Tuesday night this week was the last Consistory meeting of our old Consistory and the first time our new Consistory gathered. These are always some of my favorite meetings as they usually provide opportunity to reflect back on where we have been in the previous three years and look ahead to where we might be three years from now.

This year, we said good-bye to Emily Morehouse, Tricia Leistra, Sarah McAnally and Tracy Lobbes. Each of them have served faithfully and prayerfully in their roles and hopefully will be able to enjoy a well deserved rest from leading in the church. As I thought about their three years on Consistory I was reminded of a comment Doug McClintic, formerly of our Regional Synod and now the head of missions in Europe for the RCA, made about our Consistory. While meeting with us last fall, after everyone else had left he commented that we may have a young Consistory compared to some churches, but they are an exceptional one. They show vision and passion for mission. They are open to change and trying new things. And, they have a deep heart for the people and mission of the church. I think he finished by saying any pastor would be crazy to ever leave a Consistory like that. I could not agree more.

When you see a Consistory member this Sunday, thank them for all their work and let them know you are praying for them. It’s an important job and they do it faithfully.

We look forward to formally ordering and installing our newest Elders and Deacons during worship on June 2.

Connect to God

On Thursday, Jesus was a famous teacher. On Saturday he was dead in the grave and the movement he had started was as good as dead. But when he burst forth from the tomb, Christianity came to life as well. We are and always will be an Easter shaped people. This Sunday, we conclude our reflection on the last few stories from the Gospel of John as we catch some glimpses of the kinds of people God has called us to be as we follow our risen Savior. This Sunday, reflecting on John 21, we remember all of us are broken wandering people graciously restored to God and sent in mission by Jesus.

This Sunday, we celebrate our graduates for 2019:

2019 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Luke Austin is graduating from Calvin Christian High School. He will attend the University of Michigan – Dearborn to pursue a major in Biochemistry and plans to make cancer research his career.

Emma DeVries is graduating from Jenison High School. She will attend Northern Michigan University to major in Biology with a concentration in Zoology.

Alyssa Fahner is graduating from Grandville High School. She will attend Dominican University to pursue a major in Psychology and minor in Spanish and also play basketball. Her career interests are Forensic Psychologist or Child Life Specialist.

Sarah Orme is graduating from Grandville High School. She will attend Northern Michigan University but is undecided on a major. Career interests are architecture or graphic design.

2019 COLLEGE GRADUATES
Hayley Landstra graduated from Hope College with a Bachelors of Arts degree. She has a Special Education major and plans to be a Special Education teacher.

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

Please pray for Mike and Sharilyn VanWyhe as Mike will undergo surgery tomorrow,  May 17, to have a cancerous lymph node removed. The surgery is in Ann Arbor and will require a two night stay in the hospital.

Congratulations to Bronson Swan and Ashley Zondlak who will be united in marriage this Saturday afternoon.

Zachary Olger is recovering at home and eating lots of popsicles after having a tonsillectomy on Monday.

Tom Boeve is at home recovering after a minor knee surgery on Monday.

On Saturday, June 29, Grandville will hold its annual Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek Run. If you are interested in running with people from church, please contact Pastor Rick. For more information check out www.visserfamilybuckcreekrun.com.

Serve the World

Camp Zion is an amazing, fun-filled, summer time adventure.  Anyone is welcome to be a part of serving at camp, from teenagers to retirees. Camp runs for seven weeks: June 17 – Aug 1, Monday through Thursday each week, 9am-3pm each day. You can serve one day a week or every day or anything in between. In particular, we are always open to adults who are willing to drive students to and from lunch and field trips. If you would like to know more, please contact Rachel Verbrugge.

We also want to thank all the teens who applied and interviewed to work at Camp Zion this summer. We had another strong group of candidates. Our Camp Zion teen staff this summer will be: Luke Austin (full-time), Kim Verbrugge (full-time), Olivia Davis (part-time), and Julia Reynolds (part-time). Congratulations to all of our summer staff. We look forward to seeing how God will work through you this summer.

Administrative Details

As we continue working with Elevate Studios to develop a plan for remodeling our building to create a larger gathering area and children’s spaces, the Consistory approved final plans for the remodeling of our building and approved authorizing Elevate Studios to go ahead with drawing up the schematic designs. We are also beginning to put some plans in place for a capital campaign that should officially launch in September. We will be able to share detailed plans and hopes for the remodeled space at that time.

Our Children’s Ministry redesign team met with Consistory again on Tuesday this week. After about 2 hours of conversations with the team and among the Consistory, a plan was approved seeking to address concerns about over-taxing our volunteers, right-sizing our children’s ministry staff positions, and to position us for future growth and planting new churches. This decision will be shared on Sunday with the congregation by Elder Tricia Leistra during our morning announcement time.

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:  $543,760.00

Fiscal Year to date contributions: $533,460.12

Zion E-News (5-9–2019)

On Monday this week, Jim Peterson, Josh Sander, and I served as delegates to the annual Regional Synod of the Great Lakes meeting. The Regional Synod includes all of the churches in our denomination in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky and accounts for about 20% of the average weekly worship attendance of our denomination. Typically, much of these meetings are filled with administrative decision, but this year, we spend 2-3 hours in training with Trisha Taylor.

Trisha has worked with numerous pastors and churches in our denomination teaching them to learn how to stay calm, connected, while maintain clear opinions and values in the midst of change through the lens of Family Systems Theory. There has always been change in our culture and in churches, but as many have noted, churches are steadily moving into uncharted territory. As the culture continues to change and churches move more and more to the periphery of most people’s lives, we need to learn how to do ministry in a culture most of us couldn’t have imagined 20 or 30 years ago.

At my table, one person noted that there is very little in our American culture that everyone can agree on or enjoy. We divide by age, by gender, by ethnicity, by political persuasion, and so on. But, the one thing every subculture shares is a tendency to argue and vilify and sever relationships with those who disagree with us. She wondered what witness we might have if the church both learned and became known for being a place where people can disagree and still love one another as Jesus loves us.

If you want to learn more about Family Systems Theory and how these skills can help us stay connected in the midst of change or simply lead better at church, in our careers, and with our families, you can check out her great book, The Leaders Journey, or her website.

Connect to God

On Thursday, Jesus was a famous teacher. On Saturday he was dead in the grave and the movement he had started was as good as dead. But when he burst forth from the tomb, Christianity came to life as well. We are and always will be an Easter shaped people. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at the last few stories from the Gospel of John to catch some glimpses of the kinds of people God has called us to be as we follow our risen Savior. This Sunday, as we reflect on John 20:24-31, we acknowledge the reality of our doubts, the questions that always accompany faith, and the God who accepts us in our doubts and offers us life in his son.

This Sunday, we will celebrate communion, also called The Lord’s Super or the Eucharist. This is the family meal of Christians.  We invite all committed followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel, who are at peace with God and with their neighbor, and who seek strength to live more faithfully for Christ.  If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer.  We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with His people, the church.

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

On Saturday, June 29, Grandville will hold its annual Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek Run. If you are interested in running with people from church, please contact Pastor Rick. For more information check out www.visserfamilybuckcreekrun.com

Serve the World

Camp Zion is an amazing, fun-filled, summer time adventure.  Anyone is welcome to be a part of serving at camp, from teenagers to retirees. Camp runs for seven weeks: June 17 – Aug 1, Monday through Thursday each week, 9am-3pm each day. You can serve one day a week or every day or anything in between. In particular, we are always open to adults who are willing to drive students to and from lunch and field trips. If you would like to know more, please contact Rachel Verbrugge.

We also want to thank all the teens who applied and interviewed to work at Camp Zion this summer. We had another strong group of candidates. Our Camp Zion teen staff this summer will be: Luke Austin (full-time), Kim Verbrugge (full-time), Olivia Davis (part-time), and Julia Reynolds (part-time). Congratulations to all of our summer staff. We look forward to seeing how God will work through you this summer.

Administrative Details

As we continue working with Elevate Architecture to develop a plan for remodeling our building to create a larger gathering area and children’s spaces, the Consistory has formed a building remodel team. The team includes: Pastor Rick, Andy Boeskool, Brian Davis, Sandie Dunn, Kyle VandePol, Roxie VanderHeide, and Arlyn Zoet. The re-model plans continue to be refined and the team hopes to share the final version with Consistory on May 14.

Our Children’s Ministry redesign team has wrapped up their work and presented a proposal to Consistory at their April 9 meeting. Their goal is to reshape our Children’s programming to align more closely with a vision of raising up leaders in our church and reaching our community with the gospel through church planting. The team includes Rachel Brower, Sean McAnally, Heidi Ondersma, Jackie Deiter, and Megan Taylor. They presented their recommendations to Consistory and will be meeting with Consistory again in May to continue their productive conversation.

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:  $532,884.80
Fiscal Year to date contributions: $524,614.37

I have been following my aunt and uncle on Facebook a lot this week. My Aunt Ruth has been battling cancer for quite some time now and recently entered hospice care. The whole family (parents, kids, grandkids, and grand-dog) is spending the week in the Outerbanks on the ocean, playing games, sitting on the beach, and simply being together. I find myself praying for them several times a day.

My aunt has always been very strong. I remember 15 years ago, watching my aunt and uncle at my cousin’s visitation after he died from Leukemia and being amazed how they cared for his friends, one after another, for hours that day. Over time, they not only cared for his friends, but also became mentors to others whose children had also died.

I remember as a kid hearing her talk about women’s rights and the importance of equal pay for equal work. And, I remember, when she was interviewed in a “man or woman on the street” feature in a local paper, she said her hero was my uncle. It sounded so 1950s-ish and she is not that. But, she and my uncle both just adore one another.

I share all of this for two reasons. First, I have been reading Philippians with my Discipleship Triad and as I watch my aunt and uncle, I keep thinking of Philippians 4:4-7.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

They are living out this counsel from scripture so well in these days.

And second, we don’t know how long any of us have. Spend your life on the things that really matter. Love your family. Enjoy your friends. Invest in eternity.

Connect to God

Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus prepares to leave his disciples so the Holy Spirit can be sent on Pentecost. As he gives them his final teaching, the disciples ask if Jesus is finally going to establish his earthly kingdom. They have visions of sitting in power at Jesus’ side. Instead of establishing an earthly kingdom, Jesus gives them a vision. He does not give them a plan, but a vision that they will go and proclaim Jesus as Lord in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. God still prefers giving visions over plans. He puts in people and churches visions of what could be rather than detailed step by step plans. Today, we talk about the vision of Zion to raise up leaders and saturate our community with gospel conversations that many might come to know our Lord.

This Sunday, we will also be celebrating the baptism of Joey Elmore, son of Kallie and Zach Elmore. We give thanks to God for the gift of this child and pray for God to both fill him with the Holy Spirit and use him to bring God glory.

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

There is still time to sign up as a Shareholder to support our high school students on their mission trip to Immerse at F Street Church in Nebraska this summer. For a mere $30 donation you will receive an information card about the student you are supporting, a copy of the student written pre-trip devotionals, contact from your student both before and during the trip, and an invitation to the Shareholders dinner where you will not only enjoy great food, but also be able to talk with your student about their trip. More information can be found in your mailbox at church!

It’s that time of year again. Things are starting to grow and hopefully we have seen the last of the snow. With the change of seasons also comes opportunity. Here at Zion our annual church grounds clean up will be this Saturday, May 4, from 8 am until about noon. Come on out and help make our church grounds look great. As always, we will have donuts. Join us for some fellowship and some work.

On Saturday, June 29, Grandville will hold its annual Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek Run. If you are interested in running with people from church, please contact Pastor Rick. For more information check out www.visserfamilybuckcreekrun.com

Serve the World

Camp Zion is an amazing, fun-filled, summer time adventure.  Anyone is welcome to be a part of serving at camp, from teenagers to retirees. Camp runs for seven weeks: June 17 – Aug 1, Monday through Thursday each week, 9am-3pm each day. You can serve one day a week or every day or anything in between. In particular, we are always open to adults who are willing to drive students to and from lunch and field trips. If you would like to know more, please contact Rachel Verbrugge.

We also want to thank all the teens who applied and interviewed to work at Camp Zion this summer. We had another strong group of candidates. Our Camp Zion teen staff this summer will be: Luke Austin (full-time), Kim Verbrugge (full-time), Olivia Davis (part-time), and Julia Reynolds (part-time). Congratulations to all of our summer staff. We look forward to seeing how God will work through you this summer.

If you are interested in learning more about what God is doing in Nepal, there is an opportunity to travel to Nepal and meet with the church planters we support though Jibit Asha. Yakuv Gurung will be leading people from supporting churches to Nepal from September 29/30 to October 10. If you are interested in going, please contact Pastor Greg soon as participation will be set by mid-May.

Administrative Details

Join us on Sunday following worship for our annual congregational meeting. We will meet to approve our budget for the next fiscal year and to appoint our new Elders and Deacons. The meeting occurs during Sunday school and everyone is invited to attend, though only professing members over 18 may vote.

As we continue working with Elevate Architecture to develop a plan for remodeling our building to create a larger gathering area and children’s spaces, the Consistory has formed a building remodel team. The team includes: Pastor Rick, Andy Boeskool, Brian Davis, Sandie Dunn, Kyle VandePol, Roxie VanderHeide, and Arlyn Zoet. The re-model plans continue to be refined and the team hopes to share the final version with Consistory on May 14 and with the congregation soon after.

Our Children’s Ministry redesign team has wrapped up their work and presented a proposal to Consistory at their April 9 meeting. Their goal is to reshape our Children’s programming to align more closely with a vision of raising up leaders in our church and reaching our community with the gospel through church planting. The team includes Rachel Brower, Sean McAnally, Heidi Ondersma, Jackie Deiter, and Megan Taylor. They presented their recommendations to Consistory and will be meeting with Consistory again in May to continue their productive conversation.

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:  $522,009.60
Fiscal Year to date contributions: $517,202.37