Building Bridges: Reaching Unreached Families Through Embrace Ministry

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, consider others as more important than yourself.” These words from Philippians 2:3 guide the heart of Station Hill’s Embrace Ministry, where Matt Grieve has served faithfully for over six years.

Matt’s journey with Embrace began with a simple request – to help a middle school boy who struggled to stay in class. “My friend just said, ‘Hey, can you just sit in the back and if he leaves, like, get him, bring him back,'” Matt recalls. That small act of service blossomed into meaningful relationships with both the child and his family, revealing a profound ministry opportunity.

“It’s so special to think like we’re able to reach an unreached people group in our own backyard just by showing up on Sunday and being here and being available to invest and spend our time with the kids and with the families.”

The Embrace Ministry serves families affected by special needs by creating environments where children can experience God’s love in ways that connect with their unique learning styles. Each Sunday, volunteers arrive early to welcome their buddies in the sensory room, helping them settle in before worship. Afterward, they return to adapt lessons about God in ways that resonate with each child’s inpidual needs and abilities.

This ministry exists because Station Hill believes every person deserves to experience community and worship. The sensory room provides a safe space where children can decompress when church environments become overwhelming. Trained volunteers build relationships with the children while giving parents the chance to worship without worry.

“I’m so excited about the ministry. Like, I love doing it and what a gift to be able to serve Christ and to serve these families and these kids. I’m so thankful that Station Hill has made it something that’s important to them because God cares so much about these families.”

For Matt, Embrace embodies the church’s mission to reflect Jesus’ inclusive love. “You want your church to look like who did Jesus love,” he explains. “He loves everybody, not just one group or another.” This commitment to inclusion doesn’t just benefit the families served – it transforms the entire congregation by teaching everyone to love broadly and unconditionally.

The impact extends beyond Sunday mornings. Embrace provides families with a spiritual home where they’re not just accommodated but truly welcomed. It gives parents respite and assurance that their children are loved. Most importantly, it demonstrates to everyone – volunteers, families, and the broader church – what it means to “consider others as more important than yourself.”

Learn more about the Embrace Special Needs Ministry at The Church at Station Hill at https://stationhillchurch.com/special-needs/.