Calimesa Church Celebrates 50th Anniversary
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or the past several years, the month of August has been a special time for members of the Calimesa church. This year, in addition to their traditional “August in Calimesa” camp meeting, they celebrated 50 years of their history. The celebration culminated on Sabbath, August 30, with a special event attended by former pastors, former and current members and conference officials, including Sandra Roberts, president, Jonathan Park, secretary, and Ernest (Above) During the 50th anniversary celebration Furness, ministerial director. service stories of founding members In 1962 a company of about 80 were shared and recounted. people started meeting at the Trails (Right) Sandra Roberts, SECC president, thanks End shopping center in Calimesa. the church for their faithful service of reaching A committee was quickly formed; out to the Calimesa community. members chose the corner of 4th and Myrtlewood streets for a new church Through the years, pastors have building. come and gone, but the church has In two years they built the chapel, continued growing. During August a community service room and two its more than 1,200 members all had Sabbath school rooms. By 1969 the the opportunity to reflect on the church’s church was dedicated. It had grown to history. 260 members and managed to be debt “For the older generation, they were free in just a few years. reminded of how good God has been over the years,” said Jon Ciccarelli, senior pastor. “Some of the younger members were reminded that God was up to a lot of stuff before they were even on the scene.” Continued on the Robert Soderblom, next page member for more than 30
Upcoming Events Vote for Jesus (November 2-8)
Fellowship of Rancho Cucamonga church, 8768 Helms Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. The seminar will take place each night from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sabbath at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Info: 909-944-7744.
Hispanic Family Ministries Directors’ Workshop (November
7-8) SECC Office, 11330 Pierce St., Riverside. Claudio Consuegra, NAD Family Ministries director, is the special guest. Meetings will take place Friday, November 7, at 7 p.m. and Sabbath, November 8, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The event is free to attend. Info: Liz Adams, 951-509-2260.
Newsletters
Church members participate during the 50th anniversary celebration service.
FACES
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Gear Up Leadership Training
(November 9) 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Hill church, 11057 Hill Dr., Loma Linda. Various workshops will be available throughout the day. Registration and info: www.seccyouth. com or Liz Adams, 951-509-2260.
Ten Commandments Musical
(November 22) 4:30 p.m. Loma Linda University church, 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda. A screening of the film The Ten Commandments Musical will be shown and some of the participants from the film will be present. Visit www.lluc.org.
SOUTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE
Featuring people within our conference who impact our churches, schools or communities.
BILL LOVELESS
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oveless leaves behind a large legacy. He pastored, for many years, the Loma Linda University church and taught at both La Sierra and Loma
Linda universities. Some of the modern ministry practices find their origins in his advocacy and work, for example: the student missionary program, EXCELL program, Loma Linda Broadcast Network and advocacy for women in ministry. Loveless passed away on September 15. In reflection, one of his former colleagues, Marvin Ponder,
associate pastor at LLU church, said this about him, “Bill believed in affirming people. He elevated people around him and took time and was available.” Loveless was known as a leader and an innovator ahead of his time. His impact and leadership was lasting because he was a devout and dedicated follower of Jesus and Adventist.