What is Grace Point Café?
Grace Point Café (“Grace Point”) is a ministry of Traverse City Church of the Nazarene ("TCCN"), which was established to provide a free meal in a warm, caring environment to anyone in our community. Grace Point began in June 2003, after a mission trip to Brazil where several people from TCCN had the opportunity to assist in serving soup to homeless street people in Rio de Janeiro. That experience led to a vision to start a ministry to feed people in Traverse City, and a few months later, Grace Point Café was born.
Grace Point does not charge anyone for the meals it serves, nor does it require any sort of “means test” or other demonstration of need. There are two main reasons for this: (1) the definition of “need” can vary greatly depending on who is defining it. Many of our guests might technically have enough money to buy food that day, but that would mean difficult choices later in the week, or month. (2) There are other types of need beyond economic need, and Grace Point seeks to meet those needs as well. One of the reasons that we’ve been able to provide our meals for such a long time, at such a high level, is our commitment to build relationships with our guests, and to treat them as “part of the family.” Over the years, many of our guests have remarked on the fact that the atmosphere at Grace Point is different from that at many other meals.
Grace Point does not charge anyone for the meals it serves, nor does it require any sort of “means test” or other demonstration of need. There are two main reasons for this: (1) the definition of “need” can vary greatly depending on who is defining it. Many of our guests might technically have enough money to buy food that day, but that would mean difficult choices later in the week, or month. (2) There are other types of need beyond economic need, and Grace Point seeks to meet those needs as well. One of the reasons that we’ve been able to provide our meals for such a long time, at such a high level, is our commitment to build relationships with our guests, and to treat them as “part of the family.” Over the years, many of our guests have remarked on the fact that the atmosphere at Grace Point is different from that at many other meals.
How can I attend Grace Point Café?
If you're in need of a free meal please come and attend every Tuesday at 5pm located at Traverse City First Church of the Nazarene, 1023 S. Division St. Traverse City Mi 49684. There are no income limitations to attendance. We are an equal opportunity provider.
How can I donate to Grace Point Café?
Because Grace Point is operated by TCCN, there are a number of grant opportunities which are not available to it. Many foundations and governmental agencies are reluctant to contribute to a ministry which is not a separate entity, but is operated by a church (or they simply will not do so). Grace Point operates based on donations from members of the congregation, from other people in the community who understand our mission, and from participation in coalitions of non-profits which provide opportunities to receive cash or in-kind donations.
TCCN is part of the Church of the Nazarene, a global Christian denomination with over 2 million members in approximately 160 countries around the world. As part of the Church of the Nazarene, TCCN has tax-exempt status under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, and thus any donations to Grace Point may be tax deductible. We are happy to provide whatever documentation is necessary to assist donors in regard to their record-keeping or tax treatment of their donations.
Donate via this link, place your total in the "Grace Point Café" category.
Donations can be mailed in check form to:
Traverse City Nazarene Church
1023 S. Division St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
(Please mark that the check is for "Grace Point Café")
TCCN is part of the Church of the Nazarene, a global Christian denomination with over 2 million members in approximately 160 countries around the world. As part of the Church of the Nazarene, TCCN has tax-exempt status under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, and thus any donations to Grace Point may be tax deductible. We are happy to provide whatever documentation is necessary to assist donors in regard to their record-keeping or tax treatment of their donations.
Donate via this link, place your total in the "Grace Point Café" category.
Donations can be mailed in check form to:
Traverse City Nazarene Church
1023 S. Division St.
Traverse City, MI 49684
(Please mark that the check is for "Grace Point Café")
