Making a difference
I am honored and excited to support and witness the incredible work our Hillspring community engagement ministries teams are doing. Each team embodies our church's mission of serving others with love and compassion, and I want to share the remarkable impact we're making together.
Our INgear Bicycle Ministry provides transportation by repairing donated bicycles and giving them to those in need, promoting not just mobility but also a sense of freedom and independence. They are also certified to provide cycling education, activities, and support for the community at large. We have an exciting event coming up on July 19 at the Union Gospel Mission—a bike repair and donation event. This event is not just about fixing bikes; it's about empowering individuals and families in our community. I encourage everyone to come out, whether you have a bike in need of repair, a bike to donate, or want to volunteer and make a difference.
Our newest ministry, Stitched in the Spirit, offers individuals an opportunity to share their love of knitting and crocheting to create beautiful handmade items such as blankets, hats, gloves, and scarves. These items are distributed to local hospitals, shelters, and others in need of a little warmth and comfort. Their work not only provides physical warmth but also conveys the love and care of our community to those who need it most.
Our Wellness ministry is another pillar of our community outreach. This team focuses on promoting healthy living by offering fitness classes, physical activities such as hiking and pickleball, and educational workshops. They aim to nurture the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our church family and the wider community, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to live a healthy life.
M25 Honduras Ministries is our international outreach program, where we partner with local communities in Honduras to support various development projects. This ministry exemplifies our commitment to global service, working to improve the lives of our brothers and sisters abroad through sustainable projects and compassionate outreach.
Mobile Market ministry partners with Second Harvest to address food insecurity in our local area. By distributing perishable and nonperishable food items, this team ensures that families in our community have access to nutritious food. Their work is vital in creating a supportive and caring community where no one must worry about their next meal.
Our Up to Code Yard Assistance ministry works to help our neighbors throughout the Tri-Cities who struggle to maintain their property and are under code violation. This team’s efforts keep our neighborhoods beautiful and safe, demonstrating the love and support of our church community through their hands-on service.
Lastly, our Living Nativity Christmas dramatic experience is a cherished tradition at Hillspring Church and in the Tri-Cities. Each year, this ministry brings the story of Christmas to life in a way that is both powerful and moving. It’s a wonderful way to share the message of Christ’s birth with our community, and the dedication of the volunteers who make this event possible is truly inspiring.
I am constantly amazed by the dedication and passion of each ministry team. However, the impact of our ministries is only possible with the help of volunteers. Volunteering is not just about serving others, it's about being part of a community, a family. If you have a heart for service, I invite you to join one of our ministry teams. Whether you're skilled at fixing bikes, enjoy knitting or crocheting, are passionate about health and wellness, or want to lend a helping hand, there's a place for you at Hillspring Church. Check out the Volunteer Hub on the Hillspring website for more information about these ministries and ways to get involved.
Together, we are making a difference, one act of service at a time. I look forward to working alongside you in our shared mission to serve and uplift our community. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Josie Villa
Coordinator
Community Engagement