The center will be an independent non-profit corporation. It will focus on three activities: organizing Journey to Mosaic trips, conducting Leadership Institutes for emerging young leaders, and providing other training and resources. Amendments to the conference bylaws will be presented in 2008 to formally name the corporation.
During the meeting at Simi Covenant Church, speakers addressed the theme, “Advancing the Mosaic” throughout the morning. That mosaic was evident in the five California churches recommended for membership in the denomination:
• Bayside Church of Woodland, started in 2006 – John Withem is the church planter
• Church of the Redeemer in Los Angeles, started in 2003 – Danny Martinez is the church planter
• Cornerstone Covenant Church in La Quinta, started in 2005 – Chris Hushaw is the church planter
• Cuidad Cristiana Covenant Church in South Gate, through adoption – Santiago Tezaquic is the pastor
• Del Pacto Covenant Church in San Diego, through adoption – Jesus Perez is the pastor
Conference leaders announced mini-celebrations in area clusters scheduled to be held later this year and in early 2008. Delegates also approved a $2.35 million budget.
On Friday night, more than 350 people gathered for worship and to honor Dr. Jorge Maldonado, president of CHET (Hispanic Center for Theological Studies), and his wife, Noris. The couple will begin serving as short-term missionaries to Spain in 2007.
Efrem Smith, pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, preached. Nearly $1,700 was raised to fund seed grants for churches developing new outreach ministries.
To learn more about the Pacific Southwest Conference and its other ministries and activities, please visit the Pacific Southwest Conference website.
