In less than 2 weeks the West Coast Singles Conference entitled “Paradox” will begin on October 12-14, 2023 in San Diego, CA.

In Luke 5:26 the Bible reads that the observers of Jesus miracles witnessed “remarkable things today.” In Greek, that word “remarkable” can also mean astonishing, awe and paradox. Paradox is a key word because the gospel of Luke is a crossroads of God’s bountiful love and how dark this world can be. It is an intersection of heaven and earth.

Singles attending the conference will also have an opportunity to partner up with HOPE worldwide to have a Day of Service in the middle of the conference.  

Last year 600 singles attended the Oasis Retreat but this year they are expecting 1,000 singles!

Watch the promotional video HERE!

For more information click: www.paradox2023.com

The registration is still open so sign up soon if you would like to go. Hope you can join in on the fun! 

Kyle Spears, a disciple who is a therapist in Nebraska, has a website called Truth Trauma and Theology. On his website, he has multiple videos of him interviewing different disciples around the country like Steve Kinnard, Todd Asaad (who just spoke here at our all fellowship service), Tammy Flemming, Jeanie Shaw, Michael Burns (who also spoke here this year at our all fellowship service), Robert Carillo and so many more! 

One of the people he interviews is Dr. Jennifer Konzen. Dr. Jennifer is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified sex therapist and is an excellent resource for discussing intimacy and sexuality. This video with her and Kyle covers the issues of purity, older singles, grief, cultural considerations, differing standards based on body type, masturbation as a single, the male perspective, and how leadership has shaped purity culture. She also shares about her book release aimed at helping marriages heal and mature in expressing their intimacy. 

We are highlighting one of Kyle Spears's videos, but there are many more videos full of helpful information and spiritual nuggets to pray about. 

You can click on the button below to watch the video about Purity Culture, or you can click HERE to go to Kyle's website full of additional videos to watch and enjoy. 

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

Ecc 3:12-13 - 12 I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, 13 because God's gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do. (CEV)

We live in such an amazing part of the world and the month of October brings many amazing events to the Bay. These are great opportunities to connect with friends, serve others, get some additional connection time with our kids, have a date with our spouse and more! Here are a few events happening around the Bay in the next two weeks!

Oct 2-10: Our Annual Bay Area Fleet Week is this week! This week-long event is held annually between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show, presented by United, attracts fans from all over the globe. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline the waterfront event and is the only air show in the United States with a commercial airliner, the United 777, to perform a fully choreographed act. Also, you can climb aboard the amphibious carriers, cutters, destroyers, and cruisers docked at the Embarcadero and get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the sailors serving in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. There is no cost to board and explore the ships. Tour lines are on a first-come, first-serve basis. They have multiple bands playing daily at different parks, the planes fly about the Bay Area skies rehearsing for the weekend, and they have a parade and much more!

October 12-14: The Autumn Lights Festival fundraiser is happening again at The Gardens at Lake Merritt this year. These are 7 acres of themed gardens, including a Bonsai Garden, a Sensory Garden, a Toddler Garden, an Urban Edible Garden, and more. The Gardens at Lake Merritt are located at 666 Bellevue Ave in Oakland.

Oct. 14-15: The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival is back! This year is its 51st annual event on historic Main Street in Half Moon Bay, which is the pumpkin capital of the world! Get ready for a day of live music and dancing, pumpkin carvers, harvest-inspired crafts, endless pumpkin pie and other festive foods, and, of course, thousands  of pumpkins.

Rock The Dock at the Port of Redwood City hosts concerts on the beautiful waterfront every Saturday through November from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. All shows are held at 475 Seaport, Redwood City. Parking is available on-site. Concert-goers should bring lawn chairs, blankets, jackets, and refreshments. On-site food vendors will also be available. Come with friends and family for a lively evening under the stars! 

Oct 7: The San Jose Fall Festival at Martial Cottle Park will bring a group of makers, designers, artists, and crafters selling various items this fall. Come out and support small local businesses, and enjoy the fall weather while you shop! 

Oct 6-8: The Alameda County Fall Home and Garden Show will be at the Fair Grounds in Pleasanton. Hundreds of exhibitors will offer a wide range of home and garden products and services. You will find everything from landscaping to pools and spas, pottery, fencing, ladders, and outdoor furniture in the yard section. The home section will include exhibits showcasing furniture, windows, floors, shutters, cabinetry, fine art, and remodeling services. You will find everything needed to inspire and enhance your home and garden.

Oct 7-8: The San Carlos Art and Wine Faire will bring over 150 quality artists, crafters, and specialty food vendors offering handcrafted works. You will find unique paintings, photography, ceramics, woodworking, wearables, and much more. Also, enjoy fine wines and microbrews, entertainment, delicious food, and a family fun zone. 

Many more amazing things are happening around the Bay this fall season. Get creative and go out into the community to connect with others and to be the light that God would want us to be in this amazing part of the world that the Lord has blessed us to be a part of.  

Thanks so much for reading our newsletter!

We have two midweek bible studies this week.

On Tuesday, the Thoroughly Equipped Bible Study cohort will meet on Zoom.

On Wednesday the Hebrews Bible study will be held on Zoom. More information is on our website.

Then next weekend join us for one of our Sunday church services around the Bay Area. We have Oakland/Alameds, East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, Palo Alto, and San Francisco church services. More information on each of our services is on our website.  

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

Ps 147:7-11 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

The weather should be beautiful this week, have a wonderful time enjoying it!