Make service one of your Lenten disciplines. Set aside the afternoon of Sunday, March 28 to serve others. Join one of three Mt. Olive service teams:

• A team of musicians and singers to perform a “Musical Variety Program” at a local shelter or hospital.
• A food sorting team to visit the Westside Food Bank and sort their food supplies (all ages opportunity).
• A Gardening/Beautification team to plant flowers and spruce up Mt. Olive in time for Easter.

Call Mt. Olive for details on each team and how to get involved this month! (310) 452-1116.

Community of Change Have you noticed the bin in the parking lot? We are collecting shoes, clothing and linens. A percentage of the goods go to shelters and other non-profits that are in need of used clothing. The rest is sold to thrift stores or shipped overseas. It’s a fundraiser to boot! Mt. Olive gets a donation for every pond of donated goods.

Community Educational Forum: “How can faith communities better engage in the battle to combat homelessness?” June 11, 2009. Presentations by: John Maceri, Executive Director of OPCC, Richard Bloom, City Councilman and Executive Director of Community Initiatives at PATH, SMPD Homeless Liaison Program, City of Santa Monica Human Services Division, and information booths by local service providers

Fundraiser and Documentary Film Showing. “I Want to Be Doctor: Two Schools for Afghan Refugee Girls.” April 25, 2009. Included handcraft bazaar, dinner, film showing and discussion.

Donations for OPCC Cultivate a habit of caring. Donate in support of the work of OPCC, the network of shelters and services for low-income and homeless persons in Santa Monica. Donations needed: Non-perishable food, toiletries, bedding, and warm clothing for adults. Bring your contributions to Mt. Olive for delivery to OPCC.

Cooking for SAMOSHEL Several times a year we prepare homecooked meals and serve them at OPCC’s SAMOSHEL, the largest homeless shelter in Santa Monica. Check our website or with the church office (310.452.1116) for dates.

Supporting the Westside Food Bank The Westside Food Bank is the primary provider of food to local foodbanks. We support the Westside Food Bank with a frozen turkey drive the Sunday before Thanksgiving, canned food drives, and fundraising at different times during the year.

Samaritan Sewers Make Quilts for the World On the 1st, 4th and 5th Thursdays of the month, from 9:30a.m-12noon, a faithful group of sewers gather to make quilts that are sent around the world through Lutheran World Relief to provide warmth and comfort to displaced persons and refugees in Africa, central Asia and other areas of need. All are welcome—we’ll teach you to quilt! Come and lend a hand to send a sign of God’s love around the globe.

Heifer International Fights Hunger Each December, Mt. Olive organizes a fund drive in support of Heifer International. Since it’s founding in 1944, Heifer International has helped millions of people in more than 125 countries to become self-reliant for food and income, by providing more than 25 different types of animals and training in environmentally-sound farm management and community development. Everyone who receives a gift of an animal from Heifer Int. agrees to pass on the gift of livestock and learning to others in need. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Heifer Int. works with people of all faiths to end hunger and poverty. If you need further information or you would also like to match donated funds, please contact Cristine Ackel 310-452-1116.