Latino/a/x Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of all Latino/a/x people to the United States. It is a celebration of the people, the culture, its values, and its strengths.

The celebration begins on September 15 because it is the anniversary of Independence Day for many Latino/a/x countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico obtained independence on September 16, while Chile achieved independence on September 18. Initially, the nationally recognized celebration was only a week-long celebration, but later became a month-long celebration continuing into October to include "El Dia De La Raza." This day is celebrated on October 12 throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries, recognizing different cultures, traditions, and languages interwoven in the history of Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

Latino/a/x is a term used to recognize people from Latin American countries regardless of what language they speak and regardless of colonization. The term Hispanic is used only to refer to Spanish-speaking countries or countries colonized by Spain, erasing the indigenous roots of many people, so we have chosen the words Latino/a/x. (Terms defined article.) 

We want to acknowledge our Latino/a family members in the SF Bay Fellowship. We are grateful that you are a part of our spiritual family! We encourage others in our community to learn about any of the many Latino/a cultures and experiences. There are also many events this month throughout the Bay Area to celebrate and bring awareness to this community's many contributions to the United States and the SF Bay Area.

Shanece recently moved to the Bay and wanted to introduce herself to her family here in the SF Bay Fellowship.

"Hi, my name is Shanece, and I am from the beautiful Caribbean island of St.Kitts and Nevis, where I made Jesus my personal Lord and Savior over nine years ago. I moved to California from Miami, where I have been pursuing my PhD in Materials Engineering for the past three years. I am a recipient of the ALS Doctoral Fellowship in Residence, which allows me to conduct my research here at the Berkeley Lab while acquiring hands-on scientific training. I am excited to be here and look forward to building strong connections with my fellow disciples on this side of the country." - Shanece

Welcome to the SF Bay Family Shanece!  We are so excited you are here and we look forward to getting to know you better!

Football season is in full throttle. Some of us are really into it and have Fantasy Football Teams. Others are somewhat into it and enjoy the energy of the game parties and rooting for our team. And still others of us are not into it at all.....But there are many parallels between the exciting world of football and the timeless wisdom of Scripture. Just as athletes strive for victory on the field, we Christians seek spiritual triumph in our lives. This study will explore how various football terms can illuminate important biblical principles.

"The Quarterback" - Scripture: Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Football Term: The Quarterback is the one that is calling the plays. Because of where He is standing and His ability to see everything that is going on, no one should question Him. Jesus is supposed to be our Quarterback. Only He can see everything.

"The Game Plan" - Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Football Term: Just as a football team needs a well-structured game plan to succeed, Christians should trust God's divine plan for their lives. We may not always understand His ways, but trusting in Him and submitting to His guidance leads to success.

"The Huddle" - Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Football Term: The huddle represents a moment of unity and strategy. Gathering with fellow believers in worship, to plan, and for fellowship is vital to our faith. We encourage and support one another as football players do in the huddle.

"The Passing Play" - Scripture: Psalm 37:5-6: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Football Term: This is when the ball is thrown at someone in the field. The Quarterback and Receiver must work together at all times. The Receiver runs without looking back, expecting the Quarterback to throw the ball where he is supposed to be. We should run our path entirely, believing God will give us what we need when we get there.

"Defense" - Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Football Term: Just as a football team's defense is crucial to protect their end zone, they must also wear their uniforms, which defend them from much bodily harm. Christians must put on the armor of God to defend their faith against spiritual attacks. Being strong in the Lord's power helps us stand firm.

"The Hail Mary" - Scripture: Mark 10:27: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Football Term: This is a miracle play. The odds are so far against it succeeding you cannot look away. God calls us to make Hail Mary's daily as he asks us to trust Him, and He will get us where we need to be.

"Half-Time" - Scripture: Prov 15:22: Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.

Football Term: The players now take a break to review the first half of the game. It is time to take a look at what worked and what did not- and adjust accordingly.

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There are many more football parallels that we can find in the Bible. Many football terms can provide meaningful insights into our spiritual lives. Do you know of any other ones? Send them to us at community@sfbayfellowship.com, and we will share some of them in a future newsletter this football season. As we trust God's game plan, we hope you are encouraged by these connections on your journey of spiritual growth.

We have many opportunities for fellowship happening this month! 

The location and times are on our website for most events, but some gatherings which are for specific fellowship groups are not posted on our website. If you are interested in a specific region, please send an email to the region that you are inquiring about for more information. You can find all of our Fellowship Groups emails on our website on the Find Your People webpages or by clicking HERE.

Our Midweek Bible Study Class on being Thoroughly Equipped: Overcoming Race, Racism and Racial Bigotry in America begins this Tuesday at 7:30 on Zoom. Our other Midweek Bible Study Class on Hebrews is not happening this week. 

The Jesus & Justice Conference is this upcoming Saturday. It is happening in Los Angeles but will be available on Zoom as well. Please see our website for registration information.

On our website we have a couple of different marriage retreat opportunities that we have been invited to, we have our big singles conference for all of our sister churches in the West Coast, and more!

We hope we get to see you at one of our upcoming events and hope you have a great week!

Rom 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.