Advent is a time when God’s people remember God’s willingness to leave his heavenly throne to bring peace, joy, restoration, and healing to his world. The generosity of Jesus changes everything!

In response to this good news, our church will work together this Advent season to reflect God’s generous, missional heart in multiple ways. Each of these initiatives is meant to expand beyond a mere “transactional” experience (i.e. simply giving money to something disconnected from understanding of or investment in it) and push deeper into our missional call to be God’s people in this city where he’s placed us.

1. Care Kits – December 1st (and beyond!)

On Sunday, December 1, we will create care kits together during Regional Connect. The kits will go to Serve LA, where they will be distributed to the community they serve on a daily basis. These kits are meant to not only meet small physical needs, but also create opportunity for our church to deepen relationships with other image-bearers of God by serving those who have been marginalized or are in need.

And this isn’t just a one time thing! Every member of the church can replicate this opportunity for mercy in your daily life—the places where you live, work, or spend time. Whether or not you’re able to participate on December 1, you can be on mission in this way by creating care kits with the resources listed here.

• Drawstring bag (to hold the items)
• Beanie
• Food item – trail mix
• Food item – fig bar or protein bar
• Gloves
• Shampoo and body wash/soap
• Socks
• Pack of tissues
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Water bottle
• Wet wipes
• Card with personal message (download the card here)

2. Regional investment (throughout Advent)

We’re coming alongside many faithful LA partner organizations to tangibly love our neighbors through prayer, giving, service, and investment—partners spread across the different regions of our city so each of us can invest in our specific neighborhoods (though anyone’s welcome to participate wherever they feel drawn or called to!). We strongly encourage communities and groups of people to serve together!

Learn more about our co-laborers in the gospel, how they’re seeking the renewal of Los Angeles this Advent season, and sign up to serve alongside them below:

  Sign up to serve ↗︎  

Claris Health:

Saturday, December 14, 11AM-2PM at 1609 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Claris needs tons of support helping people to their cars, filling out paperwork and thank you cards, taking Christmas pictures, and passing out “family bags” filled with crafts and snacks families can do together at home. Come bless the Claris Health community!

Covenant House:

Friday, December 13, 6-8PM, 1325 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Come hear more about the ministry of Covenant House, help set up and decorate the space for the holidays, lead some fun activities, and support the Covenant House staff and youth with other Christmas needs.

Olive Crest:

Sunday, December 15, 3:30-8:30PM, New Creation Church, 610 N Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91206

Kids and families in the Olive Crest community will come together to enjoy a meal, fun activities, receive gifts, and be shown love this Christmas season! Come help set up, serve meals, distribute gifts, play with kids, and more.

Seen&Heard:

Saturday, December 8 and 14, 10AM-1PM at The Fox Foundation, 3402 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405)

Here are two ways to show a young person in foster care they are seen and heard! The first is by purchasing an item on their Christmas wish list, wrapping it, and dropping it off Sunday, December 8. The second is by volunteering to bring Christmas goodies or beverages to their December 14 graduation event and lending a hand with set-up, cookie decoration, or ornament making.

Serve LA:

Monday – Friday throughout December at the Hope Center, 4903 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

We have a chance to seek the renewal of our city every single weekday by guiding the marginalized from suffering to flourishing and equipping others to do the same in their own neighborhoods. Join in the ministry of Serve LA at the Hope Center!

We Foster LA:

Saturday, December 21, 10AM-2PM at Sweetwater Church, 8055 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335

We Foster LA is moving and needs help setting up a space to bless families across our city! Helping to move, organize their supply closet, paint, and prepare the new space will set up the ministry for success this Advent season and beyond!

  Sign up to serve ↗︎