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True North Campus Ministry Other Ministries: Porter Hills indeed represents a unique concept of retirement living. Situated on 35 beautifully landscaped acres near Grand Rapids, the village features a variety of living arrangements, dining areas, entertainment and recreational activities, worship services, and health care services. The facility is supported by members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, the national Presbyterian Church, and other local sources. Porter Hills has grown to encompass hundreds of residents from all walks of life and many different faiths and denominations. Westminster Child Development CenterThe purpose of the Westminster Child Development Center is to provide a Christian child care experience and to foster an atmosphere that fully addresses childrens' growth and developmental needs. The center has served the child care needs of parents who work or attend school downtown for 33 years. A sliding scale fee enables families at all income levels to have access to a high quality program for their children. We have a special concern for low income, single parent, and other special needs families. The center, designed for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years, is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, and also provides after school programming for school age children, as well as a summer day camp curriculum. Teachers provide opportunities for play, rest, and guided learning. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are served daily. The center is licensed by the State of Michigan and accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The center is owned and operated by Westminster Presbyterian Church within our church facility. The center is under the supervision and control of the Session and the financial supervision of the Trustees through the center's Board of Director's. For further information on this program, please contact the WCDC office at (616)458-8480. Camp HenryCamp Henry is a year-round Camp and Conference Center founded by Westminter Presbyterian Church of Grand Rapids in 1937. Camp Henry has grown from its original 37 acres to198 acres, with a half-mile of lakefront on Kimball Lake in Newagyo, MI. Camp Henry provides a summer resident camp experience for children ages 7-17. With a capacity for 180 campers in each of its one-week sessions, Camp Henry offers a variety of programs including regular camp, horseback, waterskiing, teen challenge, sailing, music, art, dance, Christmas Camp, mini-camps for the beginning young camper, and an elder camp. Camp Henry is open as a Conference Center year-round and is host to many religious groups as well as corporate and school groups who come to experience our beautiful setting as well as our three challenge courses; High Ropes Course, Low Ropes Course, and a 30' Climbing Tower. Camp Henry is fully licensed by the State of Michigan and the American Camping Association, and is a member of Christian Camping International. For more information about Camp Henry call (616)459-CAMP or visit their website at camphenry.org Westminster Churchmen's LuncheonThe Churchmen's Luncheon takes place on Wednesdays at noon throughout the year in the dining room of Westminster Presbyterian Church. This is an ecumenical program for men of every faith. It is a time of Christian fellowship and an opportunity for mid-week meditation. The meeting format consists of a buffet luncheon, followed by a hymn sing, meditation from guest preachers from the area, and prayer. Men's Tuesday Morning Prayer Group The Men's Tuesday Morning Prayer group meets every Tuesday morning at 7:00am in the church dining room for a time of Bible study and prayer. Leadership is shared among the participants and the meeting concludes at 8:00am. For further information, contact the church office (616) 456-1456. PeanutsPeanuts are a group of adults who prepare and sell peanuts. Volunteers work every Tuesday at 9:00am to wash, roast, and package peanuts. Volunteers work from April 1 until Memorial Day, and then again Labor Day until Christmas. Volunteers make an average of 90 to 150 pounds per week. In 1997, they prepared and sold 2,800 pounds of Peanuts! The peanuts are sold locally and make a great gift for the holidays! The group has purchased major furnishings for the church with their proceeds. Peanuts utilizes anywhere from 10-25 volunteers every Tuesday. Men and women are welcome, and not just church members. All are welcome and it is a wonderful time of fellowhsip and fun for all! For further information, please contact Vera Hendricks at (616) 364-9253. Programs for the Family Westminster schedules a variety of special activities for families throughout the year. Among the most popular events are the annual Family Camp, a week-long summer retreat at Camp Henry on Kimball Lake in Newaygo, MI, Dinners for Eight, Potlucks, St. Nicholas Breakfast, Advent and Pentecost Celebrations. Programs for Older Adults The Older Adults Committee plans monthly meetings and social and spiritual activities throughout the year for adults aged 55 and older. Entertaining and devotional programs are presented. Large print books are available from the committee, as well as information for senior citizens on opportunities for serving others. Anyone is encouraged to join this group! Please contact Kay Kretzschmer, Elder for Adults, for more information. |



