The LIU — January 2021

Jan 2021

A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church

THE LIU

THE MESSAGE AND THE MUSIC

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ach year, the second Sunday in December has become a greatly anticipated service, officially known as “The Message and the Music”. As a joint effort, the Music Ministry and the Ministerial Alliance of Zion Hill tag team to present “messages” and correlating spirited “music” to our congregation. The music responsibility for this service rotates from year to year within the music department, where one choir or our instrumentalists prepare “music” selections to mirror the “message”.

As this year has been far from usual, our Music Coordinator - Bro. Fred Bryan – decided that all hands would be on deck, presenting a united effort among our music and arts ministries -virtually. What unfolded was the Lord’s doing and it was MARVELOUS in our eyes!!!

After being greeted by our pastor, Dr. Aaron L. Parker, and led in prayer by Minister Jennifer Walton, we were blessed with a powerful opening presentation, featuring the Adult Spiritual Dancers, who captivated us with an impassioned interpretative dance to the song, “Mary, Did You Know?”, under the direction of Sis. Joi Freeman.

The first message was ministered by Associate Minister Reginald Wright, Sr., taking his text from Matthew 2:1-2, entitled “Celebrate the King”, which was followed by a spirited rendition of the same titled song, presented by the Voices of Oluwa, under the direction of Elder LaShawn Chandler.

The second message was ministered by Associate Minister Tiffani Douglas, taking her text from Matthew 2:3a, entitled “Turn, Turn… (continued on page 3)

(pronounced LEE-UU)

A Word of Gratitude for So Much

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irst and foremost, we want to express a sincere heart of gratitude to the Zion Hill Family and friends for your ardent support during these very difficult, imposing,

pressurized and sometimes extremely stressful times. I thank you for the sustaining of our ministry with prayer, encouraging words, talent, hard work, willingness to adjust, patience, and giving as we have sought to navigate these uncharted waters of COVID-19, social unrest, political turmoil, personal loss, and so much more. Every single deed you have done has made a difference far more critical than you will probably ever realize.

And I am convinced that we will become a better fellowship of believers as a result of these trying experiences.

Specifically, I thank those members of the Church Staff and some of our Church

REAP ROLL CALL

New Members December 2020 Brother Darius Alexander Sister Jonquil Alexander

Leaders for their tremendous efforts in helping to keep our Church Family connected in a Christian way. So much time and painstaking labor has to go into making sure that we are able to effectively communicate with one another and that the business aspect of the congregation continues during this unusual period in our existence. Surely, we could not have done as well as we have without you.

From my personal family and me, I also thank those who took the time and effort to remember us during this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Every card, gift, prayer and well wish, is more appreciated than mere words can ever convey. Again, many thanks to you all. n —Pastor Parker, Sister Shelia Parker

Sister Jaala Martin

Larry, Asha, and Laila

Sister Eulene Paulk

Looking Forward

CHURCH FAMILY

Acknowledgements December 2020 Your kind expressions of sympathy are deeply appreciated, gratefully acknowledged, and will always be remembered by: The Avant Family

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ow, I want to say just a word about looking forward. Usually we present a theme for the New Year in our Vision Meetings that take place in December. Since that

meeting will not occur virtually until Saturday, January 9, 2021 at noon, I want to give just a brief preview of what has been given to me as an emphasis for our Church Family for 2021. We label this emphasis: “HOPE REVIVED” or “HR”. Given what we have gone through in 2020 and its still serious lingering effects into 2021, if we intend to survive, we need to have our hope revived, reenergized, and in some cases restored altogether as we have experienced a convergence of burdensome events – internationally, nationally, communally, ecclesiastically and personally – that have gravely challenged so many of our established norms. While in part a revived hope comes with a new national administration and breakthroughs in coronavirus treatments and vaccines, our ultimate hope should rest in God, who is, as the 90th psalmist said, “from everlasting to everlasting.”

We will say more about this theme in our Vision 2021 meeting on Saturday and in the days to come. In the meantime, let us look forward to and work on having our HOPE REVIVED (HR).

— Pastor Parker

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The Message and The Music (continued) Seasons of Change”, which was followed by the youthful sounds of members of the Azizi Children’s Choir and Generation 8 Teen Choir, ministering “Jesus is the Reason For the Season”, under the direction of Sis. Tarla Atwell & Elder LaShawn Chandler.

The third message was ministered by Associate Minister Leidra Dunson, taking her text from Matthew 2:9-11, entitled “The First Noel”, which was followed by a melodious rendition of the same titled song, presented by the Zion Hill Instrumentalists, under the direction of Sis. Sarkino Walker.

The fourth message was ministered by Associate Minister Galetha Thompson, taking her text from Luke 2:10-11, entitled “Joy to the World”, which was followed by the anointed sounds of the Zion Hill Chorale, ministering a song of the same title, under the direction of Sis. Kimberly Bryan. An interlude of Sister Margaret Allison's, "Jesus, Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child," was ministred by Sis. Kathy Curate.

The final message was ministered by Associate Minister Donnell Williamson, entitled “An Invitation to Praise”, with its foundation built around the lyrics of a gospel song by Norman Hutchins entitled “Emmanuel”. We were then blessed with a final selection by the harmonious sounds of the Sounds of Zion, who ministered Hutchins’ song, under the direction of Elder Erica DeLoney.

To God be the glory for the many anointed gifts and talents we were blessed by during this AMAZING annual service. If you missed it, fear not! Just venture over to the Zion Hill Baptist Church Facebook page where the video is housed and relive the moment! Merry Christmas! n — Eld. LaShawn Chandler Zion Hill Music Ministry

In case you missed the live broadcast, you can view it here: http://zionhillbaptistchurch. yourstreamlive.com/ Scroll down for, "The Message and the Music; Morning Worship Service Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 09:30 AM" ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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“Not Ordinary, but Exceptional”

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esiliency is often equated with the

our young people. Their ability to multi-

That they can have a few moments to

act of being able to endure hardships

task between a live and virtual classroom,

sleep late and FaceTime their friends. They

while maintaining an even disposition. It is

miss traditional proms and graduations…

have earned it.

the ability “stand as a good soldier,” with

Their ability to continue to still be excit-

unstoppable faith. I doubt that any of us

ed as they graduated to the next grade

for our young people to thrive in faith and

could have prepared for 2020 has held. On

level, as they maintained their study in

community; to our parents and guardians

the one hand, we have known social un-

their respective college disciplines, it is

for your commitment and entrusting us

rest, sickness and great loss on many lev-

commendable. What is more notewor-

with your special treasures (child/children),

els. On the other hand, we have witnessed

thy is their love of God and their display

to every volunteer who have “walked on

what a pandemic can do…we received

of faith through service. These children

water” in the virtual world to bring forth”

more family time than we could have ever

make working with them worth it. From

God’s Message through our young people

imagined. We discovered that working

our Wiggling Worshippers to our College

– Thank you! n

from home was a full-time job. We learned

Students, their discipline and fervency with

that routines and consistency were helpful

participation is not only a God-thing. It is a

May God Bless each and everyone of

practice; while learning how to modify and

parent thing and a community that fosters

you through this “not ordinary, but ex-

adjust were equally important.

their gifts and talents.

traordinary” season.

There is one group who remained constant inspirations amid adjustments –

It is my prayer that “our babies” can have some downtime over the holidays.

To Pastor Parker for granting space

—Min. Felisha R. Chism Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries

Our College Students are exceptional. Some were sent home for the semester to study from home. Others had the ability to have a modified campus experience. The next few writing submissions are their testimonials of hope and perseverance.

COVID-19

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erseverance is the ability to be persistent in something despite any difficulty you may encounter. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak I had to do just that, persevere. This year I had to adapt to online schooling at my HBCU, Tennessee State University, get accustomed to quarantining at home for multiple days to weeks, and lastly having to be away from all my family and friends. Although 2020 was a long, traumatic year no one saw coming, I stayed safe and preserved through any obstacles I had to overcome.

COVID-19 is a deadly, severe, and airborne virus that quickly took over the world in early March when the news announced the world would be on a quarantine lockdown due to an outbreak. I was confused because I did not exactly know what COVID-19 consisted of or how severe this virus truly was for the rest of the world. Sadly, no one else was truly prepared for what was about to come. I witnessed persons stash canned items for more food, cleaning items such as hand sanitizer or Lysol wipes, stay 6 feet apart from anyone, and wear a mask anywhere they chose to go – even if it was around any family members or friends.

This virus negatively affected so many people all throughout the world - costing people their jobs, modifying educational pursuits, and causing sickness and/or death. COVID-19 completely changed the way the world operated – as mask

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wearing is now a daily practice.

I have always been an encourager who loves to help others.

I often encouraged my peers to find some type of solution or safe alternative to be able to complete any task they may have wanted to do. When it comes to protecting you and your family’s health, working from home or staying indoors are helpful practices. Connecting with family members via Zoom provides another helpful way to connect while staying safe.

For students, particularly college student, who attend school online, I encourage you to relax and not become stressed.

Let us continue to make the best of our schooling by participating in the zoom calls as much as possible with classmates and friends – so that we feel as if we are truly are connected. Do not forget social media forums, such as Instagram Live, so you can still feel connected to your school or university.

Overall, I persevered through COVID-19 outbreak by staying focused in school, not going out with friends, wearing a mask while constantly using hand sanitizer in public, and by seeing family members through zoom calls while I quarantined. Based on the world’s experiences this year with this virus outbreak, my encouraging message would be, “Continue to stay safe.” If you do visit family members, make sure everyone takes a test first before you all see each other, try to be happy and remain grateful. This time will not last forever. Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year. n —Submitted by Zahria Austin

Message for 2021

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ith all the things I have been through during the year 2020, I have had a lot of time to work on myself and really learn the importance of knowing what is going on in the world. Communicating more with those closest to me has also been vital. Throughout this year, I was tested emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It felt like I was carrying the weight of everything going on in the world on my back. With everything constantly changing in the world, I had to make a lot of adjustments, and really change how I was living. I grew up a lot this year and learned the importance of acceptance and reflection.

In a message to myself for the upcoming new year, I would tell myself to continue to keep things going at my own pace, and not rush or question the process. Take the time to relax and find alternative ways to work on myself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I wanted to really allow myself to recognize the importance of having a strong spiritual faith, and how that can help is able to help with dealing with your emotions, and staying strong, “Those who hope in the lord will renew their strength.” If I could send a message to myself, I would tell myself to try and find different ways of remaining focused on my faith.

I recognize that this has helped me.

I want to continuously be able to also help bring hope back into our communities through multiple acts of service – throughout different communities and my own. Being able to serve my community through different acts of service, allows me to really see the things that I am able to do for people genuinely. By doing so, I am able to encourage people around me to do the same – in hopes others will see that serving does make a difference. It does not take much. Serving others is a wonderful feeling - just knowing that you are trying to make a difference. I think that this is most important regarding students in my community and generation. We can really make a major difference if we allow ourselves to come together through hope. n —Submitted by Jakiya C Mason

Hope from Challenge

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he past year has been one that has reminded all of us of the importance of flexibility and adaptability in every environment that we choose to participate in. Although this year has brought us much struggle, pain, and illness, it has also brought clarity and connectivity beyond measure. Just as there were probably an endless list of things about this year that were unexpected and caused you to alter your path, there were just as many things to be abundantly appreciative for/of as well. I challenge you all to take the lessons learned from 2020 and go into 2021 with nothing but an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the clarity gained from this period in time. I encourage you to not just notice change, but get excited about it – reflect and realign.

When situations arise and it feels like it has gotten out of

your control, reflect on the entirety of the situation, and realign yourself with what will best serve you and your love in that situation. The year, 2021, is going to be a year of creative expansion, agile and lasting prosperity, and love in abundance. From this day on, claim happiness and success, not disappointment and sorrow. Reflect on the lessons of 2020 and prepare to be realigned with and propelled into your passions and purpose in 2021. We must continue to place more value on our greater because it is, has, and will always be present, no matter the circumstances. n —Submitted by Julian Mason

COVID Experience

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y name is DeAndre Wideman. In the month of February and October, I caught Covid and was forced to self-quarantine not once, but twice. During those times, it was very strange. Locked up in your room with nowhere to go. You can only do so much before you start to get tired of doing the same thing over and over again. Throughout those long and slow weeks, I struggled to think positively. It was even hard to focus on anything. You would think being in an isolated room away from the outside world would help that. As the days went by, the feeling of being trapped felt overwhelming. Despite all the negatives throughout my experience, I begin to look at it as a positive.

This year has been full of surprises. Some days are bad, and some days are good. During those isolated days, I decided to learn new things and gain new interests. Sometimes, I would reflect on the year and make note of things I can do differently to help improve myself and be an example to those around me.

The more I started to write down my thoughts and learn new things, the more it helped to clear my mind. With a clear mind, I felt better. Days went by faster. Eventually, I was cleared to come out of quarantine. I say all this to say that despite all that 2020 has shown us, we must value both our negative and positive and experience. We must keep pushing. As we continue to learn and adapt to living in a pandemic, always remember that no matter what happens that God has a plan for everybody. Everything is a lesson learned and once you pass it, you come out stronger than before. Despite everything that has happened COVID has brought me towards another path that I am excited about. If I did not have these days to myself to reflect and learn new things, I would not be in the same position I am now. I am grateful for coming out this experience stronger with a sharper mind. n —Submitted by DeAndre Wideman

STAY VIGILANT

As we begin the New Year, in a new month and we look into the rearview mirrors of time, we can clearly see the previous year filled with challenges. Our very existence and humanity were tested beyond its limitations. We were ushered into an election year that had great doubt about the integrity of our government. Then the worst health crisis of our generation arose, the Corona Virus Pandemic.

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s the virus began to spread, the fear and uncertainty started taking hold of the spirit of our country.

Much of this fear and uncertainty was largely due to the lack of leadership shown by the previous government.

They had no plan, no clear strategy, and coupled with misinformation caused confusion that placed our lives in danger. Because of the inability to lead, the infection and death rate spiraled out of control.

As the year progressed, we took steps to control the spread of the virus by wearing masks, sanitizing our hands, and social distancing. High-risk environments for transmission of the virus and businesses were shutdown.

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, peo-

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ple began to travel and gather. During that time, people failed to stay vigilant and adhere to the CDC guidelines and we saw an increase in infections and deaths. This increase dubbed “The Surge” pushed us to over 3,400 Covid-19 deaths per day.

As Christmas and New Year Holiday seasons passed, the CDC and World Health Organization warned us of another SURGE on top of the existing SURGE. Despite this overwhelming situation, we maintained our hope by electing a new administration that had plans to combat the spread of the virus and reduce the morbidity rate. Finally, several vaccines have been developed and approved for use.

Yes, there is a light at the end of the

tunnel. Yes, we can now begin to exhale somewhat. Yes, we have reasons to celebrate!

Unfortunately, the end is not here. Last December the Director of the CDC indicated that we were still heading into the “most difficult time”, in public health history for the month of December, January and February.

The CDC is expecting 3,000 deaths per day. This is why we have to have to “STAY VIGILANT”. The scripture says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The light is at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel has not ended. It is therefore important that we stay vigilant, know that our COVID-19 adversary is still present and strong. If we continue to be vigilant and follow the CDC guidelines, especially wearing our masks and social distancing, we will help stop the spread and prevent further deaths of our family members and friends. n —Min. Michael Martin Health Ministry

New Year – New Normal…

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e have just entered a brand-new year with new circumstances, new challenges, new situations and yes, a new normal. We bid adieu to 2020 and welcome 2021! We continue to live with the adjustments we’ve had to make because of the pandemic that grips our world and we continue to hope that things will get better soon.

Just as we have had to incorporate new processes and habits into our daily routines because of COVID-19 restrictions, let’s also consider setting some new goals or incorporating even small new habits that can help us live more sustainably and have a positive impact on the environment. Here are a few things to consider (If you have not already), as we walk into the New Year: DITCH PLASTIC BAGS- Plastic bags are the second most prevalent form of litter found in landfills and a huge part of the trash that finds its way into our oceans. Some scientists predict that by 2050 there will be more plastic by weight in the ocean than fish! Make a point of keeping a tote bag or reusable grocery bags in your vehicle, backpack or purse. Look for other ways to eliminate single-use plastics in your day-to-day life by utilizing reusable cutlery instead of plastic spoons and forks and stainless-steel straws as opposed to the plastic ones.

NO MEAT MONDAYS- Studies have shown that Plant-based eating is one of the best things we can do for the environment as it can fight climate change. It has a lot to do with livestock farming largely contributing to the global gas emissions and effective land use. Cutting back on or cutting out meat and dairy consumption can have a positive impact on air and soil quality as well as our overall health.

GROW YOUR OWN- A low maintenance (re)solution – why not commit to growing some plants? There’s no need to become a farmer unless that’s what you want to do but you can start small like a herb garden on your window sill for cooking or helping out at a local community garden or even look into a hydroponic garden. Either way, plants literally intake carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. That’s a good thing!

HOME COOKING- This new year try to cook more at home and order less takeout. This will help to reduce the amount of fuel emissions typically used to either deliver or pick-up food.

Cooking at home also reduces the

amount of plastic and Styrofoam containers used in packaging prepared foods. Home cooking also allows you to be more conscious of the ingredients that were used in the preparation.

REUSABLES- Consider reusable water containers to cut down on recycling plastic bottles. Use instead hard plastic bottles as well as stainless steel thermos or canteens that can be washed and used over and over. You can pick the brand, style and color that’s right for you. Also try reusable

glass dispensers to replace your plastic hand soap containers.

ECO-FRIENDLY- There are a variety of eco-friendly alternatives to many of our household products that reduce waste, are organic, natural, hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Look for options for just about everything we use on a regular basis like laundry detergent, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sneakers, batteries, ballpoint pens, teabags and coffee filters, light bulbs and even beauty products.

Climate change is real and our individual efforts to combat it, while not on an industrial scale, are still important and can be impactful. Adopting

these or other small changes gradually or head on, and making them a part of our new normal, can make a world of difference. While thanking God for letting us see another year, let’s ask God to help us heal what we have wounded and restore what we have damaged! Amen. n —Sis. Sandra Baylis Planet Preservers Reference: bustle.com/life (Dec 2019); airnorthtexas.org (Jan 2020); vetmed.illinois. edu (Dec 2020); bbc.com/news/scienceenvironment (Aug 2019); independent.co.uk/ environment (Jan 2018)

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Happy New Year Singles of Zion Hill Baptist Church Thank you, Lord Jesus we are in the New Year of 2021. Hallelujah!

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t is such a wonderful season to believe that better times are ahead. I am humbled to continue to serve Zion Hill Baptist Church as the “Singles Ministry” leader in 2021. First on my agenda is to meet with Pastor Parker to share and learn of his desires in our efforts to provide enjoyable activities conducive in this pandemic season for our singles and visitors. Though the new normal in our social lives have yet to be defined, things are a bit more hopeful and especially for those looking forward to receiving the vaccine sometime within the year.

As the ministry leader of the “Singles Ministry”, I have an unrelenting passion to provide fellowship opportunities for Single/Unmarried Christians who are seeking lifelong

companionship, friendships, or just sharing fun and fellowship outings with other believers and/or that special someone. As a single person and in this ministry, it has been difficult for me knowing there are so many of you who have and are facing these challenging times alone.

Also, on behalf of the “Singles Ministry” we continue to serve Carrie Steele-Pitts Orphanage as our

Outreach ministry and have done so since 2017.

Though it may still take a few months in this new year to determine a safe time for in person contact, I will be ecstatic to inform you of the first Singles Ministry activity when decided and approved by Pastor.

If you would like to be included in receiving Singles Ministry notifications/information, please provide your contact information as listed below. I also welcome any activity suggestions, and welcome anyone who would like to become part of our Singles Ministry planning team.

I look forward to the day when we can safely see and hug one another in this new year of 2021. n May God Bless and Keep you and Yours, —Glenda Robinson ZHBC Singles Ministry Leader Romans 8:28

JOY for Life Seniors Ministry Sewing Class Continues Humanitarian Efforts

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he spirit of sewing for others started in our JOY for Life Sewing Class in 2018 and continues in the midst of the worst Pandemic in our lifetimes.

Mother Ruth Cooper, one of our sewing class instructors, has spent her time and resources making clothing for those in need. Instead of sitting around and feeling isolated, Mother Cooper turned to her sewing machine and began

clothing for girls in homeless shelters and otherwise in need. She makes girl sizes 5-14 and 10-12.

One thing Mother Cooper has taught us is that we can use resources and materials we already have that are lying around. These materials can be made into something beautiful and useful. She began to make clothing out of fabrics that she had collected over time.

This is a lesson for all of us – to think about ways that we can use our talents to serve others in our community. making clothes using the gifts God has given her. Mother Cooper is very creative and energetic. She is one of those talented people who gives new meaning to the phrase “making something out of nothing.” In fact, she made 80 of the 200 dresses for the girls in Zion Hill’s Liberia project in 2018. She wants to provide clothing for the girls in Liberia, but also to expand further to provide

Other mothers of the church donated fabrics and draperies that were not being used. Mother Cooper is not only making dresses, but she also makes pants, tops, shawls and skirts.

The outfits are cut, sewn and then adorned with beautiful pockets and trimming such as unique buttons, lace, ribbons, and ric rac in matching colors.

The creative designs make the items

pretty and eye- catching. Any young girl would be delighted to wear her creations.

It is heartwarming to see how committed Mother Cooper is to making a difference in the lives of these young people. This is a lesson for all of us – to think about ways that we can use our talents to serve others in our community. We need to think outside the box.

Some of our Zion Hill ministries serve shelters and programs that work with children. Theses ministries can work with Mother Cooper to connect and provide clothing where needed.

You can call the church office at 404691-8025 to express your interest.

We are so proud of our JOY for Life participants. Our Knitting Class made caps for babies in Grady’s Neonatal Unit earlier this year. Certainly, our Sewing Class has found yet another way to demonstrate our church motto of “Living to Love and Loving to Serve.” n —Deacon Pat "Callie" Smith ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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COMING SOON! Zion Hill, we are transitioning our church-wide database to ACS Technologies’ newest communication tool, Realm!

What is Realm?

Realm is an online ministry tool designed for real time connection. As a part of our vibrant and active Zion Hill church family, you’ll love it. Realm allows you to manage your personal information and who is allowed to see it, manage your giving online, and keep in touch with members and your ministries. Everyone can be connected from anywhere at any time, right from your mobile devices.

As we continue Living to Love and Loving to Serve virtually, check out what you will be able to do with Realm: n Update your personal information n Look up members in our member directory n Communicate with your ministry n Follow church announcements n View giving history and print giving statements n Keep track of tithes, commitments and offerings n Register for events Account activation coming soon. Watch Zion Hill church announcements to sign up!

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 streamimg live on Facebook, YouTube, and at http://zionhillbaptistchurch.yourstreamlive.com/

Series Title:

“Seasonal Change”

The LIU is a publication of

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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Available after streaming as recordings.