Zion E-News 8-15-24

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ZION E-NEWS (8-15-24)

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 view at your convenience.

WE ARE so excited to celebrate the sacrament of baptism on Sunday with three families who will be presenting their children for baptism. Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant of grace with us and our children. The sacrament of baptism is done in community; we as a church make promises to help nurture these children in their faith. One way we as a church family can tangibly express this commitment is by writing and sharing a blessing with the child being baptized.  Since this is something new we will be doing with baptism, we want to give you time to reflect on this and to prayerfully learn about and think of a blessing you could write down to share with each baptism. You may write this blessing on your own piece of paper you have at home and bring it with you on August 18th, or you can write it out on the 18th on the piece of paper that we will provide.  A blessing can include words of encouragement, empowerment, commendation & protection. You can find a scripture passage to use or you can write your own blessing. If you really want to make it personal, you can use the name of the child being baptized in your blessing. Their names are: Gibson DeHaan, Ruthie Eling, and Lucy Moore. If you have questions about this, feel free to reach out to Pastor Marcia, Pastor Jeremy, or Angie.

PRAYER REQUEST: Continue to pray for those in our congregation who deal with ongoing health issues.

WE EXTEND our sympathy to Shawn Landstra, Hayley and Carly in the passing of their father-in-law and grandfather Carroll “Cal” Landstra. Cal entered his eternal home on Friday, August 9, 2024. Please pray that they feel the comfort and strength of our Savior in this time of grief and loss.

WE WILL be celebrating the sacrament of communion together on Sunday, August 25th. We invite you to take some time to reflect and prepare your hearts as we come to this beautiful table of grace. In response to God’s gift of grace to us, we will give an offering for Zion’s benevolence fund after communion. Benevolence funds are used in a variety of ways to come alongside people in our Zion family and in our local community. One of the ways we are able to meet local needs is through CarePortal. Local agencies can post specific needs to the CarePortal technology platform, and we are able to respond as we are able. Recently we were able to purchase cribs for a local mom in need. We are grateful for your continued generosity!

LAST WEEK was a busy one at Threads!  We had our open shopping day on Tuesday, August 6, and our end of the season sale on Saturday the 10th.  We made $928 at our sale!!  And, my dreams came true….we actually had a line of people waiting to get in before we opened!!  I may have done a happy dance!  All of this money will be used to purchase new socks, underwear, and other needs for the Boutique. We also had a busy day at the monthly shopping day with the Threads’ families.  Here are our numbers for that day:
50 Families shopped (3 of these were brand new)
158 People received clothes
757 Pieces of Clothing were given away
57 Accessories were given away
47 Families used the PCP store
12 Haircuts were given
August also marks the end of the third year of Threads.  Throughout this past year (September 2023 –  August 2024), we have given away 13,000 items of clothing and have 137 families that regularly shop at Threads.  This is 3,000 more clothing items than what we gave away last year.  The needs in our community continue to grow, and this clothing ministry makes a HUGE difference and is a blessing to the Threads’ families. Thank you to all of you for your love and support for this wonderful ministry.  Above all, praise and glory to our Lord for His continual provision.      ~Jill

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, or financial needs, please contact Austin DeHaan, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is austin331@gmail.com and his phone number is (269) 762-9748

WE CONTINUE to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and resources.

2024/25 YTD Budget:  $126,698.09
2024/25 YTD Contributions:  $100,889.03
Giving Last Week:  $8,382.73

 


Zion E-News 8-8-24

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ZION E-NEWS (8-8-24)

 

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 view at your convenience.

WE ARE so excited to celebrate the sacrament of baptism on August 18th  with three families who will be presenting their children for baptism. Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant of grace with us and our children. The sacrament of baptism is done in community; we as a church make promises to help nurture these children in their faith. One way we as a church family can tangibly express this commitment is by writing and sharing a blessing with the child being baptized.  Since this is something new we will be doing with baptism, we want to give you time to reflect on this and to prayerfully learn about and think of a blessing you could write down to share with each baptism. You may write this blessing on your own piece of paper you have at home and bring it with you on August 18th, or you can write it out on the 18th on the piece  of paper that we will provide.  A blessing can include words of encouragement, empowerment, commendation & protection. You can find a scripture passage to use or you can write your own blessing. If you really want to make it personal, you can use the name of the child being baptized in your blessing. Their names are: Gibson DeHaan, Ruthie Eling, and Lucy Moore. If you have questions about this, feel free to reach out to Pastor Marcia, Pastor Jeremy, or Angie.

PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for Emily Morehouse, Patti Steere and Lauren Bosma as they finish out their time in Cusco, Peru where they served alongside Zion’s mission partners, Albino and Sandy Rodriquez, and travel home. They will be helping to lead workshops for young adults who live and study at La Casa del Maestro. You can learn more about the ministry here: https://www.casadelmaestro.org/home

WE’RE UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Our offices and nursery are in the process of some much-needed updates.  It has made things a little crazy around the church this week but we  are excited and thankful for contractors who are working hard to get us back in to our regular space! Because of the timing of painting and carpet installation, we will not be able to offer nursery this Sunday, August 11th.  Your babies and toddlers are welcome in the worship service (we love all generations of noise) or you are welcome to our family room. Here is a peek at the work in progress:

                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  SAVE THE DATES:

SAVE THE DATE!  Threads is having a huge end of the season sale this Saturday, August 10 from 9am-1pm. All summer clothing & accessories (newborn through adult sizes) are priced at $1 each. 100% of the profits from this sale are used to purchase new clothing needs for this ministry.
*CASH OR CHECKS ONLY  ~  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC *

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, or financial needs, please contact Austin DeHaan, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is austin331@gmail.com and his phone number is (269) 762-9748

WE CONTINUE to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and resources.

2024/25 YTD Budget:  $115,180.90
2024/25 YTD Contributions:  $92,506.30
Giving Last Week:  $7,674.73

 

This Week’s Bulletin

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8-4-24 Bulletin

Zion E-News 8-1-24

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ZION E-NEWS (8-1-24)

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 view at your convenience.

PRAYER REQUEST:  Pray for Emily Morehouse, Patti Steere and Lauren Bosma who are in Cusco, Peru until August 11 serving alongside Zion’s mission partners, Albino and Sandy Rodriquez. They will be helping to lead workshops for young adults who live and study at La Casa del Maestro. You can learn more about the ministry here: https://www.casadelmaestro.org/home

WE ARE excited for some updates in our nursery but because of the timing of painting and getting new carpet we will not be able to offer nursery on Sunday, August 11th.  Your babies and toddlers are welcome in the worship service (we love all generations of noise) or you are welcome to our family room.

SAVE THESE DATES!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!  Threads is having a huge end of the season sale on Saturday, August 10 from 9am-1pm. All summer clothing & accessories (newborn through adult sizes) are priced at $1 each. 100% of the profits from this sale are used to purchase new clothing needs for this ministry.
*CASH OR CHECKS ONLY  ~  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC *

 

WHITECAPS GAME: Wed. August 7th – game start time 6:35  If you ordered tickets, they are in your mailbox and you can pick them up – it contains the pass for your hot dog and soda as well as a discount coupon on merchandise.  Jim and I are looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark!  If you have any questions, text/call or email Angie

SUMMER BOOK CLUB: Join Pastor Marcia on Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30 PM for a book discussion on Jesus and the Powers by theologian N.T. Wright. As we enter another election season, many of us feel weary and discouraged by the challenges we face as a society and divisions we face even as Christians when we think about politics. In this book, N.T. Wright (who is from England) explores some of the history of the relationship between governments and the church over the centuries, and helps Christians think about what it means to be part of Jesus’ kingdom on earth, and a Christian witness within political systems. Young adults – you are especially invited to join us as you begin to find your own way in the complicated world of politics and voting. Books can be purchased on your own at a local bookstore or via Amazon here: Jesus and the Powers.  Please read the book before you come.

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, or financial needs, please contact Austin DeHaan, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is austin331@gmail.com and his phone number is (269) 762-9748

WE CONTINUE to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and resources.

2024/25 YTD Budget:  $103.662.81
2024/25 YTD Contributions:  $84.831.57
Giving Last Week:  $8,864.73

 

This Week’s Bulletin

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7-28-24 Bulletin

Zion E-News 7-25-24

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ZION E-NEWS (7-25-24)

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 view at your convenience.

PRAYER REQUEST:  Mark Steenbergen will have a pacemaker implanted on Monday, July 29. Pray for those in our congregation who deal with ongoing health issues. Please be in prayer for Emily Morehouse, Patti Steere and Lauren Bosma as they travel to Cusco, Peru July 31-August 11 to serve alongside Zion’s mission partners, Albino and Sandy Rodriquez. They will be helping to lead workshops for young adults who live and study at La Casa del Maestro. You can learn more about the ministry here: https://www.casadelmaestro.org/home

WE EXPRESS our sympathy to Ken and Sheila Johnson and their family in the recent passing of Ken’s mom, Anita Johnson. We pray for comfort and hope for the Johnsons as they remember, celebrate and grieve.

SAVE THE DATE!  Threads is having a huge end of the season sale on Saturday, August 10 from 9am-1pm. All summer clothing & accessories (newborn through adult sizes) are priced at $1 each. 100% of the profits from this sale are used to purchase new clothing needs for this ministry.
*CASH OR CHECKS ONLY  ~  OPEN TO THE PUBLIC *

JUDIE HEUVELHORST has been recovering from a shoulder injury after a fall several weeks ago. We would like to surround her with some extra love during this time through a “card shower.”  We will be collecting cards for Judie in the church office until Sunday, July 28th. We invite you to write a note of encouragement to Judie and maybe share a particular Bible verse that has been meaningful to you in discouraging times. Pastor Marcia will bring the cards to Judie the week of July 29th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Marcia or Connie!  Thank you for blessing Judie in this way.has been recovering from a shoulder injury after a fall several weeks ago. We would like to surround her with some extra love during this time through a “card shower.”  We will be collecting cards for Judie in the church office until Sunday, July 28th. We invite you to write a note of encouragement to Judie and maybe share a particular Bible verse that has been meaningful to you in discouraging times. Pastor Marcia will bring the cards to Judie the week of July 29th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Marcia or Connie!  Thank you for blessing Judie in this way.

SUMMER BOOK CLUB: Join Pastor Marcia on Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30 PM for a book discussion on Jesus and the Powers by theologian N.T. Wright. As we enter another election season, many of us feel weary and discouraged by the challenges we face as a society and divisions we face even as Christians when we think about politics. In this book, N.T. Wright (who is from England) explores some of the history of the relationship between governments and the church over the centuries, and helps Christians think about what it means to be part of Jesus’ kingdom on earth, and a Christian witness within political systems. Young adults – you are especially invited to join us as you begin to find your own way in the complicated world of politics and voting. Books can be purchased on your own at a local bookstore or via Amazon here: Jesus and the Powers.  Please read the book before you come.

FAMILIES WITH KIDS 5th grade and below are invited to meet up at Wedgwood Park  for a playground date t up Wednesday July 31 from 9:30am -11:00am.  Stop by anytime. Questions? Text/call/email Angie.

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 needs volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or 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! To sign up to provide cookies please contact Debbie Coke at (269) 680-5490.

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, or financial needs, please contact Austin DeHaan, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is austin331@gmail.com and his phone number is (269) 762-9748

WE CONTINUE to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and resources.

2024/25 YTD Budget:  $92,144.72
2024/25 YTD Contributions:  $76,887.39
Giving Last Week:  $7,847.28.

 

Camp Zion 2024 – Week 6

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Hello Camp Zion Families,
We had a great week 5 at camp. During our Bible lessons we learned about the Fruit of the Spirit characteristics of kindness and goodness.
Kindness is a choice we have to make each moment of the day. From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed we are faced with the decision of how we are going to respond to other people. It’s hard work to make the decision to respond kindly but we can do it if we allow God to help us.
Goodness is something that we have to soak ourselves in – specifically the goodness of God.  Good things in = good things out. The more time we spend learning about God and building a relationship with Him the more His goodness will become evident in our lives and shine out to those around us.

Here is what is coming up next week.

Week 6 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Monday – That’s Bananas.
Tuesday – Food Fight!!! Wear junky clothes and bring a towel.
Wednesday – Movie & Popcorn.  Bring a blanket and pillow.  (Movie title TBA)
Thursday – The Chocolate Olympics.

Have a great weekend,
Ms. Rachel

Camp Zion 2024 – Week 5

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Hello Camp Zion Families,

Last week was a fun adventure as we once again had work groups from Therefore Go Ministries join us.  Four different teams of people from South Dakota and Canada were able to come and experience what Camp Zion is all about and help with all our different activities.  Your kids did a great job making them feel welcome and inviting them to join in on the fun.

Here is what is coming up for this week.

Camp Zion 2024 – Week 5 – Happy Birthday Week!!!
Monday:  Carnival Birthday Party.
Tuesday: Backyard Birthday Party.
Wednesday: Bowling Birthday Party – wear socks and tennis shoes to camp.
Thursday; Sudz Party Birthday Party – wear your swimsuit to camp & bring a towel.

See you all tomorrow,
Ms. Rachel

This Week’s Bulletin

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7-14-24 Bulletin

Camp Zion 2024 – Week 4

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Hello Camp Zion Families,
I hope you all enjoyed the 4th of July holiday and the extended weekend.  Last week at camp the three french chefs introduced us to the fruit of the Spirit characteristics of Joy & Peace. This week at camp we will be talking about the fruit of the Spirit characteristics of Patience.

Here are our activities coming up this week.

Camp Zion 2024 – Week 4 – Pet Week.
Monday:  Photo scavenger hunt – Wear good walking shoes
Tuesday:  The Amazing Race
Wednesday:  Learning Lab – Create a pet shop.
Thursday:  Slip-n-slide.  Wear your swimming suits to camp & bring a towel.

We have found it best for kids to wear their swimsuits to camp instead of changing here on our water fun days.  Girls, wear a pair of shorts over your suits you can just slip out of them when it is time to get wet.  We will just wrap all the kids up in their towels for the ride home.

See you all tomorrow morning.
Rachel