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Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – 1 John 3:18
On Saturday, July 11, God worked in powerful ways as thousands of Saddleback volunteers across all our campuses stepped beyond the walls of our church and into neighborhoods, schools, nonprofits, care facilities, and community organizations for Love Local Serve Day.
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Throughout the day, we welcomed new neighbors, supported military families, cared for children and families, encouraged residents in assisted living communities, partnered with local schools and nonprofits, served first responders, and came alongside people experiencing hardship. Every project, conversation, and act of generosity was an opportunity to remind someone they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
Campus Development Pastor Kurt Johnston shared, "It's our way as a church of showing up in our communities and letting people know that Saddleback cares and we want to be part of their community."
More than 3,100 volunteers served, reaching 4,143 people in 130+ cities worldwide. Together, we welcomed 170 new neighbors and supported 361 vulnerable children and their families through foster care initiatives, rescue missions, motel ministries, and other community partnerships. These numbers represent more than just completed projects. They represent lives touched, relationships built, and communities strengthened through the love of Christ.
One of the greatest strengths of Love Local Serve Day is the partnerships that make it possible. Across our campuses, volunteers served alongside local schools, nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, foster care ministries, prison ministries, and community leaders to meet real needs and build lasting relationships.
The good news and love of Jesus were shared through every conversation, project, and partnership in our communities. We’ll continue partnering with Double “R” Ranch, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, among many others, to share the love of Jesus in our surrounding communities! One CASA advocate wrote to our team after the Serve Day's Fun on Purpose event:
“My 7-year-old CASA kiddo had an absolutely wonderful time at the picnic on Saturday! In fact, she said, and I quote, ‘It was one of my best days ever.’ She just joined the foster care system about three weeks ago and I was just matched with her last week—so this is the absolute first outing she's ever gone [on] with me and her first exposure to CASA and the people like you who support CASA.”
While Love Local Serve Day 2026 has come to a close, our mission continues. Throughout the year, Saddleback offers ongoing opportunities to serve our neighbors, care for those in need, and share the hope of Jesus in practical ways. We invite you to continue serving through one of our local ministry partners or community outreach opportunities at your campus. You can find more serving opportunities here.
Love Local Serve Day is more than a one-time event—it's an expression of who we are as a church year-round. Every day, we look forward to growing our partnerships, engaging more volunteers, and creating new opportunities to love our communities well.
To every volunteer, site leader, campus team, and community partner—thank you. Because you gave your time and used what God placed in your hands, thousands of people experienced the love of Jesus tangibly. This is what it looks like when the Church shows up.
We’re grateful for everything God did through our church family, and we believe this is only the beginning. Our prayer is that more people will experience the hope and love of Jesus!
