603 North Burdick, Kalamazoo MI 49007 269.345.1848 north1864@sbcglobal.net
Togetherness Group of
North Presbyterian Church
The Togetherness Group is a ministry of the congregation of North Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It began with a few congregation members living with serious and persistent mental illness. Over the years it has grown from 6 members to a mailing list of over 100 people in the Kalamazoo County area. Weekly activities average 35 members. The Congregation welcomes people living with mental illness and other disabilities into the full life of faith through the congregation’s worship, learning and mission. We are a congregation journeying with one another rather than having a ministry either “to” or “for” someone. We all understand that everyone is only one accident or illness from a disability of some kind regardless of our age. Additionally as we age, all of us will encounter other disabling conditions. These may include emotional illness brought on by the aging process and chronic physical illness.
The Togetherness Group will celebrate 20 years of ministry in 2009! The Congregation celebrates 145 years of ministry in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood! You are invited to join our journey for a visit one Friday, to worship on Sunday or for a longer time of worship, service and learning. Love, learn, listen – God speaks through our lives, words to nourish hope and reveal Christ’s light.
(The Congregation of North Presbyterian Church is supported with a generous grant from the Presbytery of Lake Michigan that enables us to provide the Togetherness Group as a community support for people living with serious and persistent mental illness without cost to those participating in the weekly programs. Additional funds are received through Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health and donations from individuals and congregations.)
“My name is Karen. I started coming to the group and then the church. I became a church member and a few years ago, an ordained Deacon. I’ve visited homebound members. I can contribute and live out my faith.” Karen assists in preparing for the activities of the group.
“My name is Steve. I live near-by, and the Togetherness Group gives me an opportunity to help others. I drive one of the Community Vans and receive a small stipend each week. That really helps a lot.” Steve lives in the neighborhood and also a member of the Council.
“My name is Melissa. The Togetherness Group gives me a way to go places with people regularly. We go on adventures every Friday. Our adventures help us build friendships with each other. It is a Godly group. I am a member at North Church and a newly ordained Deacon! At North and in the group we are not “consumers” but people with possibility. We can support the group and the congregation. We all succeed.”
Togetherness Group Coordinator
Rebeca Schrock-Herdeck
Togetherness Group Activity Number:
269.373.7063
Peer Support Number:
(leave a message for a return call)
269.377.7389
Comments from Members:
“My name is Barbara, and I love the Togetherness Group because it is full of love.” Barbara B. attends Second Reformed Church and serves on the Church Togetherness Council
“My name is Linda. I’ve been a part of the Togetherness Group practically since it began 20 years ago. I am accepted by the group. Through the group I returned to the church and am a member at North Church where I sing in the choir.”
Linda V. has been a member at North for more than 10 years and participates in all congregation activities including regular worship attendance and singing solos now and again with the choir.
“My name is Rosie, and the Togetherness Group is like a real family for me.”
Rosie lives in the neighborhood and has found a place of caring and friendship.
“My name is Marilyn. Melissa invited me to attend the group. I have received courage to go on. That’s why I come. I am so glad I accepted Melissa’s invitation.”
Calendar of Events
Winter-2010
Friday Jan 22nd
Movies
Pick up: 12:30-1:30
Friday Jan 29th
Lunch at North Presbyterian Church
Pick up: 10:30-12:00
Friday Feb 5th
Board games and Cards
Pick up: 12:30-1:30
Friday Feb 12th
Valentine's Party with Movie
Pick up: 12:30-1:30
Friday Feb 19th
Bowling
Pick up: 12:30-1:30
Friday Feb 26th
Lunch
Pick up: 10:30-12:00
Questions? Call Becky @ 373-7063
