Dear Friends,

Volunteers In Service is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary in 2026! Join us in PRAISING GOD for 40 years of faithfulness as we look forward to all that is yet to come! Learn how VIS got started 40 years ago by reading OUR STORY.

For 40 years, VIS has been quietly connecting volunteers from Christian churches with opportunities to be living witnesses of Christ's love in our community...

Volunteer Shawn had been grocery shopping for a homebound senior once a month for almost two years. "I'm concerned about Marge*," Shawn said in an anxious call to a VIS staff member. "She told me she doesn't feel safe." Because Shawn consistently showed up, faithfully served, and loved Marge well in Christ's name, she could raise the alarm that something wasn't right. Shawn's servant heart rescued Marge from an abusive roommate who was removed from the apartment and taken to jail. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and this volunteer's courage and loving-kindness. (*name changed)

Thank you for your partnership! Because of YOU, God's kingdom is growing as Christians join God's work in the community and SERVE in Jesus' name!

Serving Him Together,

Cori Scholtens

Executive Director

Reimagining Benevolence:

Let's Learn Together

Thirteen participants from nine churches have joined Love Inc, South Kent County and Volunteers In Service for a 6-week learning cohort in January-February to move our ministries and benevolence giving from transactional to transformational as we study the "Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence" curriculum from the Chalmers Center. If you are interested in a future Reimagining Benevolence Learning Cohort, email Cori at cscholtens@visgr.org. For other Benevolence Resources, check out the Resources Page on the VIS Website.

Housing Simulation

Freshmen from Grand Rapids Christian High School recently experienced a glimpse into what it feels like to be homeless in our community as they explored our city's housing assessment system, government-based assistance programs, and emergency shelter network through the Housing Simulation hosted by Volunteers In Service. Learn more about bringing this interactive, learning experience designed by Degage Ministries to your group on the Be Equipped page of VIS's Website.

Join Christ's work in your community and SERVE as a volunteer of your church. Let VIS connect you with opportunities to serve:

• Provide friendly visits to a homebound senior like Karen in Kentwood, Judy in NE Grand Rapids, Sheila in Sparta, or Art in Wyoming.
• Assist with small home projects like winterizing Carolyn's screened in porch, installing Ann's ceiling fan, or painting Elaine's bedroom.
• Help Cynthia, Chet, or Lisa with household chores.
• Offer a ride to the grocery store or a medical appointment for one of our many VIS Friends!

Click on the buttons below to see a current "List of Service Opportunities." If you are able to serve or want more information, please "reply" to this email or call VIS at 616-459-7500. Opportunities are added daily and deleted as they are filled.