Sunnyside UMC Information

A Free Store is a place where ALL people are welcome and ALL items are available completely FREE of charge. The United Methodist Free Store of Kalamazoo will redistribute clothing and household goods donated by the community to the community for FREE. However, it is our expectation that this store will not be just a place to acquire "stuff," but also a place where relationships will be formed - a place where individuals can come to know and be known so that we can continue in ministry together. Donated items will be made available to all individuals, regardless of their perceived level of need. Individuals are invited to come and stand in the presence of grace, where all is available for free. They are then invited to take grace with them in the form of clothing or other household items wherever they go. How the Free Store builds community:The Columbus Free Store reports that each dollar provided to the store generates $19 that return to the community and that since its opening in 1999 it has served over 34,000 families. Additionally, since its initial opening, the store and the relationships created in that space have lead to the creation of The Community Development for All People (501C3). This non-profit is now involved in a number of areas including developing affordable housing in their neighborhood (14 homes have been rehabilitated since 2009 with a partnership that plans to complete 65-75 more in the next 5 years), Food and Nutrition education and capacity building (developing community gardens and providing education around healthy eating), and Health and Wellness (including a Free Pharmacy and health clinic). Though our primary purpose is to redistribute material goods free to those who need them, our ultimate goal is to build community one relationship at a time. As that community is built, other needs will be brought to the forefront that we can then address as a community. How this is connected to our faith:Everything we do is framed in worship. Therefore, each Saturday before the store opens, those who are present are invited into a time of worship where we sing, hear a scripture reflection and pray together. Though this is not a requirement to shopping, a new worshiping community has emerged to celebrate the work that God is doing in our lives and community each week. As relationships are developing we are building the foundations upon which we can each grow deeper in our faith. It is our hope and purpose to be present in the heart of our community in a new way to be a bridge towards entering into broader and more intentional relationship which create lasting friendships and partnerships. Through these friendships and partnerships, we expect that our congregations will all be transformed to better reflect the light of God in Kalamazoo.