Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.

Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?”

Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.”

Peter persisted, “You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!”

Jesus said, “If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.”

“Master!” said Peter. “Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!”

Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

John 13:1-17 (The Message)

Grow in Community
Tom Boeve had knee replacement surgery on Monday and is doing well as he begins his physical therapy routine.

Teresa Beute was hospitalized on Tuesday with heart troubles will be undergoing open heart surgery sometime early next week. Please pray for peace and patience as she awaits surgery.

Madonna Chapelle entered hospice care last week and is currently doing well and enjoying the break from the many side effects of chemotherapy. Continue to pray for her as the cancer progresses that she might continue to find her hope and comfort in our God.

Please pray for all those traveling over the next 10 days as many go south to enjoy some warm weather during this break from school.

Serve the World
Many people in our community attend church on Christmas and Easter and not a whole lot in between. Others have attended church in the past, but have not gone for a long time. Sometimes, for these people, all they need is an invitation from a friend. But, most would attend a church if someone would only ask. 

Who might you ask to join you at Zion during this Lenten/Easter season? Your ask could be as simple as saying, “Bob you’re such a great neighbor and I’m not sure if you have plans for this Sunday, but I have been attending this great church and I’d like to ask you come check it out with us soon. No big deal if you can’t but I was thinking of you.” Bob may say no, or he may take a first step closer to Jesus because you had the courage to ask.

As CityFest kicks off a 6 month period of serving our community and training churches, there is a great opportunity for members of our church to learn more about evangelism and how to share our faith with others. On April 17, Mark Mittelberg, author of Becoming a Contagious Christian, will offer a free training at Fairhaven Church in Hudsonville at 7 pm. If you are interested in attending, you can sign-up through the Connection Card on Sunday.

The names of those willing to serve as Elders and Deacons were recently distributed to members of Zion. We encourage you tp pray for God’s guidance in choosing our leaders and then prayerful fill out a nomination ballot and turn it in through the pink box in the narthex. These nominations will be considered by the Consistory as we determine the final slate of Elders and Deacons of our congregation meeting in May.

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.

Year to date budget: $456,441.13
Year to date contributions: $461,974.08