The City of Grand Rapids is working to improve the Creston Neighborhood via improvements to Plainfield Avenue.  One exciting feature of the updates is the addition of seven bio-retention islands.  These islands will be part of the crosswalk across Plainfield and will feature stop-and-wait space to continue crossing.  We are excited for these improvements this…

What is Lent?  When did it begin? It is the period of time before Easter. Traditionally it is the 46 days prior to Easter. While observance of Lent is not commanded in Scripture, it is nonetheless very old, and very valuable. Though celebrating Christmas is not in Scripture, many still do. The observance of Lent…

In 1786 Richard Allen became a preacher at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.  This congregation was a mixed congregation, consisting of both black and white members.  Though Allen was restricted to preaching in the early morning services (as early as 5:00AM), he began to attract a sizable congregation of black worshipers. In 1787…

Each year in the United States “Black History Month” is celebrated in February. During this month we remember the many great contributions of black folk throughout our history, whether they were slaves or abolitionists or fought for civil rights or simply contributed to the prosperity of this country through inventions, hard work, or strength of…