Saddleback Yorba Linda Builds Momentum

We’re now less than a month away from the grand opening of Saddleback Yorba Linda—our 19th Saddleback campus and our fifth to launch out of Daring Faith. As the next step in achieving our “F” goal, this new campus will help reach the one million people in North Orange County.

In preparation for the December 3rd kick off, Pastor Santosh Swamidass and the entire Saddleback Yorba Linda team have been building momentum through pre-launch events and gatherings including the Vision Lunch on September 10 and the Vision Dinner on September 24. Click HERE to read how each event attracted over 300 people for a time of food, worship, and a special message from Pastor Santosh. 

Following the success of those vision events, the team hosted a Taste of Saddleback Yorba Linda on October 7, and a Community Block Party on October 22. As the first event held at the new campus, Taste of Saddleback Yorba Linda drew in 370 people for a special night of worship, prayer, and fellowship.

“It was our first time to gather at our church home at Yorba Linda High School,” says Pastor Tosh. “We were overflowing and bursting out of the building. Everyone was really excited, including new people from the community who engaged and connected for the first time.”

Highlights included an encouraging message by Pastor Tosh on the theme “You are loved,” followed by a brief Q&A. Everyone was treated to activities on the patio and free dinner catered by Chik-fil-A.

Equally a hit with residents was the Saddleback Yorba Linda Community Block Party on October 22. Held at Yorba Linda High School, the afternoon event featured free food, music, games, inflatables, raffle prizes, and a photo booth.

Nearly 400 people braved 100-degree temperatures, staying cool with free Hawaiian shaved ice and refreshing games like the water-balloon toss. In between face painting, pizza, and kettle corn, people took time to connect with members of their new church family.

“The main purpose was to engage with the community, let people know we’re here, and that they are loved,” says Pastor Tosh. “It was also a great family experience and a chance for neighbors to stop by and check us out. There was a clear sense that people felt welcomed.”

Along with this excitement and momentum comes a great need for volunteers to serve at the December 3rd launch and beyond. With a special message from Pastor Rick, and two services at 9:00 and 11:00 AM, the grand opening is slated to be a packed event. Dozens of Saddleback Anaheim members have committed to serve at the campus launch, but nearly 100 volunteers are still needed to fill all the roles—especially with set up, tear down, and traffic control.

On Sunday, October 29, Pastor Tosh helped train members during the Volunteer Rally. After digging into breakfast burritos, the 19 ministry teams discussed Saddleback values and what it means to serve in that capacity for Christ. On November 12 and November 19, volunteers will put their training into practice during rehearsal services, to assure that everything runs smoothly on December 3rd.

“Church should be a place where people feel comfortable and where they belong,” says Pastor Tosh. “With so many moving pieces and ministries that need to come together, it really takes an army. But that’s how God stretches us. It’s in times like these that weaccept those challenges,build relationships, and depend on God to lead.”

To learn more about upcoming events, and how you can help fill God’s House for the Saddleback Yorba Linda launch on December 3, visit saddleback.com/yorbalinda.