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Dear Grace Members and Friends,

One of the greatest challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic is the array of ever changing information provided on both a federal and state level. As this crisis situation continues, Grace is working to keep communities connected, to look after the most vulnerable, and to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to all. Read on to find out how you can help in this effort.

This long update covers three important areas:
  1. How to continue to financially support the work God is doing through Grace (click here for tutorial videos)
  2. How to be a blessing to others (click here for a full list)
  3. How to stay connected to the Grace Family (keep reading to the bottom)


1. Please and Thank You! Continuing to Financially Support Grace at gracehb.org/give

  • Your continued financial support is crucial to the financial well-being of our church.
  • Even though we are not able to be together physically, your giving enables us to:
    • Maintain our day to day operations,
    • Support our various mission partnerships both locally and around the globe,
    • Provide for the well-being of our dedicated staff and our wider church family.
  • We recognize this is difficult and unknown time that is filled with uncertainty.
    • Small business owners are struggling.
    • Employees are seeing their hours reduced or temporarily suspended.
    • Many are struggling to pay their bills and to support their families.
  • Even if you’re not in a spot where you can contribute what you normally give, we humbly ask you to trust God in this moment, that He will provide what you need, and by faith, to give something even though it is hard.
  • We are thankful for whatever you can give.
    • We are grateful that you are continuing to support the ministries of Grace as together we seek impact their lives of others in real and tangible ways for Christ.
    • Thank you to the large number of our members and friends who are continuing to give their tithes and offerings – both by mail and online.
    • In the midst of all that is happening, many of you have transitioned to online giving over this last week. Thank you!
    • If you are interested in supporting Grace in this way, our online giving page is gracehb.org/give
  • If you would like to watch a short 1-minute tutorial video on how to do this, click here: VIDEOS

2. Join Us in Seeking to Give to Others – Particularly Those in Need.

We have asked you to continue to give to Grace so that together as Grace we can give to others in the name of Jesus. Biblically, loving our neighbor is the clearest and most evident expression of our love for Christ. Here are some ways you can partner with us to serve those being affected by the COVID-19 virus.
  • Can you sew? Make surgical masks for Orange Coast Memorial Hospital. Joann’s Fabrics is offering both the supplies and the guide to do this for FREE.
    • For more info, use this link: joann.com/make-to-give-response/
    • When to donate: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday - Friday
    • Where to donate: The donation station in front of the Health and Wellness Pavilion, 18035 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
    • Following these same guidelines, Orange Coast Memorial Hospital also is seeking donations of new or unused
      • N95 masks (sometimes called respirators),
      • Eye protection including face shields and safety goggles,
      • Disposable gowns, Disposable gloves, especially non-latex
      • Disposable surgical caps, Disposable foot covers
      • Wipes: bleach or antimicrobial
      • Hand sanitizer
  • Give Blood, Save a Life. Red Cross Blood Drive at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
    • Tuesday, March 31st from 1PM to 7PM (Sign-ups needed after 2PM)
    • Go to 12301 Magnolia Street, Garden Grove, CA
    • Contact: susansautr@aol.com
  • Help the Hungry. Support our local Food Bank. The Orange County Food Bank needs financial donations to support the purchase of food to help anyone who is going hungry at this time.
    • They are also seeking volunteers to help with sorting and distribution of food to those in need.
    • Find out more about how you can support the OC Food Bank: ocfoodbank.org/contribute/
  • The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County also needs financial donations to support the purchase of food to help anyone in need. There are also more specific ways to volunteer:
    • Be a part of their Harvest Truck Brigade – a team of volunteer-driven pickup trucks that we will be text dispatched daily from their distribution center to pantry, senior, and school sites. Second Harvest is beginning to collect their list of volunteers and will build to approximately 100+ vehicles in order to prepare for potential demand.
    • Join their Field Distribution Team. Be a volunteer in the field that will be text dispatched to assemble and support their “Box Drop” sites in the community. They need several hundred volunteers at the ready.
    • To volunteer for these crucial tasks, go here: feedoc.org/volunteer
  • Offer Assistance to Your Neighbors. Do you know someone in your neighborhood who needs assistance?
    • Consider leaving a note for someone who is home-bound especially those who are living alone or parents who are now home with kids.
    • Just say “Hello” and see if they are okay and/or need assistance.
    • If you are comfortable, leave your phone number and an offer to provide help (groceries, health supplies, etc.).
    • If you’re not able to meet a specific need, direct your neighbors to the following local resources:
      • Orange County Community Resources: 800-510-2020 – specifically for seniors.
      • Dial 2-1-1 – This is the Orange County resource number to connect with organizations for housing, food, and other needs.

 

3. Start following our Grace Facebook page. Join a Circle of Community!

Besides our website, our Grace Facebook page is our social media hub for communication and stay connected. Use this link: fb.me/GraceChurchHB
  • Tomorrow, Thursday, 3/26, I will be hosting a Mental Health Forum on Facebook Live. For 60 minutes, I will be moderating an interactive discussion with Dr. Heather Browne, a professionally licensed Christian Therapist. She will be offering general counsel regarding ensuring mental, emotional, and spiritual health during this time. Those who join us can ask her questions via the Comments section of the feed.
    • Don’t worry if you can’t make it at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, because this Mental Health Forum, like our recent Prayer Vigils and Sunday worship services, will remain available for “on demand” for later viewing.
  • You also can be a part of our "Family of Grace" Facebook Group to share prayer requests, connect with the rest of the church family, and support each other: JOIN the Family of Grace Facebook Group using this link: Family of Grace
  • "Like" and "Follow" our Facebook page to be able to watch all livestreams of worship services, prayer vigils, and updates from me, Pastor Chris. -> fb.me/GraceChurchHB
  • If you are receiving this communication but you are not in one of our Circles of Community (a smaller network to keep you connected to Grace), please contact the church office at hello@gracehb.org (or reply to this email) so we can stay in touch with you.
This is a strange and unsettling time for all of us. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, Grace is committed to living in concert with each other and in support of our neighbors. As a community, we are seeking to respond immediately and cooperatively with our local government, non-profit ministry partners, and communities to serve those affected by the COVID 19 virus. We invite you to join us in this effort for the sake of the Kingdom and to the glory of God!

Peace,
Pastor Chris









 






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Grace Lutheran Church · 6931 Edinger Avenue · Huntington Beach, CA 92647 · USA

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