Pacific Union Recorder

The thirty-second annual Northern California Conference African-American convocation was held in Sacramento, October 8-9. The weekend’s theme was “Connected to Christ, Connected to Community.”

Even though attendance was down a little due to several other events held the same weekend, spirits were high and constituents were glad to be back together again. “It was a great time of fellowship, and it was good seeing friends from around the conference that I don’t get to see,” said Brenda Hill, pastoral spouse at the Sacramento-Southgate and Rancho Cordova churches.

The weekend’s featured speaker was Abraham Jules, pastor of the Mt. Vernon church in New York. He spoke at the Friday night service, held at the Sacramento-Capitol City church, and during the divine worship service on Sabbath, held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

During Sabbath’s personal ministries time, Lanston Sylvester, Stockton-Mayfair church pastor, shared a video about the progress of his congregation’s new church building and how they are actively involved in the community. “Mayfair reaches out to the community with their feeding program as well as serving as medical missionaries through their partnership with St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton,” he reported.

The Sabbath service continued with a message by Jules on “The Anatomy of Wholeness.” Jules admonished attendees not to worry about the things they cannot change, and to remember that the Lord is in charge and that God is a God of the impossible. He also encouraged members to “get out into the community and share the love of God with a dying world.”

The speaker for the youth services was Jason Ridley, pastor of the Berea and Shiloh churches in West Virginia. “The service was enjoyable and the message was deep,” said Eric Holness, Oakland-Elmhurst church youth. “With these youth services I’m reminded that our church leaders are still looking out for us young people, and I appreciate that very much.”

In the afternoon, churches participated in the Bible Bowl and Bible Quizarama. The convocation ended with an evening social.

“It was a blessing to be part of the convocation. From the speakers, to the music, to the fellowship, God's Spirit was present to bring reality to the theme of ‘Connected to Christ, Connected to Community,’” said NCC President Jim Pedersen.

“Our God did not disappoint us,” said Virgil Childs, NCC African-American Ministries coordinator. “We made ourselves available to Him and He blessed us.”