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Artificial tree farm brings joy to families with special needs

By Lilla Marigza
Dec. 9, 2025 | COOPERSVILLE, Mich. (UM News)

Members of Faith Community Church of Coopersville, Michigan, a United Methodist congregation, host an artificial “tree farm” so that special-needs families can “shop” for Christmas decorations in a sensory-calming environment. Video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Having a child with sensory issues, allergies or a physical disability can limit a family’s activities during the Christmas season. A United Methodist congregation in Michigan is creating inclusive holiday experiences so that no child is left out. Every year, Faith Community Church of Coopersville, Michigan, a United Methodist congregation, hosts a sensory- and ability-friendly artificial “tree farm.” Lilla Marigza takes us there.

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Valley Church member Joe Denson helps a family test the lights on a tree. Denson’s United Methodist church in Allendale, Mich., hosts an artificial “tree farm” every year. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.
Valley Church member Joe Denson helps a family test the lights on a tree. Denson’s United Methodist church in Allendale, Mich., hosts an artificial “tree farm” every year. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.
The worship space at Valley Church in Allendale, Michigan has been transformed into an artificial “tree farm.” The United Methodist congregation holds the event every year for families with special needs and families in need. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.
The worship space at Valley Church in Allendale, Michigan has been transformed into an artificial “tree farm.” The United Methodist congregation holds the event every year for families with special needs and families in need. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

The artificial tree farm at Faith Community Church of Coopersville is in its fifth year. In 2023, another United Methodist congregation nearby started their own “tree farm” modeled after the one at Faith Community Church.

Valley Church in Allendale, Michigan, held its event this year on the same day and gifted 28 trees. In taking a great idea and multiplying it, these two United Methodist congregations were able to spread Christmas joy to more families.

“It’s good to be the church.,” said Matt Bistayi, lead pastor of Valley Church.

Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

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