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SCC posts - 193

Conejo Students Spend Class Trip Serving in Dominican Republic

(También español) This spring, 29 students and parents from Conejo Adventist Elementary School (CAES) embarked on a class trip to the Dominican Republic.

From Medicine to Ministry: Geoff Sewell Is Ordained

(También español) If you want to know if Jesus has a sense of humor, just look at my life,” Geoff Sewell said. “I would never have gotten that answer correct on a multiple-choice question that five years after covid started, I’d be getting ordained in Southern California.

Southern Connect - June 2025

This year’s convocation, “Next Step: Moving by Faith,” inspired and encouraged attendees with powerful messages from Scripture. With meaningful fellowship, uplifting games, and more, it was an event not to miss.

Against All Odds: San Gabriel Academy Boys Basketball Team Claims CIF Title

(También español) At the heart of San Gabriel Academy (SGA) are three goals: to serve others, grow in Christ, and aspire to excellence, inspired by Christ’s words in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (NLT).

Bible Studies Are Planting Seeds of Faith at Glendale Adventist Academy

(También español) When a parent in Kevin Camato’s daughter’s fourth grade class at Glendale Adventist Academy (GAA) expressed interest in Bible studies for her child, she asked if Camato would be willing to give them, and an idea sparked.

Turning No One Away: La Voz Sylmar Spanish Church Food Bank Serves Hundreds Each Week

(También español) Each week, hundreds of people visit the La Voz Sylmar Spanish church in San Fernando Valley to receive free food. For 10 years, the church has hosted this weekly food bank ministry that does much more than distribute food to people in need. There have been many baptized as a result of the ministry.

Faith, Friendship, and Fun Thrive Through Teens4Christ Ministry

(También español) Teens4Christ, a ministry at Vallejo Drive church where teenagers can safely hang out, have fun, and make connections in a Christian environment, has become an integral part of the church since beginning in 2018.

Daniel Ortega Brings His Passion for Youth Ministry to Southern California Conference

(También español) Youth ministry has always been part of the DNA of Daniel Ortega’s ministry. As a young person, Ortega found his passion for ministry when his local church empowered him to get involved. “I was a very shy kid,” he shared, “but through the process of them empowering me and giving me opportunities to serve, I just got excited about ministry.”

SCC Welcomes Wayne Dunbar as New Associate Superintendent

(También español) After 32 years of experience in Adventist education, Wayne Dunbar comes to Southern California Conference (SCC) as associate superintendent.

Southern Connect - April 2025

Ordinations in the SCC: Andy Zhang, Rolando Rivera and Sergio Caishpal

Southern California Fires: An Outpouring of Support and Blessings Amid Tragedy

(También español) On Jan. 7, an extreme Santa Ana wind event gave momentum to two destructive fires in Southern California. By the next morning, much of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena communities in Los Angeles County were destroyed, leaving thousands of residents evacuated and homes burned. The fires continued to burn for days, while new fires continued to pop up throughout the area.

James G. Lee Jr. Retires After 48 Years of Ministry

(También español) As with many people who find themselves working in administrative roles in a conference, James G. Lee’s ministry began in the field as a pastor. However, he had no intention of becoming a pastor.

Velino A. Salazar Retires

(También español) I didn’t want to be a pastor.” Growing up as a “pastor’s kid,” watching his father in church administration, Velino A. Salazar wasn’t unaware of what the life of a pastor looked like. He didn’t think it was for him; his sights were set on the medical field.

SCC Hosts Grand Opening for New Media Production Studio

(También español) In December, the Southern California Conference (SCC) held a grand opening for its new media production studio—a moment that had been in the making since before the start of the covid pandemic.

Southern Connect - February 2025

Oliver Enriquez Is Ordained and Adventurer Leadership Training Emphasizes the Theme “Walk by Faith”

Annual Fall GLAR Gala Returns With More Than 200 Attendees

(También español) The Greater Los Angeles Region (GLAR) Fall Gala was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles last year, with more than 200 people in attendance. Previously an annual event, the gala returned in 2024 after several years off due to the pandemic.

SCC Welcomes Three New Region Directors

(También español) Lawrence S. Dorsey II, Greater Los Angeles; Brett Poynter, Los Angeles Metro; and Branden Stoltz, West Region.

Evacuation Sites Available for Southern California Fires

Evacuation sites Available for Southern California Fires. Volunteers needed!

Fund Set Up in Response to Fires Throughout Southern California

We have not been able to assess the needs we will have in our territory, but we know they will be significant throughout the conference.

Keep the Flame Alive: Valley Crossroads Church Celebrates 65 Years of MinistryKeep the Fla

(También español) Matilda Berry was inspired to begin sharing the gospel with the community in Pacoima in 1953. Word of mouth and distribution of tracts and other literature led to a small group of women requesting Bible studies.

A Community of Love and Care for Seniors at Scholl Canyon Estates

(También español) Nestled next door to the Southern California Conference office in Glendale, independent living facility Scholl Canyon Estates offers home-cooked meals, exercise classes, game nights, group outings, housekeeping, live-in managers, and much more.

Southern Connect - December 2024

Health Day at All Nations Church and Community Connection in Thousand Oaks

Delegates Convene for SCC’s 66th Constituency Session

(También español) On Sept. 29, 2024, 614 delegates convened at the White Memorial church for the 66th constituency session of the Southern California Conference (SCC).

SCC Young Adults Bring Warmth and Love to Peruvian Village of Japura

(También español) This summer, the Southern California Conference (SCC) Senior Youth and Young Adult (SYYA) team joined the ADRA Warm Homes project in Peru, where they stayed 90 minutes outside of Cusco, Peru, at ADRA’s Camp Chuquicahuana.

A New Chapter Begins: Etuini Mo’unga Installed as Pastor of L.A. Tongan Church

(También español) This year, Los Angeles Tongan church welcomed Pastor Etuini Mo’unga, the second pastor to ever lead this congregation in its history as the first Adventist Tongan church organized outside of Tonga.

From Parrots to Pit Bulls: God Orchestrates Unique, Life-Changing Connections During Youth

(También español) The phrase “God can make a way out of no way” rang especially true for student literature evangelists participating in Youth Rush this summer in the Southern California Conference (SCC) territory.

Southern Connect - October 2024

Seeing Jesus at the Camporee and Uniting to Serve: How Valley Crossroads Church and Mother’s Nutritional Center Are Transforming Lives in Southern California

Weekend of Evangelism Training Equips Hispanic Region for Mission

(También español) This June, 240 lay members and pastors met at Camp Cedar Falls for the second cycle of the Hispanic region’s 2024 evangelism campaign.

116 Baptisms and a New Church in Pasuquin

(También español) As Michael Johnson was talking with some of his members at the Pasadena church where he is the pastor, the topic of mission trips came up.

Children at Lancaster Spanish Church Are Growing in Jesus

(También español) It’s been on my heart for a few years to start a children’s ministry for the kids in our church,” said Leticia Cruz, children’s ministries director at Lancaster Spanish church, “because I see that it’s very important, especially with the times that we are in now, to teach our kids more about God.”

Teen Challenge Week Builds Up Young People at North Hills Church

(También español) When North Hills church pastors Angel Smith and Tim Cress realized the opportunity before them when it came to youth ministry, they jumped at the challenge.

Newly Organized United Filipino Company Recommits to the Great Commission

(También español) We are glad to be here to establish, inaugurate, and celebrate this milestone in the life of the United Filipino company,” John H. Cress, Southern California Conference (SCC) executive secretary, said at the congregation’s company organization this spring.

SCC Members Share Powerful Personal Testimonies in “This Is Faith” Video Series

(También español) I tried my whole life to do everything the best that I could, I tried to make everybody happy, I tried to make the best decision that I could, and it didn’t seem fair that life hurt so much,” shared Anthony Paschal Jr., from Vallejo Drive church.

Food Pantry at El Rio Spanish Church Provides Relief to Community

(También español) What do Vacation Bible School (VBS), Dorcas Ministries, and a food pantry have in common? At El Rio Spanish church, members have demonstrated the significance of different ministries working in tandem to share God’s love with the community in Oxnard.

Evangelistic Series Showcases Identity and Purpose

(También español) This spring, the Simi Valley community was welcomed to a unique evangelistic series focused on identity.

Whittier Church’s Community Closet Reflects on Year of Service

(También español) Throughout the past year, Whittier church has grown its community outreach by introducing a community closet ministry.

Monkey Butler Improv Brings North Hills Church Members Together Through Laughter

(También español) In 2007, members of Mosaic church in Los Angeles decided to put their years of improv experience to good use and create a community that benefited others while maintaining a spiritual foundation.

Attendees Reconnect at GLAR Convocation

(También español) This spring was a time for reconnection as members from 19 congregations from the Greater Los Angeles Region (GLAR) gathered for the 54th annual GLAR Convocation.

Southern Connect - June 2024

Delaware Celebrates Four Baptisms and Haven & United Filipino Group: A New District

Memories and Legacy at NPAA 75th Anniversary

(También español) This April, Newbury Park Adventist Academy (NPAA) celebrated 75 years since its first graduating class of 1948-1949 with a weekend sharing memories and reflecting on what NPAA has meant to students through the years.

One House Arts and Music Festival Brings Christian Creatives Together

(También español) Hundreds of people gathered this spring for a creative showcase for the third Southern California Conference (SCC) One House arts and music festival at the Temple City church.

Week of Spiritual Encouragement 2024: To Be One

(También español) "That they may be one." Those words of Jesus served as a springboard for the theme of the 2024 Southern California Conference (SCC) week of spiritual encouragement this March.

Adventist Robotics League Tournament Celebrates Creativity in STEM Education

(También español) The Adventist Robotics tournament returned to Glendale Adventist Academy this year for the 17th competition in the Southern California Conference (SCC).

Valley United Korean Church Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry

(También español) Valley United Korean church held its 40th anniversary service on March 16th. Under the theme “Reunion,” former pastors and members reunited to express gratitude, share past and present blessings, and prepare for a new journey of faith.

Southern Connect - April 2024

Glendale Academy Hosts Library Sessions and keeping up with SCC Pathfinders

Pathfinders Commit to God and Recognize Achievements at Annual Convocation

(También español) White Memorial church was packed and buzzing with energy as 62 Pathfinder clubs—about 1,400 attendees total—gathered for the annual Pathfinder Convocation this January.

Student-Run News Show Builds Community at South Bay Christian School

(También español) Welcome to South Bay News (SBN), a student-run news broadcast in which middle school students at South Bay Christian School (SBCS) share relevant and interesting news and campus life stories once a month.

“Together, We Will Go” Hispanic Region Year of Evangelism Inspires

(También español) In January, 450 pastors and lay members from the Southern California Conference (SCC) Hispanic Region met at White Memorial church to receive plans for the region’s upcoming year of evangelism.

More Than 100 Children Attend Kids Worship at Vallejo Drive Church

(También español) Vallejo Drive church revived its Kids Worship service in January, a cherished event that occurred twice in the past before the onset of the covid pandemic.

Day of Prayer Invites Members to Experience the Holy Spirit at Work

(También español) For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20, NIV). “When we gather to pray, Jesus is with us,” noted John H. Cress, Southern California Conference (SCC) executive secretary.

God’s Closet: The Hands and Feet of Jesus

(También español) I needed clothes and you clothed me.” Inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:36 (NIV), the God’s Closet ministry provides free clothing to families in need. Started 15 years ago, its impact has grown to 49 active locations today.

Southern Connect - February 2024

Ellis Flores and Gustavo Mendez are ordained

Six New Members, Including Pastor’s Brother, Baptized After Inspirational Series

(También español) In the midst of the “Live Longer, Live Better” series at University church last October, an unexpected and deeply moving transformation unfolded that was close to home for University church Pastor Lawrence Dorsey Sr. His brother, Brandt, after watching the streamed series nightly from New York, embraced a pivotal moment in his faith journey by choosing to be baptized in the Adventist faith.

Hispanic Women’s Ministries Commits to Making an Impact With the Mission

(También español) Hispanic Women’s Ministries held its fourth annual convocation at Forest Lawn Glendale last December with the theme “From Woman to Woman: Impacting the Mission.”

One House Plants Seeds of Something New

(También español) As the sun dipped below the horizon on a cold November evening, a steady stream of people flowed in and out of With Love and Market Café in downtown Los Angeles.

Kalēo’s HeartDeep Summit Centers on Mental and Relational Health

(También español) The second annual HeartDeep Summit at Kalēo church last fall was the culmination of a four-week sermon series centering on mental and relational health.

Bethel Church Celebrates Six Baptisms

(También español) In 2023, Bethel church celebrated six baptisms. In the fall, Jana Steele and Stephen Stapleton—after studying with Homer Hart, Bethel church pastor, as well as Marsha Browne, Bethel church member—celebrated their baptisms.

Love in Action: Hollywood Church’s Compassion Connection Celebrates a Decade of Service

(También español) Compassion Connection, a ministry from Hollywood church that provides shower and personal care services to unhoused individuals in Los Angeles, started in 2013 in response to a simple question: “What resource do you need the most?”

Southern Connect - December 2023

SCC Hispanic Region Welcomes Juan Osorio and Peter Baptiste Is Ordained

SCC Reestablishes Children’s Ministries Department

(También español) While it’s often said that “our children are our future,” what steps are we taking to nurture our children in the way of the Lord?

Central Filipino Church Conducts “Journey to Secured Hope” Gospel Summit, a Step Toward a

(También español) This fall, Central Filipino church launched a weeklong evangelization summit entitled “Journey to Secured Hope” in collaboration with other Asian/Pacific Region churches in the Southern California Conference.

Mama Rosa’s Food Pantry: Where Compassion Goes Beyond Meals, Thanks to Devoted Volunteers

(También español) Friendly greetings like “Have a wonderful day!” and “Drive safe!” float through the air on an otherwise gloomy Sabbath. Volunteers are cheerful, and their joy is contagious.

Leadership Conference EMPOWERS Asian/Pacific Youth

(También español) During Labor Day weekend, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Asian Pacific Ministries and Southern California Conference (SCC) hosted the Empower Ministry Leadership Conference, a three-day leadership conference

More Than 400 Pathfinders Participate in Pathfinder Honor Day

(También español) This year’s Pathfinder Honor Day, which usually spans a weekend at Camp Cedar Falls, took place in one day for the first time at Glendale Adventist Academy.

The Place Serves at a Maranatha Volunteers International Project in Zambia

(También español) In early August, The Place Adventist Fellowship church returned from a mission trip to central Zambia, organized by Maranatha Volunteers International, during which they constructed a church building for the Kakole congregation in Chibombo village.

Southern Connect - October 2023

Andy Villanueva Joins SCC Literature Ministries and Celeste Harrison Is Ordained

The Better Living Center at Haven Company Encourages Participants to “Choose Life Better”

(También español) Millions of people suffer from illness each year,” said Shane Nicole Quitania, health ministries director at the Haven company. “Many of these diseases are a result of their lifestyle.

“More Prayer, More Power”: Youth Rush Student Evangelists Plant Seeds in SCC

(También español) When Djael returned to the Youth Rush program this summer, his prayer came in the form of a question: “Does this work actually make a difference?”

Ephesus, the “Spaghetti Church,” Impacts Lives in South Los Angeles

(También español) Ephesus church, an Adventist Community Service (ACS) center in South Los Angeles, is seeking to be fully known and loved by its community through acts of service.

Newly Organized Haven Company: “A Haven of Love to the Community”

(También español) The history of the Haven congregation goes back almost five years. After Edbert Carceler returned from a six-month evangelism and church building project in the Philippines in the winter of 2018

100% Humidity Resulted in 110% Effort

(También español) Returning on the Fourth of July, 22 youth and adults from Pleasant Hill and Oakland Grand Advent churches came back from a life-changing mission trip to the Philippines.

Grassroots Evangelism Garners Baptism

(También español) The Richmond Beacon Light church recently engaged its community by holding an evangelistic series titled “The Better Bible Conference” over four Sabbaths.

Upcoming Events for the Week of September 18, 2023

Mark your calendar!

A Mobile Clinic in Thailand Changes Lives

(También español) It’s a sunny day in Thailand, and a silver Toyota truck pulls into a village. A man working in the fields notices this unfamiliar truck.

Missionaries Help Rebuild Hope Amid Devastation in Guanaja, Honduras

(También español) In October 2021, a devastating fire consumed one-third of Bonacca cay off the island of Guanaja, Honduras.

West Maui Fires: A Message from PUC President Elder Bradford C. Newton

Elder Bradford Newton, president of the Pacific Union Conference, shares a special video message on the Maui Fire on August 8, 2023, and the far reaching impact on the church and members in Hawaii.

Lancaster Celebrates More Than 100 Years of Ministry in the Desert

(También español) September 30, 1916, a dozen members and the pastor made the commitment that they were going to take God’s word seriously,” said Ed Sammons, Lancaster church pastor. “And look what we have here today.

West Maui Fires

A Message from Elder Bradford C. Newton

Maui Wild Fires: Developing News

Image of Lahaina BEFORE the fire and a message from Pastor Erik VanDenburgh, President, Hawaii Conference

Whittier Church Serves Community With New ACS Food Pantry

(También español) Helping your community happens one step at a time, and the Whittier church has taken their ﬁrst big step. Last November marked the grand opening of Whittier Adventist Community Services (ACS) food pantry.

Pacific Union "All God's People," July 28, 2023 S7 E15

A doctor in Glendale, Calif., has developed a "one and done" procedure for patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The breakthrough procedure...

Glendale Korean Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning and 50th Anniversary

(También español) This spring, Glendale Korean church celebrated two significant milestones: paying off their mortgage and the commemoration of their 50th anniversary.

Pacific Union Selects New Vice President for Youth Ministries, and More, in Spirit-Led Exe

(También español) The Pacific Union Conference Executive Committee gathered for its quarterly meeting on May 18.

The Heart and Mind Summit: Making a Difference for Mental Health

(También español) Millions of people live with anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions every day.

Why Go to Summer Camp?

(También español) While this could still be the sentiment of many who attend youth camp today, this statement was written way back in 1936! Some things just don’t change, and enthusiasm for the summer camp program continues to inspire both campers and staff in 2023.

Last-Minute Evangelistic Series Reaps a Harvest at Van Nuys Church

(También español) This evangelistic series really never should have happened,” said Marco Topete, Van Nuys church pastor.

Living Hope Church Inspires Hope Beyond the Pandemic

(También español) In an effort to reestablish connection that was lost among members during the covid pandemic, Living Hope church created two initiatives: an Acts of Kindness campaign and a Friends and Family Day.

THE BULLETIN - June 30, 2023

Breaking News from the SCOTUS and Stories from Northern and Southern California Conferences

Celebrating Graduates! SECC & SCC

We are celebrating graduations from kindergarten to university! Each graduation, no matter the grade level, represents an important and significant milestone in a person’s life, and we are here to celebrate and pray for blessings on their next steps!

Southern Connect - June, 2023

The Women’s Ministry of Vallejo Drive church, has been active for more than three decades and the first of two Children’s Ministries trainings this year is complete.

THE BULLETIN - June 23, 2023

This week's stories are from Arizona, Northern and Southern California Conferences; and Adventist Health.

Whittier Church Ministry Shares the Gospel Message Through Music and Sign Language

(También español) The ways we praise God come in many forms—prayer, reflecting on Scripture, sharing testimony, and serving others are just a few.

THE BULLETIN - June 16, 2023

Stories from Nevada-Utah; Northern, Southeastern, and Southern California Conferences.

SCC Welcomes Geoffrey Sewell as Senior Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director

(También español) As a physician by profession, Geoffrey Sewell found himself enjoying early retirement when he received the call to serve in the Southern California Conference (SCC) as the Senior Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director.

THE BULLETIN - June 9, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Northern California and Southern California Conferences.

Celebrations and a Fun Year

Stories from Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy (PHAA) and San Fernando Valley Academy Child Development Center (SFVACDC) in California.

11 Teams Participate in Adventist Robotics for 16th Competition in SCC

(También español) Adventist Robotics in the Southern California Conference (SCC) goes back almost 20 years to the first robotics event held at Glendale Academy in 2005 with eight teams participating.

Robots and Films!

SCC holds Adventist Robotics Competition and PUC students participate in the Sonscreen Film Festival.

THE BULLETIN - May 26, 2023

News from Northern, Southeastern and Southern California Conferences

SCC Hosts Pathfinder Bible Experience at Union Level

(También español) Each year, Pathfinders have an opportunity to demonstrate their Bible knowledge at the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), the official North American Division Pathfinder Bible study program.

THE BULLETIN - May 19, 2023

Conference News from: AZC, CCC, NUC, NCC, SEC and SCC.

Strings, Centennials, and the Great Outdoors!

PUCE has incredibly active strings and outdoor education programs. LAAA celebrated 100 years of Adventist education.

El Camino a Cristo Spanish Congregation Is Organized as a Church

(También español) The church is so happy with this status; it’s a dream come true,” said Gustavo Mendez, senior pastor of the newly organized El Camino a Cristo Spanish church.

Sowing the Seeds and Reaping the Harvest

(También español) What happens when you mix a passionate calling for evangelism with a church that actively works on sowing the seed of Christ’s gospel in their community? Miracles! Miracles happen!

THE BULLETIN - May 12, 2023

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:31 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms, mums, mommies, and mamas!

Los Angeles Adventist Academy Celebrates 100 Years of Adventist Christian Education

(También español) Since its start as a one-teacher school in 1923 and its expansion 23 years later to offer grades 1-12, Los Angeles Adventist Academy (LAAA) has had a rich history.

Olympic Games and Homecoming

Iruka Yochien students are prepping for some fun physical activities, and La Sierra honors many alumni, including our very own Berit von Pohle!

THE BULLETIN - May 5, 2023

News from the Conferences of Arizona, Central CA, Nevada-Utah, Northern CA, Southeastern CA and Southern CA

THE BULLETIN - April 28, 2023

News from Northern and Southern California Conferences and Loma Linda University.

Illustrators and Anniversaries!

GAE kindergarteners are illustrating stories and MAPS is celebrating 10 years!

Southern Connect - April 2023

GAA a Place of Refuge for Ukrainian Students and LVAES Launches STEAM Lab.

THE BULLETIN - April 21, 2023

News from Northern California, Southern California Conferences and Adventist Health.

Kindergarteners Are Authors and Illustrators at GAE

(También español) Each year, the Glendale Adventist Elementary (GAE) kindergarten classroom hums with the sounds of young authors and illustrators talking to their peers about writing or simply stretching out words so they can write the sounds they hear to compose a sentence.

THE BULLETIN - April 14, 2023

News from Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Nevada-Utah, Northern California, and Southern California Conferences.

Bible Stories and Gardens

Conejo preschoolers are learning about God’s love through Bible stories. A+ students are enjoying their new school garden!

Inspiring Students, and Toothpicks!

At SBCS, a particular student inspires Hope. At WCHAS, older students mentor younger students.

THE BULLETIN - April 7, 2023

News from Arizona, Central CA, Hawaii, Northern CA, Southeastern CA, Southern CA, and NAD.

Week of Renewal and Revival Impacts Youth at Simi Valley Church

(También español) The Southern California Conference (SCC) Literature Ministries and Youth Ministries Departments collaborated for a week of renewal and revival at Simi Valley church this January.

THE BULLETIN - March 31, 2023

Arizona Ordination, Health Ministries event vs storm in the NCC, Youth revival at Simi Valley and Neonatal NP program at LLUH

THE BULLETIN - March 24, 2023

Details for the Memorial Service for Dr. William G. Johnsson and other Pacific Union News.

Evangelism Thrives in the Greater Los Angeles Region

(También español) After meeting with pastors to discuss church growth, Royal Harrison, Greater Los Angeles Region (GLAR) director, challenged the churches to prioritize evangelism last year—and moving forward.

THE BULLETIN - March 17, 2023

Stories from the Pacific Union Conferences

Norwalk Church Builds Community Connections with Food Pantry

(También español) It’s been more than a year since the Norwalk church began its weekly food pantry. This ministry serves more than 100 families each week with fresh fruit, dry food, bread, pastries, clothing, diapers, and more.

THE BULLETIN - March 10, 2023

Opening doors for collegiate young adults is part of the ongoing vision for the Tempe church. Located adjacent to the Arizona State University campus and right across the street from the performing arts center, the church has often been a location for Adventist students to worship. When Pastor Mike Soto became the pastor of the church in 2022, he brought with him a vision of continuing the outreach to the entire student body of the campus.

THE BULLETIN - March 3, 2023

Late last year, an organization called Streams of Light organized a massive outreach into much of the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the objective of distributing The Great Controversy to as many families as possible.

Culver City Spanish Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning and Building Dedication

Culver City Spanish church began the year by celebrating the payment of their mortgage as well as the dedication of their church building—an accomplishment almost 30 years in the making.

SCC's Southern Connect - February 2023

“I’m here because of God, you, and the church,” said Takuma Shinasue. “I stand here as I’ve been honored to be called by God and affirmed as such by you.”

Hollywood Church Finds Creative Methods for Community Engagement

(También español) How can churches become involved with already established community events in a way that is meaningful and impactful?

THE BULLETIN - February 17, 2023

Within just a few weeks of becoming an officially recognized group, Stronghold International Mission Group in Pearce, Ariz., conducted its first evangelistic meeting, “Our Great Hope Today.”

THE BULLETIN - February 10, 2023

Arizona Conference Christmas on the Streets The call went out in the middle of November for volunteers. “We are in need of food donations, servers, and...

Simi Valley Church Hosts Benefit Concert to Assist Russian-Ukrainian Immigrant Family

When Phil White and Jan White, Simi Valley church senior and associate pastors, were called to hold evangelistic meetings in Russia 30 years ago, they did not know the impact that divine appointment would have today.

THE BULLETIN - January 27, 2023

Love in action community outreach, Sylmar Church baptism, and Cardiogenic Shock treatments at LLU International Heart Institute in this issue of The Bulletin

Russian-American Church Celebrates Harvest Program With Baptisms

Each year during the fall, the Russian-American church celebrates Harvest—a tradition with roots in Central and Eastern Europe signifying the end of the harvest season—with food, music, stories, and praises to God for His provision throughout the year. This year’s celebration was made memorable with the baptisms of four people.

Central Japanese-American Community Church Celebrates 75th Anniversary

In November, the Central Japanese-American Community Church (CJACC) celebrated 75 years of ministry. During the service, Southern California Conference...

Sylmar Church Welcomes Eight Young People Through Baptism

Last fall, Sylmar church celebrated the baptisms of eight children, youth, and young adults.

THE BULLETIN - January 20, 2023

Yreka church member Ben Woodruff has been involved in ministry for unhoused people in his community. Through his work with area churches and agencies, it was only a matter of time before he got his home church involved.

NPAA: Helping a 4-Year-Old Boy and Winning at Robotics!

Martin is a 4-year-old boy from Medellin, Colombia, who was born with spina bifida and a mild hydrocephalus. Despite what the doctors told his mom, Martin is improving rapidly intellectually and physically, but he needed a new walker to help him move around the house and play with other kids.

GAA: a Ukrainian Student Refuge and Project Jabez

Glendale Adventist Academy is welcoming four Ukrainian refugee students, and the entire campus is adopting a culture of prayer.

LVAES: Community Support and STEAM Lab

Linda Vista students are learning through STEAM lab projects, and the community continues to show their support through donations.

THE BULLETIN - January 13, 2023

According to the sign that greets people coming into town, Sonora is considered the Queen of the Southern Mines in Gold Rush Country. Starting in 1848, panning and mining gold brought people to this foothill area, about one hour from Yosemite.

THE BULLETIN - January 6, 2023

2022 was designated as a Year of Evangelism. Over half of all Arizona churches participated in the evangelism effort. “Praise God that our church leaders and members are uniting their efforts to reach their communities with the gospel of Jesus,”

Pasadena Church Celebrates 30+ Baptisms After Year of Evangelism

2022 was an eventful and rewarding year for Pasadena church. One attendee is baptized at the Memorial Day weekend retreat at Camp Cedar Falls. (Left to...

Pacific Union Camporee: Hundreds of Pathfinders Give Their Hearts to Jesus

Approximately 3,700 Pathfinders descended on Lake Skinner near Temecula, Calif., for the Pacific Union Conference Pathfinder Camporee the first weekend of...

Temple City Church Health Fair Brings Hope to the Community

This fall, Temple City church hosted its first community health fair in recent history, serving about 70 people. The health fair provided access to various...

Light Above Congregation Is Organized as a Church, Having Come “This Far By Faith”

This October, the Light Above congregation officially became organized as a church, 16 years after it was first formed. The congregation began meeting as a group in October 2006 and was later organized as a company in March 2018.

AVAS Student Wins Constitutional Rights Foundation Award

AVAS is congratulating a special student who won an incredible award from the Constitutional Rights Foundation!

THE BULLETIN - December 16, 2022

This weeks stories are from the Arizona, Northern California, Southeastern California and Southern California Conferences. Also included is a story from Loma Linda University Health.

THE BULLETIN - December 9, 2022

Pacific Union Conference's former president, Ricardo Graham, was honored, with a Lifetime Achievement Award . . . and other stories.

THE BULLETIN - December 2, 2022

Women's ministries at Payson church has been a great blessing to the church members and their community. First, the group organized a car care clinic.

“Soaring Together With Christ”

Central Filipino church (CFC) commemorated both the past and present with a 65th anniversary celebration at which newly retired Simeon Rosete, who served as CFC senior pastor for 30 years, preached his final sermon in that role.

THE BULLETIN - November 25, 2022

Arizona Conference Chandler Brazilian Church Members Bring a Friend On October 22, the Chandler Brazilian church enjoyed a wonderful Sabbath thanks to...

Alumni Weekends

San Fernando Valley Academy celebrated 120 years at their alumni weekend in September.

Gardening and Mock Trials

Antelope Valley students are busy this year with their newest project: a school garden! Plus, the seventh- and eighth-grade classes got to participate in a Mock Trial, a program from the Constitutional Rights Foundation.

Ping Pong

Adventist Union School in Bellflower, California, is having a great time with their Ping Pong League, and they are getting better every day!

Monday Meetings and Baking Bread

Stories from Conejo Adventist Elementary School: Conjeo students are busy baking bread and learning a multitude of skills. Plus, sixth-grade students are growing emotionally and socially through Monday Meetings.

Lay Pastors Ministry Training Recognizes 80 Graduates

This summer, 80 students graduated from the Southern California Conference (SCC) Hispanic Region’s annual lay ministry training. Each year’s training emphasizes a specific area of ministry for lay members.

THE BULLETIN - November 11, 2022

“Adventist education is a mission field,” said new Arizona Conference Superintendent of Education Chris Juhl. “We have to truly view ourselves as missionaries and be willing to be called by God and view the calling as just that—a calling.”

THE BULLETIN - November 4, 2022

The Cottonwood and Sedona churches joined with the Grupo Hispano de Sedona for the first-ever district campout at Clear Creek, Arizona.

San Fernando Valley Academy Celebrates 120 Years of God’s Leading

This September, San Fernando Valley Academy (SFVA) celebrated 120 years of providing quality Christian education. In 1902, The Fernando College became the...

THE BULLETIN - October 28, 2022

Northern California Conference God and Generators Provide Power at Convocation The 2022 African American Ministries 45th Annual Convocation was recently...

Pathfinders

I have had the privilege of serving as coordinator for Pathfinder, Adventurer, and Youth Ministries for the Pacific Union since 2012. For the last 16 years,...

THE BULLETIN - October 21, 2022

Northern California Conference Adventurers Hit the Road On Sunday, October 2, almost 200 children riding bicycles and tricycles attended the 2022...

“A Century of Sharing God’s Love” Eagle Rock Celebrates 100 Years

Today, as we review the history and the story of the Eagle Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church (ERC) for 100 years, we can say, ‘God was here,’” shared Southern California Conference (SCC) President Velino A. Salazar at the 100-year anniversary celebration at ERC this summer.

A Small but Mighty Team Returns for Youth Rush 2022

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, student literature evangelists spent 10 weeks this summer sharing their faith and spreading God’s word through Christ-centered literature in the diverse Southern California Conference (SCC) territory.

THE BULLETIN - October 14, 2022

Arizona Conference Ministry Tears Down the Walls Five years ago, the Phoenix Camelback church started a free Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the...

THE BULLETIN - October 7, 2022

Arizona Conference Medical Aid to Ukraine War seems distant to this generation—an event that occurs on foreign soil. Once, not too long ago,...

THE BULLETIN - September 30, 2022

Arizona Conference Mission Trip to the Philippines This past July, Pastor Villamor Meriales and VicLouis Arreola III, vice president of Asian-Pacific...

Leadership Summit Equips Local Churches for Digital Ministry

There is no denying the impact technology has played in the way we communicate. In a world where communication methods are constantly evolving, how can we...

SCC Builds Media Production Studio for Ministry

The studio today has been painted and set up with multiple sets, with work still to be done on soundproofing, electrical, and more. Years before the COVID-19...

Joint Vacation Bible School Results in Eight Baptisms

Los Olivos Spanish church in Van Nuys and Shalom Spanish company in Northridge, two district churches led by Rolando Rivera, collaborated for a joint Vacation Bible School (VBS) program this summer that resulted in eight children making decisions for baptism.

THE BULLETIN - September 16, 2022

Arizona Conference Learn and Grow The Seeds for Life Community Garden at the Page All Nations church in Page, Arizona, offers a creative...

West Hollywood Spanish Church Serves 230 People at Health Fair

This summer, West Hollywood Spanish church partnered with City of Hope to host its first large-scale health fair. The day-long event provided care for 230...

High Desert Church Hosts Three-Week Revelation Seminar

Five attendees make decisions for baptism during the three-week Revelation seminar at High Desert church. This spring, High Desert church hosted the first...

Renovations at Burbank Church Demonstrate God’s Expert Care

Water damage prompted repair work such as replacing wood, treating mold, and a roof redesign. “At Burbank church, I wish we could say we’re putting all...

Pilot Robin Petgrave Lands at South Bay Christian School

In May, Robin Petgrave, chief pilot and president of Celebrity Helicopters and founder of the Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, landed his yellow helicopter...

San Gabriel Academy Presents Night at the Museum

This year’s Night at the Museum event featured live exhibits related to the qualities found in Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever...

James P. Willis II Becomes New SCC Vice President for Education

For James P. Willis II, Adventist education has been the foundation of his career. Since 1978, he has gathered diverse experience within the context of...

Ebenezer Spanish Church Celebrates Mortgage Payment and Church Status

First Elder Juventino Vargas (left) and Pastor Ellis Flores (right) are pictured holding the certificate of organization. The history of the Ebenezer Spanish...

Resurrection: An Oratorio Performed at Santa Clarita Church

How can we use our God-given gifts to glorify His name? When COVID-19 restrictions began in 2020, Brett Cameron Perry, a composer for TV and film and member...

THE BULLETIN - July 8, 2022

June 26 was a momentous day for the staff at Leoni Meadows. It was the first day of Family Camp and a soft opening for a camp significantly scarred by the Caldor wildfire a year ago.

Harold Crook Retires After 45 Years of Service in Christian Education

On June 30, 2022, Harold A. Crook, Ed.D., will retire after 45 years of service in Christian education. “My emphasis in my career has been promoting Jesus...

The Miracle Church: Spanish-American Church Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Engineers at the time were uncertain that this relocation could happen due to the building’s size, claiming it would take a miracle. The 200-ton building was divided into three sections, each transported separately on 18-wheeler trucks that took up the entire street, in May and June 1981.

Prayers Answered in Ojai Valley

In a small, secular town with a population near 8,000, Ojai Valley church welcomed 61visitors during a two-week Revelation of Healing seminar this January.

Love Me TV Series Shares God’s Words Through Music

It all started 15 years ago. Schubert and Yolanda Palmer, members of Vallejo Drive church, had recently completed production on a CD of inspirational worship songs when, as they put it, “Yolanda heard God speaking to her, not audibly, but with the distinct impression, ‘Put my words to music.’”

Central Filipino Church Expands Community Outreach Efforts

For more than 10 years, Central Filipino church (CFC) has participated in the guest chef program at Ascencia, a homeless service agency and emergency shelter in Glendale, whose mission is to “lift people out of homelessness, one person, one family at a time” by providing services, resources, and safe, affordable housing.

Pacific Union “All God’s People,” Mar 25 2022 S6 E11

We visit the Russian-American church in Glendale, California, this week on All God’s People. Over 15 nationalities of the 90-member church blended their...

Pacific Union Conference Bible Instructors' Guild Hosts 46th Annual Rally

For the first time in two years, the Pacific Union Conference Bible Instructors’ Guild (BIG) held its annual rally in person at Tamarind church, centering...

The Joy of Acceptance

During one of the difficult times our church was going through, one of the members confessed, "This class is the reason I'm still here." My husband and I...

Adventist Women Pioneers

Georgia Anna Burrus was born July 19, 1866. Despite family opposition, she joined the Adventist church at age 16 and enrolled as a working student at Healdsburg College in California. She then taught in the Bible Training School in Oakland.

Spanish-American Church Offers a Rainbow of Community Services

In January, when people struggled to find COVID rapid self-test kits in pharmacies or endured long lines at testing sites, Spanish-American church received...

Top Tier Leadership

I have been involved in church work all my adult life. I was a taskforce worker. As an intern in Southern California, I ran a VBS and day camp for an entire summer without having conducted either one before. I worked briefly as an associate pastor and as a pastor. I’ve worked in communication and public relations at all levels of the church.

Ministry Spotlight - Women's Ministries

The Lord has a work for women as well as for men. They may take their places in His work at this crisis, and He will work through them.... They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life.

Nurture for Spiritual Champions

"Papa, tell me a Freddy story.” So continues the breakfast tradition when our little granddaughter Macy comes to visit. Still in her pajamas and barely...

Pacific Union Recorder

July 8, 2025

How Orosi Church Turned Digital Clicks Into Real-Life Bible Studies

(También español) Prayer ads on Facebook have done more than collect clicks for Orosi church—they’ve opened Bibles and filled pews. Pastor Daniel Miranda began the digital evangelism prayer ads with one simple conviction: “If Jesus met people at wells and marketplaces, His church must meet people where they gather today—online.”

Pacific Union Recorder

July 8, 2025

Ron Rasmussen to Retire After 44 Years of Ministry

(También español) Honoring a Legacy of Service: the longest‑serving executive secretary in conference history

Pacific Union Recorder

July 8, 2025

Walking God’s Path at the Pathfinder Fair

(También español) Pathfinders from across the Central California Conference converged on Fresno Adventist Academy May 2-4 for the 2025 Pathfinder Fair