Help us reach our $30,000* goal!
As Christians, we believe that God has generously lavished us with his grace. Out of gratitude for that incredible gift, then, we believe that we too are called to lavish others, both inside and outside the Church, with our own gifts of time, talents, and money. (You can learn more about what God says about generosity by watching/listening to our Generous Church sermon series.)
This fall, as we study the practice of generosity together, the Ivanrest Church community is being challenged to be generous with your time and resources within our own church community and in support of churches in Classis Red Mesa.
Let’s see how God might use us together to bless others as we have been blessed!
*Any funds collected above the goal will be evenly divided between the various initiatives.
GENEROSITY NEAR
As a church, we deeply value and rely on the dedication of our volunteers and financial donors. Our church community offers a wide range of opportunities for personal growth, embracing diversity, and deepening your faith. Within our church, numerous volunteer roles are available, catering to people of all ages, genders, and levels of commitment. We believe everyone has a unique contribution to make, and we welcome individuals to join us in serving both within and beyond our church walls.
Through the Generosity Near & Far 2024 campaign, our focus on "near" will challenge you to be generous with your time and resources within our own church community.
- explore a new volunteer opportunity
- serve with your family, friends, Table Group, or Bible study group
- help establish an Ivanrest Church scholarship fund
GENEROSITY FAR
Many of us have heard of Rehoboth and Zuni, but did you know these schools and churches are part of a larger network of CRC churches in New Mexico and Arizona? Many of these congregations are small and face financial challenges in maintaining their facilities, paying pastors and staff, and supporting community members in becoming commissioned pastors and leaders. Classis Red Mesa consists of 18 churches, 12 of which are Reservation and Pueblo churches primarily serving the Navajo and Zuni peoples.
Through the Generosity Near & Far 2024 campaign, our focus on "far" will challenge you to be genersou with your time and resources in support of Classis Red Mesa.
- provide financial support to their emergency fund
- participate in a week-long service trip to Rehoboth and the Gallup area in June 2025
- Try One New Thing: Ivanrest Church has a rich history of providing ministry opportunities for people of all ages in our congregation and active involvement alongside numerous organizations and agencies in the West Michigan area. None of these things would happen without people willing to be the hands and feet of Christ to others. As a piece of our engagement in the spiritual discipline of generosity, we encourage you to try ONE new thing ONE time in 2025. There are opportunities for people in every stage of life. You may find a new favorite!
- The National Day of Service is October 26. Serve as an individual, a family, Table Group, Bible study group or friend group! Some ideas include making freezer meals, raking someone's lawn, picking up groceries/running errands for someone who is shut-in or sick, walking a neighbor's dog, babysitting some fun kids to allow the parents a night out, the possibilities are endless!
- Kids Hope Mentor: Although Kids Hope is a new ministry at Ivanrest Church, the organization has been connecting the local church to local schools for decades. Kids Hope USA believes that all kids matter to Jesus and that the local church is uniquely called to care for children in their community who would benefit from another caring, reliable relationship. Through proven church-school partnerships, mentors stand alongside parents, teachers, principals and counselors to ensure kids that they are valued and loved. Through the power of relationship, kids build resilience and a brighter future. Learn more about being a mentor by contacting Ruth or Sue.
- Rehoboth Service Trip June 2025: Spend a week in the Classis Red Mesa area learning more about life in that area of the country and providing much needed service and support to Rehoboth and some area churches. Additional details about what the team will be doing will be coming in the next few months. While a firm commitment is not required now, we are asking those who have any interest in participating/receiving additional information to complete this Interest Form by November 30.
- Raise $30,000 above and beyond our regular giving as a congregation.
- $20,000 - Red Mesa Emergency Fund: This Emergency Fund helps churches in Classis Red Mesa make necessary repairs to their facilities, pay for pastor's salaries when there is a shortfall, fund leadership training, and more.
- $5,000 - Ivanrest Scholarship Fund: While many events at Ivanrest come without cost, there are times when that just isn't possible. Whether it be special events, winter retreats, mission trips, or something else entirely, sometimes additional costs come along! These costs can sometimes be a burden. When these concerns arise, we never want to turn away someone who wants to be involved simply due to cost. With a scholarship fund available, those who might not have been able to go on a retreat, cross-country mission trip, or a special outing with friends would suddenly be able to make it work.
- $2,500 Rehoboth Service Trip Special Project: Without knowing what specific project(s) the team will be working on, it is hard to say what this money will be used for specifically right now. The goal is have funds available for the Rehoboth Service Trip Team to use on a special project during their time there.
- $2,500 - Reserve for any unforeseen costs or overages. If it is unused, it will be added to the Red Mesa Emergency Fund.
- Thanksgiving Food Drive: Thousands of kids in West Michigan come from homes where weekend hunger is a reality. As a church community, we have the opportunity to bless 89 children each week with food for the weekend. What a blessing! It also drains our food pantry quickly so we are asking for your help to restock the pantry for the second semester of the school year.
- Food Items Needed: juice pouches/boxes; fruit cups; pudding cups; pasta box; pasta sauce (no glass jars);
- Pay It Forward: Next time you are in the drive-thru lane, pay for the person behind you in line. You never know what type of chain reaction of generosity you may start!
- Simplify Your Home: Many of us have excess items in our homes...clothing, coats, home items, furniture, games, etc. Simplify your home and bless those who may have a need for those items by donating them to second-hand store or local charity.
The ways we can be generous don't stop with these events and ideas! Be creative with your family and let us know what you are doing to be generous this fall by emailing generosity@ivanrestcrc.org. And send pictures! We'd love to see them!
More ideas on how you can continue the practice of generosity in your life will be posted here as we continue through the series. And please share your ideas with us too!
How will YOU be generous?
Our hope is that together, we can respond to the generosity God has demonstrated to us with overwhelming generosity of our own. Whether you participate in one or more of the above opportunities, give directly to the project online or through giving envelopes (Generosity Giving), we are excited to see what God can do both in and through us with this project!