1. Sharefest. We helped build a Victory garden, supported Join Hands Day, and sponsored a Youth Summer Academy.

2. Lutheran Social Services. We sponsored a youth workday, a walkathon (pictured), and the Toys for Christmas program.

3. Pacific Lutheran High School. We supported their athletics and academics fundraising dinner.

4. New City Parish. We supported their Thanksgiving Meal distribution, their 20th anniversary Celebration/Dinner, and their Fall Auction Banquet.

5. Resurrection Lutheran. This congregation held a youth Easter Breakfast, a 40 cans for 40 days during lent, project Linus, and Operation backpack, and was able to apply for funds from Thrivent for each effort.

6. First Lutheran in Torrance held a huge yard sale to raise fund for the Navajo Mission and Grace Lutheran also had a yard sale. Thrivent was able to increase the charitable donation made by each congregation.

7. Ascension Lutheran held school backpack fundraisers as well as book and bake sales that Thrivent was able to support.

8. Family Promise's Cardboard Box City fundraiser was made even more successful with the help of Care Abounds in Communities.

9. Project Needs hosted a summer barbecue for the homeless as well as a christmas party for homeless children with Thrivent's support. See photo above right.

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The list goes on from there. All of these congregations and organizations are busy planning outreach events. You can be too! Just plan a great event, estimate your volunteer hours and the amount of funds you will be able to raise yourself and apply for matching funds (1 to 3).

Who makes a good Advocate? How about you?! All you need is access to email and a willingness to make your congregation aware of the many local Thrivent social events, educational workshops, and service opportunities. Please consider joining us for our monthly board meeting or attending one of our other upcoming events to find out more about becoming involved in this dynamic philanthropic organization.

The West Los Angeles Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is as busy and thriving as ever! There are many ways to get involved.

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, THANK YOU for making it all possible again this year! Thank you to everyone who came out to swing a hammer and help build the home. Thank you for those who gave generously to help meet the requirement that 10% of the funding for the home came from Lutheran congregations! Thank you for encouraging others to get involved with the project and for being incredible advocates for Habitat for Humanity and the need for affordable housing! And thank you for your prayers that ensured that the project was completed successfully and that we had a lot of fun while building the home!

The 2013 build has been approved for Pine Street in Long Beach. Ground is not being broken yet, but it is never too early to get involved. Here are a few ways to get involved in Thrivent Builds:

Sharefest is an organization that collaborates with the community to meet the needs of local children and families. This year’s Sharefest workday will be on May 4th. On this day, thousands of volunteers are mobilized into the community to work on projects that meet tangible needs.

The Sharefest kickoff breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 9am at Life Covenant Church, 308 Mapel Ave, Torrance, CA.