Camp Zion 2023 – Goodbye

/in /by

Hello Camp Zion Families,

Well, it is ridiculously quiet around church this week. No one has been running through the lobby playing tag, cheering loudly when they win a game or belly laughing over something silly.  I miss the joyful noise that our Camp Zion campers bring to our building.

It has truly been a blessing to spend the last 7 weeks with your children.  They are smart, kind & funny people who have captured all of our hearts.  Thank you for gifting us the opportunity to spend time with each of them this summer.  What fun we have had playing games, dancing, acting, going on trips, reading stories, learning about God and creating a ton of fun memories together.

I was asked two questions repeatedly last week.

1.)  “What are you all gonna do with yourselves now that camp is done?” 
The short answer is…sleep in! LOL.  But in actuality our staff is busy all year long.

  • Hope & Emily begin their junior year & Kendall begins her sophomore year at Jenison. While Olivia begins her sophomore year at Holland.  All four are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and all four are members of the Zion praise and worship team. 
  • Pastor Jeremy is our associate pastor here at Zion.  His role includes things like preaching on Sunday mornings, leading our youth groups, leading our worship teams and helping out with all of our community focused programs. He has a passion for making connections with the people in our neighborhood so please reach out if there is something he can help you with.
  • Ms. Rachel will be enjoying these last couple weeks of summer with her family before returning to her position as a clerical assistant for Jenison Public Schools. Even though our camp season just ended she is already planning for Camp Zion 2024.  🙂  In addition to her job at JPS, and Camp Zion, Ms Rachel is also the Children’s Ministry Director here at church. That means she oversees all of the children’s programming at Zion for kids age 3 years old – 5th grade, during the school year. Obviously, Ms Rachel has a big heart for kids.

2.)  “Ms. Rachel, can I be a volunteer at Camp Zion?”
YES!!!
It is super exciting that your kids love camp so much that they want to come back and volunteer.  We hope that they will.  Currently we do have a couple of requirements for kids wanting to volunteer at Camp Zion.

  • The soonest former CZ campers are allowed to volunteer is the summer they are entering 8th grade.  There is a BIG difference between being a camper at Camp Zion and being a volunteer at Camp Zion.  We’ve found that a year off helps with the transition between the two.
  • We also ask that they be involved with Zion Youth Group during the school year.  This extra time spent with Jeremy, myself, and our other youth leaders gives our young teens an age appropriate way to learn more about God, Zion, service and leadership before choosing to volunteer at camp.

Although Camp Zion has wrapped up for this summer there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the year to get your families connected into Zion. More details about all of these can be found on the Zion website www.zionreformed.org

  • Sunday Morning Worship.  9:30am each week.  Nursery is available for children age 0-2.  Most people enter at Door D and walk down the hallway to our sanctuary.  The child check in station is right along the way.
  • Children & Worship.  These classes are available during the Sunday morning worship service.  Summer classes for children 3yrs old – 3rd grade are being held now. Fall classes for children 3yrs-5th grade begin Sept 10th.
  • Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th grade) Sunday evenings 5:45 pm – 7:15 pm.  Regular classes begin September 17.  Our kick off event will be held on September 10th. More details to come.
  • High School Youth Group (9th-12th grade) Sunday evenings 4pm – 5:30pm. Regular classes begin on September 17th. Our kick off event will be help on September 10th. More details to come.
  • Camp Zion 2024.  I will be emailing you all with details next spring. 🙂
  • Family Fun.  Our hospitality committee tries to plan several fun family events throughout the year.  As those event details become available I will pass them along to you.

If you haven’t done so already check out the Camp Zion Facebook page or Instagram (camp.zion) to see all of the photos we’ve taken this year.  I’ve been scrolling through them all morning – so many fun memories.

Thanks again for sending your kids to Camp Zion this year.  We had a wonderful time together.  I hope to see you all again before next summer.

Blessings,
Rachel

Zion E-News 8-10-23

/in /by

ZION E-NEWS (8-10-23)

This summer I’ve been paying attention to people’s stories. From people experiencing homelessness in Nashville, to church staff or Blacktop Rec kids at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland, to kids at Camp Zion, everyone I’ve encountered has had a story. When we take time to listen and hear parts of people’s stories, we can come to a greater understanding of what someone is going through. This summer I’ve heard stories from Camp Zion kids who have experienced getting evicted from their house, another who moved into a new place that was infested with mice and mice droppings, and another who is so excited to have a play date with a friend they met at Camp Zion. In each story I hear, there is something to learn. I’ll ask myself, what is God trying to teach me through this story? Is God building a new compassion in me for others? Is God teaching me about gratitude? Is God challenging me to be more generous with my time or finances?

Jesus was a great story teller. We spent the last few months on Sunday mornings looking at just a few of the parables he told – the stories Jesus told to teach us something about the Kingdom of God. Matthew 13:34-35 says, “Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’”

Jesus used parables (stories) to teach us great truths of the world. He can also speak to you through stories in the lives of people around you. Will you take the time to listen to what God has to say? Take just a moment to think of someone’s story you have heard recently. What might God be saying to you through this story?

~Pastor Jeremy

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
THIS IS Pastor Steve’s last Sunday with us.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.)

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. This happens to be their Harvest weekend so there will be some special events like a campground wide Trunk or Treat, tractor wagon ides, archery, hatchets, scavenger hunt, worship in the pavilion, evening movie, plus more.  If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
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.

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.

SERVE THE WORLD
HELP STUFF THE BUS! We partnered with Love Your Neighbor to provide backpacks and supplies for their Stuff The Bus campaign.  If you took a slip please return the backpack and supplies with the tag on the outside of the backpack by this Sunday, Aug. 13 or contact Tom MacGraw to make other arrangements to get it to him. Thank you!

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:  $115,429.50
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $95,698.50
Giving Last Week: $8,724.45

 

 

This Week’s Bulletin

/in /by

8-6-23 Bulletin

Zion E-News 8-3-23

/in /by

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

 

 

Camp Zion 2023 – Week 7

/in /by

Hello Camp Zion Families,

Here we are at week 7, our final week of camp for the 2023 season.  How did it get here so fast?

For our Bible lesson this past week we used a box of Wheaties cereal. Wheaties are known for featuring champion athletes on the face of their boxes. While being a super star athlete is an incredible accomplishment, not everyone is able to be that kind of champion. However, we all have the ability to be champions for God.
The Bible tells us that we are the hands and feet of God. He is counting on us to make a difference in this world.  Being a champion for God means always looking for the chance to help others, and then doing it, no matter who it is for. Be kind, be helpful, be a good listener, be giving, be caring, be loving and be respectful to everyone. As the Rev says at Camp Zion every day, “Love God & love people”.

_________________
THURSDAY:  CAMP ZION PICNIC LUNCH.  12-12:30PM.  We are having our end of summer CZ picnic on Thursday immediately after camp.  Pick up time will be at 12:30 on Thursday so our campers and staff can have a little extra time to eat and visit together.
If you still need to pick up your children at 12pm – then park in the lot by Door A. Press the doorbell at Door A and our church secretary can buzz you in and then we can get your child signed out.

Week 7 (July 31-Aug 3) Underwater Week.

  • Monday:  Field-trip:  Celebration Cinema for a movie & popcorn.
  • Tuesday:  Craft-a-palooza
  • Wednesday:  Glow Party
  • Thursday:  Water fun & the Camp Zion picnic.  Pick up @ 12:30pm. Wear your swim suits & bring your towel.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Rachel

This Week’s Bulletin

/in /by

7-30-23 Bulletin

Zion E-News 7/27/23

/in /by

ZION E-NEWS (7-27-23)

I am a HUGE reader. Last year alone I read over one hundred books and this year I have already read over fifty. Last summer when the Zion library was dismantled I repeatedly browsed through all the books and ended up filling a big box to take home.Surprisingly, it hasn’t been the stories I’ve  enjoyed the most, but the library check-out cards tucked inside. Each book has a card with signatures on it from all of the church members who read the same book.  Some are still members, some have moved on to other churches and some have passed away.  Those cards are a lovely reminder to me of the people that I formed friendships with inside the lil’ library at Zion. Multiple people from multiple generations united over their love of reading.
During the Camp Zion interview process this year one of our candidates mentioned how she has noticed former teen-staff members talking with adults from our church after Sunday services.  She knew that those adults had come to volunteer at camp and thought it was very cool how the teens and adults had formed a connection and were now comfortable carrying on conversations with each other.  She was looking forward to broadening her friendship circle to include more adults from our church and hoped that being a camp staff member would help with that.  I found it really interesting that she recognized a need for that connection from the older generations of people in our church family.
Psalm 145:4 reads, “Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts; let them proclaim Your power.”
Psalm 78:6 reads, “We will not hide them (the stories of old) from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”This call of older generations to teach the next isn’t limited to our own family units, but is a call to reach out and connect to all generations of people in your life. The younger need to seek out the older, the older need to seek out the younger. Spend time together, listen to one another, share your personal stories, find your common interests, and ultimately share about the things you have learned or the questions you have about the Lord God who loves us all.

~ Rachel Verbrugge

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
PRAYER REQUEST: Barb Overweg is recovering from the ablation that was done on the right side of her back last Monday.  Pray for those in our congregation who have ongoing health issues.

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.)

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.

FOR THOSE who signed up for Dunes Harbor camping, an information letter has been placed in your Zion mailbox. Also, a sign up for food has been placed on the bulletin board by the church office. Please take a minute to review it and sign up before the end of July. If you have questions, please contact Rick or Jonell VanderWall.

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:  $92,343.60
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $80,374.60
Giving Last Week: $7,817.45

Camp Zion 2023 – Week 6

/in /by

Hello Camp Zion Families,
Outdoor adventure week was a lot of fun with a variety of activities. I am still giggling about everyones faces during our Survivor Games eating challenges on Thursday. FYI your kids are more than willing to eat their fruits and veggies if it means winning a point for their team. LOL.

During our Bible lesson this week we used the cereal Honey Nut Cheerios.
That little honey bee character on the Honey Nut Cheerios box is super busy buzzing all around. Kind of like we are in our lives when we are flying from one thing to the next; school, sports, time with family, time with friends, appointments etc.  We have to be intentional about bee-ing still and taking time to spend with God.  Growing our friendship with God requires us spending time with Him. We do this through reading the Bible, talking to God (praying) and learning from others about Him.
________

Looks like next week is going to be a hot one.  Here is what’s coming up at camp.

Camp Zion 2023 – Week 6 – Race Week.
Monday:  Kick Ball & Pinewood Derby Car Painting.
Tuesday:  The Amazing Race.
Wednesday: Fieldtrip – Tarry Hall Rollerskating. Wear socks. You can bring your own roller-skates or roller-blades if you have them, but there will be some provided for everyone at the rink.
Thursday:  Pinewood Derby Car Race.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Ms Rachel

This Week’s Bulletin

/in /by

7-23-23 Bulletin

ZION E-NEWS 7-20-23

/in /by

ZION E-NEWS (7-20-23)

Sabbatical Recap

As many of you know, I recently took a two week mini-sabbatical. Pastors often receive a sabbatical after each seven years of service. This is a time for rest, learning, time with family, and personal growth. Sabbaticals are built into the employee handbook at Zion. The challenge I face as a Transition Pastor, is that I serve for about twelve months at a church, therefore, making it impossible to serve for seven consecutive years! When the RCA offered grants this past winter to help support mini-sabbaticals, I was blessed by Zion’s Consistory to receive one week for my year of service. I chose to utilize my week of continuing education in addition to the sabbatical week.
The first week of my sabbatical, my wife Joy and I travelled to the Seattle area. We had just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary and we enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together and experience rest and renewal. We visited the Pike Place Market, took a ferry to Bainbridge Island, hiked at Olympic National Park, hiked at Mount Rainier National Park, and took a day trip to Port Townsend.
After being home for a couple of days over the 4th of July, I attended a Pastor retreat in Colorado for five days with nine other pastors. A facilitator led a time of teaching/learning in the morning and during the afternoon we went fly fishing on the Arkansas River. I caught a couple of fish, but I won’t be quitting my Transition Pastor role to make a living through fishing! It was great to connect with other pastors, grow from the educational materials around ministry and sabbath, and try something I hadn’t done before (fly fishing). Upon returning home, I met with a friend/coach to process the sabbatical time.
Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. I will start my new role two days after I conclude at Zion, so this was a beneficial time of rest and renewal this summer.
One final note unrelated to my sabbatical. My wife and I saw the movie “Sound of Freedom”. It is a challenging movie to watch because of the heart wrenching reality of human trafficking. But it’s an important subject for us to address and pray about. There are more children enslaved in sex trafficking today than in all of history combined. Some studies show that the United States is the largest consumer of sex trafficked children. As Christians, we can’t stand idle. I encourage you to consider seeing this movie and discerning how you can act, give and pray. As the movie reminds us: “God’s children are not for sale.”

In Christ,
~ 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
PRAYER REQUEST:Barb Overweg will have an ablation on the right side of her back on Monday, July 24 and, if all goes as planned, they will do the left side in two weeks. Pray for those in our congregation who have ongoing health issues.

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.)

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.

FOR THOSE who signed up for Dunes Harbor camping, an information letter has been placed in your Zion mailbox. Also, a sign up for food has been placed on the bulletin board by the church office. Please take a minute to review it and sign up before the end of July. If you have questions, please contact Rick or Jonell VanderWall.

SERVE THE WORLD
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!

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.

CAMP ZION is still in need of snack donations. The sign-up sheet is on the Camp Zion bulletin 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!

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:  $80,800.65
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $72,557.15
Giving Last Week: $8,272.45