Inland Empire has 40th anniversary

Inland Empire
has 40th anniversary

By Neil Earle

SAN BERNARDINO, California--"I want to congratulate, thank and challenge you," Pastor General Joseph Tkach told 264 members and guests attending the 40th anniversary service here Sept. 19.

"In a time when some 50 churches close each week across American Christianity, we see how you can compare with the majority."

Mr. Tkach encouraged the congregation to rise above the sense of disorientation many Christians, not just WCG members, tend to experience in their Christian lives.

Mr. Tkach was preceded in his remarks by Mark Lambert, senior pastor of Judson Baptist Church, where the San Bernardino congregation has met since January.

"You're just an awesome bunch," pastor Lambert told the congregation assembled from the five churches that comprise the Inland Empire fellowship.

"I don't know how many of us in the body of Christ would be willing to pay that price," he added, referring to the losses the 65-year-old WCG has suffered in past years as it has moved more closely to the Christian mainstream.

To warm applause from the audience, pastor Lambert related his experience of meeting then-San Bernardino WCG pastor Gary Sefcak at an evangelical pastors luncheon two years ago.

"I have sinned," Mr. Sefcak told the group of ministers of which Mr. Lambert is president. "I have said and thought some things about you I shouldn't have."

"There was a big lump in my throat," Mr. Lambert concluded. "Gary and I have been friends ever since."

WCG members also received greetings from Patricia Massie, coordinator of the Inland Empire National Day of Prayer.

"You have been so much help," she told the congregation, praising the efforts of Glendora members Brett and Julie Miller in helping prepare a newsletter for the NDP.

The program included reminiscences from Jim Diehl, Victorville, California, pastor, and his wife, Karla, as they introduced some founding members who were in attendance in the Redlands Y.W.C.A. building, where the church began in 1958.

From that beginning in Redlands have sprung six churches--San Bernardino, Corona, Hemet, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs and Victorville.

"It's so important for us to recapture our traditions as we move forward," said Roger Lippross, visiting from the Pasadena congregation.

"It was just like the old days," said Lelia Love, who helped supervise meals for 281 people. A potluck and live country and western band led by Emmett Rushing concluded the festivities with area talent on display.

Neil & Susan Earle

Jim & Karla Diehl

Gary & Karla Sefcak