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Dear friends,
This past Sunday, Pastor Peter preached from John 14:15–21, a passage that feels especially timely with everything going on in our world. Click HERE to watch Pastor Peter's sermon on our YouTube channel.
His message was simple and direct: when the world feels broken and overwhelming, Jesus calls us to respond with love instead of fear or despair. To follow Jesus is to follow his commandment to love one another. I left that service feeling both challenged and encouraged - reminded that love isn't just a feeling, it's a choice we make every day.
It struck me how much our Mission Ministry is already answering that call, day after day, week after week, and year after year. When we make time in our busy lives to serve our neighbors, that is love in action. I was reminded of this recently when I had the privilege of serving alongside my own children. Watching them give their time and show up for others with open hearts was one of the best gifts I could have received (an early Mother's Day gift)!
That's what mission does. It connects us to our neighbors, to our faith, and to each other. If you've been thinking about getting involved, I hope you'll consider joining us. There is always room for one more pair of hands, and always someone whose life will be a little brighter because you came.
Blessings,
Michelle
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Love Does: Trinity Center Clothing & Essentials Drive. Starting this Sunday!
If you haven't yet had a chance to connect with Trinity Center, our mission partner working with unhoused adults in Contra Costa County, this is a wonderful place to start. Based in Walnut Creek, Trinity Center provides safety-net services and helps people move toward stability, independence, and wellness. They offer basic needs like meals, showers, and clothing, as well as case management and community support. Trinity Center meets people where they are, treating everyone with dignity and compassion.
Beginning this Sunday, May 17, LOPC is collecting the following items to support Trinity Center's work in our community:
- Gently used or new, clean clothing
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Warm gear (coats, jackets, hoodies, hats, beanies, gloves, scarves, warm socks, and thermal layers)
- Essentials (examples - backpacks, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, umbrellas)
Donation bins will be available in the Ministry Center reception area from May 17 to June 13. You can drop off items on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or on Sunday mornings. Our final drop-off event is Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
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Hosting Winter Nights Family Shelter: November 9 - 30
This fall, LOPC will once again welcome families experiencing homelessness through the Winter Nights Family Shelter program, and this year, we're doing even more. When Winter Nights asked for an extra host week, we said yes. Our three-week commitment shows that we believe stability matters, and that a few extra days can truly help families facing a tough time.
We are honored to be one of Winter Nights' favorite host sites, and that's thanks to you. Our campus, amenities, and most importantly, our volunteers make LOPC a place where families feel truly welcomed and cared for.
Introducing a New Role: Lead Onsite Volunteer
This year, we're adding an important new position to help us host even better. The Lead Onsite Volunteer will be the main point of contact during our Winter Nights hosting, making sure each evening goes well, greeting volunteers (and serving alongside them), and creating a welcoming space for the families we serve. It's a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys hospitality and service.
If you are interested in this role, or know someone who would be a great fit, please contact Michelle Browning.
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May 16, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - Love Does: LOPC Work Day at the Food Bank. Additional workday on June 27, July 11, and August 15. Come join us and volunteer at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano! By working together (up to 20 of us), we'll sort, box, and bag food to provide for those in our community facing hunger. This is an opportunity to serve those in need while building connections at LOPC. Go to lopc.org/registrations for more information and to register.
May 17 - June 13, Love Does: Trinity Center Clothing and Essentials Drive Drive. LOPC is collecting gently used (or new), clean clothing and essentials, like sleeping bags, blankets, and warm gear, to support Trinity Center’s work with unhoused adults in Contra Costa County. Donation bins will be available in the Ministry Center reception area from May 17–June 13 (weekdays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm or Sunday mornings), with a final drop-off event on Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 - 11:00 am).
May 20, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, at Monument Crisis Center - Love Does: MCC Food Distribution Warehouse Volunteer. Additional workday on June 10. We’re looking for five volunteers to assist with Monument Crisis Center’s Food Distribution Program. Volunteers should be able to stand for about four hours and move throughout their shift. Thank you for helping our neighbors! Register and more information at lopc.org/registrations.
May 23, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, at Loaves and Fishes (Martinez) - Love Does: Dining Room Volunteer. Join us for a new service opportunity with Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa! We’re looking for a group of 10 volunteers to serve as Dining Room Volunteers, helping during mealtime. Loaves and Fishes provides community-based food programs and partner services that address basic needs and strengthen food security for individuals and families across Contra Costa County - nourishing lives every day. Email Michelle Browning for more information and to register.
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Stay engaged with issues that reflect our faith and values! PC(USA) Action Alert emails give you timely updates on policies and legislation affecting communities, social justice, and mission work, along with easy ways to contact your elected officials. Sign up today by clicking HERE.
Feed our Neighbors. Food insecurity is on the rise, and local families need our support. Donate, volunteer, or spread the word to help Monument Crisis Center and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano provide groceries and emergency aid. Learn more and take action!
Continue the spirit of United in Prayer from wherever you are. In October, our community gathered to support mission partners through reflection and intentional prayer, and you’re invited to join in. Click HERE to access the prayer booklet.
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Helping Families One Barrel at a Time
Our ongoing food collection for Monument Crisis Center has reached 29 barrels in 2026, totaling an amazing 5,800 pounds of food for local families in need. That's already ahead of last year's 27 barrels, and we can add more every week.
DONATING IS EASY. You’ll find collection barrels outside the Oak Room all year. You can drop off donations anytime. Please avoid glass containers, expired food, clothing, or trash.
MOST NEEDED RIGHT NOW. MCC appreciates all non-perishable donations, but right now, tuna, cereal, peanut butter, and canned meals are especially needed.
HAVE A GARDEN? If you have a home garden, consider planting or growing a little extra with MCC in mind. Fresh produce makes a big difference for families who are having a hard time putting food on the table.
Our neighbors need help every month of the year. Thank you for helping keep the barrels full.
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Making an Impact with the Food Bank
LOPC has stood alongside the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano for over 40 years. Earlier this month, CEO Caitlin Sly has shared her deep gratitude for our congregation, calling us their largest church supporter and recognizing the many ways we continue to show up.
Across Contra Costa and Solano counties, over 66% of food distributed to those in need was fresh produce, protein, and dairy. The Food Bank also rescued 9 million pounds of groceries from local stores, reducing waste and providing more nutritious, culturally relevant food to neighbors in need. None of this happens without volunteers like you. More than 110,000 hours were donated last year, the equivalent of 51 full-time employees.
See a food rescue team in action and read the 2025 Impact Report to learn more.
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LOPC Helps Provide 292 School Desks
At the Congo Mission Network conference last year in Alabama, the LOPC Congo Mission team met with the head of the Congolese Presbyterian Church of Kinshasa (CPK), Rev. Isaac Kalonji. CPK is one of the two major Presbyterian organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. CPK operates 430 nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the DRC capital and surrounding areas.
We asked Rev. Kalonji about one of the schools' most pressing needs. He shared that they simply need desks and provided pictures of students sitting at overcrowded desks or on the floor in classrooms.
The Congo Mission team used a portion of its Mission budget to send funds to CPK for 292 desks constructed locally. Below are pictures of the desks being built, followed by students preparing to enter the school with the new desks. Notice the sign expressing thanks for LOPC’s support.
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Children of Faith Receives Over 200 Applications
Each May, Children of Faith, LOPC’s partner in India, accepts applications for new children to join the home. These children fill vacancies left by graduates moving on to higher education or jobs, or, in some cases, by younger children who leave due to improved family circumstances.
This year, Children of Faith received over 200 applications for just 30 spots. There is no advertising or recruiting; applicants learn of Children of Faith’s impact by word of mouth, referrals from pastors or medical professionals, or by seeing the positive change in a child from their village.
Choosing the children is a difficult and sometimes heart-wrenching process, as no two stories are the same. To learn more and see how you can support this mission, visit the news tab of the COF website by clicking HERE. Please keep Children of Faith in your prayers and consider sharing their story or supporting their work.
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Fotokids: Spring 2026
February marks the beginning of a new school year for Fotokids. This year, the main focus is on helping students grow creatively and build professional skills. Founder Nancy McGirr says the staff’s efforts to offer training and networking have been “amazing.” Goals were set at a special time as Fotokids prepares to celebrate its 35th Anniversary on October 8. Everyone is welcome to join the Gala in Antigua!
Here are just a few highlights showing the excitement and growth happening at Fotokids.
- Level 4 and Level 7 students recently met renowned Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide in Santiago Atitlán. She inspired the group and will return later this year to focus on Guatemalan mythology.
- Another workshop, led by Sendai Studio, a collective of young women photographers (ages 22-25) brought relatable near-peer mentorship to the students.
- Meanwhile, in Guatemala City, students worked on client-based assignments for a sportswear line and for a mother who runs an artisanal chocolate brand.
- Another highlight: SUNY Long Island will showcase 20 photographs by Fotokids students at the Old Westbury ArtLab from April 6 to May 12. Berlin and Evie will attend the opening on April 29.
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Watch a recording of our February 1 10:10 with Hope Solutions, a longtime LOPC mission partner, on new housing developments across Contra Costa County. Learn what proposed federal HUD funding cuts could mean for our neighbors experiencing homelessness right here at home. Click HERE to watch the full recording.
Watch a recording of Rev. Jorge Bautista's 10:10 presentation on March 24 as he shares his personal story and offers a faith-rooted perspective on immigration, identity, and belonging. His talk invites deeper understanding of why migration happens and how communities of faith can respond with compassion and courage. Click HERE to watch the full recording.
Hear from Margaret Grun Kibben, acting Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives and American Presbyterian minister, on faith-based leadership in challenging times. Her talk, Leading with Faith During Turbulent Times, delivered at LOPC’s Leadership Retreat (1/24/26), shares insights on guiding with courage and conviction in uncertain seasons. Click HERE to watch the full recording.
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May 14, 6:00 pm at Lafayette Park Hotel - Trinity Center's Spring Fundraiser. Click HERE to learn more about Trinity Center's special evening celebrating resilience and community while raising vital support for programs that provide safety-net services and pathways toward stability, independence, and wellness for unhoused neighbors.
May 16, 6:00 - 10:00 pm at Bally Keal Estate - The Food Bank's Nourish Gala 2026. Save the date for The Food Bank’s annual gala, your opportunity to gather with fellow hunger fighters, and celebrate the impact you continue to make for your neighbors facing hunger. More info and tickets HERE.
June 6, 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Monument Crisis Center - Taps & Tacos House Party. Click HERE to learn more about this fun summer evening featuring unlimited tacos, craft beer, a silent auction, and a first look at their newly expanded food pantry - all supporting low-income families in Contra Costa County.
October 22, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Pleasant Hill Community Center - STAND!'s 34th Annual Rebuilding Lives. Save the date for STAND!'s annual event held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, where they lead a variety of awareness raising activities within the community as well as its signature fundraising and award celebration.
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Connect with our partner liaisons to learn more about our mission partners: | | | | |
LOPC's Mission Ministry welcomes your financial support! Donations help fund hands-on service projects like assembling backpacks, clothing, and food kits for those in need. Click HERE to contribute and select the “love does” fund. Thank you in advance for your donation! | | | | |
See what's happening on our social sites: | |
Why You're Receiving This Email Newsletter
You’re receiving this email because you either participated in a Mission Ministry event at LOPC or opted in to receive Mission Ministry updates.
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Thank you!
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