On June 5 of the Michigan Annual Conference, Washington Heights Church & Community received the “One Matters Award” from Discipleship Ministries.
MONIQUE FRENCH
Pastor, Washington Heights Church & Community
Washington Heights United Methodist Church & Community is known as the “Hub of HOPE” in the neighborhood and the greater city of Battle Creek, MI. I am accepting the One Matters Award from Discipleship Ministries on their behalf. We are excited and honored to receive this award. We are the contemporary version of an Acts 1:8 church.
Our motto is, “Uplifting people through the dignity of discovered purpose—one life, one community, one city at a time.”
Our mission is, “to create pathways to discover and fulfill ones’ life purpose and provide kingdom-building opportunities through community involvement.
Our vision is, “that all people flourish in their life’s purpose and relationships with God and one another.
Since this COVID -19 pandemic, we have truly served as the Hub of HOPE. We have partnered with the RISE Corporation in addressing food insecurities, providing food to over 300 families each week. We provide a structured safe environment for virtual learning for middle to high school-aged students.
Washington Heights UMC & Community had a team of volunteers canvas the neighborhood to provide PPE, accurate information about COVID-19 vaccination. We wanted to dispel myths so that people can make informed decisions about getting vaccinated.
We worked with the Calhoun County Health Department to host a micro-vaccination clinic where 198 seniors were able to receive their shots. We are a part of the COVID Vaccine Education Cohort Group made of local area agencies.
We provided innovative electronic pets and assistive technology (in the form of Tablets and Echo Shows) to reduce social isolation among seniors, vulnerable populations, and those with disabilities. We hosted a Computer Lab so that those who don’t have access to technology may have access to it.
We have provided hot healthy meals to volunteers and those who are homeless. We worked with Middle School aged girls in the Beautiful U project to boost self-esteem. We opened the Education Café’ providing Health and Wellness education to the community.
Washington Heights UMC & Community embraces being the Hub of HOPE. Our plan is to continue to utilize the grounds of the church to the fullest capacity providing a variety of programs and services that help people develop and better their lives. Our ministries define the essence of who we are.
We believe that we exist not just for ourselves but as an extension of HOPE rooted in LOVE for the people in the community, the city of Battle Creek, and the world. We are a physical presence servicing the needs of humanity by equipping, empowering, and educating through our service, activities, and ministries.
We believe that the local church’s mission and vision help us fulfill the global United Methodist Church’s vision and mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
~ Note: On June 5 of The Michigan Annual Conference, the Rev. Gary Step presented the One Matters Award, saying, “Each conference is invited to nominate a church and share how they are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The award includes a grant of $1,000, to encourage continued growth in the area of discipleship.” Step is the Associate Director of Congregational Vibrancy for the Michigan Conference. He continued, “Washington Heights United Methodist Church & Community is led by Pastor Monique French, who was appointed July 1, 2020, during the pandemic. She hit the ground running casting vision and creating hope for the future. Her work has already led to four new professions of faith.” He praised the congregation as “a physical presence in the world serving the needs of humanity by equipping, empowering, and educating through their service, activities, and ministries.”
Last Updated on October 31, 2023