Cooperating Churches to discuss poverty

from MLive

FROM LOCAL REPORTS

Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga, who works with the impoverished, brings a unique perspective to the vision of overcoming poverty.

So does her husband, Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, who has been pouring his efforts into economic development in downtown Muskegon.

Both are featured speakers at the upcoming annual dinner and meeting for Muskegon County Cooperating Churches, which will be held Jan. 28 at Bethesda Baptist Church, 575 Getty.

Gathering time for the event begins at 6 p.m., with meal time at 6:30 p.m.

The annual dinner and meeting is a fundraiser for the work of the Muskegon County Cooperating Churches for the coming year. It is also a business meeting for the ecumenical organization, in which member congregations have the chance to vote on the 2008 budget and select a slate of new board members for the coming year.

And it is a chance to examine the vision for the organization's work and service. In that sense, the topic for the annual dinner is "Overcoming Poverty."

Both speakers will address the topic. They bring perspectives from their work in both the top and bottom portions of the economic spectrum of the community.

As director of both Bethany Housing and Sacred Suds, Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga works with people in need. As manager of Muskegon Area First's Main Street Program, a downtown promotional and marketing organization, Dan Rinsema-Sybenga has been involved in economic development.

The topic for their presentation is "Prosperity for All."

Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets for the dinner cost $25 and can be purchased either by calling the Cooperating Churches office at 727-6000 or by sending a check to MCCC, 1095 Third, Suite 10, Muskegon, MI 49441. Purchasers should be careful to write "Annual Dinner" on their checks.