We are excited to celebrate Christmas with our annual All Fellowship Christmas Service. We have had a great response and are excited to celebrate with you all!

Psalm 133:1 Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God's people all come together as one!

On Saturday, December 7, we will meet in the evening at the South San Francisco Conference Center for an evening Christmas Service and an All Fellowship Dinner and dance party! We will have a full dinner, a dessert bar, and a Christmas Service. Then, after service and dinner, we have a DJ so we can fellowship and dance the night away! 

Doors open at 5:30 PM

Service starts at 6:00 PM

All will get a chicken marsala dinner plate and all children will get a chicken tender plate. If you would like the vegetarian portobello mushroom plate or if you child would like one of the adult plates, please send an email to community@sfbayfellowship.com. If we receive your email, we will respond to confirm your alternative selection.

This is a closed event, and we need to know how many people are coming before the event since dinner is being served. All evites have gone out and we need all RSVP's in early to let the venue know of our final food selections so they can have enough food. Please check your email for the evite. We will do what we can to ensure all who want to attend can come, but we expect to fill up, so RSVP as soon as possible. If you did not receive an email this evening and would like to attend, please email community@sfbayfellowship.com.

If you want to bring a dessert to share for the dessert bar, please sign up HERE.

If you want to dress up, that would be great, or if you want to come dressed in your Christmas outfits, that would be fun too, or if you wish just to come as you are, that is awesome..... we are just glad you are joining us to celebrate Christmas next weekend!

Finally, we will be collecting new, unused warm socks to donate again for distribution to our unhoused neighbors in both the East Bay and the West Bay. Please bring a donation if you can. We will have a place to drop them off in the venue.

We look forward to this special Christmas Service and hope you can join us for this festive and fun event!

James Brian Craig (age 53) passed away surrounded by family and friends in Santa Monica, California on Sunday, November 10th. Brian is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Dessa, his children Jameson (25), Marshall (23), and Cora (20), his parents Larry and Mary Lou Craig, his sisters Angie Gursoy and Holly Toguchi, and their respective families. 

J. Brian Craig is known throughout the world for his ability to bring the scriptures to life in song. Brian’s music has been sung for decades in worship services, midweeks, children’s ministry, youth camps, retreats, conferences, and wherever disciples of Jesus meet. Brian’s music can be found on YouTube and major music streaming platforms. He has written, recorded, and performed the following original and easily recognizable songs:

• Praises Heard Around the World
• Anchor for the Soul
• Great Among the Nations
• Be With Me, Lord
• I Need Your Love
• Home in Heaven
• Lead Me to the Rock
• Shadow of Your Wings
• Rejoice (Lift my Voice)
• By Faith
• A Faithful Witness
• Go and Make Disciples
• Here Am I Send Me
• Praise the Lord, O My Soul
• The Spirit’s Fire
• And so many more. 

In addition to being a well-known singer-songwriter and worship leader, Brian served as an evangelist in the South Bay Church (in Souhern California) for many years and was also recognized as a teacher in the ICOC fellowship.

It’s difficult to fully quantify how Brian’s life has impacted the world for the sake of Christ. His music has been a beacon of light for so many. His original work has been translated and sung in countless languages and churches throughout the world. His gift of creating catchy melodies and lyrics has helped plant seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit in the hearts of many disciples of Jesus. His songs remind followers of Christ to hold onto the promises of God. And while his music is how most disciples know Brian, his gift of teaching and presenting God’s Word was just as earnest and profound as his music. 

Brian had to have emergency brain surgery in early January 2023 and was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain cancer. While the diagnosis was grim, Brian continued to defy the odds and stubbornly fought the progression of this cancer for almost two years. During this time, he allowed us into his fight, posted updates on his health, and inspired many with his courage and vulnerability. Brian continued to write and record original music. He also connected with many around the world who are suffering with terminal cancer, and ministered to them while remaining vigilant in his own health battle.

Enjoy your lunch 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 Feb 15, 2024
• Thu May 16, 2024
• 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.

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

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.

We wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have generously donated or tithed to our fellowship to help us advance the gospel throughout the Bay Area.

We have many things happening here at the SF Bay Fellowship this Fall and we hope you can join us this season.