9-21-23 E-News

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ZION E-NEWS (9-21-23)

Recently, my daughter Jade was preparing to lose her first tooth. The day the tooth started to get really wiggly, she happened to have her best friend Sophie over for a sleepover. I was playing with my youngest when I heard Jade, Sophie, and my oldest son Nick in the downstairs pocket bathroom. The mission was clear: Jade was going to lose that tooth. She had a friend and a brother with expert tooth losing experience by her side, coaching her through it. Both Nick and Sophie were offering suggestions on how to get the tooth out, warned her it might hurt a little, but ultimately let her pave her own way. They cheered her on as she wiggled and twisted and offered encouragement. Finally the tooth was out and the tiny room erupted with cheers and joy! Everyone was so proud and the best part (a visit from the tooth fairy) was still to come. 

I think three little kids determined to lose a tooth can offer us a good reminder about how the church and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ were designed to live. Can you imagine if you had a wiggly tooth and never knew anyone who had a tooth fall out of their mouth leaving a gaping, awkward hole? Too often, when we face an uncomfortable or painful situation, we feel alone in our experience. Loneliness can quickly lead to shame and isolation. When in reality, many have probably walked a similar road and are one vulnerable moment away from providing wisdom, encouragement, and comfort.

I actually had this experience of needing someone to talk to when I was going through personal hardship during Covid. I remember texting Pastor Greg in desperation asking if he knew anyone in the church who had gone through something similar and would be willing to talk to me. Thankfully, there was and they were willing to share their personal experience with me. They didn’t have to do that, as it was probably a humbling experience for them/both of us. But the comfort I felt in knowing I wasn’t alone provided hope in a time I really needed it.

Whether you are in the midst of a particular challenge that has you feeling completely alone, or you have been through an experience where you could have used a reminder you weren’t alone, I encourage you to cram in the pocket bathrooms of life and live authentically with others.

You are never alone, it may be painful, and also the testimony of God’s faithfulness through others lived experience is so powerful.

Romans 15:5-7
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

~Haley Stone

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: All kids birth through 5th grade must be signed in at the Zion Kids Check-In Kiosk located in the lobby before the service. 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.  Please bring the corresponding tag to pick up your child after worship. We’re excited to begin the year!

ZION YOUTH: Regular Weekly youth group meetings are on Sunday’s at the following times:
High School Youth(9-12 grade) meet from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.
Middle School Youth (6-8th grade) meet from 5:45 – 7:15 pm.

GROW IN COMMUNITY
PRAYER REQUEST: Please keep Don Osterink in your prayers as he continues chemo treatment for his prostate cancer. Pray that the chemotherapy works and that he may have minimal side effects.Continue to pray for those in our congregation who deal with ongoing health issues.

JOIN US on Monday, September 25 at 7:00PM for a special prayer gathering to lift up Pastor Marcia whose first day at Zion is Sunday, October 1. We will meet in the youth room.

ALL BUILDING AND GROUNDS issues or concerns should be directed to Troy Austin. You can reach him via email at troymaustin@gmail.com or call or text him at (616) 914-0141.

NURSERY COORDINATOR: We are looking to hire a Nursery Coordinator. If you are interested in this position you can view the job description here. If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact Shanda VandePol (our P&A chair) at: shandavandepol@yahoo.com or at 616-308-0700.

SERVE THE WORLD
THREADS shopping day on September 5 was wonderfully busy and absolutely spectacular!  We had our highest number of families shop and the most amount of clothing given away!  God just kept multiplying the clothing so we didn’t run out!  Go God!!

Here are the numbers:

  • 52 Families Shopped
  • 212 people received clothing
  • 1,318 pieces of clothing were given away!!!
  • 43 Families used the PCP store
  • 15 people received haircuts!

The new PCP store was a success and so was the hair salon!  We received wonderful feedback from the families as they expressed their gratitude and excitement for these two new services we are providing. All praise and glory to our Lord!

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:  $184,687.20
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $155,882.76
Giving Last Week: $$6,159.73