Oct 2020
A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church
THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)
Remote Closeness, part II
SCHOOL OF LOVE, LEARNING AND SERVICE
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ion Hill’s School of Love, Learning and Service hosted its first Virtual S.O.L.L.A.S. Blast‌A Learning Experience. Thanks to our community, we are glad to say it was successful, from the point of planning into the actual rollout and implementation! This year was the first year that we would go forth with the vision of Pastor Aaron Parker as Saturday Church School was revised and revamped into a quarterly teaching ministry. Little did we know
that a world wide pandemic, COVID-19, would modify the vision to another level of learning. During the week of September 22-25, 2020 participants were able to engage in ZOOM Classroom settings where discussions and prayer focused on the theme of Seasonal Change, Exodus 15:22a. Students of all ages were engaged in understanding how the different characteristics of Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall were con-
trasted to our relationships, lifestyles and self-awareness. Pastor Parker also provided us with spiritual and diverse ways to adjust to the different storms that we encounter in life. These storms could be financial, health, emotional, political or spiritual. Every participant, Adults as well as Youth, was challenged to increase our faith and understand that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. Dr. Parker taught a
Remarks and Reminders Remarks:
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REAP ROLL CALL New Members
September 2020 Sister Kendra Bolton (August) Sister Cynthia Wynn Sister Gloria Augusta Sister Patricia Ann Taylor-Smith Sister Darlene Coleman
CHURCH FAMILY
Acknowledgements September 2020 Nuptials: Brother Kevin and Sister Erica Austin and Family Your kind expressions of sympathy are deeply appreciated, gratefully acknowledged, and will always be remembered by:
irst, let me, again, thank Minister Superintendent Galetha Thompson and the staff of the School of Love Learning and Service (S.O.L.L.A.S) for their outstanding effort in our first virtual SOLLAS Blast held September 21-25, 2020. The meticulously focused planning and high quality teaching, which fostered fervent engagement of the attending 519 learners, left all of us wanting more (and more is on the way). Additionally we must thank our diligent and astute church staff for logistical, technical, clerical and moral support of the entire event. Indeed, God blessed us mightily through the effective service of these dedicated brothers and sisters. Further, I offer my sincerest gratitude to the Zion Hill Family and Friends for your continued support of the ministry as we journey through these difficult, demanding and sometimes dangerous times. Your faithfulness in prayer, encouragement and finances has enabled us to continue operating as a holy center from which God’s love can go forth in word and deed. And just in case any might wonder, we still support the Zion Hill Community Development Corporation, our local brothers and sisters dealing with homelessness, the Mission of Hope in Liberia, several nursing homes and shelters, and members of our church family in need. We fulfilled our commitment to assist the hurricane victims in the Bahamas. We also partnered with the City of South Fulton and the Atlanta Food Bank to help those in need of food. Finally, on October 5 and 6, from 8:00 a. m. to 2:30 p. m., we will host our fifth community testing for COVID-19. I know that some might be anxious about returning to normality in our homes, schools, communities and church. I too especially long for in-person fellowship with all of you, more than you could ever imagine. Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant in our current course that we may demonstrate not fear, but love – love that earnestly desires and actively seeks the wellbeing of one another – this is how the world will know that we are Jesus’ disciples. As we go through this formidable season – this season of world pandemic; racial injustice and unrest; economic distress for millions; an imminent, potentially controversial, national election; and now a president hospitalized with COVID-19 – let us not surrender to the assiduous assaults of frustration, anxiety, anger, and despair. Let us not vengefully relish in the downfall of others, even if they have served the destructive causes of evil. Instead, let us trust the God who has always sufficiently supplied our needs – and by God’s incomparably amazing grace, and our conscientious efforts to operate in that grace, we will get through. Reminders: n Register to vote by Monday, October 5, 2020 n Early voting starts Monday, October 12, 2020, 8:00 am n If using mail to vote, do so as early as possible n General Election, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 n For voting information in Georgia go to:
Georgia Secretary of State website: www.sos.ga.gov
Then, “elections”
Then, “voter info.”
n Encourage friends, relatives and acquaintances to register and vote.
Sister Louise Steele, Sister Stephanie Middleton and Family Brother John and Sister Veda Brown and Family
We must do this!
n If you are being helped, share the times for our services with others:
Sunday Worship – 9:30 am
Wednesday Bible for Life – 7:00 pm
—Pastor Parker On Sunday, September 13, 2020, Pastor Parker served as the virtual guest preacher for the 116th Church Anniversary of Trinity A.M.E. Church, Waukegan, IL, Reverend Janice Cummings, Pastor.
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School Of Love, Learning, and Service (continued) thought provoking lesson on Wednesday that caused everyone to consider the status of their faith. Our faith not only is needed to request a solution to the problem, but we must use our faith to know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to God’s purpose. The year 2020 has been a true example of Seasonal Change, changes that we never could have imagined. However, this week of Virtual SO.L.L.A.S. Blast educated us and brought us together in our understanding that no matter the season, God will always be there in our time of need just as we should be for our brothers and sisters. Special Thanks to our visionary, Pastor Parker, Min. Galetha Thompson and the SOLLAS BLAST committee, Facilitators, participants and Administrative Staff for helping to put together such an amazing week of thought provoking lessons. We look forward to more SOLLAS Blast sessions in the future and hope to see you there! —Submitted by Sis. Liz Richo
ZHBC@zionhill.org |
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Breast Cancer, A Major Health Concern:
Unmask and Uncover the Facts, Stay Protected and Healthy According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization. n
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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! During this COVID-19 pandemic, we are wearing masks to stay protected from the coronavirus that has taken thousands of lives in our state and throughout the nation. While we are wearing masks to stay protected and shielded from the spread of the virus, we must not become so consumed with the virus that we pay less attention to other diseases and conditions that affect our bodies. In this article, we will share information that will help us to unmask the facts, stay protected and healthy. What is Breast Cancer? Cancer happens when abnormal cells start to grow out of control. Breast cancer begins when these abnormal cells group into a tumor in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast. If the tumor cells stay in the ducts or lobules, they are called "in situ." If they grow into the normal breast tissue, they are called “invasive.” A Growing and Global Concern According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 2 minutes in the United States. In terms of risk, 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
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It is estimated that in 2020, approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer. In addition, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer this year. 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
75% percent of the women who develop breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors. Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2020, an estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S. There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Black Women and Breast Cancer Black women need to be more proactive in cancer detection and prevention, along with understanding the importance of making lifestyle modification to lower the risks. Breast cancer mortality rates (death) are 42% higher among black women compared to white women. The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is a national organization dedicated solely to improving the health and wellness of Black women and girls. Early Detection is Key Catching breast cancer when it is small and treatable or early detection is key in fighting this disease. Early signs of breast cancer
Black women need to be more proactive in cancer detection and prevention, along with understanding the importance of making lifestyle modification to lower the risks. can be a lump in a breast, a change in skin of the breast such as inflammation/dimpling or discharge from the nipple. It is important for women to know how their breasts normally look and feel in order to report changes to health care provider. Screening mammography is an important tool to help with early detection. The recommendations of when to begin mammograms may vary based on your medical and family history. Black women should start having breast risk-assessment discussions with their doctor regularly by the age of 30. Most women of average risk should consider starting yearly mammogram screening at age 40 in consultation with their doctor. Some women may need to undergo a breast MRI for additional monitoring. If symptoms do present themselves, contact your health care provider so they can assess you. Oftentimes, pain or a lump in a breast may simply represent a cyst or changes caused by food or caffeine in our diet. However, it is imperative to have it thoroughly examined and evaluated. Please be aware of the following risk factors (which are not inclusive): personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, increasing age, genetics or BRCA (breast cancer gene), ethnicity, obesity, lack of physical activity or exercise, excessive alcohol use, not having children or having children after the age of 35, not breast feeding, longtime estrogen exposure, previous radiation, and smoking. Lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet, reducing obesity, limiting alcohol consumption and smoking, along with increased physical activity can reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer. It is very important that you know your risks, are aware of your breast changes and are informed when discussing with your doctor. If you have not had a mammogram, plan to have it in 2020. Early detection is key.
Breast Cancer Trends and Action Needed After conferring with Zion Hill’s Health Ministry member, Dr. Nanette Cook, an experienced Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist with a private practice in Smyrna, and affiliations at Northside Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital, has shared the following helpful information. “While there has been a decrease in the incidence of certain types of breast cancer, there has been an increase in the hormone receptor positive type of breast cancer. Fortunately, there has been an increase in the survival rate in women with breast cancer. This can be attributed to several factors such as earlier detection, improved and more directed therapies and a decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause. However, the survival rate in African American females continue to be much lower than our white counterparts so we must do our part to level out the playing ground by performing our self-breast exams, getting our mammograms, and seeing our physicians routinely. Our diet, level of activity and stress management are also paramount in our fight against breast cancer.” In conclusion, during this unprecedented time in history, our church members are encouraged to be receptive to unmasking and uncovering the facts about breast cancer while remaining prudent, staying protected and healthy. Incidences of breast cancer can be reduced if we heed the facts, know the risk factors and take the necessary action needed. We praise God that we are wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 — Submitted by Zion Hill Health Ministry Dr. Nanette Cook, MD and Dr. Beverly McCray, RN Resources: American Cancer Society, Black Women’s Health Imperative & American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Dr. LaJune Oliver, MD, Internal & Family Medicine, ZHBC Trustee
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Doing the Right Thing…
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hile we are still in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, our outdoor activities have been somewhat curtailed and we have been spending a lot more time indoors. Of course, some of our free time can be filled with increased study and prayer, more family time, or catching up on our reading or resting, but still more of it might be used to take care of little (or major) projects around the house. Deciding to clean out closets, or cabinets, pantries or garages could very well be on the agenda. But once we have opted to declutter and become more streamlined, what do we do with all the items we need to discard? For starters, let’s begin with something simple. If you have not yet gotten to the point of using your own reusable cloth shopping bags at the grocery store, and you have a vast “collection” of plastic ones, let’s give a big shout-out to Publix. In an effort to help us live more sustainably, they provide recycle bins in front of their stores that receive plastic and paper bags and foam trays and egg cartons. They have been doing this for a while and
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the receptacles are not just for show. An article in the Sept 17, 2020 edition of the Tampa Bay Times, addresses the question, “so what does Publix do with those plastic bags you bring back?” All of the items that are collected in those bins are indeed recycled and not just taken to a landfill! blog.publix.com explains further that the materials eventually “processed and sold to be made into other items which might include low-maintenance fencing, composite deck boards, building and construction products and new plastic bags.” If you are dealing with things a bit more heavy duty, you might want to plan a trip to CHaRM, the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials. An initiative of Live Thrive Atlanta, (and the outreach for ZHBC Planet Preservers Ministry), they aim to “improve our environmental health by encouraging reuse and diverting thousands of pounds of household hazardous waste, bulky trash and other hard to recycle items from metro Atlanta landfills and water systems.” Whether it’s mattresses or metal, paint, paper or propane tanks, tires or textiles and a good many more
things, there is probably a bin for what you are looking to rid your home of. Because of Covid-19 precautions, appointments are required. Visit their website, www. livethrive.org, to review the complete list of accepted items, costs (if any), hours of operation and to fill out the appointment registration form. Just because we are somewhat restricted in our coming and going, doesn’t mean that we have to abandon our sense of environmental responsibility. Remember that there are resources and ways to properly discard our unwanted bounty that is convenient and safe! We still and always, have an obligation to take care of God’s gift to us. “Great God, we ache for the day when all is restored, when the whole of creation is healed from the consequences of our sin. Strengthen us as we work toward that restoration. Show us how to be part of your healing work in the world. Thank you for the hope of what is to come.” —The Green Bible Devotional —Sis. Sandra Baylis Planet Preservers Ministry
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH As we press through this season of change we, the SIS Ministry, hope that for the month of October the Zion Hill family will reflect on the same scripture each day. We will not be able to gather in person for our annual Weekend of Hope, but we can reflect upon the Lord and increase and strengthen our Hope in these trying times.
Yours in service to God and His people, — Sis. Sandi’ Abbo and Sis. Eleanor Posey, , President and Vice President, SIS Ministry
ZHBC@zionhill.org |
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Join us for virtual services Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 am EDT Wednesday Bible for Life at 7:00 pm EDT
Join us on either of the following live streaming platforms: n
L ivestreaming: http://zionhillbaptistchurch. yourstreamlive.com/
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F acebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/ zhbcatl/
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Y ouTube: (search for ZHBCATL zionhill)
@zhbcatl
ZHBC zionhill
Is Christ Lord and Savior of your life? Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NRSV) Admit your need for Him. “...since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 NRSV) Recognize His love for you. “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NRSV) Place your faith in Jesus and invite Him into your life. “...because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NRSV) Pray a prayer of repentance and faith. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NRSV)
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 streaming 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.