Written by Tanya Terry
Hill City Church-Flint was only launched about four months ago. So, it started during a pandemic and has transitioned into community ministry. The Hill City Church-Flint congregation is a young, close-knit ministry, according to Kelan Foard, senior pastor at Hill City Church-Flint. Foard said the youngest regular attendee to the church is 38, but added community members of all ages are welcome.
“We just love God,” Foard said. “We serve people. Those are our core values. We believe our church is a place where we can teach people about God and grow in God.”
Foard had the idea for Community Impact 2021.
“We were sitting around, myself and some core members of our team, and we were really just trying to find out how we could reach the community,” he said. “So, one day, after church, we went outside and we just were led to let the community know we were there.”
According to Foard, there had not been a church in the building or area for the last 36 months. He and the core members wanted to let the community know they were there to serve.
“In that, I just felt handing out the flyers wasn’t enough. So, we needed to do something else-something bigger. So, we started strategizing and we came up with the Community Impact Day.”
The church is off Ballenger Highway and Arlene Avenue. There was a church in the building previously, Living Witness Ministries. Foard knew the pastor, Don Kelly, and his family, who relocated to North Carolina.
“With that, I knew how long it had been since someone was in that specific building.”
Hill City Church-Flint is ready to make the community aware of their presence in a big way.
Free food will be provided at Community Impact Day.
“We’re doing old school, traditional barbecue. We’ll be outside grilling, with our popcorn machine, cotton candy machine and snow cone machine.”
The church plans to give away 50 backpacks during the event, all filled with school supplies and vaccination information.
“We decided to do that because we serve an underprivileged community.”
“The church has already given away over $1,000 in prizes. We’ve given away Starbuck gift cards. We’ve given away T-shirts. We’ve given away gas cards in amounts ranging from $25-$100.”
On Community Impact Day, the church plans to give away several scooters.
There will be three bounce houses for the children to play in, as well as a basketball rim.
“My wife and I have five children. So, it’s really important for us to be able to reach those individuals who are school-aged. For personal reasons, I think it’s important to let children know that there’s a safe place they can come, where they won’t be judge and can interact with other children. With my wife and I having five children, it allows us to be a staple in the area for those individuals.”
According to census information, most children in the church’s area are age 10 and under.
Medical professionals will be onsite administering vaccinations to those who need them and would like to receive them. They will be bringing Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be saved for ages 18 and over. Those desiring to be vaccinated at the event must present proper identification. Those ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent to receive a vaccine. Those wanting to receive dose two of a vaccination should present their proof of prior vaccination/vaccination card.
Foard said the church is not forcing anyone to get information, but they are providing information and opportunity.
He gave the Biblical scripture 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.”
Hill City Church-Flint is located at 2126 Harwine St, Flint, MI 48532.
