Hello friends,

Last week I had one of those meetings that left me feeling grateful and hopeful. A group of us gathered to talk about the challenges facing immigrants and refugees in our community - and more importantly, how we can respond as people of faith.

What moved me most was the generosity in the room. Some who speak Spanish offered to serve as court welcome navigators, greeting people with kindness, key resources and helping them find their way on an extremely stressful day. Others felt called to simply be present with those seeking refugee status, showing up in court as a sign that they are not alone. Still others are eager to mobilize their neighborhoods, spreading awareness and organizing support. And many shared that they’re willing to step in wherever they’re needed most.

As I listened, I was reminded again that God equips us in different ways, and when we bring those gifts together, something beautiful happens. The commitment, compassion, and courage of this group gave me a glimpse of the kingdom of God right here among us.

I’m excited to see where this work leads, and I hope you’ll join me in praying for these efforts and for the people we seek to serve.

Peace,

Pastor Lauren

We’re excited to announce the launch of love does Groups, a brand-new, short-term small group experience built around direct service and shared calling to serve. Each cycle, choose a focus – food insecurity, at-risk youth, housing insecurity, or a special track for families with children – and serve alongside others who share your calling in support of our mission partners.

Food Insecurity: Join efforts to combat hunger through hands-on service like food distribution, breakfast preparation, pantry work, and meal bagging with local partners including MCC, the Food Bank, and Trinity Center.

Supporting At-Risk Youth: Support youth through enrichment classes, clothing sorts, and seasonal celebrations in partnership with Hope Solutions, MCC, and Trinity Center.

Housing Insecure: Serve those experiencing housing insecurity by helping with site cleanups, activities for seniors and unhoused adults, store/mailroom support, and special evening events with Hope Solutions, Trinity Center, and MCC.

Family Track: Designed for families (ages 5+), this track includes fun and family-friendly service opportunities at our local mission partners.

Spaces are limited for this new program! If you would like to learn more, please contact Michelle Browning.

A Lasting Gift: The Nielsens Give Back

After 43 years as members of LOPC, Dave and Judy Nielsen are moving out of the area to be closer to family in Illinois. As part of their move, the Nielsens made a generous donation of furniture and household goods to the Extended Family Program (EFP), which furnishes homes for families transitioning out of homelessness.

Six trucks arrived to pick up their donations. “It feels good to think of our furniture helping others,” Judy shared.

Judy was an active volunteer in the LOPC youth programs that her three children participated in, just one of the many ways the Nielsens have given to our community over the years. Their kindness and generosity continue to reflect the heart of LOPC.

To donate furniture in very good condition, simply email photos and dimensions to Randi Long. EFP is unable to accept beds, mattresses, glass-topped furniture, desks, bookcases, bar stools, and other large or nonessential pieces due to space constraints. Smaller household items in very good condition, such as kitchenware, microwaves, coffee makers, lamps, and children’s books, can be dropped off Tuesday mornings between 10 a.m. and noon at the United Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave. Volunteers will be in the social hall, just down the steps from the lower parking lot. Please note: clothing is not accepted.

The Nielsens leave behind more than memories, they leave a legacy of compassion and service. Let’s honor them by continuing to support families in need.

Fotokids Mid-Year Update: Growth, Improvements, and Community Impact

In June and July, the Fotokids team came together for a mid-year review, reflecting on program successes and planning ahead with data-driven insights and staff development initiatives. Facility upgrades, including a full repaint and new studio enhancements, have improved learning environments, while a new volunteer program empowers students with real-world experience. Staff shared new photography skills learned at a specialized boot camp, and preparations are underway for their 34th anniversary celebration (which was on August 30th). Additionally, a website redesign promises a more modern, user-friendly experience thanks to generous support. Despite recent earthquakes in Guatemala, all students and families remain safe, and emergency plans are in place. Click HERE to read the full report.

Monument Crisis Center Celebrates 22 Years of Service

Founded on August 19, 2003, Monument Crisis Center has grown from a small food pantry into a trusted pillar in our community, providing vital food, resources, and safety-net services to 15,000 low-income families, youth, and seniors each year.

Executive Director Daniel Scherer shares, “We are so thankful to our community of donors, volunteers, clients, and partners for making the last 22 years a magical experience. Monument Crisis Center has become a dynamic family resource center, assisting tens of thousands of neighbors with compassion and understanding. While we are proud of our progress, many more people still need help, and our board and staff are ready to face the challenges ahead with our supporters by our side.”



As a partner, we are grateful for the critical role Monument Crisis Center plays and proud to support their ongoing mission in our community.

Celebrating India's Culture and History at Children of Faith

Children of Faith hosted a special day to celebrate Indian Culture, History and Conservation. The children dressed as a historical Indian figure, a professional, a beloved character from Indian literature, or to represent the people from an area in India. In addition, conservation habits such as clean water and reducing plastic use were shared. Each child spoke about the persona they dressed as and shared why that was important to them. Special activities such as this supplement the education the children are receiving at the Children of Faith Home School. Rosie Thandu, co-founder of the Children of Faith Home shared this about the day, “We had a fun day with special snacks and drinks! Our teachers appreciated the children's creativity and themes.  We ended the day with some songs and a dance time too!”

To learn more about the Children of Faith Home in Visakhapatnam, India where 120 children live and learn with support from LOPC and others, visit their website by clicking HERE.

Transforming Lives in the Congo: Impact of our Easter Special Offering

One of the recipients of LOPC’s Easter special offering was a program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help “vulnerable children”. These are children that for various reasons have lost touch with their family and ended up on the streets. This ministry is run by the Presbyterian Community of the Congo (CPC), one of the two Congolese partners of Presbyterian Church (USA). In the past, these children were placed in children’s centers of the Presbyterian church while a search for family ensued. But these centers were unable to meet the needs of the children due to lack of resources. The church then switched to a comprehensive congregation-based approach, placing vulnerable children in Presbyterian foster homes where they attend school, while at the same time, congregational child protection committees work to reunite children with their families and promote their rights.

Some advantages of this new approach are it allows children to strive better in family settings with foster care by local congregations and reunite a considerably larger proportion of children with their relatives while shortening the average time in transitional care from 3.7 years to 5.5 months

The offering raised $15,000 to help train synods in this new approach. Funds went to transportation, training materials, food and trainer’s fees. 

Result - For 2021-2024 period, 379 children have been rescued and 276 of these have been reunited with relatives. The training of the synods continues in this very successful ministry. Thank you, LOPC.

Below is a picture of Patrick whose parents were killed in an armed conflict when he was just a toddler. After being cared for by the village’s local congregation, he was united with a traced-back relative in a nearby town. 

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!