OUTREACH
GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS
As a church that follows Jesus’ teaching to serve others we do our best to support several causes around our nation and world. We do this by using our hands to help and by using our funds to financially uplift those in need.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
I like Holy Trinity for the outreach to those in need both locally and throughout the world.
Dixie Hansen
Meal Program/Winter Shelter
Throughout each year, those who are in need of a meal are welcome to come enjoy one for free every night of the week at various churches across Ventura County. On Mondays, Holy Trinity opens its doors to help serve these hot dinners at 6:30 for our neighbors who are hungry or may just desire some refuge from the streets. During December through March, overnight shelter is also available. We are very grateful to be a part of this hope-filled act of service and community.
El Salvador Sister Church
You may have heard of Sister Cities – Holy Trinity is blessed with a similar relationship in that of a Sister Church! Her name is Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (Espiritu de Gozo), and she resides in El Salvador, where various members of Holy Trinity head down to visit every few years. These sibling congregations have worked together to build a sanctuary building for Spirit of Joy, and we continue to keep our connection close and alive in Christ through regular prayer for each other.
Church World Services & Lutheran Social Services
From those who want to amble with a stroller or speed walk like an Olympian, several of our congregational members turn out twice a year for one of our annual fundraising walks. Money earned from the spring CROP Walk supports Church World Services both internationally and locally, and funds from the autumn Walk to Fight Poverty go to the Ventura County Lutheran Social Services outreach. Stay tuned for more information about these popular events!
Angel Tree & Backpacks
In partnership with the Ventura County branch of Lutheran Social Services, our church family lends its hands to help area children during two big moments of their year. At the beginning of the school season, various members volunteer to buy backpacks and supplies to help students have a great year in the classroom. Then, at Christmas time, others purchase toys for children whose families may not be able to afford one. We are always grateful for any contribution to these ministries.
Super Bowl of Caring
On a day when munchies seem to be consumed by the ton – Super Bowl Sunday – we ask that members of Holy Trinity set aside a portion of their party budget and donate it to ELCA’s World Hunger campaign. This is a great way to address poverty and other strife that affects many of those throughout the world.
Gifts of Hope
As the holiday season approaches, do you feel like you have just way too much STUFF? Giving a gift to someone who seems to have every gadget before it’s even advertised? Well, in partnering with ELCA’s annual alternative gift giving program, you can donate funds in some lucky someone’s name instead of getting them some store bought item they probably already have. In past years, church members have been able to support Habitat for Humanity, our sister church Spirit of Joy, and school children in Zimbabwe. This may seem a strange way to surprise your “Secret Santa,” yet it could become a new tradition for your family and friends!
Year-Round Tutoring
When homework weighs down the backpacks of first graders in our community, several Holy Trinity volunteers are eager to lighten that load with their tutoring skills and kind demeanor. During the school year, this group of valiant educational helpers get re-acquainted with addition and punctuation at the Park Oaks Community Center, nearby the church campus. And because several of these young students come from homes where English is a second language, we know how important it is to keep language skills sharp even during the summer. This is why our tutors continue to serve in those warm months of play, onsite at Holy Trinity.
Peace Pole
As a congregation that believes in promoting and spreading peace on earth, we constructed a “Peace Pole,” which we gather around annually to reflect on the values of non-violence, love, and inclusion. Peace Poles are raised by many throughout the world, as a way to boldly proclaim: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Each year Holy Trinity decorates its pole with a new language as a way to symbolize continual acceptance, and members and guests join together to sing and read about peace.
Offering of Letters
Have a knack for writing? Love to fight for the rights of others? If either or both of these sound like you, then participating in the bi-annual “Offering of Letters” might be just what you’ve been waiting for. In partnership with the Bread for the World organization and others who advocate for fair legislation, we use our written words to compose letters on behalf of those struggling with hunger and poverty. If you are unsure about how you may be able to contribute but have a heart for those in need, consider joining this effort – we believe that everyone is gifted to serve in this mission, and we will find a way
Fair Trade
Equal Exchange, a non-profit that works with farmers and other small goods makers throughout the world, offers a variety of top-notch Fair Trade coffees and chocolates. These items are sold at a market value that respects those global workers who produce them in developing nations. Keep your eyes peeled (and tummies ready!) twice a month when these mouth-watering goodies are offered for sale after church services. They make a great, guilt-free-yet-indulgent treat to give as a gift or to brighten your own day!
Boy Scouts
Troop 761 was chartered by Holy Trinity on February 2, 1969. One of Scouting’s oldest and most active Troops in the Thousand Oaks area, they celebrate their 45th anniversary this year. The first Scoutmaster was Arthur Warren who served from 1969-1972, while HTLC member Bill Hurley served as Scoutmaster from 1980-1985.
To date, 141 Scouts from Troop 761 have achieved Eagle Scout. Troop leaders (many who are Eagle Scouts themselves) and volunteers pride themselves on their ability to to provide a well rounded, fun and active, leadership oriented program for young men.