Grace United Methodist Church

The Faith Weaver (FW) Friends group at Grace United Methodist Church (GUMC) in Hastings is beginning their third year of service to schoolchildren in the community.

A group of volunteers let by Christian Education Coordinator Lori Christy implemented a school year program that provides a safe and nurturing environment after school every Wednesday.

The church’s location within a mile of three of Hastings’ elementary schools contributes to the program’s success. Each week a group of caring volunteers, led by Mrs. Christy and Pastors James Miller and Lee Wigert, provide after school homework assistance. The volunteers also cook and serve supper, and lead practices for activities including voice and bell choirs.

The innovative project combined the needs of children who may not otherwise have adult supervision after school with the gifts of retired teachers and other dedicated volunteers who are willing to share their time to make a difference in the lives of children. The outreach of this church to children is nothing new for Grace as the facility has also served as home to Pooh Corner West daycare in a partnership with the Adams County Child Development Council for more than 20 years.

The pocket dictionary defines grace as “seemingly effortless beauty, ease, and charm of movement or form” and the staff and volunteers of GUMC put that definition into action through their FW Friends program for not just members of the church but any child in the community