­Summer is here and so many of us are looking forward to our lives slowing down a bit and taking that long awaited family vacation. However, this is not true for everyone. Many of our community friends are bypassing any “hoped for vacations” and instead are already looking at ways to provide meals for their families throughout the summer months. Many of our local schools have families living at or below poverty level including: Bandini (91%), Eshelman (81%), and Normont (91%). These families are the working poor who can barely make ends meet from week to week. When summer arrives, their children no longer benefit from the meal programs that are provided throughout the school year. In an interview with Tara Nierenhausen, Executive Director at Community’s Child, she told us that principals in the local schools have reported that it takes roughly the first three months of the school year to get kids back on track with where they were at the end of the previous year because so many of them come back from summer malnourished and unable to stay awake in class. Ever since Tara learned this, she jumped into action, getting Torrance Memorial Hospital and other resources in the community to help these families. She has also rallied local churches to partner by providing canned goods and healthy snacks that go home with these families throughout the school year. Through the donations you drop in our gray “Feed My People” bins, many of the 1,000 identified families in the Harbor City, Lomita, and Torrance area are being provided for. While interviewing several of the families that are recipients of the food and the school supplies, they say they want to provide for their children, but the economy and low-wages make it difficult. They also expressed a desire to provide for others as well.

This is why, each year, our church family joins in an effort to care for those living at or below poverty level. Through our Annual Back-to-School Drive, the donations of backpacks and school supplies are distributed among our local ministry partners – Community’s Child, Love INC, and Lynwood Worship Center -- who serve vulnerable children and families. Outreach events are offered where the kids and their families come to meet and learn with our kids and families, enjoy a meal together, play games, and learn about Jesus and His love for all people. We desire to build relationships and bridges where we can all learn together and grow to know Jesus more deeply and fully. We know that no matter what our socio-economic background is God is calling ALL of us to love and care for one another. We offer opportunities at these events for everyone who attends to give a donation, which in turn will be used for God’s greater kingdom purpose in helping support our local community partners and our missionaries throughout the world. This way, ALL families are involved in being the hands and feet of Jesus to their neighbors!

By bringing education into our outreaches, we are teaching our kids to know Jesus and His heart for the world. We want to encourage them to live a life on mission in whatever they do, and part of that is for them to provide and care for the needs of others. We have learned through the years that no matter our income, God has called us ALL into a relationship with Him and He wants to use our money, time, and talents to accomplish His work in the world.

Poverty extends beyond the bounds of material needs. As we have walked with our brothers and sisters through the years we have learned from them that we are ALL impoverished in one way or another, whether it is poverty of community, relationships, spiritual, or caring for others. In this summer season, it is our turn to say, I care, and I am going to step into the heartfelt needs of my neighbor. And in doing so, we are ushering in the kingdom of God to reconcile, change and transform our own hearts and the hearts in our community. May we be a family of believers who say, Send Me Lord, right here in my own backyard, and Change Me Lord, for your glory and kingdom work here on earth!

Marcia Trani, Director of Compassion Ministries at 310.521.5286 or mtrani@rhcc.net

Following each worship service, members of the prayer team will be available in front of the platform to pray with you and minister to your spiritual needs. You may also submit prayer requests to Vicki Hardin at Chaplain_Vicki@aol.com, (310) 612-7832, by yellow card or on our website.

We're here for you! The pastoral staff at RHCC is available to help you with your marriage, finances, parenting, emotional issues, or if you are in need of prayer. We can also provide recommendations for Christian counseling services in the South Bay. Contact Pastor Nate Aanderud at (310) 521-2565 or naanderud@rhcc.net.

Welcome to Rolling Hills Covenant Church—a caring community of people who believe the Bible is the Word of God and choose to live by its truth.

If you’re new or maybe you’ve been here a while and want to learn more about RHCC and build stronger relationships with others, come to Rolling Hills Connect. You will be welcomed by our staff, learn about the church’s purpose and priorities, and connect with others who are also exploring the church. Sunday, July 23 at 11:15 a.m. in the Loft.

Our mission is to know Jesus intimately and to share His love and truth passionately. We discover God by studying His Word, both personally and with others. We endeavor to love others, with Christ as our example. And we commit our time, talents, and treasure to serve God, to reflect His glory, and to share the salvation of Christ throughout the world.

For information about what else is going on at RHCC this month, pick up What’s Happening in the blue boxes.

Invite your friends and family to join us on Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m. in the Worship Center for this popular patriotic musical celebration featuring our choir and orchestra along with the Marine Color Guard from Pasadena. We will also honor our veterans and our local firefighters and police officers. Free admission.

Saturday, July 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 290s. Homosexuality is hitting home in ways today we never imagined even a decade ago. This five part seminar, offered by renown author and expert, Joe Dallas, will address important topics and equip you to speak into this current social reality with grace and truth. $10 suggested donation. See our website for more info. Childcare available by reservation.

Saturday, July 8 at 1 p.m., near the gazebo at Wilson Park in Torrance. Join us as Michael Barker and our worship team join with other area churches for a sweet time of worship as we lift Jesus’ name on high and lay our prayer requests before Him.

The Dillard family, our missionaries serving in Turkey, are in town. You are invited to a reception in Carlson Hall next Sunday, July 9 at 1 p.m. to greet them and hear an update on their ministry. A light lunch will be available.

Homegoing: Please pray for Ruth Seelhorst and family on the homegoing of her husband, Bert.

Giving goal (6/1/17-5/31/18): $8,100,000

Budget Needs YTD: $508,111
Received YTD: $486,783
Over/Under YTD: ($21,328)

Needed last week: $127,028
Received last week: $110,392

Text any amount to 310.307.3661 to give.