M. KAY DeMOSS Senior Editor-Writer, Michigan Area 

United Methodists across the Michigan Area are reaching out to their neighbors. That outreach takes many forms but, whatever shape the ministry takes, the love of Jesus is at the heart of it. 

 Bikes in St. Clair Shores

On the eastern shore of the state the United Methodist Men of St. Clair Shores Good Shepherd UMC have launched a small group ministry that has touched and will continue to touch the children in their local community. This cooperative service project for children is simply called, First Bike.The men enlisted local businesses, community groups, organizations and individuals to sponsor 40 bicycles and helmets for children between the ages of 7 and 10 who have never, or may never have the opportunity to own their own bike.   For many of these children, a bike means having the opportunity to enjoy the exercise of riding in the summer sunshine with friends, old and new. “It is our prayerful intention that these bicycles will provide and establish a healthier alternative to the passive relationship with television and the hypnotic effect of video games,” says UMMen President, Paul Niemela.  Bike sponsors, a community bike safety truck and others arrived at the church on June 13 to help the children with proper positioning of their bicycle seats and helmets. Kids also enjoyed face-painting and a circus lunch. The celebration concluded with a balloon prayer lift that sent 100 prayers from the congregation heavenward. “In addition to the prayers that will land and bless persons unknown,” reports Rev. Carter M. Grimmett, “we also sent up two balloons with prayers and a free bicycle for whoever returns those special notes.”   Good Shepherd UMC strives in many ways to meet the complex needs of families as a whole. First Bike remembers “the important need of children to be children.” First Bike brings “the love of Christ to the lives of children, enabling them to experience the unbridled joy of play, while experiencing the excitement of having something that isn't 'second hand.'”   First Bike began as one of 12 small group ministries. The UMMen and pastor anticipate a future of significant cooperative relationships between the church and the community.

A corner in Muskegon 

Meanwhile, on the western side of the state, the Port City of Muskegon is experiencing rebirth and redevelopment. In the spirit of revitalization, Central United Methodist Church has purchased the former Christian Science Building that occupies the opposite corner of the same downtown city block. Central's Church Council has named the site, The Corner. Says Senior Pastor Mark D. Miller, “Lots of things happen on a corner. We come to corners in our lives when we seriously look to God for direction on whether we should stay where we are or venture across the street.”   A Corner Genesis Team is currently developing the future uses of the new facility. The building purchase effectively expands a campus that will provide “multi-site” opportunities that share the same parking lot. “There is much enthusiasm in town,” Miller remarks, “that Central has bought that building and ‘we can’t wait to see what they do next.’”   First use is expected to be the hosting of an alternative worship service beginning in October, 2015. Traditional worship will continue in the main building while The Corner will offer a praise service. The Genesis Team is also talking with a variety of community groups—including Boys and Girls Club and Read Muskegon—to encourage partnerships that will meet needs and involve assets in the neighborhood.   The focus of the Genesis Team is Proverbs 16:9: In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. In the spirit of that scripture a group of Muskegon Central leaders and friends blessed the building at The Corner last month. Songs and prayers were lifted: “Let the doors be open for us to go out and for friends to come in” … “Let this place be a space where the Holy Spirit heals and nurtures people” … “Let those who walk these streets know this is more than a building. Let this place be hope.”   Acknowledging that such a bold venture doesn’t come quick or easy, prayer leader, Mary Oakes gave God thanks: “We are grateful, Lord, that you pushed us and shoved us to be here for your people.”

  Praise the Lord of the Lakeshore, who is pushing and shoving, inspiring and loving United Methodists into new ministries with neighbors from Lake Michigan to Lake St. Clair and beyond.