Navigation Back Search
Search

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.

Watch video

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.

Related Tags

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Social Concerns
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers chase Carlos Chavez (not pictured), a Mexican-born member of North Hills United Methodist Church Hispanic Mission in Los Angeles, on Jan. 29 on church property. Chavez was deported shortly thereafter. The ICE raid disrupted a food ministry and mothers and children working in the church garden. Photo courtesy of North Hills Hispanic Mission United Methodist Church.

Decision on ‘sensitive location’ policy coming
As a Los Angeles United Methodist church reels from a recent raid by ICE that led to the quick deportation of one of its members, a U.S. appeals court heard arguments that the federal memo that allowed the raid should be struck down.
Local Church
The Rev. Ingrid McIntyre (left) admires a birthday card for Terry Corral, a resident of the Village at Glencliff medical respite program housed at Glencliff United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. The Village consists of 12 tiny homes where people experiencing homelessness can recover after a hospital stay. McIntyre is the church’s lead pastor. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Small churches can do large ministries
Some people need diapers for their children, while others need a place to recover from surgery and freedom from medical debts. Three United Methodist churches are responding — and making an outsize contribution to their communities.
Faith Sharing
Excerpt from a sermon given by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1956 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. Original photo by Maile Bradford, UM News.

Social media graphics from UM News
Graphic for Martin King Luther Jr. Day available to download and share on social media.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved