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Buddies Ministry

Irving Primary for kindergarten through 5th grade is a school in our neighborhood with many students coming from low-income families. We have partnered with the school to serve these students and their families through various ministries. In the process, we have become a model for other partnerships in the Peoria District school system. As the volunteers share themselves with their Irving Buddies, they provide an excellent way for these students to experience the love of our Lord Jesus in tangible and human ways.

With the Buddies Ministry, every second, third, fourth and fifth grade child at Irving School is partnered with a family or individual from our church. See the information below to see how these partnerships work for each grade. All partner families meet with their Buddies regularly. Various activities and field trips take place during the school year. Many of our Irving Buddies worship with us on Sunday. To see a short news clip from WHOI TV, click here.

Morton Square Park Soccer, Irving Choir and Arts Place have all grown out of the Buddies Ministry.

Following are descriptions of our partnerships for each grade at Irving School.

Overall Ministry Contact:
Phyllis Crouch at 673-3641
Rev. Steve Pichaske at 673-3641 ext 118

Bear Buddies (2nd grade)
A big teddy bear is the carrier between adult and student Bear Buddies through which letters are exchanged. Buddies spend two Saturday mornings playing games together and enjoy a spring outing at Wildlife Prairie Park.

Contact: Kathy Matlock (673-3641)

Book Buddies (3rd grade)
Adult Book Buddies commit to visit their student Buddies at least once a month to read books together.

Contact: Cheryl Heyveld (673-3641)

Best Buddies (4th grade)
Adult Best Buddies commit to visit their student Buddies at least once a month to participate in a series of exercises aimed at improving self-esteem.

Contact: Joanne Marshall (673-3641)

Bright Buddies (5th grade)
Adult Bright Buddies visit their student Buddies at least once a month to help them focus on possible career goals.

Contact: Phyllis Crouch (673-3641).

To download and print the Buddy Brochure and Registration Form click on the links!

8:15 & 11:00 Traditional Service @ 116 Perry 10:45 Contemporary Service @ 700 Main
116 N.E. Perry Peoria, IL 61603 P: 309.673.3641 F:309.673.3644 E: info@fumcpeoria.org