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Hello friends,
A few months ago, my youngest went off to college, and my home suddenly felt very quiet. But for the past two weeks, my “home” has been full again thanks to Winter Nights, a traveling shelter that provides families experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay. Seeing everyone together, sharing meals, and feeling right at home reminded me how even small acts of care and kindness can bring warmth, hope, and connection, and that we all have something to give.
Now, as I adjust to the quiet once more, I feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. I’m grateful for the chance to know these families and to share even a small part of their journey, but I wish it hadn’t been under such difficult circumstances. I miss the sounds of their laughter and our conversations that filled Fellowship Hall, and I wonder if there was more we could have done to show them we are in community with them. I’m also saying many prayers that their next stop brings the same safety, comfort, and welcome they found here, and that they find a permanent home soon.
This experience reminded me that generosity doesn’t just change the lives of those we serve, it changes our own. If just a few weeks of shared meals and conversation can make such a difference, imagine what we can do together in our larger community. The need around us is real, especially when it comes to food insecurity. You can help by joining our Christmas mission opportunities (more at lopc.org/holiday), supporting LOPC mission partners like Monument Crisis Center and the Food Bank through volunteering or donations (see below), volunteering with Mission Friends Loaves and Fishes or White Pony Express, or simply spreading the word so others can get involved. Every gesture, big or small, helps someone feel seen, supported, loved - and fed.
Let’s open our hearts this season - donating, volunteering, or offering support - to make a real difference for those who need it most.
Blessings, Michelle
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URGENT - Food & Hunger Crisis: How You Can Help
Support Families Facing Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a growing crisis in our country. In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households (about 18 million families) struggled to access enough nutritious food. With federal SNAP benefits delayed, local families are facing even greater challenges.
Our long-standing mission partners, Monument Crisis Center and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, are already seeing increased demand. Food banks are stretched thin, and every donation, volunteer hour, and financial gift can make a real difference.
How You Can Respond Now
1. Give Monetary Gifts - Donate to our mission partners: Monument Crisis Center, serving local families with food and resources, and the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, distributing food regionally. Financial gifts help purchase bulk food, cover delivery costs, and meet emergency needs quickly.
2. Donate Food - Bring non-perishable food (canned goods (no glass), pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, etc.) and drop it in the food barrels between the Ministry Center and the Oak Room. All donations go directly to Monument Crisis Center and the Food Bank. Consider purchasing family-size or shelf-stable items that stretch a long way.
3. Volunteer - Help deliver collected food to our partners. It’s a hands-on way to see the impact of our generosity. Sign up to volunteer at Monument Crisis Center by emailing Michelle, or click HERE to volunteer at the Food Bank. Starting in 2026, monthly LOPC Food Bank Work Days will also be available.
4. Spread the Word - Encourage friends, neighbors, and small groups to give or collect food. Share the urgency: now is the time to act.
Together, our congregation can provide hope and support to neighbors who are struggling. Email Michelle Browning to learn more and to take action.
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Reflections on Gaza
Many of us experienced on campus the deeply moving Reflections on Gaza on October 26. The art exhibit “Soul of My Soul,", the stark truths of the film Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, and the powerful personal stories from our guest Dr. Mohammad Subeh, left a lasting impact. The Soul of my Soul exhibit featured dedications to the multitude of children killed in Gaza over the last two years and art by children and adults on the hardships of the ongoing genocide. The documentary film showed in stark relief the dismantling of Gazan healthcare system and specifically the targeting of healthcare providers there.
Dr. Subeh, a Bay Area emergency medicine doctor who has served on two volunteer missions to Gaza and one to south Lebanon over the last two years, spoke about the importance of using the life we’re given to do the most good. He spoke about the hardships inflicted on the doctors in Gaza and the specific targeting of children by Israeli forces that he witnessed. All the while he was moved by the remarkably kind and determined spirit of the Palestinian citizens he encountered. Click below to watch his interview on our YouTube channel. We are profoundly grateful to our speakers and presenters for their courage in sharing hard truths and for their unwavering hope in a future where the Palestinian people can equally flourish alongside Israelis.
LOPC remains committed to peace, justice, and the dignity of all people. As part of our faith in action, we invite you sign up for PCUSA Action Alerts to advocate for aid to Gaza and an end to U.S. military support for Israel. Let us continue to walk in compassion and work toward healing in our world.
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Welcoming Guests, Sharing Kindness: Winter Nights 2025
Over the past two weeks, LOPC has had the joy of hosting the Winter Nights Shelter. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to provide a safe and welcoming space for five wonderful families.
Our team of over 200 volunteers of all ages made the experience truly special. Each night, we served delicious homemade dinners, and on weekends, hearty breakfasts. Our BTW and YOW youth hosted lively bingo nights, while our love does Families group organized a festive Halloween party complete with pumpkins, cookies, and crafts. On-call tutors supported children with their homework, and after-dinner companion volunteers offered friendship, giving parents a well-deserved break. Guests also enjoyed a movie night, several visits from Canine Companions, and time at Friday Fun Nights, as well as the chance to choose homemade quilts and cold-weather items generously provided by Chicks with Sticks. Beautiful flower arrangements from our floral team brightened the space, and our fantastic custodial team kept everything welcoming and running smoothly.
A big heartfelt thank you to every person who showed up - your kindness and care made all the difference! We are deeply grateful for your spirit of compassion that makes Winter Nights possible.
We’re also looking for a few volunteers to help expand the Winter Nights team. To learn more or get involved, please email Michelle Browning.
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Celebrating Your Generosity for Trinity Center
We are so grateful to everyone for the incredible generosity shown in support of our new mission partner, Trinity Center. Together, we assembled over 200 meal kits, donated much-needed warm clothing and year-round essentials, and contributed more than $6,500 to the special offering.
Thank you for partnering with us to bring hope and care to those who need it most. To learn more ways to get involved with Trinity Center, contact Partner Liaison Jim Olufson.
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Lifting Up Our Mission Partners in Prayer
On October 19, LOPC came together for United in Prayer. What began as a global day of prayer for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo grew into a meaningful time for LOPC to lift up all of our mission partners, both local and global. We were grateful to share over 200 prayer booklets and to offer a quiet space for reflection and prayer in the Chapel. It was a wonderful day of connection and hope.
If you missed it, or would like to continue praying along, we invite you to use the prayer booklet, which you can access HERE. Together, we stand united in offering hope, support, and prayers to those who need it most.
A special thank you goes to our Congo Mission team for their leadership and dedication in making this day so impactful.
| | love does: Christmas Giving Opportunities | | |
The holiday season is almost here. What a wonderful time to share hope and care with those in need!
MCC Holiday Food Boxes: From November 16 to December 7, LOPC is serving as a community drop-off point to help MCC reach its goal of 2,000 holiday food boxes. Drop off your donations in the Ministry Center, or visit the love does team on the plaza on Sundays - we’ll gladly assist with boxes. Please help spread the word to friends and neighbors. Click here for the flyer and more info.
Giving Tree & love does: Cocoa and Cookies: Our Giving Tree will soon appear in the CLC, adorned with ornaments listing gifts for children and families through Hope Solutions’ Spirit of Giving program. On December 14, following Worship in Fellowship Hall, join us for love does: Cocoa and Cookies, a joyful time to wrap and drop off gifts while enjoying cocoa, cookies, and fellowship. On December 17, we’ll deliver all the Giving Tree gifts to Hope Solutions and could use a few extra volunteers (or elves!) to help with transportation and delivery.
If you’d like to help or have questions, contact Michelle Browning. Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for so many families!
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November 15, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, KidsFest at Hope Solutions. Join us for a family service program where families can connect with local youth through games, arts and crafts, and lunch at the Hope Solutions' Lakeside apartment community center. Sign up HERE.
November 16 - December 7 - love does: MCC Holiday Food Box Drive. Help us support MCC’s goal of collecting 2,000 food boxes for families in need! We invite our congregation and the greater Lamorinda community to participate. Our love does team will be on the plaza on Sundays to assist with boxes and collection. More information HERE.
November 17, 9:30 - 11:30 am, at Monument Crisis Center - love does: MCC Rice Bagging Opportunity. Thousands of pounds of rice are donated each month to support local families in need, and we need your help to get it ready for distribution! We’re looking for six baggers (sit and scoop) and two team leaders (help with adding rice to bins and moving crates) to package rice. Ages 16+, no experience needed! Sign up HERE.
November 18, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, at Monument Crisis Center - love does: MCC Food Distribution. We’re looking for 2-3 volunteers to help with MCC’s Food Distribution Program. Volunteers will assist with food distribution and should be able to stand for about four hours and walk frequently throughout the shift. Thanks in advance for lending a hand! If you would like to join us, please email Michelle Browning.
November 20 - December 14 - love does: Hope Solutions Spirit of Giving (Giving Tree). Pick an ornament from the Giving Tree in the CLC, shop for your gift, and drop it off anytime before December 14, or bring it to our Cocoa and Cookies wrapping party following both worship services on December 14.
November 24, 10:00 am on Zoom - Prayer Group for Atfaluna and Gaza. We invite you to join us monthly on Mondays in prayer for Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children and all those affected by the ongoing violence and displacement. Register to receive the Zoom link by clicking HERE. All are welcome.
December 14, following both Worship services, love does: Cookies and Cocoa. Join us for a joyful time to wrap and drop off Giving Tree gifts while enjoying cocoa, cookies, and community cheer - or just stop by to say Merry Christmas and learn how you can support our mission partners during this Christmas season!
February 22 - love does Congregational Day of Service. Our special day of service brings the LOPC community together to support local mission partners across the Bay Area. Mark your calendar and start thinking about how you’ll join in! Service opportunities and details coming soon. Learn more at lopc.org/lovedoes.
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Advocate for Peace and Aid to Gaza. LOPC remains committed to peace, justice, and the dignity of all people. As part of our faith in action, we invite you sign up for PCUSA Action Alerts to advocate for aid to Gaza and an end to U.S. military support for Israel. Let us continue to walk in compassion and work toward healing in our world.
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!
Support Hope Solutions in their mission to uplift families and individuals facing housing insecurity. You can make a difference by volunteering - click HERE for more information.
Get Involved to Protect Our Community. Immigrants face daily threats from ICE enforcement and unjust detention. Click HERE to learn how to provide essential, easy-to-share Know Your Rights information to help protect our community.
Prepare a Meal, Share Some Hope at Trinity Center. Volunteers are needed to provide and prepare seasonal dinners and serve warm breakfasts to adults experiencing homelessness, providing not just meals but care, support, and connection. Sign up HERE.
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Atfaluna: Every Child Deserves to Learn, to Dream, and to be Heard
Atfaluna continues to complete desperately needed work during the ongoing crisis in Gaza. They continue to provide emergency meals, social support, and education to children there. They recently completed training for mental health professionals and launched inclusive field sessions for children and caregivers in Gaza. These sessions foster emotional expression, resilience, and positive coping for children with and without disabilities, while also offering stress management tools for caregivers.
Through the project “Access to Safe and Inclusive Temporary Learning Spaces for Displaced School-Age Children with and without Disabilities, Boys and Girls in the Gaza Strip,” Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children provides educational services for children with and without disabilities to ensure their right to learn in a safe and inclusive environment. Click below to watch a short video of the children learning in their temporary spaces.
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Children of Faith Founders' U.S. Visit Brings Updates and Exciting Plans
Anand had a successful visit to the U.S. during the month of October, meeting with several churches and many donors and supporters across the Bay Area, Seattle, and Texas. Rosie joined him in California for a week before he returned, and she will remain in the U.S. until mid-November.
While they were here, a powerful storm struck Visakhapatnam, near the COF Home. Thankfully, the COF campus was unharmed, though the surrounding area experienced flooding. The new dining hall and kitchen are expected to be in use before the end of November, as Anand now oversees the installation of tables, chairs, appliances, and food supplies.
The entire COF community is grateful to God and to LOPC for their support. Meanwhile, the COF board and other stakeholders are working on plans to revitalize the School Project that Anand and Rosie have long dreamed of – providing education for their children and others in the area. This initiative has been referred to as “Hope Academy,” and you can expect to hear more about it in 2026.
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Hope Solutions Shares 2025 Annual Report
Hope Solutions’ 2025 Annual Report is now available, full of financial updates, achievements, and client stories. Click HERE to check out their milestones and see the impact of their work in our community. Paula’s journey from nearly 14 years on the streets to a safe, supportive home at Hope Village Walnut Creek is an example of that impact. Watch her story of resilience and hope HERE.
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Fotokids Autumn 2025
The last two months brought record rains to Santiago Atitlán, but the Fotokids Board’s annual visit went ahead, celebrating the incredible achievements of students and graduates. From peaceful town protests resolved with the help of Fotokids graduate and former mayoral candidate Berta Garcia, to students photographing Board members as models for famous artworks (see photo below), to older students advancing their skills through Jakaramba projects and mentorship from local and international artists, the visit highlighted the life-changing impact of Fotokids. Graduates like Berta, David Ixbalan, Abdias Perez, and investigative reporter German Gomez shared how the program opened doors they never imagined, while the dedicated staff continues to inspire and provide opportunities for children in difficult circumstances. Read founder Nancy McGirr's full Autumn 2025 newsletter with all the stories and updates HERE.
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LOPC Congo Team Building Relations
Three members of LOPC’s Congo Mission team attended the annual conference of the Congo Mission Network (CMN), a grassroots organization of churches, presbyteries, and other Presbyterian Church (USA) supporters of mission work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The conference was held at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with many others participating virtually from the DRC and across the U.S.
This was the first conference since the reorganization of PCUSA’s mission sector. With the mission co-worker positions (like the Boyds, who had often visited LOPC) no longer in place, the LOPC Congo team is focusing on building relationships with key leaders of our two DRC partners: CPK, the Congolese Presbyterian Church of Kinshasa, and CPC, the Congolese Presbyterian Church. Together, these churches manage nearly 1,300 schools in the country.
A highlight was the attendance of two Congolese leaders critical to our mission work. The President of CPK will share CPK’s educational needs to guide our funding (we already have similar information from CPC). LOPC’s support continues to focus on education and trauma healing. We also learned about the Vulnerable Children ministry, which helps children found on the streets reunite with their families and communities—a program supported by LOPC’s Easter special offering this year.
The conference also provided opportunities to connect with other churches and presbyteries, helping us learn from their work and explore ways to pool resources for greater impact.
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Learn how housing insecurity impacts families across the U.S. The documentary, "Evicting the American Dream," produced by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Counter Stories Productions, presents the stories of children and families confronting eviction and homelessness, and explores the root causes and systemic issues that perpetuate this epidemic. Click HERE for more information, including how to watch.
See how one act of service grew into a Girl Scouts Gold Award project. At LOPC’s Youth Sunday (August 24, 2025), Ashlyn Browning shared how volunteering at Hope Solutions through LOPC’s Kids Fest sparked her passion for service. Watch her inspiring story on our YouTube channel.
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November 13, 6:00 pm at Freight and Salvage, Berkeley - 2025 Love Over Fear Benefit Concert. Register HERE to attend an inspiring evening of music and storytelling that uplifts immigrant justice, liberation, and beloved community, hosted by Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
November 15, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at St. Stephen Church Parish Hall - Poverty Simulation. Register HERE to attend an immersive experience hosted by Christ the King and St. Stephen that places you in the shoes of those who face impossible choices every day: rent or food, medicine or transportation, hope or despair. Step into the struggle, learn in solidarity, and leave ready to act. Free event, and lunch is provided.
November 16, 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Lafayette United Methodist Church - Dumplings For Good. RSVP and learn more HERE about this community workshop and fundraiser with expert dumpling demos, hands-on making, and connection - all in support of White Pony Express.
December 1, 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Trinity Center, Walnut Creek - Trinity Center Open House. Please register HERE to attend a special gathering to celebrate leadership, community, and holiday spirit.
March 14, 5:30 - 10:00 pm at The Club at Castlewood, Pleasanton - 2026 18th Annual Ruby Slippers Gala. Save the date for an unforgettable evening of elegance and purpose at Hope Solutions' Fundraising Gala, Ruby Slippers – There’s No Place Like Home! More info HERE.
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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! | | | | |
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