May 7, 2019
On Easter Weekend, the North Hills church had a high moment in remembering what Jesus did for us on the cross. Friday night was the perfect time to have the communion service and reflect on how Jesus prepared His disciples for what would happen in the next three days. On Sabbath morning, Esther and I joined them for worship. Let me tell you, that service was a very different one: Pastor Tim Cress, dressed and with the make-up of an old man, enacted John of Patmos and for 90 minutes recited from memory the story of Jesus as seen and understood by the “beloved disciple.” (Click here to watch the program!) The message was captivating, uplifting and appealing to consider Jesus as Savior of this world. It reaffirmed my belief and affection for the Crucified. Thank you, Pastor Tim, for taking us closer to the reality lived by John of Patmos.
That afternoon, I headed to Ebenezer Spanish church where evangelistic meetings were being conducted by Elder Ruben Arn, a former SCC Spanish evangelist of 20 years. Six people have been baptized, and more people will be baptized in the near future. Simultaneously, Elder Arn is conducting meetings at the Mid-City Spanish church where many visitors are attending as well. Let’s pray for Jesus to be lifted up and many accept Him as their Savior.
Many of the West Region Pastors attended Adventist WestPoint, the annual event the Pacific Union Ministerial office organizes for ministers and mission-oriented lay members to share innovative and proven ways for evangelism and witnessing. (Click here to learn more.) Elder Greg Hoenes reported that he joined his pre-ordained pastors and drove them to Reno to attend this event. Beyond the great blessing received by attending this evangelistic training, these young pastors had the opportunity for closer fellowship and camaraderie. Excellent initiative, Elder Hoenes!
On Sabbath, April 27, the SCC officers joined the Greater Los Angeles Convocation. This annual meeting is an opportunity for collective worship, inspirational messages, Christian fellowship, promoting Christian Adventist education and community work by young people. That morning, Los Angeles Adventist Academy received $25,000 for digital technology (iPads) so the students can have more relevant access to academic knowledge. (This money came from two donors, not from SCC.) Also, Dr. Emil Peeler, senior pastor at the Capitol Hill Adventist church, delivered an outstanding and uplifting message reminding us that “we have much more than we think.” And I realized that it is true. Praise God for what we have!
Once again, our SCC Senior Youth and Young Adults had their One House Gathering this past Sabbath, May 4. According to pastor Iki Taimi, Senior Youth and Young Adult department director, the venue (Alhambra SDA Church) was full in the morning and in the afternoon. The messages and the workshops were outstanding and well received. Great job, SYYA team!!! (For details, click here.)
This past weekend, Esther and I went to visit the Ridgecrest church and school, the most distant entities in our conference. Yes, we drove 155 miles one way and overnighted. We had a wonderful time with our brothers and sisters, listening to their stories of the challenges of their community and the opportunities they have to share the Adventist message. On Monday morning, I joined the teachers for worship and then the students for chapel. Thank you, Nancy Danelson, for leading the Christian educational mission in this town.
Thank you, Pastor Bill and Kelli Sellers, for your kind hospitality you gave us. You and everybody made us feel welcomed and at home.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- SCC Session Delegates List Submitted to SCC: No later than May 19, 2019, all SCC churches and companies need to submit the list of their delegates to the SCC Executive secretary as indicated in a previous communication to pastors, first elders and church clerks.
- Submission of proposals for Bylaws amendments: No later than June 3, 2019, SCC churches and delegates can submit written proposals for Bylaws changes to the SCC Secretary's office to be passed to the Bylaws Committee Chair, George Sellers.
- 65th SCC Constituency Session: This important meeting will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at the White Memorial SDA Church from 7:55 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Your fellow traveler,
Velino A. Salazar
President
Southern California Conference