Matthew 25: 34-36, 40; Philippians 2: 3-4; Acts 2: 44-45; Acts 4: 32-35
Are you a part of First Evangelical Covenant Church (First ECC) or Esperanza Covenant Church in Grand Rapids MI? Do you have a need? Would you like to help someone at church in need? This is your chance, as fellow members of the body of Christ, to care for one another as God demonstrated in his word—to STEP UP and ask for or give help as needed!
Who: You and your fellow brothers and sisters here at church
What: The opportunity to ask for or give help as needs arise as is demonstrated in the word of God
When: Now or any time the Holy Spirit moves you
Where: FirstCovGR or Esperanza Covenant Church
Why: Because Christ tells us to care for one another in this way
How: If you have a need:
(examples of needs: food, clothes, transportation, care, anything with which an individual can help you)
1. Contact Lindsay Hoekstra at 616-550-6897 or strobril@hotmail.com, and she will work with you to anonymously list your need
2. Wait to be contact by Lindsay when someone can address your need
3. Lindsay will work with you to pick up your items from a drop point or help you arrange other plans for any special circumstances
If you can meet a need:
1. Check the needs list every Sunday on the insert in the Messenger or here online any time
2. If you see a need you can and are led to meet, contact Lindsay Hoekstra at 616-550-6897 or strobril@hotmail.com, and she will work with you and let you know where to drop off needed items or help you make other arrangements if necessary
Please understand that by listing a need, it is not guaranteed to be met through STEP UP. It simply allows your brothers and sisters to have the opportunity to care for you in the spirit of Christ. Needs listed through STEP UP are addressed by individuals, not the church.
Compassion + Action
The apostle Paul writes, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6. 10
The Care Team is focused on caring for and supporting the needs of people in our church family. When your physical or emotional needs are a real challenge in your life, we encourage you to take advantage of the following resources:
Meals on Demand pre-made frozen meals ready for taking, heating and eating
Meals on Wheels We can facilitate meals when a new baby, illness, surgery, or similar need necessitates at-home meal delivery.
Food Pantry (Affiliated with the community non-profit ACCESS West Michigan, our pantry is open Monday and Tuesday to those inside and outside our church family.
Homebound Connection for a visit from those unable to get out.
Senior Pen-Pals pairs elementary aged kids with senior adults in the congregation
Step Up identifies specific tangible needs that can be met by anyone in the church family.
Helping Hands connects church volunteers with those who need assistance with household maintenance, simple automotive repairs, lawn care, and the like.
1-2-1 (One to One) In a number of personal ways we come alongside individuals to provide encouragement to those in the midst of physical or emotional pain, work to connect individuals with supportive groups within the church, and seek to be an instrument of love and hope to the body of believers at firstcovGR.
Let us know how we can help. Your confidentiality is honored.
You can share your needs through Care Ministry envelopes available at firstcovGR mailboxes in our Fellowship Hall. Or you can email them to jeanine.holquist@gmail.com
If you would like to be involved in the Care Ministry, email office@firstcovgr.org
How would you like to be involved (Meals on Demand/Food Pantry/Helping Hands/Pen Pals)?
Scrip is a fundraising tool that utilizes gift cards!
Download the SCRIP ORDER FORM
Download the SCRIP ENROLLMENT FORM
For more information on the program visit www.glscrip.com or email scrip@firstcovgr.org