In the small town
of Calumet in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the Copper
Country Christian Fellowship (CCCF). Though once a prosperous
mining area, now 39 percent of the population lives below the
poverty line.
In 2004, commissioned lay pastor Rebecca Koivu began her ministry
with CCCF. In addition to leading worship, she opened the Angel
Mission Free Store. Churches, the store’s volunteer board,
and Becky have been strong advocates for this community.
CCCF is a storefront church. The congregation gathers for
worship on Sunday evenings. Once or more each month, a soup
supper is served before worship. Becky invited members of other
congregations to volunteer time and make contributions. Some
of the churches have established Angel Trees during the Christmas
season to receive donations. In the fall of 2006, more than
three hundred coats and winter jackets were collected and distributed.
Some Sundays only seven or eight may gather for worship. But
in one month, volunteers counted over eight hundred people who
came to either have something to eat or look for clothing and
furnishings they need. CCCF has a list of people with the greatest
need and makes up boxes to take to them. In addition, the ministry
gives those who are homeless space to keep their food.
Sadly, Becky Koivu died in December 2006. In a short time,
she made a big difference for a small town that grieves her
loss.
The Presbytery of Mackinac has 41 churches and 7,061 members.
Presbytery Point Camp is within its bounds. |
