Upcoming Events
7/11 Outdoor Worship/Praise Service & Communion 7/25 Chimes Articles are due 8/01 Outdoor Worship/Praise Service & Communion 
Zion UCC, Baroda, extends a warm invitation for all to come and join us on Sunday, July 11th at 9:00 a.m. for an Outdoor Worship/Praise Service and Communion.
Open Communion will be available to all who wish to participate. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided after service. Grab your favorite lawn chair & plan to join us! 
Altar FlowersOur church altar is so beautiful on its own, but the flowers add that little something extra. I have placed a sign up sheet on the communication desk for those interested in helping with the flowers. You may use real or artificial arrangements. There are also some artificial arrangements in the basement closet should you choose to use those. Please always feel free to talk to me if you have never done this and would like to give it a try. I would like to encourage anyone that would like to bring in flowers to place upfront by the organ to do so. Everyone absolutely loves the flowers! Thanks for your help! God’s blessings, Diane D. 
Update to Zion's BylawsZion UCC’s bylaws were last looked at and rewritten in 2003. Believe it or not, it’s been 18 years! We are looking for anyone interested in working to look at and update our bylaws. Some things haven’t really changed, but in other areas there needs to be some rethinking and rewording. This committee would start meeting this coming Fall to work through the bylaws. We are looking for dedicated and thoughtful individuals who would like to be a part of this process. If that is you, please sign-up in the Narthex or let George S know. |
Worship GuidelinesThe MLG, Pastor Cal, and many of us are continuously reviewing our COVID-19 safety protocols. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones due to this virus, or are currently suffering from it. May God comfort and protect you.
We are so glad to see case numbers on a downward trend in both Michigan and Berrien County, largely due to so many having access to the vaccine. We are grateful for what everyone has done in following the guidelines in worship and being respectful of one another. Because of all this, our sanctuary is currently open on Sunday mornings. We continue to recommend wearing masks and social distancing inside our building to protect and respect one another. For now, we will continue to refrain from serving food or open drinks in the building. If you have been in our building and test positive, or learn you have been exposed to Covid-19, please notify the church so we can respond accordingly. Thank you for understanding and respecting these guidelines, which are in place to protect our neighbor and ourselves. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or requests: zionuccmlg@gmail.com Grace and Peace, Pastor Cal Nevenzel & The Ministry Leadership Group (MLG): Jan, Brian, Carolyn, Matt, Ed, George, Beka UCC Daily Devotions Each day authors from the UCC provide a powerful devotional. Click on the link to take you to the day's reflections. Contact Us:
Rev. Calandra Nevenzel - Pastor pastorcalandra@gmail.com Susan M - Office Manager zionuccbaroda@gmail.com Rhonda H - Bookkeeper zionuccbaroda@gmail.com Music Director zionuccbaroda@gmail.com Jessica M - Christian Education jmachiniak@gmail.com Office Hours: Tues-Thur: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Letter from Pastor CalWhile the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease. - Genesis 8:22 I hope the sun and heat of the summer has given you some life and energy. I know I underestimate how much it can improve my mood. It’s almost like I had forgotten how warm and wonderful the summer sun feels on my skin until I step outside on the first hot summer day of the season. The verse above was part of the blessing God gave to Noah and his family after a dreadful flood wreaked havoc on the earth. It was a promise to them, and it is a promise to us too, a reminder that God is with us through all the seasons, and that they will continue until the end of time. The sun will always rise again. Let us keep reminding ourselves and each other of this promise of peace. I am so happy to be able to share some news of hope and joy as we look forward to doing some things outside this summer, and plan for exciting new beginnings when the fall season arrives. We are currently in negotiations with a Music Director we hope will be able to start in the fall. We look forward to new and fresh ideas as well as bringing back some traditions of Zion. Let us pray for our future Music Director. We will have Outdoor Worship Services once a month on June 20, July 11, and Aug. 1. You’re invited to bring your lawn chairs for a more comfortable experience. We will also plan to have outdoor coffee hour this summer when the weather cooperates. Our Rally Day Service and Picnic on Sept. 12 @11am at Baroda Village Park - stay tuned for more info to come! In Grace and Peace, Pastor Cal 
Daily PrayerWhatever happens today, dear Lord, help us remember that you are present. If we find ourselves in the shadows of disappointment or rejection or pain, let us see your comforting light. If we’re in the radiant light of success or acceptance or wholeness, may we acknowledge your providence and grace. Wherever we are, grant us the assurance of your nearness. Amen. |