Fall Message Series: You Belong at Zion!

There’s a question many of us carry into a new place, a new church, or even a new group of people:

“Is there a place for me here?”

Maybe you’ve felt that question before. Maybe you’ve walked into a room and wondered whether you would be noticed, welcomed, or accepted. Maybe you’ve had experiences that made you wonder whether church was really a place where you belonged.

At Zion United Methodist Church, we believe the answer is yes. You belong.

Not because we have everything figured out. Not because we all look alike, think alike, or come from the same places. And not because belonging means we never disagree or never make mistakes.

We belong because God has made room for us.

And because God has made room for us, we are called to make room for one another.

You Belong at Zion

Our You Belong at Zion sermon series explores four simple ways we can live out that calling together:

Accept One Another
We begin by recognizing that Christ calls us to welcome one another as we are—not as the people we think someone else should become.

Be Hospitable to One Another
Hospitality is more than having a friendly smile or a cup of coffee waiting. It means intentionally making room for people and helping them know, “There is a place for you here.”

Encourage One Another
We all need people who remind us that we are not walking alone. Sometimes a simple word of encouragement can help someone take the next step in faith.

Love One Another
At the heart of it all is love. Jesus calls us to love one another not merely with words, but through the way we live, serve, forgive, welcome, and care for one another.

This series isn’t just about what happens on Sunday morning. It’s about the kind of church we want to be every day of the week.

A church where people are noticed.

A church where people are welcomed.

A church where people are encouraged.

A church where people are loved.

A church where, when someone walks through the doors wondering, “Is there a place for me here?”, we can answer not only with our words but with our actions:

You belong.

We’d love for you to join us at Zion as we discover what it means to accept, welcome, encourage, and love one another—and to become the kind of community where everyone has a place at the table.

Save the Date: STEM Sunday Funday!

Sunday, September 13, 2026

4:00-5:30 p.m. at Zion UMC!

It’s time for another STEM Sunday Funday! It’s going to be a great time exploring the mysteries of Jesus’ miracles. From 4 – 5:30, kids of all ages and their adults can participate in several experiments designed to remind us of all the amazing things that Jesus did during his ministry on earth.

Food, drinks, and snacks will be provided. It’s going to be so much fun, and we can’t wait to see you!

Back to School Supply Drive for Viking Elementary

We are once again partnering with Viking Elementary School for a school supply drive. We can’t wait for the school year to get started!

Please support Viking by bringing:

-Over-the-ear wired headphones (this is a big need)

-Boxes of Kleenex

-Clorox Wipes

-24 ct. Crayola Crayons

-24 ct. Crayola Colored Pencils

-Broad-tip classic markers

-4 oz. white glue

-Gluesticks

-Fiskars Scissors

-Pink Erasers

-Plain pocket folders (no designs)

-Plain wide-ruled notebooks (no designs)

Thanks for being a blessing to Viking Elementary!

Join us in July for REEL Faith!

This summer, we are going to find the gospel in the most unlikely places. Join us starting on Sunday, July 12, 2026, for our REEL Faith message series! Each week, we’ll look at a movie or Pixar short and find how the gospel message is proclaimed through the story of the movie.

July 12: “Wrong Lever, Right Faith: The Emperor’s New Groove”

July 19: “We Don’t Talk About Comparison: Encanto”

July 26: “One Day Out There: The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

August 2: “Just Sing: Sing”

August 9: “Lost and Led: Leo, the Pixar Short”

Join us this summer for S’Mores & Scripture

We know that this summer is a fun and busy time of different activities, fun on the lake, and family vacations. While you’re out and about having fun on the weekends away from Grand Forks, don’t forget that your church family is here for you, too!

This summer, join your Zion United Methodist Church family for S’mores & Scripture in the parking lot, a monthly mid-week gathering designed to help us stay connected in faith and fellowship during the busy summer season. We’ll gather around the fire for s’mores, enjoy yard games and conversation, and spend a few moments reflecting on God’s Word together.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 17, July 15, and August 19 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and a friend. All are welcome.

Summer Worship Hours Resume on May 31st!

Starting May 31st through the end of August, our Sunday worship service will move to an earlier time, beginning at 9:30 AM instead of 10:30 AM. There will be no Sunday School, however Zion’s Gate (Wired Word) will still meet after the service. Everyone is invited to attend. Enjoy the earlier start to your summer Sundays with us!

Vacation Bible School is coming!

“Arise! Shine! Your light has come; the LORD’s glory has shone upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1)

Get ready for an unforgettable time at Vacation Bible School: Discovery on Adventure Island on July 19-21st. Kids ages 4–12 are invited to explore, play, and grow in faith as they discover how God’s light shines in their lives. Together we’ll dive into the theme verse through stories, music, crafts, and games. Come join the adventure and let your light shine!  

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with VBS can talk to either Matt Myrick or Pastor Clay. Find out more information and register here! (pre-registration is not required, but it is *very* helpful in planning.)