7-15-18 bulletin

The other day, Rachel was working on a Friday and I had all four kids on my own and needed a little break. So, I made them all read for an hour. They could read anything they wanted, but they had to be reading. Caleb and Noah found books right away. I read to Eliana for a while and then she went to read some shorter books in her bedroom. But, Ethan couldn’t find any books to read of his own.

He and I started going through some of my books at home. He did not want to read any of my spy novels, but was interested in a book on sports and math by a former professor of mine, Wayne Winston. That book was mostly about baseball and he wanted to study basketball. Thankfully, I have a book all about the statistical analysis of basketball. He happily spent the afternoon reading the book and writing a computer program to calculate different advanced stats for a player. Rather than an hour, he spent all afternoon reading, thinking, puzzling over, and problem solving because he was curious about the topic.

Curiosity, that internal drive to understand something, leads to learning as an adult. It leads to growth and development in our skills and interests. Looking at my books this morning in my office, I can tell I am curious about church leadership, planting churches, understanding Paul’s theology, history, politics, and God in general. While I don’t have any books on grilling, I am also interested in developing my grilling skills. But, you won’t find any books on plumbing or small engine repair or carpentry (though I have one book on how to finish a basement from when we added a playroom in our basement several years ago).

You probably have different areas of life that pique your curiosity. I think these are a gift from God. This innate curiosity helps shape us into the unique people God has called us to be. And, in the church, we need all those different interests and gifts. Some of us are curious about how to help people in economic hardship. Others about how to teach children. Others about evangelism and telling people about Jesus. Others about home maintenance or how cars work. Others about money and how to manage and oversee its use. And the list could go on and on.

However God made you, whatever strikes your curiosity, there is a purpose. God needed you to have that interest, to develop that skill, to share your gifts, for a reason. To reach someone new for Christ. To bless someone who is struggling. To love someone who feels abandoned and alone. To help the church be wise and faithful with its resources.

How might God be calling you to use your gifts and interests to bring him glory this week?

Connect to God
Do your finances bring you fear or freedom? Whether you’re digging out of debt or planning for your future, now’s the time to build a foundation that endures. Investing in a brighter tomorrow starts by Making Change today. Our lives are too valuable, our calling too great, and our God is too good to waste our lives on meaningless things. This Sunday we listen to the wisdom of Proverbs and remember that debt induced Stress is Bad.

Near the end of the sermon, Pastor Greg will mention a 10 day study in Proverbs on finances from Dave Ramsey. That study can be found here.

This Sunday, we look forward to welcoming Rachel Montgomery and her 4 children and to baptizing Ariah, Judah, and Elijah. We give thanks to God for the gift of each child and this family in our community.

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
Mark Steenbergen remains hospitalized due to fluid retention around his heart following open heat surgery. Mark and Kim both ask for prayers for patience and a quick return of strength and the ability to go home.

Noah Johnson has returned to his parents home following a trampoline accident on Saturday breaking his leg. They ask for prayers for patience and strength during a planned 12 week recovery.

If you have been in church the last few weeks, you may have noticed the many children we continue to welcome in worship. Due to the continued growth in our children’s ministry, we will have a second room for children age 3 years old through 3rd grade to attend during worship every week this summer except on Sunday July 1 and July 8 due to the lower attendance expected around the 4th of July.

Serve the World
CityFest West Michigan will be held the weekend of September 8 and 9. For the last several months, the Luis Palau team has been working with churches and local service agencies to help churches connect with their community and celebrate all the ways the church is already blessing West Michigan. On September 8 and 9, there will be concerts, X-game type events, and the proclamation of the gospel. As part of the festival, we are looking for people who willing to be Festival Friends who will be trained in helping someone make those first few steps of discipleship. If you are interested in being a Festival Friend, there will be training on August 7 at 7 pm at Remembrance Reformed Church. We will also offer training at our next Leaders Meeting in August 26.

Mark your calendars for this summer’s Neighborhood Park Party (formerly Hoops and Hotdogs) on July 3, July 17, and July 31 from 6-7 pm. We had a great time at the first Park Party and are looking forward for the next 3. These are great evenings to connect with neighbors, invite a friend, let the kids get some energy out on the playground, and enjoy a hotdog!

We will once again host a party in our parking lot on the 4th of July to watch the local fireworks beginning at 8 pm on the 4th. If you are able and interested in helping with this event, please contact Troy Austin.

Administrative Details
Beginning this fall, we will be giving our first time visitors a new 30oz Zion travel mug and a free beverage at Biggby. But, you can get your very own Zion travel mug already this Sunday. We will be selling the mugs for $20 and you can buy as many as you want. They come in two colors, silver and gunmetal and both have a cool looking Zion logo. Cups will be available for purchase in the lobby following worship. (If you don’t want to buy one on a Sunday, they will also be available from the office during the week.)

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: $43,500.80
Fiscal Year to date contributions: $33,201.00