Outreach /
Service
Opportunities
Ladera Community Church has a long tradition of active Christian service. Each year the church’s budget includes a certain amount in programmed giving for the United Church of Christ’s various service and relief activities. In addition, many thousands of dollars are raised each year through special offerings and gifts. These funds are distributed to a variety of local and global organizations, including:
InnVision/UMPA (Urban Ministry of Palo Alto), which serves the needs of the homeless. Members and friends also donate food and clothing and serve meals to the homeless.
JobTrain (formerly Opportunities Industrialization Center West (OICW)), which offers job training and childcare.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS ), which supports ecumenical global relief.
Neighbors in Need, which benefits our homeland neighbors.
Friends Outside, which helps prison inmates and their families. Members and friends donate food and gifts at Christmastime.
United Campus Christian Ministry (UCCM) at Stanford, a progressive Christian network welcoming all students; dedicated to exploring spirituality and social justice. Members serve on the board.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Chaplaincy Service, a program committed to caring for special spiritual needs of children and families.
Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that builds simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. Members participate in “build days.”
Members also make generous donations to national and international charities and disaster relief, as opportunities arise. An endowment fund was established in 1996 to generate income to enhance the mission and outreach of our Church.
Endowment Fund Distributions
The fund distributes a majority of its proceeds to outreach programs, such as
- Adopt a Minefield
- Heifer Project
- Wings of Hope
- Mid-Peninsula Opportunity Center
- YES Reading Program
- Pescadero Puente Center.
Recipients of annual distributions from the Endowment Fund are selected by the congregation.
