AUDREY MANGUM
Director of Justice & Mission Engagement
Detroit Renaissance District
Six years ago, at a time when news emerging from the City of Detroit saddened many in Southeastern Michigan, a newly appointed district superintendent of the recently re-named Detroit Renaissance District of The United Methodist Church searched for a way to show support of the city. Hands4Detroit was initiated on the first Saturday in October, 2012.
That day 2,000 individuals joined with Detroit neighbors to participate in beautification and clean-up projects, to perform small building and renovation projects, and to initiate a food campaign with Gleaners to drive out hunger in the Motor City.
The vision was two-fold: to remind churches of God’s call for us to be in ministry with, and to show love for, our neighbors beyond the walls of our churches; and to remind everyone that when we work together, we can accomplish so much more.
The idea was simple, yet profound…get outside…get with others…get busy.
A grant from United Methodist Communications, Rethink Church campaign, funded the first three years. In 2015, Hands4Detroit focused on the East Side of Detroit and partnered with Mt. Elliott Business and Community Association (MEBCA). In 2016 the Brightmoor Area of Detroit with Redford Brightmoor Initiative (RBI) was the scene of activity.
The focus for Hands4Detroit 2017 is Southwest Detroit, including all of District Six. Hosted by the Centro Familiar Cristiano United Methodist Church, 2017 partners include Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan; City Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda Lopez; City of Detroit-District Six Manager Ninfa Cancel; Detroit Neighborhood Police, and a contingent of United Methodist groups and ministries.
Become a part of the Hands4Detroit 2017 team by registering on-line at Hands4Detroit.org, and/or meeting with us at 8:00am on Saturday, October 7th at the Western International High School, 1500 Scotten St., Detroit 48209.
Join with us on this day before World Communion Sunday to show Southwest Detroiters that indeed, all are welcome to the table; those who may not speak our language, sojourners seeking a place to call home, seniors with waning resources and strength, and the forgotten poor.
It will be a day filled with meeting new faces and friends, working on deceptively simple tasks, and rejoicing over what was accomplished…together.
“There’s something about arriving at the end of the day and you can look back over what you accomplished together. We can accomplish great things together!” ~ Rev. Melanie Carrey, Hands4Detroit Creator and current Senior Pastor, Nardin Park UMC
Hands4Detroit is an annual community outreach event hosted by the Detroit Renaissance District of The United Methodist Church.
Join with the Renaissance District and community organizations for a wonderful day of service in Southwest Detroit on Saturday, October 7, 2017.
The day begins with check-in at 8 am at the Western International High School, 1500 Scotten Street, Detroit, MI 49209 (map here). Closing celebration is at 3 pm at Centro Familiar Cristiano UMC, 1270 Waterman Street, Detroit, MI 49209 (map here).
Last Updated on November 2, 2023