By Ronald Viges
Wow, how time flies! We gathered once again for our yearly Transitions Friendsgiving retreat to come together to feast and give back. With a turnout of just under twenty people ages 18–30, we took on a bonus challenge this year of preparing and delivering meals to people in need. We used a small donation of some food items from West Berlin United Methodist Church and the money raised by the Transitions group at Almont’s 2025 session, selling coffee and tie-dye.
With many of us arriving late Friday night, we broke into two groups early Saturday morning to ensure that both the winterization of the buildings and the food drive was set up. Sadly, due to Almont being a little bit off-grid, we had nobody show up to the initially planned food drive. The Transitions, with some help from Tammara Mounce, Lori Patana, and Rev. Renée, found three different places that were looking for the blessings we could offer.
Wyatt Steinhieser, Mckenna Tourangeau, and I delivered the meals to People of Impact, Inc. and Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault. Rev. Renée loaded up and delivered meals to South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless. With the success of delivering over one hundred meals to people in need, we have decided that at our retreats, we want to continue finding ways to help communities and add a little bit of light to the world around us. On Almont New Church Assembly’s Facebook page, photos help paint this twenty-four-hour mission. Special Mention to Jeff Oelker, who consistently shows up to ensure there are some expert eyes on our projects that help keep maintenance at camp going strong. It continues to amaze me how many hands volunteer and donate money and time to accomplish all of these things. Till next time.
Read the full issue of the January/February Messenger.
Meet Ronald Viges
Ronald Viges is the Assistant Camp Director of the Almont New Church Assembly Summer School. He lives in Michigan and is an expert in the art of tie-dye.
