July 2025

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

This is how we know what LOVE is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16

Let Us Love...in Truth and Action

Mary has lived the majority of her 95 years in Grand Rapids! And boy, does she have amazing stories to share! High school students from LaGrave SERVE stopped in to serve Mary in June, helping with yardwork projects. They quickly discovered the best way to serve was to take turns sitting on the porch, sipping lemonade with Mary, and listening to her stories. "Thank you for loving on my Grandmother! I wish I lived closer, but knowing there are people close by who care means the world to our family!" These teens loved through their actions: raking with one hand and sipping lemonade with the other while offering companionship and a listening ear!

"Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action." 1 John 3:18

Notation by Pastor Steve Thomason

Deacons: Be Equipped to Serve

You have 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 following topics: Benevolence, Stewardship, Justice and Mercy, and Community Engagement. This training serves as an orientation or refresher for deacons as we explore the heart posture of "leading through service," building Christ's kingdom one life at a time.

Deacon Training (two options)

Monday, September 22 from 1-3pm
Thursday, September 25 from 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Calvary CRC at 3500 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming

RSVP Today: CLICK HERE

Get Connected to Serve

Let us love not in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18

VIS has a constantly changing list of opportunities to serve in our local community! Join Christ's work and SERVE as a volunteer of your church this summer, witnessing His love! Click on the button 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 deleted as they are filled.

LIST OF SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

LIST OF TRANSPORTATION OPPORTUNITIES

Save the Date: Fall Benevolence Workshop

Saturday, November 8 from 9am-3pm. Location: coming soon.

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 member or community member calls the church in crisis, this training is for you! Benevolence Training is a one-day workshop focused on:

The Biblical Foundation of Benevolence
Care Receivers: Understanding the Person and Circumstances
Responding with Compassion, Knowledge and Processes that Witness Christ's Love.

Save your spot today. CLICK HERE to RSVP.

Spotlight on Summer Home Projects

Many VIS Friends are asking for assistance with small home projects. Grab a friend and witness Christ's love as you serve today! Reply to this email or reach out to VIS at serve@visgr.org for more info on any of the projects below. These are just a sample of the MANY opportunities listed in the link above!

Caledonia

Judy is 83 years old and living alone. Her property manager is threatening eviction if the exterior of her mobile home isn't painted soon. (68th St SE & Hanna Lake Ave SE)

Kentwood

Deb is 68 years old and disabled. She has requested help painting a small bathroom and one wall in a bedroom. (44th St SE & Madison Ave SE)

NE Grand Rapids

Elizabeth is 69 years old and disabled. She needs assistance washing her windows and cleaning the outside of her home. (Leonard St NE & Plymouth Ave NE)
Charlie is 75 years old with stage 4 Parkinson's. His garage has been leaning for many years and the city inspector is encouraging him to tear it down. (I-196 & College Ave NE)

SE Grand Rapids

Sonia (Hall St SE & Jefferson Ave SE), Tracey (MLK Jr St SE & Fuller Ave SE, and Elaine (Burton SE & Plymouth SE) all have small painting projects they need completed in their homes.

SW Grand Rapids

Deana is disabled and on oxygen. She has a donated screen door she needs picked up and installed at her home. (Hall St SW & US 131)

"And my God will supply every need of yours

according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

One thing I have learned during my years at VIS is that God is the provider of all things, including our finances. Our job, as His servants, is to faithfully follow His leading for VIS and to be good stewards of all that He has given us.

VIS ended 2024 showing growth in all areas of ministry; requests for services up 32%, connections to volunteers up 55%, and needs met up 56%! Year to date 2025 we are experiencing the same kind of growth in each area, as well as growth in churches represented and that is exciting! God is at work through the church resulting in lives being impacted for Christ. That is what matters!! That is what YOU, our faithful donors, are supporting.

Thank You and praise God from whom all blessings flow!

We invite you to pray for us as we listen, discern and respond to God's important calling everyday.

Submitted by Bernita Tuinenga

Director of Development and Partnerships

btuinenga@visgr.org

To support this work with a financial gift Click Here

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