Photograph by Mark Kuroda
City Church offers many opportunities for our church to serve the city of San Francisco during the holiday season. Some of what we do during this season is part of the ongoing work we do in the community and some of it is new, specific to the season.
Because the holidays are a time set aside for being with family, it can be an especially isolating part of the year for those who don't have community nearby, or those without means to afford much in the way of gift-giving. Part of the way we care for those folks in our city is with our presence, with serving, and with gifts.
Leland House
Every other Sunday afternoon a group of City Church folks spend time at Leland House, a medical residence for people living with disabling HIV/AIDS. Volunteers plan and prepare a meal for its 40 residents, play games and visit with them. Preparing Leland House's Sunday dinner is a great way for a Community Group to serve together during the holidays, as we need up to 8 people on December 8 and 22. Sign up here.
In celebration of the holiday season, Leland House has a number of special events that are perfect for 2 to 3 volunteers at a time. Volunteers will be needed to decorate the dining room, set out dinner and enjoy the meal with residents during holiday meals:
Thanksgiving Dinner from 2-4PM
Christmas Dinner from 2-4PM
New Year's Eve Dinner from 6:15-8PM
You can also help Leland House prepare for their celebrations by decorating the Christmas tree, set-up for the Christmas Eve party, or distribute presents on Christmas morning.
For additional details, please contact Julie Quon.
City Hope Tree
During the month of December, we also set up our holiday gift-giving program, the City Hope Tree. This started a number of years ago with Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship, that helps incarcerated parents give a loving gift to their children. We have since expanded the program to include gift requests from our partners to bless those they serve throughout the year: children in transitional housing, men and women in emergency shelters, and the teachers and students of an underserved elementary school. The City Hope Tree provides over 350 gifts and delivers joy to children, their families and others who might benefit this Christmas season.
In addition to purchasing gifts, you can be part of making the City Hope Tree successful by baking cookies, delivering gifts, or offering general administrative help.
For additional details, please contact Julie Quon.
CityTeam Service Day
Saturday, December 14 | 12-3:30PM
Come serve as an individual or a group—a great opportunity for first-timers, friends or veterans. On the second Saturday of each month, volunteers from City Church head to City Team blocks away from the Union Square holiday extravaganza. You can serve a hot meal in the rough-and-tumble Sixth St neighborhood to a diverse population. Interested volunteers have the privilege of caring for a person by washing their feet, praying, conversing and providing clean socks.
For additional details, please contact Julie Quon.
Tenderloin Caroling
Sunday, December 15 | 4:00-6PM
Join us for Christmas carols in the Tenderloin to celebrate the birth of Christ. A team of musicians will lead us in song through the neighborhood. We will be meeting across the street from City Hall to enjoy warm beverages and sweet treats before we head out to spread holiday cheer.
In addition to your singing voices, you are welcome to bring new socks, citrus fruits and candy canes to pass out to neighbors. Don't forget to wear warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Invite friends and family to join. This will be fun for all - children, community groups, friends, and coworkers.
For additional details, please contact Julie Quon.
Homeless Memorial Service
Thursday, December 19 | 5:30-6:30PM
Longing to connect to our homeless neighbors this holiday season? San Francisco Network Ministries co-sponsors an event with the Coalition on Homelessness that brings people of all faiths to commemorate those who have passed away on our streets this past year. This is a powerful opportunity for families, individuals or community groups to remember our neighbors who are no longer with us.
For additional details, please contact Julie Quon.
Meals on Wheels Gift-Wrapping
During the first and second weeks of December, join Meals on Wheels as they wrap gifts and prepare gift bags full of holiday goodies for the homebound seniors of San Francisco. Volunteers are needed on select weekdays from 9a-12p and 1-4p.
This is a great opportunity for individuals, groups of 2-3, or families with children ages 8 and older.
For additional details, please contact Julie Quon.