Zion E-News (5-31-2018)
Last week Wednesday, I had the privilege of sharing some of our story at Zion with a group of other church leaders from our Region (Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky). The day was focused on creating systems to intentionally develop leaders in the church: to prepare, equip and inspire them.
In preparation for my talk, I did some research on our church over the past 12-18 months. This is what I learned. Something happened the week of Easter 2017. Since that Sunday, our Children’s Ministry (age birth through 3rd grade) has grown by 40% in 14 months. Our total attendance has grown by almost 30% weekly (but we did to get as accurate a count until this fall.) Since last September (not counting Labor Day weekend) to this May (not counting Memorial Day weekend), our average worship attendance is up by just over 11% in 9 months.
Looking back over the last 12 months, it is no wonder we were constantly scrambling and adjusting to make room for all the children in our church, changing patterns and room assignments, recruiting and equipping new leaders in Children and Worship and Sunday School. As our education year is no completely winding down, I am so thankful for the any people who stepped up, tried something new, put in extra time to develop quality Children’s programming, as well as for all the ways we have worked to welcome new people and help them get connected. We don’t do it perfectly and we have some work to do, but we certainly try.
Because in the end, church is not about numbers, financial or worship attendance, but about individuals people getting connected to God and one another and together following our Savior in serving this world God made and loves. Let us all thank God for the way he has allowed us to join Him in his redemptive work this year.
Connect to God
On Easter Sunday, God begins a re-creation of the world beginning with the resurrection of Jesus. While we are still waiting for this creation to be fully formed, we as Christians are called to live a Jesus shaped life so that our lives point people both to Jesus and this new world God is making. This week, we consider how Jesus shaped people live out of a sense of vocation, of calling from God to join in his work of redeeming the world in the particular ways God has made them.
This Sunday we have the privilege of ordaining and installing 3 of our new Elders and Deacons. Chip Harkes, Josh Sanders, and Mike Knott will all be installed this Sunday. Aaron Huizenga will be installed on the 10th. As we welcome these new members to our Consistory, we also thank God for the faithful service of Ken Cook, Tim Mekkes, Jeff VanderHeide, and Dave Geenen over the past 3 years.
There are still a few more opportunities to serve and bless the children of our church in our summer Children’s Ministry. You can sign up here.
If you would like a copy of the worship service, you can receive a complete copy by contacting Tom Verbrugge or you can find the weekly messages on our website.
Grow in Community
Thanks to our building and grounds team for cleaning out the garage and the old Cadet room this evening. We continue to work hard to maintain our facilities and maximize our ministry space.
Serve the World
Mark your calendars for this summer’s Hoops and Hotdogs on June 19, July 3, July 17, and July 31. These are great evenings to connect with neighbors, let the kids get some energy out on the playground, and enjoy a hotdog!
City Chapel will be hosting their first preview service on Sunday, June 17 at 10:15 meeting at City Flats Hotel right downtown. If you want to heck out this new church, show some support to Ron and Anna Radcliffe, or just need an excuse to go downtown, join them in only 2 weeks!
Every year, approximately 1,000,000 young people walk away from the Christian faith. Statistically, most people decide on their faith by the age of 35. The oldest millennial is now 38 and the oldest Generation Z is 18. We are at a peak opportunity to reach and influence the next generations, but so far, we are not doing very well. If trends don’t change, over 40 million young people will leave the faith by 2050. If we can only improve our retention to that of the Gen X generation, that number would fall by 22,000,000. If you want to learn more about how to reach next generations, the opportunities available to us, and how you can be involved, check out www.greatopportunity.org.
Administrative Details
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.
Year to date budget: $551,975.32
Year to date contributions: $548,537.11
Zion E-News (5-24-2018)
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been delighting in the many ways our new playground has been used. Last week, I stopped by to visit with a support group taking advantage of the picnic tables on a beautiful sunny day. Sunday afternoon children played on the toys near the end of the visitation for Joanne Oudbier and before our leaders meeting. And, every sunny afternoon, I see moms and dads walking kids over to play on the slide or give a push on the swings. As the grass continues to grow, we look forward to kickball and soccer games and all the Camp Zion kids playing in the cool grass rather than the hot pavement this summer.
I am especially thankful today for the vision and generosity of Zion to offer this convenient and simple place for families to connect and enjoy the beautiful summer and spring weather of Michigan.
Connect to God
On Easter Sunday, God begins a re-creation of the world beginning with the resurrection of Jesus. While we are still waiting for this creation to be fully formed, we as Christians are called to live a Jesus shaped life so that our lives point people both to Jesus and this new world God is making. This week, we consider how a Jesus shaped life at its core is an embodied life. Not looking to escape this world, but fully engaged in the physical world in which we live.
This morning we welcome Jed Gerken as the newest member of Zion. Jed is the father of Grady Gerken and we are delighted to have him join us.
We will no longer be having a Children’s Message during worship because of the sheer number of children and the recognition that through Children and Worship we already provide worship and teaching that is age appropriate for our youngest members. This Sunday kids will be invited up to the steps to be prayed over before they are dismissed to Children and Worship. We will publicly thank Kelly Osterink for her faithful service for well over a decade in teaching our children each Sunday at a later time.
We are still looking for more volunteers for our summer children’s ministry. You can sign up here.
If you would like a copy of the worship service, you can receive a complete copy by contacting Tom Verbrugge or you can find the weekly messages on our website.
Grow in Community
We extend out sympathy to Ann Muizelaar in the passing of her husband Gerald Muizelaar on Saturday. The funeral was held this afternoon.
Mark Steenbergen continues his recovery from open heart surgery on Friday.
We congratulate Matt and Katie Wagner on the birth of their son, Josiah Roger, who arrived at 6:03am on May 20. Josiah weighed in at 6lbs 14oz and is 20 1/2 inches long! Both mom and baby are doing great.
Serve the World
On Monday night, our Personal Care Pantry cared for many families in our community. As they provide basics of life like soap and shampoo, our team also prays with and for our guests. As we pray with neighbors, we often encounter situations of brokenness and pain. Marriages falling apart. Domestic violence. Cancer. Addictions. I am so thankful for our faithful volunteers who step into these difficult moments with the love and grace of God.
Hand2Hand has wrapped up for the school year. Thank you to all who helped buy, donate, pack and deliver food to students in Grandville schools. I was just talking with a family recently about their experience when money was tight and food was short. While a few meals may not seem like much to many of us, when life is hard, these simple gifts provide not only physical nourishment, but also nourish hope and souls as people are reminded they are not alone. Thank you Hand2Hand Team!
Administrative Details
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.
Year to date budget: $541,360.41
Year to date contributions: $542,297.11
Zion E-News (5-17-2018)
Zion E-News (5-17-2018)
Watching the news earlier this week about the US opening an embassy in Jerusalem and the accompanying protests in Gaza, my mind went almost immediately to Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves. I wondered, “What would it look like for our country to love Israelis and Palestinians like ourselves?”
This is probably a rabbit hole not worth pursuing, but down I went. I tried to put myself in the shoes of a Palestinian who was driven, or whose grandparents were driven, from their home 70 years ago, and who now lives behind a tall wall, surrounded by armed soldiers, with limited economic prospects. And then to see my oppressors claim my capital as their own. I might become angry and frustrated and be tempted to act out violently.
And then I thought about Israelis. What would it be like to grow up knowing that my people were systematically exterminated in a World War and were persecuted for centuries before in Europe? How might I feel if we finally had reclaimed our ancestral home only to suffer several wars and hundreds of terrorist attacks from people trying to take our land away? I might defend myself with violence. I might struggle to have compassion for those affected by my decisions and who now feel oppressed by my people.
It only takes a few minutes to realize there is no simple right or wrong answer to the issues facing Israelis and Palestinians and that no one is completely in the wrong or the right. It is a true mess of hurt and wrong and mistakes and sin on both sides. Love begins by listening and simply trying to understand the experience of the other person.
And in that regard it is like many difficult situations in our lives. Coming alongside a friend going through a divorce. Caring for a child who can’t seem to keep a job. Listening to a gay or transgender neighbor. Walking with friends recovering from abuse. Dealing with almost any conflict among grown children. Discussing politics with just about anybody. Building friendships with people from different economic or ethnic backgrounds. All challenge us to understand someone else’s experience to love them well.
When I meet with couple for pre-marital counseling, one of the first skills we practice is listening actively. It is amazing how many conflicts get resolved or lose their energy when people feel understood. And, I am always surprised in myself that when I work to understand someone else’s experience how my response and compassion change. Simply being heard often deflates the anger and opens up the possibility of reconciliation.
We can’t solve Middle East peace, but maybe we can bring a little more peace to our lives by listening to understand and then responding in love.
Connect to God
This Sunday we will celebrate and bless 11 high school graduates from our youth group. During the service, Pastor Jeremy will reflect on each students experience, offer them a gift, and maybe some wise counsel as they transition into their next phase of life. Because we want to take the time to truly celebrate each graduate, we will be having a shorter message on Sunday. Think homily. But we do so, because this week, we will be thinking about how a Jesus.Life embraces community. Part of how we embrace community as a church is by taking the time to celebrate with our graduates.
We will also celebrate communion during worship this week. On behalf of the Board of Elders, I encourage you to examine your life and relationships, seek reconciliation where needed, confess where appropriate, and offer others the same grace god has given us, so that we can come to the table on Sunday with true joy and gratitude and in unity but he grace of the Holy Spirit.
We will no longer be having a Children’s Message during worship because of the sheer number of children and the recognition that through Children and Worship we already provide worship and teaching that is age appropriate for our youngest members. This Sunday kids will be invited up to the steps to be prayed over before they are dismissed to Children and Worship. We will publicly thank Kelly Osterink for her faithful service for well over a decade in teaching our children each Sunday at a later time.
We are still looking for more volunteers for our summer children’s ministry. You can sign up here.
If you would like a copy of the worship service, you can receive a complete copy by contacting Tom Verbrugge or you can find the weekly messages on our website.
Grow in Community
We extend out sympathy to Jim Oudbier in the passing of his beloved wife, Joanne, on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral will be Monday at 11 am at Zion with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also occur on Sunday afternoon from 1-4, also at Zion.
Carol Vandelin underwent knee replacement surgery on Tuesday and is currently recovering well at her daughter’s home.
Mark Steenbergen will have open heat surgery tomorrow and asks for prayers for peace, healing, and strength through the surgery.
Cake will be served following worship on Sunday to celebrate with all of our graduates.
Love offering- As we celebrate communion on Sunday, we will also hold a special love offering for our Benevolence funds. Benevolence funds are used to care for the financial and physical needs of members of our community and the neighborhood. The Deacons encourage our congregation to give generously not only to the ongoing ministries of Zion through the budget, but also to give through the love offering to support one another in times of need.
Serve the World
We will be packing for Hand2hand following worship on Sunday i the basement. If you are able to help set-up and pack, your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Administrative Details
Our next Leaders Meeting will be this Sunday, May 20 from 5-7 pm. We will start the evening with a meal and then talk a little about the vision and direction of Zion, breakup into ministry teams, and end the evening with some training by Pastor Jeremy. We have a great night planned. If you volunteer in any capacity, you are both invited and strongly encouraged to attend this evening of community and ministry. If you do not yet serve anywhere in the ministries of Zion, but would like to get involved, please join us as well and we will get you connected that night. Sign-ups for the leaders meeting will begin this Sunday May 6. Childcare will be provided for children 5th grade and under.
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.
Year to date budget: $530,745.50
Year to date contributions: $522,075.11
Beginning Easter Sunday morning, we will spend the Easter season, and a little beyond, considering the basics of a Jesus shaped life. Join us beginning April 1 at 9:30.
Join us beginning June 24 as we begin a four-week series on handling our finances called Making Change.
2018 Summer Staff
We are very excited to introduce our Camp Zion 2018 summer staff.
Congratulations Makaylee, Kim, Luke & Brad.
Zion E-News 5/3/18
We don’t get a lot of wildfires around Michigan, though there was one in Newaygo last night. But, when Rachel and I lived in Colorado, there were wildfires every summer. When we visited 5 years ago, there was a significant fire south of Denver and many people lost their homes. I remember further back, almost 20 years ago driving with a friend to help him move out to LA and being amazed by small little fires along the side the highway. People just drove by like it was no big deal.
Unlike the people in LA, I have never gotten used to wild fire. Fire is dangerous. It moves in unexpected ways. It consumes and destroys. And yet, it also leads to new growth and health and life. When a fire goes through a pine forest, as it burns, it unlocks all the pine cones and sends millions upon millions of seeds out into the world, already beginning to replace the trees that have burned. According to foresters, most forest trees need to be exposed to fire every 50 to 100 years in order to invigorate new growth in the forest.
I think the same is true for churches. Not that churches need to burn, but that every few decades churches need a revival, a fresh influx of the fire of the Holy Spirit, a renewed passion for God and evangelism and seeking after the kingdom of God. I sense God may be doing something like that in our midst. May we fan the flames and catch fire ourselves.
Connect to God
On Easter Sunday, God begins a re-creation of the world beginning with the resurrection of Jesus. While we are still waiting for this creation to be fully formed, we as Christians are called to live a Jesus shaped life so that our lives point people both to Jesus and this new world God is making. This week, we consider the need for wisdom as we seek to live according to the ways of Jesus’ kingdom.
From the Sunday after Memorial Day through Labor Day, we take a break from our regular children’s programming. This gives our teachers a much needed break from prepping as people are in and out for vacations. In its place, we will be showing the children ages 3 through 3rd grade a Christian video each week (during the worship service), such as Veggie Tales, or Hermie and Friends.
You can sign up here to work in our summer Children’s ministry.
If you would like a copy of the worship service, you can receive a complete copy by contacting Tom Verbrugge or you can find the weekly messages on our website.
Grow in Community
Our Young at Heart group invites everyone at Zion to a “Peace of Mind Seminar” where you can learn how planning for your final wishes can shield your family from an unnecessary emotional burden. This informative seminar will be held on May 9th at 6:30 pm at church.
This Saturday is a church wide spring clean-up. If you are able to use a rake, pull a weed, shovel mulch, or help us eat some donuts (I assume there will be donuts), you are invited to join us on Saturday at 8 am.
We received a gracious note from Chelsea Reynhout recently I wold like to share with you:
“To our family at Zion –
I can’t thank you enough for your love, support, and encouragement over the last 3 years. From the very beginning, you did more than just generously share your space with me, you invited Eric and I into your family with open arms. You helped God plant the seeds of confidence and desire in me to become a pastor. My new congregation and I are eternally grateful! I experienced yet again your generosity and love in your hosting of my ordination service. Everyone worked so hard to make it one of the best moments of my life. Thank you to the band for blessing my soul and to everyone who worked so hard on the details — from the powerpoint to the cake! Thank you for being you — a place where a lost seminary student can find a home. Sending our love from Newaygo! Visitors welcome! Chelsea”
If you are up in the Newaygo area this summer, I know Chelsea would be blessed by your encouraging visit. She is currently serving Newaygo Family of God Church.
Serve the World
Our summer staff for Camp Zion have been hired. The high school staff this year will be: Makaylee Kempema, Luke Austin, Brad Sanders, and Kim Verbrugge. We had many great applicants and appreciate the enthusiasm and gifts of each. We are excited to see how God will use these teens, our many volunteers, and Director Rachel Verbrugge to bless our neighbors this summer.
Administrative Details
Our next Leaders Meeting will be on Sunday, May 20 from 5-7 pm. We will start the evening with a meal and then talk a little about the vision and direction of Zion, breakup into ministry teams, and end the evening with some training by Pastor Jeremy. We have a great night planned. If you volunteer in any capacity, you are both invited and strongly encouraged to attend this evening of community and ministry. If you do not yet serve anywhere in the ministries of Zion, but would like to get involved, please join us as well and we will get you connected that night. Sign-ups for the leaders meeting will begin this Sunday May 6. Childcare will be provided for children 5th grade and under.
Our annual Congregational Meeting is this Sunday following worship. We will be approving our annual budget and electing our new Elders and Deacons. In addition, we will review this past year and look ahead to where God is calling us next as a community.
The following people were nominated for the office of Elder:
Kyle VanderWall, Josh Sanders, Brian Davis, and Mike Knott.
The following people were nominated for the office of Deacon: Jerrod Holzgen, Chip Harkes, Mark Radcliff, and Aaron Huizenga.
Our new Elders and Deacons will be chosen by lot at our congregational meeting on May 6 from these nominees. Pleas be in prayer for each of our nominees.
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.
Year to date budget: $509,515.68
Year to date contributions: $505,838.11
Zion E-News 4/26/18
This week, I have been in Las Vegas for a few days for some training on Leadership Development processes with some regional staff of our denomination. As I write this, I am sitting in an airport anticipating a week of learning, growth, and developing some relationships with colleagues. I am sure it will be great week.
But I am also recognizing a little something of a loss this week. Two of my kids have birthdays on Thursday. There is nothing quite like the excitement of a young child on their birthday. The joy of giving treats at school, singing happy birthday, and all the little rituals of the celebration diminish as kids grow. But when they are young, the delight is right on the surface. I will miss being with them on their birthdays. (I recognize, even as I write this, that many people travel all the time for their work or work off shifts and regularly miss important moments, so I am truly grateful for the many moments I get to enjoy.)
But, this longing has got me thinking about the ministry of presence. Simply being with people matters. On Friday last week, Sarah McAnally (Chair of Deacons) and I spent about an hour with Madonna Chappelle’s family as she neared the end of her life. This came after many hours with Madonna over the prior week and months. There were no special words that could take away the grief, but we stood by their said and mourned with them.
On Sunday afternoon, I had the privilege of preaching at Brookcrest Nursing Home. I preach at nursing homes every so often on a Sunday afternoon, as do most pastors. Gathering with these faithful followers of God, some whom have been following God for 90 years, there were no words I could speak that would suddenly change their delight in and awe of God. What I said probably did not matter at all, but we gathered together and talked before the service began and shared little stories and laughed a little together, and then we sang and prayed and read some scripture. It was good to simply be together.
Sometimes, I think we can hold back from reaching out to people because we don’t know what to say or feel inadequate. But, when people are going through hard times or are just a little lonely, they do not need great orators or deep wisdom, they need friends, fellow believers, to come and sit with them. There is great spiritual power and encouragement in someone just showing up. So, show up at the funeral home, show up with a meal one night, send a card, shoot them a text, or even be so bold as to call. Whoever it is you know who is going through a hard time, be present for them and see what God might do when you show up.
Connect to God
On Easter Sunday, God begins a re-creation of the world beginning with the resurrection of Jesus. While we are still waiting for this creation to be fully formed, we as Christians are called to live a Jesus shaped life so that our lives point people both to Jesus and this new world God is making. This week, we consider Jesus call to be a people defined and shaped by an ethic of peace. This Sunday, we are privileged to welcome the Revs. Ron and Anna Radcliffe from City Chapel who will be bringing us an update on City Chapel and also God’s word for us.
From the Sunday after Memorial Day through Labor Day, we take a break from our regular children’s programming. This gives our teachers a much needed break from prepping as people are in and out for vacations.
In its place, we will be showing the children ages 3 through 3rd grade a Christian video each week (during the worship service), such as Veggie Tales, or Hermie and Friends.
You can sign up here to work in our summer Children’s ministry.
Adults 18 years and older must go through Keeping Kids Safe training before volunteering with kids. If you didn’t go through training last fall, there will be one on May 20 after church.
If you would like a copy of the worship service, you can receive a complete copy by contacting Tom Verbrugge or you can find the weekly messages on our website.
Grow in Community
Jack Heuvelhorst went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 23. We extend our sympathy to Judie, Greg and Michelle Stuyvesant, and their family and ask that you would pray for peace and comfort for them during this difficult time.
Bob Baar continues receiving chemotherapy and asks for prayers for minimal side effects and healing.
Serve the World
God continues to bless the work of City Chapel, our downtown church plant as they prepare for upcoming preview services and the hoped for launch of weekly worship this fall. Following is the latest update from Ron and Anna.
What are we celebrating?
Last week Thursday, Ron and Anna and a few others brought lunch to Kendall students during their “random acts of lunch.” They got to connect with more students beyond the ones they pray with each week at Kendall College.
What’s coming up?
Sunday, April 29: Anna and Ron are both preaching at Zion Reformed in Grandville. That’s right. Both at the same time 🙂
Sunday, June 17: Mark your calendars for the first preview service for City Chapel set to take place at CityFlats in downtown Grand Rapids.
Sunday, July 22: Second preview service
Sunday, August 26: Third preview service
How can you be praying?
This week, we’d ask for continued prayers around the volunteers who will be helping in our preview services and launch. There’s a lot to get done in the next few weeks and months. Pray for hungry hearts for the city of Grand Rapids. And, if you’re interested in signing up to help, email us at: citychapelgr@gmail.com
Administrative Details
Our next Leaders Meeting will be on Sunday, May 20 from 5-7 pm. We will start the evening with a meal and then talk a little about the vision and direction of Zion, breakup into ministry teams, and end the evening with some training by Pastor Jeremy. We have a great night planned. If you volunteer in any capacity, you are both invited and strongly encouraged to attend this evening of community and ministry. If you do not yet serve anywhere in the ministries of Zion, but wold like to get involved, please join us as well and we will get you connected that night. Sign-ups for the leaders meeting will begin on April 29. Childcare will be provided for children 5th grade and under.
The Consistory of Zion met last Tuesday night to approve a budget recommendation for the fiscal year of 2018/19 and to nominate our slate of new Elders and Deacons. The budget will be available in the Narthex on Sunday morning for your review prior to our Congregational Meeting on May 6 following worship.
The following people were nominated for the office of Elder:
Kyle VanderWall, Josh Sanders, Brian Davis, and Mike Knott.
The following people were nominated for the office of Deacon: Jerrod Holzgen, Chip Harkes, Mark Radcliff, and Aaron Huizenga.
Our new Elders and Deacons will be chosen by lot at our congregational meeting on May 6 from these nominees. Pleas be in prayer for each of our nominees.
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.
Year to date budget: $498,900.77
Year to date contributions: $490,289.11
