Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church

1312 Willow Street - Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401-3328

Reverend Carlos D. Bounds, M.Div., Pastor

Church Office: 610-279-8313 

Church Website:  www.mtzion-ntown.faith

 Sunday, March 15, 2026 – 11:00AM WORSHIP SERVICE

FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

   Stewards of the Day – Sister Lori Henry and Brother Louis Mason

Trustees of the Day – Brothers Thomas Bradshaw and Holston Spence

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR CHURCH, COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT.

Announcements are an essential part of the church service.  They are shared to keep everyone informed of upcoming activities and events.  Thank you for taking time to carefully review them. 

Your support and prayers are very much appreciated!

 You are invited to join Mount Zion Church Reoccurring meetings/Activities/Events

Sunday Worship Services

8:00AM - (2nd and 4th Sundays) - Sister Peggy Ann Scott, Coordinator and Worship Leader

11:00AM - Sunday Worship Service

Sunday Adult Church School -   9:30AM - 10:30AM - Louden Hall

Sunday Children Church School - 10:30AM - 11:30AM - Multi Purpose Room

Monday Evangelist Prayer Conf -   7:15pm -   8:15pm - Dial-In: 716 427 1108 - Passcode: 137801 - Evangelist Alaia Bradshaw

Wednesday Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday Evening Bible Study -   7:00pm - 8:00pm - Zoom Meeting ID: 949 0581 6504 - Passcode: 475200 -  Dial-In: 646-876-9923

Wednesday Monthly Love Feast (last Wednesday of each month)

 7:00pm - Mt. Zion Sanctuary - Sister Paulette Jones, Coordinator and Worship Leader - Love Feast and Meditation Service - Virtual

Wednesday Narcotics Anonymous -   7:30pm - Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Group meet weekly in Louden Hall - Bro Eric Payne

Thursday Exercise Sessions -   6:00pm - 7:00pm - Louden Hall - Sister Phyllis Mason, Leader

 

Worship the Lord with online giving:  CashApp - $mtzionntown or Zelle – 610-761-6346

Thank you for your financial support!

 WELCOME VISITORS - Mount Zion Church welcome and greet our visitors in the name of our lord Jesus!  we thank our heavenly father for this wonderful day as we gather to celebrate family and friends day.  welcome visitors who have joined the worship service in-person, by FACEBOOK, or Call-In.  May today be filled with joy, love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  we are delighted you made a decision to worship with mt. Zion church family today. 

 

Family and Friends Day is a special event designed to encourage church members to invite their loved ones to experience worship, fellowship, and community togetherness.  Appreciation is extended to everyone for your unwavering support and kindness in this special worship service. 

You are invited to join family and friends in Louden Hall for light snacks.

FLOWERS DURING LENTEN SEASON - In the Episcopal churches the use of flowers on the altar during Lenten Season is strictly regulated.  Flowers should not adorn the altar from Ash Wednesday until the Easter Vigil.  No dedication of flowers is noted. The use of colorful live or artificial flowers is removed, but dried evergreens, eucalyptus stems, various ferns, and greenery sprays may be used.  Enjoy the selected greenery that will be placed on the altar weekly during the Lenten season. Resource:  https://nationalaltarguildassociation.org/?p=385

 

LENT starts on ASH Wednesday and is a 40-day period of fasting and praying leading up to Easter and ends either on Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2026 or Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026. The ashes on the forehead serve as a visible symbolic reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance.  Palm Sunday is March 29, 2026. This is the Sunday before Easter and commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and it is the last Sunday of Lent.  Maundy Thursday, known as Holy Thursday, is the day in Holy Week that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. It is a significant Christian observance where Jesus instituted the Eucharist, washed the disciples' feet as a symbol of humility and service, and foretold Good Friday on April 3, 2026.  Good Friday is the day in Holy Week that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary.  Holy Saturday is April 4, 2026, the day in Holy Week that falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026.  

Ø Sis. Joanne Turner and the local Lay Organization extend appreciation to attendees who joined the “Virtual Parliamentary Workshop” presented by Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson, Mt. Zion AME Church, Darby, PA on Tuesday night.  Rev. Jacquita presented an excellent, remarkably, and informative presentation.  Use link to join upcoming parliamentary workshops scheduled for March and April 2026 or for questions, contact Sis. Alisha Rodriguez - Alishat84@hotmail.com

Ø Sunday, March 15, 2026 - Women’s Day Bake Sale sponsored by the Co-Operative Club following worship service.  (Assorted Cake Slices sold for $5.00) in Louden Hall.  Sister Adrianna Gray, President.

2026 Holy Week will be observed from March 29 to April 5 - SAVE THE DATES

·Palm Sunday    March 29, 2026         Celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking  the star of Holy week.

·Holy Monday    March 30, 2026           Focuses on Jesus’ teachings and actions in Jerusalem.

·  Holy Wed          April 1, 2026 |  7pm    Prayer and Worship - Siloam Baptist Church - Pastor Randy Harris, Host.

·  Maundy Thurs  April 2, 2026 |  7pm     Holy Communion Service | Live Stream - First Presbyterian Church - Airy and -   Dekalb Streets - Pastor Peter Martin, Host.

·  Good Friday      April 3, 2026 | 12-3pm    Last Seven Words from the Cross - Pastor Scott C. Dorsey, Pastor. Remembers the crucifixion of Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

·  Easter Sunday  April 5, 2026 | 6am     Easter Resurrection Sunday - Siloam Baptist Church - Preacher Rev. James Saunder | Pastor Randy Harris, Host.  Live Stream. Celebration the Resurrection of Jesus, the central event of the Christian faith.

 

Ø  Women’s Day Save The Dates

·       Saturday, March 28, 2026 - 9:00am - 12:00pm - Women’s Day Prayer Breakfast - Rev. Tiffany Lett
         Martin, guest preacher - Bethel A.M.E Church - West Chester, PA.  Breakfast ticket Cost $15.00. 
         Contact Joanne Turner for ticket purchase ASAP.

·       Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 7:00pm nightly - Women’s Day 2-Night Revival,
         Evangelist Tasha Miller, guest preacher, Memorial Church of God in Christ, Haverford, PA.

·       Sunday, April 26, 2026 - Annual Women’s Day - Evangelist Janis Ramsey-Ruise, guest preacher, Memorial Church of God in Christ, Haverford, PA.

·       Women’s Day Scripture: "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity”  Psalm 133:1 (NIV).

·       Women’s Day Theme:  “Sisters in Christ, Unity and Community - One Voice, One Purpose.”
         Women’s Day Assessment:  $150 per person.  Women’s Day Financial Goal:  $10,000. 
         Monies for all events should be submitted to Sis Joanne Turner/Bro Sonny Grimes.  Use the pink envelopes for submitting your funds or adding funds to your T/O envelope indicating your intentions.

Sister Agnes Lumpkin, Chairperson and Sister Adrianna Gray, Co-Chairperson.

Ø  Monday, March 16, 2026 - 7:00pm - Trustee Board Monthly Zoom Meeting.  Details forthcoming.

Ø  2026 Annual Conferences and dates:
*   March 5-8, 2026   - Bermuda Annual Conference - Ministerial Alliance.
*  March 12-14, 2026  - Delaware Annual Conference - Bethel A.M.E. Church - Wilmington, DE - Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst, Host Pastor.
*   March 25-28, 2026        New Jersey Annual Conference - St. Matthew A.M.E. Church - Orange, NJ - Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Host Pastor.
*   April 8-11, 2026            New England Annual Conference - Stamford, CT - Ministerial Alliance.
*   April 22-25, 2026          New York Annual Conference - First A.M.E. Church - Bethel Harlem, NY - Rev. Dr. Tristan Salley, Host Pastor.

*   April 29-May 2, 2026    Western NY Annual Conference - Israel A.M.E. Church, Albany, NY - Rev. Kevin Taylor, Host Pastor.
*   May 20-23, 2026           Philadelphia Annual Conference - Valley Forge Convention Center - King of Prussia - Hosted by the South District.

                                        Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant, Host Presiding Elder.  Agenda Sermons as scheduled - Subject to Change:
                                        - Tues Evening - Ministry of Evangelism Service - Rev. Jay Broadnax, preacher

                                        - Wed Noon - Missionary Day - Rev. Kasha Sudler, preacher

                                        - Wed Evening - Annual Sermon - Rev. Dr. W. Ouemonde Brangman, preacher

                                        - Thurs Noon - Women in Ministry - Rev. Dr. Belinda E. Boyer, preacher

                                        - Thurs Afternoon - Sons of Allen - Rev. Dr, Michael Heath, preacher

                                        - Thurs Evening - Lay Witness Night - State Rep Joanne McClinton, speaker

                                        - Fri Midday - Ordination - Rev Gregory K. McLeod, preacher

                                        - Fri Evening - Closing and Commissioning - Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.

                                        - Sat Morning - YPD Annual Day - Rev. Dr. Derrick E. Brown, preacher

*   June 4-6, 2026             Planning Meeting - Schedule/Venue TBD

 

Ø Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 8:00am - 1:00pm - Church School Convention celebrating Present and Former Superintendents and Honoring Sister Amy Bounds, Sister Angelena Spears, and other South District Superintendents.  Venue: Morris Brown A.M.E. Church - 1756 North 25th Street - Philadelphia, PA - Rev. Bryan S. McAllister, host pastor (1 day event).  Rev. Dr. Janet Jenkins Sturdivant, Presiding Elder.

·       Rev. Stacia L. Gray, Wesley A.M.E. Church Swarthmore - Noon day preacher

·       Panel Discussion: How To Strengthen Church School?

·       Rev. Carlos D. Bounds, Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Norristown, pastor - Moderator

·       Rev. Tiffany Lett Martin, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, West Chester, PA
Workshop: “The Season of Lent” -
https://www.facebook.com/mobrownphilly/

 

Ø Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Reverend Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant, Presiding Elder - Happy 70th Birthday!

 

Ø May 20-23, 2026 - 210th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conf - South District Host. Venue: Valley Forge Convention Center - 1160 First Avenue - King of Prussia, PA 19406.  Note the Digital 2026 Annual Conference Guides for your review.  Download and view the Digital 2026 Annual Conference Guide.

Ø Sunday, June 7, 2026 - 70th Birthday Celebration - 7:00PM - 11:00PM for Presiding Elder Janet Jenkins Sturdivant.  Venue Reception: The Waterfall - 3416 Philadelphia Pike - Clayton, DE 19703 - Ticket cost $100.  Contact Presiding Elder Sturdivant for ticket purchase Sturdivantbirthday@gmail.com.  YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT PASTOR BOUNDS FOR TICKET PURCHASE ASAP!

Ø  Sunday, June 28, 2026 - 3:00pm - Celebration of Reverend Lois Wilkinson’s First Year Pastoral Anniversary.  Venue: Bethel A.M.E. Church - 163 Sheldon Lane - Ardmore, PA 19003.  Pastor Carlos D. Bounds is the guest preacher.

Ø  The 2025 Financial Statements are still available for pick-up Sunday at church.  Contact Brother Alton Jones (AJ) (university46@aol.com) or Brother Grimes (grimes6@comcast.net) for obtaining statements.

Ø  IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS - If your contact information - name, postal address, email address and especially your phone number have changed, please inform Brother Alton (AJ) Jones ASAP.  If you do not receive Mt. Zion’s Calling Post messages, it is probably due to a phone number change.  Thank you for contacting Brother Jones at university46@aol.com with contact updates.

Ø  Mt. Zion Van Service Weekly Schedule - If Van transportation is needed to and from the church for worship services, call Saturday night prior to Sunday you need transportation. Members in need of Van service are asked to be ready for pick-up by 10:30am. First Sunday driver is Brother Wendel Haulcy (610-952-6857). Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Sunday driver is Brother Allen Yates (610-999-5141).

 

Ø  Flower Club - You may contact Sister Wanda Thompson, point of contact with questions regarding dates of floral dedications at wanda.thompson017@gmail.com or 267-283-5386.  Also, you may obtain and complete ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATION FORMS which can be found on the Narthex/Lobby Information Table and submit form to Sister Thompson. (Present Flower Club Members as of 2024 to present: Mae Anthoney, Olethia Bradshaw, Annie Harris, Chu Cha Harris, Kathy Harris, Lois David Jones, Ramona Mcgee, Darlene Spencer, Shelina Thomas, Jon Thompson, Wanda Thompson, Etta Wise, and Allen Yates).  THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE FLOWER CLUB!

 

REQUEST FOR PRAYERS for Sick and Shut-In members and friends in private homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, churches, rehab centers, and homeless/unhoused families within the surrounding communities.  Sick and Shut-In Members:  Sisters Mary Mansfield, Edith Custis, Bernice Lindsey, Nadia Wilson, Naomi Satterwhite, Lisa Walker, Dana Crowder, Wanda Jones, Carol Adams Dews, Brothers Vernal Henry, Curtis Lindsey, Sr., Lennox Wilson, Billy Sherard, Henry Smith, George Steward, and other unlisted names of Mt. Zion sick and shut-in members and friends.  We pray for the families and friends that are care givers.  Healing prayers for the greater unity of the church and surrounding communities.  Lord Give them endurance, compassion, and wisdom as they provide support.  May their love be a source of encouragement and light to those who are unwell.  Bless them with your grace and peace.  “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 30:17.

 

CONDOLENCES - May the blessings of the Lord be upon families and friends who have lost loved ones during these difficult journeys.  “Fear thou not; for I am with thee, be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” Isaiah 41:10 (KJV).

 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH AWARENESS: Colorectal Cancer, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, National Bleeding Disorders,  National Colorectal Cancer, National Developmental Disabilities, National Endometriosis, National Kidney Awareness, Eye Wellness Awareness, Obesity Day, Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Kidney Day Awareness, Down Syndrome Day, Purple Day for epilepsy awareness, American Diabetes Alert Day (March 28), World Bipolar Day (March 30).

 

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“The Year Of Transition”

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future"  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 

 

7

Mount Zion Church Boards, Clubs, Coordinators, Ministries, Organizations

and Responsible Persons (contact info can be provided if necessary).

 

Adult Church School                                          Sister Avis McMillan, Leader

Bereavement / Comfort Care Ministry                Sister Peggy Ann Scott, Coordinator

Calling Post                                                        Brother Alton (AJ) Jones, Coordinator

Celebration of Life Ministry                                Sister Olethia Bradshaw, Coordinator

Children Church School                                     Sister Amy Bounds, Leader

Christian Board of Education                             Sister Avis McMillan, Director

Church Caterer                                                   Sister Dawn Ford, Coordinator

Church Consultants To The Pastor                    Sister Thelma Satterwhite / Brother Henry J. Murray

Church Ministry Assistant To The Pastor           Sister Peggy Ann Scott

Church School - Adult and Children                   Sister Amy Bounds, Superintendent

Class Leaders’ Ministry                                      Sisters Antoinette Johnson / Olethia Bradshaw, Coordinators

Coat and Soup Ministry                                      Sister Vicky Hubert, President

Communications/Corresponding Ministry         Sister Lorraine Vance, Coordinator – virginia.vance@yahoo.com

Co-Operative Club                                              Sister Adrianna Turner-Gray, President

Couples Marriage Fellowship Ministry               Pastor Carlos Bounds / Sister Amy Bounds, Leaders

Education Achievement Ministry                       Sister Avis McMillan, Director

Entertainment Committee                                  Sister Olethia Bradshaw, Coordinator

EPIC (Edifying Praise In Christ)                          Brother Oscar Williams / Sister A’aShay Kelsey

Flower Club                                                        Sister Wanda Thompson, Point of Contact

Finance Commission                                          Brother G. Sonny Grimes, Church Treasurer

Greeters Ministry / Narthex / Parking                 Sister Avis McMillan, Coordinator

Health / Safety / Security - Church                      Emergency Volunteers

Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Ministry                     Brother Louis W. Mason, Leader

Kitchen Ministry                                                 Sister Olethia Bradshaw / Brother Vernon Glenn, Coordinators

Lay Organization                                                Sister Joanne Turner, President

Love Choir                                                          Sister Joanne Flagg, President

Male Chorus                                                       Brother Eric Alexander, President

Mt. Zion Worship Services (2nd / 4th Sundays)    Sister Peggy Ann Scott, Ministerial Leader

Mt. Zion Community Tennis Association            Sister Phyllis Mason, Coordinator

Mt. Zion Royal Praise Dance Team                     Sisters Keisha Flagg / JaLisa Gibson, Dance Coordinators

Music Choirs                                                      Brother Oscar Williams, Musician of all Choirs and Other Musicians

Music Ministry                                                    Brother Louis W. Mason, Director

Outreach Evangelism Ministry                           Sister Amy Bounds / Evangelist Alaia Bradshaw, Coordinators

Outreach Ministry (Narcotics Anonymous)        Brother Eric Payne, Leader

Pastor’s Aide Ministry (PAM)                             Sister Dawn Ford, President

Praise and Worship Team                                  Brother Oscar Williams, Leader

Social Media (Church Website / Facebook)        Sister Lisa Smith, Coordinator

Steward Board                                                    Sister Antionette Johnson, Vice Chair

Stewardess Board                                              Sister Olethia Bradshaw, President

Technical Team                                                  Sisters Joanne Turner - Lisa Smith - Alisha Rodriguez - Vicky Hubert

Trustee Board                                                     Sister Trina Allison, Vice Chair

Usher Board                                                       Sister Lisa Gibson, President

Van Ministry                                                       Brother G. Sonny Grimes, Leader

Women’s Fellowship Ministry                            Sister Amy Bounds, Leader

Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)                  Sister Anthea Lett, President

Women’s Youth Adult Fellowship                      Evangelist Alaia Bradshaw, Leader

Young People’s Department (YPD)                     Evangelist Ebony Staten-Fortson, Leader

Young Women’s Fellowship                               Evangelist Alaia Bradshaw, Leader