Local Hope: celebrating the local Body of Christ in action Movement West Michigan

How can a church use a kitchen to serve? Invite kids to learn how to cook! Join us for the part 2 of our conversation with Pastor Eric Barnes from Second Reformed Church and Executive Director Jed Mulder from The Bridge Youth Center to learn about their collaborative cooking classes on Friday afternoons. Youth are learning healthy cooking tips alongside trusted mentors and serving their families at home! Now that's edible grace. 

How has youth ministry shifted in the past decade? Tune in to hear Pastor Eric Barnes from Second Reformed Church and Executive Director Jed Mulder from The Bridge Youth Center reflect on the importance of building trusted relationships with youth -- especially those who have no church home. Discipleship at The Bridge in Zeeland is centered on breaking stigmas and building a safe, loving community to show the love of Jesus Christ.

How can the Church care for those who struggle with mental health? Therapist Dr. Michael Brashears, Executive Director Jill Miskelley along with Parish Nurse Pat Whittaker from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church unpack the Be Better Holland's educational series for local churches in the second half of our conversation. Tune in to hear the challenges of forgiveness, the difference between symptoms and actual illness, and how love neighbors without mental health professional training. 

And what happens between therapy appointments? Be Better Holland exists to guide family & friend support systems through the mental health needs of loved ones. Join us to hear how Executive Director Jill Miskelley, Psychologist Dr. Michael Brashears, and Parish Nurse Pat Whitaker from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish partnered together to offer consultation and education to break stigmas around mental health needs.

Oops! We missed the first half of this conversation back in November. But It's not too late to hear about National Good Neighbor Day! Pastor David VanOpstall from Christ Memorial Church and 3-sixty Executive Director Jake Norris joined us last November to share about how 4 local churches and 1 non-profit collaborated to celebrate this national holiday in the Montello Park neighborhood with a fun block party. Tune in to this first part of the series to consider what it means to be a good neighbor, how Jesus calls us to care, and the role of the Church in loving our neighbors well.

Life is full. But student mentors are needed! Join us for the second half of our conversation with Kids Hope USA President Karen Pearson and Service Manager Thom Bartels from Extol, Inc to learn about a pilot program partnership with businesses that offers a creative solution. When employers partner with Kids Hope USA, Christ followers are invited to take 1 hour out of their work week to invest in a student. Tune in to hear the joys and challenges of this experiment for the Church at large.