Why did Vintage Faith Foursquare open a thrift store? Vintage Faith Foursquare isn’t just a Sunday sanctuary. It’s a vibrant hub woven into the fabric of Los Angeles. Pastor Matt Kladnik, a former missionary to Australia, wanted the church’s influence to extend beyond Sunday services. He envisioned a space where the congregation could “love our city” all week long. This vision materialized in October as Love The City Thrift Store. The store operates six days a week, selling donated clothing, furniture, household items, and even books and art.
Vintage Faith Foursquare, seeking deeper community engagement, wrestled with challenges. The journey was fraught with obstacles. Yet, time and again, unexpected blessings appeared. A timely $100 donation slipped under the church door. A significant grant from the Foursquare Foundation in 2013 allowed them to secure a lease for the store. The initial congregation was small, only 30 members when the thrift store vision took root. Later, a merger with another Foursquare church boosted attendance to around 160. Finding the right people to manage the store was another puzzle piece. Bryan Lucas, a church member with retail experience, stepped up to become the store manager. His wife, Jennifer, also contributes, handling administrative tasks. Volunteers play a crucial role, keeping the store running and connecting with the community.
Even with 18 months of prayer and fundraising, just days before opening, Vintage Faith Foursquare still lacked clothing racks. Another prayer, and a donation of racks appeared from a closing business. The community rallied around the store’s mission, donating time, resources, and an abundance of inventory. Love The City Thrift Store quickly became more than just a retail space. It evolved into a place of connection, where volunteers’ testimonies and lives are transformed. It’s a practical demonstration of faith, a “Sunday-through-Saturday lifestyle.” Acts of generosity unfold daily at Vintage Faith Foursquare’s thrift store. A struggling woman received groceries free of charge. A formerly homeless woman received a donated couch without a delivery fee. Children attended summer camp thanks to the store’s support of a fundraising yard sale.
Vintage Faith Foursquare’s thrift store, initially operating at break-even, has bigger aspirations. The plan is to invest profits back into the city, funding community projects and serving those in need. The church has become a resource distribution center, offering aid after local fires. Vintage Faith Foursquare also hosts various ministries, including Spanish and Bulgarian services. It’s a testament to the church’s commitment to its diverse community. They offer Kids Church, Youth Ministry, and Community Groups. Vintage Faith Foursquare continues to dream big, inspired by the impact of Love The City Thrift Store. They see the thrift store as a model for expansion, extending its reach beyond Culver City to other parts of Los Angeles and beyond. Their story is a reminder that even small acts of faith, multiplied by a dedicated community, can create ripples of positive change.