Grace Fire Response Update

In response to the devastating LA Fires, we have prayerfully considered how Grace Fellowship can best serve those affected. Our approach will focus on personal connections, church-driven support, and long-term partnerships with some immediate action steps.

1. Prayer

We continue to pray for those affected by the fires, including families who have lost homes and loved ones, as well as the first responders working tirelessly on the front lines.

2. Financial Support

As we’ve done with the Turkey earthquakes and the Maui fires, the elders are determining how much of our surplus funds will be allocated to support partner churches. Additionally, we invite you to contribute to our Fire Relief Fund.

Our primary partnership will be with Calvary Church Pacific Palisades, a congregation with many Grace connections. Over 50% of their church members lost their homes, their sanctuary sustained significant damage, and their school buildings are currently unusable. They have temporarily relocated services to a Seventh-day Adventist Church in Santa Monica and rented a commercial building to reopen the school the first week of February. Calvary Church is committed to supporting their displaced community during this difficult time.

From Kevin, an elder at Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades:

“Just over 50% of our congregation, the 300 Calvary School families, and 140 staff members lost their homes in the January 7 Pacific Palisades fire.

We are working to meet the immediate and future needs of our displaced community and families spread across Southern California. We are deeply humbled by Grace Fellowship’s consideration of a disaster relief donation and will steward any funds prayerfully and with great diligence to provide for those in need.”

We are also exploring additional opportunities to support other impacted communities in Pasadena. Further details will be shared soon.

3. Grace Direct Connect Response

Many of you know someone who was personally affected by the fires. To meet these needs directly:

• We have created a Google Sheet listing specific needs, such as baby clothes, gift cards, cleaning supplies, etc.
• If you feel led to donate, please provide exactly what is requested.
• The person listing the need will act as the point of contact for that family and keep their needs updated.
• Donations will be delivered by the Grace community member with the direct connection to the family.

This “Grace Direct Connect Response” allows us to offer personalized support with love and care.

If you know someone who has been affected by the fires and want to coordinate response to their needs, please reach out to Ryan Zeulner.

4. Clothing and Item Drive

We are partnering with Pacifica Christian School, which is working with their Santa Monica sister school to host a clothing and item drive. Donations will be distributed on Saturdays over the next month. Pacifica will collect and store items, and our Hands of Grace team will assist with delivery, organization, and prayer.

Details on the partnership and collection process are still being finalized. We will begin collecting items as soon as specific needs are identified.

Thank you all for your big hearts and willingness to love others during their time of need.

At the ready,

Ryan Zeulner

PREVIOUS UPDATES: