When we say Third is "the presence of Christ to our neighbors," we mean that we are committed to participating in God's mission for the healing and flourishing of the world.
We seek to do that through partnerships with organizations doing great work here in Grand Rapids, and around the globe. We hope that you'll join us and use your gifts to reflect the love of God for others!
KID’S HOPE
Kids Hope USA is an on-going ministry of Third Reformed Church. Third Reformed partners with East Leonard Elementary School to provide mentors to children in grades K-5 who would benefit from spending weekly time with a caring adult. Students and their mentors meet one hour a week during the school day. During this time they work together to empower students to succeed in growing academically as well as socially, emotionally and behaviorally.
Vital to the success of this ministry is the prayer partner of each mentor-student relationship, who prays for them each week throughout the school year. Kids Hope USA has had a significantly positive impact in the lives of the child and mentor.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
For all kids age 3 through entering 7th grade.
Each summer, we dive into exploring God’s Word and His World during Vacation Bible School. We present the Gospel in an uniquely themed, fun, high energy atmosphere. We keep moving through many activities such as music, crafts, games, live dramas/skits, science experiments and Bible building skills, reinforcing the Bible point for the day in lots of exciting ways. Children will be grouped according to age and grade. Any questions? Contact Jennifer Kelly @jenkelly_third@yahoo.com or call the church office at 616.458.3089.
VBS is always Monday through Thursday, the last full week of July.
SUPPER HOUSE
North End Community Ministry (NECM) Supper House.
Supper House provides free community suppers to over 400 individuals every Tuesday and Thursday at St. Alphonsus Church. We provide volunteers every other month, who serve meals in a friendly atmosphere and become waiters and waitresses. Third has also become the church filling all volunteer positions for the annual Supper House Christmas Dinner. Please call the church office @ 616.458.3089, watch for bulletin announcements, or call Keith Boeve @ 616.560.9429 for details and dates.
Mel Trotter Ministries
We partner with MTM in two important ways:
1. We are a chapel church partner providing worship, refreshments, and fellowship with guests of the mission the second Sunday night of each month.
2. We host a monthly breakfast and “house meeting” for residents of the various transition houses Mel Trotter utilizes throughout the city. At these gatherings we help the residents identify their goals and process any challenges they are facing as they work to build stable employment and housing.
NECM North End Community Ministry
Third has a longstanding tradition of providing volunteers and financial support to NECM. Each month we collect food for the pantry and deliver it to them. Volunteers work at the pantry providing assistance in deliveries, purchasing and stocking, as well as nutritional assistance. NECM also shares a newsletter that provides information about their many programs. Third also acts as the collection hub for the annual food drive as neighborhoods are canvassed each fall. Contact the church office @ 616.458.3089 or visit NECM’s website @ necmgr.org for information about their many programs and opportunities to serve.
FAITH IN ACTION
Third has set aside funds to provide financial assistance to members who are volunteering in missional endeavors. For an application, call or email the church office @ 616.458.3089 or email@thirdreformedchurchgr.org. Upon completion of the application, it will be reviewed by “outreach members” for approval. This outreach must be a group or organizational sponsored trip that provides outreach to those outside the walls of Third. In the last 2 years, Third has provided over $3,000 in assistance for trips as far as Cuba, China and South America. Others have received assistance for outreach in more regional programs.
Ele's Place
Third Reformed Church provides the physical home for Ele’s Place West Michigan, a program that provides grief support for children and teens aged 3-18 and their families. Ele’s Place uses our parsonage as their office and consulting space, and most of the main building Monday and Thursday evening for programing.
70x7 Life Recovery
Third is the meeting place for Take Charge, a support group through 70×7 for women who are re-entering the community following incarceration. We are also listed with 70×7 as a “restorative hope church” that is welcoming for people who have experienced incarceration. Part of that commitment is ensuring background checks for all volunteers and clear guidelines about who can be in children and youth ministry spaces.