July 2026

Empowering Christians to join Christ's work in their community for the purpose of building God's kingdom.

Join Us...RSVP TODAY!

You Are Invited...

...to a picnic celebrating 40 years of God's faithfulness!


Date: Wednesday, Aug 5

Time: 6pm (Program & Dinner start at 6:15pm)

Location: Calvary CRC 3500 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming

RSVP Today: CLICK HERE or call 616-459-7500 by July 29


Volunteers In Service is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary! We hope you'll join us for a time of celebration and praise as we thank God for 40 years of His faithfulness!

We are SENT to be Everyday Missionaries

"Again, Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'" (John 20:21)


Have you heard that the United States has become one of the largest mission fields on the planet? Greg Finke shares that "the odds are very good that right now, wherever you live in the US, the people in your neighborhood and workplace are largely unconnected to a local congregation and may not be connected to Jesus at all. We are no longer a church who is serving a community filled with a variety of Christians. We are now a church who finds itself needing to be on mission in a mission field." (Joining Jesus on His Mission, p. 21)


The good news is that God is already at work in our community turning hearts back to Himself. The cool thing is that He invites us as His people to join Him on His mission. In fact, He not only invites us, He SENDS us as Everyday Missionaries into the places He's already placed us (our workplaces, schools, local grocery stores, favorite coffee spots, sidelines of the soccer game) so the people around us can experience the love and compassion and grace of Jesus through us.


This is called Missional Living- living each day as if we are on a mission trip in our own community. Are you ready to say "YES!" to Jesus and RSVP to his invitation to serve? Missional living turns everyday activities like stopping at the store for milk, cheering on grandkids at the baseball game, or walking the dog around the block into moments with mission potential! How exciting to wake up every day ready to be an Everyday Missionary for Jesus. You are invited to join Volunteers In Service on this mission. CLICK HERE to learn how you can get connected with opportunities to serve as an Everyday Missionary today.


Serving Him Together,

Cori Scholtens

Executive Director

Be Equipped To Serve

(Join us...RSVP Today!)

Deacon Training

You've been asked to serve as a deacon! (Now what?)

Join Volunteers In Service as a new or returning deacon to review the role and responsibilities of deacons. We will discuss the What, How, & Why of serving as a deacon so you are equipped in your role of Benevolence, Stewardship, Justice & Mercy, and Community Engagement.  Four options available:


  • Monday, August 31 from 6-8pm at Ada CRC: 7152 Bradfield Ave SE, Ada. (Dinner served at 5:30pm)


  • Tuesday, September 1 from 6:30-8:30pm at First Byron CRC: 8541 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center


  • Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-8:30pm at Community CRC: 150 Burt Ave SE, Wyoming


  • Monday, September 28 from 6:30-8:30pm at Westview CRC: 2929 Leonard St NW, GR


RSVP: CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today.


One-Day Benevolence Workshop

If you are in a role at your church to make decisions about the stewardship of benevolence funds, charitable giving, helping those in need, or are the first to answer the phone when a congregation or community member calls the church in crisis, this training is for you! 


  • Date & Time: Saturday, August 8 from 9am-3pm
  • Location: Kentwood Christian Church (5841 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508)
  • RSVP: CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today.


The Benevolence Workshop focuses on: the Biblical foundation of benevolence; Care Receivers - understanding the person and circumstances; and responding with compassion, knowledge, and processes that witness Christ's love. 


Get Connected To Serve

Volunteers In Service connects the church -God's people- with opportunities to share the love of Jesus and serve their neighbors in the places God is already working. Will you say "YES!" to the invitation and SERVE this summer? Click on a brown button below for a full list of opportunities to serve. Then RSVP today by calling our office (616-459-7500) or replying to this email to learn more.

Will you consider serving as an Everyday Missionary and share the love of Jesus by...

  • Decreasing a neighbor's loneliness and isolation by providing a FRIENDLY VISIT or ENCOURAGING PHONE CALL?
  • Helping a neighbor maintain stable housing by assisting with YARD WORK, ORGANIZING PROJECTS, PAINTING, or SMALL HOME REPAIRS?
  • Ensuring our neighbors have access to vital health care services and healthy food by PROVIDING A RIDE to a doctor's appointment, the grocery store, or local food pantry?


FILL OUT THIS FORM to let us know how you'd like to get connected to serve!


Donate

Built on Faith for 40 Years -

Carried Forward by YOU!

Join the 40/40 Challenge - Make an Ongoing Impact! We humbly invite you to become one of 40 monthly partners committing to give $40/month to VIS. Your monthly gift will carry forward the HOPE of Jesus for generations to come as the people of God serve in Christ's name through Volunteers In Service! "Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation."

Psalm 119:90a

Thank You for Serving!

VIS connected students from several churches with opportunities to serve as Everyday Missionaries in June, including those serving through LaGrave SERVE and Trinity TASC. VIS Friends praised the support and love they received:

  • "They were amazing! They did a beautiful job!" - Arlene
  • "My new deck is better than expected. I am blown away and grateful." - Becky
  • "They were all so sweet and went above and beyond. I loved talking to all of them." - Cynthia
  • "I can now get into and around my garage and the yard looks beautiful. They even worked in the rain!" - Liza
  • "I was surprised how many young people actually showed up to participate. I really appreciated it! Thank you again!" - James
  • "They did a beautiful job. I am so grateful. I loved talking with the kids and seeing how joyful they were. They handled things with care and were very kind." - Shirley
  • "I just want to shout out about the little group that came. They were just all phenomenal, awesome, delightful! WOW! Their energy--tell them thank you. I appreciate them so very, very much!" - Felicia