Over the course of 20 years, FirstCovGR has actively supported a number of Union High School ministries, including:
Campus Life reaches into Union High School and invites students to enter into relationship with our leaders. Our weekly club facilitates a fun, safe event where kids can be kids and have fun and laugh. We also engage in conversations about issues students face and give them a voice to be heard and to hear what the Bible says. Finally, we share our story- how God has directed our leaders through similar situations. Last year we averaged between 30-50 students each week.
Club is primarily an opportunity to draw kids in with a safe fun environment. Our vision is to see leaders walking intimately in Christ-sharing relationship with students.
For information on getting involved, please contact Jon Blahnik at 616-634-3980 or at
First Evangelical Covenant Church supports the ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Grand Valley State University and throughout the whole of West Michigan.
This ministry is:
We specifically support Alicia and Derek DeKam, FirstCovGR members, in their work with InterVarsity. Derek is the West Michigan area director of Intervarsity and Alicia is the associate area director.
For many years, FirstCovGR has worked alongside Dégagé Ministries by building relationships and serving meals to individuals in the Heartside Neighborhood. On the 3rd Sunday every other month, we have a team from our congregation that prepares and serves dinner. We also have many individual members volunteering in several other roles at Dégagé. Contact the church office at 453-6346 if you would like to serve!
Since 1967, Dégagé has been a place where followers of Christ extend care and community to those in need. Our mission is to reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs through dignity and respect.
Serving 400-500 individuals daily, staff and volunteers continue to follow Christ’s example by walking alongside men and women as they navigate challenges such as homelessness, joblessness, mental illness, and addictions.
Some of Dégagé’s programs include:
Dining Room: Breakfast & Dinner is served each day.
Hygiene Facilities: Showers, Laundry, & bathrooms.
Referral Services: Resource office & ID Office
The Open Door: Women’s Overnight Shelter
Isaiah 58. 7 says, “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (New Living Translation).
The FirstCovGR Food Pantry is now collecting food items and delivering them to the Other Way, who serve many local families every week. Watch for notices on what food items are critically needed.
Monique VanderWerp and Laura Lentini are the coordinators of the food pantry working with The Other Way. Monique can be contacted at 616-791-1989 and Laura at 616-453-6346.
If you would like to donate food for the pantry, drop it off at any time the church is open (Sundays and church office hours). (We cannot except outdated food, dented cans, or open/used containers. Thank you for your support!