Michigan

Weapons into Art and Healing: Gun Disposal Event at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth – October 4, 2025

Plymouth, MI — Do you have a firearm you no longer want? Join St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 574 S. Sheldon Road, Plymouth, on Saturday, October 4 from 10 AM to 2 PM for a community gun disposal event. Volunteers will be on-site to safely dismantle and transform donated rifles, pistols, and assault weapons. Donors will receive gift cards to retailers such as Target, Kroger and Meijer as a token of appreciation.

Participants are also invited to take part in a creative art activity using the deconstructed gun parts—turning instruments of harm into symbols of hope.

“As people of faith, we are called to be instruments of peace and healing in our communities,” said The Very Rev. Chris Fentress-Gannon, Rector of St. John’s. “As a former New York City police officer, I’ve seen firsthand the trauma caused not only by gun violence but by unsecured firearms. If this event helps even one family begin the healing process, it will be worth it.”

According to national surveys, over 25% of firearm owners acquire their weapons through non-purchase transfers such as inheritance or gifts—representing nearly 100 million firearms. Many of these are unwanted or unintentional acquisitions.

This event is held in partnership with Disarmory Ministries, based in Berkley, Michigan—the nation’s first continuous gun buyback program. Their mission is to reduce firearm-related harm by offering safe, discreet disposal and gift card incentives.

Removing unwanted firearms helps protect:

Children, for whom firearms are the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Individuals in mental distress, as access to firearms significantly increases suicide risk.
The broader community, since many gun crimes involve stolen weapons.
All firearm disposals are conducted in compliance with FTA regulations, ensuring safety and confidentiality.