E-News (6-29-23)
ZION E-NEWS (6-29-23)
How can I know?
I’m writing this E-News on June 21 and today Joy and I are celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary. I think of the ups and downs, joy and challenges we’ve faced in 26 years. When people get married, they like to focus on the “happily ever after”. We don’t realize how much work and effort is required and the uncontrollable challenges that await. I thought I knew a lot about marriage when I took wedding vows. I probably still have a lot to learn! Today’s occasion and a Through the Word podcast I listened to on my way to work from 1 John has me thinking about the times when we ask “How can I know” (or how can I know for sure)?
Maybe you are asking that question. Here are some examples:
For those about to get married: How can I know this is going to work out?
For those on a search team: How can I know this is the right candidate?
For those choosing a college major or discerning a vocational path: How can I know I will enjoy and be good at this career?
For those purchasing a used car: How can I know this isn’t a lemon?
For those nearing the end of life: How can I know that God and heaven are real?
If you’ve asked the “How can I know” question, you’ve likely realized that most of the time the answer involves faith. Faith in the other person who signs the marriage license, faith that a pastor and congregation will grow to love and serve together, faith that the used car won’t need to visit the mechanic soon, faith that God’s Word is true and his promises are real. We want to know for sure, but we are called to live by faith (check out Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 11)
How must you and I exercise faith today? What situation must we lift up to God in prayer? How can you as a part of Zion Reformed Church see and trust in God’s faithfulness every step of the way? Faith isn’t easy, but the Holy Spirit helps us grow in our faith and live by faith. It’s ok to ask the question “How can I know?” It’s also ok to take the next step (by faith) and trust that God knows what we don’t and He loves us more than we know.
Living by Faith
~ 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
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 STILL NEED to collect an additional 150 toothbrushes and 150 tubes of toothpaste by the end of 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!
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.
THANK YOU so much for all of the donations of cereal boxes, egg cartons and cardboard tubes. We are all set for this year. If you would still like to help this summer we are still in need of snack donations. The sign-up sheet is on the Camp Zion bulliten board by the church office.
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) 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: $11,542.95
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $34,780.35
Giving Last Week: $7,724.45
NO SERMON OUTLINE THIS WEEK
