Loma Linda Church Commemorates African American History
T
he Loma Linda University church (LLUC) kicked off the month of February by commemorating African American history during all four of its Sabbath morning worship services on February 4, 2023. This was the church’s fourth such celebration in recent years, including virtual celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic when worship services were entirely streamed online. This year’s theme was “God’s Amazing Grace,” and each element of the services was indeed amazing and thematically linked. The sanctuary services featured exceptional music of the African American tradition, performed by the nationally renowned Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, under the baton of Charles Dickerson. Adrian Pressley, LLUC associate pastor, and the Kansas Avenue Church Praise Team also shared in song. The sermons were delivered by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, who spoke for the two traditional services. Andrea King, director of Communication for Southeastern California Conference,
spoke for the two Anthem modern services. In his message titled “The Spirit of God Lifts,” Bryant affirmed how God, through His Spirit, has always lifted marginalized people out of bondage, oppression, and despair. “The Spirit of God within us will propel us forward to lift all people out of despair, especially those who have been marginalized. That’s the story of Black history,” said Bryant. In her message, “The Audacity to Hope,” King urged worshipers, “Look for God in your story. Look at His presence instead of your pain.” LLUC’s Black history celebration reflects the church’s resolve to be an inclusive faith community that celebrates the cultural diversity of its large, multiethnic congregation. The celebration was the vision of Pressley, who underscored the importance of churches everywhere to commemorate how God historically has shown Himself as Jehovah Mephalti, the Lord, our Deliverer. Pressley noted, “Our theme this year, ‘God’s Amazing Grace,’ demonstrates how our Deliverer is able to take the darkest and most challenging circumstances we face and turn them into acts of resilience, triumph, and lessons about humanity for all people in amazing ways.” LLUC Senior Pastor Randy Roberts agreed, noting, “In celebrating Black history, we strive to come alongside those who suffered and mourned to hear them give words to their sorrows.” ____________________ By Clarence Brown
TOP: NAD President G. Alexander Bryant shares the Sabbath sermon. ABOVE LEFT: Worshipers enjoy the Anthem service. ABOVE RIGHT: The Kansas Avenue Praise Team leads worship.
46 Pacific Union Recorder
Southeastern California Conference