Beyond the Pews
We loyally and regularly serve these organizations, as well as financially support them.
Food Bank of Contra Costa County
The congregation donates nonperishable items for distribution to emergency food programs. One-third of those served through these programs are children.
Winter Nights
Winter Nights is a rotating shelter for people seeking homes in Contra Costa County. Lafayette UMC and congregations from various faith traditions house homeless families at churches on a rotating basis. Congregations also provide meals, activities for the children, and tutoring. Winter Nights provides professional staff for supervision during shelter hours, and daytime services such as job training and permanent housing placement assistance. This year LUMC will be hosting families in December.
Heifer International
Heifer International fights poverty and hunger around the world by providing animals to those in need along with training to foster self-sufficient farming. Moreover, the animal’s offspring are shared within the community. Thus, Heifer seeks not only to feed the hungry but to improve the standard of living of the entire community.
Angel Tree Program
Roughly 1,800 children are in the foster care system in Contra Costa County. Because holidays can be particularly hard on children displaced from their homes and families, the Angel Tree program was created in 1990. Volunteer donors from agencies and corporations all over the county provide gifts in response to the specific wishes of children in out-of-home placement the county.
Within the Church
There are also opportunities to serve during worship!
- Ushers
- Liturgists (scripture reading, worship assistance)
- Sound/Video Tech
- Flower Donations for the worship altar and entryway