
Family,
It’s been nearly three weeks since the fires burned through our city. In the midst of the devastation, there are important things we’re thankful for. We thank God for the recent rain, and how the LA fires are nearly contained. We thank God for all the firefighters and law enforcement who have risked their lives to evacuate people and extinguish these fires. We thank God for all the first responders who have been caring for the displaced. We thank God that the people of our city are coming together in greater cooperation and generosity. We thank God that Renew Church LA still stands, adjacent to where the fires once raged, and we can physically demonstrate the love of Christ to a city that desperately needs it.
The fires might be out, but the long journey of rebuilding this city only begins. I understand this at a visceral level, as I personally have to rebuild my life and home. My story is wrapped up into this larger LA story whether I like it or not. But I know God is in it. We are praying for the ultimate good of our city; that out of these ashes will come renewal and revival.
Renew Church LA is committed to being on the front lines. We have partnered with Salvation Army and the Red Cross, and over the last three weeks we helped put together nearly 10,000 meals for several evacuation centers; connected with 700 displaced people and are now providing ongoing care for 50 displaced individuals. In caring for them, we have provided for specific needs such as cribs, laptops, suitcases, sets of clothing, hygiene kits, and specialized transportation for the elderly. We are also providing spiritual care as we visit the evacuation centers, listen to peoples’ stories and pray for them.
This is just our immediate response. We are currently strategizing with all our partners (Salvation Army, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan’s Purse, etc) on what long term care looks like for those who are most affected. We know all of us have to work together, doing what we each do best, to meet the massive needs of our city. There will be ongoing ways for you to partner with us and volunteer. Please check this page regularly.
As a church, we have the unique calling to make disciples, so we will show up with our partners to share the love and hope of Jesus. This is what we do best.
I want to especially thank Kevin Glover and Zac Martin for mobilizing our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Much love
Pastor Dihan
rElief efforts
If you have been impacted by the fire and are in need, please let us know. We are committed to caring for our church family and mourn with those in our Renew family who have been affected by the local fires.
PASTORAL CONTACTS:
For pastoral support,
please reach out to one of our pastors listed below.
Pastor Paul Dario:
Pastor Raul Ortiz:
RELIEF FORM:
If you have been displaced from your home by the fires, please fill out our support form below. Justice & Outreach team to connect you with local Disaster Relief Services, which can provide temporary housing, food, and other essential items to those affected by the fires.
VOLUNTEER FORM:
If you have time or any other resources to offer in our relief efforts, please fill out our volunteer form below.
LA FIRES RELIEF FUND
Under the supervision of our Board of Elders, we have set up a giving fund to directly support those in our Every Nation churches who have lost their homes or property in the fires. To contribute, please click the button below and select “LA Fire Relief” from the drop-down menu.
DONATIONS
Renew Church LA will serve as a donation center every Sunday from 8:00am - 2:00pm. We are accepting donations of new & gently used clothing, new hygiene items and other essentials for those who have been impacted by the wildfires in LA. Please join us after the 11:00AM service to sort & organize the donations.
NEW TOILETRIES
NON PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS
NEW OR GENTLY USED CLOTHING
NEW SOCKS
NEW UNDERWEAR
ADULT DIAPERS
BABY DIAPERS
FORMULA
COLLAPSIBLE CRIBS + PLAY PEN
PET FOOD
PET CARRIERS
PAPER PLATES, PLASTICWARE
LA RELIEF ZOOM MEETING:
TBA
Evacuation shelters
Westwood Recreation Center:
1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
El Camino Real Charter High School:
5440 Valley Circle Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cornerstone Church West LA:
1609 S Barrington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025
church-wide update
Renew Church LA is NOT CURRENTLY UNDER EVACUATION NOTICE.
Our Main Sanctuary, classrooms, family room, lounge, and chapel are all equipped with medical-grade air filters.
N95 face masks will also be available upon request.
Sunday Services: 9:30A & 11:00A
If you’re unable to join us in person for any reason, we will be live-streaming on our YouTube channel
so you can worship with us wherever you are.
Let’s continue to pray for the safety of our neighbors and first responders.
Stay safe, Renew family, and we hope to see you this weekend—either in person or online!
** If anything changes regarding our gatherings, we will notify you promptly through our social media and website. **
WAYS TO PRAY
PRAY FOR THE WINDS TO STOP
PRAY FOR STRENGTH & PROTECTION OVER THE FIRST RESPONDERS
PRAY THE BROKEN HEARTED
PRAY FOR OUR CITY RESOURCES
PRAY FOR WATER & POWER TO BE RESTORED
PRAY FOR PROTECTION AGAINST LOOTERS & ARSONISTS
PRAY FOR COMPLETE & TOTAL REVIVAL