ZION E-NEWS (1-12-23)

An update on Zion’s Mission Statement and Core Values

Many churches and organizations use a  mission statement, vision statement and set of core values.  A mission statement tells what we are focused on doing well right now.  A vision statement tells what we hope will happen if we are living out our mission.  Core values are those key actions that drive and motivate us as we live out our mission.

In a sense, every church mission statement should be based on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39).  How we fulfill those is impacted by our location, neighborhood needs, resources and priorities.

In recent years, the mission statement at Zion has been “Growing disciples who make disciples.  This came out of a process in 2018 when the leadership discerned mission, vision, branding (the Blue Z), etc…  At some point, there was conversation about summarizing our mission with
the phrase “Connecting our neighbors and one another with the God who loves them”.  Recently, the staff and consistory considered how these two statements are similar and unique.  We have decided, especially in the year ahead, to focus our mission statement with this phrase “Connecting people with the God who loves them.”

As we live out the Great Commission and Great Commandment, we should be connecting people with the God who loves them.  This change, along with an affirmation of five core values, will be the mission and values that we promote in the year ahead (they are already listed on our church website so check them out at www.zionreformed.org/about).  We will also share these in new member classes and with pastoral candidates.

Looking ahead, the consistory has approved taking a fresh look at our mission and long term vision once a new Lead Pastor is in place.  Since the previous visioning process took place in 2018 (pre-pandemic and while Pastor Greg was serving), it makes sense to take a look at it again with new leadership in place (pastoral, staff and Consistory).

For now, you’ll notice the new mission statement in print and online.  As a part of this, we still aim to be “Growing disciples who make disciples”.  We also aim to connect people to God through evangelism, missions, worship, and through other opportunities we have to point people to Jesus.  If you have questions about this change in 2023, let me know.  How can you “Connect people with the God who loves them?”

~ 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.

GROW IN COMMUNITY
PRAYER REQUESTS: Pattie Grooters will be donating a kidney on Wednesday, January 18th. Pat and Bern ask for prayers for the surgery and recovery to go well for her and for the transplant recipient. Continue to pray for those in our congregation who deal with ongoing health problems. 

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.  All Zion Kids must be picked up by a parent (please bring the corresponding tag to pick up your child) following worship. 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.

ZION LINKS Mini Golf is back!  Are you dreaming of those beautiful summer days? Those days where you can be outside playing mini golf? Dream no more! On Saturday, January 28 from 12pm – 3pm we are bringing this outdoor game indoors right here at church. That’s right! Mini golf throughout the church! We will have plenty to eat in the youth room with hotdogs, chips, desserts, and drinks. This is an event for the entire family. Come on out, invite your friends! It’s all fun and completely FREE! 

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.

ZION YOUTH:  Regular weekly meetings this Sunday.
High School Youth Group (9th-12th grade) meets every Sunday (unless otherwise noted) from 4 – 5:30 pm.
Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th grade) meets every Sunday (unless otherwise noted) from 5:45 – 7:15 pm.

PAYMENT for the following events are due on Sunday, January 15:
Middle School Winter Retreat #3  $100.00
Middle School Mission Trip #2  $50.00
High School Winter Retreat #3  $100.00
High School Mission Trip #1  $100.00

SERVE THE WORLD
HAND2HAND will be packing food bags this Sunday following morning 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, Deoderant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and  Toilet paper (1-4 pack).

HAND2HAND could use donations of the following food:  Snack Pack / Jello pudding cups, bags of cracker or snack cracker packs,rice krispie treats (prepackaged), granola bars, slim jim beef snack sticks, fruit snacks, and microwave popcorn. 

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

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 2022/23 Budget:  $328,357.44
Fiscal Year 2022/23 Contributions: $344,194.71
Giving Last Week: $11,583.40
Love Offering for The Bridge:  $1,796.00