G. Initial Focus of the His Hands Ministry (2007)

While not limited by these initial ministry efforts, but in fulfillment of the themes of a bias toward action and walking before we run, the initial efforts of the His Hands Ministry (2007) will revolve around:
•    Lansing Christian Services (with URC serving as a Network Partner Church)
•    Reach Studio Art Center

His Hands Ministry efforts relative to these two ministries: These two ministries will be coordinated in the following ways:

Lansing Christian Services: The His Hands ministry is charged with identifying and supporting (in prayer, ideas, communication) a Lansing Christian Services Church Ministry Coordinator (CMC) for URC. Whenever possible, URC will have two CMCs – so as to distribute the work of coordinating this partnership. URC will serve as a Network Partner Church within the Christian Services system. One of the requirements of a Network Partner Church, a resource inventory, will be fulfilled by the URC Diaconate survey. Based on the dialogue between the His Hands Ministry Organizing and Support Group and Mary Anne Harkema, the initial efforts of URC’s His Hands Ministry work with LCS will revolve around LCS’s relief efforts (personal needs, food, clothing drives) and, when possible, work with other churches in support of their personal needs bank.

Reach Studio Art Center: A Reach Ministry Coordinator (RMC) will serve as the link between URC and Reach. Based on the dialogue between the Organizing and Support Group and Alice Brinkman, the initial efforts of the His Hands Ministry work with Reach will, in all likelihood, revolve around efforts to transport kids – and coordinate efforts to transport kids - to Reach for arts activities. The provision of “roof over the head” funding (rent, heat, lights) by URC was also noted as a potential focus of URC’s work with Reach.