen, a gift drive, or simply help a neighbor with some much-needed yard work. It is widely believed that helping others

is as beneficial for the donor as it is for the recipient. And as we continue to combat this pandemic, let’s all be sure to wear a mask while volunteering.

Consider creating a new holiday tradition. If certain parts of a longheld holiday tradition no longer work for you, create a new one that satisfies your present state of mind. Perhaps that could include eating out instead of cooking the 10-pound turkey with all the fixings. And contrary to popular belief, it is really okay to simply rest during the holiday season. The “perfect” home and “perfect” meal are not required to create a peaceful environment during the holiday season.

And finally, focus on the reason for the season. This is the day that we have historically celebrated the birth of Jesus and as Pastor Parker has told us, December 25th is not even his birthday! But what is true is that his birth and how he lived his life has provided us with a blueprint for how we should conduct our lives. Perhaps we can celebrate that crucial fact. Recommit to treating people the way you would like to be treated. Help the less fortunate and that does not always mean some grandiose jester. Perhaps it means committing to reading to the kindergarten class at your neighborhood school once a month in 2022. Perhaps it means slowing down to let the driver next to you get into your lane. The reason for the season is NOT extravagant gift giving, elaborate meals, or participating in holiday activities that no longer work for you. Jesus is and will always be, the reason for the season. n

Exercising my Faith during the Pandemic

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t has been challenging trying to exercise my faith as an HBCU college freshman during the COVID pandemic. Strengthening my faith and establishing a deeper relationship with God has become very important. I’ve experienced a lot during the pandemic while in college, but I’ve managed to keep my head up and continue to strive for success. College life took a turn for me when two of my dorm suite mates tested positive for COVID-19 during our first month of school. They were relocated to a nearby hotel to isolate them and I was told that I would have to remain in my dorm room for two weeks! During these two weeks, I continued all of my classes virtually. I was used to being in a classroom setting and being able to experience hands-on learning. My knew-found social life came to an immediate halt; including going to the cafeteria. What, I’d have to miss “Fried Chicken Wednesday’s?” I overcame this hurdle by moving closer to God and praying for wisdom, peace, and guidance. I survived and realized that this was just temporary.

Everyday, I am blessed to have my life and everyday is like a gift. When I'm going through challenging times I pray or read my bible. One of my favorite scriptures to reference is Psalm 46: 1-3. I’ve also learned to talk more about my faith with my friends. I learned that there are many differing thoughts and beliefs that exist on a college campus. There are even differing thoughts about Christianity and God. Through my conversations with my friends I learned that the pandemic has affected all of us; especially our families. Amongst my Christian friends, our group conversations led us to pray for one another. Struggling is a normal part of life and I would say in many ways essential to growing in faith. My faith has definitely increased during this pandemic and I find myself talking more with God now! n ­—Submitted by Bryton Jackson Youth & Children’s Ministry/College Connect

—Submitted by Kathi Earles-Ross, MD Zion Hill Health Ministry ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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A Perfect Match Outreach Partnership: ZHBC Deaconess & Carrie Steele-Pitts Homes, Inc.

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lmost immediately with being welcomed into the Zion Hill Baptist Church fellowship, members become aware that a primary focus and unyielding commitment to the mantra “Living to Love and Loving to Serve” is constantly in motion. It begins with the invitation for engagement of each member in any of the 50 plus ministries dedicated to outreach. And, with just a bit more inquiry one finds out that this outreach extends not just to the local community but also to those with identifiable needs in various regions of the U.S. and in parts of the global community, and outreach becomes even more intriguing.

The Deaconess Ministry has been pleased to be partnered with The Carrie

Steele-Pitts Homes (CSPH) as an ideal assignment to serve with its outreach efforts.

CSPH’s physical location in South Atlanta

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is notable. More importantly, its longstanding history of faithful and exceptional parenting and nurturing of orphaned and

disadvantaged children and youth touches both spiritual and maternal heartstrings throughout the deaconess sisterhood.

This year, President Geraldine Chennault, in the absence of our recently transitioned Outreach Coordinator, Deaconess Sadie Howard, visited the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, making a monetary presentation of outreach funding in the amount of $800.00 to CSPH Executive Director, Dr. Evelyn Lavizzo. Dr. Lavizzo acknowledged that the stability of the century-old Carrie Steele-Pitts Homes has been in part resultant of its dedicated leadership remaining true to the mission and ideals of its founder, Mrs. Carrie Steele, coupled with its recognition and support from significant contributors like Zion Hill Baptist Church.

CSPH’s history chronicles that since 1901 the organization has persevered in its outreach to provide a home for thousands of orphaned youth. And, Dr. Lavizzo stated clearly in her letter of thanks to the Deaconess Ministry for its gifting, that even in the COVID-19 Pandemic that has not changed. Her meticulous articulation bears repeating. She stated, “Having your support ensures that CSPH remains true to its mission to maintain a family environment that fosters the physical, educational, social-emotional and spiritual development of each child. During the pandemic and with your support, we have retooled our supportive education programs to offer additional one-on-one tutoring and

Church Calendar / December

homework help for the students living on our campus. The college students are also participating in tutoring, life-skills training and peer-to-peer support. Since the youth returned to school, we have created a learning environment to help them excel and achieve and we are finding innovative ways to provide recreational and wellness programming that ensures physical distancing while promoting social closeness. We are also finding additional care to address trauma, anxiety and depression.

Although the full impact of the pandemic is still unknown, your investment in our youth helps to secure their future. We are eternally grateful”.

The Deaconess Ministry is pleased to be part of the incredible work of CSPH as it continues to positively impact youth in their charge. We offer this parable of outreach for the entire church family to also know the joy and pride taken by this grateful citadel of hope. Think of it-- that for a century CSPH has provided a foundation for the growth of those once labeled as orphans and has empowered them to become known as children of triumph, upand-coming positive youth, and productive adults with success stories of academic achievements, happy marriages, flourishing families and outstanding careers.

This disclosure of CSPH’s recent growth and development accredited to ZHBC is worthy of restating, what a blessing it is to be part of a church family with a genuine focus on “Living to Love and Loving to Serve.” n — Submitted by Deaconess Geraldine Chennault, President, Deaconess Marilyn Carter, Vice President Deaconess Jane Jelks Jones, LIU Liaison

Fulton County Board of Health COVID-19 Testing at Zion Hill

Covid-19 Vaccinations and Boosters

Tuesday, December 7 Noon – 6:00PM & Thursday, December 16 9:00AM – 1:00PM

Annual Vision 2022 Church Conference

Saturday, December 18 Noon

Annual Christmas Program The Message & The Music

Sunday, December 19 9:30am and 10:00am

Christmas Day

Saturday, December 25

Kwanzaa Program and Worship Service

Sunday, December 26 9:30 AM

Liberation Eve Service

Friday, December 31 7:00pm

New Year's Day

Saturday, January 1, 2022

2022 Officer Installation

Sunday, January 2 9:30 AM

Saturday, December 11 10:00am – 1:00pm & Monday, December 20 1:00pm – 7:00pm

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Please register at the live link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qVYhljWlSP-NvoZqscWTEw

We want YOU to contribute!

If your ministry has a virtual activity or news that you want mentioned, you can send an email to zhbc@zionhill.org.

We welcome all ministry contributions: writing, story ideas, suggestions, digital photographs, artwork, letters, responses to our columns, reviews, etc. and look forward to hearing from you.

All material is subject to approval and editing.

ALL contributions must be submitted by the second Wednesday of each month. The LIU will be distributed once a month. If you do not see your contribution in the current issue, it will appear in upcoming issues.

CORRECTIONS We attempt to be accurate and balanced. We apologize for any errors that occur and when notified we will print appropriate corrections.

BIBLE for LIFE Join Pastor Parker on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm streaming live on Facebook, YouTube, and at

https://boxcast.tv/channel/glwvkeoykzdo7l8oqmae

Series Title:

“Hope Revived (HR)”

The LIU is a publication of

Available after streaming as recordings.

2021 Theme: Hope Revived" 6175 Campbellton Road, South Fulton/Atlanta, GA 30331 Rev. Aaron L. Parker, PhD, Pastor 404-691-8025 • www.zionhill.org • email: zhbc@zionhill.org

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2021 Theme Scripture: “He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again….”

(II Corinthians 1:10, NRSV)