Our faith extends beyond Sunday worship. As people of God we are inspired to lead lives of service, loving our neighbors and sharing the good news of Christ. Calvin church reaches out to its neighborhood, city and world through many programs.
Since 1969 Calvin Church has provided clothing to children and adults in need. Now operating out of a dedicated facility, Family Assistance provided clothing for over 4,100 children and adults in 2022. These individuals are referred to Family Assistance by 80 social agencies in the greater Grand Rapids area. Funding from Calvin Church, donations of money and clothing from individuals, and the commitment of some 40 volunteers make this amazing work possible. Some volunteers shop for good used clothes at thrift stores. Others sort, size, and package clothing for delivery. Director Kim Wierenga notes that Family Assistance provides a vital service because the needs in the community are continually increasing.
Calvin Church has a long history of helping families resettle and adjust to life in the United States. Now in partnership with Bethany Christian Services, Calvin serves regularly as a co-sponsor to refugees new to our community. Church members prepare an apartment with necessities and meet the new arrivals at the airport. They also provide companionship and mentoring, English tutoring, bus training and ongoing cultural assistance for the first three to six months after the refugees’ arrival to ensure a smooth transition to their new home.
Our Kids Hope program partners with Campus Elementary School, just two blocks from our church building. Our directors work with the school to identify students who could benefit from mentorship and also to identify other ways Calvin Church can support the staff and student body, such as staff treats and supplies for classrooms. Volunteer mentors meet with a student once a week during school hours to build a caring relationship with time spent on academics, fun activities and life skills.
This unique store, located at 2055-28th Street SE, in the Grand Central Plaza, was begun over 25 years ago by Calvin Church members to assist families in third-world countries. A range of beautifully hand-crafted items and works of art, jewelry and linens are displayed for sale. The funds realized from sales help artisans and their families gain a better standard of living. Volunteers staff the store, and are always ready to welcome you and help you find the perfect thing for yourself, your home, or a special gift. See them on the web at www.globalgiftsgr.com
About four times a year, through the Michigan Community Blood Center, our church hosts a blood drive in which many of our members happily participate. See them on the web at www.versiti.org