CCS Newsletter #3
Hello friends! Wanna welcome you guys back to the third newsletter for Calvary Chapel Sunnyvale! We are about two weeks out now from planting in Sunnyvale. The time is getting short in this edition, I wanted to share something more personal about the season im in, & what the Lord has been doing in my life (Pastor Joseph). I'll be sharing about becoming a Pastor, finishing my season at Calvary Chapel Fremont, and some updates on Calvary Sunnyvale. Also listed below will be the many ways you can support!
Ordination
This past Sunday (04/26) I was ordained as a Pastor! This feat is a blessing that the Lord has been preparing for me before I ever knew. I remember my first day of bible college. I was maybe a couple of weeks sober sitting in the back of the classroom when the Pastor asked “Who in here is called to be a Pastor?” A few guys raised their hands. I remember scoffing “these guys all wanna be Pastors?”, in my head in order to be a Pastor you had to be an old guy with a beard and a bible college degree. Never in my mind at the time did I think I would have that call on my life. As time passed I was plugged into the children ministry in the 2-3rd graders class. There were 20-40 kids every week, I wasn't too excited about serving in the children's ministry but I prayed for the Lord to give me His heart for them, and that's when the Lord broke my heart for them. These kids came in with all different stories from orphans that were brought by their grandparents or having family members with substance abuse issues. One day it hit me like a truck “The only Jesus these kids will get is coming from me” that stark perspective changed everything. I needed to love these kids (& All People) like Jesus, and serving God and others was what my life was for. This perspective has pushed me to finishing bible college, starting a young adult study in my home, serving at a church plant, serving as a young adult Pastor, and working at a bible college. As I've been serving the Lord, He has been opening door after door, and shown me and given me the opportunity to use the gifts the Lord has given me. Three years ago I remember while reading a book, and it said something along the lines “the greatest way we could demonstrate love was to give people the word of God”. The Holy Spirit convicted me that Sunnyvale was in need of a bible believing/teaching church, and the Lord was going to use me to fill that need. Three years later the Lord has given me vision, continues to break my heart for Sunnyvale and in His timing has opened up the door to do exactly that. If only I could look at 19 year old me when the pastor asked that question “Who feels called to be a Pastor” boy are you in for a ride Joseph
Render Young Adults
For the past 4 Years I've been plugged into Calvary Chapel Fremont, I've had the privilege of running the young adults. This ministry has helped shape who I am today, by giving me the opportunity to exercise my gifts in teaching every week, to shepherding the many faces throughout the years, and building friendships with people that I will count dear for life. Lots of lessons through and through, mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and there have been a lot of W’s that have come out of it. With going out to plant Calvary Sunnyvale this past week we held our last event, it was very bittersweet. It was sweet because we went camping, we were able to get unplugged and enjoy studying God's word, nature with laughs, board games, and some really good food. It was also bitter because these guys have become some of my best friends, with us going out to plant a church many will remain at Calvary Chapel Fremont and our season of being together every week will come to an end. From every Friday night, to late night burrito runs, to our camping trips, our Reno sparks/ Lake Tahoe trips, our saturday morning breakfasts, game nights, movie and concert outings it has all been the biggest blessing to me. Thank you Render
Updates On Calvary Sunnyvale
We are now a few days short of two weeks until we plant on May 24th, Me and my wife are beyond excited to see what the Lord will do. Our team has continually been meeting together Sunday nights in Prayer, and learning what Church planting is. This past week we talked about the need for Labors for the harvest, the faithfulness of the believers, and the virtue needed of Courage. We were challenged to Look at work as a healthy worship response, look at faithfulness as reflecting Jesus, look at courage as being bold to stand when you're afraid
Our location is secured, and May 24th we are all set to go! The next issue we will be rolling out our new logo stay tuned ;)!
Some people have asked how they can give financial support to the church, apart from Physically giving to myself (Pastor Joseph), Miah Herrera, or Martin Herrera We now have an online option to give on Venmo or Paypal. It will be linked down below where if you feel the lead you'll be able to give without an account through card, apple pay, or Venmo!
Prayer Points
#1 Our Team will be strengthened for the call of labor ahead
#2 Courage, our team will not be afraid of the future or opportunities to share
#3 Hearts that are faithful to the call, perseverance & determination
#4 Protection from spiritual warfare
Support Links
Check out our live website!
Facebook - Like & Share
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574383761642
Instagram - Follow & Share
https://www.instagram.com/calvarysunnyvale/
Youtube - Subscribe and Share
https://www.youtube.com/@CalvarySunnyvale
Venmo Giving
https://venmo.com/u/CalvarySunnyvale
Paypal Giving