The LIU – February 2022 by zhbcatl

Feb 2022

A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church

THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)

God’s People, Are You Hearing His Voice? A Christ Connected To The Disconnected

n Saturday, January 15, I believe that divine intervention played a part in my being able to attend Zion Hill’s first session of SOLLAS BLAST in 2022. I was freed from a previous appointment so that I could be at the right place at the right time to receive the blessing that God had in store for me! That blessing came through the teachings of Reverend Kathy Kneeland when I signed on to her session in the SOLLAS BLAST: “Hearing the Voice of God.” My spirit was blessed and I hope that this summary may be of some spiritual benefit to you as well. The scriptural text for the lesson was taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verses 1- 5. As Christian believers and followers of Christ, we can see ourselves like sheep. Rev. Kneeland explained that

sheep are helpless, dependent and vulnerable creatures, and they need the guidance, nurturing and protection of the shepherd who watches over the flock. It is with the innocence of minds like those of young children that we are to come to Jesus for all our cares and concerns. By cultivating a close, intimate relationship with Christ, we will be able to recognize God’s voice when He speaks to us. And God may speak to us in different ways; in a loud, thundering voice or even in a quiet whisper. But we won’t be able to decipher His voice from others if we don’t have a direct connection with His Son. Several scriptures were used to support the lesson. So when Gods calls us, let us be ready to hear His voice and follow Him. –Submitted by Deacon Norman Ricks

Elder George Fishburne led the SOLLAS BLAST 2022 Adult Class into an interesting discussion and reflection based on the book Jesus And The Disinherited by Howard Thurman. He gave us a brief history of Dr. Thurman and then Elder Fishburne expounded on the difficulties that marginalized and disinherited people have faced over the years. In the end “the disinherited will know for themselves that there is a Spirit at work in life and in the hearts of men which is committed to overcoming the world. It is universal knowing no age, no race, no culture and no condition of men.” Our Christ is connected to the disconnected. –Submitted by Minister Galetha Thompson How Do I Handle My Anger

The 13-18 Youth were asked this very question during our SOLLAS BLAST session on Sunday, January 16th. There were four scriptures used during the lesson that focused on the theme of Anger. They were: 1. Proverbs 29:22 “An angry person

stirs up conflict, and a hot tempered person commits many sins” which provided a Biblical viewpoint on anger; 2. Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger

do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give (coninued on page 3)

Sesquicentennial – 150th Zion Hill Anniversary

REAP ROLL CALL

n Sunday, February 6, 2022 during the morning worship service, we spoke about Zion Hill’s celebration of 150 years of perpetual existence. Twelve wonderful, exciting

and meaningful event categories, focused on the theme “STILL,” have been designated and we need brothers and sisters willing to assist. Please see the volunteer registration

New Members | January 2022

information in this news letter to decide where you would like to help in the planning and

Sis. Dominique Heard Bro. Kobie Johnson Sis. Shawntay Renee Mallory

execution. Finally, in the next few days we will release a church calendar that will include

CHURCH FAMILY Acknowledgments | January 2022 I truly appreciate my church family. Thank you.

to share in a spirit of thanksgiving and praise to our exceedingly gracious God.

Reassembling WE KNOW THAT ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL QUESTIONS THAT MANY PRESENTLY

–Sis. Kelsey Lawrence, Scholarship Recipient

have center on the time we intend to reassemble as a body for worship in the Sanctuary. On

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Carrie Steel-Pitts Home, Inc., thank you for your gracious donation to the general operations of the Home.

Sunday, January 27th, the COVID-19 Task Force met to discuss the state of the pandemic as well as a possible time for returning. In this discussion, we identified the still very

–Eternal Gratitude, Evelyn A. Lavizzo, PhD

high rate of transmission for the omicron variant of the coronavirus locally and nationally.

Thank you for your generous gift to Hosea Feed the Hungry. Your support and donations allowed us to accomplish goals and continue working toward serving the public.

Despite the fact that this rate is currently falling rather rapidly, the Task Force thought it

–Sincerely, Mrs. Omilami We sincerely thank you for your expressions of kindness during the sudden passing of our beloved April Lynn Elder. – Sincere Gratitude,

Sebastian Wimbush, The McCray and Elder Families On behalf of our board and the people we serve, I wish to express our profound gratitude for your support and collaboration with CareGivers’ Hope, Inc. –Deborah Rucker-Tucker, M.A., CSA Thank you for your kindness, support and comforting words during this difficult time. Your presence and thoughts were warmly appreciated. – Bob and Lillie Williams (The family of

Mrs. Sally Buchannan-Mapp)

Thank you for the support and blessings you bestowed upon us at Sandtown Middle School.

–LaToya Miley, Principal Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. – Robert and Louise Tolbert & Family Thank you for making a difference; it’s so deeply appreciated. – Carolyn Harris & Family

most of these events. Try to attend as many of them as possible as they are designed for us

| THE LIU

prudent to wait a little while longer to see if those rates continue to drop. A part of the sentiment of the group, however, was that we might have to learn to live with COVID, and to use whatever means at our disposal to decrease the probability of spread. Furthermore, it was suggested that when we do reassemble that we remain nimble, flexible, adaptable enough to go totally virtual if the situation warrants. Given what we have gone through the last two years, we should be well able to operate in this fashion. We agreed to meet again toward the end of February to assess the state of the Pandemic and to consider a possible reassembly date. Of course, we will expeditiously inform you of the recommendations of the Task Force. Finally, let me again thank all of you, my sisters and brothers, for your continued prayers and support. It has been both helpful and inspiring as we have sought to navigate these complicated times. Please, join with me in seeking God for a divinely approved regarding reassembly time. I continue to pray for your wellbeing in body and spirit.. — Pastor Parker

God’s People... (continued from page 1)

the devil a foothold” which encouraged students to not let anger take control of their behavior. 3. 1 Peter 3:9 “Do not repay evil with

evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with a blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” to talk about what to do when you are angry; and 4. Luke 17:4 “Even if they sin against you

seven times a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent’ you must forgive them”- as the overall lesson "take away" of how to deal with people who make us angry. – Submitted by Sis. Ramona Benson

Righteous Behavior

Our 4-9 year old students were very engaged as they focused on the church theme S.T.I.L.L. (Standing Tall In Lasting Love). Their teachers placed emphasis on the church theme scripture found in Psalm 92:12-15 as well as Galatians 5:2223. The students discussed making good choices, bearing good fruit and the results of making bad choices. The powerful prayers from the students were uplifting and really spoke volumes of the spiritual guidance received at home. Thanks to Sis. Veda Crump and Sis. Chasity Taylor for an exciting class!! –Submitted by Minister Galetha Thompson Marriage and Relationship

The Power Of Joy

The 10-12 year olds expressed feelings of being happy and being sad during their SOLLAS BLAST class. Both feelings are dependent on circumstances. But we can be joyful all of the time because Jesus gives us joy that lasts forever. The challenge to the students: n w hen you are feeling sad, sing the song, I have the Joy, Joy, Joy n o ne way to feel happy is to do something to make someone else happy n t he mantra for the week: smile and say, “I have joy.” n r emember John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” –Submitted by Sis. Avis Seals

Saturday, Jan 15th the first 2022 SOLLAS Marriage and Relationship Class was held. This year’s class is being developed to positively impact the lives of couples and friends on a meaningful level, to help you gain greater insight into God’s Word for how each partner is to serve the other for the greater good of the relationship, each other, and God. Throughout this year we will be committed to delving deeply into Ephesians 5:33 NIV “Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband.” This is not an option, a suggestion, nor a request. I Peter 3:1-2 provides confirmation. “God commands women to show respect for their husband not to feel like respecting their

husband. God commands men to show love to their wife not to feel like loving their wife. Doing things that we do not feel like doing is counterintuitive. This is why we must act in faith.” Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ “Love and Respect” will be our guide as we dive deeply into learning and practicing the concepts and processes that can help alleviate the misunderstandings, miscommunications, hurts, and struggles we all face within our relationships. We are going to undertake this process throughout the year. In our first class, leaders, Mark and Dr. Lisa T. Sistrunk, introduced the Love and Respect Connection, the “Crazy Cycle,” and shared what we respect about our “him” and love about our “her.” A key takeaway from the first session is that men react to feelings of disrespect in ways that feel unloving to women. Women react to feeling unloved in ways that feel disrespectful to men. On February 19th, Class leaders, Fred and Dr. Pearl Smith, will help us demystify Dr. Eggerichs’ “Crazy Cycle.” An author once said, “men are from Mars and women are from Venus.” While not on different planets, God did make men and women differently, and the difference is reflected in how they communicate. In chapter 2 of, Love & Respect, Dr. Eggerichs discusses the different “codes” men and women use and how they are often misinterpreted, resulting in a “Crazy Cycle” of communication. In this session, participants will learn the nature of code, how men and women misinterpret each other, and how to accurately decipher each other’s messages to break the “Crazy Cycle.” See you in class! –Submitted by Mark & Dr. Lisa T. Sistrunk

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT VIRTUAL S.O.L.L.A.S. BLAST 2022 —A New Learning Experience On Saturday, February 19, 10am. Our Youth and Children virtual S.O.L.L.A.S. classes will meet on Sunday, February 20, 11am. ZHBC@zionhill.org |

Healthy Heart Month Awareness

ebruary is American Heart Month so let’s get to the heart of the matter. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is largely preventable. Taking care of our heart is one of the most important things we can do. There are many ways that we can help to prevent heart disease. This article was created to increase your understanding of heart disease and bring awareness to prevention tips. Definition of heart disease

Heart disease is a term given to several diseases affecting the heart that involve damage to arteries, blood vessels, and the heart muscle. It includes coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart muscle problems. Coronary artery disease occurs when blood vessels become narrowed, and blood does not get to the heart as it should. Arrhythmia is a problem with the rate and/ or rhythm of your heartbeat. Lastly, heart muscle problems can lead to difficulty pumping blood to meet the body’s needs causing increased risk of heart failure. Risk factors for heart disease

Risk factors can increase your chances of

| THE LIU

having heart disease. There are some risk factors that you can control and others that are uncontrollable. Examples of uncontrollable risk factors include family history of heart problems, age, and gender. Controllable risk factors include unhealthy cholesterol levels, tobacco use, high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, lack of physical activity, and stress.

You should always talk with your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you, but simply walking every day can make a huge difference. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 30 minutes per day 5 days per week, or vigorous-intensity 25 minutes for 3 days a per week, or a combination of both.

You are too blessed to be stressed! Stress can take a toll on your health in many ways. It can especially be impactful on raising your heart rate and blood pressure. Tips to controlling risk factors

Quit Smoking Tobacco damages blood vessels and makes it easier to develop blood clots and build up fatty substances in your arteries, which can increase your risk of stroke. It is very important to quit smoking to improve your health. Exercise Exercise helps you to manage your weight. Excessive weight can elevate your triglycerides and cholesterol and has been linked to high blood pressure and diabetes.

Eat healthy Eat healthy foods more often to improve your cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. Doing so will also help you to lose or maintain weight. There are a variety of healthy food choices, and you should minimize unhealthy snacks. Fresh foods are the best because they hold a lot of the nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. How much you put on your plate is also part of healthier eating. Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for a model on portion size control. Ultimately, prevent-

ing heart disease by healthy eating is the best medicine.

Tentative 2022 Church Calendar

Take your Medications Medications play an important role in treating heart disease. No one desires to be on medication but if heart disease is present, you should take your medications as directed for the best results. Do not stop taking your medications without consulting with your doctor. Feeling better does not mean you no longer need your medications as it could be an indication that the medications are doing the job. Know important details about your medicine, as this will help you to take them correctly and safely.

FEBRUARY (African American History Month)

Minimize stress You are too blessed to be stressed! Stress can take a toll on your health in many ways. It can especially be impactful on raising your heart rate and blood pressure. It can bring on feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. For the most part, stress does not directly lead to heart disease but can affect your overall health and make quality of life worse. In some cases, stress has led to reduced heart function causing a diagnosis of an increasingly reported syndrome called Takutsubo cardiomyopathy or “Broken Heart Syndrome”. When this occurs, the heart muscle becomes suddenly stunned or weakened mostly following severe emotional or physical stress. We must lean on the 23rd Psalms which provides a sense of comfort and a guide to manage your stress. Managing stress is important for a healthier life. n –Submitted by Quwanna Clemons, PharmD, BCPS

15 Tuesday | COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, CORE, Gymnasium 10:00 am—4:00 pm

1 Tuesday | COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, CORE, Gymnasium 10:00 am—4:00 pm 1 Tuesday | Athletics, Recreation and Wellness, Virtual Praise Pump, 7:30 pm 3 Thursday | COVID-19 Drive-through Testing Program, 9:00 am—2:00 pm 8 Tuesday | COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, CORE, Gymnasium 10:00 am—4:00 pm 8 Tuesday | Virtual Conversation with the Pastor, 7:00 pm, 10 Thursday | COVID-19 Drive-through Testing Program, 9:00 am—2:00 pm 13 Sunday | Virtual Children’s Church, Teen Chapel, Sunday Children’s Chapel, ILIFE Academy, 11:00 am (every 2nd and 3rd Sunday, unless otherwise specified) 13 Sunday | Virtual New Discipleship Orientation Session, Noon (every 2nd Sunday, unless otherwise noted)

17 Thursday | COVID-19 Drive-through Testing Program, 9:00 am—2:00 pm 19 Saturday | Virtual School of Love Learning and Service (SOLLAS) 10:00 am (every Saturday before the third Sunday of the month, unless otherwise noted) 20 Sunday | Virtual Children’s Church and Teen Chapel, 11:00 am (every 3rd Sunday) 22 Tuesday | COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters, CORE, Gymnasium 10:00 am—4:00 pm 24 Thursday | COVID-19 Drive-through Testing Program, 9:00 am—2:00 pm 27 Sunday | Virtual African American History Program and Sunday Worship Service, 9:30 am

References: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), https://www.nhlbi. nih.gov/health-topics/education-andawareness/heart-month, American Heart Association, www.heart.org, U.S Department of Agriculture, www. choosemyplate.gov

ZHBC@zionhill.org |

WAYS TO WATCH Zion Hill uses BoxCast to broadcast our worship services and Bible for Life classes.

on’t miss Pastor’s inspirational and encouraging messages! Just access our streaming directly from BoxCast at: https:// boxcast.tv/channel/glwvkeoykzdo7l8oqmae. Or, you may also join us on social media at YouTube: ZHBCATL zionhill or FaceBook: @zhbcatl.

Option 2: If you do not have a Roku or Apple TV, you can con-

nect a computer/laptop directly to the TV using an HDMI cable. Your TV screen will mirror your computer display. Option 3: Connect a computer, tablet, or smartphone over Wi-Fi

BoxCast Option

using a Chromecast or using Apple Airplay connection. If you are experiencing any connection issues, please reach out to the Zion Hill Help Desk at helpdesk@zionhill.org and our technical team will be happy to assist you.

Option 1: The easiest way to view our live broadcast on a Smart

FaceBook Option

HOW TO WATCH ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH SERVICES ON A SMART TV

TV is to view through the BoxCast app. Here are the steps to view Zion Hill broadcast on the BoxCast app: 1. Download the BoxCast app on Roku or Apple TV. 2. Once the BoxCast app has downloaded, search for Zion Hill Baptist Church - South Fulton, GA 3. Click on the Zion Hill Baptist Church logo

Download the FaceBook Watch App on your SmartTV and search for ZHBC.* YouTube Option

Download the YouTube App on your SmartTV and search for ZHBCATL zionhill.*

4. Click in the box that shows "Live"

—Sis. Gloria Williams, Media Ministry

How to Watch Zion Hill Services on Your Smart TV

1. Download the BoxCast app on Roku or Apple TV.

2. Once the BoxCast app has downloaded search for Zion Hill Baptist Church - South Fulton, GA

3. Click on the Zion Hill Baptist Church logo

4. Click in the box that shows "Live"

5. Now you should see the "Live" Broadcast

*Instructions may vary based on age and model of your SmartTV. Consult your user guide.

| THE LIU

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.

BIBLE for LIFE Join Pastor Parker on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm streaming live on Facebook, YouTube, and at https://boxcast.tv/channel/glwvkeoykzdo7l8oqmae

Series Title:

“STILL (Standing Tall in Lasting Love”

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

Available after streaming as recordings. 2022 Theme: “STILL”

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

| THE LIU

2022 Theme Scripture: “The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” —(Psalm 92:12-15, NRSV)