In the last two weeks of February, I participated in crucial meetings for the advancement of our mission here in Southern California.
Our budget and finance committee met to review and approve the 2020 budget assumptions submitted by the office of the treasurer. After receiving the December 2019 financial report, we realized that even receiving 1.28% less in tithe than in 2018, we spent less than we budgeted for 2019. Despite this apparent loss, which in reality there was gain, this committee voted the new budget, which reflects a small increase in subsidies to schools and academies and a slight increase in employee remuneration for this year. We are still praising God for providing the financial resources we need to fulfill our mission in our conference territory.
As part of envisioning our future for SCC, every February, our conference leadership goes to our two Union higher institutions, Pacific Union College and La Sierra University, to interview their education and theology seniors. Every single year, we return impressed by the high quality of graduates of these institutions. From this pool of graduates, the SCC hires these young ministers, educational and pastoral, to join us in our mission.
On Sabbath, February 22, Esther and I attended the Glassell Park Spanish church 40th anniversary, and it was wonderful to meet some of the founding members who came from as far as Arkansas and from nearby Los Angeles. Look for the full story in an upcoming issue of the Recorder.
On Monday, February 24, for the first time, the office of the president of SCC delivered the State of the Conference in a virtual way. After 20 years of convening all SCC employees, and considering the current times we live, having access to the most efficient technology in communication, the SCC leadership decided to have such meeting virtually rather than bringing all the employees for a 90-minute meeting on a weekday evening here in Glendale.
This report included the main accomplishments SCC had in 2019, the current challenges SCC faces and the strategies and goals SCC has for 2020, including any financial impact on the personnel’s remuneration plan. Click here to watch this report.
Last Sabbath afternoon was a high day for the Palmdale and Acton churches as they experienced Pastor Jose Gutierrez’s ordination to the gospel ministry. Congratulations to the Gutierrez family for allowing God to use them, and to the Palmdale and Acton churches for their constant support toward reaching out to their communities. Look for a complete report in the Recorder.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- II Adventist Education Summit: SCC pastors and teachers, please save the date for Tuesday, August 11, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glendale Adventist Academy. Let's all plan accordingly.
Your fellow traveler,
Velino A. Salazar
President
Southern California Conference