In late 2003 we began developing a relationship with CityTeam Ministries in downtown Oakland, and presented the congregation with opportunities to serve there. After a passionate sermon by Pastor Don Ott titled "The Least of These" the congregation signed up in droves - nearly 100 volunteered to serve in some capacity at the CityTeam facility! We currently have four teams serving meals and mingling with guests and residents at the facility four times each month. The guests who come to the shelter at CityTeam are those in need of food, shelter or clothing. Residents at CityTeam are recovering alcoholics and drug addicts that have found new life through Christ and who live at the facility as they recover and strengthen their resolve in our Savior. We also have volunteers serving with their medical, dental and chiropractic skills, and have others that are anxious to serve in counseling, tutoring, mentoring and discipling.
Each month people from CV First gather to prepare and serve meals to the homeless in downtown Oakland. Each group selects a menu, purchases and prepares the meals, serve the guests, and participate in chapel services.
Your involvement can be as much or as little as you’re able, although serving the “least of My brothers” can prove to be habit forming!
CV First’s congregation contributes to a special fund designated to assist in this ministry.
If you would like more information about our partnership with City Team or wish to participate, contact the following individuals:
- 1st Friday – Lloyd Rash (510.538.6635)
- 3rd Monday – Mike Meyer (510.299.9174)
- 3rd Saturday – Pat & Leigh Ann Fosdahl (510.582.6386)
- 4th Sunday – Bob & Carolyn Burke (510.582.6433)
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"On my first visit, I arrived with the group in the van and got out in front of the building. I was standing separately from the team watching them unload the food. As this happened, one of the residents walked up to me and said, "You're going to have to get back over there with the other homeless guys while we unload this van, so they can cook for you guys." I was dumb-founded as to why I had to go in with the homeless. It took a couple of second for me and everyone else to realize what the guy was saying. During that few seconds I realized what the homeless must feel like when they are treated as outsiders. Praise the Lord the mistake only lasted a few seconds, or I don't know what I would have done, or where I would be today. I do know that the Lord is in charge of every aspect of our daily lives and for this I am His humble servant."
Lloyd Rash
"In November, we were asked to volunteer next door at their facility for chapel service. They recently changed their format, from a "sermon" time to a "small group discussion" time, led by the CityTeam director and facilitated by volunteers. Many of us had never done anything like this; one of our men was led by the Lord to join in, and later said he enjoyed it very much, surprising himself! We got so caught up in conversing that we just barely made it to the serving line in time for dinner. Things God has been revealing to me, the director spoke about - she was a Martha-type personality. The format she had used was just a guideline, allowing God to get through. God was truly there in our midst that night. I'm still excited about it!"
Mike Meyer |
