Pacific Union Recorder

Santa Rosa Seventh-day Adventist Church — the oldest Adventist church west of the Rockies — celebrated 140 years on Nov. 20 and 21, 2009. "We didn't wait for the 150th anniversary, because Jesus may come before then," said Senior Pastor Ron Aguilera.

The event began with a Friday evening program, moderated by Aguilera, featuring reminiscences from former pastors Tracy Baerg, Del Dunavant, Duane Grimstad, Gil Labrucherie, Chris Estay and Don Lane. The men talked about the church's physical plant changes, new ministries, mission projects and the congregation through the years.

"If I had to choose my greatest memory, I'd have to walk down these pews and choose you all," declared Dunavant.

The program also featured testimonies from those whose lives were changed through the church's ministry. Dorothy Holmes, a member since birth, told how much the church family had meant to her through the decades, especially during her times of loss. Describing how God had brought joy through one of those tragedies, Leesa Gomez revealed that two years ago she had visited the church for the first time - to attend the funeral of Holmes's husband Danny. While there, Gomez heard God's call in her own life, and soon she was studying for baptism.

Sabbath morning, the pews were full by 9:30 when church member Gary Quackenbush presented a slide program of the church's history. Santa Rosa Vice Mayor Marsha Vas Dupre read a proclamation from the City of Santa Rosa recognizing the church's 140 years of service to the community.

Northern California Conference President Jim Pederson and NCC Adventist Community Services Federation President Fredi Jones were on hand to honor Virginia Wright, who recently retired from her position as Santa Rosa ACS director after 40 years.

Pacific Union President Ricardo Graham delivered the sermon, "What to Do Until the Messiah Comes." "The powerful sermon created a sense that the entire congregation was rapt and we were one, feeding on spiritual truth," said church member Alice Selivanoff. "He told us to wait, watch and work, and he explained what those words mean to one looking for the return of Jesus."

Church member Nicole Pinney was moved by the altar call as Graham closed his sermon. "It was a surprise, like all altar calls, as no one knows whom God will call forward." Four Santa Rosa youth — Janae Crosby, Jeremy Lanier, Nicole Neumann and Adam Woosley — joined the church family through baptism during the morning's program.

Following the service, the huge group moved to a nearby veterans' auditorium for a lunch prepared by dozens of volunteers. Present members met former members, some of whom remembered attending services at two of the church's former locations. There was much handshaking, hugging and prayer.

After lunch, the Heritage Singers presented a concert at the church. Church member Brandon Verzosa was touched by Max Mace's parting speech about there being enough room at the table. "It brought to my mind what Christ and Christianity are all about — family built on love, trust and care for each other."