Weekend Reflections

We had another amazing weekend at South Bay Church. Adding a 3rd service has definitely made a huge difference, allowing an over 200 extra seats for us to reach new people. We have had over 510 people two weeks in a row which is up close to 80 people after averaging about 430 average the previous 5 weeks.

More than just our jump in reach more people there is so much I am encouraged about:

* Our volunteers and leaders have been amazing in stepping up to the plate and sacrificing in order to make the move to three services. In fact there are dozens of people who are at South Bay from 7:00am-2pm every Sunday so that we can make an impact.

* Last week we had 38 first time guests, this past Sunday we had 23 first time guests. This is a ton of people, and this is just those who filled out cards. I've been amazed at how much South Bay people are taking the initiative to invite friends and get the word out.

* We've had people make decisions to follow Christ for the first time every week for the last 6 weeks. This is so huge that God is helping South Bay impact the lives of people who are exploring faith and new to the message of Christ.

* The Romance, Intimacy and Sex series has been a huge hit. We've had a ton of great comments. I think more than the preaching is just the fact that so many people have huge needs in this area of their lives. At the same time, the bible is so clear, so practical and so helpful in this area.

*Currently, we have 270 people signed up for one of our small groups. This is close to 75% of our September adult worship attendance. I still have yet to receive the numbers on how many people took that step. Hoping we had a great response this Sunday and we are closer to 100% of our people plugged into a group.

Overall, we as a staff are very overwhelmed by the things God is doing at South Bay. We are so encouraged by His faithfulness and really are trying to stay faithful and focused. We don't want to lose heart or miss His best for our church.

Thanks to all of you who make such tremendous sacrifices to make a difference in our community. I'm excited that we have three services left this series. God is really up to something huge in our midst. Let's keep pressing forward knowing that the best is ahead.

PS, This Sunday over 30 of our people will go up to SF to help out Epic Church with their first public service. We are getting to be a part of launching this brand new church. We are so stoked about what God is going to do through Ben Pilgreen and his team up there! Please keep them in your prayers this week.

Thank You South Bay Volunteers

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!

I was completely blown away by all your hard work and diligence this weekend. Thank you for representing Jesus and South Bay Church to the Silicon Valley. You served your hearts out. You picked up trash, you tied balloons for hours, you stood in the hot sun, you loved on people, and sooo much more... And, you did all this with a smile on your face.

When we take up the serving towel of Jesus and love people in practical ways we tear down walls that have stood in people's hearts and in our community for years. Our city was impacted and the lives of thousands of other people will be changed because of you. I believe that God will use the seeds that were sown this weekend in great ways for His glory.

Again, this is what we are all about here at South Bay Church. We as a staff are so grateful for you and I could not thank you enough for the sacrifice of your time and energy. I believe God is very proud of you today.

With love, Pastor Andy

Audacious Faith Affirmations-

One of the best books I've read in 2010 is Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. The book is set to release late September. I highly encourage you to pick it up and read it to be stretched in your faith! One chapter of his book titled, "Hear. Speak. Do" highly influenced my message today at South Bay Church. In this chapter he shared 12 Audacious Faith Affirmations that are all based upon the Bible and God's promises. I thought I'd share... I've made some slight modifications.

12 Audacious Faith Confessions: Sun Stand Still, Steven Furtick

1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation (Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 John 1:9).

2. I act in audacious faith to change the world in my generation (Joshua 10:12-14, John 14:12).

3. I overcome my fear and anxiety; I trust in the Lord with all my heart. God is with me (Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:10)

4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life (Exodus 3:9-12; Psalm 57:2, Colossians 1:24-29).

5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do (Deuteronomy 8:18, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:13).

6. I have no insecurity, because I see myself the way God sees me (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 5:25-27).

7. I am a faithful spouse and a godly father- our family is blessed (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 5:25-27, Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

8. I am completely whole- physically, mentally, and emotionally (Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 8:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:24).

9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God (Genesis 45:4-8, 1 Samuel 2:26; Acts 2:37-47).

10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, 1 John 3:16, 4:9-12).

11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make (2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Proverbs 2:6, Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 1:5).

12. I am protected from all hard and evil in Jesus’ name (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 3:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3).

The Gospel.

One of the greatest joys in ministry is seeing the power of God at work through "the gospel." His good news. That he loves us and came to live a perfect sinless life through Christ, suffered death on a cross and has risen from the dead so that we might have abundant, joyful peaceful life that leads to eternity with Him.

Here are some observations from my journal recently...

"it truly is amazing to see the Gospel at work. The Gospel heals, restores, redeems, breaks down walls and chains, loves, serves, prays, weeps, struggles, hopes, believes, sacrifices, waits, persists, and transforms. It is the hope of the nations it is the power of God bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. This is the Gospel."