Why we do what we do
Why HfLB Exists, what we do, and how you can get involved…
What is the relationship between HfLB and Grace Long Beach? HfLB is one part of Grace’s vision to see the city of Long Beach become fully alive. What do we mean by that? HfLB is one way that we express, at Grace, our commitment to live out of the gospel in our very own city. We believe that God is at work to bring peace, restoration, and flourishing to our city, and it is God’s desire to use our local church as an agent of that vision. HfLB exists as a resource for our church to learn, connect to, and ultimately love our city.
How can I get involved? There are several ways to connect with HfLB:
Volunteer at a partnership organization: We have dozens of ways for you to make a difference serving quarterly, monthly, or weekly. You can volunteer with a friend, with your small group, or by yourself.
Volunteer on ‘First Serve Saturday’: ‘No one every served twice without serving a first time.’ Beginning in May, the HfLB team will be hosting service opportunities with our partnership organizations throughout the city on the first Saturday of the month. First Saturday of each month, 8:30-11am. Sign up with Kira Williams, kwilliams@gracelb.org or at the Information Center on the plaza.
Join a dinner party team: There are a growing number of teams that are sharing dinner once a month with the marginalized in our city. Join us as we share meals with HIV patients, homeless men and women, single moms, and the elderly. Five partnership ministries and various nights monthly; approximately 5-8pm, but times vary.
Start a neighborhood group You don’t necessarily have to volunteer with one of our partner organizations in order to show mercy and justice to our city. You can do it right in your very own neighborhood. Open up your home for a neighborhood dinner, invite the elderly lady across the street over for dessert, take a walk and engage in conversation with people. We are called to be a church not only on Sunday mornings but on the weekdays, too. Why not begin to see what God may have in store for our neighborhood?
I don’t have much time. Is there a place for me to serve once or twice a month? Yes. We partner with organizations that are able to use any amount of time you can volunteer, from once a month to five times a week.
What are HfLB partners? Do I have to volunteer with one of them? HfLB has developed partnerships with several organizations throughout Long Beach in order to focus volunteers from Grace. However, if you have a passion or ability that fits with a different organization, we encourage you to branch out – and take others with you.
Does HfLB work with other churches? Absolutely. Our mission is to extend biblical mercy and justice in our city by mobilizing the church to serve and by developing strategic partnerships. HfLB continues to grow our relationships with churches in (and around) Long Beach to accomplish this mission. Here are a couple of examples:
LB Externally Focused Learning Group A group of leaders who are called to equip their Christ-following churches to become more externally focused. Our monthly roundtable discussions focus on three things: Sharing best practices and resources, beginning and growing collaborations, praying for each other and our city.
LB Young Leaders: For two years a collection of 30 young influencers under 40 years old met together with veteran pastors to shape the future of the citywide church. After the ‘official’ ending of the group, there was a widespread desire among the leaders to continue a formal meeting.
