the word became flesh

“…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

The incarnation is Christmas: Jesus, fully God, became fully human to rescue us. The Creator stepped into His creation, not as a mission or campaign, but to redeem and restore us.

As His followers, we are called to live the incarnation daily. Jesus showed the deepest expression of God’s love by entering our world, meeting us where we are, and walking alongside us. We reflect His love through service, generous giving, and acts of care—at home, work, and in our communities.

We’ve compiled ways for you, your family, and community groups to participate, including opportunities to pray for and support Christ Church partners: Muskegon Rescue Mission, Hope Project, Fresh Coast Alliance, and Love INC.

This Christmas, let’s carry the light of Jesus into the world—offering hope, joy, peace, and love to the broken and lost. Following His example, we become His hands and feet, making God’s grace visible in tangible ways.

LOCAL MINISTRY PARTNERS

MUSKEGON RESCUE MISSION

Contact:
Desiree Glynn | 231.727.6090 | volunteer@muskegonmission.org

Volunteer Needs:

  • Decorate for Christmas at the Men’s Shelter

  • Host a Super Bowl party at the Men’s Shelter

  • Serve Dinner on Christmas Day: December 25

  • Bright Futures: Front Desk & Classroom Aide

  • Evening Chapel Speakers

  • Bible Study Leaders

  • Community Resource Center Front Desk Greeter

  • Life Skills Leader

  • Thrift Store Assistant

  • Processing Center Assistant

  • Shelter Aide

  • Kitchen Assistant

  • Food Runner / Grocery Shopper / Pantry Assistant

Give to the muskegon rescue mission

FRESH COAST ALLIANCE

Contacts:
Joy Sparks  | 231.638.6677  |  joys@freshcoastalliance.org 
Jennifer Juhasz |231.286.1992 |  jenniferj@freshcoastalliance.org

Volunteer Needs:

  • Driver to transport participants to and from FCA one day a week (Tuesday and Thursday)

  • Kitchen Manager: manage pantry 4-5 hours a week

  • Facilitator: teach a class/Bible Study once a week for a quarter

Donation Needs:

  • Gloves for men and women

  • Coffee - Any kind of bulk coffee, 8 oz foam cups, plastic forks

  • Meijer, Sam’s, and Lowe’s Gift Cards

  • Razors, shampoo, body wash, nail clippers, toothbrushes, shower caddies, new pillows, twin comforters, and toothpaste

Give to fresh coast alliance

THE HOPE PROJECT

Contact:
Jennifer Gowings | 231.747.8555 | jen@hopeprojectusa.org

Volunteer Needs:

  • Adopt a group and provide a meal (or give money toward a meal) for Therapist lead groups

  • Drive to transport clients to their appointments

  • Coordinating a self care (hygiene) drive with a small group once a year

Donation Needs:

  • Gift cards for the Mentor program & Client Services ($25+)

  • Gas gift cards ($10 to Speedway or Wesco)

  • Slippers or socks for Winter (S-XL)

  • Pajamas in all sizes - Women (S-3XL)

  • Black leggings of all sizes - Women (S-3XL)

Give to the hope project

Love INC

Contact:
Joshua Alviar | 231.740.8163 | joshuaa@loveincofmuskegon.com
Kim Rokus | 231.332.2311 | kimr@loveincofmuskegon.org

Volunteer Needs:

  • Appliance Ministry Volunteers

  • Love Cafe - Dishwasher

  • Love It Again Resale Store - Cashier

  • Love It Again - Truck Crew to assist in donation pickups

Donation Needs:

  • Shampoo & Conditioner 14oz

  • Bath Wash 15oz

  • Men's & Women's Deodorant

  • Gifts for Men for New Directions Christmas Store

give to love inc

OTHER SERVing ideas

CRAFT, COOK, CREATE

  • Take a meal to a widow, homebound member, single mom, or recent divorcee.

  • Bake goodies and deliver them to your local police or fire station.

  • Write letters or send cards to missionaries, active military, veterans, the incarcerated or those in assisted living.

  • Gather together and assemble blankets for a local children’s home or shelter.

  • Knit or crochet lap blankets for someone facing health challenges.

  • Put together and distribute homeless bags.

  • Fill a freezer with meals for a new mom.

  • Decorate sack suppers for Kids Food Basket.

DONATE AND SHOP WITH A PURPOSE

  • Donate food to a local food shelter.

  • Purchase presents for a local Angel Tree.

  • Sponsor a family at our church or local school for Christmas.

  • Distribute Thanksgiving meals for families in need with United Way.

  • Purchase diapers and wipes for a struggling child.

  • Donate children’s books and movies to a local hospital.

  • Fill backpacks with school supplies for struggling families.

  • Gather hats, scarves, and gloves for elementary school students.

  • Purchase supplies for teachers or day care facilities.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

  • Volunteer at Muskegon Pregnancy Services.

  • Offer to help with Kids Food Basket.

  • Run errands for a disabled or elderly neighbor.

  • Visit an assisted living facility and join them for a game of cards or simply sit and listen to their stories.

  • Clean the home of an elderly person or homebound.

  • Organize a yard clean up or handyman chores for someone in need.

  • Organize a free car cleaning for single moms.

  • Clear snow for the disabled or elderly.

  • Offer to watch children of a young couple so they can have a date night.

  • Go Christmas caroling with a group to assisted living facilities.

  • Pray with and for your neighbors, first responders, elderly, veterans.

  • Invite a widow or widower to join a family event.