Opportunities to put

your love for God into action


"...we are God's accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives." 

Ephesians 2:10 (Common English Bible)


  • refresh: Hygiene and Hope

    Welcome and host people who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity as they receive the gift of a hot shower, mail service, a meal and connection to services in our church building. The program runs on Tuesday and Friday mornings (8-11) and Wednesday evenings (6-8) throughout the year. There are opportunities to serve: in person during our open hours, by "Sharing a Load" of laundry that you wash at home, by donating some of our often-used items, and by helping provide meals, especially on Wednesday evening. For more information about this program, proudly co-sponsored with Community Action House, contact Rev. LuAnne, or fill out our interest form. Click here for a video about Refresh, celebrating our 2nd anniversary in 2021. To donate funds to Refresh, click this link. To donate items needed for Refresh, please see below.


    Please drop off items for donation on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8-11am or Wednesdays from 6-8pm at Entrance A. Items may also be brought to the church on Sunday mornings. Thank you for supporting our vulnerable community through donating to Refresh!


    Our Top Needs Are:    (starred items are most urgent)

                                        

    Tuna salad and chicken salad kits (found in the tuna aisle)

    Can of coffee or box of individual hot chocolate packets

    Insect repellant wipes

    Foot (preferred) or baby powder

    Rain ponchos or coats

    Men's sweatpants (all sizes) or jeans (30 & 32) *


    Thank you for your assistance and support! 

  • Kids Hope and school supplies collection

    Spend one lunch period a week during the school year building a life-changing relationship with a child in a local school or be a prayer partner for a mentoring pair. For the month of August we are collecting needed supplies for our Kids Hope partner school. Here is the list of items needed by August 31. For information on Kid's Hope USA, click here. For information on volunteering through First, contact Rev. LuAnne. 


  • mission trip: Adults edition

    Want to be part of a team to serve in Guatemala in February of 2023? Members of First UMC are leading a team to serve with Salud y Paz and you are invited! For more information, contact Rev. LuAnne or check out this article: FUMC_Guatemala_2023_article.pdf.

  • lake louise service retreats

    Help with upkeep at a beautiful United Methodist-related camp in northern Michigan, and experience nature's beauty and Christian fellowship while doing it! Yes, please! Service retreats in spring (to "wake up camp") and fall (to "put camp to bed"). No experience necessary, and no charge! To sign up for the fall edition, with flexible scheduling between September 23 and 27, click here. For more information, contact Liz Carr.

  • COMMUNITY KITCHEN

    Members of First serve at Community Action House's free Community Kitchen meals at Western Seminary, and First occasionally holds the meals in our building when there is a need. In December, we celebrate with the Community Kitchen patrons at a holiday event just for them.  For more information on serving at the Community Kitchen, contact Allison or sign up at this site. For information on the holiday event, contact Rev. LuAnne. 

  • Mobility worldwide west michigan

    Retired, but not tired? Join other retirees in West Michigan in building carts for people in developing countries who do not have the use of their legs. For more information about Mobility Worldwide West Michigan, check out their website and this article. To learn about the impact of these carts in Kenya alone, watch this beautiful video. To volunteer, click here. 

  • serving our neighbors (SON)

    SON is an all-church serving event that happens over a long weekend at the end of July. SON 2022 was a great success! Let Rev. LuAnne know if you have any questions, or want to refer someone for some home repair.

  • Prayer Shawl Ministry

    This ministry provides persons in need of comfort with a warm, hand-crafted shawl created while praying for them, to literally cover themselves with prayer. New knitters, crocheters or quilters are always welcome to join. For more information, contact Jane Smith.