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iMPACT! News
Changing the World
Local and Global Ministry and Mission
March/April 2024
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December (2023): An Abode Christmas | | |
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For over 25 years, a faithful group of South Bay Community Church volunteers have responded to God's call to cook and serve a meal and share fellowship with families at Abode homeless shelter in Fremont.
Jesus said," For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35 reminds us that one of the fundamental measures of our lives will be how we care for people in need.
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When Christmas 2023 came around, Susan Anderson felt the call to do more than just serve a meal to the families. She shared her idea with Darlene Green, Seaoria Lema, and Nita Owens. They worked together to make 30 Christmas stockings filled with stuffed animals, toys, and puzzles for all of the shelter's children, the youngest two years old.
Susan Anderson, Teresa Welch, and Darlene Green delivered the stockings to the shelter. Susan shared that the faces of the children and parents showed that they were touched by the gifts of love they received.
When Christmas 2024 comes around, look for Susan to offer you the opportunity to help make the holiday extra special for families experiencing difficult times. Christmas dinner…stockings…games…elves…Christmas carols…who knows what you joyful servants will come up with!
Susan says, "Thank you in advance for sharing the gift of your love and time with these families."
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February: Happy Heritage Home
Valentine's Day Visit
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South Bay member Jennifer Dickinson with CityTeam shares this message of thanksgiving: "The generosity of South Bay Community Church was able to provide for the immediate needs of the women at CityTeam Heritage Home.
During SBCC's Valentine's Day visit, the women were shown the Love of the Father by providing essential hygiene items needed throughout the year for the care of the women participating in the program.
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A service day volunteer opportunity that we look forward to is coming on Friday, April 19, 1PM-3PM. You can spend time with the women and babies while helping to organize the "Grace Shop."
There will also be time to pray. If you want to join this volunteer opportunity, please contact Jennifer Dickinson through the Elxio directory.
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February: Black History Month Presentation
at Age Well Center
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Here is the message that Adaku shared with everyone in attendance: "Black History Month is an educational opportunity to refresh and learn about the many African Americans, the heroes, and the she-roes, in our culture who have unselfishly contributed to the history of these United States, whether known in the history books or not."
Adaku then provided examples of the men and women whose contributions to society have made an everlasting impact on our lives:
| Inventors: John Stanard (refrigerator), George Sampson (clothes dryer), Sarah Boone (ironing board); Literature: Phillis Wheatly (poet), Ann Petry (first woman to sell 1 million copies of her novel ("The Street"), renowned writer James Baldwin; Health: Rebecca Lee Crumpler (first African American woman to receive a doctorate), Dr. Leonidis Barry (gastroenterologist), Jane Cooke Wright (cancer drug researcher); Politics: Hiram Rhodes Revels (US Congress 1870), Shirley Chisholm (first African American Congresswoman), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (current Speaker of the House). | |
These men and women exemplify what it means to live into your God-given talents and calling. Each area of invention has had a profound impact on society today for generations to come and has changed the face of humanity.
We are all born with distinct talents and gifts that set us apart from each other. When you discover the talents God has given you and use them to glorify Him, you will experience a full life! Our loving Lord wants us to feel whole and complete, and it is through talents that we can find our unique calling in life!
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared us to do." Ephesians 2:10
Check out the SBCC Black History Resource Page for more inspiring stories.
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February: Black History Month Ceremony Honoring Pastor Emeritus Dr. Stan Long | |
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On Saturday, February 24th, Assemblymember Alex Lee celebrated Black History Month by recognizing the contributions of Black leaders in Assembly District 24, including South Bay's beloved Pastor Emeritus Dr. Stanley Long.
The event was co-hosted by South Bay member and Fremont Councilwoman Desrie Campbell, who nominated Pastor Long and other community leaders.
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Dr. Long was honored in Assemblyman Alex Lee's press release with these words:
"Dr. Stanley B. Long is a distinguished pastor and leadership coach with a rich community and international involvement history.
"In 1985, Stan founded the South Bay Community Church (SBCC) in Fremont and served as its lead pastor for 25 years. Under his stewardship, the Church became a beacon of hope and spiritual guidance for many in the community.
"Following his retirement as lead pastor, Pastor Stan transitioned to the role of Pastor Emeritus and continues to serve the Church by providing leadership and mentorship."
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Everyone in attendance burst into thunderous applause and stood to their feet as Pastor Long finished his acceptance speech, which concluded by thanking the members of South Bay Community Church. Pastor Long's speech summarized his life and how each part was a culmination of his loved ones who have supported and walked with him, cementing his legacy. You've got to listen!
Legacy is not about celebrating your life or achievements. It is about glorifying Jesus Christ maximizing the influence you can have in the lives of others so that you know your work for God is not in vain.
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 5:58. Make your life count!
Watch Pastor Long's acceptance speech.
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March: Jesus & Justice Collective Event | |
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On March 17, SBCC hosted a Jesus and Justice Collective event on campus that focused on microaggressions and micro-inequities. The event, which was well-received and brought healing to one of the attendees, demonstrated the power of our collective efforts.
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The Jesus & Justice Collective is a non-denominational group of Christians (lay members and pastors) who have a passion for racial justice and believe the Church has a role in advancing this cause. Participants attend several Bay Area churches in Fremont, Newark, and Livermore.
Throughout the year, we host several events focused on educating attendees on the role Christianity has played in the issues of racial disunity throughout history and how we, as the Big C Church, can do our part to help make racial reconciliation a reality.
The Jesus and Justice Collective is excited about an upcoming event in May, which will focus on the AAPI community. This event, falling on the first day of Pentecost, will be a unique opportunity to unite these two important topics in a way that we believe will honor God. We eagerly anticipate your participation in this significant event.
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For more information on how you can be part of what God is doing in this space, visit the website.
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To check out their mission, vision, and objectives, click here.
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To see upcoming or past events, click here.
You can also contact Tony DeGruy through the Elexio directory for more information.
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At a time when families were struggling with food costs, South Bay joined with other churches and the Compassion Network to bring joyful bounty to Easter celebrations.
On March 23, South Bay volunteers distributed 44 bags of food provided by SBCC members. These were added to 10 bags from a partner church to serve 35 families.
Karen Shields, project lead, thanks God for His love, hope, faith, joy, and grace - blessings at work - that went out to needy families.
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