The LIU_April 2024

The initial April LIU, released on Sunday, April 14, 2024, contained photos on pages three and four that did not align with our cover story, titled “Pastor’s 30th Anniversary”. Those photos have since been removed. We apologize for this oversight.

We Are Blessed: Pastor's 30th Anniversary

ast year, the young people entered the sanctuary with a shout, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it. We've got good news. No doubt about it." They announced that Pastor Parker, at 29 years of service, was the longest-serving Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church. When asked if he realized he was Zion Hill's longest-serving Pastor, he responded, "No, but who's counting?" We are, Pastor. We are counting our bless-

ings one by one. We see and appreciate what God has done to bring you and your family to us.

Last month, we celebrated our blessing of being a solid body of believers led by a spiritual leader who models his faith through his focus on Christ and embodies the spirit of love. His foundation is based on living according to the two greatest commandments: to love God with all your

heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. He shows this love toward members of Zion Hill by communicating with them, facilitating their spiritual growth, expanding ministries, developing programs to provide opportunities for them to get involved, and providing counseling and assistance to members in need.

We are blessed with a servant leader

(continued on page 3)

(pronounced LEE-UU)

REAP ROLL CALL

Wyetta Bellenger

Portia Bright

Audra Davis

Sirrod Dixon

Jamie Gray

Adrian Haugabrook

Angela Haugabrook

Cynthia James

Aria Mack

Armond Mack

Ashyla Mack

Sophia Mack

Caison Ramsey

Debra Doll Rush

Dennis Rush

vana Van Cooten

Mackenzie Wilbert

Arnis Wormley

Diedra Wright

A Word of Gratitude

We take this opportunity to express a deep level of gratitude for the expressions of kindness and congratulations during the observance of our thirty years of service here among the Zion Hill Family. Your support, not only on that particular day of celebration but also over the years, has offered encouragement as we have sought to do God’s will among you. We bless our God for those who provided leadership, the hardy fellowship with the Church Family, the outstanding décor arranged by our Beautification Ministry, and the delectable food prepared by our Culinary Ministry.

For every card, gift, hug, handshake, smile, and well-wish, we say thank you.

—Pastor and First Lady Parker Larry, Asha, and Laila

A

Day of Fasting and a Day of Celebration

As we prepare for our Outreach Day Celebration on April 21, 2024, we invite and encourage you to join us for a church-wide fast from 8 am to 8 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Also, on that same Wednesday at 7 pm, we will gather for prayer and study in the Sanctuary. During this fast, we want to seek God for a closer relationship with our Creator and a more consecrated commitment to helping others in need. On the day of celebration, we will have a special presentation centered on our theme: “A Mandate to Meet the Need,” as well as testimonies from brothers and sisters we have tried to assist. We look forward to having you share in these spirituallyenhancing and enlightening events. n

—Pastor Parker

We Are Blessed: Pastor's 30th Anniversary (continued

from page 1)

who has used his foundation of love to establish a Care to Love Outreach Ministry. This ministry focuses on the well-being of our community, providing service beyond the walls of the church and extending this love and service throughout the Atlanta community, the state, the country, and other parts of the world. He has transformed Zion Hill into a church that believes, breathes, and emanates love and service. It's not just a motto; we live to love and love to serve.

This outreach has resulted in the formation of more than 50 ministries, a nationally recognized Rites of Passage Program for youth ages 13-18, with more than 1000 graduates, donations of over $6.7 million for outreach, disaster relief, the Mission of Hope Meal program in Liberia, Zion Hill Community Development Corporation (non-profit), scholarships to students, and the Atlanta University Center. Zion Hill also allows community members to worship and enjoy its programs for seniors, open gym days for youth, and other services.

We are blessed with a visionary leader who could see all that Zion Hill could be

(continued on page 4)

Saturday, April 27, 2024

8:45 am— 12:15 pm

Registration is required (in-person session only)

Contact

We Are Blessed: Pastor's 30th Anniversary (continued

and put a plan into action for the church to realize its potential. With new ministries and programs, improved administrative operations, improved facilities, and later, a new church being built, the church experienced significant growth in membership to nearly 4800. His visionary leadership helped us to persevere through the country's economic crisis and through COVID-19, still providing services (virtual) and outreach to the community.

We are blessed with a transparent leader who is open and honest about his intentions, goals, and the church's finances. As a result, his Stewardship emphasis has created a trusting and more spiritual environment where members experience a more intense and intentional prayer life and a general striving to get closer to God while expanding the number of cheerful-giving tithers.

We are blessed with a teacher who preaches. In addition to his powerful and educational messages from the pulpit, he has expanded the church's Christian Education programs to include teaching Bible

from page 3)

for Life classes, providing the School of Learning to Love and Serve, traditional bible study classes, and noon-day bible study. He practices and teaches "Evangelism with Love" by spreading the good news of God with care, compassion, kindness, and a deep and abiding sense of concern for the other's needs. Members are telling their sacred stories and witnessing the goodness of God in their personal and communal lives. More members are stepping out on faith and practicing this revolutionary evangelism and prayer.

We are blessed to have a loving, innovative, and hard-working First Lady in Mrs. Shelia Parker. She supports her husband and Pastor in all his endeavors. She is supportive and responsive to the needs of members. She created a program called Sisters in Sync that promotes sisterhood among the women of Zion Hill and supports their spiritual growth and learning together in their Christian walk. As Coordinating Elder, she directs a twelve-week program that teaches some of life's essential, character-producing

lessons in the African and African American traditions. As Chairman of the Sesquicentennial celebration, she directed the production of a monumental celebration of the church's existence for 150 years.

Pastor Parker is blessed to have a loving and supportive family, including First Lady Shelia Smith Parker, Aaron Larry Parker, Jr. (Son), Asha Liana Parker (Daughter), and Laila Marie Parker Booth (Granddaughter). We are also blessed that they also show their love and support to church members and programs.

We are blessed that we are a family that is growing Christian.

Our minds and souls are fed with God's word. We study it together so that we may grow spiritually and spread God's word to others. Through praying together, we maintain our hope and strength, which has allowed us to persevere as a body of believers for over 151 years. We support our Pastor, his family, and each other as we work together for the good of each other, the church, and the community. We are living to love and loving to serve! n

– Dea. Marjorie Young

Zion Hill’s 2024 “Shake It Up” Turns to “Faith & Finance”

School of Love Learning and Service (SOLLAS) explores how faith intersects with finance.

Dozens of Zion Hill members and friends converged on the Love Center on March 9, 2024, to learn how their faith and finances intersect. Presenters hosted eleven workshops emphasizing financial and life planning that will lead to financial growth and financial legacies for future generations.

Following a hearty and delicious breakfast provided by the Zion Hill Culinary Team in the Love Center Fellowship Hall, participants attended their chosen workshops, many of which were filled to capacity.

The Community Action Business Ministry (CAB) hosts the event each year before the end of the first quarter. Dr. Wendy Labat, owner of Financial Cures LLC, served again this year as the event organizer for CAB.

Event workshops offered information and education in the following areas:

Financial Cures Prescriptions provided tools, resources, and strategies “to ease the pain of inflation, overcome anorexic income, obese debt, spending addiction, mindset/knowledge deficiencies and other financial ills.”

The IRS and You explored lifelong personal and business relationships with the IRS. Participants learned tax strategies for individual tax returns and more complex business strategies.

What You Need to Know about Medicare 2024 provided information about the services offered by the Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Participants learned how to obtain services for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

Put Your Retirement Plan to Work explained the issues surrounding retirement, Social Security, and In-Service Withdrawal to help participants understand how to prepare for retirement effectively.

Home Ownership and the Mortgage Process described the four Cs of eligibility: Credit, Capacity, Capital, and Collateral, and provided information on loan and downpayment assistance programs.

How’s the Real Estate Market provided two sessions for first-time homebuyers, with Session three focusing on sellers and investors. All three sessions were designed to help participants to make informed decisions regarding home sales and purchases.

Understanding and Using the Reverse Mortgage explained how the reverse mortgage process works to increase cash flow, improve retirement lifestyles, protect a spouse, and leave a financial legacy.

Start, Fund & Grow Your Business

Using Commercial Banking offered participants information on creating a business plan, registering a business, opening business accounts, and obtaining Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. n

–Sis. Felecia Church

Seeds of Love Seniors Garden (SOLS)

The March 7th day of dedication celebration began in the Zion Hill Love Center Fellowship Hall with a continental breakfast and a program, followed by a leisurely stroll to the building’s lower level and across the rear parking lot to the garden site. Dr. Parker led the group into the bright, mid-day sunshine as they laughed and chatted with excitement in anticipation of the two dedication ceremonies that would follow, and not to mention the excitement of seeing the garden for the first time! The air was electric with joy and excitement!

In a moment of reflection, just as fabric manufacturers weave various colors and textures into the making of exquisite dress-making materials, the Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Advisory Committee purposefully infused touches of our ancestry into the making of this day of dedication. The dining tables in the fellowship hall were spread with the colors Red, yellow, green, and black in honor of the past struggles of our ancestors. In like fashion, each of the 40 garden plots was named in honor of contemporary, as well as historical, local, state, and national African-American leaders in the history of this country. Preserving our history and sharing it with this generation and generations yet unborn is an endeavor to be taken seriously and diligently (Psalms 78:5-8; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14. On hand to witness the celebration were Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Rowell from the City of South Fulton, Council District #1, and Mr. Bill Murray of the University of Georgia Extension Program.

Dr. Rowell brought greetings from the Mayor and the City of South Fulton. She was moved by Zion Hill’s new legacy of growing fresh vegetables for our citizens and very complimentary of efforts to preserve our historical legacy by infusing African American history makers into the essence of today’s celebration.

Mr. Bill Murray, retired educator, and Master Gardener is a consultant to the Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Advisory Board who has provided hands-on expert advice and guidance on gardening since its inception under the directorship of the late Deacon Callie “Pat” Smith.

Part one of the dedication ceremonies was conducted by Sister Avis Seals and Deacon Willie Austin at the rock garden located to the right at the entrance to the SOLS garden in honor, posthumously, of the late Deacon Callie “Pat” Smith. Deacon Pat was the director of the JOY for Life Ministry (April 2nd, 2018-June 26, 2021) and was instrumental in creating the Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Advisory Board. Sister Avis Seals and Deacon Willie Austin reflected on what life was like to work and serve with Deacon Pat. Deacon Austin concluded the ceremony with the Prayer of Dedication. A lasting

tribute honoring Deacon Pat’s sweet, sweet spirit is two engraved park benches located in the rock garden.

Part two and the climax of the day of dedication was led by our Pastor, Dr. Aaron L. Parker, who delivered a charge to the gardeners to be good stewards of the soil and to care for the garden as if it were a return to Eden as recorded in Genesis, Chapter 2, “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed” (Genesis 2:8). The man was to care for the garden as it contained everything that he needed in order to live. Dr. Parker administered the prayer of dedication over the 20 raised beds, i.e., 40 plots, enclosed in the 50’ x 50’ garden. Dr. Parker’s words of thanksgiving, peace, and love rang out as the crowd listened intently with open ears and open hearts. After receiving the parting blessing, the joyful attendees received

keepsake souvenir packets of seeds, as well as other gardening tools to commemorate the occasion.

The Zion Hill Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Day of Dedication was the result of collaboration and cooperation, gifts and talents, sweat and muscle from a plethora of individuals and groups: Clinton Burns, Linton Burns, John Brown, Bill Murray, Margrett Prentiss, Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Advisory Board, JOY for Life Ministry, Nick Bartley, Starr Brady, and the Zion Hill Administrative Team. I extend much love and appreciation to all who generously gave their time and resources, resulting in a tapestry sewn together with love in anticipation of the

service and benefits it will bring to the community.

Just in case one may wonder how the Seeds of Love Seniors Garden was birthed, here’s the synoptic version. Zion Hill’s Vision 2020 marked the official beginning of the Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Ministry, but prior to this historic chapter in the life of the Church, in 2019, under the direction of the late Deacon Callie “Pat” Smith and chairmanship of Dr. Sarah K. Haynes, the Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Advisory Board conducted extensive research; enlisted the assistance of UGA Extension Center Master Gardeners; consulted with Zion Hill experienced gardeners; met with interested JOY for Life future gardeners;

and made plans to begin planting the first crops in the spring of 2020.

Then, without warning, Covid-19 crept in like a Chicago fog, blanketing society. Interacting with others face-to-face was put on hold indefinitely. Businesses had to close, as did schools and Churches. Words like “Zoom” and “virtual” became a part of everyday conversations as the new means for conducting meetings. The terms “virus” and “quarantine” produced a certain amount of fear at the mere utterance of the words. Needless to say, the SOLS Garden was also on hold. As we fast-forward to this present year, 2024, face-to-face meetings have resumed, and the “seeds” planted in the minds of potential gardeners back in 2020 have germinated, ready to point their tiny green leaves and stems towards God’s bright sunshine. Thus, they are beginning the process of photosynthesis, i.e., producing fresh vegetables at the hands of some very patient soil tillers—our senior gardeners! n

–Sis. Sarah Kirksey Haynes, Ed.D Chairperson Seeds of Love Seniors Garden Advisory Board

Ministry Invite Come Join Zion Hills JOY for Life “Callie’s Book Club”

Callie’s Book Club meets every six weeks on a Monday at 11:30 am.

The purpose of this group is to aid in keeping your brain sharp, challenging your understanding, helping you make new friends/associates, boosting your happiness and well-being, reducing stress, and increasing self-esteem.

From our members: Our book club is unique because it brings seniors together in a warm and friendly setting to discuss books that we select as a group. We rate each book and the author.

Our facilitator drives the questions and the discussions

Each person has an opportunity to share in the discussion; it’s good to hear various points of view about the books.

For a list of our upcoming books and to join the JOY for Life Seniors Ministry (ages 55+), contact joyforlife@zionhill.org or Clyreon Harris at 404-691-8025 ext.2250

Conversation with the Pastor

You can talk about life challenges anyone can face as well as the lighter side of life.

Did you miss the most recent Conversation with the Pastor? If you did, you missed his answers to thought-provoking questions regarding relationships, how to manage life challenges using the bible as your guide, and explanations concerning Church history and traditions. You may also have questions about biblical leaders or followers of Jesus, or you may have read a scripture multiple times, and yet the intended message continues to puzzle you. Conversation with the Pastor provides an opportunity to ask questions about subjects of your choice.

Conversation with the Pastor is just that, a conversation. You don’t need to be a Biblical scholar because the conver-

sation may just move from the serious to the lighter side to help you to get to know Pastor Parker beyond the Sunday morning service. He loves to talk about First Lady Shelia Parker, his children, precious granddaughter, and his Mississippi upbringing with his mother and his father who also served as a pastor.

If you join the Zoom conversation, don’t worry about how you’ll look, just settle in at the kitchen table, in the dining room or

wherever you’re comfortable. The camera will focus only on Pastor Parker. You may hear the voices of your fellow members with their own questions or their lighthearted “chat” banter.

If you’re a new member, you may hear of a ministry where you can serve and help Zion Hill to meet the expectations of our 2024 theme to “Shake It Up” by using your God-given call or gifts to serve.

Join Pastor Parker for the next virtual Conversation with the Pastor, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET, to ask your questions about life challenges, how to overcome through Biblical strategies, or you may want to keep it light with a discussion of the outcome of college basketball’s “March Madness” or your hopes for the Falcons next fall.

Watch the regularly scheduled emails or text announcements for information on upcoming Conversation with the Pastor Zoom sessions! n

–Sis. Felecia Church

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Bible for Life: Join Pastor Parker in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:00pm for our weekly, “Shake It Up” bible study in-person and virtually. You can virtually experience Zion Hill at either of the following links:

YouTube ZHBCATL zionhill https://zhbc.pub/ youtube

Boxcast: https://boxcast.tv/channel/ glwvkeoykzdo718oqmae

Facebook: @zhbcatl, https://www.facebook. com/zhbcatl/

A Time to Heal: The Bereavement Ministry offers support to those who are experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one, loss of relationships, divorce or other life altering challenges. You are invited to attend an in person support session in a safe and healthy environment. Consider joining our next meeting! Please feel free to contact the church office by phone or email.

C.COM Connecting Community Online Ministry: This ministry is designed for our brothers and sisters who are primarily online, for those who are unable to attend in person worship services.

Consider joining our next meeting! Please feel free to contact the church office by phone or email.

Youth and Children Volunteers: The Youth and Children’s Ministry is seeking volunteers to support their activities on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays. If you are willing and available, please contact Reverend Brenton Cox at 404-8444276 or via email at bcox@zionhill.org.

Vision Conference Book: The Vision 2024 Church Conference book is available for members at the Information Desk or in the Church Office.

New Disciples Orientation: Our next orientation class will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 following worship service at 11:30am in room 109 in the Love Center. This is an in-person and a virtual class. If you have any questions or interest in attending new member’s orientation, please feel free to contact the church office by phone or email.

Zion Hill Educational Aid Committee: We are happy to announce the opening of scholarship applications for our 2024 Larry H. Williams Educational Fund and other Scholarships. Following worship service, on Sunday, April 7, 2024, applications will be available for pick-up at the Love Center desk. Following the opening date, to receive a scholarship packet, please contact the church office at 404-691-8025 or

email zhbc@zionhill.org. Additional details will follow within the upcoming weeks.

Zion Hill Employment Opportunities: We ask that all interested candidates contact us via email for the full job description and/or résumé submission to employment@zionhill.org.

Video Technician, Department: Media Ministry: The Video Technician will support the ministry goals of Zion Hill and provide technical expertise for all video and video-related needs of the church. The environment is one of Christian creativity and teamwork with a passion for excellence in serving and worshipping God. Under the leadership of the Media Ministry Director, the Video Technician contributes to implementing the media strategy to ensure that Zion Hill services and events utilize visual technology in conjunction with audio efficiently, effectively, and strategically in order to enhance the experience of those attending services virtually and in the physical space. For a full job description, please contact the church office at zhbc@zionhill.org.

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

For additional details about any of the announcements, please call the church office at 404.691.8025 or send an email to zhbc@zionhill.org.

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

6175 Campbellton Road, South Fulton/Atlanta, GA 30331 Rev. Aaron L. Parker, PhD, Pastor 404-691-8025 • www.zionhill.org • email: zhbc@zionhill.org

Join Pastor Parker in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for our “Shake it UP”

BIBLE for LIFE

(BFL) bible study series

In-Person & Virtual Wearing a mask is optional. BFL will still be offered via our live streaming platforms as well.

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

Facebook: @zhbcatl, https://www.facebook.com/zhbcatl/

YouTube: ZHBCATL zionhill https://www.youtube.com/zhbcatlzionhill

Available after streaming as recordings.