A Neighborhood Church on Yukon Avenue
South Bay Church of God sits on Yukon Avenue in Torrance, California, a quiet residential block in the southwestern corner of Los Angeles County. Its motto, "Empowering Lives through Christ's Love," sets the tone for a congregation that sees itself as a spiritual family rather than a Sunday-only gathering. The same property that hosts the worship service also houses Noah's Ark Preschool, so children, families, and church members share much of the same daily rhythm on the grounds.
Sunday Worship at 11:00 AM
The church's weekly worship service takes place Sundays at 11:00 AM in English. Each week, the congregation gathers to collectively worship through song, prayer, and the declaration of the gospel. The service is offered as a welcoming space for anyone, regardless of where they are on their faith journey, and the leadership is fond of saying, "We're saving a seat for you."
For those who cannot attend in person, prayer requests can be texted to (424) 337-0166, and the office can be reached at 310-329-9411 or office@sbcog.org. Giving is handled online through Zelle, sent to Treasurer@Sbcog.Org.
A Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) Congregation
South Bay belongs to the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), a global movement that began in the 1880s during the American Holiness Revival. The church embraces the Anderson movement's identity as a movement rather than a denomination, united by the conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord and at the center of everything, and by a strong emphasis on holiness and unity across racial, cultural, and political lines.
The church's stated beliefs rest on nine core commitments: the Trinity, the lordship of Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, the Great Commandments to love God and neighbor, the Great Commission to make disciples, holiness and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, unity across dividing lines, the present reality of the Kingdom of God, and the full participation of women in ministry. The Trinity is described as a mystery beyond human comprehension, while Jesus is named "the subject" of every teaching and endeavor.
A Diverse Family in the South Bay
South Bay describes itself as a diverse community of people united by hope in Jesus. Members are "learning to love God above all else, love each other in spite of our brokenness, and serve our local community with no strings attached." The vision is to see people receive and radiate Jesus, transformed from the inside out, while the mission centers on connecting with Christ, growing as disciples, and serving the world.
Because the Anderson movement emphasizes unity over uniformity, members come from a wide range of backgrounds. Worship, fellowship, and service are the three pillars the church names most often, and the lead team welcomes contact from anyone interested in planning a first visit.
Noah's Ark Preschool and Extended Care
The preschool is one of the church's most visible ministries. Noah's Ark provides a developmentally and academically appropriate program with a strong Christian emphasis, designed to nurture spiritual, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth in a Christ-centered setting. As the school's own description puts it, "Just as God instructed Noah to build an ark for safety and preservation, Noah's Ark provides a safe, loving environment where children can learn, grow, and play."
Programs include:
- Preschool for ages 2 to 5, offered as two-, three-, or five-day programs with a creative theme-based curriculum, two nutritious snacks, and a hot lunch each day.
- Extended Care for school-age children, with before and after school care that includes homework time, Bible stories, crafts, and enrichment. Staff walk children to nearby Yukon Elementary School in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.
- Spring and Summer Camps for the extended-care community.
The preschool is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and is closed on federal holidays, Good Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, two staff development days, and the last two weeks of December. No tuition is charged for the Christmas closure. The facility carries California license numbers 191602130 (preschool) and 191608922 (extended care). Shireen leads the preschool, and the office can be reached at 310-327-3083 or infonoahsark@sbcog.org.
Weekly Chapel and Enrichment Programs
Every Friday morning, preschool children gather for Chapel from 9:00 to 9:30 AM. Led by teachers, the chapel time uses the Bible as its curriculum and introduces children to the people and places that shaped Christianity. The children participate in songs of praise and worship, prayer, and age-appropriate lessons that help them learn how to talk to God.
Three enrichment programs round out the week for preschoolers:
- Webby Dance on Wednesdays
- Captain Kicks Soccer on Thursdays
- Young Ninjas martial arts on Fridays
Meals follow the Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) minimum serving requirements, with whole grains featured throughout the menu.
Getting in Touch
Visitors and families can reach the church office at 310-329-9411 or office@sbcog.org, and the preschool at 310-327-3083 or infonoahsark@sbcog.org. A contact form lets visitors choose between email, call, or text back. Prayer requests may be texted directly to the prayer line. Giving is accepted online through Zelle, and the church maintains a Facebook presence under South Bay Church of God.