Welcome to our inaugural edition of our Good Neighbor Newsletter - a space to celebrate, inform, and inspire our shared work in serving others. This monthly update will spotlight local volunteer opportunities where you can make a direct impact in our community, from food pantry assistance to opportunities at after-school programs. We'll also share advocacy opportunities to help you raise your voice for justice and compassion in areas that matter most. Stay connected through updates from our mission partners, both near and far, who are transforming lives with your support. Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or just beginning to explore how God might be calling you to serve, this newsletter is for you. Together, we are the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Let’s walk forward in mission - faithfully, generously, and with open hearts and fulfill Christian call to be good neighbors.

Peace, Pastor Lauren Gully

11:11 Recap - Immigration Update

On June 1, we welcomed immigration attorney Mindy Phillips who helped us understand the current immigration crisis and the challenges faced by those seeking safety in the U.S. With over 3.6 million cases backlogged in immigration courts, many vulnerable people, including children, are being denied due process and compassion.

Mindy highlighted simple, legal ways we can help, such as offering support in court or sharing information about basic constitutional rights. Here are four ways that you can get involved today.

Celebrating the Congo Necklace Team

In 2012, LOPC members began raising funds for communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), inspired by the need to support women and children affected by violence. One member, Bobbie Dodson-Nielsen, started making and selling necklaces to help, and others quickly joined her. Since then, the team has raised over $50,000, helping build 10 schools and supporting teacher training in the DRC. Their handmade necklaces have been sold at events both at LOPC and in the community. Recently honored in worship, the team sold nearly 100 necklaces that same morning! If you missed out, Bobbie still has some available. Click on the video below to watch a video interview with Bobbie by Pastor Lauren Gully.

From Barrels to Beans & Rice - Thank you!

A huge thank you to the 20 amazing volunteers who joined us right after worship for our Rice and Beans service project for Monument Crisis Center! In just 45 minutes, we repackaged 1,000 pounds of rice and beans: proof that a small group can make a big impact in a short time. What a great way to spend a Sunday!

Lighthouse - That's a Wrap!

Our Lighthouse Service Program was a wonderful success this year! Over the course of three gatherings, our youth showed up with energy, kindness, and a true spirit of service. The laughter, connections, and joy we experienced with the families at Hope Solutions/Lakeside Apartments were a true reflection of God’s love in action. We’re so proud of our youth for the way they made everyone feel welcome and included - and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year!

Music is a Big Part of Life at Children of Faith

Like children everywhere, the children at Children of Faith in India love to sing and clap loudly. Music is becoming an exciting part of daily life at Children of Faith in India, thanks in part to support from LOPC's band concert in 2024. A new music teacher, David, now leads classes in percussion, keyboard, and other instruments, bringing joy and structure to the children’s routine. Music is woven into both school and play, and there is time every day for songs. David sums up this opportunity, "I'm so glad to work with the children at Children of Faith. The organization is doing amazing work and it is my honor to teach the children music and encourage them. The children are so eager to learn, making my work at the home a wonderful journey.” It hasn't been easy to find a teacher to come out to the home, it's on the outskirts of town, but David is dedicated to the children.

This kind of music education is rare in India, and the children’s enthusiasm is unmistakable. They’re learning to read music, practice regularly, and are discovering talents they never imagined. One student, Hashith, shared, “I never thought I’d have the chance to learn to play the keyboard.” Music joins a growing list of creative opportunities at the home, from sewing to cookie decorating - all made possible through the generosity of supporters. For more stories and updates, visit the Children of Faith website.

Many at LOPC will remember Jeff and Christi Boyd, who visited our church several times over the years during their home leave. They recently retired after more than 30 years of service as mission co-workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa.

Over the past several years, the Boyds played an important role in supporting and guiding LOPC’s Congo Mission Team. Their deep knowledge, compassion, and commitment to the people of the DRC have shaped much of our mission work in the region. Even in retirement, we plan to stay connected with Jeff and Christi, not only to draw upon their wisdom but because they have truly become friends of LOPC.

Below is a note they shared with Lauren Gully following the announcement of their retirement.

“...is our pleasure to work with the Congo team at LOPC, and by extension the whole congregation. We are grateful for the example of holistic engagement demonstrated by your team. You organize weekly prayers for the Congo. You engage in ministries that bring healing to hearts that have been broken by violence they have experienced. You help children and youth opportunities to build their capacity through quality education. You engage your voices to encourage elected officials to have policies and practices that reflect the values you hold, values that give life and promote respect. Wow! That is a lot and I’m sure I am overlooking something. But the Congo team has really worked in many ways and has had an impact. "

Kapnek Trust

The JF Kapnek Trust in Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission - from 30% down to under 2% over the past 15 years. However, major cuts to USAID funding as of February 2025 have deeply impacted their work. Key programs serving over 250,000 children, adolescents, and young women, including HIV treatment, gender-based violence response, and child protective services, have all been terminated. Efforts focused on family planning, STI treatment, and education for at-risk young women have also been cut.

Related health initiatives have also suffered. Kapnek’s tuberculosis program, which served over half the country’s population, and a malaria initiative that distributed over 110,000 treated nets annually, were both eliminated. Despite these losses, some vital services, such as porridge distribution, medical kits for nurses, and support for Harare Children’s Hospital, continue, thanks to LOPC and other private donors, including a well-known international travel retailer’s foundation.

Fotokids

Fotokids is sparking creativity and opportunity for 105 young students in Santiago and Guatemala City through hands-on learning and real-world experience. From pinhole cameras to designing cubist masks with DSLR cameras and illustrator, students are turning ideas into incredible visual projects. With workshops led by top photographers, AI tools in the classroom, and growing support from partners like Sony Guatemala, Fotokids is helping shape the next generation of storytellers. Click HERE to learn more.

To contribute information to this monthly newsletter, please email Michelle Browning.

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!