5-9-24 E-News

/0 Comments/in , /by

ZION E-NEWS (5-9-24)

AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to view at your convenience.

AT THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING  Mark Gazan and Andrew Moore were elected to the office of Elder and Jacquie Knott and Josh Sanders were elected to the office of Deacon. These new officers will be ordained and installed on Sunday, June 2.  The 24/25 Budget was approved at $598,941.19.

MISSION TRIP SHAREHOLDER information has been placed in your church mailbox. As a Shareholder, you will be matched up with one student and commit to praying for them before, during, and after the trip. Shareholders are given copies of the pre-trip devotionals written by the students, are contacted by their student before the trip, receive a postcard from their student during the trip detailing what they have been doing, and are invited to a Celebration Lunch after the youth-led mission trip service on July 14. If you would like to partner with our youth and support their summer mission trip to Washington DC by becoming a MISSION TRIP SHAREHOLDER place your completed registration card and payment in the jar on the table in the narthex or turn it in to the church office by May 12, 2024. Extra registration cards are on the information table in the narthex.

THREADS UPDATE:  We were very busy at the Threads’ shopping day on Tuesday.  The number of families that we served during the past 2 months has DOUBLED in comparison to April and May of last year!  Unfortunately, the needs in our community are huge, but it is such a blessing that Threads / Zion can provide help for some of these needs.  All of the families that shop at Threads truly appreciate the assistance and love that they receive.

Here are the numbers from Tuesday, May 7:
61 families shopped
191 people received clothing
939 pieces of clothing were given away
105 accessories (shoes, purses, jewelry, etc) were given away
51 families used the PCP Store
13 haircuts were given between 4:00-7:00
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this ministry and for all of the provisions You supply it with.  All Glory and Honor to YOU!

SUMMER is a great time to try out new ways to serve at Zion! It is also the time of year that people who are looking for a church home tend to visit and we want them to feel welcomed! We all know that first impressions are important! Our First Impressions Team needs volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or help at the child check-in station. All of these tasks are very easy, require minimal time commitment and you can pick your own schedule! Click here to sign up through Sign-Up-Genius or call Connie in the church office at 616-534-7533 ext. 3 and she can help you with scheduling! To sign up to provide cookies please contact Debbie Coke at (269) 680-5490.

SAY IT DAY #6 is this Sunday, May 12. Kids who can say this verse to their teacher will be able to choose a prize from the treasure box.
Preschool – 2nd Grade: “Yours, Lord is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11b CSB
3rd-5th Grade: “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all.”   1 Chronicles 29:11 CSB

DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”.  Laundry Soap,  Bar Soap,   Dish Soap,  Disposable Razors,  Shampoo,  Conditioner,  Toothpaste,  Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and  Toilet paper (1-4 pack).

IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, or financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is (616) 315-7938.

WE CONTINUE to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and resources.

Fiscal Year 2023/24 Budget:  $565,604.55
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions:  $541,721.78
Giving Last Week: $19,763.73

 

 

 

5-5-24 Worship Service

/0 Comments/in /by

3-10-24 Worship Service

/in , /by

2-25-24 Worship Service

/in /by

Zion E-News 9-14-23

/in /by

ZION E-NEWS (9-14-23)

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Unity and Diversity in the Body
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

This fall, I have the opportunity to coach Eliza and Teddy’s soccer teams. With Eliza’s age group, the extent of coaching is making sure they’re kicking the ball in the right direction and cheering like crazy when they do something well.

With Teddy’s age group, coaching looks a bit different. He moved up a division, which comes with a larger field, more players, and specific positions that each have their own role to play in the larger game. The players all know their positions and are right where they need to be before the whistle blows. As the game is played, however, the tendency for the kids is to “creep” toward the ball – where the action is – and therefore become out of position. We’re teaching them the importance of being in position – playing their role – even if it feels like they’re not doing anything at the moment. We remind them that even though it FEELS like they’re not doing anything at the moment, they are – spreading the defense, protecting the weak side, freeing up space for their team mates, and being ready for the ball when it comes their way.

This reminds me of the passage in 1 Corinthians. As a team, as a community, as a church – we’re one body with many parts. We’ve all been given different gifts and roles to play and we need to lean into them. Every role matters, whether it’s where the visual action is right now or it’s serving faithfully behind the scenes. We are all an important part of the body of Christ and God uses all of us. Thank you all for faithfully praying for the church and serving in whatever capacity you’re able to in this season of your life. Your role matters and is valued.
~Ashley VanderWall

CONNECT TO GOD
AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.

ZION KIDS: All kids birth through 5th grade must be signed in at the Zion Kids Check-In Kiosk located in the lobby before the service. The nursery will be staffed for kids birth – 3 yrs.  Preschoolers meet in room 206.  K-2nd graders meet in room 205. 3rd – 5th graders meet in room 207.  Please bring the corresponding tag to pick up your child after worship. We’re excited to begin the year!

ZION YOUTH: Regular Weekly youth group meetings start this Sunday, Sept 17th.
High School Youth(9-12 grade) meet from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.
Middle School Youth (6-8th grade) meet from 5:45 – 7:15 pm.

GROW IN COMMUNITY
ZION’S ANNUAL Keeping Kids Safe child protection policy training will be held this Sunday, Sept. 17. We will meet in the youth room following the morning worship service. This training is mandatory for all adults (and highly encouraged for those who are not yet 18) working with children & youth in any of our ministry programs. Please plan on attending one of these available classes.

PRAYER REQUEST: Continue to pray for those in our congregation who deal with ongoing health issues. 

DO YOU like to bake? We are looking for volunteers to make (or purchase) cookies to serve at coffee time after worship. If you would be willing to provide cookies occasionally please call or text Dianne Kooiker at 616-538-3179.

TWO CAMPING SPOTS are available for Zion’s family camping weekend (September 22-24) at Dunes Harbor. This happens to be their Harvest weekend so there will be some special events like a campground wide Trunk or Treat, tractor wagon ides, archery, hatchets, scavenger hunt, worship in the pavilion, evening movie, plus more.  If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.

ALL BUILDING AND GROUNDS issues or concerns should be directed to Troy Austin. You can reach him via email at troymaustin@gmail.com or call or text him at (616) 914-0141.

NURSERY COORDINATOR: We are looking to hire a Nursery Coordinator. If you are interested in this position you can view the job description here. If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact Shanda VandePol (our P&A chair) at: shandavandepol@yahoo.com or at 616-308-0700.

SERVE THE WORLD
HAND2HAND will be packing food bags this morning following worship. If you would like to help pack (it’s easy and it’s fun) head downstairs  after worship and they will show you how!

DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”.  Laundry Soap,  Bar Soap,   Dish Soap,  Disposable Razors,  Shampoo,  Conditioner,  Toothpaste,  Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and  Toilet paper (1-4 pack).

IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is (616) 315-7938.

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 2023/24 Budget:  $173,144.25
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $149,723.03
Giving Last Week: $22,508.00

 

 

8-27-23 Worship Service

/in , /by

E-News 7-13-23

/in /by

ZION E-NEWS (7-13-23)

If you’re reading this as it is released, I’m nearing the end of our mission trip to Holland with the middle school youth group. This is my first mission trip since 2019 and I have been looking forward to it all year. There is nothing like the spiritual high I feel while on, and for the time just after a mission trip.

Mission trips are where I decided to publicly profess my belief in  God after a trip to the Dominican Republic. They are also where I felt called to volunteer with the youth group after I graduated, which I have been doing for the last 17 years, after a trip to Alaska. And like I said earlier, this is the time that I feel closest to God because I am serving alongside a community of believers.

Service is an important part of being a Christian, but that service doesn’t look the same for everyone. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. So, what does that service look like for you? Here are a couple of ideas for you…

Talk to Tom Boeve about getting involved with the Personal Care Pantry (and bring a ton of toothbrushes and toothpaste!). Come downstairs on a Hand2Hand packing day and work alongside your brothers and sisters as you fulfill the needs of students in Grandville Public Schools. Talk to Shawn Sanders and Sheila Johnson about dropping off food each week to Grandview Elementary. Call Becky Harkes and volunteer in nursery so you can serve the kids and their parents. Talk to Jill Austin and come help sort clothes for Threads. Go as a family to serve a meal at a local soup kitchen. Help remove pens and stack chairs after worship while Camp Zion is happening this summer. Volunteer at Camp Zion or sign up to provide food for them!

You won’t regret doing any of those things. And if none of those fit the gifts you were given, find some way to use your gifts! Using your gifts will change you and grow you.

~Tom MacGraw

CONNECT TO GOD

AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.

GROW IN COMMUNITY

PRAYER REQUEST: Barb Overweg did not have an ablation on her back as planned but was given a nerve block instead.Linda Tuit is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Pray for those in our congregation who have ongoing health issues.

DO YOU like to bake? We are looking for volunteers to make (or purchase) cookies to serve at coffee time after worship. If you would be willing to provide cookies occasionally please call or text Dianne Kooiker at 616-538-3179.

SERVE THE WORLD
WE ARE collecting toothbrushes and  tubes of toothpaste through August to meet our goal of providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to all of our Personal Care Pantry, Hand2Hand, and Threads participants in September. Donations can be placed in the Personal Care Pantry box in the narthex.  Thank you!

SUMMER is a great time to try out new ways to serve at Zion! It is also the time of year that people who are looking for a church home tend to visit and we want them to feel welcomed! We all know that first impressions are important! Our First Impressions Team is looking for volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or to help at the child check in station. All of these tasks are very easy, require minimal  time commitment and you can pick your own schedule! Click here to sign-up through Sign-Up-Genius or call Connie in the church office at 616-534-7533 ext. 3 and she can help you with scheduling!

DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”.  Laundry Soap,  Bar Soap,   Dish Soap,  Disposable Razors,  Shampoo,  Conditioner,  Toothpaste,  Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and  Toilet paper (1-4 pack).

IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is (616) 315-7938.

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 2023/24 Budget:  $69,257.70
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $64,284.70
Giving Last Week: $10,797.45

6-8-23 E-News

/in /by

ZION E-NEWS (6-8-23)

Upcoming Mini-Sabbatical

In 2015 I was blessed to experience a sabbatical. It was my first sabbatical since becoming ordained in 1999 and the only one I’ve had in the past 24 years. A sabbatical is an intentional time of rest and learning.  It is valuable for those in pastoral ministry, higher education, and other vocational roles. Many churches, including Zion, offer their pastors a sabbatical after seven years of service. This fits the biblical concept of a sabbath.
As a Transition Pastor, I am normally in one church setting for 12 months. That makes it difficult to build up seven years for a sabbatical! However, earlier this year, the Reformed Church in America provided pastors an opportunity to apply for a mini-sabbatical. These are 2-3 week times away for rest and personal growth. Since it has been more than seven years since I experienced a sabbatical, I did three things.
1)  I approached Zion’s exec team and asked for the equivalent of one week away
for my one year of service here. They graciously agreed and I’m grateful for
that gift.
2)  I applied for the RCA funding and received some finances to help cover a
portion of the mini-sabbatical expenses.
3)  I decided to use my week of continuing education along with the week granted
and the funding provided and plan out a two week mini-sabbatical from June
26-July 10.
During the first week, my wife and I will be getting away together and exploring the Seattle/Mt. Rainier/Olympic National Park region. During the second week, I will be attending a “Soul of a Pastor” retreat in Colorado. Along with personal study and group sharing/reflection under the leadership of a spiritual advisor, we will spend portions of the time fly-fishing. I’ve never fly-fished before. As my children get older, I know that I need to learn some new hobbies and skills that can enrich my soul, help me enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, and provide intrigue for years to come. Whether that will be fly-fishing or not is yet to be determined!
I’m grateful for this opportunity. I would appreciate your prayers when that time comes and I’m away for a couple of weeks. I trust God will use it to draw me closer to Him and enrich my soul.

Resting in His grace,
~ Pastor Steve

CONNECT TO GOD
AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.

ZION KIDS has switched over to our summer programming.Through Sept 3, we will hold one combined class each week for kids ages 3yrs old through 3rd grade.  We will sing songs, watch a Bible story video, pray together and have some playtime while service is happening in the sanctuary.  Children should check in at the child check in station each week as usual.

GROW IN COMMUNITY
PLEASE JOIN US for a special Prayer Service on Sunday, June 11.  We will meet in the Youth Room after morning worship to spend time praying for the Lead Pastor Search Team and the search process.  A prayer guide will be distributed.

PRAYER REQUEST: Pray for the High School youth group as they serve in Nashville this week. Continue to pray for our Search Team, Matt Eling, Jill Austin, Ken Cook, Kathy MacGraw, Andrew Moore, Patti Steere, Kyle VanderWall, and Pastor Steve. Pray for those in our congregation who have ongoing health issues.

THANK YOU for your prayers and support for our grandson Cole.  He is doing very well. His recent bone biopsy was clear. We serve an awesome God!              ~Cliff and Deb Tanis

CONGRATULATIONS to Garrett and Kenzie (Sanders) Farney on the birth of a baby girl, Breslyn Jane Farney on June 1. Both mom and baby are doing well.

TO OUR ZION FAMILY, This past Sunday was absolutely great. The worship and fellowship, awesome! Thank you so much for all the cards, the kind words, words of encouragement, gifts, and all the love you have shown to Jonell and I. To be able to work with some really great people and take care of the church (building and people) has been the best “job” a person could ever have. I am thankful for all of you and look forward to continuing to worship with you for many years to come. May God bless you.         With our love, Rick and Jonell

DO YOU like to bake? We are looking for volunteers to make (or purchase) cookies to serve at coffee time after worship. If you would be willing to provide cookies occasionally please call or text Dianne Kooiker at 616-538-3179.

DEAR CHURCH, We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for your partnership with us this school year. Thank you for your commitment to our JPS students and families, and your continued support of our program. We see the impact and appreciate all you do in our community. Have a wonderful summer!    ~JPS Parent Liaisons~Mary Veldink, Beth Morey and Kris Faber

SERVE THE WORLD
HAND2HAND is looking for volunteers to deliver food to Grandview Elementary School.  Delivery would be every Wednesday or Thursday between 3:30-4:00PM  beginning in the fall and continue weekly during the regular school year schedule. Food is packed in totes so volunteers would need to be able to lift the totes which can weigh up to 40lbs.  Contact Sheila Johnson or Shawn Sanders if you have more questions or would like to help.

CAMP ZION will begin on June 19 and we have some items we could use on our wish list.  Recyclable items include: paper towel tubes, egg cartons & empty cereal boxes.  We also have some items on our Amazon Wish List.  Any items you would care to donate can be placed in the Camp Zion donation box near the church mailboxes or shipped directly to church.

SUMMER is a great time to try out new ways to serve at Zion! It is also the time of year that people who are looking for a church home tend to visit and we want them to feel welcomed! We all know that first impressions are important! Our First Impressions Team is looking for volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or to help at the child check in station. All of these tasks are very easy, require minimal  time commitment and you can pick your own schedule! Click here to sign-up through Sign-Up-Genius or call Connie in the church office at 616-534-7533 ext. 3 and she can help you with scheduling!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  The nursery is looking for a few more volunteers to serve in the nursery on Sunday mornings. Volunteers serve about one time every five weeks. If you are interested in helping, please contact Becky Harkes at (616) 889-3396, rebeccaharkes@gmail.com, or in person after church.

DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”.  Laundry Soap,  Bar Soap,   Dish Soap,  Disposable Razors,  Shampoo,  Conditioner,  Toothpaste,  Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and  Toilet paper (1-4 pack).

IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is 616-724-3312.

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 2023/24 Budget:  $11,542.95
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $11,183.45
Giving Last Week: $11,183.45

1-15-23 Worship Service

/in /by

This Week’s Bulletin

/in , /by

10-23-22 Bulletin