COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

 

 

 

 

The Community Ministries Program was started in 1993 to help provide a safe place for children and families to learn and grow in our community. This program continues to bring volunteers from the church as well as caring community members together with local children to share time, activities and meals together. These connections help build a strong network for children and families, which helps improve our community. We also build community partnership with local groups and nonprofit organizations that bring resources for the community that enable support, education and opportunity for all.

Our Wednesday evening Kid’s Club (2nd-5th Grade) and our Transitions Program (6-8th Grade) children explore new learning opportunities meant to increase both school and basic life skills as well as growing their network of caring adults who advocate for them. Fun activities such as creating Lego zip lines, building underwater robots, competing in our Egg Drop Challenge, arts and crafts, fun gym activities and so much more. We also share a family style meal as we connect about our day and have in-depth conversation about the future. Children also get to participate in meal making to help teach basic life skills, healthy habits and how to serve others. This program continues to be a vital part of creating safe opportunities for children and families to learn and grow.

Another important aspect of the Community Ministries Program is building community partnerships with local groups and nonprofit organizations that help bring resources and opportunities to our community. Whether its organizations that work with our wonderful special needs families, those struggling with addiction and recovery issues, an innovative youth theater program, organizations that advocate and support LGBTQ+ individual and families, community neighborhood associations, important community gathering meetings and more- we are engaged in community development!

If you are interested in supporting the Community Ministries Programs or want to learn more, contact Matt Witkowski at m.witkowski@grtumc.org; 616.456.7260.

"seen" Project Launch

The "seen" Project is a new Special Needs advocacy adventure that will get specialized book packages donated by churches and individuals to be given to 100+ elementary school libraries across the state of Michigan. These books positively represent children with special needs in literature where it is accessible in their own school libraries. Our hope is that having powerful displays of these books will help create more opportunities for conversation and  foster a culture of inclusion at a younger age. Click here to learn more!