Zion E-News (2-17-2022)
This week, many area schools are on Winter Break. I am officially old enough that I do not remember having such breaks when I was a kid. But, as an adult, I think it is great to have an opportunity for some people to chase the sun down south for a weekend and for many others to simply rest and slow down.
In a world where we are often defined by our accomplishments: grades, the latest game, last quarters sales, production quotas, and so many other ways we measure and quantify our productivity, it is healthy to occasionally stop.
Years ago, while traveling in Israel, I learned the Egyptians had a ten day week. The year was made of 36 weeks and a five day party. There were no weekends. No rhythm of work and rest. Just 360 days of work in a row and then a party. Unless you were a slave, then you did not get the party at the end, you worked those five days too. And then it started all over again.
Imagine for a moment the amazing gift of sabbath rest for these former slaves. Every 7 days, God told them to stop. A weekly reminder their worth and dignity did not come from their work, the abilities, their accomplishments. They were worthy simply because they were God’s people.
Whether you are enjoying a winter break in the next few days or not, may we all enjoy the gift of sabbath and rest in the confidence we are loved simply because God chooses to love us. We do not need to earn it. We cannot lose it. It simply is who we are: the beloved children of God.
– Greg
Connect to God
This week we will gather for worship at 9:30 am. This weeks service will be 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 4pm next Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.
This morning, we continue a sermon series entitled Upside Down Kingdom. This series draws from the gospel lectionary readings, predominantly in Luke, to help us see the counter-cultural values and ways of God’s kingdom. Our text today Jesus calls his disciples to a life of ridiculous generosity to their enemies, those who can never repay them, and everyone else as well.
On Wednesday, March 2, at 6:30 pm you are invited to join us for our annual Ash Wednesday service. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the fragility of life and our dependence on God as we enter into the season of Lent. Communion and the imposition of ashes will both be observed.
Grow in Community
Willing To Serve response forms are due Sunday, Feb. 20. A cover letter and response form were placed in the mailbox of every eligible member. A copy of the letter and response form can be found here. Completed response forms can be placed in the box marked “CONSISTORY NOMINATIONS” on the table in the narthex or you can email your response to cstegeman@zionreformed.org.
Beginning Tuesday, we will be hosting a book discussion on Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison. The book focuses our attention on how we can build bridges across racial divides to model the restoring and unifying work of Christ among all people. If you are still interested in attending, simply show up and join us in room 207 at 6:30 pm.
Mark your calendars, the Middle and High School Youth Groups will be hosting a fundraiser at Culver’s on March 21 from 5-8 pm. This is a great night to support our youth, connect with friends new and old from Zion, and enjoy some great Culver’s burgers and frozen custard.
Serve the World
Threads will be having a semi-annual sale, which will be open to the public, on Saturday, March 12 from 9am – 1pm. Each and every item in the boutique will be priced at $1. The money raised from this sale is used to self-fund our ministry and purchase needed items. All are invited to come in and shop!
Currently, Threads is in need of new underwear and new socks for all ages/sizes, and also in need of plastic white shirt hangers and pants hangers. Any donations of these items is greatly appreciated.
If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Jerrod Holzgen, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is Jholzgen@yahoo.com and his phone number is 616-520-1771.
Administration
The remodel of our bathrooms began earlier this month. Fixtures are being removed. Walls knocked down. It is a little noisy at times in the offices! You can check out the progress in some pictures below. The first shows the bathroom from the former entrance to the women’s bathroom and the second shows the same space from the former entrance to the men’s restroom.
As a reminder, during the remodel, the only restrooms available on the main floor of church can be accessed through the doors at the front of the sanctuary. They are single stall uni-sex restrooms.
When you are working hard, it can become easy to keep your head down and focus on the task at hand. Sometimes, I find it helpful to look up and see all God is doing through his Church. Earlier this week, I received a Ministry Impact Report from our denomination highlighting some of the work God has been doing through the RCA tis past year. I was reminded how grateful I am to be a part of our 350+ year old denomination. You can read this same report here.
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 2021/22 Budget: $414,779.99
Fiscal Year 2021/22 Contributions: $370,937.21
Giving Last Week: $23,861.46
