Fall 2026
Chapel Hill 101
Coming in November, Chapel Hill 101 will help you to explore the United Methodist Church, Chapel Hill and it’s Mission and Vision, the history of Methodism and so much more.
This is an opportunity for newer folks to connect to a group maybe for the first time, meet a few friends, and get to know Pastor April and Pastor Jess better.
After this 3 Sunday class is completed you will be invited to join into membership at Portage Chapel Hill. For some joining into membership is an important step on the faith journey.
Quarter 4: Onething Partner
October 1 – December 31, 2026
The Landing Place
A Transitional Family Shelter Operated by Family Promise of Southwest Michigan
The Landing Place is a transitional family shelter serving families with children experiencing homelessness in Kalamazoo County. Owned by Kalamazoo County and operated by Family Promise of Southwest Michigan, the shelter provides temporary housing and supportive services that help families move toward stable, permanent housing.
Chapel Hill will collect essential items needed by the folks living at the Landing Place. Laundry Soap and personal items top the list of needs, and will continue to do so long after this Q4 campaign has finished. Andrea Tramel will be in Worship with us on October 18 to tell us all the ways we can plug in on a regular basis, not just during a fundraising campaign.
Chapel Hill small groups, and congregants will have the opportunity to sponsor Christmas baskets in December for these families as well. Full baskets, items to fill a basket and money toward a basket will all be welcome. Details and sign-ups will be posted right here soon!
Chapel Hill Young Adult Ministry
| A Young Adult Community At Chapel Hill we understand that young adults are navigating the uncertainty about the future within society at large and personally. Therefore, we have designed a new ministry specifically for discerning Grounded to Dream. Grounded to Dream is a yearlong exploration of who you are and want to be doing next for young adults ages 17–25. The project pairs grounding practices—such as collaborative games, art and other embodied or creative practices—with Christian spiritual practices that help participants listen for God, reflect on their gifts, build relationships, and imagine faithful futures. We will host gatherings twice a month for ten months. These gatherings will include grounding practices, shared reflection, peer connection, spiritual practices, and vocational exploration. |
Current Message Series
Blest Be The Tie That Binds October 18 – November 1
Quilting is an act of hope. Quilters gather scraps that others might overlook, stitch them together with care, bind the edges so the whole piece endures, and often tell stories that preserve memory and proclaim faith. Scripture tells a similar story. God gathers forgotten people, binds communities together in love, and weaves our lives into a story of grace that is meant to be shared from generation to generation.
The series culminates in the understanding that we are not simply individual pieces of fabric; we are part of God’s ongoing work of creating beloved community.
You are invited October 18 through November 1; On November 1, Chapel Hill will celebrate Holy Communion and Honor Chapel Hill’s beloved Saints of 2026.
Sunday Worship Schedule
- Worship at 9 am and 11 am.
- Kids are welcome to stay in Worship with their parents at 9 am. They are encouraged to use the Prayer Ground to the left side of the Sanctuary as you enter the space. This space has been designed for the littles that like to move their body, build with blocks, and draw. There are lots of activities to help your little one worship in their own way. Chapel Kids meets at 11 am. Please drop your children off to Chapel Kids before the Worship starts at 11 am. See information below.
Kids, Youth, and Adults
- 9 am Children stay in worship with their families and use the “PrayGround.”
- 10 am Community Hour ~ Ages 3 and up are invited to the Faith Lab. The Faith Lab will change activities weekly. Here is the line-up for the next few weeks.
- Sept 27: Grow in Love: Bread Baking Lab
- Oct 4: Pour Out Love: Making Potions of Love
- Oct 11: Create Love: Multiple crafts around love
- This Fall, youth, grades 5 – 12, will have opportunities to serve during the 10 am Community Hour and at other times as well depending the service need.
- Choose a ministry service area, such as:
- Tech
- Hospitality
- Children’s ministry/space
- Nursery
- Choose a ministry service area, such as:
- 11 am Chapel Kids for kids ages 3 – 12 – Kids are checked in just before the 11 am Worship. They will be in room 208 (next to the nursery) for large group time. A little later the group will split into groups with grades 3 – 6 moving across the hall to room 209 for more structured time. Children will be brought to the Sanctuary during the Prayer Station Time to finish Worship with their adults. Children are also always welcome to stay in worship with their families and use the “PrayGround.”
- All kids will receive a name tag upon entering the classroom. On the name tag will be their adult’s name and contact information. Children staying in worship will also be asked to have a nametag so that in the case of an emergency we can contact their grown up.
- Adults have the opportunity to plug into Wired Word, a current events discussion, Sunday School each week. The topics change, the format does not. Wired Word is led by Sarah Kusisto in Room 108. Contact Sarah with questions at [email protected]
- Upper Room Devotional Bible Study, also a weekly drop-in opportunity, meets in Room 218 and uses the Upper Room Devotional and Bible as resources for the study. For questions contact Jan at [email protected]
- All adults are encouraged to check out the Faith Lab in Room 110. It’s designed for all ages.
- If you have any questions please contact the office at [email protected] or call (269) 327-6643.
