We Are So Glad You Could Join Us Virtually!
Church Information Virtual services will continue at Zion Hill until further notice. Our response to the pandemic will be reevaluated periodically to determine when it is safe to reopen our campus. Livestreaming Services:
Church Office Hours, EDT:
Worship Services: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. EDT
Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bible for Life, Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Special Services as announced
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Services are accessible at these link locations:
Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
http://zionhillbaptistchurch.yourstreamlive.com/
Church Office Contact:
Facebook: @zhbcatl YouTube: ZHBCATL zionhill Services are available, thereafter, as recordings.
Phone: 404-691-8025 Email: zhbc@zionhill.org Website: www.zionhill.org
The campus is currently closed. Office hours of operation will be evaluated periodically and are subject to change.
MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR AND FIRST LADY Zion Hill Family and Friends, Zion Hill has seen it all before – international disease, social upheaval due to chronic racism, expansive economic distress, sinister political corruption, and passionate cries for justice and peace. Though sometimes holding together by only a little more than a hope and a prayer, our spiritual forbearers braved the sometimes harsh vicissitudes of this world. Despite the fact that difficulties far beyond their imaginations gravely challenged their faith, they persevered, trusting the God, whom they, no doubt, at times felt like questioning. It is our turn, now, to have our faith sorely tested in the recurrent crucible of trial, tribulation and trouble. In this present historical moment, we must deal with strained circumstances that we could hardly predict just a few months ago. Yet, we are called upon in this critical season to believe God for the consummate breakthrough. Zion Hill has survived, and in some cases thrived, remaining grounded in this fundamental conviction that our Creator and Sustainer will keep us until our change comes. In this 148th year of our existence, let us celebrate our magnanimous God, ecclesiastical ancestors, present blessings and future hope for a better tomorrow. The same God who secured those who came before can, indeed, assure us now. Happy Anniversary and may the God of Everlasting to Everlasting continue to be with us. Pastor Aaron and Sister Shelia Parker
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ, To say that 2020 has been an unusual and eventful year would be an understatement. Many of us have observed health challenges, confronted financial concerns, and witnessed political and social issues. Yet, in the middle of this season, our Creator has called us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the steadfastness of his faithfulness. This year, we celebrate 148 years of what God does best: remain unflinching in his faithfulness. Our Anniversary theme is “Changing Seasons, Unchanging God,” which causes us to acknowledge the evolution of situations in our lives, individually and collectively, but also rest in the safety of God’s unchanging hand. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Even in the midst of the transgressions of the people, and precarious social conditions, this text reminded the people of God that the Almighty remained true to His nature, and did not spare His steadfast love for them. Just as it was then, it remains our consolation, now. No matter the personal, social, political, or economical, issues and concerns, we can trust God is faithful to forgive, faithful to supply, and faithful to carry us through any seasonal changes. It has been a pleasure to serve as this year’s anniversary chairperson. To Dr. Parker: thank you for allowing this opportunity to serve in this capacity. To this year’s anniversary committee: thank you for your spirit of willingness to serve, your spirit of excellence in planning, and your spirit of awesomeness, which was exuded at every point throughout this season. To the history committee: thank you for your graciousness in assisting us in honoring our legacy. As we traverse these seasonal changes, let us not forget that God has not changed, nor will He. His faithfulness is unflinching; His love is steadfast. Minister Jairus Hallums Chairperson
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DEACONS GREETING To the Pastor, Members, Friends and Visitors, Greetings and welcome to the 148th Church Anniversary. This year’s theme is “Changing Seasons, Unchanging God”. The theme is taken from Lamentations 3:22-23. In the Bible, the Israelites were defeated and were taken into captivity by their enemies. Their temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, and they were taken to foreign lands. Although unable to worship at the temple, the Israelites grew closer to God. They continued their traditions and worshiped God, knowing he was omnipresent and all knowing. The Israelites understood God did not exist only in the temple, but God was present everywhere at all times. The Israelites discovered the stronger their faith in God, the closer they were to God. Although we may not be able to worship together at Zion Hill because of the Pandemic, our relationship with God is related to our faith in God. Although our services are virtual, God is real and is with us wherever we are. God is there to hear us, to comfort us and to guide us if we believe in Him and have faith. Through good and bad times, from the highest mountains to the lowest valleys, God is there for us. Deacons are charged with serving the church. Please feel free to contact your deacon if you need anything from the church, or if you just want to talk. If you need the contact information for your respective deacon, please contact the church office at 404-691-8025 or me at philjackson4163@gmail.com or 770-306-2536. Our church grows and lives through our faith. Your grateful servant, Phillip Jackson Deacons Ministry Chair
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TRUSTEE GREETING Zion Hill Family and Friends, 148 years is truly cause for a glorious celebration of God’s generous blessings upon our church. As we pause today for a special demonstration of our gratitude for what He has done for and through Zion Hill, the anniversary theme, “Changing Seasons, Unchanging God”, reminds us that this 148th birthday is especially unique. This year’s celebration occurs during a season of pandemic crisis, social movement, and political injustice. It comes at a time when many of us may be mourning the loss of loved ones, missing the heartwarming in-person fellowship with family and friends, and sorting through a variety of relationship, financial, health, and social challenges. Nevertheless, regardless of the current circumstances, the anniversary theme vividly reminds us that God’s presence, grace, mercy, and love are still ever abounding in our lives. Regardless of the changing season, He is with us, and we can all rest and abide in the peace that only He can provide. Happy Anniversary Zion Hill! May God’s unchanging love continue to radiate from each of us, as we continue steadfastly on our mission of “Living to Love, and Loving to Serve”, even in the midst of seasonal change. I hope that this anniversary celebration is a special catalyst that ignites our zeal to further God’s work. This is a perfect season for each of us to avidly share the love of Christ, and to eagerly serve others. It is also the perfect time for us to revitalize our study of God’s Word, to magnify our worship and praise, to stir up our spiritual gifts, and to further commit to living in accordance with His will. In doing so, we will continue to be the catalyst for positive change in our individual lives, our community, and across the globe. In Love and Service, Sheryl Chinn Chairperson, Trustee Ministry
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ZION HILL 2020 50+ MEMBERS Sister Eunice Walker Bailey
Sister Mattie Franks
Sister Lolita Brown Rainey
Sister Natarcha Banks
Sister Falstine Gardner
Sister Diane Reeves
Sister Jackie Barner
Sister Patricia George
Sister Bessie Reid
Sister Angela Bingham
Sister Dorothy Hardaway
Sister Nellie Roberts
Sister Eva Booker
Brother Oscar Harp
Sister Carrie Roseberry
Sister Yolanda Booker
Brother Johnny Johnson
Sister Neona Sherrer
Sister Lesterine Britt
Sister Christine Jordan
Deacon Chorsie Smith
Sister Sally Buchanan-Mapp
Sister Regina Kimble
Sister Leila Swift
Brother Willie James Byrd
Sister Mary Mattox
Sister Geraldine Talton
Sister Jacqueline Church
Sister Veronica Mosley
Brother Jimmy Thompson
Sister Clara Craig
Brother Clarence Nalls
Sister Henrietta Walker
Brother Richard Douthit
Sister Cathy Neal
Sister Janice Williams
Sister Anganetta Fambro
Sister Frances Pinkston
Brother James Witherspoon, Sr.
Sister Marilyn Price Fraley
Sister Aretha Ragland
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GUEST MINISTER Reverend Teresa L. Fry Brown, PhD is the fourteenth Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal (2012). She serves as the editor of the A.M.E. Review and is the Executive Director of Research and Scholarship for the A.M.E. Church. She holds the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and is the first tenured Black female Candler School of Theology and the third Black female full professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Fry Brown served as Director of Black Church Studies at Candler 2007-2015. Dr. Fry Brown obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver, with an emphasis in Religion and Social Transformation (1996). She earned a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology (1988), a Master of Science degree (1975) and a Bachelor of Science degree (1973) in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. Dr. Fry Brown has extensive teaching and preaching experience in national, international academic and ecumenical settings. A prolific author, Dr. Fry Brown’s books include Delivering the Sermon: Voice, Body and Animation in Proclamation, Fortress Press (2008); Can A Sister Get a Little Help: Advice and Encouragement for Black Women in Ministry, Pilgrim Press (2008); God Don’t Like Ugly: African American Women Handing on Spiritual Values Abingdon Press (2000); Weary Throats and New Song: Black Women Proclaiming God’s Word Abingdon Press (2003) and The 2006 African American History Devotional, Abingdon Press (2006). Additionally, she has published “Reestablishing the Purpose and Power of the Preached Word through Black Church Studies” in The Black Church Studies Reader (2015); “Poetic Persuasion: A Master Class on Speaking Truth to Power” in Our Sufficiency is of God: Essays on Preaching in Honor of Gardner C. Taylor (February 2010),“The Future of Black Preaching” in Homiletix (November 2007), five sidebars for the Wesley Study Bible (October 2008), “Mother Day/Pentecost” African America Pulpit Lectionary (2008), African American History Month Devotions (Abingdon 2006), “Preaching the Lesson, Lectionary Homiletics, (five entries 2006), Abingdon Press African American Pulpit Library, (eight entries 2006 ), Kirk Byron Jones, editor, A Letter From Jarena Lee in 1999; “Remember Who Made Us” in Those Preaching Women, vol. 3, Ella Mitchell, ed, Judson Press, 1996; “Easter Sunday” and “Easter 4” in Abingdon Women’s Preaching Annual, Series 1, Year C, Abingdon Press, 1997; “Avoiding Asphyxiation: A Womanist Perspective on Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Transformation” in Embracing the Spirit: Womanist Perspectives on Hope, Salvation and Transformation, Emilie Townes, ed., Orbis Press, 1997; “Renovating Sorrow’s Kitchen: African American Women Preaching Justice” in Preaching Justice, Christine Smith, ed., Pilgrim Press, 1998 and “Giving the Sermon Life” in Birthing a Sermon, (2001), Jana Childers, ed., Chalice Press. “Action Potential” in The Purpose of Preaching, Pilgrim Press (2004) as well as numerous other chapters and commentaries. Dr. Fry Brown is a member of the American Academy of Religion, Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the Academy of Homiletics. She was honored for her academic life achievements at the Eighteenth Annual Black Religious Scholar Group Consultation at the American Academy of Religion Meeting held in Atlanta (2015) and with the Emory-Williams Distinguished Teaching Award (2017). She is Co-Chair of the Womanist Approaches to Religion Group of the American Academy of Religion. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and an Associate Minister at New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lithonia, Georgia. A native of Independence, Missouri Dr. Fry Brown is the second oldest of seven children of (late) William M. Fry Sr. and (late) Naomi Parks Fry. She is the mother of Veronica (Jonathan) Perry. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Fry Browns’ life is governed by the words of the Prophet Isaiah “Those whose hope is in the Lord gain new strength” and the words of Mohandas Gandhi, “We must be the change we want to see in the world”.
ORDER OF SERVICE 9:30 A.M Reverend Aaron L. Parker, PhD, Presiding Prelude Call To Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Jairus Hallums Ministry in Music: Praise Team Brief History and Occasion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Jairus Hallums Recognition of Members with 50+ Years of Service . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker Ministry in Music Brother Darian Emory Pastoral Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker Tithes, Commitments and Offerings Ministry in Music Introduction of the Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Jairus Hallums Ministry in Music: Voices of Oluwa Video Ministry in Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology Emory University Invitation to Christian Discipleship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker Ringing of the Zion Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker Remarks and Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Jairus Hallums Closing Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Aaron L. Parker Benediction
ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY 1872 – 2020 Zion Hill Baptist Church is one of nine churches that grew out of Friendship Baptist Church. Friendship Baptist Church was established in 1862 and independently organized in 1866, in the days after the Civil War, becoming Atlanta's first black Baptist autonomous congregation. The founding pastor was the Reverend Frank Quarles, who served from 1862-1881. The congregation, being unable to buy property, worshipped in a boxcar that was sent to Atlanta from Chattanooga, Tennessee to house the first classroom of what became known as Atlanta University. Friendship is known as the "Mother Church" among Baptists in Atlanta because of its role in harmoniously forming nine other congregations throughout the city. Reverend Frank Quarles, Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church and organizer and first president of the Missionary Baptist convention of Georgia, provided the guidance for the establishment of Zion Hill and seven other black Baptist churches throughout Atlanta, as follows:
1870 1871 1871 1872 1877 1883 1909 1917
Providence Missionary Baptist Church Wheat Street Baptist Church Paradise Baptist Church Zion Hill Baptist Church Antioch Baptist Church Providence Baptist Church Little Friendship Baptist Church Union Baptist Church
Nine years after the Proclamation of Emancipation, former slaves, who were members of Friendship Baptist Church, located on Mitchell Street in Atlanta, Georgia, decided that they needed a church closer to where they lived. The Reverend Robert Grant, along with seven members, organized and founded Zion Hill Baptist Church in 1872. They organized Zion Hill Baptist Church in a brush harbor on the corner of Glenn and Humphries Streets, closer to their homes. They worshiped there until a dwelling, with a dirt floor, was donated for their use so long as it was used for public worship. Reverend Grant selected four members of the founding group as deacons. They were Ben Thrasher, Henry Gunn, Dick Jones, and Mr. Darby. In addition to the Deacon Board, Reverend Grant organized the Mothers Board and Sunday School. The church in its infancy was very successful, progressing spiritually, numerically, and financially. Reverend Grant and Reverend M.C. McGuire conducted a ten-week revival, which resulted in the addition of many members. Reverend Grant’s keen spiritual insight and academic ability were tempered by a genuine love of people; however, like other organizations, the church had many battles and in 1873, Reverend Grant resigned. Including Reverend Grant, Zion Hill Baptist Church has grown and been nurtured by ten pastors. After much prayer and consideration, the second pastor, the Reverend Jesse Davis, was called. Led by the spirit of God, Reverend Davis carried the church to marvelous spiritual victories. The first choir of the church was organized, and the church continued to grow. To the members’ sorrow, Reverend Davis was stricken with a severe illness, which resulted in his death. He served as pastor from 1873 – 1878.
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ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY (Continued) The third pastor, Reverend Cyrus S. Wilkins, was a dynamic and able leader, endowed with both spiritual insight and keen business acumen. His service was characterized by many physical signs of growth and development. He advised the church to purchase the building in which space had been donated to them for worship on McDaniel and Glenn Streets. They readily agreed and purchased the building. Zion Hill shall be ever grateful to Reverend Wilkins for making us property owners. Reverend Wilkins served as pastor from 1878 to 1888. The fourth pastor, Reverend Crawford G. Holmes, served Zion Hill from 1888 to 1897. He served during a season of turbulence within the church. However, rather than allowing the church to be defeated by these existing difficulties and differences, he used them as a source of spiritual growth. During his administration, some dissatisfaction arose, and the membership was divided. Part of the group remained at the newly purchased building, and the others worshipped on the corner of Glenn and Humphries Streets. After Reverend Holmes resigned, “both factions were as sheep having no shepherd.” The members that remained on the corner of Humphries and Glenn Streets appointed a committee composed Deacons C.H. Kelly, Wash Holland, and John Roberts, to select a desirable place for a church. The members that were worshipping in the new dwelling called Reverend W.W. Floyd to become Zion Hill’s fifth pastor. Reverend Floyd, with the help of Deacon P.H. Hill, succeeded in uniting the two factions, thereby rebuilding the church in 1900. Reverend Floyd was not only a good preacher, but a good pastor. He endeared himself to the hearts of his followers. He was a successful pastor and a safe leader. He left a fadeless mark on Zion Hill’s spiritual scroll as a great preacher, orator, Christian Statesman, and above all, a humble servant of God. He often used this expression, “I do not want to rust out, but wear out in the service of the Master.” During his administration, the lot at the corner of Georgia Avenue and McDaniel Street was purchased from Mr. Day and a small wooden structure was built to worship God. The missionary society and the first usher board were organized under Reverend Floyd’s leadership. Pastor Floyd served Zion Hill for seventeen years (1899-1916) until he passed to the Great Beyond. The sixth pastor, Reverend Claud H. Robinson, was a gospel preacher and a loving pastor. He served Zion Hill for ten years until his death (1916-1926). Under his leadership, the church received its first charter on December 5, 1919. His greatest work was replacing the small wood structure by building the church, located at 666 McDaniel Street, in 1923. Huge crowds thronged the church to hear stirring sermons delivered by this anointed messenger Zion Hill Baptist Church was duly incorporated and made a body politic by the Fulton County Superior Court for a period of 25 years. Charters have subsequently been renewed upon expiration. After the death of Reverend Robinson, Reverend Joe T. Johnson became the seventh pastor and served from 1926-1942. He served during the dark days of the depression. A most loving pastor and effective preacher, he sought to reveal Christ to the world. Many members came into the church during his administration and many accomplishments were recorded during his season of leadership. Membership increased to 1157. The Deaconess Committee and trustee board were organized. Zion Hill was very proud of its pastor and felt that he could represent the congregation anywhere. The members sometimes called him a picturesque preacher, because he could drive home many thoughts by some story he had read or some picture that he had seen. Under his leadership, Zion Hill was improved to “a lovely brick edifice with a seating capacity of nine hundred or more that would give credit to any people.”
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ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY (Continued) Following the Reverend Johnson’s pastorate, God sent the Reverend Doctor Levi M. Terrill, Sr. (1943-1971), the eighth pastor of Zion Hill. His coming and God’s love brought the church a spirit of prosperity. New programs were set in motion, new blessings were enjoyed, and the membership grew. A weekly radio broadcast, choir concerts, record making rallies, nursery school and other social and spiritual program s were designed and implemented for the glory of God. For nearly three decades as pastor, Reverend Terrill’s contributions extended beyond the borders of Zion Hill. He became president of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia in 1957 and served in that capacity for many years. As President, he held the 100th Annual session of the convention at Zion Hill Baptist Church in 1970. He later served as vice president of the National Baptist Convention for more than ten years. After Reverend Terrill was called home, God sent another giant, the Reverend Larry H. Williams (1971-1992), Zion Hill’s ninth pastor. Not only did he believe and live the Word of God, he infused it into his congregation. Inspired by God, he contributed greatly to the spiritual and economic growth of the church. Under his leadership, we purchased the next church home, located on five acres at 815 Lynhurst Drive and moved into it on May 16, 1976. His business acumen led us to liquidate the church’s mortgage and all other indebtedness in three and one-half years. This indebtedness included $400,000 for the purchase of the church and $103,000 for renovations and furnishings. Some of his other accomplishments included establishment of the regular Sunday morning radio ministry and the scholarship program. Reverend Williams, gospel preacher and tender loving shepherd, served the Zion Hill church family for 21 years until his retirement on December 16, 1992. After Reverend Williams retired, Reverend Diane Fearn-Crews (July 1993 – January 1994) faithfully served as Interim Pastor.
In January 1994, Zion Hill was blessed with its tenth and current pastor, Reverend Doctor Aaron Larry Parker along with his wife, First Lady Shelia Smith Parker and their children, Aaron Larry, Jr., and Asha Liana. At the age of eight, he accepted Jesus Christ into his life at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Canton, Mississippi, where his father was the pastor. Only a decade later, at the age of 18, he heard and answered the call to the gospel ministry. Pastor Parker has inspired and led this congregation to be one of “living to love and loving to serve.” During his 26 years of leadership, membership has grown to over 4800 and innovative spiritual and educational programs have been implemented. Programs include more than 43 community outreach ministries, a vibrant children and youth ministry, Saturday Church School with certified teachers, a model and dynamic Rites of Passage program, Christian educational and enrichments programs through an annual Christian Empowerment Summit and Global Praise Service, increased educational support to students, and the formation of the Zion Hill Community Development Corporation (ZHCDC), a faith-based non-profit organization, which purchased, renovated and opened a two-story facility in East Point, Georgia, the Zion Hill Community Development Center, which serves the needs of women and children. Under Pastor Parker’s leadership, Zion Hill implemented the “Rock Project,” a three-phase building program to accommodate the church’s growing membership and expansion of programs to continue changing lives and serving with love. This project included the purchase of 43.5 acres and a more than $23 million, three phase building program. Phase I has been completed and Zion Hill moved into its new church home, located at 6175 Campbellton Road, on December 5, 2010. In 2014, the former church location, 815 Lynhurst Road, was sold. 12
ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY (Continued) In 2015, Phase II planning began for the construction of the “Love Center” (a multipurpose facility). In 2016, The Love Center construction was built and on February 25-26, 2017, we moved into the Love Center. Since its opening, we offer five ministries: After School; Athletics, Recreation and Fitness; Media Center; Senior Activities and Services and Summer Enrichment Programs for Youth. Pastor Parker continues to introduce new programs, such as Relationship Saturdays for Singles, a Bereavement Ministry, establishment of the Deacon Emeritus Status, a Couples Ministry, a Prayer Ministry (Prayer is now offered in the Chapel after each service every Sunday; The Temple Caretakers, to assist in caring for the facility; the Planet Preservers, to educate the congregation on crucial environmental issues and how they are fundamental to their health; the JOY (Just Older Youth) for Life Seniors Ministry, providing daily, Monday through Friday, activities that help seniors to improve to improve their lives, physically, mentally and spiritually; and a program for children in Folah Bong County, Liberia, West Africa, called the Mission of Hope Meal Program, in which we are currently providing two meals a day, five days a week. He has also revived the Stewardship Weekend, to highlight our response to God’s goodness through our tithes and service. Zion Hill continues to emphasize and fund outreach ministries, the Community Development Program, and the Home Retention Program, in addition to providing funding and support for numerous other programs, inclusive of bereavement donations, student scholarships and donations to the Atlanta University Schools. In addition to the usual outreach programs, Zion Hill continues to provide relief support to communities where there are major disasters, such as the tornadoes and hurricanes in Cairo, Georgia, and The Bahamas. For 2020, our theme is “Seasonal Change.” As Pastor observed a spirit of movement and transition that was happening all over, he got the sense that God was trying to tell him something and was inspired to focus on change. He lifted Exodus chapter 15 beginning of verse 22, highlighting the movement of the Israelites moving from a victory celebration after crossing the Red Sea, then moving again in response to God’s instructions. Although their movement was not smooth or perfect, God had something else in store for them. Pastor likened the Israelites’ changes to Zion Hill. Although everything was not always smooth and perfect, Zion Hill has had a glorious past. He encourages us to not only focus on our history, but to try and trust God to move forward in what we believe God is calling us to do. In 2020, two new programs were introduced. He proposed to reenergize and improve the School of Love, Learning and Service (SOLLAS) by changing weekly Saturday School to four intensive weeks of teaching and learning, called SOLLAS BLASTS that will be scheduled throughout the year. The second proposal was to accelerate the payment on the church mortgage by asking each member, who is able, to add $10 or more per week to their tithes/offerings (in recognition of our tenth year occupying this location). As we continue to move forward in answering God’s call, we have faced some major challenges. The coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands. In response to this pandemic, Pastor Parker created a COVID-19 Task Force to design how the church would operate. Since March 15, 2020, we have continued services virtually, both Sunday Church and Bible Study. We have also continued to provide outreach, by providing food to people in need, serving as COIVID-19 testing site, feeding children through the Mission of Hope (MOH) Program in Liberia. The pandemic has caused the economy to suffer as people selfisolate and businesses close. Amid the pandemic, the issue of violence toward Blacks escalated as Blacks were killed by police in Atlanta and other parts of the country. As a result, protests in Atlanta and throughout the country are taking place and changes to policing policies and practices are being demanded. Through it all, Pastor Parker has kept communication open with the members. He reminds us that as people of faith, we must continue our connection with the creator. As a result, we continue to pray and hope, knowing that through God, life will get better.
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UPCOMING VIRTUAL MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES SOLLAS BLAST NOON DAY BIBLE STUDY: Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. via ZOOM. Please contact Deaconess Nealean Austin or Deacon Reda Pierre or the church office for more information. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT MINISTRY VIRTUAL FUN NIGHT: Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via ZOOM. Please contact Deacon Willie Austin, Caregivers Support Ministry Leader, or the church office for more information. PRAYER MINISTRY MEETING: Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 7:00 p.m., via ZOOM. Please contact Minister Gloria Wilson, Ministry Leader, or the church office for more information. FULTON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH COVID-19 TESTING: Save the Date for COVID-19 testing on our Zion Hill campus. Monday, September 14, and Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. SOLLAS BLAST: Tuesday through Thursday, September 22-25, 2020, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. via ZOOM. Three adult classes: 1. The Millennial Exchange (19-30) 2. Seasonal Change (31-up) 3. Marriage Relationship Please contact Minister Galetha Thompson, SOLLAS Superintendent, or the church office for more information. 2020 CENSUS REMINDER: For more information and to complete the 2020 CENSUS at www.2020census.gov.
VOTING REMINDER: Voter registration deadline is Monday, October 5, 2020. Consider absentee voting for the upcoming November 3rd General Election. For more voting information go to the Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.ga.gov. Access the absentee ballot form at the following link: https://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Absentee%20Ballot%20Fillable%20form%20720. pdf. Voting information provided by Zion Hill’s Community Action Business (CAB) Ministry. 17 14
148th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Brother Edgar Baines
Sister Felicia Hill
Sister Gwen Buchanan
Minister Kathy Kneeland
Sister Debora Chambers
Sister Liz Richo
Minister Felisha Chism
Sister Marie Richo
Sister Kathy Fluellen
Sister Kimberly Smith
Minister Jairus Hallums, Chair
Sister Gloria Williams
SPECIAL THANKS Administrative Staff
History Ministry
Beautification Ministry
Media Ministry
Culinary Ministry
Mighty Men Usher Ministry
Deacon Ministry
Parade Volunteers
Facilities Staff
Security
Finance Staff
Trustee Ministry
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Alternative Giving Options
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For more information or questions, please e-mail us at zhbc@zionhill.org or call (404) 691-8025. Zion Hill offers several convenient alternative ways to give your Tithes and Offerings! Check out these options.... Mail a check or money order to: Zion Hill Baptist Church 6175 Campbellton Road SW Atlanta, GA 30331 Bill Pay from your Personal Bank AccountThe donation would be sent directly from your personal bank account to the church. Simply log onto your online banking account, and add Zion Hill to your list of payees and/or companies that you pay on a regular basis. On the date you designate, the bank will send a check directly to Zion Hill. PayPal - Visit our webpage www.zionhill.org. Click on the "Giving" tab, press the donate button at the bottom of the screen, and choose to give using your debit card through PayPal. Easy Tithe - You can choose to donate in one of three simple ways.
Welcome Virtual Visitors Zion Hill has something exciting and engaging for each member of your family! From comprehensive youth activities to young adult mixers and senior socials,
this
multi-generational
community
continues to grow and thrive with each welcomed addition. With more than 40 outreach ministries engaged in local, national and international service projects, Zion Hill is the perfect place to start if you really want to make a difference. Learn more about ZHBC outreach ministries and how you can get involved by visiting www.zionhill.org. All Zion Hill activities are currently virtual until further notice.
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404.691.8025 I www.zionhill.org
Through the free Easy Tithe mobile application. Just download the app onto your smart mobile device or tablet. Once you launch the application you can follow the instructions to give through our "text to give". Number: 770-604-1450.
6175 Campbellton Road SW
zhbc@zionhill.org I zhbcatl
South Fulton/Atlanta, GA 30331