July 01, 2008

This past Sunday was an absolutely awesome time of worship as we witnessed the "HAROLD GLEN EPPERSON DETACHMENT 113 HONOR GUARD" Winchester, KY. present the colors and then as our own Paul Blackwell led us in the Pledge of allegiance to our flag. At the close of the service this same Honor Guard retrieved those same colors. Beginning to end...a wonderful day.

Dr. Cecil Todd presented a stirring message which moved many to tears and astonishment. 50 people came forward to say they were not what they could be for Christ and wanted to move into a closer relationship with him. Of these, eight professed Christ as their savior for the first time and we believe we may have three or four which will be baptized this coming Sunday.

Our Mayor, Ed Burtner, also gave a wonderful speech and prayer for our community which was much appreciated, accepted and agreed with. If you see him in public, please thank him for his stand for Christ and service toward this city.

Our good friend, Senator R.J. Palmer prayed for our country and leaders with words that represented a man who has definitely been raised in Church. We should all rejoice that we have such a good man as a State Senator. Thank you Senator Palmer for your time and words.

Brigadier General Howard Hunt’s moving words gave us all pause to reflect on the conditions of our American soldiers in foreign countries and the encouragement they all need. We thank him and his wife April for their presence, words and for her patriotic songs which inspired us all. We hope we might join them both in future endeavors.

Mt. Zion’s praise team was wonderful as usual and we wish to thank Scobee Funeral Home for the use of their chairs, Fasflo Corporation for the pick-up, placement and return of tables and chairs, David Congleton and David Chism for the set up and attending to of the sound system, Steve Haskins and friends for the use of the tent and it’s set up. We also wish to thank Karen Haskins for all of the Yellow Ribbons which adorned almost every tree at College Park. We thank the Parks and recreation Department for their help in making this a success.

J.D. Miller...what can we say that his life does not already exemplify. He was awesome as usual! Not only does he always play the piano and lead our praise team as the pro he is, he also arranged for a gift of "KY. Colonel" to be bestowed upon Dr. Todd which is KY’s highest public honor. Senator Palmer called to intercede for a quick response to this as well.

This past Monday, J.D. Miller and a portion of the Americana Music Group traveled to Cincinnati for a pre "North American Convention" concert with the "Good Twins," a duet of a set of twins whose last name is "Good." Our friend, Harold Moore, was there and was asked to join the team for a song which was great. J.D. brought a pianist friend on stage and the two played together on the same piano while his friend then turned around and played a very difficult piece...backwards. No, I do not mean he started with the ending of the song and then played on towards the beginning. This pianist turned his back toward the piano, placed his hands on the keys while looking the opposite way and played beautifully.

I do not believe we fully understand the wide scope of J.D. Millers friends and associates and yet he remains unbelievably humble. What a treat Mt. Zion is able to enjoy with such a man of God as J.D. and to put the icing on this cake...to have his wife Cheryl joining him with us at Mt. Zion as we all seek to enjoy and praise the presence of our redeemer, Jesus Christ.

NOW...We are looking for those who are interested in promoting the cause of Christ at Mt. Zion...Particularly, those who would work in teams with others, focusing on areas of need within and without the physical property of 3631 Combs Ferry Road, Winchester, KY. Last week we outlined several areas of need and this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. we will be looking at all of this closer and reporting on our successes and or failings and how we may all be more clearly connected to this Church which Christ died for and which we are in love with. If we do not love the church we certainly cannot be followers of Him who saves us. Yes the church is more than a building but it is a building as well. Come out and help us with this much needed work.

This Sunday we will enjoy the return of "The Salvage Yard Christian Church" as they lead us in worship. We are hoping some of our youth will be able to join them in camping out Friday and Saturday night on our new property beside the old Church. On Sunday Morning they will bring us songs, dance, worship and testimonies.

Sunday night we will host a concert by Bill Ballenger and his group "Crossover." Bill’s group was the host group last year at the drug awareness concert at GRC. They will be doing the same at the SOMMERSLAM sponsored by the 1st United Methodist Church of Winchester which will be at GRC once again. Plan to attend all of these great events.

SEE YA SUNDAY...MORNING AND NIGHT.

For the Cause of Christ and the Church He Desires,

Your Preaching Minister, Kenny