Before settling into their homes for kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday, one Michigan congregation spent the morning reaching out to their community—a day they call Super Mission Sunday. This year, over 400 members of Providence Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., ministered to people without homes through various projects at the Holland Rescue Mission.
Super Mission Sunday is a chance to help others, but also a day to seek out how God might be calling them to serve. “It is a way to engage our people in ongoing mission work,” explained organizer Braden Stradley, director of ministries at Providence CRC.
After a short worship service at the Holland Civic Center, groups worked at three different locations. Some assembled care packages, each with a personal note of encouragement. Others sorted clothing items and cleaned rooms or mission vehicles. Some assembled Super Bowl snack packs while others made banquet centerpieces for Valentine’s Day. They bought socks and underwear but also Valentine’s Day cards for the children at the shelter to hand out at school.
The day included tours of the Holland Rescue Mission facilities to learn about ways to get involved. Linda Bazan, Holland Rescue Mission’s program administrator, greatly appreciated Providence CRC’s desire to work and learn more. “It was a neat opportunity to see their willingness, to stand up in front of that congregation and see the body of Christ waiting to serve,” said Bazan.
After their projects were completed, the groups returned to the Holland Civic Center for lunch, sharing a meal with 120 guests from the Mission’s men’s shelter and the women and children’s shelter.
For Stradley, lunch was a highlight, a time to learn people’s name and hear their stories. It was an opportunity for the congregation to mingle with those living at the shelters. “There is such value in a shared meal, a place where connections can be made,” said Stradley.
“It was exciting and invigorating to see a church that is serious about developing an awareness of how they can be involved,” said Bazan.
About the Author
Krista Dam-VandeKuyt is a member of Kemptville CRC and lives with her family in Ottawa, Ontario.
