Community Outreach

Since CELC’s vision statement is: “We are a Christian fellowship reaching out to all people so that they might know God’s love for them,” it only seems natural that we go beyond our church walls and reach out to serve those who are in need.

Tuesday Food Program

CELC Food Program’s purpose is to assist working poor living in Goodyear, Avondale, and Litchfield Park. The program is able to provide a weekly food box to approximately 67 families. In addition to food, our Outreach Program offers clothing and household goods (received through donations) at a reasonable cost. Our intention is to assist people on their way to self-sufficiency by offering help in these and other areas.

Outreach 2023 Report

Households Served 3,381
25% increase over 2022
Individuals Served 15,815
Distributed over 177,218.48 lbs of food

Volunteers welcome on Tuesday mornings between 8:00am and 11:30am

Special Volunteer needs during summer - check on link on button below.

Outreach Needs

I-Help

CELC participates in I-Help (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) which provides a safe place to sleep and a hot meal for adults experiencing homelessness. Also, a case manager is available to help individuals in the program to attain vital resources needed to regain stability in their lives.p

Outreach Needs

ELCA Bishop Statement on Homelessness

West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop

The West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop (WVLTS) is a non-profit second-hand store that provides bargain prices to customers and financial support to many west valley charities.

More Info

Please consider supporting the Lutheran Thrift Shop, as they have provided CELC with several grants in recent years.

Adopt-A-Cop

CELC has a program of spirtual support for our local Goodyear police officers. If you would like to link up with a Goodyear cop to pray and connect with, please email the church office or contact Faith Hanley.

Quilters

Quilters meet every Monday morning at 9 am in the BldgA Fellowship Hall. Our quilts are hand tied and are given to a local domestic violence shelter, baptisms and graduates, We spend our summers preparing for a craft sale to support purchasing materials for our group

This activity is open to all who share our passion of quilting and great conversation.

Monday Morning Quilters Latest Project
- Wreath Making

LSS-SW

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is an organization affiliated with the ELCA with an outreach mission:

We stabilize people during crisis and transition, build a foundation where people can thrive, and preserve dignity and respect for the most vulnerable.

Throughout the year, they support many programs and activities which CELC may participate in that may be highlighted here.. Please check out their web site for more information.

LSS-SW Web Site

YMCA - Outreach Programs for Aging Seniors

Ihe YMCA has started a program in the west valley for seniors. It is called Outreach Programs for Aging Seniors, OPAS and is for those that have a need for rides to medical appointments, friendly visits, shopping, running errands, help with bills or just a phone call, etc. If you would like to inquire about this program please call 623-212-6088, ext 3.

Volunteers are also needed to support this program and are background screened. It is a well-run program that began in Ahwatukee, AZ. It's a great opportunity but it's also free. Monica Vincent