Celebrate Hope
Celebrate Hope is the compassionate ministries arm of VNC. If you desire to impact homelessness, serve dry goods to those in need, transport the sick or injured to medical appointments, visit the homebound...unable to leave their home or assisted living arrangement, support grandparents electing to raise grandchildren with absent parents, or be a giver/donor to those in financial restraints, then there is always a place for you! Join us as we work together to make a real difference in Porter County.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16
Ministries
The Dry Pantry is a twice weekly ministry which caters to those in need of dry goods. As the only dry pantry in Porter County we provide to any member of the Porter County community. The pantry gives out items such as soap laundry detergent, shampoo, toilet paper, etc. Contact coordinator Cherie Lee Yonker at (219) 462-4343 for more information.
The Walk-In Ministry is for those who are looking for some guidance or help when they do not know where to turn. VNC is always here to help those in need and the walk-in ministry gives people a chance to drop in when their options are few. Contact Director Jilleen Simons at (219) 462-2751 X 205 for more information.
The Men's Homeless Shelter is a place for homeless men to get off the street and get a fresh start. During the cold winter months VNC and other local churches host,overnight, homeless men without children who need a warm place to sleep, shower, and eat nutritious meals. Contact Director Jilleen Simons at (219) 462-2751 X205 for more information.
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it. -Hebrews 13:2
The Shut-In Ministry caters to those who are living in nursing homes or are homebound for any reason. Many people enjoy being read to and just having a visitor. Contact Coordinator Marge Geer at (219) 464-9369 for further information.
Just Pick-Me-Up Ministry gives the gift of transportation to those who do not have it. It involves taking people to medical appointments when they are unable to do so themselves. Contact Coordinator Dick Beschinski at (219) 548-0355 or (219) 508-1089 for further information.
Hospital Visitation-VNC has a very large population which means that there are people who are in and out of the hospital quite frequently. We have developed a ministry for people to visit others in the hospital. Patients in the hospital enjoy visitors when their families cannot be there with them.
Grandparents As Parents-Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren? GAP is a support based group just for you. One Wednesday a month this group meets at VNC in a Q&A form to talk about struggles and learn more about parenting your grandchild. A light meal is served and occasionally there are meetings at someone's house with a different meeting style. Childcare is provided on Wednesdays. Contact Coordinator Peggy Way at (219) 462-4975 or (219) 241-3935 for more information.
The Benevolence Ministry is designed to help members of our church or community who are in need financial assistance. There are a number of situations in which income is cut: adults with chronic illness and children to care for, recovery from injury, loss of a spouse, a loss in job, or being laid off are but a few examples. We provide support for budget shortfalls. Contact Director Jilleen Simons at (219) 462-2751 X 205 for more information.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:35
Celebrate Hope is currently developing other ministries and outreach opportunities, for example; a ministry to widows that provides for home maintenance, sponsoring a student within our church family that provides the privilege to go on a short term mission trip or even attend SHIFT on Sunday nights, spending time with a child who has little or no parental contact, and helping single parents with dependent children to meet the needs of an absent two parent home. We are patiently waiting on the Holy Spirit to appoint a coordinator to these and all Celebrate Hope ministries. If you feel the Lord leading you to take part in any of these ministries you can contact Jilleen Simons. Maybe your gift is giving financially to one or more of these ministries? If you feel lead to give/donate to any of these ministries simply write benevolence on your tithe envelope or check and the amount that you desire to give. If there is a specific ministry you would like to donate to please contact Jilleen Simons. (219) 462-2751 X205 jilleens@valponaz.org
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. -1 Peter 4:8-9