Local Outreach .. Practical Helps

Under the leadership of Pastor Jay Williams, our Care and Concerns ministry seeks to meet many needs in our church and community.

The Good Samaritan Center

Hours. Monday through Friday 4:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
Click here to watch the Good Samaritan video.

The Good Samaritan Center reaches out to those in our church and community who need food, shelter, clothing and encouragement. After meeting with those who come for help, our trained counselors can provide such practical assistance as a bag of groceries from our Food Fund, a visit to our Clothes Closet, vouchers for temporary housing, medications, hot meals, bus passes or gas. More importantly, the initial meeting almost always includes spiritual support and prayer.

The Food Fund. Food is donated by members of our congregation each Sunday and by merchants in Orange County who make surplus food available to us. These donations enable us to provide food to individuals and families in emergency situations.

Clothes Closet. This year-round ministry provides clean, used clothing in good repair for adults, children and infants. It is open late afternoons.

What Jobs Can You Do? You could become a counselor. We staff the Good Samaritan Center five days a week for at least an hour each day. Counselors are trained for face-to-face interviews with people in need who come through our doors. We also need workers to assist in our Food Fund and Clothes Closet for 2-3 hours each week.

How Can You Get Started? If you have the gifts of mercy and discernment and are energized by the possibilities of working with folks who are homeless, on the edge of homelessness, or simply in need because of a crisis, then call the church office and ask for the . Or contact .

How We Are Funded. Each month on Communion Sunday, the ushers take a benevolent offering at the end of the services. The entire offering is deposited in our Deacon Fund, which provides the financial support for the Good Samaritan Center. Every dollar is used to help those in need.

Volunteers in Pastoral Service (V.I.P.S.)

Our VIPS are often the hands and feet of practical care. Click here for more information.