The LIU – February 2024

FEB 2024

A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church

THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)

Ministry Invitational

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ion Hill held its annual Ministry Invitational on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

A host of Zion Hill members and friends made their way to the Fellowship Hall for the event, as leaders shared ministry information and displayed ministry photos, literature, and artifacts. The Culinary Ministry even provided delicious food samples,

highlighting and demonstrating their God-given talents to satisfy our taste buds!

This annual church-wide activity provides members and friends the opportunity to learn about each ministry at the church and determine where they are able to best serve the Lord. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to

serve.” (Mark 10:45a NRSV) Zion Hill has over 75 ministries and serves over 30 outreach initiatives. There is plenty of servant’s work to be done at Zion Hill. Jump Right In! Please contact the church office at 404-691-8025 or zhbc@zionhill.org for information on any ministry. n (continued on page 3)

The Challenge and the Charge

REAP ROLL CALL New Members | January 2024

L. Michelle Allen-Reed Deborah Bolton Janelle Browne Cathy Capers Daveyann DeAbreu Antwone DeAbreu Angel DeAbreu Pearl Grimsley Bernadette Hawkins Alex Hibbert Laura Hunter-Newsome Denise Jackson Davey Layne Domonique Layne Norton Newsome Maximus Walker Dylan Walker Sloan Walker Kenya Walker Tobias Walker, Jr. Dahlia Ward Jaymond Whitaker Sheila Deborah Wilkins Robintine Wright Deltricia Zanders

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ver the past several weeks, and we could easily say months or years, members of our Church family have experienced an extraordinarily high volume of challenges that range from major health issues, some of which have resulted in the loss of loved ones, to serious financial crises that have elevated stress to extremely dangerous levels. The pervasiveness of these problems is so extensive that virtually no one has gone untouched by their blanketing and often suffocating coverage. Hardly a day goes by wherein at least one of our sisters or brothers has to face a difficulty that disrupts their normal way of operating. It seems, at times, that all of us, or at least most of us, are going through some kind of struggle, dilemma, or setback that seizes our attention and drains our energy.

Because of the widespread nature of these ordeals, it is incumbent upon us to support one another as much as possible, not waiting for the resolution of our own issues, but rather seeking to aid each other even as we grapple with our own complications. The incomparable first century evangelist Paul spoke to this matter that apparently plagued the Community of Faith back then, for he said to the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”(6:2). To the believers in Rome he similarly wrote, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers…. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another…”

(Romans 12:9-16). The general spirit of these and similar passages is that we should be there – truly, earnestly, encouragingly, faithfully – for one another, and this, my brothers and sisters, I believe is our sacred charge in this challenging season. n —Pastor Parker

CHURCH FAMILY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS January 2024 Bereavement Thank You cards from: n

Family of Corricka M. Brown

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Family of Dexter (Beau) William Clark

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The Patton Tulloch and Walton Family

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Sister Nanette Cook and Family

Ministry Invitational (continued from page 1)

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Seasonal Health Reminders

COVID-19 VACCINE AND SAFETY PROTOCOL REMINDER The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get one dose of the new COVID-19 vaccine.

What You Need to Know n CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax, to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. n Everyone aged 5 years and older ‡ should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. n Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine. n People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may

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With the increase in respiratory viruses, we are sharing information about vaccinations including COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza (Flu).

get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine. n COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, please click here: Vaccines.gov - Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you RSV VACCINATION FOR OLDER ADULTS 60 YEARS OF AGE AND OVER What types of RSV vaccines are there? RSV vaccines have been approved for people aged 60 and over and women who are 32-36 weeks pregnant.

Talk with your healthcare provider to see if the RSV vaccine is right for you. There are two RSV vaccines licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults 60 and older in the United States: RSVPreF3 (Arexvy) and RSVpreF

(Abrysvo). Both vaccines contain a part of the RSV virus and work by causing an immune response that can protect you from respiratory disease if you are infected with RSV in the future.

Adults 60 years and older should talk with their health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them. There is no maximum age for getting RSV vaccination. RSV vaccine is given as a single dose.

If you’re 60 or older, your health care provider might recommend RSV vaccination for you, especially if you have a weakened immune system from illness (e.g., leukemia or HIV infection) or from medications (e.g., treatment for cancer or organ transplant), if you have chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, or if you live in a nursing home. If any of those apply to you,

you might be at higher risk of severe RSV disease and an RSV vaccine could help prevent serious illness.

Even if you had RSV infection in the past, RSV vaccination can help prevent future respiratory disease from RSV. There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having RSV infection before you can receive an RSV vaccine, but generally, if you have a moderate or severe illness, you should wait until you recover before receiving an RSV vaccine. If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you can get an RSV vaccine.

For the 2023-24 RSV season, if you are 60 years or older and your health care provider recommends RSV vaccination for you, you should get an RSV vaccine as soon as it is available in your community, before the number of cases of RSV start to increase, which is usually in the fall and winter.

Early vaccination will ensure you are protected by the time RSV begins to

circulate in your community. During the 2021-22 and 2022-23 RSV seasons, the number of cases began increasing as early as July in parts of the United States, so it may be difficult to predict when it will start in 2023.

INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS Influenza (flu) is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and flu can affect people differently, but during typical flu seasons, millions of people get flu, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes.

Flu can mean a few days of feeling bad and missing work, school, or family events, or it can result in more serious illness. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. An

annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help reduce the risk of getting flu and any of its potentially serious complications. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death. While some people who get a flu vaccine may still get sick with influenza, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness. n Seasonal flu vaccines are available through a variety of convenient community sources. Click on the link to find the nearest location.

–Submitted by Nita Shaffer Health Ministry Facilitator and Medical Liaison

References: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC; RSV Vaccination: What Older Adults 60 Years of Age and Over Should Know | CDC; Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | CDC; www.vaccnes.gov/find-vaccines

Did You Know??

The Zion Hill Health Ministry is Actively Seeking New Members

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f you've ever thought about being more active in a healthrelated field and are willing to serve, this is your opportunity be part of our wonderful health ministry right here at Zion Hill Baptist Church.

The Zion Hill Health Ministry was established in 1994 and is looking for volunteers who are interested in helping our fellow members with their health needs during church services and churchwide events. We are also seeking volunteers who are willing to serve within the community by providing health information and services through events like health fairs and CPR training.

Previous experience in the healthcare field is NOT necessary for all positions. It is a plus to be the first-line contact for individuals who need assistance during a health crisis.

Even if you don’t have a health background, there are many other ways you can assist if you just have a willing heart and hands.

These are some ways you can assist: n H elp control crowds who are gathered around the injured or ill member. n A ssist in contacting family members or loved ones of the

affected individual. n Follow up with the affected individual after the event. n Safeguard the individual’s belongings while they are being

assisted. n Document an encounter form while the individual is being

assisted. n Direct emergency personnel to the scene of the event. n Provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in which you

will be trained at one of the sessions we have each year.

But even if you don't want to be hands on, we also provide the function of scanning the sanctuary during services and funerals to determine if there is a potential health need. If you prefer not to get involved in the actual care, you can simply notify one of your fellow members who is trained to provide that function.

Why not try it out and see if you like a new and different type of service which you can learn right here in your own church. Shake it up this year by joining with the Zion Hill Health Ministry! Please contact the Church Office at zhbc@ zionhill.org or 404-691-8025. n – Dr. Jettie M. Burnett, Zion Hill Health Ministry ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Westlake High School Choir: “Glorious Musical Treat”

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he Westlake High School Choir, comprised of 9th through 12th grade students, shared their musical gifts through song on Sensational Sunday in January. The choir is under the direction of Zion Hill member Bro. Quandrell Claybrooks, who is in his 3rd year at Westlake. Bro. Claybrooks has a passion for music that comes alive through his student's song delivery.

The choir's opening selection was "Walk in Jerusalem" by Rollo Dilworth.

When the choir began singing, you knew that we would be in for a glorious musical treat. The students were highly motivated

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and joyous in leading the congregation in worship. During the offering, the congregation was lifted by a rendition of The Clark Sisters' "You Brought the Sunshine," led by Joanna Davis, who motivated the congregation with her bubbly personality and melodic riffs. After the offering, the choir sang "City Called Heaven" by Josephine Poelinitz, led by melodious soloist Jayla Davis, who inspired the congregation with her gift of singing. Immediately afterwards, the choir rendered their last song titled "Even Me," arranged by Michael Reid, which allowed the congregation to

welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit in the house of worship.

During the school year, Westlake's choir has a busy schedule. The choir has several community tours at churches, non-religious musical tours within the community, and concerts and performances at their school. The Westlake choir has upcoming performances of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, March 7th - 9th, in the school's auditorium. We are encouraged to support our youth in the community. n – Bro. Fred Bryan Director of Music Ministry

“A Knock at Midnight” SOLLAS BLAST I

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aturday, January 20, 2024, the ZHBC SCHOOL OF LOVE, LEARNING, and SERVICE (SOLLAS) was blessed to start off the 2024 season of SOLLAS BLASTs with a powerful, messianic message from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King titled “A Knock at Midnight.” Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr., who preached at ZHBC the year the doors of our current location opened in 2010, provides an equally urgent clarion call to our consciousness and spirituality during his introduction of the audio recording of the sermon. The sermon is thought to have been originally delivered

by Dr. King in 1957. Sankofa guides us to go back, and that is exactly what SOLLAS did; we went way back and brought back the TRUTH! SOLLAS BLASTs are the monthly family classes, presentations, and other

events hosted by SOLLAS. They typically occur every third Saturday morning from 9:00 am to 11:30 am on our campus and virtually. Breakfast is from 9:00 am - 9:45 am (in-person), and then classes are from 10:00 am -11:30am. We offer classes for all ages from 3 years old. We were blessed to have a live video dispatch from our very own SOLLAS Dean, Rev. Dr. Ralph Watkins, during the “Knock at Midnight” portion of SOLLAS BLAST I. Dean Watkins just so happened to have been on his Civil Rights Pilgrimage with some of his seminary students. They made stops in Montgomery, Selma, and Memphis.

Dean Watkins will be leading the charge for SOLLAS BLAST II on February 17, 2024. Please come out and welcome Dean Watkins to our SOLLAS community!

SOLLAS also had the great oppor-

tunity to collaborate with the Social Justice Network (SJN) during “A Knock at Midnight.” SJN is one of ZHBC’s newest ministries. Elder Joy Bates, Minister Donnell Willamson, and Sister Erika Neal were invaluable partners who helped contribute to the success of this event. Deacon Marilyn Cruter was kind enough to share some Sankofa legacy with us from her personal life. There is much to be gained from us continuing to Tell Our Sacred Stories (TOSS). Deacon Cruter certainly brought that point home!

SOLLAS is the vision of our very own Pastor Parker. We are doing what we can to “Shake It Up” and encourage you to join and support us. Please circle your calendars for SOLLAS BLAST II, Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 9:00 -11:30.

BLESSING TO YOU! –SOLLAS Staff

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

(continued on next page)

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS Noon Day Bible Study: Join Noon Day Bible Study, Wednesdays, 12:00pm, In-person in the Fellowship Hall.

S.O.L.L.A.S.: Traditional Bible Class, Wednesdays at 12:00pm: – Join us In-Person in the Executive Conference Room 109, or join us Virtually via Zoom Link – Click Here

Bible for Life: Join Pastor Parker in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:00pm for our weekly, “Shake It Up” bible study in-person and virtually. You can virtually experience Zion Hill at either of the following links: YouTube: ZHBCATL zionhill https://zhbc. pub/youtube Boxcast: https://boxcast.tv/channel/glwvkeoykzdo718oqmae Facebook: @zhbcatl, https://www.facebook. com/zhbcatl/

Baptism Take Me To The Water: Baptism will be held on Sunday, February 11th following our 9:30am worship service. Candidates for Baptism are required to attend a Baptismal Class sched-

uled on Saturday, February 10th at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. If you have joined the church as a candidate for Baptism and you have not been baptized, please contact the church office to confirm your baptism date and to obtain additional baptism details.404-691-8025 or email zhbc@zionhill.org.

Youth and Children Volunteers: The Youth and Children’s Ministry is seeking volunteers to support their activities on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. If you are willing and available, please contact Reverend Brenton Cox at 404844-4276 or via email at bcox@zionhill.org.

Zion Hill Employment Opportunities: We ask that all interested candidates contact us via email for the full job description and/or résumé submission to employment@zionhill. org. No phone calls, please.

Ministry Support Coordinator (Part-Time): The Ministry Support Coordinator will support Zion Hill Baptist Church's ministry goals through efficient operations of the church office. This role will serve as direct administrative support to the ministries and auxiliaries of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Responsibilities will also extend to ministry leaders by assisting

with coordinating church-wide or special events. Flexibility is needed, with a standard schedule of 20hrs per week with occasional weekends in conjunction with ministries/ church events.

Video Technician, Department: Media Ministry: The Video Technician will support the ministry goals of Zion Hill and provide technical expertise for all video and video-related needs of the church.

The environment is one of Christian creativity and teamwork with a passion for excellence in serving and worshipping God. Under the leadership of the Media Ministry Director, the Video Technician contributes to implementing the media strategy to ensure that Zion Hill services and events utilize visual technology in conjunction with audio efficiently, effectively, and strategically in order to enhance the experience of those attending services virtually and in the physical space.

For a full job description, please contact the church office at zhbc@zionhill.org.

Campus Safety Protocol: For everyone’s safety, pedestrians are not permitted on the parking deck ramp. Please use the stairs when walking to and from the top level of the parking deck.

FEBRUARY (African American History Month) 3 Saturday

Darkness to Light (D2L) Training, Love Center Room #004 Advance registration required

8:45 am— 12:45 pm

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Sunday

Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

4

Sunday

Observance of the Lord’s Supper, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

4

Sunday

New Disciples Orientation Session, in-person and virtual

11:30 am

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Tuesday

FLU Vaccinations, FCBOH, Rooms 35 & 40

10:00 am—3:00 pm

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Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Classes, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

7

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

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Saturday

Baptism Class, in-person, Fellowship Hall

10:00 am

11

Sunday

Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

11

Sunday

Youth Worship Service, in-person

9:30 am

11

Sunday

Children’s Chapel, in-person

9:30 am

11

Sunday

Baptism, following Worship Service

9:30 am

14

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Classes, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

14

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

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Saturday

School of Love Learning and Service (SOLLAS) Blast

10:00 am

18

Sunday

Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

18

Sunday

Youth Worship Service, in-person

9:30 am

18

Sunday

Children’s Chapel, in-person

9:30 am

20

Tuesday

FLU Vaccinations, FCBOH, Rooms 35 & 40

10:00 am—3:00 pm

20

Tuesday

Conversation with the Pastor, virtual

7:00 pm

21

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Classes, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

21

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

24 Saturday

Monthly Outreach Ministry Initiative: Atlanta Mission-The Shepherd’s Inn

12:00 pm

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Sunday

Sensational Sunday Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

25

Sunday

African American History Program, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

28

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Classes, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

28

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

We want YOU to contribute!

If your ministry has an 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.

The LIU is a publication of

Join Pastor Parker in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for our

“Shake it UP”

BIBLE for LIFE (BFL) bible study series

In-Person & Virtual Wearing a mask is optional.

BFL will still be offered via our live streaming platforms as well.

Boxcast: https://boxcast.tv/channel/glwvkeoykzdo7l8oqae

Facebook: @zhbcatl, https://www.facebook.com/zhbcatl/ 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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YouTube: ZHBCATL zionhill https://www.youtube.com/zhbcatlzionhill

Available after streaming as recordings.