A new biography on the life of Eugene Peterson came out last week. Written by a former student and friend of Eugene, and now professor at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Winn Collier paints a captivating picture of Peterson. I have read Peterson’s own theological autobiography a few years ago and several other of his books and sermons, so I am thoroughly enjoying another perspective on the author of the Message paraphrase of the Bible.

Early in the book, Collier tells a story of Eugene struggling with some spiritual depression while attending Seattle Pacific College (now University). He is sent to the pastor who goes off on a rant about sex. He tries to meet with the pastor again and gets the same rant. So then, he is sent to a spiritual giant in the church who tries to pour more Biblical knowledge into him. Peterson was discouraged.

And then, a friend sends him to the coarse, gruff Reuben. Reuben was the kind of guy you wanted on your side in a dark alley, but not someone you would think to talk with about your emotions. But Eugene was desperate so he got up the courage and shared his struggled with Reuben. Reuben agreed to meet every Tuesday and Thursday in the church basement. And foe the rest of the summer, they just talked. No big spiritual language. But Reuben treated Peterson life a person and listened to him. They talked about everything and nothing. And, over the summer. the spiritual depression lifted.

Years later, Eugene reached out to Reuben, now in his eighties, to thank him for their time together and tell him all it meant to Eugene. The influence Reuben had on his life. And then there was a long silence. Then Reuben replied:
“You know, I’m just sitting here in my bed. I’m very ill and can’t do much. And you’re telling me that those Thursday night at the church changed your life? No one’s ever said anything like that to me before. They liked me to fix things for the, But they never seemed to want me for much more than that.”

And then Reuben cried.

That little story has stuck with me for a few days now. Three thoughts linger for me. First, it is so important for us to let people know when they have made a difference in our lives. We can assume they know, but they probably don’t. Tell people when what they do has mattered to you. Thank people.

And secondly, being a spiritual mentor to people does not require the theological and biblical knowledge church people often think it does. The gospel is not very complicated: God loves you more than you can imagine. Go love God back and love other people, too. What most people need is not head knowledge, but to experience being known, accepted, and loved as they are. To be seen and listened to. To be heard and valued.

And thirdly, as an unhandy person, I am always a little bit in awe of people who can fix things and are good at building things. I find it all overwhelming.I really value people who can do what I do not understand! And, I hope no one ever feels like they are only valued because of what they can do. Whether you are involved serving in a ministry or fixing things around the church, your work is certainly appreciated, but even more, you, your unique personhood, matters to me, to this church, and to God.

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day we remember Jesus washing his disciples feet, and this day I am thankful for Reuben and all the unsung heroes of church like him. Who may feel unnoticed in their service and wisdom, but are seen by God.

Greg

Connect to God
This Sunday we will gather in person at 9:30 am and online at both 9:30 and 11 am. You can find the services either on our Facebook page or at zionreformed.online.church. We will also rebroadcast the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 4pm next Sunday.

He is risen! This Sunday, we celebrate an empty tomb, a risen king, and new world of life breaking into this world of death. It has been a long year and much has not gone according to our plans, but on Easter we remember that even in our darkest moments, God can speak and bring new life and hope. This Easter, we question how can we as an Easter people  live to give witness and testimony to this new kingdom of our God?

Grow in Community
If you would like to keep up with Steve Landstra’s health journey as he battles lung cancer, the family has set up a CaringBridges page and you can find it here.

We are reading through the New Testament over the next year as a congregation. The reading schedule for this coming week is below:
Monday: Acts 2
Tuesday: Acts 3
Wednesday: Acts 4
Thursday: Acts 5
Friday: Acts 6

You can also find the reading schedule on our website under the Ministries tab.

Serve the World
Registrations for Camp Zion open today. If you have a child who could benefit from Camp Zion, the link is here. Please be in prayer for all our campers and staff as the summer season draws nearer.

Solomon’s Porch, a Wesleyan congregation in Jenison, recently closed. For years, they have been hosting the ministry Threads that provides gently used clothing to families in need in Jenison, Grandville, and Hudsonville schools. With the closing of Solomon’s Porch, this ministry is looking for a new home. Would you join me in praying for wisdom to discern if this is a door opening for Zion to be an even better neighbor to our community. You can read more about Threads below written by Beth Morey with JPS:

“Threads provides free clothing, accessories, and diapers for families in Jenison/Hudsonville/Grandville in a manner that demonstrates the love of God.

“At Threads, we are not only about providing basic needs for our families, but doing it in a way that maintains dignity and respect in the process.

“By coming alongside families who are struggling and meeting some of their most basic needs, we are able to empower them to better tackle their life circumstances.

“The reach of this ministry goes beyond just providing clothing. When a person or a child feels proud of what they’re wearing, they feel better about themselves. This increases their confidence and makes other aspects of their life a little better.

“For one family there was a father-daughter dance coming up at school and their eight-year-old was told she couldn’t attend because the family did not have enough money to buy a new dress. At Threads she was able to find a dress and shoes that were beautiful and fit her well. She stated, “Now I can go to the dance next week!” She was so excited that she would have something nice to wear and be able to participate in her school dance.

“On the morning of Christmas Eve our Threads coordinator received a message from one of our clients who is a foster parent. She had just brought two-year-old twins into her home the night before and they only came with the clothes they were wearing. Since it was a holiday, her other resources were not available. Our coordinator was able to meet the family at Threads and provide them with diapers, clothes, and shoes, so they didn’t have to go to a store on Christmas Eve to purchase those essentials. One of the best parts about this ministry is being able to partner with other families who are already giving so much time and energy to better their community.”

If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Chip Harkes, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is chip@harkeslandscape.com and his phone number is 616-299-4804.

Administration
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:  $451,770.04
Fiscal Year to Date Contribution: $431,555.98
Giving Last Week: $6,393.51
Benevolent Fund Offering of 3/21: $1,140.00