This Week’s E-News
ZION E-NEWS (5-11-23)
As Mother’s Day approaches, we take time to reflect on the incredible gift of mothers and motherhood. The most significant mother in the Bible is of course Mary, the mother of Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I’ve often thought it would be nice if the Bible gave us more detail about the childhood of Jesus and the motherhood of Mary. What we do know of Mary though, is her devotion to God and her willingness to submit to God’s will. In Luke 1:38, Mary speaks to the angel Gabriel, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” As I reflect on my own mother’s life and legacy, I would imagine most people who know her well, especially her kids and grandkids, would say this too is the prayer of Carla’s life: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” My mom is not a perfect mom. No mother is. Her kids and grandkids might sometimes be annoyed by some of her imperfections and tease her once in a while about said imperfections, but we know at the center of her being is a desire to be devoted to God and a hope for others to do the same. My hope and prayer is that this devotion to God may also be the core desire of all the moms at Zion. For out of a life devoted to God come the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When that fruit of the Spirit comes out, that’s the good stuff of moms that we admire and feel safe with.
Yet we also know this is not everyone’s experience of their mom or Mother’s Day. For some, Mother’s Day is a day of pain because of a mother who let us down. For others, Mother’s Day is a day mixed with grief because of the painful death of a child or of a mother. Because of this, Mother’s Day can feel like a dark cloud is surrounding us and we don’t want to feel the things we are feeling. But we don’t have to run away from these feelings. God gave us emotions to process life and your emotions are valid and can be leaned into. It’s okay to hurt, to long for, to be disappointed, or to feel depleted. Why else would Scripture tell us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)?
Whatever Mother’s Day is for you, remember that it’s often not the same for someone else. So on this Mother’s Day, may we find ourselves rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15), that we may be encouragement and love to one another as the body of Christ and a light to the world.
-Jeremy Zoet
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.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
CONGRATULATIONS TO our 2023 Graduates: SAMANTHA ERIKS is graduating from Jenison High School. She plans to attend Hope College to major in Spanish & Undecided, most likely with a Writing minor. IAN LOBBES is graduating from Jenison High School. He plans to attend GRCC this fall but is undecided on a major.
IF YOU were unable to have your photo taken for our online directory and would like to have one posted you can email a photo (jpeg format) to Connie at cstegeman@zionreformed.org and she will upload it to your profile.
PRAYER REQUEST: Continue to pray for our Search Team, Matt Eling, Jill Austin, Ken Cook, Kathy MacGraw, Andrew Moore, Patti Steere, Kyle VanderWall, and Pastor Steve. Pray for those in our congregation who have ongoing health issues.
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.
AT THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Michelle Holzgen and Nancy Steenbergen were elected to the office of Elder and Andy Boeskool and Austen DeHaan were elected to the office of Deacon. These new officers will be ordained and installed on Sunday, June 4. The 23/24 Budget was approved at $600,233.46.
SAVE THE DATE! The Ordination and Installation Service for Jeremy Zoet will be held at Zion on Sunday, June 25 beginning at 9:30AM.
ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4 we will honor pastor Rick for his 23 years of service at Zion and celebrate his retirement with a cake reception following worship. We encourage you to write Rick 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 June 4.
SERVE THE WORLD
HAND2HAND will be packing food bags this morning following worship. If you would like to help pack (it’s easy and it’s fun) head downstairs after worship and they will show you how!
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).
HAND2HAND could use donations of the following food: Snack Pack / Jello pudding cups, bags of cracker or snack cracker packs,rice krispie treats (prepackaged), granola bars, slim jim beef snack sticks, fruit snacks, and microwave popcorn.
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Jerrod Holzgen, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is jerrod.holzgen@gmail.com and his phone number is 616-520-1771.
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 2022/23 Budget: $502,797.33
Fiscal Year 2022/23 Contributions: $513,708.55
Giving Last Week: $9,945.45
This Week’s E-News
ZION E-NEWS (5-4-23)
Congregational Meeting
Zion’s annual congregational meeting will be held this Sunday in the sanctuary and will begin 15 minutes after the conclusion of the worship service. This meeting will include:
- A state of the church report
- A search team update
- Election of new Elders and Deacons by drawing of names
- A treasurer’s report
- A presentation of the proposed 2023-2024 budget (followed by a vote)
The double slate of nominated and consenting Elders and Deacon are:
- ELDER: Michelle Holzgen, Andrew Moore, Steve Northuis, Nancy Steenbergen
- DEACON: Andy Boeskool, Austen DeHaan, Adam Morehouse, Justin Steere
From the four Elders and four Deacons, two of each will be chosen by the drawing of names at the meeting. We are grateful for these individuals who are willing to serve on the Consistory (governing team) in these offices.
The meeting is open to anyone who attends Zion, but only active confessing members can vote. Childcare is not provided. Parents, please pick up your child from the nursery or Zion Kids between the service and the meeting.
I hope you will stay and take part in this meeting. As we reflect on the ministry at Zion, vote on a proposed budget and elect new Elders and Deacon, it’s a reminder that as members of Zion we volunteer, give, pray, and aim to connect people to the God who loves them. God is at work through us to make an eternal difference for His Kingdom.
Serving Together,
~ 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.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
IF YOU were unable to have your photo taken for our online directory and would like to have one posted you can email a photo (jpeg format) to Connie at cstegeman@zionreformed.org and she will upload it to your profile.
PRAYER REQUESTS: Continue to pray for those in our congregation who are dealing with ongoing health issues.
SANDY VERWYS went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 2, 2023. We extend our sympathy to John and his family and ask that you pray for peace and comfort for them during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Zion Reformed Church on Wednesday, May 10 at 3:00PM with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service.
WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY to Mark and Amy Lang and family in the passing of Amy’s mother, Betty Ballast. Betty went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2023. Visitation will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Saturday, May 6th at 10 AM. A service will follow at 11 AM.
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.
SHAREHOLDERS: Please sign up by Sunday, May 7 if you would like to be a Shareholders and support the high school youth on their 2023 Mission Trip to Nashville. Detailed information can be found in your church mailbox or on the round table with the donation box on it in the narthex.
CAMP ZION: We are excited to 
introduce our Teen Staff for Camp
Zion 2023. (pictured left to right)
Hope Eriks (6 weeks),
Kendall Deleon (1 week),
Olivia Zoet (7 weeks),
and Emily Verbrugge (7 weeks).
God has big things in store for this
group and we cannot wait to see
them learn and grow through all of
their experiences at camp.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: We are looking for 3 more volunteers to unlock and re-lock doors on Sunday morning, turn on lights, and if needed adjust thermostats. These volunteers would serve on a rotating basis (approximately once a month). Instructions will be provided! If you live nearby, you could come over by 7:45 a.m. to open and then go back home until you return for the service. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Steve.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: We are looking to hire someone to do set up and tear down throughout the year (chairs and tables for meetings, special events, etc…). Per state law this person must be at least 18 years old. This role does not include setting up the sanctuary chairs following Camp Zion in the summer. That will be done by our Camp Zion teen staff. If you are interested in this paid role, (a couple of hours a week or less) please contact Shanda Vandepol at shandavandepol@yahoo.com or 616-308-0700.
SAVE THE DATE! The Ordination and Installation Service for Jeremy Zoet will be held at Zion on Sunday, June 25 beginning at 9:30AM.
ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4 we will honor pastor Rick for his 23 years of service at Zion and celebrate his retirement with a cake reception following worship. We encourage you to write Rick 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 June 4.
SERVE THE WORLD
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).
HAND2HAND could use donations of the following food: Snack Pack / Jello pudding cups, bags of cracker or snack cracker packs,rice krispie treats (prepackaged), granola bars, slim jim beef snack sticks, fruit snacks, and microwave popcorn.
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Jerrod Holzgen, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is jerrod.holzgen@gmail.com and his phone number is 616-520-1771.
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 2022/23 Budget: $492,536.16
Fiscal Year 2022/23 Contributions: $503,763.10
Giving Last Week: $15,407.45
Camp Zion 2023 Teen Staff
We are very excited to introduce our Camp Zion 2023 Teen Staff. Congratulations Hope, Kendall, Olivia & Emily!!!
Hope will be with on staff for six weeks, Kendall for one week, and Olivia & Emily for all seven weeks. We know God is going to use these women in mighty ways this summer and cannot wait to see them shine through all of their camp experiences.
4/27/23 E-News
ZION E-NEWS (4-27-23)
Custodial and Building & Grounds update
This past Sunday I shared the following update during worship. In case you missed it, here is a written update:
1) We have hired two women from outside of Zion to serve as custodians upon Pastor Rick’s retirement. Nicole and Rachel are sisters and they are looking forward to serving in this way.
2. Instead of hiring one building organizer to carry out multiple roles, we are breaking that job description into a few parts as follows:
a. We are reforming a building and grounds team with volunteers who can coordinate the external contracting work (electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, etc…) and assist with facility needs.
b. We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to unlock and re-lock doors on Sunday morning, turn on lights, and if needed adjust thermostats. These volunteers would serve on a rotating basis (approximately once a month). If interested, please let me know. Instructions will be provided! If you live nearby, you could come over by 7:45 a.m. to open and then go back home until you return for the service.
c. We are looking to hire someone to do set up and tear down throughout the year (chairs and tables for meetings, special events, etc…). Per state law this person must be at least 18 years old. This role does not include setting up the sanctuary chairs following Camp Zion in the summer. That will be done by our Camp Zion teen staff. If you are interested in this paid role (a couple of hours a week or less), please contact Shanda Vandepol at shandavandepol@yahoo.com or 616-308-0700.
Serving Together,
~ 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.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
This year’s meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, May 7. It will include an update from the search team and a short “state of the Church” update. This year’s double slate of nominated and consenting Elders and Deacon are:
ELDER: Michelle Holzgen, Andrew Moore, Steve Northuis, Nancy Steenbergen
DEACON: Andy Boeskool, Austen DeHaan, Adam Morehouse, Justin Steere
From the four Elders and four Deacons, two of each will be chosen by the drawing of names at the meeting. We are grateful for these individuals who are willing to serve on the Consistory (governing team) in these offices.
A proposed budget, which has been developed by P&A and the Consistory, will be available starting this Sunday in the back of the sanctuary. There are a few changes for this year. Instead of having each line item of the budget presented by a variety of people and individually voted on; our treasurer Tom MacGraw will present the entire proposed budget and there will be one motion/vote on it. Because we are voting on the whole budget and not individual line items such as personnel expenses, we will not be dismissing staff and their families for this a portion of the meeting.
This year, we want to provide an opportunity outside of the meeting for you to ask questions or share input with the Consistory. Therefore, we will have two Deacons (Tom and Jerrod) and two Elders (Ken and Haley) present in the sanctuary following worship on April 23 and 30. Please address questions or share input with them ahead of the May 7 meeting.
The annual congregational meeting is open to anyone who attends Zion, but only active confessing members can vote. Childcare is not provided. There will be a brief time for refreshments and picking up children from Zion Kids between the service and the meeting. We hope you will attend this annual meeting.
IF YOU were unable to have your photo taken for our online directory and would like to have one posted you can email a photo (jpeg format) to Connie at cstegeman@zionreformed.org and she will upload it to your profile.
PRAYER REQUESTS: Continue to pray for those in our congregation who are dealing with ongoing health issues.
WE EXPRESS our sympathy to Tim and Tracy Lobbes and family in the passing of Tim’s mother, Ruth Lobbes who went to be with her Lord on April 18. Please pray for peace and comfort for the Lobbes family during this difficult time.
WE CONGRATULATE Jeremy Zoet who graduated from Western Theology Seminary with a Master of Divinity on Saturday, April 29.
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.
SHAREHOLDERS: Our high school youth are looking for Shareholders for their 2023 Mission Trip to Nashville. Detailed information can be found in your church mailbox or on the round table with the donation box on it in the narthex.
SERVE THE WORLD
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).
HAND2HAND could use donations of the following food: Snack Pack / Jello pudding cups, bags of cracker or snack cracker packs,rice krispie treats (prepackaged), granola bars, slim jim beef snack sticks, fruit snacks, and microwave popcorn.
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Jerrod Holzgen, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is jerrod.holzgen@gmail.com and his phone number is 616-520-1771.
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 2022/23 Budget: $482,274.99
Fiscal Year 2022/23 Contributions: $488,355.65
Giving Last Week: $9,255.45
4-20-23 E-News
ZION E-NEWS (4-20-23)
Zion’s Annual Congregational Meeting
Each spring, Zion holds an annual congregational meeting in order to update the congregation, elect Elders and Deacons, and vote on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year (beginning June 1). This year’s meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, May 7. It will include an update from the search team and a short “state of the Church” update.
This year’s double slate of nominated and consenting Elders and Deacon are:
ELDER: Michelle Holzgen, Andrew Moore, Steve Northuis, Nancy Steenbergen
DEACON: Andy Boeskool, Austen DeHaan, Adam Morehouse, Justin Steere
From the four Elders and four Deacons, two of each will be chosen by the drawing of names at the meeting. We are grateful for these individuals who are willing to serve on the Consistory (governing team) in these offices.
A proposed budget, which has been developed by P&A and the Consistory, will be available starting this Sunday in the back of the sanctuary. There are a few changes for this year. Instead of having each line item of the budget presented by a variety of people and individually voted on; our treasurer Tom MacGraw will present the entire proposed budget and there will be one motion/vote on it. Because we are voting on the whole budget and not individual line items such as personnel expenses, we will not be dismissing staff and their families for this a portion of the meeting.
This year, we want to provide an opportunity outside of the meeting for you to ask questions or share input with the Consistory. Therefore, we will have two Deacons (Tom and Jerrod) and two Elders (Ken and Haley) present in the sanctuary following worship on April 23 and 30. Please address questions or share input with them ahead of the May 7 meeting.
The annual congregational meeting is open to anyone who attends Zion, but only active confessing members can vote. Childcare is not provided. There will be a brief time for refreshments and picking up children from Zion Kids between the service and the meeting. We hope you will attend this annual meeting.
Serving Together,
~ 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.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
WE ARE UPDATING our online church database to include photos and we need your help! Andrew Moore and Cece Johnson will be taking individual/family photos after our worship service on Sunday, April 23. Connie Stegeman will upload the photos to Breeze, our online database. This will eventually serve as a great reference tool for the new Lead Pastor to connect names with faces. All you need to do is step up and say CHEESE ! We will even e-mail you a copy of your photo upon request just for participating!
PRAYER REQUESTS: Continue to pray for those in our congregation who are dealing with ongoing health issues.
CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and Katie Wagner on the birth of their son Benjamin Chet Wagner. Benjamin was born on April 12 at 6:55PM weighing 8lbs 2oz and measuring 21” long. He was welcomed home by his big brothers Zachary and Josiah.
JEREMY ZOET will graduate from Western Theology Seminary with a Master of Divinity on Saturday, April 29. If you would like to attend the ceremony it will be held at 4:30pm in Dimnent Memorial Chapel on Hope College’s campus, just north of Western Theological Seminary.
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.
SHAREHOLDERS: Our high school youth are looking for Shareholders for their 2023 Mission Trip to Nashville. Detailed information can be found in your church mailbox or on the round table with the donation box on it in the narthex.
SERVE THE WORLD
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).
HAND2HAND could use donations of the following food: Snack Pack / Jello pudding cups, bags of cracker or snack cracker packs,rice krispie treats (prepackaged), granola bars, slim jim beef snack sticks, fruit snacks, and microwave popcorn.
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Jerrod Holzgen, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is jerrod.holzgen@gmail.com and his phone number is 616-520-1771.
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 2022/23 Budget: $472,013.82
Fiscal Year 2022/23 Contributions: $479,100.20
Giving Last Week: $5,752.45
