Zion E-News (11-7-2019)

It seems like everywhere I go lately, the subject of generosity and finances comes up. At a recent Regional Synod Executive Committee meeting we talked about planning for worst case scenarios as our denomination makes decisions about its future. At both Lifeline and City Chapel, their boards talked about finances and both wanting and needing to foster more generosity in their communities, not only of finances but also of people’s time and relationships. As we consider a possible building remodel, we too are thinking about finances and giving. At the same time, national trends show flat to slightly declining giving and fewer people giving in almost every type of church. I wonder what that might mean for the future of church life and how we do ministry in our community together.

But, in the midst of these conversations, my mind has turned more often to gratitude than to worry. I know there are people in our church who are living on social security checks who continue to give and for them it is a genuine sacrifice. I know other young families with little kids and less income than before they had kids, who continue to sacrificially give. I know of empty nesters and early retirees who are experiencing more financial freedom and are choosing to give rather than use it all for themselves. And, I know of people socking money away for retirement, but who continue to give generously to Zion and other causes near to their hearts. To all of you I want to say thank you. You generosity is having an impact in our world.

Let me highlight just a few ways your giving matters at Zion. Because of your giving:
1. There are new faith communities in Nepal and two dedicated church planting trainers leading these new communities and raising up their leaders.
2. There are two new churches you helped plant in the last 6 years and a granddaughter church reaching Congolese refugees. Combined these three communities worship over 300 people each week.
3. There is a new Sunday School building for the more than 100 children Jeremiah and Mary Kuria are reaching through their church in Kenya.
4. A young family in our church has started doing family devotions with their kids every night after receiving some guidance from our Children’s Director.
5. A young adult is talking with a non-believing friend about reading the Bible together to learn more about God and Jesus.
6. Two new small groups are forming or have just formed this fall where people are connecting with each other and with God.
7. At least 5 Discipleship triads are meeting regularly and many people who had not read the Bible consistently in years are reading 30 chapters a week of God’s word and finding it relevant for today. 
8. In just a few weeks, 75 kids ages 3 years old through 5th grade will lead us in worship in our annual Sunday school Christmas program.
9. 3 or 4 high school students will be serving as student leaders on the Middle school retreat in February as we continue to develop the leadership capacities of our youth.

There is so much more you enable through your generosity of time and finances to Zion from Hand2Hand and the Personal Care Pantry to Sunday school lessons and worship on Sundays. Thank you for all you do to make Zion a great community of the gospel. 

Connect to God
These days it’s easy to see life the way we want to. We can filter our images, pick the news we want to hear, and listen only to the viewpoints that agree with us. When we do that, we start to distort our view of the world. The same thing can happen to our view of God. We reshape our perception of Him into what we want to believe, or what we want to think about others. Jesus came to bring us the truth about God and His plan for us, and it doesn’t always sound like what you may think. While the world tells us people get what is coming to them, Jesus offers both mercy and grace to those who seek him.

If you would like a copy of the worship service, you can receive a complete copy by contacting Tom Verbrugge or you can find the weekly messages on our website.

Grow in Community
We extend our sympathy to John and Sandy VerWys in the passing of her sister Diane Rottschafer following a 9-month battle with brain cancer. The memorial was held on Thursday afternoon at 3 pm at Harderwyk Ministries in Holland, MI.

Are you interested in learning more about Nepal and how God is at work in that land? If so, join us next week Wednesday, November 13 at 10 am in Room 205 to hear more from Sarah McAnally about her and Tracy’s trip last month. There is no need to sign-up ahead of time, simply show up ready to enjoy some good company and learn a little about Nepal.

Serve the World
Please continue to pray for City Chapel as they reach the community of downtown Grand Rapids. They are currently looking for a new space in which to worship as the rent at City Flats Hotel has continued to rise. If you know of any possible leads, please contact Pastor Greg or Pastor Ron Radcliffe from City Chapel.

Administrative Details
Our next Leaders Meeting will be on November 17 from 5-7 pm. In addition to enjoying a meal together and meeting in ministry teams, Jon Sherrill from Fifth Reformed will be sharing with us ways to more effectively listen to God in our lives. Child care will be provided for kids from birth through 5th grade. We are still looking for people to help with childcare, you can sign-up by contacting Connie Stegeman in the church office or by the welcome table in the lobby on Sunday.

We continue to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and for the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and treasures.

Fiscal Year to date budget: $255,111.86
Fiscal Year to date contributions: $219,052.37