As I look back at all that has happened in 2022 so far, I have so much joy for all that God has done! Being part of what God has created and continues to grow at Shelter Cove is truly humbling. God is doing incredible things through Shelter Cove, and I’m thankful that you are a part of it. Serving God together, getting front row seats to see how He is transforming people’s lives—it doesn’t get any better than that!
Easter was unbelievable, with so many people in attendance that the Worship Center and The Loft were packed to capacity! We had multiple new families who decided to make Shelter Cove their home church, including three who came because of our Sidekicks Ministry. Kids Camp 2022 blew us away, as it was the largest we’ve ever had with 420 kids. Our weekend services have grown, with the 10:00AM service bursting at the seams. Relaunching The Loft venue at 10:00AM has helped make room, but growth continues to challenge space. We just had Pumpkin Patch Weekend, where 949 kids checked in to one of our children’s ministry services—with the most 1st-time check-ins in one weekend in Shelter Cove history. This is incredible!
These highlights of ministry are awesome but seeing that God has steadily grown and increased our reach over the last year is just as exciting. Both standalone events and weekly ministry require God’s guidance and your generosity, and I thank you for your partnership in both. Thank you for your prayers for our ministry and faithful giving that allows us to keep pursuing the lost and keep sharing the Gospel that everyone would know Him.
When I think of giving generously to God, I think of the wisemen who brought gifts to Jesus. The Bible tells us in Matthew 2:11 “they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” The wisemen didn’t give out of obligation, but as an act of worship of the King of kings. December is the time where we celebrate Jesus’ birth, but Jesus’ birth points to His death, which is the ultimate sacrificial gift.
We have the opportunity during these final weeks of 2022 to give special, sacrificial gifts to God, above and beyond our normal tithes and offerings. These special gifts will help us: close out the year with financial strength, bless several amazing organizations, enable special ministry opportunities, and increase our ministry potential in the future. Would you prayerfully consider giving a gift to help us meet these goals?
Ignite Compassion
The Modesto Gospel Mission is an awesome Christian organization that ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of thousands of poor and homeless people in our community. Through Ignite Compassion, we’ll focus on homeless and foster kids, loving them in a tangible way with Christmas presents! The Modesto Pregnancy Center is dedicated to protecting the unborn and helping women who face unplanned pregnancies, have had an abortion, or who are considering abortion, all through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. The reality is that you many never see or know the effects of your giving to this organization. But for the moms who change their minds and the babies that get a chance, your generosity will change lives.
Unleash Joy
One of the main ways we reach people is at Christmas, and the Christmas Light Show is a big part of that. Our prayer is that every car that comes through the Show will experience the love of Jesus through our staff and volunteers, the program, and a hope-filled message. As part of our Unleash Joy initiative, your generosity will help offset some of the Christmas Light Show expenses this year. Night to Shine is an awesome time of honoring our special needs friends and giving them an unforgettable prom night experience right here at Shelter Cove. Your generous gift will help make this amazing celebration for our friends with special needs a reality this year.
Anticipate the Future
Our upstairs venue, The Loft, is used daily for many of our weekly ministries and special events. This constant use makes wear and tear visibly evident. Additionally, the electronics and technology in The Loft are old and outdated. The system is not working properly, which creates disturbance during ministry and event use. We really need to update The Loft to better serve the ministries using it. Your generous gift will help create a comfortable, welcoming environment where people can come and hear about Jesus. The Loft updates, combined with setting aside Seed Money for Future Campus Expansion & Updates, will help us to represent the Lord well as good stewards over the gifts and resources He’s entrusted us with.
