Creekside Church: A Beacon of Hope and Mutual Aid in Elkhart, Indiana
Nestled in the unincorporated area of Elkhart, Indiana, Creekside Church of the Brethren is more than just a place of worship. It’s a beacon of hope and service that’s deeply rooted in community engagement. The heart and soul of this vibrant congregation, Pastor Rosanna McFadden, shares the church's inspiring story of faith in action.
"We are an integral part of our community, striving to make a positive impact through various outreach programs," Pastor McFadden explains. This commitment to community is evident in every aspect of Creekside Church's ministry. They have transformed their property, once farmland, into a haven for community engagement. A large community garden provides fresh produce to the local food pantry, while seven beehives yield over 200 pounds of honey annually, shared generously with the community and sold to support the bee ministry. A playground, basketball courts, and a prayer garden offer spaces for recreation, reflection, and connection.
"We have really sought our identity in these outreach activities," Pastor McFadden shares. "We want to make a difference in the lives of those around us." But the church’s mission doesn’t stop at fulfilling physical needs. They understand that sometimes, the most profound impact comes from addressing unexpected crises. "We've helped families with funeral expenses after the sudden loss of a loved one, and we've assisted individuals with unexpected car repairs so they could continue working," Pastor McFadden shares. "These are the moments when our ministry truly shines."
This dedication to serving others extends to their choice of partners and organizations, like Mutual Aid Agency (MAA).
"We chose MAA as our insurance provider because of their shared values and commitment to the Church of the Brethren community," Pastor McFadden explains.
This partnership has been a blessing for Creekside Church, enabling them to provide even more support to their community through the Brethren Mutual Aid Share Fund. This fund has been an instrumental partner in helping families in crisis. Creekside Church utilized the Share Fund to support church staff during the pandemic, and worked together to aid with funeral expenses for those in need.
"MAA's support has been a game-changer for us," Pastor McFadden shares. "It has empowered us to extend our ministry and care for those who need it most."
Creekside Church's story is a testament to the transformative power of community, faith, and mutual aid. Their unwavering commitment to serving others and their partnership with MAA serve as an inspiration for churches and organizations everywhere.
Creekside Church recognizes that helping others is an extension of their faith and ministry. It's about fostering a cycle of generosity and compassion. "When we help someone in need, we don't expect anything in return. But we hope that our act of kindness inspires them to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of compassion in our community," says Pastor McFadden.
Their partnership with Mutual Aid Agency (MAA) has been a cornerstone of this ministry. "We have deeply appreciated MAA's ministry and the value it has brought to us, not just financially, but because of the values it underscores—the value it places on the body of Christ and the community of being a family of faith," Pastor McFadden emphasizes
Creekside Church's story is a testament to the transformative power of community, faith, and mutual aid. Their unwavering commitment to serving others and their partnership with MAA serve as an inspiration for churches and organizations everywhere.
About Mutual Aid Agency
Mutual Aid Agency is not your typical insurance agency. With roots in the Church of the Brethren, we are committed to serving our community and providing more than just insurance. The Brethren Mutual Aid Share Fund is MAA’s own nonprofit outreach. It was created to assist eligible ministries with the caring and sharing work they do within their churches and communities. MAA tithes a portion of its profits and your premium dollars to this fund annually.
Contact Us
If you are looking for an insurance provider that shares your values and is committed to serving our communities, we encourage you to contact Mutual Aid Agency. You can reach us by phone at 800-255-1243, by email at maa@maabrethren.com, or visit our website for more information.