Four and a half years ago, I embarked on a journey of California living.  God provided this opportunity for me to leave my family behind in New York. With my kids blessing I took on the challenge and lived on faith.  

Somehow, I felt God’s presence as I made this decision. He guided me along the way, trusting in Him, being still with Him, and wrestling with Him. I have grown closer to God because I have seen and felt his love towards me, especially through my toughest times.  

It was that closeness with God that I was able to love myself again.  He knew I needed this time to slow down.  I was no longer a mom, a daughter, a sister or an aunt.  My identity of being a manager was stripped away.  It was his way of telling me to find my own self. To love me because he does. To love my own company because he made me.  

I am going back home to New York with a different sense of purpose. 

I am definitely a different person.  I have taken on a new role as grandmother.  I see this as a gift from God, to enjoy to new blessings. 

In this journey, I have built relationships.  Those relationship were not just acquaintance, but true friends.  My season may have ended here Cali, but my friendships with each of you will last. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for being a friend. 

- Jackie, Palo Alto Fellowship Group

Enjoy your lunch this Thursday while learning about mental health and the role of faith communities.

Mental health, often shrouded in stigma and misconceptions, can be a challenging topic to broach. For 27 years, as a devoted member of our church, I've witnessed families silently grappling with the burden of mental illness, hindered by societal stereotypes and fears. I've also seen compassionate individuals within our congregation, yearning to support their loved ones but unsure of how to navigate the complexities of mental health.

Recognizing the profound impact of faith and spirituality on the path to recovery, NAMI-Santa Clara County is committed to breaking down the barriers that surround mental health within faith communities. We understand that for many, the church serves as a sanctuary, a refuge, and a source of solace. However, the reality is that countless faith leaders and individuals of faith often lack the knowledge and tools necessary to guide, support, and empower those affected by mental illness.

I currently work for NAMI-Santa Clara, and in response to these pressing needs, NAMI-Santa Clara County is proud to announce a series of free online events aimed at fostering mental health awareness and equipping faith leaders to be allies in this important journey. We believe that faith communities have the potential to be powerful allies in the fight against mental health stigma, offering a safe space for healing and support.

We invite all members of our congregation and beyond to join us in these transformative events. Whether you're a faith leader, a caring disciple, or simply someone interested in creating a more inclusive and compassionate faith community, we encourage you to participate.

Event Details:

• Thu Aug 15, 2024
• Thu Nov 21, 2024

Time: 11:30 am -1:00 pm

Location: Online with Zoom

Register here: bit.ly/nami101

Let us come together to dismantle the barriers of stigma and fear surrounding mental health. By arming ourselves with knowledge, compassion, and empathy, we can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness within our faith communities. Join us in this vital mission to create stigma-free faith communities that promote healing, understanding, and hope.

FLYER: https://namisantaclara.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MH-101-Flyer-2024.pdf

DID YOU KNOW?

50% of mental illness begins at age 14.
The average person waits 8-10 years for treatment.
People with mental illnesses die on average 25 years earlier.

Join us to learn...
• Various mental illnesses and the mental health continuum
• How to support someone with a mental illness using proven techniques and methods.
• How to avoid harmful behaviors such as toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing

Please RSVP by the Monday before! Zoom information will be sent following your registration.

- Sarah, Peninsula Fellowship Group, Program Manager at NAMI-Santa Clara

The 49th US state is unlike anywhere else on earth: incredible wildlife, hundreds of glaciers and snow-capped mountains – God’s splendor is fully on display!

On July 6, 2025, Disciples Today Travel (DT Travel) will be taking you on a seven day cruise from Whittier (Anchorage) southward to Vancouver, BC, Canada. Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's glaciers and witness the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Inside Passage. They will depart from Anchorage to board the ship in Whittier and sail southward as they embark on a journey filled with thrilling wildlife sightings, dazzling fjords, and majestic ice-capped mountains. Indulge in world-class dining, captivating entertainment, and enriching shore excursions that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders that surround you.

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-time adventurer, this unforgettable experience is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Join them on this extraordinary voyage and start planning your next great adventure with Disciples Today Travel and Holland America.

Justin and Irene Renton will be our Spiritual Directors for this amazing journey and you don’t want to miss it.  Justin and Irene have been disciples for over 32 years and have served as the leaders of the Johannesburg Church of Christ, and Regional Family Chairs of the Southern Africa ICOC for the past 18 years. Both their children are disciples and they have authored two books together:  Healing of a Wounded Idealist and The Humble Idealist.  Justin serves as the Chief Evangelist of Disciples Today. Irene is an avid cake decorator and a registered Hospice Counselor. Justin used to be a racing car driver and loves mountain biking.

Join us for one of our Sunday church services around the Bay Area next weekend. We will have church services in Oakland/Alameda, Tri-Valley, South Bay, Peninsula, Palo Alto, and San Francisco.

We do not have any All Fellowship Midweek services scheduled this month but hope to start them up again in the fall. This month folks will continue to meet by fellowship groups for midweek fellowship.

We have our regional singles event in Los Angeles coming up soon, so if you are single and haven't signed up yet, please take a look and see if you can go. More information is on our events page.

We have a beach service happening on August 25, more information to follow on the website and the newsletter.

We have many things happening at SF Bay Fellowship, and we hope you can join us soon!