Zion E-News 8-3-23
ZION E-NEWS (8-3-23)
The end of summer brings about transitions for many of us. If you’re tied to the school calendar, this season brings about a restart of schedules, activities, and a sense of structure. At church, programming starts up again and those that are often away on the weekends camping or at cabins come back and worship in-person regularly again. I love this time of year. It is an opportunity for a fresh start. Setting a new schedule. Trying new things. Meeting new people.
This time of year doesn’t arrive without its share of worry, though. My kids get nervous about the year ahead – who will their new teacher be? Will they be in the same class as their friends? How much homework will they have? And for me as a parent – keeping track of a new schedule of activities, maintaining organization amidst the chaos of paperwork and emails, and coaching our kids as they work through change.
Last week, one of our kids was particularly nervous about the upcoming changes ahead. So nervous, he couldn’t sleep. As I sat there comforting him, I reminded him that God will place him exactly where he needs to be with exactly who needs to be there with him. He can have peace knowing that everything will be ok, even though it might not seem to be exactly what he thinks he wants.
As we look ahead toward this time of transition – into a new season, with a new pastor for our church – we can trust that God is placing us all exactly where we need to be. God can use change to help us grow in our faith. Wishing you all peace and comfort as your summer comes to a close.
~ Ashley VanderWall
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.
WE WILL celebrate the sacrament of Communion next Sunday, August 13. Please take time this week to prepare your heart for this celebration by confessing known sin, seeking reconciliation with others, and thanking God for his grace. A Love Offering for the Benevolent Fund will be received.
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
PASTOR STEVE’S last Sunday with us is August 13. Following the worship service we will celebrate him and his service to Zion with ice cream sundaes. We encourage you to write a card or note of thanks and place it in the basket at the back of the sanctuary and we will present them to him on August 13. (Blank cards are available in the back of the sanctuary for your convenience.)
WE EXPRESS our sympathy to Rev. Ronald Geschwendt and his family in the passing of his wife Jan on July 29. Rev. Geschwendt and Jan served at Zion from 1988-1993. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Ron Geschwendt c/o The Atrium at Royal Park 400 Parkside Dr #205 Zeeland MI 49464
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.
TWO CAMPING SPOTS have opened up for Zion’s family camping weekend (September 22-24) at Dunes Harbor. If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
THREADS CLOTHING MINISTRY is having a huge end of the season sale on Saturday, August 12 from 9am-1pm. All summer clothing, shoes, and accessories (newborn through adult sizes) are priced at $1 each. 100% of the profit from this sale is used to purchase new clothing needs for this ministry. This sale is open to the public. Please help spread the word about the sale and follow us on facebook and instagram (threadsclothingministry) for more information about Threads.
SERVE THE WORLD
HELP STUFF THE BUS! We have partnered with Love Your Neighbor to provide backpacks and supplies for their Stuff The Bus campaign. Tags that show what is needed for each bag will be on a table in the narthex. Please return the bag, supplies, and tag by Sunday, August 13 See Tom MacGraw if you have any questions.
WE ARE collecting toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste through 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!
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!
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: $103,886.55
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $86,974.05
Giving Last Week: $6499.45
