As a church that follows Jesus’ teaching to serve others we do our best to support several causes around our nation and world. We do this by using our voices to advocate, our hands to help, and our funds to financially uplift those in need.
Click the buttons below to volunteer or donate to any of our causes.
Throughout each year, those who are in need of a meal are welcome to come enjoy one for free every night of the week at various churches across Ventura County. On Mondays, Holy Trinity opens its doors to help serve these hot dinners at 6:30 for our neighbors who are hungry or may just desire some refuge from the streets. During December through March, overnight shelter is also available. We are very grateful to be a part of this hope-filled act of service and community.
You may have heard of Sister Cities – Holy Trinity is blessed with a similar relationship in that of a Sister Church! Her name is Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church (Espiritu de Gozo), and she resides in El Salvador, where various members of Holy Trinity head down to visit every few years. These sibling congregations have worked together to build a sanctuary building for Spirit of Joy, and we continue to keep our connection close and alive in Christ through regulary prayer for each other.
From those who want to amble with a stroller or speed walk like an Olympian, several of our congregation members turn our for some of our annual fundraising walks. For example, money earned from the spring CROP Walk supports Church World Services both internationally and locally. Stay tuned for more information about these popular events!
In partnership with local organizations, our church family lends its hands to help area children during two big moments of their year. At the beginning of the school season, various members volunteer to buy backpacks and supplies to help students have a great year in the classroom. Then, at Christmas time, others purchase toys for children whose families may not be able to afford one. We are always grateful for any contribution to these ministries.
On a day when munchies seem to be consumed by the ton – Super Bowl Sunday – we ask that members of Holy Trinity set aside a portion of their party budget and donate it to ELCA’s World Hunger campaign and our local food pantry. This is a great way to address poverty and other strife that affects many of those throughout the world.
As the holiday season approaches, we partner with the ELCA’s annual alternative gift giving program. In lieu of a wrapped gift, you're invited to donate funds in some lucky someone’s name. In past years, church members have been able to support Habitat for Humanity, our sister church Spirit of Joy, and school children in Zimbabwe. This may seem a strange way to surprise your “Secret Santa,” yet it could become a new tradition for your family and friends!
When homework weighs down the backpacks of 1st-3rd graders in our community, several Holy Trinity volunteers are eager to lighten that load with their tutoring skills and kind demeanor. Every Wednesday evening while their parents attend English classes, kids gather with these educational helpers for games, music, and homework help at Bridges Charter School in Thousand Oaks.
As a congregation that believes in promoting and spreading peace on earth, we constructed a “Peace Pole,” which we gather around annually to reflect on the values of non-violence, love, and inclusion. Peace Poles are raised by many throughout the world, as a way to boldly proclaim: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Each year Holy Trinity decorates its pole with a new language as a way to symbolize continual acceptance, and members and guests join together to sing and read about peace.
Have a knack for writing? Love to fight for the rights of others? If either or both of these sound like you, then participating in the bi-annual “Offering of Letters” might be just what you’ve been waiting for. In partnership with the ELCA Advocacy office and others who advocate for fair legislation, we use our written words to care for the good of all. If you are unsure about how you may be able to contribute but have a heart for those in need, consider joining this effort.
Equal Exchange, a non-profit that works with farmers and other small goods makers throughout the world, offers a variety of top-notch Fair Trade coffees and chocolates. These items are sold at a market value that respects those global workers who produce them in developing nations. Keep your eyes peeled (and tummies ready!) twice a month when these mouth-watering goodies are offered for sale after church services. They make a great, guilt-free-yet-indulgent treat to give as a gift or to brighten your own day!
One of Scouting's oldest tropps in the Thousand Oaks area, Troop 761 was chartered by Holy Trinity on February 2, 1969. The first Scoutmaster was Arthur Warren who served from 1969-1972, while HTLC member Bill Hurley served as Scoutmaster from 1980-1985. Over 141 Scouts from Troop 761 have achieved Eagle Scout. Troop leaders (many who are Eagle Scouts themselves) and volunteers pride themselves on their ability to to provide a well rounded, fun and active, leadership oriented program for young men.
