The Mount Newsletter for May 6, 2026

We're having a really good discussions in our After Bible Study Chat. We'll be on Facebook, YouTube, and DialPad Meetings at 12 or 6:30 PM then join us on Dialpad to share your thoughts.

Sixth Mount Zion is applying for the Lilly Endowment’s Exploring Christian Practices Initiative.

If given $500,000.00 per year for 5 years, what would you suggest we do to help the congregation and community:

  • Study God’s word more effectively (Biblically Based Learning)
  • Build healthy relationships (Appreciate Connections)
  • Worship and pray individually and collectively (Seek God’s Presence)
  • Be more hospitable, loving, and affirming (Invite and Welcome ALL God’s Children)
  • Become more generous with spiritual gifts, financial literacy (Commit Times, Talent, and Treasure)
  • Develop outreach efforts that empower rather than enable (Serve God’s People)

The application is due May 18th. So, we are asking ALL Mount Members, young and old, to do two things:

  1. Pray, that if it be God’s will, SMZBC is chosen as a grant recipient
  2. Submit your ideas for ways to spend the money by Friday at 4:30 PM.


Please join us as the Rev. Dwylene Butler presents her final Integrative Project to complete the requirements for the Doctor of Mininstry degree, "The Dance of Redemption: A Womanist Framework for Discipleship in the Black Church." The presentation will be on Union Presbyterian Seminary's Richmond Campus in Early 124 on May 7th from 4:00-5:00 with a reception to follow. Click here to register to attend in-person.


You may also attend online and do not need to register for that. You need only to enter the Zoom Room provided here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81774823325?pwd=kj578M9MRon8d8EB0LyYC7l130CbEB.1

Meeting ID: 817 7482 3325 | Passcode: 246104


This event is hosted by the Academic Dean's office and the DMin Program. Please contact Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, Acting Director of the DMin Program, if you need additional information at ehinsonhasty@upsem.edu.

In an effort to keep everyone safe during worship and ministry activities, our Trustees are asking all members and guests to help us maintain a secure environment. In this current climate, we must all do our part to stay vigilant and protect one another. Please remember the following important guidelines:

Be aware of your surroundings at all times while on church property. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, notify a Trustee or Staff Person immediately.

Do not prop open any exterior doors under any circumstances. All doors should remain closed and locked unless they are being actively monitored.

Arrive on Time for Worship: Arriving on time also helps us maintain a secure environment, as it reduces the need to open the exterior doors multiple times once worship has begun.

Exit the building promptly after worship and other events so that our Trustees can properly secure the church.

Thank you for partnering with us to make Sixth Mount Zion a safe and welcoming place for everyone.