Our Blog

HOPE

Dear Southwinds family,
 
The shelter-in-place directive might have separated us physically, but nothing can ever divide us spiritually. We are one in Christ. Paul said it best: “As for us, friends, when we were separated from you for a little while – not in our thoughts, of course, but only in body – how we missed you and how hard we tried to see you again!” (I Thessalonians 2:17, GNT)
 
I am grateful that technology has enabled us to stay virtually connected, but I’m even more thankful that our mission provides opportunities for us to unite as a body of believers. Our COVID-19 Hope Initiative is a great example.
 
Pastor Chris Thielen has assembled a team of 50 volunteers who are standing by to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in Tracy, Mountain House and Lathrop. Through the delivery of groceries and by serving as prayer partners, Southwinds is prepared to extend the love of Jesus Christ in both tangible and intangible ways.
 
We are already providing valuable service to the senior residents of Brookdale Tracy, but we want to extend our reach to help others. You can play a vital role in this mission by helping us identify additional ministry opportunities. If you are aware of anyone within our church family, or in our community, that has a need, either call the church at 835–HOPE or email us at .
 
In addition, we have revised our website (southwinds.org) to better serve those who have physical or prayer needs. Prominently displayed at the top of the homepage is a banner which reads: “If you need help or prayer or want to find out how you can serve during the COVID-19 crisis click here.” The link will take them to a form they can easily complete, which will initiate action from our “Hope” team.
 
As a coach, I know that every season has a beginning and an end. But until the season is over, we’re still on the clock! Thank you “Team Southwinds” for your support!
 
Your teammate in Christ,

J

3/19 Coronavirus Update

Dear Southwinds Family,

We all find ourselves in a place we’ve never been before. I don’t know that any of us could’ve imagined the velocity of change we’ve experienced in just the last week because of COVID-19. Last night, the City of Tracy has issued a shelter-in-place directive which will impact in new ways the plans we’ve been working on as a church. 
 
In the face of all the uncertainty, some of us just feel inconvenienced. Others of us are experiencing crippling anxiety. Some of us are financially secure while others of us just had our lives turned upside down. 
 
Wherever you find yourself, please know that I am praying you will sense God’s strength and peace. All of our pastors are praying and working hard to serve you during this time. Please know that you can call us or email us with your concerns.
 
This post is lengthy, but we wanted to give you as much information as we have currently. More updates will follow, even later today. 
 
We announced last Friday that we’ve cancelled all on-campus services and ministries until further notice. Southwinds wants to love our neighbors by doing everything we can to help reduce the risk of spreading this virus. 
 
For as long as this season lasts, we are committed to caring for you and creating ways for you to grow in your faith and experience community even though we cannot physically gather. 

• Online Services: Each Sunday, at 9 & 10:45 am, we will stream our weekly services for you to watch in your homes. You can access these services through Facebook Live or at southwindschurch.online.church. Facebook Live recorded over 2400 views this Sunday! Thank you for joining as we worshiped and prayed and studied God’s Word together. As always, weekly messages will be available through southwinds.org or via podcasts (iTunes, Soundcloud).
  
  
• Growing in Christ: Your pastors are working on several initiatives to help us all follow Christ and love our neighbors during this time. You can look for communication on how to continue experiencing Life Group community from Pastor Chris Martinez. Pastor Chris Thielen and Pastor Marko Marin will continue to provide resources to help disciple our children and teenagers. Pastor Jay is coordinating a multitude of initiatives and details for the entire Southwinds family.
  
  
• #SouthwindsServes: As I shared in the March 15 message, Southwinds intends to serve our communities as much as possible during this time. Among other things, we’re looking for people to serve on a team that will help get food and necessary supplies to people who are isolated because of COVID-19. If you would like to join this effort, please email Pastor Chris Thielen at .
  
  
• Faithful Generosity: We are confident that God will guide us to serve our neighbors in many more ways. One tangible way you can play a part is through continued generosity. We need your faithfulness more than ever. We offer a secure platform to give online that many Southwinders already use. You can click here to do so. If you normally give in person, you can mail your check. If you need help with your giving, email .
  
  
• Praying Together: More than anything, we all need God’s grace and strength. Prayer will be more vital than ever before. We are currently planning to offer online prayer gatherings where you can come together with others and seek God. Please watch your email and our social media feeds (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for more info in the next few days.

Most of all, I’m praying that God will empower us to shine his light. May we be a people who show Jesus’ love and goodness to a frightened world that desperately needs the hope only Jesus can provide.
 
With you,
Pastor Mike