Adult
At PUCC, our adult ministry includes many programs that adults of all ages can explore and join.
Deacons
The Deacons are lay leadership serving the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation of PUCC. They care for the health of the membership through invitation, orientation and communication by connecting with new visitors, welcoming and mentoring new members and staying in contact with all members of the congregation. The Deacons coordinate with the ministers and administrative staff to assure that the space and setting for worship is positive, meaningful and conducive to worship, by securing ushers, greeters and readers, preparing and serving communion, managing the paraments, helping with new members and baptisms, and assisting during worship. Along with the ministers, the Deacons and Caring Friends care for the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation by reaching out to share support for special joys and celebrations and comfort for those who are sick or hurting. The Deacons also promote spiritual growth through readings and discussions, and work hand in hand with the ministers through the ministries at PUCC.
Retreats
At PUCC, the opportunity to participate in churchwide retreats are offered for both men and women. The retreats consist of a variety of venues including offsite, multiple day events of workshops and keynote speakers to outings of fun, food and fellowship.
Quilt Ministry
The Quilt Ministry was inspired by a group of several members of PUCC who enjoy quilting and wanted to offer support to those in our congregation experiencing a difficult time or recovering from surgery. For church members identified as benefiting from this support, the Quilt Ministry Team will make quilt squares available for church members to write a note of support or encouragement on a square that the Quilt Ministry Team will then finish into a quilt. The completed quilt is then given to the member in need in hopes they will be comforted by the words of love, faith and support from the congregation. In addition to the prayer quilts, the Quilt Ministry Team also make quilts that are presented to families when an infant is baptized.
Food, Fun and Fellowship (FFF)
The Food, Fun and Fellowship (FFF) group at Portage UCC coordinates social activities for adult singles and couples. Our events have included local activities, such as picnics at area inland lakes, the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, color and craft tours, game nights, to events in the wider area including Lake Michigan, Binder Park Zoo and Shipshewana. We have enjoyed holiday white elephant gift exchanges, cheese tasting, a scavenger hunt, local live theater and concerts, and most importantly, the opportunity for laughter and fellowship!
ACE – Adult Christian Education
The Adult Christian Education programs offered at PUCC include a variety of opportunities for our congregation to participate in at various times throughout the year. We offer Bible studies or series with discussions, along with book clubs where participants can share in discussion regarding a particular book. Presentations sharing spiritual trips or journeys have been shared, as well as informational/discussion programs regarding church activities or the wider community have been offered for greater understanding.
Meal Train
The Meal Train is a ministry designed to support church families in need of meals during difficult times with church members willing to provide a meal when needed.
Soup Suppers
Soup Suppers are an opportunity for food, fellowship and devotional study during the Advent and Lenten seasons.
Stephen Ministry
As a Stephen Ministry congregation, our formally trained Stephen Ministers are equipped and empowered lay caregivers that provide one-to-one long term, confidential, Christ-centered care to those that are experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment.
ChristCare Groups
One of the ministries we share at PUCC is our ChristCare Groups. These are small groups of members who meet together regularly for study, sharing, prayer and fellowship. We currently have 5 groups including a couple of women’s groups, a men’s group, and a mixed gender group, and they have proven to be a powerful way to support and care for one another and to grow personally and spiritually. Our ChristCare groups provide members with a place where they can grow together and grow in Christ through listening, discussing and reflecting upon Scripture and applying God’s truth to their daily lives. Together, they care for one another and share in study, worship, fellowship and service.