Outreach at Beacon Heights
Food Bank
The Food Bank is part of the Associated Churches Food Bank System and serves about 25 households per week in the area surrounding the church, stretching from the St. Joe River on the west to I-469 on the east, and Trier Road on the north to the Maumee River on the south. The Food Bank is open Wednesday mornings for two hours and clients may come once a month and will receive approximately five days worth of food. The Food Bank requires two servers and a receptionist to staff it when open. A team of volunteers takes turns filling these positions. In addition, there is a coordinator couple and back up coordinators. A shopper purchases food supplies that are not donated. The Food Bank is supported by donations of food and money from Beacon Heights, as well as food from other area churches.
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Many Beacon Heights members enjoy helping with this housing program sponsored by the Interfaith Hospitality Network. During three separate weeks each year our church houses homeless families overnight. Volunteers of all ages sign up and help serve suppers, play with children in the evening, stay overnight with our guests or transport families in the van. This is a wonderful way to serve God in our community.
Brethren Disaster Ministries
Challenged by Galatians 6:2 to "carry each other's burdens," the Church of the Brethren seeks to relieve suffering, whether caused by war, strife or natural disaster. In the spirit of this call by the denomination, Beacon Heights organizes a week-long disaster service trip each year in which members and friends of the congregation participate. They travel together to the site of a disaster and volunteer their time in helping victims recover from specific tragedies. This may include anything from cleaning up after a flood to rebuilding homes after a tornado or hurricane.
Partner Church Relationship with Mision Cristiana
In 1991, Beacon Heights developed a mutually supportive relationship with a small church in Managua, Nicaragua, the Second Congregation of Mision Cristiana. Our churches share an emphasis on urban ministry, especially by providing educational opportunity for children. Since the beginning of our connection, 2nd Congregation has expanded from a pre-school program to offering pre-K through secondary education. We have been able to support our partner church with funding for their school building and scholarships, as well as for a nutrition program for students with our Milk and Rice offering from individual members of Beacon Heights. By way of several delegations to and from Managua, the members and pastors of 2nd Congregation have shared with us the strength of their faith in living out God's call to minister in a cultural and economic environment very different from ours, providing us with new insights and opportunities for spreading God's love and message of hope.
Persistence for Peace
Persistence for Peace is an informal group that meets monthly to promote and support peace and justice organizations and actions in our city, nation and world. During our meetings we plan forums, hear speakers, study related writings, compose letters to the editor or to our representatives in government and pray for peace. Members also support local peace rallies and "heal the land" services. This group meets monthly. Contact the church office for meeting schedule.
