L
VE LETTERS
A bi-monthly publication of Love In the Name of Christ—Muskegon County—2735 E. Apple Avenue Suite A
MAY/JUNE 2013
Transforming lives In the Name of Christ through the church
Thank
You
for
being
a
beacon
for
Christ
Matthew 5:14-15; You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be
hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is
placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
Love Letters
May/June 2013
We would like to introduce to you our
Executive Director, Matt Kaley.
Psalm 98:4 tells us “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praise.” My
heart is filled with joy as I move into the role of Executive Director of this wonderful ministry that bears the name of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This joy comes from seeing many, many hands uniting in love to serve our neighbors in
need. This joy comes when we celebrated our volunteers on Tuesday, April 16 th for sharing their God-given gifts and
talents to help Love INC “transform lives in the name of Christ through the church” as our mission statement indicates.
This joy is apparent when at the conclusion of one of our recent Parenting classes one of the students stated she had lost
her home in July of last year to a fire, had been physically abused by her boyfriend, had her children removed by DHS,
was then required to attend eight different classes in an attempt to regain custody of her children and gave great praise to
Love INC. This praise was for the people who work in the pantries who had helped her with food and clothing; it was
for the people who donated furniture to help her furnish a new apartment, and it was for the teacher who taught the Parenting class which she said was “…by far the best class of all the eight classes she had taken.” All of these efforts are
being made to help this mother reunite with her children and share God’s promises for a better life with her. She is doing
her part by working full time and looking for a second job to be able to furnish her house prior to her daughters returning
home. When a couple who have been through our Manage Your Money program stops in to see me to discuss how they
can most effectively help someone as they are now financially stable and see the value in helping others what joy fills
my soul.
Love INC is a wonderful model to mobilize churches to become the body of Christ and bring 1 John 3:18 to fruition
…” Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, he cured the sick, he fed the thousands, and he did so with a humble spirit. He calls us to do the same. Before Jesus
was arrested he prayed a beautiful prayer to His father for unity among his disciples; a prayer for all His followers yet to
come, including you and me. This prayer is in John 17:20-23. Please take a few moments to read His prayer and meditate on it as we ask ourselves how we are doing to come together as the Body of Christ, unified Christians to carry out
His work in our community. Love INC can do what other agencies and governmental entities cannot. We can share the
promises of Christ. We can mobilize churches to meet the needs of His people. We can help God’s children realize the
gifts and talents he has given them assisting them to become the people God created them to be. We build relationships
with people based on God’s love and share that love with those we encounter. There but for the grace of God go I….
My prayer for this wonderful ministry is that through Christ, together, as a unified Body of Christ, we will change
lives, transform lives in a lasting way, share our gifts with others, and become a model for others to follow as we all individually and collectively answer God’s call to care for His people.
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
We give Thanks for our volunteers and friends ...
Our Volunteers are “extra”ordinary! We celebrated our
volunteers with a dinner at Forest Park Covenant Church on
April 16th. We spoke of tending to God’s garden and how they
are continually planting seeds and cultivating with our
neighbors in need. Helping them to reach their goals of self
sufficiency. This banquet would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
What amazing sponsors...A HUGE THANK YOU to K L Industries, Eagle Alloy, Mabrito’s, Excel Propane, Bush Concrete, Shoreline Insurance Agency, Port City Group,
Hazekamp Meats/Premier Foods, and Comerica Bank. Because of these fine businesses we were able to honor our volunteers with a nice banquet and also snacks and goodies
throughout the year.
A volunteer gives thanks...I came to Love INC to volunteer
to serve the Lord by serving His people. I first came here as
a client and believe in my heart we have to give to receive.
The Lord said we are to go into the world and bless His people and feed His sheep. It also provides an opportunity to
minister to our clients that come through the doors. Whether
it’s a smile or a hug and sometimes a prayer...may it touch
someone and let them know Love (INC) in the Name of
Christ cares about God’s people.
A special THANK YOU to our creative decorator...Sheryl
Gifford from Laketon Bethel has been sharing her creative
talents with us a Love INC decorating for our Fundraisers,
Open Houses and Events. We are blessed that Sheryl is
willing to offer and share her creative passion with us.
We are so very sorry...during the last newsletter we forgot to
mention a few very special volunteers. Please accept our
apologies for this oversight. Food Pantry Volunteer & Driver
Pastor Carlos Ramos, Parenting Class Linda Engle, Jobs for
life Champions Carol Minnaar, Fred Minnaar, Rick Eberling,
Fred Nicles, Tom Williams, & Deanna Hannibal. We appreciate all you are doing for Love INC.
We are blessed by our many Church Partners (we have
Pantry Partners, Life Skills Partners, Financial Partners
and Volunteer Supporters)...We are featuring our Pantry
Partners this month, these partners help take care of our
neighbors in need, they are continually helping with the greatest needs in our communities. They open up their doors and
have a team of volunteers ready to smile, lend an ear or shoulder and take the time to pray with our neighbors. They show
the love of Jesus by their actions and we are humbled to be
part of their great ministry! Bethany Christian Reformed
Church, Calvin Christian Reformed Church, Evanston Avenue
Baptist, Fellowship Reformed, First Christian Reformed, First
Congregational Church, First Evangelical Lutheran, First Free
Methodist, Forest Park Covenant, Fruitland Covenant, Fruitport
Congregational Church, Gateway Church, Grace Christian Reformed Church, Holton Community Center, Hope Reformed
Church, Immanuel Lutheran, Lakeside Baptist, Our Saviors
Lutheran, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Thomas Catholic
Church, Upper Room Ministry, West Michigan Worship Center
and White Lake Congregational Church.
We give thanks to our amazing volunteers...Love INC
has close to 400 faithful volunteers that screen, wait on,
teach, coach, mentor, pray, cry, laugh and listen to our
neighbors in need. Others drive, pick up, deliver, build,
draw, plan and collaborate on behalf of our neighbors in
need. Still others sew, quilt, shop, wash, fix, stock, rotate,
and do many things behind the scenes being faithful servants to our Lord and Savior. The harvest is plentiful and the
workers are few...we can always use more volunteers; Jesus
speaks to us in Matthew 9:37 where He said to His disciples,
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” That relates
to the ministry of Love INC also, do you feel you are being
led to join our team? Call Matt or Paula at 773-3448, to see
how your talents and passions can fit in.
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
Love happenings: Upcoming news, events & trinkets...
***SAVE THE DATE***
Love INC Open House
Thursday, May 16 from 4:00—6:00 pm. We will be serving snacks, hot dogs, sandwiches, coffee and
punch...come out and say hi to Matt, meet Paula and
some of the clearinghouse volunteers, get a tour of the
Love INC operations, visit with the Board of Directors, see
how your church or group might be able to partner with
Love INC...stop by and see what this amazing ministry is
all about.
Hampton Farms
Coming this fall, date and time TBA
Stay tuned, more will be announced later regarding food,
fun and fellowship at this great farm and fundraiser!
Hike for the Hungry
Once again we will take over Heritage Landing for a walk
to fight Hunger right here in Muskegon County. We would
love to have you join us this year on
Saturday, October 12 from 9:00—11:00 am.
Church sponsorships and Teams are now forming and out
collecting donations for this great cause that helps out (3)
great Muskegon County Ministries; Love INC, West Michigan Catholic Charities and Muskegon Rescue Mission.
Your teams can be from church, family, friends, sporting
groups, clubs...use your imagination and sign up today!
For more information call Paula at 773-3448.
Unity Christian Musical Festival
August 10, 11, 12 & 13
Heritage Landing—Muskegon
Rock the Coast
May 24 & 25
See the enclosed flier for more information
Wishes and Desires…
Spring has sprung and when you spring into action with
your clean up projects, please keep Love INC in mind with
your charitable donation. Your “trash” is another persons
“treasure” and we are always in need of treasures! Our
household pantry stocks items such as bedding, curtains,
rugs, silverware, dishes, cups, glasses, vacuums, small
appliances, can openers, spatula’s, plastic dishes, broom,
dust pans, towels, dish cloths, sheets, blankets, etc. We
also have a furniture ministry and all furniture donations
are always appreciated.
The baby stork has been visiting Muskegon County
quite regularly lately and our baby pantry is in need of replenishments. Would you consider shopping for our pantry
or maybe you could hold a “baby shower” at your house
with your friends and family and then give the items you
collect to the baby pantry to get into the hands of the
young mothers that are starting out with little to no items
when they come home with their baby. We could use new
or gently used onesies, diapers, wipes, lotions, bath stuff,
0-12 month outfits, socks, sippy cups, bottles, bottle brush,
receiving blankets, books, 0-12 month toys and destine.
Handy Man: Sometimes we get special requests for
household projects. Painting, wood work, plumbing, small
appliance repair and electrical to name a few. Do you have
a special talent you can share if the need arises?
Car Mechanic: Are you able to do small repairs, at cost,
for our neighbors in need? Tires, Oil change, Brakes,
Small engine repair are some examples. What a great
ministry to be a part of. If you have the time and talent to
help out, please let us know. We would love to add you to
our resource listing when the need comes up.
Bikes: There is always a need for bikes as a means for
transportation for many of our neighbors. Do you have a
spare bike or two in the back of your garage that you aren’t
using? We can put it to good use, call us or drop them off
to our office on Apple Ave.
Call Matt or Paula at 773-3448 for more information.
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
Stay connected and grow with us...
We would love to stay connected to you and grow together. At the volunteer banquet we spoke on growing
God’s kingdom by becoming the gardener; tilling the
soil, planting the seed, watering and tending to the
plants and then cultivating and harvesting. When you
think of our neighbors in need being God’s garden
then you know that we have much work to do. It takes
many hands to do all that He asks of us. We at Love
INC have a passion for people and we strive to see the
best in everyone. Our goal is to work with people to
show them there is a better way, hold them accountable and then watch as God transforms their life. We
ask them in depth questions regarding their income to
dept ratio...we discuss goal setting...we talk about
where they see themselves in (6) months. We stress
the importance of living within their means by attending our Relational Ministries Life Skills biblically based
classes; Manage Your Money, Powerful Parenting,
Stress Management, Healthy Eating and Jobs for Life.
There are so many good things going on at Love INC,
God is working through us and using us—what a humbling experience and it’s such a grace filled ministry to
be a part of. There are many ways to stay connected
with us...
Facebook: Like us on Facebook: search for
Love INC of Muskegon and help share our
news, stories, prayer requests, photos, and updates.
Website: We are in the process of updating our website,
check back often as a way to keep up with many programs
and pictures.
E-mail: We would like to stay connected better with
emails. Now, we don’t want to blast your accounts with
non stop mail but we would like to send out reminders and
bi-weekly emails at times. Please send us an email. Our
address is @loveincofmuskegon.com and you can address it to either: info@ , mattk@ , paulas@ , amandag@
and we will add you to our address book. You will not be
sent spam...only bi-weekly emails, prayer requests and
reminders.
Clearinghouse Volunteers: Answer phones and screen
our neighbors in need. Access their situation, go over
goals and opportunities available, schedule pantry visits.
(4) hour shifts available. Call 773-3448
Life Skills Teacher: Teaching our small groups in Money
Management, Powerful Parenting, Stress Management, or
Healthy Eating. These (8) week classes are geared to
equip our neighbors in need with the tools that they need
through biblical and practical principles and teachings, so
they may begin to transform their lives.
Mentors: Work one on one with a neighbor in need teaching them goal setting and working with a budget and being
able to live within the budget they created.
Jobs for Life Champion/Mentor: In this biblically based
program we teach the skills necessary to acquire gainful
employment through resume’ writing, interview techniques,
dress for success.
Prayer Partner: Get on our list of people that want to pray
for our neighbors in need. Each month we send via e-mail
or US Mail a letter with the monthly prayer requests. Sign
up to be a Prayer Warrior today! Because no matter how
you send it...God answers “knee” mail.
Board Member: Are you interested in becoming a board
member? Do you know someone who would make a good
board member? Each board member serves a (3) year
term and you can serve (2) terms. Call 773-3448 to learn
more about this direction setting team.
Event Committee: Do you like fundraising? Do you like
planning parties and events? Are you creative? Your
ideas are welcomed and appreciated. You can send ideas
to Paula or you can call her at 773-3448. We would love
to have you join this team where monthly to bi-monthly
brain storming meetings are held.
Love INC and friends on Channel 7: Watch us on Comcast Channel 7, usually the first Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. of every
month.
Ambassador: Be a love INC Ambassador...business
cards are available at the Clearinghouse Office. See Matt,
Paula or a board member for more details about how you
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
Gifts given in Memory or in Honor of loved ones...
“In Memory of:
William Boukamp
By: Annajean Boukamp
Benny Scholl
By: Gary & Sharon Ransom
Caral Sikkenga Dykman
By: Harry & Char Sikkenga
Baby Chloe Belis
By: Harry & Char Sikkenga
“In Honor of”
Gail Kraft
The cake said it best.; Well done my good
and faithful servant—May you feel God ‘s
blessings during your retirement.
Michael & Monique Vanepps
Janet Wolf
First Congregational Church
Harry & Char Sikkenga
Vicki Broge
Marietta Barrett
David & Charlene Church
Ronald & Loraine Czarneke
Kurt & Cheryl Deford
Clara Egeler
Thomas & Leone Grams
Love INC of Grandville
Love INC of Newaygo
Shape Corp.
Duane and Susan Schecter
Gloria Sikkenga
James & Darlene Smith
Gilletta & Marvin Terlaan
Richard & Shirley Tindall
Brian & Debra Walters
Marvin & Helen Wassink
Cliff & Chris Zeedyk
Kevin & Carol Newton
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
Clearinghouse news and numbers...
Ramp Ministry: It’s that time of year again for our Ramp
ministry. If you are interested in volunteering with the helping of building a ramp or even funding a ramp for a person
in need give Amanda a call at 231-773-3448 ext. 2305.
Our Ramp Ministry has helped many clients who have had
a hard time getting in and out of their home. It has made
life a little easier for those who are disabled. This ministry
is something we know God wants to have continued.
Please help us to achieve the goal of helping those who
are in need of a ramp.
Earth Day: On April 20 we reflected on Earth Day, what a
great world our Creator has given us to take care of and
what a huge responsibility it is. We are always trying to
find ways to help our environment and one way is to receive this newsletter via e-mail. If you would like to help
save the trees and the cost of printing and mailing, send
us an e-mail and get the newsletter delivered right to your
in box.
Services Provided: From January 2013 through March
2013 our clearinghouse volunteers and pantry volunteers
have been busy with requests and services. 647 families
were served with our Food Pantries impacting 1527 people.
338 families were served with our Personal Care Pantries
impacting 857 people. 112 people received baby services
impacting 433 people. 1782 families came to Love INC and
received assistance from one of our services impacting 4960
individuals. 182 people went through our New Directions
Life Skills classes impacting 599 individuals.
Love INC Apparel: We have been blessed by a donor who
purchased a large quantity of shirts, fleece, jackets and other
items for us to sell out of the clearinghouse. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt to wear around town and help us
get the word out about Love INC. please stop in and see us.
Prices are VERY reasonable!
Michigan Adventure Food Drive: Once again this year
Michigan Adventure is teaming up with Love
INC for their annual food drive. Bring in (2) non
perishable food items to Michigan’s Adventure
on Friday, June 14 and receive $5.00 off your
ticket price. What a great way to help the less fortunate
and have a great family day in the process.
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
We are blessed with all the Lord provides...
A few Amish Proverbs: 1) When you get to your wit’s end,
you’ll find God lives there. 2) Faith hears the inaudible, sees
the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible. 3) Be like the tea kettle, when it’s up to it’s neck in hot
water...it sings!
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Love INC: We are
always pleased when God sends us new faithful servants to
add to His ministry. We are humbled to welcome Bren Elliott
and Faith Lefear to the clearinghouse team and Katie Jenkins
has joined the bridges to motherhood team. Welcome—we
are excited to have you on the Love INC team.
Our clearinghouse volunteers go
above & beyond...
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
Love around town — our featured partners...
The St. Thomas food pantry has been serving the hungry in Muskegon County for over 26 years. Kathy and her team of volunteers
are available (4) days a week for our neighbors who are in need of food. They have dry goods as well as (3) freezers so they can
serve frozen foods as well. Thank you so much for all you do to help our neighbors strive for self sufficiency. You are doing God’s
work and it is an honor to be partnered with you and your Church.
Immanuel Lutheran Church has been home to our baby pantry for the past (7)
years. Inez and her team go to great lengths to make sure that the little one’s
are taken care of. Mark 10:13-16 says; One day some parents brought their
children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded
the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was
angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t
stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a
child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his
hands on their heads and blessed them.
What a great ministry to be able to take care of the needs of our little ones that
Jesus loves so much. If you have a heart for the children please consider collecting items for this great pantry. We are always in need of diapers, wipes,
lotions and gently used clothes, toys, strollers and high chairs.
Love Letters is published bi-monthly by Love In the Name of Christ of Muskegon County at 2735 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Love Letters
May/June 2013
Board of Directors
Dick Nolan, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, President
Joe Singerling, First Congregational Church, Muskegon, V. P.
Char Boertman, Olivet Evangelical Free Church, Secretary
Bruce Duiser, Unity Reformed Church, Treasurer
Pastor Brian Kyle, Fruitland Evan. Covenant Church
Ron Nyenhuis, Calvin CRC
Dick Morgan, St. James Catholic Church, Montague
Joel VanderWall, Forest Park Covenant Church
Office Staff
Executive Director:
Matthew Kaley, St. James Catholic Church
mattk@loveincofmuskegon.com
Clearinghouse Coordinator/Office Manager:
Paula Scott-Stewart, Laketon Bethel Reformed Church
paulas@loveincofmuskegon.com
Administrative Assistant:
Amanda Gillihan, The Journey Community Church
amandag@loveincofmuskegon.com
Relational Ministries Coordinator:
Vacant
YOU make a difference in the lives of people in need.
Each need brought to Love INC represents an opportunity to connect with one of God’s children,
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Love INC of Muskegon County * 2735 E. Apple Ave. Suite A * Muskegon , MI 49442 * 231-773-3448