April 15, 2002

MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS

A motto I am fond of repeating is "once an ABCer, always an ABCer." Many people who have left Altadena Baptist Church have commented on the magnetic pull which makes them still feel connected here. And for our part, we who have been left behind, still feel the ties which were developed in a relationship of worship and ministry.

Our definition of an ABCer is very broad: it includes anyone who counts ABC as their church home. It even includes some who don't, but with whom we have a strong connection anyway. There are many ABCers who are not formal members, and yet are a very integral part of ABC. We need them. We wouldn't be who we are without them.

Others take the step of becoming members. For them, it is an important, meaningful commitment to the church. Many have mentioned that it's a decision they made after praying, in obedience to Christ. They express a consciousness in bringing their gifts to the church, doing their part for the body of Christ. In turn, the church body reaffirms its commitment to them as well, offering support and nourishment in our communal walk of faith.

At our Annual Business Meeting we voted in five new members. Here's a little about each one of them.

April Callum
April found ABC shortly after having accepted Christ as her Savior in 1997. She thought the right thing to do as a new Christian would be to go to church, so she walked a few blocks to one she'd noticed in her neighborhood, and she's been here ever since. April attends college and works full time for the Bank of America. She is active in the Friday afternoon Bible study, the Young Adult Sunday School, and helps out in Children's Church. She is the mother of one son, Trent, who is almost two years old.

Shacristala Jackson
Shacristala is not a newcomer to ABC. She first came as a high schooler over fifteen years ago, and has been a steady presence ever since. She completed her undergraduate degree, majoring in bio-chemistry. Now she's working full-time for Herbalife while contemplating graduate work. Shacristala has shared her gift of music with us throughout the years, singing not only with the Celebration Band, but as a soloist as well.

Pat Nevels
Pat has been a church goer all her life-her father was a deacon, so she started early. For the past two years Pat has been searching for a church home. She first visited ABC with her daughter, who had been attending regularly. She enjoys the warmth of the people. Finding ABC to be a good fit for her, she committed herself to become a member. Pat is retired from the Red Cross, but keeps busy volunteering with a Girl Scout troop, and a Good News Club for children at the Community Arms Apartments. Pat lives in the neighborhood with her husband, Sam, and her daughter, Terry.

Debra Walters
Debra drove by the church last August, noticed the bright VBS sign, and brought her granddaughter, Bethany for that week-long program. Debra noticed the solid Biblical teaching the children received, and decided to visit a Sunday service. She's been with us ever since. She appreciates the worship. Currently she's helping on the Alpha course along with her daughter, Jessica. Debra is a foster mother. Her family is completed with two foster children, an infant and a two year old.

Lynette Young
We have prayed for Lynette since she was a child, not knowing that she would some day become a member here. Lynette is the daughter of Dick and Bev Young, missionaries supported by the church. Lynette grew up in Argentina, did her undergraduate work in Oregon, and moved to Southern California after that. She has worked most recently as a massage therapist, is very interested in missions, and is open to God's guidance and direction for her future work and ministry. We have appreciated Lynette's leading in worship, singing with the Celebration Band on Sunday mornings.

We are happy and honored to add these fine people to our membership. Welcome!

–Pastor Connie Larson DeVaughn