Outreach Ministries
The Outreach team builds upon LGUMC’s mission by extending our service and giving to people in need. Throughout the year, we create opportunities for church members to make a difference through charitable giving and hands-on projects.
Weekly
Provide Hot Showers for Our Homeless Neighbors
Every Thursday
Lend a hand to offer dignity and care through weekly hot showers and meals for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in Los Gatos.
Contact: Kitty Muller at 408-656-0580
Chip in to Distribute Healthy Food in Your Community
First Sunday of the Month
Keep an eye out for the Hunger Challenge bags that come around after the offering plate. Adding your spare change supports Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, who redistribute surplus healthy food to feed over 500,000 people each month through nearly 400 partners across 900+ distribution sites.
Annually
“Brief Drive” for the San Jose Family Shelter
February
Celebrate the “brief” month - briefs, boxers, bikinis, and any style - especially diapers - are collected during February and delivered to the residents of the San Jose Family Shelter. Baskets will be placed in the Sanctuary entrance for donations.
Contact: Ursula Young
For over 20 years, LGUMC’s annual spring mission trips to Punta Colonet, Mexico have united volunteers of all ages in service - building casitas, installing water towers, and adding solar lights through our partnership with Lighting for Literacy. “Colonet” has come to mean many things to our community, but for every participant, it’s a transformative experience that forges lasting bonds with one another and with the residents we serve.
Contact: Erik Eastland or Maggie Harris
Mission Trip to Colonet, Mexico
April
Spanish Book Drive for Colonet Mission Trip
March
Support our annual mission trip to Colonet, Mexico by donating Spanish language books (preschool – high school age) to be shared with families in Colonet.
Contact: Erik Eastland or Maggie Harris
Fall Jacket Drive
October
We collect warm outerwear for those in need at the San Jose Family Shelter. New items are preferred, but gently used and laundered items are also welcome. A partnership program with Grace Preschool.
Contact: Ursula Young
Children’s Gift Tree
November
In preparation for Christmas, a “gift tree” is decorated with names of children from low-income families. Members select a tree decoration with the child’s name, age, and his/her interests; the member returns the tag attached to the wrapped gift in a week or two and places it under the gift tree. The gifts go to children from low income families who are in the Head Start Program.
Contact: Lois and Elwin Stocking
Around 20 non-profit programs are represented with engaging displays that share their mission and the impact they make in our community and beyond. Donations (cash or check) to any of these organizations make thoughtful and meaningful gifts - whether as an alternative holiday present for someone who has everything or as a heartfelt stocking stuffer. These gifts remind us that Christmas is a season of sharing love and helping make the world brighter. Each donation includes a gift card and a brief description of the program you’ve chosen to support.
Contact: Ursula Young
Alternative Christmas Faire
December
The Outreach Team periodically meets to plan and execute our ministry. We can always use the support of new members with ideas for new projects!
Contact: Ursula Young
Want to Join the Outreach Team?