Zion E-News 11-2-23

ZION E-NEWS (11-5-23)

We are excited about the wonderful response we’ve had for our all-church potluck that will be held this Sunday after worship. Olivia Zoet and Lauren Bosma will be leading a game to help us get to know their parents (your pastors) better – there will surely be some eye rolling and laughter! There will also be some conversation cards on the tables to help you get to know other Zion attendees better as we share our meal. If you have not yet signed up, we invite you to join us.  Please bring a main dish and salad/side or dessert. Drinks and paper products will be provided. To RSVP on SignUp Genius click here or use this QR code.

ZION KIDS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:  The Zion Kids Christmas program will be held on Dec 10, during the morning worship service. Practices will be held on Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19 & Dec 3 following the morning worship service.  Children will move directly to room 205 following their classes and practice together until 11:30 am. Dress Rehearsal will be held on Saturday, Dec 9 from 9am-11am. If you would like your child to participate in the Christmas program please contact Rachel Verbrugge via email zionkids@zionreformed.org by Oct 29th.

ZION KIDS: THE SAY IT DAY prize boxes are stocked and ready to go for this Sunday!

Kids, if you are able to recite this Bible verse, “But God showed His great love for us byus while we were yet sinners.”  Romans 5:8 NLT, from memory to your teacher in class on Nov 5, you will be able to choose a prize from our Say It Day treasure box.  Adults, we don’t have a treasure box for you but we all know the ultimate prize is being able to store God’s word in our hearts and minds.

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.

YOUTH FUNDRAISERS: Our youth are selling 2024 God’s Creation Calendars ($10) and Key Card Books ($30).  If you haven’t been contacted and would like to purchase one please contact any one of our youth or call the church office at 616-534-7533.

THIS PAST September we had a great time camping at Dunes Harbor Family Campground. It was a great weekend with lots of food, fun, and stories around the campfire. Believe it or not, we are already planning next years camping weekend. Currently we have we have four cabins and ten campsites on the dates of June 6-9 being held for us. What we need to know is how many of you are interested. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board by the office or let Pastor Rick or Jonell know if you are interested. I know it is a ways off but it’s never to early to think about camping next year!

SERVE THE WORLD
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).

HAND2HAND: We are currently serving 100 kids each week! We could use food donations of the following: pudding cups, 100% juice, juice boxes, beef stick, granola bars, Lance brand or that type of sandwich cracker and microwave popcorn. Also, now-December 3 we are collecting Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix and ready to use frosting (16oz) to include in the last bag delivered before Christmas. Donations can be placed in the shopping cart in the narthex by the Welcome Center.

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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:  $253,944.90
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions:  $213,630.14
Giving Last Week: $5,965.73