What we do

In Our Community

Join us in extending hospitality and hope to our neighbors in the greater Columbus community.

The Haven is deeply rooted in the Columbus community. Through seasonal events and service projects, our community outreach ministries create safe, fun, and welcoming spaces for families and individuals to encounter the love of Christ. Whether through serving meals, packing care bags, or sharing stories across generations, our community outreach ministries remind us that love grows when it is given away.

Our community outreach ministries are not about programs alone—it’s about being a safe haven where neighbors know they belong. Together, we seek to live out the words we say each week: “I need you. You need me. We need you. You need us.”

Scroll to explore our community outreach ministries or use the quick link below to find a ministry to connect and serve with.
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    In our community, we share Christ’s love through service, hospitality, and joyful connection.

    Belmont Ministry

    The Belmont Ministry is an outreach of The Haven that provides worship, teaching, and relational support to residents at Belmont Health & Rehabilitation Center. We bring the church to those who cannot attend in person, offering encouragement, community, and spiritual care.
    What to Expect

    A small, tender gathering with residents. Expect prayer, singing, sharing Scripture, and lots of smiles and gratitude. 

    Rhythms

    We meet on the third Sunday of each month at 3 PM.

    Serve with Us

    This ministry is a quiet but powerful way to love our neighbors. To get involved, email Pastor Amy Linnemann at pastoramy@sandyhook.org to learn more or volunteer for the next visit.

    FAQs

    Do I need to lead anything to participate? Not at all—just being present is a gift.

    Can kids or families participate? Yes—residents love kids!

    Beloved Bags

    Beloved Bags is one of The Haven’s most heartfelt community outreach ministries, created to bring comfort and dignity to children entering foster or kinship care. We want every child in crisis to be filled with peace, to be carried by strength, and to know love through the kindness of our community.
    What to Expect

    Deliveries of pre-packed bags are made monthly to local DCS and private foster agencies. Packing and card-writing events are held throughout the year. Each May, we host a Day in the Park to celebrate foster and kinship families along with the organizations that support them.

    Rhythms

    We offer many volunteer opportunities within the community to support children entering foster or kinship care. Details about each event will be provided individually.

    Serve with Us

    To get involved, visit https://belovedbags.org/who-we-are or contact Amy Linnemann at friends@belovedbags.org.

    FAQs

    What supplies do you need? Needed supplies vary, so it’s best to reach out directly to see how you can currently help.

    Cover to Cover Book Club

    A monthly gathering of people who enjoy reading and want to share what’s on their hearts. Bring a book to share with the group!
    What to Expect

    At the Cover to Cover Book Club, you can expect good conversation, friendship, and learning about others through books.

    Rhythms

    Right now, we are meeting at Lynn Coleman's house on the 3rd Monday of the month at 6 PM. (Location is subject to change.)

    Serve with Us

    Contact Lynn Coleman at lynnevans1027@gmail.com or 812-498-8860 to find out more about where the Book Club is meeting next.

    FAQs

    Does everyone need to read the same book? No, each person brings a different book to share with the group, such as a book you are currently reading or an old favorite.

    D&D Fresh Expression

    The Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Fresh Expression is a creative, table-top gaming group that builds deep relationships and spiritual conversations through collaborative storytelling. It’s a safe space for connection, imagination, and grace—all around a game table.
    What to Expect

    Fun, laughter, and a welcoming group ready to dive into an epic adventure together. No prior experience with D&D required. 

    Rhythms

    Our schedule is based on the availability of the players. 

    Serve with Us

    This is church—but not like you’ve experienced it before. Come and see. Email Nate Query at querynathan@gmail.com to get looped into the next session or to learn more.

    FAQs

    Do I need to know how to play? No—beginners are welcome.

    Is this a “Christian version” of D&D? It’s not preachy. It’s about building real friendships in a context where God’s love can show up naturally.

    community outreach ministries

    Family Ministry Team

    The Family Ministry Team focuses on coordinating family events and seasonal community outreach ministries like Easter Egg Hunt or Trunk or Treat, choosing and aligning children’s and youth curriculum, making decisions for children’s and youth ministry programming, exploring ways to build intergenerational ministry, planning trainings for volunteers and leaders, and growing as a trauma‑informed ministry that nurtures safety and belonging for every child and family.
    What to Expect

    Come ready to collaborate to plan ministry for children, teens, and families. Expect open discussion, creative brainstorming, and practical planning for events, curriculum, and intergenerational ministry. 

    Rhythms

    The Family Ministry meets regularly at times that work for those on the team. 

    Serve with Us

    If you love children and teens and are passionate about nurturing faith through creative, inclusive approaches, we’d love to have you join us! Email Melissa Hatton at melissa@sandyhook.org to learn more. 

    FAQs

    Do I need teaching experience? Nope! Just a heart for kids and a willingness to serve.

    Is a background check required? Yes, we prioritize safety and do require screenings for all volunteers.

    Los Galileos Congregation

    Los Galileos (The Galileans) is a vibrant Spanish-speaking congregation meeting at The Haven. Led by Pastor Luis Otero, they share in worship, prayer, and mission together.
    What to Expect

    Passionate worship, strong community bonds, hospitality, and Spirit-led teaching in Spanish.

    Rhythms

    Worship is on Sundays at 2:00 PM, and Bible study is on Thursdays at 7:00 PM. Los Galileos meet at The Haven UMC, 1610 Taylor Rd, Columbus, IN 47203. 

    Serve with Us

    Join a warm, Spanish-speaking community following Jesus together. Reach out to Pastor Luis Otero at luisotero@myyahoo.com or join us for worship to see the community in action.

    FAQs

    Do I have to speak Spanish? No, just be open and respectful.

    Is this part of The Haven? Yes! We are one church with many expressions.

    Garden Prayer Service

    A gentle breeze, the smell of hay being harvested, a quick dash of yellow in the pine behind the house when an American Goldfinch lands to crack a seed, or when the hibiscus bursts with its pink, blue, or lavender blossoms....God's gifts to soothe in an ever-challenging world. Through music, readings, scripture, meditation, and sharing, experience God's Love right here, right now.
    What to Expect

    Bring your camp chair, a neighbor, a friend, and be ready to be touched by God's presence. We gather to share ideas of inspirational music, poetry, meditation activities, etc.

    Rhythms

    We currently plan on four sessions during the year, with the changes in the seasons. We met in Marty's backyard on a Saturday morning for approximately 45 minutes. A specific date will be determined by the church calendar and the weather. If the weather is a factor, we will meet at the church. 

    Serve with Us

    Come, relax, and leave refreshed. A sign-up sheet is available on the Next Steps table, or you can email Marty Crafton at crafton8@gmail.com to learn more.

    FAQs

    Is this just for women? No, everyone is welcome! Little ones are also welcome. We will provide an activity for them as well.

    Hickory Creek Ministry

    The Hickory Creek Ministry offers care, worship, and connection to residents at Hickory Creek at Columbus, a long-term care facility. We build relationships and provide spiritual encouragement through visits, devotions, and prayer.
    What to Expect

    A relaxed, heartfelt time of friendly conversation with residents who deeply appreciate the connection.

    Rhythms

    We meet regularly on a schedule coordinated with facility staff. 

    Serve with Us

    Sometimes the simplest gestures make the biggest difference. If you’d like to get involved with the Hickory Creek Ministry, email Jennifer Reid at jenreid810@gmail.com to learn more.

    FAQs

    Is this a family-friendly ministry? Yes, all ages are welcome!

    Isaiah 117 House

    Isaiah 117 House provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement. When children are removed from unsafe situations, they are able to come to an Isaiah 117 House while DCS staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement. The Isaiah 117 House is a place that provides care with safe and friendly volunteers who provide clean clothes, toys, and blankets. Their time in our house may be a few hours or several days.
    What to Expect

    This ministry is in the early stages of planning for Bartholomew County. When a Bartholomew County house is approved by the Isaiah 117 nonprofit board, we will begin raising awareness and funds.

    If you're interested in knowing more about this mission, you can visit their website: https://isaiah117house.com/

    Rhythms

    Currently, the Isaiah 117 House is still in the planning stages for our county. 

    Serve with Us

    When we are approved, the first stage is raising awareness in our community about the house in general, and the current need for this house in Bartholomew County. Following awareness and fundraising, we will need volunteers ranging from general contractors, electricians, and various building projects, to people who are interested in being in the house, greeting guests, sorting donations, cleaning, and more.

    Email Traci Andresen at traci.andresen@comcast.net to have your name added to our "Friends of Isaiah117" email distribution if you're interested in updates as we progress.

    FAQs

    What is the mission of this ministry?

    1. To reduce trauma for children awaiting placement
    2. To lighten the load for child welfare services
    3. To ease the transition for foster families

    How many Isaiah Homes currently exist? There are currently homes open or in progress in 13 different states across the U.S., and 10 in Indiana.

    When will an Isaiah 117 House be in Bartholomew County? This depends on the level of community support and resources. When our county is board-approved (Oct 2025 prediction), we can officially begin building awareness about the need for this home in our community. Isaiah 117 Houses have typically been fully operational in 1-3 years.

    What can I donate? Isaiah 117 House is a trademarked 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible according to IRS Regulations. In Bartholomew County, we aren't accepting any physical or monetary donations yet, but when we are able, we will make those needs known. Isaiah 117 believes in lavishly loving every guest that walks through our doors, which means we only accept new items.

    Learning to Love

    Learning to Love is a small group at The Haven that brings people together to talk about God’s love and to show that love through simple acts of kindness. We learn from each other and then serve others in our community.
    What to Expect

    At Learning to Love, you can expect friendly conversations about life, faith, and love—and ways to put that love into action. We sometimes meet to talk, and sometimes we go out to serve people who are often forgotten.

    Rhythms

    We meet throughout the year. Sometimes we gather to talk, and sometimes we serve by visiting nursing homes, helping people without housing, or delivering food and gifts to shut-ins.

    Serve with Us

    If you want to be part of a group that really tries to love like Jesus, this is a great place to start. You don’t need special skills—just come ready to learn and love. Email Rick Trevey at rtrevey@comcast.net to learn more about our next gathering.

    FAQs

    Is this a class or a group? It’s kind of both—we learn together and then do something loving with what we’ve learned.

    Do I need to know a lot about the Bible or theology? Not at all. Everyone is welcome, no matter where you are on your faith journey.

    LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Support

    This ministry exists to advocate for and support anyone who identifies or loves someone who identifies as LGBTQ+. We are here to listen, to learn with you, to walk beside you, and to remind you that not only are you not alone, but that you are loved.
    What to Expect

    We are simply here to have any conversations that you want to have, and we will listen and help in any way we can.

    Rhythms

    The only scheduled event we have at this time is the Pride Festival in September each year, where we set up a booth to pass out pins, stickers, candy,  and hugs to those who want them.

    Serve with Us

    We would love to have more people willing to join us in loving on our neighbors in the LGBTQ+ community! To get involved, text Sarah Humphrey at 317-448-6751. You can also reach her by email at jon@hclinc.net.

    FAQs

    How can I get involved? We are open to any ideas that you may have! We are always looking to help as many of our beloved neighbors as we can, so any ideas are welcome.

    Love Chapel

    Love Chapel represents one of The Haven’s most collaborative community outreach ministries, bringing together more than 25 local churches to assist Bartholomew County residents impacted by food, housing, and financial insecurity. Through Love Chapel, we live out our mission to feed the hungry, serve our neighbors, and meet real needs with compassion.
    What to Expect

    Many volunteer opportunities are available, including volunteering with the Love Chapel food pantry, with the Brighter Days housing facilities, or at one of the periodic weeknight hot meals. Financial donations are also of vital importance.

    Rhythms

    Various opportunities are available for every day of the week. Visit columbuslovechapel.com to see current opportunities.

    Serve with Us

    To join this community outreach ministry, visit columbuslovechapel.com to volunteer or donate. You can also keep an eye on The Haven’s announcements for the next weeknight hot meal serving opportunity.

    FAQs

    If I get involved, how often do I have to volunteer? There are no limits or requirements—you can volunteer as frequently as you’d like.

    MomCo

    A place to connect for working moms of children from birth to elementary age.
    What to Expect

    Our meetings typically involve a welcome/icebreaker activity, a video lesson, and discussion questions. Plus light desserts and drinks! 

    Rhythms

    We meet on the second Monday evening of the month.

    Serve with Us

    Interested in getting involved with MomCo? Email Andrea at andrea.bailey09@gmail.com to get on our list!

    FAQs

    Is there childcare? We are not able to offer childcare at this time.

    Is there a cost to this group? MomCo International dues are $37 per year. In the future, there may be nominal local dues. Please let us know if finances are a concern, and we will work with you!

    community outreach ministries

    More Than a Meal Outreach

    We deliver Thanksgiving meals to anyone in need who lives in Bartholomew County, regardless of the reason for their need, the day before Thanksgiving. We want to live in a way where we love our neighbors and feed the hungry. Our mission is to make sure that nobody in Bartholomew County goes without a Thanksgiving meal.
    What to Expect

    We have numerous ways to volunteer, from praying for our mission, donating monetarily to help provide food to prepare, and volunteering in any of the dozens of positions on the day of the event to prepare/package/deliver the food to those in need. 

    Rhythms

    We begin planning and fundraising in the summer, but the signup for volunteers does not usually open up until October, and then we open up the signup for people needing meals on November 1st. We then deliver the meals the day before Thanksgiving every year. 

    Serve with Us

    This community outreach ministry embodies the heart of The Haven: loving our neighbors through simple, generous acts of care. To be a part of this year’s Thanksgiving Outreach, text Sarah Humphrey at 317-448-6751. You can also reach her by email at jon@hclinc.net.

    FAQs

    Who provides all of the food? Generous donors provide all of the funds, and then volunteers shop for it all the week of the event.

    How many people volunteer for this event? We had over 100 volunteers last year.

    How long have you been doing this? 2025 will be our sixth year delivering meals to Bartholomew County residents!

    Pickleball Church

    One of our more playful community outreach ministries—a summertime ministry that aims to combine playing pickleball with prayer and Scripture.
    What to Expect

    All skill levels are welcome! A willingness to have fun is required, but experience and expertise are not. If you have a pickleball paddle, bring it.

    Rhythms

    We typically meet once a week (on a weeknight) for 4-8 weeks during the summer months. 

    Serve with Us

    Contact Dale Guse at daleuse@iquest.net to learn more about our next pickleball session.

    FAQs

    Where do you play? Our location has varied. In the summer of 2025, we played at Lincoln Park tennis courts.

    The Practices Courses

    The Practices are nine short-form courses (each four weeks long) that follow the Practicing the Way course. Each one helps participants explore a specific practice from the life of Jesus—such as Sabbath, Prayer, Solitude, or Generosity. With teaching, conversation, and practical exercises, these sessions create a rhythm of formation and discipleship in everyday life.
    What to Expect

    Each four-week course includes one session per week, lasting about 60 minutes. Sessions feature teaching, discussion, and real-life spiritual exercises designed to help you integrate the practice into your life.

    Rhythms

    Practices are offered throughout the year. Watch for new offerings in 2026 based on interest and season.

    Serve with Us

    Join a course by signing up when they are announced, or reach out to Dale Guse at daleuse@iquest.net for more information about when the next course will be offered.

    FAQs

    Do I need to take the full Practicing the Way course first? No, but it helps. Practices are designed as follow-ups to the full course, but are open to all.

    How many Practices are there? Nine: Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting, Solitude, Generosity, Scripture, Community, Hospitality, and Witness.

    Practicing the Way Course

    Practicing the Way is a key part of The Haven’s discipleship journey. This eight-week course is designed to help people slow down, reconnect with God, and learn how to follow Jesus in everyday life. Through video teaching, group discussion, and simple spiritual exercises, participants build a foundation for a lifelong relationship with Jesus. It’s the starting point for growing deeper in practices like prayer, rest, Scripture, and community.
    What to Expect

    Each week includes a short video teaching, open and honest group conversation, and a spiritual practice to try during the week. You don’t need to be an expert—just come with an open heart and a willingness to learn and grow alongside others. 

    Rhythms

    The full eight-week course is offered twice a year.

    Serve with Us

    Reach out to Dale Guse at daleuse@iquest.net for more information about when the next course will be offered.

    FAQs

    Is preparation needed? No, just come as you are.

    How long are the sessions? One hour each week.

    Salvation Army Ministry

    The Haven partners with the Salvation Army of Columbus, Indiana, to help meet urgent needs in our community. This includes hosting our annual Car Show each July, which raises funds and awareness for local support efforts. All year long, we also collect food, hygiene products, and other supplies that are requested by the Salvation Army. All donations to these community outreach ministries go directly to help people in Bartholomew County who are struggling with hunger, housing insecurity, or other challenges.
    What to Expect

    There are no meetings required to be part of this ministry. Simply check the list of current needs in the weekly church email or Sunday bulletin. Items can be dropped off in the choir room at The Haven. These donations are picked up and delivered to the Salvation Army at the end of each month.

    Rhythms

    Donations can be brought to the choir room at any time. On the last Tuesday of each month, collected items are delivered to the Salvation Army. Our annual Car Show fundraiser takes place every July and is a fun way to support this ministry. 

    Serve with Us

    You don’t have to do something big to make a big difference! Start by checking the weekly email or church bulletin for a list of needed items and bring them to the designated space in the choir room.  You can also contact Rick Trevey at rtrevey@comcast.net to “adopt a shelf” in the Salvation Army food pantry—helping keep one item stocked consistently throughout the year.

    FAQs

    What kinds of items are usually needed? Food items like peanut butter, canned vegetables, pasta, and rice are always helpful. Hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap are often in short supply. We update the list monthly based on what’s most needed at the time.

    Why are donations so important right now? The need in our community is higher than it has ever been. Local food banks—including the Salvation Army—are serving more people each week, and their shelves are being stretched thin. Every donation helps meet real needs for real families.

    Women’s Lunch Gathering

    A group of women who meet at a local restaurant on the first Tuesday of the month to share a meal and discuss things going on in our lives.
    What to Expect

    Lunch with friends: a chance to build relationships, share laughter, and meet new people. 

    Rhythms

    We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 11:00 AM. 

    Serve with Us

    We are currently a small group, but we welcome new members of all ages. Text Carol Raney at 812-603-6120 to find out about the next lunch date and location. You can also reach her at raney201@comcast.net.

    FAQs

    What does the group do? We’re just friends meeting for lunch! Everyone pays for their own meal.

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