​

Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step program with a Biblical basis that can change your life, leading you into recovery and a relationship with God. CR works in small groups, led by people just like you who have overcome their hurts, habits, and hang-ups and now reach out to anyone entrapped by the world's road blocks.


Got questions, or need help? E-mail candy@abcchurch.org.

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Mercy Medical Teams
|How We ServeMercyMercy Medical Teams
LCMS Mercy Medical Teams
Health care professionals needed for short-term service

Since 2006, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Mercy Medical Teams have provided desperately needed health care to thousands of patients in underserved regions around the globe.

Continue reading

Upcoming trips

Coronavirus pandemic
Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has suspended Mercy Medical Teams trips until further notice. Please check this webpage for updates.

Short-term service
LCMS Mercy Medical Teams Video

Join a short-term mission trip lasting about two weeks. Volunteers demonstrate in word and deed the great love that God has for all people through His Son, Jesus Christ. There are trips scheduled all over the world.

View opportunities

Short-Term Mission Resources

Photo galleries
LCMS Mercy Medical Teams

Mercy Medical Teams from LCMS congregations throughout the United States travel around the world to provide health care to thousands of patients.

Photo gallery: Madagascar

Photo gallery: Kenya

Resources & Services
Volunteer
Contact form — Please contact the LCMS if you would like more information about Mercy Medical Teams or if you are interested in volunteering.

Resources
Mercy Medical Teams FAQs — Find answers about costs, financial assistance, roles for non-medical professionals and how to register.

Mercy Medical Teams Brochure — Learn about the two types of teams sent and the comprehensive nature of our work.

Poster — Color | Black & White

Flier — Color | Black & White

Bulletin Insert
Scholarships
LCMS Mercy Medical Teams may have grant funding available to provide scholarships for LCMS college students studying health-related professions at any university and for LCMS pastors willing to serve as a chaplain for one of our teams.

For more information, email mercyteams@lcms.org.
Recommended Reading
Essays

Theology for Mercy — by Matthew Harrison

The Church is a Mercy Place! — by Matthew Harrison

The Church’s Role of Mercy in the Community — by Matthew Harrison

Sanctification and Charitable Works in Lutheran Theology — by Matthew Harrison

Mercy and the Lutheran Congregation — by Theodore Brohm, trans. by Matthew Harrison
Books

Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith in Action — by Matthew Harrison, CPH 2008

Partner Organization
Lutherans In Medical Missions — LIMM works with local and global partners to share Christ’s healing in medically underserved communities.

LIMM partners with LCMS Mercy Medical Teams, providing travel grants and working together in the development and implementation of Community Health Education team trips.





* The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will not knowingly lead a team into political unrest or any other situation where safety may be compromised. Decisions to cancel a trip may be made shortly before the scheduled date, based on firsthand information from our local contacts.


Erin Alter, Director,
Short-Term Mission Teams



Contact Ministry

Facebook

Email

888-843-5267



Program Overview
The LCMS sends Mercy Medical Teams to underserved regions around the globe, and they deliver healing through medicine and the Gospel.

Download information sheet



Bulletin Insert
A worship service bulletin insert is available to invite volunteers for LCMS Mercy Medical Teams and other short-term service opportunities.

LCMS Mercy Medical Teams need volunteers to bring Christ’s mercy and love to the most vulnerable people around the globe.

LCMS short-term volunteers have the opportunity to tell people around the world about God’s love for all people through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Download two-sided bulletin insert


How to help
Do you want to help, but can’t volunteer? Your financial gifts can support medical projects around the world.

Give now

Give by mail:

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Attn: Mercy Medical Teams
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

Give by phone:

888-930-4438

When gifts exceed the total needed for this opportunity the gifts received will be used as determined by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Recent Articles & Stories
From the mission field – Updates on COVID-19
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Reflections on LCMS Mercy Medical Team mission trip to Uganda
Monday, March 9, 2020
International volunteer work and your health
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
This feed has 7 articles on 3 pages << < 1 2 3 > >>


LCMS World Relief and Human Care National Grants
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Office of National Mission offers national development grants to aid LCMS congregations, Recognized Service Organizations and districts to vigorously make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches and communities. This is an annual grant cycle. Applications are due by Feb. 1; awards are announced in June.

For questions about National Development Grants contact grants@lcms.org or 888-THE LCMS.

Learn more

Grant Description & Criteria
Grant awards range from $1,000 to $20,000. National development grant applications are awarded for new or expanded programs that:

Vigorously make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches and communities Address one or more of the following questions:
Does your project help plant, sustain or revitalize spiritually healthy, vibrant and distinctly Lutheran churches?
Does your project support theological education?
Does your project intentionally connect human care in close proximity to Word and Sacrament ministry?
Does your project collaborate with Synod's members and other partners to enhance mission effectiveness?
Does your project help nurture professional church workers to promote their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being?
Does your project address the ministry needs of children and youth that will enable them to grow into healthy, spiritually grounded adults?
Does your project enhance early childhood, elementary, or secondary Lutheran education or youth ministry?
Does your project strengthen and support the Lutheran family in living out God’s design?
Capital improvement projects, major equipment purchases or general operational support expenses are ineligible for this grant.

Serve
Career Opportunities
Church Work Careers
Lutheran Young Adult Corps
Mercy Medical Teams
Missionary Service
National Grants
National Development Grants
Grant Report Forms
Volunteer at LCMS Office
Youth Servant Events
ALL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY


Lutherans Engage the World
Lutheran Engage the WorldEngaging the Church in the work of witness and mercy across the globe in our life together.

Learn more



The Lutheran Witness
The Lutheran WitnessInterpreting the contemporary world from a Lutheran Christian perspective

Learn more

Concordia Publishing House
Concordia Publishing House

Our Ministries
Black MinistryCampus MinistryChurch PlantingChurch RevitalizationDeaconess MinistryDisaster ResponseGrantsHealth MinistryHispanic MinistryLife MinistryMinistry to the Armed ForcesMissionary ServiceRecognized Service OrganizationsRural & Small Town MissionSchool MinistrySoldiers of the CrossSpecialized Pastoral MinistryStewardship MinistryUrban & Inner-City MissionVeterans of the CrossWitness & Outreach MinistryWorshipYouth Ministry


International Regions

Africa | Asia | Eurasia | Latin America | United States



Auxiliaries and PartnersConcordia Historical InstituteConcordia Plan ServicesConcordia Publishing HouseConcordia Seminary, St. LouisConcordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.Concordia University SystemLutheran Church Extension FundLutheran Hour MinistriesLutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML)The LCMS FoundationContact Us

Email us


Church Info Center: 888-843-5267
Staff Switchboard: 800-248-1930
Donor Care Line: 888-930-4438


1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7226



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The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Inc., including Mission Central (in Mapleton, Iowa), is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.

A contribution designated (restricted) for a specific purpose when accepted, will be used only to fund expenses related to that purpose. Occasionally, we may receive more in contributions for a particular purpose than can be wisely applied to it in the foreseeable future or the purpose may cease to be feasible. In these situations, the LCMS will make reasonable attempts to contact contributors to apply their contribution differently. If a contributor cannot be contacted, the LCMS will use the gift to meet a similar pressing need that most closely matches the contributor's original intent. Consistent with Synod Board policy, no more than 13.5 percent of a charitable contribution may be allocated to administering gifts and communicating with contributors. Contributions received and accepted by the LCMS are deemed to be in agreement with this statement.

Our Tax Identification Number: 43-0658188

View Donor Transparency Resources »

Employment | For the Media | Site Map | Privacy



© 2003 – 2020 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. All Rights Reserved.

Clothing Pantry
St. John's Valley of Faith Clothing Pantry is a ministry that seeks the opportunity for our church to live out our Faith to God in service to our community. By providing clothing and other material needs for our brothers and sisters in Christ from our Arvin community. And by doing so, inviting others to discover the Love, Restoration, and Providence of God, for every good gift and perfect gift is from above.



WE PROVIDE HELP WITH CLOTHING TO ALL NEEDY FAMILIES


OPEN : EVERY THURSDAY 10:00A.M. - 12:00P.M.
ALL SERVICES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
PLEASE CONTACT CHURCH OFFICE FOR APPT. 661-854-4473

GOD COMMISSIONS EVERYBODY. SIGN UP AND SHARE THE LOVE.
The Church has left the building. We always proclaim that the Church is a people and not a building and more than ever during these unique times we must be intentional, creative and faithful in the way we minister to one another and to this community that God so dearly loves. Beyond caring for your family and your geographical neighbors we as a church family have some opportunities to take action and be the church here and now in this unique time in history.

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH: CRU ALBANIA
If you visit our Global Missions page, you'll notice that GBC partners with a handful of missionaries in Albania. We now have the opportunity to work with them on a wider level, and by that, I mean YOU can partner with CRU Albania. How, you ask? CRU is seeking to provide conversational English for their college freshmen. For these courses, they are seeking native English speakers who can video call with 1 student for 1 hour once a week for a six-week program. This program acts as a way to help students in Albania develop skills in the English language through conversation with a native speaker, as well as doubles as a way to share the love of Jesus. Want to help? Email hello@gracebibleag.com if you're interested.

TUTORING
Coastal Community Church is offering a new tutoring program for students who need some extra help navigating learning via distance, as well as for parents who may need time to run some errands or may have barriers to assisting their child with school work. There is no tutoring experience required to help; we are simply looking for folks who want to serve families within the community in a very practical way. For more information or to sign up to help, click here.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Last year, GBC sent over 800 shoe boxes filled with gifts to children in need around the globe. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 is a very important year! GBC volunteers will hand out empty shoeboxes and collect full shoe boxes at GBC between October 25th and November 22nd before and after Sunday morning service in the East Parking Lot. The shipping costs for all shoeboxes will be covered be the GBC OCC Memorial Fund.

If you have any questions regarding this service opportunity, please contact Brian Kaub at (831) 594-1405 or Glenn Vanderplate at (805) 440-8808.

SERVE
Captive Hearts
Our mission is “Bringing Healing to Hurting Humanity.” We are dedicated to providing practical and spiritual training to rehabilitate broken men and women. Our goal is to prepare these individuals to return to their families and communities, healed from the chains of addiction. By “Bringing Healing to Hurting Humanity“, those we counsel and mentor can realize their dreams as they move into their destiny, learning how to recover, how to break free from their addictions, anger and grief, and how to set boundaries in their lives–tools they will need once they enter back into society.

Sherri Masters - 805.305.1928 or sherrimasters@hotmail.com
https://captivehearts.org/

Families in Transition (FIT)
The Lucia Mar Families in Transition Program assists families facing housing challenges. They are funded by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, which is a federal law ensuring immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. There are times, however, when this program needs additional support, and your monetary donations would help them purchase everything from toothpaste and lunches to Chromebooks and AP Testing for the homeless youth on our Central Coast. For more information, contact Shaun at 805.215.5152

Good News Club
Good News Club aims to evangelize boys and girls in schools, homes, churches, and just about anywhere they can easily and safely meet with their parent’s permission.

Because of the school closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's club has come to an end. However, if possible, this summer the club will host Good News Camp. If you'd like to help with facilitating camp, please email hkutch@gracebibleag.com.

https://www.cefonline.com/ministries/goodnewsclub/

Lifeline
Lifeline shares the love of Christ and information on alternatives to abortion for women and girls in our local community. We offer critical support, mentoring, and healing.

Lifeline also has a job opportunity that will move forward once the county reopens for people who have experienced the loss of job due to the pandemic. If you are interested in a part-time position, or would like to volunteer as a receptionist, please call 805.481.4987.

https://lifelinepregnancycenter.org/volunteer/

People's Kitchen
People’s Kitchen serves as an emergency food resource for homeless and vulnerable members of the Five Cities community. We provide hot meals and safe haven. For more information, contact Nancy at 805.489.3254 or Betsy at 805.489.9046.

Shelter and Rain
Shelter and Rain is dedicated to the freedom, protection and restoration of human trafficking survivors through anti-trafficking efforts, as well as educates communities about trauma so that they may aid in empowering survivors.

https://www.shelterandrain.org/

PRAY
Updates
Our weekly Missionary Prayer Calendar can be found on the gracebibleag.com homepage. It is updated every Sunday with new requests for our missions partners around the globe. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!

DONATE
Financially support our local and global Missions efforts HERE.

Debtors Anonymous Mondays 6:00pm
Al-Anon Mondays 7:00pm
Alzheimer's Support Wednesdays 12:30pm
Senior Exercise Class Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00am
People's Kitchen and Food Pantry
Scouts

​

If you or someone you know experiences food insecurity, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our U-Pick Pantry allows you to choose the items that best suit your needs, including fresh fruits and vegetables and other refrigerated items.

CURRENTLY OUR PANTRY IS OFFERING DRIVE-UP SERVICE ONLY DURING NORMAL HOURS OF PANTRY OPERATION. WE CAN RECEIVE DONATION DROP-OFFS AT THAT TIME.


TUESDAYS • 6PM-7:30PM
WEDNESDAYS • 10AM-12PM
THURSDAYS • 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM


• All are welcome to use the pantry •. We allow one visit per household per week
•. Photo ID required.
• Covid19 safety measures will be observed for your safety



Pantry is across the street from the main New Life Church Campus on Crest way, behind the Pismo Beach Post Office. It is recommended to park by the basketball courts on the medical plaza side of the building.

Click map to enlarge.









Many in our community experience periods of food insecurity and sometimes struggle to put food on their tables. We want to do what Jesus did, by coming alongside these individuals and families to meet their basic needs and hopefully help them live more fully alive. What makes our pantry unique is that we’ve chosen to be a U-PICK pantry so individuals can choose the foods that best suit their needs. We also will have fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other refrigerated items available. These options help to raise the dignity of these individuals and allow them to provide healthy meals for their families, even during tough times. Ultimately our goal is to make sure everyone in our community feels valued and understands that God sees them, and loves them deeply.



At the present time we are able to use volunteers in our food pantry. If you would like to volunteer contact pantry@newlifepismo.com.



NON-PERISHABLES
jelly/jam
pasta
mayonnaise
ketchup
syrup
canned
fruit
tuna
canned chicken
peanut butter
pasta sauce
mustard
crackers
chili
beef stew
canned corn

PERISHABLES
ground beef
yogurt
berries
lemons
limes
potatoes
zucchini
eggs
bread
bananas
corn
lettuce
peppers
tomatoes

DONATIONS DROP-OFF:
during pantry hours of operation



Special deliveries + pickup times available. Call to make arrangements.

If you are a business or grower and would like to partner with us, please contact us at: pantry@newlifepismo.com • 805.489.3891

Food Closet

Weekly on Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon



Chapel in the Pines is blessed to be a participant in the Resource Connection Food Bank, just one of the many programs Calaveras County's Resource Connection offers. The Food Bank's volunteers provide over 1,000 hours of labor and caring for the Calaveras community each month. And, here at Chapel, our many volunteers faithfully give of their time each week to manage our downstairs Food Closet.



Arnold's Big Trees Bible Church has partnered with us in this endeavor, providing additional financial support to ensure our church food pantry is always well stocked. These two relationships have given us the ability to provide food for lower-income families throughout the Hwy. 4 corridor.



Our Food Closet is located downstairs in Fellowship Hall with easy access directly from the parking lot. It is open each Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. No one is turned away, but all visitors are asked to complete a brief application form for record-keeping purposes.


Do-wooders

Mondays & Wednesdays 8am to 10:45am at the Do-Wooders yard behind the left-side of the Biig Trees Market strip mall.



This outreach program provides split wood to the community at no cost. A group of hearty Chapel men gather together to transform fallen trees into split wood using all manner of powered equipment.



If you're interested in being a part of this endeavor, please call the church office at 209-795-1064, or email them at office@chapelinthepines.org

To apply for a load of wood, please submit a request form.


Remember that this is a free service. Donations and Volunteers are always welcome.


Vacation Bible School

Our annual week-long outreach event held in mid-June is tailored to teach and entertain children, ages K - 5th grade.



VBS 2020 - Canceled because of pandemic
VBS 2021 - Stay tuned and be praying


Click here for more details


Trunk or Treat

Chapel welcomes the community by hosting the annual Trunk-or-Treat event in October. This event is completely free to the community.

When: October 31st (Saturday) from 4PM to 7PM
Where: Chapel in the Pines Parking Lot (2286 Cedar Lane, Arnold)
Click here for more details
Will be held rain or shine. (Will be canceled in the event of snow.)


Mexico Mission

Once a year the Youth of Chapel raise money through various fundraisers in order to caravan down to Mexico and build a home for a disadvantaged family.

Highlights from the 2019 Mexico trip

Moms in Prayer

A worldwide community of Moms in Prayer International! Join moms who pray together for our kids and schools in more than 140 countries and in all 50 U.S. states.



For more information visit https://momsinprayer.org


Door of Hope

Opened their doors and arms in 2005 and exist to serve anyone involved in a difficult pregnancy situation. The staff and volunteers at CDOH genuinely care about those who walk through the doors and are eager to assist all.

Go to https://cdohope.org to get free pregnancy information or help.

Parish Nurse: Emily Arents






Our Parish Nurse, Emily Arents, is an RN whose calling is to promote health and healing, visiting those in hospital or recovering at home or in a care facility. She also helps with referrals, helps to explain medications and care plans, takes parishioners to appointments and helps organize meals for homebound people. Writing monthly for the church newsletter and taking the occasional blood pressure are part of her job also. There is usually an annual discussion group on a specific health issue to plan as well. Mostly, though, this ministry is about working with everyone to understand the connection of body, mind and spirit, nurturing our interdependence as God's people.

We've had a Health Ministry at St. Alban's since 2002.

Our vision is:
· To offer shut-in parishioners visits, transportation, shopping and meals…..
· To offer those facing medical crises support, education, referrals….
· To improve the health of our parish community through education, blood pressure monitoring .….

We accomplish this with a wonderful team of angels who generously cook and visit and generally brighten the days of those who are homebound or hospitalized. The Parish Nurse helps to decipher medical plans of care and to explain medications prescribed, and offers prayers when desired. We present health related information occasionally at our Sunday Forums.

MINISTRIES
Sunday Mornings
There is always something to help out with at the Sunday morning service. Do you play the drums? Do you like knowing there's always a fresh cup of coffee at hand (and you ACTUALLY know how to brew it)? Can you be friendly and greet people at the door? The Worship Team is a great place to serve. Join our Cafe Team. Click here for our Ministry opportunities.



Manna Ministries
Every Saturday a group of volunteers prepare and go out to feed the homeless at a pre-determined location. From 9:30 am-11:15 am they cook and prepare the meal then from 11:30 am-1 pm they serve the meal and fellowship with the people they serve and then clean up afterwards.

Community Groups
Community Logo

We have community groups for men and women who want to form new relationships, grow spiritually and share their faith in Jesus Christ with others. Click here for a list of our community groups and details for the one that fits you best.

At Shorelife, there are several ways for you to get plugged in, click here for other opportunities to get involved.

Outreach Evangelism
Service Opportunities (Volunteer):
Being involved in a ministry team is part of what makes the church a true community. If you want to meet people and join in the fun of a Shorelife ministry team, we have plenty of opportunities to do so. There are teams serving on Sunday mornings, plus others occurring throughout the week. Please call the church if you are interested in serving.

Nursery Center (Ages 1 to 3):
Sundays 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Details...

Children's Center (Ages 4 to 7):
Sundays 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Details...

Every Month
MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST
First Saturday of the month at 7:30am

KETTLEFEST
Third Sunday of the month, right after the main service

MEALS MINISTRY -
CALFRESH OUTREACH PROGRAM
Meals Ministry lunch program sends out 80 to 100 lunches to hungry and/or homeless people in our community every week. Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy (NPA) student volunteers prepare and pass out lunches on Friday during the school year and AUMC volunteers prepare and hand out lunches on Sunday afternoon. We have a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, CalFresh Outreach, to help pay for food and outreach. We use donations from the congregation to provide socks, tarps, hats, gloves, raingear, clothing and diapers. We also offer coffee, snacks and hospitality to guests who visit us on Sunday.

We use this outreach opportunity to provide information about nutrition and other services offered by DHHS, Food for People, Arcata House Partnership (AHP), Area 1 Agency on Aging and other organizations. People are always thankful for what we offer.

If you are hungry or can’t afford nutritious food, we have information about Cal Fresh in the office or you can call 1-877-410-8809 to apply through the Department of Health & Human Services regional call center.

Extreme Weather Shelter

The Extreme Weather Shelter (EWS) is a program which provides shelter to adults in need on nights of inclimate weather. Based on guidelines from the National Weather Service, the Arcata House Partnership (AHP) program coordinator keeps tabs on the local weather during the winter season in order to help provide shelter on the coldest, wettest, and/or windiest nights of the year.

Attendees receive a shower, clothing, and dinner before the program coordinator drives everyone to a local church to sleep for the night. Local churches in Arcata and McKinleyville house the attendees overnight with chaperones in their facilities, providing sanctuary to those most in need. In the morning, clients receive a breakfast, sack lunch, and coffee before heading on their way.

Serve at New Hope Aptos
We would love to have you be a part of our team! If you have desire to serve please fill out the form at the link below.

Volunteer Form


Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry provide fresh, local, seasonal produce provided by Second Harvest Food Bank as well as donated pantry goods to those in need.

Volunteer opportunities are available.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 10am


Music
The music at New Hope is contemporary, but more importantly, our worship is genuine.


World Missions
Whether domestic or abroad, we participate in and support our missionaries. God has changed our lives so that we may also impact our community and beyond.

1 Peter 4:10

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.



Our purpose for this ministry is to help alleviate the stress for famlies who just had a baby or surgery by making them meals. If you would like to serve in this ministry please contact Cynthia Lewis at cynthia@calvaryvv.org.



If you are in need of a meal please contact Cynthia Lewis at cynthia@calvaryvv.org

Our Ministries
All of our ministries exist for the purpose of loving God and loving others! This call comes in many different ways and every person has their own God given gifts. Please feel free to get involved however the Lord leads you and if you have any questions about anything, don't hesitate to contact us! The church office is available by phone at (760)247-2933, or you can email us from the Questions/Comments Box on our Services & Directions Page.
God's Store House
AVFC has a heart for turning back God's blessings to help those who are in need. God's Storehouse does this by giving out food and clothing. The Storehouse is currently open every Thursday 8:00-11:00pm. If you are in need, we would be happy to help! If you want to give back through this ministry, we welcome donations and volunteers.
Children's Ministry
The Children's Ministry is always looking for more volunteers who love Jesus and love kids! Volunteers can help out wherever comfortable whether that be as a helper or as a teacher. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, don't wait to get involved!
Helping Hands
Lending helping hands to those in need, this team of people are skilled volunteers that will go to people's homes and help with simple to complex projects. It also includes those who are willing to give others rides or even go grocery shopping for them. If you are a widow or otherwise unable to take care of your household needs, please tell us how we can help. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, please email us your information as well as what abilities you have.
Hospitality Team
Greeting, serving in the kitchen for potlucks, and other such things may not seem fun to everyone, but to some it is the perfect way to get involved. If this is something you would like to do, please contact us.
Care Team
Caring for one another and serving one another must be done purposefully when we live in an "out of sight, out of mind" society. This team cares for their fellow church members by calling them when they are sick, visiting them when they can't leave home or are in the hospital, making meals for those in bereavement or other distress, and so on. There are many different ways we can make others feel loved, and this team is focused on showing that.
Fundraising Team
The church has many needs for upkeep including roof work, drywall work, wood work, painting, and on and on. Of course, to make these things happen, we need funds. This is where our fundraising team comes in! They create events and other opportunities to help raise funds to make ends meet at the church. If you have great ideas or love to fundraise, please contact us!
Men's Breakfast
The Men's Breakfast is an opportunity to build Christian relationships with each other for support and guidance, and to build a stronger relationship with God! Meeting every other Saturday morning at 8:00am in the AVFC Embassy Building, the men enjoy breakfast before diving into worshiping the Lord and studying the Bible.
Women's Bible Study
An opportunity for women to get together, build community, and learn more about Jesus and the Bible! This study meets on Tuesdays at 9:30am in the back of the AVFC Sanctuary.
Home Prayer Groups
Groups meet together in homes and pray. We pray for each other, for our church, for our community, for our nation, and for the world! Join the Morgan's on Mondays at 6:00pm.
Regeneration Team
To regenerate is to make new. We need help keeping up the grounds of the church as well as making repairs. This team does just that! Each volunteer holds a responsibility and all together it keeps the church taken care of. There are plenty of opportunities still open if you are interested in joining the team.
Media Team
Whether video, audio or visual aspects, they are all part of a smooth Sunday morning service! If you are interested in learning more about potenital opportunities, please ask for more information.
Music Ministry
Music is only one of many ways we worship God! We simply seek the Lord as our leader and let His Spirit guide our music. If you have training as an audio technician or are a musician, there are many ways to get involved. You are welcome to come try out if you would like to be a part of the AVFC Worship Team!

We are not meant to walk in our life alone. Our faith is strengthened when we are in a community of other believers.

Your first step is involvement in one of our ministries. If you have questions, please contact us below.

Please note: All of our ministries break in the month of December.
Ladies In Christ Ministry

Tuesday Morn. Bible Study:10:30AM
Quilters Ministry "The Comforters": Thursday @ 10:00am.
​*Annual Fall Retreat
*Annual Prayer Conference

A Seniors Ministry
Director: Linda Delay
Assistant: Clara Brumfield

Meetings every 2nd Sat. of the month. Field trips and fun events. Join us!
IGNITE KIDZ / NURSERY
Church For Little Kids! (Ages 3-12)
Director: Dr. Penny Tharpe

Every Sunday Morning @ 10:00am.
While mom & dad are in big church, we have our own Praise & Worship & listen to Exciting Bible Stories.



FOOD MINISTRY
"ELEVATE"
Director: Chris Moya
Assistant: Susan Heckler

Free bag of food every Tu-Wed-Thu at the church office. Call the church office first to make sure we are stocked.
CFW Youth Ministry (Ages 12+)
Director: Pastor Nicole Beserra

Friday Nights: 6:30 PM.
Lot's of fun outings and events with kids our age! Join us!
We break for the month of December.


"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve
one another."

-- 1 Peter 4:10

HOUSE OF BLESSINGS
PARK OUTREACHES
A Clothing Ministry
Director: Blanca Cheverilla

Are you cold or need clothing? We can help. Call the office and let us know your need.
Reaching Out To Our Community
Director: Pastor Nicole Beserra

Help us reach out with the love of Christ by giving out free food, clothing & toiletry items to the high crime and low income target areas of Apple Valley. Be a sponsor or help at this event. Call the office for details and our new scheduled dates.
MISSIONETTES (Girls Only) & ROYAL RANGERS Program
​Directors:
Missionettes: Josephine Gorrell
Royal Rangers: Alan Lilly

A girls & boys program for ages 3-18.
Wednesday nights: 7:00pm. We break for the month of July & August. MEN IN CHRIST
A Men's Ministry
Director: Charles Douglas

Join us for Men's Breakfast every 3rd Sat.of the month. Call office for cancellations.

Audio Visual- Join our Audio Visual team as they coordinate Sunday services! Serving on this team has roles that meet for rehearsal on Thursday evenings as well as Sunday services. Every Sunday is not a requirement so you have the availability to attend the church service of your choice.
Clothing Closet- There are needs in the high desert and we are called to help those in need. Be a part of this team and bless those who are in need of clothing during these tough times. This ministry isn’t meeting regularly but there is still a need for volunteers.
Food Pantry- We are so blessed at Redeemer to be able to provide food to those in need because of the amazing giving Redeemer attenders have been. Giving food is just one part of this ministry, distributing is another. Though this ministry isn’t meeting regularly, there is still a need for volunteers.

FAITH PROMISE/MISSIONS MINISTRIES
International Disaster Response (Floods, Earthquakes, etc.)
Compassionate Ministries for Local Needs
Crisis Care Hygiene Kits Gifts to Missionaries
Missionary Health Care Orphans and Vulnerable Children (Africa Aids Victims)
Sun Valley Indian School World Evangelism Broadcast
Work & Witness Projects - Chiapas, Tecate, Honduras

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Federal Immigration Services
Local Schools-Pastors on Premises

Compassionate Ministries
BREAD OF LIFE MINISTRIES:

We are blessed to be able to offer a food ministry to those who are in need. This is church sponsored on the 3rd Friday of each month at 10am.

Immigration Ministry
3rd Saturday of each month at 9am

Get Involved through Compassionate Ministries!

Angel Tree
30 Hour Famine
Caravan Sponsorship
Child Sponsorship
CIA (Christians in Action)
Compassionate Hands
ESL (Future)
Grant Writing
Hands of Compassion (Honduras)
Hope Works United
Prayer Shawls
Prison Ministry
Spanish Class (Future)
Support Soldiers
Thanksgiving Turkey/Baskets
Quilting Treasures
Visitation (Hospital/Shut-Ins)

Contact: AV NAZ Office: 760 247-8433 for details! Codependents Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
FRIENDLY VISITORS
What we do:
Visit folks in nursing facilities who rarely receive visitors in Santa Cruz

When:
At least once a month

Where:
Nursing/care facilities around Santa Cruz county.

Contact:
Nancy Eaton info@coastlands.org

FOOD PANTRY & STREET CARE



We are abundantly blessed in Christ. We don't have to operate a food pantry or any community service project to earn our salvation (because Christ alone has earned it), but we do think that being involved in the community will give us opportunity to tell others about Jesus. So we do good works like a food pantry out of our love for God and out of our desire for others to know that love as well.

Matthew 25:37-40 reads - “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’



First Family Church is committed to impacting our community with the gospel and our hope is that a food pantry will give us another opportunity to do that.



The pantry will be open every Saturday from 9:30am to 10:30am and it operates at our church property - 3195 Contra Loma Blvd.

If you would like to serve in the food pantry or donate to it, please contact the FFC office .


In Addition to the pantry, we also send out a team every other week to do street care for the homeless in our community - to feed them and to minister to their spiritual needs as well. This ministry was born out of the food pantry and is a great way to also share the love of Christ in serving the disenfranchised. If you'd like to help out with this ministry, please contact the FFC office and ask to be put in contact with Vicki Martinez. The homeless outreach serves the community every 1st, and 3rd Saturday. GLOBAL



We want to affirm and bless the Holy Spirit's calling upon people's lives all over, so, as a result, we support missionaries that declare the Glory of God to the peoples of the world, not just here in our community. Missionaries exist to introduce Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him, to assist new believers in growing strong and healthy in their faith, to see new believers enfolded into a maturing church, and to invest in the lives of current and future church leaders, so they can effectively reach out to others in their communities and the world. We currently support oversea missionaries Hoyt and Lois Osborne and missionaries sent through the International Mission Board (a Southern Baptist Convention ministry supported through the Cooperative Program). Please be praying for boldness and the safety of our brothers and sisters abroad and over seas.

Our philosophy on missions is largely based off of Matthew 28:17-19 which reads -"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." God's intent is to redeem and save all of his elect (John 6:37) out of every tribe and tongue for His glories sake (Revelation 7:9). Scripture also affirms that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Therefore, the individual people that make up the church have the privilege and responsibility to share the Gospel so that people may hear so that God may perhaps, grant repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). Our goal is to help those missionaries who are doing the work of church ministry (discipleship and the observance of gospel preaching and the ordinances), as well as those caring for orphanages.


Find out more about the missionaries and missional orginizations we support:



Lois Osborne (Kenya Evangelical Mission):

Click here for their most recent newsletter.


The Southern Baptist Convention:

International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board


Haiti:

We also have a relationship with a missionary family in Haiti and have sent multiple teams there since 2011. We do this in cooperation with Learning to Hope in Haiti.



You can learn more about the missionary family (The Byxbes) and the orphanage they run at their website.


Paul Abeyta

Pastor

 (925) 706-1238

 pastorpaul@firstfamily.us

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Youth Ministry
This is a ministry tailored to the unique needs and challenges of young people. With a team of leaders who love and understand them, these young people are getting to know God at their own pace and at their own level. Every week the G.A.N.G. meets for a powerful time of worship, fun, God’s Word.


Children’s Ministry
Kidz G.A.N.G. is the children’s ministry of Victory Outreach Church, which stands for God’s Anointed Next Generation. Every Sunday our Kidz G.A.N.G. Teachers dedicate themselves to investing in the lives of our children, with wonderful worship services, creative biblical teaching and an atmosphere of fun and excitement.


Victory Homes
This is a ministry given to the restoration of lives broken by all types of addictions. Men are welcomed into a loving Christian atmosphere and are challenged to give God their lives. These men are given an atmosphere for healing and restoration.

Men’s Victory Homes: (925) 267-3998

Women’s Victory Homes: (925) 481-2218


House Fire Life Groups
We believe life is not meant to be lived alone, and that life change happens not just in rows, but also in circles. Therefore, we’ve specifically designed our House Fire Life Groups to help a larger church feel small. We offer a variety of groups for all stages & ages of life and schedules.


Women’s Ministry
United Women In Ministry exists to uphold, encourage, and challenge Victory Outreach International women in their daily walk as disciples of Jesus Christ. The mission of United Women In Ministry is, in the larger sense, common to all Christians — that of uplifting Christ in the church and in the world.


Prayer & Visitations
This is a ministry dedicated to visiting hospitals, people with sicknesses, and people new to our community who wish to be visited. If you are sick, need prayer, or orientation of the city contact us today info@voantioch.org

We would love to visit you, and pray for your needs.

Food Pantry