"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare...for I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."



Jeremiah 29:7,11

You are invited...

Spring Benevolence Workshop

Join Volunteers In Service (VIS) for a one-day Benevolence Workshop exploring:

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

WHEN: Thursday, March 27 from 9am-3pm

LOCATION: St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 3215 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids

RSVP HERE to save your spot or call the VIS office at 616-459-7500, ext 120.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• If you are in a role at your church to make decisions about the stewardship of benevolence funds...this workshop is for YOU!

• If you are the first to answer the phone when a congregation member or community member calls the church in crisis...this workshop is for YOU!

• If you are on the church staff, a council member, deacon, trustee, elder, church administrator, on the outreach committee, or an interested congregation member...this workshop is for YOU!

To learn more, check out the VIS Website or

contact Cori Scholtens at cscholtens@visgr.org.

"It was a pleasure connecting with you today...Decades of medical issues left me feeling invisible and obsolete in a society that values productivity, proven outcomes, and self-sufficiency. Through your kindness, I was reminded of what it's like to feel of worth, dignity, and purpose. I'm sharing this because you brought an unexpected patch of joy to my day!"

-VIS Friend (client) emailed to a staff member

Opportunities to SERVE

... and seek the welfare of our city!

VIS has a constantly changing list of opportunities to serve in our local community! If you are able to connect with any of the opportunities below or would like more information, please contact VIS at 616-459-7500 or email us at info@visgr.org.

Outdoor Projects:

• Bernadette needs 5 boards replaced on her deck. She can pay for the wood but doesn't have a way to pick it up. The boards will be 12' long. Then the deck needs to be power washed and stained. She would also like her gardens cleaned out, stones laid and flowers planted-weather permitting. (downtown Grand Rapids condo)
• Nancy has requested help washing four of her windows and spring outdoor yard work including cutting up parts of two trees that fell over the winter, raking, and power washing her one-story house. (Rockford near 14 Mile Rd & Wabasis Ave NE)

Laundry:

• Robert is awaiting heart surgery and could use help doing his laundry every couple weeks until he gets his strength back. (Wyoming near 44th St SW & Byron Center Ave SW)
• Sonja has become ill with an unknown disorder causing mobility issues. Her laundry is in the basement and she cannot currently maneuver stairs safely. (Kentwood near 44th St SE & Breton Rd SE)

Spring Cleaning: 

Gather a friend or two and help a neighbor with spring house cleaning! Many of these VIS friends have been waiting months for a chore worker to be assigned for regular housekeeping through their insurance or other area programs. Any 1x only house cleaning support provided would be much appreciated!

• Cathryn lives in Kentwood near 60th St SE & Eastern Ave SE.
• Sonja lives in Kentwood near 44th St SE & Breton Rd SE.
• Nancy lives in Rockford near 14 Mile Rd & Wabasis Ave NE.
• Robert lives in Wyoming near 44th St SW & Byron Center Ave SW.
• Jessie and her husband live in Wyoming near 36th St & Burlingame Ave SW.
• Chet lives in an apartment in downtown Grand Rapids.
• Tonia is disabled and lives in downtown Grand Rapids.
• Francisca lives in SE GR near Burton St SE & Breton St SE.

Special Service Opportunities

• AJ is a 51 yr old woman with a spinal cord injury that is getting worse. AJ has requested help with meal prep once a month: cutting up fruits and vegetables and prepping crockpot meals. (NW GR near 7th St NW & Stocking Ave NW)
• Janice recently moved and needs help unpacking boxes and putting away things in her bedroom and bathroom. The rest of the house is complete and furniture is set. (NE GR near Fairbanks St NE & Coit Ave NE)
• Ruth has fractures in both feet. To prevent falls, she needs help moving boxes out of the way on both floors of her home. She needs help moving an upright freezer out of the basement to the main level so Consumers Energy can take it away. She was also sent a new modem by ATT but cannot get on the floor to hook it up correctly. (SE GR near Alger St SE & Eastern Ave SE)
• Lois asked for help painting her kitchen and bathroom. There isn't furniture to move or holes to patch. She will provide the paint and supplies. (SE GR near MLK Jr St SE & Eastern Ave SE)
• Sharon is a senior preparing to move, possibly as early as April. She is seeking people to help her with the packing process. She has the boxes, but does not have the strength to do the packing by herself. Ask for David when you contact VIS. (downtown Grand Rapids)
• Sarah is 40, living alone with acute health issues and a brain injury. She lost eligibility for publicly funded services due to a small increase in her Social Security benefits. She is in danger of having to move to a nursing home. We are seeking two volunteers who could alternate helping with light housekeeping such as putting things away, vacuuming and other tasks. (NE GR near I-196 and College Ave NE)