About
A family, not an audience.
Lagoinha San Francisco exists for Brazilians, and anyone who loves Brazil, to find a community that celebrates God's presence in Portuguese, right in the heart of the Bay Area.
Our roots
We're part of the Lagoinha network, rooted in Brazil. Here in San Francisco, we bring together families from across the region, from San Jose to Walnut Creek, around small groups (GCs) and a service that's become a second home for many living far from theirs. If you're a Brazilian living abroad, you know how hard it is to keep your faith alive without a community nearby. That's the gap we're here to fill: a place where the ache of missing Brazil meets the presence of God, in Portuguese, every Sunday. Come visit us. You don't need to call ahead, and you don't need to know anything about church to feel at home.
Leadership
Lagoinha San Francisco is led by the pastoral couple Leandro and Pollyana Damião, together with a team of volunteers who carry everything, from worship to welcoming guests, so every Sunday feels like a place where you belong as you are.
Pastor Leandro Damião
Pastor Leandro carries the call to plant, here in San Francisco, a church that speaks the language and the heart of anyone who left Brazil behind without leaving their faith behind. His preaching is direct and practical: it speaks of God without losing touch with the real life of people who work too much, raise kids far from family, and miss home. The best way to get to know him is to come hear him preach on a Sunday.
Pastora Pollyana Damião
Pastora Pollyana walks alongside her husband in leading the church, with a particular care for families and the women of the congregation. She reminds everyone who comes through the church that no one has to face the challenges of starting over in another country alone. She leads by presence before she leads by words.
What we believe
We believe the Bible is God's Word, that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and in the living work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church today. It's the same Spirit behind the dove in our mark. But we also believe faith is lived in community, not alone on a screen. If that way of believing makes sense to you, the next step is simple: set aside a Sunday and come see for yourself.