God is often described as having a heart for the orphan, the widow, the poor, and the sick. In other words, God cares for the most vulnerable and marginalized people. Since God cares for them, we want to do the same. Our plan for Serve the City is to consistently partner with organizations serving the most vulnerable people in our area. We want to come alongside what they are doing, join in their work, and encourage them. We plan consistent events to partner with these organizations throughout the year, encourage LifeGroups to get involved with them, and host a big city-wide serving weekend at least once a year.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Many children in our community are facing hospitalization and ongoing medical treatment as a result of severe illness and disease. Prisma Children’s Hospital provides continuing care and support for these children and their families. We seek to support Prisma Children’s staff and the children and families they care for.
TRANSITIONS
We desire that our city would be a place where no one experiences homelessness. We partner with Transitions Homeless Center because we believe a holistic approach is necessary. Transitions provides immediate shelter to those experiencing homelessness while also offering a range of services, including job training, life skills classes, health care services, and permanent housing assistance. We aim to support their staff and bless the community they are assisting.
HOME WORKS
Many vulnerable low-income homeowners live in our city and need assistance repairing their homes. Often, these individuals are widowed, elderly, or in poor health. Home Works comes alongside these individuals to provide home repairs owners cannot accomplish on their own. We partner with Home Works to work with them in building up the communities they are serving.
EZEKIEL CENTER
Children who don’t receive enough quality time with loving adults can be lured into self-destructive behaviors. Kids need people they can admire and a community of individuals to support them. Ezekiel Ministries seeks to minister to youth in the Columbia area through Christ-centered mentoring. As a church, we partner with Ezekiel in ministering to kids by providing support to ongoing mentor relationships.
EPWORTH CHILDREN'S HOME
Right in our city, many children experience severe brokenness in their family lives. They experience extreme abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Epworth Children’s Home offers a place for these children to find the nurture and care they need. As we partner with Epworth, we look to support them in providing space for these children to begin to experience the healing, hope, and care that the Lord desires for them.
DAYBREAK
Many women face unplanned pregnancies and find themselves alone and unsure of what to do. Daybreak exists to come alongside women and families facing unplanned pregnancies in the Columbia area by providing ongoing support and resources. As a church, we partner with Daybreak by providing welcoming spaces for these women to receive the help and support they need.
SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army of the Midlands serves those in need in the Columbia area through the love of Christ in various ways. We seek to come alongside the Salvation Army to help meet the needs of our community.
If you would like any additional information on our Serve the City partnerships and initiatives,
please contact Pastor Wes Butler.