Page 1 of The Zion News

From Matthew 22 NRSV - From the Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Jesus was always inviting people into his circle. He called fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot (political radical) to come follow him. Jesus announced that God’s kingdom is near and that all are welcome. Most in his audience were Jews, but the Bible tells us that many Gentiles (non-Jews) were listening to him and were healed by him. Children were welcome. Many women came along, and even helped finance Jesus’ ministry. Jesus’ invitation was wide-open.

As followers of Jesus, we too are in the business of inviting others. Philip ran to Nathaneal and told him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote." St. Paul went from city to city inviting everyone to hear about this man, Jesus of Nazareth. Today, we continue this important role. We bring our children to hear stories of Jesus. When we make new friends, we invite them to join our family at Zion. Whenever we can, we invite.

Starting this month, Zion will be inviting our neighbors to join us in a unique way. Whenever someone goes to a movie in Grand Rapids – any movie – he or she will see a 15

second invitation to come to Zion. This invitation will show a number of pictures of Zion in action – in Sunday school, on mission trips, singing, and in fellowship. It will show our worship and Sunday school times and will invite everyone to come, "Serve Christ by sharing God’s love." We will do this invitation before every movie, every day, for a year.

Please know that we’ve been showing our photos to those who are in them and gaining their permission to show these in the theater. We want to respect anyone’s reluctance if they are bashful about having their picture in public.

How else can we be inviting? Where in your life can you open doors for others? As those who have responded to Jesus’ invitation, we must be thinking about those who are hungering to hear Jesus’ good news. Inviting others is a big part of sharing God’s love.

We give our thanks to all who continually invite others. Today we are particularly thankful for those who are participating in the theater invitation to our neighbors. And we give a special thanks to the donors who made this unique invitation possible.

In Christ,
Pastor Paul

Wants to thank everyone for their support, we had an amazing trip!

We would like to share some of our thoughts and experiences with you.

Look for our "God Moments" throughout the newsletter.
 

GENERAL FUND:
Check Book balance as
of June 1                                           $ 63.97
Income - June                              $34,573.33
Bills Paid - June                           $33,442.31
Check Book Balance as
of June 30                                     $ 1,194.99

BUILDING FUND:
Check Book Balance as
of June 1                                       $22,721.31
Income - June                                 $13,411.91
Payment - June                               $15,437.12
Check Book Balance as
of June 30                                     $20,696.10

Payment is due the 5^th
of each month                                  $15,437.12
 

Come to Hiawatha early on August 15 for a special baptism.

At 10:30am, August 15^th, Zion hosts our annual worship service at Camp Hiawatha. Please consider coming at 10:00am for a family baptism. At the lake, in front of the Chapel, we will baptize Nancilyn Meyer and her two confirmation age children, Logan and Lacey Meyer-Nichols. Please join this joyful celebration before we worship together at 10:30! Don’t forget the potluck after worship!