Resources For Monday of Holy Week

Posted on April 6, 2020 by

HolyWeek2Despite the strangeness of sheltering in place, we want to bring resources to encourage your faith.

Kids’ Video

Until April 12th, Crossway Publishing has made the The Biggest Story: The Animated Short Film free to stream.
TheBiggestStory

You can view the movie here! Don’t forget to check out the rest of our resources for kids.

Bible Reading for Holy Week

With extra time at home, devote yourself to God’s Word & prayer during these days leading up to the celebration of Christ’ resurrection. Yesterday is regarded as Palm Sunday, when Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. You can find all the relevant passages in Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:9–19. Here’s a brief clip explaining Palm Sunday.

On Monday, Jesus’ actions have often been puzzling. To understand what Jesus did the day after Palm Sunday, read Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:12–19, and Luke 19:45–48. With fig tree curses and cleansed temples, Jesus is doing something amazing. Here’s another brief clip explaining the Monday before Jesus’ death on the cross.

Online Prayer Time

We will spend time praying to the Lord Almighty on Wednesday evening! Here are the details through Zoom:
Brian Lund is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Zion Prayer Meeting
Time: Apr 6, 2020 08:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/337844095

Meeting ID: 337 844 095

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Meeting ID: 337 844 095
Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fbuThZo4AC

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Day for Fasting & Prayer

Posted on April 4, 2020 by

DayPrayerSeveral international ministries have called upon churches and Christians to consider setting aside time on Saturday, April 4th for prayer & fasting.

President of The Gospel Coalition and former mentor to Pastor Brian Rev. Dr. Julius J. Kim says,

Like many of you, I have been grieved and at times afraid as I’ve watched events unfold in our world in recent weeks. In light of what is happening because of COVID-19, we at TGC invite you to join us for a day to fast and pray this Saturday, April 4.

We want to pray to the Lord in faith, trusting in the words of Psalm 10:17: “O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.

You can find all the details of the day for prayer & fasting here.

Prayer Guide

Feel free to spend the time in prayer as you see fit as the Lord leads, but for those who would like some direction, there is a prayer guide. Here’s an example from the guide:

Start your prayer time by reading Psalm 27.

I. Remember and rejoice in the character of God.

Reflect and meditate on the character of God: he is all powerful, all knowing, never-changing, ever-present, full of loving-kindness, mercy and grace toward all who call on his name.

Psalm 27:1-2

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

II. Pray about your specific fears.

Express your fears, anxieties, and concerns to the Lord. Pour out your heart to him. Seek his face and ask for him to hide you in his shelter during this time of trouble.

Psalm 27:3-5

3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

III. Sing a song of praise to God.

Sing or listen to a hymn, song, or psalm. As you do, reflect on the Lord’s goodness, and ask him to help you trust him with your fears.

Psalm 27:6

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

IV. Pray for your community and world.

Pray for the needs of the world around you: family members, neighbors, medical workers, governing officials, those who are suffering financially, and those who are sick. Ask the Lord to sustain, provide, heal, and guide. Ask him to give his people endurance, wisdom, and hope.

Psalm 27:7

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!

You can download a free PDF of the prayer guide or grab it online.

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Live Stream: Faithful to the End

Posted on April 2, 2020 by

Pastor Brian shared a brief devotion last night:

The Scripture passages referenced were Philippians 1:6, II Corinthians 11, and Isaiah 46:10.

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Sunday Wrap: God’s Comfort

Posted on April 1, 2020 by

PreparingWorshipHere’s everything from the Lord’s Day of March 29.

Stream of Service

Worship Bulletin

Download here

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Playlist

Sermon

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Sermon: The Lord of Hosts Is With Us from Ps 46

Posted on March 26, 2020 by

“The Lord of Hosts is With Us”
Psalm 46:1 – 11
God’s Comfort & Presence
March 22, 2020

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Free Resources During Shutdown

Posted on March 25, 2020 by

ChurchResourcesMany ministries have made their tools and products either free or at reduced prices. Some of us have extra time on our hands, and this is a wonderful time to make the most of this situation!

Ligonier Ministries

Ligonier Ministries has opened up their collection of teaching series, which represents something like 2,500 lectures. They’ve also added 20+ teaching series to Amazon Prime and unlocked the group study feature at Ligonier Connect so you can take courses with others.

Logos

Logos is offering free access to some of their resources and courses, plus a free Faithlife Connect subscription (which allows you to watch films, documentaries, etc).

Crossway

Crossway is offering free access to their ESV.org basic subscription plan to all users through May 31, 2020. This gives access to study Bibles and other solid resources. They also have several free ebooks.

Adventures in Odyssey

Adventures in Odyssey is offering a free 4-week trial.

Simeon Trust

Simeon Trust has reduced the cost of their courses from $19 to $9.

Getty Hymn Sing

Their children helped (with hand actions!) in a family hymn sing. Requires Facebook account.

Dwell

The Dwell Bible app is free for 60 days.

Redeem TV

Redeem TV has launched a beta of their software with lots of free shows and movies.

Kids Free Resources

I know it says it is for “kids,” but with free movies and activities for the whole family, you might find something for you also! Zion Free Kid Resources During Shutdown

Do you know others? Share them in the comments! (Thanks to Challies for many of these.)

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Kids Resources During Shutdown

Posted on March 25, 2020 by

ChildrenMinistry2It is easy

101 Bible Crafts
BigPictureBibleCraftsHere’s a free PDF to 101 crafts and activities to teach God’s Word to kids! Download here!

Kids Animated Movie: Pilgrim’s Progress

You can watch this movie for free! They will ask for your email, and parents of very young children need to know there are some intense or mildly frightening scenes. Go to movie here.

BibleCardsFree Bible Cards
Here’s an activity that could be loads of fun for different ages and for those with different creativity. Cut out cards that have Bible verses are great for printing, decorating, and laying out around the house. Or, download the PDF and let the kids color on a tablet or iPad. Most important? Use these words of life for memorization and encouragement! Download here

Kids Crafts & Activities
Make an Easter “empty tomb rolls” with a recipe, cut out and color sheets, books & games, and so much more. Find it all here at theology for kids.

Family Devotion
Family worship is one of the important pillars of Reformed churches. Here is an easy overview of what family worship can look like. Need some more help? Use this free PDF from one of our Sunday school lessons with your own family!

Parenting Podcast
Tripp_Parenting_PodParenting in Light of the Gospel Podcast

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Ways to Give From A Distance

Posted on March 24, 2020 by

zion_givingMany of you have asked about our congregation’s financial situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. First of all – thank you! What a joy for your Consistory and pastor to have a congregation that cares about stewarding God’s good gifts! This is aimed to give you some details.

Even when the civil government has declared social distancing, God’s promises for generosity and requirements for giving hold firm & true. As Scripture says:

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
II Corinthians 9:6-8

Your generous contributions as the Lord leads you in faithful giving is a blessing for your church family, but it is first a blessing to you!

Remember also that I Corinthians 16:1-2 encourages us to set aside our tithes & offerings on the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day. Though we are not gathering at our church building on Sundays right now, here are two ways you can still give.

By Mail

Contributions can still be sent to Zion via postal mail, to 760 W 8th St. in Garner, IA. Please remember that USPS does not encourage sending cash via mail, so please make out checks to the church, and you can designate giving in the memo line.

Online

In order to help Christians during this unusual time, Zion has opened up online giving. Your online contributions are still tax deductible as they are given to Zion, and your information is kept completely safe. You can save your information or set up scheduled giving, as well as specify your giving. Click the image below to experience online giving.
ZionOnlineGiving

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us!

Thank you for your faithfulness in giving, and join us in giving thanks to our faithful God who sustains us in uncertain days!

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Monday Update

Posted on March 23, 2020 by
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Preparing for Worship on March 22

Posted on March 21, 2020 by

PreparingWorship

Worship at Zion during the coronavirus pandemic will look a little different! Our Consistory has closed ministry in the building, but the ministry of Jesus by His Spirit never ceases! A worship bulletin to assist you can be downloaded here. A playlist of songs is below. You can watch a livestream on Sunday morning here.

Sunday’s Songs Playlist

We will be using the following songs and passages from the Word of God in our corporate gathering this Lord’s Day. Please prayerfully use these resources to prepare your hearts to “come into His gates with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4).

The Word of the Lord:
Psalm 18:1 – 3
Lamentations 3:1 – 3; 20 – 23
Psalm 23:1 – 6
Matthew 6:25 – 34
Psalm 46:1 – 11
Numbers 6:22 – 24

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs:
Gloria Patri
It Is Well With My Soul
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
In Christ Alone
Doxology

Means of Grace:
(The sacraments and corporate prayer are suspended until we are providentially allowed to worship together again)
Sermon: “The Lord of Hosts Is With Us”

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