Eric Heath - March 7, 2025
On the “Local Outreach” page on Northview’s website, you will read the following:
As a multi-campus church, we believe that it’s important to be investing in the local communities that we are planted in. Alongside our formal partnerships, we are pursuing ways to lovingly engage people to see their flourishing.
One of Northview’s partnerships that has a unique relationship with Central Abbotsford is The Gathering Markit (TGM), which operates one of its two locations on the downstairs floor of Mill Lake Church.
If you are not already familiar with this ministry, they partner with local social service agents and other healthcare professionals, accepting referrals of families going through difficult financial situations. Approved families are eligible to obtain a membership to TGM that allows them access to low-cost healthy and balanced groceries. Recognizing that food insecurity is often a temporary and in many cases invisible circumstance, TGM’s aim is to provide a dignified and uplifting means of alleviating this societal challenge, while also positively impacting the lives of those who shop there.
TGM’s Mill Lake location is a joint partnership with Mill Lake Church and Northview, and the majority of the volunteers attend at one of Northview’s gathering sites. Recently, a number of our volunteers have had to step back or reduce their commitment, and I would love it if there were a few of you that were able to step in and help this valuable ministry.
Opportunities available include greeting and assisting shoppers, and generally engaging in a welcoming and friendly manner, showing the kind of hospitality that has become the hallmark of Central Abbotsford. TGM is also looking for a few volunteers to visit with any children that might come while their parents/guardians shop. No expertise is necessary, just a willingness to love and serve!
TGM operates on Friday and Saturday mornings, so if you have availability on either of these days, even once a month, would you consider being a part of this important ministry? If this is a service opportunity that you could see yourself doing, please contact Carrie at cmotz@northview.org or fill out a Serve Card this weekend and let us know that you are interested in supporting this ministry.
Thanks – and see you Saturday evening!
Eric