Zion E-News 8-17-23
ZION E-NEWS (8-17-23)
Trusting In God’s Plan:
Over the past couple weeks, I have been thinking a lot about God’s plan and how at times it is hard to see and even harder to trust in his plans. Throughout my life I have had these feelings. One of those times was when I was a freshman in high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I questioned a lot of things and had a hard time trusting that this was God’s plan. During this time, I reflected on some specific verses, just so happens to be the life verse that my mom picked out for me.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
These verses helped me greatly during the days of my mom going through radiation & chemo. It gave me peace knowing that I could trust in God and that all would be ok. My mom just hit 15 years cancer free in July. My trust was right where I needed to put it, trusting in God. Life is full of uncertainties and challenges, often causing us to question the path we’re on. Yet, in the midst of these uncertainties, Jeremiah 17:7-8 provides a beautiful and reassuring image of a life anchored in trust and confidence in the Lord. This trust isn’t merely a superficial belief but a deep-rooted confidence in God’s character and promises. When we choose to trust in God, we align our hearts with His will, opening the door for His blessings to flow into our lives. Just as a tree’s roots seek out the life-giving water source, our trust in God’s Word and His guidance nourishes our spirits and helps us remain steadfast, even during the difficult seasons of life. These verses from Jeremiah hold a powerful message about faith, trust, and growth. As Zion navigates this transition, we are reminded that our reliance on the Lord is our greatest strength. Just as a tree thrives when rooted by a stream, our church community will flourish as we remain firmly rooted in our faith and trust in God’s guidance. Our transition as a church signifies a new beginning, an opportunity for growth, and a chance to deepen our relationship with God and with one another. Let us embrace this season with open hearts, knowing that God’s plans for us are filled with hope and purpose.
~Austen DeHaan
CONNECT TO GOD
THIS SUNDAY we are blessed to have Pastor JR Pittman share God’s word with us. Pastor JR is the founding and lead pastor of Ignite Fellowship Church right here in Grand Rapids. He and his lovely wife Evette have been married over 32 years and have two adult sons, Joshua and Noah. Pastor JR is very passionate about evangelism and mentoring and enjoys golfing and good conversations at coffee houses. Pastor JR will share a message from Hebrews 10:23-25 Titled “Why Church?” We are in a new era when many people don’t understand why God’s children assemble together. Even people who are presently in the local congregation cannot clearly articulate a basic doctrine; Why Church? Today I want to help equip and encourage you to have a solid understanding of the local church in a society where people are now leaving in large numbers. May you be blessed.
AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.
ZION KIDS has switched over to our summer programming.Through Sept 3, we will hold one combined class each week for kids ages 3yrs old through 3rd grade. We will sing songs, watch a Bible story video, pray together and have some playtime while service is happening in the sanctuary. Children should check in at the child check in station each week as usual.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
DEAR ZION Reformed Church family, Thank you for your words of encouragement and kind expressions of gratitude as I finished my time at Zion last Sunday. Your words, cards, emails, gifts, hugs, handshakes, and ice cream sundaes made it a special day of reflecting on the past year and celebrating how God is leading you into the next chapter. Blessings as you follow His leading! Pastor Steve
YOU like to bake? We are looking for volunteers to make (or purchase) cookies to serve at coffee time after worship. If you would be willing to provide cookies occasionally please call or text Dianne Kooiker at 616-538-3179.
TWO CAMPING SPOTS have opened up for Zion’s family camping weekend (September 22-24) at Dunes Harbor. This happens to be their Harvest weekend so there will be some special events like a campground wide Trunk or Treat, tractor wagon ides, archery, hatchets, scavenger hunt, worship in the pavilion, evening movie, plus more. If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
ALL BUILDING AND GROUNDS issues or concerns should be directed to Troy Austin. You can reach him via email at troymaustin@gmail.com or call or text him at (616) 914-0141.
NURSERY COORDINATOR: Becky Harkes has resigned from her position as Nursery Coordinator. We are looking to fill that position. If you are interested in this position you can view the job description here. If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact Shanda VandePol (our P&A chair), at: shandavandepol@yahoo.com or at 616-308-0700.
SERVE THE WORLD
HELP STUFF THE BUS! We partnered with Love Your Neighbor to provide backpacks and supplies for their Stuff The Bus campaign. If you took a slip please return the backpack and supplies with the tag on the outside of the backpack by this Sunday, Aug. 13 or contact Tom MacGraw to make other arrangements to get it to him. Thank you!
WE ARE collecting toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste through August to meet our goal of providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to all of our Personal Care Pantry, Hand2Hand, and Threads participants in September. Donations can be placed in the Personal Care Pantry box in the narthex. Thank you!
SUMMER is a great time to try out new ways to serve at Zion! It is also the time of year that people who are looking for a church home tend to visit and we want them to feel welcomed! We all know that first impressions are important! Our First Impressions Team is looking for volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or to help at the child check in station. All of these tasks are very easy, require minimal time commitment and you can pick your own schedule! Click here to sign-up through Sign-Up-Genius or call Connie in the church office at 616-534-7533 ext. 3 and she can help you with scheduling!
DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”. Laundry Soap, Bar Soap, Dish Soap, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and Toilet paper (1-4 pack).
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is (616) 315-7938.
ADMINISTRATION
We continue to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and for the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and treasures.
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Budget: $126,972.45
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $107,644.45
Giving Last Week: $12,445.95
Benevolent Fund $328.00
Camp Zion 2023 – Goodbye
Hello Camp Zion Families,
Well, it is ridiculously quiet around church this week. No one has been running through the lobby playing tag, cheering loudly when they win a game or belly laughing over something silly. I miss the joyful noise that our Camp Zion campers bring to our building.
It has truly been a blessing to spend the last 7 weeks with your children. They are smart, kind & funny people who have captured all of our hearts. Thank you for gifting us the opportunity to spend time with each of them this summer. What fun we have had playing games, dancing, acting, going on trips, reading stories, learning about God and creating a ton of fun memories together.
I was asked two questions repeatedly last week.
1.) “What are you all gonna do with yourselves now that camp is done?”
The short answer is…sleep in! LOL. But in actuality our staff is busy all year long.
- Hope & Emily begin their junior year & Kendall begins her sophomore year at Jenison. While Olivia begins her sophomore year at Holland. All four are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and all four are members of the Zion praise and worship team.
- Pastor Jeremy is our associate pastor here at Zion. His role includes things like preaching on Sunday mornings, leading our youth groups, leading our worship teams and helping out with all of our community focused programs. He has a passion for making connections with the people in our neighborhood so please reach out if there is something he can help you with.
- Ms. Rachel will be enjoying these last couple weeks of summer with her family before returning to her position as a clerical assistant for Jenison Public Schools. Even though our camp season just ended she is already planning for Camp Zion 2024. 🙂 In addition to her job at JPS, and Camp Zion, Ms Rachel is also the Children’s Ministry Director here at church. That means she oversees all of the children’s programming at Zion for kids age 3 years old – 5th grade, during the school year. Obviously, Ms Rachel has a big heart for kids.
2.) “Ms. Rachel, can I be a volunteer at Camp Zion?”
YES!!!
It is super exciting that your kids love camp so much that they want to come back and volunteer. We hope that they will. Currently we do have a couple of requirements for kids wanting to volunteer at Camp Zion.
- The soonest former CZ campers are allowed to volunteer is the summer they are entering 8th grade. There is a BIG difference between being a camper at Camp Zion and being a volunteer at Camp Zion. We’ve found that a year off helps with the transition between the two.
- We also ask that they be involved with Zion Youth Group during the school year. This extra time spent with Jeremy, myself, and our other youth leaders gives our young teens an age appropriate way to learn more about God, Zion, service and leadership before choosing to volunteer at camp.
Although Camp Zion has wrapped up for this summer there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the year to get your families connected into Zion. More details about all of these can be found on the Zion website www.zionreformed.org
- Sunday Morning Worship. 9:30am each week. Nursery is available for children age 0-2. Most people enter at Door D and walk down the hallway to our sanctuary. The child check in station is right along the way.
- Children & Worship. These classes are available during the Sunday morning worship service. Summer classes for children 3yrs old – 3rd grade are being held now. Fall classes for children 3yrs-5th grade begin Sept 10th.
- Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th grade) Sunday evenings 5:45 pm – 7:15 pm. Regular classes begin September 17. Our kick off event will be held on September 10th. More details to come.
- High School Youth Group (9th-12th grade) Sunday evenings 4pm – 5:30pm. Regular classes begin on September 17th. Our kick off event will be help on September 10th. More details to come.
- Camp Zion 2024. I will be emailing you all with details next spring. 🙂
- Family Fun. Our hospitality committee tries to plan several fun family events throughout the year. As those event details become available I will pass them along to you.
If you haven’t done so already check out the Camp Zion Facebook page or Instagram (camp.zion) to see all of the photos we’ve taken this year. I’ve been scrolling through them all morning – so many fun memories.
Thanks again for sending your kids to Camp Zion this year. We had a wonderful time together. I hope to see you all again before next summer.
Blessings,
Rachel
Zion E-News 8-10-23
ZION E-NEWS (8-10-23)
This summer I’ve been paying attention to people’s stories. From people experiencing homelessness in Nashville, to church staff or Blacktop Rec kids at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland, to kids at Camp Zion, everyone I’ve encountered has had a story. When we take time to listen and hear parts of people’s stories, we can come to a greater understanding of what someone is going through. This summer I’ve heard stories from Camp Zion kids who have experienced getting evicted from their house, another who moved into a new place that was infested with mice and mice droppings, and another who is so excited to have a play date with a friend they met at Camp Zion. In each story I hear, there is something to learn. I’ll ask myself, what is God trying to teach me through this story? Is God building a new compassion in me for others? Is God teaching me about gratitude? Is God challenging me to be more generous with my time or finances?
Jesus was a great story teller. We spent the last few months on Sunday mornings looking at just a few of the parables he told – the stories Jesus told to teach us something about the Kingdom of God. Matthew 13:34-35 says, “Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’”
Jesus used parables (stories) to teach us great truths of the world. He can also speak to you through stories in the lives of people around you. Will you take the time to listen to what God has to say? Take just a moment to think of someone’s story you have heard recently. What might God be saying to you through this story?
~Pastor Jeremy
CONNECT TO GOD
AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.
ZION KIDS has switched over to our summer programming.Through Sept 3, we will hold one combined class each week for kids ages 3yrs old through 3rd grade. We will sing songs, watch a Bible story video, pray together and have some playtime while service is happening in the sanctuary. Children should check in at the child check in station each week as usual.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
THIS IS Pastor Steve’s last Sunday with us.Following the worship service we will celebrate him and his service to Zion with ice cream sundaes. We encourage you to write a card or note of thanks and place it in the basket at the back of the sanctuary and we will present them to him on August 13. (Blank cards are available in the back of the sanctuary for your convenience.)
DO YOU like to bake? We are looking for volunteers to make (or purchase) cookies to serve at coffee time after worship. If you would be willing to provide cookies occasionally please call or text Dianne Kooiker at 616-538-3179.
TWO CAMPING SPOTS have opened up for Zion’s family camping weekend (September 22-24) at Dunes Harbor. This happens to be their Harvest weekend so there will be some special events like a campground wide Trunk or Treat, tractor wagon ides, archery, hatchets, scavenger hunt, worship in the pavilion, evening movie, plus more. If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
THREADS CLOTHING MINISTRY is having a huge end of the season sale on Saturday, August 12 from 9am-1pm. All summer clothing, shoes, and accessories (newborn through adult sizes) are priced at $1 each. 100% of the profit from this sale is used to purchase new clothing needs for this ministry. This sale is open to the public. Please help spread the word about the sale and follow us on facebook and instagram (threadsclothingministry) for more information about Threads.
ALL BUILDING AND GROUNDS issues or concerns should be directed to Troy Austin. You can reach him via email at troymaustin@gmail.com or call or text him at (616) 914-0141.
SERVE THE WORLD
HELP STUFF THE BUS! We partnered with Love Your Neighbor to provide backpacks and supplies for their Stuff The Bus campaign. If you took a slip please return the backpack and supplies with the tag on the outside of the backpack by this Sunday, Aug. 13 or contact Tom MacGraw to make other arrangements to get it to him. Thank you!
WE ARE collecting toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste through August to meet our goal of providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to all of our Personal Care Pantry, Hand2Hand, and Threads participants in September. Donations can be placed in the Personal Care Pantry box in the narthex. Thank you!
SUMMER is a great time to try out new ways to serve at Zion! It is also the time of year that people who are looking for a church home tend to visit and we want them to feel welcomed! We all know that first impressions are important! Our First Impressions Team is looking for volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or to help at the child check in station. All of these tasks are very easy, require minimal time commitment and you can pick your own schedule! Click here to sign-up through Sign-Up-Genius or call Connie in the church office at 616-534-7533 ext. 3 and she can help you with scheduling!
DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”. Laundry Soap, Bar Soap, Dish Soap, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and Toilet paper (1-4 pack).
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is (616) 315-7938.
ADMINISTRATION
We continue to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and for the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and treasures.
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Budget: $115,429.50
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $95,698.50
Giving Last Week: $8,724.45
Zion E-News 8-3-23
ZION E-NEWS (8-3-23)
The end of summer brings about transitions for many of us. If you’re tied to the school calendar, this season brings about a restart of schedules, activities, and a sense of structure. At church, programming starts up again and those that are often away on the weekends camping or at cabins come back and worship in-person regularly again. I love this time of year. It is an opportunity for a fresh start. Setting a new schedule. Trying new things. Meeting new people.
This time of year doesn’t arrive without its share of worry, though. My kids get nervous about the year ahead – who will their new teacher be? Will they be in the same class as their friends? How much homework will they have? And for me as a parent – keeping track of a new schedule of activities, maintaining organization amidst the chaos of paperwork and emails, and coaching our kids as they work through change.
Last week, one of our kids was particularly nervous about the upcoming changes ahead. So nervous, he couldn’t sleep. As I sat there comforting him, I reminded him that God will place him exactly where he needs to be with exactly who needs to be there with him. He can have peace knowing that everything will be ok, even though it might not seem to be exactly what he thinks he wants.
As we look ahead toward this time of transition – into a new season, with a new pastor for our church – we can trust that God is placing us all exactly where we need to be. God can use change to help us grow in our faith. Wishing you all peace and comfort as your summer comes to a close.
~ Ashley VanderWall
CONNECT TO GOD
AS WE GATHER in person for Worship each Sunday at 9:30am the service can also be viewed on our website at zionreformed.online.church and streaming on our YouTube channel. We will also rebroadcast a version of the service on WCET at noon on Friday and 10:30AM on Sunday. The service will continue to be available on YouTube to watch at your convenience.
WE WILL celebrate the sacrament of Communion next Sunday, August 13. Please take time this week to prepare your heart for this celebration by confessing known sin, seeking reconciliation with others, and thanking God for his grace. A Love Offering for the Benevolent Fund will be received.
ZION KIDS has switched over to our summer programming.Through Sept 3, we will hold one combined class each week for kids ages 3yrs old through 3rd grade. We will sing songs, watch a Bible story video, pray together and have some playtime while service is happening in the sanctuary. Children should check in at the child check in station each week as usual.
GROW IN COMMUNITY
PASTOR STEVE’S last Sunday with us is August 13. Following the worship service we will celebrate him and his service to Zion with ice cream sundaes. We encourage you to write a card or note of thanks and place it in the basket at the back of the sanctuary and we will present them to him on August 13. (Blank cards are available in the back of the sanctuary for your convenience.)
WE EXPRESS our sympathy to Rev. Ronald Geschwendt and his family in the passing of his wife Jan on July 29. Rev. Geschwendt and Jan served at Zion from 1988-1993. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Ron Geschwendt c/o The Atrium at Royal Park 400 Parkside Dr #205 Zeeland MI 49464
DO YOU like to bake? We are looking for volunteers to make (or purchase) cookies to serve at coffee time after worship. If you would be willing to provide cookies occasionally please call or text Dianne Kooiker at 616-538-3179.
TWO CAMPING SPOTS have opened up for Zion’s family camping weekend (September 22-24) at Dunes Harbor. If you are interested contact Pastor Rick or Jonell.
THREADS CLOTHING MINISTRY is having a huge end of the season sale on Saturday, August 12 from 9am-1pm. All summer clothing, shoes, and accessories (newborn through adult sizes) are priced at $1 each. 100% of the profit from this sale is used to purchase new clothing needs for this ministry. This sale is open to the public. Please help spread the word about the sale and follow us on facebook and instagram (threadsclothingministry) for more information about Threads.
SERVE THE WORLD
HELP STUFF THE BUS! We have partnered with Love Your Neighbor to provide backpacks and supplies for their Stuff The Bus campaign. Tags that show what is needed for each bag will be on a table in the narthex. Please return the bag, supplies, and tag by Sunday, August 13 See Tom MacGraw if you have any questions.
WE ARE collecting toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste through August to meet our goal of providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to all of our Personal Care Pantry, Hand2Hand, and Threads participants in September. Donations can be placed in the Personal Care Pantry box in the narthex. Thank you!
SUMMER is a great time to try out new ways to serve at Zion! It is also the time of year that people who are looking for a church home tend to visit and we want them to feel welcomed! We all know that first impressions are important! Our First Impressions Team is looking for volunteers to make coffee, serve as an usher, greeter, or to help at the child check in station. All of these tasks are very easy, require minimal time commitment and you can pick your own schedule! Click here to sign-up through Sign-Up-Genius or call Connie in the church office at 616-534-7533 ext. 3 and she can help you with scheduling!
DONATIONS of the following items (full size – not travel size) are needed for the Personal Care Pantry and can be placed in the box in the narthex marked “pantry donations”. Laundry Soap, Bar Soap, Dish Soap, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Conditioner, Toothpaste, Paper grocery bags, Deodorant, Tampons, Maxi Pads, Paper towels (1 or 2 pack) and Toilet paper (1-4 pack).
IF YOU need help, either with food, personal care items, help grocery shopping, or with financial needs, please contact Tom MacGraw, our chair of deacons, and he can help connect you with the appropriate resources at Zion. His e-mail is thomas.m.macgraw@gmail.com and his phone number is (616) 315-7938.
ADMINISTRATION
We continue to thank God for his provision of all of our needs and for the generous support of our congregation with their time, talent, and treasures.
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Budget: $103,886.55
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Contributions: $86,974.05
Giving Last Week: $6499.45
Camp Zion 2023 – Week 7
Hello Camp Zion Families,
Here we are at week 7, our final week of camp for the 2023 season. How did it get here so fast?
For our Bible lesson this past week we used a box of Wheaties cereal. Wheaties are known for featuring champion athletes on the face of their boxes. While being a super star athlete is an incredible accomplishment, not everyone is able to be that kind of champion. However, we all have the ability to be champions for God.
The Bible tells us that we are the hands and feet of God. He is counting on us to make a difference in this world. Being a champion for God means always looking for the chance to help others, and then doing it, no matter who it is for. Be kind, be helpful, be a good listener, be giving, be caring, be loving and be respectful to everyone. As the Rev says at Camp Zion every day, “Love God & love people”.
_________________
THURSDAY: CAMP ZION PICNIC LUNCH. 12-12:30PM. We are having our end of summer CZ picnic on Thursday immediately after camp. Pick up time will be at 12:30 on Thursday so our campers and staff can have a little extra time to eat and visit together.
If you still need to pick up your children at 12pm – then park in the lot by Door A. Press the doorbell at Door A and our church secretary can buzz you in and then we can get your child signed out.
Week 7 (July 31-Aug 3) Underwater Week.
- Monday: Field-trip: Celebration Cinema for a movie & popcorn.
- Tuesday: Craft-a-palooza
- Wednesday: Glow Party
- Thursday: Water fun & the Camp Zion picnic. Pick up @ 12:30pm. Wear your swim suits & bring your towel.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Rachel
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