The LIU – May 2023

May 2023

A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church

THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)

Grateful and Looking Forward

W

e thank God for a wonderful, eventful and Spirit-filled month of April that included all of our Resurrection weekend services and activities, Earth Day Recognition, Meet Your Deacon occasion, and the Global Praise celebration. Also,

on the first Sunday, the L. H. Williams Educational Fund and other scholarship application processes began (these processes end Monday, June 26, 2023). To all who made contributions – great or small – to these meaningful efforts, we extend our

deepest gratitude and pray God’s continued and even greater blessings upon you.

As we look forward to upcoming events, we urge you to mark your calendars: Mothers’ Day, May 14; Vacation (continued on page 3)

REAP ROLL CALL New Members | April 2023

JaLiyah Brown JaNiyah Brown Bro. Ernest Coakley Sis. Mary Coakley Sis. JaLisa Denson Bro. Martin Denson Brian Edwards Ja'Salen Mackey Jeremiah Mackey Jizelle Mackey Bro. Alvin Ransom Sis. Shirley Ransom Sis. Brenda Faye Smith Sis. Rosalind Tandy Sis. Cecelia Toleafoa

CHURCH FAMILY Acknowledgments | April 2023 Herbert and Geraldine and The Chennault Family

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Grateful and Looking Forward (continued from page 1) Bible School, June 5-9; Church-Wide Fun Day, June 10; Fathers’ Day/Men in Christ Sunday, June 18; Juneteenth Holiday, June 19; Baptism, June 25, and so much more. Please, make plans to share in these occasions as they have been planned to enhance our walk with God and with one another.

Finally, I want to urge us all to become more intentional and fervent in our prayer life. With all of the turmoil and chaos we currently experience on personal, communal, national and global levels, we need to shore up our relationship with the God of hope and new possibilities that we might become better instruments for positive change. Prayer provides that spiritual grounding required to confront the tremendous volume of challenges we face in this turbulent world. It fortifies our connection with the ultimate Power Source that enables us to see more clearly what needs to be done and then supplies the means and courage to do it.

Our Church Family’s future indeed looks bright because we trust God for it. Let us, therefore, surge into it with a renewed sense of purpose as we are daily energized by the Holy Spirit. n —Pastor Parker

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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The ZHBC Palm Sunday presentation of

"The play artfully told the Palm Sunday and Resurrection story of a women experiencing dementia. The play concurrently and brilliantly acted out two stories on the same stage. The first story is set in the present day, and shows a sister who is serving as the caregiver of her older sibling suffering from early dementia. The sister who is suffering from dementia is asking questions about Jesus and the meaning of Palm Sunday and Easter. The play showcases the ministry of Jesus and his disciples during Holy Week, to include Palm Sunday and Easter, to reacquaint the sister experiencing memory loss from dementia with these events."

– Dr. Catherine Rowell

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‘Journeying with Jesus’

“I can sum up my humble review of the Palm Sunday presentation in one word, “Awesome!” God bless all those who worked so hard to bring the story to life.”

– Deacon Thomas Williams

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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GOOD FRIDAY —

“The 4 Evangelists and the Cross”

The 4 Evangelists and The Cross: Good Friday Worship Service, Friday, April 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET. A scriptural, prayer-filled and musical remembrance of the Crucifixion led by Zion Hill Ministers and Music Ministry: Reverend John Jackson, Mark 15:15-37, KJV with Saxophonist Dennis Springer; Elder Trimina O’Connor, Matthew 27:27-50, NRSV with “Just Friends” String Quartet; Minister Daniel Campbell, Luke 23:26-46, NIV with an Organ Instrumental by Brother Fred Bryan; and Reverend Dr. Joyce Brown, John 19:1630, CEB with Zion Hill Praise Ringers. Were you there?

Youth and Children’s Ministry’s Electrifying Easter WeekendFinancial Surge!

T

he Youth & Children’s Ministry has been busy. Easter Weekend, which was a huge success, kicked off with a highly energized indoor Easter Egg Hunt event. The downpour of rain did not stop the electrifying activities held inside the Love Center. The youth enjoyed games, sweet treats and tasty food prepared by Chef Jacques Ficklin and the Culinary Ministry. They also were entertained by a balloon artist, an extravaganza spearheaded by Sis. Kristiana Cox and Sis. Kia Harris!

On Easter Sunday morning, our Youth told us the Resurrection story in their own way. Reverend Cox opened the Youth and Children’s Ministry Easter Presentation with the hymn “He Arose”, reminding us of the nostalgia of Easter and Easter speeches. We were welcomed in a unique way. The Youth and Children spoke on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, the meaning of Easter, Easter lilies and the importance of the Resurrection. The teens gave us two skits that focused on Jesus keeping His promise that He will rise again. Then, the Kiroho Ministry ended the service with a spirit-filled dance to Kirk Franklin’s “Don’t Cry”.

Reverend Cox would like to thank the youth and children for finding the courage to stand before God’s people and tell the Easter story. He also would like to thank all the volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes. And, a very special appreciation to the parents for allowing their children to participate in the Easter presentation.

–Submitted by The Youth and Children's Ministry

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Culinary Ministry Surging Forward with Food Safety Training

Z

ion Hill Culinary Ministry Team members participated in an all-day ServSafe Training course in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, April 29, 2023. This eight-hour training course, a recertification for the participating Zion Hill team members, was a deep dive into Food Handling and Safety measures. With numerous changes to the food industry since the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in the class was an ideal opportunity for our Culinary ministry members to gain the latest food service directives, essential in keeping those preparing the food as well as those partaking of the prepared food at Zion Hill safe.

The free training class, fully-funded by the church, was led by Dina Scott, an external facilitator and long-time ServSafe trainer for Zion Hill. The training was also preparation for an 80-ques-

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tion certification exam that immediately followed the class. With a passing score of 70% or better, the ServSafe certification is good for five years and is recognized by federal, state and local jurisdictions. Whenever Zion Hill Culinary Ministry Team certified members serve and or prepare food for Zion Hill food events, they are qualified to ensure the food service is managed safely and properly. A certified team member is present during all of Zion Hill food events.

Sixteen Culinary team members participated in the ServSafe training. Earlier this year, nearly 40 Culinary Ministry Team members participated in a Food Handling class, which does not require a certification but provided valuable food safety information. n –Submitted by Chef Jacques Ficklin, Culinary Ministry Coordinator

What is so bad about single-use plastics?

S

ingle-use plastics are made primarily from fossil fuels. It takes a great deal of effort and energy to extract these materials from the earth, process them, and manufacture them into packaging and other single-use items. The most common of these items are plastic water bottles, plastic coffee cups and lids, plastic plates, cups and cutlery, party balloons, cigarettes, plastic straws and drink stirrers, medical or cleaning gloves, earbuds and most packaging for food and other goods.

There are many reasons why single-use plastics are bad, and why we should avoid them. Most single-use plastic items are not designed to be recycled. n

any single-use plastics don’t have M a polymer identification code. This means that if the item gets to a recycling plant, there is no way to identify the plastic type. That is why many of these items are not accepted in your

curbside recycling. If an incompatible plastic gets into a particular recycling machine, it can clog it up. any single-use items are made from M multi-layer materials. In most cases, this makes it extremely difficult to recycle as there is no equipment available to separate the materials.

If single-use plastics are left the environment, they will not break down, but they will break up. Over time, heat and light from the sun will break down the plastic into tiny pieces called microplastics.

Many single-use plastics are lightweight and the wind is likely to blow these items into rivers and oceans. n Toxic chemicals used to make these plastics can end up leaching into the environment or tissues of animals when they break down. n

Plastic is a versatile material and sometimes has a valuable role to play in

society. Some single-use items can be important in certain circumstances, for example, straws for people with disabilities or single-use personal protective equipment like surgical gloves or masks. It is important to acknowledge that some single-use plastic items play an important role and are not just for convenience but you should always be a conscious consumer nonetheless. Be curious about your world.

Stop and think about what you are doing.

Ask yourself questions like “how long am I going to use this item for vs. how long will it stay in landfill or the environment?” or “do I really need this item?”

Your answer should lead you to conclude that you need to “Pitch the Plastic!”n –Submitted by Planet Preservers Ministry

(This article in large part was excerpted from www. everydayrecycler.com) ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Journeying with Jesus (continued)

“The play was a great experience... it was informative, insightful and inspirational…” – Brother Rodney Adam

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Youth and Children’s Ministry (continued)

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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Sickle Cell Patients Need Our Blood

A

pproximately 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with sickle cell disease, and most of these people are African American or of African descent. The disease affects 1 out of every 365 African American babies born in the United States.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped (like a sickle) instead of soft and round. As a result, it is difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry enough oxygen to the rest of the body, which may result in severe pain, organ and tissue damage, or even strokes.

Blood transfusions help provide a lifesaving treatment during a sickle cell pain crisis by replacing sickled red blood cells with healthy red blood cells. This helps deliver oxygen to tissues and organs and unblock blood vessels. Patients may rely on regular blood transfusions throughout their lives, and some may need as many as 100 units of blood per year! Donated blood is the only source of this treatment.

More Black donors are needed to ensure that blood is available when needed, especially for patients with sickle cell disease. Blood donors who are Black have the unique ability to help patients with sickle cell disease. A person with sickle cell disease may need a precise pairing with a blood donor, especially if frequent trans-

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fusions are necessary. If a patient receives a transfusion of a blood type that is not a close match, they may form antibodies against the mismatched antigens. To help avoid transfusion-related complications, a patient is more likely to find the most compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or similar ethnicity.

According to the American Red Cross, while African Americans comprise nearly 13 percent of the U.S. population, they represent less than 3 percent of Red Cross blood donors self-identified as African American. And this number has decreased since the pandemic.

In 2021, the American Red Cross launched an initiative to reach more Black blood donors to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes.

Already such prominent organizations including The Links, NAACP, and 100 Black Men, have partnered with the Red Cross.

However, more help is needed. This entails increasing the number of Black individuals who donate and the number of Black organizations hosting a blood drive. When deciding whether to donate consider the following: n

the supplies are used only once and then discarded. n

I f under control, neither high blood pressure nor diabetes prevents you from donating blood. The Red Cross will check your blood pressure to make sure it is at a safe level for you to donate.

n

You do not need to know your blood type to give blood. The Red Cross tests and types all blood donations to ensure the most compatible match for patients.

n

Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ faq.html to learn more about the blood donation process.

So how can you help? Blood drives are held daily at multiple locations throughout the Atlanta area. Visit Redcross.org, click on Give Blood, and enter your zip code to find out the dates and locations of blood drives in your area.

Let’s individually and collectively promote healthy outcomes for Blacks with sickle cell disease. n —Submitted by Dr. Pearl Smith on behalf of the Zion Hill Heal Ministry

You cannot catch infectious diseases from donating. The needle is sterile and

REFERENCES: www.redcross.org.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS JOY for Life Ministry: You are invited to attend The Elder Care/ Law Seminar on May 16th at 11:00am in the Fellowship Hall. The seminar will be facilitated by Jill Hollander with the Office of the Fulton County District Attorney – Atlanta Judicial Circuit. The session will be very informative with discussion on Elder Abuse and the Law, When to Report Abuse, Who is at Risk of Abuse, Financials and more. Registration is not required and everyone is invited.

Pastor In Travel: Our Zion Hill Church family will be worshipping with Reverend Timothy McDonald, III and First Iconium Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 17th at 7:00pm for Reverend McDonald’s 39th Pastoral Anniversary celebration.

Pastor Parker is the guest speaker for the occasion. We will not gather at Zion Hill for Bible for Life that evening. Please join us in-person at First Iconium at 542 Moreland Avenue, SE, Atlanta or virtually using either of Zion Hill’s streaming platforms: Boxcast: https://boxcast.tv/channel/ glwvkeoykzdo7l8oqmae Facebook: @zhbcatl, https://www.facebook.com/zhbcatl/ YouTube: ZHBCATL zionhill https://www. youtube.com/zhbcatlzionhill Youth Worship and Children’s Chapel: Youth Worship and Children’s Chapel services will be held Sunday, May 21st at 9:30am in the Love Center. Youth and Children please go to the Fellowship Hall to check in.

S.O.L.L.A.S Classes: S.O.L.L.A.S., the School of Love, Learning And Service will be in session for Adults in person and virtual and in-person only for Youth/Children on Saturday, May 20th / 10:00am in the Love Center. Breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 9am – 9:45am.

S.O.L.L.A.S. Tuesday Bible Study: Join the virtual Tuesday evening School of Love, Learning and Service Bible Study weekly at 6:30pm. Zoom Link: https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/98601760315?pwd=a3dsY2tuNXhCWmZsb05BS0Y4MStYQT09 S.O.L.L.A.S. Blast Noon Day Bible Study: Join us for Virtual / In Person S.O.L.L.A.S. Traditional Bible Class Noon Day Bible Study, Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon in the Executive Conference Room 109. Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/85685031963?pwd=b2VxNXdPVE96N2hMbkVGbTFRZW9JUT09

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS Zion Hill Member 2023 Graduate Recognition Earned a High School Diploma, College or Graduate Degree? Zion Hill wants to celebrate you! Please contact the church office for the graduation form. The completed form with a headshot photo (minimum 1mb jpeg file) should be returned to zhbc@ zionhill.org no later than Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

FANI T. WILLIS DISTRICT ATTORNEY

ELDER ABUSE THE FULTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

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

AWARENESS WORKSHOP

Bible For Life: Join Pastor Parker in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for our weekly “Power Surge” bible study in-person and virtual. Experience Zion Hill at either of the following links:

Zion Hill Baptist Church

Boxcast: https://boxcast.tv/channel/ glwvkeoykzdo7l8oqmae

6175 Campbellton Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331

Tuesday May 16, 2023 11AM

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

Join us as we discuss the signs of elder abuse and how to respond to it.

ZION HILL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Interested candidates may contact zhbc@zionhill.org for the full job description and/or send a current resume to employment@zionhill.org. No phone calls, please.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER (Full-time): The Executive Assistant/Office Manager will support the ministry goals of ZHBC through efficient operations of the church office and administrative support of the Pastor, Administration Minister and Church Leadership. S/he will manage the office staff and contractors responsible for Office support. The ideal candidate is organized, patient, flexible, resourceful, tech savvy, has good written and oral communication skills and a strong commitment to excellence.

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CUSTODIAN II (PART-TIME): A Custodian II or Caretaker, will support the ministry goals of Zion Hill Baptist Church by maintaining the cleanliness of the building and the surrounding grounds. This Facility staff member duties include cleaning areas as needed, vacuuming floors, washing windows, sanitizing restroom facilities, assisting with event setup and collecting trash to ensure the building occupants have a clean space.

MAY CHURCH CALENDAR 2

Tuesday

COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, Fulton County Board of Health – Rooms 35 and 40

3

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Class, in-person and virtual

10:00 am—3:00 pm 12:00 pm

3

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

7

Sunday

Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

7

Sunday

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

9:30 am

7

Sunday

New Disciples Orientation Session, in-person and virtual

11:30 am

9

Tuesday

Conversation with the Pastor, virtual

7:00 pm

10

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Class, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

10

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

14

Sunday

Mother’s Day

14

Sunday

Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

14

Sunday

Youth Worship Service, in-person

9:30 am

14

Sunday

Children’s Chapel, in-person

16

Tuesday

COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, Fulton County Board of Health – Rooms 35 and 40

17

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Class, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

17

Wednesday

Pastor in Travel: First Iconium Baptist Church, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

20

Saturday

School of Love Learning and Service (SOLLAS) Blast, youth and children included

10:00 am

21

Sunday

Worship Service, in-person and virtual

9:30 am

21

Sunday

Youth Worship Service, in-person

9:30 am

21

Sunday

Children’s Chapel, in-person

9:30 am

24

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Class, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

24

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

27

Saturday

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

12:00 noon

28

Sunday

Youth and Children’s Sunday, in person and virtual

9:30 am

29

Monday

Memorial Day Holiday, Campus Closed

30

Tuesday

COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, Fulton County Board of Health – Rooms 35 and 40

31

Wednesday

Noon Day Bible Class, in-person and virtual

12:00 pm

31

Wednesday

Bible for Life, in-person and virtual

7:00 pm

9:30 am 10:00 am—3:00 pm

10:00 am—3:00 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 Wednesday’s at 7:00 pm for our

“Power Surge”

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.