Free Resources During Shutdown

Posted on March 25, 2020 by blund

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 blund

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 blund

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 blund
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Preparing for Worship on March 22

Posted on March 21, 2020 by blund

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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Resources for Faith During Coronavirus

Posted on March 20, 2020 by blund

As life is altered more and more by dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we want to make sure we “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). But with so many distraction with schools & businesses closed, working from home, financial & health worries, and more, how can we do that?

Below, you will learn about how Christians can be free from panic, be prepared, and have perspective. Farther down, we will update resources for believers during these uncertain days.

Christians Should Not Panic
We should not be driven by fear. This is a general principle that should govern the Christian’s entire life, not just the current circumstances. The Bible tells us that “God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Tim. 1:7). This is not because we ignore fear, or because we have the willpower to avoid fear, but it is because our Savior has given us peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Continue reading →

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Sermon: “The King Returns Passover” from II Chron 30

Posted on March 17, 2020 by blund


We must return to the holy things of God, even when time takes from us. As God gave strength to Hezekiah to return to the Passover, He strengthens us through the Passover Lamb, the High King Jesus.

“The King Returns Passover”
II Chronicles 30:1 – 12
Hezekiah: God Is My Strength
March 15, 2020

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Family Fun Nite this Sunday!

Posted on February 28, 2020 by blund

FamilyFunNight2

This Sunday night you are invited to the GHV Elementary school from 5:00 to 6:30! Invite another family or friends to come join us. We look forward to seeing you then!

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Sermon: “The King in the Temple” from II Chon 29

Posted on February 25, 2020 by blund


II Chronicles 29 reminds us that if God can use Hezekiah when life hits rock bottom, then the better King with the New Covenant leads us into a glorious presence of God!

“The King in the Temple”
II Chronicles 29:1 – 19
Hezekiah: God Is My Strength
February 23, 2020

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Sermon: “The King Lifted Up” from II Kings 18

Posted on February 18, 2020 by blund


Sometimes we feel like we are weighed down, and we need God’s strength to lift us up. Hezekiah found God’s strength to lift up his kingdom, the idols, and point us to Jesus who is the true King “lifted up” for us on the cross!

“The King Lifted Up”
II Kings 18:1 – 12
Hezekiah: God Is My Strength
February 16, 2020

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