Faith in Motion
A coalition of religious organizations working for better mass transportation
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First-ever Transit Sabbath Makes Impact
With at least 14 Grand Rapids area faith communities participating, Faith in Motion's first Transit Sabbath spread the word about public transportation's benefits for individuals, churches, synagogues, businesses, healthcare, and the community at large.
Two churches hosted ITP-The Rapid buses as part of their presentations, allowing parishioners to tour the buses and then take a ride - albeit as a captive audience participating in transit discussions.
Parishioners at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church in East Grand Rapids heard from fellow member and ITP-The Rapid Executive Director Peter Varga during one of their masses Sept. 29, as well as Father Mark Przybysz. ITP-The Rapid's Mary Ann Ferris-Young then gave a presentation during the adult education time.
Riders convinced Ferris-Young and the bus's driver to head toward Krispy Kreme Donuts and Coffee, where they traded in their bulletins for free donuts and a chance for cash for the parish. With Krispy Kreme offereing $1,000 to the worshiping community turning in the most bulletins, Calvin College's narrowly edged St. Stephen's.
But the ride was fun anyway.
During the Transit Sabbath, held Oct. 4-6, faith communities encouraged their members to bike, walk, bus, or carpool to worship and to be more informed about public transportation options. The event was held in conjunction with Communities in Motion Week, a week to raise awareness of alternative commute options and how they affect the health and vitality of our community. Communities in Motion, a national campaign, was sponsored locally by Faith in Motion/GRACE, ACCESS, ITP-The Rapid, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council.
At Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church, people arriving by car late to worship on Oct. 6 were surprised to easily find parking space within the church lot. Member Kevin Wisselink counted eight free parking spaces in the late, with street parking to spare, at a church that usually fills the lot and the street.
A large number of people walked and rode their bikes to Sherman Street- many of whom took the bus tour narrated by Wisselink and Faith in Motion Facilitator David Bulkowski (though despite Bulkowski's pleading, Krispy Kreme proved to be too far away given the time constraints). Church members are considering adding a bike rack to their facility to encourage continued healthier travel patterns.
The Transit Sabbath also received media coverage with a spot on WOOD-TV 8's news featuring Calvin College, which has doubled its Rapid ridership over the past year as students, staff, and faculty can ride the bus for a quarter thanks to a contract between the school and ITP-The Rapid.
The Grand Rapids Press article featured Faith in Motion member Gretchen Bouwsma of Grace Christian Reformed Church, as well as as Glenn Swier of Trinity Reformed Church and Faith in Motion Co-chair Rev. Sarah Campbell of East Congregational Church.
Other participating faith communities included Holy Cross Episcopal Church, New Life Church of God in Christ, East Congregational Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Grace Christian Reformed Church, Catholic Information Center, St. James Catholic Church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Unity Church of Peace in Ada, St. Andrew's Cathedral, and Plymouth Congregational/UCC Church.
Thanks to everyone for participating as a way of building community, honoring the environment, and, as Faith in Motion member Marilyn Titche of Temple Emanuel put it, "remember those who could be there with you."
If you would like more information about Faith in Motion, or to have a speaker or bus visit your faith community, please contact the Rev. Andy DeBraber at adebraber@graceoffice.org or 774-9037.