On Monday, our nation remembered Martin Luther King, Jr. I am reminded each year that though MLK, Jr is held in high regard by most now, at the time of his death only 25% of Americans had a positive impression of him. It is hard and often unpopular work to speak up for the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. Those in power do not like to hear of the suffering their comfort relies upon. This truth cautions me to not dismiss out of hand those who say things that may make me uncomfortable, that challenge my position, that question those in authority. I find it is important to intentionally listen to people who have not experienced prosperity, who have experienced discrimination and injustice, to help me see the truths I may be trying to avoid.

I was thinking all these things Monday and Tuesday, when I came across a prayer of MLK, Jr’s on social media. I never trust those posts preferring to confirm the quote was actually said by the person, so I did some searching on my own and found that prayer and several others. I have strung a few of his prayers together that I found both personally challenging and encouraging as I prayed. So, I offer them to you as well.

“Dearest Jesus, come and sit with us today. Show us the lies that are still embedded in the soul of America’s consciousness. Unmask the untruths we have made our best friends. For they seek our destruction. And we are being destroyed, Lord. Reveal the ways the lies have distorted and destroyed our relationships. They break your shalom . . . daily. Jesus, give us courage to embrace the truth about ourselves and you and our world. Truth: We are all made in your image. Truth: You are God; we are not. You are God; money is not. You are God; jails, bombs and bullets are not.

“And Jesus, give us faith to believe: Redemption of people, relationships, communities and whole nations is possible! Give us faith enough to renounce the lies and tear down the walls that separate us with our hands, with our feet, and with our votes!”

“Eternal God, out of whose mind this great cosmic universe, we bless you. Help us to seek that which is high, noble and good. Help us in the moment of difficult decision. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, a better distribution of wealth, and a brother/sisterhood that transcends race or color.”

“God, help us as individuals and as a world to hear it now before it is too late: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and God’s justice and all these other things shall be added unto you.”

And now me again:

Truly, in this time of tension and division in our country, may we seek first the kingdom of God and his justice/righteousness and trust God with the rest.

– Greg

Connect to God
This Sunday we will gather in person at 9 am and online at both 9 and 11 am. You can find the services either on our Facebook page or at zionreformed.online.church. We will also rebroadcast the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 4pm next Sunday.

We all have goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for our future. Things we want to start—or maybe stop—doing. But how do we get there? In this series to start the new year, we will explore some spiritual and practical steps you can take to become the person you want to be in five years. This week, we consider when we will make the changes, take the small steps, that will help us reach our goals and become more and more a people who bear the fruit of the spirit and act more and more like Jesus.

Grow in Community
Harv and Harriett Berens would like to thank our Zion family for their prayers, cards, and calls while Harv was hospitalized. You were an encouragement to them and very much appreciated.

We had a great first week in our book discussion on The Color of Compromise. We are covering some hard topics in this discussion. If you could be praying for those participating that we might be open to new ideas, new perspectives, and the leading of the Holy Spirit in these discussions, it would be appreciated.

Would your child like to go to camp next summer?  Our church offers a 50% off scholarship to any church member who would like to send their child to camp. Many kids from our church have gone in the past, and it’s been a great experience for them, and they’ve grown in their faith. Camp Geneva is a Reformed church camp on the shores of Lake Michigan. They offer day camps for kids going into 1st-4th grade, and overnight camps for kids going into 3rd grade through High School. You can check out their website here.   Please contact Connie Stegeman, our church secretary, or Children Ministry Director Rachel Brower for the discount code that you’ll need for your registration. Please do not share the code with others, but rather encourage them to contact our office.

You can still join us in reading through the New Testament over the next year. We are encouraging everyone to use the Through the Word app on Apple or Android devices. Today, we started the book of Mark. If you have not joined us yet, now is a great time to start. Simply read one chapter a day Monday through Friday.

The reading schedule for this week coming is below:
Monday: Mark 13
Tuesday: Mark 14
Wednesday: Mark 15
Thursday: Mark 16
Friday: Luke 1

You can also find the reading schedule on our website under the Ministries tab.

Serve the World
Our Deacons are currently looking for housing for someone. If you know of any vacant apartments/duplexes that could be appropriate for single parent and some children, please contact me or Chip Harkes.

If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Chip Harkes, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is chip@harkeslandscape.com and his phone number is 616-299-4804.

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 to Date Budget:  $346,707.24
Fiscal Year to Date Contribution: $341,649.17
Giving Last Week: $13,452.00

I have a short story to share.

A week or so ago, a member of our church called to talk to me about a person that had met recently. This person had cancer, working a low wage job, and their life was simply overwhelming. Finances were rough. But, this Zion member had a heart moved with compassion so they called me to talk through how they could help. We talked about local resources like UCOM and Love, INC. They called Tom Boeve with our Personal Care Pantry and went grocery shopping themselves. And then they simply dropped off the food and other items to the family. Later, they received a very gracious and appreciative text from the family.

I don’t tell this story because it is an earth shattering event, but simply because this is what following Jesus looks like for most of us: simple obedience, care for others, generosity to those in need, and loving our neighbors. It won’t make the 6 o’clock news or receive much fanfare, but this is what it means to be the church. We run programs like the Personal Care Pantry and Hand2Hand as ways to do these acts of love as a community, but the goal is not programs to serve people. But for us to be people who naturally respond in love to those in need.

May we all become each day people who live just a little more like Jesus.

Greg

Connect to God
This Sunday we will gather in person at 9 am and  online at 9 and 11 am. You can find the services either on our Facebook page or at zionreformed.online.church. We will also rebroadcast the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 4pm next Sunday.

We all have goals, plans, hopes, and dreams for our future. Things we want to start—or maybe stop—doing. But how do we get there? In this series to start the new year, we will explore some spiritual and practical steps you can take to become the person you want to be in five years. This week, we look consider the power of small things,  mustard seed sized acts, when empowered by God to bear fruit in our lives and world.

Grow in Community
Steve Landstra is at home after experience several blog clots in his longs lats week. He is doing well and anticipating a full recovery.

Merle Ezinga is home from the hospital recovery from a fall earlier this week and doing well.

Our book discussion the Color of Compromise will be meeting on Mondays at 6 pm beginning this week. If you are interested in thinking together about racial divisions in our culture and the role of the church, this would be a great place to be a part of that conversation. If you are interested in this book discussion, please contact Sheila at sheilaj2494@yahoo.com.

Would your child like to go to camp next summer?  Our church offers a 50% off scholarship to any church member who would like to send their child to camp. Many kids from our church have gone in the past, and it’s been a great experience for them, and they’ve grown in their faith. Camp Geneva is a Reformed church camp on the shores of Lake Michigan. They offer day camps for kids going into 1st-4th grade, and overnight camps for kids going into 3rd grade through High School. You can check out their website here.   Please contact Connie Stegeman, our church secretary, or Children Ministry Director Rachel Brower for the discount code that you’ll need for your registration.

You can still join us in reading through the New Testament over the next year. We are encouraging everyone to use the Through the Word app on Apple or Android devices. Today, we started the book of Mark. If you have not joined us yet, now is a great time to start. Simply read one chapter a day Monday through Friday.

The reading schedule for this week coming is below:
Monday: Mark 8
Tuesday: Mark 9
Wednesday: Mark 10
Thursday: Mark 11
Friday: Mark 12

You can also find the reading schedule on our website under the Ministries tab.

Serve the World
We had a great first week in our Kids Hope partnership with Bursley Elementary. We had 4 mentors meet with students and from all I have heard they had a great time. Please pray for our mentors and students that these relationships might help the students experience the love God has for them.

If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Chip Harkes, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is chip@harkeslandscape.com and his phone number is 616-299-4804.

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 to Date Budget:  $336,200.96
Fiscal Year to Date Contribution: $328,197.17
Giving Last Week: $9,818.70

At lunch today, one of my kids quoted an old Vine. The Vine shows someone reading the ingredients of chicken broth and deciding it must be very healthy food. They say, “Chicken broth is so healthy. It has zero trans fat and OMG cholesterol.” Obviously, the should have read that is had zero milligrams of cholesterol and not the acronym my grandmother would rightly say was sputtin’. (I think that is some form of a Dutch would meaning disrespectful to God. I learned as a child that singing the song Amazing Grace to the tune of the Gilligan’s Island theme song is also sputtin’.)

What struck me in this vine is that someone could get almost all the letters right and still completely misunderstand what they read. In the same way, we can know the Christmas story, decorate our trees, wrap the presents, bake the cookies, go to Christmas Eve services and still miss the point of the story.

Christmas at its core is not about Santa or family time or presents or parties, it is the simple recognition that the God of the universe, out of pure love for us, has chosen to live with us, become one of us, and make clear for all to see that God is for us and not against us.

May we hear and believe this good news again this Christmas,

– Greg

Connect to God
This Sunday we will gather online at 9 and 11 am. You can find the services either on our Facebook page or at zionreformed.online.church. We will also rebroadcast the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 4pm next Sunday.

Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. This year is a great example of that. Now, we are at the end of this year. Most of us are ok with this change to a new year, but at the same time wondering, maybe quietly, what will next year be like? This morning, as we anticipate a New Year just around the corner, we look to Psalm 57 to remind us God IS still in control.

Christmas Eve is tomorrow. As your family celebrates Christmas this year, plan on joining us for our Christmas Eve worship service at either 4:00, 6:30 or 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve. The service will include a reading of the Christmas story for kids, some classic Christmas carols, and a message about the certainty of our God in uncertain times. Join us at zionreformed.online.church to start your Christmas celebration focused on our savior.

Grow in Community
Harv Berens was admitted to the hospital last week due to a hemorrhaging on his brain. He has had a couple of procedures and is beginning to recover.

Shelly Fahner had a stroke on Sunday afternoon and was able to return home last night. To quote her doctor, we give thanks to God for her miraculous recovery so far.

Mason Hart has been experiencing a recurrence of Crohn’s Disease and will be undergoing some tests over break to determine any next steps in treatment.

Marian Payne continues to deal with significant back pain after a recent fall. She is hoping to meet with a specialist on Monday to begin putting a plan in place to deal with the pain.

You can still join us in reading through the New Testament over the next year. We are encouraging everyone to use the Through the Word app on Apple or Android devices. This app not only has the scripture readings, but also a 9-10 minute teaching on the passage of the day. This could be a great way for our Discipleship Triads to study together or for a small group or family to do devotions together. If you are unsure how to install the app, we have made a short instructional video to show you how to do so on an iPhone. You can find that video here.

The reading schedule for this week is below:
Monday: Matthew 21
Tuesday: Matthew 22
Wednesday: Matthew 23
Thursday: Matthew 24
Friday: Matthew 25

You can also find the reading schedule on our website under the Ministries tab.

Beginning in January, Sheila Johnson will be leading a book discussion on the book The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby. If you are interested in thinking together about racial divisions in our culture and the role of the church, this would be a great place to be a part of that conversation. If you are interested in this book discussion, please contact Sheila at sheilaj2494@yahoo.com.

Serve the World
Many of you may have seen news stories about the rising homelessness issue in our Grand Rapids community. This year for our Christmas Eve Service we will be holding a special offering to support the Interfaith Hospitality Network. The IHN provides children and their families with shelter, basics needs, and assistance in finding housing. Unlike many homeless shelters, dads and older boys are able to stay with the rest of the family which is so important in maintaining the strength of their family unit. 90% of the families they serve find housing and 85% are still housed two years later. If you are able, we encourage you to give to this important work in our community at this time.

If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Chip Harkes, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is chip@harkeslandscape.com and his phone number is 616-299-4804.

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 to Date Budget:  $304,681.12
Fiscal Year to Date Contribution: $292,163.35
Giving Last Week: $14,168.00

If you are reading through the New Testament with us this year, you read Matthew 9 this morning. This chapter ends with a call from Jesus to pray for workers for the harvest is plentiful in Matthew 9:36. And then I came across this article from Christianity Today that considers how the church ought to respond when the culture turns away from church and regular church attendance. And then, last week, in a book our staff is reading together, the author pointed out that in a recent survey, more Christians have prayed to win the lottery than are regularly playing for people far from God to come to know God.

Our culture is shifting away from church, Jesus says to pray for workers for the harvest, and more of Christians pray to win the lottery than to see people come to know Jesus. Something needs to change in us. We need hearts for the harvest, the attitude of a missionary, and a genuine love for our neighbors who don’t yet know personally the love of our God.

Will you join me this week in praying each day at 9:36 am and/or pm each day that God would raise up workers for the harvest?

– Greg

Connect to God
This Sunday we will gather online at 9 and 11 am. You can find the services either on our Facebook page or at zionreformed.online.church. We will also rebroadcast the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 4pm next Sunday.

We have a great service planned for this Sunday. Our kids in 3rd through 5th grade will be leading us in a retelling of the Christmas story. Our younger kids and their parents will be reading Luke 2. And, Harlow Boeskool will be singing with our praise team. While our annual Christmas program does not look quite like it normally does, it will be a great opportunity to both encourage your children and come in wonder again to the manager of our king.

Most of us are familiar with the events of the first Christmas, The manger, The shepherd watching sheep. The angels singing. The wise men. The little baby wrapped in cloths lying in the manner. But what if this birth is not just any birth, but the one event on which all of history turns and that can transform our lives. Join us this advent season as we meet Jesus who comes to us as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This week, we meet Jesus who comes to us as the Everlasting Father.

Grow in Community
You can still join us in reading through the New Testament over the next year. We are encouraging everyone to use the Through the Word app on Apple or Android devices. This app not only has the scripture readings, but also a 9-10 minute teaching on the passage of the day. This could be a great way for our Discipleship Triads to study together or for a small group or family to do devotions together. If you are unsure how to install the app, we have made a short instructional video to show you how to do so on an iPhone. You can find that video here.

The reading schedule for this week is below:
Monday: Matthew 11
Tuesday: Matthew 12
Wednesday: Matthew 13
Thursday: Matthew 14
Friday: Matthew 15

You can also find the reading schedule on our website under the Ministries tab.

Beginning in January, Sheila Johnson will be leading a book discussion on the book The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby. If you are interested in thinking together about racial divisions in our culture and the role of the church, this would be a great place to be a part of that conversation. If you are interested in this book discussion, please contact Sheila at sheilaj2494@yahoo.com.

Serve the World
If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Chip Harkes, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is chip@harkeslandscape.com and his phone number is 616-299-4804.

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 to Date Budget:  $283,669.56
Fiscal Year to Date Contribution: $252,508.35
Giving Last Week: $16,831

Earlier this week, my friend Jerry shared a story with me. He and his wife are both over with some pre-existing conditions and so have been isolating for much of the last 9 months. In that time, they have completed many, many puzzles.

Recently he completed 3 puzzles. The first, a 500 piece puzzle, was missing one piece, which really bothered him. But, when the completed next puzzle, he found one extra piece in the box that had been missing from the first puzzle. He could finish the puzzle and everything look great and felt right again. And then, as he completed the third puzzle, another 1000 piece one, he discovered that this puzzle too was missing a piece. He kept looking for the piece, but it could not be found anywhere. And, it bothered him. When he looked at this puzzle, all he could see was the empty place.

Reflecting on these rather mundane experiences, Jerry started wondering what God might be trying to show him. As a recovering perfectionist, he surmised it was another reminder that we see what we focus on. You can either see the one missing piece or the 999 that have all found their place, fit perfectly together, and together form this beautiful picture.

What we see depends on where we choose to focus. During this Covid and holiday season, we will experience them based on where we direct our attention. Will we see all the opportunities or all  that Covid limits? Will we see what God can do in this moment or only what we can’t?

– Greg

Connect to God
This Sunday we will gather online at 9 and 11 am. You can find the services either on our Facebook page or at zionreformed.online.church. We will also rebroadcast the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 4pm next Sunday.

Most of us are familiar with the events of the first Christmas, The manger, The shepherd watching sheep. The angels singing. The wise men. The little baby wrapped in cloths lying in the manner. But what if this birth is not just any birth, but the one event on which all of history turns and that can transform our lives. Join us this advent season as we meet Jesus who comes to us as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This week, Pastor Jeremy leads us in a reflection on what it means for us that Jesus comes as the Mighty God.

Grow in Community
We extend our sympathy to Danny and Ashley Copron in the passing of their grandmother, Janice Lankerd, yesterday. May God give them comfort and fill with with the hope of the resurrection to come.

We will once again be offering an online worship experience for kids ages 3 through 5th grade following our morning worship. For a variety of reasons, this experience will only be offered at zionreformed.online.church and not on our Facebook page.

You can still join us in reading through the New Testament over the next year. We are encouraging everyone to use the Through the Word app on Apple or Android devices. This app not only has the scripture readings, but also a 9-10 minute teaching on the passage of the day. This could be a great way for our Discipleship Triads to study together or for a small group or family to do devotions together. If you are unsure how to install the app, we have made a short instructional video to show you how to do so on an iPhone. You can find that video here.

The reading schedule for this week is below:
Monday: Matthew 6
Tuesday: Matthew 7
Wednesday: Matthew 8
Thursday: Matthew 9
Friday: Matthew 10

You can also find the reading schedule on our website under the Ministries tab.

Beginning in January, Sheila Johnson will be leading a book discussion on the book The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby. If you are interested in thinking together about racial divisions in our culture and the role of the church, this would be a great place to be a part of that conversation. If you are interested in this book discussion, please contact Sheila at sheilaj2494@yahoo.com.

Serve the World
If you need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Chip Harkes, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is chip@harkeslandscape.com and his phone number is 616-299-4804.

Administration
Earlier this week, many non-profit organizations celebrated Giving Tuesday as a way to encourage people to support their missions. After a weekend traditionally spent shopping, I think it is wonderful to also spend time thinking about where we can also freely give back what God has given to us.

In a culture of overconsumption, where we are often defined primarily as consumers rather than as image bearers of God, one day a year dedicated to giving, though, is probably not enough to counteract the values of our culture. Just like one day of eating healthy is unlikely to undo the harm caused by years of overeating. And one day of exercise is unlikely to undo years of laying on the couch. Rather, true change happens through new repeated patterns of behavior. As you think about your giving throughout the year, let me challenge you to consider beginning a practice of tithing (giving 10% of your income back to God). If that is too great a step, maybe you could increase your giving by 1% of your income this year. But for all of us, finding our identity and security in the stuff of this world will always be a temptation. Regular giving can help us fight that tendency and re-root our identity in and dependence on God.

There are many great organizations and untold needs to address, but I believe firmly the local church is the place that can have the greatest longterm impact on the life of a neighborhood and town. Together we feed hungry kids in the schools, support families struggling to make ends meet, mentor students, care for the elderly, help one another out in times of need, disciple kids, teens, and each other, reach people around the world with the gospel, and encourage each other through friendship and accountability. The local church at its best is truly a mission outpost of the kingdom of God, the place where the life of heaven breaks into this world.

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 to Date Budget:  $273,163.28
Fiscal Year to Date Contribution: $235,677.35
Giving Last Week: $14,511
Thanksgiving Offering (total): $4,850