Union Zion BC at WABC

Rev. Dickerson and the members of Union Zion traveled to Norfolk Virginia to help Pastor Marc and the Woodland Ave Baptist Church members celebrate their Annual Family and Friends Day service.

144th Church Anniversary

Union Zion celebrated its 144^th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The special guest were Rev. George West and Pilgrim Baptist Church of Richmond VA. Our own, Dea. Thomas Carter was the worship leader. Rev. West’s sermon was titled “The Grace of God”; scripture Ex. 12: He explained that “grace is the undeserved love God has for his people. However, God wants to be there for you, but you must be right. We’ve been kept by His grace. When blessed, don’t mess up, show your gratitude through service”.

The Hospitality Staff served a very delicious meal between the AM and PM service. During the AM service, Pastor Dickerson gave a great reminder to the members. He suggested that we read the front cover of the bulletin which states “The Friendly Church where the Neighborhood becomes a Brotherhood”. He stated that we should be more open to those in the neighborhood and remind ourselves of what Union Zion has stood for, for 144 years.

Homecoming 2011

Homecoming was held at Union Zion on August 21, 2011 and was again another joyous occasion. Union Zion’s congregational family was happy to welcome home those who had been away for a year. We even saw some faces that had not been there for several years; like Moses Gardner of Baltimore, Md. Brother Gardner who is in his 80’s looked very happy to be visiting his old home church. Of course, Retired Pastor Marcus Wood of Baltimore, Md. Was also able to attend and shared with the congregation that he does “as little as possible” these days. He and his wife also celebrated their anniversary this month.Published authors, Lowell Evans of Virginia Beach and Alta Wood-Wright of Washington, DC were alsoattended. Other representation traveled from North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Connecticut and Delaware.

Pastor Dickerson preached at the morning service and Brother Clarence Davis, guest musician of First Baptist Church, directed the Gospel Chorus. The morning service was followed by a delicious fellowship dinner. While waiting for the afternoon service, guests were given an opportunity visit with those they had not seen for awhile.

The afternoon guests were Dr. Rodney Waller and First African Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. He was accompanied by his Youth Choir. Dr. Waller’s sermon and the energetic youth choir brought the close of Homecoming 2011 to a close with a spirit-filled conclusion.

The Homecoming committee thanks everyone for attending and look forward to seeing all again in 2012.

Church Updates

Union Zion just completed three nights of revival July 27^th through July 29^th. We were highly blessed with three inspiring, spirit filled, energetic sermons from Pastor Steven Daniels, Sr. Pastor Daniels is the pastor of Smithfield Baptist Church in Gloucester, Virginia. On Wednesday night, Rising Valley Baptist Church Choir provided the music. We were blessed with music from St. Paul Baptist Church Choir on Thursday night. Friday night, Smithfield Baptist Church music department accompanied their pastor with music and high energy. Union Zion is grateful to Pastor Daniels and Smithfield for helping to make Revival 2011 a big success.

On August 21, 2011 we will be celebrating our annual Homecoming celebration. The special guest for this year will be Pastor Rodney Waller and First African Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia.

On September 11, 2011, we look forward to our annual youth anniversary. The guest will be various youth groups from Gloucester and York Counties.

Ministry Updates

Last weekend, October 29 – 30, Pastor and Mrs. Dickerson accompanied the youth of Union Zion to Cheatham Annex in Williamsburg, VA for their annual youth retreat.

On Sunday morning October 31st the youth, although a little tired, served for the Gloucester Union Relief Association’s last 5th Sunday of the year service. Union Zion’s youth participated along with other youths from 14 other member churches. Pastor Dickerson serves as president of GURA and gave his anniversary address with a sermon entitled “Crazy Praise”.

Church anniversary will be on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. Pastor Dickerson will be preaching in the morning and music will be done by the senior choir. In the afternoon at 3:30 PM, Pastor Paul Pleasants and Calvary Baptist Church of Saluda Virginia will be the special guest. This is the 143rd anniversary celebration.

On the third Sunday, Nov. 21st during the 11 AM service, Union Zion will observe Rev. and Mrs. William E. Upshur Day. Pastor Upshur served Union Zion for 23 years and each 3rd Sunday in November Union Zion honors Pastor Upshur and his wife, Betsy, with a special day and dinner. Family members and friends come along with them to help honor them.

Spring Announcements

We will be wrapping up the Holy Week Services at Union Zion on Good Friday. Holy Week is sponsored by the Gloucester Union Relief Association. Join us each night starting at 7 PM. There will be a special play featuring the youth of the county on Good Friday.

There will be no Sunday Service at Union Zion Baptist Church Easter Sunday. Everyone is encouraged to attend Sunrise Service that morning at Zion Poplars Baptist Church starting at 6 AM.

April 10, 2010 The Youth Ministry is sponsoring their annual banquet at Days Inn, Water Country in Williamsburg starting at 1 PM. This year besides the meal there will be a fashion show, prizes, games and music by the youth and their guest.

Join us on April 18th at 3:30 as we celebrate our Family and Friends Service. Our guest will be Pastor Marcus Jennings and the congregation of Woodland Ave Baptist Church, Norfolk VA.

Upcoming Events for the Coming Months.

Thank you to the youth of Union Zion Baptist Church for taking charge of the service this past Sunday. Pastor Dickerson spoke about love, and directed his message to the youth.

Thank you to Rev. Robert Diggs of Petersburgh VA for being with us during our Black History Program. We would also like to thank MGM Tri-County Choir and their Director Michael Smith for providing the music.

Deacon and Deaconess Anniversary is March 7th. More info to come.

The Pastor's Anniversary is March 21st. Our guest will be Rev. Bradley Holmes and the congregation of St. Paul Baptist Church of Gloucester.