FSC Volunteer Support for Education:

GVSU Kirkhof College of Nursing Research Study

If you are at least 55 years old, you can help make a difference in education by participating in this study, which helps identify how certain types of visual information helps order adults find their way around.  The goal of the study is to help design institutional environments that allow maximum independence for older people.  Appointments are about 3 hours long, can be done at church (even on Sundays), and involve cognitive and visual screening, questionnaires, and virtual environments on a computer. Contact Paula Roelands if interested in participating at 459-8386 ext 225.

LEI - Elders Changing The World

Seniors 65 and older, if you would like to mentor a Grand Valley Nursing Student for one year (in your own home) to share your life wisdom, get some free health screenings, and help improve the future of geriatric health care, please contact the Beyond Sunday office at 459-8386 ext. 225.  Mentor applications will be accepted until December 31.

Tutoring at GR Montessori or Campus School

If you are available during school hours and would like to directly affect the education of a child in need of extra help, we've got plenty of opportunity for you with the FACTS program, tutoring a child or two.  FSC is involved with tutoring at both GR Montessori and Campus school, both Grand Rapids Public Schools.  Contact Paula at the Beyond Sunday office at 459-8386 ext. 225 to connect with this valuable way to ‘change the world'.

Get Involved with the GR Montessori-FSC Partnership

• Select a Wish List Tag (or more) from a tree in the church to provide needed school and classroom learning supplies.
  
• Drop off your newspapers at the Paper Gator recycling bin at the school (corner of Lyon St & College)
  
• Offer your expertise in an area that would enhance a learning experience at the school.
  
• Find out more about how you can help with the needs at GR Montessori by contacting Paula at the Beyond Sunday office at 459-8386 ext. 225.  Ideas and suggestions are welcome as we build our partnership.

FSC Work Days 

April 17th in the Church building:

Mark your calendars now for a Saturday morning Spring Cleaning All-Church Work Day on April 17th!  Our work will involve outdoor and indoor projects for all ages, sprucing up the building with some extra congregation TLC.  Outside projects include cleaning of gardens, grounds, and parking lot to prepare for spring planting.  Indoor projects will include cleaning, organizational, and assembly work, including dusting/polishing/wiping the entire Sanctuary.  Brunch and work begins at 8:30 a.m., with a satisfying lunch around noon.  You will spend the rest of the day and weekend with a great sense of accomplishment AND maybe a few new friends!

Fall in the community:

We will again be scheduling upcoming opportunities for FSC to work in our West Michigan community in September and October.  Stay tuned for dates and specific details as we get closer to fall.

BeFrienders! 

Have you ever thought about being a BeFriender to someone?

A ministry at FSC since 2004, our BeFrienders program is made up of Fountain Street volunteers who have been trained to listen to others as they journey through life.  Their role is to provide a non-judgmental, caring, and compassionate presence by simply listening and being there for those struggling with challenges ranging from grief/loss and family struggles to finances and loneliness.  BeFrienders participate under the supervision of FSC staff, working by the philosophy that their ministry is always more about caring than curing.  Confidentiality is always maintained.

We are presently recruiting new candidates to go through a winter training.  If you have an interest in being a part of this ministry, please stop by our Information Table in the Social Hall on November 8th.  BeFriender ministers will be present to answer any questions that you may have.  You may also call Arlene Chettleburgh at (616) 676-1273 for more information.

2010 Service Trip to New Orleans:

There is still a great need and much to be done to re-build this city.  Those who went on the service trip last year will testify to what a great experience it was.  It was an incredibly rewarding trip for all who went.  Here is your chance to be a part of that experience.  This is a great way to give of yourself and connect with fellow Fountain Streeters in the process.  We are looking for all the able-bodied people who would like to go.  No particular skills are necessary to be of service to the people of this city still in need.  If you are interested in going to New Orleans in late winter 2010 to assist with the re-building effort, please look for the Information Table in the Social Hall or contact Tim Creamer at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .