District Mission

The Pa Wa Ting - Native American Elders Program (NAEP) is an outreach program to support Native American Elders and their families in the Grand Rapids area and beyond. NAEP provides healthy meals, health screenings, information, referrals, pastoral care, counseling, social connection, transportation, and more. NAEP meets weekly at Grand Rapids: Northlawn UMC during the program year. Grand Rapids: First UMC coordinates a weekly meal delivery program for shut-ins who cannot attend the weekly meal support program in person — read more HERE. The United Methodist Church celebrates Native American Ministries each year with a special Sunday offering, and this offering supports ministries like Pawating Native American Elders Program at Northlawn UMC. Click HERE to read about the 2023 Native American Ministries celebration. NAEP is supported through Western Waters District Ministry Shares and direct gifts. The NAEP Program Director is Rhonda Loonsfoot.