What a year for Outreach at LCPC!  Through new and old ministries, leaders, staff, and partnerships to serve the poor and forgotten, Outreach has equipped all generations to be Christ’s people both locally and around the world.

Here are a few highlights from 2011:

• 248 people went on 26 Go Journeys to serve and learn from the poor while contributing to LCPC’s local and global outreach partners.
• 16,400 nutritious meals for the homeless were prepared by 79 people through 51 weekly volunteer opportunities in the LCPC kitchen.
• 782 suits and an additional 2,635 items of business clothing were collected and
  donated to job seekers across Los Angeles.
• 116 people came from 36 cities to visit LCPC’s campus for an executive job fair.
• 300-400 gifts were wrapped for free in the Rite Aid parking lot across from the church for 125 community members.
• 700 shoeboxes full of Christmas toys, school supplies, and hygiene items were sent to needy children around the world.
• Through Christmas Market, LCPC members and friends purchased $74,191 in alternative Christmas gifts to benefit our ministry partners, exceeding last year’s numbers by over $11,000.

We praise God for your part in these amazing ministries, and we look forward to embarking on yet another exciting year with you in Outreach.

Seven people gathered in the church parking lot for a Go Journey this past June 17th. They formed a circle and prayed that God would use them for His glory. Then, the volunteers headed to Hollywood.

About that same time, over 80 teens were gathering down in Hollywood outside our Faith Missions partner Oasis. Oasis provides a safe haven for teenagers who need to escape gangs and drug abuse. Teens gather for food and music, and then listen to a gospel message.

After cooking dinner and interacting with the teens, the seven LCPC volunteers witnessed several teens give their lives to Christ after the gospel presentation.

One volunteer summed up the experience this way: “Oasis is, just as its name implies, a life-giving place in the desert. What a blessing it was to be able to serve there.”

At Oasis of Hollywood, leaders Ron and Judy Radachy minister to youths ranging in age from 5 years old to young adults. Ron and Judy build relationships with participants so they can mentor the teens spiritually, academically, and emotionally.

Ministries like Oasis need our active support to continue thriving. If you’d like to volunteer with Oasis, contact Megan.

Thank you so much for giving to Faith Missions. Your partnership is especially important in these economically difficult times.

Together, we are making a difference.

Greeters, specially trained to welcome first time visitors, reported many stories of hospitality: Visitors wandered in from a walk down Foothill Boulevard. New members experienced the kind of community that affirmed their new church family. Long-time attenders were re-engaged with new energy. Newcomers experienced first-hand LCPC’s commitment to families and to helping those in need. Having heard about the event through local advertising, one first time visitor showed up with a special request. A greeter discovered his story: He was looking for a job, and he was in need of suitable interview attire. He found what he was looking for–a nice suit, just his size. He and his wife were welcomed with complimentary food and excellent live music. They found a special blessing that day in size 42R.

As part of LCPC’s efforts to reach out to our neighbors, the church will be holding a “Kid Unique” parenting seminar September 23-25, featuring renowned author, mentor and public speaker Dan Webster. “Our aim is to help parents develop and nurture the unique abilities of their children” says Associate Pastor Kristin Leucht. “This event will be our chance this Fall to invite the parents of our children’s friends and classmates to experience the value of our church community,” says Kristin.

If you would like more information about various ongoing LCPC volunteer opportunities, please contact Megan Katerjian by email or phone: 818-790-6708×623.

As part of Faith Missions Week, on Sunday, May 15^th LCPC held a very special church-wide event, charity suit drive “Suit Yourself Day.” Though the day started off with morning showers, by noon there were cars lined up in the LCPC parking lot as drivers donated men’s and women’s business clothing. The business attire will be distributed by non-profit partner Clothes the Deal to 85+ agencies throughout Los Angeles county, including US Veterans facilities and homeless shelters, as well as LCPC’s own outreach partners Union Rescue Mission, Door of Hope, Elizabeth House, and Walter Hoving Home.

While the final number is still being counted, Clothes the Deal Executive Director Brad Brusavich estimated that well over 2000 articles of clothing and 500 suits were donated. “I can’t believe it,” Brusavich commented. “This was the most suits and clothes that Clothes the Deal has ever collected in one event.”

LCPC Associate Pastor of Outreach & Equipping, Jim Milley added, “Seeing all of the suits being collected, I was reminded of Jesus’ breaking the bread and feeding the 5000. The hard work our volunteers put into Suit Yourself Day and the community participation was miraculous.”

And this is what Faith Missions is all about: experiencing the joy of Christ while giving and going to others. On Mother’s Day, Faith Missions Kick-off Sunday, LCPC members not only gave to their own moms, but also cared for mothers and families around the world. April Steele, Director of Child S.H.A.R.E., preached about foster children who needed moms and dads, and she challenged the Church to respond. A Mother’s Day brunch provided opportunities for people to buy special gifts for moms and children in need around the world. Over 20 boyscouts volunteerd to serve, and many of their families attended the brunch and Sunday worship.

The following Sunday, Rev. Graham Baird, Pastor and missional church planter from Highlands Church in Paso Robles, CA, challenged LCPC attenders to be joyfully surprised by God’s unusual choice of leaders – including each of us! (“Who, Me?”) That day, over 70 people signed up for Go Journeys and chances to explore volunteer opportunities with our local outreach partners.  Fifteen local and global outreach partners shared about their amazing ministries with LCPC members and visitors alike on the patio. By the day’s end, approximately 426 people donated well over 2000 items of business clothing and accessories through a church-wide service project. To all those who were a part of Faith Missions this year, thank you for giving and going with us.

From left to right: From left to right: ABC7 Eyewitness News Weatherman Dallas Raines, LCF Mayor David Spence, Crescenta-Cañada YMCA President Tyler Wright, LCPC Pastor Gary Dennis, Clothes The Deal Executive Director Brad Brusavich, LCF Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Joel Peterson, LCF Councilman Michael Davitt, and emcee Ron Pearson.

Help cook and serve food for the homeless at LCPC kitchen.

Contact: Gary & Loralee Swaner, GO JOURNEY LEADER
email